TRADE TASTING: Mission Hill Family Estate Portfolio tasting, Oct 29, 2008

The Time and Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2008  11:30 AM to 5 PM
The Event: an all day session with Mission Hill Family Estate: the
Oculus Vintage Affair. We had a luncheon with Anthony von Mandl
(Proprietor) and Ingo Grady (Director of Wine Education). Both spoke
about the wines, the new release of Oculus 2005 and the inaugural
releases of Perpetua (a new single vineyard chardonnay) and the premium
red blend Quatrain. This was followed by Grady's masterclass, which
added the unreleased Oculus 2006 for a vertical tasting.
The Venue: Spoke Club, King Street West
The Target Audience: wine press, sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: all of the wines are available via LCBO,
Consignment, or Private Order.
The Quote: "This is our first ever Eastern Canada launch". During the
masterclass, Grady's presentation was augmented by an extensive
handbook. While Oculus has the same four grapes (M/CS/CF/PV), the
proportions vary from year to year, the French oak aging time varies,
the use of new oak varies, etc.
The Wines: we tasted a variety of VQA wines at the luncheon, the
seminar, and the open portfolio tasting. I did not have time to taste
the non-VQA wines.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Oculus 2004 +965789 $70
-Oculus 2005 +220029 $60
-Oculus 2006 not yet released
-Quatrain 2005 +220045 $47.95 (M57/Syrah28/CF10/CS5: this meant that
there was no SLC Syrah bottling in 2005)
-Select Lot Collection Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2006 +220060
Consignment $26.95
-Select Lot Collection Chardonnay 2006 +220078  $26.95
-Reserve Chardonnay 2006 +545004  $21.95 Vintages Essentials

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Perpetua 2006 +220052  $32.95 – Burgundian style, sur lies
-Select Lot Collection Merlot 2004 +144187 Consignment
-Select Lot Collection Riesling Icewine 2005   +965797  $79.95 375 mL
-Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006  +57430  $21.95 Vintages
-Reserve Merlot 2006  +218379  $22.95  Consignment
-Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006  +553321   $24.95  Vintages Essentials
-Prospect Winery Spotted Lake Sauvignon Blanc 2007  +214725  $14.95
Consignment
-Prospect Winery Census Count Chardonnay 2006  +220102  $14.95  LCBO
General

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Select Lot Collection Syrah +144179  $36.95
-Reserve Pinot Gris 2007  +220011  $19.95  Consignment
-Prospect Winery Ogopogo's Lair Pinot Grigio 2007  +220136 $14.95
Consignment
-Prospect Winery Red Willow Shiraz 2006  +220144  $15.95 Consignment

 

The Food: nothing at the portfolio tasting nor the masterclass, but the
wine press had a luncheon with baked tomato and olive tart, lobster
ravioli (good with SLC Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon), seared scallops, elk
chop (Oculus and Quatrain), and crème brulee (SLC Riesling Icewine
2005)
The Downside: we started later than usual, and thus the luncheon ran
into the masterclass time. Then we had to wait for the portfolio setup.
The Upside: the vertical Oculus tasting.
The Contact Person: lpike@missionhillwinery.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

Cookbooks as Holiday Stocking Stuffers, part one

Stuffers --

 

Stocking stuffers are at the top of everybody's gift list: something
affordable (under $10 - $20) that can also double as a host gift,
something small and lightweight. Most of the books here are paperbacks.
And of course they can stuff an adult stocking. Typical for food are:

 

BRITTLES, BARKS & BONBONS; delicious recipes for quick and easy candy
(Chronicle Books, 2008, 96 pages, $16.95 US hard covers) has 40 recipes
and an index. These are for every occasion, ranging from gifts to
kiddies and family events. Truffles are here, as well as chocolate-
dipped fruit. A useful collation, all together.

 

TAPAS (Hamlyn, 2008, 128 pages, $16.95 CAD hard covers) is by Joanna
Farrow, a UK cookbook author for Hamlyn and a free-lance food stylist.
These are 80 classic and contemporary recipes, with about 200 photos
illustrating techniques and the plated dish. Actually, these dishes are
more than just "Spanish" – they are little plates, arranged here by all
the savoury courses from apps to mains to side dishes. Try duck with
saffron and pine nuts or beetroot and potato cakes with anchovies.

 

PUFF; 50 flaky, crunchy, delicious appetizers, entrees, and desserts
made with puff pastry (Chronicle Books, 2008, 144 pages, $19.95 US
paper covers) is by Martha Holmberg, a food editor and publisher. Her
range is from flaky and crispy apps (13) to desserts (21), with some
mains (14). You can either use pre-made puff pastry from a bakery or
supermarket, or make your own from her recipe. She also provides a
"rough puff" demi-feuilletee for those cooks short on time. Try martini
straws, arugula-feta-cilantro triangles, smoky sweet chorizo pockets,
and avocado spiced chicken and almond pie.

 

CRÈME BRULEE; more than 50 decadent recipes (Whitecap, 2008, 128 pages,
ISBN 978-1-55285-943-8, $19.95 Canadian soft covers) is by Dominique
and Cindy Duby, owners of DC Duby a chocolate atelier, food
consultants, an frequent guests on Food Network Canada. They have  a
basic recipe (but at the back of the book on p.118) plus fifty or so
more such as Yukon gold and goat cheese brulee, morels and asparagus
with Stilton brulee, apricot saffron brulee, and chocolate orange and
candied ginger brulee. There are some wine pairing notes too, mostly
ice wines or botrytis wines. Of great interest is chapter eight where
the authors help you to design your own crème brulee, offering a list
of potential ingredients and their quantities.

 

Other little books, for beverages, include:

 

HOT DRINKS; indulgent hot chocolates, great coffees, soothing teas,
spiced punches, and other warming treats for cold days (Ryland, Peters
& Small, 2008, 96 pages, $16.95 US hard covers) is by Louise Pickford,
an experienced cookbook writer from the UK now living in Australia.
We'll need these hot drinks in the coming cold months of 2009. 75
recipes include Swedish glogg, hot rum and cider punch, and a variety
of milk drinks.

 

TINY BUBBLES (Chronicle Books, 2008, 104 pages, $14.95 US) is by Kate
Simon, an editor at "Imbibe" magazine. She covers fizzy cocktails for
every occasion, using Champagne, Prosecco, cava and other sparkling
wines. There are 40 recipes, including the ubiquitous mimosa and
"mocktails" made with fizzy water.

 

COFFEE DRINKS (Ten Speed Press, 2008, 128 pages, $14.95 US), by
restaurateur Michael Turback, explore the range of custom-crafted
possibilities (hot, icy cold, milky, foaming, sweet, spiked, et al). He
has 50 preps, many contributed by coffee purveyors and baristas.

 

RED WINE and WHITE WINE (both Ryland, Peters & Small, 2008, 64 pages,
$9.95 US) are by Jonathan Ray. Their subtitle is "discovering,
exploring, enjoying". After the usual basic primer material about
wines, Ray gives a grape by grape analysis for all the important
varieties. These are terrific gifts for that wine fiend who hates
either red or white wine: just give the book for the colour that is
appreciated. Unless you want to make a joke…

 

Still other smallish books include:

 

THE GREAT CHILES RELLENOS BOOK (Ten Speed Press, 2008, 144 pages,
$16.95 US) is by Janos Wilder, once named best Chef in the Southwest by
James Beard Foundation. Here are 30 recipes, mostly Mexican, for
rellenos, from easy style to complicated. He also has some contemporary
versions which he uses in his two Arizona restaurants.

 

50 GREAT APPETIZERS (Simon & Schuster, 2008, 112 pages, $14.99 US) is a
collection of starters, amuses-bouches, antipasti, hors d'oeuvre,
mezes, antojitos, dim sum, tapas, canapés, and just plain finger food.
Cookbook writer and school instructor Pamela Sheldon Johns has pulled
it all together. There is party planning advice, and 10 themed menus
for the Middle East, Mexican, vegetarian, and the like.

 

THE GREAT WINGS BOOK (Ten Speed Press, 2008, 144 pages, $16.95 US) is
by Hugh Carpenter, a Napa Valley cooking school owner. There are 40
preps here for party-ready chicken wings, plus some recipes for sauces,
rubs, marinades, and accompaniment. Flavours embrace pan-Asian, pan-
Latin, and US BBQ. Many are hot, some are hotter, but at least you can
adjust your own seasoning by doing it yourself -- and save money too.
This book helps to fulfill the American fantasy of males gnawing on
bones (ribs are another one).

 

VEGAN A GO-GO (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2008, 96 pages, $17.95 CAD) is by
Sarah Kramer, whose first three vegan books have sold over 150,000
copies. This book is for vegan travelers who are daunted by looking for
relevant food in diners or motel preps. There are 150 recipes here,
some adapted from her earlier books. The rest of the material contains
information and advice on traveling. There is even a section on "How to
Say 'I Am Vegan'" in numerous languages. The book is small enough to
slip into a purse or pocket, with a reinforced cover. And, of course,
it is also useful to vegetarians.

 

PASTA and PANINI (both Ten Speed Press, 2008, 112 pages, $14.95 US) are
by Carlo Middione, a cooking instructor specializing in writing about
southern Italy (he has a Child and a Beard). These two books cover one
course each. In PASTA, there are 50 traditional preps and sauces, such
as cannelloni in salsa al pomodori, pasta e fagioli, and some
contemporary ones he developed for his restaurant. The setup is the
same for PANINI, with grilled, not-grilled and open-faced sandwiches
using a variety of cheeses, cured and uncured meats, poultry and
seafood. You can certainly make a meal with one course of each. About
thirty full-colour photos complete the package.

 

Then there is the charming THE RITZ LONDON BOOK OF CHRISTMAS (Ebury
Press, 2007, 64 pages, $19.95) which is a reprint of the 1989 classic.
It is by Jennie Reekie, and concerns the art and traditions of an
Edwardian Christmas. This illustrated collection of some 50 recipes is
an elegant celebration of traditional mince meat pies, roast turkey
with chestnut and sausage meat stuffing, punches, and the like. The
book also forms a mini-history of the British customs at Christmas
time. Lots of potted meats and baked goods here.

 

More next time...

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Stem Wine Group Gala Portfolio tasting, Oct 28, 2008

The Time and Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2008  3PM to 10 PM
The Event: 3rd annual Family of Wines Gala from Stem Wine Group Inc.
The Venue: Eglinton Grand Event
The Target Audience: private customers, restaurateurs, wine press
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is here or will be via
consignment and private orders. The catalogue was a model of
efficiency, with a quick section on how to use the guide. All prices
were given, as well as the terms. The wines were listed by region and
producer, in table order. Helpful cards were placed at each table, with
more details about each wine. This really saved me a lot of time, and I
am sure the patrons appreciated it.
The Quote: "Ah, the sweet refrains of engaging smooth jazz." There was
a live quintet performing.
The Wines: in no real order beyond rating levels. Most of Stem's
principals are Italian. Prices are retail.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Tenuta Monteti Maremma Toscana 2005 - $59.99
-Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni 2005 Umbria - $124.99
-Az. Agr. Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Villa Gemma 2003 - $79.99
-Boroli Barolo Villero Riserva 1998 - $125.99
-Maison Camille Giroud Chambertin Grand Cru 2003 - $249 +76620 Classics
-Cantine Giovanni Viberti Barolo Buon Padre 2001 - $56.99
-Zyme Amarone della Velpolicella 2001 - $200 – one of my faves in this
showcase.
-Az. Agr. Collemattoni Adone IGT Tuscany [sang/merlot] - $19.95
-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2003 - $140
-Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 2003 - $109.99
-Cantine Delibori Villabella Fracastoro Amarone 2001 ORGANIC - $65.95

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Az. Agr. Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2006 - $49.99
-Ktima Lantides Icon Roditis 2005 Greece - $17.99
-Boroli Barolo Villero Riserva 1999 - $119.99
-Malenchini Bruzzico IGT Tuscany 2003 [sang/cabsauv] - $37.95 +658427
Vintages
-Az. Agr. Forchir Pinot Grigio Rosadis 2007 Friuli - $15.99
-Merry Edwards Pinot Noir 2006 Meredith Estate - $89.99
-Coup de Foudre Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa Valley - $200
-Andeluna Cellars Winemaker's Selection Torrontes Mendoza - $15.99
-Bodegas Darien Reserva 2002 Rioja - $26.99
-Vinicola Tombaco Terre Nuove Syrah 2007 Sicilia - $12.99
-Bishop's Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Paso Robles - $27.99
-David Franz Lehmann Georgie's Walk Cabernet 2003 Barossa Valley -
$51.99
-La Fattoria di Magliano Perenzo Syrah 2006 IGT Tuscany - $64.99
-Arnaldo Caprai Grecante Grechetto dei Colli Martani 2007 Umbria -
$27.99

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Boroli Barolo Cerequio 2003 - $109.99
-Az. Agr. Ca' del Baio Moscato d'Asti 2006 - $23.99
-Az. Agr. Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 2003 - $59.99
-Az. Agr. Buglioni Amarone della Valpolicella 2003 - $64.99
-Jax Vineyards Chardonnay 2006 Napa Valley - $33.95 +67264 Vintages
-La Fattoria di Magliano Heba Morellino di Scansano 2006 Tuscany -
$27.99
-Grayson Cellars Chardonnay 2007 Central Coast - $18.99
-Cantine Delibori Merlot 2006 IGT Veneto - $10.99
-Cantine Delibori Amarone della Valpolicella 2004 - $34.99

 

The Food: first rate porchetta, truffled mushroom risotto, various
crostini and bruschetta, a Parmigiano Reggiano half-wheel, and
focaccia.
The Downside: I had to run off to two other wine tasting events in the
early evening, so I could not taste all the wines here.
The Upside: great food, great company, fantastic catalogue layout.
The Contact Person: robert@stemwinegroup.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 96,

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Vina Carmen, Chile, October 27, 2008

The Time and Date:  Monday, October 27, 2008  2Pm to 3:30 PM
The Event: a tasting of Vina Carmen wines (Chile) with senior winemaker
Sebastian Labbe who was in town for a few days. He spoke on the Chilean
wine scene in general, and then moved on to his own company. Vina
Carmen wines regularly get 88 to 93 points in diverse publications.
"Wine and Spirits" magazine had named them winery of the year for 2007.
The agent is Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants, www.awsm.ca
The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square, Private Tasting Room
The Target Audience: wine media.
The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are here or will be.
The Quote: "The Carmen newer plantings are in Limari and Pumanque, and
there we will be using new ripeness assessment concepts."
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Vina Carmen Reserve Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $16.85 +439166
GL – formerly known as Grand Vidure, and a personal fave of mine. 60%
Carmenere and 40% cabernet sauvignon, vinified separately.
-Nativa Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $19.95 Vintages – soon to be
spun off into its own organic wines winery
-Vina Carmen Gold Reserve 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon – n/a, from single
vineyard vines planted in 1957.
-Vina Carmen Gold Reserve 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon – $49.95, very Euro

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Vina Carmen Reserve Chardonnay 2006 Casablanca, $18.95 – 45% BF
-Vina Carmen Classic Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, $10.95 +789890 GL – 10%
syrah added.
-Vina Carmen Reserve Petit Syrah 2004, $18.95 – woody nose
-Vina Carmen Late Harvest Muscatel 2007 - $15 half-bottle, 15%
botrytised

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Vina Carmen Classic Chardonnay 2007 Casablanca, $9.70 +235663 GL

 

The Food: bread and water
The Contact Person: pdelpeschio@awsm.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Nova Scotia wines, October 21, 2008

The Time and Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2008  10:30 AM to 2 PM

The Event: a tasting of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick wines by the Wine Writers Circle of Canada, assembled by Larry Paterson

The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square

The Target Audience: wine writers.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available, but only in Nova Scotia.

The Quote: "Castel was juicy fruit forward varietal that could be explored more in Ontario." "Cabernet franc is about 10 years begind Ontario"

The Wines: there were 38 wines for tasting.

 

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

-Jost Nova Scotia 2005 Trilogy 12% $17.99 750 [Baco, Leon Millot, Foch]

-Domaine de Grand Pre Nova Scotia 2007 Castel 13%

-Domaine de Grand Pre Nova Scotia 2006 Vidal Blanc 11.5%

-Jost Nova Scotia 2005 Muscat Icewine 10% $29.98 200 mL

-Gaspereau Nova Scotia 2007 Seyval Blanc 11.2% semisweet $16.99

-Gaspereau Nova Scotia 2007 New York Muscat 12.2% $19.99

 

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

-Jost Nova Scotia 2006 Cote St. George L'Acadie Blanc 11.5% $15.99

-Jost Nova Scotia 2006 Eagle Tree New York Muscat 12% $14.99

-Jost Nova Scotia 2006 L'Acadie Pinot Grigio 11.9% $12.99

-Jost Nova Scotia 2006 Cote St. George Marechal Foch 12% $14.99

 

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

-Bear River Nova Scotia 2005 Black Fly Pinot Noir 12.5% $18.00 500 mL

-Jost Nova Scotia 2006 Cabernet Franc 12%

-Jost Nova Scotia 2006 L'Acadie Chardonnay 12% $11.99

-Gaspereau Nova Scotia2004/2005 Vitis 12.2 dry 21.99 750 Lucy K, Baco, De Chaunac

-Gaspereau Nova Scotia 2007 L'Acadie Blanc 12.5% $15.99

-Saint-Famille Nova Scotia 2005 Old Vines Reserve Marechal Foch 11.8% $20

-Domaine de Grand Pre Nova Scotia 2007 Leon Millot 11.5%

-Domaine de Grand Pre Nova Scotia 2007 Seyval Blanc 11.5%

-Domaine de Grand Pre Nova Scotia 2007 L'Acadie Blanc Reserve 12.2%

-Domaine de Grand Pre Nova Scotia 2006 Muscat 12%

-Domaine de Grand Pre Nova Scotia 2006 Foch Reserve 12%

-Domaine de Grand Pre Nova Scotia 2007 L'Acadie Blanc 11.7%

-Domaine de Grand Pre Nova Scotia 2007 Ortega Reserve 12%

 

UNRATED – the curious wines…

-Jost Nova Scotia 2005 Whisky Barrel Aged Ortega Icewine 15.5 Sweet 20.00 / 200 ml

-Pre-d'en-Haut New Brunswick nv Sparkling Apple Wine 10%

 

The Food: none

The Contact Person: sdarby@rogers.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Champagne Henriot, October 16, 2008

 The Time and Date: Thursday, October 16, 2008  2PM to 4PM

The Event: a tasting of Champagne Henriot plus some Burgundies (they own Bouchard Pere et Fils and William Fevre) recently released at Vintages, with Export Manager Anne Deraisme.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve, King Street

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: varies, but landed.

The Quote: "The house was founded in 1808, and it is still run by the family. They average about 97% of the fine crus in their blends".

The Wines:

 

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

-Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Teurons 2006, $53.95, +653675

-Henriot Brut Souverain NV, $59.95 retail, +959643 Dec. 6 Vintages

-Henriot Cuvee Enchanteleurs 1995, $195, +83774, Classics Catalogue November.

 

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

-Bouchard Pere et Fils Cote de Beaune Villages 2005, $24.95, +714998

-William Fevre Chablis Mountmains 1er Cru 2006, $34.95, +977587

-Henriot Brut Rose NV, $89 retail, Consignment

 

The Food: cheeses, croquettes, cheese puffs, shrimp, onion confit.

The Contact Person: jason@woodmanwinesandspirits.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Portfolio Tasting, October 9, 2008

 The Time and Date: Thursday, October 9, 2008  3 PM to 8 PM

The Event: Portfolio tasting of Portfolio Wines

The Venue: Artcore Gallery, The Distillery District

The Target Audience: wine media, private clients, restaurants.

The Availability/Catalogue: most items are here by consignment or at Vintages.

The Quote: "Everything we have is at www.portfoliowine.com, notes, ideas, etc."

The Wines: 36 wines were listed in the catalogue, although one was sold out. Prices are retail, Here are my rankings:

 

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

-Weingut Skoff Sauvignon Blanc Trockenbeerenauslese 2006 11% ABV $45 375 mL

-Bodegas Vina Vilano Crianza 2004 $20.95

-Mate Il Podere Falconaia di Ferenc Merlot Mantus 2004 $27.95 Vintages

-Cantine due Palme Ettamiano Primitivo del Salento 2004 Puglia $19.95

-Tenuta Sant' Isidoro Corithus IGT 2004 Lazio $16.95 (best value wine)

-Domaine de Grand Vallat [biodynamic] Merlot 2005 Cotes de Ventoux $17.95

-Giant Steps Chardonnay 2006 Yarra Valley $35

-Domaine Tour Saint Michel Chateauneuf du Pape Tour de Lion Prestige 2003 $45

-Chateu Vignol Entre-deux-Mers 2007 $16.95

-Champagne Louis de Sacy Brut Rose Grand Cru NV $71

 

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

-Weingut Skoff Sauvignon Blanc Hochshulz 2006 $29.95

-Weingut Skoff Sauvignon Blanc Obegg 2006 $29.95

-Celler Cercavins Guillamina 2006 (Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo) Spain $19.95

-Bodegas Vina Vilano Reserva 2003 $30.95

-Chateau Marquis de Vauban Cuvee du Roy 2003 Premieres Cotes de Blaye $24.95

-Agrilandia Fortulla 2005 Terreatico di Bibbona Italy (CS/CF 50/50) $45

-Ruggeri Prosecco Argeo $19.95 Dec. 2008 Vintages (tried with hot sausage)

-Ronchi San Giuseppe Tocai Friulano 2006 $18.95

-Rocche Costamagna Langhe Nebbiolo Roccardo 2005 $25.95

-Domaine des Peyregrandes Cuvee Marie Laurencie 2001 Faugeres $21.95

-Domaine de Grand Vallat [biodynamic] Viognier 2007 Cotes de Ventoux $25.95

-Domaine de Grand Vallat [biodynamic] GAIA 2004 Cotes de Ventoux $25.95

-Jarrah Ridge Marginata Classic (Chenin/Chardonnay 50/50) 2006 West Australia $17.95

-Innocent Bystander Pinot Gris 2007 Yarra Valley $20.95

-Champagne Louis de Sacy Brut Grand Cru NV $56

-Champagne Louis de Sacy Brut Grand Soir 2001 $85

 

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

-Rosell Mir Cava Can Guineu $20.95

-Bodegas Vina Vilano Tinto 2007 $17.95

-Azienda Marconi Bluviolet Lacrima di Morro d'Alba 2007 $19.95

-Rocche Costamagna Dolcetto d'Alba Murrae 2006 $19.95

-Rocche Costamagna Barbera d'Alba Rocche Annunziata 2005 $23.95

-Domaine de Grand Vallat [biodynamic] Rose Poline 2007 Cotes de Ventoux

$18.95

-Jarrah Ridge Merlot Bud Series 2005 West Australia $19.95

-Giant Steps Pinot Noir 2006 Sexton Vineyard Yarra Valley $35

 

The Food: Leo Baduria knows his food and what keeps people happy – he had home cooked goodies such as roast beef, pork adobo, charcuterie, artisanal cheeses and breads, farfalle, olives, pizza, roast potatoes, veggies, and more.

The Downside: the space was enormous and made us feel smaller than we were.

The Upside: no power blackout like last year, when it became a candlelight meal.

The Contact Person: wineportfolio@sympatico.ca

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Premium Chilean Wines at George, October 10, 2008

 The Time and Date: Friday, October 10, 2008  Noon to 2 PM

The Event: A tasting of premium Chilean wines with Aurelio Montes, Alexandra Marnier-Lapostolle and Eduardo Chadwick., involving their wines Casa Lapostolle, Errazuriz, Montes, and Sena – 11 wines in all.

The Venue: George Restaurant, Queen Street East

The Target Audience: wine writers and LCBO product consultants.

The Availability/Catalogue: varies according to Vintages releases.

The Quote: "Sena, because of the agency representation, had its own table: it was a clear standout"

The Wines: we had a table top tasting walkaround with appetizers.

 

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

-Sena 2005 -- blackcurrant nose, sweet fruit and soft tannins.

-Montes Alpha M 2005,  $82 +91450 - (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% each of Merlot and Petit Verdot) , spicy, rich, cedar, red  fruit

-Montes Folly Syrah 2005, $82 +62356 - blackberry, spices, olives

-Montes Purple Angel 2005, $51 +62364 - (46% Carmenere from Colchagua, 46% from Apalta, 8% Petit Verdot),  cassis and spices, black cherry.

-Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay Cuvee Alexandre 2005, $35 – creamy with a toasty finish.

-Clos Apalta 2005 - (42% Carmenere, 26% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot), cassis nose, extractive, balanced, Euro sensibility.

-Errazuriz Don Maximiano 2005 - (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Shiraz) ripe but also young with some rawish oak tones.

-Vinedo Chadwick 2005 , $180 – 200 - (all Cabernet Sauvignon), tight and closed, but will probably mature well enough.

 

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

-Errazuriz La Cumbre Shiraz 2005 -  soft and toasty, blackberry.

-Errazuriz Kai 2005, $180 – 200 - (88% Carmenere, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Shiraz), ripe fruit, firm, some bell pepper showing.

 

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

-Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon Apalta Vineyard 2006 -  ripe, earthy.

 

The Food: as we were tasting at walk around tables, hors d'oeuvre kept appearing, some hot some cold (chicken, seafood, mushrooms, etc.).

The Downside: it got crowded, and the table tops were not very large.

The Upside: quality food for the quality wines.

The Contact Person: Karen.lockhart@maxxium.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 95.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com