Niagara tastings (Marynissen, Ravine, Riverview Cellars) May 10/13

The Date and Time: Friday, May 10, 2013  3PM to 6Pm

The Event: Niagara winery visits before Ontario Wine Awards

The Venue: Ravine Vineyard, Marynissen, and Riverview Cellars.

The Target Audience: Konrad Ejbich and myself

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available at the wineries.

The Quote/Background: we tasted in the tasting rooms.

The Wines:

 

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

-Marynissen Chardonnay 2009, $12.80

-Ravine Reserve Chardonnay Unfiltered 2009, $40

-Ravine Estate Chardonnay Barrel Select 2009, $40

-Ravine Sand & Gravel Riesling 2011, $17.95

-Ravine Sand & Gravel Red Coat 2011 [CF/CS/Merlot], $17.95

-Ravine Estate Meritage 2011, $24

-Riverview Cellars Syrah 2010, $29.95

-Riverview Cellars Salvatore's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $39.95

 

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

-Marynissen Summer Solstice 2011, $14.80 [90% Gewurz/10% Riesling]

-Marynissen Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $15.80

-Marynissen Cabernet Franc/Malbec 2009, $17.80

-Marynissen Cabernet Merlot Unfiltered 2009, $14.80

-Marynissen Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $18.80

-Marynissen Syrah 2008, $9.80

-Ravine Estate Cabernet Sauvignon St. David's Bench 2008, $55

-Ravine Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon St. David's Bench 2008, $55

-Ravine Reserve merlot 2008, $55

-Ravine Reserve Cabernet Franc Picone Vineyard 2011, $40

-Ravine Reserve Red 2008 [40Merlot/43CabSauv/17CabFr], $55

-Ravine Stadtlander Reserve Red 2009, $55 [75CabSauv/25Merlot]

-Ravine Sand & Gravel Sauvignon Blanc 2009, $17.95

-Ravine Estate Chardonnay 2010, $24

-Ravine Estate Riesling 2011, $28

-Ravine Estate Merlot 2010, $34

-Ravine Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $39

-Ravine Estate Cabernet Franc 2011, $32

-Ravine Cabernet Rose 2011, $22

-Riverview Cellars Angelina's Reserve Chardonnay 2011, $19.95 [wild ferment]

-Riverview Cellars Salvatore's Reserve Malbec 2011, $29.95

 

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

-Marynissen Road Block Chardonnay 2010, $14.80

-Marynissen Bottom's Up 2009, $17.80

-Marynissen 5 Red Boots 2008, $12.80

-Marynissen Solstice 2010, $14.80

-Ravine Sand & Gravel York Road White 2011 [Chard/SB/Riesling], $16.95

-Ravine Sand & Gravel Cabernet Franc 2011, $18.95

-Ravine Sand & Gravel Chardonnay 2011, $17.95

-Ravine Gewurztraminer 2012, $22

-Ravine Chardonnay Musque St. David's Bench 2011, $14 [375mL]

-Ravine Cabernet Rose 2010, $17

-Riverview Cellars Riesling 2011, $16.95

-Riverview Cellars Gewurztraminer 2011, $18.95

-Riverview Cellars "Rosso" Cabernet Merlot 2011, $16.95

-Riverview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $16.95

-Riverview Cellars Merlot 2011, $19.95

-Riverview Cellars Pinot Noir 2011, $19.95

 

The Contact Person: info@marynissen.com; Jennifer@ravinevineyard.com; winery@riverviewcellars.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Major Ribera del Duero tasting in Toronto

 The Date and Time: Wed May 15, 2013  4:30 PM to 7 PM

The Event: ASEBOR wine tasting in Toronto (Montreal on May 13) – Asociacion de bogegueros de la Ribera del Duero.

The Venue: Westin Hotel

The Target Audience: wine media, agents and sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was full and relatively complete, with some duplications and omissions. There were, as usual, some wines missing and others added. Prices were vague. Some principals were looking for agents.

The Quote/Background: there was to be a PowerPoint presentation of the Ribera at 4:30, but few people turned up, and so it was cancelled. More details are available at www.asebor.com

The Wines: I did not try all the wines, just the reds (Tempranillo).

 

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

-Asenjo & Manso Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2006

-Arroyo Crianza 2010

-Bod. Pascual Diodoro Autor 2005

-Pinord Vaquos Crianza 2007

-Matarromera Reserva 2006

-Valduero Reserva 2007

-Valduero Reserva Premium 6 Anos 2005

-Valduero Gran Reserva 2001

-Martin Berdugo Crianza 2010 $23.95 Amethyst

-Martin Berdugo MB 2008 $43.95 Amethyst

-Valdevinas Mirat Reserva 2004

-Garcia de Aranda PG Pedro Garcia 2009  17E FOB

-Garcia de Aranda Erades de Baldios Tinto Roble 2011   7E FOB

 

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

-Asenjo & Manso Ribera del Duero Silvanus 2009

-Asenjo & Manso Ribera del Duero Ceres Tempranillo 2009

-Arroyo Roble 2011

-Arroyo Reserva 2008

-Bod. Pascual Heredad de Penalosa 2011

-Bod. Pascual Buro de Penalosa 2009

-Bod. Pascual Buro Seleccion 2010

-Bod. Reyes Teofilo 2009

-Lagar de Isilla Joven 2012

-Lagar de Isilla Crianza 2009

-Pinord Vaquos Roble 2011

-Matarromera Crianza 2009

-Matarromera Emina Pasion 2011

-Valduero Crianza 2009

-Valduero Una Cepa 2009

-Pago de Los Capellanes Crianza 2009

-Pago de Los Capellanes El Nogal 2009

-Pago de Los Capellanes El Picon 2009

-Pago de Los Capellanes Reserva 2009

-Martin Berdugo Joven 2011, $15.95 Amethyst

-Martin Berdugo Barrica 2011, $19.95  Amethyst

-Comenge Don Miguel 2009

-Valdevinas Tinar de Mirat Crianza 2004

-Garcia de Aranda Senorio de los Baldios Tinto Roble 2011   3.50E FOB

-Garcia de Aranda Senorio de los Baldios Tinto Crianza 2009   5.50E FOB

-Vitulia Roble 2010

-Vitulia Crianza 2009

-Vega Clara Mario VC 2010 (25% CabSauv)

-Vega Claro 10 Almendros 2012

 

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

-Arroyo Joven 2012

-Bod. Reyes Tamiz 2011

-Lagar de Isilla Roble 2011

-Pinord Vaquos Cosecha 2011

-Matarromera Melior 2011

-Comenge Tempranillo 2008

-Comenge Biberius

-Valdevinas Torrelanga Crianza 2006

 

The Food: platters of cheese, breads, meats – but late, after many had left.

The Downside: the show did not seem to be well publicized. There were just a smattering of wine writers and some sommeliers/buyers.

The Upside: rare wine tasting in Toronto from a prominent area. Actually, any wine tasting in Toronto from Spain is rare.

The Contact Person: Rafael ralfaro@ibfintercambi.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):84

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Beaulolais Luncheon at Acadia BBQ, with Anthony Collet, May 15/13

 The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 15, 2013   11:45AM to 2 PM

The Event: Luncheon with Anthony Collet of Inter Beaujolais for a discussion on new trends in Beaujolais and the BBQ appeal

The Venue: Acadia Restaurant

The Target Audience: lifestyle media

The Availability/Catalogue: there were 12 wines, but three were only available in Quebec.

The Quote/Background: M. Collet began with a summary of recent Beaujolais vintages and activities. Anthony spoke on pairing Beaujolais wines with BBQ and spicings from India, Korea, New Orleans, and Portugal. We had about three wines per course in an ABC comparison (see below). It was a perfect warm day to be outdoors.

The Wines:

 

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

-Domaine Joseph Burrier Saint-Amour Cote de Besset 2009, SAQ $25.85

-Villa Ponciago Fleurie La Reserve 2011, +299917, $21.95

-Domaine du Vissoux Moulin a Vent Les Trois Roches 2010, SAQ $24.75

-Domaine Piron-Lameloise Chenas Quartz 2009, +240481, $22.50

 

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

-Chateau des Jacques Beaujolais Blanc Grand Clos de Loyse 2010, SAQ, $19.75

-Jacques Depagneux Morgon Cote du Py 2011, +299925, $18.95

-Chateau de Pierreux Brouilly 2011, +5496 $18.95

-Domiane Manoir du Carra Julienas 2010, +290981 $19.95

 

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

-Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Fun 2009, +228155, $10.95

-Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacques 2011, +365924, $17.95

-Bouchard Aine & Fils Beaujolais Superieur 2011, +9431, $11.95

-Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages 2010, +122077, $12.95

 

The Food: The international style luncheon was created by Chef Patrick Kriss. We began with two creole shrimps with grits and savoury cornbread, followed by piri piri chicken thigh and yogurt with warm potato salad. Saint-Amour won. The grilled eggplant with curry was matched by the Fleurie. The Korean short rib (an almost perfect 2 inch x 2 inch x 2 inch cube) accompanied by crispy rice met its matches with the Moulin a Vent and the Chenas. The dark chocolate ganache dessert was interesting, and the better Beaujolais were useful. The Fun could have worked well since it was off-dry. I would have just preferred some cheese and bread.

The Downside: I was looking for some bargains, but if you look at my choices, you will see that it all plays out in price order. You get what you pay for…

The Upside: a great chance to test some BBQ against Beaujolais wine.

The Contact Person: renee@thesirengroup.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):89.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 8, 2013

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 8, 2013
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at
http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news
items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at
www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20

 

Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 WO Coastal
Region: twist top, over the top, ripe, full, 14.5% ABV. You'll have fun
with this powerhouse. +146894, $16.95, QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE AND ROSE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Coyote's Run Red Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 VQA Four Mile Creek:
nice developing flavours, almost in balance, give it six more months.
Terrific smoke here. +336115, $19.95, QPR: 89.
2. Fielding Gewurztraminer 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula: very close to
Alsatian in style, nice long length, summer sipper. 12.5% ABV. +146753,
$15.95, QPR: 89.
3. Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes 2012 Mendoza: some slight spritz,
lovely floral tones, summer engagement. Patio or deck. +1834, $13.95,
QPR: 89.
4. Louis Hauller Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace: nicely laid out MVC tones
of lychee, honeyed spices, some citrus on the finish. Sip or first
course. 12.5% ABV. +141754, $19.95, QPR: 89.
5. Chateau Moulin de Vignolle 2011 Bordeaux Blanc: balance of zest,
lemons and honey. 13% ABV. Gold Medalist. +321364, $15.95, QPR: 89.
6. Donatien Bahuaud Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray 2012: off-dry chenin
blanc, great as sipper or first course white. 11% ABV. Refreshing stone
tones, including minerals and stone fruit. +140889, $15.95, QPR: 89.
7. Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2011:
good balance of a variety of fruit, plus some depth and body not
usually seen in soaves at this price level. 13% ABV. +134551, $13.95,
QPR: 89.
8. Gassier Sables D'Azur Rose 2012 Cotes de Provence: pale colour,
affordable garrigue, sip or first course, but drink soonish. +33621,
$13.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Urraca Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: a good tasting cabby, 14.8%
ABV, about a year in new oak. Typical black fruit tones, has aged well.
+271080, $19.95, QPR: 89.
2. J. Bouchon Las Mercedes Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Maule: with 13.5% ABV, the wine has some substance beyond the usual MVC
Chilean cabby. Chocolate, coffee, dusty, pepper. Priced to sell!
+208348, $15.95, QPR: 89.
3. Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2010 Hawkes Bay: at 14% ABV, this
charming merlot is ready to go. Twist top. Spicy plums, good
concentration for the patio/deck. +586081, $16.95, QPR: 89.
4. Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore
2009 Veneto: LCBO Ripasso of the Month. +165662, $17.95, QPR: 89.
5. Cru du Paradis Tradition Madiran 2009: excellent plums, 13% ABV, for
the BBQ food. +324871, $15.95, QPR: 89.
6. Estate Papaioannou Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko 2007 Nemea: another
wine bargain from Greece, red fruit with oak dustiness and vanilla.
Nicely aged. +47977, $19.95, QPR: 89.
7. Leone de Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2009: a top rated Puglian
wine from Negroamaro and Malvasia near grapes, 13% ABV, at a bargain
price. Try it with "older" food such as aged cheeses or the stinkies or
the blues. +597534, $18.95, QPR: 89.
8. Villa Mora Montfalco Rosso 2006 Umbria: deep, dark, well-aged mainly
sangiovese and sagrantino (almost a field blend). 14.5% ABV. +331785,
$15.95, 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. Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G.C. Sancerre 2011, +189126, $24.95 retail.
2. Laurent Miquel Bardou Saint Chinian 2007, +328583, $24.95.
3. Paitin Sori Paitin Barbaresco 2008, +106591, $32.95.
4. Marchesi de Frescobaldi Vigneto Montesodi Riserva Chianti Rufina
2009, +304501, $49.95.
5. Casado Morales Seleccion Privada 2005 Rioja, +323857, $28.95.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Tasting of Grower Champagnes, May 10/13

The Date and Time: Friday, May 10, 2013   10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

The Event: monthly tasting of the WWCC, this time -- Growers' Champagnes repped by Groupe Soleil (Stephen Cohen).

The Venue: LCBO Summerhill

The Target Audience: members of the WWCC

The Availability/Catalogue: all champagnes are available from the agent.

The Quote/Background: Apart from some notes on the individual growers, Stephen told us that all growers' champagnes seem to evolve in the glass. He repps 15 companies. Some use all seven heirloom approved grape varieties in the blend, others also do a field blend. Some are organic.

The Wines:

 

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

-Laherte Freres Brut Nature, $55 [10% chardonnay, 50% reserve wines]

-Champagne Marie Courtin Resonance Blanc de Noir NV Cote de Bar, $65 [100% pinot noir, organic, non-dosage]

-Champagne Pascal Agrapart Terroir Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut NV Avize, $65 [100% C, half 2008 and half 2009] – mostly organic

 

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

-Champagne Jacquesson Cuvee 736 Extra Brut NV Epernay - 2008 fruit plus 34% reserve wines, $65 [53% C/29% PN, 18% PM]

-Champagne Andre Cluet 2002 Bouzy, $69 [100% PN]

 

The Upside: Joel Thompson brought along his Zalto wine glasses – he says the white wine glass works especially well with champagne.

The Contact Person: Stephen Cohen <gsoleil@rogers.com>

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Tasting of Valdicava Brunellos with V. Abbruzzese....

The Date and Time: Tuesday, May 7, 2013  10:30 AM to 1:30 PM

The Event: A tasting of Valdicava Brunellos, with owner-winemaker Vincenzo Abbruzzese. Represented by The Stem Wine Group.

The Venue: Tutti Matti

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: one wine is at classics, two are library wines, the rest are by six-pack consignment.

The Quote/Background: The winery's estates have only sangiovese grapes grown and used in the production of Montalcino (Rosso and Brunello) – 90,000 bottles a year, about half of its potential. The wines are finely tuned and balanced, almost old style, although hotter years will produce a faster maturing wine. Vincenzo also gave us a short history of Brunello post-1967, including Rosso's development in 1982.

The Wines:

 

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

-Valdicava Brunello 1998 Madonna del Piano Riserva [library], sublime, well-aged.

-Valdicava Brunello 2001 Madonna del Piano Riserva [library], fruit and flavour worthy of Parker's 100 score.

-Valdicava Brunello 2006 Madonna del Piano Riserva, $179 fruit and flavour worthy of Parker's 100 score.

-Valdicava 2007 Brunello di Montalcino, $115.99

-Valdicava 2005 Brunello di Montalcino, $99.99 Fall Consign

 

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

-Valdicava Brunello 2005 Madonna del Piano Riserva, $149

-Valdicava Rosso di Montalcino 2010, $36.99

-Valdicava 2006 Brunello di Montalcino, Classics +309351, $125

 

The Food: bruschetta, hand-cut pasta with meat sauce, short ribs.

The Downside: I had to leave soon after the pasta was served.

The Upside: a chance to re-connect with Vincenzo (who was last here in 2006),

The Contact Person: Robert@stemwinegroup.com

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

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

2011 Marchand-Tawse Grand Vins de Bourgogne tasted...

The Date and Time: Monday, May 6, 2013    3:30 PM to 7:30 PM

The Event: A tasting of 2011 Marchand-Tawse Grand Vins de Bourgogne, with Murray Tawse and Pascal Marchand.

The Venue: Modus Restaurant, King St West

The Target Audience: wine media, clients.

The Availability/Catalogue: the company is in its third year of operation, and produces more than 50 wines, including 12 from biodynamically–farmed estate vineyards.

The Quote/Background: Pascal Marchand has had over 25 years of winemaking experience at Burgundy domains (Comte Armand, Jean Fery) and as consultant in Chile, California, Australia and Canada.

The Wines: Prices are RETAIL.

 

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

-Marchand-Tawse Avalon Blanc 2011, $33 [blend from 3 chardonnay vineyards] – my fave

-Marchand-Tawse Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2011, $195

-Tawse Chardonnay Quarry Road Estate 2010 VQA, $57.95

 

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

-Marchand-Tawse Meursault 2011, $59

-Marchand-Tawse Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain 2011, $80

-Marchand-Tawse Beaune 1er cru Tuvilains 2011, $56

-Marchand-Tawse Volnay 1er cru 2011, $65

-Marchand-Tawse Corton Rouge Grand Cru 2011, $110

-Tawse Chardonnay Robyn's Block Estate 2010 VQA, $45.95

-Tawse Pinot Noir Lauritzen Vineyard 2010 VQA, $44.95

 

The Food: charcuterie, cheeses, veggies and dip, fruit, breads, artichoke hearts.

The Downside: it as a cold and windy afternoon, and the room quickly filled up.

The Upside: a chance to compare some wines, especially the Canadian Tawse and the Burgundy Marchand-Tawse.

The Contact Person: d.lafleur@tawsewinery.ca

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com