30.50 Imports Portfolio Tasting, April 29/13

The Date and Time: Monday, April 29, 2013  1:30 PM to 5 PM

The Event: 30.50 Imports Portfolio Tasting

The Venue: Barberian's Steakhouse

The Target Audience: wine trade, private clients

The Availability/Catalogue: wines are mainly in stock, but a few were private orders.

The Quote/Background: Many of the wines are sustainable or certified organic.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices listed are LICENSEE.

 

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

-Bod Tradicion Amontillado Jerez 30 years old, $89.95

-Bod Tradicion Oloroso Jerez 30 years old, $89.95

-Bod Tradicion Palo Cortado Jerez 30 years old, $115

-Bod Tradicion Pedro Ximenez Jerez 20 years old, $105

-Cantina di Venosa Aglianico del Vulture Vignali 2008 DOC, $16.95

-Il Paradiso di Frassina Brunello di Montalcino 2008, $59.95

-Musella Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2009, $25.95

-Champagne Chapuy Carte Verte Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV, $49.95; $24.95 split.

-Roots Run Deep Winery Pinot Noir Educated Guess 2009, $29.95

-Mt. Rosa Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2009 Central Otago, $25.95

 

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

-Sidonio de Sousa Bairrada Tinto 2005, $15.95

-Porta da Teira Ninfa Espumante Pinot Noir Ribatejo MT, $29.95

-Porta da Teira Ninfa Touriga Nacional-Syrah 2010 Ribatejo, $17.95

-Porta da Teira Moscatel de Setubal, $15.95 for 500 mL.

-Bod Medrano Irazu Crianza 2009 Rioja, $13.25

-Bod Briego Reserva 2004 R. del Duero, $27.50

-Celler Cesca Vicent Red 2010 Priorat, $20.95

-Peter Zemmer Pinot Bianco DOC 2011, $16.95

-Cantina di Venosa Dry Muscat Terre di Orazio IGT 2011, $14.50

-Castello di Verduno Barbaresco DOCG Faset 2007, $49.95

-Castello di Verduno Barolo DOCG Massara 2005, $64.95

-Tenuta Alessandro Garetto Fava 2007 DOCG Super Nizza Piedmont, $34.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2012 Vermentino Coppaia, $12.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2010 Chianti Colli Senesi, $15.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2009 Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva, $19.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2007 Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva Belsedere, $34.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2010 Canaiolo Loccaretto, $25.95

-Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Riserva Bruciagna 2008, $34.95

-Il Paradiso di Frassina Gea Sant'Antimo Rosso DOC 2009, $34.95

-Musella Amarone Riserva 2007, $59.95

-Dom Michel Mallard & Fils Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Valozieres 2009,

$74.95

-Chateau Barrejat Cuvee des Vieux Ceps 2010 Madiran, $24.95

-Mt. Rosa Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Central Otago, $19.99

 

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

-Sidonio de Sousa Bairrada Tinto Reserva 2008, $19.95

-Adega de Mesao Frio Claustru's Tinto 2010 Douro, $11.95

-Bod Amador Garcia Penagudi Blanco 2011 Rioja, $13.95

-Bod Medrano Irazu Tempranillo Joven 2011 Rioja, $13.25

-Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio La Lot IGT 2011, $13.95

-Peter Zemmer Muller Thurgau DOC 2011, $18.95

-Peter Zemmer Pinot Nero DOC 2010, $17.95

-Peter Zemmer Lagrein DOC 2010, $18.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2011 Coppaia Chianti Colli Senesi, $12.95

-Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico 2009 $24.95

-Il Paradiso di Frassina Rosso Organic IGT 2011, $20.95

-Dom Michel Mallard & Fils Ladoix Le Clos Royer 2009, $49.95

-Chateau Barrejat Seduction 2010 Madiran, $19.95

-Mt. Rosa Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2009 Central Otago, $29.95

 

The Food: an awesome display of charcuterie, cheeses, breads, smoked salmon and roasted red peppers, plus beef on a baguette.

The Downside: I was rushed as there was a mammoth Portuguese tasting immediately afterwards at the AGO.

The Upside: a chance to speak with two visiting winemakers.

The Contact Person: Nelson Abreu info@3050imports.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Hobbs & Co Wine Merchants Annual Portfolio Tasting, April 25/13

The Date and Time: Thursday, April 25, 2013  1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

The Event: Hobbs & Co Wine Merchants Annual Portfolio tasting.

The Venue: Berkeley Street Church

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the usual distribution channels.

The Quote/Background: There were 14 winery representatives, from around the world. More than 100 producers are repped by Hobbs & Co. Here, they have linked with Sideroad Twenty Cellars (SR20), specializing in both Ontario and international boutique wines.

The Wines: I did not try every wine. Prices are RETAIL.

 

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

-Creekside Estate Winery Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011 VQA Niagara Creek Shores, $26.75

-Creekside Estate Winery Broken Press Syrah 2008 VQA St. David's Bench, $39.75

-Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2010 Okanagan Valley, $20

-Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2010 Okanagan Valley, $33

-Plume Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Napa, $35

-Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Sonoma County Reserve Speciale Chardonnay 2008, $49.85 +64543 Classics

-Talinray Chardonnay 2011 Chile, $30

-Vina Tabali Reserva Especial Syrah 2011 Limari, $19.95

-Gauchezco Malbec Oro 2008 Mendoza, $53

-Chateau Lyonnat Lussac-Saint Emilion 2009 PO

-Chateau Lyonnat "Emotion" Lussac-Saint Emilion 2010 PO

-Les Jamelles Syrah Essentiel 2011 Languedoc, $12.95

-Coto de Hayas Garnacha Centenaria 2011 Campo de Borja, $17 +94805 Vintages

 

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

-Sideroad Twenty Red Tractor Riesling Gewurz 2011 VQA Niagara, $13

-Creekside Estate Winery Reserve Viognier 2011 VQA Niagara, $30

-Creekside Estate Winery Backyard Block 2012 VQA Niagara, $18

-Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, $16.70

-Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, $18.55

-Coffin Ridge Into the Light White 2011 Grey County Ontario, $20.80

-Coffin Ridge Marquette 2011 Grey County, $25.75

-Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2009 Okanagan Valley, $45

-Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Sonoma County Chardonnay 2009, $33

-Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Sonoma County Reserve Speciale Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, $99.95 +64568 Classics

-Boomtown Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Washington, $26

-Vina Tabali Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Limari, $14.95

-Vina Tabali Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2012 Limari, $14.95

-Talinay Pinot Noir 2011 Chile, $30

-Talinay Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Chile, $30

-Payen Syrah 2010 Chile, $65

-Gauchezco Torrontes 2011 Mendoza, $19

-Franschhoek Chenin Blanc 2012 South Africa, $15

-Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Stellenbosch, $35

-Alpha Zeta Amarone 2009 Veneto, $52

-Chateau Gaudrelle Touraine Brut Rose NV Loire, $26

-Domaine Lafond Tavel Rose 2011, $24.50

-Chateau Roudier Montagne-Saint Emilion 2005, $27

-Chateau Lyonnat Lussac-Saint Emilion 2006, $19.95 +243774 Vintages

-Chateau Lyonnat Lussac-Saint Emilion 1971, magnum $350 PO

-Leitz Dragonstone Riesling 2012 Rheingau, $23 PO

-Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc Essentiel 2011 Languedoc, $12.95

-Les Jamelles Viognier Essentiel 2011 Languedoc, $12.95

-Domaine Fournier Sancerre 2011, $24.95

 

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

-Sideroad Twenty Reserve Chardonnay 2008 VQA Niagara, $20

-Sideroad Twenty Red Tractor Reserve Merlot 2008 VQA Niagara, $19

-Sideroad Twenty Meritage 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $17.50

-Creekside Estate Winery Shiraz 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $15.75 +117960

-Creekside Estate Winery Laura's Red 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $19.95

-The Grange of PEC Estate Fume Blanc 2011 VQA PEC, $25

-The Grange of PEC Select Chardonnay 2009 VQA PEC, $17.50

-Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2012 Okanagan Valley, $20

-Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2010 Okanagan Valley, $27

-Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $37

-Sylvester Estate Winery Zinfandel 2007 Paso Robles, $18

-Valle Andino Carmenere Reserve Especiale 2011, $20.50

-Vina Tabali Reserva Pinot Noir 2012 Limari, $15.95

-Gauchezco Malbec Clasico 2009 Mendoza, $19

-Gauchezco Malbec Plata 2009 Mendoza, $35

-Hartenberg Shiraz 2007 Stellenbosch, $28.95

-Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough, $22

-Alpha Zeta Chardonnay 2012 Veneto, $16

-Gilbert Picq Chablis 2011, $28

-Domaine Francois Lichtle Pinot Gris 2011 Alsace, $22.50

-Milhade Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Bordeaux, $15

-Leitz Out Riesling 2012 Rheingau, $23

-Leitz Kaisersteinfels Riesling 2012 Rheingau, $46  PO

 

The Food: cheese, Anna Hobbs' terrine, breads, crackers

The Contact Person: mhobbs@hobbswines.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Impending LCBO strike on May 17?

I'm sending my grandkids around to collect wines from LCBO stores far and wide...so I can have enough...Forewarned is forearmed...

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Malbec World Day tasting, April 16, 2013

The Date and Time: Tuesday, April 16, 2013   2PM to 5PM

The Event: Malbec World Day; walk-around tasting

The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall lobby

The Target Audience: in the afternoon, the wine media; at night, wine customers of Vintages.

The Availability/Catalogue: 28 wineries were available for sampling. All the wines were available at the LCBO.

The Quote/Background:

The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are LCBO RETAIL.

 

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

-Bod Catena Zapata Chardonnay 2011 Mendoza, $19.95

-Bod Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2008 Mendoza, $110

 

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

-Bod Catena Zapata Malbec 2011 Mendoza, $19.95

-Alamos Seleccion Pinot Noir 2010 Mendoza, $16.95

-Bod Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2011 Lujan de Cuyo, $19.95

-Bod Dante Robino Reserva Malbec 2009 Mendoza, $19.95

-Bod Don Cristobal 1492 Oak Reserve Shiraz 2010 Mendoza, $13.95

-Luigi Bosca Familia Arizu Finca La Linda Merlot, $13

-Luigi Bosca Familia Arizu Pinot Noir 2010 Mendoza, $17.95

-Merced del Estero Mil Vientos Torrontes 2011 San Juan, $15.95

-Domaine Jean Bousquet Grande Reserve Malbec 2010, $21.95

-Finca Las Moras Reserve Chardonnay 2011 San Juan, $12.95

-Finca Las Moras Black Label Bonarda 2010 San Juan, $15.95

-Graffigna Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio 2012 San Juan, $12.95

-Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec 2010 San Juan, $17.95

-Nieto Senetiner Gran Reserva Malbec/Petit Verdot 2010 Mendoza, $17.95

 

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

-Alamos Malbec Mendoza, $13.95

-Alamos Seleccion Malbec 2010 Mendoza, $16.95

-Bod Benegas Juan Benegas Malbec 2010 Mendoza, $14.95

-Algodon Wine Estates Bonarda 2008, $19.95

-Luigi Bosca Familia Arizu Malbec 2010, $18.05

-Bod Septima Septimo Dia Malbec 2011, $15.95

-Fabre Montmayou Reserva Malbec 2011, $15.95

-Domaine Jean Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2010, $12.95

-Dominio Del Plata Essential Malbec 2011, $15.95

-Dominio Del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $19.95

-Familia Zuccardi Organica Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $13.95

-Finca Agostino Inicio Torrontes 2011, $13.95

-Finca Remolinos Vineyard Malbec 2010, $22.95

-Pascual Toso Alta Reserve Malbec 2009 Mendoza, $32.95

-Trivento Amado Sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah 2010, $16.95

 

The Food: empanadas, breads.

The Downside: it was tough to taste through a lot of high-fueled Malbec wines, but there were some other wines too.

The Upside: a nice quiet spot for the media to cogitate with no interferences.

The Contact Person: info@winespeak.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com