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Monday, June 21, 2010

May 13/10: Taste to Terroir -- Ontario wines at George Brown College

The Time and Date: Thursday, May 13, 2010  7Pm to 10PM

The Event: Taste to Terroir; celebrate Ontario

The Venue: George Brown College Chef School, Adelaide

The Target Audience: consumers, invited media.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available, some through normal distribution channels, others through the winery alone.

The Quote/Background: Salut is back, although this is yet again another name change. The basic formula should work – consumer shows are what is needed, not trade shows nor seminars. Just my opinion.

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines.

 

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

-Rosewood Chardonnay Reserve 2007, $25

-The Grange of PEC Trompour's Mill Victoria Block Chardonnay 2007

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (8890 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Organized Crime Gewurztraminer 2008, $22

-Organized Crime Riesling Reserve 2008, $28

-Organized Crime Syrah 2008, $34

-Kacaba Chardonnay 2006 Horizon Ridge, $19.95

-Kacaba Riesling Reserve 2009, $17.95

-Lailey Counterpoint White 2005 [Gewurz,sav.bl.,chardonnay,sem.,riesling]  $25

-Lailey Pinot Noir 2008, $25

-Rosewood Natalie's Sussreserve Riesling 2008, $18

-Rosewood Semillon 2008, $18

-Creekside Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2007, $26.95

-Hillebrand Trius White 2008

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Riesling 2008

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Baco Noir 2008

-Nyarai Cellars Chardonnay 2007

-Nyarai Cellars Trois 2009 [pinot grigio,viognier,sauv.bl.] $19.50

-Peninsula Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Wismer Vineyard 2009

-Peninsula Ridge Fume Blanc 2007

-Peninsula Ridge Meritage 2007

-Daniel Lenko Estate Riesling Reserve 2007, $19.95

     

*** Three Stars (8587 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Organized Crime Pinot Gris 2009, $19

-Organized Crime Pinot Noir 2008, $34

-Organized Crime Cabernet Franc 2008, $34

-Lailey Chardonnay 2007, $20

-Pelee Island Gewurztraminer Reserve 2006

-Wayne Gretzky Estate Riesling 2008

-Wayne Gretzky Estate Chardonnay 2008

-Hernder Gewurztraminer 2007 Wild Ferment

-Legends Diva 2008 Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc

-Legends Gewurztraminer 2007

-Foreign Affair Winery Riesling 2008, $24.95

-Mountain Road Winery Chardonnay 2007

 

The Food: a variety (Beretta pork bellies from GBC Restaurant, Norfolk county apple foods, Stratford's Bijou Bistro charcuterie, Dairy Farmers' cheeses such as bocconcini, havarti, maple cheddar, and chocolate cheese fudge, et al).

The Downside: there was room for about 50 more people; 150 were in attendance.

The Upside: a chance to enjoy a relaxed show where NOBODY in the audience knew me. I do get harried when people try to talk to me and want an answer when my mouth is full of wine. They risk danger…

The Contact Person: lindsaygroves@hotmail.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

 
 
 

Saturday, June 19, 2010

May 17/10: Winemakers and Terroir, Gigliola Trambusti Fine Italian Wines at Hart House

 The Time and Date: Monday, May 17, 2010  11AM to 6PM

The Event: Winemakers and Terroir; in collaboration with Gigliola Trambusti Fine Italian Wines.

The Venue: Hart House, Univ of Toronto

The Target Audience: wine trade, agents.

The Availability/Catalogue: about half of the wines were already available from agents. But in essence, this was to be a show of Italian wineries looking for agents in Ontario.

The Quote/Background: presumably some of the wines are available through the normal distribution systems, but most will be private orders. Prices were difficult to come by, so I just gave up.

The Wines: I did not try all the wines.

 

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

-Riofava di Sergio Gomba Nebbiolo d'Alba 2007  Ron Carpentier

-Podere La Vigna Rosso Toscana IGT Maritato 2005   Churchill Cellars

-Frat. De Luca Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Conte Genoino 2004

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (8890 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Riofava di Sergio Gomba Barolo Suri 2005  Ron Carpentier

-Riofava di Sergio Gomba Barolo 2006  Ron Carpentier

-Podere Saulino Brachetto di Piemonte NV [sparkling]  Ron Carpentier

-Villa Erbice Amarone Della Valpolicella Tremenel 2005

-Dal Din Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Vidor Millesimato 2009

-Provenza Lugana Brut Metodo Classico Ca Maiol  Lorac

-Branko Collio Pinot Grigio 2009

-Tenuta de Sticciano Rosso Toscana Cantastorie IGT 2005    Ron Carpentier

-Podere La Vigna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2004   Churchill Cellars

-Poderi Angelini Chardonnay de Salento IGT 2009

-Villa di Quartu Cannonau di Sardegna Parillias 2007    Vinum Novum

 

*** Three Stars (8587 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-La Cipriana Bolgheri Vermentino Paguro 2009 Tuscany

 

The Food: cold cuts of salami and prosciutto and other antipasti dishes (marinated roasted veggies, sun-dried tomatoes, cheeses, breads, etc.)

The Downside: I was expecting more trade people, and also more unrepresented wineries.

The Upside: I got to experience some new and different wineries.

The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 87.

 
 
 

Friday, June 18, 2010

Canada Post and HST

The HST is being applied to a new range of services, all of which are itemized on the BC and Ontario government websites. Newspapers copy these lists and present them to the public (e.g., here's what's going up in price, here's other changes, etc.).
 
BUT -- neither BC nor Ontario sites, nor the Canada Post site, nor the papers and magazines mention at all the fact that Canada Post rates will now be HST and going up 8% (the old PST) in Ontario.
 
To me, this is a huge chunk of change for Ontarians. We're already at 54 cents plus GST. Another 8% (a nickel? six cents?) will just drive more people away from the post office.
 
But it is NOT the money gained by Canada Post that makes me to write this note; it is the lack of information that this particular change is coming.
 
Not a single media outlet has commented on the post office and HST -- except the one in Medicine Hat last month (May 13) , and even that was just obliquely.
 
 
Is there a coverup of HST data that the public should know about?
 

Thursday, June 17, 2010

FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH!

WATCHING WHAT WE EAT; the evolution of television cooking shows
(Continuum Books, 2009, 278 pages, ISBN 978-0-8264-2930-8, $24.95 US
hard covers) is by Kathleen Collins, a professional librarian at John
Jay College in New York, with a master's degree in journalism. She's
written a lot of stuff about popular culture and television. She
begins, quite rightly, with radio's government home economists such as
Aunt Sammy in 1926. The USDA used this method to communicate with
farmers all over the country; they employed scores of women reading the
same script but with different regional accents. From these shows,
radio evolved a way for housewives to share recipes. Next was James
Beard in 1946, on TV, followed by Dione Lucas. These two TV chefs made
New York the centre of American gastronomy. Eventually, Julia Child
turned up, followed by Graham Kerr. PBS ruled the cooking shows with
top notch cookbook authors. Local cooks appeared on local TV. Then the
Food Network experience happened, and the rest is, well, history.
Collins' account is exceptionally readable (she is a journalist, of
course). There are small but clearly reproduced archival photos. There
are sources for follow-up plus a bibliography.
Audience and level of use: culinary historians, popular culturists,
television lovers who also read.
Some interesting or unusual facts: The Frugal Chef (Jeff Smith) was
ahead of his time – he discussed food as a topic beyond nutrition,
cooking methods, and restaurants. This was before the Food Network.
The downside to this book: I would have liked more coverage about
radio, even though it is outside the scope of the book.
The upside to this book: quality writing and her ability to communicate
facts and ideas.
Quality/Price Rating: 92.
 
 

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

May 14/10: Salut Grand Tasting of International Wines at Hart House

 The Time and Date: Friday, May 14, 2010  7 PM to 10 PM

The Event: Salut Grand Tasting; international and French

The Venue: Hart House, Gallery

The Target Audience: wine consumers and invited media.

The Availability/Catalogue: wines are either available through the normal distribution channels or by private order.

The Quote/Background: Hart House is a great setting, but you had to be there early to get the good wine (no crowds, no lineups, and no darkness).

The Wines: I did not taste every wine.

 

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

-Chateau David Queynac 2005, $20   Amethyst

-Francis Ford Coppola Shiraz California 2008 +57034  $14.10

-Donato Angiuli Primitivo Rosso Maccone 2007 Puglia $31.50 Argentum

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (8890 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Strategeme 2007 Cot. De Languedoc, $25  Amethyst

-Summerhouse Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2008   Amethyst

-Cattier Champagne Brut Carlin NV   $37.95   Fettah Wine Services

-Mitolo Jester McLaren Vale Shiraz 2007  $21.95 +659607 Vintages Essential

-Clos St. Georges Chevalier 2005 $14.95  Violet Hill

-Clos St. Georges Cuvee de Pierre "Les Aspres" 2002  $19.95 Violet Hill

-Adega Coop Almeirim Planicie Tejo 2007 Portugal $13.50 Argentum

-Bod. Ochoa Tempranillo Crianza Navarra 2006 $23.50 Argentum

-Ugglano Tuscan IGT Merlot Canto I 1999  $33.50 Argentum

-Bod. Fam. Barberia Blasson del Valle Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Argentina $14.95 Argentum

-Bod. Mi Terruno Uvas Tempranillo 2008 Argentina $13.95 Argentum

-Bod. Mi Terruno Uvas Torrontes 2009 Argentina $13.95 Argentum

-Bod. Terras Altas Malbec 2007 Argentina $16.95 Argentum

 

*** Three Stars (8587 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Rigoloccio Tuscany IGT 2006 [cab.,alicante]  Amethyst

-Gibbston Highgate Incognito Pinot Grigio 2009 New Zealand Amethyst

-Agnus Dei Albarino 2008 Spain

-Lupe-Cholet Chablis Chateau de Viviers 2008  $22.95 Fettah

-Lupe-Cholet Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007  $19.95  Fettah

-Red Knot Shingleback McLaren Vale Shiraz 2007 +619395 LCBP $17.95

-Laurent Miquel Chardonnay 2008 Pay D'Oc  +157909 LCBO $11.95

-Chateau Laurets 2007 Bordeaux, $18.80 LCBO

-Kaiken Malbec 2008

-Claude Nouveau Hautes Cotes de Beaune 2008  Violet Hill

-Bod. Pierola Crianza Rioja 2006   Violet Hill

-A. Luigi Angela e Nicola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Le Bignete 2001 $61.50 Argentum

-Bod. Ochoa Garnacha & Tempranillo Navarra 2007 $18.95 Argentum

-Bod. Ochoa Graciano & Garnacha Navarra 2006 $20.95 Argentum

-Brezza Barolo Sarmassa 2000 $74.95  Argentum

-Opera Delle Muse Sant'Agata Dei Goti Aglianco Campania 2005 $29.95 Argentum

-Samuele Guerrini Toscana IGT Rosso It Terraccio 2004, $18.95 Argentum

 

The Food: cheeses from Dairy Farmers (apetina feta, 6-year old cheddar, caramelized onion cheddar cheese), BBQ fried fish, open-faced chicken sandwiches, sliders, farro salad, spring green soup, mushroom crepes.

The Downside: it was crowded, probably because it was a Friday night, and the lights were doused quite early. Nobody could see what they were drinking, and note taking was impossible. The joys of comsumer shows…

The Upside: nobody knew who I was, so I could cruise easily. However, nobody but me seemed to be spitting, and getting to a bucket was a chore.

The Contact Person: lindsaygroves@hotmail.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 86

 
 
 

Monday, June 14, 2010

May 13/10: New Wines of Greece at Metropolitan Hotel

 The Time and Date: Thursday, May 13, 2010  11AM to 4 PM

The Event: New Wines of Greece.

The Venue: Metropolitan Toronto Hotel

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: Most wines were available now (or later in the year) through the normal LCBO distribution channels. A few will have to be privately ordered.

The Quote/Background: John Szabo MS led a 90-minute seminar that featured a comparative tasting of Greek and International varieties. He began with the white Moschofilero (comparing with Alvarinho and Pinot Grigio) and Assyrtiko varieties (comparing with Chablis and Gruner Veltliner). For reds, he had Agiorgitiko (compared with Muga Rioja and Bordeaux Merlot) and Xinomavro (compared with Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. Some prices were a little vague, and it was difficult to navigate at times.

 

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

-Argyros Vinsanto 1989, over $100 a half-litre  Praxis

-Boutari Grande Reserve Naoussa 2004, $18   Kolonaki

-Domaine Mercouri Red 2007 [refosco,mavrodaphne]  Rubaiyat

-Cava Papaioannou 2001 Peloponnese [cab.sauv.] $27.95 Kolonaki

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (8890 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Amethystos Cava Red 2004 [cab sauv] Dionysius

-Antonopoulos Adoli Ghis White 2009, $23.25 Kolonaki

-Ktima Biblia Chora Ovilos White 2009  Cava Spiliadis Montreal

-Ktima Biblia Chora Ovilos Red 2008  Cava Spiliadis Montreal

-Gentilini Robola of Cephalonia White 2009 Kolonaki

-Domaine Gerovassiliou Red 2005 [syrah,merlot,Grenache] Cava Spiliadis Montreal

-Domaine Estate Hatzimichalis Cabernet Sauvignon 2006   Dionysis

-Domaine Katsaros Red  [cab,merlot] Cava Spiliadis Montreal

-Kir-Yianni Dyo Elies 2008 [syrah,merlot,xinomavro] Kolonaki

-Papaioannou Old Vines Estate Nemea 2004 organic $34.80 Kolonaki

-Parparoussis Muscat of Rio Patras 2005  Cava Spiliadis Montreal

-Ktima Pavlidis Thema White 2009 [sauv.bl.,assyrtiko] $23.25 Kolonaki

-Ktima Pavlidis Thema Red 2008 [syrah,agiorgitiko] $27.45 Kolonaki

-Domaine Sigalas Santorini Barrel White 2009  Kolonaki

-Skouras Megas Oenos 2006 Red $38  Kolonaki

-Domaine Spiropoulos Mantinia 2009 White   Rubaiyat

-Domaine Spiropoulos Porfyros 2006 [cab.,merlot]   Rubaiyat

 

*** Three Stars (8587 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Amethystos Red 2007 [cab, merlot, limnio] Dionysius

-Antonopoulos Malagouzia 2009 White, $19.95 Kolonaki

-Argyros Atlantis White 2009  Praxis

-Domaine Gerovassiliou Viognier 2008 Cava Spiliadis Montreal

-Domaine Hatzimichalis Chardonnay 2008   Dionysus

-Domaine Hatzimichalis Kapnias Chardonnay 2008   Dionysis

-Domaine Katsaros Merlot Cava Spiliadis Montreal

-Domaine Katsaros Chardonnay Cava Spiliadis Montreal

-Katogi Averhoff Strofilia Red 2007 [agiorgitiko,cab,syrah] Rubaiyat

-Kir-Yianni Paranga 2008 [syrah,merlot,xinomavro] $15.45 Kolonaki

-Limnos Muscat de Limnos Grand Cru White 2009   Kolonaki

-Lyrarakis Vilana White 2009  Churchill

-Mediterra White 2008 Crete  [sauv.bl.,vilana]  Kolonaki

-Tsantali Metohi Chromitsa 2009 White  Praxis

 

The Food: salmon, sushi, roast beef, lamb lollipops, skewered meats, cheese, shrimp, breads, crackers, dried fruit and others.

The Downside: I thought the wines did not show as well as they could have.

The Upside: a very effective seminar, concentrating on just two grape varieties.

The Contact Person: www.allaboutgreekwine.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 91.

 
 
 

Saturday, June 12, 2010

May 17/10: Vina Montes tasting at Spoke Club

 The Time and Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2010  2 Pm to 4 PM

The Event: A tasting of recent Vina Montes wines with winemaker Aurelio Montes.

The Venue: Spoke Club

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: some wines are here in Vintages or LCBO right now, others are coming later in the year. The agent is Whitehall.

The Quote/Background: Aurelio Montes spoke on organic methods in Chile and in his winery, and then led the wine tasting after an opening reception with Montes Cherub Rose Syrah 2009 (+37887, $14.95 Vintages). He spoke on the food pairing possibilities of the Cherub and on the Classics series.

The Wines:

 

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

-Montes Folly 2006 Apalta Valley, $89.95 Vintages

-Montes Alpha M 2006 Colchagua Valley, $89.95 Vintages

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (8890 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Montes Purple Angel 2007 Colchagua Valley, $49.95 Vintages late 2010 [carmenere]

-Montes Alpha Carmenere 2007 Colchagua Valley, $19.95 +143230

-Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Colchagua Valley, $12.95 +157883 LCBO

 

*** Three Stars (8587 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Montes Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Casablanca/Curico, $12.95 +159954 LCBO

 

The Food: shrimp in a basket, blue cheese, breads, glazed nuts, other cheeses, honey.

The Downside: for me, it was one of three events that harried day, so I was late in getting to the reception.

The Upside: a chance to taste upscale quality reds such as Alpha M

The Contact Person: Stephen.marentette@whitehall.ca.

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 89

 
 
 

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

June 12, 2010: LCBO Vintages Releases


WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 12, 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. Morgenhof Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: both
herby and full-bodied, delicious as a sipper or a food wine. +18507,
$13.95, QPR: 89.
2. Stellar Organic Winery Running Duck Chardonnay 2009 Western Cape:
very tasty, off-dry or low-acid in mouthfeel, some oak and vanillin.
13.5% ABV. +149856, $12.95, QPR: 90.
3. Morgenhof Estate Chenin Blanc 2008 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: some
honeysuckle complexity from the combo of natural fruit aromas and added
oaking, well-integrated. +978544, $14.95, QPR: 89.
4. Rosewood Estates Semillon 2008 Beamsville Bench VQA: tasty stone
fruit, long length for food from the finishing acid. +177758, $18, QPR:
90.
5. D'Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2008 McLaren Vale: another
productive aromatic sizzler, ending with some honeyed tones. +656710,
$19.95, QPR: 90.
6. Wakefield Chardonnay 2008 Clare Valley/Adelaide Hills: integrated
oak tones, neat balance. +711556, $16.95, QPR: 90.
7. Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: delicious with
interesting herbs and development through to the engaging finish.
+677450, $19.95, QPR: 90.
8. Te Kairanga Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Martinborough: another quality
sipper from NZ, great mouthfeel. +32805, $16.95, QPR: 909.
9. Kuhlmann-Platz Muehlforst Gewurztraminer 2005 Alsace: off0-dry
finish but regular MVC. 13% ABV. +168864, $15.95, QPR: 89.
10. Chateau Le Bonnat Blanc 2007 Graves: an affordable Semillon-
sauvignon blend with enough complexity at this level, quality. +170274,
$17.95, QPR: 90.
 
TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. De Grendel Merlot 2007 Durbanville: very good consistent Merlot
softness, and a large longer finish. +149849, $16.95, QPR: 89.
2. Queen of Hearts Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Santa Barbara: 14.5% ABV,
tons of black fruit, toasty, tasty, B-I-G. +135368, $13.95, QPR: 90.
3. Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2006 Victoria: the bottle fell over from the
weight of the six gold medals on the label. +935890, $16.95, QPR: 90.
4. Sticks Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Yarra Valley: tasty, food wine, long
long and enjoyable finish. +165910, $19.95, QPR: 90.
5. Tahbilk Shiraz 2006 Victoria: a personal fave of mine when it was
"Chateau Tahbilk". I still have some 1983 and 1985 left in my cellar.
This one can also be laid down. +214742, $19.95, QPR: 90.
6. Chateau La Croix de Queynac 2003 Bordeaux Superiore: ready now. So
ripe it seems New World, but not overly sweet. +138636, $13.95, QPR:
90.
7. Villa des Anges Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Pays d'Oc: juicy, New World
style but finishes dry. +171967, $12.95, QPR: 90.
8. Les Piliers Syrah 2007 Costieres de Nimes: full of syrah complexity
at a ridiculous price. +678086, $14.95, QPR: 90.
9. Argiolas Costera 2007 Connonau di Sardegna: earthy, fruity,
delicious mushroom complexity and length. +99028, $17.95, QPR: 90.
10. Pedro Martinez Alesanco Reserva 2005 Rioja: typical Rioja at a
Reserva level, price makes it worthwhile. Nicely aged. +170092, $17.95,
QPR: 90.
11. Seniorio de Ardura Crianza 2006 Rioja: a bit youthful but emerging
tastiness, good Spanish intensity at this price level. +171447, $13.95,
QPRL: 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. Morgan Highland Chardonnay 2007 Santa Lucia Highland, +953273,
$32.95 retail.
2. Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, +189795, $74.95.
3. Domaine de Saint Siffrein Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +169771, $34.95.
4. Paolo Conterno Barolo 2005, +172783, $37.95.