WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JANUARY 18, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  JANUARY 18, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=my basic recommendation  MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEMES:  California Sustainability; Local Talent Reds

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+447425 MOUNT RILEY LIMITED RELEASE SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEA 2024 $19.95
W+117945 TAHBILK MARSANNE 2023 AUSTRALIA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+981175 DOMAINE DE LA MADONE LE PERRÉON BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2023 $19.95
R+452029 PIATTELLI LUJÁN DE CUYO RESERVE MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $15.50
R+360636 SISTER'S RUN BETHLEHEM BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022  $19.95
R+13434 ESCUDO ROJO GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2022 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+195107 SAINT-ROCH CORBAROL SYRAH/GRENACHE FRANCE 2022  $16.95
R+38858 CAMPET SAINT MARIE VIEILLES VIGNES SAINT-CHINIAN 2022 $15.95
R+38650 DOMAINE CHANTEPIERRE LIRAC 2021 $18.95
R+120907 VESEVO BENEVENTANO AGLIANICO  CAMPANIA 2022 $17.95
R+455220 SAN MARZANO TALÒ PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA PUGLIA 2022 $17.45

 Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+515262 DE CHANCENY BRUT CRÉMANT DE LOIRE $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+36895 KONRAD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $22.95
W+38089 ALAIN GEOFFROY VAU-LIGNEAU CHABLIS 1ER CRU $44.95  MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+466144 J. MOREAU & FILS GLORIE DE CHABLIS 2023 $31.95
R+42483 STONEY RIDGE SMALL LOT BUCKNALL VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR 2022 $22.95
R+41303 CHÂTEAU FERRAN 2023 $34.95
R+41302 CHÂTEAU FERRAN 2019 $37.95
R+42482 FOGOLAR PICONE VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC VQA 2021 $34.95
R+320986 THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND RED 2020 $24.95
R+418830 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC MERLOT VQA 2019 $27.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+19875 IL DRAGO E LE 8 COLOMBE TUSCANY 2019 $36.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  January 6 through February 2  (and don't forget the HST reductions through Feb 15) --

FIZZ+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, now $19.95, save $2
W+18947 Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, now $17.95, save $3
W+158683 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2023, now $27.95. save $2
R+36483 Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Penedes, now $17.95, save $2
R+328567 Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon South Africa, now $16.95, save $3
R+295410 Michel Gassier Nostre Pais 2021 Costieres de Nimes, now $23.95, save $2
R+383018 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza Rioja $16.95, save $4

LTOs for all of  the  600-800 wines, beers, spirits, etc. can be found at --
https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---


REPORT ON ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO  OCTOBER

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 15, 2024  1PM to 5PM
The Event: Alsace Rocks! in Toronto
The Venue: Storys Building, Toronto
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: I had no cell phone to QR.
The Quote/Background: there were 36 or so wines spread around three stations, about 12 wines each.
The Wines: I did not sample every wine (I only had 15). I passed on the sweeties and the reds. And on the sylvaner and the muscat.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Zinck Rose NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Allimant Rose Brut  NV (all pinot noir)
-Domaine Allimant Gewurztraminer 2023
-Justin Boxler Riesling Grand Cru Florimont 2018
-Pfersigberg Riesling Grand Cru 1999
-Pfersigberg Gewurztraminer  Grand Cru 1999
-Jean-Louis Schoepfer Gewurztraminer 2020   [my fave of the day]

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Bott Geyl NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Domaine Gilg NV
-Cremant d'Alsace J. Louis Brut NV
-Wilm Gewurztraminer Reserve 2021
-Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer 2023 Reserve
-Zotzenberg Gewurztraminer Grand Cru
-Domaine Gilg Riesling Grand Cru 2022
-Domaine Allimant Laugner Riesling 2023

The Food: lovely canapes such as smoked fish fritter, beet manti (goat cheese and beet), warm mini-shrimp po boy, wild mushroom katai fi, oysters, ahi tuna crudo, chicken satay. -- some of the best I'ver had all year!
The Downside: too few wines but crowded tasting tables (only three tables with one server each)
The Upside: some interesting musicians named Stereoflavour, and low crowd numbers
The Contact Person: ctouchette@hopscotchgroupe.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

REPORT ON ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO OCTOBER

REPORT ON ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO  OCTOBER

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 15, 2024  1PM to 5PM
The Event: Alsace Rocks! in Toronto
The Venue: Storys Building, Toronto
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: I had no cell phone to QR.
The Quote/Background: there were 36 or so wines spread around three stations, about 12 wines each.
The Wines: I did not sample every wine (I only had 15). I passed on the sweeties and the reds. And on the sylvaner and the muscat.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Zinck Rose NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Allimant Rose Brut  NV (all pinot noir)
-Domaine Allimant Gewurztraminer 2023
-Justin Boxler Riesling Grand Cru Florimont 2018
-Pfersigberg Riesling Grand Cru 1999
-Pfersigberg Gewurztraminer  Grand Cru 1999
-Jean-Louis Schoepfer Gewurztraminer 2020   [my fave of the day]

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Bott Geyl NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Domaine Gilg NV
-Cremant d'Alsace J. Louis Brut NV
-Wilm Gewurztraminer Reserve 2021
-Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer 2023 Reserve
-Zotzenberg Gewurztraminer Grand Cru
-Domaine Gilg Riesling Grand Cru 2022
-Domaine Allimant Laugner Riesling 2023

The Food: lovely canapes such as smoked fish fritter, beet manti (goat cheese and beet), warm mini-shrimp po boy, wild mushroom katai fi, oysters, ahi tuna crudo, chicken satay. -- some of the best I'ver had all year!
The Downside: too few wines but crowded tasting tables (only three tables with one server each)
The Upside: some interesting musicians named Stereoflavour, and low crowd numbers
The Contact Person: ctouchette@hopscotchgroupe.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JANUARY 4, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  JANUARY 4, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=my basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine


MAJOR THEME:  Smart Buys (~30 wines)

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+37912 D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP SAUVIGNON BLANC AUSTRALIA 2023  $14.95 W+41739 FALERNIA GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2023 $15.95
W+363150 LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE LOIRE 2023 $18.95
W+39799 DR. HEIDEMANNS-BERGWEILER RIESLING MOSEL-SAAR-RUWER 2022 $15.95
W+16607 VELENOSI QUERCIANTICA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO MARCHE $15.95
W+36907 INVINITI SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $17.95
W+17552 OHAU WOVEN STONE SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $19.95
W+36900 OHAU WOVEN STONE SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT GRIS NEW ZEALAND 2022 $19.95
W+41445 SIX HATS CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA  2024 $14.90
W+461327 BERONIA RUEDA VERDEJO SPAIN 2023 $15.95




R+38493 CASARENA 505 MALBEC ARGENTINA 2022 $15.95
R+38491 LA BELLE MARGUERITE MALBEC ARGENTINA 2021 $17.95
R+28082 FINCA LALANDE ORGANIC MALBEC ARGENTINA 2022 $16.95
R+40721 HIGHGATE SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2021 $18.95
R+33732 KARL'S SCEPTER COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2022 $14.95
R+40731 MON TOUT CHERRY PICKING GRENACHE AUSTRALIA 2023 $17.95
R+37911 SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2022 $19.95
R+38189 ESPRIT DE FONROZAY BORDEAUX 2020 $14.95
R+39301 L'ARNAUDE PROVENCE 2022 $15.95
R+18141 CHÂTEAU GRAND ESCALION RHONE 2021 $15.95
R+28545 DOMAINE FOND CROZE LE SERRE DE LA GARDE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 $14.95 R+18642 DOMAINE MARTIN CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 $17.95
R+17403 TORRE ZAMBRA MADIA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $16.95
R+19285 NARDELLI NEGROAMARO/PRIMITIVO PUGLIA 2022 $16.95
R+470377 CASA DE CAMBRES RESERVA RED PORTUGAL 2018 $15.95
R+25257 GUARDA RIOS RED PORTUGAL 2022 $11.95
R+26329 CIMAL TEMPRANILLO SPAIN 2022 $14.95
R+460154 COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES CABERNET SAUVIGNON  WASHINGTON STATE  2020  $19.95
R+42095 VIGNERONS DES PIERRES DORÉES VIEILLES VIGNES LA ROSE POURPRE BEAUJOLAIS  2022  $17.95

     

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+40359 LEBLOND-LENOIR PASCAL BRUT TRADITION CHAMPAGNE $52.45
W+520627 CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON VQA 2023  $23      
W+37756  EMILIANA SIGNOS DE ORIGEN CHARDONNAY/ROUSANNE CHILE 2022 $21.95 W+12714 PENINSULA RIDGE FALCON'S NEST PINOT NOIR VQA 2021$21.95
R+194274 TRINITY HILL SYRAH NEW ZEALAND 12 $22.95
R+50203 BERONIA RESERVA SPAIN $23.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer of 681 selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through Sunday January 5 -- last call, better hurry!!! The complete collection is on the LCBO website at  --

https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]

and this URL can be used for the latest LTO listings which appear every four weeks, e.g.  JAN 5 to FEB 2 is the next one....

RATING: MVC/QPR=BEST 90+  There are 10 fizz wines rated here at 90+ points

Trius Brut VQA MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$26.95Sale Price $26.95
$29.95Price Was $29.95
Save $3.00

13th Street Cuvée Brut Sparkling Rosé MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$26.95Sale Price $26.95
$29.95Price Was $29.95
Save $3.00

Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling VQA MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$27.95Sale Price $27.95
$32.95Price Was $32.95
Save $5.00

Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Brut Sparkling Riesling  VQA  MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$20.95Sale Price $20.95
$24.95Price Was $24.95
Save $4.00

Saintly The Good Sparkling VQA
750 ml bottle
$16.95Sale Price $16.95
$18.95Price Was $18.95
Save $2.00

Lily Sparkling Rosé VQA
750 ml bottle
$14.95Sale Price $14.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $3.00

Rosehall Run Pixie Sparkling Rosé VQA
750 ml bottle
$17.95Sale Price $17.95
$19.95Price Was $19.95
Save $2.00

Romeo Prosecco
750 ml bottle
$14.10Sale Price $14.10
$16.10Price Was $16.10
Save $2.00

Zonin Prosecco Brut 1821 DOC MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
3 x 200 ml bottle
$16.95Sale Price $16.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $1.00

Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$20.95Sale Price $20.95
$22.95Price Was $22.95
Save $2.00

Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore Brut Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$24.95Sale Price $24.95
$26.95Price Was $26.95
Save $2.00

Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Brut DOC Treviso
750 ml bottle
$16.80Sale Price $16.80
$18.80Price Was $18.80
Save $2.00

Luc Belaire Rare Rosé Sparkling
750 ml bottle
$35.95Sale Price $35.95
$40.95Price Was $40.95
Save $5.00

La Marca Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$19.85Sale Price $19.85
$21.85Price Was $21.85
Save $2.00

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$15.95Sale Price $15.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $2.00

Codorniu Brut Clasico MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$14.00Sale Price $14.00
$16.50Price Was $16.50
Save $2.50

Fiol Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$16.75Sale Price $16.75
$18.75Price Was $18.75
Save $2.00

Blu Giovello Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$15.95Sale Price $15.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $2.00

Nozeco Sparkling Rose Dealcoholized
750 ml bottle
$10.95Sale Price $10.95
$12.95Price Was $12.95
Save $2.00

Ruffino Prosecco Rose DOC MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$17.50Sale Price $17.50
$19.50Price Was $19.50
Save $2.00

Jacob's Creek Moscato Rosé Sparkling
750 ml bottle
$13.45Sale Price $13.45
$15.95Price Was $15.95
Save $2.50

Champagnes on Sale until Jan 5 -- hurry, hurry...Get a bunch for Valentine's Day...Apart from the Piper Heidsieck Brut, these are good prices. Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne - $5.00 LTO  [My Best Buy Pick}
https://www.lcbo.com/en/nicolas-feuillatte-brut-champagne-537605

Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne - $3.00 LTO
https://www.lcbo.com/en/piper-heidsieck-brut-champagne-462432

Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne - $6.00 LTO
https://www.lcbo.com/en/taittinger-brut-r-cserve-champagne-365312

Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne - $6.00 LTO  [my fave of the bunch]
https://www.lcbo.com/en/perrier-jou-t-grand-brut-champagne-155341

Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne - $5.00 LTO and 100 Aeroplan points
https://www.lcbo.com/en/louis-roederer-collection-brut-premier-champagne-268771

MORE LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  January 6 through February 2  (and don't forget the HST reductions through Feb 15) --

FIZZ+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, now $19.95, save $2
W+18947 Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, now $17.95, save $3
W+158683 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2023, now $27.95. save $2
R+36483 Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Penedes, now $17.95, save $2
R+328567 Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon South Africa, now $16.95, save $3
R+295410 Michel Gassier Nostre Pais 2021 Costieres de Nimes, now $23.95, save $2
R+383018 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza Rioja $16.95, save $4


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---

REPORT ON  CHIANTI LOVERS CANADIAN TOUR  FALL  2024

The Date and Time: Wed October 2, 2024
The Event: MasterClass in Chianti wines
The Venue: Aria Restaurant, York Street
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine trade, wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: mostly at the LCBO although there were some wines that were specific to an area.
The Quote/Background: local wine writer Sara d'Amato and Chianti Wine Ambassador Luca Alves gave a two hour presentation on the historical development and recent changes in Chianti wine regulation. Self-regulation began in 1716, Ricasoli developed the formula in 1872, the Consortium was founded in 1927, the demarcation of lands started in 1932 followed by the DOC codification in 1967, 1984, 1997, and 2009.
The Wines: There were seven wines from the seven regions, some in the Annata style (released after March 1 of the prior harvest), the Superiore style (higher alcohol), and the Riserva style (barrel aging), along with different vintage dates (2019 through 2023).

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montespertoli DOCG 2022 [Annata]
-Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG 2020 [Riserva]
-Chianti Rufina DOCG 2019 [Riserva]


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montalbano DOCG 2023 [Annata]
-Chianti Colline Pisane DOCG 2022 [Superiore]
-Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG 2021 [Superiore]
-Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG 2021 [Riserva}

The Food: it was a small buffet of winter bitter salad with walnuts, grilled chicken and salmon chunks, cooked greens and potatoes, bread...very well-spiced and herby.
The Downside: the sun floated into and out of my eyesight, distracting me.
The Upside: good food and a chance to evaluate some Chianti wines from diverse regions and regulations.
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Chianti wines

REPORT ON  CHIANTI LOVERS CANADIAN TOUR OCTOBER 2024

The Date and Time: Wed October 2, 2024
The Event: MasterClass in Chianti wines
The Venue: Aria Restaurant, York Street
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine trade, wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: mostly at the LCBO although there were some wines that were specific to an area.
The Quote/Background: local wine writer Sara d'Amato and Chianti Wine Ambassador Luca Alves gave a two hour presentation on the historical development and recent changes in Chianti wine regulation. Self-regulation began in 1716, Ricasoli developed the formula in 1872, the Consortium was founded in 1927, the demarcation of lands started in 1932 followed by the DOC codification in 1967, 1984, 1997, and 2009.
The Wines: There were seven wines from the seven regions, some in the Annata style (released after March 1 of the prior harvest), the Superiore style (higher alcohol), and the Riserva style (barrel aging), along with different vintage dates (2019 through 2023).

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montespertoli DOCG 2022 [Annata]
-Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG 2020 [Riserva]
-Chianti Rufina DOCG 2019 [Riserva]


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montalbano DOCG 2023 [Annata]
-Chianti Colline Pisane DOCG 2022 [Superiore]
-Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG 2021 [Superiore]
-Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG 2021 [Riserva}

The Food: it was a small buffet of winter bitter salad with walnuts, grilled chicken and salmon chunks, cooked greens and potatoes, bread...very well-spiced and herby.
The Downside: the sun floated into and out of my eyesight, distracting me.
The Upside: good food and a chance to evaluate some Chianti wines from diverse regions and regulations.
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Champagnes on Sale until Jan 5....Nextelease

In my recent newsletter I note that there are no Champagnes on LTO for this month; but a wine agent friend of mine found a few. They were not in the initial LTO grouping. Apart from the Piper Heidsieck Brut, these are good prices. Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne - $5.00 LTO

https://www.lcbo.com/en/nicolas-feuillatte-brut-champagne-537605

  Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne - $3.00 LTO

https://www.lcbo.com/en/piper-heidsieck-brut-champagne-462432

  Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne - $6.00 LTO

https://www.lcbo.com/en/taittinger-brut-r-cserve-champagne-365312

  Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne - $6.00 LTO  [my fave of the bunch]

https://www.lcbo.com/en/perrier-jou-t-grand-brut-champagne-155341

  Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne - $5.00 LTO and 100 Aeroplan points

https://www.lcbo.com/en/louis-roederer-collection-brut-premier-champagne-268771

 

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for DECEMBER 14, 2024 release.

Subject: WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for DECEMBER 14, 2024 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  DECEMBER 14, 2024 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for  better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. I will be listing just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEME:  BUBBLES and Online/Flagship stores exclusives, ~131 wines in all

Recommended Wines UNDER $20  MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
=========================
FIZZ+40866 BOUVET LADUBAY BOUVET BRUT DE LOIRE SAUMUR BRUT  $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
FIZZ+39675 CASERE VIZINA MILLESIMATO EXTRA DRY PROSECCO 2023 $18.95
W+42201 ROSE HILL PRIVATE RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA 2023 $19.95
W+734517 TRIMBACH RIESLING ALSACE 2022 $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+673236 LAURENT MIQUEL NORD SUD VIOGNIER LANGUEDOC 2022  $16.95
W+631051 MONTE DEL FRÀ LUGANA ITALY 2023 $23.95
W+734798 THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+919514 WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $19.95
W+445098 CASAL DE VENTOZELA LOUREIRO PORTUGAL 2022 $16.95
R+442459 VIÑALBA RESERVA MALBEC/TOURIGA NACIONAL 2022 $19.95
R+63537 CHÂTEAU HYOT BORDEAUX2020 $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+123489 CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT BORDEAUX 2020 $18.95
R+72975 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP LAKE DOCTOR SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2021 $19.95
R+37937 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR 2022 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+397448 FONTANAFREDDA EBBIO NEBBIOLO PIEDMONT 2022 $17.95

Recommended Wines OVER $20 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
========================
FIZZ+924654 GARDET TRADITION CUVÉE SAINT FLAVY BRUT CHAMPAGNE $59.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
FIZZ+438994 KEW BARREL AGED BLANC DE BLANC 2017 $32.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
FIZZ+380030 KEW BLANC DE NOIRS 2020 $32.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+307694 DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER KESSLER GEWURZTRAMINER ALSACE 2021 $37.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+28618 E. GUIGAL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC 2021 $68.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+36903 BABICH SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2022 $24.95
W+19762 STAETE LANDT DUCHESS WILD BARREL FERMENT SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND $31.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+79798 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC ARGENTINA 2022  $23.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+85601 MARCHAND-TAWSE CÔTE D'OR BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2021 $23.95
R+38944 CHÂTEAU JAS DE BRESSY CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2019 $42.95
R+396382 ZACCAGNINI TRALCETTO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $21.95
R+47118 CARPINETO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 $31.95
R+368910 CARPINETO RISERVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2019 $34.95
R+324137 MASI COSTASERA RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO $84.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  have value...on sale through January 5, 2025----

There are 37 sparklers on sale in this month's Limited Time Offers promotion (unfortunately there
seems to be no champagnes this time around)...Here are the better sparklers, and the best ones (total of 20 better and best sparklers)...Available now at LCBO stores through January 5, 2025...

RATING: MVC/QPR=BEST 90+  There are 10 wines rated here at 90+ points

Trius Brut VQA MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$26.95Sale Price $26.95
$29.95Price Was $29.95
Save $3.00

13th Street Cuvée Brut Sparkling Rosé MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$26.95Sale Price $26.95
$29.95Price Was $29.95
Save $3.00

Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling VQA MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$27.95Sale Price $27.95
$32.95Price Was $32.95
Save $5.00

Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Brut Sparkling Riesling  VQA  MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$20.95Sale Price $20.95
$24.95Price Was $24.95
Save $4.00

Saintly The Good Sparkling VQA
750 ml bottle
$16.95Sale Price $16.95
$18.95Price Was $18.95
Save $2.00

Lily Sparkling Rosé VQA
750 ml bottle
$14.95Sale Price $14.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $3.00

Rosehall Run Pixie Sparkling Rosé VQA
750 ml bottle
$17.95Sale Price $17.95
$19.95Price Was $19.95
Save $2.00

Romeo Prosecco
750 ml bottle
$14.10Sale Price $14.10
$16.10Price Was $16.10
Save $2.00

Zonin Prosecco Brut 1821 DOC MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
3 x 200 ml bottle
$16.95Sale Price $16.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $1.00

Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$20.95Sale Price $20.95
$22.95Price Was $22.95
Save $2.00

Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore Brut Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$24.95Sale Price $24.95
$26.95Price Was $26.95
Save $2.00

Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Brut DOC Treviso
750 ml bottle
$16.80Sale Price $16.80
$18.80Price Was $18.80
Save $2.00

Luc Belaire Rare Rosé Sparkling
750 ml bottle
$35.95Sale Price $35.95
$40.95Price Was $40.95
Save $5.00

La Marca Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$19.85Sale Price $19.85
$21.85Price Was $21.85
Save $2.00

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$15.95Sale Price $15.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $2.00

Codorniu Brut Clasico MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$14.00Sale Price $14.00
$16.50Price Was $16.50
Save $2.50

Fiol Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$16.75Sale Price $16.75
$18.75Price Was $18.75
Save $2.00

Blu Giovello Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$15.95Sale Price $15.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $2.00

Nozeco Sparkling Rose Dealcoholized
750 ml bottle
$10.95Sale Price $10.95
$12.95Price Was $12.95
Save $2.00

Ruffino Prosecco Rose DOC MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$17.50Sale Price $17.50
$19.50Price Was $19.50
Save $2.00

Jacob's Creek Moscato Rosé Sparkling
750 ml bottle
$13.45Sale Price $13.45
$15.95Price Was $15.95
Save $2.50

** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---

REPORT ON CHARTONHOBBS/AUTHENTIC WINE TASTING  September 2024

The Date and Time: Monday September 16, 2024  2P - 4:30P
The Event: Event for professionals: Family of Wines
The Venue: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, writers
The Availability/Catalogue: a selection of exceptional consignment wines available exclusively.
The Quote/Background: Family of Wines was an event with exclusive wines from Charton  Hobbs Group and from Authentic Wines & Spirits. In the evening there was a luxury show of the wines being poured for a paying audience, beginning at 6P.
The Wines: I could not taste all the wines, unfortunately, due to a lack of time, even if I was attending both the trade show and the walk around afterwards. I concentrated mainly on sparklers and white wines. With some notes and scores below, these were the 14 corporate wineries involved:

Ginestet - Bordeaux,
MASI - Veneto, Italy
Champagne Louis Roederer - Champagne, France
Batasiolo - Piedmont, Italy
Famille Perrin (Château de Beaucastel) - Côte du Rhône, France
Michele Chiarlo - Piedmont, Italy
Sogrape - Portugal
Cakebread Cellars - Napa Valley, United States
Foley Family Wines - California, United States
Joseph Phelps - Napa Valley, United States
Collemassari - Tuscany, Italy
Bourgeois Family - Loire Valley, France
Cecchi - Tuscany, Italy
Bodegas Riojanas - Rioja, Spain

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Henri Bourgeois Sancerre 2023
-Clos Henri Waimaunga Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
-Cakebread Chardonnay 2022
-Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Vintage 2015 $129
-Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne 2015 $457
-Champagne Louis Roederer Rose 2016 $129
-Champagne Louis Roederer Collection 244
-Casa Canevel Prosecco Rose DOC Brut 2023
-Masi Serego Alighieri Belloville Vermentino Toscana 2022
-Michele Chiarlo Palas Gavi DOCG 2023
-Barolo Bussia Vigneto Bofani 2015 DOCG
-Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Gran Reserva 2017 Rioja
-Famille Perrin Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2009
-Masi Serego Alighieri Vaio Amarone DOCG 2016

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bishop Pine Wood Chardonnay 2022 $17
-Collemassari Melacce Montecucco Vermentino 2023
-Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022
-Silverado Miller Ranch Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023
-Provia Regia Quinta do Romeira White 2023 Arinto
-Casa Ferreirihna Planalto 2023
-Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Reserva Tempranillo Blanco 2022 Rioja

The Food: basic cheeses and meats platters with some sweetened walnuts, olive buns and breads.
The Downside: it was a smallish room, far away from the street
The Upside: there was a posh booklet which explained the participants and the showcased wines.
The Contact Person: contact.on@chartonhobbs.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SPARKLERS ON SALE AT LCBO. NOW....

There are 37 sparklers on sale in this month's Limited Time Offers promotion (unfortunately there seems to be no champagnes this time around)...Here are the better sparklers, and the best ones (total of 20 altogether}...Available now at LCBO stores through January 5, 2025...

RATING: MVC/QPR=BEST 90+  There are 10 wines here rated 90+ points

Trius Brut VQA MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$26.95Sale Price $26.95
$29.95Price Was $29.95
Save $3.00

Saintly The Good Sparkling VQA
750 ml bottle
$16.95Sale Price $16.95
$18.95Price Was $18.95
Save $2.00

Romeo Prosecco
750 ml bottle
$14.10Sale Price $14.10
$16.10Price Was $16.10
Save $2.00

13th Street Cuvée Brut Sparkling Rosé VQA MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$26.95Sale Price $26.95
$29.95Price Was $29.95
Save $3.00

Zonin Prosecco Brut 1821 DOC MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
3 x 200 ml bottle
$16.95Sale Price $16.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $1.00

Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$20.95Sale Price $20.95
$22.95Price Was $22.95
Save $2.00

Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore Brut Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$24.95Sale Price $24.95
$26.95Price Was $26.95
Save $2.00

Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Brut DOC Treviso
750 ml bottle
$16.80Sale Price $16.80
$18.80Price Was $18.80
Save $2.00

Luc Belaire Rare Rosé Sparkling
750 ml bottle
$35.95Sale Price $35.95
$40.95Price Was $40.95
Save $5.00

La Marca Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$19.85Sale Price $19.85
$21.85Price Was $21.85
Save $2.00

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$15.95Sale Price $15.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $2.00

Fiol Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$16.75Sale Price $16.75
$18.75Price Was $18.75
Save $2.00

Codorniu Brut Clasico MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$14.00Sale Price $14.00
$16.50Price Was $16.50
Save $2.50

Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling VQA MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$27.95Sale Price $27.95
$32.95Price Was $32.95
Save $5.00

Blu Giovello Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$15.95Sale Price $15.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $2.00

Rosehall Run Pixie Sparkling Rosé VQA
750 ml bottle
$17.95Sale Price $17.95
$19.95Price Was $19.95
Save $2.00

Nozeco Sparkling Rose Dealcoholized
750 ml bottle
$10.95Sale Price $10.95
$12.95Price Was $12.95
Save $2.00

Lily Sparkling Rosé VQA
750 ml bottle
$14.95Sale Price $14.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $3.00

Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Brut Sparkling Riesling MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$20.95Sale Price $20.95
$24.95Price Was $24.95
Save $4.00

Ruffino Prosecco Rose DOC MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$17.50Sale Price $17.50
$19.50Price Was $19.50
Save $2.00

Jacob's Creek Moscato Rosé Sparkling
750 ml bottle
$13.45Sale Price $13.45
$15.95Price Was $15.95
Save $2.50

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for NOVEMBER 30, 2024 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  NOVEMBER 30, 2024 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "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  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for  better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.

Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=my basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEME:  Holiday Gifts and Entertaining
                                Montes wines; Kosher wines
                                ~120+ wines in total

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
FIZZ+39378 BERSANO MONTEOLIVO MOSCATO D'ASTI 2023 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+22984 MOUNTADAM FIVE-FIFTY CHARDONNAY AUSTRALIA  2021 $18.95
W+398966 REDSTONE CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+39765 STUDERT-PRÜM RIESLING TROCKEN 2023 $17.95
W+40788 AVELINO VEGAS MONTESPINA VERDEJO SOBRE LÍAS SPAIN 2023 $16.95
R+12842 ANGOVE FAMILY CREST SHIRAZ  AUSTRALIA 2021$19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+354191 DOMAINE LAFAGE CUVÉE NICOLAS VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE NOIR $19.95 R+143099 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION RHONE 2021 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+175588 GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT PINOT NOIR SOUTH AFRICA $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+78535 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARDS RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA 2021 $26.95       
W+184549 LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY VQA 2020 $52 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+389726 BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2024 $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+370098 PAUL MAS SINGLE VINEYARD COLLECTION RÉSERVE VIOGNIER FRANCE 2022 $14.95
W+140889 DONATIEN BAHUAUD LES GRANDS MORTIERS VOUVRAY LOIRE 2023 $22.95
W+290296 E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2023 $22.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+447474 VILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND  $26.95
R+377036 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2022 $24.95
R+84996 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON $44.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+505610 HIDDEN BENCH TERROIR CACHÉ VQA 2020 $47.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+427500 WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA 2020 $31.95
R+86363 STRATUS WILDASS RED VQA 2019 $21.95
R+297945 CHÂTEAU LAROSE-TRINTAUDON BORDEAUX 2016 $34.95
R+38864 BROTTE LA ROLLANDE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2022 $32.95
R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 $24.95
R+747030 LA VITE LUCENTE TUSCANY 2022 $32.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  Nov 11 through Sunday December 1 -- last call -- better hurry....

+341743 Trius Rose VQA now $16.95, save $3
+326090 Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio now $17.95, save $3
+302380 Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio now $12.95, save $2
+573147 Malivoire Estate Grown Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench now $19.95, save $2
+40137 Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand now $20.95, save $3
+619452 Matua Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay now $15.95, save $2
+933077 Louis Jadot Chardonnay Bourgogne now $34.95, save $2
+225086 Umberto Cesari Liano Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon now $24.95, save $5
+479766 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore now $26.95, save $3
+356220 Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico now $48.5, save $5
+212480 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais now $19.45, save $2
+478727 Catena Malbec now $21.95, save $2
+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench now $34.95, save $3

More (358 products on sale)  can be found at https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]

And FYI, here are the upcoming dates to watch out for LTOs sales promotions -- Dec 2 through January 5, 2025;  January 6 through February 2, 2025; usually about every four weeks ---


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---


REPORT ON MARK ANTHONY LUXURY WINE TASTING  SEPTEMBER  2024

The Date and Time: Tuesday September 24 2P - 4:30P
The Event: Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits Luxury Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: National Club
The Target Audience: Private collectors, sommeliers, wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: there were several catalogues available, including Mark Anthony, Declaration Wine & Spirits Inc., Bacchus Frechette, plus a more complete emailed pictorial catalogue that included all of them, will label illustrations and prices.
The Quote/Background: it was quite crowded shortly after 2PM
The Wines: several dozen producers and principals were in attendance -- a wealth of wines to be tasted. But of course I could not do them all -- about 200 plus wines spread over two large rooms. I only tasted table wines. Prices are licensee,not retail.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Jayson by Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 $104.97
-Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon NV $47.59
-Brotte Bord Elegance Cotes du Rhone Villages Laudin 2023 [white grenache] $19.95 Vintages
-Castel Freres Chateau Cavalier Rose Provence 2023 $24.29
-Castel Freres Plessis-Duval Sancerre 2023 $41.81
-Garzon Single Vineyard Albarino $42.95 Vintages +646802
-Mission Hill Perpetus BC VQA 2021 $66  +934090
-Checkmate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2020 BC VQA $95  Spring 2025
-Lanson Champagne Le Black Creation Brut NV $72.50
-Lanson Champagne Le Rose Creation NV $99.75
-Lanson Champagne Le Vintage 2013 $109.95
-Louis Latour Simonnet Febvre Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2021 $57.35
-Louis Latour Simonnet Febvre P100 $32.66
-Louis Latour Chateau Corton Grancey Red 2022 $250.60 Vintages  Spring 2025
-Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne 2022 $461.35 Vintages Spring 2025
-Attems Ramato Rose 2023 $19.95 Vintages +111732
-Rodney Strong Davis Bynum Chardonnay $34.95
-Rodney Strong Davis Bynum Russian River Pinot Noir $39.95
-Sena 2021 $210 Vintages +496430
-Beringer Private Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay 2022 $79.95 Vintages +26682
-Henkell-Freixenet Segura Heredad NV $39.95 +558825 Vintages November
-Henkell-Freixenet Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NV $23.85


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay Napa 2021 $55.55
-Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon $20.51
-Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough NZ $17.24
-Alois Lageder Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio 2023 $23.26
-Alois Lageder Gaun Chardonnay 2022 $34.48
-Brumont Chateau Bouscasse Jardins Philo white 2018 $28.70
-Chateau St Jean Chardonnay Carneros 2022 $55.95
-Castel Freres Chateau Ferrande Graves White 2021 $34.97
-Garzon Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023 $19.95 Vintages +12678
-Martin's Lane Winery Simes Vineyard Riesling 2023 $55   Spring 2025
-Louis Latour Marsannay White 2022 $56.10 Vintages Spring 2025
-Arboleda Chardonnay 2022  $18.95 Vintages November +606772
-Treasury Wine Estates Luxury Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2023 $59.95 Vintages +40333
-Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz 2021 $34.95 Vintages +390872


The Food: there was an enormous table with cheeses (manchego, danish blue) and cold cuts, plus diverse dried fruit and breads and biscuits.
The Downside: it was warm inside with the air conditioning off.
The Upside: a chance to try some really rare and/or expensive wines.
The Contact Person: hprice@markanthony.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

VEGETARIAN ARAB CUISINE (Whitecap, 2024, 154 pages, ISBN 978-1770503694, $34.95 paperbound)

VEGETARIAN ARAB CUISINE (Whitecap, 2024, 154 pages, ISBN 978-1770503694, $34.95 paperbound) is by Ruth Salem Sader, of Syrian and Lebanese extraction and born in Sao Paulo. This 2024 book is the English translation. She had spent a long time collecting and editing Arabic recipes of vegetarian foods--the results are included in this book. It is mainly concerned with aromatizing meat dishes to be vegetarian in style. By careful development Sader has crafted some nifty vegetarian dishes. Many are even vegan; some are gluten-free. And regional variations abound: she explains that tabbouleh can have variations in the ratios of parsley and wheat, depending the area of the Mediterranean, and some have and some don't have cucumbers. Of course she has a great section on spices and another on nuts and their oils. And also she has a great selection of apps in her mezze chapter: seasoned olives, baba ganoush, hummus, leaf rolls, yogurt, falafel, fattoush, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, zatar, pita breads. Dips, also known as pastes, include eggplant baba ganoush, chickpea hummus, and the delightful red pepper paste muhammara. The book has six great preps made with yogurts and eight great salads as well. Her material goes on with olive oil cooked veggies, stuffed vegetables, stews, and a variety of beans and legumes, kibbeh and sfihas. The latter is my fave chapter: she makes both stuffed and spreaded sfihas. Traditionally lamb and other meats are used, but here she uses grains and pulses for the most part (chickpeas, beans, lentils, bulgur wheat, and more). She introduces us to leaf rolls (mehshi malfouf) which are leaves from escarole, chard, or cabbage stuffed like dolmas from grape leaves. The book is completed with a range of dessert and a range of beverage drinks. The close-up photography works really well. The index is precise. It's a wonderful book for Christmas...Ingredients are listed in Imperial measurements only. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

REPORT ON CHARTON HOBBS/AUTHENTIC WINE TASTING September 2024

REPORT ON CHARTON HOBBS/AUTHENTIC WINE TASTING  September 2024

The Date and Time: Monday September 16, 2024  2P - 4:30P
The Event: Event for professionals: Family of Wines
The Venue: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, writers
The Availability/Catalogue: a selection of exceptional consignment wines available exclusively.
The Quote/Background: Family of Wines was an event with exclusive wines from Charton  Hobbs Group and from Authentic Wines & Spirits. In the evening there was a luxury show of the wines being poured for a paying audience, beginning at 6P.
The Wines: I could not taste all the wines, unfortunately, due to a lack of time, even if I was attending both the trade show and the walk around afterwards. I concentrated mainly on sparklers and white wines. With some notes and scores below, these were the 14 corporate wineries involved:

Ginestet - Bordeaux,
MASI - Veneto, Italy
Champagne Louis Roederer - Champagne, France
Batasiolo - Piedmont, Italy
Famille Perrin (Château de Beaucastel) - Côte du Rhône, France
Michele Chiarlo - Piedmont, Italy
Sogrape - Portugal
Cakebread Cellars - Napa Valley, United States
Foley Family Wines - California, United States
Joseph Phelps - Napa Valley, United States
Collemassari - Tuscany, Italy
Bourgeois Family - Loire Valley, France
Cecchi - Tuscany, Italy
Bodegas Riojanas - Rioja, Spain

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Henri Bourgeois Sancerre 2023
-Clos Henri Waimaunga Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
-Cakebread Chardonnay 2022
-Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Vintage 2015 $129
-Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne 2015 $457
-Champagne Louis Roederer Rose 2016 $129
-Champagne Louis Roederer Collection 244
-Casa Canevel Prosecco Rose DOC Brut 2023
-Masi Serego Alighieri Belloville Vermentino Toscana 2022
-Michele Chiarlo Palas Gavi DOCG 2023
-Barolo Bussia Vigneto Bofani 2015 DOCG
-Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Gran Reserva 2017 Rioja
-Famille Perrin Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2009
-Masi Serego Alighieri Vaio Amarone DOCG 2016

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bishop Pine Wood Chardonnay 2022 $17
-Collemassari Melacce Montecucco Vermentino 2023
-Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022
-Silverado Miller Ranch Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023
-Provia Regia Quinta do Romeira White 2023 Arinto
-Casa Ferreirihna Planalto 2023
-Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Reserva Tempranillo Blanco 2022 Rioja

The Food: basic cheeses and meats platters with some sweetened walnuts, olive buns and breads.
The Downside: it was a smallish room, far away from the street
The Upside: there was a posh booklet which explained the participants and the showcased wines.
The Contact Person: contact.on@chartonhobbs.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for NOVEMBER 16, 2024 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  NOVEMBER 16, 2024 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "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  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for  better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.

Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=my basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEME:  Top wines for Gifting and Entertaining
              Ontario Icewines AND Greek wine
    ~130 wines are released today [there are many wines at the $18.95 and $19.95 level]

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
FIZZ+23545 VILLA SANDI IL FRESCO MILLESIMATO BRUT ROSÉ PROSECCO 2023 $18.95
W+196956 JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT GRIS ALSACE 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+485656 M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC MIDI 2022 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )       
W+527622 ZACCAGNINI TRALCETTO PINOT GRIGIO ABRUZZO 2023 $17.95
W+408146 MARIA PAPOILA LOUREIRO/ALVARINHO PORTUGAL 2023 $18.95
R+39835 FARM TO TABLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2020 $19.95
R+38501 MONTEVIEJO FESTIVO MALBEC 2022  ARGENTINA $18.95
R+606764 ARBOLEDA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 CHILE $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+994616 TERRA D'ALIGI TATONE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $17.95

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+167486 DEUTZ CLASSIC BRUT CHAMPAGNE $82.95
FIZZ+37482 THORN-CLARKE PINOT NOIR/CHARDONNAY SPARKLING  AUSTRALIA $24.95
FIZZ+37122 MONTES ANGEL ZAPALLAR VINEYARD BRUT SPARKLING CHILE $26.95
W+172338 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CHARDONNAY 2020 VQA $26.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+424507 WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2022 $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+10489 CHARTRON ET TRÉBUCHET POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2022  $49
W+40325 DOMAINE FOURNIER LES BELLES VIGNES SANCERRE BLANC LOIRE 2023 $38.95
W+33260 PAPAGIANNAKOS ASSYRTIKO GREECE 2022 $26.95
W+361220 PADDY BORTHWICK SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $23.95
W+22851 LOVEBLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC  NEW ZEALAND 2022$ 29.95
R+977843 ALVARO PALACIOS VELLES VINYES LES TERRASSES SPAIN 2021 $58.95
R+41732 BACHELDER HANCK VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2021 $55 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+184564 LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS PINOT NOIR VQA 2020 $52 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+312058 STRATUS RED VQA 2021 $55.20 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+38098 DOMAINE DE LA CREUZE NOIRE BELLE VUE SAINT-AMOUR BEAUJOLAIS 2022 $24.25
R+20246 CHÂTEAU FONRÉAUD BORDEAUX 2022 $36.95
R+39128 MARCHESI DI BAROLO NIZZA VINEAREI BARBERA PIEDMONT 2021 $49.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA PUGLIA 2020 $28 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+23374 CAPRAIA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 $38.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  Nov 11 through Sunday December 1.  ---
 
+341743 Trius Rose VQA now $16.95, save $3
+326090 Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio now $17.95, save $3
+302380 Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio now $12.95, save $2
+573147 Malivoire Estate Grown Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench now $19.95, save $2
+40137 Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand now $20.95, save $3
+619452 Matua Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay now $15.95, save $2
+933077 Louis Jadot Chardonnay Bourgogne now $34.95, save $2
+225086 Umberto Cesari Liano Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon now $24.95, save $5
+479766 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore now $26.95, save $3
+356220 Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico now $48.5, save $5
+212480 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais now $19.45, save $2
+478727 Catena Malbec now $21.95, save $2
+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench now $34.95, save $3


More (358 products on sale)  can be found at https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]

And FYI, here are the upcoming dates to watch out for LTOs sales promotions -- Dec 2 through January 5, 2025;  January 6 through February 2, 2025; about every four weeks ---

** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---

REPORT ON  MEDITERRANEAN APERITIVO MASTERCLASS 2024 MAY

It was my pleasure to attend the latest Italian seminar on its agrobusiness. This time, it was the "Mediterranean Apertivo" or MAP. There was an earlier seminar on the same topic about two years ago at Eataly with an attendance of about a dozen and a hook-up with New York city. The location now was the larger Chefs' House of George Brown College, where the audience had grown to a large number of about 75+. Wine Media and students dominated the audience. Today we heard from Christian Perreault Hamel and James Grant. They led us through an explanation of PDO and PGI, using four examples: Pecorino Toscano PDO [in order for the cheese to be granted a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) seal, all of the phases of production, transformation and processing must occur within a specific geographic area and with strict production rules established by the production regulations]; Costa d'Amalfi Lemon PGI [a European mark of quality granted to agricultural and food products which have at least ONE phase of the production process that is permanently linked to the specific geographic area of reference -- Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)]; Vermouth di Torino PGI with its many layers of ginger, flowers, organic citrus fruits, spritzers, Negroni, Martini, punches, bitters, spices, ABV levels of 17%, half of the wine used is from Piedmont, et al; and Olives from Greece, a part of the Agrifood Partnership of Western Greece Region. The Protected and Partnership systems are part of the DOP program for making sure that names of products are legitimate in terms of production values. For example, the Amalfi lemons must come from Amalfi and they are guaranteed as such -- or else the seller/distributor can be penalized. For more details on all of these, check with vermouth@vermouthditorino.org, or for lemons, info@costieragrumicoop.it, or info@pecorinotoscanodop.it, or for olives,  info@agrifoodwest.gr.

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures