The Event: A taste and buy preview of the 2014 Burgundy vintage via Henriot family (Bouchard Pere & Fils, William Fevre Chablis, and Villa Ponciago Fleurie).

The Date and Time: Thursday, May 19, 2016  11AM to 3 PM

The Event: A taste and buy preview of the 2014 Burgundy vintage via Henriot family (Bouchard Pere & Fils, William Fevre Chablis, and Villa Ponciago Fleurie).

The Venue: Canoe

The Target Audience: licensees, wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available through the LCBO or by private order (by the case of six bottles). Luc Bouchard chose the wines (19 burgundy, 7 chablis) for this tasting preview – out of 76 burgundies offered and 21 chablis offered – but all wines are available for ordering through Woodman (see their price list).

The Quote/Background: As tasted, the 2014 reds were mid-weight while the 2014 whites were classics, and of course, I preferred the whites.

The Wines: Everything was from 2014 except a few at the LCBO – Beaune du Chateau 1er Cru 2011 +325142, $37; Montagny 1er Cru 2013 +653683, $30; William Fevre Les Clos 2013 Chablis +641381 Classics, $130.

 

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

-Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune Greves Vigne Enfant Jesus Monopole 2014, $150

-Nuits St Georges Les Cailles 2014, $147

-Volnay Caillerets Ancienne Cuvee Carnot 2014, $112.

-Chambolle Musigny 2014, $77

-Meursault Genevrieres, $120 – My FAVE of the morning

-Chassagne-Montrachet 2014, $75

-Puligny-Montrachet 2014, $79

-William Fevre Bougros 2014, $97

-William Fevre Beauroy 2014, $58

-William Fevre Fourchaume 2014, $69

-Champagne Henriot Brut Rose NV, $90

 

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

-William Fevre Les Preuses 2014, $123

-William Fevre Montmains 2014, $58

-William Fevre Vaillons 2014, $58

-William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux 2014, $25 Consignment

-Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain NV, $63 +959643

-Bouchard Pere & Fils Macon Lugny Saint-Pierre 2014, $18 +51573

-Chappelle-Chambertin 2014, $295

-Le Corton 2014, $175

-Beaune Clos de la Mousse Monopole 2014, $77

-Pommard 1er Cru 2014, $89

-Savigny Les Beaune Les Lavieres 2014, $63

-Gevrey Chambertin 2014, $66

-Chevalier-Montrachet 2014, $460

-Corton-Charlemagne 2014, $250

-Beaune du Chateau 2014, $51

-Meursault Les Clous 2014, $65

-Montagny 1er Cru 2014, $37 – best buy, both 2013 and 2014

-Saint Veran 2014, $30

-Pouilly-Fuisse 2014, $29  +56580

 

The Food: house crafted upscale charcuterie/salumi, international cheeses, honeys, nuts, oysters with the Champagne, breads.

The Downside: are you kidding?

The Upside: the "view from Canoe", plus a chance to chat with Luc Bouchard as I do every year.

The Contact Person: info@woodmanws.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Riesling & Co.; wines of Germany.

The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 18, 2016  11AM  - 4PM

The Event: Riesling & Co.; wines of Germany.

The Venue: Arcadian Loft

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was fairly detailed, although it did lack prices.

The Quote/Background: The seminar was conducted by John Szabo and the current German Wine Queen, Josefine Schlumberger. It focused on food and wine matching as in previous years, but this time the foods were all Asiatic: Thai, Japanese, Chinese, India.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine as I had a time conflict. The seminar wines were folded into the list below.

 

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

-Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Brut Deutsche Sekt NV MC, $26.95   PMA

-Schloss Schonborn Risling Auslese 2005 Hattenheim Pfaffenberg   HHD Imports

-Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Riesling Spatlese Monopol 2003 Josephshoefer  HHD Imports

-Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Riesling Auslese Mosel 1999 Josephshoefer  HHD Imports

-Winzergenossenschaft Konigsschaffhausen-Kiechlinsbergen Spatburgunder Blanc de Noirs 2014, $16.95 PO  HHD Imports

-Winzervereinigung Freyburg-Unstrut Riesling Sekt 2012 Extra Brut   Angyal

-Pinot Sekt Brut Alde Gott eG Baden 2013

-Domdechant Werner'sches Weingut Kirchenstueck Riesling GG Dry Rheingau 2008 HHDImports

-Leitz Ruedesheimer Berg Roseneck Riesling Spatlese Rheingau 2004  Hobbs & Co

-Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Josephe

 

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

-Schmitt Sohne Beerenauslese 2015 Rheinhessen    HHD Imports

-Hiestand Gewurztraminer 2014 Rheinhessen Guntersblum     Univins and Spirits

-Solter Brut Pinot Cuvee Sekt Sekthaus Solter Rheingau

-Rappenhof Pettenthal Riesling GG Dry 2014 Rheinhessen     Churchill

-Divino Alte Reben Silvaner Dry Franken 2014

-Helmut Doennhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett Nahe 2014    Soleil

 

The Food: at the seminar we had twelve wines, but I just concentrated on the inner eight dry table wines. They were paired with Thai (humbold squid, nam prik, mango: a young silvaner and riesling), Japanese (red miso tofus, hens egg, shiitake: a young silvaner and an older riesling), Chinese (sweet & sour pork, bok choy, long bean: riesling kabinett and 2004 spatlese – best set of pairing in the lunch), and Indian (lamb sirloin, kaffir lime and cilantro, spiced tomato: young pinot noir wasted, inspired 1999 riesling auslese). It was a very instructive seminar.

The Downside: I had to leave early for another commitment on my time.

The Upside: a chance for the food match.

The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 11, 2016.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 11, 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

 

BONUS:  La Guita Manzanilla Sherry, 15% ABV, +337022, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 93.

 

20 under $20

=========

R-Rosenblum Zinfandel 2012 Paso Robles,  14.1% ABV, +450544, $19.95, MVC/QPR:  89.

W-Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2013 CSV VQA Beamsville Bench, 13% ABV, +256552, $18.95,  MVC/QPR: 90

W-Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2014 VQA Niagara, 10% ABV, +89029, $17.95, MVC/QPR:91

R-Chateau des Charmes Estate Bottled Old Vines Pinot Noir 2011 VQA NOTL, 13% ABV, +256834, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 91

R-Rainier Wine Diversion Majestic Red 2013 Washington, 13.6%, +446997, $18.95,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Zonte's Footstep Baron Von Nemesis Whiraz 2013 Barossa, 14.5% ABV, +212936, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Jardin Sauvignon Blanc 2014 WO Stellenbosch, 13% ABV, +663302, $15.95,  MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Cave de Beblenheim Heimberger Reserve Sylvaner 2014, 12% ABV, +446443, $13.95,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Sourdais Chinon 2014 Loire, 13% ABV,  +451898, $16.95,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Chateau Grand Moulin Vieilles Vignes 2012 Corbieres, 13.5% ABV, +440842, $15.95,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Domaine Les Verrieres Les Sept Fonraines 2009 Langedoc, 13.5% ABV, +362913, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling 2014 Mosel, 8.5% ABV, +599274, $13.95,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Lopez de Haro Crianza 2010 Rioja,  13.5% ABV, +377481, $15.95,  MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Fielding Estate Riesling 2014 VQA Beamsville Bh, 10.5% ABV, +251439, $19.95,  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Creekside Estate Laura's Red 2012 VQA Niagara, 13.5% ABV, +117960, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Seven Falls Merlot 2011 Wahluke Slope Columbia Vly, 14% ABV, +420711, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88

R-Balbo Crios Pinot Noir 2014 Uco Vly, 14% ABV, +450098, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-San Felice Chianti Classico 2013, 13% ABV, +282996, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88

R-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Ribera del Tinguiririca Machigue Central Valley Chile, 14% ABV, +256693, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Byron & Harold Rose & Thorns Shiraz 2013, 14% ABV, +453183, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

 

 

20 over $20

=========

R-Ca' Momi Zinfandel 2014 Napa, 13.9% ABV, +396168, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Paul Dolan Zinfandel 2013 Mendocino, 15% ABV, +46342, $29.95,  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Candor Lot 7 Zinfandel Lodi, 14.5% ABV, +133389, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2014 BC VQA Okanagan Vly, 13% ABV, +585760, $27.95, MVC/QPR:88

W-Casa Lapostelle Cuvee Alexandre 2013 Atalaysa Vyd Casablanca, 14.5% ABV,+947937, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Forest Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Great Southern Western Australia, 14% ABV, +380840, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 89

W-Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +735043, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Alain Geoffroy Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2014, 13% ABV,  +733501, $31.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Chaumeau-Balland & Fils Domaine La Grande Maison Sancerre 2014, 13% ABV, +452532, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiller Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese 2013 Mosel, 8.5% ABV, +339150, $26.95,  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Cafaggio Basilica Solatio Riserva Chianti Class 2010, 14.5% ABV, +441279, $39.95, MVC/QPR:88.

R-Poggio Stella Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2011, 13.5% ABV, +444810, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88

R-Tenuta La Fuga Brunello di Montalcino 2010, 15% ABV, +212837, $42.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Brunelli Amarone dell Valpolicella Classico 2012, 15% ABV,  +439745, $51.95,  MVC/QPR:  90.

R-Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino 2013, 13% ABV, +333575, $20.95, MVC/QPR: 87.

R-Olivier & Lafont Gigondas 2013,  14.4% ABV, +452300, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 87.

R-Domaine Belle Les Pierrelles Crozes-Hermitage 2012, 13% ABV, +451880, $27.95. MVC/QPR: 87.

R-Chateau Maurac 2013 Cru Bourgeois Haut-Medoc, 13.5% ABV, +365817, $26.95,  MVC/QPR: 87.

W-Paquet Chateau de Chaintre Pouilly-Fouisse 2014, 13.5% ABV, +445239, $27.95, MVC/QPR: 87.

W-Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling 2015 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, 9.5% ABV, +578625, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 87.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

 

The Event: Savour Australia Toronto

The Date and Time:  Monday, May 16, 2016  11:30AM to 4PM

The Event: Savour Australia Toronto

The Venue: Verity (seminar) and George (trade show)

The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: as always, some wines are at the LCBO, others are by private order or consignment, etc. The catalogue was arranged by producer, and retail prices were noted.

The Quote/Background: The seminar stressed historical evolution and modern changes in new grapes and techniques. Twelve wines were presented, and their ratings were folded into the listing below. John Szabo and Oz winemakers commented.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine (there were over 100 of them).

 

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

-Kilikanoon Mort's Reserve Watervale Riesling 2006 Clare Valley, $50 Charton Hobbs

-Cirillo 1850 Steingarten Shiraz 2014 Barossa, $35  Bokke

-Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2013 Margaret River, $96  Terra Firma

-Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Margaret River, $68 Terra Firma

-Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay 2014 Margaret River, $39.95  Terra Firma

-Alpha Box & Dice Xola Aglianico 2011 McLaren Vale, $45

-Ulupna Royal Phoenix Shiraz 2009 Goulburn Valley Victoria, $55   United Stars

-Ulupna Late Harvest Shiraz 2012 Goulburn Valley Victoria, $29   United Stars

-Alpha Box & Dice Apostle Shiraz Durif 2012 McLaren Vale, $50

-Moss Wood Chardonnay 2014 Margaret River, $64.95  Terra Firma

-Voyager Estate Chardonnay 2013 Margaret River, $45   Vinexx

-Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2012 Margaret River, $70   Vinexx

 

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

-Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2013 Margaret River, $36  Terra Firma

-Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2015 Margaret River, $26.95  Terra Firma

-Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2015 Margaret River, $26.95  Terra Firma

-Moss Wood Pinot Noir 2014 Margaret River, $55  Terra Firma

-Moss Wood Amy's 2014 Margaret River, $37.95  Terra Firma

-Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2015 Margaret River, $30  Terra Firma

-Voyager Estate Chenin Blanc 2015 Margaret River, $20   Vinexx

-Voyager Estate Chardonnay 2013 Margaret River, $45   Vinexx

-Voyager Estate Girt by Sea Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2013 Margaret River, $28 Vinexx

-Kilikanoon Mort's Block Watervale Riesling 2015 Clare Valley, $19.95  Charton Hobbs

-Hollick Bond Road Chardonnay 2014 Coonawarra, $25.95  Lifford

-Cirillo 1850 The Vincent Grenache 2015 Barossa, $30  Bokke

-Hollick Cabarenet Sauvignon 2013 Coonawarra, $35  Lifford

-Hollick Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Coonawarra, $75

-Fowles Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz 2012 Strathbogie Ranges Victoria, $34.95

-Ochota Barrels I Am The Owl Syrah 2015 Adelaide Hills, $60

-Ulupna Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 Goulburn Valley Victoria, $23   United Stars

-Ulupna Limited Edition Shiraz 2014 Goulburn Valley Victoria, $32   United Stars

-Ulupna Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Goulburn Valley Vic, $32  United Stars

-Franklin Tate Estates Alexander's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Margaret River, $41.95  Wine Guru

-Franklin Tate Estates Alexander's Vineyard Shiraz 2014 Margaret River,$41.95 Wine Guru

 

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

-Franklin Tate Estates Chardonnay 2015 Margaret River, $17.95 +453373

-Cirillo 1850 Ancestor Semillon 2011 Barossa, $36  Bokke

-d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2012 McLaren Vale, $35

-St.Hallett Old Block Shiraz 2013 Barossa, $80  Select

-Soumah Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 Yarra Valley, $34.95    Von Terra

-Soumah Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 Yarra Valley, $34.95    Von Terra

-BK Wines Skin 'n' Bones White 2015 Adelaide Hills, $50

-Jauma Like Raindrops Grenache 2015 McLaren Vale, $60

-Brash Higgins Nero d'Avola Amphorae Project 2015 McLaren Vale, $55

-Fowles Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Chardonnay 2014 Strathbogie Ranges Victoria, $34.95   Von Terra

-Stonier Chardonnay 2015 Mornington Peninsula Victoria  $35  Select

 

The Food: cheese, breads

The Downside: the red wines in the seminar, at my table at least, were served too cold.

The Upside: a good chance to taste Oz wines that sell for over $20 in Ontario.

The Contact Person: anne.popoff@wineaustralia.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Taste of Greece Grand Tasting: brilliant wines

The Date and Time: Sunday May 15, 2016   12:30 PM to 2PM

The Event: Taste of Greece Grand Tasting: brilliant wines

The Venue: ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: the wines were available through the LCBO, at the Danforth LCBO "Greek" store, Consignment, Private Order, etc. Some wineries were looking for agents. The catalogue was sorely lacking in details on terms of availability and prices, but it did have the names of agents.

The Quote/Background: I had a minimal amount of time since I was committed elsewhere later in the day (it was Sunday: who has a wine trade show on Sunday?). Consequently, I decided to skip all the wineries who were looking for agents and concentrated on the others. Even so, many of the agents were vague about prices.

The Wines:  I did not try every wine; I just sampled the ones that I thought would be the best.

 

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

-Monemvasia Winery 300 Red [mavroudi, agiorgitiko]2006, $40   Celebrity Wines

-Domaine Costa Lazaridi Amethystos Red 2012 [cab sauv, merlot] $23.95 +724831 Vintages

-Alpha Estate Red 2012 [syrah, xinomavro, merlot], $26    Eurovintage

-Domiane Glinavos Dryades 2007, $23.75    Intravino

-Papaioannou Estate Microclima 2005 Agiorgitiko $75  Kolonaki

 

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

-Semeli Nemea Reserve Agiorgitiko 2012, $26 PO  Artisanal Wine Imports

-Domaine Costa Lazaridi Oenodea Red 2012 [cab sauv, syrah] $19.95  Dionysus

-Domaine Costa Lazaridi Amethystos White 2015 [sauv blanc, assyrtiko] $19.95 +984864 Vintages Jan 18, 2017

-Hatzimichalis Estate Chardonnay 2015     Dionysus

-Hatzimichalis Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 +538074, $17.95 Vintages

-Alpha Xinomavro 2012, $18 Eurovintage

-Alpha Axia 2012, $17.75  +392282

-Domaine Porto Carras Ruby Heart 2013, $16.95  PO   Intravino

-Ktima Theopetra Tsililis Theopetra Red 2012, $26  Intravino

-Ktima Theopetra Tsililis Theopetra Limniona 2012, $28  Intravino

-Domaine Vassiliou-Nemeion Estate Hgemon Agiorgitiko 2007 $29.95 PO Intravino

-Mediterra Winery Mirambelo 2011 $16  Kolonaki

-Papaioannou Estate 2010 Agiorgitiko $21.95  Kolonaki

-Papaioannou Estate Old Vines 2010 Agiorgitiko $32.95  Kolonaki

-Domaine Papagiannakos Kalogeri Malagousia 2015  Majestic

-Domaine Sigalas Santorini 2015  Majestic

-Domaine Mercouri Estate Red [refosco, mavrodaphne] 2014 $18.90   Rubaiyat Wines

-Gaia Wines S 2014 [agiorgitiko, syrah]    Small Winemakers Collection

-Cavino Nemea Grande Reserve 2009 Agiorgitiko $17   United Stars Corp

 

The Food: Daniel and Daniel put out their usual charcuterie platter with international cheeses and dips, smoked duck breast, and other items.

The Downside: I was unable to taste most of the wines.

The Upside: the place was packed – who knew people were free on Sunday?

The Contact Person: gathanas@allaboutgreekwine.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour, Toronto 2016.

The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 1PM to 5PM

The Event: The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour, Toronto 2016.

The Venue: ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through the LCBO, Consignment or private order. Once again, the New Zealand catalogue was a model, with great notes on the industry, styles of wine, contact pages, names of wines and prices, where available, etc.

The Quote/Background: Canada is now #4 in receiving exported Kiwi Savvy. We learned this, as well as differing terroirs, in the seminar which featured 17 wines. Those wines have been folded into the notes below.

The Wines: I did not taste all wines.

 

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

-Te Mania Sauvignon Blanc Nelson 2015, $19.99 PO Small Winemakers

-Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc Martinborough 2015, $38.95  Family Wine Merchants

-Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013, $39.95 PO Connexion Oenophilia

-Te Pa Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $19.95  +450668 Vintages

-Pasquale Pinot Noir Waitaki Central Otago 2012, $49 Trilogy

-Wither Hills Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012, $34.95  Select

-te Pa Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014, $24.95 PO Family Wine Merchants

 

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

-Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon Waipara Valley 2013,  $32   Woodman

-Te Mata Estate Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay 2014, $33.95  PO Lifford

-Rapaura Springs Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $21.95   Vinexx

-Ara Single Estate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Waihopai, $21.95 PO Charton Hobbs

-Villa Maria Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $29.95 P. Dandurand

-Stoneleigh Wild Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Wild Ferment, $18.95 Corby

-Ara Single Estate Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $23.95 PO  Charton Hobbs

-Forrest Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $25.95 Abcon

-Pasquale Chardonnay Waitaki Central Otago 2012, $39 Trilogy

-Wither Hills Rarangi Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $24.95  Select

-Squealing Pig Pinot Noir Central Otago 2014, $24.95 +427211 Vintages

-Waipara Hills Pinot Noir Central Otago 2013, $23.95  Mondia Alliance

-Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014, $24.75 +66803 Vintages

-Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $24.95 +912337 Vintages Sept 3/16

-Sacred Hill Orange Label Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014, $21.95  Family Wine Merchants

-Spy Valley Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $24.95 +734681 Vintages

-Spy Valley ENVOY Johnson Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014,$29.95 +429308 VCat

-te Pa Oke Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $24.95 PO Family Wine Merchants

-Villa Maria Cellar Selection Syrah Hawke's Bay 2014, $29.95 PO P Dandurand

 

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

-Villa Maria Private Bin Lightly Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $17.95 +429969 GL

-Forrest The Doctors' Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 [Low Al] Abcon

-Whitehaven Greg Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Awatere, $24.95  E & J Gallo

-Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014 Awatere, $24.95  Trialto

-Tiki Estate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Upper Wairau, $16.95 PO Churchill Cellars

-Saint Clair Wairu Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, PO PMA Canada

-Ngatarawa Stables Reserve Syrah Hawke's Bay 2015, $22.95 PO EPIC Wines

 

The Food: from the ubiquitous Daniel et Daniel – charcuterie plates with smoked duck breast; international cheeses; breads; veggies; sandwich quarters [tea?], pate and terrines.

The Downside: there seemed to be a lighter attendance than in previous years.

The Upside: a good seminar presentation.

The Contact Person: nzwine@ketchin.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Ontario's Southwest City Fare 2016

The Date and Time: Thursday, May 26, 2016  4PM to 6PM

The Event: Ontario's Southwest City Fare 2016

The Venue: 99 Sudbury

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: there was a passport to keep track of where you were. It was all organized by iyellow Wine Club.

The Quote/Background: over 40 wine, beer and culinary vendors were present, along with actual chefs, brewmasters and winemakers. So I made three pasts, starting with wine, then beer, and then food (I had lunch earlier in the day).

The Wines: I was most interested in wines, but I did not try them all. All wines are from Southwest Ontario, all are VQA.

 

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

-North 42 Degrees Cabernet Franc 2013 $20.95

-Muscadere Merlot 2014  $20

 

 

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

-North 42 Degrees Riesling 2012 $17.95

-North 42 Degrees Gewurztraminer 2013 $19.95

-North 42 Degrees Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $20.95

-Oxley Wowza 2014 [white] $16.95

-Oxley Rose 2013 $15.95

-Oxley Cabernet Merlot 2013 $18.95

-Muscadere Cabernet Sauvignon 2012  $30

-Cooper's Hawk Chardonnay Unoaked 2013  $14.95

-Cooper's Hawk Cabernet Merlot 2013 Reserve  $18.95

-Cooper's Hawk Touche Gewurtztraminer/Riesling [2014]  $18.95

-Colio Lily Sparkling   $16.95

-Sprucewood Shores Riesling 2015   $13.95

-Sprucewood Shores Lady in Red Cabernet Merlot 2013   $14.95

 

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

-North 42 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc 2012 $17.95

-North 42 Degrees Pinot Noir 2013 $19.95

-Quai du Vin Amore Muscat Petillants 2015  $14

-Oxley Cabernet Franc 2013 $18.95

-Muscadere Riesling 2014  $16

 

 

BEERS: There were so many to sample, and just about everybody could not believe that I only wanted half an ounce to tasting (no swallowing). There is a Ontario's Southwest Ale Trail map, compiled by Blue Elephant Craft Brew House (with beer on site such as North Shore lager). I sampled, and enjoyed among others, Dead Elephant ale (Railway City Brewing), Dubbel and Belgian Blond (New Limburg), Troll Toll (Refined Fool), 1815 Gluten-Free ale (Strathroy Brewing), Dakota Peach [potato] ale (Ramblin' Road).

 

There were also hard apple ciders: Bonnie Heath Estate produced a good regular and an apple-cherry cider.

 

The Food: such a huge variety – Teresa and Tony's Original Kettlecorn (made from a "mushroom" variety of popping corn, with smooth rounded globes and low husks); Philippe Lehner's Habitual chocolate (wafer chocolate 56%); Pauline Bucek's Sixthirtynine (maple glazed goat meatballs) in Woodstock for casual fine dining; Elmhurst Inn's BBQ pulled Berkshire pork; Mountainoak Cheese's Gouda, flavoured with wild nettle, or smoked, or with black truffle; Debb's cuisine (Bourbon Street Caesar, chicken breast with fried goat cheese) on Queen in Dunnville; the Windsoreats Traveller Mobile Bar; marshmallows from the Arts and Cookery Bank; Cindy Walker's Chocolatea bacon chocolate, lavendar drops, and vanilla bean chocolates; Smackwater Jack's Taphouse and the pig rinds with bacon cream; the smoked duck on cinnamon with Stilton at Pickles Please; and queso fresco at Local Dairy.

The Downside: it got crowded really fast

The Upside: a chance to takes Ontario Southwest, which appears all too infrequently in Toronto.

The Contact Person: info@iyellowwineclub.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

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