April 12/11: PMA Chairman's Gala at Toronto hunt

The Time and Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011   5 Pm to 9 PM
The Event: 2011 PMA Canada Chairman's Gala
The Venue: Toronto Hunt
The Target Audience: PMA clients, wine media.
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available now or in the
coming months, through vintages, consignment, and the like.
The Quote/Background: This is a lavish Toronto biennial wine show,
highlighting selected lots of specialty wines available for purchase by
PMA clients. Eleven principals from around the world came to this show.
The Wines: I could not taste all the wines. I concentrated on red and
white table wines.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Nugan Estate Bottle Fermented Brut Cuvee NSW Australia
-Nugan Estate Manuka Grove Durif 2009 SEA
-Chateau des Perelins Pomerol 2007, $37
-Montrouge Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Les Terasses du Sud 2007, $49.95 private
order
-Montecillo Gran Reserva Seleccion Especial 1981, $75 private order

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Breuer Nonnenberg Auslese Goldkapsel 2007 Rudesheim, $80 private order
-Sokol Blosser Pinto Noir 2008 Dundee Hills Oregon, $64.95 consign
-Collazzi Toscana IGT 2007, $46.50 private order
-Chateau Moulinat Haut-Medoc 2007, $24.50 Vintages
-Norton Perdriel Single Vineyard 2005 Mendoza (blend 60% Malbec),
$69.95 private order
-Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Pinot Noir 2007 Marlborough, $59.95
consignment in July
-Tianna Negre Ses Nines Tinto Seleccio 2009 Spain, $44.95 private
-Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2004, $65 consignment
-Candido Cappello di Prete 2006 Puglia, $19.95 private order
-Moncaro Le Vele Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2010 Marches,
$13.95 private order
-Kunde Estate Century Vines Reserve Zinfandel 2007 Sonoma, $44.95
consignment
-Kunde Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma, $34.95 consignment
-Quinta do Vallado Field Blend Douro Reserva 2008, $55.95 private
-Plaisir de Merle Gran Plaisir 2007 Paarl South Africa, $34.95 private
-Moncaro Nerone Rosso Conero Riserva 2005 Marches, $59.95 private order
-Alianca Quinta Dos Quatros Ventos Reserva Portugal, $59.95 private
order
-Sotto Sole Negro Amaro 2006 Puglia, $29.95 private order
-Villa Maria Taylor's Pass Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough, $34.95
consignment
-Collazzi Liberta IGT 2009 Tuyscany, $19.95 consignment

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Georg Breuer Terra Montosa 2008 Rudesheim
-Collazzi I Bastioni Chianti Classico 2008, $21.95 consignment
-Korta Gran Reserva Petit Verdot 2009 Lontue Chile, $20.95 consign
-Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay Paarl South Africa, $24.95
-Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino 2005, $49
-Lamberti Amarone della Valpolicella 2007, $48.95 private order
-Tianna Negre Ses Nines Tinto 2010 Spain, $24.95
-Supremo Sangiovese/Merlot 2008 IGT Puglia, $29.95
-Machiavelli Vigna di Fontalle Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, $38.95
private order
-Nugan Estate McLaren Vale Parish Vineyard Shiraz 2008, $24.95 Vintages

 

The Food: we were treated to smoked salmon, lamb loin, beef haunch,
pulled pork, bison burgers, diverse cheeses, fruits, breads, fresh
oysters, and many platters being carried around by wait staff. There
was a chocolate fountain in the dessert/coffee room, and some notable
bar food in the beer/spirits room.
The Downside: not enough time to taste all the wines.
The Upside: the two seminars earlier in the day, plus some fine wines
(se the Four Star selections above)
The Contact Person: tmcdonals@pmacanada.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 91.

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

 

 

April 13/11: SomewhereNess Media Preview at TIFF's Malaparte

 The Time and Date:  Wednesday, April 13, 2011   12:30 PM to 4 PM
The Event: SomewhereNess Preview tasting for the May 10, 2011 show
(www.somewhereness.com)
The Venue: Malaparte, TIFF Bell Lightbox
The Target Audience: wine press, wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the winery,
although some can be at the LCBO Vintages. The original six wineries
(Charles Baker, Flat Rock, Malivoire, Norman Hardie, Stratus, and
Tawse) have been joined by a rotation of four others (13th Street, Cave
Spring, Hidden Bench, Southbrook).
The Quote/Background: The event opened with a seminar. Each of the 10
wineries poured a bottle of wine for us and commented on the wine. This
was followed by a selection of cheeses and Niagara prosciutto. At 2PM
there was a walkaround tasting of new vintage wines.

 

The Wines: I did not taste all of the wines.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cave Spring Cellars 2004 Blanc de Blancs CSV Estate Bottled Beamsville
Bench, $45
-Flat Rock Cellars 2008 Reserve Riesling Twenty Mile Bench, $30
Vintages
-Flat Rock Cellars 2008 Reserve Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench, $35
Vintages
-Flat Rock Cellars 2007 Reserve Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench, $35
-Flat Rock Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir Twenty Mile Bench, $19.95 Vintages
-Hidden Bench Vineyards 2008 Estate Chardonnay Beamsville Bench, $32
-Malivoire 2009 Mottiar Vineyard Chardonnay Beamsville Bench, $29.95
-Norman Hardie 2008 Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula, $35 Vintages
-Stratus 2008 Semillon NOTL, $32
-Stratus 2009 Gewurztraminer Niagara, $32
-Charles Baker 2008 Riesling Picone Vineyard Vinemount Ridge, $35
Vintages
-Charles Baker 2009 Riesling Picone Vineyard Vinemount Ridge, $35

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-13th Street 2008 Funk Vineyard Old Vines Riesling Creek Shores, $23.95
retail
-13th Street 2009 White Palette Niagara, $14.95
-13th Street 2009 Essence Pinot Noir Niagara, $44.95
-Cave Spring Cellars 2009 Riesling CSV Estate Bottled Beamsville Bench,
$29.95
-Cave Spring Cellars 2008 Riesling CSV Estate Bottled Beamsville Bench,
$29.95 Vintages
-Cave Spring Cellars 2007 Chardonnay CSV Estate Bottled Beamsville
Bench, $29.95 Vintages
-Flat Rock Cellars 2006 Sparkling Brut Twenty Mile Bench, $35
-Flat Rock Cellars 2009 Riesling Twenty Mile Bench, $16.95
-Flat Rock Cellars 2008 Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench, $16.95
-Flat Rock Cellars 2010 Gewurztraminer Twenty Mile Bench, $22.95
-Hidden Bench Vineyards 2008 Felseck Vineyard Pinot Noir Beamsville,
$48
-Hidden Bench Vineyards 2008 Terroir Cache-Red Meritage Beamsville
Bench, $35 Vintages
-Malivoire 2008 Moira Chardonnay Beamsville Bench, $39.95
-Malivoire 2007 "Cat on the Bench" Pinot Noir Beamsville Bench, $100.20
-Norman Hardie 2010 Melon de Bourgogne PEC, $19
-Norman Hardie 2008 Chardonnay Cuvee L, $49
-Norman Hardie 2009 Pinot Noir Niagara, $39
-Southbrook 2008 Whimsy Cabernet Franc NOTL, $34.95
-Stratus 2007 Red NOTL, $44 Vintages
-Stratus 2007 Petit Verdot NOTL, $38
-Stratus 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon NOTL, $75
-Stratus 2007 White NOTL, $44 Vintages
-Tawse 2008 Estate Chardonnay Niagara, $29.95
-Tawse 2009 Echos Cabernet Merlot Niagara, $16.84 licensee only

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-13th Street 2009 June's Vineyard Chardonnay Creek Shores, $19.95
-13th Street 2009 Essence Sauvignon Blanc Niagara, $34.95
-Cave Spring Cellars 2009 Riesling Dolomite Niagara Escarpment, $16.95
-Cave Spring Cellars 2007 Pinot Noir Estate Beamsville Bench, $39.95
-Cave Spring Cellars 2007 Cabernet Franc Estate Beamsville Bench,
$34.95
-Hidden Bench Vineyards 2008 Roman's Block Riesling Beamsville, $34
-Norman Hardie 2010 Riesling, $21
-Norman Hardie 2009 County Pinot Noir PEC, $35 Vintages
-Southbrook 2008 Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon NOTL, $23.95 Vintages
-Southbrook 2007 Triomphe Cabernet Merlot NOTL, $22.95
-Southbrook 2007 Poetica Cabernet Merlot NOTL, $63
-Tawse 2010 Quarry Road Gewurztraminer Vinemount Bidge, $28.95 Vintages
in August
-Tawse 2009 Grower's Blend Pinot Noir Niagara, $31.95 Vintages

 

 

 

The Food: there were cheeses from Fifth Town Artisan Cheese in PEC,
breads, crackers, fruit, and prosciutto-styled meat from Niagara
Specialty Foods.
The Contact Person: somewhereness@gmail.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 90.

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

 

 

April 12/11: Both PMA Seminars a Hit at Toronto Hunt

The Time and Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011   3 Pm to 9 PM
The Event: 2011 PMA Canada Chairman's Gala: the seminars
The Venue: Toronto Hunt
The Target Audience: PMA clients and licensees, wine media.
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available now or in the
coming months, through vintages, consignment, and the like.
The Quote/Background: Todd McDonald has put together this show and the
seminars for many years, since 1999. This year, the themes were Malbec
wines from Norton of Mendoza Argentina, and Pinot Noirs from Donum
Estate of Carneros California. Jorge Riccitelli, head winemaker at
Norton, and Anne Moller-Racke, winegrower and president of Donum Estate
led the seminars, which were insightful. The 1974 Malbec was a treat
unto itself!!
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Donum Thomas Carneros Pinot Noir 2008, $90
-Donum Carneros Pinot Noir 2007, $85
-Norton Malbec 1974 Mendoza, no longer available.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Robert Stemmler Ferguson Block Pinot Noir 2007, $60
-Robert Stemmler Nugent Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, $50
-Donum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2007, $90
-Donum West Slope Carneros Pinot Noir 2008, $100
-Norton Malbec Barrel Select 2008 Mendoza
-Norton Reserva Malbec 2008 Mendoza
-Norton Privada 2008 Mendoza (blend 50% Malbec), $21.95
-Norton Privada Malbec 2008 Mendoza

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Donum Carneros Pinot Noir 2006, $80
-Norton Malbec Mendoza 2010

 

The Contact Person: tmcdonald@pmacanada.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 95.

 

 

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

 

 

April 11/11: Churchill Cellars Portfolio tasting at St. Lawrence Centre

The Time and Date: Monday, April 11, 2011,  3 PM to 7PM
The Event: Portfolio Tasting for Churchill Cellars
The Venue: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
The Target Audience: wine media, some trade, private clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available at the LCBO as
General Purchase or as Vintages.
The Quote/Background:
The Wines: 50 wines were available, but I could not taste them all.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava, $14.35
-Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2008, $24.75
-Vina El Principal Memorias 2007 Chile, $35 private order
-Pol Roger Brut Champagne, $59.75
-Chivite Gran Feudo Vinas Viejas Reserva Navarra 2005, $19.75
-Willm Pinot Gris Alsace Kosher 2008, $22.75

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Peninsula Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Niagara VQA, $13.75
-Peninsula Ridge Reserve Chardonnay 2008 VQA, $24.75 Vintages
-Peninsula Ridge Meritage 2009 VQA, $21.95
-Peninsula Ridge Barrel Aged Chardonnay 2009 VQA, $14.75
-Chateau de Gourgazaud Cuvee Mathilde Minervois 2008, $14.75
-Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, $10.75
-Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay, $16.75
-Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.75
-Grove Street Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $14.80
-Casa Silva Los Lingues Gran Reserva Carmenere 2008 Chile, $17.75
-Casa Silva Colchagua Valley Quinta Generacion Red 2007 Chile, $24.75
-d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Shiraz Grenache 2008, $19.75
-Chivite Gran Feudo Reserva Navarra 2005, $15.75
-Navajas Tinto Reserva Rioja 2005, $16.75

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Peninsula Ridge INOX Chardonnay VQA, $13.75
-Peninsula Ridge Merlot VQA, $14.75
-Peninsula Ridge Shiraz VQA, $14.75
-Peninsula Ridge Cabernet VQA, $12.75
-Peninsula Ridge Fume Blanc 2008 VQA, $24.75
-Chateau de Gourgazaud Minervois 2008, $12.75
-Domaine de Gourgazaud Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $11.75
-Chateau de Gourgazaud Minervois Reserve 2006, $17.75
-Robertson Winery Shiraz South Africa, $11.75
-d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Lightly Wooded Chardonnay 2008, $13.75
-d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2008, $13.75
-d'Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $19.75
-Willm Riesling Reserve Alsace 2008, $16.75
-August Kesseler R Riesling 2008 QbA Germany, $15.75

 

The Food: upstairs, there was a platter of Monforte sheep and goat
cheeses from Stratford. Downstairs, there was Parmigiano Reggiano plus
assorted other cheeses. Breads, nuts and dried fruits were also on the
platters.
The Downside: I was hoping that there would be wines from other
programs, such as private order or consignment. There was one private
border wine.
The Upside: a good wine-wise crowd.
The Contact Person: chris@churchillcellars.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 85.

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

 

 

April 15/11: WWCC tastes Ontario virtual wineries

The Time and Date: Friday, April 15, 2011 10:30 AM to 2PM
The Event: a tasting of Ontario virtual wineries
The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square
The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada
The Availability/Catalogue: apart from tank samples, all wines are
currently available through the virtual winery (Internet sales). More
details are at
http://ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.com/2011/04/report-from-wwcc-
virtual-winery-tasting.html
The Quote/Background: These winemakers spoke on the panel –
Thomas Bachelder - Bachelder Wines (no wines available yet)
Charles Baker - Charles Baker Wines
Steve Byfield - Nyarai Cellars
Peter Graham - Five Suns
Jeff Hundertmark - 100 Marks
Kevin Panagapka - 20207 Cellars
Nicole Speranzini - Mike Weir Winery
Ilya Senchuk - Leaning Post Winery
Andrew von Teichman - Generations Wine Company (Union)
Not personally in attendance, but his wine was there - Paul Ross
Each winemaker or winery principal introduced themselves and their
project, many based on single varietals. There was a Q and A session
after the panel, and then a tasting with the winemakers. And it was
great to see the winemakers tasting and enjoying each others' wines.
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Nyarai Cellars Trois 2009 (pinot grigio/sauvignon blanc/viognier
blend)
-Charles Baker Riesling Picone 2008
-Charles Baker Riesling Picone 2009
-Union White 2009 (riesling/sauvignon blanc/gewurztraminer/chardonnay),
$13.95 LCBO
-Union Red 2007 (pinot noir/cabernet sauvignon/merlot), $13.95 LCBO
-20207 Cellars Riesling 2008
-20207 Cellars Riesling 2008 Falls Vineyard
-20207 Cellars Chardonnay 2010 19th Street
-100 Marks Pinot Noir 2010

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Nyarai Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2009
-Leaning Post Riesling 2009
-Leaning Post Pinot Noir 2009
-20207 Cellars Pinot Noir 2010
-20207 Cellars Pinot Noir 2008 Featherstone Vineyard
-20207 Cellars Riesling 2009 20 Mile Bench
-20207 Cellars Riesling 2007 Fox Croft Vineyard
-20207 Cellars Riesling 2009 Fox Croft Vineyard
-Union Red 2009, $13.95 LCBO
-Mike Weir Riesling 2008
-Ross Riesling 2007

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-20207 Cellars Pinot Noir 2009
-Mike Weir Chardonnay 2008
-Mike Weir Sauvignon Blanc 2009
-Mike Weir Cabernet Merlot 2008
-Five Suns Sauvignon Blanc 2010
-Five Suns Pinot Noir 2009

 

The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 90.

 

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

 

 

April 4/11: California Wine Fair in Toronto

The Time and Date: Monday, April 4, 2011   2:30 PM to 5 PM
The Event: California Wine Fair, 2011 Toronto Tour.
The Venue: Fairmount Royal York
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: your guess is as good as mine is. The
catalogue itself was nicely laid out, with names and numbers, websites,
agencies, and the wines. But, as inevitable, some wines were listed but
not in the show, while others were in the show but not listed. Some
wines are not available, some are private, consignment, arriving soon
(or sold out), etc. Prices were scarce, and we had to ask after
everything.
The Quote/Background: The show gets bigger every year.
The Wines: There were about 425 wines, an awesome number. I could not
taste them all. I had tasted at a preview media affair, about 50 wines,
and of course, I did not re-try them today. See last month's report for
the tasting notes.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Knights Valley
-Landmark Overlook Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma County/Santa Barbara, $32.95
Vintages
-Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, $34.95
-Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, $141.95 Halpern
-Stag's Leap Wine Cellars SLV Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Artesa Winery Chardonnay 2009 Carneros, July Vintages, $25
-Bogle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 California, $18.95 Abcon
-Castle Rock Chardonnay 2009 Central Coast
-Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Dry Creek Valley
-Rancho Galante Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Carmel
-Heitz Chardonnay 2008 Napa
-Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa
-Ironstone Reserve Estate Grown Meritage 2006 Sierra Foothills, $44.95
Lifford
-Michael David 7 Heavenly Chard Chardonnay 2009 Lodi, $24.95 Dionysus
-Miner Family Viognier 2009 California
-Nichols Merlot Reserve 2000 Paso Robles Vinas del Sol, $42.88 Le
Sommelier
-Nichols Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Paso Robles Vinas del Sol, $52.50
-Paul Dolan Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendocino, $24  Calibrium
-Peju Merlot 2006 Napa
-Perry Creek Altitude 2401 Viognier 2009 El Dorado
-Ravenswood Barricia Zinfandel 2007 Sonoma, $33.95 Vintages
-Robert Mondavi Merlot 2007 Napa
-Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 Napa, $139.95
-Schug Carneros Estate Chardonnay 2009
-Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Alexander Valley, $81.95 Halpern
-Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa
-Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Fay Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa
-Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 2008 Napa
-Vineyard 7 & 8 Chardonnay 2005 Spring Mountain, $40 East West Wine
Trading

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Firestone Chardonnay 2009 California
-Foley Family Chardonnay 2008 Santa Rita Hills
-Paul Dolan Chardonnay 2009 Mendocino
-Schug Carneros Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Sonoma

 

The Food: domestic and imported cheeses (aged Canadian cheddar,
provolone, triple cream brie, oka, cambozola, havarti with dill, Danish
blue, and lecreameaux). Plus fruit, nuts and breads.
The Downside: it got crowded and hot really fast.
The Upside: a good chance to pick and choose through wines.
The Contact Person:  paula@praxispr.ca or calwine@sympatico.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 88.

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

 

 

New Wines at Stoney Ridge, Niagara VQA

1. Stoney Ridge 2009 Excellence Chardonnay VQA Niagara, $26 at winery:
a line of wines made only in better years by winemaker Gordon Robert,
the Excellence series concentrates on reasonable affordability, mostly
just over $20. Here, the juice has been barrel fermented in French oak,
and put into 400 litre French oak barrels for 13 months (sur lie for 9
months). Results: an excellent classic Burgundian style of hazelnuts,
balance, limes and lemons, and refreshing fruit on the finish. 13.6%
ABV,

 

2. Stoney Ridge 2009 Excellence Pinot Noir VQA Niagara, $29 at winery:
black fruit, extractive, Burgundian style of beetroot, cherries, and
even some cranberries. A keeper. Aged 11 months in French oak. 13.3%
ABV.

 

3. Stoney Ridge 2009 Warren Classic Pinot Noir VQA Niagara, $14.95
LCBO: "Classic" is the second tier wine series. Another Burgundian
styled pinot, but a bit lighter with more cranberries, pepper, and
light mocha. Good value. Aged in French and American oak for 9 months.
12.8% ABV.

 

4. Stoney Ridge 2009 Warren Classic Chardonnay VQA Niagara, $15 winery:
formerly known as Bench Chardonnay at Stoney Ridge. I drank tons of the
2004 vintage. This one is almost as good, but does need a year more to
balance. Malic apples, citrus, tropical zest, pineapples, some toasty
wood on the finish. Longer finish. 13% ABV.

 

5. Stoney Ridge Cabernet Merlot VQA Niagara, $17 at winery: fruit
forward, friendly red wine now ready, have with food or just sip.
Cabernet Franc 50%, Cab Sauvignon 24%, and Merlot 26%. Mocha flavours
with the black fruit. French and US oak for 11 months. 12.5% ABV.

 

6. Stoney Ridge 2009 Unoaked Charlotte's Chardonnay FSC VQA Twenty Mile
Bench, $14.95 LCBO: a juicy winner, about 80% chardonnay musque and the
rest chardonnay. Extremely aromatic and peachy, excellent for summer or
as an aperitif. Charlotte is Jim Warren's wife; she doesn't like oak in
her chardonnay. 12.5% ABV. Gold Medal at All Canadian Competition 2010.

 

7. Stoney Ridge 2009 Warren Classic Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara, $17 at
winery. Berryish (both red and black), finishes with herbs. Definite
food wine. Can be aged to bring out the vanilla-cedar finish. 13% ABV.
From three Niagara vineyards, French and US oak barrels for 10 months.

 

8. Stoney Ridge Forte 2009 VQA Ontario, $20 at winery: among the 7,021
different wines that Jim Warren has made over an illustrious career,
there is Forte – his version of port, with notes of figs, raisins,
mocha, plums, toffee, molasses, and all those dark syrups. Comprised of
Baco Noir, Late Harvest Vidal, and Cabernet Sauvignon. 19.5% ABV
(distilled spirits added). Oak aged.

 

9. Stoney Ridge Passion NV VQA Ontario, $25 at winery: and an
innovation on top of Forte – an equal blend of Forte and Cabernet Franc
icewine. Only the Forte has been fortified, so the resulting wine is
about 15.5% ABV, and full of Forte dark flavours tempered by fresh
strawberries. Think chocolate and strawbs (chocolate-coated strawbs?).
An engaging wine, and affordable. Made with Baco Noir, Late Harvest
Vidal, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.

 

 

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

 

 

April 4/11: California Wine Luncheon in Toronto

 The Time and Date:  Monday, April 4, 2011   11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
The Event: The "Toast to California" luncheon, with guest speaker
Linsey Gallagher, Director International Marketing California Wines.
The Venue: Ballroom, Fairmont Royal York.
The Target Audience: wine agencies, principals, and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue:
The Quote/Background: Linsey provided us with an update on the recent
Global Rebranding Project and latest commitments to sustainable
agriculture. She also gave us an overview of California wine sales in
Canada. I sat at a table with Vinexx on both sides of me, repping Cline
Cellars and Vine Cliff Winery. Across from me was Clos de Val, repped
by Free House Wine and Spirits.
The Wines: The reception wines were Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut 2005 and
Domaine Chandon Brut Classic California. Prices are given when known.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Clos du Val Merlot 2006 Napa
-Vine Cliff Chardonnay 2008 Los Carneros, $35
-Cline Cellars Cashmere 2009, $14.95 (affordable GSM)

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blanc Sonoma Brut 2005.
-Clos du Val Pinot Noir 2008 Carneros
-Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa
-Cline Cellars Viognier 2009 North Coast
-Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvedre 2009 Contra Costa (50 year old
vines)

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Chandon Brut Classic California, $24.95
-Clos du Val Zinfandel 2009 Napa
-Cline Cellars Zinfandel 2009 California

 

The Food: we had a variety of wines with the food – there was a
tapenade with the very good rolls, a lobster and mango salad on seared
scallops with tomato carpaccio (tasted against viognier and
chardonnay). The next course was beef tenderloin and braised beef cheek
with pancetta and barley risotto (zinfandel and merlot with this). Any
other wines were with the Niagara Gold cheese, the Delice de Bourgogne,
Grey Owl ash cheese (Quebec), cambozola, with dried pears, fig chutney,
and ending with petit fours.
The Downside: we had to spit out the good wine or else we'd be sunk by
the end of the afternoon.
The Upside: good selection of wines at this table, and I had a chance
to talk with Charlie Cline and set-up a future dinner in Nova Scotia,
May 11.
The Contact Person:  paula@praxispr.ca or calwine@sympatico.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 90.

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

 

 

April 30/11: LCBO Vintages releases -- some tasting notes

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 30, 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. Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Mendocino County: soft with some
rancio tones, typical California savvy with muted herbs. Organic. 13.5%
ABV. +46334, $19.95, QPR: 89.
2. Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc 2010 San Antonio Valley Chile: hits the
spot with the lovely fruit side of gooseberry and sweet fresh
grapefruit. Intense, 13.5% ABV, organic. +213587, $12.95, QPR: 90.
3. Tahbilk Marsanne 2009 Nagambie Lakes Victoria: label has not been
seen here in many years, it was a fave of mine. Always with great fruit
and body. Delicious succulence. +117945, $16.95, QPR: 90.
4. Cave de Hoen Pinot Gris 2009 Alsace: not as off-dry in the mouth as
indicated by the Vintages' descriptor. Gold Medalist. 12.5% ABV.
+196790, $16.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Finca Flichman Gestos Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: juicy cabby,
14.5% ABV, fleshy, slightly off-dry, ready now. A mix from two
vineyards (one at 1100 meters, the other at 700 meters). +199711,
$14.95, QPR: 90.
2. La Posta Cocina Blend 2008 Mendoza: from the Catena family, 13.5%
ABV, excellent composition from this almost-field blend. Affordable!
+199513, $12.95, QPR: 90.
3. Nativa Single Vineyard Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Maipo:
deep, juicy cabby MVC, lots of blackcurrants, mint, earth and mocha.
14.5% ABV, organic grapes. +975359, $19.75, QPR: 90.
4. Chateau de Fontenelles Cuvee Renaissance 2007 Corbieres: delicious
mocha, black fruit, dense structure. Gold Medal in 2009 plus additional
years of aging. 14% ABV. +148692, $18.95, QPR: 90.
5. Cave Saint Desirat Saint-Joseph 2007: all-syrah juiciness, light
oaking, lighter in alcohol (12.5%), more a food wine. Some great value
at this price level. +219378, $19.95, QPR: 90.
6. Macarico Rosso del Vulcano 2007 Basilicata: ripe, complex, mouth-
filling, food wine, good long finish. 13% ABV. +205880, $14.95, QPR:
89.
7. Leone de Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2006 50th Vintage: tight
and chewy, developing nicely, but ready next year. Worth laying down at
this price. +597534, $16.95, QPR: 90.
8. Giordano Promessi Sposi Vespero Rosso 2008 IGT Toscana: North
American approachability for the NA style of quaffing. Fruity
sangiovese flavour. Sip or food. 14$ ABV. +72421, $14.95, QPR: 90.
9. Casa Gualda Plus Ultra 2006 Ribera del Jucar Spain: juicy, tarry
fruit, ready soon. Mostly petit verdot. +211011, $13.95, QPR: 89.

 

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. Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2008 VQA Vinemount Ridge,
+126433, $35.20
2. Malivoire Mottiar Chardonnay 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench, +146985,
$29.95
3. Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +258186, $44.95
4. Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma, +275552, $22.95
5. Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Gold Series Red Meritage 2008 VQA
Niagara, +224675, $24.95
6. Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2008 VQA NOTL biodynamic,
+237065, $22.95
7. Sarasina Atrea Old Soul Red 2006 Mendocino, +214825, $27.95
8. Bacio Divino Janzen Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, +232355, $47.95
9. Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, +232371, $29.95
10. Campbells Bobbie Burns Shiraz 2008 Rutherglen Victoria, +225433,
$22.95
11. Henschke Johann's Garden 2007 Barossa, +946061, $54.95
12. Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Margaret River, +923565,
$29.95
13. Rustenberg John X Merriman 2007 WO Stellenbosch, +707323, $27.95
14. Rocca di Castagnoli Poggio A'frati Chianti Classico Riserva 2006,
+23358, $29.95
15. Don Jacobo Gran Reserva 1995 Rioja, +923748, $27.95

 

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

RESTAURANT/CELEBRITY COOKBOOKS

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

 

 

 

13. 3 CHEFS; the kitchen men (Whitecap, 2010, 287 pages, ISBN 978-1-
77050-034-1, $26.95 CAD hard covers) is by the renowned trio of chefs:
Michael Bonacini, Massimo Capra, and Jason Parsons. They all appear on
local TV's "CityLine" in Toronto, and have cooked on the show and in
their published writings for newspapers and magazines. Bonacini is
partner in the Oliver & Bonacini restaurant group, Capra has cooked at
Prego della Piazza and currently co-owns Mistura, and Parsons heads up
Peller Estates Winery Restaurant. All courses are covered, all 126
preps are sourced as to chef, and all recipes have an immense amount of
savour-flavour. Their book uses SLOFE principles (seasonal, local,
organic, fast, and easy) and the food is mainly Mediterranean styled.
Try Capra's roasted vegetables and butter leaf lettuce salad or his
chick pea, black olive and pecorino crostini. Try Bonacini's
mulligatawny soup or his Portobello mushroom chip and dip. Try Parson's
homemade honey, sage and sea salt doughnuts or his chardonnay-braised
lamb shank. Preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric
and avoirdupois measurements. Two drawbacks: there are no wine
recommendations, and there are too many pictures of the chefs standing
about. The publisher's resources could have been better spent elsewhere
(e.g. wine recommendations?). Quality/price rating: 90.

 

 

 

14. MR. SUNDAY'S SOUPS (John Wiley & Sons, 2011, 240 pages, ISBN 978-0-
470-64022-7, $19.95 US paper covers) is by Lorraine Wallace with Brigit
Binns. Wallace is married to Chris Wallace, a Fox News Anchor. Because
of his Sunday schedule and a quantity of teenagers roaming around the
house, Lorraine decided to feed her family soup with salad as the main
meal. Most soups can be turned into main courses anyway, and Wallace
was proficient at this. The book may have more meaning for Americans,
but apart from family pictures and political endorsements, it is a
nifty soup book. Organic food is used wherever possible, and seasonal
too. The arrangement is starts with Fall and moves through the year.
There are 78 preps plus four stock recipes. The usual and familiar
chowders and soups are augmented by a sprinkling of international
ethnic goodies such as Sengalese soup or Italian wedding soup. A good
section, to wean the guys away from fatty foods, is "Game Day
Favorites" with four chili preps, a baked potato soup, and cheeseburger
soup. Nice large print and easy to follow instructions. Preparations
have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is
no metric table of equivalents. Quality/price rating: 84.

 

 

 

15. FABULOUS FAIRHOLME; breakfasts & brunches (Whitecap, 2010, 144
pages, ISBN 978-1-55285-932-2, $29.95 CDN hard covers) is by Sylvia
Main, owner of the award-winning Fairholme Manor Inn in Victoria, BC.
It's right next to the Government House and Gardens, and has been open
since 1999. And it has a local reputation for fabulous breakfasts and
brunches. The 65 preps come from a number of cooks who have worked
there over the years. I especially enjoyed the lemon scones, the egg
blossoms, the toasted pecan, orange and brown sugar butter, and the
lemon lavender blueberry muffins (with the sugar called for, more akin
to cupcakes). A good idea book, with lovely refreshing photography.
Preparations have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements,
but there is no metric table of equivalents. Quality/price rating: 85.

 

 

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

 

 

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

thanks so much by the way.

I love the wine for Rodney Strong. 

Happy Easter Dean - I hope that you had a great weekend - I personally planted a large garden with a friend and then set up an above ground watering system all on my own.....which i am clearly quite proud of. 

Take care - Dana

 

Dana Lee Harris

Dana Lee Consulting Ltd.

p - 604-986-3262

f - 604-986-3256

danalee.harris@shaw.ca 

 

From: Dean Tudor, Wine Writer [mailto:dtudor@pathcom.com]
Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 11:11 AM
To: blog1
Subject: 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 Young 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