The Event: Mark Anthony's Portfolio Tasting, 4th annual 2016

The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 2PM to 7PM

The Event: Mark Anthony's Portfolio Tasting, 4th annual 2016

The Venue: Arcadian Lofts

The Target Audience: wine trade, writers, sommeliers.

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue had been redesigned over the previous two years – it looked spectacular with all needed details such as name, year, size, price for licensees, availability, and room for notes.

The Quote/Background: 52 producers or labels were featured, some with principals.

The Wines: I did not try any beers or spirits. Overall I was most impressed with the quality of the sparkling wines. I did not sample all the table wines. Prices are licensee.

 

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

-Gunderloch Riesling Nackenheim Rothenberg Auslese 2014, $57.25

-Jean Baptiste Riesling Kabinett 2016, $19.75

-Graham's 20 Year Tawny Port 500 mL, 38.40

-Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Red Meritage 2012 VQA, $38.20

-Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador 2013, $125.60

-Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista 2013, $125.60

-Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2013 $34.95

-Mission Hill Quatrain 2012, $49.95

-Santa Rita Floresta Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $20.30

-Treana Blanc 2014, $29.95

-Rodney Strong Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $99.95

-Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $99.95

-Davis Bynum River West Chardonnay 2014, $32.95

-Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $99.95

-Checkmate Fool's Mate 2013 BC, $80

-Checkmate Attack Chardonnay 2013 BC, $115

-Checkmate Capture Chardonnay 2013 BC, $90

-Checkmate Queen Taken Chardonnay 2013 BC, $125

-Checkmate Little Pawn Chardonnay 2010 BC, $110

-Brumont La Tyre 2006, $129.95

-Chateau Lamarque Haut Medoc 2010, $35.50

-Lanson Gold Label Champagne Brut Millesime 2015  $90

-Lanson Rose Label Champagne Rose, $72.95

-Alois Lageder Gewurztraminer 2013, $23.95

-Cuvee Tsarine by Adriana Champagne Brut NV  $86.95

-Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2013, $199.95

-Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri 2014 $55

-Luce Della Vite 2013, $114.95

-Falesco Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone Le Poggere 2015, $10.85

 

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

-Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2014, $223.95

-Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay 2014 $19.95

-Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2014 $26.95

-Nederburg Heritage Heroes Airhawk Sauvignon Blanc 2016 South Africa. $19.95

-Santa Rita Casa Real 2012, $62.95

-Santa Rita Triple C 2011, $47.95

-Achaval Ferrer Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, $28.85

-Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2013, $57

-Mission Hill Oculus 2012, $89.95

-Mission Hill Compendium 2011, $56.95

-Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2013 VQA, $28.95

-Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Valley Semillon 2011, $55.95

-Tyrrell's Vat 47 Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2012, $53.14

-Michael Mondavi Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2013  $59.95

-Michael Mondavi Animo Cabernet Sauvignon 2012  $129.95

-Davis Bynum Jane's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, $39.95

-Adelsheim Elizabeth's Reserve Pinot Noir Oregon 2013, $88.95

-Simmonet Febvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2012 $99.95

-Simmonet Febvre Chablis 2014 $23.65

-Brotte Domaine de Barville Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2014, $47.45

-Chateau Montus Cuvee Prestige 2009 Madiran, $74.95

-Chateau Laroque Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2010 $68.95

-Alois Lageder Krafuss Pinot Nero 2014  $56.95

-Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio 2014  $30.95

-Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2010 $122.05

 

The Food: delicious platters of charcuterie, smoked whitefish & salmon & octopus, international cheese, salumi, veggies and dips, olives, dried fruit, nuts, from O & B.

The Contact Person: lcatchpole@markanthony.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 November 12, 2016.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 12, 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 http://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    http://www.deantudor.com

 

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL SPARKLERS  --

 

-Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Blanc de Blanc 2011 Meth Trad VQA Short Hills Bench, +315200, $44.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  94.

-Cathedral Cellar Brut Sparkling 2010 Meth Trad WO Western Cape, +296426, $17.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.

 

20 under $20

=========

W-Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2014 VQA Short Hills Bench, +268342, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Stratus Wildass Sauvignon Blanc 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +376814, $18.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

W-Middle Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Nelson NZ, +391987, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Deetlefs Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Breedekloof, +465443, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Stratus Wildass Merlot 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +376822, $18.95. 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2013 Uco Valley Mendoza, +79798, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Bisquertt La Joya Gran Reserva Syrah 2014 Colchagua Valley, +325407, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Maycas de Limari Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2014 Limari, +469213, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Vina Canepa Finisimo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Marchigue Colchagua, +211920, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Parker Coonawarra Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, +467571, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Gerard Bertrand Cap Insula 2013 Languedoc, +474973, $17, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  91.

W-Pillitteri Gewurztraminer 2013 VQA NOTL, +471771, $17.95, 12.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Chateau Vignol Blanc 2015 Entre-Deux-Mers, +108522, $14.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Thierry Delaunay Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2015, +391847, $14.95,12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Chateau Macquin 2012 Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion, +468371, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R-Tedeschi Capitel dei Nicalo 2014 IGT Rosso delle Venezie, +984997, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2009 Rioja m +947309, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Otazu Premium Cuvee 2012 Navarra, +313809, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Small Gully Mr. Black's Little Book Shiraz 2014 Barossa Valley, +287979, $18.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

 

20 over $20

=========

R-Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Meritage 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench, +505610, $38, 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

W-Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +241182, $35.20, 10.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, +959627, $45.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92.

W-Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +677450, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Bodega Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Uco Valley Mendoza, +980334, $24.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Shiraz 2008, +731620, $89.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92.

W-Le Domaine Saget Pouilly-Fume 2013, +471540, $27.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Foxen Block 43 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 Santa Maria Valley California, +462770, $54.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Laura Catena Luca Malbec 2014 Uco Valley Mendoza, +167312, $33.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R-Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2013 South Australia, +309625, $69.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Chateau Larose Perganson 2009 Haut0Medoc, +365783, $36.95, 14.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90+

R-Fontanafredda Serralunga D'Alba Barolo 2011, +943290, $44.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Rivera Il Falcone Riserva Castel del Monte 2009 Puglia, +177295, $23.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R-Antinori Badia a Passignano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +384552, $44.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  90+

R-Le Volte Dell'Ornellaia 2014 IGT Toscana, +964221, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2014 IGT Toscana, +72439, $51.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2014 VQA Beamsville Bench, +566026, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Evans & Tate Metricup Road Chardonnay 2014 Margaret River, +311449, $22.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Louis Moreau Vaulignot Chablis 1er Cru 2014, +525386, $36.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

R-Quintarelli Primofiore 2012 IGT Veneto, +20867, $66.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW ALCOHOL BEVERAGES TASTED THIS SEPTEMBER 2016

 

 

1.Chateau des Charmes Vidal Icewine 2015 Estate VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +413732 Vintages, $45.95 for 375 mL: an aromatic unoaked Icewine (harvested Jan 4, 2016) with apricot as the defining aroma and flavour, followed by honeyed tones. Ready now, but could be aged – but then it will taste different and, in my opinion, taste better with some marmalade tones. 9.5% ABV. Perfect for gifting (comes in a handsome box) at that sweet point for under $50. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

2.Chateau des Charmes Aligote 2015 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, $14.95, +296848 LCBO: made from the rare French vinifera (seldom seen outside Burgundy) that Paul Bosc has cultivated since 1978, loaded with orchard fruit (apples and pears) and ending with a finishing crisp acidity suggesting food more than sipping. It was often used in Burgundy as the white wine base for Kir (now, almost any dry white is used); it is refreshing for summer and is unoaked. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

3.Henry of Pelham Family Estate Cabernet-Merlot 2012 Speck Family Reserve VQA Short Hills Bench, $39.95, +616433: slated for release in 2017, this bottling continues the tradition of oak tank fermentation on the skins with manual cap punch downs over one month, followed by aging for 20 months in French oak (60% new and 40% 1 year old barrels). As with the 2010 before it, the emphasis is on black fruit in a heavy-heavy style that will require more maturing. It's made from cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc in the style of a Bordeaux blend, with yields of about one bottle per vine. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

4.Henry of Pelham Family Estate Chardonnay 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, $19.95, +268342: slated for Vintages release in Spring 2017 [but now available online and at the winery], this bottling continues the tres elegante Burgundian character of earlier years. Some ripeness, pleasant balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place, wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. Overall balance of fruit and wood, vanilla, modest spices. 13.5% ABV, cork closure, BF in 90% French oak (25% new), BA for 8 months. Tasted September 25, 2016. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

5.Henry of Pelham Riesling Estate 2013 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165 Vintages, $17.95: intense riesling in a Rhine style of cool fermentation, with a very off-dry palate but a dry finish (good acid levels on the finish); broad grapefruit and lemons on the mid-palate, sip or food. 11% ABV, twist top, from HOP's oldest Estate vineyards (30+ year old riesling vines, handpicked). Try with fish that live in water but die in wine. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

6.Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268391 Vintages, $24.95: a re-release. Here is a deft Burgundian character pinot noir wine, with cherry-berry tones, some toast, mildly opulent style, not totally cool climate at all. Fermented in stainless and aged in "European" oak (30% new). Ready now. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

7.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Speck Family Reserve 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench, +657874 Vintages Oct 15, $34.95: top of the line pinot noir from Ontario, fruit-forward with enough black/dark tones of cherry-berry capable of long cellar aging (it's already six years old). The winery says "multiple clones play a role in the layered complexity of this wine". Oak tank fermentation with 10 months small barrel aging. Very, very food friendly. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

8.La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2014, +719435, $29.95 Vintages: this wine is cool climate, as much as California would allow, from the coast coolness in the evening and the early morning, and with fruit from six different vineyards. Expect a combo of cherry-berry, underbrush, balanced but low oaking, some mocha, spices. I had it with trout; it went very well. 100% French oak, 20% being new. Not a heavy pinot noir (only eight months in barrel), unlike many others from California. 13.5% ABV. This is a re -order of the original launch in March 2016 Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

9.Marchesi di Barolo Zagara Moscato d'Asti 2015 Piedmont, +168195 Vintages, $16.95: expect typical peaches and oranges from the muscat grape coupled with a light sparkle and a 5% ABV. One of my fave all-time refreshing drinks, like liquid sunshine in a bottle (but this bottle is very heavy: why?). Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

10.Casa Santos Lima Bons Ventos 2014 Vinho Regional Lisboa, +462051, $11.80 LCBO: a new add to the General List, with grapes such as camarate, castelao, and touriga nacional that have sold well here in Ontario. The wine was a Gold Medalist for the 2014 vintage, four times over (Concours Mondial, Mundus Vini). It has had skin contact maceration, four months aging in larger oak barrels, and is bottled with a twist top (not a cork). 13% ABV. Typical aromas of black and red fruits, more red on the palate, oaky tones, fresh and anise finish. Sip or food. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

11.Lionello Marchesi Coldisole Rosso di Montalcino 2013, +460568, $18.95 LCBO: a solid red on the General List. It tastes comparable to many $50 Rosso di Montalcino I've had over the years. This Baby Brunello is a sleeping bear, softer, more approachable, and affordable for North American tastes. Still 100% sangiovese grosso. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

12.Coriliano D'AnticheTerre Aglianico 2012 Campania IGT, +456137, $15.95 LCBO: this wine is rich and dark, full of berries and spices. It is a good restaurant wine at this price level. 13% ABV. It's a lesser and lighter Taurasi made for North American styles, with aglianico, piedirosso, and sciascinoso indigenous grapes. The latter is used for Lacryma Christi wines. It should do well. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

13.Waterkloof Circumstance Syrah 2012 WO Stellenbosch, +455782 $23.95 Vintages: exhibits really good French MVC syrah complexity at an affordable price. 14% ABV. Pepper, some musk tones, blackberries – great with food. Biodynamic farming principles. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

14.Torres Altos Ibericos 2013 Rioja, +381046, $16.95 Vintages: Typical "wild berries and spices" of tempranillo grapes. Fermented over one week and then aged a year in French and US oak, some new. 13.5% ABV. Some jamminess should integrate well with the spices and tannins to eventually produce a well-developed bottle of food wine. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

15.Ciderie St-Nicolas Glace du Verger Iced Orchard Cider PQ, +465856, $19.95 Vintages for 375mL: 7% ABV, from naturally frozen fresh Quebec apples. Gold Medal, World Cider Championships Beverage Testing Institute 2014. Yummy concentrated tones of apples, thick and unctuous. Can be enjoyed as an aperitif, or (like Sauternes) with foie gras, blue-veined cheeses, and fruit desserts. Also, try it by itself at the end of a meal like Port or anything with apples. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

16.Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Mendoza, +128629, $19.95 Vintages Oct: black fruit dominates this substantial wine. Made from older vines (50 years old). Ageing in new French oak barrels for 14 months, still needs time to resolve despite 4.5 years of age. 14.2% ABV, a hefty thick wine that dominates, Best for carnivores? You decide. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

17.Baron de Hoen Pinot Gris Reserve 2014 Alsace, +280149, $15.95 Vintages Oct: stainless steel production, 13% ABV. Plenty of dried fruit tones, good body with some biscuits. Alsatian pinot gris is among the best of all pinot gris – and this one is at a concentrated, reserve level. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

18.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc Organic 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +275958, $21.95: 12.6% ABV, a mix of three contracted organic growers plus some estate organic grapes, partial oak BF (3 weeks) and stainless, with BA for nine months, showing red and black fruit berries and garrigue herbs. It's got an added 5% Merlot. Best with food such as roasts or heavy pastas. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

19.Sibona Camomilla Grappa, +285775, $38.95 Vintages for 700 mL: this is a liqueur made by infusing grappa with chamomile flowers. It succeeds, but at 32% ABV it is also powerful stuff – I could not taste any wines for hours afterwards. If you like chamomile, you'll love this liqueur simply chilled – or as a cocktail (but you'll need to skip the wine). The producer also suggests tones of dried apricot, orange peel and roasted nuts, but they may be hard to find. Still, a nifty niche product, well-made. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for October 29, 2016.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for  October 29, 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 http://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    http://www.deantudor.com

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS --

R-El Guardian Reserva 2010 Rioja, +461301, $15.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93
W-Marynissen Platinum Chardonnay 2013 VQA Four Mile Creek, +471532, $25, 13.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92.

20 under $20
=========
W-Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +80234, $16.95, 9.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88
W-Scheid Vineyards District 7 Chardonnay 2013 Monterey County, +458844, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.
W-Andre Blanck & Fils Altenburg Gewurztraminer 2015 Alsace, +168906, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.
W-Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Macon-Uchizy 2015, +733956, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.
W-Les Trois Versants Vieilles Vignes Sur Lie Muscadet Sevre & Maine 2014, +470989, $15.95, 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.
W-Peter & Peter Zeller Feinherb Riesling 2015 QmP Mosel, +466078, $14.95, 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.
R-Cave Spring Cabernet Franc 2013 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +391995, $19.95,  14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  90.
R-Marynissen Cabernet Franc 2014 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +472274, $18, 12.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.
R-Vina Errazuriz Syrah 2013 Aconcagua Costa, +387910, $18.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.
R-Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +18721, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.
R-Rustenberg Stellenbosch Shiraz 2013 WO, +399246, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.
R-Chateau Haut-Canteloup 2010 Medoc, +466565, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.
R-Chateau La Caussade 2010 Medoc, +177014, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.
R-Chateau Lamartine Merlot 2014 Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux, +368159, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.
R-Chateau de Gourgazaud Reserve 2013 Minervois La Liviniere, +986083, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.
R-Chateau de Nages Vieilles Vignes Costieres de Nimes 2013, +40964, $19.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.
R-Lornano Chianti Classico 2011, +211599, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.
R-Sassoregale Sabgiovese 2014 Maremma Toscana, +251785, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.
R-Niepoort Dao Rotulo Red 2013, +452722, $18.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.
R-Bodegas Olarra Anares Reserva 2010 Rioja, +244723, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.
R-Borsao Berola 2012 Campo de Borja, +371518, $18.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

20 over $20
=========
W-Kendall-Jackson Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2013 Santa Maria Valley, +59139, $45.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.
W-Jean-Max Roger Cuvee Les Caillottes Sancerre 2015, +65573, $26.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.
R-Creekside Iconoclast Syrah 2013 Queenston Road Vineyard VQA St. David's Bench, +471797, $22.95, 12.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.
R-Queylus Reserve Du Domaine Pinot Noir 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +392886, $44.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.
R-La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014, +385757, $38.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.
R-San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +469353, $39.95 1500mL, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.
R-Chateau Siaurac 2010 Lalande-de-Pomerol, +309831, $43.95, 15(!!)% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.
R-Domaine de Pignan Chateauneuf Du Pape 2013, +473678, $36.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.
R-Fattoria de Felsina Rancia Riserva Chianti Classico 2011, +82362, $69.96, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.
R-Mezzei Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico 2012, +288530, $23.95, 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.
R-I Castei Amarone della Volpolicella Classico 2012, +739979, $44.95, 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  91.
R-Heredad de Baroja Gran Reserva 2002, +276113, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93.
R-Barons de Rothschild Legende Pauillac 2012, +468397, $43.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.
R-Chateau Teyssier 2012 Montagne-Saint-Emilion, +226035, $24.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.
R-Chateau Herve-Laroque 2010 Fronsac, +446393, $26.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.
R-Chateau Dufort-Vivens 2010 Margaux Grand Cru Classe, +466540, $54.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.
R-Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2014 Mendoza, +219261, $21.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.
W-Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +324228, $21.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.
R-Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno 2013 IGT Toscana, +735597, $79.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Portfolio tasting of Rogers & Company, October 17/16

The Date and Time: Monday, October 17, 2016  1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

The Event: Portfolio tasting of Rogers & Company

The Venue: George Restaurant

The Target Audience: sommeliers, private clients.

The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available by the case.

The Quote/Background: Principals were there in support of the tasting for Pio Cesare, Domaine Serene, Continuum, Cannonball, Astrolabe, Grgich Hills, Truchard, Altesino, Araex, Shafer, and Buil & Gine.

The Wines: I did not try every wine. Prices are Licensee, purchase is by the case if 6 or 12. New this year included an English sparkler, Ridgeview Bloomsbury Brut 2014 (quite impressive).

 

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

-Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay 2014, $84.95

-Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2011 $50.95

-Falchini Paretalo IGT 2011  $26.95  my FAVE VALUE RED of the tasting

-Pio Cesare Ornato Barolo 2012, $115.95

-Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee du Baron 2013, $41.95

-Grgich Hills Napa Valley Chardonnay 2013, $61.95

-Grgich Hills Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $83.95

-Grgich Hills Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, $94.95

-Shafer Napa Valley Merlot 2013, $75.95

-Shafer Napa Valley Relentless 2013, $132.95

-Shafer One Point Five Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $123.95

-Maison Alex Gambal Chassagne-Montrachet 2013, $81.95

-Maison Alex Gambal Vosne-Romanee Vielles Vignes 2013, $107.95

-Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $74.95

-Forman Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $143.95

-Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonay 2014, $63.95

-Pio Cesare Barolo 2012, $72.95

-O'Shaughnessy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $116.95

-O'Shaughnessy Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $182.95

-Shafer Napa Valley Relentless 2013, $132.95

-Shafer Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $379.95

-Dominus Estate Dominus 2012, $309.95

 

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

-Ridgeview Bloomsbury Brut 2014, $49.95/6

-Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir 2013, $111.95

-Dominus Estate Napanook 2012, $98.95

-Ovid Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $414.95

-Blue Mountain Vineyards Brut NV, $25.45

-Terra Costantino deAetna" Etna Bianco 2014, $28.95

-Union Wine Co. Underwood Pinot Gris Oregon 2015, $21.95

-Duckhorn Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $33.95

-Lis Neris Pinot Grigio Isonzo 2015, $27.95

-Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2012, $72.95

-O'Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $147.95

-Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Blanc 2015, $36.95

-Astrolabe Valleys Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $19.95

-Continuum 2013 Napa Valley Red, $284.95

-Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $56.95

-Chateau Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $129.95

-Altamura Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $146.95

-Buehler Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2014, $29.95

-Buehler Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, $56.95

-Joan Gine White DOC Priorat 2012, $27.95

-Truchard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $38.95

 

The Food: cheeses and breads, goat cheese with avocado guac on toasts on platters, hot arancini, deep fried veggies, chicken skewers, and maybe more (I did not stay the whole time).

The Downside: I had a Champagne tasting after this, so my time here was short but sweet.

The Upside: a chance to taste some really high calibre wines, with Miriam and Dr. Joseph Rogers themselves.

The Contact Person: c.mclean@rogcowines.com; s.stoddart@rogcowines.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Winemaker Tasting for Pascual Toso (Argentina)with Ontario agent Eurovintage.

The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 12, 2016  11AM to 2PM

The Event: Winemaker Tasting for Pascual Toso (Argentina)with Ontario agent Eurovintage.

The Venue: National Club

The Target Audience: media (wine and others)

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available at the LCBO or will be. There were some uncertainties about the wine notes (some wines were not available), but it all got straightened out in the end.

The Quote/Background: Pascual Toso arrived from Piedmont and set up his winery in 1890. The tasting today was part of a road trip to celebrate the winery's 125th anniversary and to introduce Felipe Stahlschmidt their new winemaker who signed on in 2015 after 10 years with Catena. They make primarily malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay in Maipu (La Barrancas). The company produces some 7 million litres of wine a year at different levels. Paul Hobbs came in 2001 as a consultant, refining the upper level Toso blends and crafting a New World approach to their wines. Today was also the Ontario release of the Barrancas Toso Malbec (60%)-Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) Red Blend 2014, $18.95 at Vintages TBD. It was crafted to celebrate the 125th anniversary and bears a special label.

 

The Wines: we started with Toso Brut Chardonnay NV Charmat Method Mendoza, 12%, not available in Ontario. And we finished with Pascual Toso 2014, a limited edition of 125 double magnums autographed by Paul Hobbs, and celebrating 125 years of Toso. Here, the company took one barrel of their best malbec and one barrel of their best cabernet sauvignon, and blended it 50-50 to produce the anniversary blend. It still needed time, of course. And I wonder what it would be like at the 150th anniversary.

 

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

-Pacual Toso Barrancas Toso Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon Red Blend 2014 125th Anniversary, $18.95 TBD

-Pascual Toso Alta Malbec 2014 Barrancas, $32.95

-Pascual Toso Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Barrancas, +441907 Vintages, $32.95.

-Pascual Toso Finca Pedregal Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (72-28%) 2014 Barrancas, $69.95

-Pascual Toso Magdalena Toso Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (73-27%) 2013 Barrancas, $99.95

 

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

-Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Edition 2014 Barrancas, $16.95

-Pascual Toso Malbec Limited Edition 2014 Barrancas, +162610 LCBO, $16.20

-Pascual Toso Malbec Reserve 2013 Barrancas, +183897 Vintages, $19.95

 

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

-Pascual Toso Malbec 2014 Barrancas, +35170 LCBO, $14.14

 

The Food: the National Club had prepared an Argentine buffet extravaganza, with sausages and charcuterie cold cuts, salads, peppers, hot rice dishes, croquettes, and stuffed tenderloins. Cheeses were mainly Spanish.

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

The Upside: a chance to speak to Felipe Stahlschmidt

The Contact Person: sales@eurovintage.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Tasting Marques de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo wines with winemaker Marcelo Papa.

The Date and Time: Monday, October 3, 2016  11:30AM – 2:30PM

The Event: Tasting Marques de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo wines with winemaker Marcelo Papa.

The Venue: Toula, Westin Harbour Castle

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: all vintages will be available in the months to come, see below.

The Quote/Background: This also the 40th anniversary of Marques de Casa Concha. Marcelo, who comes to Toronto about once a year, spoke on the changing nature of Concha y Toro as they position themselves internationally. They are developing more food friendly wines in an elegant, sophisticated style, wines that are also suitable for sipping on their own but appear to be better with food.

The Wines: All wines will be available through the Vintages program.

 

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

-Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, $17.95, +481002 March 2, 2017 – [Euro-style]

-Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, $21.95, +337238, Vintages Essentials in December. - [North American style]

-Concha y Toro Vigno Old Vines Carignan Dry Farmed Maule 2014, $22  TBD  [60 year old vines]

 

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

-Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2014, $19.95, +342857  Spring 2017 for 2014

-Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2014, $19.95, +169862 Spring 2017

 

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

-Marques de Casa Concha Pais/Cinsault 2015, $24.95 TBD  [carbonic maceration for Pais, and limited production]

 

The Food: we ordered off the menu, which included salads (caprese) and smoked salmon. There was pasta (lamb ragu, clams), and branzino or striploin or cornish hens.

The Downside: the subway was not really working well this AM, and I was later than I wanted to be.

The Upside: good wines and a chance to talk with Marcelo.

The Contact Person: mbruni@escaladews.ca; catherine@catchcom.ca

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

* FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH! : Chile Pepper Bible (R Rose)

THE CHILE PEPPER BIBLE (Robert Rose, 2016, 448 pages, ISBN 978-0-7788-0550-2, $29.95 CAD paperbound) is by Judith Finlayson, longtime food journalist and cookbook author. Her book covers every aspect of chile peppers, including history, cultural features, and international signature dishes. "Chile" refers to capsicums in general, whether they are hot or not: the concentration of capsaicin depends on a wide range of variables and are covered with Scoville units. She's got 250 recipes covering  an international range of classics, and from sweet peppers to fiery and stuff in between. Richly illustrated with compelling photos. Preps come from Mexico, Middle East, China, and Thailand for the most part, although Italy, France, Spain, Africa, India also get their due. Preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric and avoirdupois measurements.

Audience and level of use: Indonesian fried rice, Castilian garlic soup, paella, Cuban hash, Cape Verde sausage stew, kimchi, chile chocolate pots, spinach and tomato dal.

The downside to this book: nothing much really, but I hope that the paperbound book stands up to the wear and tear that it will see.

The upside to this book: the index entries are coded for G (gluten-free), V (vegetarian), and Vg (vegan).

Quality/Price Rating: 89.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

* DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! *

1.SHRUBS (The Countryman Press, 2016, 255 pages, ISBN 978-1-58157-388-6, $24.95 USD hardbound) is by Michael Dietsch who has also written Whiskey. He is bringing back an old-fashioned drink for newer times. Shrub in North America is a drink from the 13 Colonies, a concentrated syrup made from fruit, vinegar, and sugar that is later mixed with water to make a refreshing drink that is both tart and sweet. Later, brandy or rum was added. Earlier in England the shrub was made from alcohol, sugar and fruit, with no vinegar. So that is the basic difference between US and English shrubs. Dietsch has re-created the shrub, favouring the cold process of extracting fruit flavours as that concentrates the fresh raw flavours of the fruit. There is an easy technique that he gives, and so you'll just need to substitute fruits and vinegars to create your own. He's got 50 shrub recipes plus 30 cocktails. But of course you can take a non-alcoholic shrub and just add brandy or rum. He's got some classic shrubs attributed to Benjamin Franklin and Martha Washington, but the rest of the book is divided as to "sweet shrubs", "savoury and sour shrubs", "cocktails" and updated classics (gimlet, martini, kir, sangrita). Preparations have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of metric equivalents.

Audience and level of use: cocktail lovers, those craving non-alcoholic refreshing drinks.

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: rhubarb shrub, strawberry-peppercorn shrub, pear-ginger shrub,cherry-mint shrub, cranberry-apple shrub, red beet and peppercorn shrub, shrub float, gin genie.

The downside to this book: I wanted more history.

The upside to this book: He profiles three shrub makers, and includes a resource list.

Quality/Price Rating: 90.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for October 15, 2016.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for October 15, 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 http://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    http://www.deantudor.com

 

20 under $20

=========

W-Fielding Estate Bottled Riesling 2015 VQA, +251439, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Mike Weir Limited Edition Riesling 2014 VQA, +229286, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Tawse Redstone Chardonnay 2013, +398966, $19.20, MVC/QPR:  88.

W-Catena Chardonnay 2015 Argentina, +918805, $19.95, MVC/QPR:  88.

W-Lapostolle Gran Selection Chardonnay 2015 Chile, +396986, $15.95, MVC/QPR:  88.

W-Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2015 New Zealand, +465880, $17.95, MVC/QPR:  90.

W-Domaine Pre Baron Sauvignon Touraine 2015, +107128, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Paul Anheuser Schlossbockelheimer Konigsfels Riesling Kabinett 2015 Nahe, +161828, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna 2015, +627067, $15.95, MVC/QPR:  89.

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

R-Rockway Vineyards Reserve Red Assemblage 2013 VQA, +321893, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Torres Altos Ibericos Crianza 2013 Spain, +381046, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Palacio de Sada Crianza 2011 Spain, +246736, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2014 Spain, +273748, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Lua Cheia Old Vines Red 2014 Portugal, +266882, $13.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-D'Antiche Terre Coriliano Aglianico 2012 Campania, +456137, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Domaine Galaman Fitou 2013, +395467, 14.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Chateau Carpena 2009 Bordeaux, +466599, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Chile, +389213, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Argentina, +128629, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

 

20 over $20

=========

W- Grgrich Hills Fume Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Napa, +346296, $47.95, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Anthonij Rupert Optima 2012 WO Western Cape, +455915, $24.95, MVC/QPR:  90.

R-Chateau Haut Faugeres 2010 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +461517, $43.95, MVC/QPR:  90.

W-Jean-Marc Brocard Butteaux Chablis 1er Cru 2014, +294165, $46.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Vina Real Gran Reserva 2008 Rioja, +280545, $36.95, MVC/QPR:  90.

W-Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2014 NZ, +694752, $23.95, MVC/QPR:  89.

W-Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2015 SA, +931006, $42.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

W-Maison Chanzy Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015, +470468, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett 2015 Mosel, +160846, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Flat Rock Gravity Pinot Noir 2013 VQA, +1560, $30.25 MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 VQA, +657874, $34.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2013, +275958, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Australia, +677476, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Chateau La Rose Perriere 2008 Bordeaux, +461590, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-M.Chapoutier de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidum 2014, +643239, $25.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Villa Trasqua Nerento Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +459685, $39.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Depadre 2012 Spain, +379917, $22.95, MVC/QPR:  89,

R-Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva 2009, +976670, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Dominus Napanook 2012 Napa, +212357, $95.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Segla 2010 Bordeaux, +359810, $64.95, MVC/QPR:  89.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: SwirlTO trade show, “an elevated beverage experience” highlighting Drinks Ontario premium drinks.

The Date and Time: Friday, September 30, 2016  2PM to 5PM

The Event: SwirlTO trade show, "an elevated beverage experience" highlighting Drinks Ontario premium drinks.

The Venue: The Carlu

The Target Audience: in the daytime, media and the trade. At night, consumers.

The Availability/Catalogue: The catalogue presentation was reasonable. Vintage dates were missing from a variety of wines, but they were mostly there. I could not read the number of the table (it was in faint yellow in the catalogue), but that did not really matter since the tables themselves were not numbered. The catalogue gave me the importer's name and deets. The wines came from the General List, Vintages (current and upcoming), and consignment. Everything appeared to be landed in Ontario as of this moment. Some Ontario wines were included because they were part of a Drinks Ontario member's portfolio. Eighty or so agencies poured more than 320 products.

The Quote/Background: SwirlTo has been in the planning for three years, co-chaired by Camille Gemmell-Johnston and Debbie Shing. It's been sponsored by Drinks Ontario with the co-operation of the LCBO – as a showcase of quality products for all kinds of wines, beers and spirits. It is unique in the sense that it is comprehensive (not one country, not one beverage, but all of them). Principals were in attendance, as well as seminars on wines, beers and spirits (for the consumer portion at night).

The Wines: I concentrated on wines. Of everything else, I sampled only draught beer.

Leading the way was top rated Nickel Brook Brewing with their Equilibrium ESB (5.5%ABV), Head Stock IPA (7%ABV), Naughty Neighbour APA (4.9%ABV), and Cause & Effect Blonde Ale (4.7%ABV) – all rated "Four Stars". Also tasted in draught were Collective Arts Gose and Beau's Polaris (5.9%ABV). The Growler program at the Scrivener Square LCBO sells about 150 growlers a week for three kinds of draughts. That's an average of 50 growlers per tap.

 

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

-Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet 2012 Chile, +358309, $16.95 LCBO

-Killibinbin Scaredy Cat Cabernet Shiraz 2012, $18.95 +470195 LCBO

-Champagne Paul Dangin & Fils Cuvee Carte Blanche NV, +450460, $51.95 Vintages Oct 15

-Taittinger Champagne Brut Reserve NV, +365312   $60.65 LCBO

-Domaine Zinck Gewurztraminer Portrait Alsace   Lifford

-Cornas Les Ruchets 2011, $75   Profile

-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Colchagua Valley Chile, +322586 Vintages, $19.95

-Veuve Ambal Cremant de Bourgogne Grande Cuvee Brut NV, +429688 LCBO, $17.70 

-Groth Chardonnay 2014, $55.95 Consignment The Vine Agency

 

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

-Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012, +356220, $49.95 Vintages

-Viognier La Violette 2015  France   Profile

-Michele Chiarolo Palas Barolo 2012,  +474437, $37.85 Vintages Dec 2

-Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2014, $17.95 Vintages, Oct 15

-Chateau Tour Carmail 2011 Bordeaux, +419002, $19.80 LCBO

-Tommasi Il Sestante Valpolicella Ripasso 2014, $18.95 +267070 LCBO

-Riverlore Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough New Zealand, $15.95 +417600 LCBO

-Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2014 VQA, +268342, $19.95 Vintages

-Domaine Zinck Cremant d'Alsace Brut Alsace   Lifford

-Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay 2014 +608653 $27.95 Vintages

-La Guardiense Janare Falanghina Italy  Consignment  The Vine Agency

-Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2015 South Africa, +595280 Vintages, $14.95

-Chateau Argadens Bordeaux 2012, +681643 Vintages, $17.95

-De Chanceny Cremant de Loire Rose, $18.95 Vintages, +211466

-Torbreck Old Vines Grenache/Mourvedre/Shiraz 2013, $21.95 +10223 Vintages

-Bodegas Muga Reserva 2012 Rioja, $23.95 +177345 Vintages

-La Chablisienne Les Venerables 2012 Chablis, $24.95, Vinexx

-E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone 2012, $19.95, +259721

-Bailly-Lapierre Paul Delane Cremant de Bourgogne Reserve NV, $19.95 LCBO, +214981

 

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

-HaHa Pinot Gris Hawke's Bay 2015, $21.50 retail Consignment  Hobbs

-Columbia Winery Chardonnay Columbia Valley Washington State 2013, $17.95 +462804 LCBO

-Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Columbiia Valley Washington State 2013, $17.95 +460675 LCBO

-Yealands Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough New Zealand, +277731, $15.95 LCBO

-McManis Viognier 2015, $20.95  Consignment The Vine Agency

-Helderberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 South Africa, +461509 LCBO, $14.95

-Fairview Shiraz 2014 South Africa, +626358 Vintages, $17.95

 

The Food: catered by Oliver & Bonacini, with great looking Yorkshire pudding beef boats, crudites, international cheeses, dips, breads, crackers, small plated salmon, four kinds of sliders (lamb, pork belly, beef, chicken), samosas.

The Downside: to me, "premium wines" mean about $25 and up – there were too many wines under $20. Also, it was very dark and hard to note vintages and write it up.

The Upside: there were separate areas for Canadian whisky, growlers, and beers. And it was a great chance to see The Carlu again.

The Contact Person: heather.macgregor@drinksontario.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com