WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 11, 2009

WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 11, 2009
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing <deantudor@deantudor.com>
Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and
Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and
RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits.
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. Also, some defective
or corked wines are not available for re-tasting.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.La Chamiza Polo Professional Chardonnay Reserve 2007 Mendoza: 14%
ABV, good price for integrated tropical-vanilla-smoke tones. +93864,
$12.95, QPR: 91.
2.Viniterra Terra Viognier 2008 Mendoza: delicious fruity and fresh,
peaches. 14% ABV, unoaked. +57919, $14.95, QPR: 90.
3.Wakefield Chardonnay 2007 Clare Valley: ripe and juicy, balanced and
creamy oak. +711556, $15.95, QPR: 90.
4.Robertson Winery Kings River Chardonnay 2006 South Africa: long
length lives with you, lip smacking finish. +104810, $14.95, QPR: 90.
5.Sensation de Chateau Grand Bourdieu Blanc 2005 Graves: woody, with
some aged complexity. +107136, $18.95, QPR: 90.
6.Domaine du Pre Baron Sauvignon Touraine 2007: "sustainable", and
affordable zest with the Euro spin. +107128, $15.95, QPR: 90.
7.Feudo Montoni Grillo 2007 Sicily: delicious, loads of fruit character
and stone fruit tones. +116319, $13.95, QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Las Lomas Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Maule: excellent cabernet but soft
like merlot. Both organic AND Fair Trade. +917922, $15.95, QPR: 90.
2.Pargua II 2006 Maipo: first-rate blend (both cabs, carmenere, syrah,
merlot, petit verdot), delicious fruit, long finish. +83279, $19.95,
QPR: 90.
3.Delheim Shiraz 2005 South Africa: 14.5% ABV, fab Rhone knock-off,
ready soon. +959080, $16.95, QPR: 92.
4.Sonop Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 South Africa: delicious Euro
tones, organic and Fair Traded. +606160, $13.95, QPR: 90.
5.Chateau Hauchat 2005 Fronsac: extractive, all merlot and wood coming
into balance, needs a year of cellaring. +123489, $15, QPR: 90.
6.Cossetti La Vigna Vecchia Barbera d'Asti 2005: delicious upfront
fruit intensity, long enjoyable length, dense. +106278, $15.95, QPR: 90
7.San Silvestro Brumo Nebbiolo d'Alba 2006: light nebbiolo flavours,
but Italianate and "memories of Barolo" nevertheless. +101444, $16.95,
QPR: 90.
8.Mastroleo Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva 2004: fruity but off-dry on
the palate, lots of extract. +121632, $15.95, QPR: 90.
9.Sogevinus Burmester Red Douro 2006: 13.5% ABV, softly developing,
rush of fruit near finish. +114413, $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
could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs.
1. Calera Viognier 2006 Central Coast, +90217, $26.95 retail.
2.Vaisse Felix Chardonnay 2007 Margaret River, +903617, $24.95.
3.Domaine Roger Luquet Terroir Pouilly-Fuisse 2007, +907931, $29.95.
4.Eberle Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Paso Robles,
+105866, $28.95.
5.White Oak Merlot 2004 Napa Valley, "25th Anniversary", +678631, $36.95
6.Chateau Tourte des Graves Rouge 2005 Grave, +117630, $29.95.
7.Manuel Olivier Cuvee de Garde Pinot Noir 2005, +112581, $23.95.
8.Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2004, +930966, $26.95.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Ontario Wine Review's Pinot Noir Reserve Challenge, Feb 23, 2009

The Time and Date: Monday, February 23, 2009  7PM to 10PM

The Event: the last night of the Ontario Wine Review's Pinot Noir Challenge. Tonight was dedicated to 2007 "reserve" levels.

The Venue: Campbell House

The Target Audience: subscribers to OWR, wine media, plus anyone interested in Pinot Noir (as advertised on web sites).

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines should be available at the winery.

The Quote/Background: Each year Michael Pinkus, editor-owner of Ontario Wine Review, engages in a wine competition. Subscribers vote on which variety to feature. In 2007, it was Baco Noir, 2008 was Cabernet Franc, and this year it was Pinot Noir.

The Wines: 14 wines were tasted BLIND. Below are my rankings of the wines based on this blind tasting.

 

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

-Long Dog Winery Pinot Noir 2007 Reserve PEC, about $50 – I was the only one who nailed the price on this wine. There was a prize of glassware from Schott Zwiesel for guessing correctly. Of course, since I did NOT pay for this function (other than assisting in cleaning up), I declined the prize.

-Angel's Gate Winery Pinot Noir 2007 Mountainview Niagara, $25 – the best wine of the lot in closest approximation of Burgundian style, and best value.

 

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

-Niagara College Teaching Winery (NCTW) Pinot Noir 2007 Dean's List, $32.95.

-Konzelmann Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2007 Barrel Aged Niagara, $30

-Rosehall Run Vineyards Pinot Noir 2007 Estate Reserve PEC, $36.

-Pillitteri Estates Winery Pinot Noir 2007 Equifera Niagara, $18.95 – good value.

-Malivoire Pinot Noir 2007 Mottiar Vineyard Niagara, $33.80.

-Harwood Estates Pinot Noir PEC, $19.80.

 

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

-Inniskillin Pinot Noir Reserve Series Niagara, $17.95.

-Lailey Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 Canadian Oak Niagara, $35.

-Pelee Island Winery Pinot Noir 2007 Reserve Lake Erie North Shore, $14.95 -- this was chosen ss BEST wine of the evening.

-Grange of Prince Edward County Pinot Noir 2007 Diane's Block PEC, $34.80.

-Norman Hardie Pinot Noir 2007 PEC, $39.

-Ridgepoint Wines Pinot Noir 2007 Reserve Niagara, $30.

 

The Food: we started with a cheese platter and fresh veggies, with a glass of Trius Brut and Peller Pinot Grigio.  We ended with coffee and cookies.

The Contact Person: michael@ontariowinereview.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): not a trade event, but in terms of quality, maybe 88.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Terroirs et Signatures de Bourgogne 2009, a wine trade show, March 17, 2009

 The Time and Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2009  1PM to 5PM
The Event: Terroirs et Signatures de Bourgogne 2009, a trade show
promoting the wine of Burgundy, sponsored by the Bureau
Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne.
The Venue: St. Andrews Club, King Street
The Target Audience: wine media, agents, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: in various distribution channels (Vintages,
private orders, consignment, etc.). The show catalogue was also meant
for the Montreal and Vancouver shows. Some producers were in Toronto
only, others were in Montreal only. Most were at all shows. There were
31 producers, showing an average of six wines each. Most had agents,
but many principals were also in attendance.
The Quote/Background: some producers were seeking agents, some wines
were not shipped, other wines were different than specified in the
catalogue. There was a basic seminar in Burgundy wines, but I needed
the full four hours to browse the fair.
The Wines: some wines are available in different vintages as they sell
through. As one wine agent put it, "The three wines numbered 2, 4, and
9 are not currently available in Ontario. The rest are either in shops
(2005 vintage) or in transit (2006). The six underlined wines are being
presented for tasting this afternoon. Look for the CSPC number." Of
course, I was not able to taste all the wines.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine d'Ardhuy Puligny Montratchet 1er Cru Sous le Puits 2005, $75.
-Defaix Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2007, $79.50 Lamprecht
-Drouhin Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2005 Blanc, $90 Family Wine
Merchants
-Jadot Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes Domaine Gagey 2006, Lifford
-Jadot Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru Domaine Heritiers 2004 Blanc,
Lifford
-Prunier Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Clos du Val Rouge 2006, $59.85 Le
Sommelier
-Rodet Puligny Montrachet 2006, $39.95 Diamond
-Taupenot-Merme Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Les Pruliers 2006, $99
Tastevin Selections
-Taupenot-Merme Mazoyeres Chambertin 2006, $160 Tastevin Selections
-Chateau de Meursault Meursault 1er Cru 2005
-Delagrange Pommard 1er Cru Les Bertins 2006
-Parent Beaune 1er Cru Les Epentottes 2002, Tastevin Selections

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dom. D'Ardhuy Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2006 Rouge, $180 Classics
-Brocard Chablis Organic 2007
-Brocard Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2007
-Champy Corton Grand Cru 2006 Rouge
-Champy Bourgogne Chardonnay Signature 2006, $22.95 Vintages
-Chanson Puligny Montrachet Hameau de Blagney 1er cru 2007, $102.70
John Hanna & Sons
-Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Cote de Lechet Reserve 2006, $37.50 Lamprecht
-Delagrange et Fils Meursault 2007, $49.95
-Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers 2007 Halpern
-Chateau de Meursalt Marsannay Blanc Champ Perdrix 2005, $32
-Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2006 Lorac
-Reitz Chambolle Musigny Echanges Tastevine 2000, Cipelli
-Chateau de Rully Duvergey Taboureau 2006, $34.95 Diamond
-Roux Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Macherelles 2007, Vinexx
-Chanson Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 2006, $184.95 Hanna

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-La Chablisienne Chablis 1er Cru La Singuliere 2005
-Chanson Gevrey-Chambertin Rouge 2006, $66.65 Hanna
-Michel Juillot Mercurey Les Vignes de Maillonge 2007, $32 The Case for
Wine
-Roux Rully 2007 Clos de Mollespierres, $25 Vinexx
-Reitz Corton-Renardes 2005, Cipelli

 

The Food: bread and water, although the Media Room had charcuterie,
chicken confit, duck breasts, pate, fruit and cheeses for the hungry
interviewers and principals.
The Downside: it was difficult to talk to many producers after the show
had been underway for an hour as the trade audience increased in size.
The Upside: a great opportunity to taste a variety of upscale wines
(most were in the $30 - $99 range) and different vintages. I think the
oldest one was 2000.
The Contact Person: Janine.allen@fleishman.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 93.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada monthly tasting, this time California over $18 (Feb 20, 2009)

The Time and Date: Friday, February 20, 12PM to 3PM

The Event: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada monthly tasting.

The Venue: LCBO, Scrivener Square

The Target Audience: WWCC members.

The Availability/Catalogue: most of the 55 wines are at the LCBO or via Consignment.

The Quote/Background: the call this month was for California wines over $18. The agents provided availability data plus sell/tech sheets.

The Wines:

 

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

- Paul Dolan Vineyards, Zinfandel  2006,  63% Mendocino County, 37% Amador County,  Vintages Feb 28/09  #46342  $21.95

-J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay  2007  Arroyo Seco Region, Monterey County,  13.5% Alc   Gen List #258699  $20.75

-J.Lohr   Cabernet Sauvignon  2005  Hilltop Vineyard  Paso Robles  San Luis Obispo County  14.9% Alc   Vintages  Jan/09  #686584 $39.95

-Don Sabastiani & Sons,  Smoking Loon  Cabernet Sauvignon  2006 California  13.5% Alc  General List  #55517  $20.55

-Chalone Vineyard  Chardonnay  2005  Chalone Appellation  14.2%

Alc LCBO #80226  Vintages avail now  $36.95

-Chalone Vineyard  Pinot Noir  2006  Chalone  Appellation  14.7% Alc  LCBO  #710145  Vintages now avail  $36.95

-Arrowood Chardonnay Reserve 2005 Unfiltered Sonoma $49.95 +64543

 

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

-Qupe,  Marsanne  2007  88% Marsanne, 12% Roussanne  Santa Ynez Valley  12.5% Alc   Vintages, avail now,   #32417    $29.95

-Folie a Deux Winery,  Menage a Trois,  White  2007   Chardonnay, Muscato, Chenin blanc,  13.5% Alc   Vintages Feb 28/09 release,  #665166  $19.95  200 cases of 12

-Tin Barn Vineyards  Zinfandel  2005  Dalrady Vineyard  Napa Valley 15.5% Alc  Vintages  Nov/08  #682997  $36.95

-Napa Cellars  Sauvignon Blanc  2007  Napa Valley  14.3% Alc $19.95

-Napa Cellars  Cabernet Sauvignon  2006  Napa Valley  14.5% Alc $23.95

-Gallo Family Vineyards  Chardonnay  2005  Laguna Vineyard  Russian River Valley  14.5% Alc   Vintages  #544981  $29.95

-Edmeades Vineyards Zinfandel  2006  Mendocino County  15.5% Alc   No other info. (Diamond Estates)

-Chalone Vineyard  Cabernet Sauvignon  2006  Monterey County  13.5% Alc

LCBO #104190  Vintages now avail  $18.95

-Arrowood Syrah 2002 Sonoma Beau Melange $29.95 +64550

 

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

-Wente Vineyards, Zinfandel  2006  Beyer Ranch  Livermore Valley  14.5% Alc    General List  #66118  $17.95

-Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards,  Pinot Noir  2007,  Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, 14.4% Alc    Vintages Essential  #954834  $24.95

-Mumm Napa   Brut Prestige   Methode Traditionnelle  NV  13% Alc   General List  #265678  $27.95 

-Hartford Court,  Pinot Noir  2006  Land's Edge Vineyards  Sonoma Coast  14.4% Alc   Vintages Jan 31/09  #919712  $40.95

-Clay Station Vineyard  Viognier  2007  Lodi  $13.5% Alc  Consignment #25411  $22.78 Select Wine Merchants

-337 Wine Cellars,   337 Cabernet Sauvignon  2006  Lodi  14.5% Alc   

Consignment Licensee  $19.99 Retail $20.79 Select Wine Merchants

-Scott Family Estate Chardonnay  2006  Monterey Dijon Clone  14.5%

Alc  $22.90 (Majestic Wine Cellars)

 

The Contact Person: sdarby@rogers.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Uncork New York: the Fine Wines of New York, Feb 18, 2009

 The Time and Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009   2PM to 5 PM

The Event: Uncork New York: the Fine Wines of New York

The Venue: Chef's House, George Brown CAAT

The Target Audience: wine press and wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: at best, scattered. There are some agents (e.g., Hanna for Raphael, Edward's for Bedell) but Robert Ketchin is your best bet for details on availability. The emphasis, of course, was on expensive wines, over $25 – to showcase the productions.

The Quote/Background: It has been years since the last New York trade show was in town, also at George Brown. Much marketing has been concentrated at the Fall and Spring consumer wine shows, as well as HOSTEX. We were delighted that there was a seminar for us to catch up with New York wine development. Robert Ketchin led a PowerPoint presentation and we had notes and a CD of screen captures. We tackled the three principal areas: Finger Lakes, Long Island and Hudson River (33 wineries on the Hudson), with many facts and figures and wines to taste. In terms of competition, most of the Finger Lakes seem to reflect most of what we in Ontario taste in PEC and Niagara (Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, sparkling). That's always a tough sell, especially with the Canadian dollar once again tanking. The wines of the Hudson and Long Island (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Meritage) are sufficiently different in taste and structure from Niagara wines that they can be assessed as an emerging wine region – and ought to be marketed that way.

The Wines: I tasted 54 wines; here were my faves --

 

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

-Peconic Bay Riesling 2006 Long Island, $23.20

-Millbrook Vineyards Chardonnay 2007 Hudson River, $36

-Wolffer Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2005 Long Island, $37.40

-Millbrook Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2005 Hudson River, $47.20

-Macari Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2004 Long Island, $47

-Bedell Cellars Musee 2005 Long Island, $83.95 [Meritage]

 

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

-Lamoureaux Landing Gewurztraminer 2006 Finger Lakes, $19.60

-Raphael Estate Merlot 2006 Long Island, $21.60

-Herman J. Weimer Riesling 2007 Finger Lakes, $26.15 Vintages

-Dr. Konstanin Frank Riesling 2006 Finger Lakes, $25.40 Vintages +70631

-Castello di Borghese Cabernet Franc 2004 Long Island, $37.60

-Raphael Cabernet Franc 2006 Long Island, $25

-Macari Vineyards Bergan Road 2004 Long Island, $72.95 [Meritage]

-Macari Vineyards Sette NV Long Island, $28.

 

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

-Sheldrake Point Chardonnay 2006 Finger Lakes, $13.45 Vintages +79947

-Brotherhood Pinot Noir 2006 Hudson River, $15.10 Vintages +79939

-Raphael Merlot 2001 Long Island, $33.95 Vintages +82388

 

The Food: from George Brown kitchens – raw oysters, cheeses, breads, meats, sweets.

The Downside: it was lightly attended.

The Upside: the seminar was a great opportunity to catch up.

The Contact Person: nywine@ketchin.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 93.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

Ontario Vintages Tip Sheet for March 28, 2009

WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 28, 2009
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing <deantudor@deantudor.com>
Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and
Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and
RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits.
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. Also, some defective
or corked wines are not available for re-tasting.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Alamos Torrontes 2007 Argentina: excellent aperitif, finishes dry.
+81539, $13.95, QPR: 90.
2. Wits End Free Settler & The Convict Chardonnay/Viognier 2007 South
Australia: juicy, good viognier fruit, aperitif or sipper. +90928,
$13.95, QPR: 90.
3. Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2008 WO Western Cape: zesty, herby,
great price, 13% ABV. +662718, $11.95, QPR: 90.
4. Torre Varano Taburno Falanghina 2007 Campania: good solid fruit
flavours, ripe and refreshing, distinguished finish. +106351, $16.95,
QPR: 90.
 
TOP VALUE RED WINES
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Graffigna Centenario Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 San Juan Argentina:
soft, almost like merlot. +93716, $15.95, QPR: 90.
2. Piping Shrike Shiraz 2006 Barossa: juice, lots of shiraz flavours.
+48504, $18.95, QPR: 90.
3. Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2007 WO Western Cape: very serious
imitator of Northern Rhone. +626333, $13.95, QPR: 90.
4. Perrin & Fils Cairanne Peyre Blanche 2006 Cotes du Rhone Villages:
juicy elegance, brimming with some older flavours through aging.
+650960, $18.95, QPR: 90.
5. Quaderna Via Tempranillo Crianza 2005 Navarra: organic wine, very
good length, some forest floor. +115758, $18.95, QPR: 90.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers
could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs.
1. Clos du Val Chardonnay 2006 Carneros Napa, $29.95 retail.
2. Kim Crawford SP Spit Fire Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Marlborough, $24.95.
3. Chartron & Trebuchet Saint-Romaine Blanc 2006, $24.95.
4. Domaine Michel Caillot Meursault La Barre Dessus-Clos-Marguerite
2005, $59.95.
5. Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre 2007, $23.95.
6. Botalcura La Porfia Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc 2005 Maule, $22.95.
7. Chateau Haut-Sarpe 2004 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, $49.95.
8. Domaine des graves D'Ardonneau Cuvee Prestige 2004, $24.95.
9. Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006, $37.95.
10. Sportoletti Assisi Rosso 2006, $21.95.
11. Campillo Reserva 2002 Rioja, $23.95.
12. Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, $39.95.
13. CUNE Vina Real Reserva 2001 Rioja, $32.95.
 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: a tasting of the wines of Friuli Grave, Feb 17, 2009

The Time and Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009    2PM to 4:30PM

The Event: a tasting of the wines of Friuli Grave under the auspices of the Italian Embassy in Canada.

The Venue: Grano Restaurant

The Target Audience: wine media, trade (mostly agents).

The Availability/Catalogue: These wineries are looking for Ontario agents; some of them are repped in other provinces. Wines are only available ex-cellars.

The Quote/Background: "Quite a crowded affair – just about everybody came out today!"

The Wines: the thirteen wineries had at least three wines each, with pinot Grigio, cabernet franc, refosco, and tocai friulano in the mix. Vintages were the most recent available. I concentrated on the wines already here or available through a current agent.

 

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

-Cantina San Martino Cabernet Franc 2007, 4.06 Euros (Tannin Fine Wines)

-Furlan Castelcosa Cabernet Franc 2005 IGT Venezia Giulia, 3.95 Euros – oldest wine in the show (T2 Import-Export Canada Inc.)

 

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

-Cabert Cabernet Franc 2007, 3 Euros (Lifford)

-Forchir Pinot Grigio 2007, 4.90 Euros (Stem Wine Group)

-Le Due Torri Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $14.95 (La Cantina Imports)

-Stocco Cabernet Franc 2007, 13% ABV, 3.10 Euros, looking for agent.

 

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

-Plozner Pinot Grigio Malpelo 2007 IGT Venezia Giulia, 6 Euros – almost rose in colour, looking for agency.

-Ronco Cliona Ucelut 2006 IGT Venezia Giulia, 8 Euros – late harvest style, 500 mL bottle, looking for an agent.

-San Simone Cabernet Franc Sugano 2007, 5.50 Euros, looking for agent.

 

The Food: excellent waitservice brought out platters of prosciutto, smoked salmon, stuffed mushrooms, various breads and cheeses.

The Downside: the wines were pretty basic, but it was a good survey of where Friuli is now.

The Upside: the ex-cellars prices in Euros were given in the catalogue.

The Contact Person: piero.titone.toronto@ice.it

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: a tasting of Castagna Vineyard wines from Beechworth Australia, with winemaker Julian Castagna, Feb 16, 2009

The Time and Date: Monday, February 16, 2009  12 PM to 6 PM

The Event: a tasting of Castagna Vineyard wines from Beechworth Australia, with winemaker Julian Castagna. The Ontario agent is The Living Vine.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve.

The Target Audience: clients, wine media, on a drop in basis.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available but in small numbers. Six wines were available, but we also tasted a "no-longer-available" 2007 Allegro from a previous offering.

The Quote/Background: All wines are produced from their own biodynamic vineyards. Julian was available to talk about any issue, including the recent Australian wild bushfires.

The Wines:

 

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

-Castagna 2007 Adams Rib The White, 14% ABV, viognier and chardonnay, BF, $49.95.

-Castagna 2005 Genesis Syrah, shiraz and viognier, $96.95 – my fave.

-Castagna 2005 Sparkling Genesis Syrah, shiraz and viognier, 600 bottles made, MC used, $99.95, four six-packs available, move fast.

 

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

-Castagna 2007 Allegro Rose, 14% ABV, shiraz and viognier, $39.95.

-Castagna 2008 Allegro Rose, 14% ABV, shiraz and viognier, $39.95.

-Castagna 2006 Adams Rib The Red, 14% ABV, pinot noir and shiraz, $49.95.

-Castagna 2005 Un Segreto, sangiovese and shiraz, $96.95.

 

The Food: some "small food" was promised, such as three cheeses (including Beemster XO), assorted breads and crackers, pate, etc.

The Downside: it was on Family Day, which I think reduced the attendance somewhat.

The Upside: a great chance to catch up with Mark Cuff and Julian Castagna.

The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 86.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com