April 28, 2010: Austrian Annual Wine Trade Fair

 The Time and Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 Noon – 4 PM
The Event: Austrian Annual Wine Trade Fair Toronto 2010
The Venue: Rosehill Venus Lounge
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through
consignment or private order, with handful at Vintages. The catalogue
was divided by tables with full information (but no prices). There were
numerous indexes by agent, by region, and by style of wine.
The Quote/Background: 34 Austrian wineries and many winemakers came on
this trip; some were seeking representation.
The Wines: I did not try every wine, but I did try to taste all the
Rieslings, Traminers, etc. I did not try any wineries seeking an agent.
I had had many of the Rabl wines the night before.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Nigl Gruner Veltliner Privat DAC Reserve 2009, $48.95 retail (Le
Sommelier PO)
-Nigl Riesling Privat DAC Reserve 2009, $64.95 Retail (Le Sommelier)
-Meinklang Pinot Gris 2008, $19.95 PO Living Vine
-Meinklang Gruner Veltliner 2009, $16.95 PO Living Vine – Gold Medal
BioVino
-Nikolaihof Wachau Gruner Veltliner 2007, PO $59.95 Living Vine
-Stadt Krems Riesling Grillenparz Kremstal Reserve 2008, $25.55 LCBO
-Angerer Gruner Veltliner Unfiltriert 2006, $45 B & W
-Rabl Pinot Noir V.O. 2008, $39 David Thompson
-Rabl Riesling Schenkenbichl V.O. 2008, $28  David Thompson
-Brundlmayer Sekt Brut 2006 MC, $37 HHD Imports [PN/Ch]
-Loimer Gruner Veltliner Reserve Terrassen 2008, $48 Licensee Le
Sommelier
-Loimer Riesling Reserve Seeberg 2008, $48.95 L Le Sommelier

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Nigl Gruner Veltliner Garting 2009, $20.95 retail (Le Sommelier) cons
-Nigl Gruner Veltliner Senftenberger Piri DAC 2009, $27.95 (Le
Sommelier PO)
-Meinklang Pinot Noir 2008, $21.95 Con Living Vine
-Nikolaihof Wachau Steiner Hund Riesling Reserve 2005, $65.95 PO Living
Vine
-Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner DAC 2009, $14.95 LCBO
-Stadt Krems Riesling Stenterrassen DAC 2009, $16.95 LCBO
-Angerer Spies Gruner Veltliner 2009, $24.95 B & W
-Rabl Gruner Veltliner Reserve Kaferberg 2008, $28 David Thompson
-Loimer Cuvee In Gumpoldskirchen 2008, $15 Licensee Le Sommelier
-Johanneshof Reinisch Rotgipfler Reserve 2007, $42 Merchant Vintner

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Nigl Riesling Dornleiten DAC 2009, $29.95 Le Sommelier PO
-Nigl Riesling Senftenberger Piri 2009, $43.95 Retail Le Sommelier PO
-Meinklang Saint Laurent 2007, $24.95 Living Vine
-Nikolaihof Wachau Hefeabzug Gruner Veltliner Smaragd im Weingebirge
2007, $59.95 PO Living Vine
-Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner Weinzierlberg 2009, $16.95 LCBO
=Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner Wachtberg Kremstal Reserve 2008, $25.55
LCBO
-Angerer Riesling Donatus 2009, $29.95 B & W Wines
-Angerer Gruner Veltliner KIES 2009, $19.95 B & W
-Rabl Gruner Veltliner V.O., $25 David Thompson
-Rabl Traminer TBA 2007, $50 half-bottle  David Thompson
-Brundlmayer Riesling Kamptaler Terrassen 2009, $23  HHD Imports
-Brundlmayer Riesling Steinmassel 2008, $29 HHD Imports
-Kracher Traminer TBA No. 2 2007, $49 half-bottle HHD Imports
-Lenz Moser Cuvee Prestige TBA [blend] 2007, $20 half-bottle HHD
Imports
-Salomon Undhof Traminer Nobler Reserve 2007, $24.50 half-bottle
Lamprecht
-Loimer Gruner Veltliner LOIS 2009, $12 L Le Sommelier
-Loimer Gruner Veltliner 2009, $17.95 L Le Sommelier
-Loimer Riesling 2009, $17.95 L Le Sommelier
-Huber Riesling Engelreich 2009, $22.95 PO Mark Anthony
-Johanneshof Reinisch Pinot Noir vom Steinfeld 2008, $21 Merchant
Vintner
-Johanneshof Reinisch Gruner Veltliner 2008, $21 Merchant Vintner
-Tement Gelber Muskateller Steirische Klassik 2009, $25 Woodman

 

The Food: as in previous years, cubed cheeses and fruits, bread.
The Downside: with an ocean of Gruner Veltliner there seemed to be a
sameness about many of the white wines.
The Upside: there were more red wines, some quite good.
The Contact Person: Toronto@advantageaustria.org
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 87.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

April 27, 2010: Austrian/Ontario Wine Tasting (OntWineSociety)

The Time and Date:  Tuesday, April 27, 2010   6PM to 9PM
The Event: "An Austrian/Ontario Wine Experience" meeting of the Ontario
Wine Society.
The Venue: University of Toronto Faculty Club
The Target Audience: members and guests of the Ontario Wine Society
The Availability/Catalogue: all the Ontario wines are available, and
most of the Austrian wines also.
The Quote/Background: The OWS wanted to taste and compare similar wine
varieties from Austria and Ontario. With the co-operation of the
Austrian Trade Commission (Toronto) and Inniskillin/Jackson-Triggs, we
all had samples of Weingut Rabl (repped by David Thompson in Ontario)
and the Vincor wines. The guest speakers were Karl Kaiser, who retired
from Inniskillin in 2006 (and who was originally from Austria), and
Rudolf Rabl, winemaker at his family's winery. We were not told which
wine was which, and we were asked to identify them. It could be a
fairly simple exercise, based on common points of colour and length. I
was at an expert's table, and of course we were able to spot which
wines were which. Tasted were riesling, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir,
merlot, and ice wine. Rabl generously offered two kinds of Gruner
Veltliner as a reception wine and as an après tasting wine.
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Inniskillin Riesling Legacy 2008 VQA, $39.95
-Rabl Merlot Vinum Optimum 2006, $55-60

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Rabl Gruner Veltliner Spiegel 2009, $17.95
-Rabl Gruner Veltliner "G" 2008, $27.95
-Rabl Sauvignon Blanc Limited Vinum Optimum 2008, $25
-Rabl Pinot Noir Vinum Optimum 2006, $55-60
-Inniskillin Merlot Two Vineyards 2007 VQA, $22.95
-Inniskillin Pinot Noir Three Vineyards 2007, $22.95
-Inniskillin Vidal Ice Wine Commemorative Oak Aged 2006, $59.95 375mL

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Rabl Riesling Steinhaus 2009, $22.95
-Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc Delaine Vineyard 2008, $23.95
-Rabl Gruner Veltliner Eiswein 2006, $47.95 375mL

 

The Food: with the white wines, we were served charcuterie, greens and
breads. With the red wines, we had potato salad, wiener schnitzel, and
sausage. With dessert, there was dutch apple pie.
The Downside: I thought we'd have apple strudel, not the dutch apple
pie.
The Upside: it was great to have the winemakers talk about their wines
and their styles.
The Contact Person: www.ontariowinesociety.com or sdarby@rogers.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 89.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

April 26, 2010: Expose Portfolio Tasting of Vincor International

The Time and Date: Monday, April 26 2010  1PM to 4 PM
The Event: Expose, the premier wine & spirits collection of Vincor
The Venue: AGO, Baillie Court
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are at the LCBO, and there are
some consignment wines as well.
The Quote/Background: There were about 30 brands, and 100 different
products, ranging from coolers to spirits to top-end Le Clos Jordanne
and Osoyoos LaRose. There was also a lot of socializing.
The Wines: I tasted all the BC wines, and selectively for all the
others.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Chenin Blanc 2007, $16.95 Consignment
-Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Petit Verdot 2006, $29.95 Consignment
-Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Proprietor's Grand Reserve Merlot 2007, $24.95
Consignment
-Clos du Bois North Coast Merlot 2006, $18.95 +124883
-Nk'Mp Qwam Qwnt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $29.95 Consignment
-See Ya Later Ranch Semillon 2007 Okanagan, $19.95 Consignment
-See Ya Later Ranch Ping 2007 Okanagan, $24.95 Consignment
-Sumac Ridge Black Sage Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 Okanagan, $14.95
Consignment
-Sumac Ridge Black Sage Vineyard Meritage 2006 Okanagan, $24.95
Consignment
-Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2004, $39.95, +971705
-Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, $39.95, +39537
-Inniskillin Legacy Riesling 2007 Niagara, $29.95 Upcoming Classics
-Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2007 Niagara, $65, +34561
-Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2007 Niagara, $40,
+56929
-Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2007 Niagara, $70, +34553
-Osoyoos LaRose Le Grand Vin 2006 Okanagan, $39.95 +626325
-Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 Napa, $139.95, +670463

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Inniskillin Okanagan Dark Horse Meritage 2007, $24.95 Consignment
-Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Proprietor's Reserve Viognier 2008, $15.95
Consignment
-Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Proprietor's Grand Reserve Cabernet Shiraz
Viognier 2007, $29.95 Consignment
-Jackson-Triggs Okanagan SunRock Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, $34.95
Consignment
-Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Proprietor's Reserve Merlot 2008, $14.95,
+543876
-Kim Crawford Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007, $24.95 Consignment
-Nk'Mp Qwam Qwnt Chardonnay 2008, $24.95 Consignment
-See Ya Later Ranch Brut NV Okanagan, $23.95 Consignment
-Sumac Ridge Pinnacle Red 2005 Okanagan, $49.95 Consignment
-Kim Crawford Boyzone Pinot Gris 2007, $24.95 Consignment
-Kim Crawford Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2005, $19.95 Consignment
-Barossa Valley Estate E-Minor Shiraz 2008, $17.95, +71043
-Inniskillin Legacy Cabernet Franc 2007 Niagara, $39.95 Upcoming
Classics
-Inniskillin Reserve Pinot Noir 2008 Okanagan, $18.95 Vintages Aug 7
-Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Proprietor's Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2008,
$19.95, +643542
-Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Belaine Vineyard Syrah 2007, $32.95, +86553
-Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Niagara, $25, +33936
-Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2007 Niagara, $25, +33894
-Le Clos Jordanne L.C.J. Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 Niagara, $40, +33902
-Le Clos Jordanne La Petite Colline Pinot Noir 2007 Niagara, $40,
+33944
-Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, $35.95, +255513
-Toasted Head Chardonnay 2008 California, $17.95, +594341

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Jackson-Triggs Okanagan SunRock Shiraz 2007, $34.95 Consignment
-Nk'Mp Qwam Qwnt Syrah 2007, $34.95 Consignment
-Jackson-Triggs Proprietor's Grand Reserve Merlot 2006 Niagara, $19.95,
+563197
-Hardy's Stamp of Australia Riesling Gewurztraminer 2009, $8.95 +448548
-Inniskillin Cabernet Franc 2007 Niagara, $13.50, +317016
-Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Proprietor's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2008,
$13.95, +593111
-Sumac Ridge Cabernet Merlot 2008 Okanagan, $14.95, +157487
-Sumac Ridge Gewurztraminer 2008 Okanagan, $14.95, +157495
-Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay 2008, $16.95, +379180
-Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 California,
$13.95, +48611

 

The Food: I'm not quite sure what they were aiming for, since the
invite specifically said wines "perfectly paired" with hors d'oeuvre.
There were curious mixtures of bistro food (sliders and fries) which
did not go with many things, but there were also shrimp, smoked salmon,
quiche, brioche sandwiches, and others that I did not get to. The beet
appetizers were superb\, and best with chardonnays.
The Downside: there was some initial mixup over who to RSVP and where
the media invites had been.
The Upside: a good clear shot through the offerings of Constellation in
Ontario plus Vincor's BC holdings.
The Contact Person: Melanie.dasilveira@vincor.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH of May, 2010

SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH

 

1.Pom'Or Tradition Sparkling Cider (Ciderie St-Nicolas, PQ), $13.45
June 26 Vintages, 750 mL with a sparkling wine cork and hood, 7% ABV.
Off-dry, fresh apples on the nose but also some nuances of baked
caramel tones and some pie spices. Some light honey touches, long crisp
finish, actually best with food (pork dishes, cheeses, light semi-sweet
desserts). Cuve close, 4 months cool fermentation. Made from a
combination of older heirloom and newer apple varieties in one of the
oldest apple orchards in PQ.

 

2. Featherstone Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2007 Twenty Mile Bench
Niagara, $39.95: winery only, 68 cases produced, expect cherries and
other red fruit, some French oak and toast and smoke, long finish, in
an atypical bottles (Bordeaux-style shape, plus screw cap). Wild yeast
strains used. 13% ABV, and should be long lasting.

 

3. Featherstone Estate Winery Select Late Harvest Cabernet Franc 2008
Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, $19.95 for 375 mL half-bottles. About 190
cases, available only at winery. Predominantly strawberries, excellent
for dryish desserts, certainly with strawbs coming available in June.
Some noble rot makes it taste a bit exotic.

 

4. Featherstone Estate Winery Gewurztraminer Icewine 2008 Twenty Mile
Bench Niagara, $34.95 for 200 mL bottle: about 73 cases produced, only
available at the winery. This is my fave type of icewine, with that
intense gewurztraminer flavour and long, lingering finish. Since all
you need is a small dose, the 200 mL is certainly within reach of most
pocket books.

 

5. Featherstone Estate Winery Gewurztraminer 2009 Featherstone Vineyard
Niagara, $19.95: all stainless steel fermentation after cold soaking.
Alsatian style but lighter in body. Some may say lychee tones, but
there is also a slight bitter aftertaste, characteristic of the grape
variety. 100 cases, available this summer at the winery only. Good buy.

 

6. Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2008 Twenty Miler
Bench Niagara, $21.95, only 86 cases made. It is a treat to be able to
taste real Canadian oak. But most I've tasted have the flavours of
something between French and American oak, so maybe it can be all right
to use a mix of oaks for the same kind of flavour profile.
Nevertheless, it makes it more Canadian and keeps our money at home. In
oak for a year, with flavours on the pear side of fruit tones. I liked
it.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

World Wine Watch for May 15, 2010

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 15, 2010
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to
thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers
and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Peninsula Ridge Inox Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Beal Vineyards
Beamsville Bench VQA: lovely development of white flowers, very good
consistency, quite floral. No oak. +7328, $18.95, QPR: 90.
2. Las Moras Reserve Chardonnay 2008 San Juan Argentina: excellent all
round chard at this price, a bit of fruit, wood, zest, long finish.
Snap it all up!! +32896, $11.95, QPR: 92.
3. Rodney Young Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma: lovely tropical
fruit, crisp finish and toast. 14.3% ABV. +275552, $19.95, QPR: 90.
4. La Joya Viognier Reserve 2008 Colchagua Chile: enjoyable floral
flavours, good price, but best with food rather than as sipper, 14.3%
ABV. +168542, $13.95, QPR: 90.
5. Sileni Cellar Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough:
tasty, zesty, nervy, good food finish. +662882, $15.95, QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Renwood Sierra Foothills Red Label Syrah 2005: good wood and syrah
development, uplifting, lovely finish. +588095, $15.95, QPR: 90.
2. Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Mendoza: good price for a wine
made from organic grapes, hits all the cab notes, finishes well.
+68452, $12.95, QPR: 90.
3. Chateau Hauchat 2006 Fronsac: good Bordeaux MVC, nice finish.
+123489, $14.95, QPR: 90.
4. Villa Girardi Bure Alto Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore
2007: very tasty but North American fruit bomb appeal, long length.
+161844, $17.95, QPR: 90.
5. Bod. Valcarlos Fortius Reserva 2004 Navarra: raisins, nicely aged,
well-priced. +166611, $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
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.

 

1. J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2007 Monterey, +171272, $29.95
retail.
2. Heggies Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Eden South Australia, +903559,
$23.95.
3. Roux Pere & Fils La Chateniere Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 2007, +169177,
$39.95.
4. William Fevre Chablis 1er Cru 2007, +169805, $29.95.
5. Dr.Nagler Riesling Auslese 2002 QmP Rudesheimer, +161646, $22.95.
6. Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2007 Okanagan VQA, +585760, $24.95.
7. Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre 2007 Barossa, +6551,
$23.95.
8. Chateau La Confession 2006 St-Emilion Grand Cru, +563684, $62.
9. Domaine Daniel Rion & Fils Les Grandes Vignes Nuits-St-Georges 2007,
+981548, $44.95.
10. Marchesi de Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2004,
+650432, $49.95.
11. Querciabella Chianti Classico 2007, +728816, $34.95.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

April 23, 2010: BioVino at the Green Living Show

The Time and Date: Friday, April 23, 2010  Noon – 4 PM
The Event: BioVino eco-friendly wine exposition at the Green Living
Show.
The Venue: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition grounds.
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was unfortunately buried in
the Green Living show catalogue, which was not conveniently available.
We were not told this until later. But most of the wines were listed,
along with availability (LCBO, consignment, etc. And most of the wines
came from the portfolio of The Living Vine (www.thelivingvine.ca).
The Quote/Background: There were continuous seminars, about 15 minutes
each, with 15 minutes off, on a variety of themes relating to
sustainable or organic or biodynamic wineries. Many speakers were top
notch, and principals: Bill Redelmeier (Southbrook), Nicolas Joly
(writer and grower), Luca Tommasini, Monty Waldin, and others. The show
went on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Wines: I did not taste all wines, and I did not taste wines that I
had already recently written about.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-DogRidge The Pup Sparkling Chardonnay 2009 McLaren Vale, $19.90
licensee (Le Sommelier)
-DogRidge Shirtfront Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale, $36.95 licensee (Le
Sommelier)
-Peju Persephone Vineyard Zinfandel 2006 Napa, $42.70 licensee (Le
Sommelier)
-The Sadie Family Palladius 2008 Swartland South Africa [chenin blanc &
chardonnay], $79.95 The Living Vine
-The Sadie Family Columella 2007 Swartland South Africa [shiraz &
mourvedre], $99.95 The Living Vine
-Ceago Vinegarden Winemakers Blend 2005 Lake County [red], $46.95 The
Living Vine
-Robert Sinskey Vineyards Vandal Cabernet 2005 Napa, $39.95 The Living
Vine
-Chateau Monty's French White 2008 Roussillon, $19.95 The Living Vine
-Chateau Monty's French Red 2008 Roussillon, $19.95 The Living Vine
-Champagne Fleury Carte Rouge Brut Blanc de Noirs NV, $56.95 The Living
Vine
-Champagne Fleury Fleur de L'Europe NV, $56.95 The Living Vine
-Champagne Fleury Rose NV, $79.95 The Living Vine
-Domaine Barmes Buecher Gewurztraminer Rosenberg 2007 Alsace, $30.95
The Living Vine
-Collefrisio Montepulciano Uno 2007 Abruzzo, $26.95 B&W Wines

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Marcel Deiss Pinot d'Alsace 2004, +165365 Vintages ($16.16 licensee)
-DogRidge Sqaurecut Cabernet 2006 McLaren Vale, $36.95 license (Le
Sommelier)
-Organic Vignerons Viognier 2008 South Australia, +148981, $17.95
-Paxton Vineyards AAA Shiraz/Grenache 2008 McLaren Vale, $19.95 The
Living Vine
-Enoomah Bore Wine Shiraz/Cabernet 2007 South Australia, $15.95,
Vintages July 10
-Peju Persephone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa, $66.45 licensee
(Le Sommelier)
-Temple Bruer Vineyards Sparkling Pure White 2009 [chenin blanc &
viognier] Langhorne Creek, $18.95 The Living Vine
-Temple Bruer Vineyards Preservative Free Shiraz 2007 Langhorne Creek,
$22.95 The Living Vine
-Millton Vineyard Opou Chardonnay 2007 Gisborne NZ, +92478, $22.95
-Millton Vineyard Clos de Ste Anne Chardonnay 2007 Gisborne NZ,
+141549, $42.95
-Stratus White 2006 VQA Niagara, +660704, $44
-Az. Agric. Sangervasio Chianti 2008, $21.95 B&W Wines

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Paxton Vineyards Chardonnay 2008 McLaren Vale, $24.95 Living Vine
-Paxton Vineyards Quandong Shiraz McLaren Vale, $26.95
-Temple Bruer Vineyards Grenache Shiraz Viognier 2007 Langhorne Creek,
$19.95 The Living Vine
-Millton Vineyard Riverpoint Viognier 2009 Gisborne NZ, +158816, $22.95
-Richmond Plain Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Nelson NZ, $16.95 The Living Vine
-Ceago Vinegarden Del Lago Chardonnay 2007 Lake County, +145870, $25.95
The Living Vine
-Ceago Vinegarden Del Lago Merlot 2006 Lake County, $28.95 The Living
Vine
-Tollgate White 2007 VQA, $16.10 licensee Stratus Niagara
-Tollgate Red 2007 VQA, $16.10 licensee Stratus Niagara
-Domaine Barmes Buecher Riesling Rosenberg 2007 Alsace, $27.95 The
Living Vine
-Domaine Ostertag Riesling V'dE 2007 Alsace, $27.95 The Living Vine
-Collefrisio Montepulciano 2008 Abruzzo, $18.95 B&W Wines

 

The Food: really good crusty bread, unidentified, but presumably
sustainable or organic.
The Downside: no spit buckets – we had to carry our own as well as
write notes, etc.
The Upside: a chance to taste all of these wines together. It was a
good mesh with the earlier tasting at Earth.
The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 89.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

April 21,2010: LCBO Vintages Green Evoluition wine show

The Time and Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2010   2:30 PM to 4:30PM
The Event: Vintages Presents Green Evolution: eco-friendly wine tasting
and dinner.
The Venue: Earth, 1055 Yonge Street
The Target Audience: wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines were available at the Vintages
event that evening, but we were allowed to taste in the afternoon. I
begged for a look at the catalogue; it had some information about the
winemakers and wineries.
The Quote/Background: the wines were a mix of sustainable, organic and
biodynamic wines (also known as SOB wines). Just about every wine was
an event exclusive,
The Wines: There were about 15 wines which were not tasted, or were
only at dinner.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dom. Weinbach Schlossberg Cuvee St. Catherine Riesling 2008 Alsace,
$84
-Comp. de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez Lanzaga 2008 Rioja, $29
-Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Chile, $18
-Paul Dolan Zinfandel 2007 Mendocino, $19
-Paul Dolan Deep Red 2006 Mendocino, $56

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Pommery Brut Royal Champagne NV, $60
-Southbrook Poetica Cabernet Merlot 2007 VQA, $60
-Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008 NZ, $19
-Dom. Weinbach Reserve Personelle Gewurztraminer 2007 Alsace, $43
-Dom. Weinbach Schlossberg Riesling 2008 Alsace, $55
-Comp. de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez Pegaso 2007 Spain, $39
-Benziger Lake and Sonoma Counties Sauvignon Blanc 2008, $20
-Benziger Signaterra Pinot Noir 2007 Sonoma, $69
-Benziger Signaterra Three Blocks 2006 Sonoma, $69
-Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Mendocino, $18
-Dom. Weinbach Furstentum Vendanges Tardives Gewurztraminer 2005, $134
750mL

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Pommery POP Earth Champagne, $60
-Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Merlot Reserve 2007 VQA, $26.95
-Southbrook Rose 2009 VQA, $18.95
-Yealands Estate Pinot Gris 2008 NZ, $19
-Yealands Estate Riesling 2009 NZ, $19
-Dom. Weinbach Pinot Blanc 2008 Reserve Alsace, $41
-Dom. Weinbach Cuvee Theo Riesling 2008 Alsace, $45
-Arboleda Carmenere 2008 Chile, $18
-Arboleda Syrah 2008 Chile, $18.95
-Paul Dolan Pinot Noir 2007 Mendocino, $34

 

The Food: bread and water
The Downside: it was my third wine tasting of the day, and I had to re-
set my palate several times throughout the day. Also, we were not given
a catalogue.
The Upside: a chance to taste a variety of sustainable wines from many
regions in one room.
The Contact Person: Calibrium International and Lifford Wine Agency.
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 86.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

Beer and Butter Tarts

Folks, there is a new Food Aggregator in town...One that wants to go
national...It's Beer and Butter Tarts, and it likes to tie up and link together
all of the food blogs in Canada...a noble idea.

Try it at Beer and Butter Tarts

It'll serve as a master list and index to all Canadian food bloggers.

Thanks, guys!!!

April 21, 2010: Discover the Wine Flavours of Argentina

The Time and Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2010  1PM to 5 PM
The Event: "Discover the Flavours of Argentina from Salta to Patagonia"
The Venue: Intercontinental Hotel, Front Street.
The Target Audience: wine agents and wine press, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: just about all of the wines are not yet
available. These 19 wineries are looking for agents in Ontario. Some
had already signed up by show time.
The Quote/Background: This was a major wine show initiative, conducted
with grace. Not a single winery or principal was pushy.
The Wines: There were more wines than were listed in the catalogue, and
some of the wines listed never made it here. There were about 8 wines
each (total of 160?). Some prices varied from those listed in the
catalogue. I did not taste all the wines. I did not report on the
sparklers. Prices are APPROXIMATE.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Carelli Malbec 2006 La Consulta-Mendoza, $78.99
-Don Cristobal Triana [Malbec/Syrah/CabSauv] 2007 Mendoza, $27.99
-Don Manuel Villafane Grand Reserva Malbec 2007 Mendoza, $25.99
-El Porvenir de Los Andes Laborum Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Cafayate-
Salta, $48.99
-Finca Las Yeguas Gozzo Viognier 2008 Perdriel Mendoza, $12.99 ORGANIC
-Las Canitas Juan Cruz Navarro Torre Reserva Malbec 2008 Valle de
Calamuchita – Cordoba, $39.99
-Mi Terruno Reserva Chardonnay 2008 Mendoza, $16.99
-Palo Alto Yllum Grand Reserve Blend [Malbec/CabSauv/Merlot] 2005
Mendoza, $47.99
-San Huberto Nina Cabernet/Malbec 2007 La Rioja, $29.99

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Carelli Gran Malbec 2006 La Consulta-Mendoza, $105
-Casa Montes Alzamora Grand Reserve Malbec 2006 San Juan, $19.99
-El Porvenir de Los Andes Laborum Malbec 2006 Cafayate-Salta, $48.99
-El Porvenir de Los Andes Laborum Torrontes 2009 Cafayate-Salta, $17.99
-Finca Las Yeguas Malbec 2007 Perdriel Mendoza, $52.99 ORGANIC
-Finca Las Yeguas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Perdriel Mendoza, $52.99
ORGANIC
-Las Canitas Familia Navarro Torre Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec
2008 Valle de Calamuchita – Cordoba, $23.99
-Mi Terruno Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza, $16.99
-Mi Terruno Mayacaba Malbec 2007 Mendoza, $47.99
-Palo Alto Yllum Malbec Reserve 2006 Mendoza, $23.99
-Palo Alto Yllum Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 Mendoza, $23.99
-San Huberto Nina Petit Verdot 2007 La Rioja, $39.99
-Secreto Patagonico Malbec Roble 2006 Patagonia, $43.99
-Secreto Patagonico Chardonnay 2007 Patagonia, $17.99
-Tierras de Ponte Privado Malbec 2006 Tulum Valley-San Juan, $26.49
-Vasija Secreta VAS Torrontes 2008 Cafayate-Salta, $21.99
-Vasija Secreta VAS Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Cafayate-Salta, $21.99
-Vasija Secreta VAS Malbec 2007 Cafayate-Salta, $31.99
-Vasija Secreta VAS Reserva [CabSauv/Malbec/Tannat] 2007 Cafayate-
Salta, $32.99

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Don Manuel Villafane Reserva Malbec 2007 Mendoza, $17.99
-El Porvenir de Los Andes Laborum Tannat 2006 Cafayate-Salta, $48.99
-Finca Las Yeguas Gozzo Torrontes 2009 Perdriel Mendoza, $12.99 ORGANIC
-Las Piedras Pura Vid Pannunzio Giovanni Vincenzo Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Maipu Mendoza, $16.99
-Mi Terruno Limited Reserva Blend Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Mendoza, $21.99
-Sietefincas Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Tupungato-Mendoza, $15.99
-Tanino Argentina El Rosal Reserve Malbec 2006 San Rafael-Mendoza,
$17.99
-Tierras de Ponte Privado Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Tulum Valley-San
Juan, $26.49
-Secreto Patagonico Malbec 2008 Patagonia, $19.99

 

The Food: roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and/or bun, skewered meats,
lots of cheeses, tempting seafood and vegetarian one-biters. First
rate!
The Downside: interpreters slowed down pouring, but what else can you
do when there is no agent to take responsibility for telling clients
what's in the wine and how much it cost?
The Upside: two rooms, not crowded, everybody seemed to know what they
were doing.
The Contact Person: info@winespeak.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

April 20, 2010: APVSA Tasting

 The Time and Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2010   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 are often sales staff
available to comment on the prices and production. This road show also
visits New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Calgary and Montreal
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 60 or so wines could be made available
through Vintages or Consignment. In the past, many have been picked up
for sale in Ontario. Here were my faves, regardless of price (all
prices are ex-cellar Euros):

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dom. Du Bicheron Gaec Rousset Macon Peronne 2008, 3.80 E
-Jean Pierre Legret Champagne Grande Reserve NV, 12.80 E
-Maison Gille Cote de Nuits-Villages 1999, 9.00 E

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dom. De la Chaise Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2009, 2.85 E
-Dom. Du Parc Saint Charles Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2009 Cuvee St Charles,
2.90 E
-Jean Pierre Legret Champagne 2000, 14.00 E
-Jean Pierre Legret Champagne Cuvee Speciale Brut Blanc de Blanc NV,
11.80 E
-Maison Gille Cote de Nuits-Villages 2003, 6.00 E
-Maison Gille Cote de Nuits-Villages 2006, 5.94 E
-Maison Gille Nuits-Saint-Georges "Les Brulees" 2007, 11.78 E
-Maison Gille Nuits-Saint-Georges "Les Cailles" 2005, 18.29 E

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dom. Les Girard du Boucou Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, 12.50 E
-Jean Pierre Legret Champagne Brut Tradition NV, $10.50 E
-Jean Pierre Legret Champagne Demi-Sec NV, 10.50 E
-Jean Pierre Legret Champagne Rose Brut NV, 11.50 E
-Moreteaux et Fils Bourgogne Chardonnay 2009, 3.30 E
-Moreteaux et Fils Bourgogne Aligot 2009, 3.20 E
-Maison Gille Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2008, 4.44 E
-Maison Gille Cote de Nuits-Villages 2004 5.97 E
-Maison Gille Cote de Nuits-Villages 2005, 6.06 E
-Maison Gille Cote de Nuits-Villages 2007, 5.94 E
-Maison Gille Nuits-Saint-Georges "Les Cailles" 2006, 18.02 E

 

The Food: none.
The Downside: selection is eclectic and bottles arrive haphazardly.
Some bottles never arrived at all, but we were not told this until we
got there.
The Upside: a chance to taste some engaging wines not available here.
There is a listing of wines with FOB prices in Euros.
The Contact Person: Pascal p.fernand@apvsa.ca
The Effectiveness (numerical grade): 84.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

April 19, 2010: 30th Annual Canadian Tour for the California Wine Fair

The Time and Date: Monday, April 19, 2010  2:30PM to 5 PM
The Event: The 30th Annual Canadian tour for the California Wine Fair
The Venue: Fairmont Royal York
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was very well done,
informative, and with all the basic data except for prices.
The Quote/Background: There were over 120 wineries, many with over 4
wines each.
The Wines: I could not taste everything. Luckily, I had some wines
during an earlier press preview, but only about 15% of the total.
Today, because I was not impressed with the Chardonnays at that earlier
press preview, I did as many Chardonnays as I could handle. Plus some
other wines.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Galante Blackjack Pasture Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Carmel Valley, $100
-Hahn Family Meritage 2008 Central Coast
-Hess Collection Su'skol Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 Napa
-Nichols Winery Merlot 2000 Paso Robles, $37.95
-Nichols Winery Chardonnay Paragon Vineyard 2001 Eden, $42.04 licensee
-Rutherford Wine Co. Scott Family Estate Chardonnay 2008 Arroyo Seco

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Andretti Chardonnay 2008 Napa Valley
-Artesa Winery Chardonnay 2007 Carneros
-Chappellet Mountain Cuvee 2007 Napa, $36.95
-Christine Andrew Viognier 2007 Lodi, $25
-Cuvaison Chardonnay S Block 2008 Napa
-Galante Red Rose Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Carmel Valley $71.20
Licensee
-Galante Rancho Calante Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Carmel Valley $44.98
licensee
-Heitz Chardonnay 2007 Napa
-Hess Collection Select Chardonnay 2008 Mendocino
-J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay 2008 Arroyo Seco
-Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay 2007
-Murrieta's Well Meritage White 2007 Livermore, $34.95
-Murrieta's Well Meritage Red 2007 Livermore, $34.95
-Nicols Winery Silver Fox Cabernet Sauvignon/Black Label 2000 Paso
Robles, $50
-Oakville Ranch Chardonnay 2007 Oakville
-Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California
-Rutherford Wine Co. Round Hill Chardonnay 2008 California
-Schug Carneros Chardonnay 2007
-St. Clement Chardonnay 2008 Carneros
-Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay 2007 Napa
-Stonehedge Winery Gewurztraminer 2008 Mendocino
-Truchard Vineyards Chardonnay 2008 Carneros

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Francis Ford Coppola Presents Diamond Collection Gold Label Chardonnay
2008 Monterey
-Liberty School Chardonnay 2007 California
-Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards Chardonnay 2008 Santa Barbara County, $22
-Lucas & Lewellen Viognier 2008 Santa Barbara County
-Starmont Chardonnay 2007 Napa
-Miner Family Viognier 2008 California
-Parducci Chardonnay 2008 Mendocino
-Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa
-Rutherford Wine Co. Lander Jenkins Chardonnay 2008 California
-Signorello Vineyards Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2008 Napa, $60
-Stag's Leap Winery Viognier 2008 Napa
-Stag's Leap Winery Chardonnay 2007 Napa

 

The Food: cheeses and breads, some pate, fruits.
The Downside: too many wines were shown – it gets bigger every year,
and the only way to go through it is by variety.
The Upside: a good show to peruse if you go for only one variety or
region. It should be a show over two days.
The Contact Person: calwine@sympatico.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 87.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com