WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 31, 2013

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 31, 2013
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
THE "BLUE MOON" RELEASE!!

 

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at
http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news
items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at
www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20

 

Rivera Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico 2006 Castel del Monte Puglia: top
notch aglianico at a fantastic price, still needs time. Depth and
character and age. Dark fruit tones all the way. 13.5% ABV. +305276,
$17.95, QPR: 90.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20

 

Zind Humbrecht Turkheim Riesling 2010 Alsace, +31039, $26.95.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Calamus Riesling 2011 VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara: detailed riesling
as it should be, MVC flavours, twist top, 12% ABV. +158642, $16.95,
QPR: 89.
2. Creekside Laura's White 2011 VQA Niagara: quality blend of six
grapes (two kinds of chardonnays, savvy, grigio, gewurzt, and
viognier), 12% ABV, twist top. +121764, $18.95, QPR: 89.
3. Domaine de L'Echelette Macon Cruzille 2010: lightly and politely
close to burgundian character at an affordable price, 12.5% ABV,
excellent finish. +336982, $16.95, QPR: 89.
4. Finca La Emperatriz Viura 2011 Rioja Alta: slight fruity finish,
off-dry, patio sipper or first course wine with a spicy app. +342766,
$15.95, QPR: 89.
5. Moncigale Mineral Rose Bandol 2012: possibly the finest rose I've
tasted this season. Colour checks out, taste and finish are evocative
of the garrigue and citrus-berries, 13.5% ABV. +226670, $18.85, QPR:
89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. 13th Street Red Palette 2011 VQA Niagara: interesting and affordable
red blend, patio and first course dishes. Low chocolate character.
12.5% ABV. +249458, $15.95, QPR: 89.
2. Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2011 Marlborough: intense burgundian style
character and taste on nose and mid-palate. 13.5% ABV, twist top.
+590414, $17, QPR: 89.
3. Chateau Hyot 2010 Cotes de Bordeaux Castillon: ripe and ready, gold
medalist, 13.5% ABV. Delicious at this price. +63537, $16.95, QPR: 89.
4. Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2011 Cotes du Rhone-Villages:
tasty but basic hot Rhone, affordable price, 15% ABV (but a soft
finish). Gold Medalist. +224592, $13.95, QPR: 89.
5. Casetta Rivere Nebbiolo d'Alba 2007: well-aged, complex enough to
pass off as a Barbaresco, 13%, keep another year. +344085, $19.95, QPR:
89.
6. Palazzo Maffei Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2010: the LCBO Ripasso
of the Month, 14.5% ABV. +338913, $17.95, QPR: 89.
7. Quinta do Quetzal Guadalupe Red 2010 Vinho Regional Alentejano: off-
dry mouth feel, black fruit from t5hree grapes (trincadeira, aragonez,
alfocheito). First course red or patio sipper. +336313, $13.95, QP: 89.
8. Barco de Piedra Tinto 2011 Ribera del Duero: quality Ribera at a low
price is difficult to find, but this is one of them. 13.5% ABV,
delicious combo of French and US used oak. +336289, $17, QPR: 89.
9. Bodegas del Abad Dom Bueno Mencia 2008 Bierzo: more good wine from
an up and coming region in Spain – good depth, French and US oak,
nicely aged, value priced, 13.5% ABV. +291989, $15.95, QPR: 89.
10. Breca Old Vines Garnacha 2010 Calatayud: the LCBO Garnacha of the
Month, going head to head with the Ripasso (above). +329086, $19.95,
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. Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench, +566026, $29.95
retail.
2. Luis Canas Reserva 2005 Rioja, +334094, $22.95.
3. Champy Pernand-Vergelesses en Caradeux 1er Cru 2010, +344143,
$49.95.
4. Jean-Marc Brocard Sainte Claire Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2011,
+329995, $24.95.
5. Marnier-Lapostolle Chateau de Sancerre 2011, +340893, $23.95.
6. Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Short Hills Bench
Niagara, +268391, $24.95.
7. Terra Rossa Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva 2009, +344127, $20.95.
8. Farina Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2009, +995910, $35.95.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

City Bites wrap party, July 13/13

 The Date and Time: Saturday, July 13, 2013  2Pm to 6PM

The Event: Latest City Bites issue wrap party.

The Venue: Cool City Oyster, 99 Sudbury St.

The Target Audience: writers and publicists, some wine-food trade people.

The Availability/Catalogue: the wines I tasted were all available, but as is common with events like this, there was not much info about prices and availability.

The Quote/Background: Montreal sommelier Elyse Lambert was in town to do a quick seminar on Vinho Verde. She poured three wines.

The Wines: There were also Mill Street Organic beer in bottles and Muskoka Weisse on draught.

 

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

-Deu La Deu Vinho Verde Alvarinho 13%, $19.95

 

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

-Dan Aykroyd Sauvignon Blanc VQA, $12.95

-Vineland Dry Riesling 2011 VQA, $13.95

-Vinho Verde Trevo Branco 10.5%, $13.95

 

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

-EastDell Unoaked Chardonnay VQA

-Fresh Rose VQA

-Muralhas Vinho Verde Rose 11.5%, $12.95

 

The Food: Chef Michael Pataran sent out some poached sardines, salmon cherry miso, and Irish salmon tartare with smoked lemon salt. Plus a variety of oysters, principally Fanny Bay (BC) and Shigoku (Washington State).

The Downside: It was roasting on the patio, which is where the entire venue of the restaurant is located.

The Upside: a chance to re-connect with some lovely people and some great oysters.

The Contact Person: natalie@citybites.ca

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH --

SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH --

 

++ Emiliana Organic Adobe Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Chile, +266049, $12.95 LCBO: from Casablanca Valley, the hot cool region of Chile, all done up in stainless, exhibiting kiwi strength grassiness and grapefruit. Best with first course or seafood. Organic, screw cap, 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ Emiliana Organic Adobe Reserve Merlot 2011 Chile, +322024, $12.95 LCBO: from Rapel Valley, organic fruit that is 85% merlot/15% syrah. 20% of it is all done up in French oak for six months. Lots of red fruit, with a long wood finish. Food suggestion is for cheeses, nuts and dried fruit – on the patio? Screw cap, 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

++ Chateau des Charmes Earth & Sky Riesling 2011 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +343350, $14.95 LCBO: a new line from Chateau des Charmes, emphasizing a light and breezy style in the MVC tradition. This Riesling tastes like it should taste: citric tones with a minerality on the finish which they describe as laser sharp. 12.5% ABV. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ Chateau des Charmes Earth & Sky Pinot Noir 2012 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +343368, $15.95 LCBO: continuing the light and breezy style, this not-yet-ready pinot emphasizes red fruit and underbrush. It does need time. 13% ABV. Cork finish. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

++ Boutari Naoussa 2008 Greece, +23218, $12.95 Vintages: with some aging, this xinomavro wine has become great value for the price. Aged in older French oak barrels. Fruity, and has been compared to Barbaresco/nebbiolo wines. After five years, the tannins have resolved to a warm lingering and soft finish. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ Colio Girls Night Out Chardonnay 2012 VQA Ontario, +54105, $19.95 magnum: a good value wine for Ontario chardonnay (100%), stainless steel tanks, 12.8% ABV. Regular bottle (half the size) is $7 less. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ Colio Girls Night Out Rose 2012 VQA Ontario, +54305, $19.95 magnum: reputed to be the top selling VQA rose in Ontario – 50% chardonnay, 20% riesling, 20% pinot gris, 10% cab franc. Think watermelons. 12% ABV. Regular bottle (half the size) is $7 less. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Burning Kiln winery tour (Norfolk), and South Coast Wine fair, July 29/13

The Date and Time: Monday, July 29, 2013  8AM to 7PM

The Event: A double-barreled event – First, a tour and tasting of Burning Kiln winery, followed by lunch and two – a tasting of selected South Coast Winery wines.

The Venue: Burning Kiln winery, Norfolk County, near Port Dover.

The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members.

The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available through the winery.

The Quote/Background: We had the tour of the facility, including the use of kilns to dry out wines. Burning Kiln replanted 26 acres of tobacco with vines in 2006 and opened in 2010.  Their first vintage wine, Burning Kiln Strip Room 2010, was the Ontario Legislature's official red wine for the 2011-2012 session. Andrzej Lipinksi, known for Italian "appassimento" in Ontario (grapes are dried on mats to concentrate the fruit flavours) is drying the grapes in former tobacco kilns instead of on mats (no heat is added). The current production of Burning Kiln is 7,000 cases. Cigar-shaped barrels are being used: they are thinner and longer, which promotes more oak tones while keeping the fruit.

 

The Wines: In addition to Burning Kiln, we got to sample a mini-fair of wines from Quai du Vin, Villa Nova, Wooden Bear, Golden Leaf, Bonnieheath Lavender, and Dover Vineyards (the latter two just open). I think I tried all the wines.

 

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

-Burning Kiln Stick Shaker Savagnin 2012, $24.95 100% kiln dried 15 days

-Burning Kiln Table Gang Gewurztraminer 2012, $24.95 100% kiln, 9 days

-Burning Kiln Harvest Party Red 2012, $15.95 100% kiln, 100% cab franc

-Burning Kiln Kiln Hanger – The Sequel 2010, $59.95, also $119.95 magnum, 100% cab franc, 100% kiln 9 days, 30 months in French oak.

-Dover Vineyards Frisky Beaver Red Cab Syrah Merlot 2011, +345611, $14.95

-Dover Vineyards Smoke & Gamble Gewurztraminer Sussreserve 2011, $24.95

-Quai du Vin Red Signature Series 2011, $12.50

 

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

-Burning Kiln Harvest Party White 2012, $15.95 with 8% savagin kiln dried

-Burning Kiln Horse & Boat Riesling 2012, $19.95 10% kiln, 11 days

-Burning Kiln Broken Needle Rose 2012, $15.95 12% kiln

-Burning Kiln Prime Pinot Noir 2011, $24.95 20% kiln

-Burning Kiln Cureman's Chard 2011, $19.95  no kiln

-Burning Kiln Planter Pinot Gris 2012, $19.95 100% kiln, 1 week

-Burning Kiln Cab Frank 2011, $24.95 100% kiln, 1-2 weeks

-Burning Kiln Cab Frank 2012, $24.95 100% kiln, 10-14 days

-Burning Kiln Strip Room 2012, $24.95 100% kiln, 1-2 weeks

-Burning Kiln Chenin Blanc 2010, $24.95 500 mL sweet, 100% kiln 16 days

-Wooden Bear Cherry 2011, $14.95

-Golden Leaf Chardonnay 2011, $15.45

-Dover Vineyards Smoke & Gamble Cabernet Merlot Reserve 2011, +332825 Vintages $18.95

-Dover Vineyards Frisky Beaver White 2010, +345629, $13.95

-Dover Vineyards Smoke & Gamble Merlot Reserve 2011, $22.75

-Dover Vineyards Smoke & Gamble Cabernet Franc Apassimento 2011, $39.95

-Dover Vineyards Smoke & Gamble Chambourcin 2011, $18.20

-Bonnieheath Estate Don't Count Your Chickens [frontenac gris]2012, $18

-Quai du Vin Cabernet Franc 2010, $16

-Quai du Vin Dry Riesling 2012, $11

-Quai du Vin White Signature Series 2012, $13.50

-Quai du Vin Semi-Dry Vidal 2012, $11

-Villa Nova Estate Pinot Gris/Riesling 2012, $14.50

 

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

-Burning Kiln Riesling 2011, $19.95 10% kiln, 18 days

-Burning Kiln Sweet Leaf Riesling 2012, $24.95  10% kiln, 11 days

-Wooden Bear GalaCrisp, $14.95

-Wooden Bear Apple Cherry, $14.95

-Wooden Bear Bear Claw Hard Cider, $3

-Wooden Bear Eve's Temptation 500 mL $21.95

-Golden Leaf Vidal/Riesling 2012, $14.50

-Golden Leaf Riesling 2012, $14.95 off-dry

-Golden Leaf Rose 2011, $14.20 Lucy Kuhlmann, off-dry

-Dover Vineyards Smoke & Gamble Kuhlmann/Foch 2011, $18.20

-Bonnieheath Estate Lavender Ice 2012, 375 mL

-Bonnieheath Estate Seyval Blanc 2012, $16-17

-Bonnieheath Estate Crooked Wrench Red [frontenac rouge] 2012, $17-19

-Bonnieheath Estate Marechal Foch 2012, $17-19

-Quai du Vin Aurore-Muscat 2012, $11

-Villa Nova Estate Riesling 2012, $14.50

-Villa Nova Estate Aenigma 2012, $14.50 regent, with cabernet

 

The Food: charcuteries and cheese trays, local pork tenderloins, Lake Erie fried perches.

The Downside: I was not ready to leave, time flew by…

The Upside: great sparkling wine transportation from Knight Limo service www.knightlimo.biz

The Contact Person: dbeatty@burningkilnwinery.ca and judy.buck@ontariosouthcoastwine.com

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

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

SHINE {ON} Ontario wine promotion, July 25, 2013

The Date and Time: Thursday, July 25, 2013  6Pm to 8PM

The Event: SHINE {ON} with Ontario wines.

The Venue: LCBO Summerhill

The Target Audience: wine press

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are part of the LCBO promotion running Sept 15 through October 12.

The Quote/Background: Astrid Brummer, product manager of Ontario wines, and Sue-Ann Staff, local winemaker, spoke to the wines. This is the largest annual promotion of Ontario wines, with adverts, highlights of 167 products from 55 Ontario wineries, new wines, new Essentials listings, extensive use fo social media, and many interviews with winemakers. It all begins Sept 14 with www.lcboourwinecountry.com and culminates with the big wine show at the ROM, October 10, 6:30 onwards (100 VQA wines, 30 wineries, $65).

The Wines: We were given good tasting sheets with technical data, but the wines were not presented in that order, so there was some to-ing and fro-ing through the pages.

 

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

-Konzelmann Gewurztraminer 2011 VQA, +392357, $14.95 – great with oysters

-Cattail Creek Cabernet Merlot 2010 VQA, +344135, $14.95 – very good Bordeaux-like quality.

-Sketches Merlot Cabernet 2011 VQA, +130252, $19.95

-Tawse Grower's Blend Pinot Noir 2010 VQA, +130989, $31.95

-Honeysuckle Seyval Vidal VQA 2011, +91934, $12.95

-Union Gold VQA 2011, +351049, $14.95

-Flat Rock Good Kharma Chardonnay 2010 VQA, +681247, $16.95

-Sue-Ann Staff Merlot 2010 VQA, +347651, $17.95

-Southbrook Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, +193573, $22.95

-Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay VQA 2011, +302083, $29.95

 

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

-Angels Gate Pinot Gris VQA 2011, +331215, $13.95

-Pillitteri Pic'd White VQA 2012, +317263, $12.95

-Small Talk Burning Ambition White VQA 2010, +310433, $13.95

-Cattail Creek Riesling VQA 2012, +241547, $14.95

-Local Squeeze White VQA 2012, +357418, $13.95

-Reif The Empress Chardonnay VQA 2011, +346791, $12.95

-Sprucewood Shores Riesling VQA 2011, +326249, $13.95

-Mike Weir Pinot Noir VQA 2009, +686972, $16.95

 

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

-Pondview Harmony White VQA 2011, +308718, $14.95

-Brickyard Riesling VQA 2012, +346866, $13.95

-Coyote's Run Pinot Noir VQA 2011, +53090, $19.95

-Pondview Harmony Red VQA 2010, +336495, $14.95

-Sandbanks Gewurztraminer VQA 2011, +343350, $14.95

-Earth & Sky Riesling VQA 2011, +343350, $14.95

-Kacaba Unoaked Chardonnay 2012 VQA, +326975, $14.95

-Mike Weir Sauvignon Blanc 2012 VQA, +686972, $16.95

-Wayne Gretzky Pinot Grigio VQA 2012, +326256, $14.95

-Small Talk Faux Pas Riesling Sauvignon Blanc VQA 2011, +343384, $14.95.

-Cottage Block Riesling VQA 2012, +346601, $12.95

-Sandbanks Dunes Red VQA 2012, +346445, $16.95

-Earth & Sky Pinot Noir VQA 2010, +343368, $15.95

-13^th Street Cuvee Rose VQA, +147504, $24.95

 

The Food: Farmhouse Tavern (Junction Triangle) provided the food – oysters, gravid lax, bacon, veggies and pickles, duck heart tartare – which were presented as food matches.

The Downside: it was a small group, but…

The Upside: …that gave us more time and scope to mingle and enjoy food and wine.

The Contact Person: Lauren@wolffpublicrelations.com

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Bodegas Beronia tasting at Patria, July 18/13; notes

The Date and Time: Thursday, July 18, 2013  11:30 AM to 3 PM

The Event: To celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Bodegas Beronia in Ollauri, Rioja. The head winemaker Matias Calleja Ugartewas invited for a small press tasting and lunch.

The Venue: Patria Restaurant

The Target Audience: wine press

The Availability/Catalogue: only the older wines are not available; the rest are through the LCBO delivery streams.

The Quote/Background: Beronia is now owned by Gonzalez Byass. Both firms are repped in Ontario by Woodman Wines and Spirits.

The Wines: There were two white wines and a rose.

 

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

-Beronia Tempranillo Barrel Fermented 2011, +723643, $17.95 – Sept 28/13 Vintages

-Beronia Gran Reserva 1973, not available (5% viura was added for acidity)

-Beronia Gran Reserva 2006, +9440965, $34.95 – March 2014

 

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

-Beronia Barrel Fermented Viura 2011, $17.95 private order

-Beronia Tempranillo 2010, +243055, $11.65 LCBO

-Beronia Crianza 2009, $16.95 consignment

-Beronia Reserva 2008, +50203, $18.95 Vintages

-Beronia Gran Reserva 1994, not available

 

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

-Beronia Viura 2012, +190801, $14.95 – arriving in Jan 2014

-Beronia Rosado 2012, +323519, $14.95 Vintages

 

The samples of the Beronia Gran Reserva 1982 were oxidated.

 

The Food: we could have any wine we wanted from the tasting, so some of us lined up tasting samples to go with each course. Course One featured pan con tomate, quince jam, seleccion de embutidos (with serrano), and dates with bacon and Manchego. Course Two had shaved fennel and Manchego with artichokes, pasta with clams and chorizo, and an empanada with braised meats. There was a dessert but no wine to go with it.

The Downside: it was a hot day with no air conditioning. I got there early and positioned myself under a fan, after testing the air currents. I was also the only one wearing sensible shorts.

The Upside: a chance to hear and speak with Matias.

The Contact Person:   jason@woodmanwinesandspirits.com

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com