Lake Erie North Shore wines tasted by Wine Writers' Circle of Canada

The Date and Time: Monday, October 7, 2013  12:30 PM to 4:30 PM

The Event: a tasting of Lake Erie North Shore wines from 9 wineries.

The Venue: private meeting space in Toronto

The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members

The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available at the winery, some also at the LCBO and some through Vintages. A spreadsheet was pre-sent to members.

The Quote/Background: Tom O'Brien (Cooper's Hawk Vineyards) and Steve Mitchell (Sprucewood Shores) asked the WWCC if they would like a tasting, and brought the wines into Toronto from southwestern Ontario.

The Wines: I tried to taste all the wines.

 

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

-Cooper's Hawk Vineyards 2011 Gewurztraminer    $23.95 LENS

-Viewpointe Winery      2008  Ideal Pointe VQA  $24.95 +274712 LENS     

Barrel Fermented Chardonnay   15.00%

-Smith & Wilson Double Barrel Cabernet/Merlot 2008 LENS $13

-Smith & Wilson Two Cabs Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc 2008 LENS $16

 

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

-Oxley Estate     2012  Rose  $15.95      LENS 

-Pelee Island 2012 Sauvignon Blanc  $11.95 +511170 Ontario

-Pelee Island 2011 Meritage   $24.95 +317933 Ontario Cab Sauv/ Merlot / Cab Franc

-Colio Estate Wines 2012      CEV Sauvignon Blanc     $15.95 LENS

-Colio Estate Wines     N/V   Girls Night Out Sparkling Rose      $14.95

VQA Ontario Riesling, Shiraz, Pinot Noir

-Cooper's Hawk Vineyards      2008  Cabernet Merlot Reserve $19.95 +328013

LENS  Cabernet Franc/Merlot

-Cooper's Hawk Vineyards 2011 Merlot Cabernet $16.95 LCBO +341818 LENS

-Cooper's Hawk Vineyards 2012 Talon $16.95 Canada LENS Cabernet Franc

Cab Franc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

-Sprucewood Shores      2012  Chardonnay        LENS

-Sprucewood Shores      2012  Riesling    $13.95 +326249    LENS

-Sprucewood Shores 2010 Meritage LENS                            

-Colchester Ridge Estate      2010  Meritage    LENS

-Colchester Ridge Estate      2008  Cabernet Franc LENS

-Colchester Ridge Estate      2011  POSH Cuvee  LENS [white blend]

-Viewpointe Winery      2007  Cabernet Merlot VQA     $12.95 +220723     

LENS  Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cab Franc

-Viewpointe Winery      2007  Cabernet Franc VQA $12.95 +220715 LENS

-Viewpointe Winery      2008  Cabernet Franc VQA $18.95 +359299   LENS

-Viewpointe Winery      2011  Auxerrois VQA     $14.95 +327239 LENS

-North 42 Degrees Estate Winery     2012  Pinot Noir  $22.95 LENS

-Smith & Wilson Chardonnay 2012 LENS $12

-Smith & Wilson Pinot Noir 2009 LENS $14

                                         

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

-Oxley Estate     2011  Pinot Noir  $19.95 LENS

-Oxley Estate     2011  Cabernet Franc    $18.95      LENS

-Oxley Estate     2012  Auxerrois   $17.95      LENS

-Oxley Estate     2012  Riesling    $17.95      LENS

-Oxley Estate     2012  Chardonnay  $17.95 LENS

-Pelee Island 2012 Singing Moon Pinot Blanc/Auxerrois $14.95 Ontario

-Pelee Island 2012 Lighthouse Riesling $11.95 +145417 Ontario

-Pelee Island 2012 Lighthouse Cabernet Franc $11.95 +145441 Ontario

-Pelee Island 2010 Pinot Noir Vinedresser $16.95      Ontario

-Colio Estate Wines     2012  CEV Pinot Grigio  $15.95 LENS

-Colio Estate Wines     2012  Girls Night Out Cabernet Shiraz $12.95     

+134205 VQA Ontario Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

-Colio Estate Wines     2012  Girls Night Out Merlot  $12.95 +89847

      VQA Ontario Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

-Colio Estate Wines     N/V   Girls Night Out Sparkling $14.95 +215632

      VQA Ontario Riesling

-Cooper's Hawk Vineyards      2012  Chardonnay Musque $16.95 LENS

-Cooper's Hawk Vineyards      2010  Pinot Noir  $19.95      LENS

-Sprucewood Shores      2010  Cabernet Franc    LENS  7

-Sprucewood Shores      2011  Lady In Red $14.95 +266486    LENS

-Sprucewood Shores      2010  Cabernet Sauvignon LENS

-Colchester Ridge Estate      2012  Gewurztraminer LENS

-North 42 Degrees Estate Winery     2012  Sauvignon Blanc   $17.95 LENS

-North 42 Degrees Estate Winery     2012  Cabernet Franc    $20.95 LENS

-Smith & Wilson Franc Noir Cabernet Franc/Baco Noir 2009 Ontario

-Smith & Wilson Smith's Vidal 2012 Ontario $11

-Smith & Wilson Pearl Sparkling Blend 2011 [twist top] Ontario $16

 

The Food: cheese and cold cuts platter, biscuits, bread, water.

The Contact Person: steve@sprucewoodshores.com

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Annual Discover of Wines of Chile Toronto '13 trade show

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 8, 2013  12:15PM to 5PM

The Event: Annual Discover Wines of Chile Toronto '13

The Venue: ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: most items are available through the LCBO or by consignment, some are coming in. Catalogue had full details.

The Quote/Background: We began with a trade seminar on the effects of green viticulture on taste, cost and consumer appeal, with a tasting/presentation of six wines, some with different vintages than what was in the show. It was led by Marcela Burgos, WSET, and Chris Waters, VINES. Most of the wines in the trade show were $16 and under. There were special tables: natural wines from Chile; Top wines for licensees; and 10th annual Wines of Chile awards winners (my fave table).

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. There were 21 wineries with over 125 wines.

 

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

-Anakena ALWA Carmenere 2010, $34.95 Kylix

-Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2011 Limari, $21.95 Select

-Cousino Macul Finis Terrae 2009 Maipo, $37.95 Wine World

-Emiliana Coyam 2010 Red Blend Colchagua, $29.95  PMA

-Perez Cruz Quelen Petit Verdot-Carmenere-Cot Maipo Andes, $49

-Montgras Amaral Sauvignon Blanc Leyda, $14.45 LCBO

-Montgras Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo, $21.95 LCBO

-Via Chilensis Lazuli Red Blend Maule 2010, $17.50 LCBO

 

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

-Anakena Viognier Single Vineyard 2011, $16.95 Cons Kylix

-Calcu Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva Colchagua 2010, $17.99 Ackerman

-Calcu Winemaker's Selection red Blend Colchagua 2010, $12.95 Ackerman

-Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Maipo $79.95

-Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2012 Limari, $19.95 Select

-Cousino Macul Antiguas Reserva Chardonnay 2012 Maipo, $15.95 Wine World

-Cousino Macul Lota 2008 Maipo, $86 Wine World

-Emiliana Signos de Origen Chardonnay-Roussanne-Marsanne-Viognier Casablanca 2012, $19.95 PMA

-Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere Rapel 2011, $21.95 Select

-Maquis Lien 2009 Red Blend Colchagua, $29  Ackerman

-Maquis Malbec 2010 Colchagua, $19.95  Ackerman

-Terraustral PKNT Gold Carmenere 2011 Maule, $15.95

-Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2010, $17.95

-Ventisquero Vertice Carmenere/Syrah Colchagua, $29.95

-Carmen Gran Reserva Syrah Apalta 2009, $17.95

-San Pedro 35 South Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Organic Central Valley, $12.95 LCBO

-Siegel Gran Crucero Limited Ed Carmenere/Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua 2010, $39.95

-Errazuriz Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Aconcagua Costa 2012, $21.95

-Maquis Carmenere 2009 Colchagua, $19.95  Ackerman

-Maquis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Colchagua, $19.95  Ackerman

-Maquis Franco 2010 Colchagua, $80  Ackerman

-Volcanes de Chile Parinacota Limited Ed Carignan-Syrah Maule 2010, $29.95 Woodman

-Errazuriz Single Vineyard Carmenere 2011 Aconcagua, $22.95 LCBO

-Montgras Antu By Ninquen Syrah 2011 Colchagua, $16.95 Kirkwood

-Morande Reserva Chardonnay 2011 Casablanca, $15.99 Majestic

-Morande Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2010 Casablanca, $19.99 Majestic

-Morande Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Maipo, $19.99 Majestic

-Perez Cruz Carmenere Limited Ed Maipo 2011, $19.95 LCBO

-Perez Cruz Liguai Red Blend 2010 Maipo, $39 Charton Hobbs

-San Esteban In Situ Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Aconcagua, $17 MCO

-San Esteban In Situ Signature Wine Riverside Blend Chardonnay Viognier Aconcagua 2012, $15 MCO

-San Esteban In Situ Signature Wine Full Bodied Blend Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot/Carmenere Aconcagua 2012, $15

-San Pedro 1865 Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2012, $19.95  Dandurand

-Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo, $17.95 LCBO

 

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

-Terraustral Car Men Air Carmenere 2011 Maule, $17.95

-Via Oveja Negra C.F. Carmenere Reserva 2011 Maule, $13.95

-Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenere Apalta Colchagua 2011, $17.95

-Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2011, $21.95  Select

-San Esteban In Situ Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Aconcagua, $14.03 licensee

-San Esteban In Situ Signature Wines Pinot Noir Aconcagua 2012, $14.03 licensee

-Siegel Crucero Reserva Carmenere Colchagua 2011, $13.95

-Via Chilcas Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Maule 2010, $14.25

-Perez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo Andes, $15.95

-Carmen Nativa Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Maipo, $19.95 Vintages

-Ventisquero Grey Chardonnay 2012 Casablanca, $19.95

-Via Chilcas Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Maule 2010, $17.95 LCBO

-Morande Reserva Gewurztraminer 2013 Casablanca, $15.99 Majestic

 

The Food: Daniel et Daniel provided a range of cold cuts, cheeses, pates, breads, toasts, biscuits, and veggies and dips.

The Downside: the seminar went on for too long, with only six wines. Also, the main catalogue had typos.

The Upside: a chance to see where Chilean wine values are today.

The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Top Drops from France via Trialto, tasted Oct 2/13

The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 2, 2013  1PM to 3PM

The Event: Top Drops from Trialto, a presentation of fine wines available this fall through the LCBO Vintages Online or Classics.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve

The Target Audience: wine trade, clients, and select media.

The Availability/Catalogue: Classics Catalogue and Vintages Front Line.

The Quote/Background: It was a drop-in, walk-around tasting, held weekly on Wednesdays. Today was France.

The Wines: the wines were being released at different times, as indicated.

 

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

-Varnier-Fanniere Cuvee St. Denis Brut Grower's Champagne, $66.95 +343673 Classics Feb 18/14

-Varnier-Fanniere Brut Grand Cru Grower's Champagne, $56.95, +340158 Vintages

-Pierre Gimonnet Fleuron Blanc de Blanc 1er Cru Brut, $67.95, +340133, Classics Nov 26/13

-Gosset Grand Reserve Brut, $66.95 +344945, Classics Feb 18/14

-Gosset Celebris Extra Brut 1998, $156.95, +344952 Classics Feb 18/14

-Domaine Faiveley Clos de Vougeot 2010, $198.95, +722207 Classics

-Domaine Faiveley Clos des Cortons 2011, $202.95, +722249 Classics Nov 18/13

-Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Vieilles Vignes Vendage Tardive 2010, $32.95, +340067 Classics – 10.5%, semi-sweet, terrific value

 

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

Rating terms):

-Gosset Grand Rose Brut, $80.95 +344937, Classics Feb 18/14

-Domaine Faiveley Nuits-St-Georges 2010, +344903, $53.95 Vintages

-Domaine Faiveley Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Porets St-Georges 2010, +72504, $81.95 Classics

-Domaine Faiveley Beaune 1er Cru Clos de l'Ecu 2010, +351544, $59.95 Classics

-Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal 2005, +351999, $107 Classics

-Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Heimbourg 2010, $47.95, +51888 Classics

-Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Brand VV Grand Cru 2010, $84.95, +271866  Classics

 

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

-Domaine Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010, +324822, $53.95 Trialto Nov release.

 

The Food: bread, olive oil, water

The Contact Person: marc@finewinereserve.com

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

90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com