TRADE TASTING: Vinexx Portfolio, September 24, 2008

 The Time and Date:  Wednesday, September 24, 2008   4PM to  8PM

The Event: a select client wine tasting by Vinexx, showing off most of their portfolio.

The Venue: Le Select Bistro.

The Target Audience: clients, wine media, LCBO

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through Vintages or Consignment. Selected higher end California wines (Cohn, Dry Creek, Cline, Dutton Goldfield) are by private order only.

The Quote: "There are a lot more people here than last year; that's good news!"

The Wines:

 

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

-Dutton Goldfield Russian River Chardonnay 2006, $525 case of 12

-Chateau des Charmes NV Brut Niagara on the Lake, +207944, $22.95

-Chateau des Charmes Late Harvest Riesling 2006 Niagara on the Lake, +432930, $19.95 for 375 mL.

-Graham Beck Franschoek South Africa Rhona Muscadel 2003, $16.8%, $21.80 for 500 mL.

-Mas des Bressades Costieres de Nimes Cabernet Syrah 2006, +712174, $18.95.

-Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva 2004, +177345, $23.95.

 

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

-Dutton Goldfield Russian River Pinot Noir 2006, $565 case of 12

-B.R. Cohn Sonoma Chardonnay 2007, $360 a case of 12

-Dry Creek Vineyards Dry Creek Merlot 2005, 13.5%, $303 case of 12

-Dry Creek Vineyards Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 13.5%, $300 case of 12

-Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling 2005, $28.95, Vintages in December.

-Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay St.David's Bench 2005, +430991, $19.95.

-Canyon Oaks Central Valley California Chardonnay 2007, $13.80 consignment.

-Chateau des Charmes Estate Riesling Niagara on the Lake 2006, +277228, $16.95.

-Cline Cellars Sonoma Zinfandel 2006, +489278, $12.95

-Graham Beck Western Cape South Africa The William 2003 [cabernets, pinotage], +593467, $24.95.

-Chateau des Charmes Estate Cabernet Merlot 2004 Niagara-on-the-Lake, +222372, $19.95

 

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

-Cline Cellars Sonoma Live Oak Zinfandel Contra Costa County, 15.5%, $229.50 case of 6.

-Cline Cellars Sonoma Big Break Oak Zinfandel Contra Costa County, 15.5%, $229.50 case of 6.

-Cline Cellars Sonoma Syrah 2006, +733758, $12.95.

-Errazuriz Ovalle Colchagua Valley Panul Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006, $14.65 consignment.

-Jacuzzi Vineyards Sonoma Primitivo 2005, +67736 $18.95

 

The Food: finger foods from servers included terrific pied de cochon, quiche lorraine, tarte nicoise, mushroom tart, pork and chicken liver terrine, steak tartare, and salmon gravlax. This probably hits all the major culinary regions of France.

The Downside: it was an almost perfect experience.

The Upside: a great chance to catch up with Michele Bosc of Chateau des Charmes.

The Contact Person: jdesautels@vinexx.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com