Hobbs & Co, Glen-Ward, Merchant Vintner Portfolio tastings...March 2011

 The Time and Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2011  2:30 PM to 5 PM
The Event: Portfolio tasting of wines from Hobbs & Co and The Merchant
Vintner.
The Venue: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts Lobby
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue had detailed notes about the
wines (which were presented by at least six principals from Australia,
Spain, British Columbia, France). Licensee and retail prices were
given.
The Quote/Background: There was a blind tasting competition upstairs,
but I ran out of time downstairs.
The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Most wines were from Hobbs.
Prices are licensee.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quails' Gate Merlot  2007 VQA Okanagan Valley, $23.99
-Clairault Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Margaret River, $23.99
-Vilafonte Series M 2006 Stellenbosch, $35.36 Vintages
-Vignoble Guillaume Chardonnay 2009 Franche-Comte, $15.95 Merchant
Vintner (made from rootstock, 18 different clones)
-Chateau Grand Moulin Vieilles Vignes 2005 Corbieres, $18.99
-Domaine Sainte Rose Coquille d'Oc White 2009 Languedoc, $13.99
-Az. Agri. F.LLI Grati Prunatelli Chianti 2007, $19.95 Merchant Vintner

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Edward Sellers Vineyards Vertigo 2006 Paso Robles, $27.54 Glen-Ward
-Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2008 VQA Okanagan Valley, $17.99
-Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2008 VQA Okanagan,
$38.99
-Featherstone Estate Black Sheep Riesling 2010 VQA Twenty Mile Bench,
$15.95
-Dr. Frank Blanc de Blancs 2006 Finger Lakes, $39.99
-Valle Andino Carmenere Reserva Especiale 2009, $16.50
-Chalkers Crossing Hilltops Riesling 2010 New South Wales, $18.99
-Landskroon Wines Cinsault Shiraz 2008 Paarl South Africa, $14.25
-The Grinder Pinotage 2010 Swartland, $16.99
-Les Jamelles Viognier 2009 Languedoc, $13.99 Merchant Vintner
-Domaine Francois Lichtle Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace, $19.50 Merchant
Vintner
-Chateau de Montmirail Gigondas Beauchamp 2008, $28.45 Merchant Vintner
-Domaine Sainte Rose Le Marin Blanc 2010 Languedoc, $22.99
-Domaine Sainte Rose Les Derniers Cepages 2009 Languedoc, $22.99
-Angelo Grillo 2009 Sicily, $12.95

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Sylvester Zinfandel 2007 Paso Robles, $15.99 Glen-Ward
-Featherstone Estate Rose 2010 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, $14.15
-Featherstone Estate Cabernet Franc 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, $15.20
-Dr. Frank Dry Riesling 2010 Finger Lakes, $21.99
-Dr. Frank Fleur de Pinot Noir NV Finger Lakes, $28.99
-Valle Andino Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2010 Maule Valley, $13.25
-Torlesse Waipara Riesling 2008, $16.90 Vintages
-Tinpot Hut Pinot Noir 2008 Marlborough, $20.99
-Tall Poppy Hillside Unwooded Chardonnay 2009 Victoria, $13.99
-Tall Poppy Select Shiraz 2008 Victoria, $11.99
-Clairault Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Margaret River, $23.99
-Chalkers Crossing Tumbarumba Pinot Noir 2009 New South Wales, $23.99
-Chalkers Crossing CC2 Hilltops Shiraz 2010 New South Wales, $20.99
-Caves do Rei Valmonte 2005 Dao, $15.99
-La Crusset 6 Sombreros Tempranillo 2004 Rioja, $29.99
-Chateau Gaudrelle Brut Rose 2009 Loire, $20.99
-Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Languedoc, $12.95 Merchant Vintner
-Les Jamelles Merlot 2009 Languedoc, $12.95 Merchant Vintner
-Les Jamelles Syrah 2009 Languedoc, $12.95 Merchant Vintner
-Gilbert Picq Chablis 2008, $24.25 Merchant Vintner
-Domaine Gueugnon-Remond Grand Reserve 2008 Macon-Charnay, $15.09
Vintages
-Domaine Sainte Rose Coquille d'Oc Red 2009 Languedoc, $13.99
-Angelo Nero d'Avola 2009 Sicily, $12.95
-Alpha Zeta "R" Ripasso 2008 Veneto, $18.90
-Villa Buonasera Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, $32.99

 

The Food: Black River Cheese (2 cheddars from PEC), brie-type,
biscuits, breads, terrine campagne, pate, blue cheese, fruits.
The Downside: Laura from Airen was pouring, but she did not have any of
her own wines available here.
The Upside: there were some wines from Glen-Ward Wine Agent
The Contact Person: www.hobbs.com, www.merchantvintner.com,
malcomc@sentex.ca.
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 90.

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

 

 

Tasting and blending wines with Rick Sayre of Rodney Strong Vyds, March 2011 at Canoe

The Time and Date: Monday March 28, 2011, 2PM to 4 PM
The Event: A latest vintage tasting with Rodney Strong Vineyards
winemaker Rick Sayre, plus a on-on-one assemblage exercise to develop
the 2009 Symmetry wine.
The Venue: Canoe
The Target Audience: sommeliers and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: wines are from consignment, Vintages and
private orders, as noted below. Mark Anthony is the Ontario agent.
The Quote/Background: due to a miscommunication, I ended up having a
talk with Rick Sayre on assembling the 2009 Symmetry. I was asked to
taste samples of the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc,
Petit Verdot and Malbec, assigning percentages to the final blend.
Symmetry is the winery's ace Meritage blend from the Alexander Valley.
It has been made since 1996, with cabernet sauvignon being the major
part of the blend (60 to 85%, depending on the vintage year's
circumstances). All five grapes were ripe and juicy, with the Petit
Verdot and Cabernet Franc having tannic overtones and some earthiness.
I made my blend about 32% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 32% Malbec,
and 2% apiece cab franc and petit verdot. I don't think Symmetry will
ever be this way since the wine is known to be cabernet-driven, but
Rick did like my blend (or so he said), characterizing it as elegant,
fine, harmonious, soft, and in the ripe Bordeaux-style, ready sooner
rather than later. Michael Pinkus was more traditional in the blend,
while Konrad Ejbich felt the need to pour in more PV and CF, going as
high as 15% or more in total.
The Wines: 10 wines were offered at a short tasting, after the seminar.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2009, $24.95 Vintages Apr 30
-Rodney Strong Symmetry Meritage 2007, $79.95 private order
-Rodney Strong Rockaway 2007 Alexander Valley, $89.95 private order

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Rodney Strong Merlot 2006 Sonoma County, Vintages $18.95
-Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc 2009, $16.95
consignment
-Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir 2009, $24.95 Vintages Essential
-Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Alexander, $59.95
private order.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2009 Sonoma County, $17.95 Vintages
-Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Sonoma County, $18.95
consignment
-Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2007, $39.95 private order

 

The Food: tourtiere sliders, cocktail shrimps, breads, spring rolls.
The Downside: Some writers missed the first hour.
The Upside: A chance to talk with Rick one-on-one.
The Contact Person: danalee.harris@shaw.ca or cgemmell@markanthony.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 94.

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

Terroir & Signatures de Bourgogne, Toronto, March 2011 Tasting

The Time and Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2011   Noon to 4 PM
The Event: Terroirs & Signatures de Bourgogne 2011, an annual wine
tasting of the latest harvest in Burgundy.
The Venue: Art Gallery of Ontario.
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: some wines are available but most are not
directly available right now. Most wineries had agents, and they could
quote prices and delivery. The catalogue was an excellent tool, with a
brief description of the philosophy of the winery on one page and a
contact directory with wines presented on the other page. Kudos all
round on this, even though many prices were just estimates.
The Quote/Background: "There are more wines here than are listed in the
catalogue."
The Wines: I could not taste every wine.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Parent Corton Grand Cru Les Renardes 2008
-Daniel Rion Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Grand Vignes 2009
-Daniel Rion Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Vignerondes 2009
-Chateau de Corton-Andre Corton Grand Cru Les Chaumes 2007
-Domaine Parent Pommard 1er Cru Les Chaponnieres 2007
-Domaine d'Ardhuy Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2008
-Maison Chanson Pere et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru En Caradeux
2008
-Maison Chanson Pere et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les
Chenevottes 2008
-J Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet 2008
-Malandes Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2009
-Prieur Meursault Clos de Mazeray Monopole 2007
-Roux Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2008

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine d'Ardhuy Clos des Langres 2007
-Taupenot-Merme Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2008
-Villamont Volnay 1er Cru Le Ronceret 2008
-Maison Chanson Chassagne-Montrachet les Chenevottes 2008
-Domaines François Labet Clos Vougeot Château de la Tour Vieilles Vignes 2007
-Domaines François Labet Clos Vougeot Château de la Tour  2008
-Domaines François Labet Meursault Les Tillets 2009
-Château Corton Grancey 2009 Grand Cru
-Domaine Parent Pommard Les Chaponnières 2007
-Domaine des Malandes Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2009
-Malandes Chablis Vieilles Vignes Tour du Roy 2009
 -Domaine Marcel Servin Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2006.
-Daniel Rion Nuits-Saint-George 1er Cru Les Pruliers 2009
-Gille Nuits-Saint-George 1er Cru Les Cailles 2006
-Gille Nuits-Saint-George Les Brulees
-Morot Beaune 1er Cru Les Aigrots 2006
-Coste-Caumartin Pommard 1er Cru Les Fremiers 2009
-Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2009
-Malandes Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2009
-Bichot Chablis Grand Cru Moutonne Domaine Long Depaquit 2008
-Chanson Beaune 1er Cru Les Clos des Mouches 2008
-Roux Saint-Aubin 1er Cru La Chateniere 2009, $39 Vinexx
-Roux Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Corton 2009,  Vinexx
-Girardin Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien 2008, $36
Halpern
-Juillot Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2008, $105 Case for Wine
-Champy/Laleure Piot Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2008, $125 H.H.D.
Imports
-Champy/Laleure Piot Corton Grand Cru 2009
-Domaine J-P Paquet Pouilly-Fuisse Vieilles Vignes Domaine de Fussiacus
2009
-Chateau de Corton-Andre Pommard 1er Cru Clos de la Commaraine 2007
-Domaine Coste-Caumartin Saint-Romain Sous Le Chateau 2009
-Girardin Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Vermots-Dessus 2008, $25.95 Halpern
-Girardin Santenay 1er Cru Clos de Tavannes 2008, $36 Harpern
-Girardin Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 2008, $47.95 Halpern
-Girardin Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 2008, $44.95 Halpern
-Louis Latour Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru La Garenne 2008
-Lorion Pouilly-Fuisse Les Vieux Murs Reserve Caveau 1997,  Select
-Roux Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumes 2009
-Roux Vougeot 1er Cru Les Petits Vougeots 2008
-Albert Morot Beaune 1er Cru Les Cent Vignes 2009
-Rion Vosne-Romanee 2009
-Rion Echezeaux Grand Cru 2009

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Taupenot-Merme Bel Air Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru 2007
-Domaine d'Ardhuy Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Clous 2009
-Drouhin Savigny-Les-Beaune Fourneaux 2009
-Prunier et Fille Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Clos du Val 2007, $59.85 Le
Sommelier
-Juillot Mercurey 1er Cru Clos Tonnerre 2008, $36 Case for Wine
-Domaine de Suremain Mercurey 1er Cru La Bondue 2007
-Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaulignot 2009
-Moreau Pere et Fils Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2009
-La Chablisienne Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2008, 28.95 (Vintages July)
-Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Cote de Lechet 2008
-Vignerons de Buxy Montagny 1er Cru Les Chaniots 2008, $21.95 Vinexx
-Vignerons des Terres Secretes Saint-Veran Les Monts 2009, $19.95
Vinexx
-Loron Bourgogne Blanc Montvallon Chardonnay, +167155, $12.95.

 

The Food: we had regional cheeses, rilettes, pate, charcuterie and
sausages (one very hot and totally inappropriate for a tasting of this
stature: it took 15 minutes for a palate to recover), breads and
biscuits.
The Downside: not enough time!!  There were a LOT of white wines I
could not taste since time ran out.
The Upside: there were two special exhibitor tables with one bottle of
red or white wine from each producer. These we could pour and try at
our leisure without slowing down the action. It was a perfect spot to
begin.
The Contact Person: www.burgundytasting-canada.fr or
Cecile.labrousse@sopexa.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 90.

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

April 16/11: LCVBO Vintages release -- some notes

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 16, 2011
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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. Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma: delicious California
chardonnay with fruit, light wood but heavier cream. A restaurant wine.
13.8% ABV. +226936, $19.95, QPR: 90.
2. Cumulus Wines Rolling Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2009 New South Wales:
12% ABV, screwcap, "Miss Marple" on the label, MVC wine. Consistent,
winning FIVE major Bronze Awards. +678821, $14.95, QPR: Bronze.
3. Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Awatere Valley Marlborough: excellent
savvy component set, lovely long finish of fruit. +225557, $17.95, QPR:
90.
4. Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: 13.5%, MVC for the
grape, intense fruit flavours plus some concentrate on the palate.
+747600, $17.95, QPR: 90.
5. Domaine Cordaillat Reuilly 2009: another lovely savvy, not to be
confused with Burgundy's Rully (chardonnay). Not too grassy, not too
fruity, but still better with food. +202432, $17.95, QPR: 90.
6. Triade Bianco 2009 IGT Campania: made from indigenous grapes, crisp
and lovely flavours of orchard fruit. Food wine only. +214718, $12.95,
QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Palatine Hills Proprietors Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 VQA
Niagara Lakeshore: 12.8% ABV, but expect California-like (not Bordeaux-
like) flavours. Tasty, off-dry fruit, some oak, vibrant and juicy.
+121699, $19.95, QPR: 90.
2. Grove Street Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Sonoma: lovely high potency
dynamite cabby from sunny Cali, lots of forward flavours, 15.4% ABV
(!). Priced to move.  +161190, $15, QPR: 90.
3. V. Bianchi Passion Reserve Malbec 2008 San Rafael Mendoza: plumy,
ripe, over-the-top berries, soft finish, sip. But 14.5% ABV. +191775,
$14.95, QPR: 90.
4. Delheim Shiraz 2007 WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: every time this
label comes here, it is time to load up. Some years are better than
others, but this one is terrific if you like the "Rhone tones" of
Northern Rhone syrah (NOT like Oz shiraz, despite the name). Excellent.
14.5% ABV. Buy it all! In fact, start buying on Thursday or Friday at
those stores that release early. +959080, $17.95, QPR: 93.
5. Apollonio Valle Cupa 2004 IGT Salento Rosso Puglia: some raisins
from aging, very nicely placed on the palate, unfiltered, one year
wood, one year bottle, 14.5% ABV. Gold Medal. +84046, $17.95, QPR: 90.
6. Quinta da Ponte Pedrinha 2006 Dao: juicy but also 14.5% ABV, longer
finish, sip or food. From 100% jaen grapes (mencia in Spain). +219188,
$15.95, QPR: 89.
7. Vina Mayor Crianza 2006 Ribera del Duero: affordable price for MVC
Ribera, with touches of wood and juicy fruit, longer depth than
expected. +343426, $17.95, QPR: 89.
8. Vinas Elias Mora 2008 Toro: 14.5% ABV, will be better next year but
compelling now. Tempranillo that was aged a half-year in new US oak,
bottled unfiltered. +209650, $18.95, 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. Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2007, +128926, $22.95.
2. Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2009 Biodynamic Napa, +346296, $29.95
3. Andre & Edmond Figeat Les Chaumiennes Pouilly-Fume 2009, +196659,
$21.95.
4. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Napa, +222877, $69.95.
5. Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, +214817, $32.95.
6. Josef Chromy Pinot Noir 2009 Tasmania, +163022, $27.95.
7. Carrick Pinot Noir 2007 Central Otago, +919837, $34.95.
8. Chateau Chantemerle 2006 Medoc, +198986, $21.95.
9. Chateau Saint-Andre Corbin 2008 St-Georges-St-Emilion, +43810,
$21.95.
10. Fattoria La Ripa Chianti Classico Riserva 2006 Organic, +984401,
$26.95.
11. Allegrini La Grola 2006 IGT Veronese, +476598, $27.95.
12. Ontanon Reserva 2004 Rioja, +725895, $24.95.

 

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

MontGras wine tasting and lunch at Far Niente, March 21/11

The Time and Date: Monday, March 21, 2011   11:45 AM to 3 PM
The Event: MontGras (Chile) wine presentation by Santiago Margozzini,
head winemaker, and Andrea Ilabaca, PR Director.
The Venue: Far Niente, Sonoma Room
The Target Audience: wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are currently available but in
different distribution patterns.
The Quote/Background: MontGras was founded in 1992. Hernan Gras, who
was a winemaker at Brights in Niagara, moved back to Chile and opened
up a winery. He soon began to specialize in Carmenere wines. The winery
ships 550,000 cases of MontGras named wines, plus 150,000 cases of
other wines. In 2005 they purchased an other winery for more capacity.
The Wines: They make wines in all the major regions of Chile. We were
exposed to an extensive powerpoint presentation. And then we began an
earnest discussion on he wines s they were poured.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Leyda – Vintages #48025, $14.95
-Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Maipo - $21.95 (virtual Internet offering)
-Ninquén Antu Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère 2009 - $17.95 (direct buy, October)
***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Ninquén Antu Syrah 2009 – Vintages #675371 (2008 in stock), $17.95
*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-MontGras Carmenère Reserva 2010 Colchagua  – LCBO #178624, $12.05
-MontGras Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2009 Colchagua – LCBO #619205, $12.05
The Food: we had a special menu with some choices. I grabbed the Caesar salad with its house-cured bacon
(great with the Amaral Savvy), followed by a blue striploin and frites (perfect with all of the reds). The
citrus cheesecake was actually light and refreshing.
The Downside: due to traffic, I arrived 15 minutes late, just as the group got underway.
The Upside: we could have gone to either lunch or dinner; I took lunch because it was more viable, and I
appreciated the offering of a choice. The same wines were poured at both.
The Contact Person: Rochelle@mgbmc.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 89.

 

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

March 2011 APVSA Tasting, Chelsea Inn

The Time and Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2011  10AM to 5 PM
The Event: the monthly 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 is sales staff available to
comment on the prices and production. This road show also visits such
places as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Calgary,
Vancouver, Miami, Washington DC, and Montreal. Occasionally, the show
will have wines from Italy, Spain and Australia. Sometimes spirits are
also available, and VDN.
The Wines: The problem I had with the wines, and one that must be
acknowledged, is that (by and large) they were almost no better than
the wines that we already have here in Ontario. There really did not
seem to be any price advantages, either. But these 40 or so wines could
be made available through Vintages or Consignment. In the past, quite a
few have been picked up for sale in Ontario. They were mostly the good
value or unique wines. Here were my faves, regardless of price (all
prices are ex-cellar Euros). I did not try every wine:
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine de Brigue Cote de Provence Rose 2010, 3 E
-Domaine de la Garenne Sancerre Les Sens de la Garenne 2008, 8.40 E
-Chateau La Fourquerie 2001 Cote de Castillon, 2.30 E

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Haut Bernasse Les Coteaux de Bernasse 2006 Bergerac, 2.5 E
-Domaine de la Garenne Sancerre Blanc 2010, 6.20 E
-Vignoble Rollet St. Emilion Grand Cru 2007, 8.15 E
-Domaine Perrin Volnay Les Mitans 2008, 10.45 E
-Domaine Perrin Volnay 1er cru Mitan 2008, 16.03 E

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Jean Roux Gigondas 2009, 7.50 E
-Domaine de Trois Coteaux Muscadet, 2.5 E
-Domaine de la Garenne Sancerre Rose 2010, 6 E
-Vignoble Rollet St. Emilion Petit Fourney 2008, 5.50 E
-Domaine Perrin Pommard 2008, 13.24 E

 

The Downside: selection is eclectic and some bottles arrive
haphazardly. Some bottles never arrived at all, but we were not told
this until we got there. Some bottles are in the show, but are not
listed in the catalogue. It can be frustrating.
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

 

 

Jonata Wines, tasting with winemaker Matt Dees, March 18/11

 The Time and Date:  Friday, March 18, 2011  1:30 to 4 PM
The Event: trade tasting with Matt Dees of Jonata (California) wines,
repped in Ontario by Woodman Wines and Spirits.
The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve
The Target Audience: media and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: there were six wines to be tasted, all
available now in Ontario. Other wines soon to be available are The
Paring Chardonnay The Hilt 2008 (ISD) and The Paring White, both April
16, and four more in the Classics catalogue (May 10, 2011): La Sangre
de Jonata 2006. La Poesia de Jonata 2007, La Fuerza de Jonata 2006, and
La Tierra de Jonata 2006.
The Quote/Background: Jonata comes from the central coast of Ballard
Canyon (Santa Ynez). The company specializes in blends, some of them
unconventional (such as cabernets and syrah together). Jonata uses
mixed farming in its sustainability program. Currently they produce
some nine top tier labels and five second wines (under the Paring
label) which are from young vines or surplus wines.
The Wines: Matt spoke at length on his passion for creating blends.
Blends change every year, depending on the circumstances of the
harvest.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Jonata Todos Red 2006 +218941 Vintages, $59.95 (39% syrah, 35% cab
sauv, 11% sangiovese, plus petit verdot, cab franc and viognier)
-El Corazon de Jonata 2005, +218917 Vintages, $59.95 (41% syrah, 30%
cab sauv, 11% cab franc, 11$ merlot, 5% petit verdot, 2% sauvignon
blanc)

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-El Alma de Jonata 2006, +218925 Vintages Classics, $145 (95% cab
franc, with cab sauv and merlot)
-El Desafio de Jonata 2006, +218993 Vintages Classics, $145 (84% cab
sauv, 9% cab franc, 6% petit verdot, 1% merlot)
-The Paring Red 2006, +218909 Vintages, $32.95 (53% cab sauv, 42%
merlot, 5% petit verdot)
-The Paring Pinot Noir 2008, +218958 Vintages, $32.95 (70% old vine
pinot noir, 30% new vine pinot noir)

 

The Food: trays from the Cheese Boutique featured charcuterie (one too
spicy for wine) plus cheeses from Thunder Oak (aged 3 year old gouda),
Blue de Bresse, raw milk camembert, breads, biscuits etc.
The Downside: I had to race over from an LCBO General List tasting,
barely catching my breath.
The Upside: a chance to speak with Matt Dees.
The Contact Person: jason@woodmanwinesandspirits.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 91.

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

South African Icon Wines Tasting at George, March 2011

The Time and Date: Thursday, March 24, 2011  1Pm to 4 PM
The Event: A walk through several South African wines from the April 2
Vintages release.
The Venue: George Restaurant
The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: most are coming out April 2 at Vintages,
others are here now by consignment.
The Quote/Background: A short walkaround of some nine wines, presented
by the agents, with excellent tech sheets.
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bellingham Fair Maiden 2008 (white Rhonish blend), +220020, $17.75
-Vilafonte Series M 2006 (Bordeaux-style blend), +7757, $39.75

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Ataraxia Wines Serenity 2007 (unnamed red blend), +148601, $24.75
-Brampton Sauvignon Blanc 2009, $13.95 Vintages
-Bellingham Merlot With A Dash of Malbec 2007, +129718, $13.75
-Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2008 (Chenin blanc and chardonnay),
+225458, $16.75
-Warwick Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Hobbs Consignment, $23.99 Licensee

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bellingham Dragon's Lair 2006 (Rhone blend, mostly shiraz), +68692,
$19.75
-The Winery of Good Hope Black Rock Red 2007 (Rhone blend), +68502,
$18.75

 

The Food: cheeses and delightful breads (sweet, savoury, etc.) plus
veggies and dips, including a smokey hollandaise.
The Contact Person: keenan@propellerpr.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 89.

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

Tasting Consignment New York Wines at CRFA (March 7/11)

 The Time and Date: Monday, March 7, 2011  Noon to 5 PM
The Event: a tasting of consignment New York wines, on a drop-in basis,
at the CRFA show.
The Venue: CRFA Show
The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: 28 wines were available for sampling.
The Quote/Background: there was a very informative catalogue, listing
the wines by varieties, their availability, prices, agency, and some
winemaker's notes.
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Fulkerson Winery Dry Riesling 2009 Finger Lakes $16.95
-Sheldrake Point Semi-Dry Riesling 2008 Finger Lakes, $18.95 Classique
Imports

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling 2009 Finger Lakes, $19.95 Hobbs & Co
-Fulkerson Winery Semi-Dry Riesling 2009 Finger Lakes $16.95
-Heron Hill Ingle Vineyard Riesling 2007 Finger Lakes, $15.95 Tannin
Fine Wines
-Prejean Winery Semi-Dry Gewurztraminer 2008 Finger Lakes, $19.95
Private order, Robert Ketchin
-Paumanok Vineyards Merlot Grand Vintage 2004 Long Island, $29.95
Private order, Robert Ketchin
-Raphael Estate Merlot 2007 Long Island, $26.95, Hanna and Sons
-Osprey Dominion Merlot 2007 Long Island, $29.95 Trilogy Wines
-Castello di Borghese Merlot 2005 Long Island, $28.95 Private order,
Robert Ketchin
-Millbrook Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008 Hudson River, $20.95 Classique
Imports
-Oak Summit Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 Hudson River, $29.95 Private
order, Robert Ketchin
-Lamoreaux Landing Cabernet Franc 2007 Finger Lakes, $20.95, MCO

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Fox Run Vineyards Dry Riesling 2009 Finger Lakes, $18.95 Trilogy Wines
-Arrowhead Spring Vineyards Semi-Dry Riesling 2009 Niagara Escarpment
NY, $19.95, Private order, Robert Ketchin
-Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling 2009 Finger Lakes, $18.95 Classique
Imports
-Arrowhead Spring Vineyards Red Meritage 2007 Niagara Escarpment NY,
$19.95, Private order, Robert Ketchin
-Sheldrake Point Waterfall Chardonnay 2007 Finger Lakes, $16.75
Classique Imports
-Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli 2008 Finger Lakes, $22.95 Hobbs & Co.
-Raphael Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Long Island, $26.95 Hanna & Sons
-Channing Daughters Mudd 2006 Long Island, $28.95
-Channing Daughters Cuvee Tropical 2007 Long Island, $16.75
-Castello di Borghese Chardonnay 2009 Long Island, $20.95 Private
order, Robert Ketchin
-White Springs Gewurztraminer 2009 Fi9nger Lakes, $18.45  Amethyst
-Brotherhood Pinot Noir 2008 Hudson River, $17.95 Classique Imports
-Ravines Wine Cellars Pinot Noir 2008 Finger Lakes, $27.95 Classique
Imports
-Peconic Bay Nautique Esprit de Rouge NV Long Island, $18.95

 

The Food: cheeses, breads, fruits.
The Downside: I got lost trying to find the room amongst the acres of
displays and food.
The Upside: a chance to catch up with New York wines.
The Contact Person: nywine@ketchin.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 86.

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

 

 

California Wine Show: media pre-view

The Time and Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2011 4 Pm to 7 PM
The Event: Media pre-view of the California Wine Fair (April 4, 2011,
Royal York)
The Venue: Far Niente
The Target Audience: wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are or will be available through
the LCBO, Vintages, Consignment, or by private order. All of these
wines are supposed to be at the show on April 4.
The Quote/Background: In previous years, we – as wine writers – were
challenged by a single-blind tasting (we knew the grape variety but not
the label). This helped to focus our attention on the wine at hand.
This time, we had the bottle in hand and could float around from table
to table.
The Wines: I tasted most wines…

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Duckhorn Merlot 2008 Napa, $56.95 Vintages
-Michael David Winery Petite Syrah/Petit Verdot 2008 Lodi, Dionysus
-Wente Chardonnay 2009 Riva Ranch Monterey, $19.99 from Churchill
-Trinchero Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Cellars 2008, $24.95 Vintages
July 2011
-Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Paso Robles, $24.95 Vintages May 28
-Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa, $33.95 from B & W
-Bennett Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 Napa, $55 from Mondia
Alliance
-Paul Dolan Deep Red Biodynamic Mendocino 2008, Calibrium

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Francis Ford Coppola Winery Diamond Syrah-Shiraz 2008, $24.95 Vintages
-Kenneth Volk Chardonnay 2007 Santa Maria, $19.95 from Grape
-Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay 2009 Russian River Ranches, $24.95 Vintages
-Cuvaison Chardonnay 2009 Napa, $27.95 from Prevedello & Mathews
-Kendall-Jackson Jackson Hills Chardonnay 2008 Santa Barbara, $34.95
Vintages
-Lucas & Lewellen Pinot Noir 2008 Goodchild High 9 Vineyard Santa
Barbara, $20.95 from Schiralli
-Gloria Ferrer Pinot Noir 2006 Carneros, $26.95 Vintages
-Siduri Pinot Noir 2009 Russian River, $39.95 Vintages Aug 6
-Galante Almond Flat Pinot Noir Carmel Valley 2006, $47.35 Le Sommelier
-La Crema Pinot Noir 2009 Russian River, $29.95 from B & W
-Cline Cellars Big Break Zinfandel 2008 Contra Costa County, Vinexx
-Pedroncelli Zinfandel Mother Clone 2008 Dry Creek Valley, Grape
Expectations
-Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, $24.95 Vintages
-Anders-Lane Artisan Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, $33.85
Small Winemakers.
-Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Oso Vyd Napa, $47.99 from Mark Anthony
-Cuvaison Brandin Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, $85.95 Vintages Sept 3
-Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, $110.95 from B & W
-Heitz Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard 2005 Napa,
$220 Lifford
-Vineyard 7 & 8 Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa
-Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 SLD Napa, Mark Anthony
-Hess Collection 19 Block Cuvee 2007 Napa, $58.95 Vintages Apr 2
-Miner Family The Oracle 2008 Napa, $74.95 Profile
-Dry Creek Vineyard Mariner Meritage 2006 Dry Creek Valley, Vinexx

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Foppiano Vineyards Petite Sirah 2008 Russian River, $24.95 Vintages
Fall 2011
-Lockwood Vineyards Chardonnay 2009 Monterey, $15.75 from Ruby Wine
-Irony Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Napa, $19.95 Vintages July
-Merryvale Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, $21.99 from Profile
-Peju Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, $65 Vintages
-Villa Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve 2006 Napa, Profile

 

The Food: great appetizers – cheese, breads, charcuterie, mushrooms,
other finger foods.
The Downside: I really miss the single-blind aspect. Perhaps it will be
back next year? One suggestion: number the bottle and let me pour my
own from the back label.
The Upside: things and events this evening went faster than in previous
years.
The Contact Person: paula@praxispr.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 88.

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

 

 

Some recently tasted new wines.

1.Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico 2007, $15.95 General List LCBO,
+219808: 100% sangiovese, 13% ABV, French oak aging for almost half a
year. A ripe year lead to a plumy deep darkness, along with riper that
average cherry tones. Not a Modal Varietal Characteristic, but
extremely useful for the North American palate
2. Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico 2007 Riserva, $22.95 Vintages
June 11/11, +216309: 95% sangiovese and 5% merlot, 14% ABV, French oak
aging in various sizes for 16 or so months. A bit overthetop with added
leathery tones, very prominent oak notes of spices and cream, great
structure, better with food. And better in two years.
3. Beringer Founders' Estate Sauvignon Blanc California 2009, $17.95
Vintages +31815: 13.9% ABV, cork finish (for restaurant trade?),
typical California MVC of softer savvy. Central Coast and Delta
vineyards were used; hence the wider appellation. Expect some stone
fruit, citric tones, and refreshing acidity. Either sip or with food.
4. Beringer Founders' Estate Syrah 2009, $19.95 Vintages +919654: 13.9%
ABV, cork finish (for restaurant trade?), aged in older US oak, some
petite syrah added to the final blend. Coastal vineyards used. Expect
toasted oak and black fruit in a definite ripe "Rhone tone". Some
spices from the wood.
5. Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2008, $34.95 Vintages Aug 20
+509919: 14.5% ABV, matured in French oak, first vintage in 1962
(unbroken for 49 years), lots of hot-jammy-sweet black fruit overlaid
with spice and eucalyptus tones. Lay it down a few more years.
6. Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz 2008 McLaren Vale, $35 LCBO General
List +390872: 15% ABV, twist top, barrel fermentation and 18 months of
barrel aging in both new and used French and US oak. The wine used to
be a blend from several different regions, but now it is all McLaren
fruit. Mocha tones, black fruits, long long finish. Could age at least
one more year, and keep for ten years.

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