The Event: Meeting with Maria Alvear of Bodegas Alvear, hosting a tasting of her Montilla wines with tapas. June 10/15

The Date and Time:  Wednesday, June 10, 2015   2Pm to 5 PM

The Event: Meeting with Maria Alvear of Bodegas Alvear, hosting a tasting of her Montilla wines with tapas.

The Venue: Bar Raval

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: there are three Montillas on the General List: Fino, Medium Dry, and Solera 1927 Pedro Ximenez (solera began in 1927).

The Quote/Background: She noted that the company has about 24 different types. Everything is made in Montilla, next door to Jerez, but cannot, of course, be called Sherry. The company was founded in 1729; it is the second oldest Bodega in Spain. 90% of the vineyards is planted with Pedro Ximenez, not Palomino as would be in Jerez.

The Wines:

 

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

-Alvear Fino 15% ABV unfortified, $12.45 LCBO

-Alvear Solera 1927 Pedro Ximenez 16% ABV, half-bottles, $19.95 LCBO

 

 

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

-Alvear Medium Dry 17% ABV, $12.45   LCBO

 

 

The Food: Bar Raval created some sherry cocktails for the group, to go with tapas. One cocktail included gin and orange bitters and was named Maria from Montilla, with Alvear PX de Anada 2013, a vintaged Montilla, 17%. There was also an Alvear Negroni made with Campari and Alvear Pale Cream Fino En Rama 2008. Both were exceedingly delicious; we could have stayed for hours. Tapas included a selection of 4 or 5 olives, cheeses, hot fatty chorizo, green chilies roasted, meats, breads, calamari, fried ham on brioche, dry sausages, and croquettes.

The Contact Person: rsandham@kirkwooddiamond.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: the annual Soul of Portugal tasting: uniqueness in a bottle June 9/15

The Date and Time: Tuesday, June 9, 2015    11:30 AM to 5PM

The Event: the annual Soul of Portugal tasting: uniqueness in a bottle

The Venue: Burroughes Building, 6th floor

The Target Audience: wine media and trade

The Availability/Catalogue: as always, there was a variation in what wines are available at what price. I cobbled together what I could.

The Quote/Background: John Szabo led an exemplary seminar-tasting of some 10 wines, ranging from a vinho verde to a 20 year-old port. 40 people attended the presentation, which was preceded by a catered lunch of grilled chicken breast salad and red velvet chocolate chip cookies.

The Wines: I did not try all the wines. The seminar wines have been folded into the listing below. There were 34 companies at 29 tables with about  what looked to be a dozen wines each – far more than were listed in the catalogue. Somebody mentioned there were 160 wines in all.

 

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

-Alianca Bairrada Reserve Tinto 2012 

-Bacalhoa Quinta da Bacalhoa 2012

-Companhia das Quintas Quinta de Pancas Grande Escolha 2011 $54

-Companhia das Quintas Quinta da Fronteira Grande Escolha 2011

-Cortes de Cima Reserva 2011 $89.95    Tandem

-Cortes de Cima Syrah 2012  Tandem

-Esporao Private Selection Branco 2013  $32.45  FWP

-Esporao Reserva Tinto 2012    FWP

-Niepoort Redoma Branco 2013 Old Vines   $30   FWP

-Quinta da Fronteira Selecção do Enológo 2011

-Quinta Vale D. Maria 2012  $100  FWP

-Crasto Superior 2012  FWP

-Quinta do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2012  $37.30   FWP

-Herdade Fonte Paredes Grande Reserva 2009    $50

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Vinhos Alambre 20 anos Moscatel    P Dandurand

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Vinhos Albis 2014  $9.95    P Dandurand

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Vinhos Domingos Soares Franco Coleccao Privade Moscatel Roxo 2005    P Dandurand

-Quinta do Mondego Munda 2013  Terroir

-Quinta da Foz Grande Reserva 2011

-Ramos Pinto Porto 20 Years Quinta do Bom Retiro  $52.2573

 

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

-Casa Agric. A Relvas Herdade Sao Miguel Escolha does Enologos Tinto 2011

-Casa Santos Lima Parcelas Tinto 2010  Majestic

-Casa Santos Lima Quinta de Bons-Ventos 2013 Majestic

-Casa Santos Lima Pluma Vinho Verde 2014  $8.95

-Companhia das Quintas Quinta do Cardo Grande Escolha 2011 $46

-Cortes de Cima Chamine Branco 2013 $15.95    Tandem

-Quinta dos Roques White 2014  $12.95  Tandem

-DFJ Vinhos Casa do Lago Branco 2014  $16.80    FWP

-DFJ Vinhos Consensus Red 2008   FWP

-DFJ Vinhos Consensus White 2012   $21.40  FWP

-DFJ Vinhos Portada Winemakers Selection Red 2013   FWP

-DFJ Vinhos Portada Winemakers Selection White 2014  $15.20 FWP

-Esporao Quinta does Murcas Porto Tawny 10 anos  FWP

-Herdade dos Grous Branco 2014  $26.25   FWP

-Herdade dos Grous Branco Reserva 2013  $34.25   FWP

-Niepoort 10 Years Old Tawny Porto Old Vines  FWP

-João Portual Ramos Loios 2014 $9.30   FWP

-João Portual Ramos Quinta de Foz de Arouce 2012  $22.95   FWP

-João Portual Ramos Duorum Colheita 2013    FWP

-Quinta do Filoco Reserva 2011

-Filoco Reserva 2013

-Herdade do Perdigao Terras de Monforte Escholha 2009

-Herdade Fonte Paredes Monte Fuscaz 2014  $15

-Herdade Fonte Paredes Santa Ana Reserva 2014   $50

-Quinta do Mondego 2010  $19.95  Terroir

-Quevedo 10 Years Tawny Port

-Quinta da Pacheca Porto 10 anos Old Vines    Majestic

-Rocim Olho de Mocho Tinto 2011

-Terra D'Alter Branco 2014   $9.95   Select

-Terra D'Alter Reserva Branco 2013   $20   Select

 

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

-Aveleda Quinta da Aveleda 2014

-Casa Agric. A Relvas Ciconia Branco 2014 $12

-Monte da Ravasqueira 2014 Branco  $16.90

-Monte da Ravasqueira 2013 Reserva Branco  $28.90

-Quinta da Pacheca Colheita Branco 2014   $13.95    Majestic

 

The Food: cheese platters, charcuterie, breads.

The Downside: it got hot really fast after the crowds arrived; the aisles were jammed. I drank a lot of water.

The Upside: a chance to re-connect with Portuguese wines. The biggest source here was FWP Trading with many tables.

The Contact Person: johanna.raynaud@sopexa.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 11, 2015

 

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 11, 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

Maetierra Dominum Quatro Pagos Reserva 2007 Rioja, +246660, $19.95: an upstart of a wine, from older vines sourced in four vineyards, 16 months in French oak (no US), 14% ABV. Excellent price for an older Rioja. QPR: 91.

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +1552, $24.95.QPR:90.
2.Norman Hardie Riesling 2013 VQA Ontario, +131169, $21. QPR: 90.
3.Strewn Terroir Sauvignon Blanc 2013 VQA NOTL, +343897, $19.95: from a single vineyard, weighing in at 12.9% ABV, twist top, good zesty character and balanced for an Ontario savvy. QPR: 88.
4.Williy Gisselbrecht Tradition Gewurztraminer 2012 Alsace, +928390, $17.95: while it lacks the typical bitter finish, this gewurz is loaded with spices in the length. 13% ABV, does not taste at (M) level. QPR: 88.
5.Pierre-Luc Bouchaud Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2013,+82461, $14.95: a dignified crisp and lemony value, good with oysters or first course seafood apps. Cork enclosure. 12% ABV. QPR: 88.
6.Alpha Extate Axia Malagouzia 2014 Florina Greece, +371666, $16.95: youthful aromas with some citric tones, another seafood/fish first course white wine. 12.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88.
7.Pansa Blanca 2014 Catalunya Privat, +417949, $14.95: good value engaging white, good for either patio or apps with its supple apple-citric orchard fruit tones. 12% ABV. QPR: 88.

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2012 VQA Ontario, +461699, $24.95. QPR: 90.
2.Bremerton Coulthard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Langhorne Creek, +410761, $21.95. QPR: 89.
3.Nugan Estate McLaren Parish Vineyard Shiraz 2013 McLaren Vale, +72602, $24.95. QPR: 89.
4.Bodegas Ochoa Reserva 2007 Navarra, +418178, $24.95. QPR: 91.
5.Tarapaca Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2013 Leyda Valley, +404210, $17.95: amazing value for a pinot noir, 14.5% ABV, excellent packaging and cork closure. Balance of red-black-spice fruit plus an old world feel. QPR: 89.
6.Barbi Brusco dei Barbi 2013 Toscana, +673160, $15.95: another reasonable price for an entry level to the tasting spectrum of "Brunello", same sangiovese grape. 13% ABV. QPR: 89.
7.Falesco Vitiano 2013 Umbria, +950204, $15.95: delicious blend, almost superUmbrian, or superTuscan, 13%. QPR: 88
8.Finca Nueva Crianza 2009 Rioja, +292763, $16.95: impressive for its age, 13.5% ABV, MVC Rioja all the way. QPR: 88.
9.Heretat Mont-Rubi Durona Tinto 2004 Vino de Mesa, +143255, $19.95: for something that's really old, richly aged, at 13.5% ABV, with lots of French oak, try this number. QPR: 88.

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.Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Russian River Valley, +283705, $59 retail.
2.Champy Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin 2011, +264507, $59.95.
3.Chaston Domaine de Saint Siffrein Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, +169771, $44.95.
4.La Velona Brunello di Montalcino 2009, +181321, $39.95.

 

Dean Tudor, Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada, www.deantudor.com

 

The Event: Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Walk-Around Tasting (Vintages Event) June 4/15

The Date and Time: Thursday, June 4, 2015 6Pm to 9PM

The Event: Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Walk-Around Tasting (Vintages Event)

The Venue: ROM, Currelly Gallery

The Target Audience: ticket holders

The Availability/Catalogue: most everything was available for ordering that night, but some wines were (or will be) at the LCBO via Vintages, Classics, etc. Some items are in consignment or already on the shelves, some were only available for tasting tonight. I strived to taste the latter.

The Quote/Background: For the 2015 edition of Gambero Rosso Guide to Italian Wine, 45,000 wines were tasted. 423 received a Tre Bicchhieri rating (equal to 95 in Wine Spectator, I was told). These were some of the best wines in Italy. This particular show had not been in Toronto for exactly two years, so it was great to welcome them back.

The Wines: I did not try all the wines, concentrating on red wines and sparklers. There were over 80 wines in all. I would like to say, in joking, that I tasted no "good" wines here – they were all "better" or "best" !!

 

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

-PRIMOSIC GMAJNE CHARDONNAY 2011 Friuli DOC Collio, $29  [bargain]

-LO SPARVIERE MILLESIMATO EXTRA BRUT FRANCIACORTA 2008 Lombardy     DOCG, $43

-BARONE PIZZINI NATURE BRUT FRANCIACORTA 2010 Lombardy, $39.95 Vintages

-FERGHETTINA RISERVA 33 FRANCIACORTA 2007  Lombardy Pas Dosè, $79 

-GUIDO BERLUCCHI PALAZZO LANA RISERVA FRANCIACORTA SATÈN 2006 Lombardy     DOCG, $67

-PER LUI RISERVA SALICE SANTENTINO 2012 Puglia     DOC, $55

-BEL COLLE MONVIGLIERO BAROLO 2009 Piedmont DOCG, $72

-VIETTI VILLERO RISERVA BAROLO 2007 Piedmont DOCG, $459 (!!)

-BRANCAIA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011 Tuscany DOCG, $37

-CASTELLO DI VICCHIOMAGGIO VIGNA LA PRIMA GRAN SELEZZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 Tuscany  $60 Vintages

-SAPAIO 2011 Tuscany DOC Bolgheri Superiore, $59

-SALCHETO SALCO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2010 Tuscany DOCG, $69

-ARGENTIERA BOLGHERI SUPERIORE 2011 Tuscany DOC, $79

-TOLAINI TENUTA MONTEBELLO PICCONERO 2010    IGT Toscana, $95  Vintages

-Ferrari Lunelli Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore 2004 Trento-Alto Adige, $115

-Negrar Domini Veneti Espressioni San Rocco Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2008 Veneto, $74.95 Vintages   

 

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

-Jermann Were.. DREAMS 2012 Friuli     IGT Venezia Giulia, $74

-Jermann VINTAGE TUNINA 2012 Friuli     IGT Venezia Giulia, $75

-Ca' Dei Mandorli    NICOLUCCI VIGNA DEL GENERALE RISERVA PREDAPPIO DI PREDAPPIO 2011 Emilia-Romagna $55

-LUNAE ETICHETTA NERA VERMENTINO 2013 Liguria     DOC Colli di Luni, $29

-CASTELLO DI CIGOGNOLA 'MORE BRUT 2010 Lombardy    Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese, $43

-MONSUPELLO BRUT NATURE Lombardy     Metodo Classico, DOCG Oltrepò Pavese, $51

-CASTELLO DI RADDA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011 Tuscany     DOCG, $49

-COGNO BRICCO PERNICE BAROLO 2009 Piedmont DOCG, $99

-G. D. VAJRA BRICCO DELLE VIOLE BAROLO 2010 Piedmont     DOCG, $89

-TORRACCIA DEL PIANTAVIGNA GHEMME 2010 Piedmont DOCG, $39

-VIETTI CASTIGLIONE BAROLO 2011 Piedmont     DOCG, $75

-TENUTA VIGLIONE MARPIONE RISERVA PRIMITIVO 2010 Puglia DOC Gioia del Colle, $39

-Torrevento Bolonero 2012 Castel del Monte Puglia, $14  [bargain!]

-PALA RISERVA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA 2012 Sardinia DOC, $24.95 Vintages

-BADIA A COLTIBUONO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012 Tuscany DOCG, $23.95 Vintages

-SURRAU SCIALA VERMENTINO DI GALLURA SUPERIORE 2013 Sardinia DOCG, $27.95 Vintages

-Cusumano Moscato dello Zucco 2010 Sicilia, $45 500 mL.

-NITTARDI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011 Tuscany DOCG, $69

-ORMA 2011 Tuscany, $75 Vintages

-TENUTA SETTE PONTI ORENO 2011 Tuscany, $76.95 Vintages

-ROTARI FLAVIO RISERVA 2007 Trentino Metodo Classico, DOC Trento, $48

-POGGIO AL TESORO SONDRAIA 2011 Tuscany DOC Bolgheri Superiore, $50 Vintages

-ALLEGRINI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2010 Veneto, $90 Vintages

-BRIGALDARA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2010 Veneto, $54.95 Vintages

-CORTE SANT'ALDA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2010 Veneto, $125

-VILLA SANDI VIGNA LA RIVETTA VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE DI CARTIZZE Veneto, $37

 

The Food: Four stations were used by Daniel et Daniel: a spring risotto with asparagus, fiddleheads, baby snow pea sprouts, and DOP Parmigiano; grilled chicken roulade, with arugula, sweet pepper, asiago, white bean puree; tomato tart with mozzarella fonduta sauce, herb salad, basil oil, puff pastry; poured polenta (with added cream), DOP Grana padano, wild and tame mushrooms, braise beef short rib confit. There was also bread and water at each table, and coffee afterwards.

The Downside: there were two wines here that were only two glasses in the scoring; I do not know why.

The Upside: one of the best Italian wine tastings in Toronto, at least since the last Tre Bicchiri walk-around in 2013.

The Contact Person: silvestri@sogood.it

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):94.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Portfolio tasting of Signature Wines & Spirits

The Date and Time:  Thursday, May 28, 2015   2PM to 5PM

The Event: Portfolio tasting of Signature Wines & Spirits

The Venue: La Maquette

The Target Audience: clients and wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: most everything is available through LCBO or Vintages now or later.

The Quote/Background: It had been awhile since I was at Brian Banyard's last porfolio tasting, so I welcomed it back.

The Wines: PNR = Price Not Reported

 

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

-Casetta Barbaresco 2009, $22.95 +412247

-Dutton Estate Chardonnay Sonoma County 2012  PNR

-Chateau de la Riviere Fronsac 2005, $34.95

-Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2010, $75

-Chateau Haut-Logat 2010 Haut Medoc   PNR

-Coto de Imaz Rioja Reserva 2010  PNR

-Clos des Brusquieres 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape PNR   [fave of the day]

 

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

-Monte del Fra Amarone della Valpolicella 2009 $49.95 +47506

-Monte del Fra Ripasso della Valpolicella 2011 $19.95 +165662

-Querceto di Castellina L'Aura Chianti Classico 2012, $24.95 +405019

-Olivier LaFlaive Bourgogne Chardonnay 2012, $14.95 +942482

-El Coto de Rioja Rosado, $12.95 +404442

-El Coto de Rioja Crianza 2011  PNR

-Agostino Petrida Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Reserva 2010  PNR

-La Cuvee Mythique 2013 Pays d'Oc  PNR

-Bod. Mas Alta Artigas Priorat 2008   PNR

 

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

-La Cave du Coudray Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2013, $13.95 +413757

-Cheval-Quancard Reserve Blanc Bordeaux, $13.95 +401604

-Val d'Orbieu Route de Sud Viognier France, $12.95 +405936

-Quinta do Valdoeiro Red Portugal, $12.95 +320036

-Senhora do Convento Tawny Port, $16.95 +398248

 

The Food: platters of mushrooms in pastry, bruschetta, grilled chicken breast slices, prosciutto, cheeses, grilled shrimp, deep fried brie, and more.

The Contact Person: postmaster@signaturews.ca

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Australia's First Families of Wine: speed dating fast-paced through Australia's wine history.

The Date and Time:  Tuesday, May 26, 2015   1:45 PM – 4 PM

The Event: Australia's First Families of Wine: speed dating fast-paced through Australia's wine history.

The Venue: AGO

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available through the LCBO distribution channels, although prices varied.

The Quote/Background: 11 multi-generational wine familes of Australia showed off the power of their wines through a variety of price ranges. The nighttime function, put on by Vintages, showed off four wines from each family, many available for ordering. We only had two wines to taste, at 3 minutes a wine (while listening to the winemaker/owner whose name was on the label).

The Wines:

 

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

-De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon New South Wales 2011, $29.95 (half) Vintages

-Tahbilk Museum Release Marsanne Victoria 2008, $24.95   Kylix

-Chareau Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 Victoria  N/A

-Tahbilk 1860 Vines Shiraz Victoria 2009, $164   Kylix

-Wakefield The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Clare Valley, $175   Profile

-Yalumba FDR1A Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2005 Barossa/Eden Valleys, $65  Classics July

 

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

-Brown Brothers Patricia Chardonnay 2010 Victoria $59.95    Vintage Trade

-Brown Brothers Patricia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Victoria $79.95    Vintage Trade

-De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2014, $30  Dionysus

-Henschke Mount Edelstone 60th Anniversary Vintage 2012 Eden Valley, $188 B & W

-Henschke Hill of Grace 2005 Eden Valley, $850 B & W   Wines

-Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River 2012, $80  Churchill

-Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2006 Clare Valley, $270  Charton Hobbs

-McWilliam's Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 New South Wales, $29.95 Gallo

-Tahbilk Marsanne Victoria 2013, $17.95   Kylix

-Tyrrell's Wines Vat 47 Chardonnay Hunter Valley 2011   Mark Anthony

-Wakefield St Andrews Shiraz 2012 Clare Valley, $55   Profile

-Yalumba Viognier 2014 Eden Valley, $24.95  B & W Wines

-Henschke Keyneton Euphonium 2012 Barossa, $69  B & W

 

 

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

-d'Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2013 McLaren Vale, $25    Churchill Cellars

-d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings 2016 McLaren Vale, $39    Churchill Cellars

-Howard Park Porongurup Riesling 2014  Churchill Cellars

-Jim Barry The Florita Riesling Clare Valley 2013, $50   Charton Hobbs

-McWilliam's Appellation Tumbarumba Chardonnay New South Wales 2013, $29.95 Vintages

-Tyrrell's Wines Vat 1 Semillon Hunter Valley 2010   Mark Anthony

-Yalumba Y Series Vermentino 2014, $14.95  B & W Wines

 

The Food: Italian salumi platter, cheeses, breads.

The Downside: it was my birthday, so I had to "work"

The Upside: a chance to taste some rare Oz wines with just a small crowd.

The Contact Person: popoffanne@gmail.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: a walk-around tasting of Rustenberg Winery, South Africa, with Murray Barlow, winemaker.

The Date and Time:  Monday, May 25, 2015  5:30 PM to 8PM

The Event: a walk-around tasting of Rustenberg Winery, South Africa, with Murray Barlow, winemaker.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve

The Target Audience: clients of Woodman Wines and Spirits, sommeliers, wine writers.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through Vintages or private order.

The Quote/Background:

The Wines:

 

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

-Rustenberg Chardonnay 2013, +598631, $19.95

-Rustenberg Merlot 2010, +404194, $19.95

-Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah, +414151 (Nov Vintages), $24.95

-Rustenberg John X. Merriman 2012, $24.95 PO  [Bordeaux blend]

-Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2008, +55574, $43  [cabernet sauvignon]

 

 

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

-Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2014, $17.95 PO

-Rustenberg Roussanne 2014, $22.95 PO

-Rustenberg Shiraz 2011, +399246, $19.95

-Rustenberg RM Nicolson 2013, $19.95  PO  [syrah/merlot/cabsauv]

 

The Food: International cheeses from the Cheese Boutique, including Ontario and PQ, about 10 in all.

The Contact Person: jason@woodmanws.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Dinner/tasting with Grant Edmonds, chief winemaker of Sileni Estates.

The Date and Time: Thursday, May 21, 2015   6PM to 9PM

The Event: Dinner/tasting with Grant Edmonds, chief winemaker of Sileni Estates.

The Venue: Woods Restaurant

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the agent (Kirkwood Diamond) and/or through LCBO distribution.

The Quote/Background: Grant explored with us the different levels of wines at Sileni. There are 31 scattered over three levels. We had some of the Cellar Selections (entry levels) and some of the single vineyard series. But we did not have any of the EV: Exceptional Vintage line, which are only produced in exceptional years (chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot, semillon LH).

Notes: The wine dinner began with artisanal charcuterie, mustards, crostini, pickles, along with Sauvignon Blanc Cellar Selection Marlborough 2014 [with 15% added semillon]($18.95, +662822), Chardonnay Cellar Selection Hawke's Bay 2014 ($15.95, +358994), and Pinot Noir Cellar Selection Hawke's Bay 2014 (about $19, not yet available at LCB0). Here, we all chatted with Grant about his wines (in general), with the three wines being acidic enough to pair well with fatty meats and pickles. The we sat and got down to tasting business. With wild Digby scallops and crispy confit augmented by bacon we had The Straits Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014 ($19.95 consignment), an estate single vineyard wine that exuded typical New Zealand savvy tones. With cauliflower ravioli and roasted leeks plus wild mushroom, we had The Lodge Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2014 ($19.95 consignment), one of my top picks from the recent New Zealand wine trade fair earlier this month. The Plateau Pinot Noir Hawke's Bay 2013 ($19.95, +132142) accompanied the yellowfin tuna with roasted red pepper tapenade, potato, and olives. But I thought the Lodge Chardonnay did a better job of pairing. The Triangle Merlot Hawke's Bay 2013, at 14% ABV, stood up to the Alberta Bison short rib on the bone, with its root veggies and maple whiskey glaze. Since there was no sweetie, I did not stay for dessert.

The Downside: I had just been at the German Wine Show although I did manage to refresh my body and palate.

The Upside: a chance to meet and talk with Grant Edmonds.

The Contact Person: lwandler@kirkwooddiamond.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

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