Discover the world of Michel Chapoutier, a tasting of Chapoutier wines with lunch, March 4/14

The Date and Time: Tuesday, March 4, 2014 11AM to 2 PM

The Event: Discover the world of Michel Chapoutier, a tasting of Chapoutier
wines with lunch

The Venue: Ciao Wine Bar, Yorkville

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: all the wines that are available at the LCBO are
indicated below.

The Quote/Background: Michel Chapoutier is certainly eccentric, electric,
exotic, eclectic, erratic, energetic, exquisite and emotional. Welcome to
his charismatic and passionate world of winemaking. From the small (Braille
on Rhone labels) to the large (biodynamic vineyards in Hermitage), M.
Chapoutier is a "presence". In relation to his company, he also spoke to us
on quantum mechanics, Napoleon, and AOC status (it should be based on soil
health). He's responsible for 60 wine labels. Nevertheless, he opened his
seminar-talk with a glass of Champagne for all of us.

The Wines: We also tasted a variety of wines from a number of non-Rhone
locations (Alsace, Roussillon, Portugal, Australia).



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

-Chapoutier Chante-Alouette 2011 Hermitage, $79.95, 14% ABV, biodynamic,
Classics Online +140541

-Chapoutier Bila Haut Occultum Lapidem 2011 Cotes du Roussillon Villages,
$25.45, 14.5% ABV. +643239 Vintages in October

-Chapoutier Le Meal 2011 Ermitage 2011 Rouge, $294.95, 14% ABV, oak aged,
biodynamic [Classics Online +360800 in September]

-Chapoutier Domaine Tournon Lady's Lane 2010 Victoria, $69.50, 14% ABV,
Classics Online +297465



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

-Schieferkopf Riesling Lieu-Dit Fels 2011 Alsace, $45.95, 13.5% ABV

-Chapoutier Le Meal 2011 Ermitage 2011 Blanc, $296.35, 14% ABV, oak aged,
biodynamic

-Chapoutier Pinteivera 2011 Portugal, $37.55, 14% ABV, +360537 Vintages

-Chapoutier Monier de la Sizeranne 2011 Hermitage, $105.50, 13.5% ABV,
biodynamic

[2010 vintage is +182725 at Vintages now, same price]



The Food: we ate off the menu. I tried pitted olives, focaccia, polenta logs
with dips, sauteed wild mushrooms, and grilled calamari. These went well
with the remainder of the wine in my glasses. Overall, with the food, I
preferred the Chante Alouette.

The Downside: we ate off a high top table, my feet dangled down.

The Upside: a chance to connect with Michel Chapoutier.

The Contact Person: jcocks@pdandurand.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.





Chimo! www.deantudor.com