TASTING: Cantine Marchesi Fumarelli Amarones, April 29, 2009

The Time and Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009   4PM to 9PM
The Event: The launch of Cantine Marchesi Fumanelli's 2004 Amarone.
The Venue: A Taste of Quebec and Thompson Landry Gallery, both in the
Distillery District.
The Target Audience: customers of Halpern and A Taste of Quebec.
The Availability/Catalogue: we tasted three wines, all available
through the LCBO.
The Quote/Background: The Marchese himself made the presentation at A
Taste of Quebec. The sampling was complemented by a variety of cheese
from Quebec.
The Wines: with the Fumanelli Valpolicella Classico 2006 ($14.95;
robust texture and lingering finish), we had Fleur des Monts
pasteurized sheep cheese, Le Mi-Careme thermalized cow cheese, and La
Tomme D'ellas a raw milk cheese that was half cow and half sheep. The
Tomme worked best of all here. This part of the tasting also had plates
of lobster, kobe corned beef, spring rolls, and other goodies from Chef
Jason Russo.. Then, it was on to the Amarone 2004 ($59.95, May 2
Vintages release; mounds of mocha tones and flavours, finish demands
food) and a short talk by the Marchese. Cheeses here were Le 1608 raw
cow, Vieux Charlevoix Cheddar Four Year Old, Sauvagine pasteurized cow,
Le Bleu de la Moutonniere pasteurized sheep, and Le Chevre Noir, a raw
goat cheese made in the cheddar style. This latter one worked best.
The, we all made a trip around the corner to the Thompson Landry
Gallery. Both establishments promote Quebec products and artists. Here,
we had samples of the newly released "Octavius" Amarone Riserva 2003
($110 by consignment; well-worth the money with its intense plumy
concentrated density). And, of course, the cheeses again. I thought
that with this wine the blue worked best.
The Downside: there were long pauses between the service of the wines.
The Upside: great wine and cheese matches.
The Contact Person: danny@halpernwine.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: Vins du Jura, April 29, 2009

The Time and Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009   1 PM to 6 PM
The Event: Vins du Jura trade tasting.
The Venue: Park Hyatt Toronto hotel
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine press.
The Availability/Catalogue: just about none of these wines are
currently available; suppliers were looking for representation.
The Quote/Background: Anne Popoff led a seminar on the various wine
styles from the Jura. 19 producers were in the show, which also visited
Montreal. In general, the pinot noirs were coarse, and the macvin du
jura are similar to pineau de charentes. Vin Jaune and Chateau Chalon
are acquired styles, possibly for fino sherry lovers. Vin de Paille
made an interesting dessert wine.
The Wines: prices were hard to determine, especially since the French
do not seem to want to reveal them to the press. The Living Vine repped
Domaine Andre et Mireille Tissot as a biodynamic wine. Domaine Labet
was brave in only showing some pretty good chardonnays; they had five
of them at differing price levels.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine André & Mireille Tissot Arbois Savagnin 2005, $43.95
-Domaine Désiré Petit Arbois Pupillin Essen'ciel Blanc Floral 2006
-Henri Maire Château Chalon Vin Jaune 1998, $39.95
-Domaine de la Borde Savagnin Les Écrins 2004.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Daniel Dugois Vin de Paille 2005
-Château d'Arlay Cote de Jura Vin Jaune 2001
-Domaine Berthet Bondet Château Chalon 2002
-Domaine de la Renardière Arbois Pupillin Les Terraces Savagnin Ouillé
2007
-Caves Jean Bourdy Chateau Chalon 2002
-Domaine de la Renardière Arbois Pupillin Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay
2006

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Benoit Badoz Cotes du Jura Cuvee Victoria Savignin Quille 2006
-Domaine Benoit Badoz Cotes du Jura Cuvee Arrogance Chardonnay 2006
-Domaine Daniel Dugois Vin Jaune 2002
-Domaine de la Pinte Arbois Savagnin Bio 2004
-Domaine Rolet Pere et Fils Arbois Vin Jaune 2000
-Henri Maire Cremant du Jura NV Chardonnay, $18.95

 

The Food: bread, cheeses and salami.
The Downside: very few of the wines were available in Ontario. The FOB
prices I got were very high.
The Upside: a good opportunity to taste a variety of Vin Jaune and
Chateau Chalon wines.
The Contact Person: aude.guivarch@ubifrance.fr
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 85.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: Ontario VQA White wines, May 27, 2009

The Time and Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009   10AM to 2 PM

The Event: a tasting of new Ontario VQA white wines

The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square

The Target Audience: members of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available, mostly at the winery but also at LCBO in some cases.

The Quote/Background: one of the monthly WWCC tastings.

The Wines:

 

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

-Birchwood Estate   Gewurztraminer/Riesling  2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  12% alc   #572156  $10.95

-Chateau des Charmes  Chardonnay   Estate Bottles  2007  VQA  Niagara-on-the-Lake   13.5% alc  #81653   $13.95

-Flat Rock  Twisted  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula  11% alc  #1578 $16.95  Available in Vintages Now.  60% Ries, 20% Chard, 20%Gewurz

-Dan Aykroyd  Sauvignon Blanc  2007  Discovery Series  VQA Niagara Peninsula  12.5% alc  #74047   $14.95

-Inniskillin   Brae Blanc  2007  Reserve Series  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  12.5% alc     #981381  $14.95

-Stratus   White  2006  VQA Niagara Peninsula  14.5% alc  Vintages $44 

-Henry of Pelham   Chardonnay   Barrel Fermented  2007  VQA Niagara Escarpment  13.5% alc  #268342  $19.95  Vintages release June 6, 2009

-Henry of Pelham   Gewurztraminer  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula  13.5% alc   #268359  $17.95  Vintages release June 20, 2009

 

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

-Chateau des Charmes  Riesling  2007  VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

12.5% alc    #61499  $12.45

-Chateau des Charmes  Chardonnay   2007 VQA  Niagara-on-the-Lake  13% alc  #56754  $11.45

-Coyote's Run  Pinot Gris  2007  Red Paw Vineyard  VQA Four Mile Creek  13% alc    #116582  $19.95  Release Aug 1.

-Legends  Gewurztraminer  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula  13% alc 

-Mike Weir Wine  Chardonnay  2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  13% alc  $15.95

-Pelee Island  Eco Trail  White   2008  VQA Ontario 13% alc  #591719   $9.95 Chardonnay & Auxerrois

-Reif  Gewurztraminer  2006  VQA Niagara    River  14% alc #127985 $14.95

-Wayne Gretzky  Chardonnay  2007  Estate Series  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  12.5% alc $16.95

-Henry of Pelham   Sauvignon Blanc  2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  13% alc  $15.00    #430546  Vintages Essential

-Henry of Pelham  Chardonnay Reserve  2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula   13.5 % alc   #252833  $14.95  General List

-Henry of Pelham  Riesling   Reserve  2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  12% alc  #283291  $14.95  General List

 

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

-Alvento Vio   Viognier  2007  VQA  13.5% alc

-Calamus  Riesling  2007  VQA  Lincoln Lakeshore Appellation   12% alc  $16.00 plus deposit    Available winery.

-Cattail Creek  Riesling Reserve   2007  VQA  12% alc  $20  Vintages

-Cave Spring Cellars  Chardonnay Musque  2007  Cave Spring Vineyard  VQA   Beamsville Bench   13% alc.  # 246579  $15.95  Vintages release --Cave Spring Cellars  Chardonnay  2006  Cave Spring Vineyard  VQA  Beamsville Bench  13.5% alc   # 256552   $18.95 Vintages

-Chateau des Charmes   Aligote   2007  VQA  Niagara-on-the-Lake    12% alc  # 284950   $13.45

-Colio Estate Vineyards   Sauvignon Blanc  2006  VQA  Lake Erie North Shore  12.2% alc  $15.95  Vintages

-Creekside  Laura White 2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  13% alc  #53553  $17.95   Vintages Summer 2009 Release.

-Creekside  Pinot Grigio  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula  12.2% alc  #83196    $13.95  General List

-EastDell  Riesling  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula  12% alc  #109967  $12.95

-De Souza  Vidal Blanc  Dois Amigos  2007  VQA Ontario  11.5% alc   #74690  1.5L $11.95

-Featherstone    Riesling  2007  Old Vines  VQA Twenty Mile Bench  10.5% alc  #64584   $18.95

-Dan Aykroyd  Riesling  2007  Discovery Series  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  12% alc  #101857  $14.95

-Harbour Estates  Chardonnay  2007  VQA   Niagara Peninsula  13% alc  #101220  General List Craft  $13.15

-Kacaba  Chardonnay Sur Lie  2006  VQA  Niagara Peninsula   13.1$ alc  #116392  $14.95   Gen List

-Lakeview   Riesling  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula   11.5% alc  #307157  $10.95

-Legends  Chardonnay  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula  14% alc

-Pelee Island   Pinot Grigio  2007  VQA Ontario  12.5% alc  #326413  $11.95

-Pillitteri Gewurztraminer Riesling Fusion 2007 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake  11.5% alc  #349126  $12.95 Gewurztraminer with Riesling Icewine

-Rosewood  Semillon Sauvignon Blanc  2007   VQA Niagara Peninsula  13%

-Rosewood  Chardonnay  2007  VQA  Beamsville Bench  13% alc 

-Stonechurch  Chardonnay  Barrel Fermented   2007    VQA  Niagara-on-the-Lake  13% alc  Vintages Selection $16.95

-Sprucewood  Riesling  2008  VQA Lake Erie North Shore  12.5% alc  $12.95

-Trumpour's Mill  Chardonnay  2007  VQA Prince Edward County  13.5% alc  Vintages Release June 2009  $15.80

-20 Bees  Pinot Gris  2007  VQA Ontario  11.5% alc  CSPC 60707  $9.95

-20 Bees  Chardonnay  Unoaked  2007  VQA Ontario  12% alc  CSPC #4705   $9.95  No release date given

-20 Bees  Riesling  2006  VQA Niagara Peninsula  11.5% alc  #36434  $9.95

-Vineland  Semi-Dry Riesling  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula 9.5% alc  #232033  $13.75

-Vineland  Chardonnay  Non-Oaked   2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  12.5% alc  #669374  $12.85

-Henry of Pelham  Sibling Rivalry  White  08  12% alc  VQA  Niagara Peninsula   #4001353  $13.95 Gen List

-Henry of Pelham  Chardonnay  Non-Oaked  2007  VQA Nigara Penninsula  13% alc  #291211  $13.25  General List

-Henry of Pelham  Riesling  Dry  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula  11.5% alc  #268375  $13.25  General List

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: THE BON APPETIT FAST EASY FRESH COOKBOOK (Wiley, 2008, $34.95 US

THE BON APPETIT FAST EASY FRESH COOKBOOK (John Wiley and Sons, 2008,
770 pages, ISBN 978-0-470-39912-5, $34.95 US hard covers) has been
pulled together by Barbara Fairchild, the Editor-in-Chief of Bon
Appetit food magazine. The book proclaims, "1100 quick dishes for
everynight cooking". So at three courses a night that comes to a year's
worth of relaxation in the kitchen, maybe with time for a drink or some
chatting. Not. Advanced preparation is the rule – you just cannot do
this kind of cooking night after night by contemplating food choices at
4 PM and picking up stuff on your way home. And you'll need space for a
large pantry of ingredients to have on hand. Nevertheless, this is a
great, definitive all purpose recipe book for every quick and easy
situation. Hundreds of contributors are listed at the end, but there is
no contributor index for their recipes – just an index by the recipe
itself. The table of contents lists the titles of all recipes in page
order, and this is useful for an overview. "Quick and easy" is full of
compromises and shortcuts. Quick stews use packaged broths and tender
meats – what you will need if you don't start a slow cooker in the AM
before work. Most recipes can be done mostly in advance or with careful
use of leftovers. Why wait until the last minute, unless you like
living on the edge. But if it gets you away from fast food home
delivery, then more power to the book! Your best choices for quick and
easy remain the appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza,
pasta, rice, chicken, and seafood. There is a drinks section, alcoholic
and non-alcoholic. There is an index to recipes and an index to serving
sizes, beginning with 1, 2, and then 4, 6, 8 – right up to 24.
Audience and level of use: the harried, those with ADD.
Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: there are three gazpacho
preps, plus a dozen other chilled soups, and there are 16 stews.
The downside to this book: all of the recipes are in avoirdupois, and
there is no metric conversion chart. Apparently, they couldn't find a
spare page, although the inside covers are often used for this kind of
information in this kind of book. Also, there are no indication of
total timings for each recipe's prep and cooking times, as a separate
category or cook's note.
The upside to this book: the layout is attractive and useful, with two
recipes per page.
Quality/Price Rating: 89.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: APVSA in Toronto, April 23, 2009

The Time and Date: Thursday, April 23, 2009   10 AM 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: no wines are currently 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 (Bordeaux dominated):

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Huguet Saint Pierre Sancerre 2008 Pierre Prieur
-Champagne Sublime Mesnil Blanc de Blanc 2001
-Chat. Toumilon Graves 2005

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-J.P. Mauler Riesling 2007 Alsace
-J.P. Mauler Gewurztraminer 2007 Alsace
-Le Mesnil Champoagne Blanc de blanc
-Ch. Bellerose Figeac Prestige St. Emilion Grand Cru 2002, 2001, and
1999
-Ch. Chene Liege Pomerol 2000

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Huguet 2008 Cheverny
-Domaine Huguet Cuvee Marechal Prieur Sancerre 2006
-Chateau de Quincay 2008 Rose Pineau d'Annis
-Chateau de Quincay 2008 Sauvignon
-Chateau Les Alberts Bordeaux Blanc 2007
-Chat. De Salettes Gaillac 2006
-Chat. La Gontelle 2008 Premiere Cotes de Blaye
-Chat. Robert 2005 Pomerol
-Dom des Mimosasas Lalande de Pomerol 2006
-Ch. D'Estoublon 2005 Les Baux Provence
-Ch. De Quincay 2007 Opus Vinum

 

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.
There is a listing of wines with prices, but it is complicated.
The next show will be in June.
The Contact Person: for prices, etc, check with Pascal
p.fernand@apvsa.ca
The Effectiveness (numerical grade): 85.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Beer Book (DK Books)

THE BEER BOOK (DK, 2008, 352 pages, ISBN 978-0-7566-3982-2, $25 US
hard covers) has been pulled together by Editor-in-Chief Tim Hampson.
There are 14 contributors (with bios), but no signed reviews or
entries. Most of the beers are bottled, but there are some from
microbrew pubs. There is a pix of a beer bottle or can or pump for all
the major beers covered. The directory-type data includes names and
addresses, websites, and a mini-capsule history. There are also maps
which include the US, Germany, UK, Belgium, and the Czech Republic.
There are more maps of "Beer Trails" in Oregon, Bamberg, Cotswold's,
Brussels, and Prague. There are features on the biggies Anheuser-Busch,
Brooklyn, Guinness, Hoegaarden, Pilsner Urquell, and others. And essays
on tasting, malts, German beer, lager, hops, glasses, wild beer yeasts,
and beer-food matching. There is a glossary and index to beers, as well
as space for your own tasting notes.
Audience and level of use: beer drinkers who like to read.
Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: Canada gets six pages for
Amsterdam, Creemore, Granville Island, Pumphouse, McAuslan, etc. 27
labels in all are covered for Canada, with 2 to 4 beers apiece.
The downside to this book: needed more on Canada - also why was there
Labatt and Molson coverage?
The upside to this book: great package.
Quality/Price Rating: 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: Treamici Portfolio Wines, April 28, 2009

The Time and Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2009   2 PM to 6 PM
The Event: Portfolio tasting for Tre Amici Imports.
The Venue: Pantages Hotel and Spa, Victoria Street
The Target Audience: wine trade and press.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available, although some
items were not priced.
The Quote/Background: the catalogue is mainly Italian, with Del Dotto
from Napa Valley, Light's View from Australia, Vina Amalia from
Argentina, and Chateau Roubine from Provence. There was beer, grappa,
liqueurs, and Mexican tequila, but I stuck to wine.
The Wines: I did not try all the wines, but I was obligated to try all
the non-Italian wines. Prices are licensee.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Pescaja Roero Arneis 2008, $20
-Pescaja Barbera d'Asti 2008
-Grotta del Ninfeo Valpolicella Ripasso 2005, $27.75
-Grotta del Ninfeo Valpolicella Amarone 2004, $59.95 16%ABV
-Grotta del Ninfeo Valpolicella Amarone 2006 Recioto, 500mL. 15 Euros?
-Crea Vini Falanghina Beneventano 2007 Campania, $11.50
-Cascina Adelaide Barolo Riserva Per Elen 2000, $110
-Cascina Adelaide Nascetta Langhe Bianco 2008, $21.25
-Azienda Casale Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 1997, $56.45
-Vina Amalia Carlos Basso Blanc de Noir Brut Argentina, $20
-Chateau Roubine Cuvee Prestige Bargemon Blanc 2006, $22.50 100%
Semillon

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Azienda Casale Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2003, $44.95
-Santhomas Spumante Brut Rose, $19.50 (70%pinot nero/30% pinot grigio)
-Le Miccine Chianti Classico 2003, $24.95
-Villa Pillo Cingalino 2006, $13.95 cabernet franc and merlot
-La Scolca Soldati Gavi Brut Millesimato 2000, $64.95
-Le Miccine La Principessa Riserva 2006, $36.95
-Vina Amalia Carlos Basso Sauvignon Blanc 2008, $11.95 15% sauvignon
gris
-Vina Amalia Carlos Basso Signature Blend 2005, $34.95 meritage blend

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Villa Pillo Syrah 2005
-La Scolca Gavi di Gavi Gigi 2007, $54.50
-Tenuta Santome Prosecco Brut, $16.95.
-Azienda Casale Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2005, $29.95
-Del Dotto Cave Blend 2005, $69.95  82% cabernet sauvignon/18% cabernet
franc
-Light's View Chardonnay 2008, $12.50

 

The Food: there was a porchetta from Vicentina, assorted sweets from
Dolcini and Secret Ingredient, beef from Beretta Organic Farms, cheeses
from La Ferme, Serrano ham, sorbet from Frozen Vines, and Brick Street
Breads.
The Downside: I had just come from two other wine tastings, and I had
to refresh my palate several times and bear down. It's a tough life.
The Upside: in general, the wines were pretty good, and were nicely
complemented by the foods. It was also not very crowded, which is good
from my point of view (but probably not from the agent's).
The Contact Person: Gerard@treamiciwines.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: Wines from Mani Agency, Iberowine, and Vini Calbria, April 23, 2009

The Time and Date: Thursday, April 23, 2009  1 PM to 5:30 PM
The Event: a tasting of selected wines from Mani Agency, Iberowine, and
Consorzio dei Vini Calabria Citra.
The Venue: Eight Wine Bar, Cosmopolitan Hotel.
The Target Audience: wine press, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines except the Consorzio's were
available now.
The Quote/Background: Arnaud Fabre from Chateau d'Angles (Decanter Gold
Medal) came to present his wines, as did Gennaro Convertini who repped
nine different wineries from Calabria. Other Italian wines came from
Villa Frattina, Casata Monfort, and Balbi Soprani. Spanish wines came
from Rioja, Bierzo, Ribeiro, Priorat, and Toro.
The Wines: licensee prices. I did not try every wine.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Valtea Albarino Rias Baixas 2007, $17.85
-Miguel Merino Gran Reserva 1998 Rioja, $49.90
-Unnum de Miguel Merino 2002 Rioja, $49.90
-Balbi Soprani Brachetto d'Acqui [red sparkling], $20.75

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Azagador Crianza 2003 La Mancha, $11.95
-Baltos 2006 Bierzo, $18.85
-Cava Rabetllat I Vidal Brut Ca N'Estella Penedes, $14.85
-Campo Sanz Tinto Castilla y Leon, $13.85
-Muro Bujanda Crianza 2005 Rioja, $18.85
-Maius Priorat 2006, $31
-Castello di San Sano Chianti Classico Riserva 2004, $29.75
-Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montgalcino 2003, $55
-Chateau d'Angles Terroir de la Clape Blanc 2006 Coteaux de Languedoc,
$24.75
-Serracavallo Besidiae 2008 Valle del Crati, no pricing

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cantine Monfort Trentino Pinot Grigio 2008, $14 private order
-Cantine Monfort Trentino Cabernet 2007, $14 private order
-Montesol Rueda 2007, $11.95
-Vina Jaraba Crianza 2003 La Mancha, $13.95
-Miguel Angel Muro Rioja 2006, $12.85
-Dominus de Tares Cepes Viejas 2004 Bierzo, $30
-Maius Priorat 2007 Assemblage, $30
-Villa Frattina Prosecco Spumante, $14.95
-Castello di San Sano Borro Al Fumo 2004, $43
-Castello di San Sano Chianti Classico 2005, $25.75
-Chateau d'Angles Coteaux de Languedoc 2006 Red, $16.95
-Chateau d'Angles Coteaux de Languedoc 2007 Blanc, $16.95
-Chateau d'Angles Coteaux de Languedoc 2008 Rose, $16.95
-Colacino Quarto Calabria 2007, no pricing
-Terre Nobili Santa Chino 2007, no pricing
-Terre Nobili Santa Chino 2008 Rose, no pricing.

 

The Food: pate, cold cuts, cheeses, breads.
The Contact Person: philipdwharton@hotmail.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH!

THE FRUGAL OEONOPHILE'S WINEGRAPE PRIMER (Chester Press, 2008, 112
pages, ISBN 978-0-9684986-2-0, $12.95 paper covers) is by Richard Best,
who is frugal in all things including wine. He is a wine writer
colleague of mine, and wine educator based in Oakville. He runs
www.frugalwine.com, and he was nominated for a James Beard Award for
Internet websites and writing. This basic primer covers over 250 wine
grapes, both red and white, plus some wine styles. These are the more
popular varieties and hybrids that one will run into in North America,
out of the thousands used in wines around the world. Each alphabetized
entry gets a name with a pronunciation guide, synonyms, wine style or
region, and a description of the grape. This is followed by "classic"
tasting notes for the grape (what I call MVC or "modal varietal
character") plus classic food matching ideas. In the appendix, you will
find some notes on Old World Appellations, a glossary, and a nifty
bibliography for further reading. Plus, of course, an index, even
though the grapes are already entered alphabetically in the main texts.
The book is available from www.frugalwine.com.
Audience and level of use: basic primer, useful for quick ID.
Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: One example: his descriptors
for Malbec says "often described as a rustic Merlot…produces dark,
juicy, flavourful wines with high extract, low acid and low to moderate
tannins. Aromas include blackberry, plums, spice and a slightly gamey
note. Can age well." Food choices for Malbec? "Steak and kidney pie,
lamb shanks, beef en croute, beef Wellington, game, mature hard
cheeses, cabbage rolls, duck a l'orange, truffles, steak tartare."
The downside to this book: the binding may not support multiple
repeated searches.
The upside to this book: this book is sure to be well-used.
Quality/Price Rating: 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

TASTING: Lucien Le Moine 2006 Burgundy and Rosehall Run, April 23, 2009

 The Time and Date: Thursday, April 23, 2009  2 PM to 3:30PM
The Event: Tastings of Lucien Le Moine Burgundy from 2006, plus
Rosehall Run wines from Prince Edward County (new releases)
The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve
The Target Audience: wine press and private clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available.
The Quote/Background: Le Moine wines are repped by Artisanal Wine
Imports. Rosehall Run is a PEC winery.
The Wines: Licensee prices.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Le Moine Beaune Les Reversees 2006, $95.
-Le Moine Puligny Montrachet Champgain, $130

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Le Moine Chambolle Musigny Les Charmes, $155
-Le Moine Clos de Vougeot 2006, $275
-Le Moine Clos St. Denis 2006, $250.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-H. Boillot Chassagne Montrachet Embrazees, $95
-Le Moine Bourgogne Blanc 2005, $59
-Le Moine Corton Charlemagne, $225
-Le Moine Morey St. Denis Clos des Ormes, $105

 

The Rosehall Run wines came out of the blue, and were totally
unexpected. There were eight wines. I especially enjoyed the Chardonnay
Rosehall Vineyard 2007 ($29.95 retail, four stars) and the Pinot Noir
Estate 2007 ($37.95, four stars). Others tried included Chardonnay
County Cuvee 2007 ($17.95), Chardonnay Rosehall Vineyard 2006 ($29.95),
Pinot Noir County Cuvee 2007 ($18.95), Pinot Noir Estate 2006 ($29.95),
Cabernet Franc County Cuvee 2007 ($18.95) and Cabernet Franc Estate
Tete de Cuvee Cold Creek 2007 ($29.95).
The Food: nuts and breads.
The Contact Person: marc@finewinereserve.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 85.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: Foster's California Winemakers on Tour, April 22, 2009

 The Time and Date:  Wednesday, April 22, 2009  2PM to 5 PM
The Event: California Winemakers on Tour – Foster's properties in
California.
The Venue: Baillie Court, AGO.
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available for purchase. The
catalogue had pix of the winemakers, biographies, and space for the
wines. Prices were on a separate order sheet. Some wines will also be
at Vintages.
The Quote/Background: The promotion concerned seven regions, seven
winemakers, and ten labels (Beringer, TAZ, St. Clement, Cellar No. 8,
Etude, Souverain, Stags' Leap Winery, Sbragia Family Vineyards, Chateau
St. Jean, Greg Norman Calfornia Estates). My two fave wineries were
Chateau St. Jean and Sbragia Family Vineyards.
The Wines: I did not try every wine. Prices are retail.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Sbragia Family Vineyards Home Ranch Dry Creek Valley Chardonnay 2007,
$34.95.
-Sbragia Family Vineyards Home Ranch Dry Creek Valley Merlot 2007,
$34.95.
-Sbragia Family Vineyards Rancho Del Oso Vineyard Howell Mountain 2005,
$74.95.
-Sbragia Family Vineyards Andolsen Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon 2006, $44.95.
-TAZ Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2007, $29.95.
-Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Chardonnay 2007, $21.95. (Vintages Oct.
10, 2009, +421644).
-Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Merlot 2006, $34.95. (Vintages Sept 26,
2009, +67926)
-Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $39.95.
(Vintages June 20, 2009, +977173).
-Chateau St. Jean Robert Young Vineyard Alexander Valley Chardonnay
2006, $34.95.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Stag's Leap Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay 2007, $34.95 (Vintages June
20, 2009, +655381).
-Stag's Leap Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $49.95
-Stag's Leap Winery Napa Valley "The Leap" Cabernet Sauvignon 2005,
$99.95
-Stag's Leap Winery Napa Valley "Ne Cede Malis" Petite Syrah 2006,
$89.95
-St. Clement Carneros Chardonnay 2007, $24.95 (Vintages Sept 12, 2009,
+128934)
-St. Clement Armstrong Ranch Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2005,
$99.95
-St. Clement Steinhauer Ranch Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2005,
$99.95
-St. Clement Star Vineyard Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $99.95
-Etude Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $99.95
-Beringer Alluvium Blanc Knights Valley White Meritage 2007, $34.95.
-Beringer Private Preserve Napa Valley Chardonnay 2007, $44.95
-Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2005,
$89.95.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Greg Norman North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $24.95 (Vintages June
20, 2009, +8722)
-Etude Carneros Chardonnay 2007, $49.95
-Etude Carneros Pinot Noir 2006, $69.95 (Vintages Oct 24, 2009, +71654)
-Beringer Third Century Central Coast Pinot Noir 2006, $19.95 (Vintages
June 6, 2009, +43786)
-Beringer Napa Valley Viognier 2006, $27.95.

 

The Food: breads, cheese, passarounds.
The Downside: it was a big room with many people crowding the tables.
The Upside: the media has a table to sit down and check the wines on
their own.
The Contact Person: angela.lyons@am.fostersgroup.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 89.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com