TRADE TASTING: French Wine Connection...wines from France at ARTCORE Galley Nov 24/08

 The Time and Date:  Monday, November 24, 2008  1:30 PM to 5 PM
The Event: The French wine connection…wines from France.
The Venue: ARTCORE Gallery, Distillery District
The Target Audience: wine trade.
The Availability/Catalogue: ostensibly, all of the principals were
seeking agents. Somehow, except for one, they already had signed on.
The Quote/Background: "Good food to go with the wines."
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Louise Brison Champagne Brut 2003 (Eurovintage)
-Domaine de la Saveuse Cuvee Carolle Rouge 2007 Cotes de Provence
(Rouge et Blanc)
-Domaine de la Saveuse Cuvee Philippine Rouge 2006 Cotes de Provence
(Rouge et Blanc)
-Domaines Piron Morgon Cote de Py 2006 (Wine Guy)
-La Passion des Terroirs Relais de Durfort-Vivens 2005 Margaux ($55,
Connoisseur)
-Schoenheitz Gewurztraminer Linsenberg 2007 ($31.50, Lamprecht)

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Louise Brison Champagne Cuvee Tendresse Blancs de Blanc 2001
(Eurovintage)
-Domaines Piron Moulin a Vent 2007 (Wine Guy)
-Domaines Piron Chenas 2007 (Wine Guy)
-Domaines Piron Brouilly 2007 (Wine Guy)
-La Passion des Terroirs Chateau de Camarsac 2005 Bordeaux Superieur
($17.50, Connoisseur)
-La Passion des Terroirs Chateau de Villegeorge 2005 Haut Medoc
($46.55, Connoisseur)
-Schoenheitz Riesling Linsenberg 2007 ($25, Lamprecht)

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-La Passion des Terroirs Saint Jacques de Siran 2005 Bordeaux ($19.13,
Connoisseur)
-La Passion des Terroirs Chateau Duplessis 2005 Moulis en Medoc($31.70,
Connoisseur)
-La Passion des Terroirs Chateau de Domeyne 2005 Saint Estephe ($50,
Connoisseur)
-Schoenheitz Riesling 2007 ($20, Lamprecht)
-Schoenheitz Pinot Gris Holder 2007 ($29.50, Lamprecht)

 

The Food: charcuterie, cheeses. Artisanal breads, etc.
The Downside: there were a number of agents who wanted to sign up with
wineries, but the wines were already repped. Some agents felt that
their time was wasted.
The Upside: a chance to see a small selection of French wines from most
of the big regions of France.
The Contact Person: emmanuelle.dubout@missioneco.org
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 82.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Gourmet Food & Wine Expo, November 20/08 VIP Night

The Time and Date: Thursday, November 20, 2008 6PM to 9PM
The Event: the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo, VIP night
The Venue: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
The Target Audience: wine press, wine trade, private insiders.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available, especially with an
onsite LCBO store which carried most of the offerings.
The Quote/Background: I use the show to catch up with New York wines,
and some select suppliers who do not have a portfolio tasting, and the
theme country (this year, France). I find that I can just barely get
though the evening…there are so many wines, and so little time.
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine de la Paulette Cote de Nuits-Villages Blanc 2007, $33.50
(Nokhrin Wines)
-Domaine de la Paulette Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Vaucrains 2005,
$74 (Nokhrin Wines)
-La Maison Pierrel Champagne Tradition Brut Rose, $55 (Nokhrin Wines)
-Peninsula Ridge Cabernet Franc Reserve 2002, $24.95 Vintages
-Peninsula Ridge Sauvignon Blanc A.J. Lepp Vineyard, $18.95 Vintages
-Domaine Herve Seguin Pouilly Fume 2007, +81414 $25.95 (MCO)
-Domaine Sorin Rose 2007 Provence, +71191, $16.95 (MCO)
-Rene Mure Gewurztraminer 2006 Alsace, +61218, $16.95 (MCO)
-Beckett's Flat Shiraz 2004 Margaret River, +585869, $23.95 (MCO)
-Dornier Wines Donatus Red 2004, +606020, $26.95 (MCO)
-d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier, +936971, $27.75
Vintages
-Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, +255513, $37.75
-Casa Silva Los Lingues Gran Reserva Carmenere Chile, +59477, $17.75
-Franciscan Estates Napa Valley Chardonnay California, +496125 $24.75
Vintages
-Simi Landslide Cabernet Sauvignon California, +67744, $44.75 Vintages
-Heron Hill Chardonnay 2005 Finger Lakes NY, $17.15 (Robert Ketchin)
-Wolffer Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2005 Long Island $31.05 (Robert
Ketchin)
-Osprey Dominion Vineyards Meritage 2005 Long Island $49.95 (Robert
Ketchin)
-Wolffer Estate Reserve Merlot 2004 Long Island $36.20 (Robert Ketchin)

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau de Grand Moueys Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux Rouge 1999, $21
(Nokhrin Wines)
-Chivite Gran Feudo Reserva Navarra 2003, +479014, $15.75 Vintages 
Essentials
-Willm Riesling Reserve Alsace, +11452, $16.75 Vintages Essentials
-Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Urziger Goldwingert Riesling Spatlese 2006,
+71142, Vintages $32.75
-Meursault de Chateau Meursault 2005, +520213, $56.75 Vintages
-Banrock Station Sparkling Chardonnay Australia, +534974, $12.60 LCBO
-Casa Silva Reserve Carmenere 2006 Chile, +24679, $14.75 Vintages
-Dr.Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling 2007 Finger Lakes NY, $21.50 (Hobbs &
Co)
-Peconic Bay Riesling 2006, $25.45  (Robert Ketchin)
-Brotherhood Pinot Noir 2006 Hudson River NY $18.95 +79939 Vintages

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-La Maison Pierrel Les Oressences Brut Chardonnay, $70 (Nokhrin Wines)
-Pagani de Marchi Principe Guerriero 2004 Tuscany, $45 (Nokhrin Wines)
-Peninsula Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2007, $14.75 LCBO
-Peninsula Ridge Merlot, $14.75 LCBO
-Chateau Pineraie 2005 Cahors, +78725, $15.95 (MCO)
-Tapestry Wines Merlot 2005 McLaren Vale, +64063, $26.95 (MCO)
-Domaine Doudet Les Guerets Aloxe Corton 2005, +66530, $44.95 (MCO)
-d'Arenberg The Football Shiraz, +984021, $21.75 Vintages
-Blackstone Cabernet Sauvignon California, +714816, $14.80 Vintages
-Castello di Borghese Chardonnay 2006 Long Island, $24.15 (Robert
Ketchin)
-Lamoreaux Landing Gewurztraminer 2006, $16.85 (MCO)
-Castello di Borghese Cabernet Franc 2004 Long Island, $31.90 (Robert
Ketchin)

 

The Food: mostly cheeses and breads and crackers from Churchill Cellars
which had a private showing of their wines. Most of the food vendors
are too busy selling their products.
The Downside: it got crowded really fast, people know what to do now.
The Upside: a good event to catch up with country wines such as New
York State.
The Contact Person: kdobrucki@townmedia.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Lailey Vineyards Futures, Nov. 27, 2008

The Time and Date: Thursday, November 27, 2008  3PM to 7 PM
The Event: a 2007 Futures offering from Lailey Vineyard in Niagara on
the Lake. Derek Barnett is the winemaker, Ed Haddon is the sommelier.
The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve, King Street
The Target Audience: private clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: Three of the 2007 vintage wines are already
in bottle (Counterpoint, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay), the remaining 7
are barrel samples. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will be out in February,
the balance in April. Futures orders were taken on site.
The Quote: Derek has had a long association with Lailey, buying fruit
from them when he was winemaker at Southbrook, In the fall of 2001, he
moved to NOTL and joined Lailey as a winemaker and business partner.
The Wines: it was hard to taste the reds since they were barrel
samples. The pinot was the most advanced.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Lailey Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $20 (under priced) – some oak treatment.
140 cases.
-Lailey Chardonnay Old Vines $35 – 1200 bottles – best wine here, 35
year old vines
-Lailey Pinot Noir Old Vines $40 – 100 cases, extended toasted oak.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Lailey Counterpoint 2007 $25 (white blend, 58% gewürztraminer,
sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay in equal proportions of 14% each)
140 cases
-Lailey Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $25 – 200 cases
-Lailey Meritage Canadian Oak 2007 $35 – nice integration already.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Lailey Chardonnay 2007 Niagara River $25 – 1 year oak
-Lailey Syrah Canadian Oak 2007 $35 – like a young St. Joseph
-Lailey Cabernet Franc 2007 $35
-Lailey Impromptu 2007 $40 – 200 cases, blend of 60% syrah, 20%
cabernet sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 10% petit Verdot. Should be
approachable 3 – 5 years. Second vintage for this wine.

 

The Food: charcuterie and cheeses.
The Downside: it was at the end of a long tasting day.
The Upside: good wines and company
The Contact Person: www.laileyvineyard.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 89.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

PORTFOLIO TASTING: Cynthia's Selections and Ex-Cellars Wine Services, Nov. 27, 2008

The Time and Date: Thursday, November 27, 2008  2PM to 5 PM
The Event: A joint portfolio tasting of Cynthia's Selections (Cynthia
Moore) and Ex-cellars Wine Services (Nuray Ali)
The Venue: Flatiron Building, 5th floor.
The Target Audience: wine trade in the afternoon, private clients in
the evening.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is in stock
The Quote: "These boutique wineries specialize in sustainable or
organic or biodynamic wines, traditionally made with attention to
detail"
The Wines: Ex-cellars showed 13 wines (Ex); Cynthia showed 21 wines
(C).

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-CORE Winery Hard Core 2006 $40 (Cynthia)
-White Rock Vineyards Laureate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $65 (C) –
organic, good value.
-Cedarville Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 $38 (Cynthia)
-Wedgetail Estate The North Face 2005 $27 (C) – Bordeaux blend
-Wedgetail Estate Pinot Noir 2004 $35 (C)
-Domaine des Quarres Anjou Blanc Sec Les Pierres Noires 2005 $23 (Ex)
-Domaine d'Orfeuilles Vouvray Les Coudraies 2005 Medium-Dry $22 (Ex)
-Chateau Sainte Eulalie Minervois La Liviniere La Cantilene 2005 $23
(Ex)
-O.Fournier Alfa Crux Tempranillo-Malbec-Merlot 2002 $38 (Ex)

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Handley Cellars Pinot Gris 2006 California $26 (Cynthia)
-Domaine De LaGasqui Vallat des Taches 2005 Rhone Vauclause (C)
-Cedarville Vineyard Zinfandel 2003 $25 (Cynthia)
-Champagne Delamotte Blanc de Blanc 1999 $88 (Ex)
-Latour-Giraud Meursault Perrieres 2006 $88 (Ex)
-Domaine Tollot-Beaut Savigny 1er Cru Lavieres 2005 $55 (Ex)
-Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine Pommard 1er Cru Epenots 2006 $75 (Ex)
-Dom de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres 2003
$59 (Ex)

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Handley Cellars Gewurztraminer 2007 California $28 (Cynthia)
-Poppy Hill Cabernet California 2004 $20 (C)
-CORE Winery Elevation 2006 Santa Barbara $54 (C)
-Twenty Rows The Grappler Zinfandel Blend 2006 $35 (C)
-Field Stone Winery Convivio Red 2005 Alexander Valley $26 (C)
-Field Stone Winery Old Vine Petit Syrah 2006 $40 (C)
-Cedarville Vineyard Zinfandel 2005 $25 (Cynthia)
-Andrew Pirie Estate Pinot Noir 2005 $39 (Ex)
-Montevetrano Colli de Salerno IGT Rosso $99 (Ex)
-Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2002 $40 (Ex)

 

The Food: Saucier Foods (www.saucierfoods.com) provided the duck
rilettes, the smoked salmon dip, the pate, and diverse artisanal
cheeses. As well, there was a giant frittata.
The Downside: it came just after a heavy bout of port and champagne
tasting (see above). Also, the quarters were small.
The Upside: great wines and food, good "close" company.
The Contact Person: nuray@ex-cellars.ca and Cynthia.moore@rogers.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 91.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

Ontario Vintages Releases January 10, 2009

WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 10, 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.

 

WHITE WINES
^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Lockwood Vineyard Chardonnay 2006 Monterey: bright sunshine from
California, longer finish. +673731, $18.95, QPR: 90.
2.Catena Alamos Chardonnay 2007 Mendoza: good blend of flavours, ripe
and full, modest vanilla and toast, some cream. +801571, $13.95, QPR:
90.
3.D'Arenberg The Stump Jump White 2007 McLaren Vale/Adelaide Hills:
twist top, excellent blend for aperitif or party or first course.
+922203, $14.95, QPR: 90.
4.Sileni Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2008 Hawke's Bay: juicy, great for
Asiatic food, 14% ABV, hot finish. Twist top. +32292, $15.95, QPR: 90.
5.Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay 2006: some creaminess, good
texture at this price level. +525121, $19.95, QPR: 90.
6.Villa Tonino Inzolia 2007 Sicilia: great finish to upfront fruit, can
compete with food. +100552, $13.95, QPR: 90.

 

RED WINES
^^^^^^^^^
1.Konzelmann Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 Niagara: good Euro-based
style, aged ok. +112946, $13.70, QPR: 90.
2.Malivoire Gamay 2006 Niagara: highly evolved aromatics of black
fruit. +591313, $17, QPR: 90.
3.Clos de Bois Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 North Coast: always a good buy,
balance is here, all purpose red. +181685, $18.95, QPR: 90.
4.Santa Julia Malbec Reserva 2005 Mendoza: very Euro, good background
and breeding, food needed. +665026, $13.95, QPR: 90.
5.Baron Philippe de Rothschild Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Maipo:
very well concentrated flavours, but still Euro in style. +32151,
$14.95, QPR: 90.
6.Chilensis Reserva Carmenere 2006 Maule: 14%ABV, some herbs dominate,
lovely mouthfeel and texture. +657981, $11.95, QPR: 92.
7.Sandalford Protégé Shiraz 2005 Margaret River: good wood and aging,
but it all up. Barrel fermentation, twist top. Classic. +80671, $17.95,
QPR: 93.
8.Viljoensdrift River Grandeur Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Robertson: soft
but good Euro style backbone from South Africa. +79483, $15.95, QPR:
90.
9.Chateau Larroque 2005 Bordeaux: almost ready, classic MVC. +92536,
$17.95, QPR: 90.
10.Terre Domini Valpolicella Ripasso La Vigilia 2006: good depth and
mouth-filling berry tones. +103606, $18.95, QPR: 90.
11.Albada Vinas Viejas Garnacha Tinto 2005 Catatayud Spain: low
yielding old vines, powerful aromas and flavours. +93005, $15.95, QPR:
90.
12.Salinas Mo Monastrell 2006 Alicante: with some cabernet, syrah, and
Grenache, full and ripe. +95133, $16.95, 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.Merryvale Chardonnay 2005 Carneros, +76026, $47.95.
2.Domiane Patrick Miolane Chassagne-Montrachet La Caniere 2006, +91199,
$46.95.
3.Mark West Pinot Noir 2005 California, +83329, $23.95.
4.Dornier Donatus 2004 Stellenbosch, +606020, $24.95.
5.Chateau L'Escart Cuvee Prestige 2001 Bordeaux Superieur, +91363,
$22.95.
6.Due Torri Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2005, +724740, $36.95.
7.N Sentido 2005 Ribera del Duero, +82081, $25.95.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

TRADE TASTING: Launch of Southbrook Vineyard's Poetica wines, Nov. 19, 2008

The Time and Date: Wednesday November 19, 2008  3 PM – 4:30 PM
The Event: the press launch of Southbrook Vineyards' POETICA series of
fine wines.
The Venue: The Richmond
The Target Audience: wine press
The Availability/Catalogue: Winemaker Anne Sperling spoke to the wines,
although both Bill and Marilyn Redelmeier did also.
The Quote: "The wines' labels display the art of words with lines of
poetry by 11 of Canada's celebrated poets from all time periods.
Bottles will be limited editions and numbered." Instead of critters or
fantasy names, Southbrook opted for support for Canadian poetry. Each
label has the lines of poetry in a graphic re-design on the label.
Poets included Gwendolyn MacEwan, Wendy Morton, bpNichol, Charles G.D.
Roberts, P.K. Page, Christopher Dewdney, and Lesley Choyce. There will
be new poets each year, one for each new vintage and varietal.
The Wines: most of these wines were in the former Triomphus series, the
high end wines of Southbrook. Wines are available at the winery, but
are in limited supply.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Poetica Cabernet Merlot "P.K. Page" 1998, magnum, $168
-Poetica Cabernet Merlot "Gwendolyn MacEwan" 2002, $72 750 mL
-Poetica Chardonnay "Sarah Slean" 2005, $53 (also in magnum at $106)
-Poetica Chardonnay "Martin Tielli" 2004, $56
-Poetica Chardonnay "bpNichol" 2003, $59 – my fave
-Poetica Chardonnay "Steve Venright" 2000, $136 magnum – also a fave
-Poetica Chardonnay "Charles G.D. Roberts" 1998, $148 magnum

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Poetica Cabernet Merlot "Wendy Morton" 2006, $60
-Poetica Chardonnay "Lesley Choyce" 2006, $50

 

The Food: an artisanal cheese platter from PQ and Ontario for each of
us, with pear and apple and breads.
The Downside: I had to run by 4 PM. Some writers were late, which
postponed the tasting. As it was, I left at 4:12. I felt I did not have
enough time to do justice to the reds.
The Upside: a great occasion to listen to a poetry reading.
The Contact Person: jburkhard@sympatico.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE LUNCH: Launch of cookbook "West", Nov 13, 2008

The Time and Date: Thursday, November 13, 2008  12:30 to 3 PM
The Event: the cookbook launch of "West", by Warren Geraghty, published
by Douglas and McIntyre in Vancouver.
The Venue: The Fifth.
The Target Audience: wine and food writers of the GTA.
The Availability/Catalogue: There were introductions by James Chatto
(Toronto Life) and Jamie Maw (Vancouver Magazine). Did you know that
there are 82 species of seafood off BC coastline? At the end, the chef
came out and described the food.
The Quote: "Everything at lunch can be prepared from the book at home".
West is one of several restaurants run by Toptable (www.toptable.ca)
The Food and Wines: we also had 10,000 BC water from the west coast.
All the food and wine came from British Columbia. Here was the menu –

 

* Canapes – BC mushroom arancini [top notch]
            Vancouver Island octopus with Pemberton beets (yellow)
            Ballotine of foie gras and Salt Spring Island goat cheese
            Galantine of Thiessen Farm quail and jasmine poached
raisins [top notch again] …and accompanied by Sumac Ridge Steller's Jay
2004 Okanagan Valley (MC Brut, biscuity, 91+, $26)

 

* Tian of Dungeness crab and saffron cous cous, smoked tomato gazpacho
-- accompanied by Blackwood Lane Riesling 2007 Okanagan Valley (85-87,
$35)

 

* Seared Qualicum Bay scallops with butternut squash – accompanied by
Sandhill Small Lots Osprey Ridge Vineyard Viognier 2007 Okanagan Valley
(88-90, $23)

 

* Supreme of sockeye salmon with sesame scented white cabbage, smoked
salmon gnocchi, raisin puree – accompanied by Quails' Gate Family
Reserve Pinot Noir 2006 Okanagan Valley (88-90, $35) [needed time to
open, best with gnocchi]

 

* Loin of dry aged [48 days] Pemberton Meadows beef, oxtail and foie
gras cromesquis [egg shaped rolls], confit Portobello and roasted red
onion – accompanied by Mission Hill Oculus 2005 Okanagan Valley (88-90,
deeply extractive and overpowered the dish)

 

* Saffron spiced pumpkin panna cotta with ginger cake and orange
saffron syrup – with Gehringer Brothers Riesling Ice wine 2007 Okanagan
Valley, 88-90, good food match here)

 

The Downside: I wanted to taste the wines against the variety of food,
but the wait staff wanted to clear my places. Also, I felt that the
chef – or someone -- could have come out and describe the dishes as we
ate them.
The Upside: a chance at Vancouver cuisine, plus a signed copy of the
book. See my book review in the December edition of "Food and Wine
Books In Review"
The Contact Person: shelley@toptable.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Le Sommelier Portfolio, Nov. 12, 2008

The Time and Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008  2 PM to 4 PM
The Event: Portfolio tasting of Le Sommelier, trade portion. The client
tasting came in the evening.
The Venue: Niagara Street Cafe
The Target Audience: wine trade, wine press
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is here, either by consignment
or by Vintages. 21 wines were offered.
The Quote: "Most of the wines are listed as sustainable."
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Duca di Casalanza "Duchea" Pinot Grigio 2005 Veneto, $24.94
consignment
-Nichols Edna Ranch Pinot Noir 2001, $49.88
-DogRidge Cadenzia Grenache 2005 McLaren Vale, $29.93
-Senorio de P. Pecina Tinto Reserva 1999 Rioja, $31.45
-Ardent Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 McLaren Vale, $25.51
-Fanti San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino 2005 Tuscany, $22.95.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-J.M. Sohler Grand Cru Winzenberg Pinot Gris 2006 Alsace, $28.94
-DogRidge The Pup Chardonnay 2006 McLaren Vale, $20.95
-Nichols Meritage Vinas del Sol 2000 San Luis Obispo, $49.80
-DogRidge The Pup Shiraz 2005 McLaren Vale, $19.90
-DogRidge MVP Shiraz 2004 McLaren Vale, $79.80

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Nigl Gruner Veltliner Gartling 2007 Austria, $20.95 retail
-Quinta de Sanjoanne Vinho Verde 2007 Portugal, $14.92
-Ciu Ciu Oris Falerio 2007 Marche Italy, $13.92 organic
-Nichols Edna Ranch Pinot Noir Clone 777 2001, $49.88
-Antiquarian Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 McLaren Vale, $49.80

 

The Food: appetizers such as artisanal cheeses, terrines, candied
walnuts.
The Downside: we arrived later than we should have.
The Upside: the quality of the wines.
The Contact Person: bernard@lesommelier.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Vineland Estate Portfolio, Nov 10, 2008

The Time and Date: Monday, November 10, 2008   2 PM to 6 PM
The Event: Vineland Estate Winery portfolio tasting, in association
with Halpern Enterprises.
The Venue: Capitol Event Theatre.
The Target Audience: wine media, private customers and clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: current selections and some Library
offerings were featured.
The Quote: "The Library wines are fabulous – the one drawback for the
current red wines is that you must lay them down".
The Wines: all prices are for licensees --

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chardonnay Reserve 2002, $48.97
-Riesling Semi-Dry 1993, $36.73
-Merlot 2002, $36.73
-Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, $36.73
-Cabernet Franc 2007, $10.41 – outstanding
-Cabernet Merlot 2006, $12.24
-Brut Reserve 2007, $22.85
-Riesling St. Urban 2007, $16.32
-Sauvignon Blanc Neufeld Vineyard 2006, $16.32
-Cabernet Franc Reserve 2005, $32.65

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chenin 2002, $20.41
-Gewurztraminer 1998, $20.41
-Riesling Semi-Dry 1995, $32.65
-Elevation Chardonnay 2007, $20.41
-Elevation Riesling 2007, $20.41
-Sauvignon Blanc Smith Vineyard 2006, $16.32
-Sauvignon Blanc Wismer Vineyard 2006, $16.32
-Syrah Reserve 2006, $32.65

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Gewurztraminer 1995, $20.41
-Riesling Semi-Dry 1998, $26.12
-Cabernet Merlot Reserve 2000, $61.22
-Pinot Noir Reserve 2002, $53.05
-Elevation Sauvignon Blanc 2007, $20.41
-Dry Riesling 2007, $11.22
-Semi-Dry Riesling, 2007, $11.22
-Chardonnay 2007, $10.33
-Pinot Blanc 1=2006, $12.04
-Chenin Blanc 2006, $12.04
-Gamay Noir 2006, $12.20
-Merlot 2006, $12.24
-Elevation Cabernet 2007, $20.41
-Cabernet Merlot Reserve 2005, $39.99
-Pinot Meunier Rose 2006, $10.57

 

The Food: samples were prepared by Vineland's Executive Chef Jan-Willem
Stulp, to be paired with the wines. He had created squash bisque
shooters with ample essence, fresh wild salmon cakes with remoulade,
seared gnocchi with mushroom confit, pan-roasted Ontario lamb
rondelles.
The Downside: it was lightly attended.
The Upside: terrific food.
The Contact Person: deron@halpernwine.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 82.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Argentine Wines, Nov 6, 2008

 The Time and Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008   1:30 PM to 6 PM
The Event: trade tasting of Argentine wines, sponsored by the Consulate
General of Argentina.
The Venue: Design Exchange
The Target Audience: wine trade, although it seemed to be lightly
attended. There was a consumer show in the evening.
The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was explicit about suppliers
and agents, names of wines, varietals, regions and vintages, but fell
down on the prices. Many were out of whack with reality. Many prices
did not exist at all. I had to ask each agent for prices.
The Quote: "There are 950 wineries in the Argentine, with 685 in the
Mendoza. Canada has the third highest exported figures, after the UK
and the US. Sales to Canada last year were up 49.2%. Malbec represents
33% of sales, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
The Wines: 174 wines were offered, but I did not taste them all.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bodega Del Fin Del Mondo Pinot Noir Reserva 2007 Patagonia - $19.95
Calibrium
-Luigi Bosca Gala 2 2006 Mendoza [Bordeaux-style blend] – Pacific Wines
and Spirits
-Familia Schroeder Pinot Noir Malbec 2004 Patagonia - $39 Connexion
Oenophilia
-Catena Zapata Chardonnay 2006 Mendoza - Calibrium
-Pascual Toso Pedregal Single Vineyard 2006 - $39 - Eurovintage
-Las Moras Reserve Chardonnay 2007 San Juan - $11.99 – Diamond Estates
-Trivento Golden Reserve Syrah 2006 Mendoza - $24.95 – Select Wines
-Trivento Golden Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Mendoza - $23.95 – Select
Wines

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dante Robino Sua Sparkling Blackberry 2007 Mendoza - $12.95
Eurovintage
-Pascual Toso Malbec Reserva 2007 Mendoza - $19.95 – Eurovintage
-Chakana Reserve Malbec 2006 - $17.95 – Connexion Oenophilia
-Saurus Patagonia Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - $16.95 – Connexion
Oenophilia
-Saurus Patagonia Select Malbec 2006 - $16.95 – Connexion Oenophilia
-Graffigna Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - $18.95 - Corby
-Las Moras Mora Negra Malbec-Bonarda 2006 San Juan - $35 – Diamond
Esttaes
-Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Malbec 1006 Mendoza - $19.95 – Philippe
Dandurand
-Trivento Coleccion Fincas No. 1 Malbec 2006 Mendoza - $24.95 – Select
Wines
-Lagarde Malbec DOC 2006 Mendoza - $20.81 – The Case for Wine

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dante Robino Sparkling Extra Brut 2007 Mendoza - Eurovintage
-Luigi Bosca Finca La Linda Extra Brut 2007 Mendoza – Pacific Wines and
Spirits
-Las Moras Gran Shiraz 2005 San Juan - $27.99 – Diamond Estates
-Cristobal 1494 Torrontes 2008 Mendoza - $15 - Ruby
-Fam. Zuccardi Fuzion Alta Malbec-Tempranillo 2008 - $10.95 - Dionysus
-Fam. Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2006 Mendoza - $18.95 – Vintages March
2009
-Rutini Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza - $19 – Profile Wine Group
-Dominio Del Plata Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2008 - $13.95 –
Profile Wine Group
-Lagarde Altas Cumbres Sparkling 2007 Mendoza - $12.65 – The Case for
Wine
-Lagarde Chardonnay 2007 Mendoza - $16.04 – The Case for Wine

 

The Food: waitstaff offered empanadas and other two-bite goodies.
The Downside: the seminar was way too general, as if we did not know
anything about Argentine wines.
The Upside: there was an informative seminar about Argentine wines,
although it went on past the time limit because it had to cover so much
ground. We tasted four Malbecs. Best was Reserva del Fin del Mundo,
which had showed aging.
The Contact Person: info@winespeak.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 86.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Maxxium Portfolio, Nov 4, 2008

The Time and Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2008  4 PM to 9 PM
The Event: The President's Tasting: Maxxium Canada
The Venue: McLean House, Vaughan Estates
The Target Audience: wine trade, clients, press
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available or will be. The
catalogue, as in the past, was spread over a series of rooms, beginning
with the patio sparklers, the whites and reds of the conservatory, the
robust reds of the mahogany room, leading to ports back on the patio
and serious drinks in the library. The coach house had the party
drinks. Suppliers were Beam Global, Donnafugata, Henkell, Kobrand,
Louis Latour, Masi, Oyster Bay, Poderi Colla, Quinta da Aveleda, and
the Edrington Group.
The Quote: "This seminar is going on too long". [allow more time next
year]
The Wines: there were 96 wines, plus fortifieds and rare spirits and
mixed drinks. I only tasted wine, but not all 96.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Masi Amarone Riserva di Costasera 2003, $59.95 private order
-Poderi Colla Barolo Brolo Bussia 2004, $57.95, Vintages  +596890
-J&F Lurton Chacayes Mendoza 2004 - $77.95, Vintages pending
-J&F Lurton Rueda Cuesta de Oro 2006 Rueda Spain - $26.95, private
order
-KWV Paarl Mentors Chenin Blanc 2006 - $24.95, private order
-Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne 2005 - $179.95, Vintages Classics May
26, 2009 (2006)
-Sileni Estate The Lodge Chardonnay 2007 New Zealand - $16.95, private
order
-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2005 – $35.95 Vintages
Classics Jan 7 2009
-Simonnet-Febvre Cremont de Bourgogne Rose NV - $19.95 private order
-Vina Sena Arboleda Carmenere 2007 - $16.95 private order
-A. Lurton Divinus de Chateau Bonnet Blanc 2007 - $34.95 private order
-A. Lurton Divinus de Chateau Bonnet Rouge 2003 - $34.95 private order

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Donnafugata Mille e una Notte 2005, $75.95 private order
-Poderi Colla Nebbiolo d'Alba 2006, $25.95 private order
-Cono Sur 20 Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, $24.95, Vintages July 4,
2009
-Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2007, $18.95 Vintages Essential +326728
-J&F Lurton El Albar Excelencia 2005 Toro Spain - $51.95, Vintages Jan
7, 2009 +108720
-KWV Paarl Perold Shiraz 2003 - $89.95, Vintages Feb 4, 2009 +993261
-Louis Latour Corton Grancey 2005 - $100, Vintages Classics (2003)
-Vina Sena Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - $19.95 Vintages +606764
-Vina Sena 2006 - $79 Vintages Classics May 26, 2009
-Groom Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006 - $37.95 Vintages +74237

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Adam Henkell Chardonnay 2005, $26.95 Private order
-Donnafugata Tancredi 2005, $32.95 consignment
-Poderi Colla Barbaresco Roncoglie 2005, $48.95 Vintages +715763 (2004)
-Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2007, $27.95 Vintages June 2, 2009
-J&F Lurton Gran Lurton Corte Friulano 2006 Argentina - $19.95,
Vintages +66829
-J&F Lurton Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Argentina - $20.95,
Vintages +980334
-Louis Latour Mersault Chateau de Blagny 2005 - $72.45, Vintages
Classics
-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2006 – $69.70 private order
-Tyrrell's Vat 8 Shiraz Hunter Valley 2006 - $49.95 private order
-Chateau La Louviere Rouge 2006 Pessac-Leognan - $41.95 private order

 

The Food: one of the best annual spreads: oysters, artisanal cheeses,
charcuterie, salmon, steak, roast beef and pork, fish, glorious
desserts, and the like.
The Downside: we all lamented the lack of Alsace and Champagne, but
c'est la vie.
The Upside: seminars were useful. I attended the Italian wines of
Piedmonte and Sicily, and had some interesting samples.
The Contact Person: presidentstasting@maxxium.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com