AUSTRALIAN WINE DOES CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST, TORONTO

The Time and Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2009   1PM to 4PM
The Event: A holiday tasting event, hosted by Wine Australia,
emphasizing Christmas.
The Venue: Sassafraz Restaurant, Cumberland Street
The Target Audience: wine media, lifestyle media
The Availability/Catalogue: 22 agents presented about 100 wines in a
walk around by table. Also, Andrew Buttery, the Managing Director of
Gemtree Vineyards (agent: Vergina), was available for one-on-one
tastings of four wines. He had additional wines in the show proper. All
of the wines in the catalogue are or will be available through a
variety of LCBO distribution channels.
The Quote/Background: the idea was to experience a variety of wines
that will be available for the "holiday" season in Ontario, generally
from Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year's. There were multiple
tables for sparkling wines, gift ideas, premium vintages, and "bold
reds" for sitting around the fireplace.
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Xanadu Chardonnay 2008, +27888, $19.95
-Leconfield Chardonnay 2008, +927566, Nov 21, $22.95
-Henry's Drive Vignerons Pillar Box Red 2007, +685941, Oct 10, $17.95.
-John Duval Plexus Shiraz Mourvedre 2006, +73049, Nov 7, $45.95.
-St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2006, +535104, Oct 10, $29.95
-Gemtree Vineyards Cadenzia Grenache Tempranillo Shiraz 2007 McLaren,
$25 (Vergina)

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir Sparkling NV, +562991, $13.95
-Skillogalee Sparkling Riesling NV, +72868, $20
-Gemtree Vineyards Bloodstone Shiraz Viognier 2008, +22111 Nov 7,
$17.30.
-George Wyndham Founder's Reserve Shiraz 2005 AND Shiraz Tempranillo
2007 Giftpack (two bottles), +132811 Holiday Catalogue, $39.95.
-Kangarilla Road McLaren Vale Shiraz Viognier 2006, +127548, Fall
$29.95.
-Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2007, +659607, $21.95
-Yalumba Mawson's Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, +606624 Nov 21,
$19.95.
-ring.bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, +606624, Oct 24, $19.95
-Coriole Mary Kathleen Cabernet Merlot 2005, +745489, Sept, $34.95
-Gemtree Vineyards Citrine Chardonnay 2008, +138305 Oct 24, $17.30.
-Wakefield Wines Jaraman 2007, +142398, Dec 5, $27.95.
-Gemtree Vineyards Uncut Shiraz 2007 McLaren (unfiltered), $23.95
(Vergina)
-Gemtree Vineyards White Lees Shiraz 2006, $45 (Vergina).

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Shaw & Smith Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2008, +965335 Oct 24,
$24.95.
-Gemtree Vineyards Moonstone Traminer 2008, +138271, Oct 24, $23.
-Wyndham Estate Bin 515 Shiraz Viognier 2006, +94219, $16.40
-Penmara Five Families Shiraz 2006, +565929, $13.95.
-Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 2006, +665471, $16.95.
-Richard Hamilton Hut Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, +567917, Oct 10,
$18.95.
-Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz 2007, +596031, $46.95.
-Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, +84996, Jan 2010, $24.95.
-Vaisse Felix Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, +686543, Oct 24, $38.95.
-Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz, +510875, $75
-Skillogalee Single Vineyard Riesling 2008, +140533 online exclusive,
$18.95.

 

The Food: there were several tables for food pairings with wines on
your own. Suggested foods included prosciutto, cheese slices, salads,
grilled shrimp, lamb lollipops, turkey with stuffing and cranberry
sauce. At the dessert table, with the Yalumba Museum Reserve Brown
Muscat (+963488, $25.95 half –bottle), there were pecan tarts and small
plum puddings.
The Downside: we were awash with Christmas carols through the speaker
system – a little goes a long way. The execution of the event was a bit
puzzling.
The Upside: a chance to have a succulent turkey, my first of the year.
I liked the idea of the event.
The Contact Person: lpeterson@meca.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com