SOME NEW WINE BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH –

1.Maison Saint Aix AIX Rose 2015 Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, +451906, $21.95 Vintages: Made from the promising grapes of grenache, cinsault, syrah and counoise. Expect fresh orchard fruit tones with a soft finish, best as a sipper or with salads and simple pan- fried or grilled fish. Great colour. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

2.Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir 2014 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, $13.95, +57349 LCBO: medium-bodied, suggestive of Beaujolais (same grape variety). Easy drinking of (sour) cherry-berry flavours with occasional nuances of spices. No oaking. Best for patios, parties, BBQ. Ready now, but with some tannic structure to carry through a whole meal. 12.7% ABV, cork closure. A very popular wine (about 2500 cases made). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

3.Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir Old Vines 2011 VQA NOTL, +256834, $18.95: A re-order from Vintages (112 cases)– quite a powerful wine (the 2007 was a Cuvee winner), lots of forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red fruit. Could still use some time. 13% ABV. Considering its age, extremely good value. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

4.La Crema Chardonnay Monterey 2014, +158683 Vintages, $26.95: this is a Vintages re-order of the Monterey appellation Chardonnay from La Crema, but for the later 2014 harvest. Last June the release in Ontario was at the same price, when the CAD was better. So it becomes more of a bargain now. It is pretty much a cool climate chardonnay and fills a niche in the California Chardonnay landscape. It's angularity stresses brightness in the orchard fruit, with a nice lemony finish. Most of it was aged for 5 months in primarily French oak (15% new), the balance in stainless; the 13.5% ABV is down a bit from the 2013. Nuances of light oaking show with a reduced vanilla feel but still with a full body. Good price. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

5.Henry of Pelham Old Vines Baco Noir 2014 VQA Ontario, +459966, $19.95 LCBO General List: low yielding grapes come from 1984 and later plantings in Short Hills Bench area. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $20. Both new and older (one/two year old) US barrels are used for 14 months aging. It is still needs another year or so for proper aging, but with decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13.5% ABV. One of the top bacos at the LCBO. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

6.Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Dry Furmint 2014 Hungary, +445718 Vintages, $16.95: a solid Hungarian wine, the basis for Tokaij, but here done up in a dry style. The apricot tones still shine through, although muted without the sugar. A good wine for summer quaffing, very pleasant and thoroughly enjoyable. Try with a fish salad. 12% ABV, cork finish. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH! Nanban (Clarkson Potter)

NANBAN; Japanese soul food (Clarkson Potter, 2015, 256 pages, ISBN 978-0-553-45985-2, $35 USD hardbound) is by Tim Anderson, now proprietor of the Nanban pop-up restaurants. This is stick-to-the-ribs comfort food that is packed with flavour. He has 110 preps, all Japanized European dishes (Nanban means "southern barbarian" the initial name for Europeans in Japan who arrived from the East Indies). This applies to dishes like fried chicken and escabeche. The recipes are divided into seven sections: fundamentals, small dishes, large dishes, grilled, ramen, desserts, and drinks. Most of the recipes are for two or four people. Each prep has English titles and Japanese pictographs, and there are stories behind each one. Preparations have their ingredients listed in mainly metric and avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of equivalents.

Audience and level of use: loves of Japanese food looking for more than sushi.

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: kurume-style ramen; tea-pickled eggs; kushiyaki; tempura; mentaiko pasta; karashi renkon; whippy-san; hiyashi chuka.

The downside to this book: strange flexi-binding but it should hold OK. I always photocopy recipes first anyway, to reduce stress on the book.

The upside to this book: good looking photographs.

Quality/Price Rating: 89.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for MAY 28, 2016.

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for MAY 28, 2016.

=======================================================

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.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.

 

So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines.

 

This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis, can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com

 

20 under $20

=========

W-Pieropan Soave Classico 2014, +946848, $17.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

W-Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Dry Furmint 2014 Hungary, 12% ABV, +445718, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Provolo Camptorbian Ripass Valpolicella Superiore 2011,  14% A, +974402, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Fielding Red Conception 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 13% A,  +189183, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Finca El Origen Estate Reserva Torrontes 2015 Salta, 14.3% A, +262089, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Montgras Antu Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, 14.5%ABV, +444703, $17.95, +MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Rustenberg Chardonnay 2014 WO Stellenbosch, 14%ABV, +598631, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

W-Domaine de Rocherin Vieille Vignes Bourgogne Chardonnay 2014, 12.5% ABV, +445254, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90

W-Charles Bove Vouvray 2014, 11.5% ABV, +448563, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 91.

R-Chateau du Donjon Grande Tradition Minervois 2012, 14% ABV, +275578, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Santa Duc Les Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone 2009, 14% ABV, +101543, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 92.

W-Muga Barrel Fermented White Rioja 2015,  13.5% ABV, +958736, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2014 Campo de Borja, 15% ABV, +273748, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Baron de Magana 2010 Navarra, 14.5% ABV, +280552, $19.95,  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Masserie Pisari Primitivo 2013 IGT Salento Rosso, 14% ABV, +270306, $13.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Cant. Tollo Aldiano Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2011, 14% , +51706, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88

W-Fratelli Povero Terre del Conte Roero Arneis 2014, 13% ABV, +436915, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Chateau Peyros Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2010, 14% ABV, +234997, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Benmarco Malbec 2013 Uco Mendoza, 14% ABV, +657601, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Familia Garces Silva Boya Pinot Noir 2013 Leyda,  13% ABV,  +444711, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

 

20 over $20

========

Sparkling – Jackson-Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve Brut 2011 MT VQA Niagara Peninsula, 12% ABV, +234161, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2012 IGT Veronese, 13.5%ABV, +672931, $24.95,  MVC/QPR: 91.

R-Cantine di Ora Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2013, 14.5% ABV, +451666, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2013 Napa, 14.1% ABV, +346304, $67.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 13% ABV, +130989, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-La Crema Chardonnay 2014 Russian River  Sonoma, 13.5% A,  $39.95, +67231, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2013 Columbia Valley, 13.5%A,+232439, $20.95, MVC/QPR:88

W-Kim Crawford Wild Grace Small Parcels Chardonnay 2013, 13% ,+378604, $24.95,  MVC/QPR:92

R-Domaine Mathieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, 15% ABV, +971564, $41.95,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2010, 14% ABV, +378257, $54.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Ruffino Ducale Oro Riserva Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, 14.5% ABV, +353201, $47.95, MVC/QPR: 90

R-La Tercera Reserva 2010 Rioja, 13.5% ABV, +432443, $27.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Lopez de Haro Gran Reserva 2008 Rioja, 14% ABV< +431973, $27.95, MVC/QPR: 91.

R-Tobia Seleccion Crianza 2010 Rioja, 14% ABV, +364828, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2010, 13.5% A,  +368910, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Pascal Bouchard Les Champs Blancs Chablis 2014, 12.5% ABV, +445338, $26.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet/Merlot 2013 Margaret River, 14.5% A, +446682, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88

R-John Glaetzer John's Blend No. 38 Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Langhorne Creek, 14.5% ABV, +927640, $39.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Monte Bello  Santa Cruz, 13.5% ABV, +89284, $74.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Bachelder La Petite Charmotte Nuits Saint Georges 2013, 13% A, +357228, $58.95,MVC/QPR: 89.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Lunch with Jean-Edouard de Rochebouet, Director General of Atamisque in Uco Mendoza Argentina

The Date and Time: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 Noon - 2PM

The Event: Lunch with Jean-Edouard de Rochebouet, Director General of Atamisque in Uco Mendoza Argentina

The Venue: Le Select Bistro

The Availability/Catalogue: Two reds were listed last year at Vintages, two more will be coming this fall. These latter two were the reds I tasted today. Previously, I had rated the earlier two as: 

-BODEGA ATAMISQUE SERBAL ASSEMBLAGE 2012 Tupungato  +415331 $19.95 (100 cases) 14.5%ABV Varietal: Cabernet Franc Blend Gothic Epicures Rating: 3.5 stars

-ATAMISQUE MALBEC 2011 Old Vines (90 yr old) La Consulta (252 cases) +415208 $29.95

14.5% ABV Varietal: Malbec Gothic Epicures Rating: 4 stars

The Quote/Background: JE described the terroir and the winemaking processes. 80% of the production is for export, mainly to US and Canada. Atamisque makes 18 different wines with different clones at different selling prices. In 2016 they will make about half a million bottles, just under 42,000 cases. They have a capacity for one million bottles. This has been the fastest selling wine for the agent in Ontario. MCO says they have had four orders in a year. Atamisque is also known for selling grapes to Catena.

The Wines: Both wines had labels picturing local trees.

 

-Bodega Atamisque Serbal Malbec 2014 Tupungato, Uco Mendoza, $16.95 +444737 Sept 17 Vintages: earthy, forest floor, black fruit nose with a spicy finish for aromatics. Deep pluminess as a well-modulated and dense Malbec, good structure and brightness on the palate. No wood. Six months bottle aging. 14% ABV. 594 cases ordered. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

-Bodega Atamisque Catalpa Malbec 2013 Tupungato, Uco Mendoza, $19.95 +194126 Oct 1 Vintages Arrive in Style – High-Scoring/High-volume New World Wines: deep black fruit nose with mocha, vanillin oak expressions, more cherry-berry intensity on the palate. Some would say a good mouth-feel.14.8% ABV. One year French oak, 50% second use. 1500 (!) cases ordered. Could also taste better a year from now. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

The Food: off the menu. I had duck leg confit. And of course it was a good fit.

The Contact Person: jer@atamisque.com; mco@mcowines.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Porto and Douro Wine Tasting - IVDP

The Date and Time: Monday May 2, 2016, 4PM to 8 PM

The Event: Porto and Douro Wine Tasting - IVDP

The Venue: Hyatt Regency King Street

The Target Audience: wine trade and consumers.

The Availability/Catalogue: Wines were largely available as future arrivals in the LCBO system or by consignment. There were fewer wines than last year from fewer producers. Five agents manned the tables. We had blank pages for a catalogue.

The Quote/Background: There was a seminar ahead of the show but I was unable to attend.

The Wines: There was no over all listing and notes were handscribed over the noise. My apologies for lack of information and errors.

 

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

-Grahams 20 Year Old Port  Mark Anthony

-Crasto Superior Douro Red 2013, $32 FWP

-Crasto Reserva 20122, $41  FWP

-Murcas Reserva Red Douro 2011, $42   Eurovintage

-Taylor's 40 Year Old Port   Sylvestre

-Taylor's 30 Year Old Port   Sylvestre

-Taylor's 20 Year Old Port   Sylvestre

-C. da Silva Douro Colheita Porto 1995  Case for Wine, $35 PO

-DFJ Vinhos Vega 2013 Red Douro, $15 – 17   FWP

-DFJ Vinhos Escada 2007 Red Douro, $40 – 42  FWP

 

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

-Warre Otima 10 Year Old Tawny Port, +566174, 500 ml, $21.95

-C. da Silva Douro Red 2012, +452714, ~$13.95 Vintages Sept/16

-Quinta do Convento Douro 2013, Eurovintage

-Senhora do Convento Tawny 10 year old Port, Eurovintage

-Crasto Red 2014, $20.25  FWP

-Esporao Assobio 2015 White Douro, $15 – 17 Eurovintage

-Esporao Assobio 2014 Red Douro, $15 – 17  Eurovintage

-Taylor's 10 Year Old Port   Sylvestre

-J Rosas Quinta da Touriga Puro Red 2013 $17-18   FWP

-DFJ Vinhos Patamar Reserva 2013 Red Douro, $23 – 24  FWP

 

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

-Senhora do Convento Red Douro 2012, Eurovintage

-Crasto White Douro 2014, $16.10 FWP

 

The Food: good bread and water, with www.davidhchow.com providing great artisanal chocolates, some designed just for this event. There was "Figo" (fig + port jam, vincotto ganache), "Avela" (milk chocolate and hazelnut praline), "Tablet" (dark chocolate, sundried cherries, dried raspberries; another version had black figs and pistachios), "Miele" (Ontario buckwheat honey, salted walnut, dark chocolate ganache), and my fave: "Tonka" (salted butter,caramel, and pecan). Wonderful craftsmanship, often better than the wines!

The Downside: it got crowded really fast, and there were few wines to try.

The Upside: great tawnies.

The Contact Person: madison@wolffpublicrelations.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 82.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! Southern Spirits (Ten Speed Press)

 

SOUTHERN SPIRITS (Ten Speed Press, 2016, 316 pages, ISBN 978-1-60774-867-0, $24.99 USD hardbound) is by Robert F. Moss, a food and drink writer in Charleston, South Carolina. He has written free-lance articles plus books on southern BBQ and dining. Here, he expands on four hundr3d years of drinking in the American south, with archival black and white illustrations and with recipes. While most people will relate to moonshine and mint juleps, southerners also drank lagers, applejack, and peach brandy/bourbon  (precursor to Southern Comfort) and imported beverages such as Madeira, cognac, and rye.

He does a great job in dispelling the "bourbon" myth as being the only drink. The research is fascinating and impeccable. There is a bibliography and an index, with all the 25 drink recipes collated together under the entry "Recipes" as well as alphabetically within the main index itself. These preparations have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of metric equivalents.

Audience and level of use: culinary historians; Southern US history buffs; drinkers.

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: apple cider sidecar; black walnut orgeat; coca-cola simple syrup; creole contentment; moonshine margarita; ramos gin fizz; rum punch.

The downside to this book: I would have liked more recipes.

The upside to this book: he's a culinary historian, so it is a well-researched package.

Quality/Price Rating: 92.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

* FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH! *

NOURISH; whole food recipes featuring seeds, nuts & beans (Whitecap, 2015, 224 pages, ISBN 978-1-77050-243-7, $29.95 CDN paper covers) is by Nettie Cronish (cookbook author, veggie chef) and Cara Rosenbloom, RD. And ounce for ounce, you really cannot beat any combo of seeds, nuts and beans for nutritional value. The health benefits flow from fibre, protein, and oils contained within these embryotic eggs of the veggie world. Coupled with meats/dairy/seafood, they can provide anything that men desire in the way of food. My regular breakfast is a combo of seeds (hemp, chia, sesame, ground flax, sunflower, pumpkin) and nuts (peanuts, almonds) with an ever changing sauce or liquid. Often, I have a lunch or dinner of "fagioli e minestri" (Italian for beans and greens). At dinner I add Italian sausage, maybe some pasta. Hey, that's my ideal food day! So I am already converted. After the primer describing these ingredients, the arrangement is by course, apps through desserts. The 101 preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric and avoirdupois measurements.

Audience and level of use: those looking for more nutrition and flavours in their lives.

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: chicken, greens and beans stew; strawberry kale salad with garam masala-spiced seeds; almond fennel celery slaw; watermelon salad with chickpeas and feta; fruit crisp with pumpkin seed crumble; scrambled eggs with black beans and salsa.

The downside to this book: nothing really, very comprehensive, maybe it could use a few more preps.

The upside to this book: there is a bibliography and a nutritional analysis.

Quality/Price Rating: 90.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

RE: The Event: Dr. Loosen Masterclass Mosel Tasting of Riesling and Pfalz Pinot Noir, with Ernst Loosen, April 2016

Thanks Dean!

 

Liz Morellato Trade Marketing Manager
Ph: +1 416 367 5600 Ext.19 |  Toronto, ON

From: Dean Tudor [mailto:dtudor@pathcom.com]
Sent: May 17, 2016 6:51 PM
To: blog1 <dtudor2.epicures@blogger.com>
Subject: The Event: Dr. Loosen Masterclass Mosel Tasting of Riesling and Pfalz Pinot Noir, with Ernst Loosen, April 2016

 

The Date and Time: Wednesday April 27, 2016  2PM to 5 PM

The Event: Dr. Loosen Masterclass Mosel Tasting of Riesling and Pfalz Pinot Noir, with Ernst Loosen.

The Venue: Select Wines Office

The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers.

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are at Vintages or LCBO general listing; others are TBD or private order.

The Quote/Background: Ernst talked about his Washington State venture with Chateau Ste. Michelle, emphasizing the similarities of terrain and micro-climates. In Mosel, he insists on fully mature fruit that has been strictly selected and with minimal technology. Sustainability and organic principles are also followed.

The Wines: Of course, Germany is the largest producer of Riesling wines in the world.

 

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

-Dr. Loosen Graacher Himmelreich Riesling GG (Great Growth) Dry 2014, TBD

-Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett Mosel 2015 Bernkastel, +160846, $22.95  8% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV, $40 – 50 TBD

-Dr. Loosen Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV $60 TBD

-Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese Single Vineyard Old Vines 2005, +62778, $108.25 375 mL bottle

 

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

-Dr. L Riesling Sparkling NV, +296095, $14.95

-Dr. L Riesling Dry 2015 Mosel, +423566, $13.95

-Dr. L Riesling 2014 Mosel, +599274, $13.95

-Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett Mosel Single Vineyard 2015 Bernkasteler, TBD $25 - 30 7.5% ABV

 

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

-E Loosen Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2014 Pfalz, +291971, $12.95

-E Loosen Villa Wolf Riesling Dry 2014 Pfalz, +394023, $12.95

 

The Food: international cheeses from the Cheese Boutique, biscuits, breads.

The Downside: Ernst spoke a lot, I wished that I had a recorder.

The Upside: I personally really learned a lot, especially from the very attractive booklet we were given. All of the wines were carefully exp0lained and mapped; the pictures were vivid.

The Contact Person: morellato@selectwines.ca

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Dr. Loosen Masterclass Mosel Tasting of Riesling and Pfalz Pinot Noir, with Ernst Loosen, April 2016

The Date and Time: Wednesday April 27, 2016  2PM to 5 PM

The Event: Dr. Loosen Masterclass Mosel Tasting of Riesling and Pfalz Pinot Noir, with Ernst Loosen.

The Venue: Select Wines Office

The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers.

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are at Vintages or LCBO general listing; others are TBD or private order.

The Quote/Background: Ernst talked about his Washington State venture with Chateau Ste. Michelle, emphasizing the similarities of terrain and micro-climates. In Mosel, he insists on fully mature fruit that has been strictly selected and with minimal technology. Sustainability and organic principles are also followed.

The Wines: Of course, Germany is the largest producer of Riesling wines in the world.

 

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

-Dr. Loosen Graacher Himmelreich Riesling GG (Great Growth) Dry 2014, TBD

-Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett Mosel 2015 Bernkastel, +160846, $22.95  8% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV, $40 – 50 TBD

-Dr. Loosen Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV $60 TBD

-Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese Single Vineyard Old Vines 2005, +62778, $108.25 375 mL bottle

 

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

-Dr. L Riesling Sparkling NV, +296095, $14.95

-Dr. L Riesling Dry 2015 Mosel, +423566, $13.95

-Dr. L Riesling 2014 Mosel, +599274, $13.95

-Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett Mosel Single Vineyard 2015 Bernkasteler, TBD $25 - 30 7.5% ABV

 

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

-E Loosen Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2014 Pfalz, +291971, $12.95

-E Loosen Villa Wolf Riesling Dry 2014 Pfalz, +394023, $12.95

 

The Food: international cheeses from the Cheese Boutique, biscuits, breads.

The Downside: Ernst spoke a lot, I wished that I had a recorder.

The Upside: I personally really learned a lot, especially from the very attractive booklet we were given. All of the wines were carefully exp0lained and mapped; the pictures were vivid.

The Contact Person: morellato@selectwines.ca

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for MAY 14, 2016.

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for  MAY 14, 2016.

=======================================================================

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.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.

 

So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines.

 

This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com

 

20 under $20

=========

W-Te Pa Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +450668, $19.95, MVC/QPR:  88.

W-Rosewood Sussreserve Riesling 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +258806, $14.95, 10.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Famiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2015 Mendoza, +1461, $17.95, 14% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +37911, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmenere 2012 Maule, +957050, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2013 Langhorne Creek, +72975, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Chateau de Panigon 2010 Cru Bourgeois Medoc, +348250, $19.95, 14% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Chateau du Chatelard Cuvee Les Vieilles Vignes Beaujolais-Villages 2014, +445320, $17.95, 12.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-D'Angelo Sacravite 2013 IGT Basilicata, +440834, $15.95, 13% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Rendola Rosso de Montalcino 2009, +438564, $15.95, 13.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR:  89.

R-San Leonino Chianti Classico 2012, +412387, $19.95, 13.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Oro de Castilla Verdejo 2014 Rueda Spain, +745562, $15.95, 13% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Bod. Balbas Ardal Crianza 2010 Ribera del Duero, +167601, $18.95, 14% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Marin Old Vine Garnacha 2010 Carinena, +214205, $14.95, 13.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Monterebro Seleccion 2013 Jumilla, +443929, $19.95, 14.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2014 Lodi, +460659, $17.95, 14.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Liberty School Syrah 2013 Central Coast, +942383, $18.95, 13.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Graham Beck Game Reserve Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Paarl, +443366, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Rabl Kittmansberg Gruner Veltliner 2014 Kamptal, +346007, $15.95, 12.5% ABV.  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Gerard Bertrand Syrah/Grenache 2013 Languedoc, +413237, $16.95, 13.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88.

 

20 over $20

=========

W-Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +677450, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Ernest Meurgey-Perron Pouilly-Fuisse 2012, +448852, 13% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Pierre Amadieu Romane-Machotte Gigondas 2013, +17400, $24.95, 14.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Val di Suga Brunello di Monmtalcino 2010, +713719, $48.95, 14.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Latium Morini Campo Leon Amarone della Valpolicella 2010, +334300, $47.95,  MVC/QPR: 92.

R-Bod. Altanza Lealtanza Gran Reserva Rioja 2008, +453548,  $29.95, 13.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-La Regola Vallino 2008 IGT Rosso Toscano, +440602, $26.95, 14% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88,

R-Casetta Barolo 2011, +4523, $29.95, 14.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Cave de Rasteau Ortas Prestige Rasteau 2011, +985929, $21.95, 14.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Nuiton-Beaunoy Beaune 2012, +447573, $37.95, 13% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Chateau Brande-Bergere Cuvee O'Byrne 2009 Bordeaux Superieur, +446674, $25.95, 13.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Tawse Sketches of Niagara Cabernet/Merlot 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +130252, $20.95, 13% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Nyarai Cellars Cadence 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  +451781, $21.95, 13% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88

R-Domaine Queylus Tradition Pinot Noir 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +392738, $29.95, 13.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Southern Valleys Marlborough, +663286, $22.95,  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Thornbury Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago, +329706, $24.95, 13.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 87.

R-Elephant Hill Le Phant 2014 Hawkes Bay, +447367, $22.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Pascual Toso Alta Cabernet 2013 Barrancas Vineyards Mendoza, +441907, $32.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Viewpointe Focal Point Cabernet Franc 2010 VQA Lake Erie North Shore, +450916, $24.95, 13.5% ABV,  MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2013 Sonoma County, +275552, $24.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: County in the City -- Try and Buy Prince Edward County wines

The Date and Time: Thursday April 14 2016, 1PM to 4:30PM

The Event: County in the City Try and Buy

The Venue: Berkeley Church

The Target Audience: wine trade in the afternoon; consumers at night

The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available from the winery and/or LCBO channels.

The Quote/Background: This the fifth annual show of Prince Edward County wines in Toronto, and the media had a private table with iced wines and a seat for our computers. Consumers were able to mix and match bottles from different wineries and receive free shipping (minimum of six bottles).

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines.

 

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

-CLOSSON CHASE    2014 Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay    28.95   

-Closson Chase South Clos Chardonnay $35

-Stanners 2014 Chardonnay VQA PEC    30.00   

-Rosehall Run Winery JCR Rosehall Vineyard Chardonnay (2013)     29.95   

   

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

-2014 Closson Chase Watson Pinot Noir    34.95   

-2015 Closson Chase Watson Pinot Gris    21.95   

-2014 Closson Chase The Brock Chardonnay $23           

-HUFF ESTATES WINERY    2013 Cuvée Janine (Sparkling Rose)     30.00   

-Huff Estates    2015 Pinot Gris    20.00   

-Huff Estates    2014 South Bay Chardonnay    30.00   

-KARLO ESTATES 2015 County Pinot Gris    29.00   

-Karlo Estates    2015 Lake on the Mountain Riesling     29.00   

-Karlo Estates     2013 Three Witches    26.00   

-Karlo Estates     2013 Trimvirate    36.00   

-Lighthall Vineyards    2014 Pinot Noir    30.00   

-TRAYNOR FAMILY VINEYARD Sauvignon Blanc    24.95   

-Trail Estate 2015 Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc Hughes Vineyard    28.00

-Trail Estate 2014 Pinot Noir Rosé    21.95   

-Norman Hardie 2013 Chardonnay Unfiltered    39.20   

-Keint-He Winery    2014 Portage Chardonnay    25.00   

 

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

-BROKEN STONE WINERY    Broken Stone Winery Pinot Noir 2014, VQA PEC    25.00   

-Broken Stone Winery Cabernet Franc 2015, VQA Four Mile Creek    20.00   

-CASA DEA ESTATES WINERY 2015 Dea's Cuvée     18.95   

-GRANGE OF PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY     Chardonnay    20.00   

-Huff Estates     2013 Pinot Noir Reserve    30.00   

-Karlo Estates 2013 Chardonnay CHOA    25.00   

-NORMAN HARDIE WINERY & VINEYARD 2014 Cabernet Franc Unfiltered

-Traynor Family Chardonnay    24.95   

-TRAIL ESTATE WINERY    2014 Riesling    23.95   

-STANNERS VINEYARD    2014 Pinot Gris VQA PEC     25.00   

-Stanners Vineyard 2013 Pinot Noir VQA PEC    35.00   

-ROSEHALL RUN WINERY Hungry Point Unoaked Chardonnay (2015)     19.95   

-Rosehall Run Winery 77    Defiant Pinot Noir (2014)     18.95   

-LIGHTHALL VINYARDS    2013 Progression Sparkling    20.00   

-Lighthall Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay    25.00   

-KEINT-HE WINERY AND VINEYARD    2013 Voyageur Chardonnay    17.00   

-Keint-He Winery    2013 Frost Road Chardonnay    25.00   

-Keint-He Winery 2013 Portage Pinot Noir    30.00   

 

The Food: international cheeses and breads for the trade.

The Downside: I had just been to a wine tasting.

The Upside: a chance to catch up with PEC wines.

The Contact Person: katie@drinkinc.ca

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com