The Event: 19th edition of the Italian Trade Commission tasting of wines from Italy

The Date and Time: Monday November 3, 2014  11AM to 5 PM

The Event: this was the 19th edition of the Italian Trade Commission tasting of wines from Italy

The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall Lobby

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was for all of Canada, so Vancouver and Calgary along with Montreal were also included. Not all wines were offered for tasting in all locations, so we had to pay attention to the small print as to which wine was where. We had to stay sober as well...Otherwise, there was detail on grape varieties and names of agents and others. Prices were lacking, but we just had to ask. Of course, not everybody knew their own prices – which was a marketing shame...Most wines were seemingly private orders, or perhaps consignment and a few in Vintages. Some wines would be available next year (2015) at the LCBO.

The Quote/Background: "It is very crowded here. I need to lose weight!! At least there is no cologne or perfume..."

The Wines: I did not, of course, taste all wines. Indeed, I decided to list all my fave wines with high scores, and then selectively list the other wines I sampled – there were too many to deal with and to re-type.

 

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

-Frescobaldi IGT Toscana Mormoreto 2011, +951210 $63.95 Dandurand

-Raccontami Primitivo di Manduria 2012, $60 Jesse Tree

-Banfi Bolgheri Aska 2012, $24.95  Authentic

-Mauro Molino Barolo Gallinotto 2010

-Cottini Villa Annaberta Amarone 2011, $40  HHD Import

-Farina Montefante Amarone Riserva 2007, $64.95    Majestic

-Barolo Conca 2010

-Benedetti Amarone Croce del Gal Black Label 2006, $118.95   Tre Amici

-Benedetti Amarone Croce del Gal Blue Label 2007, $118.95   Tre Amici

-Casetta Barolo 2009  Signature

-Cesari Gerardo Bosan Amarone Riserva 2006, $100   Profile

-Luce Brunello 2009 IGT Toscana, $99   Authentic

-Malvira Roero Riserva Trinita 2009 Piedmont, $55   Ex-cellars

-Malvira Barolo 2010, $75  Ex-cellars

-Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Cannubi 2010

-Manfredi Barolo Patrizi 2010, $29.95  HHD Import

-Michele Satta Bolgheri I Castagni 2007, $75  Majestic

-Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove Dell'Ornellaia 2012 Bolgheri, $59.95  Authentic

-Planeta Santa Cecilia Noto 2010, $54   Noble Estates

-Tocca delle Macie Toscana Ser Gioveto IGT 2010, $39.95  Noble

-Pasetti Colline Pescarese Testarossa 2011 (Trebbiano with 20% Pecorino) Vinaio

-Pian del Querci Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2007  La Cantina

-Pian del Querci Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2008  La Cantina

-Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro 2009.

-San Felice Toscana IGT Vigorello 2010  Charton Hobbs

-Aurelio Settimo Barolo 2010, $60   Profile

-Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche 2005, $64.95   Profile

-Valentina Cubi Amarone Morar 2005 Vintages

-Zonin Moscato IGT Provincia di Pavia Castello del Poggio NV, $13.60  Imprese

 

 

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

-Rocca di Frassinello La Sughere di Fransinello 2011 IGT Maremma Toscana +25700 March 7, 2015, $24.95

-Castelgiocondo 2009 Brunello di Montalcino +650432, $49.95 Dandurand

-Il Bruno dei Vespa Rosso Puglia IGP 2013, $40 Jesse Tree

-Il Rosso dei Vespa Primitivo del Salento IGT 2013, $30 Jesse Tree

-Monte del Fra Amarone della Valpolicella 2009 +47506 $54.95

-Zonin Amarone 2010 +266684, $37.10

-Zonin Ripasso 2012 +170142, $17.45

-Amastuola Puglia IGP Centosassi 2011, $26  Majestic

-Amastuola Puglia IGP Onda del Tempo 2010, $18

-ATS Sicily Monica di Sardegna San Remy 2012   Authentic

-Bersano Vini Barolo Badarina 2009, $62.95 Profile

-Casale del Giglio Petit Verdot Lazio IGT 2012  Wine World

-Casetta Barbaresco 2009   Signature

-Castel Rio Umbria IGT Ritorto 2013, $32.70  Caliber

-Castel Rio Umbria IGT San Valentino 1861 2010, $45.70  Caliber

-Castel Rio Umbria IGT Sediana 2012, $23.95  Caliber

-Castello di Meleto Pieve de Spaltenna Poggiano Toscana 2011 Wine World

-Castello di Neive Barbaresco 2011 Brunello Imports

-Cesari Gerardo Il Bosco Amarone 2008, $70  Profile

-Cusumano Sicilia NOA 2011, $20   Family Wine Merchants

-Domini Castellare di Castellina Toscana IGT Rocca di Frassinello 2010, $24.95  Dionysus

-Lucente 2011 Toscana IGT, $35   Authentic

-Manfredi Barbaresco Patrizi 2009, $19.95 HHD Imports

-Michele Satta Toscana IGT Cavaliere 2008, $37   Majestic

-Le Volte dell'Ornellaia 2012 Toscana IGT, $29.95   Authentic

-San Felice Brunello de Montalcino Campogiovanni 2009, $59.95  Charton Hobbs

-Valle dell'Acate Sicilia Bidis Chardonnay 2012     Halperin

-Vignamaggio Igt Toscana Rosso Wine Obsession 2009  HHD Imports

-Vignamaggio Igt Toscana Rosso Cabernet Franc 2009, $59 Classics  HHD Imports

 

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

-Frescobaldi di Castigioni 2011 Toscana IGT  +145920 $21.95

-Monte del Fra Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2010 +165662 Vintages

 

The Food: Cibo Wine Bar provided the food, and lots of it. There were arancini, baked eggplant in a parmigiana sauce, tiger shrimp in a tomato sauce, an eggs and pasta combo, rigatoni in bolognese meat sauce, mixed salad greens, a variety of Italian cheeses, prosciutto, olives, and salumi.

The Downside: as always, it was very crowded. And as always, we were searched as we left.

The Upside: a chance to just roam around the stalls and select what we wanted in pursuit of whatever stories we were going to tell.

The Contact Person: toronto@ice.it; piero@ice.it

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH --

 

1.Chateau des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot Old Vines 2012 VQA NOTL, $19.95

winery +222372: a substantial wine made from plots planted beginning in

1983-1985 and then again in 1992-1996. Cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot,

coming in at 13.5% ABV after time in French oak. Expect medium mocha, cedar, vanilla and cassis, but double-decant the bottle before serving. Maybe wait until next spring? The extra time will help soften it and give it a longer length from the older vines. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

2.Chateau des Charmes Sauvignon Blanc 2013 St. David's Bench VQA, +391300 $14.95 LCBO: last tasted by me in the 2010 vintage. Here, good balanced fruit, citric tones, zest, MVC typicity. Fresh but so far maybe too fresh. I thought 2010 was better. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

3.Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Szamorodni 2009, +179374 Vintages, $18.95 for 500 mL:

a second-tier Tokay wine, usually medium-sweet and done naturally with

no added puttonyos. Botrytised grapes would vary from vintage to

vintage and from producer to producer. The last Puklus we had was 2006

vintage; this current version (2009) seems to offer bitterish dried

apricot flavours and oxidative notes. A good dessert wine, certainly

affordable, and perhaps best with egg dishes such as custards. 13.5%

ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

4.Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2008, +47209 Vintages, $35.95 for 500 mL:

intense Hungarian nectar, full of apricot, dried peach and orange peel, tempered with caramelization. Long finish deserves foie gras as a starter, or quality blue cheese as an ending. Good value for the price, especially as this is a half-litre. 11% ABV. Hungarian Gold Medalist. Quality/price rating 94 points by Dean Tudor.

 

 

5.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 VQA NOTL, $22.95, +193573 Vintages Essentials (also available at Marks and Spencer UK for 15.99 pounds): organic wine also certified as biodynamic by Demeter. Intense, well-developed cabby savvy, typically North American, with twist top and 12.9% ABV. The many times that I have had it, I gave it a ranking of 89 – 93 depending on the wine's development at the time. Lately, it has been higher. An obvious choice for Christmas. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

6.Southbrook Canadian Framboise NV, $15.95/375 mL, +341024 LCBO: jammy raspberry nose and palate, excellent on its own, with chocolate or (even better) as a Raspberry Kir with your bubbly of choice. 13.5% ABV. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

7.Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2012 Napa, +136382, $20.95 Vintages: a soft wine full of orchard fruit, creamy, bright, some vanilla but little oak. Aperitif or with seafood. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

8.Many times at Toronto Italian trade shows I have heard the words, "You don't go to Italy for white wine". So I am trying to find out if that is true. Wines from indigenous grapes such as found in frascati, orvieto, soave, grillo, pinot grigio – all have their distinctive tastes and fans. International grapes such as sauvignon blanc and riesling are easily obtainable in their country of origin. I decided to take a crack at some mid-weight mid-priced Italian chardonnays from the north, offered by Majestic Wine Cellars as part of their private stock, to compare and contrast in an evaluation. This is an area of intense competition, the mid-point of $15 a bottle. We make a nice chardonnay in Ontario at that price point, but so do others in the world.

 

I started with Cantina Valpantena Veneto Chardonnay IGT 2013 ($11.95 Majestic, plastic cork). It's a definite antipasto or pre-prandial wine since it was light lemons with lively acidity, some tart apples, 12% ABV, and a longer finish than I was expecting (87 points). Quite pleasant. I moved on to Albino Armani Claps Chardonnay Friuli Grave Sequal ($15.50 Majestic, composition cork) at 13.5% ABV, a more mellow, rounder wine with less acid (more sweet apples) by a longer finish in the mouth (88 points). I next tasted Albino Armani 1607 Chardonnay Trentino 2013 ($18.95 Majestic, composition cork) which had sweet apples, limes and citrus, and a brightness from the stainless steel (89 points). For international comparison, I tried Morgan Bay Cellars Chardonnay 2013 with a California appellation ($13.95 Majestic, cork disc closure) which had well-rounded texture meant to appeal to the US palate. There were lemons and green apples, but also the softness and taste of a creamy caramel. 13.5% ABV. It says California, but there is also enough finishing acid for a first course. Otherwise, sip away (89 points); I was expecting more food bite and stainless steel at this price level. All of these wines are consignment from Majestic, and all of them are well-priced and useful as restaurant house wines (or by the glass) to be marked up under $40 a bottle.

 

 

9.Fernet-Branca Amer/Bitters, +220145, $21.85 for 500 mL: from Fratelli Branca, this is one of the top bitters of the world. It comes in at Christmas here with a tin can for gifting and some historical reproductions on the can. Other than that, it is the same aperitivo or digestif. Here are 27 herbs and spices aged in oak for a year. It can be enjoyed with beer, mixed drinks, on the rocks, or with soda/pop drinks. But it is best straight. 40% ABV, with that characteristic gentian and vanilla/oak matured flavour.  Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Re: * DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! * -- Beer, from Race Point Publishing

Fantastic, thanks Dean! I am thrilled that you enjoyed this book so much, it's a fascinating read. 

I hope all is well!

All the best, 

Dalyn

Dalyn A. Miller
Dalyn Miller Public Relations, LLC
617-504-6869
dalyn@dalynmillerpr.com
Facebook.com/DalynMillerPR
Twitter.com @DalynAMiller

From: Dean Tudor <dtudor@pathcom.com>
Date: Friday, December 12, 2014 at 10:01 AM
To: blog1 <dtudor2.gothicepicures@blogger.com>
Subject: * DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! * -- Beer, from Race Point Publishing

BEER; the ultimate world tour (Race Point Publishing, 2014, 288 pages, ISBN 978-1-93799-441-9 $30 US hard covers) is by Bill Yenne, who has written about brewing history (e.g. Guinness: the 250-year quest for the perfect pint; Beers of North America; and several others). Here he runs through the planet on a country-by-country basis, beginning with Ireland, then the UK, Scandinavia, East Europe, Germany, Belgium, Middle East, Far East, Canada (12 pages), and US. He also gives us an overview of beer styles and beer glassware. Each country gets an overview of brewing heritage, culture and styles – well over 1000 brands in the book. Beer festivals are covered, as well as bottle shapes. The emphasis is on bottled beer, not draughts or cans.

Audience and level of use: beginners, arm-chair travelers, beer buyers

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: with the exception of the United States, the world's brewing industry uses hectoliters as a standard measurement.

The downside to this book: it could use a bit more depth but then the book would have been much bigger.

The upside to this book: it is a good survey of many minor countries.

Quality/Price Rating: 90.

 

www.deantudor.com

* DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! * -- Beer, from Race Point Publishing

BEER; the ultimate world tour (Race Point Publishing, 2014, 288 pages, ISBN 978-1-93799-441-9 $30 US hard covers) is by Bill Yenne, who has written about brewing history (e.g. Guinness: the 250-year quest for the perfect pint; Beers of North America; and several others). Here he runs through the planet on a country-by-country basis, beginning with Ireland, then the UK, Scandinavia, East Europe, Germany, Belgium, Middle East, Far East, Canada (12 pages), and US. He also gives us an overview of beer styles and beer glassware. Each country gets an overview of brewing heritage, culture and styles – well over 1000 brands in the book. Beer festivals are covered, as well as bottle shapes. The emphasis is on bottled beer, not draughts or cans.

Audience and level of use: beginners, arm-chair travelers, beer buyers

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: with the exception of the United States, the world's brewing industry uses hectoliters as a standard measurement.

The downside to this book: it could use a bit more depth but then the book would have been much bigger.

The upside to this book: it is a good survey of many minor countries.

Quality/Price Rating: 90.

 

www.deantudor.com

FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH -- Allergy-Free Pantry (The Experiment)

2.THE ALLERGY-FREE PANTRY (The Experiment, 2014, 314 pages, ISBN 978-1-61519-208-3, $19.95 US paper covers) is by Colette Martin, a food writer specializing in allergy-free foods. It is directed to those eaters suffering from multiple allergies, principally children. She gives advice and recipes for making your own snacks and staples without wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts – six of the top eight allergens (the other two are fish and shellfish). First up in her book is "avoiding contamination", then comes "ingredients and substitutions" followed by clean equipment and "storage considerations". Once the kitchen is clean, she moves on to flour blends and mixes, non-dairy milk, replacing eggs, meals (breakfast, sides, pasta and pizza, freezer meals) followed by savoury and sweet snacks/desserts. There is much material on being careful and measuring everything, as well as a resources list. Each recipe has substitutions and variations, if possible. Her book has 110 preps, and there is a lot more material at her website www.learningtoeatallergyfree.com. You can avoid reading small labels at stores if you do this yourself, and avoid possible contamination: save time and money, and be reassured of a healthy life. Preparations have their ingredients listed in mainly metric and avoirdupois measurements, but there is only a table of metric flour weight equivalents.

Audience and level of use: allergy sufferers.

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: sunflower seed butter, hamburger buns, powdered donut holes, animal crackers.

Quality/Price Rating: 92.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Cono Sur Tasting of Chilean wines, repped by Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants.

 

The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 22, 2014  2:30 - 5PM

The Event: Cono Sur Tasting of Chilean wines, repped by Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve

The Target Audience: media, clients, sommeliers.

The Availability/Catalogue: ever wine is available, but some only by private order.

The Quote/Background: Matias Rios, Chief Winemaker from Cono Sur Winery was in town for a promotion, and he showed off his generally affordable and available wines this afternoon. He was available for one-on-one discussions.

The Wines:

 

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

-Cono Sur Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose NV, +365205, $13.90

-Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir 2012, +83378, $70. Vintages Classics

 

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

-Cono Sur Sparkling NV, +215079, $13.95

-Cono Sur 20 Barrels Syrah 2012, $27.95 Private Order

-Cono Sur Silencio 2012, $175 private order

 

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

-Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier 2013, +64287, $9.95

-Cono Sur Bicicleta Chardonnay 2013, +321448, $9.95

-Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir 2013, +341602, $10.95

 

The Food: bread and water

The Contact Person: pdelpeschio@awsm.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87.

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 6, 2014

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 6, 2014

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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 LCBO 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.

 

NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some "under $25" suggestions, along with point values.

 

 

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

 

Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2012 Pays d'Oc, +177584, $15.95: it's back, but

another vintage, just as good as ever – even better. Value priced, great syrah hit of pepper, smoked meat, black fruit, garrigue, blackberries. Perfect accompaniment to horse meat. I've said virtually the same things about the last five times this wine has turned up in Vintages (the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and now 2012). 13.5% ABV. Up a dollar, but then so is everything else in life. Twist top. Buy all of it! QPR: 94.

 

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

1.Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2012 VQA Niagara, +149302, $21.95. QPR: 90.

2.Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2013 VQA NOTL, +172338, $22.95. QPR: 90.

3.Ashbrook Chardonnay 2011 Margaret River, +684076, $24.95. QPR: 91.

4.Mountadam Estate Chardonnay 2009 High Eden South Australia, +333211, $21.95. QPR: 90.

5.Domaine Chauveau Pouilly-Fume 2013, +390641, $23.95. QPR: 90.

6.Kew Vineyards Old Vine Riesling 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench, +392126, $18.95: old vines are from 30 years back, in 1975. Good aged riesling character, 11.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

7.Vineland Estates Elevation St.Urban Vineyard Riesling 2012 VQA Niagara, +38117, $19.95: if there were VV standards, this one, planted in 1979, could qualify. Nicely off-dry rather than "medium", 9% ABV. Intense and fresh. QPT: 90.

8.Thierry Delauney Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2013, +391847, $14.95: another price-buster savvy from the Loire, tangy kiwi style zest, 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

9.Monasterio de las Vinas Gran Reserva 2005 Carinena, +82024, $16.95: once away from Rioja, the prices tumble. This nine year old wine, barreled for two years, is a great tempranillo/garancha mix of chunky fruit and vanilla with alight aging. Remarkable. 13% ABV. QPR: 91.

10.Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Colchagua, +169847, $17.95: another valued wine, tasty with long length, 14% ABV. Gold medalist. Ready now. QPR: 89.

11.Vina Chocalan Reserva Syrah 2012 Maipo, +38513, $15.95: dark mocha tones, exceptionally focused, 14.5% ABV, excellent price. Ready soon. QPR: 89.

12.Volcanes de Chile Tectonia Pinot Noir 2012 Bio Bio, +389676, $17.95: fruity but with lean finishing acid, great food wine. MVC pinot tones are nailed. 14% ABV. Twist top. QPR: 89.

13.Sao Miguel Dos Descobridores Seleccionada Colheita 2012 Vinho Regional Alentejano, +146092, $17.95: a fair price for a good blend of fruit and vanilla, somewhat North American in style and in appeal. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

14.Bodegas Balbas Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero, +167601, $16.95: it is difficult to find any Ribera under $20, and this one is even from 2005, showing us how well it can age even at the Crianza (minimum 6 months in barrel) level. Berry fruit has been resolved, 90% tempranillo, balance cabernet sauv, all juicy. 14% ABV. QPR: 89.

 

 

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

1.Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Napa, +73817, $22.95. QPR: 90.

2.Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz/Viognier 2012, +18887, $23.95. QPR: 90.

3.Pepperjack Red 2012 Barossa Valley, +393801, $24.95. QPR: 90.

4.Red Hill Estate Pinot Noir 2012 Mornington Peninsula Victoria, +58073, $21.95. QPR: 90.

5.Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Clare Valley/Coonawarra, +142398, $24.95. QPR: 91.

6.Il Molino di Grace Riserva Chianti Classico 2006, +382945, $23.95. QPR: 90.

7.Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2012 Cotes de Roussillon-Villages, +643239, $24.95. QPR: 90.

8.Monastir S.XII Cluny 2006, +391557, $19.95: loaded with a collection of animal qualities of leather, meat, smoke, softened by normal oak barreling and vanilla. Blend of tempranillo, cab sauv, and merlot. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

9.Ondarre Reserva 2008 Rioja, +732452, $18.95: fairly typical of a six year old reserve Rioja, but its price promotes its value. QPR: 89.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $25

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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.Domaines Schlumberger Spegel Grand Cru Pinot Gris 2010, +723379, $34.95 retail.

2.Chateau Le Thil Comte Clary Blanc 2010 Pessac-Leognan, +258038, $31.85.

3.Pierre Andre Meursault 2011, +732792, $49.95.

4.Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2012, +336396, $29.95.

5.Juan Gil 18 Meses 2011 Jumilla, +392571, $40.95.

6.Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino 2008, +237263, $49.94.

7.Pombal do Vesuvio 2009 Douro, +392365, $30.95.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Rogers & Company Chateau, Villa & Estate Wines Portfolio tasting

 

The Date and Time: Monday, October 27, 2014   1PM to 7PM

The Event: Rogers & Company Chateau, Villa & Estate Wines Portfolio tasting

The Venue: Brassaii

The Target Audience: clients, media, sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available.

The Quote/Background: Agustin Huneeus led a seminar discussion about his wines. The family had set out to make an "elegant" wine in Napa, and for the most part, they have succeeded with Quintessa and Faust.

The Wines: I did not try all the wines. Prices below are LICENSEE.

 

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

-Belle Glos Dairyman Pinot Noir 2013, $39.95  [value]

-Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay 2011, $34.40  [value]

-Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $74.95

-Duckhorn Goldeneye Pinot Noir 2011, $57.95

-O'Shaughnessy Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $103.95

-Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $21.25

-Blue Mountain NV Brut VQA Okanagan, $24.95  [value]

-Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2010, $100.95

-Alex Gambal Puligny-Montrachet 2011, $66.95

-Alex Gambal Vosne-Romanee Vielles Vignes 2012, $98.95

-Stoneburn Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $16.25   [value]

-Buehler Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2012, $25.45 [value]

-Peay Estate Chardonnay 2012, $71.95

-Shafer Relentless 2011, $103.95

-Altamura Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $100.95

-Frog's Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $62.95

-Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $305.95

 

 

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

-Huneeus Quintessa 2011, $122.95

-Huneeus Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $56.95

-Huneeus The Prisoner 2012, $47.95

-Huneeus Illumination Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $47.95

-Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2012, $57.95

-Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2012, $64.95

-Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2009, $54.95

-Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $67.95

-Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay 2012, $26.95

-Conundrum White 2013, $24.85

-Emmolo Napa Valley Merlot 2012, $62.95

-Duckhorn Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $30.95

-Duckhorn Migration Pinot Noir 2012, $38.95

-O'Shaughnessy Estate Oakville Chardonnay 2012, $67.95

-Ehlers Estate 120 Over 80 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $58.95

-Ehlers Estate 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $133.95

-La Giustiniana Cru Lugarara Gavi di Gavi 2013, $22.95

-Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2011, $34.95

-Giovanni Rosso Barolo 2010 Serralunga, $49.95

-Christian Moreau Chablis 2013, $26.95

-Domaine Luneau-Papin Muscadet sur Lie Vieilles Vignes 2013, $19.95

-Domaine Brusset Gigondas Le Grand Montmirall 2012, $31.95

-Copper Cane Meiomi Chardonnay 2013, $24.95

-Martin Ray Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $25.95

-Grigich Hills Napa Valley Chardonnay 2011, $53.95

-Capiaux Chimera Pinot Noir 2012, $39.95

-Shafer Napa Valley Merlot 2012, $68.95

-Boudreaux Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $72.95

-Continuum 2011, $214.95

-Dancing Hares Mad Hatter 2010, $77.95

-Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $88.95

-Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2012 VQA Okanagan, $21.95

 

 

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

-Astrolabe Province Pinot Gris 2013, $21.95

-Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot 2011, $55.95

-Blue Mountain Pinot Gris 2013 VQA Okanagan, $21.95

-Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $37.95

-Lis Neris Pinot Grigio 2013, $26.95

-Fontodi Chianti Classico 2010, $31.95

-Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon, $38.95

-Domaine Henry Pelle Sancerre La Crois au Garde 2013, $26.95

-Chateau Anthonic 2010 Mouils-en-Medoc, $30.95

-Peay Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2012, $58.95

-Ridge Lytton Springs 2012, $46.95

-Buehler Estate Napap Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $36.95

-Red Cap Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $82.95

 

The Food: international cheese platters plus breads and crackers, jams, were available.

The Downside: I was surprised that Rogers was only showing one sparkling wine today.

The Upside: Terrific richness and elegance of wine products.

The Contact Person: s.stoddart@rogcowines.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Eat to the Beat Willow Oct 21/14

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 7PM to 10 PM

The Event: Eat to the Beat

The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall

The Target Audience: fundraiser

The Availability/Catalogue: There is a catalogue listing all the chefs

and the beverages.

The Quote/Background: This is the annual fundraiser for Willow Breast

Cancer Support Canada, and it raised about $217,000 this time. For 19

years, Eat to the Beat has celebrated 60 female chefs while raising

funds and awareness. More than $3.5 million has been raised during that

time. There were silent auctions, raffles, mystery bags, and sponsors

that illuminated the affair.

The Wines: My wife and I tried to get everywhere, but missed one

section, so we never tasted Steamwhistle, Casa Dea, Cottonwood Agencies, or Rosewood. We were interested in cider at Waupoos Winery, but they only brought wines. But we got some stunning Riesling 2012 from Charles Baker, some Fresita [strawberry and white wine from Chile] from Churchill Cellars, and white and red wines from Lailey Vineyard (Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $20; Chardonnay 2011, $20; and Syrah 2012, $27). To make up in the beverage category, we went after tasting samples of Hockley Valley Beers (Amber, Dark, 100, Classic) and Beau's Ale – great refreshments on a hot, steamy night inside

the RTH lobby.

The Food: the 60 chefs included Lindsay Haddock (Scaramouche, valrhona cream puff chocolate tart whipped dulcey ganache), Nuit Regular (Sabai Sabai, chor meung dim sum), Andrea Nicholson (Killer Condiments, pork hock terrine brioche with almond pesto and maple caramelized onions), Vanessa Yeung (Aphrodite Cooks, Chinese baked buns, Nappa slaw beef brisket, chile aioli), Trista Sheen (Crush, grilled pork belly taco with coconut crème fraiche), Netty Cronish (Fair Trade quinoa salad with organic tomatoes and eggplant), Sandra Katsiou and Erin Featherstone (Baker and Scone, cheddar cheese scones with caramelized onion and bacon jam), Paula Bashford (Beretta Farms, Asian braised beef with kimchi and pork crackling on a rice cup), Kimberly Humby (East & Main Bistro, lobster grilled cheese with smoked water buffalo cheddar), Joshna Maharj and Rossy Earle (Ryerson University, mole braised beef cheek tostadas), and Tara Lee (Skin and Bones, stuffed mussels). Yummy all…These were all our faves.

The Downside: I bid on some dinners – never got any of them at my bid level…

The Upside: the 20 or so cheeky corset models and the live jazz.

The Contact Person: Shana Coppen <scoppen@willow.org>

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Scottish Craft Beer Tasting Oct 17/14

The Date and Time: Friday, October 17, 2014  2Pm to 4PM

The Event: Scottish Craft Beer Tasting

The Venue: The Caledonian Scottish Public House and Whisky Bar, College Street

The Target Audience: social media and writers.

The Availability/Catalogue: nothing seems to be available right now in Ontario, but pitches are being made.

The Quote/Background: I write about wines but I also love beer, and this was a good opportunity to catch up with the latest developments in barley in Scotland.

The Beers: There were two remarkable ciders – Thistly Cross Traditional Cider 6.2% and Thistly Cross Whisky Cask Cider 6.9% - both worthy of 4 stars.

 

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

-Eden Brewery St. Andrews IPA 6.2%

-Stewart Brewing Ka Pai IPA 5.2%

-Stewart Brewing Radical Road Triple Hopped IPA 6.4%

-Loch Lomond Kessay Dark Ale 5.2%

-Spey Valley Stout 5.4%

-Spey Valley IPA 4.6%

-Loch Ness Coffee 4.4%

-Loch Ness Hoppy IPA 5%

 

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

-Eden Brewery St. Andrews Clock Brew 4.3%

-Stewart Brewing Edinburgh Gold 4.8%

-Stewart Brewing Black IPA 5%

-Deeside Talorcan Milk Stout 4.5%

-Loch Lomond Bonnie 'n' Blonde 4%

-Loch Lomond Bonnie's Bitter 3.8%

-Loch Lomond Summit 4%

-Loch Lomond Ale of Levin 4.5%

-Loch Lomond Stout 5%

-Fyne Ales Land Slide Brown 6%

-Fyne Ales Sandria Black 5.5%

-Fyne Ales Sandria Blind 5.5%

 

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

-Eden Brewery St. Andrews 19th Brew 3.8%

-Stewart Brewing Cascadian East 5.4%

-Deeside Swift 3.8%

-Deeside Laf Californian Steam Beer 4.1%

-Loch Ness Light Ness 3.9%

-Loch Ness Dark Ness 4.2%

-Fyne Ales Jarl 3.8%

 

The Food: Scottish eggs and dips, smoked salmon (best with dark ale), potato salad, sausages in blanket plus dip.

The Downside: it got crowded very quickly, the aisles were narrow, and it was dark.

The Upside: a chance to taste some great Scottish beer.

The Contact Person: dorann.hargreaves@scotent.co.uk; info@thecaledonian.ca

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: a tasting of Jackson Family Wines, led by Jennifer Huether, MS Oct 16/14

The Date and Time: Thursday, October 16, 2014   4PM to 6:30 PM

The Event: a tasting of Jackson Family Wines, led by Jennifer Huether, MS, and Mark Cuff from B & W Wines (and The Living Vine).

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve

The Target Audience: clients, wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: some private orders, consignment, Vintages or Classics as listed below.

The Quote/Background: The Jackson Family has a wide range of wines; these are only a small sample of what could be available. Full tasting notes and background accompanied the wines to be tasted.

The Wines:

 

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

-Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Alexander Valley, $54.95 Cons

-Stonestreet Upper Barn Chardonnay 2011 Alexander Valley, $75 PO

-La Jota Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Vintages +360842, $89

-Valadorna di Arcanum IGT Toscana 2009, $64.95 Cons

-Maggy Hawk Unforgettable Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2011, $74.95 PO

 

 

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

-Freemark Abbey Sycamore Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Classics +391060 $109

-Hartford Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2012, $49.95 Con

-Cenyth Sonoma County 2009 [meritage] $69.95 PO

 

The Food: pate, terrine, cheeses, breads.

The Contact Person: orders@bwwines.com; mark@thelivingvine.ca

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com