The Event: Douro Boys tasting of current wines

The Date and Time:  Tuesday, October 13, 2015  2:30 PM to 5PM

The Event: Douro Boys tasting of current wines

The Venue: University Club

The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: prices were very spotty and availability was uncertain in some cases. Food Wines of Portugal with three tables had an order form, and most wines were available by consignment.

The Quote/Background: I did not taste all of the wines.

The Wines: Prices are usually Licensee

 

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

-Quinta do Vale Meão Red Douro 2012 $110

-Quinta do Vallado Reserva Branca 2014 [Gouveio, Rabigato, Arinto, Viosinho grapes]

-Quinta Vale D. Maria Rufo White 2014 $17.70 lic FWP

-Quinta do Crasto Superior White 2014 [Verdelho, Codega de Lourinha, Viosinho and Rabigato] $26.50 FWP

-Quinta do Crasto Vinha da Ponte Red Douro 2012 $185.84  FWP

-Niepoort Coche White 2013 [Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others] $109.74 FWP

-Niepoort Redoma 2014 [Rabigato, Códega, Viosinho, Arinto and others] $31.42 FWP

-Quinta do Vallado 20 Year Tawny

-Quinta do Vale Meão Vintage Port 2013

 

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

-Quinta do Vale Meão Meandro 2014 [Rabigato and Arinto]

-Quinta Vale D. Maria Red Douro 2012

-Niepoort Charme Red Douro 2013 $104.43  FWP

-Quinta do Vallado Reserva Field Blend Red Douro 2012

-Quinta do Crasto Vintage Port 1999 $105.31  FWP

 

The Food: cheeses and breads

The Downside: there was some vagueness about prices at some tables.

The Upside: there was lots of room and time for tasting and evaluating.

The Contact Person: <b.baeck@wine-partners.at>

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Tasting Rioja Bordon Gran Reserva – 7 vintages vertical

The Date and Time:  Tuesday, October 13, 2015   11AM to 1PM

The Event: Tasting Rioja Bordon Gran Reserva – 7 vintages vertical

The Venue: National Club

The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: in Ontario, only the 2005 GR is available through the LCBO's new Signature collection ($22.95). The agent is Eurovintage.

The Quote/Background: Juan Carlos Llopart, export director of Bodegas Bordon, led the tasting. The winery was founded in 1890 as Bodegas Franco-Espanolas, and since 1984 has concentrated on making old-style Rioja. In addition to the seven GR, we had a variety of other wines that will be making their appearance in the LCBO system.

The Wines:

 

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

-Bordon Gran Reserva Rioja 1985 [80% tempranillo]

-Bordon Gran Reserva Rioja 1994 [80% tempranillo] – my fave

-Bordon Gran Reserva Rioja 2001 [80% campanile]

 

 

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

-Bordon Gran Reserva Rioja 1982 [80% campanile]

-Bordon Gran Reserva Rioja 1995 [80% campanile]

-Bordon Gran Reserva Rioja 2005 [80% campanile] $22.95 +428060 Signature

 

 

 

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

-Bordon Gran Reserva Rioja 2006 [80% campanile]

 

In the side table, for those who wanted to sample new releases, there were three Bordon Reserva Rioja (2007, 2008, and 2009). 2009 is coming, to be priced at $18.95. We also tried a Bordon Seleccion Historica 2012 Rioja Crianza (100% tempranillo), a young and fruity wine TBD at LCBO, probably $17.95.

 

The Food: for lunch we had a variety of dishes including fried calamari, serrano ham, olives, paella, pepper salads, and potato croquettes.

The Contact Person: sales@eurovintage.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2015

 

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR  NOVEMBER 14, 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

 

Gerard Bertrand Fitou 2011, +403683, $16.95: a nice chewy wine, made all the more enjoyable by the lack of grenach paper-y taste. Juicy and dense. 14% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:

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

1.Dog point Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +677450, $24.95. QPR: 91.

2.Reif Estate Reserve Gewurztraminer 2013 VQA Niagara River, +360255, $18.95: lovely gewurztraminer nose and flavours, longer finish, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

3.Thierry Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2014, +391847, $14.95: the savvy of the month, they keep coming from the Touraine at this price level. QPR: 89.

4.Terredora Falanghina 2014 IGT Campania, +642074, $16.95: good fruit tones, dense concentration of flavours, try with petites fritures. 12.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:

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

1.Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Clare Valley/Coonawarra, +142398, $24.95. QPR: 92.

2.Il Molino di Grace Riserva Chianti Classico 2008, +382945, $23.95. QPR: 90.

3.Castello d'Alba Vinhas Velhas Grande Reserva 2012 Douro, +427880, $22.95. QPR: 89.

4.Alejandro Fernandez Dehesa La Granja 2008 Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon, +192476, $21.95. QPR: 89.

5.Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir 2013 Limari, +301424, $19.95: very Burgundian in style, with toasty oak tones, a lively finish, very food oriented. Cork closure. 13.5% ABV.  QPR: 88.

6.Koyle Royale Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Los Lingues Vineyard Colchagua, +255760, $24.95. QPR: 91.

7.Grand Vin de Glenelly Red 2009 WO Stellenbosch, +360339, $19.95: good syrah hit but blended well with the international bordeaux varieties, good depth, great as sipper or with food. 14.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88.

8.Chateau Hauchat 2011 Fronsac, +123489, $15.95: well-made entry level Bordeaux, with some oak tones and some tannic finish over the fruit. 13$ ABV. QPR: 88.

9.Torres Altos Ibericos Crianza 2012 Rioja, +381046, $16.95: a better than expected Rioja venture for Torres, with sandal accents and spices from the tempranillo. Aged a year in oak. QPR: 88.

10.Chateau de Nages Vieilles Vignes Costieres de Nimes 2012, +40964, $19.95: good syrah component, and none of that grenache paper. Dark fruit, garrigue, 15% ABV. QPR: 89.

11.Boutari Grande Reserve Xinomavro 2008 PDO Naoussa, +140111, $18.95: good aging, slightly dried out fruit but nice oak component. 13.%% ABV, cork closure. 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.Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench, +324103, $44.95 retail.

2.Closson Chase CC Vineyard Chardonnay 2013 VQA Prince Edward County, +148866, $27.95.

3.Stratus White 2012 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +660704, $44.20.

4.Versado Reserva Ancient Malbec 2011 Mendoza, +316984, $59.95.

5.Emiliana Coyam 2011 Colchagua Valley, +63891, $29.95.

6.Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Maipo Valley, +430728, $37.95 magnum 1500mL.

7.Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2013 Marlborough, +598813, $44.95.

8.Chateau Haut Corbin 2000 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +425439, $58.95.

9.B & G Chateau Magnol 2010 Haut Medoc, +424598, $47.95 magnum 1500mL

10.Poggio Verrano Dromos 2005 IGT Maremma Toscana, +107383, $39.95.

11.Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011, +356220, $49.95.

12.Bodegas LAN Crianza 2011 Rioja, +424531, $29.95 magnum 1500mL

13.Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva 2008 Rioja, +976670, $29.95.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: A tasting of Nugan Estate wines of Australia with Matthew Nugan, 2015 Riedel Winemaker Award winner.

The Date and Time: Monday, October 26, 2015   11 AM to 12:30 PM

The Event: A tasting of Nugan Estate wines of Australia with Matthew Nugan, 2015 Riedel Winemaker Award winner.

The Venue: George Brown College, Chef's House.

The Target Audience: wine writers and students

The Availability/Catalogue: PMA is the agent, and the wines are available on many levels (LCBO, consignment, PO).

The Quote/Background: Matthew spoke about his holdings in Riverina, King Valley and McLaren Vale (terroir, grapes, etc.).

The Wines:

 

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

-Nugan Estates Matriarch 2006, $100

 

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

-Nugan Estate Frasca's Lane King Valley Victoria Chardonnay 2013

-Nugan Estates McLaren Parish Shiraz 2012, ~$25

-Nugan Estates Alfredo Dried Grape 2012, Vintages ~$25  [amarone-style]

 

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

-Nugan Estates 3rd Generation Chardonnay 2014, LCBO General

-Nugan Estates Alfredo 2d Pass Shiraz 2014, LCBO General

 

The Food: we were served a plate of small bites, with PR cheese, roaring forties cheese, crab salad, peach and apricot preserves on toast, and pickled cascade hops – all meant to go with the wines.

The Downside: we didn't get started until 11:30

The Upside: a chance to speak with Matthew Nugan himself.

The Contact Person: spuritt@sympatico.ca

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

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Annual tasting of Fortified Wines for Christmas, plus 18 or so Domestic Ontario Sparkling Wines (plus a few Champagnes and other stragglers).

The Date and Time: Monday, October 5, 2015   10:30 AM to 2 PM

The Event: Annual tasting of Fortified Wines for Christmas, plus 18 or so Domestic Ontario Sparkling Wines (plus a few Champagnes and other stragglers).

The Venue: Quebec Avenue Meeting Place

The Target Audience: members of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the LCBO or by private order, as specified.

The Quote/Background: Once again we had a lot of wine but we all took our time. Our thanks to the agents and wineries for supplying us, and for filling in the spreadsheets. It gets better and better every year, although the listing of prices tended to be variable.

The Wines: What follows are my ratings; the wines are NOT ranked. While I organized the tasting for the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada, it was NOT a competition and my ratings are my own and form my own writings. Members write as they wish. and where they wish.

 

A: SPARKLING WINES (not in ranked order)

 

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

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery,2013,Fancy Farm Girl-Flirty Bubbles,$27.95 winery

-Colio Estate Wines,n/v,Lily Sparkling,$16.95,+418657 LCBO [riesling]

-Tawse Winery,2013,Spark Riesling,$19.95,+370361 Niagara,LCBO Vintages

-Compagnie Champenoise Ph-Ch,Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne NV $69.95 +36962

-Compagnie Champenoise Ph-Ch,Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne NV $54.95 +462432

-Comp Ph-Ch,Piper Heidsieck Rose Brut Champagne NV  Vintages

-Henry of Pelham ,Cuvee Catharine Brut,NV $29.95 +217521 Niagara -

 

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

-Arione,NV,Moscato Spumante,16.45,,Italy,Piedmonte PO w5vino.com

-Fresita,NV,,$13.95,+383901 LCBO Chile

-Featherstone,JOY,2011,$34.95,+310334 Vintages,

-Tawse Winery,2013,Spark (Blend),$24.95,+384966 Niagara,LCBO Vintages

-13th Street Winery,Cuvée Rosé Brut,NV,$24.95,+147504 Niagara Peninsula

-Konzelmann Cuve Close Rose,nv,,+184176 LCBO,

 

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

-John Howard Megalomaniac,Bubblehead Brut Rose $28.95 Niagara

-Konzelmann ,Cuve Close,nv

-Caldirola,NV,Pinot Nero Frizzante,$13.95,+931633,Italy,Pavia PO w5vino.com

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery,2013,Sparkling & SASSY Riesling,$27.95,+344622

-Pelee Island Winery 2013,SECCO,$13.75,+225948 Lake Erie North Shore LCBO

-Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Blanc de Blanc,2010,$44.95,+315200 Short Hills Bench

-Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Rose Brut,NV,$29.95,+217505 Niagara

-Jackson Triggs,Entourage GR Brut,2011 $22.95

-Niagara College Teaching Winery,Balance Brut

 

FORTIFIED WINES (these wines are not ranked)

 

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

-Fratelli Branca Antica Formula Vermouth,$47.95 Italy Consignment Majestic

-Graham,20 yr tawny 500 ml,$37.45,+620641

-Fonseca 2012,Guimaraens Vintage Port $81.95,+123695 Porto LCBO Vintages

 

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

-Monenvasia Winery,Velies Malvasia Laconia,2010,375mL   $80

-Graham,LBV,2009,$16.95,+191239

-Graham,10 yr Tawny,$28.95,+404012

-Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny,NV,$34.95,+121749,Duoro Sylvestre Wines & Spirits

-Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny,NV,$68.95,+149047 Duoro Sylvestre Wines & Spirits

-Generations Wine Co,Union Forte,2007,$16.95,+361758 Niagara Von Terra  Vintages

-Gonzalez Byass,NV,Tio Pepe Fino, $16.95 +231829 Jerez,LCBO,

-Bodegas Williams & Humbert,n/v,Williams & Humbert Dry Sack Sherry $13.35 +13565 -Gonzalez Byass,NV,Nutty Solera Oloroso, $15.25 +35204,Spain,Jerez,Vintages,31-Oct-15

-CAVINO S. A.,0,"DEUS Mavrodafne AOC Patras, Aigio, Peloponnese" $13.95 Greece,Aigio Peloponnese,LCBO,2016

-Fratelli Branca Carpano Classico Vermouth,$23.95,,Italy Consignment Majestic

-Carlo Pellegrino & C. Spa,2013,Moscato Di Panteleria,$21.45 Sicily Consignment

-Carlo Pellegrino & C. Spa,2014,Passito Di Panteleria $21.45 Sicily,Consignment

 

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

-Fratelli Branca Punt E Mes,$21.95 Italy,,Consignment Majestic

-Karlo Estate,Van Alstine Red  "port",2012, $29

-Black Prince,Solera's Cask Apera,"sherry"

-Karlo Estate,Van Alstine White  "port",2013,$29

-Gonzalez Byass,NV,Croft Original Pale Fine Cream, $15.95 +73452,Spain,Jerez,LCBO,

-Fonseca ,NV ,White Port $16.95,,Portugal ,Porto ,LCBO General List,

-Taylor Fladgate ,Fine White Port,NV,$15.95,+69856,Portugal,Duoro Vintages

-Kwv Sa (Pty) Ltd,n/v,Paarl Cape Ruby,$9.95,+28951,South Africa,Western Cape,LCBO

-De Sousa Wine Cellars Seasons Reserve Port,$39.95,LCBO VINTAGES +347302 Niagara -Senhora de Convento,Ruby Port,NV,$16.95,+398230,Portugal,Douro

-Manoel Pocas S.A.Pocas Ruby Port,$15.95,,Portugal,,LCBO Vintages

-Manoel Pocas S.A. Special Reserve Ruby,$19.95,,Portugal,,LCBO Vintages

-Senhora de Convento,Tawny Port,NV,$16.95,+398248,Portugal,Douro

-Fonseca Bin 27 $16.95,+325506,Portugal ,Porto ,LCBO General List,

-Ferreira,NV,Dona Antonia Reserve Port,$18.95,+157586,Portugal,Duoro,General List

-Croft,Late Bottled Vintage,2010,$18.95,+87601,Portugal,Duoro, Jan 23rd, 2016

-Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage,2010,$17.95,+46946,Portugal,Duoro

-Southbrook Vineyards Whimsy Anniversary NV $19.95 VQA Niagara [fortified chardonnay]

 

The Food: bread and water

The Contact Person: deantudor@deantudor.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 31, 2015 (Hallowe'en)

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 31, 2015 (Hallowe'en)

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

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

 

Muriel Reserva Vendimia Seleccionada 2008 Rioja, +276030, $18.95: first rate quality from a Rioja at this level, 13.5% ABV, one to snap up at this price. Classic. QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:

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

1.Dauny Les Caillottes Sancerre 2014, +429340, $21.95. QPR: 89.

2.Inniskillin Reserve Series Chardonnay 2013 VQA Niagara, +383562, $18.95: very well put together, balanced. 13% ABV, MVC for Ontario chardonnay. Aged in oak, QPR: 89.

3.Pascual Toso Chardonnay 2014 Mendoza, +162636, $15.95: lean on the palate and on the finish, but good tropicality on the mid-palate, ripe acids, balanced. Twist top. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

4.Demorgenzon DMZ Chenin Blanc 2015 WO Western Cape, +429522, $14.95: softly floral, more Euro style, 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88.

5.Domaine Bellevue Touraine Sauvignon 2014, +82305, $14.95: this is the go-to region for modestly priced savvy in the zesty kiwi style. 13%. cork closure. QPR: 88.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:

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

1.Cicchitti Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Mendoza, +301465, $24.95. QPR: 90.

2.Chateau de Panigon 2011 Medoc, +348250, $22.95. QPR: 89.

3.Borgo Scopeto Borgonero 2011 IGT Toscana, +421396, $19.95: an easy to assimilate North American appeal superTuscan for under $20. Off-dry as a Cal-Ital, dark fruit tones, 13.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88.

4.Cafaggio Cortaccio 2008 IGT Toscana, +20966, $24.95. QPR: 89.

5.Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Campo al Sassi Rosso di Montalcino 2013, +429415, $21.95. QPR: 89.

6.Cono Sur Single Vineyard Block No. 21 Viento Mar Pinot Noir 2013 San Antonio Valley, +419010, $18.95: Burgundian berries revealed, delicious, toasty and nicely aged. QPR: 88.

7.Montes Alpha Syrah 2012 Colchagua Valley, +612, $19.95: rich and ripe, plush even. 14.5% ABV, cork closure. Mid-Atlantic tones. QPR: 89.

8.San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +37911, $19.95: tremendously juicy and ripe but with French oak, 14.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88.

9.Slowine Shiraz 2013 WO Western Cape, +96503, $13.95: good hit of syrah despite the label designation (same grape, different winemaking). Affordable for the Euro style, 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88.

10.Arnaud Aucoeur Cuvee Le Chagny Vieilles Vignes Morgon 2013, +430652, $18.95: a great deal from the old vines of Morgon, stuffing despite only 12.5% ABV. Great gamay tones. QPR: 88.

11.Umani Ronchi Vigor Sangiovese/Merlot 2013 IGT Marche, +428078, +428078, $16.95: very good blend of grapes at this price level, red and black fruit excel. 13% ABV. QPR: 88.

12.Piazzano Chianti 2013, +393199, $14.95: simple but rustic. It is definitely chianti, very easy to identify. QPR: 88.

13.Quinta do Quetzal Guadalupe Red 2012 VR Alentejano, +336313, $13.95: juicy, North American appeal, 13.5% ABV, affordable quality. 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.Domaine Les Vieux Murs Pouilly-Fuisse 2013, +241117, $27.95 retail.

2.Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench, +268391, $24.95.

3.Morande Edicion Limitada Carignan 2011 Maule, +427971, $27.95.

4.Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2012 South Australia, +422782, $34.95.

5.J.L.Chave Selection Offerus Saint-Joseph 2012, +359109, $33.95.

6.Domaine de Meix-Foulot Les Veleys Mercurey 1er Cru 2011, +148874, $35.95.

7.Socre Barbaresco 2011, +305284, $29.95.

8.Il Grigio da Dan Felice Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +403477, $46.95.

9.Allegrini La Grola 2011 IGT Veronese, +476598, $29.95.

10.I Castei Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011, +739979, $41.95.

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Salud Spain walk-around tasting, put on by Vintages.

The Date and Time: Thursday, October 1, 2015 6PM to 9PM
The Event: Salud Spain walk-around tasting, put on by Vintages.
The Venue: Leon's RoundHouse
The Target Audience: initially, wine writers until 6:30 and then the paying
customers.
The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were available, some as exclusive
orders that night, others are at the LCBO or Vintages. Some wines were just
for tasting, not for ordering.
The Quote/Background: most wines were available for ordering that night,
some as exclusives.
The Wines: I did not try every wine.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ TINTO PESQUERA CRIANZA 2012 DO Ribera del Duero $32
+341461
-BODEGAS ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ TINTO PESQUERA RESERVA 2006 Ribera del Duero
$95 +432773
-CLUB LEALTANZA RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $39 +293852
-LEALTANZA GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $30 +927913
-ALCEÑO PREMIUM 50 BARRICAS SYRAH 2012 DO Jumilla $13.95 +398933
VALUE PRICED
-BARON DE LEY 7 VIÑAS RESERVA 2007 DOCa Rioja $46 +91983
-MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES GRAN RESERVA 1986 DOCa Rioja $100 +33332
-CHIVITE COLECCIÓN 125 RESERVA 2010 DO Navarra $38 +702431
-BERONIA GRAN RESERVA 2007 DOCa Rioja $40 +940965
-BERONIA III A.C 2011 DOCa Rioja $80 +433326
-DOMINIO DE TARES CEPAS VIEJAS MENCIA 2011 DO Bierzo $29.95 Vintages
+379891
-ANAYÓN CARIÑENA 2012 DO Cariñena $32 +432047
-CONDE DE VALDEMAR GRAN RESERVA 2007 DOCa Rioja $30 +114504
-BODEGAS TRADICIÓN PEDRO XIMÉNEZ TRADICIÓN 20-YEAR-OLD VOS SHERRY $120
+431965
-TORRES SALMOS 2012 DOCa Priorat $31 +60772
-TORRES MAS LA PLANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 DO Penédes $59 +129676
-BODEGAS TORO ALBALÁ DON PX RESERVA ESPECIAL 1962 DO Montilla-Moriles $205
+424085
-BODEGAS TORO ALBALÁ DON PX GRAN RESERVA 1986 DO Montilla-Moriles $53
+434068
-BODEGAS OLARRA SUMMA 2009 DOCa Rioja $42 +433656
-LAZTANA RESERVA 2009 DOCa Rioja $19 +433649
-OLARRA CLÁSICO RESERVA 2009 DOCa Rioja $18.95 +423541
-LAN VIÑA LANCIANO RESERVA 2010 DOCa Rioja $34 +955096
-ROMPESEDAS 2006 DO Toro $19.95 +425868
-ROMPESEDAS FINCA LAS PARVAS 2006 DO Toro $101 +433755

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating
terms):
-LAN D-12 CRIANZA 2012 DOCa Rioja $27 +431890
-ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA DE LA GRANJA TINTO 2008 Vino de la Tierra de
Castilla y León $21.95 +192476
-BODEGAS TRADICIÓN FINO DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry $54 +431957
-BODEGAS TRADICIÓN VORS AMONTILLADO DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry $105
+596940
-FINCAS VALDEMAR CRIANZA 2012 DO Ribera del Duero $27 +432781
-INSPIRACIÓN VALDEMAR GRACIANO 2005 DOCa Rioja $34.95 +423525
-LA TERCERA RESERVA 2010 DOCa Rioja $26 +432443
-CVNE IMPERIAL GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $60 +598268
-VIÑA REAL GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $36.95 +280545
-ALCEÑO SELECCIÓN CRIANZA 2012 DO Jumilla $21 +433334
-ANAYÓN GARNACHA 2012 DO Cariñena $30.95 +424424
-DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2013 DO Bierzo $25 +675207
-DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS VILLA DE CORULLÓN 2012 DO Bierzo $59
+154435
-DOMINIO DE TARES BEMBIBRE 2009 DO Bierzo $47 +433680
-BARON DE LEY GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $29.95 Vintages
+642496
-HACIENDA LÓPEZ DE HARO GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $25 +431973
-ROLLAND & GALARRETA 2011 DOCa Rioja $26 +434415
-HIRU 3 RACIMOS 2007 DOCa Rioja $157 +434746 Classics 2016
-ROLLAND & GALARRETA 2011 DO Ribera del Duero $28 +434423
-RIOJA VEGA 9 BARRICAS 2011 DOCa Rioja $37.95 +433706
-MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $29.95 +976670
-MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES RESERVA 2009 DOCa Rioja $24.95 +702761
-CHIVITE FINCA DE VILLATUERTA SYRAH 2011 DO Navarra $25 +432005
-JULIÁN CHIVITE GRAN FEUDO RESERVA 2009 DO Navarra $16.95 Vint Essential
+479014
-LUSTAU ALMACENISTA VIDES PALO CORTADO DE JEREZ SHERRY 500mL $37 +431940
-LUSTAU EMILÍN SOLERA RESERVA MOSCATEL SHERRY $36 +433052
-VIENTO ALISEO GRACIANO/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 DO La Mancha $17
+432021
-MUGA RESERVA 2011 DOCa Rioja $23.95 +177345 Vint Ess
-MUGA SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL RESERVA 2010 DOCa Rioja $40 +921536
-PALACIOS REMONDO LA MONTESA CRIANZA 2012 DOCa Rioja $21.95 +674572
-ALTO MONCAYO VERATON 2012 DO Campo de Borja $32.95 Vintages +173211
-PHINCAS 2011 DOCa Rioja $31 +431932

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-BHILAR PLOTS TINTO 2012 DOCa Rioja $19 +431908
-ALTO MONCAYO GARNACHA 2012 DO Campo de Borja $49 +396358
-PHINCA ENCANTO RUFETE 2011 DOCa Rioja $32.95 Vintages +424697
-TORRES GRAN CORONAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA 2011 DO Penédes $19.95
Vint Ess +36483
-DOMINIO DE PUNCTUM EL PAULAR TEMPRANILLO/MERLOT 2014 DO La Mancha $16
+432039
-BODEGAS TORO ALBALÁ ELÉCTRICO DEL LAGAR FINO DO Montilla-Moriles 500mL $14
+434076
-RIOJA VEGA RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $21.95 +423517
-HACIENDA VALVARÉS 2011 DOCa Rioja $19.95 Vintages +423509
-BARON DE LEY RESERVA 2010 DOCa Rioja $19.95 +958868
-MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS GRAN RESERVA 2005 DO Cariñena $16.95 Vintages
+82024

The Food: catered by Daniel et Daniel who, I understand, do the Vintages
events. In addition to the six pass-around platters (ham croquettes,
samosas, tomatoes, salmon, shrimp) there were four food stations:
pomegranate BBQ grilled quail with farro and bacon (my fave), striploin sous
vide with manchego croquette, house-smoked Arctic char with fennel salad,
and beet ravioli with walnuts and cream.
The Downside: OMG the music was loud! I couldn't talk to anyone without
shouting. Do they need this noise to sell wine?
The Upside: the wines and the food were better than I expected.
The Contact Person: prandolph@mcx.es
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com
AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
AND https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Dean Tudor, Ryerson University Journalism Professor Emeritus
Treasurer, Wine Writers' Circle of Canada
Look it up and you'll remember it; screw it up and you'll never forget it.

The Event: The Profile Wine Group's Portfolio tasting

The Date and Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2015    2PM to 8PM

The Event: The Profile Wine Group's Portfolio tasting

The Venue: Liberty Grand

The Target Audience: wine trade and customers

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available as LCBO, consignment or private order.

The Quote/Background: It is one of the biggest shows in Toronto with many principals coming and pouring their wines.

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

 

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

-Bodega Vistalba Corte B 2013 Argentina, $30.95 PO

-Wakefield The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $199.95  PO

-Wakefield Pioneer 2012 [shiraz], $199.95  PO

-Chateau de Nages Cuvee JT White 2013, $26.95     PO

-Chateau de Nages Vieilles Vignes White 2013, $21.95     Cons

-Domaines Famille Picard Chassagne Montrachet white 2012, $60.95    PO

-Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Reserve NV, [chardonnay] $18.95  LCBO

-Lungarotti Aurente 2010 [chardonnay]    $36.95  PO

-Bodegas LAN Reserva 2009, $26.95   Cons

-Bodegas LAN Edicion Limitada 2011, $69.95   Cons

-Chappellet Sonoma Loeb Chardonnay Reserve Carneros 2013,  $45.95  Cons

-J.Lohr October Night Chardonnay Arroyo Seco 2013, Vintages Dec 12   $30.95

-Miner Oracle Red 2010, $122.95   PO

-Miner Napa Chardonnay 2013,  $42.95  Cons

-Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer Reserve 2014    Vintages   $18.95

-Dandelion Lionheart Barossa Shiraz 2013, $21.95  PO

 

 

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

-Rosehall Run Cuvee County Chardonnay 2012, $18.36  Con

-Rosehall Run Indigo Sparkling NV, $24.95  Con

-Rosehall Run Solid Ground Riesling 2013, $14.95  Con

-Montes Purple Angel 2012 Chile,  Vintages Dec 12   $59.95

-Chateau Teyssier Le Carre 2007  $94.95  Cons

-Chateau Teyssier St.Emilion Grand Cru 2012  $44.95  Cons

-Domaines Famille Picard Volnay 2011,   $53.95   PO

-Les Grandes Serres Chateauneuf du Pape La Cour des Papes 201, $47.95 PO

-Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris Grand Cru Mambourg 2011 Vintages  $24.95

-Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche 2008     $59.95   Cons

-Aurelio Settimo Barolo Riserva 2004     $99.95   PO

-Castello di Querceto Romantic IGT 2009   $199.95   PO

-Cesari Besan Amarone 2006     $99.95   Cons

-Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Enrico VI 2010 $114.95   Cons

-Cordero di Montezemolo Chardonnay Langhe 2013  $41.95   Cons

-Fantinel Spumante Prosecco Brut One & Only   $23.95  PO

-Farnese Fantini Rose Cuvee Brut NV   $20.95  Cons

-Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Mix 36 2010  Classics April 2016   $79

-Pertimali Sassetti Livio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2006    $99.95 Cons

-Poggio al Tresoro Dedicato A Walter 2010 $104.95  PO

-Rocca delle Macie S. Zingarelli Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011 $110.95  PO

-Rocca di Castagnoli Capriai Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2011 $64.95  PO

-San Polo Brunello 2008   $55.95  Cons

-Bodegas LAN Vina Lanciano Reserva 2010 Rioja  $34.95  PO

-Juve y Camps Reserva de la Familia 2011, $25.95 PO

-Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $94.95 Cons

-J.Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $50.95 Cons

-Long Meadow Ranch Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc 2014, $35.95 PO

-Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay 2012, $37.95 Cons

-Merryvale Napa Cabernet Saivignon 2010, $119.95 Cons

-Miner Stagecoach Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $122.95 PO

-Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay 2011, $51.95  Cons

-Palmaz Cedar Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $90.95  Cons

-Peter Franus Proprietary Red Wine 2012, $74.95 Cons

-Somerston Priest Ranch Coachgun 2011, $124.95  PO

-Somerston Stornoway 2012, $149.95 PO

-Young Inglewood Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $147.95  Cons

-Young Inglewood Estate Right Bank Blend 20132, $123.95  Cons

-World's End Crossfire Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $166.95 Cons

-World's End If Six was Nine Cabernet Sauvignon Rserve 2010, $89.95 Cons

-Dominio del Plata Balbo Nosotros Malbec 2009, Vintages $100

-Dandelion Pride of the Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $21.95  PO

 

 

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

-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Vintages $19.95

-Domaines Famille Picard Chateau de Davenay Montagny 1er cru Clos Chaudron 2012, $37.95 PO

-Bersano Barolo Riserva 2007, $76.95 PO

-Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Arneis 2014, $24.95  Cons

-Mastroberardino Greco di Tufo 2014, $23.95 Cons

-Rocca delle Macie Moonlite IGT Toscana 2014, $17.95 PO

-Tenuta Rocca Chiara Chardonnay 2013, $26.95 PO

-Juve y Camps Cava Rosado NV, $25.95 PO

-Peter Franus Napap Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $35.95 PO

-Somerston Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc 2013, $26.95 Cons

 

The Food: cheeses, breads, espresso, prosciutto and salami, tapenade.

The Contact Person: aprodhon@profilewinegroup.com or jturco@profilewinegroup.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: A tasting of Bartali wines

The Date and Time:  Monday, September 28, 2015  3PM to 8PM

The Event: A tasting of Bartali wines

The Venue: Scratch Kitchen (great name) Yonge and Glen Echo

The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, customers and clients.

The Availability/Catalogue: six pack wines by consignment, from a new wine agency: www.w5vino.com (brothers Dan and Nick Lattanzio).

The Quote/Background: Filippo Volpini of Vincola Bartali (grandson of the founder Alberto Bartali who established the estates in 1927) was along for the private showing; he greatly assisted in providing additional information.

The Wines:

 

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

-Bartali Villa Reale Line Vecchia Corona IGT 2010 [supertuscan], $22.65

 

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

-Bartali Classic Line Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010, $55.30

-Bartali Classic Line Bolgheri DOC 2012, $34.35

-Bartali Villa Reale Line Chianti Classico DOCG 2013, $21.75

 

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

-Bartali Classic Line Chianti DOCG 2014 Ducceto, $16

-Bartali Classic Line Sangiovese di Toscana IGT, $13.50

 

The Food: Spuntini (snacks) from Chef Michael Tucker – salumi platter, cheeses, peppers, mushrooms, bruschetta, and diverse skewers.

The Downside: I had two previous tastings that day.

The Upside: My palate was fine since the stretch was from 11AM through 5PM, and I got a good walk to the Scratch Kitchen.

The Contact Person: nick@w5vino.com or dan@w5vino.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: A structured tasting of Domaine Pierre Amadieu of Gigondas, led by Henri-Claude Amadieu.

The Date and Time: Monday, September 28, 2015   11AM to 2PM

The Event: A structured tasting of Domaine Pierre Amadieu of Gigondas, led by Henri-Claude Amadieu.

The Venue: The Kitchen Event Room, LCBO #10 Scrivener Square.

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: 4 of the 6 wines are or will available through the LCBO's distribution channels. Two others were for reference tasting only and are not for sale anywhere.

The Quote/Background: I joined the tail end of the discussion but was able to have a private interview with Henri-Claude about his wines and to taste them on my own. While the ABV was 14.5 – 15%, at no time did any of the wines have a hot finish. Good winemaking here. The wines are also unfiltered, from old vines, and grenache/syrah blends. His wines are available here though Macdonald Wines & Spirits, a division of Trilogy Wine Group.

The Wines:

 

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

-Pierre Amadieu Domaine Grand Romane Rouge 2013 Gigondas TBD, $35

-Pierre Amadieu Le Pas de L'Aigle Rouge 2010 Gigondas Not for sale

-Pierre Amadieu Le Pas de L'Aigle Rouge 2009 Gigondas Not for sale

 

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

-Pierre Amadieu Le Pas de L'Aigle Rouge 2012 Gigondas TBD, $40

-Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte Rouge 2012 Gigondas Vintages $28

-Pierre Amadieu Vinsobres Les Piallats Rouge 2012  Consignment  $21

 

The Food: the event was catered with an Italian lunch; we had breaded mushrooms, salumi, olives, cheeses, panini, and more.

The Downside: I had just come from a tasting

The Upside: a good chance to chat with Henri-Claude

The Contact Person: info@trilogywinegroup.ca

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: A tasting and lunch with Marcelo Papa, Marques de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo (Concha y Toro) winemaker.

The Date and Time: Monday, September 28, 2015  11AM to 2PM

The Event: A tasting and lunch with Marcelo Papa, Marques de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo (Concha y Toro) winemaker.

The Venue: Le Select

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: some wines are here already, others will be here.

The Quote/Background: These units of Concha y Toro are moving towards a French influence and a Euro style, basically by using more French oak for that Euro elegance. We were all quite impressed with the newer style of wines. Marcelo took us through the basics of the Conch y Toro philosophy of viticulture and vinification as he led the tasting.

The Wines:

 

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

-Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2013, LCBO +278416, $13.90 (2013 expected on Jan 23, 2016)

-Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, Vintages Essential +337238, $21.90 (2013 expected in Feb 2016)

-Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir 2013 Limari, +301424 $19.95 Nov. 14 Vintages

 

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

-Marques de Casa Concha Syrah 2012 Maipo,  +19042 $19.95 Vintages November 28

 

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

-Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2014, +578641, $11.95 twist top

-Casillero del Diablo Carmenere Reserva 2013, +620666, $13.90

 

The Food: food was off the menu, and as I had to leave for another tasting, I grabbed a pepper steak and fries which went with all the reds.

The Downside: I had to leave early for another tasting.

The Upside: a chance to speak with Marcelo Papa again.

The Contact Person: caterine@catcom.ca or tbrown@escaladews.ca

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com