May 4/11 Tasting of new Australian General List wines from LCBO

The Time and Date: Wednesday, May 4, 2011   2PM to 5PM

The Event: Wine Australia Media Tasting

The Venue: Sassafraz Restaurant

The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: about 43 wines were presented, and all are on the General List.

The Quote/Background: These are label/brand replacements for some wines that were not meeting their LCBO quotas. This was also taken as an opportunity for a category re-launch.

The Wines:

 

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

-De Bortoli DB Family Selection Traminer Riesling 2009 $12.95 207381

-Heath Wines Lizard Flat Cabernet Merlot 2008 $9.95 195776

-Pikes Clare Hills Riesling 2009 $14.95 215111

-Xanadu Next of Kin Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 $14.95 212621

-Yering Station Little Yering Chardonnay 2009 $14.95 145318

 

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

-De Bortoli Deen Vat 4 Petit Verdot 2008 $14.95 222265

-De Bortoli Emeri Pink Moscato NV $14.95 229190

-Fifth Leg Shiraz Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 $15.95 212605

-Hardy's Chronicles The Gamble Chardonnay Pinot Gris 2009 $14.95 689455

-Hardy's Chronicles Butchers Gold Shiraz Sangiovese 2008 $14.95 605188

-Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz NV $16.95 212472

-Kangarilla Road Shiraz 2008 $17.45 212738

-Plunkett-Fowles Stone Dwellers Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 $19.95 212761

-Shingleback Haycutters Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 $17.95 207365

-Xanadu Next of Kin Chardonnay 2009 $14.95 212647

-Yabby Lake Cooralook Pinot Gris 2008 $14.95 212712

 

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

-Barwick Estates Pinot Noir 2009 $13.95 +215194

-Barwick Estates Crush Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009 $12.95 +215673

-Yellow Tail Reserve Chardonnay 2010 $14.95 234591

-De Bortoli Emeri Pinot Grigio Sparkling NV $14.95 222224

-Fifth Leg Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $15.95 212613

-Heath Wines Lizard Flat Chardonnay 2008 $9.95 195685

-Henry's Drive Morse Code Shiraz 2009 $12.95 207399

-Jacob's Creek Reserve Riesling 2010 $16.95 212704

-Kangarilla Road Charlie's Blend Shiraz Cabernet 2008 $12.95 212720

-Knappstein 'The Insider' 2010  $14.95 212746

-Long Flat Shiraz Viognier 2009 $11.95 220426

-McWilliam's Hanwood Estate Moscato NV $13.95 212696

-Mitolo Junior Shiraz 2008 $14.95 183947

-Peter Lehmann Barossa Blonde 2009 $14.95 197871

-Peter Lehmann Weighbridge Shiraz 2008 $14.95 219170

-Pikes Lenswood Hills Pinot Noir 2010 $16.95 215095

-Pikes Clare Hills Shiraz Cabernet 2008 $14.95 215103

-Robert Oatley James Oatley Tic Tok Sauvignon Blanc 2009 $14.95 187039

-Robert Oatley James Oatley Tic Tok Chardonnay 2009 $14.95 187104

-Robert Oatley James Oatley Tic Tok Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $15.95 187179

-Robert Oatley James Oatley Tic Tok Shiraz 2008 $15.95 187187

-St. Hallett Gamekeeper's Shiraz Cabernet 2008 $14.95 212670

-Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Merlot 2009 $15.95 218826

-Xanadu Next of Kin Shiraz 2008 $14.95 212662

-Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2009 $14.95 212753

-Yering Station Little Yering Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2006 $14.95 145326

 

The Food: platters of lamb rilettes, seared duck breast on brioche, spiced rub lamb lollipops, spicy tuna tartare on lotus root chip, wild rice croquettes, vegetable samosas, and seared beef on toast. Each serving was paired with a different wine. Most of the time the selection worked.

The Downside: this was an enormous food pairing, some seven foods with 14 wines. It was necessary to swallow since there were no "food" spittoons. I stopped quickly once I felt a buzz.

The Upside: a good chance to taste a wide variety of Australian wines at around the $15 price point.

The Contact Person: www.apluswines.com or trina.hendry@lcbo.com

The Marketing Effectiveness/Execution of the Event(numerical grade): 91.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

Essential May 28 LCBO Vintages BYOB resto ready wines

May 28/11: VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.

1. Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2008 Russian River Valley,
+479527, $22.95 retail.
2. Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough, +912337, $24.95
3. Domaine Latour-Giraud Les Narvaux Meursault 2008, +12369, $44.95
4. Domaine Sylvain Bailly Terroirs Sancerre 2009, +223859, $24.95
5. 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 Lodi, +59311, $24.95
6. Fess Parker Rodney's Vineyard Syrah 2007 Santa Barbara, +232546,
$39.95
7. Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa, +238758, $29.95
8. Gamble Family Vineyards Paramount 2005 Napa, +221143, $59.95
9. Brothers in Arms Sixth Generation Reserve Shiraz 2003 Langhorne
Creek, +222000, $27.95
10. La Castellina Squarcialupi Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +214627,
$27.95
11. Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2008, +216291, $22.95
12. Leza Garcia Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +681601, $27.95

Chimo! www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

Luminato takes on Toronto Street Food for June 18 and 19

LUMINATO ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT'S CHOICE® 1000 TASTES OF TORONTO

 

John Street, north of Wellington to Adelaide, becomes the venue for a huge open-air smorgasbord, as a select group of the city's finest chefs present their gourmet variations on the theme of street food, each item specifically designed to be enjoyed on the go, and each priced at only $5 a piece.

 

President's Choice® 1000 Tastes Of Toronto will feature on-stage cooking demonstrations, lunchtime conversation, and gourmet street food, and is scheduled for Saturday, June 18 (between noon and 9 PM) and Sunday, June 19 (noon to 6 PM).  Chefs and restaurants representing Toronto's diverse food cultures will be present, including: 93 Harbord, Aravind, Chippy's Fish and Chips, Dufflet, EDO, Grano, LEE, Milagro, Smokey Poutini's House of Poutine, Queen Margherita Pizza, Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill, and Woodlot Bakery & Restaurant.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

May 2/11: Big G7 Portuguese wine tasting at George Brown

 The Time and Date: Monday, May 2, 2011  9:30 AM to 5 PM

The Event: a seminar and tasting of wines from the Grupo dos Sete Portuguese wineries.

The Venue: George Brown College

The Target Audience: wine writers, sommeliers, wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: Wines are available through the usual distribution channels (General List, Vintages, Consignment, Private Orders, etc.). There was a very good catalogue put together with all the specifics (regions, grape varieties used and percentages, ABV, but no prices).

The Quote/Background: The G7 was founded in 1992. It does an annual promotion through Canada. It was here in Toronto and Montreal. The emphasis is on diversity, originality, and quality standards. All of the seven wine regions are represented through the wineries of Alianca, Bacalhoa, Jose Maria de Fonseca, and Caves Messias. For the press, there was a seminar with wines (and barrel samples) presented by the winemakers; this was followed by a lunch with more presentations.

The Wines: I included all the wines in the seminar and lunch here. I did not try all the wines in the afternoon trade show.

 

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

-Messias Quinta do Valdoeiro 2007 Bairrada, Signature

-Bacalhoa Quinta da Bacalhoa 2008 Peninsula de Setubal, $40 private order Diamond

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Jose de Sousa Mayor 2007 Alentejo, Dandurand

-Bacalhoa Tinto da Anfora 2008 Alentejo, $11.95 +227256

 

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

-Messias Grande Escholha 2007 Douro, Signature

-Alianca Quinta da Garrida Touriga Nacional 2005 Dao, PMA

-Bacalhoa Quinta dos Loridos 2010 Lisboa (tank sample, white)

-Aveleda Grande Follies 2009 Bairrada, Mark Anthony

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Periquita Superyor 2008 Peninsula de Setubal

-Alianca Quinta Dos Quatro Ventos Reserva 2006 Douro, PMA

-Bacalhoa JP Azeitao Red 2010 Peninsula de Setubal, $11.95 consignment Diamond

-Bacalhoa Quinta do Carmo 2007, $37 private order Diamond

-Alianca White 2010 Vinho Verde, PMA

-Alianca Reserva 2008 Dao, PMA

-Alianca Quinta da Terrugem 2007, PMA

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Twin Vines 2010 Vinho Verde, Dandurand

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Periquita White 2010 Peninsula de Setubal, Dandurand

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Periquita Red Reserva 2008 Peninsula de Setubal, Dandurand

 

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

-Aveleda Quinta da Aveleda 2010 Vinho Verdes, Mark Anthony

-Aveleda Follies Alvarinho 2010 Minho

-Messias Quinta do Valdoeiro Reserva 2005, $19.95 September Vintages

-Bacalhoa So Touriga Nacional 2007, $35 private order Diamond

-Alianca Alabastro 2010 Alentejo, PMA

-Alianca Feral 2009 Douro, PMA

-Alianca Vista Tinta Roriz 2008 Beiras, PMA

-Aveleda Follies Touriga Nacional 2007 Bairrada, Mark Anthony

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Periquita Red 2008 Peninsula de Setubal, Dandurand

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Jose de Sousa 2009 Alentejo, Dandurand

-Jose Maria da Fonseca Domingos 2009 Douro, Dandurand

-Messias Quinta do Penedo 2008 Dao,  Signature

 

The Food: lunch was unique, with house cured salmon, braised short ribs, cheeses, and cannoli filled with ricotta mousse, followed by dark chocolate truffles.

The Downside: I was late, following a medical appointment.

The Upside: a great opportunity to talk with some of the winemakers.

The Contact Person: aicep.toronto@portugalglobal.pt

and spuritt@hotmail.com

The Marketing Effectiveness/Execution of the Event (numerical grade): 89

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

April 21/11: Alphone Mellot's organic Loire Valley wines at FWR

 The Time and Date: Thursday, April 21, 2011  3PM to 6PM
The Event:  a tasting of Domaine Alphonse Mellot wines from the
Sancerre district of the Loire.
The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve
The Target Audience: clients of The Living Vine, FWR, and wine media.
The Availability/Catalogue: through the agent, The Living Vine
The Quote/Background: These are all organic wines, principally from the
Domaine de la Moussiere. Biodynamic certification is in the works.
The Wines: All wines are Sancerre except where noted.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Alphonse Mellot Generation XIX Blanc (Sauv. Bl) 2009, $79.95
-Alphonse Mellot Generation XIX Rouge (Pinot Noir) 2008, $129.95

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Alphonse Mellot La Moussiere Blanc 2010, $36.95
-Alphonse Mellot Satellite 2008, $74.95
-Alphonse Mellot La Moussiere Rouge 2009, $59.95
-Alphonse Mellot Emmanuelle Mellot Pouilly Fume 2010, $28.95

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Alphonse Mellot Romains 2008, $69.95
-Alphonse Mellot Edmond 2009, $84.95
-Alphonse Mellot Demoiselle 2008, $89.95
-Alphonse Mellot En Grands Champs 2008, $114.95
-Alphonse Mellot La Moussiere Rose 2010, $24.95
-Alphonse Mellot Penitents Chardonnay 2008 Coteaux Charitois, $23.95
-Alphonse Mellot Penitents Pinot Noir 2009, $26.95

 

The Food: cheeses (organic Canadian brie), terrine, and breads.
The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 88.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

April 18/11: Remy Pannier turns 200 with new Loire wines

The Time and Date: Monday, April 18, 2011  3 PM to 6PM
The Event:  A meeting with Karine Dugue, winemaker, Remy Pannier, to
taste the new vintages marking the company's 200th anniversary of
winemaking in the Loire.
The Venue: Café Nicole, Novotel
The Target Audience: wine media and some trade.
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available or will be.
The Quote/Background:  Remy Pannier is the Loire Valley's largest wine
producer (about 15% of all production), with markets in 40 countries.
It is directly owned as a co-op with over 800 grape growers and
vineyard owners.
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Remy Pannier XNoir Brut Rose NV ($18.95 in SAQ), made mainly from the
Chenin Noir grape.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Remy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $11.95
-Remy Pannier Rose d'Anjou 2010, $11.95
-Remy Pannier Cremant de Loire Grand Reserve NV, $21.95
-Remy Pannier VDF Merlot/Carignan NV, $13.95 magnum
-Remy Pannier Sancerre 2010, soon

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Remy Pannier Muscadet 2010, $12.95
-Remy Pannier Anjou 2009
-Remy Pannier VDF Sauvignon Blanc NV, $13.95 magnum
-Remy Pannier Chinon 2010, soon
-Remy Pannier Vouvray 2010, soon

 

The Food: a variety of cheeses from The Art of Cheese, including
Paradiso (Monforte), Grey Owl from Quebec, Ewenity Feta, and La Tomme
du Haut Richelieu (Quebec). All were paired with Remy white wines and
the rose. Notes were also supplied. Platters of food included croquet
monsieur, smoked salmon, shrimp rolls, bacon and scallops, olives,
other amuse bouche.
The Downside: this was a walkaround tasting held after the A list's
lunch.
The Upside: a chance to talk to Karine about the new style of wines.
The Contact Person: csr@eurovintage.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 87.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

April 15/11: BioVino tasting at the Green Living Show

The Time and Date: Friday, April 15, 2011   3 PM to 5 PM
The Event: BioVino at the Green Living Show
The Venue: Direct Energy Centre
The Target Audience: consumers, wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through agents or
LCBO.
The Quote/Background: there were only half as many wines as last year –
what does this mean?
The Wines: All wines are certified organic or biodynamic. I did not try
all the wines.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cono Sur Sparkling NV Chile, $13.95
-Cono Sur Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Chile, $12.95
-Le Clos Jordanne Chardonnay Village Reserve 2007 Niagara, $30
-Dom. Des Cognettes Granite de Clisson Melon de Bourgogne 2004 Nantes,
$20.95.
-Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2010 New Zealand, $17.95

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dom. Barmes Buecher Pinot Gris Herrenweg 2004 Alsace, $19.95
-Les Clos Perdus Corbieres Cuvee 71 2009, $19.95
-Les Clos Perdus Corbieres Mire la Mer 2006, $32.95
-Bod. Familia Cecchin Syrah 2007 Argentina, $12.95
-Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2008 Niagara, $22.95
-Temple Bruer Cabernet Merlot 2010 Langhorne Creek Australia, $23.95
-Temple Bruer Shiraz 2010 Langhorne Creek Australia, $23.95
-Tawse Quarry Road Gewurztraminer 2010, $24.95

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Les Clos Perdus Corbieres L'Extreme Blanc 2009, $47.95
-Les Clos Perdus Corbieres L'Extreme Rouge 2007, $47.95
-Dom. Barmes Buecher Riesling 2007 Alsace, $35
-Monty Waldin Monty's Tuscan Red 2009, $18.95
-Bod. Familia Cecchin Merlot 2007 Argentina, $11.95
-Bod. Familia Cecchin Malbec 2009 Argentina, $12.95
-Dom. Breton Bourgueil Trinch 2009, $19.85
-Dom. Campinuovi Siena Montecucco Sangiovese 2008, $26.85
-Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Niagara, $23.95
-Richmond Plains Pinot Noir 2010 New Zealand, $23.95
-Cono Sur Riesling 2009 Chile, $9.95.
-Milton Vineyard Riverpoint Chardonnay New Zealand, $17.95
-Ciao Organic Chardonnay Puglia, $11.95 1 litre tetra pack

 

The Food: none
The Downside: it was a busy show, and the room was crowded and full of
food smells from the adjoining area.
The Upside: there were some local beers too, such as Better Bitters
(Nickel Brook), Creemore, Mill Street, and Muskoka Cottage Brewery.
The Contact Person: kgalvez@green-living.ca or mark@thelivingvine.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 86.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

May 28/11: LCBO Vintages Releases (I'm early; I'm going to hospital)

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 28, 2011
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to
thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers
and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. My tastings are based on
MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price
Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE:
The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine
writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not available for re-
tasting.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Mike Weir Riesling 2008 VQA NOTL: very Euro in mode, great Riesling
MVC. Softer finish than expected, not shrill like many Ontario
Rieslings. +229286, $14.95, QPR: 90.
2. Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Margaret River/Pemberton: body
and soul of savvy, but the bizarre zest. Good finish. Sip or food.
+186106, $17.95, QPR: 89.
3. The Winery of Good Hope Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2009 Stellenbosch:
lots more complexity here than expected at this modest price level.
Orchard fruit and long length. +158121, $11.95, QPR: 89.
4. Faller Geisberg Riesling 2007 Alsace Grand Cru: excellent Riesling
MVC, dry intense flavours, slightly honeyed. +225169, $20.95, QPR: 90.
5. Joseph Cattin Muscat 2009 Alsace: good peachy flavours from the
muscat grape, intense grape flavours at times, floral and fragrant.
+224634, $14.95, QPR: 89.
6. Domaine Roux Pere et Fils Montagny 1er Cru 2009: very well made for
the price level, and indeed it is a complex burgundian chardonnay.
Butter and fruit, good length. +208017, $18.95, QPR: 91.
7. Domaine de la Grange Vieilles Vignes Muscat Sevre & Maine 2009 Sur
Lie: body and flavour are emphasized, great price for an experienced
melon de Bourgogne. Longer length. +682625, $13.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Bommarito Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa: 14.5% ABV makes this a heavy
chocolate-smokey modern wine with some berries. +213918, $19.95, QPR:
89.
2. Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah 2009 La Quebrada Casablanca:
old world Rhone syrah, complexity and long length, 14.5% ABV, plus it
is organic as well. +212407, $18.95, QPR: 92.
3. Chateau La Tour de L'Eveque Vendanges Manuelles 2005 Cotes de
Provence: mouthfilling mix of syrah and cabernet sauvignon, good
maturity. +440123, $17.95, QPR: 90.
4. Domaine Mercouri Red 2006 Letrinon Greece: a fairly complex, mature
wine of 13% ABV, long length to the finish, mature berry flavours.
+652974, $18.95, QPR: 89.
5. Drei Dona Tenuta La Palazza Notturno Sangiovese 2008 IGT Forli
Emilia-Romagna: some complex cherries and spices, with its North
American appeal it has a bit of fruitcake. +39958, $17.95, QPR: 89.
6. Bod. Alitus Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero: nicely aged and
affordable blend of Tempranillo and cab sauvignon. 14% ABV. Sweet
vanilla and coconut on the finish from US oak.
7. Antiche Terre Ripasso Valpolicella 2008: the LCBO's "Ripasso of the
month". +178459, $14.95, QPR: 89.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.

 

1. Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2008 Russian River Valley,
+479527, $22.95 retail.
2. Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough, +912337, $24.95
3. Domaine Latour-Giraud Les Narvaux Meursault 2008, +12369, $44.95
4. Domaine Sylvain Bailly Terroirs Sancerre 2009, +223859, $24.95
5. 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 Lodi, +59311, $24.95
6. Fess Parker Rodney's Vineyard Syrah 2007 Santa Barbara, +232546,
$39.95
7. Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa, +238758, $29.95
8. Gamble Family Vineyards Paramount 2005 Napa, +221143, $59.95
9. Brothers in Arms Sixth Generation Reserve Shiraz 2003 Langhorne
Creek, +222000, $27.95
10. La Castellina Squarcialupi Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +214627,
$27.95
11. Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2008, +216291, $22.95
12. Leza Garcia Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +681601, $27.95

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

April 21/11: Austrian Wine Summit for Sommeliers and Wine Media

The Time and Date: Thursday, April 21, 2011  11AM to 2:30 PM
The Event: Virtual Austrian Wine Summit: educational tasting for
sommeliers and wine media. John Szabo, MS, gave an enlightening seminar
on some 9 wines.
The Venue: E11even
The Target Audience: sommeliers and wine media – some 32 attended. It
was packed.
The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available from the agent, some by
consignment.
The Quote/Background: The seminar, which also explained the changing
designation rules of the EU (with its PGI and PDO terms), was followed
by a light lunch and a tasting of about 24 other Austrian wines.
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Kracher Welschriesling Cuvee Beerenauslese 2008, $21.95 half-bottle 
H.H.D. Imports
-Zahel Cuvee Antares Grand Reserve 2008 Wien, $41.90 Small Winemakers
-Wieninger Pinot Noir Grand Select Wien 2007, Le Sommelier

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Andert St. Laurent Barrique Neusiedlersee 2008, $25.95 Wine & Leisure
-Forstreiter Grooner Gruner Veltliner 2010, $12.90 Lifford
-Heinrich GesmbH St. Laurent Burgenland 2008, $32   Andrews Group
-Meinhardt Hube Sauvignon Blanc Steinbach 2009 Sudsteiermark, $18.90 
Carto Enterprise
-Leth Gruner Veltliner Wagram Steinagrund 2010, $16.95  Vergina
-Loimer Gruner Veltliner Kamptal,  Le Sommelier
-Loimer Pinot Noir Terrassen 2007, Le Sommelier
-Meinklang Gruner Veltliner Neusiedlersee 2009, $15.95  The Living Vine
-Rabl Riesling Steinhaus 2010, $19.95   Thompson Vintage Trade
-Rabl Riesling TBA Kamptal 2007, $47.95 half-bottle  Thompson Vintage
Trade
-Salomon Undhof Riesling Kremstal Kogl 2009, $24  Lamprecht
International
-Schloss Gobelsburg Gruner Veltliner Kammerner Lamm 2007, $45  Andrews
Group
-Winzer Krems Zweigelt St. Severin Niederosterreich 2010, $14.95 
Eurovintage

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Kurt Angerer Pinot Noir Niederosterreich 2009, $32  B & W Wines
-Judith Beck Blaufrankisch Altenberg Burgenland 2007, $55  Violet Hill
-Willi Brundlmayer Riesling Steinmassi Kamptal 2008, $29  H.H.D.
Imports
-Forstreiter Zweigelt Niederostereich 2009, $12.95  Lifford
-Kracher Chardonnay TBA No. 3 2000 Burgenland, $79 half-bottle
H.H.D.Imports
-Laurenz Five Fine Wine Gruner Veltliner Niederosterreich, $16.95 
Kylix
-Nigl Gruner Veltliner Gartling 2010,  Le Sommelier
-Rabl Gruner Veltliner Kaferberg Reserve 2009, $24.95  Thompson Vintage
Trade
-Rabl Vinum Optimum Gruner Veltliner 2009,  Thompson
-Rabl Gruner Veltliner Spiegel Kamptal 2010, $16.95 Thompson
-Rabl St. Laurent Kamptal 2009, $18  Thompson
-Hannes Sabathi Sauvignon Blanc Klassik Sudsteiermark 2010, $20.35 
Nokhrin Wines
-Salomon Undhof Gruner Veltliner Wieden & Berg Kremstal 2009, $19.50 
Lamprecht
-Salomon Undhof Gruner Veltliner Von Stein Reserve Kremstal 2006, $39 
Lamprecht
-Schmelz Gruner Veltliner Pichl-Point Smaragd Wachau 2007, $39 
Thompson Vintage Trade
-Stadlmann St.Laurent Thermenregion 2009, Le Sommelier
-Winzer Krems Gruner Veltliner Niederosterreich 2009, $ 10.95 
Eurovintage
-Zantho GmbH St. Laurent Neusiedlersee 2009, $19.25  Maison InVino

 

The Food: lunch was a warm beet salad with goat cheese and walnuts,
crab cake with a mustard remoulade and green salad, and key lime pie.
The crab cake was superb, the key lime pie slowed me down for the rest
of the day.
The Downside: I got lost finding the tasting quarters. And there was
little elbow room for tasting the non-seminar wines.
The Upside: I was very glad that the seminar had returned to the Spring
Austrian wine show.
The Contact Person: Toronto@advantageaustria.org
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

April 13/11: Vinexx Portfolio Tasting at Cucci in Oakville

The Time and Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2011  4 PM to 8:30 PM
The Event: Vinexx Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Cucci, Oakville
The Target Audience: clients and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are at the LCBO, with a few on
consignment.
The Quote/Background: Cedric Ducote from Blasons de Bourgogne was along
to pour to sparkling wines.
The Wines: There were 42 wines; I did not try all of them.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Caves Bailly Lapierre Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Reserve, $17.95 ($9.95
half-bottles)
-Cline Cellars Syrah Los Carneros 2006, $17.95
-Mas des Bressades Syrah 2008 Cuvee Excellence Costieres de Nimes,
$17.95
-Bodegas Muga Reserva Rioja 2006, $23.95
-Cline Cellars Zinfandel 2009 California, $13

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Caves Bailly Lapierre Cremant de Bourgogne Paul Delane, $16.95.
-Champagne Moutard-Dilligent Duc de Charlane Brut Champagne, $33.95
consignment
-La Chablisienne 2007 Chablis Vieilles Vignes, $24.95
-Mud House Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough, $15.95
-Cline Cellars Viognier 2009 North Coast Sonoma, $14.95
-St. Lucas Torrontes 2010 Mendoza, $11.95
-Alois Lageder Vogelmaier Moscato Giallo Alto Adige, $26 private order
-Studert Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett, $18.95
-Alois Lageder Pinot Noir Krafuss 2007 Alto Adige, $46 private order
-Alois Lageder Cabernet Riserva 2007 Alto Adige, $27 private order
-Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, $34.95 private order
-Casa Girelli Primitivo Virtuoso 2008 Puglia, $21.95 private order
-E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2007, $16.95
-BR Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 North Coast Cal, $25 private order
-Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvedre 2009 Central Coast Cal, $18.95
-Roux Pere et Fils Volnay Vieilles Vignes 2009, $29.95
-Graham Beck Cabernet Sauvignon The Game Reserve 2009 South Africa,
$18.95

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 2009 Alto Adige, $18.95
-Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2009 The Game Reserve South Africa, $14.95
-Dry Creek Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2009 California, $14.95 consignment
-Canyon Oaks Chardonnay 2009 California, $13.95 consignment
-BR Cohn Chardonnay 2009 Sonoma, $28 private order
-Casa Girelli Syrah Virtuoso 2008 Sicily, $21.95 private order
-Alliance Loire Domaine de Matabrune Bourgeuil 2009, $14.95
-Canyon Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 California, $13.95
-Mud House Pinot Noir 2009 Central Otago NZ, $17.95
-Casa de la Ermita Roble Jumilla 2008, $13.95
-Cline Cellars Syrah 2009 Sonoma, $13
-Roux Pere et Fils Cote de Beaune Village 2009, $17.95
-Calera Pinot Noir 2008 Central Coast Cal, $32.95
-Mas des Bressades Cabernet-Syrah 2007 Costieres de Nimes, $18.95

 

The Food: breads, cheeses, olive oils, sausages, balsamic vinegars,
dried fruit, pizzas, platters of food passed around.
The Downside: it was in Oakville, quite a distance for me without a
car.
The Upside: I did not walk – I got a ride from Rolf Lutz going to
Cucci, and a lift to the subway from Melanie, a sales rep. Thanks!!
The Contact Person: jdesautels@vinexx.com
The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 88.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

May 12/11: Tasting Concha y Toro Series Riberas Gran Reserva

The Time and Date: Thursday, May 12, 2011  11AM to 2PM

The Event: a tasting of premium Concha y Toro wines in the "Series Riberas Gran Reserva" tier, with Concha y Toro's wine ambassador, Gabriel Salas, who gave a technical presentation.

The Venue: the agent's offices (Select Wine Merchants, Queen Street East)

The Target Audience: there were five wine journalists at this preview press tasting.

The Availability/Catalogue: none of the wines are currently available, although the Cabernet Sauvignon is coming to Vintages this fall.

The Quote/Background: This new series, all line-priced at about $16.95 for each variety, comes from the different terroirs in Chile that abut the rivers of Chile's grape-growing valleys. Each variety is grown by a different river. The proximity of the rivers allows the ocean breezes and cold winds from the mountains to pass along the rivers' corridors, allowing for a concentration of flavours. No area is more than 14 kilometres away from the Pacific. There are now seven varieties in the program; Pinot Noir will be added later.

Concha y Toro sells more than 28 million case of wine globally. They have 42 different vineyards with 30 different winemakers. For this Serie Riberas, American rootstock was used to avoid any possibility of phylloxera.

The Wines: These are my own, personal ratings, along with some comments. There was also a celebratory Casillero del Diablo Brut Chardonnay NV from Limari region ($12.95 if available) that was extremely pleasant for the price, alcohol (12%), and method (Charmat).

 

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

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2010 Ribera del Rapel, Ucuquer Vyd, Colchagua: barrel-fermented, aged nine months in French oak, no malo-lactic, mild and fruity, sweet-oak ripeness and slight tropicality, some Burgundian elements (e.g., hazelnuts). 14% ABV.

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Merlot 2009 Ribera del Maule, Mariposa Vyd, San Clemente: 5% syrah added, extractive, plums and US oak, a big wine, mouth-coating palate, very American with currently tight tones, chocolate. 12 months in half French and half US oak. 14.5% ABV. Vineyard planted in 1990s. Definitely lay down at this point.

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Ribera del Tinguiririca, Palo Santo Vyd, Marchigue (Colchagua): red clay helps make this a big wine (but drinking well now), with some herbaceous quality (10% carmenere added), lovely wine, good detail, red fruit, sweetish finish, not hot despite 14.5% ABV. 13 months in 80% French oak, balance US oak.

 

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

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Ribera del Rapel, Ucuquer Vyd Colchagua: three clones used, sur lie, vivid nose, lemons, minerals, long finish. 13.5% ABV.

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Carmenere 2006 Ribera del Cachapoal, Peumo Vyd, Peumo: 10% cabernet sauvignon added. 13 months in half French and half US oak. Bright, lively nose, woodsy flavour, some fennel, mocha too, black fruit. Food wine. 14% ABV.

 

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

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Malbec 2009 Ribera del Tinguiririca, Palo Santo Vyd, Marchigue (Colchagua): reticent nose needs time to open, good structure and body, close concentration, blueberries and black fruit, food wine, hot finish, 13 months in 80% French oak and 20% US oak. 14.5% ABV.

-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Syrah 2009 Ribera del Loncomilla Villa Alegre Vyd, Maule: lacks syrah nose initially, not a full bodied syrah, dry, with a higher acids finish, plums, chocolate, jammy but maturing early? Restrained? 14.5% ABV.

 

The Food: we had fresh fruit, coffees, and breads for breakfast. For lunch, we went to Prohibition Gastrohouse and ordered off the menu. We shared mac and cheese, Caesar salad, green salad, pulled pork, soup, bison burgers, and the like. At this time, Select offered us a 2006 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon, which was best appreciated on its own in order to savour the flavours. Nevertheless, the Marques des Casa Concha Carmenere 2008 was perfect with the pub grub, as was the Italian Montalto Pinot Grigio (with the veggies).

The Downside: Somehow, Gabriel picked up the sobriquet "Hector", one of the winemakers back in Chile.

The Upside: a chance to investigate the commonalities of a line-priced series of wines not yet generally available. It was appreciated.

The Contact Person: prodhon@selectwines.ca or haddleton@selectwines.ca

The Marketing Effectiveness/Execution of the Event(numerical grade): 94.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

 

May 14/11: Tasting notes for Vintages Release

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 14, 2011
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to
thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers
and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. My tastings are based on
MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price
Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE:
The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine
writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not available for re-
tasting.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Konzelmann Winemaster's Collection Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2008
VQA Niagara: heavy-heavy Gewurz taste and body, off-dry, solid wine for
cheese, fruit or Asiatic food. +392357, $17.20, QPR: 90.
2. Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2008 VQA Okanagan: nice blend of BF and SS
wines, oak in back ground, but terrific with food. 14% ABV. +377770,
$19.95.
3. Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2009: 13.5% ABV, juicy, good
oak-fruit balance, could improve. Food wine or sip, +468728, $17.95,
QPR: 89.
4. Michel Delhommeau Cuvee Harmonie Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine 2009 Sur
Lie: minerals suggest fish, good price for tart food wine. +164624,
$12.95, QPR: 89.
5. Sols & Sens Cotes du Rhone-Villages Laudin 2009: 60% grenache blanc,
30% viognier, 10% rousanne. 13.5% ABV. Rich and ripe orchard fruit,
good weight. +223438, $13.95, QPR: 90.
6. Fillaboa Albarino 2009 Rias Baixas: orchard fruit plus tropicality
lading to a citric finish. Food wine. +214171, $15.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Rutherford Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Napa: delicious delivery
of black fruit, juicy and ripeness begins with the fabulous nose. 12.5%
ABV. +213777, $19.95, QPR: 90.
2. Elementos Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: very much an
Argentine cabernet, MVC, 14% ABV. Value at this price level. +218974,
$12.95, QPR: 89.
3. Jolien Schaal Syrah 2008 WO Elgin/Walker Bay South Africa: 13.5%
ABV, Euro-Rhone wine mode for syrah. +206581, $17.95, QPR: 89.
4. Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages:
85% grenache, 10% mourvedre, 5% syrah, 14.5% ABV. Gold medalist,
action-value packed with fruit and grassiness. +224592, $13.95, QPR:
89.
5. Domaine Martin Cairanne 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages: unfiltered,
14% ABV, developing black fruit, dense body. +223461, $16.95, QPR: 89.
6. Tor del Colle Riserva Brindisi 2006: fruity, engaging, intense
vanilla, well-priced, 13% ABV. +211847, $12.95, QPR: 89.
7. Marchesi Torrigiani Torre de Ciardo 2006 IGT Toscana: delicious
Italianate flavours, some barn, chianti-style. 14% ABV. +212084,
$19.95, QPR: 90.
8. Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore
2008: Ripasso-of-the-month. +695890, $16.95, QPR: 89.
9. Dehesa Gago 2009 Toro: 14.5% ABV, heavy-heavy laden with flavours on
the back palate, long tannin finish, could lay down for a while.
+173120, $14.95, QPR: 89.
10. Vega Escal 2006 Priorat: full of flavours (smoke, black fruit, some
Rhone tones, long finish). 14.5% ABV. +210997, $18.95, QPR: 89.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.

 

1. Boony Doon Beeswax Vineyard Le Cigare Blanc 2008 Arroyo Seco Central
Coast, +95331, $29.95 retail.
2. Mer Soleil Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2008 Santa Lucia Highlands
California, +958975, $34.95.
3. Truchard Chardonnay 2008 Carneros Napa, +60459, $34.95.
4. Henry Darnat Puligny-Montrachet 2007, +21080, $49.95.
5. Vincent Girardin Les Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2008, +207894,
$24.95.
6. Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2009, +247411,
$43.95.
7. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Sonoma County, +226944,
$22.95.
8. Norton Privada 2007 Mendoza, +148155, $21.95.
9. Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2007 South Australia, +309625,
$37.95.
10. Chateau Cherchy-Desqueyroux 2005 Graves, +125518, $21.95.
11. Massucco Barbaresco 2006, +214528, $27.95.
12. Palazzo Brunello di Montalcino 2004, +660746, $49.95.
13. Lar de Paula Reserva 2004 Rioja, +208207, $21.95.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

Dean Tudor, Ryerson University Journalism Professor Emeritus
Treasurer, Wine Writers' Circle of Canada
Look it up and you'll remember it; screw it up and you'll never forget it.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com