Oct 16, 2010: World Wine Watch for LCBO Vintages Release

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 16, 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. Zolo Torrontes 2009 Mendoza: aromatic, racy, good finish, either
with food or on its own. +183913, $12.95, QPR: 89.
2. The Black Chook VMR 2008 McLaren Vale: delicious aromatic and floral
blend of viognier with marsanne and roussanne. A fruity pleaser with a
nice lemony finish. +186338, $16.95, QPR: 90.
3. Millton Riverpoint Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Gisborne NZ: balanced,
oak-vanilla-apples-lemons, 12.5% ABV, twist top. +92486, $17.95, QPR:
89.
4. Tokara Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Western Cape: very good MVC consistency
and development, balanced, zest and fruit. +183954, $14.95, QPR: 90.
5. Chateau de Quincay Selection Tradition Sauvignon 2009 Touraine:
fabulous light and crisp character, but more for summer. Why release it 
now? +66183, $13.95, QPR: 90.
6. See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2008 Okanagan: lots of aromas and
tropicality, oaked with a lean finish. 14% ABV. +126912, $19.95, QPR:
89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Cabernet de los Andes Tizac Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Fiambala
Argentina: good value as an organic wine, red fruit just jumps right
out. 13.9% ABV, +173369, $12.95, QPR: 91.
2. Estampa Estate Malbec/Petite Sirah 2009 Colchagua Chile: good blend
gives a different take on Malbec, value-driven, 14% ABV. +169938,
$12.95, QPR: 89.
3. Santa Alicia Gran Reserva de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Maipo: juicy, in French oak for a year, but heavy bottle. 14.5% ABV.
+60244, $18.95, QPR: 89.
4. Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah/Viognier 2007 Coastal Region
South Africa: smoked meat and bacon galore, a real winner at this
price, 14.5%. Buy a case. +79442, $17.95, QPR: 91.
5. Chateau Grand-Maison Cuvee Speciale 2006 Cotes de Bourg: smooth and
ready to flow, Merlot-based. Good price. +194217, $16.95, QPR: 89.
6. Chateau Moulin de Canhaut 2005 Medoc: very North American appeal,
black fruit grabs you, almost Rhonish. +190983, $19.95, QPR: 89.
7. Christian Moueix Saint-Emilion 2006: well-made, commercial
complexity, useful tones and flavours at this price. +979955, $19.95,
QPR: 90.
8. Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2007: delicious
because my tasting sample was well-aged, a bit raisiny. +999946,
$15.95, QPR: 89.
9. Marques de Vitoria Crianza 2007 Rioja: off-dry texture, plush
Midweight, definite Rioja-style. +678045, $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. Cuvaison Chardonnay 2008 Carneros Napa, +988261, $26.95 retail.
2. Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2008 Russian River, +119073, $44.95.
3. Chateau de Cruzeau Blanc 2007 Pessac-Leognan, +966010, $24.95.
4. Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G.C. Sancerre 2008, +189126, $24.95.
5.  Cakebread Cellars Merlot 2006 Napa, +924159, $79.95.
6. Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +943472,
$89.95.
7. Charles Cimicky The Autograph Shiraz 2004 Barossa Valley, +27326,
$39.95.
8. Tokara Director's Reserve Red 2006 Stellenbosch, +183962, $26.95
9. Chateau de Lamarque 2004 Haut-Medoc, +194159, $28.95.
10. Chateau Reverdi 2006 Listrac-Medoc, +194209, $25.95.
11. Clos du Grand Puceau 2003 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +112904, $25.95.

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

 

Dean Tudor, Ryerson University Journalism Professor Emeritus
Treasurer, Wine Writers' Circle of Canada
Look it up and you'll remember it; screw it up and you'll never forget it.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com

Sept 24/10: Tasting Masciarelli Wines from Abruzzo in Toronto

The Time and Date: Friday, September 24, 2010   3 PM to 5 PM

The Event: A private tasting of Masciarelli wines (Abruzzo, Italy), led by Marina Cvetic, owner.

The Venue: ONE Hotel, Yorkville

The Target Audience: sommeliers, special guests

The Availability/Catalogue: Masciarelli is represented in Ontario by Stem; wines are available on consignment from time to time or by special order.

The Quote/Background: This was Marina's first trip to Toronto. The company began in 1978, and now has 380 hectares. They were mainly responsible for changing the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo style by creating barrique aging and using older vines. The winery is a consistent winner in Italian competitions.

The Wines: Villa Gemma is only produced in good years and uses French oak. All prices are licensee.

 

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

-Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005, $25.99

-Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2001, not available

-Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004, $71.99

 

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

-Masciarelli Castello di Semivicoli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2007, $35.99.

-Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004, not available

 

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

-Masciarelli Linea Classica Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2009, $12.99.

-Masciarelli Linea Classica Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007, $14.99.

 

The Food: bruschetta with olive oil and prosciutto, four artisanal cheeses, fruits and nuts.

The Downside: personally, I had just come from an LCBO Vintages tasting; I needed to refresh my palate.

The Upside: a great setting.

The Contact Person: Robert@stemwinegroup.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 91.

 

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

 

 

Sept 27/10 - Tasting "Wines of Brasil" trade show at Caju

Time and Date: Monday, September 27, 2010  10:30 AM to 5 PM
The Event: "Wines of Brasil" wine show, hosted by Andreia Gentilini
Milan, their Manager, and the Brazilian Consulate-General in Toronto.
The Venue: Caju Restaurant.
The Target Audience: wine writers, and then, later, wine agents and
sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: only two of the wineries had agents
already. Miolo had Wineworld, while Salton had J. Cipelli.
The Quote/Background: From the 2007 tour, only Miolo and Pizzato have
returned. Serra Gaucha region produces 90% of the wines.
The Wines: we had wines three ways. In a seminar, we had one wine from
each producer. At lunch we had another wine from each. Then, the show
itself had more wines, about 50 in all. I did not try all the wines.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Courmayer Sparkling Chardonnay Brut NV Serra Gaucha
-Pizzato DNA 99 Single Vineyard Merlot 2005 Serra Gaucha
-Salton Dexjo M, $30

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Santo Emilio Seco Marca Leopoldo 2007 Planalto Catarinense
-Miolo Quinta Do Seival Casta Portuguesas 2006 Serra Gaucha
-Salton Talento 2006 Serra Gaucho
-Lidio Carraro Touriga Nacional/Tannat 2008 Serra do Sudeste
-Cordelier Sparkling Rose NV Serra Gaucha
-Santa Emilio Sparkling Rose Brut Estellato 2009 Planato Catarinense
-Dom Candido DC Merlot 2008 Serra Gaucha
-Don Guerino Sparkling Moscatel 2010 Serra Gaucha
-Pizzato Concentus 2005, $25.
-Salton Demi-Sec Flowers Muscat NV [still], $14
-Salton Chardonnay 2009, $14

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Miolo Pinot Noir Family Vineyards 2009, $12.95.
-Cave Geisse Sparkling Nature 2008 Serra Gaucha
-Dom Candido Geracao Marselan 2007 Serra Gaucha
-Miolo Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2009 Serra Gaucha, $13
-Sanjo Cabernet Sauvignon Nubio 2006 Planalto Catarinense
-Salton Sparkling Brut Reserva Ouro NV Serra Gaucha

 

The Food: Caju had done the major catering at the last Brazilian wine
show in Toronto, Fall 2007. At lunch, the wines were a lot friendlier.
Cordelier and Santo Emilio Sparkler were good. The Dom Candido Merlot
was juicy but went with the steak, as did the Miolo Cabernet Sauvignon
Riserva. The Sparkling Moscatel 2010 (only $6 in USA) was terrific with
the dark chocolate fondant.
The Downside: it started about 45 minutes late.
The Upside: good opportunity to explore some unknown wines.
The Contact Person:  spuritt@sympatico.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

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

 

 

Sept 21, 2010: Tasting 180 VQA Ontario wines at the AGO.

 The Time and Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2010   1PM to 4PM

The Event: Vintages Presents Taste Ontario!

The Venue: AGO, Baillie Court

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: some items are at the LCBO, but most are sold only at the winery.

The Quote/Background: 47 wineries presented some 180 wines.

The Wines: Most of the wines were white. There were only a handful of wines from Prince Edward County (six wineries presented) and only two wineries from the west (Colio, from Lake Erie North Shore, and Pelee Island Winery). All wines, of course, were VQA. I did not taste more than half the wines, concentrating on whites and a few select reds. No sparklers, no dessert wines. Prices quoted below are licensee prices.

 

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

-Calamus Gewurztraminer 2009, $14.35

-Cave Spring Riesling CSV 2008 Beamsville Bench, $25.12

-Cave Spring Chardonnay CSV 2007 Beamsville Beanch, $25.12

-Creekside Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Creek Shores, $22.58

-Fielding Estate White Conception 2009, $18.08

-Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2007, $16.61

-Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2007 Beamsville Bench, Vintages this Fall, $29.95

-Le Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Chardonnay 2008 Vinemount Ridge, $31.07

-Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2008 Twenty Mile Bench, $54.71

-Ridgepoint Gewurztraminer 2008 Twenty Mile Bench, $14.75

-Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2007, $13.65

-Chateau des Charmes Equuleus Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard 2007 St. David's Bench, $32.46

-Konzelmann Gewurztraminer Late Harvest 2008, $16.21

-Pelee Island Winery Pinot Gris Vendage Tardive 2008 Pelee Island, $15.24

-Closson Chase S. Kocsis Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 Beamsville Bench, $42.89

-Closson Chase Vineyard CCV Chardonnay South Clos 2008 PEC, $39

 

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

-Alvento Winery Vio 2007, $21.75.

-Alvento Winery Elige 2005, $20.89

-Angels Gate Winery KEW Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Beamsville, $12.51

-Calamus Pinot Gris 2009, $13.51

-Fielding Estate Syrah 2007, $42.88

-Kacaba Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Twenty Mile Bench, $37.95

-Malivoire Chardonnay 2008 Beamsville Bench, $33.56

-Peninsula Ridge Fume Blanc 2008, $21.06

-Rosewood Estates Chardonnay Reserve Renaceau Estate 2008 Beamsville Bench, $21.11

-Tawse Echos Chardonnay 2008, $16.84

-Thirty Bench Chardonnay 2007 Beamsville Bench, $25.33

-Thirty Bench Red 2008 Beamsville Bench, $20.27

-Vineland Estates Riesling St. Urban Vineyard 2008, $16.88

-Cattail Creek Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musque 2009 Four Mile Creek, $14.35

-Cattail Creek Estate Bottled Fume Blanc 2009 Four Mile Creek, $21.10

-Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay Musque 2008, $13.65

-Inniskillin Winemaker's Series Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Four Mile Creek, $15.83

-Inniskillin Legacy Series Cabernet Franc 2007, $33.56

-Inniskillin Legacy Series Riesling 2008, $25.12

-Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve White Meritage 2008, $20.90 Vintages Nov 13

-Lailey Chardonnay Brickyard Vineyard 2008 Niagara River, $25.33

-Peller Estates Andrew Peller Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $32.08

-Ravine Vineyard Reserve Red 2007 St. David's Bench, $52.48

-Stratus White 2006, $37.15

-Stratus Red 2006, $37.15

-Closson Chase Vineyard Sans Chene Chardonnay 2009 Prince Edward County, $23.86

-Norman Hardie Unfiltered County Chardonnay 2008 PEC, $29.55

-Norman Hardie Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2008 Ontario, $32.93

-Norman Hardie Unfiltered Chardonnay Cuvee L 2008 Ontario, $41.37

-Rosehall Run Chardonnay Rosehall Vineyard 2008 PEC, $25.12

 

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

-Calamus Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Lincoln Lakeshore, $19.42

-Creekside Estate Laura Red 2007, $18.36

-Creekside Reserve Shiraz 2007 St. David's Bench, $31.03

-Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling 2009 Twenty Mile Bench, $16.84

-Henry of Pelham Cabernet Merlot Reserve 2007 Short Hills Bench, $20.90

-Rosewood Estates Riesling Reserve Renaceau Estate 2008 Beamsville Bench, $21.11

-Tawse Echos Riesling 2009, $13.42

-Coyote's Run Estate Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Four Mile Creek, $18.36

-Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, $22.90.

-Southbrook Whimsy! Chardonnay 2008, $24.95

-Huff Estates South Bay Chardonnay 2008 PEC, $21.33

-Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards Victoria Block Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2007 PEC, $29.38

-Norman Hardie Unfiltered County Pinot Noir 2008 PEC, $29.55

-Trius Riesling 2008, $11.86

-Pondview Barrel Fermented Barrel Aged Chardonnay 2009 Four Mile Creek, $21.11

-Konzelmann Pinot Grigio Reserve 2009, $16.22

-Vineland Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008, $14.31

-Thirty Bench Riesling 2009 Beamsville Bench, $15.61

-Kacaba Riesling 2009 Twenty Mile Bench, $15.61

-Creekside Butler's Grant Vineyard Riesling 2008 Twenty Mile Bench, $13.30

-Alvento Elige 2007, $25.12

 

The Food: artisanal cheeses and breads, plus small sandwiches (chicken club, grilled cheese, pastrami, pulled pork) with assorted condimenti.

The Downside: it was mostly a Niagara event, so there was little exposure to wines from outside that region.

The Upside: a quality setting, with correct banners indicating the wines and lots of spit buckets.

The Contact Person: magdalena@winesofontario.org

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

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

 

 

Sept 16, 2010: Tasting Stella Bella with Stuart Pym

 The Time and Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010  11:30AM – 1 PM

The Event: A Tasting with Stuart Pym, winemaker at Stella Bella wines of Margaret River, Western Australia. He is represented in Ontario by H.H.D. Imports Inc.

The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: wines are mostly at vintages, or one General Listing or by private order.

The Quote/Background: Stella Bella makes about 50,000 cases a year. Pym called it a medium large winery in the Margaret River area.

The Wines:

 

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

-Stella Bella Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009, $19.95  (2008 is +48546 at Vintages, $17.40)

-Stella Bella Viognier 2008, $21.95 Private order

-Stella Bella Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $34.95

 

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

-Skuttlebutt Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008, $14.95, +157867 LCBO

-Stella Bella Chardonnay 2009 (2008 is at Vintages, +102061, $26.95)

-Stella Bella Tempranillo 2008, $24.95 Private order

 

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

-Stella Bella Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $24.95 Private order

-Stella Bella Shiraz 2008 (2007 at Vintages +48553, $24.95)

 

The Food: cheeses and Ace breads

The Downside: I was late, coming from a dental appointment.

The Upside: a chance to talk with Stuart Pym.

The Contact Person: info@hhdimports.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 87.

 

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

 

 

Sept 7, 2010: Tasting Louis Latour Burgundies, et al...

 The Time and Date: Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The Event: trade tasting of Louis Latour family of wines, repped in Canada by Mark Anthony Wine Merchants. There was both burgundy and other related areas (Chablis, Beaujolais).

The Venue: Crush Wine Bar

The Target Audience: trade and media

The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available through the LCBO or private order or consignment.

The Quote/Background: Mark Allen, Export Director for Canada, was talking to everybody about the wines. He's been with Latour since 1990.

The Wines:

 

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

-Louis Latour Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru 2008, $103.95

-Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2008, $199.95

-Louis Latour Pommard 1er Cru Epenots 2008, $112.95

-Louis Latour Grand Ardeche 2008, $18.95

-Henry Fessy Moulin a Vent 2009, $23.95

-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2008, $95.95

 

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

-Louis Latour Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaumonts 2008, $159.95

-Louis Latour Chambertin Cuvee Heritiers Latour 2008, $275.95

-Louis Latour Meursault 1er Cru Chateau de Blagny 2008, $79.95

-Louis Latour Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 2008, $132.95

-Louis Latour Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2008, $449.95

-Louis Latour Chateau Corton Grancey Grand Cru 2008, $134.95

-Henry Fessy Chenas 2009, $22.95

-Henry Fessy Morgon 2009, $21.95.

-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Cremant de Bourgogne Rose Brut NV, $27.95

-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2008, $42.95.

 

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

-Louis Latour Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Damodes 2008, $99.95

-Louis Latour Beaune 1er Cru Vignes Franches 2008, $79.95

-Louis Latour Ardeche 2007, $11.85 +132498 LCBO (2008 coming)

-Louis Latour Bourgogne Chardonnay 2009, $15.90, +55533 LCBO

-Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2008, $18.40, +69914 LCBO

-Henry Fessy Brouilly 2009, $19.95.

-Henry Fessy Chateau des Reyssiers Regnie 2009, $18.95

-Henry Fessy Saint Amour 2009, $22.95

-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc NV, $24.95

-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 2009, $27.95 (screw cap)

-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2008, $44.95.

 

The Food: artisanal cheeses, with toasts, apple slices, honey combs. Great for background.

The Downside: personally, I had to leave early in order to go to the LCBO to taste 130 wines. My problem.

The Upside: a chance for tasting some fine wines at the higher end of the scale.

The Contact Person: Camille Gemmell Johnston <cgemmell@markanthony.com> or Colin Pitkin at Mark Anthony.

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

 

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