* THE REISSUES, THE REPRINTS, AND THE NEWER EDITIONS...

...all reflect a boom in the cookbook publishing business. A paperback
reprint will lower the cost to the purchaser, and also give a publisher
a chance to correct egregious errors or add a postscript. Some will
reissue a book in paper covers with a new layout or photos. Others will
rearrange existing material to present it as more informative text
while keeping the focus tight. Some magazines will reissue popular or
classic recipes in an "easy" format. Here are some recent "re-
editions"...

 

EASY EVERYDAY GLUTEN-FREE COOKING (Robert Rose, 2013, 384 pages, ISBN
978-0-7788-0462-8, $24.95 CAN paper covers) is by Donna Washburn and
Heather Butt. Their previous gluten-free books have 150,000 copies in
print. Here there are 250 recipes, most of which appeared in "125 Best
Gluten-Free Recipes" (2003) and "The Best Gluten-Free Family Cookbook"
(2005). They've all been looked at and re-examined, and added to. If
you already have those two books, then you might not need this one.
There's good information on the gluten-free pantry and cross-
contamination. The chapters follow the day, beginning with breakfast
and moving through apps, salads, mains, holiday fare, quick breads and
some bread machine recipes. Glossaries cover ingredients, equipment,
and techniques. There is also a chart on thickener substitutions.
Preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric and
avoirdupois measurements, but there is no overall table of equivalents.
Nutrition values are included, as are many new preps especially those
dealing with quinoa. Some flours are not here, such as teff.
Quality/price rating: 88.

 

THE 163 BEST PALEO SLOW COOKER RECIPES; 100% gluten-free (Robert Rose,
2013, 255 pages, ISBN 978-0-7788-0464-2, $24.95 CAN paper covers) is by
Judith Finlayson, a cookbook author with, according to the publisher,
sales of over 1 million cookbooks. Some of the preps in the book come
from a variety of her previous six slow cooker books. This one focuses
on the aspects of the paleo diet: no grains or legumes, no refined
sugars, and no refined oils. Since most of it seems to be meat-based,
the diet fits in nicely with slow cookers. Soups are also a specialty
here. Typical preps include Swedish meatballs, braised veal with pearl
onions, glazed osso buco, braised Belgian endive, double mushroom
tomato sauce, braised pork with winter veggies, chile-spiked lamb
shanks, Florida fish chowder, and lamb korma with spinach. Preparations
have their ingredients listed in both metric and avoirdupois
measurements, but there is no overall table of equivalents.
Quality/price rating: 87.

 

HOW TO MAKE LOVE TO A LOBSTER; an eclectic guide to the buying,
cooking, eating and folklore of shellfish (Whitecap Books, 1988, 2003,
2013, 136 pages, ISBN 978-1-77050-183-6, $19.95 CAN paper covers) is by
garden writer Marjorie Harris and author Peter Taylor. It was
originally published in 1988 by Macmillan of Canada, and then reissued
in 2003 by Fitzhenry and Whiteside. Now that F & W owns Whitecap, it is
being re-released. There has been some slight updating to take into
account chefs' movements and restaurant closings. At the end there is a
collection of seafood restaurant names and addresses, along with
websites, for both Canada and the United States. The recipes remain the
same, but the book has been reset and laid out differently. It remains
as it was: a seafood book of some 40 recipes, not restricted to
lobsters but also covering mussels, shrimp, crabs, oysters among the 13
different kinds here. So expect lobster rolls, shrimp steamed in beer,
cioppino from San Francisco, and squid (from Stadtlander when he was on
Vancouver Island in the 1980s!). But shame: the listing of recommended
wines (mainly just grape varieties) needs to be updated…we've all moved
on. Preparations have their ingredients listed in mainly avoirdupois
with some metric measurements, but there is no table of metric
equivalents. Quality/price rating: 84.

 

CANADA'S COMPLETE DIABETES GUIDE FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES (Robert Rose,
2013, 416 pages, ISBN 978-0-7788-0469-7, $29.95 US soft covers) is by
Karen Graham, an RD and diabetes educator, who has been a nutrition
counsellor for the past 30 years. Some of this book was published in
2010 and 2011. In 2008, Graham had written "Canada's Diabetes Meals for
Good Health: Includes Meal Planning Ideas and 100 Recipes". Here, her
book has been extensively peer reviewed as she tries to develop a
comprehensive guide to living the lifestyle. She covers the risks and
complications, top 10 nutrition topics, food choices, blood sugar,
exercises, and more. She has an "EatThis/Not That" section for food
recommendations. She also writes on a seven day meal plan with recipes,
incorporating fruit crepes, taco soup, luncheon wrap, steak and potato,
and seafood chowder among the choices. Preparations have their
ingredients listed in both metric and avoirdupois measurements, but
there is no overall table of equivalents. Quality/price rating: 89.

 

THE DASH DIET ACTION PLAN; proven to lower blood pressure and
cholesterol without medication (Grand Central Life & Style, 2007, 2011,
2013, 220 pages, ISBN 978-1-4555-1289-9, $16 US paper covers) is by
Marla Heller, RD, who also teaches food science at the University of
Illinois at Chicago. This is Heller's first DASH book (Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension). The DASH diet has been proven to
lower blood pressure and cholesterol without the need for medication.
With a diet of fruits, vegetables, low-fat and nonfat dairy, lean
meats, fish and poultry, nuts, beans and seeds, healthy fats, and whole
grains, one can drop pounds and get a faster metabolism with lower body
fat and improved cardiovascular fitness. Her diet book is the plan,
with a few basic recipes. She's got 28 days of meal plans at different
calorie levels, shopping lists, eating-on-the-run tips, plus advice on
exercise. This is third time through for this book, it is already a
classic. Preparations have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois
measurements, but there is no table of metric equivalents.
Quality/price rating: 88.

 

THE MIXER BIBLE. 3rd ed. (Robert Rose, 2013, 464 pages, ISBN 978-0-7788-
0466-6, $27.95 CAN paper covers) is by Meredith Deeds and Carla Snyder.
It was originally published in 2005 and then again in 2008 (the latter
at 384 pages). There have been slight changes over the years, but it's
still a book of some 300 recipes for a stand mixer (not a hand-held)
like the ever popular KitchenAid (which the publisher says is not a
sponsor of the book). There are now 175 step-by-step photos of use,
showing such activity as ice cream making, citrus juicing, milling
grains, slicing veggies, pressing pasta, stuffing sausages, and
grinding food – 16 attachments in all. All courses are covered, from
apps through desserts, so it is a complete book. A good large typeface
is complemented by a good index. Preparations have their ingredients
listed in both metric and avoirdupois measurements, but there is no
table of equivalents. Preps are mainly family food such as Thai beef
meatballs, roasted veggie soup, summer pasta with tomatoes, focaccia
with caramelized onions, and orange shortcakes. Quality/price rating:
87.

 

FLAVOURS OF ALEPPO; celebrating Syrian cuisine. (Whitecap, 2010, 2013,
166 pages, ISBN 978-1-77050-178-2, $29.95 CAN paperback) is by Dalal
Kade-Badra and Eli Badra, a mother-and-son team who originally
published this book in Quebec in 2010 (Les Editions d' L'Homme) before
the Arabian Spring. It has been translated into English and just
released this year. The food of Aleppo originates from Persian,
European, Asian and Ottoman influences, and emphasizes puff pastry
(Persian) and stuffing (Ottoman). The book is arranged by type of food,
beginning with appetizers, salads, vegetarian. BBQ, mains, and
desserts. There is a primer on ingredients and equipment, including
local peppers, cheeses, and cherries. Preps have both English and
transliterated titles, and include classics of soujok (spicy sausage),
itche (bulgur and pomegranate salad), stuffed miniature eggplant
(yolangi halabi), kebobs with bulgur, roast leg of lamb, candied orange
peel. About 100 recipes. Preparations have their ingredients listed in
both metric and avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of
equivalents. Quality/price rating: 89.

 

PIE (Mitchell Beazley, 2006, 2013; distr. Canadian Manda Group, 192
pages, ISBN 978-1-84533-766-7, $24.99 hard covers) is by Angela
Boggiano, a UK magazine food writer and author of other cookbooks. It
was originally published in 2006 and reissued in this format in 2013
(slightly cheaper in price). Some of the early history of pies is
covered, starting with Egypt. Of basic interest is that fact that
pastry was originally meant to be discarded
– it was just a flour and water type of seal. The idea of stuffed flaky
pastry seems to have been recorded at the 9th century French Abbey of
Fontenelle, which produced 38 goose and 95 chicken pies for one
occasion. Of course, this book covers the basics of making pastry and
doing decorating curves and flutings. Pies include portable pasties for
work or picnics, Christmas mince pies, little pies, sweet pies, and
enormous pies. Chapters cover home pies, hand pies (small pies of
sausage rolls, pasties, samosas, and turnovers), pies for special
occasions, sweet pies, and Christmas. In the recipes, all the
ingredients are scaled, and both avoirdupois and metric measurements
are used for each ingredient. Some interesting recipes: braised lamb
shank pie; steak and kidney pie; lamb, mint and pumpkin pie (with
toasted cumin pastry); mini-pork and pancetta pies; lemon curd and jam
pies; treacle pie. The downside to this book continues to be that the
list of ingredients in each recipe is expressed in run-on fashion, and
the prep is hard to follow – unless you are used to such devices. Whose
idea was this?? Quality/Price Rating: 86.

 

 

 

A COOK'S INITIATION INTO THE GORGEOUS WORLD OF MUSHROOMS (Chronicle
Books, 2011, 2013, 287 pages, ISBN 978-1-4521-1445-3, $32.50 US soft
French covers) is by Philippe Emanuelli, a cofounder of Café des Spores
in Brussels (ni Milan and eight other places). It was originally
published in France in 2011, and this is the English translation. It is
a very pretty book, oversized, and with delicious photography by
Frederic Raevens. There are about three recipes per page, which makes
the book cumbersome to use, but we can live with it. There are more
than 125 preps here, with an index and a bibliography. Preparations
have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements (but were
probably in metric in French version), but there is no table of metric
equivalents, a bit sloppy in practice. 20 varieties of wild and
cultivated mushrooms are covered, distributed amongst such recipes are
gratin of ravioli and cauliflower mushrooms, pasta shells with truffled
cheese, pig's ear and porcini salad, St. George's mushroom tartare,
horse mushroom crisps, and yellowfoot chanterelles with tripe (also –
separately -- with clams, pig's feet, scallop coral, lasagna, and
bottarga). Quality/price rating: 86.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

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 best 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 at home, but how could that be? The books 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 photo
shots, verging on gastroporn. There are endorsements from other
celebrities in magnificent cases 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 –

 

 
BEST RECIPES EVER, v2 (Transcontinental Books, 2013, 256 pages, ISBN
978-1-927632-00-0, $26.95 CAN soft covers) is from the CBC and Canadian
Living Magazine. The book's been labeled "more fresh, fun & tasty
tested-till-perfect recipes from the hit show." This daily CBC show,
chef-hosted by Christine Tizzard, has been given full access to the
Canadian Living recipe library. Two or three preps are done each day.
The book is another collection of recipes from the show (seasons 3 and
4), covering a range of preps for all occasions such as breakfasts,
weekend dinners, weeknight dinners, "on the go" and more. It is
straight forward, with nutritional information and tips/advice. Each
prep generally has a plated photo. There are about 100 recipes, with
such as salmon fillets with ginger soy, strawberry mascarpone pizza,
curried lentil, turkey and rapini fusilli, or rhubarb banana crumble.
Preparations have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements
and metric weights, but there is no table of metric equivalents. Check
out www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes for more.
Quality/price rating: 86.

 

A HISTORY OF FOOD IN 100 RECIPES (Little, Brown, 2013, 360 pages, ISBN
978-0-316-22997-5, $35 US hard covers) is by William Sitwell, UK food
writer, editor and TV presenter. An earlier version of the book was
published in the UK in 2012 by Collins, but Little Brown took it on for
the North American market. It's an essential book in popular culinary
history, for he lays out a path from Ancient Egyptian bread (about 1958
BC) through 100 chapters ending at Meat fruit (foie gras & chicken
liver parfait) in 2011. The former is assumed from historical writings
while the latter is from Heston Blumenthal. Each chapter gets a prep
(they are in chronological order), with a title of a dish sourced from
a book somewhere. Chapter 52 is Welsh rarebit, from a recipe of Charles
Francatelli (A Plain Cookery Book for the Working Classes), done in
three lines. Sitwell explains who Francatelli was and how he came to
write his book, and what the food world was like in 1852. Most chapters
also have an illustration or two. Many of the recipes are vague
approximations, and you'll need to know what you are doing for some
them. But I think the intent is the story behind the prep and why it
was chosen, and not to actually make, say, roly-poly jam pudding
(1861). Modern day contributions come from Gourmet magazine, Emeril
Lagasse, Thomas Keller (salmon tartare), Nigella Lawson, Ferran Adria,
Jamie Oliver, and Mario Batali.  Preparations have their ingredients
listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of metric
equivalents. There's a bibliography for food history books plus some
websites. Sitwell has written an informative, enjoyable, easy-to-read
book, well worth your attention. Quality/price rating: 91.

 

STREETEATS TORONTO (Whitecap, 2013, 102 pages, ISBN 978-1-77050185-0,
$14.95 paper covers) is by Suresh Doss, publisher of
SpotlightToronto.com. He helped to launch Food Truck Eats, dedicated to
raising the profile of street food. It's a guidebook, with,
unfortunately, no recipes. It is in directory format with a list of
some 40 food carts and trucks. Each has a profile of the vendor behind
each cart, some top picks (usually three) for the best dishes to order,
photos, social media to connect (website/twitter/facebook), and some
details about local regional food festivals in this GTA area. This is
the first book in the new series StreetEats, which I assume will be
rolling out through the year to cover Montreal, Vancouver, etc. We
still have a long way to go to catch up with Portland. For the moment,
try www.torontofoodtrucks.ca for locations. One piece of advice to
Whitecap: put in the occasional recipe – it would be helpful.
Quality/price rating: 88.

 

 

 

FROSTINGS (Gibbs Smith, 2013, 96 pages, ISBN 978-1-4236-3195-8, $19.99
US hard covers) is by Courtney Dial Whitmore, founder of
pizzazzerie.com which deals with party planning. She's also a food and
recipe developer for large companies such as ConAgra and Pepperidge
Farm. And she's been on TV all over the dial. Here there are 40 recipes
for traditional frostings as well as contemporary flavour combos such
as salted caramel and chai vanilla bean. You'll need a mixer and a
piping bag (or make your own), plus her tips and comments. These are
the finishing touches for cakes, s'more, doughnuts, cookies, and any
other platforms. Actually, there are 26 "frostings" plus six ganaches
and eight glazes – same type of sugary covering. There's a resources
page for extract purchases, cake stands, and decorations, but
unfortunately, NO index. There is an expanded table of contents, but
not an ingredients index. Plenty of white space to develop
one…Preparations have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois
measurements, but there is a table of metric equivalents.
Quality/price rating: 82.

 

 

 

PALEO COOKBOOK FOR DUMMIES (John Wiley, 2013, 317 pages, ISBN 978-1-
118-61155-5, $22.99 US paper covers) is by Kellyann Petrucci, a
chiropractor who has certification in various nutritional areas and who
has written many books and blog entries on paleo foods. She also runs a
paleo food delivery service and appears on national US TV. Here are 136
simple and tasty paleo recipes for every meal of the day. They have
been contributed by other chefs (all sourced) and re-tested along with
additional nutrition information. Prep times and cooking times are
indicated, as well as yields. Try Czech meatballs, stuffed bell
peppers, chocolate chip cookies, coconut shrimp, garlic scampi, Thai
rolled omelette, and machacado with eggs. Preparations have their
ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table
of metric equivalents. The book goes into good detail with the usual
Dummies flair and top-ten lists. Quality/price rating: 88.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Mark Anthony Wines Portfolio Tasting Nov 5/13

The Date and Time: Tuesday, November 5, 2013   2PM to 6PM

The Event: Mark Anthony Portfolio Tasting

The Venue: Soho House

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: everything is landed (Vintages, Consignment) or Private Order. The spiral catalogue, while a good idea, was awkward to use in the limited space, and the page numbers were not large enough for the dim lighting. I know that some users were confused.

The Quote/Background: There were 25 suppliers, from a range of companies.

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

 

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

-Dona Paula Seleccion de Bodega Malbec 2008, $39.95 PO

-Dona Paula Yacochuya 2006, $49.95 Vintages

-Santa Rita Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $61.95

-Chateau Laroque St-Emilion Grand Cru 2005, $59

-Simonet-Febvre Les Clos 2010, $94.95

-Lanson Gold Label Vintage Brut 2001, $79.95  - my fave of the tasting

-Lanson Extra Age Brut NV, $99.99

-Lanson Vintage 1993, $517.95 magnum

-Gunderloch Riesling Spatlese Nackenheim Rothenberg 2012, $36.95

-Gunderloch Riesling Auslese Nackenheim Rothenberg 2011, $55.60

-Gunderloch Riesling Beerenauslese Nackenheim Rothenberg 2008, $239.95  375mL

-Falesco Montiano Lazio 2010, $44.95

-Tenuta Sant' Antonio Campo Dei Gigli Amarone 2006, $79.95 LCBO Spring 2014

-Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $59.95

-Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $99.95

-Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $99.95

 

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

-Mission Hill Oculus 2010, $70.79

-Mission Hill SLC Syrah 2010, $32.79

-Mission Hill Perpetua 2010, $30.99

-Mike Weir Riesling 2012, $19.21

-Stoney Ridge Excellence Chardonnay 2011, $16.67

-Stoney Ridge Excellence Merlot 2010, $16.67

-Stoney Ridge Pinot Grigio 2011, $11.61

-Santa Rita Bougainville Petite Sirah 2010, $99.95

-Santa Rita Pehuen Carmenere 2007, $59.95 PO

-Helfrich Gewurztraminer 2012 Alsace, $19.25

-Louis Latour Merusault 1er Cru Chateau de Blagny 2009, $77.95

-Louis Latour Chateau Corton-Grancey Grand Cru 2008, $138.95 PO

-Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2010, $199.95 PO

-Simonet-Febvre Chablis 2010, $19.95

-Lanson Black Kaleb NV, $53.95

-Chateau Montus 2007 Rouge, $32.95

-Chateau Montus 2010 Blanc

-Chateau Montus La Tyre 2002 $104.95

-Schloss Johannisberg Grunlack Spatlese 2012, $37.95

-Schloss Johannisberg Silberlack Grosses Gewachs 2012, $53.95

-Cavas Hill Cava Brut NV, $13.95 LCBO Spring 2013

-Collavini Broy Collio 2011 Bianco, $49.95

-Tormaresca Roycello Fiano 2012, $21.95

-Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio 2012, $27.95

-Alois Lageder Lowengang Chardonnay 2010, $49.95

-Castello Monsanto Chianti Classico 2011

-Castello Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2009

-Montelvini Venegazzu Prodry Prosecco NV, $192 for 16 litres on draught

-Tenuta Sant' Antonio Amarone Selezione 2010, $44.95 LCBO Spring

-Nederburg Manor House Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $16.95  LCBO Spring 2014

-Tangley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $25.95

-Sanford Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2009, $54.95

-Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2011 Sonoma

 

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

-Mike Weir Pinot Noir 2009, $14.14

-Mike Weir Unoaked Chardonnay 2012, $16.67

-Chateau Bois Pertuis 2012, $15.95

-Alois Lageder Dolomiti Pinot Grigio 2012, $16.95

-Castello Monsanto Chianti Monrosso 2011, $16.95

-Castello Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio 2008, $65

-Falesco Tellus Syrah 2011 Umbria, $17.95

-Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $16.95 LCBO Spring 2014

-Nederburg Heritage Heroes Anchor Man Chenin Blanc 2012, $27.95

-Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $79.95

-Rodney Strong Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $27.95

 

The Food: charcuterie plate with cheeses, fruit, breads and toasts.

The Downside: it was pretty crowded, mainly because the laneway between tables was not wide enough to accommodate two lines of tasters.

The Upside: a chance to speak with reps from the companies.

The Contact Person: portfoliotasting@markanthony.com, dshorrocks@markanthony.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH -

 

++ CARPANO ANTICA FORMULA VERMOUTH, $47.95 litre, limited quantities OR
$18.95 for 375 mL, also limited, from Fratelli Branca, repped in
Ontario by Majestic Wine Cellars: a revelation in the vermouth world,
created in 1786. This is red vermouth, numbered in hand-blown glasses,
emphasizing vanilla, dried fruit, dates and orange zest. Bitter-sweet,
with some gentian root notes. 16.5% ABV, long persistent finish, best
on the rocks as an aperitif or after a meal straight up. Many Toronto
bars use it in their cocktails, such as Negroni or Manhattan.
Quality/Price rating is 94 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ CARPANO CLASSICO, $23.95 litre and CARPANO BIANCO, $22.95 litre,
Majestic Wine Cellars – Two nifty vermouths to savour or to use in
blends with cocktails. The Classico is a baby Antica, not as dominating
in tone and palate, but great with soda or on ice. 16% ABV. The Bianco
has more vanilla tones and sweetness than expected. Not for dry
martinis, but great on the rocks, on its own for a comfort drink.
Quality/Price rating for both is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic
Epicures.

 

++ Marchesi di Barolo La Tradizione Barolo 2008, +168179 Vintages
Essential, $34.95: just released in November, this wine is four dollars
less than the previous 2005 which I top rated as a best buy (should you
want the 1958, it is $1295.00; the LCBO still lists it on the website
as of this writing). It was fermented and stored in small barrels for a
while before transferring to Slovenian oak for 18 months (medium
toast). The vintage years have been good for nebbiolo in Piedmont,
since 1996, and 2008 was no exception. Expect some red fruit of cherry-
berry, tobacco leaf, woodsy cedar/oak, and concentrated complexity
aided by a dash of mint. This is traditional Barolo at its finest at
this price level. A good buy. Tasted over the course of a week, proving
to be a keeper. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of
Gothic Epicures.

 

++ Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling MC 2010 NOTL VQA, +78055, $28.95:
a mix of half chardonnay and pinot noir from vines planted as early as
1991, very pretty colour, reminiscent of strawberry blush, 2+ years
lees contact and fermented in the bottle. Full, rich, ripe yeasty
biscuit complexity. Citric finish, best with food or apps. Recently
Disgorged. 13% ABV. Now at Vintages (it was supposed to be a Christmas
offering). Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic
Epicures.

 

++ Chateau des Charmes Brut Sparkling MC NV NOTL VQA, +224766, $22.95:
This Brut is a mix of half chardonnay and pinot noir from vines planted
as early as 1991, exhibiting apple tones with citrus and toast. All 
from the 2009 vintage, and Recently Disgorged after three years on
lees, 13% ABV. Base material for both bubblies is the same: just the
dosage and skin contact varies. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by
Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

A Gaja Wine Tasting, with Gaia Gaja at Bosk, Oct 31/13

The Date and Time: Thursday, October 31, 2013  10AM to Noon
The Event: A tasting/seminar with Gaia Gaja
The Venue: BOSK restaurant (Shangri-La Hotel)
The Target Audience: wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available from the LCBO or
through Stew Wine Group.
The Quote/Background: Last year, Angelo Gaja came and spoke to us of
his passion and vision, followed by a tasting. This year, his daughter
Gaia comes and speaks of the history of the company and some assorted
technological backgrounds. She spoke on wood, overextraction, and the
pendulum swings of the public. She spoke about cow manure and worms
used in the fields, replanting, nurseries, and soil types. For example,
the Barbaresco soil from glacial retreat is older than Barolo's soil.
She addressed canopy management in light of climate change. In the
great years, the company concentrates on its single vineyards. The
company specializes in "B" wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello, and
Bolgheri.
The Wines:  Wines not tasted but soon to be available from the December
Classics include Sperss 2008, Sori San Lorenzo 2009, Sori Tilden 2009,
and Costa Russi 2009. In November, the ISD Gaja Sito Moresco 2011 will
arrive ($54.95). There are a whole range more of wines from Stem,
including different bottle sizes and Chardonnays, and different
vintages.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Gaja Ca'Marcanda 2009 Bolgheri – Merlot50/CabSauv40/CabFranc10 -
$129.99 – Stem
-Gaja Rennina Brunello di Montalcino - $159.99 Stem
-Gaja Barbaresco 2009 - $199.99 Stem [$219.95 Classics]
-Gaja Sperss Barolo 1999 [part of the 1999 Gaja Collection of a six
pack, with 2 each of 1999 Barbaresco, Sperss, and Conteisa: $1769.99
through Stem]

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Gaja Vistamare 2011 Toscana IGT – Vermentino60/Viognier40 – $49.99
Stem
-Gaja Dagromis Barolo 2008 - $75.95 +92742 Classics
-Gaja Conteisa Barolo 2008 - $239.99 Stem

 

The Food: charcuterie plate, terrines, breads and olives.
The Contact Person: Robert@stemwinegroup.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

The Original Cool: Loire Valley wines tasted, Oct 30/13

The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 10:30 AM to 2 PM
The Event: The Original Cool: Loire Valley wines.
The Venue: Midfield Wine Bar and Tavern, Dundas West
The Target Audience: sommeliers and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: most are available via the LCBO
distribution channels, although some came from Quebec.
The Quote/Background: John Szabo collated a variety of wines and gave a
presentation/tasting on certain wine styles. There were three flights
sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, cabernet franc) plus other wines with
lunch. The Loire has 69 appellations, 53 of which are AOP, with 400
million bottles a year from 7,000 wineries and 24 co-ops.
The Wines: There were 21 wines in all, including seven more with the
food.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Paul Prieur & Fils Sancerre 2011, $25.95 Vintages
-Domaine de Belliviere L'Effraie 2011 Coteaux du Loir, $27.60 SAQ
-Domaine des Petits Quarts Cuvee Le Malabe Bonnezeaux 1989, [direct
from France] N/A

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Chateau Moncontour Vouvray Brut Tete de Cuvee, $16.95 Vintages
-Chateau Moncontour Vouvray Sec 2011, $18.95 Vintages
-Chateau Favray Pouilly Fume 2011, $21.95 Vintages
-Domaine Seguin Pouilly Fume 2011, $23.95 Vintages
-Henri Bourgeois Les Baronnes Sancerre 2012, $24.95 Vintages
-Secret de Chai Par Eric Laurent Saumur 2011, $13.95 Vintages
-Domaines Couly Dutheil Baronnie Madeleine 2010 Chinon, $21.95 Vintages
-Langlois Chateau Saumur Champigny 2010, $15.25 Vintages
-Domaine de Rochville Le Page Saumur Champigny 2008, $15.25 Vintages
-Pascal et Alain Lorieux Agnes Sorel Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil 2009,
$25.35 SAQ

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Famille Bougrier Touraine 2011, $16.95 Vintages
-Domaine de la Gitonniere Touraine 2011, $13.95 Vintages
-Domaine Philippe Portier Quincy 2011, $17.95 Vintages
-Remy Pannier Anjou 2012 Blanc, $13.95 LCBO GL
-Domaine des Deux Vallees Savennieres 2010, $19.95 Vintages
-Domaine Fl Savennieres Roches-aux-Moines 2008, $69.25 SAQ
-Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou 2011 Red, $14.75 LCBO GL
-Domaine de la Garreliere Touraine 2011 Red, $19.95 Consignment The
Living Vine

The Food: cold trout with asparagus, potato and crème fraiche; two
quail with sauteed mushrooms, green beans and crisped shallots; goat
cheese with fruit and roasted nuts. Simple but elegant accompaniments
that worked rather well. Kudos to the menu planner.
The Downside: the cabernet franc wines were too cold; I had to let mine
be cupped.
The Upside: a small but vital grouping, sharing a wealth of
information.
The Contact Person: Johanna.raynaud@sopexa.com; marion.roy@sopexa.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
89.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Rogrs & Company Portfolio Licensee Tasting, Oct 28/13

The Date and Time: Monday, October 28, 2013 1:30PM – 4:30PM
The Event: Rogers & Company Portfolio Tasting for Licensees
The Venue: Brassaii Restaurant
The Target Audience: licensees and media
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available for ordering. While
the catalogue was nicely laid out with prices and vintages, the pouring
order on the various tables was somewhat mixed to accommodate winery
reps.
The Quote/Background: Rogers has a very strong California catalogue.
The Wines: I did not try every wine; there were at least 68 listed.
Prices are licensee.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Huet Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu 2011, $30.95
-Alex Gambal Chassagne-Montrachet 2011, $62.95
-Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2011, $28.95
-Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2010, $57.95
-Shafer Napa Merlot 2010, $57.95
-Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2010, $52.95
-Ovid Napa Proprietary Red, $267.95
-Shafer One Point Five Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2010,
$79.95
-Shafer Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2009,
$275.95
-Blue Mountain Pinot Noir 2011 Okanagan, $26.95
-Conundrum White 2011, $24.95
-Continuum Proprietary Red 2010, $199.95
-Huneeus Illumination Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $42.95
-Huneeus Quintessa Rutherford Proprietary Red 2010, $122.95
-Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay 2011, $26.95
-Caymus Special Selection Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $124.95

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Masson-Blondelet Pouilly-Fume Villa Paulus 2011, $24.95
-Alain Graillot Saint-Joseph 2011, $35.95
-Buehler Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2012, $24.95
-Ridge Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley Red 2011, $45.95
-Lis Neris Pinot Grigio 2012, $25.95
-Giovanni Rosso Barolo Serralunga 2008, $47.95
-Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2010, $31.95
-Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo 2009, $61.95
-Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2009, $94.95
-Hunter's Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $18.95
-Chateau Montelena Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $52.95
-Buehler Estate Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $43.95
-Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $71.95
-Altamura Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $105.95
-Dancing Hares Mad Hatter 2009, $75.95
-Dancing Hares Napa Proprietary Red 2010, $169.95
-Ehlers Estate One Twenty Over Eight St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
2010, $54.95
-Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2011 Okanagan, $21.95
-Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay 2011, $32.95
-Caymus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $74.95
-Conundrum Red 2011, $22.95
-Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2011, $57.95
-Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2011, $60.95
-Faust Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $56.95

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Roger Luquet Cremant de Bourgogne NV, $20.25
-Henry Pelle Sancerre La Croix au Garde 2011, $27.95
-Chateau de Maligny Chablis Carre de Cesar 2013, $23.60
-Peay Pomarium Pinot Noir 2011, $68.95
-Frog's Leap Napa Zinfandel 2011, $34.95
-Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2008, $43.95
-Belle Glos Pinot Noir Clark & Telephone 2012, $39.95
-Belle Glos Pinot Noir Dairyman 2012, $39.95

The Food: cheeses and breads
The Contact Person: h.parker@rogcowines.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo plus 2013 Intervin Winery of the Year (Wolf Blass)

 The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 23, 2013 2PM to 4PM
The Event: Award winning wine tasting via Intervin and Gourmet Food &
Wine Expo.
The Venue: The Chase
The Target Audience: media
The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available in Ontario
The Quote/Background: It was a multi-purpose press conference with a
wine tasting. We were assembled by Chris Waters, editor of Vines, for a
cross-platform promotion of Intervin results, a tasting of wines from
the 2013 Intervin Winery of the Year (Wolf Blass), and details on the
upcoming Gourmet Food & Wine Show (Nov 14 – 17).
The Wines: All of the wines were from Wolf Blass, of course, but it
was difficult to obtain labels for reading of details, and also prices.
There was no overall list of availability and sourcing.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 2010
-Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz McLaren Vale 2010
-Wolf Blass Platinum Label Shiraz Barossa 2008 $120

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Wolf Blass Gold Label Sparkling Brut Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Adelaide
Hills 2008
-Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling Adelaide Hills 2011

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sparkling Brut NV -- LCBO

The Food: oysters (3 kinds on the half shell), raw clams, tuna tartare,
shrimp and pesto, squash and apple toasts, smoked sturgeon, other
smoked fish. Cheese; epoisse and blue and Oka
The Downside: it was crowded at the table, with little room for
bloggers and tweeters.
The Upside: a chance to talk with Chris Hatcher, chief winemaker of
Wolf Blass.
The Contact Person: smurdoch@enterprisecanada.com;
Jennifer.campbell@sunmedia.ca;
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
88.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 9, 2013

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 9, 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 *OVER* $20

 

Antinori Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, +512384,
$29.95 retail.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Hinterbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2011 VQA Niagara Lakeshore, +359372:
more Californian in style with tamed herbaceousness, first course wine
or sipper, 12.9% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89.
2. Fincas Patagonicas Zolo Reserve Chardonnay 2012 Mendoza, +347764,
$16.95: good balanced but oaky character from French oak aging, cork
finished, 14% ABV. QPR: 89.
3. Undurraga Aliwen Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Chile, +347948,
$13.95: very herby in the Kiwi style, 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89.
4. Herve Azo Chablis 2011, +185736, $19.95: well-priced, great tasting
zesty lemon-citric finish. 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Zuccardi Organica Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Mendoza, +68452, $13.95:
organic wine with an easy-breezy smooth style, closer to merlot
softness. 13.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89.
2. Chilensis Lazuli 2010 Maule Valley, +348128, $17.95: intriguing
blend with pronounced mocha and black fruit, oak aging, 14% ABV.
Organic. QPR: 89.
3. Banfi Natura Carmenere 2012 Colchagua Valley, +56887, $14.95:
another organic red wine from Chile, here emphasizing the herby/mocha
tones of carmenere. 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89.
4. Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Clare Valley, +744235, $17.95:
good intensity and development, cabby all the way with mint and herbs.
14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89.
5. Chateau Brehat 2004 Cotes de Castillon, +348672, $16.95: there is
value in an older Bordeaux wine at this price level. It is decaying
well with earth and mushroom and some underbrush. 13% ABV, ready now.
QPT: 89.
6. Reserve des Vignerons Saumur-Champigny 2010 Loire, +103879, $17.95:
great cabernet franc complexity from the Old World, as it should be
done. Mid-weight concentration but also 13% ABV. QPR: 89.
7. Jasci & Marchesani Nerube Riserva Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2010,
+353599, $16.95: chocolate and leather, the modern tones of the 21st
century. Organic. 14% ABV. QPR: 89.
8. San Cassiano Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2010, +354431, $17.95:
the LCBO's "Ripasso of the month". 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. Marques de Vitoria Reserva 2005 Rioja, +40428, $24.95 retail.
2. Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2010 Marlborough, +359513, $29.95
3. Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2012 WO Coastal
Region, +12724, $22.95.
4. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Calcaire Pinot Gris 2011 Alsace, +190413,
$27.95.
5. G. Marquis The Silver Line Epic 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +310367,
$29.95
6. Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2009 South Australia, +309625,
$44.95.
7. Chateau Tour Saint-Vincent 2005 Medoc, +348763, $22.95.
8. Domaine Michelas Saint-Jemms Signature Crozes-Hermitage 2010,
+354092, $24.95.
9. Rivera Il Falcone Riserva 2007 Castel del Monte Puglia, +177295,
$22.95.
10. Castello d'Albola Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, +315150, $22.95.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Taste Napa Valley -- trade show at the ROM Oct 21/13

The Date and Time: Monday, October 21, 2013   1PM to 4:40 PM

The Event: Taste Napa Valley trade show (prelude to Napa Rocks)

The Venue: ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: some wines are here, others are available through private orders. The catalogue had "U.S. suggested retail" prices, probably listed that way to reduce sticker shock ? For example, a 2010 Merlot was listed at $225 US, but available in Ontario for a mere $420 Canadian. More details about the tour and the wines are at napavintners.com.

The Quote/Background: There was a trade seminar at 1PM in ROM's Glass Room, which was well-attended. The theme was about the aging of some of Napa's great cabernets. Five wineries poured older wines and their 2010s. I have folded my choices into the listing below.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine; there were over 90 of them.

 

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

-Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Private Reserve Napa, $140 US

-Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Reserve Napa 2010, $175 CAN Select Wines

-Cain Five Red Blend 2004 Spring Mountain District NA? Rogers

-Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2010 Napa, $42 US  Rogers

-Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon Trailside Vineyard Rutherford 2007, $70 US Lifford

-Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa 2010, $135 US Constellation

-St. Supery Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Dollarhide Estate 2010 Napa, $100 US  Von Terra

-Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Napa 2010, $37 US The Vine

-Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select Stags Leap District 2003, NA?  Rogers

-Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select Stags Leap District 2009, NA?  Rogers

-Signorello Estate Chardonnay Hope's Cuvee Napa, 2011 $70 US Profile

-Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2008, $110 US  Halpern

-Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2009, $70 US  Halpern

-Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 1989, NA?  Kylix [my favourite of the show]

-Somerston Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, NA?  Profile

-Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon FAY Estate Napa 2010, $110 US Profile

-Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon SLV Estate Napa 2010, $125 US Profile

-Swanson Cabernet Sauvignon Alexis Napa 2009, $75 US Kylix

 

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

-Amuse Bouche Winery Merlot 2010 Rutherford, $420 CAN Le Sommelier

-Amuse Bouche Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Au Sommet Atlas Peak, $425 CAN Le Sommelier

-Amuse Bouche Winery Red Blend Vin Perdu Napa 2011, $195 CAN Le Sommelier

-Beringer Red Blend Quantum 2010 Napa, $60 US

-Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2010, $65 US Select Wines

-Blackbird Vineyards Red Blend 2010 Paramour Napa, $125 US  Terra Firma

-Cain Five Red Blend 2008 Spring Mountain District, $125 US Rogers

-Cain Concept Red Blend 2008 The Benchland Napa, $60 US Rogers

-Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch Howell Mountain 2010, $110 US

-Cakebread Chardonnay 2011 Napa, $36 US

-Ceja Vineyards Chardonnay Los Carneros 2010, $34

-Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Rutherford 2009, $85 US  DaCappo

-Frank Family Chardonnay 2012 Napa, $34.75 US DaCappo

-Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Napa, $39.95 Cons B & W Wines

-La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Howell Mountain, $87.95 +659755

-Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Napa, $60 US  Rogers

-Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall Napa, $125 US  Woodman

-Hall Merlot Napa, $30 US  Woodman

-Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2007, $45 US Lifford

-Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2009, $47 US   Tradesa Corp

-Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2005, NA?   Tradesa Corp

-Peju Zinfandel Napa 2009, $30 US Le Sommelier

-Quintessa Red Blend Rutherford 2009, $145 US  Rogers

-St. Supery Estate Red Blend 2010 Estate Elu Napa, $75 US  Von Terra

-Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Rose Sparkling Napa 2009, $42 US The Vine

-Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five Stags Leap District 2010, $70 US  Rogers

-Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch Los Carneros 2011, $50 US  Rogers

-Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon SOLO Stags Leap District 2009, NA?  Kylix

-Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Napa 2009, $45 US  Kylix

-Somerston Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Napa, $48 US  Profile

-Spring Mountain Red Blend Elivette Spring Mountain District 2009, $125 US Mani

-Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District 2009, $75 US Mani

-Staglin Family Cabernet Sauvignon Staglin Family Vineyard Rutherford 2009, $185 US Prevedello & Mathews

-Staglin Family Chardonnay 2010 Napa, $75 US Prevedello & Mathews

-Twomey Cellars Merlot 2009 Napa, $50 US Halpern

 

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

-Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2010, $60 US

-Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon E.J. Church Reserve Napa 2009, $85 US   Tradesa Corp

-Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon Faust Napa 2010, $49.99 US  Rogers

 

The Food: there were plenty of charcuterie and cold cuts, as well as international gourmet cheeses, breads, dried fruit, root chips, roasted nuts, veggies and dips—catered by Daniel et Daniel.

The Downside: I had to rush here from a champagne tasting.

The Upside: tasting the older vintages of Napa cabs.

The Contact Person: cpellegrin@napavintners.com

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com