TASTING: Tannin Fine Wines Portfolio, Toronto, Sept. 23, 2009

The Time and Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2009  2PM to 7:30 PM

The Event: Tannin Fine Wines portfolio tasting.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve

The Target Audience: wine media, private clients.

The Availability/Catalogue: most items were on their way, in time for the Christmas rush.

The Quote/Background: Tannin has an eclectic mix, with wines from New York, Chile, Australia, Hungary, France, Oregon, Tuscany, and Greece.

The Wines: 28 wines were on show. Prices are retail.

 

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

-Step RD 2008 "First Step" Chardonnay Langhorne Creek, $16

-Cartagena Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Chile, $17.

-Neyen 2005 Espiritu d'Apalta Red Colchagua Valley, $76

-Clos del Rey 2004 "Clos del Rey" Cotes du Roussillon, $64.95

 

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

-Matisses Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Chile, $15

-Cartagena Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Chile, $20

-Casa Marin Casona Gewurztraminer 2008 Chile, $34

-Heron Hill 2006 Eclipse Red New York, $24 –54%merlot/46%cabernet franc

-Maretima 2007 Primitivo IGT Puglia, $17

-J & J 2006 Sikhegy Kekfrankos Hungary, $21

-Step RD 2006 Blackwing Shiraz Australia, $19.

-Clos del Rey 2006 "Baby del Rey" Pays d'Oc, $25.

-Clos del Rey 2006 "Mas del Rey" Pays d'Oc, $57.

-Riecine La Gioia IGT 2003 Tuscany, $64.

 

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

-Trevisani Bali Sauvignon Blanc- Chardonnay 2007, $27

-La Reserve St. Dominique 2007 Cotes du Rhone Blanc, $26

-Heron Hill 2006 Ingle Riesling New York, $22

-Casa Marin Miramar Vineyard Riesling 2007, $34.

-A to Z Pinot Gris 2007 Oregon, $23.

-Step RD 2007 "First Step" Merlot Australia, $15.

-Matisses 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Chile, $15.

-A to Z Pinot Noir 2007 Oregon, $33

-Dalamaras 2006 Paliokalias Xinomavro, $34

-Beresford Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 McLaren Vale, $26.

-Beresford Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale, $26.

 

The Food: bread and water

The Contact Person: Nicholas@tanninfinewines.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 85.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

LCBO Vintages Release Oct 24, 2009: some notes

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 24, 2009
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is guide to thousands
of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and
spirits, at www.deantudor.com (since 1995). Creator of Canada's leading wine
satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. 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. Corked wines are not available for re-tasting.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2008 Margaret
River: much like an upscale Graves, great MVC flavours. +47621, $15.95,
QPR: 90.
2. Xanadu Chardonnay 2008 Margaret River: delicious, Burgundian
character, toast in the length. +27888, $19.95, QPR: 90.
3. Sticks Chardonnay 2006 Yarra Valley: oaking dissipates over time,
fruit shines through. +141274, $19.94, QPR: 90.
4. Chateau des Charmes St. David's Bench Chardonnay 2006 Niagara:
Burgundian quality, deliciously fruit forward, 14% ABV. +430991,
$19.95, QPR: 90.
5. Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Rapel: grassy but fresh, young
vintage, good buy. +396994, $13.95, QPR: 90.
6. Crabilis Vermentino 2008 Sardinia: aromatic, floral, longer length,
best with crab. +52068, $13.95, QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Cabernet/Merlot 2005 Niagara-on-the-
Lake: a food wine, like an aged Bordeaux, quality for the value
pricing, already 4 years old. +222372, $19.95, QPR: 90.
2. Huntington Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California: lovely off-dry
chocolate and cherries. +994491, $18.95, QPR: 90.
3. Chakana Reserve Malbec 2008 Mendoza: soft, Merlot-like, affordable.
+18671, $16.95, QPR: 90.
4. Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2006 Coastal Region South Africa: fruity,
aged well, not many oak tones. +53124, $16.95, QPR: 90.
5. Chateau Begadanet 2005 Medoc: MVC, good vintage, approachable now,
what more could you ask for at this price? +138875, $19.95, QPR: 90.
6. Estate Papaioannou Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko 2005 Nemea Greece:
delicious fruity components with a dose of underbrush, garrigue, and
forests. +47977, $18.95, QPR: 90.
7. Monte Antico Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Tuscany:
engaging North American blend. +69377, $14.95, QPR: 90.
8. Sogrape Callabriga 2005 Dao: black fruit, well-developed and aged
wine, best with food. +43638, $19.95, QPR: 90.
9. Beronia Reserva 2005 Rioja: and older feel to the wine, smoke,
mocha, plums, delicious and under-priced. +50203, $17.95, QPR: 91.

 

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. Pirathon Shiraz 2005 Barossa Valley, +130278, $38.95 retail.
2. Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Adelaide Hills, +965335, $24.95.
3. Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Pinot Noir Tasmania, +962415, $26.95
4. Megalomaniac Sonofabitch Pinot Noir 2007 Niagara, +85134, $24.95
5. 7 Deadly Zins 2007 Old Vines Lodi, +59311, $24.95.
6. Nicolas Maillet Macon Verze 2007, +702605, $22.95.
7. Max Ferd. Richter Riesling Spatlese 1992 Mulheimer Sonnenlay Mosel,
+140780, $23.95.
8. Le Serre Nuove Dell'Ornellaia 2007 Bolgheri Rosso, +606194, $59.95.
9. Stratus Riesling 2007 Niagara, +131011, $35.50.

 

 

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: Livio Felluga (Friuli), Toronto September 25, 2009

 The Time and Date: Friday, September 25, 2009  2 PM to 6:30PM

The Event: Tasting of Livio Felluga (Friuli) red and white wines.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve

The Target Audience: wine media, private clients of the agent Le Sommelier, clients of the FWR.

The Availability/Catalogue: we tasted seven wines, all private order except one.

The Quote/Background: The Livio Felluga estate, founded in the mid-1950s, has 160 hillside hectares under vine, with an annual production of some 750,000 bottles. It was one of Italy's first sustainable wineries. Livio is now 95, and still helps.

The Wines: All prices are licensee, and all wines come in six packs.

 

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

-Livio Felluga Illivio Colli Orientali del Friuli 2007, $49.35 – pinot bianco, chardonnay, and picolit, barrel fermentation and storage in small French oak.

 

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

-Livio Felluga Vertigo Venezia Giulia IGT 2007, $27.50 – merlot and cabernet sauvignon.

-Livio Felluga Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso Colli Orientali del Friuli 2006, $50.83.

-Livio Felluga Sharis delle Venezie IGT 2008, $27.50 – chardonnay and ribolla gialla

-Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio Colli Orientali del Friuli 2008, $36.91 Consignment.

 

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

-Livio Felluga Friuliano Colli Orientali del Friuli 2008, $37.95

-Livio Felluga Sauvignon Colli Orientali del Friuli 2008, $36.91

 

The Food: charcuterie, cheese, breads.

The Downside: I had just come from a huge LCBO Vintages pre-release tasting.

The Upside: a chance to taste some very fine wines.

The Contact Person: bernard@lesommelier.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: Yalumba Wines, with Jane Ferrari, Sept. 24, 2009

The Time and Date: Thursday, September 24, 2009  Noon to 3 PM

The Event: a tasting of the latest Yalumba current releases in Ontario, with Jane Ferrari, Winemaker/Communications and reps from agents Mark Anthony.

The Venue: Reds Wine Bar

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are at the LCBO or soon will be.

The Quote/Background: Jane is an excellent ambassador for this 160 year old family-owned company. She took us through the wines, step-by-step, how the local terroir works for each, and its treatment in the winery.

The Wines:

 

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

-Yalumba Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2008, +39271, $17.95

-Yalumba Mawson's Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, +60228, $19.95 Nov 21/09 Vintages

 

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

-Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier 2008, +954644, $22.95 – also a wild ferment but not noted as such on label

-Yalumba Barossa Eden Valley Shiraz Viognier 2006, +524926, $19.95 Vintages Nov 7/09.

 

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

-Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier 2007, LCBO 624494, $14.95

-Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2008, +625129 Vintages

-Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio 2008, +138586 $15.95 Vintages January 2010.

 

The Food: we began with a charcuterie platter of ten different meats (mortadella, ham hock terrine, squab galantine, chicken liver foie gras pate, chorizo sausage, smoked ham, pate campaigne, and others). Then it was an off-the-menu selection. Some of us had the special burger or the special fried chicken; others had the prix fixe which involved roast quail with caramelized onions, local pickerel, and pumpkin pannacotta. In general, all of the food went with the wines. There was a fair amount of cross-checking and comparison since there were no direct wine pairings. My faves were the Wild Ferment Chardonnay and the Mawson's Cabernet Sauvignon – they seemed to go well with everything.

The Downside: actually, we could have used more time with Jane since she is so knowledgeable about the Australian wine industry.

The Upside: we heard some terrific stories of Jane's holidays and work abroad – she's a great travel companion. Try http://yalumbastories.wordpress.com.

The Contact Person:  danalee.harris@shaw.ca

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 91.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

THE RESTAURANT/CELEBRITY COOKBOOKS...(Sept 2009)

 

...are one of the hottest trends in cookbooks.
Actually, they've been around for many years, but never in such
proliferation. They are automatic sellers, since the book can be
flogged at the restaurant or TV show and since the chef ends up being a
celebrity somewhere, doing guest cooking or catering or even turning up
on the Food Network. Most of these books will certainly appeal to fans
of the chef and/or the restaurant. Many of the recipes in these books
actually come off the menus of the restaurants involved. Occasionally,
there will be, in these books, special notes or preps, or recipes for
items no longer on the menu. Stories or anecdotes will be related to
the history of a dish. But because most of these books are American,
they use only US volume measurements for the ingredients; sometimes
there is a table of metric equivalents, but more often there is not.
I'll try to point this out. The usual schtick is "favourite recipes
made easy for everyday cooks". There is also PR copy on "demystifying
ethnic ingredients". PR bumpf also includes much use of the magic
phrase "mouth-watering recipes" as if that is what it takes to sell
such a book. I keep hearing from readers, users, and other food writers
that some restaurant recipes (not necessarily from these books) don't
seem to work, but how could that be? They all claim to be kitchen
tested for the home, and many books identify the food researcher by
name. Most books are loaded with tips, techniques, and advice, as well
as gregarious stories about life in the restaurant world. Photos
abound, usually of the chef bounding about. But of course there are a
lot of food shots, verging on gastroporn. The endorsements are from
other celebrities in a magnificent case of logrolling. If resources are
cited, they are usually American mail order firms, with websites. Some
companies, though, will ship around the world, so don't ignore them
altogether. Here's a rundown on the latest crop of such books –

 

11. AMERICA'S MOST WANTED RECIPES; delicious recipes from your family's
favorite restaurants (Atria, 2009; distr. Simon & Schuster, 267 pages,
ISBN 978-1-4391-4706-1, $15 US soft covers) has been pulled together by
Ron Douglas, founder of a copycat recipe website, recipesecrets.net.
The book has more than 200 of these recipes, from 57 of America's
popular restaurants. Most of these are in Canada, such as KFC, Red
Lobster, Olive Garden, and Pizza Hut. But not IHOP or Brooklyn Café.
Nevertheless, this is a good presentation of knockoffs from menu items
found in these chains. With much experimentation, Douglas and his
tester-tasters have come up with reasonable copycat recipes, so that
you can go for Baskin-Robbins' cheesecake ice cream or Benihana's
hibachi steak, or Olive Garden's chicken crostina. All courses are
covered. The recipes are easy to use, but everything is in avoirdupois
weights and measures. Recipes are by establishment, but there is a
category index and an ingredient index. Families can cook these dishes
at home for a fraction of the total cost (the food bill plus taxes,
tips, travel time and expenses). But it does require some thought in
when and what to prepare. Salt levels, though, can be controlled at
home. Quality/Price rating: 85.

 

12. TAKASHI'S NOODLES (Ten Speed Press, 2009, 168 pages, ISBN 978-1-
58008-965-4, $24.95 US paper covers) is by Takashi Yagihashi, currently
owner of Takashi's in Chicago. In partnership with Macy's, he is
opening Noodle Shops around the USA. He is assisted by Harris Salat who
writes about food and culture for diverse publications (Gourmet, NY
Times, Saveur). This is fairly comprehensive treatment of hot and cold
Japanese noodles from an award-winning chef (he has a Beard). Yet he
still needs extensive log rolling from five chefs, including Boulud,
Trotter, Ripert, and Susur Lee. The range includes hand-cut soba,
traditional and contemporary dishes, hot and cold, clay-pot udo, crispy
gyoza, and the like. This is Japanese comfort food as Yagihashi has
been cooking for the part two decades in the American Midwest. The 75
preps also include ramen, somen, bean threads, and rice noodles, as
well as side dishes. There are tips that emphasize shortcuts, fresh and
dried noodle techniques, and kid-friendly meals. There is also a fair
amount of memoir material here. Preparations have their ingredients
listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is no metric table of
equivalents. Arrangement is by type of noodle, and actually includes
pasta such as penne, gnocchi and orecchiette. There is an ingredient
glossary plus a list of US resources. Try chilled ramen with chicken
and banbanji sauce, curry udon, poached egg and mentaiko udon, or
grilled salmon and chilled somen with yuzu sauce. Quality/Price rating:
88.

 

13. THE DIABETES SEAFOOD COOKBOOK; fresh, healthy, low-fat cooking
(American Diabetes Association, 2009; distr. McGraw-Hill, 165 pages,
ISBN 978-1-58-040302-3, $18.95 paper covers) is by Barbara Seelig-
Brown, host of a TV cooking show (Stress Free Cooking) and author of a
companion cookbook. Each prep here meets the nutrition guidelines of
the ADA (improved blood glucose management). And proceeds from the book
goes to the ADA. The emphasis here is on low-fat, omega-3 fats, and
protein. Creamy sauces and fried batters are eschewed. There are about
100 recipes here, emphasizing taste. But not much is mentioned with
sodium reduction. Arrangement is by course (starters to mains) with
sauces, dressings, and sides. There are a few tips and suggestions on
handling fish, including a mercury chart-guideline. Try Mediterranean
fish stew (eliminate the salt), salmon tacos, fillet primavera, bloody
Mary shrimp, or baked scallops (hold the salt). More details are at
www.stressfreecooking.com. Quality/Price rating: 87.

 

14. ISLAND LAKE LODGE: the cookbook (Whitecap, 2009, 184 pages, ISBN
978-1-55285-947-6, $29.95 soft covers) is by writer Keith Liggett who
has collated 60 recipes from the eight current and former chefs of
Island Lake Lodge, a 20-year old ski haven in the heart of BC's
Kootenay mountains. The kitchens in this National Geographic-referenced
lodge use local and organic ingredients. Liggett gives chef profiles
and presents about 60 recipes. It's arranged by meal taken and course.
There's star anise French toast, a trilogy of quail eggs benedict,
chickpea-spinach soup with tahini, smoked duck salad, and pan-roasted
black cod with mussels and black-olive gnocchi. Lots of good photos by
Henry Georgi to illustrate the kitchen's environment and the cooking
line, as well as the plated dish. Preparations have their ingredients
listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is a metric table of
equivalents. Quality/Price rating: 89.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada, September 18, 2009

The Time and Date: Friday, September 18, 2009  10:30AM – 2 PM

The Event: monthly tasting of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada

The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square Store #10

The Target Audience: WWCC members

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available in Ontario through the LCBO,

The Wines:

 

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

- Ferraton Pere & Fils   Crozes-Hermitage  La Matiniere Blanc   2007  100% Marsanne   13% alc   Vintages   #122720  $21.95

- Torres  Gran Coronas  Cabernet Sauvignon  2005  14% alc  Spain

-  Henry of Pelham   Riesling Reserve  2007  VQA  Off-dry  11.5% alc   Short Hills Bench Ontario

-Joseph Drouhin   Cote de Beaune-Villages  2006 13% alc   CSPC 47845  $19.95 

- Bouchard Pere & Fils  Pouilly Fuisse 2007  15.5% alc  LCBO 276436  $27.90

- Azienda Agricola   Canalicchio di Sopra  Brunello di Montalcino  2003  14.5% alc  Vintages  125070  $57.95  Released Sept 12/09

 

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

-Jaffelin  Pouilly-Fuisse  2007  13% alc  Gen Purchase  #242909  $25.95

-Ogier   Cotes du Rhone  Heritages 2007  14% alc  LCBO 535849  Gen list  $16.95

-Torres  Santa Digna  Cabernet Sauvignon  Reserve  2006  14% alc  Chile

 

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

-Ferraton Pere & Fils  Crozes-Hermitage  La Matiniere Rouge  2006   100% Syrah  13% Alc   CSPC 122712  $21.95

-Ogier  Cotes du Ventoux Rose  2008  13% alc  LCBO 134916  $11.95

-Ogier  Cotes-du-Ventoux  2007 14.5% alc  LCBO 569095  $11.95 Gen list

-Louis Jadot  Beaune Boucherottes 2006  13.5% alc  Vintages 47837  $49.10

-Luigi Bosca  Malbec Reserva  2006  14% alc  Mendoza, Argentina 

 

The Food: Brix Chocolate to compare and contrast with the red wines (syrah, cabernets, pinots). The medium chocolate worked best of all with everything (60% chocolate).

The Contact Person: sdarby@rogers.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 85.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: 4th Annual Stem Wine Group Portfolio, Toronto, Sept 22, 2009

The Time and Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009   3PM to 10 PM

The Event: 4^th annual Stem Wine Group "Family of Wines" Gala Tasting

The Venue: Eglinton Grand event theatre

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

The Availability/Catalogue: everything is here or will be via

consignment and private orders. The catalogue was a model of

efficiency, with a quick section on how to use the guide. All prices

were given, as well as the terms. The wines were listed by region and

producer, in table order. Helpful cards were placed at each table, with

more details about each wine. This really saved me a lot of time, and I

am sure the patrons appreciated it.

The Quote/Background: Partners Robert Tome and Tony Macchione have assembled one of the nicest portfolios of wines, specializing in highly sought after wines from Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, and the like. There are also a select few wines from other European countries plus the New World.

The Wines: I did not try all the wines, there were over 100 of them. Eight owners or export directors came over from Italy for this event. Prices are retail.

 

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

-Boroli Barolo Villero Riserva 1999, $119.99

-Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2003, $225

-Villabella Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Fracastoro 2001, $64.99

-Villabella Passito del Fiordilej 2005, $25.99 (375 mL)

-Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 2004, $114.99

-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2003, $219.99

-Az.Agr. Collemattioni Brunello di Montalcino 2004, $64.99

-Az.Agr. Collemattioni Brunello di Montalcino 2004 Riserva, $100 (not yet released, pre-orders only).

-Andeluna Cellars Grand Reserve Pasionado 2004 Mendoza, $54.99

 

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

-Boroli Barolo Cerequio 2003, $109.99

-Viberti Barolo Bricco Delle Viole Riserva 2003, $71.99

-Ca' del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo Bric del Baio 2007, $26.99

-Villabella Villa Cordevigo Rosso Veronese 2004, $46.99

-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2004, $159 (other bottle sizes available, from 375 mL to jeroboam 3 L)

-La Fattoria de Magliano Poggio Bestiale IGT 2006, $56.99

-La Fattoria de Magliano Perenzo Syrah IGT 2006, $64.99

-Arnaldo Caprai Rosso Outsider IGT 2006 Umbria, $66.99 (50-50 cab/merlot)

-Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco 25^th Anniversary 2005 Umbria, $124.99

-Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2006 Riserva Umbria, $59.99

-Az.Agr. Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2006, $49.99

-Az.Agr. Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004 Villa Gemma, $79.99

-Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico Aglianico 2003, $99.99

-Bodegas Darien Rioja Seleccion 2003, $39.99

-Jax Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2006, $59.99

-Jax Vineyards Y3 Chardonnay Napa, 2007, $33.99

-Coup de Foudre Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2007, $225

-Merry Edwards Meredith Estate Pinot Noir 2006, $98.99

-Andeluna Reserve Chardonnay 2005 Mendoza, $22.99

 

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

-Viberti Barolo Buon Padre 2004, $65.88

-Ca' Del Baio Barbaresco Valgrande 2006, $59.99

-Delibori Vignetti Cantine Amarone della Valpolicella 2004, $35.99

-Tenuta Monteti Caburnio IGT 2006 Tuscany, $23.99

-Tenuta Monteti IGT 2005 Tuscany, $59.99

-Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2006 Umbria, $30.99

-Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi 2003, $59.99

-Bodegas Darien Rioja Crianza 2005, $21.99

-David Franz Lehmann Barossa Benjamin's Promise Shiraz 2004, $51.99

-David Franz Lehmann Barossa Georgie's Walk Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, $51.99

-David Franz Lehmann Barossa Alexander's Reward Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, $51.99

-Michael Sullberg Merlot 2007 Central Coast, $16.99

-Hart & McGarry Chardonnay Napa Valley 2006, $25.99

-Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008, $59.99

 

Try http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com/2008/12/trade-tasting-stem-wine-group-gala.html for a look at what I thought about last year's tasting. My ratings are fairly consistent.

 

The Food: it is always about the porchetta! But there were also lobster bisque, semolina breads, a Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel, mushroom risotto with truffle oil, spring rolls and sausages.

The Upside: there was a jazz-pop guitar trio plus a historical slide show of older photos of the Stem company.

The Contact Person: robert@stemwinegroup.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 96

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com