April 13/11: Vinexx Portfolio Tasting at Cucci in Oakville

The Time and Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2011  4 PM to 8:30 PM
The Event: Vinexx Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Cucci, Oakville
The Target Audience: clients and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are at the LCBO, with a few on
consignment.
The Quote/Background: Cedric Ducote from Blasons de Bourgogne was along
to pour to sparkling wines.
The Wines: There were 42 wines; I did not try all of them.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Caves Bailly Lapierre Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Reserve, $17.95 ($9.95
half-bottles)
-Cline Cellars Syrah Los Carneros 2006, $17.95
-Mas des Bressades Syrah 2008 Cuvee Excellence Costieres de Nimes,
$17.95
-Bodegas Muga Reserva Rioja 2006, $23.95
-Cline Cellars Zinfandel 2009 California, $13

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Caves Bailly Lapierre Cremant de Bourgogne Paul Delane, $16.95.
-Champagne Moutard-Dilligent Duc de Charlane Brut Champagne, $33.95
consignment
-La Chablisienne 2007 Chablis Vieilles Vignes, $24.95
-Mud House Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough, $15.95
-Cline Cellars Viognier 2009 North Coast Sonoma, $14.95
-St. Lucas Torrontes 2010 Mendoza, $11.95
-Alois Lageder Vogelmaier Moscato Giallo Alto Adige, $26 private order
-Studert Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett, $18.95
-Alois Lageder Pinot Noir Krafuss 2007 Alto Adige, $46 private order
-Alois Lageder Cabernet Riserva 2007 Alto Adige, $27 private order
-Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, $34.95 private order
-Casa Girelli Primitivo Virtuoso 2008 Puglia, $21.95 private order
-E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2007, $16.95
-BR Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 North Coast Cal, $25 private order
-Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvedre 2009 Central Coast Cal, $18.95
-Roux Pere et Fils Volnay Vieilles Vignes 2009, $29.95
-Graham Beck Cabernet Sauvignon The Game Reserve 2009 South Africa,
$18.95

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 2009 Alto Adige, $18.95
-Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2009 The Game Reserve South Africa, $14.95
-Dry Creek Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2009 California, $14.95 consignment
-Canyon Oaks Chardonnay 2009 California, $13.95 consignment
-BR Cohn Chardonnay 2009 Sonoma, $28 private order
-Casa Girelli Syrah Virtuoso 2008 Sicily, $21.95 private order
-Alliance Loire Domaine de Matabrune Bourgeuil 2009, $14.95
-Canyon Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 California, $13.95
-Mud House Pinot Noir 2009 Central Otago NZ, $17.95
-Casa de la Ermita Roble Jumilla 2008, $13.95
-Cline Cellars Syrah 2009 Sonoma, $13
-Roux Pere et Fils Cote de Beaune Village 2009, $17.95
-Calera Pinot Noir 2008 Central Coast Cal, $32.95
-Mas des Bressades Cabernet-Syrah 2007 Costieres de Nimes, $18.95

 

The Food: breads, cheeses, olive oils, sausages, balsamic vinegars,
dried fruit, pizzas, platters of food passed around.
The Downside: it was in Oakville, quite a distance for me without a
car.
The Upside: I did not walk – I got a ride from Rolf Lutz going to
Cucci, and a lift to the subway from Melanie, a sales rep. Thanks!!
The Contact Person: jdesautels@vinexx.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 88.

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

 

 

May 12/11: Tasting Concha y Toro Series Riberas Gran Reserva

The Time and Date: Thursday, May 12, 2011  11AM to 2PM

The Event: a tasting of premium Concha y Toro wines in the "Series Riberas Gran Reserva" tier, with Concha y Toro's wine ambassador, Gabriel Salas, who gave a technical presentation.

The Venue: the agent's offices (Select Wine Merchants, Queen Street East)

The Target Audience: there were five wine journalists at this preview press tasting.

The Availability/Catalogue: none of the wines are currently available, although the Cabernet Sauvignon is coming to Vintages this fall.

The Quote/Background: This new series, all line-priced at about $16.95 for each variety, comes from the different terroirs in Chile that abut the rivers of Chile's grape-growing valleys. Each variety is grown by a different river. The proximity of the rivers allows the ocean breezes and cold winds from the mountains to pass along the rivers' corridors, allowing for a concentration of flavours. No area is more than 14 kilometres away from the Pacific. There are now seven varieties in the program; Pinot Noir will be added later.

Concha y Toro sells more than 28 million case of wine globally. They have 42 different vineyards with 30 different winemakers. For this Serie Riberas, American rootstock was used to avoid any possibility of phylloxera.

The Wines: These are my own, personal ratings, along with some comments. There was also a celebratory Casillero del Diablo Brut Chardonnay NV from Limari region ($12.95 if available) that was extremely pleasant for the price, alcohol (12%), and method (Charmat).

 

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

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2010 Ribera del Rapel, Ucuquer Vyd, Colchagua: barrel-fermented, aged nine months in French oak, no malo-lactic, mild and fruity, sweet-oak ripeness and slight tropicality, some Burgundian elements (e.g., hazelnuts). 14% ABV.

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Merlot 2009 Ribera del Maule, Mariposa Vyd, San Clemente: 5% syrah added, extractive, plums and US oak, a big wine, mouth-coating palate, very American with currently tight tones, chocolate. 12 months in half French and half US oak. 14.5% ABV. Vineyard planted in 1990s. Definitely lay down at this point.

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Ribera del Tinguiririca, Palo Santo Vyd, Marchigue (Colchagua): red clay helps make this a big wine (but drinking well now), with some herbaceous quality (10% carmenere added), lovely wine, good detail, red fruit, sweetish finish, not hot despite 14.5% ABV. 13 months in 80% French oak, balance US oak.

 

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

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Ribera del Rapel, Ucuquer Vyd Colchagua: three clones used, sur lie, vivid nose, lemons, minerals, long finish. 13.5% ABV.

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Carmenere 2006 Ribera del Cachapoal, Peumo Vyd, Peumo: 10% cabernet sauvignon added. 13 months in half French and half US oak. Bright, lively nose, woodsy flavour, some fennel, mocha too, black fruit. Food wine. 14% ABV.

 

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

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Malbec 2009 Ribera del Tinguiririca, Palo Santo Vyd, Marchigue (Colchagua): reticent nose needs time to open, good structure and body, close concentration, blueberries and black fruit, food wine, hot finish, 13 months in 80% French oak and 20% US oak. 14.5% ABV.

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Syrah 2009 Ribera del Loncomilla Villa Alegre Vyd, Maule: lacks syrah nose initially, not a full bodied syrah, dry, with a higher acids finish, plums, chocolate, jammy but maturing early? Restrained? 14.5% ABV.

 

The Food: we had fresh fruit, coffees, and breads for breakfast. For lunch, we went to Prohibition Gastrohouse and ordered off the menu. We shared mac and cheese, Caesar salad, green salad, pulled pork, soup, bison burgers, and the like. At this time, Select offered us a 2006 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon, which was best appreciated on its own in order to savour the flavours. Nevertheless, the Marques des Casa Concha Carmenere 2008 was perfect with the pub grub, as was the Italian Montalto Pinot Grigio (with the veggies).

The Downside: Somehow, Gabriel picked up the sobriquet "Hector", one of the winemakers back in Chile.

The Upside: a chance to investigate the commonalities of a line-priced series of wines not yet generally available. It was appreciated.

The Contact Person: prodhon@selectwines.ca or haddleton@selectwines.ca

The Marketing Effectiveness/Execution of the Event(numerical grade): 94.

 

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

 

 

May 14/11: Tasting notes for Vintages Release

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 14, 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. Konzelmann Winemaster's Collection Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2008
VQA Niagara: heavy-heavy Gewurz taste and body, off-dry, solid wine for
cheese, fruit or Asiatic food. +392357, $17.20, QPR: 90.
2. Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2008 VQA Okanagan: nice blend of BF and SS
wines, oak in back ground, but terrific with food. 14% ABV. +377770,
$19.95.
3. Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2009: 13.5% ABV, juicy, good
oak-fruit balance, could improve. Food wine or sip, +468728, $17.95,
QPR: 89.
4. Michel Delhommeau Cuvee Harmonie Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine 2009 Sur
Lie: minerals suggest fish, good price for tart food wine. +164624,
$12.95, QPR: 89.
5. Sols & Sens Cotes du Rhone-Villages Laudin 2009: 60% grenache blanc,
30% viognier, 10% rousanne. 13.5% ABV. Rich and ripe orchard fruit,
good weight. +223438, $13.95, QPR: 90.
6. Fillaboa Albarino 2009 Rias Baixas: orchard fruit plus tropicality
lading to a citric finish. Food wine. +214171, $15.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Rutherford Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Napa: delicious delivery
of black fruit, juicy and ripeness begins with the fabulous nose. 12.5%
ABV. +213777, $19.95, QPR: 90.
2. Elementos Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: very much an
Argentine cabernet, MVC, 14% ABV. Value at this price level. +218974,
$12.95, QPR: 89.
3. Jolien Schaal Syrah 2008 WO Elgin/Walker Bay South Africa: 13.5%
ABV, Euro-Rhone wine mode for syrah. +206581, $17.95, QPR: 89.
4. Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages:
85% grenache, 10% mourvedre, 5% syrah, 14.5% ABV. Gold medalist,
action-value packed with fruit and grassiness. +224592, $13.95, QPR:
89.
5. Domaine Martin Cairanne 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages: unfiltered,
14% ABV, developing black fruit, dense body. +223461, $16.95, QPR: 89.
6. Tor del Colle Riserva Brindisi 2006: fruity, engaging, intense
vanilla, well-priced, 13% ABV. +211847, $12.95, QPR: 89.
7. Marchesi Torrigiani Torre de Ciardo 2006 IGT Toscana: delicious
Italianate flavours, some barn, chianti-style. 14% ABV. +212084,
$19.95, QPR: 90.
8. Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore
2008: Ripasso-of-the-month. +695890, $16.95, QPR: 89.
9. Dehesa Gago 2009 Toro: 14.5% ABV, heavy-heavy laden with flavours on
the back palate, long tannin finish, could lay down for a while.
+173120, $14.95, QPR: 89.
10. Vega Escal 2006 Priorat: full of flavours (smoke, black fruit, some
Rhone tones, long finish). 14.5% ABV. +210997, $18.95, 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. Boony Doon Beeswax Vineyard Le Cigare Blanc 2008 Arroyo Seco Central
Coast, +95331, $29.95 retail.
2. Mer Soleil Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2008 Santa Lucia Highlands
California, +958975, $34.95.
3. Truchard Chardonnay 2008 Carneros Napa, +60459, $34.95.
4. Henry Darnat Puligny-Montrachet 2007, +21080, $49.95.
5. Vincent Girardin Les Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2008, +207894,
$24.95.
6. Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2009, +247411,
$43.95.
7. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Sonoma County, +226944,
$22.95.
8. Norton Privada 2007 Mendoza, +148155, $21.95.
9. Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2007 South Australia, +309625,
$37.95.
10. Chateau Cherchy-Desqueyroux 2005 Graves, +125518, $21.95.
11. Massucco Barbaresco 2006, +214528, $27.95.
12. Palazzo Brunello di Montalcino 2004, +660746, $49.95.
13. Lar de Paula Reserva 2004 Rioja, +208207, $21.95.

 

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

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