SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH --

 

1.Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 California, $14.95 +68924: basic chunky and dense California cab; brooding  young wine, a bit jammy and spicy at this point yet showing some dried cassis and other dark fruit plus pepper. This is a winemaker's wine that should appeal to most, with some oak treatment. Twist top, 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

2.Gnarly Head Pinot Noir 2013 California, $14.95, +358911: very much a California pinot full of creamy spiciness, lush and plush on the palate, mocha tones, black fruit. Sort of in your face Cali style. Best as a social wine rather than with food. Twist top. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

3.Gusto Apple Palinka 41% (Johanna Kft, Hungary), +402602, $32.95 500 mL: a nifty dry 100% apple eaux-de-vie. You don't see these too often at the LCBO --what you usually see are apple-pear combos for such orchard fruit eaux-de-vie. So drier than Calvados and stronger than Applejack – perfect for Appletinis or straight-up, allowing you to savour the green apple aromas and sweet apple tones. No baked apples here! It is a bartender's dream to add proper apple flavours to mixed drinks. Made from apples grown in Kecskemet, Hungary, and put through a highly regulated and certified distillation system. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

4.Chateau Tour Carmail 2011 Haut-Medoc, +419002, $19.95: from the Antoine Moeix negociant, this petit chateau-like wine is a new listing. 70% merlot/30% cabernet sauvignon, from vineyards near St. Estephe. Just about all H-M Bordeaux are good values, and this one is no exception. It is a typical red and black fruit Bordeaux with  the MVC and wood tones of something more pricey. It's about four years old now and many tannins have been resolved. The high merlot component ensures this. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Next Generation Germany wine trade tasting

The Date and Time:  Thursday, May 21, 2015  11:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The Event: Next Generation Germany wine trade tasting

The Venue: Arcadian Lofts

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: wine availability is mainly private order with some wines at the LCBO or consignment.

The Quote/Background: Many producers came over for this event. There was a seminar for 60 people at 11:30, led by David Lawrason and Janina Huhnand.

 

The Wines: I did not try every wine, preferring to stay with riesling. I had some pinot noirs in the seminar, and they have been folded into here. There were about 40 wineries and over 170 wines.

 

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

-Weingut Dr. Hermann Mosel Riesling Kabinett 2010  Andrews Group

-Ruppertsberger Weinkeller Hoheburg Riuesling Spatlese 2012 halbtrocken  Carto

-Markus Molitor 2007 Riesling Auslese Brauneberger Mandelgraben   Trialto

-St Urbans Hof 2013 Riesling Spatlese Piesporter Goldtropfchen

-Haart 2013 Riesling Kabinett Piesporter Goldtropfchen  HHD Imports

-Schloss Schonborn 2012 Riesling Hattenheim Alte Reben  HHD Imports

-Schloss Schonborn 2013 Riesling Estate HHD Imports

-Schloss Schonborn 2013 Riesling Kabinett Hattenheim Pfaffenberg  HHD Imports

-Schloss Schonborn 2013 Riesling Kabinett Erbach Marcobrunn  HHD Imports

-Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Brut Sekt   PMA

-Schloss Reinhartshausen 2013 Riesling Kabinett Hattenheim Wisselbrunnen  PMA

-Schloss Reinhartshausen 2006 Riesling Auslese Erbach Marcobrunn   PMA

-Wegeler Riesling Sekt Brut     Signature

-Salwey 2004 Pinot Noir GG Oberrotweiler Henkenberg    Tandem

-Balthasar Ress 2012 Riesling Auslese Urziger Wurzgarten   Churchill

-Kruger-Rumpf 2007 Riesling GG Pittersberg   Churchill

 

 

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

-Winzergenossenschaft Mayschoss Altenahr Riesling 2014   Le Sommelier

-Weingut Bolling-Lehnert Mosel Piesporter Riesling Kabinett   BND Wines

-Weingut Bolling-Lehnert Mosel Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spatlese  BND Wines

-Gebruder Anselmann Riesling Auslese 2012 Edesheimer Rosengarten    Cojocaru

-Markus Molitor Deutscher Sekt Trocken Haus Klosterberg Mosel 2013  Trialto

-St Urbans Hof 2012 Riesling Auslese Ockfener Bockstein  The Vine

-Max Ferd Richter 2007 Riesling Spatlese Mulheim Sonnenlay    HHD Imports

-Max Ferd Richter 2013 Riesling Spatlese Brauneberg Juffer Sonnenuhr    HHD Imports

-Haart 2013 Riesling Spatlese Piesporter Goldtropfchen  HHD Imports

-Wegeler Riesling Spatlese 2012 Bernkasteler Doctor     Signature

-Thorle 2012 Pinot Noir Saulheimer Holle  Tandem

-Klumpp 2013 Riesling Baden Sekt    Living Vine

-Klumpp 2013 Riesling Baden    Living Vine

-Rappenhof 2012 Riesling Rheinhessen   Churchill Cellars

-Kunstler 2013 Riesling Kabinett Hochheimer Holle   Noble Estates

 

 

The Food: first, we had a tasting menu to accompany the 11:30 seminar wines, but of course it was very difficult to cross-taste and compare since the glasses and plates were in constant shuffle of placing and replacing. Pickled herring was least successful as it was tasted against three bone dry rieslings, and actually put me off my palate. It took awhile to recover. There were a dozen wines in the seminar, and many were paired against smoked pork belly (two older rieslings), short rib sauerbraten (three young pinot noirs), rare lamb (older pinots), and limburger (two off-dry rieslings). At the show, we had platters of food (sushi, spring rolls, fried treats, quail eggs, smoked warm sausage) plus cheese trays with fruit and veggies. Enough of just about anything that could be paired with German wines.

The Downside: parts of the seminar were difficult to hear and see.

The Upside: a great opportunity to catch up with new and fresh (2014) German wines.

The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 27, 2015

 

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 27, 2015

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

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", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been 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. 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

 

Michel Gassier Les Piliers Syrah 2012 Costiere de Nimes, +678086, $18.95: a traditionally-made wine, with cork closure and 13.5% ABV. Great hit of syrah black and blue berries, plus a hint of brett and a nuance of leather. Buy lots. QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:

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

1.Sperling Gewurztraminer 2013 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +242958, $21.95. QPR: 89.

2.Colome Torrontes 2013 Calchaqui Valley Argentina, +357913, $13.95: another version of the "wine of Toronto" comes here in time for the Pan-Am games. This one is exceedingly aromatic, a beauty for summer, 13.5% ABV, twist top. Long finish. QPR: 89.

3.Casa del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014, +974717, $13.95: for savvy lovers with added zest components. 13.5% ABV, twist top, typical character. QPR: 89.

4.Swings & Roundabouts Chardonnay 2013 Margaret River, +408732, $21.95. QPR: 90.

5.Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Stellenbosch, +231282, $17.95: this is a very good price for an "old vines" offering (some 37 years old) for chenin blanc. BF and BA as well, nicely structured. QPR: 89.

6.Bestheim Classic Gewurztraminer 2013 Alsace, +656801, $18.95: MVC but not off-dry as recent gewurzs have been. Also not as bitter a finish. Gold Medalist, and a candidate for "label of the year" (large black/blue print on white label). QPR: 89.

7.Monte del Fra Ca' del Magro 2012 Veneto, +165670, $17.95:a lovely entrance to summer, with Garganega floral aromas and orchard fruit tastes. QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:

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

1.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2013 VQA Niagara, +275958, $21.95. QPR: 90.

2.Zonte's Footstep Baron von Nemesis Single Site Shiraz 2012 Barossa Valley, +212936, $17.95: rich, ripe tones, double Gold winner, should be aged more. Buy a case. 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89.

3.Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2013 Hawke's Bay, +586081, $19.95: very good New World merlot, MVC, off-dry in the finish taste, 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88.

4.Chateau La Verriere 2012 Bordeaux Superieur, +349274, $15.95: MVC all the way for Bordeaux, good price for a Gold Medal. Youthful tones. QPR: 89.

5.Brumont Tour Bouscasse 2009 Madiran, +414615, $17.95: good aging for about 6 years. Dense smoke and dried fruit. Real character. QPR: 89.

6.Bricco Rosso Suagna 2009 Langhe Piedmont, +417022, $14.95: nifty price for a baby barolo, mostly nebbiolo with some dolcetto to freshen it up (it is almost 6 years old). Good for a modest priced BBQ wine. QPR: 89.

7.Varvaglione Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria 2012 Puglia, +261784, $20.95. QPR: 89.

8.Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2012, +295964, $23.95. QPR: 90.

9.Bod. Balbas Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero, +167601, $16.95: a real find and a bargain to boot, ready now, 14% ABV. QPR: 90.

10.Borsao Berola 2011 Campo de Borja, +371518, $17: it has been awhile since the last Spanish garnacha went through the system. This one, at 15% ABV, is a powerhouse of North American appeal through its zinfandel-like fleshiness and flashiness. QPR: 89.

 

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

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

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.Culmina Hypothesis 2012 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +414243, $39.95 retail.

2.Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux La Tour Sarrasine Gigondas 2012, +279562, $28.95.

3.Il Molino di Grace Il Margone Riserva Chianti Classico 2007, +122895, $34.95.

4.Bodegas Vizcarra JC Vizcarra 2011, +214650, $29.95.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Lunch with Johnathan Grieve of South Africa's top “biodynamic” producer Avondale and the Eurovintage agency.

The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 13, 2015  noon- 2PM

The Event: Lunch with Johnathan Grieve of South Africa's top "biodynamic" producer Avondale and the Eurovintage agency.

The Venue: Novotel Esplanade

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: one of the wines is here, another is coming, two others are under consideration, and the rest ?

The Quote/Background: Grieve talked about BioLOGIC, which combines organic and biodynamic principles. "Avondale is certified organic and we practice bio-dynamic agriculture". They also use conscientious technology such as gravity-flow. There was much discussion about organic wines and wine pricing. The Grieve family bought the estate in 1997.

The Wines:

 

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

-Avondale Armilla Blanc de Blanc 2009, $28  [first made in 2003] PO

-Avondale La Luna 2009, PO  [Bordeaux blend]

-Avondale Anima Chenin Blanc 2013, $22.95  PO

-Avondale Cyclus 2012, $26.95 [viognier & chardonnay & 3 more] [presented to Vintages]

 

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

-Avondale Samsara  Syrah 2009, $32.95  [presented to Vintages]

-Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin Red 2011, $14.95 +383547 Vintages

-Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin White 2013, $14.95 Vintages this fall

 

The Food: bread, spinach salad, strip loin with green beans, dessert.

The Downside: I had to leave early for a play.

The Upside: a chance to talk with Johnathan before the proceedings began.

The Contact Person: thomasn@rareearthwines.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: The 13th Annual Churchill Cellars Portfolio Tasting

 

The Date and Time: Monday, May 11, 2015  3Pm to 7PM

The Event: The 13th Annual Churchill Cellars Portfolio Tasting

The Venue: Ed Mirvish Theatre, back lobby on Victoria

The Target Audience: clients, subscribers to the Imbibers' Report, wine writers.

The Availability/Catalogue: just about everything is at the LCBO via the general list or Vintages. There is direct delivery for Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery.

The Quote/Background: It was a mildly garish location, but then that's the wine business – very elegant and stylish, very old style too.

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, nor the mixed drinks.

 

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

-C.H. Berres Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2012 Mosel, $24.95

-Willm Gewurztraminer Reserve 2013 Alsace, $15.95

-Fresita Sparkling Wine NV Chile, $13.95 [my fave sparkler]

-Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2013 Livermore Valley, $17.95  [my fave white]

-Michael David Winery Earthquake Zinfandel 2012 Lodi, $39.95  [my fave red]

-Domaine Pinnacle Ice Cider 2012 Quebec 375 mL, $25.25

 

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

-Hermanos Lurton Tempranillo 2012 Toro, $16.90

-Willm Riesling Reserve 2013 Alsace, $15.95

-Chateau Tour Saint-Vincent 2010 Medoc Cru Bourgeois, $23.95

-d'Arenberg The Football Shiraz 2011 McLaren Vale, $21.95

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Sassy and Sparkling Riesling 2011, $27.95

-Marques de Riscal Reserva 2010 Rioja, $24.30

-Chivite Gran Feudo Reserva 2008 Navarra, $16.95

-San Leonino Governo all'Uso Toscano 2013 Sangiovese Toscana IGT, $19.95

-La Merika Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Central Coast California, $19.95

-Ryan Patrick Rock Island Red 2012 Wahluke Slope Washington, $27.95

-Michael David Winery 7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel 2012 Lodi, $24.95

-Michael David Winery Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Lodi, $24.95

-Marques de Riscal White 2014 Rueda, $12.20

-Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado 2014 Navarra, $11.95

-Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Uco Mendoza Argentina, $24.95

-Francois Lurton Pinot Grigio 2014 Uco Argentina, $12.95

-Segura Viudas Cava NV Brut Reserva, $14.45

 

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

-Deakin Estate Artisan's Blend Cabernet Tempranillo 2013 Victoria, $12.80

-Alpine Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, $15.45

-Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Livermore Valley, $17.95

-Guy Saget Sancerre 2013, $23.95

-Cellier des Dauphins Prestige White Cotes du Rhone 250 mL, $4.75

-Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Casablanca Valley Chile, $12.95

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Merlot 2012, $19.95

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Fancy Farm Girl Flamboyant Red 2012, $14.95

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Cabernet Franc 2011, $19.95

-Waimea Pinot Gris 2014 Nelson New Zealand, $18.95

-Waimea Classic Riesling 2014 Nelson New Zealand, $18.95

-Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso 2011 Veneto, $17

-House of Mandela Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Western Cape South Africa, $12.85

 

The Food: there was a cheese platter with biscuits, and six slider platters of mini- pretzel buns with roast beef, smoked turkey, mortadella, roasted eggplant, chicken salad, and ham & cheese.

The Downside: I had just come off a heavy tasting weekend, so I was selective in my wine tasting here.

The Upside: a good chance to taste the Ontario wines of Sue-Ann Staff.

The Contact Person: mark@churchillcellars.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Discover New Zealand in a Glass; the annual NZ trade show in Toronto

The Date and Time: Thursday May 7, 2015  1:30 – 5:30PM

The Event: Discover New Zealand in a Glass; the annual NZ trade show in Toronto

The Venue: ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: just about all wines are available through the LCBO or Consignment or Private Order.

The Quote/Background: I pretty well stuck to the special pinot gris table, the special pinot noir table, and avoided sauvignon blanc. We had just tasted a variety of savvies on Sauvignon Blanc Day (see my notes from last month, now posted to my blog at       ).

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines.

 

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

-Auntsfield Estate Heritage Pinot Noir 2010, $74.95  DB Wine

-Auntsfield Estate Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $39.95  DB Wine

-Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Syrah Hawke's Bay 2011, $58.99  Lifford

-Craggy Range Sophia Merlot Cabernet Blend Hawke's Bay 2011, $89.99  Lifford

-Marisco The King's Legacy Chardonnay Marlborough 2013, $19.99 +393694

-McArthur Ridge Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010, $32.65    Connectionz

-Mt.Difficulty Pinot Gris Bannockburn Central Otago 2013, $28  Small Winemakers

-Rocky Point Pinot Noir Bendigo Central Otago 2013, $39.95 +411777

-Rockburn Pinot Noir Central Otago 2012, $47.95  Epic

-Akarua Pinot Noir Bannockburn Central Otago 2012, $38.95   Vonterra

-Loveblock Pinot Noir Central Otago 2012, $39.95  Trialto

-Whitehaven Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012, $24 +245696

 

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

-Auntsfield Estate Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2012, $29.95  DB Wine

-Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir Martinborough 2011, $61  Lifford

-Craggy Range Te Kahu Merlot Hawke's Bay 2011, $33.99  Lifford

-Elephant Hill Syrah Hawke's Bay 2013, $22.95 +408633

-Hunter's MiruMiru Sparkling Wairau Valley Marlborough NV, $25.95  Rogers

-Kim Crawford Small Parcels Fizz Sparkling Marlborough 2009, $29.95 +381236

-Kim Crawford Small Parcels Favourite Homestead Pinot Gris Marlborough 2013, $24.95 +378604

-Pasquale Chardonnay Waitaki Valley Central Otago 2012, $12.95  Trilogy

-Loveblock Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014, $24.95    Trialto

-Marisco The Ned Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014, $18.99   Stem

-Marisco The King's Thorn Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014, $19.99  Glencairn

-Roaring Meg Pinot Noir Central Otago 2013, $35   Small Winemakers

-Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Rose Hawke's Bay NV, $21.95 +280172

-Stoneleigh Latitude Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $25.95  +325654

-Saint Clair Premium Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $24.95 +413591

-Schubert Pinot Noir Wairarapa 2013, $37  Hobbs

-Sileni Estates The Lodge Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2013, $19.95  Kirkwood Diamond

-Trinity Hill Chardonnay Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay 2013, $35  +415125

-Waimea Chardonnay Waimea Plains Nelson 2013, $21.95  +650242

-Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $27.95   Trialto

 

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

-Craggy Range Kidnappers Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2012, $29.99  Lifford

-te Pa Pinot Gris Marlborough 2013, $17.99  Family Wine Merchants

-Babich Black Label Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014, $29.95   Dionysus

-Marisco The King's Wrath Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012, $29.95  Glencairn

-Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012, $34.95   Dandurand

 

The Food: there were some cheeses from the Dairy Farmers of Canada (Albert's Leap Bel Haven, Tipsy, and Miranda), as well as the usual selection from Daniel et Daniel (cheeses, dips, breads, pates, charcuterie, veggies

The Downside: because of a conflict with a music recital, I missed the seminar for the first time in years – and it was my fave grape, chardonnay, and bubblies!!!!

The Upside: a good mix of crowd, although fewer people from the Ontario wine industry.

The Contact Person: nzwine@ketchin.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH --

 

 

1.Remy Pannier Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2013 Loire, +13821, $15: one of the good values at the LCBO, constantly the top-seller for Muscadet in Ontario. Clean, clear, crisp, refreshing flavours of green apples and lemon-lime, some minerality. Best with crustaceans and bivalves such as oysters rather than with lake fish, pairs well with salads and veggies. 12% ABV. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

2.Remy Pannier Rose d'Anjou 2014 AOC Loire, +12641, $14: the top-selling LCBO rose, now firmly entrenched and fresher than ever with the recent release of the 2014 vintage. Grapes include cabernet franc (60%), grolleau (30%), and gamay (10%). Only 10.5%, so perfect for sitting around on the deck/pool/balcony/patio. The producer recommends serving with salads or spicy foods, but I would also serve it with any first course that could play off vinous red fruit tones. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

3.Santa Alicia Carmenere Reserva Maipo 2013, +309302, $12.90: carmenere could be the national grape of Chile, just as nebbiolo is of Piedmont and sangiovese is of Tuscany. Its brisk style has been muted a bit here with a North American appeal of plums, mocha, and black cherries, reminiscent of hotter California. Oak nuances and a smooth finish complete the scenario. An all-purpose red for sipping on decks or drinking with food. 13.5% ABV, twist top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

4.G. Marquis Vineyards Chardonnay The Silver Line 2013 Single Vineyard Niagara Stone Road VQA NOTL, +258681, $17.95 Vintages October 2015: a nifty all-purpose chardonnay with enough fruit (apples, pears, melons) and oak tones (muted vanilla), probably best as a first course or entry level wine for fish. 13.4% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

5.G. Marquis Vineyards Pinot Noir The Silver Line 2013 Single Vineyard Niagara Stone Road VQA NOTL, +258673, $19.95 Vintages Essential: a "burgundian" companion to G. Marquis Chardonnay, hand-harvested, and vinified as cool climate style with a medium-body. More fruity than some, but with a diminished Ontario cranberry feel. 13.2% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

6.Le Cirque Classique Sauvignon Blanc-Muscat 2012 Vin De France, +377093, $11.95 LCBO: an appealing and affordable wine for the summer sippers on the patio/balcony/deck/boat. It's what we used to call a zipcode wine (the only regional info was a French zipcode: here, it is F84049). Expect oranges with an overtone of light herbs, sort of like an orange salad, which I love. Best with creamy cheeses on the deck. 12% ABV, twist top.

Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

7.Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos 2010, $20.95 (500 mL), +980805): Hungarian nectar, full of apricot, dried peach and orange peel. 13% ABV. Try with blue cheese as an ending to the meal. No price increase over the 2008, last here at Vintages in 2014. There will not be many of these left as new Euro rules raise minimum sugar levels and increase the puttonyos to 5 or 6, eliminating all the 3 and 4 levels. Prices will rise too, through $50 a bottle. Quality/price rating 91 points by Dean Tudor.

 

 

8.Faustino VII Blanco Rioja 2013, $12.65 +399568 LCBO: an extra-dry white, with many tones of apples and lemons, finishing crisp. Better as a first course white rather than a casual social sipper. 11.5% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/price rating 87 points by Dean Tudor.

 

9.Faustino VII Tempranillo Rioja 2012, $12.95 +315234 LCBO: some oak showing but definite tempranillo MVC Rioja complexity, even at this price level. Expect some vanilla and mocha tones with a whiff of forest floor. 13% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/price rating 88 points by Dean Tudor.

 

 

10.Portia Ebeia Roble Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2013, $15 +307710 LCBO: a nifty Ribera at an astounding price level. A good entry into the deep and delicious world of Spanish Duero wins. Oak spices, some cloves, raspberries, rustic but the lingering finish means it might be better with food than as a social sipper. Aged in oak 4 months. 13.5% ABV, cork closure. Quality/price rating 89 points by Dean Tudor.

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Epic Portfolio Tasting, celebrating 15 years of Rob Groh's agency, The Vine

The Date and Time:  Tuesday, May 5, 2015   2:30 PM to 5 PM

The Event: Epic Portfolio Tasting, celebrating 15 years of Rob Groh's agency, The Vine

The Venue: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through normal distribution channels, although some were specially ordered for the event and were listed as Event Exclusive for ordering on May 5. The catalogue listed prices and delivery status. The wines were poured on three floors.

The Quote/Background: Forty producers were scheduled to arrive from Italy, Spain, California, Australia, Germany, Portugal and Ontario to help celebrate and discuss the wines.

The Wines: I did not, could not, taste every wine. I tried as many Event Exclusives as I could. Prices quoted are licensee.

 

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

-Cave Spring Riesling CSV 2007, $27.50

-Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs NV Niagara, $25.12

-Pra Monte Grande 2013 Veneto, $33.95

-Vie di Romans Chardonnay 2013 Fruili, $47.95

-Vie di Romans Dessemis Pinot Grigio 2008 Friuli, $54.95

-Puelles Zenus 2001 Rioja Alta, $44.95

-Remirez de Ganuza Reserva 2007 Rioja Alavesa, $97.95

-Remirez de Ganuza Trasnocho 2008 Rioja Alavesa, $132.95

-St. Urbanshof Riesling Ockfener Bockstein Spatlese 2013 Mosel, $45.95

-Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon SLD 2010 Napa, $113.95

-Dutton-Goldfield Chardonnay Rued Vineyard 2013 Sonoma, $77.95

-Kistler Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard 2012 Sonoma, $92.95

-Kistler Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard 2012 Sonoma, $113.95

-Schramsberg Rose Brut 2011 Napa, $52.95

-Schramsberg J Schram 2006 Napa, $129.95

-Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Napa, $129.95

-Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Napa, $149.95

-Turley Old Vine Zinfandel 2012 Napa, $47.95

 

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

-Nicolis Testal IGT 2008 Veneto, $29.95

-Nicolis Ambrosan Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2000, $371.95

-Cocci Grifoni Passerina Brut Spumante 2013 Marche, $19.95

-Vie di Romans Pierre Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Friuli, $46.95

-Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Vieris Chardonnay 2013 Friuli, $39.95

-Vie di Romans Dessemis Pinot Grigio 2013 Friuli, $47.95

-Chateau St. Cosme Cote Rotie 2012, $81.95

-La Vida al Camp Cava Brut NV, $19.95

-La Vida al Camp Cava Brut Rose NV, $25.95

-La Vida al Camp Cava Brut Nature Organic NV, $21.95

-St. Urbanshof Urban 2014 Mosel, $15.95

-St. Urbanshof Riesling QbA Alte Reben 2014 Mosel, $20.95

-Estampa Delviento Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Colchagua, $25.95

-Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2011, $106.95

-Plumpjack Chardonnay Reserve 2013 Napa, $61.95

-Clos du Val Chardonnay 2013 Napa, $43.95

-Dutton-Goldfield Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2013 Sonoma, $60.95

-Justin Chardonnay 2013 Paso Robles, $32.95

-Justin Isosceles 2011 Paso Robles, $117.95

-Kistler Chardonnay Sonoma Mountain 2013 Sonoma, $87.95

-Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2012 Napa, $47.95

-Schramsberg Blanc de Noir 2011 Napa, $56.95

-Storybook Mountain Viognier 2013 Napa, $59.95

-Mayacamas Chardonnay 2012 Napa, $72.95

-Turley Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard Napa, $113.95

 

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

-St. Urbanshof Riesling Wiltinger 2014 Mosel, $24.95

-Odette Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2012 Stags Leap Napa, $148.95

-Tally Chardonnay Estate 2012 Arroyo Grande Valley, $36.95

 

The Food: there were flatbreads with pissaladiere (my fave), three kinds of tomato sauced pizzas, chicken curry wraps, prosciutto and cheeses, bottled water.

The Downside: I had just come from the New Wines of Greece show

The Upside: a chance to taste Event Exclusives!!

The Contact Person:  rob@thevineagency.ca

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: New Wines of Greece Tasting

The Date and Time:  Tuesday, May 5, 2015   11:30 AM – 3:30 PM

The Event: New Wines of Greece Tasting

The Venue: 99 Sudbury Glass Factory

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were available in Ontario through the normal distribution channels of LCBO and consignment with a few private orders. There were also two aisles of wineries seeking representation. The catalogue was arranged by winery, with those in the Ontario market place listed first. Wine description and agencies were listed, but not prices.

The Quote/Background: It was good to see that Greece is still a major player in the wine business, and it will continue to grow after the Danforth LCBO gets its renovation to have a Greek corner.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine, just some from most producers.

 

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

-Dom. Porto Carras Chateau Carras 2006   Connexion Oenophilia

-Hatzimichalis Cabernet Sauvignon 2009    Dionysus

-Glinavos Dryades 2007    Intra Vino

-Argyros Estate Assyrtiko 2014  Kolonaki

-Biblia Chora White 2014   Kolonaki

-Boutari 1879 2007    Kolonaki

-Papaioannou Microclima 2005    Kolonaki

-Parparoussis Muscat of Rio 2010  Kolonaki

-Santo Santorini Grande Reserve 2012  $34.95 Kolonaki

-Santo Vinsanto 2007  $26.95 Kolonaki

-Sigalas Vinsanto 2005   Majestic

-Dom. Spiropoulos Ode Panos 2013 Sparkling    Rubaiyat

-Cavino Domaine Mega Spileo 2009   $24.95   United Stars

-Cavino Namea Grande Reserve 2008  $17.95   United Stars

 

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

-Troupis Fteri Moschofilero 2014   Bozven Imports

-Moraitis Paros Reserve Red 2009  Celebrity Wines

-Hatzimichalis Prima Terra Red 2009    Dionysus

-Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve Old Vines 2010     Eurovintage

-Alpha Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2014     Eurovintage

-Argyros Santorini Assyrtiko 2014  Kolonaki

-Biblia Chora Ovilos White 2013   Kolonaki

-Biblia Chora Areti Red 2009   Kolonaki

-Gerovassiliou White 2014   Kolonaki

-Panagiotopoulos Merlot 2009   Kolonaki

-Panagiotopoulos Cabernet Sauvignon 2008   Kolonaki

-Papaioannou Terroir 2004    Kolonaki

-Dom. Tselepos Amalia Sparkling   Kolonaki

-Lyrarakia Okto White 2014   Majestic

-Ktima Pavlidis Thema White 2014  Majestic

-Mercouri Estates Foloi 2014    Rubaiyat

-Santo Santorini 2014   $17.95 Kolonaki

-Samos  Anthemis 2007 $22.95  United Stars

-Samos Vin Doux 2012 $14.95   United Stars

 

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

-Troupis Mantinia 2014   Bozven Imports

-Domaine Costa Lazaridi Amethystos White 2014, $19.95 Cons   Dionysus

-Glinavos Poeme Brut 2009 Sparkling, $17    Intra Vino

-Parparoussis Gifts of Dionyssos 2014  Kolonaki

 

The Food: phenomenal, with fresh oysters, fresh scallops, and cooked shrimp, plus smoked salmon, croquettes, liver pate, arancini, bottled water, and sliders. On the side there were cheeses and charcuterie from the Cheese Boutique. First rate.

The Downside: it was hot and sweaty inside – this has ALWAYS been the case for years, with other wine trade tastings here. 99 Sudbury needs to take up a collection of admission charges to pay for a fan...

The Upside: the quality of Greek wines gets better every year; the reds were very much pretty good (as indicated by scores).

The Contact Person: gathanas@allaboutgreekwine.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 13, 2015

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 13, 2015

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

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", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been 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. 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

 

Rockway Vineyards Small Lot Block 150-183 Riesling 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +424176, $19.95: easily outshines many Australian rieslings that were $50 a pop. 10% ABV, twist top. Look for succulence and lushness, not quite the (M) the catalogue says. QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:

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

1.Flat Rock Chardonnay 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +286278, $18.95: tasty, from older vines, with some new wood. Twist top. 13% ABV, nicely aged. QPR: 89.

2.Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Chardonnay 2012, +942482, $23.95. QPR: 89.

3.Les Anges Sauvignon Blanc 2013 IGP Val de Loire, +408203, $13.95: value driven for its grassiness. 11.5% ABV, first course wine. QPR: 89.

4.Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2014, +499509, $14.95: another nifty sipper wine from the south of France, with lots of flavour from white grenache. Flowers and citrus. QPR: 89.

5.St.Urbans-Hof Riesling 2013 Old Vines Mosel, +995746, $19.95: very good, long length, 9.5% ABV, sipper or first course white. QPR: 88.

6.Villanova Traminer Aromatico 2014 Fruili Isonza, +411314, $13.95: enough acid to make it off-dry, certainly more dry than the (M) given to it. QPR: 88.

7.Finca Nueva Blanco 2013 Rioja, +280560, $16.95: barrel-fermentation gives creamy wood tones without the spiciness. 13% ABV. Solid wine, mixing citric tastes with cream. QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:

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

1.Ste. Michelle Snoqualmie Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Columbia Valley Washington, +414771, $16.95: Strong cabernet sauvignon nose and MVC taste, 14% ABV, delivering good value for an American wine not from California. QPR: 89.

2.Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo Valley, +18721, $17.95: 14.5% ABV feels hot on the finish but lush-plus cabby tones dominate, long length. QPR: 89.

3.Ballast Stone Windjammer Shiraz 2012 McLaren Vale, +167064, $21.95. QPR: 90.

4.Stella Bella Isca Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Margaret River, +47639, $22.95. QPR: 90.

5.Casetta Barbaresco 2009, +412247, $22.95. QPR: 90.

6.Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino 2011, +333575, $19.95: a baby brunello, one of the better ones, still a tannic finish so needs more time in the cellar or a double decant. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

7.Quercia al Poggio Chianti Classico 2009, +83998, $21.95. QPR: 89.

8.Catapereiro Escholha 2012 Tejo Portugal, +380808, $15.95: from a single vineyard, a tasty North American approach to wine, 14% ABV. Touriga nacional and Syrah blend. Cork closure. QPR: 89.

9.Quinta da Fronteira Seleccao do Enologo 2011 Douro, +408088, $22.95. QPR: 89.

10.Heredad de Baroja Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +276113, $24.05. QPR: 90.

11.Langa Tradicion Centenaria Garnacha 2012 Calatayud, +194795, $14.95: the Garnacha of the Month is back, after too long an absence. Layered tones of fruit and smoke. QPR: 89.

 

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

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

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.Bachey-Legros et Fils Les Grands Charrons Meursault 2011, +410647, $51.95 retail.

2.Sergio Zenato Riserva Lugana 2012 Veneto, +928218, $30.95.

3.Burning Kiln M-1 Merlot 2013 VQA Ontario, +406470, $34.95.

4.Perrin Coudoulet De Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone 2012, +48884, $29.95.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: French Wine Connection 2015

The Date and Time:  Monday, May 4, 2015  Noon to 5 PM

The Event: French Wine Connection 2015

The Venue: OCHO Hotel

The Target Audience: wine agents, selected media.

The Availability/Catalogue: looking for agents. The catalogue was extremely informative, with background data on the wineries, full addresses, pix of the representative or winery owner, and a detailed description of featured wines (including bottle production and medals).

The Quote/Background: This is the ninth annual FWC in North America, now with about 18 producers from 8 or so regions in Toronto. All of these wines started off as having no representation in Ontario, although by the time the show opened some of them had agents here. There was a special effort to promote Loire Valley wines, with extra sponsorship. Half of the wineries here today were from that region; the balance seemed to be sole representatives from other places, such as one champagne, one beaujolais, one rhone, etc.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices were not generally available, and where they existed, they were FOB or Ex-Cellars in Euros. Because of the speculative nature of the tasting, I only rated the 4 and 3.5 starred wines.

 

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

-Domaine Burckel-Jung Cremant d'Alsace Rose

-Le Clos Lucas La Renaissance Sparkling Rose Gamay Noir, 8% ABV, 4.69E

-Champagne Maxime Blin Brut Carte Blanche, 14.9E

-Champagne Maxime Blin Extra Brut Cuvee Onirique,  26E

-Champagne Maxime Blin Brut Cuvee Maxime Blin, 37E

-Champagne Maxime Blin Brut Cuvee Authentique, 47E

-Domaine des Caillots Methode Traditionelle Sparkling Touraine, 5E

-Domaine des Caillots Methode Traditionelle Sparkling Rose Touraine, 5E

-Domaine Patrick Girard Les Rebourgeres 2012 Muscadet Sevre et Maine sure Lie, 4.50E

 

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

-Domaine Burckel-Jung Gewurztraminer 2013

-Ambrosia Chateau Plaisance 2011 Bordeaux Superieur

-Ambrosia Chateau Maucamps 2009 Haut Medoc

-Chateau Segonzac Vieilles Vignes 2013 Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux

-Chateau de Bellvue de l'Espy 2014 Merlot Rose, 3.50E

-Maison Jean Pla Le Souris Verte IGP Cates Catalanes Blanc

-Claude Lafond La Raie 2014 AOP Reuilly

-Claude Lafond Le Clos des Messieurs 2013 AOP Reuilly

-Collegiale des Domaines de Loire Les Bois de Vaux 2013 Vouvray Sec

-Collegiale des Domaines de Loire Domaine Pascal Balland 2014 Sancerre

-Domaine Pascal Gibault Evasion 2013 Touraine, 4.72E

-Domaine Pascal Gibault Chenonceaux 2013 Touraine

-Domaine de Flines Rose Sparkling Loire Grolleau gris, 3.50E

-Domaine de la Commanderie Quincy Prestige 2013, 5.35E

-Domaine de la Commanderie Quincy Tradition 2013

-Domaine des Caillots Touraine Chenonceau 2013, 6.75E

-Domaine Patrick Girard Le Fleuron de la Rebourgere 2013 Muscadet Sevre et Maine sure Lie, 2.85E

-Olivier et Lafont Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2014 Blanc, 12E

 

The Food: veggies, crusty French bread, water, dips, cheese.

The Downside: I was expected a bigger show, with more wineries from other regions.

The Upside: actually  it was a good chance to taste a range of Loire wines.

The Contact Person: carole.ringuet@businessfrance.fr

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com