The Event: the bi-annual PMA Canada Chairman's Gala, March 24, 2009

The Time and Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2009  3PM to 9 PM
The Event: the bi-annual PMA Canada Chairman's Gala.
The Venue: the Toronto Hunt, by Lake Ontario
The Target Audience: clients, media, LCBP product consultants.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is coming in to Consignment, or
a few are on Private Order, some are at Vintages, some are here now.
The Quote/Background: we began with two seminars. The first was with
Heinrich Breuer of Georg Breuer Winery in Germany, a dry riesling
specialist. Their philosophy is to produce wines that complement food,
are intense, and age well. They were one of the first wineries to use
sustainable practices. Six wines were shown. The second seminar was
with Berenice Barker of Cape Legends, South Africa. Her theme was South
African Terroir. Again, six wines were shown, from different varietals
such as gewürztraminer, barocca, sangiovese, and pinotage.
The Wines: including the seminars, about 70 wines were shown. This
included six interesting non-Champagne sparklers. I could not try all
of the wines, but here are my ratings:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Norton Cosecha Especial Extra Brut NV, Mendoza, $18.95 Retail.
-Pongracz Methode Cap Classique, Stellenbosch, $18.95.
-Georg Breuer Terra Montosa Riesling 2007
-Georg Breuer Montosa Charta Rheingau Riesling 1997, n/a
-Nino Negri Sfursat 5 Stelle di Valtellina 2005, Lombardy, $69.95
-Norton Malbec Reserva 2006, Mendoza, $18.95
-Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough New
Zealand, $35.
-Korta Barrel Selection Reserve Syrah 2007, $14.95 – my fave red of the
night
-Murrietta's Well Meritage Red 2005, Livermore, $44.95.
-Korta Gran Reserve Petit Verdot 2007, Chile, $27.
-Montecillo Gran Reserva Seleccion Especial 1981, Rioja, $75.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Offley 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Douro, $50
-Lamond Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Pincushion, South Africa, $30
-Georg Breuer Terra Montosa Riesling 2001, n/a
-Nugan Estate Manuka Grove Durif 2007, SE Australia, $29.95
-Candido Salice Salentino Riserva 2004, Apulia, $13.95.
-Rhoning Stones Cote du Rhone 2007, $18.95.
-Kunde Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Sonoma, $92.
-Donum Estate Carneros Pinot Noir 2005, Carenos California, $99.
-Murrietta's Well Meritage White 2007, Livermore, $40.
-Frescobaldi Collazzi Toscana IGT 2006, Tuscany, $48.95.
-Andretti Napa Valley Chardonnay 2007, $40
-Norton Perdriel Single Vineyard 2005, Mendoza, [Malbec blend] $64.95.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Georg Breuer Brut Sparkling 2004, Rudesheim, $69.95.
-Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827 Sherry, $19.95
-Chateau Moulinat Haut-Medoc 2005, $24.95.
-Moncaro Vigneti del Parco Conero Riserva 2005, Marches Italy, $34.95.
-Villa Maria Reserve Merlot 2005, Hawkes Bay New Zealand, $44.95.
-Korta Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay/Viognier 2008, Chile, $12.95.
-Andretti Napa Valley Primitivo/Zinfandel 2006, $44.95.
-Alianca Quinta de Baceladas 2005, Bairrada Portugal, $19.95.
-Alianca Quinta Dos Quatro Ventos Reserva 2006, Douro, $26.95.
-Chateau des Perelins Pomerol 2006, $36.95

 

The Food: as always, an extravaganza of roast beef, lamb, cured salmon,
shrimp, oysters, cheeses, breads, ribs, wings, fruit, and desserts.
The Downside: it got crowded real fast, and it was difficult to move
around after 6 PM. Over 400 were on the list, but I'm sure that there
were "others" who arrived later.
The Upside: a good chance to taste some unusual portfolio wines.
The Contact Person: tmcdonald@pmacanada.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Tasting of Taylor Fladgate Ports, March 5, 2009, at Reds

The Time and Date: Thursday, March 5, 2009  11AM to 3PM
The Event: The Essence of Port – a tasting and luncheon of The Fladgate
Partnership ports. Adrian Bridge, Managing Director, led the tasting.
He also commented on the industry in general and some newer products
such as crusted ports, pink ports, kosher ports, and organic ports.
The Venue: Reds Bistro and Wine Bar
The Target Audience: wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: all ports tasted are available in the
system, or soon will be.
The Quote/Background: The Fladgate Partnership has been awarded more
100 point wines than any of its competitors. It is the leading supplier
of port in the major premium global markets, with 90% of its production
being exported to France, the UK, North America, and other countries.
Its current labels include Fonseca (repped by Family Wine Merchants in
Ontario) Taylor and Croft (both repped by Whitehall Agencies).
The Wines: we had reception ports, the formal tasting led by Adrian
Bridge, and the dessert ports – 11 in all.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Vintages +149047, $68.95.
-Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas 2005 Vintage Port, +403873
Vintages Online, $65.
-Taylor Fladgate Vintage 2003 Port, +951962 Vintages Online, $129.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Fonseca Quinta do Panascal 2001 Vintage Port, +585893 Vintages,
$64.95.
-Croft Quinta da Roeda 2005 Vintage Port, +650556, $58.95.
-Fonseca Vintage 2003 Port, +673095 Vintages, $127.95.
-Croft Vintage 2003 Port, +673103 Vintages, $123.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Croft Pink Port, $19.95 from Whitehall – a new category launched in
2008, a rose port for cocktails or straight.
-Fonseca White Port, +276816 LCBO General, $13.95.
-Fonseca Bin No. 27 Reserve Vintage Character Port, +156877 Vintages,
$16.95.
-Fonseca Terra Prima Organic Reserve Port, +67132 Coming to market,
$23.

 

The Food: solid bistro food, with upscale variations on Caesar salad
with white anchovies, grilled chicken supreme, Atlantic salmon,
striploin, crème brule, chocolate mousse. Desserts were accompanied by
three ports, while the main foods had Henry of Pelham Sauvignon Blanc
2007 ($15, tamed zest) and Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Chile
($22.95, extractive and dense cassis).
The Downside: unfortunately, the event went past its scheduled
finishing time. That, plus the fact that some people had to leave
early, meant that there was a rushed tasting of the final three ports
which came with the desserts – Taylor Fladgate 20 year old, Fonseca Fin
27, and Fonseca Terra Prima.
The Upside: a great opportunity to learn from and speak with a CEO of
one of the world's finest port producers.
The Contact Person: Fonseca – linda.robinson@familywinemerchants.com
Taylor Fladgate & Croft – stephen.marentette@whitehall.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 89.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: California Wine Fair Media Preview Tasting, March 10, 2009

 The Time and Date:  Tuesday, March 10, 2009   5 PM to 8:30 PM
The Event: California Wine Fair Media Preview Tasting
The Venue: Far Niente, Bay St
The Target Audience: wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are, or will be, available.
The Quote/Background: We tasted the wines single blind (we knew
California and grape variety).
The Wines: Of the 47 wines tried, out of the expected 400 or more at
the April 6 show, I enjoyed the following --

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Landmark Vineyards Overlook Sonoma Chardonnay 2007 – not available
(Lorac Wine Agency)
-Merryvale Vineyards Starmont Chardonnay Napa 2007, $32.95 –
Consignment from Profile Wine Group.
-Kenwood Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi 2006, $18.95 – Consignment
from Rogers & Co.
-Heitz Wine Cellars Martha's Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2002,
$230 – Private order from Lifford Agencies.
-Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2004, $68.95 – Vintages

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2006, $29.95 – Vintages in
July
-Testarossa Vineyards Castello Chardonnay Central Coast 2007, $29.95 –
private order from B & W Wines.
-Far Niente Napa Chardonnay, $80 – Classics in September 2009
-La Crème Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2007, $31.95 LCBO in June
-Lucas & Lewellen High Nine Pinot Noir Santa Barbara Coast 2006, not
available (Saverio Schiralli)
-Treana Winery Cando Zinfandel California NV, $26.95 – not available
(Noble Estates)
-Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2006, $26.95 – not
available (Select Wines)
-Trinchero Family Vineyards Newman's Own Cabernet Sauvignon 2006,
$18.95 – Vintages in May
-Heitz Trailside Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2002 – Private order
from Lifford Agencies.
-Cuvaison Winery Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder Napa 2005, $89
– Vintages in October 2009
-JanKris Winery Crossfire 2005 (50CabSauv/25Mer/25Syrah) – not
available (Majestic Wine Cellars)

 

The Food: lamb lollipops, braised ribs, seared tuna, salmon, shrimp,
panko chicken, diverse breads – all after the tasting.
The Downside: some of my white wines were too warm.
The Upside: I was going to be away April 6, and would miss the show.
This was a great opportunity to try some of the wines – and blind too!
The Contact Person: paula@praxispr.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: The launch party for the LCBO promotion, "The Inside Story".

The Time and Date: Thursday, March 5, 2009  5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The Event: The launch party for the LCBO promotion, "The Inside Story".
The Venue: Reds Bistro
The Target Audience: media
The Availability/Catalogue: no catalogue of products poured at this
event, but we had a press kit and a brochure of event listings. All
products are available in the LCBO system.
The Quote/Background: "This is a month long promotion that tells the
stories of those makers (wine, beer, and spirits) who continue to fill
our glasses with enduring satisfaction."
The Wines: wines, beers and spirits were poured by principals. Not all
Inside Story participants showed up, but enough did to make it an
interesting launch. Julien Sereys de Rothschild turned up to pour
Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Red Reserve 2006 and Mouton Cadet Bordeaux White
2007 (both with informative tech cards). The first thing he did was
cross-off the word "winemaker" from the poster and write in "owner".
That ramped up the level significantly. Henry of Pelham attended, as
did Hillebrand, Chateau des Charmes, and Inniskillin. Allan Jackson
himself was there pouring his Jackson-Triggs Proprietor's Selection
(White Label) non-VQA non-vintaged "Cellared in Canada" Merlot and
Sauvignon Blanc. The JT company was responsible for somewhere between
1% and 30% of the wine contents of the bottles. I did not have time to
engage Allan Jackson in conversation, but I did wish him well in his
new retirement period. Spirits included Appleton rums, Grey Goose
vodka, The Glenlivet, Jameson, Jack Daniel's, Bulleit Bourbon,
Beefeater, and others. The beers were interesting: Sleeman's, Creemore,
Mill Street, and Pilsner Urquell. Indeed, the wines were on one side,
the beers on the other, and the spirits at the back, where most of the
noise was happening. There were just a few wine writers here.
The Food: the food was actually better than the drinks. Reds put out
appropriate and different matches with each producer – there were
supposed to be 19 matches. Lovely terrines and charcuterie on lavash,
cheeses, fried and crispy bites with the beer (also pizzettes), sweets
with many of the drinks. I didn't have a list of the foods, but they
were all uniformly good.
The Downside: seeing CIC product at the event.
The Upside: a chance to catch up with a lot of LCBO personnel.
The Contact Person: trina.hendry@lcbo.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 91.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Open House tasting of Woodman Wines & Spirits

 The Time and Date: Monday, March 2, 2009  1PM to 4PM
The Event: the beginning of a regular Open House tasting of Woodman
Wines & Spirits portfolio.
The Venue: Spoke Club, King Street.
The Target Audience: the wine media, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: the wines tasted were new products or new
vintages available through the LCBO channels and Consignment. There was
a large booklet with tech notes and space for tasting notes.
The Quote/Background: "We hope to have selected principals available
for any Q and A. Today, we have a rep from Angels Gate (Ontario) and
Anne Deraisme of Champagne Henriot."
The Wines: the range included champagnes, table wines, and a sherry.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Henriot Champagne Brut Souverain NV, +959643 V, $62.95.
-First Drop 2% Shiraz 2005 Barossa, +107599 V April 11, $33
-Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault Genevrieres 2006, +87049 V, $101.95.
-Gonzalez Byass Nectar PX Sherry, +87577 V, $18.95.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Henriot Champagne Cuvee des Enchanteurs, +83774 Classics, $195
-Rustenberg Brampton Shiraz 2006 South Africa, Consignment, $19.90
retail.
-Artesa Chardonnay 2005 Carneros California, Consignment, $29.45
retail.
-Bouchard Pere & Fils Volnay Clos des Chenes 1er Cru 2006, +974600
Classics, $69.
-Marcarini La Serra Barolo 2004, +7807 V, $68.95.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Angel's Gate Gewurztraminer VQA 2007 Niagara, +58594 LCBO, $15.95
-Angel's Gate Merlot 2006 VQA Niagara, +107722 LCBO, $15.95.
-Rustenberg Brampton Sauvignon Blanc 2008 South Africa, Consignment,
$17.90 retail.
-Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2006 Alsace, Consignment, $19.95 retail.
-Artesia Pinot Noir 2005 Carneros California, Consignment, $36 retail.
-Bouchard Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse 2007, +56480 LCBO, $27.90.
-Bouchard Pere & Fils La Vignee Pinot Noir 2007, +605667 LCBO, $17.95.
-Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2007 Rioja, +674564 V, $15.95.

 

The Food: terrines and prosciutto, cheeses, breads, crackers, nuts,
dried fruit.
The Downside: I used to enjoy free Mondays to write, but not anymore.
The Upside: a good small gathering for 17 wines.
The Contact Person: info@woodmanwinesandspirits.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Wines of Portugal - discover the diversity, Feb 26, 2009

 The Time and Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009  2:30 PM to 6:30 PM
The Event: Wines of Portugal – discover the diversity
The Venue: Art Galley of Ontario, Baillie Court
The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, agents.
The Availability/Catalogue: as always, wines were available through
different channels. Some producers were looking for agents. The
catalogue had some strange prices, including a range of British
sterling pounds – since that was all that could found in the price
databases. These were London retail price ranges. Nevertheless, the
book had full agent and principal data, along with a brief description
of all the wines (names, vintages, region, grape varieties in the
blend, etc.).
The Quote/Background: It was a huge tasting with 46 tables and over 250
wines. I could not get through it all. Once again, FWP Trading had a
third of the show.
The Wines: I did not taste everything. I tasted no whites, no
fortifieds (except as noted below), and no sparklers.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Adega Cartuxa Fea Reserva 2005 Alentejo (FWP), $50
-Esporao Red Reserve 2006 Alentejo (FWP)
-Herdade dos Grous Red Reserve 2007 Alentejo (FWP)
-Quinta dos Roques Reserva 2006 (RKW Wines) - $34
-Quinta do Portal Moscatel Reserva 1996 Douro
-Hutcheson Colheita 1978 Porto Tawny, $98.95
-Sogevinus Barros Special Edition Colheita 1979 Porto Tawny, $95 for
500mL.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Adega Cartuxa Fea 2006 Alentejo (FWP)
-Quinta do Cotto Grande Escolha 2001 Douro (FWP)
-J.Portugal Ramos Vinhos Marques de Borba Reserva 2004 Alentejo (FWP)
-Herdade Grand Reserve 2004 Alentejo (Lifford)
-Herdade Grand Reserve 2006 Alentejo (Lifford)
-Dao Sul Quinta das Tecedeiras Reserva 2005 Douro (needs agent)
-Burmester 20 years old NV Porto Tawny, $80.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bacalhoa Tinto da Anfora Grande Escolha 2006 Alentejo (FWP) – made in
best years only.
-Bacalhoa Tinto da Anfora 2006 Alentejo (FWP)
-CARM Quinta do Coa Reserva 2006 Douro (FWP)
-Companhia Das Quintas Quinta do Cardo Seleccao do Enologo 2005 Beira
(FWP)
-Esporao Vinha da Defesa Red 2007 Alentejo (FWP)
-Herdade dos Grous "Moon Harvested" 2007 Alentejo (FWP) - biodynamic
-Monte da Ravasqueira Vinha das Romas Red 2006 Alentejo (FWP)

 

The Food: a great diversity here too – salmon, cheeses, breads,
flatbreads, pork loin.
The Downside: too many wines, quite frankly, and this does not seem
fair to everybody. Some of the producers who came over wanted to talk
to people, but there was no time.
The Upside: I could pick and choose what wines I wanted to sample.
The Contact Person: william.delgado@portugalglobal.pt
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 85.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: APVSA tasting (Association pour la promotion des vins et

 The Time and Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009  10AM to 6 PM
The Event: APVSA tasting (Association pour la promotion des vins et
spiritueux en Amerique du Nord).
The Venue: Delta Chelsea Inn
The Target Audience: wine agents.
The Availability/Catalogue: none of the wines are available in Ontario.
The group is here to try to get some agents to agree to rep the
principal. Some of the wines are available in Quebec and Alberta. Most
of the wines were French, and there were sales staff available to
comment on the prices and production.
The Wines: The problem I had with the wines, and one that must be
acknowledged, is that they were no better than the wines that we
already have here in Ontario. There really did not seem to be any price
advantages, either. These 40 or so wines could be made available
through Vintages or Consignment. Here were my faves, regardless of
price:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Cabredon Premiere cote de Bordeaux Tradition 2003, 6.3 Euros
-Julien Schaal Syrah Western Cape 2007 South Africa
-Julien Schaal Riesling 2007 Alsace
-Julien Schaal Riesling Les 5 Pierres 2007
-Prieur-Pierre Cuvee Marechal Pierre Sancerre 2006 (both red and white)
-Domaine de la Garenne Les Sens Sancerre 2008

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Fonchereau Le Grand 2006 Bordeaux
-Les Clos Laherte Freres Extra Brut Champagne (uses all 7 permitted
varieties)
-Les Clos Laherte Freres Rose Brut Champagne
-Prieur-Pierre Domaine de St. Pierre Sancerre 2007 (both red and white)
-Cantine Valle Isarco Gewurztraminer 2008 Eisachtaler
-La Giraudiere Saumur Rouge Vieilles Vignes 2007, 6.10 Euros – 50 year
old vines.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Cabredon Premiere cote de Bordeaux 2007, 3.9 Euros
-Chateau LaMartine 2006 Cotes de Castillon Merlot
-Chateau Meyney 2001 Fronsac
-Julien Schaal Pinot Gris 2007

 

The Food: none.
The Downside: usually there is not enough space to sprawl out and write
notes. No paper was furnished, so I used some 3 by 5 cards.
The Upside: a chance to taste some engaging wines not available here.
The next show will be in April.
The Contact Person: for prices, etc, check with Pascal
p.fernand@apvsa.ca
The Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: A mini-portfolio tasting of wines offered through Le Sommelier (Feb 23, 2009)

The Time and Date: Monday, February 23, 2009  11AM to 5PM

The Event: A mini-portfolio tasting of wines offered through Le Sommelier.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve, King Street

The Target Audience: wine media and regular customers.

The Availability/Catalogue: the 19 wines are all at Vintages or by Consignment or through Vintages online. His tech/sell sheets were impeccable.

The Quote/Background: most of the wines offered follow sustainable, or organic or biodynamic practices.

The Wines:

 

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

-Bod. Hermanos Pecina Senorio de P. Pecina Crianza 2000 Rioja, $24.95, +132158.

-Busso Piero Barbaresco Santo Stefanetto 2004, $79, organic, +92593.

-Loan Semillon Barossa 2002, $22.95 +108092, Vintages, organic – fave white today

-Nichols Chardonnay Paragon Vineyard Edna Valley 2002, +43.95, Vintages +107847.

-Nevis Bluff Pinot Noir 2004 Central Otago, $35, +96370.

 

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

-Ciu Ciu Oppidum Rosso Marche 2002, $37.95, organic, +133628.

-F.X. Pichler Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Urgestein Terrassen 2007, $45, +109199.

-Lanciola Terricci Toscana 2001, $49, +92601.

-Loimer Gruner Veltliner Spiegel 2007 Kamptal, $55, Vintages +113258, biodynamic.

-Nittnaus Pinorama Trockenbeerenauslese 2001, $55, +107029.

-Nittnaus Premium Trockenbeerenauslese 2005, $45, +107011.

-Ulithorne Frux Frugis Shiraz 2004 McLaren Vale, $60, +76430.

 

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

-F.X. Pichler Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Loibner Klostersatz, $35, +109181.

-F.X. Pichler Riesling Smaragd Loibner Berg, $59, +109215.

-Loan Shiraz 2004 Barossa, $42.95 Vintages +104661, organic.

-Prinz von Hessen Johannisberge Klaus Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2007 Rheingau, +216696, $42.95.

-Quinta da Vegia Casa de Cello Dao Reserva 2005, $57, +85175.

-Schiopetto Friulano Collio 2007, $26, +893526.

 

The Food: charcuterie, pate, cheeses, breads.

The Downside: I'm resigned to spending all my Mondays at the Fine Wine Reserve.

The Upside: good quality upscale decent wines were tasted – and enjoyed.

The Contact Person: bernard@lesommelier.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

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