May 14 - Chianti Classico Tasting at AGO

The Date and Time:  Monday, May 14, 2012   3:30 – 6:30 PM

The Event: A Taste of Tuscany, walk-around tasting, trade component.

The Venue: AGO

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: the show was put on by Vintages Events, with a trade component for one hour. The catalogue had full ordering information for this special release, and order-takers were standing by. There were about 60 wines from 24 producers.

The Quote/Background: There was a seminar ahead of the tasting, but while interesting, it was just a chance to taste 8 wines that (mostly) would have been in the tasting room anyway.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine, mainly the Riservas.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

Vignamaggio Castello di Monna Lisa Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, $39

Le Fonti Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, $35

Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, $43.95

Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, $27

Castello Vicchiomaggio Vigna La Prima Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, $47

Querciavalle Losi Millennium Chianti Classico Riserva 2005, $39

Ruffino Santedame Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, $33

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico 2009, $20

Dievole Dieulele Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, $64

San Felice Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, $49

Casa Emma Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, $39

Cennatoio Oro Chianti Classico 2009, $22

Fattoria Nittardi Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, $64

Querciavalle Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, $27

Ruffino Santedame Chianti Classico 2009, $21

Vignamaggio Gherardino Chianti Classico 2009, $24

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

Fontodi Chianti Classico 2009, $29

Rocca delle Macie Tenuta Sant'Alfonso Chianti Classico 2007, $21.95

 

The Food: charcuterie, sausages, cheeses, breads.

The Downside: I had to leave early for another dinner.

The Upside: a chance to taste Chianti Classico Riserva

The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

May 10 - New Zealand Wine Fair at Design Exchange

The Date and Time:  Thursday, May 10, 2012   1PM to 5:30PM

The Event: New Zealand Wine Fair; New Zealand in a glass.

The Venue: Design Exchange

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the LCBO distribution channels, although some would be private orders. The catalogue was the usual masterpiece from Robert Ketchin, with full data o wineries, agents, grape varieties, prices, distribution channel,  etc. It suffered from the usual problems to all catalogues: some wines did not make it on time, others had appeared as if by magic and were not listed. C'est la vie…

The Quote/Background: There was a tutored tasting of exceptional Pinot Noir wines arranged by region. These have been folded into the categories below.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

Ostler Carline's Pinot Noir Waitaki 2010, $45.95

Escarpment Pinot Noir Martinborough 2009, $80 est.

Coopers Creek Viognier Gisborne 2010, $19.95

Fairhall Downs Hugo Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2009, $28

Giesen The August Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2010, $39.95

Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc The Pioneer Marlborough 2010, $24.95

Rock Ferry Chardonnay Rapaura Marlborough 2008 Organic, $29.95

Spy Valley Gewurztraminer Marlborough 2011, $19.95

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

Villa Maria Single vineyard Southern Clays Pinot Noir Marlborough 2009, $64.95

Muddy Water Slowhand Pinot Noir Waipara 2009, $50

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir Waipara 2009, $64.95

John Forrest Collection Pinot Noir Waitaki 2009, $59.95

Akarua Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010, $36.95

Mt. Difficulty Target Gully Pinot Noir Central Otago 2009, $89.95

Gladstone Pinot Noir Wairarapa 2009, $32.50

Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $21.95

Babich Family Estates Fernhill Viognier Hawke's Bay 2010, $16.95

Babich Family Estates Headwaters Organic Block Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough  2011, $19.95

Churton Hillside Viognier Marlborough 2010, $36.95

Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $24.95

Fairhall Downs Chardonnay Marlborough 2009, $28

Hunter's Chardonnay Marlborough 2009, $19.95

Jackson Estate Vintage Widow Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010, $32.95

Marisco The King's Bastard Chardonnay Wairau Valley Marlborough 2011, $19.99

Mt. Difficulty Roaring Meg Sauvignon Blanc 2011, $19.95 licensee

Oyster Bay Cuvee Rose NV, $21.95

Sacred Hill Riflemans Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2010, $32

Seresin Chardonnay Marlborough 2008, $24.95

Seresin Chardonnay Marlborough 2009, $24.95

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $19.95

Spy Valley Pinot Gris Marlborough 2011, $19.95

Ata Mara Pinot Gris Mt. Pisa Central Otago 2011, $19.95

Ata Mara Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $18.95

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

Te Mania Pinot Noir Nelson 2009, $23.95

Waimea Barrel Selection Pinot Noir Nelson 2008, $19.95

Marisco The King's Wrath Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010, $25.99

Marisco The King's Wrath Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011, $29.99

Astrolabe Chardonnay Marlborough 2009, $21.95

Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough  2011, $17.95

Coopers Creek SV Chalk Ridge Syrah Hawke's Bay 2009, $23.95

Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Pinot Gris Marlborough 2011, $25

Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris The Pioneer Marlborough 2010, $24.95

Brancott Estate Letter Series "B" Brancott Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $19.99

Rock Ferry Pinot Noir Bendigo Central Otago 2009 Organic, $32.95

Rock Ferry Tempranillo Bendigo Central Otago 2009 Organic, $32.95

Sileni Cellar Selection Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay NV, $16.95

Spy Valley Riesling Marlborough 2011, $21.95

Stonecrop Sauvignon Blanc Wairarapa 2011, $23.95

Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $19.95

Yealands Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $15.95

 

The Food: sandwiches were provided by Daniel et Daniel to the seminarians; Dairy Farmers contributed cheeses. There were breads and fresh fruits. I have no idea why there were desserts. I can see this at 5PM when closing, along with coffee (which was also provided), but at 2:30, while still tasting wines? There were only two or three sweet wines in the show.

The Downside: money expended on the desserts?

The Upside: great seminar, and the lighting on the exchange floor has improved.

The Contact Person: nzwine@ketchin.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

May 8 - Somewhereness Ontario Wines in Toronto

The Date and Time: Tuesday, May 8, 2012   1 – 4 PM

The Event: Somewhereness: old soils, new wines [trade show component]

The Venue: MaRS Discovery District

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are at the winery, some at LCBO, some are licensee only.

The Quote/Background: "Hey, it is great to be back where it all started in MaRS".

The Wines:  I did not taste every wine.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

13th Street 2010 Essence Syrah, $49.95

Cave Spring Cellars 2009 Riesling CSV Beamsville Bench, $16.95

Flat Rock Cellars 2010 The Rusty Shed Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench, $24.95

Flat Rock Cellars 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir Twenty Mile Bench, $45

Hidden Bench Vineyards 2008 Terroir Cache Red Meritage Beamsville Bench, $35

Hidden Bench Vineyards 2009 Felseck Vineyard Pinot Noir Beamsville bench, $48.

Norman Hardie Wines 2009 Chardonnay Niagara, $35.

Stratus Vineyards 2008 Tollgate White NOTL, $19.95.

Tawse Winery Echos Riesling 2010 Niagara, licensee only, $13.42

Tawse Winery 2009 Growers Blend Cabernet Franc Niagara, $26.95

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

13th Street 2011 13 White, $15.95

13th Street 2011 13 Sauvignon Blanc, $18.95

13th Street 2010 Chardonnay Sandstone Reserve Four Mile Creek, $34.95

Cave Spring Cellars 2004 Blanc de Blanc Brut CV Beamsville, $39.95.

Cave Spring Cellars 2010 Riesling Dolomite Niagara Escarpment, $16.95

Cave Spring Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir Dolomite Niagara Escarpment, $21.75

Cave Spring Cellars 2007 Pinot Noir Estate Beamsville Bench, $39.95

Flat Rock Cellars 2010 Nadja's Vineyard Riesling Twenty Mile Bench, $19.95

Flat Rock Cellars 2008 Riddled Sparkling Twenty Mile Bench, $29.95

Hidden Bench Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2009 Beamsville Bench, $38

Malivoire Wine Company 2010 M2 mall Lot Chardonnay Niagara, $19.95

Malivoire Wine Company 2010 Wismer Cabernet Franc Twenty Mile Bench, $24.95

Norman Hardie Wines 2009 Pinot Noir Niagara, $39

Norman Hardie Wines 2010 County Chardonnay PEC, $35

Norman Hardie Wines 2010 County Pinot Noir PEC, $35

Southbrook 2010 Whimsy! Chardonnay Four Mile Creek Biodynamic, $34.95

Southbrook 2010 Whimsy! Uncloaked Merlot Four Mile Creek Biodynamic, $34.95

Stratus Vineyards 2008 White NOTL, $44

Stratus Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Franc NOTL, $38

Stratus Vineyards 2008 Red NOTL, $44

Charles Baker Wines 2011 Riesling Ivan Vineyard Twenty Mile Bench, $35

Tawse Winery 2010 Echos Chardonnay Niagara, licensee only $16.84

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

Malivoire Wine Company 2011 Melon Beamsville Bench, $11.95 half-bottle

Malivoire Wine Company 2008 Moira Chardonnay Beamsville Bench, $39.95

Southbrook 2010 Whimsy! "Who You Calling Petit?" Petit Verdot Four Mile Creek Biodynamic, $34.95

Stratus Vineyards 2008 Tollgate Red NOTL, $19.95

Stratus Vineyards 2009 Semillon NOTL, $38

Charles Baker Wines 2010 Riesling Picone Vineyard Vinemount Ridge, $35

Tawse Winery 2010 Quarry Road Chardonnay Vinemount Ridge, $34.95

 

The Food: food came from Best Baa Dairy (Eweda, Ramembert), Cheese Boutique (Ontario 5- and 10-year old cheddars), Glengarry Cheesemaking (Lankaaster Dutch, Celtic Blue),  Monforte (goat tome, Little Prince), Upper Canada Cheese (Niagara Gold).

The Downside: it should really have been better attended.

The Upside: there was a media room where most of the wines had been set aside for private tasting. And, of course, the winemakers themselves were here.

The Contact Person: somewhereness@gmail.com or www.somewhereness.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 9, 2012

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 9, 2012
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at
http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news
items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at
www.deantudor.com since 1994. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal
Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices
are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does
NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product
consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting.

 

** BEST WINE OF THE MONTH *UNDER* $20

 

--Emiliana Signos de Origen La Vinilla
Chardonnay/Viognier/Marsanne/Roussanne 2010 Casablanca: succulent,
delicious, drinking well, toasty oak, rounded fruit, sip or with food.
Gold Medalist. 14.5% ABV. Organic. +63909, $19.95, QPR: 92.

 

** BEST WINE OF THE MONTH *OVER* $20

 

--Domaine de Fussiacus Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2009, +276444,
$23.95 – oak-aged!
 
TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Mike Weir Sauvignon Blanc 2010 VQA Niagara: a kiwi-styled savvy,
brimming with herbal zest and lemons. +686972, $14.95, QPR: 90.
2. Alamos Chardonnay 2001 Mendoza: MVC oak, citrus, apples, vanilla,
long finish. Good value at this price. 13.5% ABV. +801571, $13.95, QPR:
90.
3. Concha y Toro Trio Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Chile: zesty finish,
citrus tones, lingering finish. +678656, $13.95, QPR: 89.
4. D'Arenberg The Hermit Cab Viognier/Marsanne 2010 McLaren Vale:
nutty, spicy, long finish, viognier MVC. 13.1% ABV. Gold Medalist.
+662775, $17.95, QPR: 89.
5. Jean Geiler Reserve Particuliere Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: lovely
typical spicy tones, off-dry in taste, some lingering bitterness. 13%.
+106864, $17.95, QPR: 90.
6. Les Piliers Viognier 2010 [Midi]: pretty fair viognier style with
orchard fruit plus some condensed milk tones. +669531, $15.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Foncalieu Reserve du Sud Languedoc 2009: great nose, lots of
garrigue from the region, BBQ all the way. 14% ABV. +272443, 15.95,
QPR: 90.
2. Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Columbia Valley:
excellent MVC for cabernet, ripe fruit off-set by administrative spinal
structure. +269357, $19.95, QPR: 89.
3. Casas Patronales Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Maule:
plumy, Bordeaux-style, needs food. Gold Medalist. 14.5%. +274134,
$16.95, QPR: 90.
4. Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 Limari Chile:
brilliant North Rhone-style syrah. Upfront spiciness with black
berries. 14.5% ABV. +269423, $19.95, QPR: 89.
5. Bellingham Merlot With A Dash of Malbec 2009 WO Coastal Region South
Africa: excellent body and structure, food wine, long finish. 14% ABV.
+129718, $14.95, QPR: 89.
6. Chateau Fourcas-Dumont 2001 Listrac-Medoc: not yet ready but a great
price for a ten-year old plus wine. 13% ABV. +280016, $19.95, QPR: 90.
7. Henri de Villamont Prestige Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2009: light but MVC
is there, approachable and value. 12.5% ABV. +084616, $17.95, QPR: 89.
8. Valpantena Torre del Falasco Ripasso Valpolicella 2009: "LCBO
Ripasso of the month". +642421, $16.95, QPR: 89.
9. Finca Antigua Crianza 2008 La Mancha: a very good blend that is
developing well, 14$ ABV. +981613, $15.95, QPR: 89.
10. Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero: good food wine from the
region, well-aged, 14% ABV, and well-priced. +167601, $16.95, QPR: 90.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.

 

1. Coyote's Run Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 VQA Four Mile Creek,
+49775, $21.95 retail.
2. Grgich Hills Fume Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Napa, +346296,
$29.95.
3. Simi Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay 2009, +200881, $31.95.
4. Van Ruiten Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Lodi, +58685, $23.95.
5. Cono Sur Limited Edition 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2008 Casablanca,
+127498, $24.95.
6. Altair Sideral 2007 Rapel, +660837, $26.95.
7. Oveja Negra The Lost Barrel Maule, +273979, $24.95.
8. Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2010 WO Elgin South Africa, +277939, $21.95.
9. Fernandez de Pierola Reserva 2004 Rioja, +270579, $25.95
10. Chateau Le Conseiller 2008 [Bordeaux], +135731, $25.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

May 16 - Zinfandel's ZAP arrives in Toronto

The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 16, 2012   1PM to 4:30 PM

The Event: ZAP: Zinfandel Advocates & Producers' trade and consumer tastings.

The Venue: The Fifth Grill and Social Club

The Target Audience: wine trade in the afternoon, consumers at night.

The Availability/Catalogue: this was a "taste and try before you buy" event offered by the LCBO. Operators were standing by to take orders.

The Quote/Background: There was a seminar about Zinfandel, with winemakers from Storybook, Ravenswood, Ridge, and Peachy Canyon.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Easton Estate Bottled Zinfandel Shenandoah 2004, $37.95

-Tin Barn Zinfandel Russian River Gilsson Vineyard 2009, $36.95

-Peachy Canyon Vortex Zinfandel 2009 Paso Robles, $43.95

-Perry Creek Cobra Zinfandel El Dorado 2009, $38.95

-Ravenswood Old Hill Zinfandel Sonoma 2008, $59.95

-Gann Family Zinfandel 2006 Sonoma, $36

-Seghesio Family Cortina Zinfandel 2009, $45.95

-Storybook Mountain Robert Biale Zinfandel Grande Vineyard Napa 2009, $45

-Storybook Mountain Antaeus Estate Blend Zinfandel Napa 2008, $54

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Hess Family Artezin Wines Zinfandel Mendocino 2010, $25.95

-Carol Shelton Wild Thing Old Vines Zinfandel Mendocino 2008, $24.95

-Carol Shelton Karma Zin Old Vines Rue Vineyard Russian River 2007, $39.95

-Carol Shelton Manga Zin Old Vines Lopez Vineyard Cucamonga 2008 [organic]

-Delicato Brazin Bold Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi 2008

-Delicato Brazin Bold Old Vine Zinfandel Monte Rossi Vineyard Lodi 2008, $39

-Delicato Brazin Bold Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi 2010, $18

-Tin Barn Zinfandel Sonoma Los Chamizal Vineyard 2009, $36.95

-Easton Estate Old Vine Rinaldi Vineyard Zinfandel Fiddletown 2009, $37.95

-Peachy Canyon Westside Zinfandel Paso Robles 2008, $24.95

-Perry Creek Zinman Reserve El Dorado 2009

-Perry Creek Altitude 2401 Legacy Zinfandel El Dorado 2008, $30

-Ravenswood Chauvet Zinfandel Sonoma 2008, $59.95

-Ridge Geyersville Zinfandel Alexander Valley 2010, $48.95

-Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2008, $46.95

-Ridge Ponzo Vineyard Zinfandel Russian River Valley 2009, $36.95

-Rock Wall Jessie's Vineyard Zinfandel Contra Costa 2009, $27.95

-Rock Wall Obsidian Zinfandel Red Hills Lake County 2010, $24.95

-Gann Family Zinfandel 2007 Sonoma, $39

-Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Red Label Amador 2008, $26

-Scott Harvey Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel Amador 2009, $37

-Seghesio Family Zinfandel Dry Creek 2010, $39

-Seghesio Family Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Sonoma, $59

-Storybook Mountain Eastern Exposure Estate Zinfandel Napa 2009, $62.95

-Storybook Mountain Reserve Zinfandel Napa 2008, $59

-Storybook Mountain Mayacamus Range Estate Zinfandel Napa 2009, $46.95

-Terre d'Oro Deaver Vineyard Zinfandel Amador 2007, $39.95

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Easton Estate Zinfandel Amador 2010, $22.95

-Hope Family Candor Lot 3 Zinfandel California NV, $21.95

-Peachy Canyon Incredible Red Zinfandel Paso Robles 2010, $17.95

-Perry Creek Zinman El Dorado 2009, $18.95

-Ravenswood Zinfandel Sonoma 2009, $23.95

-Rock Wall Monarch Street Zinfandel 2010, $24.95

-Scott Harvey Inzinerator Zinfandel 2008, $22

-Seghesio Family Rockpile Zinfandel 2010 Sonoma, $49

-Sanctuary Zinfandel 2007 Mendocino, $35

 

The Food: sausages, cheeses, breads, fruit, crackers.

The Downside: there were more wines than advertised, principally because the trade show tried to show off everything they could manage. Some wines were simply not available to consumers at night.

The Upside: a chance to taste a single varietal from California, through 20 wineries and over 40 wines.

The Contact Person: brianne@calwine.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com