The Event: Australia Up Close; Wine Australia celebrates the diversity of fine Australian wine. June 13/17

The Date and Time: Tuesday June 13, 2017  11AM to 4PM

The Event: Australia Up Close; Wine Australia celebrates the diversity of fine Australian wine.

The Venue: Design Exchange

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were generally available at the LCBO or through the agent, with some private orders.

The Quote/Background: Mark Davidson led off the seminar with descriptions of the 10 or so wines for focusing. My ratings have been blended in with the general tastings below.

The Wines: I did not try every wine.

 

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

-Janz Tasmania Premium Cuvee NV $26.95

-Shaw + Smith M3 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2014  $34

-Voyager Broadvale Block 6 Margaret River Chardonnay 2014  $55  Rogers & Co

-Pepper Tree Varietal Range Wrattonbully Merlot 2014  $22.95  Azureau

-Pepper Tree Single Vineyard Calcare Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2013  $39.95 +493601

-Pepper Tree Single Vineyard Coquun Hunter Shiraz 2014  $70 +483461

-Lake Breeze Arthur's Reserve Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Malbec 2013 $64.95  Azureau

-Lake Breeze Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $31.95  Azureau

-Lake Breeze Bernoota Langhorne Creek Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $28.95  Azureau

-Voyager Estate Girt by Sea Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2013 $28  +2265217 Rogers&Co

-Voyager Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $70  +2283256 Rogers&Co

 

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

-Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon 2011 Hunter Valley $29.99  B & W

-Grossett Watervale Clare Valley Riesling 2016  $43

-Alpha Crucis Tital McLaren Vale Shiraz 2015  $29.95

-d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie McLaren Vale Shiraz Viognier 2012  $29.95 +936971

-Vasse Felix Filius Margaret River Chardonnay 2016 $24.95  +448415

-Dalrymple Tasmania Pinot Noir 2015  $42.95  +299379

-Peter Lehmann The Barossan Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015  $21.95 +522235 Nov 2017

-Wakefield Jaraman Clare Valley Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014  $24.95 +142398

-Voyager Estate Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2016 $24  +2437879 Rogers&Co

-Voyager Estate Margaret River Shiraz 2013 $38  +2265242 Rogers&Co

-Voyager Estate Margaret River Girt By Sea Chardonnay 2016 $28  +2283332 Rogers&Co

-Voyager Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2014 $46  +2283268 Rogers&Co

 

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

-Alpha Crucus McLaren Vale Fiano 2016  $27.95   Azureau

-BK Wines Skin 'n' Bones Adelaide Hills White 2006  $35

-Spinifex Lola Barossa Valley White 2015  $34

-Brash Higgins ZBO Riverland Zibibbo 2016  $30

-Alpha Box & Dice Golden Mullet Fury Semillon Viognier 2015  $25  Autentic

 

The Food: prosciutto and ham and salami, international cheeses, breads and preserves and different mustards.

The Downside: the seminar started late and went on beyond the time specified. It was also only slightly more than half-full.

The Upside: Mark Davidson is an amazing seminar presenter.

The Contact Person: canada@wineaustralia.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: A tasting of some fine Ontario syrah at Cafe Megz

The Date and Time: Sunday June 11, 2017  1PM to 4PM

The Event: A tasting of some fine Ontario syrah.

The Venue: Writer Jason Solanki's abode at Chez Megz

The Target Audience: invited wine media guests

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were available in the Ontario system, although some were from private cellars.

The Quote/Background: we were given a list of the 16 wines and invited to taste through them and rate them, or whatever.

The Wines: We had five Syrah from Kacaba, four from Creekside, and one each from seven others. Only the Jackson Triggs and the Legends were labeled Shiraz.

 

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

(94) Kacaba Terraced Vineyard Syrah 2014 VQA Niagara Escarpment $29.95...perhaps atypical because of some brett tones and aging, but it was definitely a North Rhone syrah with 8% viognier co-fermentation...

(93) Creekside Broken Press Syrah 2008 Queenston Road Vineyard VQA St David's Bench Niagara +202127 $42.95 ...well-aged, Rhonish, best with food...

(92) Kacaba Silver Bridge Vineyard Syrah 2013 VQA Niagara Escarpment $29.95...delicious syrah intensity...

(91) Kacaba Reserve Syrah 2012 VQA Niagara Escarpment $44.95..tight and still developing...

(91) Creekside UNBroken Press Syrah 2012 Queenston Road Vineyard VQA St David's Bench Niagara +202127 $42.95 ...delicious Rhonish complexity...

(91) Rockway Vineyards Small Lot Block 12-140 Syrah 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara +498675 $24.95...packs a wallop in specialized intensity...

 

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

(90) Kacaba Founder's Select Syrah 2015 VQA Niagara Escarpment $44.95...way too young to consume, one for the cellar, try in 10 years...

(89) Kacaba Proprietor's Block Syrah 2013 VQA Niagara Escarpment $29.95...very tannic, still needs time...

(89) Creekside Syrah 2013 VQA +66654 $15.95...delicious delivery of fruity shiraz...twist top

(88) Creekside Iconclast Niagara Syrah 2014 VQA St Davids's Bench Niagara +471797 $22.95 twist top

(89) Legends Reserve Shiraz 2012 Lizak Vineyard VQA Lincoln Lakeshore Niagara $23.95...some brett tones, well-aged and developed wine...

(89) 13th Street Essence Syrah 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula $44.95...good hits of nicely made syrah...

(89) Southbrook Winery Whimsy! Syrah 2012 Organic and Biodynamic VQA Four Mile Creek N/A... produced from a single barrel, with 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% merlot...

(88) Redstone Syrah RedstoneVineyard 2013 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore Niagara $39.95

(88) Fielding Syrah 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula $39.95

(88) Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Shiraz 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula +317941 $24.95...shiraz style of upfront fruit but finishes lean and green, takes time, needs food.

 

The Food: Hodge Podge and Matilda in the Buff cheeses from Monforte, breads.

The Downside: it was very summer-hot to get there and back, but the venue had good air circulation and was conducive to tasting.

The Upside: compatible crowd of tasters.

The Contact:  http://vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com/

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Wines of Portugal Grand Tasting Trade and Media Show June 7/17

The Date and Time: Wednesday June 7, 2017  2PM to 5PM

The Event: Wines of Portugal Grand Tasting Trade and Media Show

The Venue: Airship37 Event Venue, Parliament Street Distillery District

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: varied availability according to the producers. Some wineries were looking for agents, but did not prominently display that red sign. Some wines were not available, while other wines were not listed. Prices were not displayed.

The Quote/Background: It was hot and noisy, not especially conducive to a trade show which requires concentration. It needed more curating in order to bring the best clients to the wineries and agents.

The Wines: I only tried table wines and some ports, and not all of them.

 

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

-Sogevinus Veedha 2013 Douro Red +255851 LCBO $15.10

-Calem Coheita 1961 Porto $200

-Kopke Colheita 1981 Porto $50

-Kopke Colheita 1967 Porto $200

-Kopke Colheita 1999 Porto $70

-Calem Coheita 2000 Porto $60

-Quinta Vale d'Aldeia White 2016

-Quinta da Devesa Red reserva Vinhas Velhas 2011 Douro

-A&D Wines Monologo Chardonnay 2016  $17.95 Licensee   Kylix

-Cabriz Reserva VB 2015 Dao White    Noble

-Esporao Reserva White 2015 Alentejo  FWP

-Quinta dos Murcas Reserva 2011  Douro   FWP

-Casa Santos Lima Colossal Reserva Lisboa Red 2014    Majestic

 

 

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

-Wine and Soul Guru 2015 Douro White $49.95

-Wine and Soul Manoella 2014 Douro Red $29.95

-Wine and Soul Pintas 2014 Douro Red Old Vines $129.95

-Wine and Soul Quinta da Manoella 2014 Vinhas Velhas Old Vines Douro Red $129.95

-Wine and Soul Pintas Character 2014 Douro Red Old Vines $49.95

-Cortes de Cima White 2015 Alentejo     Terroir

-Quinta do Mondego Red 2011 Dao e Lafoes

-Parras Castelo do Sulco White 2015 Lisboa   GO

-Monte da Ravasqueira White Alentejo

-A&D Wines Monologo Avesso 2016  $17.95 Licensee   Kylix

-Messias Quinta do Valdoeiro 2012 Bairrada Red   Signature

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Albis 2015 Peninsula de Setubal Moscatel    Philippe Dandurand

-Casa de Santar Reserva 2012 Dao Red  $27.95  Noble

-Esporao Verdelho 2016  FWP

-Esperao Monte Velho White 2015   FWP

-Casa Santos Lima Pluma Vinho Verde Lisboa 2016 $14    Majestic

-Casa Santos Lima Confidencial Reserva Lisboa Red 2013    Majestic

-Casa Santos Lima Bons-Ventos 2015 Red    Majestic

-Casa Santos Lima Oassuin of Portugal Reserva Lisboa Red 2015    Majestic

-Bacalhoa Tinto da Anfora 2014 Alentejo    PMA

-Alianca Foral Reserva 2014 Douro     PMA

 

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

-Quinta Vale d'Aldeia Infel White 2015 The Full Wineglass

-Cortes de Cima Chamine White 2016 Alentejo     Terroir

-Alianca Vinho Verde 2016   $9     PMA

 

 

The Food: as always, a wide selection of platters for spicy bbq chicken drumettes, cod fish croquettes with two kinds of mayo (herb, chipotle), mac and cheese, chorizo and buns, portuguese style cheeses, fruit, veggies, spicy meats and cold cuts, trout salad, breads, small bite desserts.

The Downside: as was typical, not all wines were available, and even some agents were uncertain as to specific availability.

The Upside: a good selection of newish Portuguese wines in the Ontario market.

The Contact Person: marketing@viniportugal.pt

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa (PIWOSA) showcase seminar in Toronto June 1/17

The Date and Time: Thursday June 1 11AM to 3:30PM

The Event: Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa (PIWOSA) showcase seminar

The Venue: St James Cathedral, Library Room

The Target Audience: wine writers, agents, and sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines available through LCBO distribution (including Destination store).

The Quote/Background: We had two seminars, about 30 people in each. The AM seminar concerned Noble Whites with presentations by principals for Raats, Ken Forrester, Glenelly, Journey's End, and Jardan/Jardin speaking about their microclimate and terroir at the winery and the wine we were tasting (there was one wine per presenter). In the PM, we had Paul Cluver, De Grendel, The Drift, TWOGH Radford, and Klein Constantia, with Unique Terroir being featured through two whites and three reds. PIWOSA is similar to other "family" groups in that they are small and independent, featuring innovative programs and events. The LCBO had a PIWOSA function later that night in their "taste and buy" series.

The Wines: There were 10 wines tasted.

 

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

-Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2016 +231282  $17.95

-Glenelly Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2014 +382200  $15.75

-Journey's End Destination Chardonnay 2015  +497321  $22

-Jordan (Jardin in NA) Jardin Nine Yards Chardonnay 2015   $36   Abcon

-Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2013 500mL  Halpern

 

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

-Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2016 $22  Lifford

-Paul Cluver Riesling Dry Encounter 2015  +494237  $20

-De Grendel Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 2014  +Churchill Cellars

-The Drift Farm Single Vineyard Gift Horse Barbera 2015 Imprese

-The Winery of Good Hope Radford Dale Black Rock 2013 +485490  $29.95

 

The Food: light lunch of spicy slices of chicken breasts with salads, multu-grain ciabatta buns, and strawbs skewered with pineapple. And some  white wine from the first seminar.

The Downside: only 10 wines were available (the paying customers at night got to sample about 40 wines).

The Upside: a very enjoyable and enlightening seminar.

The Contact Person: keenan@propellerpr.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Spring Portfolio Tasting for Galleon Wines Ontario May 2017

The Date and Time: Wednesday May 24, 2017  11:30 AM to 5:30 PM

The Event: Spring Portfolio Tasting for Galleon Wines Ontario

The Venue: The 48th, One King Street West

The Target Audience: licensees and clients, wine media.

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

The Quote/Background: These wines come from premium, family-owned wineries in Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Italy, and the New World.

The Wines:

 

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

-Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Brut NV Prologue $58

-Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Brut NV Rose Anthologie  $65

-Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Brut NV Page Blanche Blanc de Blancs $79 [all 2012]

-Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2014 Blanc  $124.95

-Domaine Queylus Signature Pinot Noir 2014 $23.95 Exclusive licensee

-Domaine Queylus Reserve Cabernet Franc Merlot 2012  $29.34 licensee

-Domaine Queylus Tradition Cabernet Franc 2013  $20.90 licensee

-Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre Rouge 2015  $27.95

-Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent 2014  $49.95

-Maison Joseph Drouhin Nuits-St-Georges 2015  $78.95

-Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015   $74.95

-Chateau Clarke Listrac-Medoc Cru Bourgeois 2010    $42.95   Vintages +503904

 

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

-Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Corton Grand Cru Les Hautes Mourottes 2013 Rouge $109.95

-Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Ladoix Premier Cru Les Basses Mourottes 2013 Rouge $59.95

-Domaine Queylus Tradition Pinot Noir 2014  $29.95 Vintages June 10 +392738

-Domaine Queylus Reserve Pinot Noir 2012  $37.82 licensee

-Domaine Queylus Grande Reserve Pinot Noir 2012  $50.49 licensee

-Domaine Queylus Grande Reserve Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012  $42 licensee

-Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre Blanc 2016  $27.95

-Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Chablis 2015  $27.95

-Domaine Coillot Marsannay Les Boivins 2014  $49.95

-Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014   $79.95

-Domaine Virginie Thunevin Bordeaux Lalande de Fronsac 2015  $24.95

-Chateau Rahoul Graves 2013   $29.95 Vintages +226043

-Chateau Le Boscq Saint-Estephe 2010   $54.95

-Ca' del Bosco Curtefranca Bianco 2016  $36.95

-Ca' del Bosco Curtefranca Rosso 2014  $36.95

-Poggio al Tesoro Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore 2012   $52.95

-Col Solare Red Mountain Washington 2013   $81.75  Vintages +20387

-Ca' del Bosco Maurizio Zanella IGT Sebrino Rosso 2012  $100

 

The Food: bread, water

The Downside: the great view east from the 48th floor left me wondering for how much longer the green visage would be there.

The Upside: A chance to converse with some principals such as Edouard Labruyere of Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere and Vincent Ravaut of Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut.

The Contact Person: dshing@galleonwines.ca

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour Toronto May 2017

The Date and Time: Wednesday May 10, 2017  1PM - 5PM

The Event: The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour Toronto

The Venue:ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was loaded with data about grape varieties and sustainability, plus of course the distribution and prices for the wines.

The Quote/Background: From the American Association of Wine Economists came some interesting figures for export by leading variety in 2016: Sauvignon Blanc 181.94 million litres, followed by Pinot Noir at 12.17 million litres, Chardonnay (6.06 million litres), and Pinot Gris (4.71).

The Wines: I attended the Pinot Noir Masterclass led by Sara d'Amato, and folded in my scores with the show itself. I did not taste every wine.

 

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

-Te Kairanga Runholder Pinot Noir Martinborough 2015  $35 Select

-John Forrest Collection Pinot Noir Waitaki Valley 2015  $49.95   Abcon

-Saint Clair Pioneer Block 15 Strip Block Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 Lower Waihopai Valley  $34.95  PMA Canada

-Tohu Atwatere Valley Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015  $34.95  Connexion Oenophilia

-Giesen Fuder Clayvin Chardonnay Marlborough 2014  $60 Charton-Hobbs

-Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014 $39.95  Connexion Oenophilia

-Greywacke Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011 $49.95 +402651 Vintages Connexion Oenophilia

-Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer Marlborough 2016  +619475 Vintages

-Nautilus Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014 Southern Valleys +606913  $35.95

-Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016  $24.95  Constellation

-Saint Clair Dawn Methode Traditionnelle Marlborough 2012  $49.95  PMA Canada

-te Pa Oke Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Wairau Valley  $29.95  Univins

-Villa Maria Single Vineyard Southern Clays Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014 Wairau Valley  $59.99

-Spy Valley ENVOY Johnson Vineyard Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014 Waihopai Valley +143644 Vintages $29.95

 

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

-Spy Valley ENVOY Johnson Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Waihopai Valley +429308 Vintages $29.95

-Te Mania Pinot Noir Nelson 2015 $27.99  Small Winemakers

-Esk Valley Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 $24.99 Hobbs & Co

-te Pa Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 Benmorven  $24.95   Univins

-Greystone Pinot Noir Waipara Valley 2015  $45  Noble Estates

-Mount Riley Limited Release Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Gibbston  $27   Kirkwood Diamond

-Akarua Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Banockburn  $39.95 Vintages Pending

-Paddy Borthwick Pinot Noir Wairarapa 2015  $32  Nicholas Pearce

-Sacred Hill Special Selections Helmsman Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc Hawke's Bay 2014  +175646 Vintages $59.95

-Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Chardonnay Marlborough 2014  +495010 Vintages $31.95

-Astrolabe Valleys Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 Awatere Valley  $22.95  Rogers & Co

-Babich Black Label Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015  +465963 Vintages $27.95

-Elephant Hill Reserve Merlot Cabernet Hawke's Bay 2013 $49.95  HHD Imports

-Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough $18.95 +734798 Vintages

-Thornbury Chardonnay 2015 Gisborne $18.95 +135322 Vintages

-Blind River Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016  $27.95  Wine Guru

-Blind River Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015  $32.95  Wine Guru

-Lion Huntaway Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015  $29.95  Profile

-Marisco The King's Legacy Chardonnay Marlborough 2015 +393694 Vintages $19.95

-Matua Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015  $19.25  Mark Anthony

-Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Brut Hawke's Bay NV  +163634  $21.95

-Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Rose Hawke's Bay NV  +280172  $21.95

-Sacred Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 +490326 Vintages $21.95

-Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 Awatere Valley  $24.95 Vintages Pending

 

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

-Clos Henri Petit Clos Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 Upper Wairau Valleys  $23.99  Charton-Hobbs

-Mudhouse Single Vineyard Claom 431 Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Bendigo  $28  Mondia Alliance

-Maude Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Cromwell, Lowbrun and Pisa Valleys  $38  Agent?

-Elephant Hill Syrah Hawke's Bay 2014   $34.95 HHD Imports

-Forrest Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016  $22.50  Abcon

-Spy Valley Chardonnay Marlborough 2015 Southern Valleys  $22.95  Noble Estates

 

The Food: Daniel & Daniel supplied cheeses, charcuterie, breads, crackers, veggies and dips.

The Downside: we had 14 Riedel Pinot Noir glasses for the seminar; these large vessels were so close together on my tasting mat that I was nervous every time I tasted a sample.

The Upside: a good chance to see where the industry was today in its campaign for sustainability: 98% certification for all NZ wineries.

The Contact Person: info@ketchin.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Burger's Priest Confederation Burger, new on July 1, 2017, at all 15 locations!!

So – on June 22, I was welcome to partake in the media preview launch of Burger's Priest salute to the Canada 150 celebration on July 1 (they had not done this for two years).

 

On Canada Day, Burger's Priest will celebrate Canada 150 by offering a Confederation Burger dedicated to the local foods of Canada: all 15 outlets (13 in the GTA, 2 in Edmonton) starting at noon will offer the new burger until supplies run out. It's a huge creation comprised of their beef burger from locally sourced animals, a full lobster tail from Nova Scotia, maple syrup from Quebec, and bacon ham from Ontario. Talk about surf and turf! And it sells as a loss-leader for $18.67...Fries, drinks, shakes, dessert will be extra. To top it off, there's a draw for a free combo Burger's Priest once a week for a year. There are 150 draws, and they are not site-specific, so it is possible that any one location could end up with all 150 prizes.

 

I found the burger very appetizing, if a bit overwhelming in volume: you may need a doggy bag. The flavours of maple/salty bacon/lobster tail/beef really do work well together. But use both hands, and I found it best to invert the burger to better capture the juices and flavours. A high IBU Pilsner would be my suggested accompaniment, if available. For more details, try jocelynblack@live.ca

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 24, 2017.

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for  June 24, 2017.

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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 --

 

+360248 FRATELLI BRANCA CARPANO ANTICA FORMULA VERMOUTH $16.95 375 mL  16.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 94

W+302059    CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED GEWÜRZTRAMINER    Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2013    $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

 

 

20 under $20

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W+99309    LEYDA GARUMA SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC    Leyda Valley        2015    $17.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+147975    GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER    IGP Pays d'Oc        2015    $14.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+246579    CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ    VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment        2015    $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+251785    SASSOREGALE SANGIOVESE    DOC Maremma Toscana        2014    $16.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

R+295618    CAVINO GRANDE RESERVE PDO Nemea 2009    $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+377481    LÓPEZ DE HARO CRIANZA    DOCa Rioja        2010    $14.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+382879    VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY    AC        2014    $19.95

12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

W+441394    KONO SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island        2015    $18.95

13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+445122    SÃO MIGUEL ESCOLHA DOS ENOLOGOS    Vinho Regional Alentejano    Nuno Franco & Alexandre Relvas    2014    $15.95     14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+487553    CHÂTEAU TERRE BLANQUE    AC    2015    $12.95  14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+489963    DOMAINE DE LA RENNE TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC        2015    $14.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

W+599274 LOOSEN BROS. DR. L RIESLING Qualitätswein 2015 $13.95 8.5% AB,MVC/QPR: 90

R+724674 COPPI PEUCETICO  PRIMITIVO IGP Puglia 2012 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+983395 PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS Alsace 2015 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+984997    TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALO    IGT Rosso delle Venezie    2015    $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+195107 SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Côtes de Roussillon 2014    $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+396481    ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia    2015    $18.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

 

20 over $20

=========

W+149302    FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY    VQA Niagara Peninsula        2015    $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+58683    LA CREMA MONTEREY CHARDONNAY    Monterey        2015    $26.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+232439    CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CHARDONNAY    Columbia Valley        2015    $21.95     14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+244087    CHÂTEAU TOUR BALADOZ    AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru        2009    $42.95

13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

R+275958    SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET FRANC    VQA Niagara Peninsula        2015    $21.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+316984    VERSADO RESERVA ANCIENT MALBEC    Mendoza    Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble    2012    $59.95    14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+367896    LA CREMA MONTEREY PINOT NOIR    Monterey        2014    $26.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+389254    MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Maipo Valley        2013    $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

W+445536    DOMAINE BESSON CHABLIS    AC    Adrien Besson    2014    $26.95

12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+493403    DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE    AC        2014    $39.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+585760    QUAILS' GATE PINOT NOIR    BC VQA Okanagan Valley        2015    $30.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

R+626325    OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN    BC VQA Okanagan Valley        2013    $48.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+655381 STAGS' LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY Napa  2015 $34.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+661330    BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN    AC        2014    $59.95

13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+63941    MAHI SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island        2015    $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+142778    DOMAINE SERVIN VAILLONS CHABLIS PREMIER CRU    AC        2015    $34.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+262956    DONNACHIARA IRPINIA AGLIANICO    DOC        2013    $21.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+322628    HENRI BOURGEOIS LA CHAPELLE DES AUGUSTINS SANCERRE     2014    $37.95   

13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+434787    RUPERT & ROTHSCHILD CLASSIQUE    WO Western Cape    2012    $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+486746    CHÂTEAU MAUCAMPS    Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc    2010    $34.95

14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

 

RE: The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017

Bonjour Dean,

 

Many thanks for sending me your evaluation of the wines and the event. I appreciate the feedback.

We are working on an event for all French wines next year. All suggestions are welcome !

 

Kind regards,

Charline

 

Charline Primat Trade Advisor – Food, Wine, Beer & Spirits T : +1 416 977 1257 ext. 205    French Trade Commission Business France North America 154 University Avenue, Suite 400 Toronto, ON M5H 3Y9, Canada http://www.businessfrance.fr Follow us on Twitter @BF_WineSpirits

 

 

De : Dean Tudor [mailto:dtudor@pathcom.com]
Envoyé : samedi 17 juin 2017 15:28
À : blog1 <dtudor2.epicures@blogger.com>
Objet : The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017

 

The Date and Time: Tuesday May 9, 2017  Noon - 5PM

The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017

The Venue: Arta Gallery, Distillery District

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: about a third of the producers were looking for agents. Each producer had about 6 or so wines, so there were about 100 wines in the show, mostly modestly priced.

The Quote/Background: it was very crowded and noisy with lots of hustle and bustle.

The Wines: There were 11 wineries with agents, 7 without. I did not try every wine.

 

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

-Domaine du Bicheron Macon Peronne Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2015  Agent?

-Domaine du Bicheron Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blanc NV  Agent?

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2014  Artisanal

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Auxey-Duresses La Canee 2014  $42.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru Les Chatelots 2011  $62.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Pouilly-Fuisse Veilles Vignes 2015  Wine Online

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Pouilly-Fuisse Les Petites Bruyeres 2016  Wine Online

-Domaine Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin 1er cru Champeaux 2015 $132 J. Cipelli

-Domaine Trapet-Rochelandet Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2014   Agent?

-Domaine Trapet-Rochelandet Gevrey Chambertin Les champs chenys 2014   Agent?

-Maison Ambroise Nuits Saint Georges 2014   Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Meursault 2015 Listed Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Pouilly-Fuisse 2015 Listed Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Cremant de Bourgogne NV Moingeon Listed Agent?

-Vitteaut Alberti Cremant de Bourgogne Rose  $30 Agent?

-Maison Louis Picamelot Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noir En Chazot 2013 $29 Agent?

 

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

-Maison Ambroise Saint Romain 2014   Agent?

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 1er cru Montmains 2015 $39.95 Nicolas Pearce

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 2015  $27.95

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaulignot 2015  Artisanal

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2015  Artisanal

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay Prestige 2015  13.5% ABV  $19.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embazees 2011 Blanc $79.95 

October Vintages

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Damoisseaux 2014 $19.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Savigny Les Beaune Le Village 2015 Rouge $44.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Montagny 1er cru 2014 Blanc  October Vintages $36.95

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Cremant de Bourgogne NV  $22.95 Eurovintage

-Vitteaut Alberti Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs  $27 Agent?

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Macon Les Morizottes 2015 $29.95 Wine Online

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Blanc NV  $24.95 Wine Online

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Macon Verze 2015  $42.55  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Saint-Veran Les Champs Ronds 2015  $44.95  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2015  $50.95  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin Les Corvees 2015 $84 J. Cipelli

-Herve Kerlann Bourgogne Chardonnay Cuvee H 2015 $30  Has agent but not listed as such.

 

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

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis Amphore 2015  $69.95

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige 2014  $19.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015  Wine Online

 

The Food: basic nibbles of nuts and dried fruit, breads, water.

The Downside: some of the wines disappeared rather quickly. I came to the show late, just after 2PM. But still I missed Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau, some of Domaine de Mauperthuis, and some of Domaine Tortochot.

The Upside: a chance to profile new affordable wines from burgundy.

The Contact Person: charline.primat@businessfrance.fr

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

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Dinner with Pierre Jhean, winemaker at Domaine Henri de Villamont.

The Date and Time:  Tuesday May 9, 2017  5:30PM to 9PM

The Event: Dinner with Pierre Jhean, winemaker at Domaine Henri de Villamont.

The Venue: Cluny, Distillery District.

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: two wines are coming in October; one is already here, see below.

The Quote/Background: M. Jhean spoke about the terroir conditions and the vintages and production techniques as we sampled wines before and during dinner. De Villamont ownns 10 hectares on the Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits, with the winery in Savigny-les-Beaune. They specialize in Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru, Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru, and Grands-Echezeaux.

The Wines:

 

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

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Auxey-Duresses La Canee 2014  $42.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru Les Chatelots 2011  $62.95 Eurovintage

 

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

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay Prestige 2015  13.5% ABV  $19.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embazees 2011 Blanc $79.95 

October Vintages

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Damoisseaux 2014 $19.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Savigny Les Beaune Le Village 2015 Rouge $44.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Montagny 1er cru 2014 Blanc  October Vintages $36.95

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Cremant de Bourgogne NV  $22.95 Eurovintage

 

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

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige 2014  $19.95  Eurovintage

 

The Food: we ordered off the menu. I had some cod followed by some Moroccan lamb steaks.

The Downside: nothing

The Upside: we also sampled the company's Chateau d'Aigueville Rouge Cote du Rhone Villages 2015 (+479683 LCBO $14.95) a medium bodied wine (but 14.5% ABV) very suitable with lamb.

The Contact Person: vintages@eurovintage.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017

The Date and Time: Tuesday May 9, 2017  Noon - 5PM

The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017

The Venue: Arta Gallery, Distillery District

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: about a third of the producers were looking for agents. Each producer had about 6 or so wines, so there were about 100 wines in the show, mostly modestly priced.

The Quote/Background: it was very crowded and noisy with lots of hustle and bustle.

The Wines: There were 11 wineries with agents, 7 without. I did not try every wine.

 

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

-Domaine du Bicheron Macon Peronne Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2015  Agent?

-Domaine du Bicheron Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blanc NV  Agent?

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2014  Artisanal

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Auxey-Duresses La Canee 2014  $42.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru Les Chatelots 2011  $62.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Pouilly-Fuisse Veilles Vignes 2015  Wine Online

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Pouilly-Fuisse Les Petites Bruyeres 2016  Wine Online

-Domaine Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin 1er cru Champeaux 2015 $132 J. Cipelli

-Domaine Trapet-Rochelandet Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2014   Agent?

-Domaine Trapet-Rochelandet Gevrey Chambertin Les champs chenys 2014   Agent?

-Maison Ambroise Nuits Saint Georges 2014   Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Meursault 2015 Listed Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Pouilly-Fuisse 2015 Listed Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Cremant de Bourgogne NV Moingeon Listed Agent?

-Vitteaut Alberti Cremant de Bourgogne Rose  $30 Agent?

-Maison Louis Picamelot Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noir En Chazot 2013 $29 Agent?

 

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

-Maison Ambroise Saint Romain 2014   Agent?

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 1er cru Montmains 2015 $39.95 Nicolas Pearce

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 2015  $27.95

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaulignot 2015  Artisanal

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2015  Artisanal

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay Prestige 2015  13.5% ABV  $19.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embazees 2011 Blanc $79.95 

October Vintages

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Damoisseaux 2014 $19.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Savigny Les Beaune Le Village 2015 Rouge $44.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Montagny 1er cru 2014 Blanc  October Vintages $36.95

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Cremant de Bourgogne NV  $22.95 Eurovintage

-Vitteaut Alberti Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs  $27 Agent?

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Macon Les Morizottes 2015 $29.95 Wine Online

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Blanc NV  $24.95 Wine Online

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Macon Verze 2015  $42.55  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Saint-Veran Les Champs Ronds 2015  $44.95  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2015  $50.95  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin Les Corvees 2015 $84 J. Cipelli

-Herve Kerlann Bourgogne Chardonnay Cuvee H 2015 $30  Has agent but not listed as such.

 

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

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis Amphore 2015  $69.95

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige 2014  $19.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015  Wine Online

 

The Food: basic nibbles of nuts and dried fruit, breads, water.

The Downside: some of the wines disappeared rather quickly. I came to the show late, just after 2PM. But still I missed Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau, some of Domaine de Mauperthuis, and some of Domaine Tortochot.

The Upside: a chance to profile new affordable wines from burgundy.

The Contact Person: charline.primat@businessfrance.fr

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

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com