The LCBO unleashed its summer Rose offerings on May 27– charming, light and fruity, simple vinosity with enough depth to accompany appetizers..Here are my choices from FRANCE [best] and ONTARIO [local] – and a few others that struck my fancy...all unrated...
French Roses --
+32074 DOM BRIAL LE POT ROSÉ 2022 $15.95
+667337 HAMPTON WATER ROSÉ 2022 $29.95
+556209 GÉRARD BERTRAND PERLES DE GRENACHE ROSÉ 2022 $19.95
+20012 LE BIJOU DE SOPHIE VALROSE ROSÉ 2022 $17.95
+491027 CAVES D'ESCLANS ROCK ANGEL ROSÉ 2021 $49.95
+701318 DOMAINE MABY LA FORCADIÈRE TAVEL ROSÉ 2022 $23.95
+719062 FAMILLE PERRIN RÉSERVE ROSÉ 2022 $17.95
Ontario Roses --
+177840 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ VQA 2022 $16.95
+32902 DOMAINE QUEYLUS ROSÉ VQA 2021 $24.95
+649863 CREW RED SKY AT NIGHT ROSÉ VQA 2022 $17.95
+117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ VQA 2022 $16.95
+16454 MARYNISSEN ESTATES ROSÉ VQA 2021 $16.95
+559088 MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ 2021 $17.95
+552562 SPECK BROS. THREE OF HEARTS ROSÉ 2021 $19.95
Other roses --
+32026 SUSANA BALBO CRIOS ROSÉ OF MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $17.95
+19846 CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA ROSÉ 2022 PORTUGAL $16.95
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for May 27, 2023 release.
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for May 27, 2023 release.
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for May 27, 2023 release.
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994.
These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price).
Currently, the wine media have no access to the tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on for some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these 100 or so biweekly released wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling.
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Month or so ---
TASTE ONTARIO ! TORONTO
The Date and Time: Wednesday April 12, 2023 11A to 5PM
The Event: TASTE ONTARIO ! TORONTO
The Venue: Park Hyatt
The Target Audience: wine media, agents, and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: The paper catalogue was replete with data and info on each wine, plus an overview of the Ontario VQA wine industry. Prices listed were both for licensees and for retail sales. Contacts were listed for each winery.
The Quote/Background: 62 wineries participated from the Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, and Emerging Regions. All of the 300+ wines featured are available to order.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines; I was focused on chardonnays and sparklers. I divided my time between the media room (where I could sit down) and the trade show floor (where I could stand up). Prices are retail.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Tawse Winery Robyn's Block Chardonnay 2020 $47.15 [MY FAVE]
-Adamo Estate Winery Growers Series Oaked Chardonnay 2019 $19.95
-Colio Reserve Chardonnay 2020 $19.95
-Closson Chase Vineyards Churchside Chardonnay PEC 2019 $50
-Lighthall Vineyards Estate Chardonnay PEC 2020 $37.85
-2027 Cellars Wismer Vineyard Foxcroft Block Chardonnay 2020 $30
-Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Foxcroft "Nord" Chardonnay 2020
-Bachelder Les Villages Chardonnay 2021 $35
-Cave Spring Vineyard Chardonnay CSV 2020 $34.95
-Domaine Queylus Chardonnay Signature 2018
-Flat Rock Cellars Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2020 $34.95
-Hidden Bench Bistro Chardonnay 2019
-Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2020 $54.95
-Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2020 $39.95
-Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2020 $29.99
-Inniskillin Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 $30.95
-Jackson Triggs Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2020 $27.95
-Southbrook Organic Vineyard Triomphe Chardonnay 2019 $26.95
-Ravine Vineyard Estate Limited Edition Vintage Brut 2011 $135 [300 bottles] [MY FAVE]
-Drea's Wine Co. Small Batch Blanc de Blanc 2020 $59.50
-Stratus Blanc de Blanc 2015
-Charles Baker Wines Cuvee du Boulanger Blanc de Blancs 2020 $39.95
-Rockway Vineyards Limited Edition Brut Cuvee Sparkling NV $90
-Trius Sparkling Brut NV $29.95
-Trius Sparkling Brut Rose NV $29.95
-Trius Showcase Brut Nature Sparkling NV $54.95
-Lighthall Vineyards Culmination Blanc de Blancs Sparkling PEC 2019 $39.95
-13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc NV $29.95
-Two Sisters Blanc de Franc 2019
-Jackson Triggs Grand Reserve Entourage Blanc de Blanc 2017 $27.95
-Jackson Triggs Grand Reserve Entourage Sparkling Brut 2017 $49.95
-Henry of Pelham Family Cuvee Catherine Estate Blanc de Blanc Carte Blanche 2017 $49.95
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Adamo Estate Winery Sogno Unoaked Chardonnay 2021 $19.95
-KIN Vineyards Carp Ridge Chardonnay 2019 $32
-Pelee Island Winery Vinedressers Chardonnay 2021 $19.95
-Broken Stone Winery Chardonnay PEC 2020
-Closson Chase Vineytard Chardonnay PEC 2020 $35
-Lighthall Vineyards Fondation Chardonnay PEC 2021 $24.95
-Norman Hardie Chardonnay PEC 2020 $59.20
-Rosehall JCR Chardonnay Rosehall Vineyard PEC 2019 $36
-Bachelder Mineralite Chardonnay 2021 $25
-Calamus Estate Barrel Kissed Chardonnay 2021 $21.95
-Henry of Pelham Family Estate Chardonnay 2020 $19.95
-Le Clos Jordanne Jordan Village Chardonnay 2020 $29.95
-Leaning Post The Fifty Chardonnay 2020 $25.20
-Legends Estates Chardonnay Reserve 2017 $21
-Meldville Chardonnay 2019 $20
-Meldville Chardonnay Barrel Select 2019 $26
-Reif Chardonnay 2020 $19.15
-Two Sisters Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay 2019 $39
-Westcott Vineyards Violette Sparkling Brut 2021 $29.99
-The Foreign Affair Winery Sparkling Rose Brut NV $24.95
-Bella Terra Vineyards Sparkling Brut $24.95
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-KIN Vineyards Carp Ridge Skin Fermented Chardonnay 2021 $26
-Bonnie Vivant Chardonnay 2021 $34.04
-Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay 2020 $15.15
-Casa-Dea Estates Winery Unoaked Chardonnay PEC 2021 $20.95
-Trail Estate County Chardonnay Vintage 3 PEC 2019 $50
-Vineland Estates Winery Un-oaked Chardonnay 2021 $15.95
The Food: there were several charcuterie boards, with cheeses and meats and veggies and fruit, plus breads and dips.
The Downside: it was jam packed, which made it awkward to move about from table to table.
The Upside: I had a great opportunity to taste many chardonnays and sparklers. It was peaceful in the media room.
The Contact Person: lauren.garrard@wmao.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.
** Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these are good value...on sale through Sunday June 18...
[red] Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja +976662, now $28.95, save $3.
[red] Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico, +943613, now $20.95, save $4.
[red] Rivera Il Falcone Riserva Castel de Monte Puglia, +177295, $23.95, save $3.
[red] The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA +149237, now $16.95, save $3.
[white] Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi Piedmont +250696, now $16.95, save $3.
[white] Tawse Quarry Road Organic Riesling VQA +198853, now $21.95, save $3.
[fizz] Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore Brut Rose Cremant de Bourgogne, +48793, now $25.95, save $2.
[splurge] Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico +356220, now $44.95, save $5.
[splurge] Chamisal Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay Santa Barbara 2016 +16025, now $35.95, save $4.
MAJOR THEME: Rose – charming, light and fruity, simple vinosity with enough depth to accompany appetizers..Here are my choices from FRANCE [best] and ONTARIO [local] – and a few others that struck my fancy...all unrated...
French Roses --
+32074 DOM BRIAL LE POT ROSÉ 2022 $15.95
+667337 HAMPTON WATER ROSÉ 2022 $29.95
+556209 GÉRARD BERTRAND PERLES DE GRENACHE ROSÉ 2022 $19.95
+20012 LE BIJOU DE SOPHIE VALROSE ROSÉ 2022 $17.95
+491027 CAVES D'ESCLANS ROCK ANGEL ROSÉ 2021 $49.95
+701318 DOMAINE MABY LA FORCADIÈRE TAVEL ROSÉ 2022 $23.95
+719062 FAMILLE PERRIN RÉSERVE ROSÉ 2022 $17.95
Ontario Roses --
+177840 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ VQA 2022 $16.95
+32902 DOMAINE QUEYLUS ROSÉ VQA 2021 $24.95
+649863 CREW RED SKY AT NIGHT ROSÉ VQA 2022 $17.95
+117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ VQA 2022 $16.95
+16454 MARYNISSEN ESTATES ROSÉ VQA 2021 $16.95
+559088 MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ 2021 $17.95
+552562 SPECK BROS. THREE OF HEARTS ROSÉ 2021 $19.95
Other roses --
+32026 SUSANA BALBO CRIOS ROSÉ OF MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $17.95
+19846 CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA ROSÉ 2022 PORTUGAL $16.95
Wines Under $20 [regular release]
====================
W+959361 PIERRE SPARR GRANDE RÉSERVE RIESLING 2020 ALSACE $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+196956 JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT GRIS 2021 ALSACE $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+484139 DOMAINE TARIQUET SAUVIGNON BLANC MIDI 2022 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+30120 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CAMPO MACCIONE VERMENTINO 2021 ITALY $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+31123 CAPE POINT VINEYARDS NOORDHOEK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+12119 POMELADO ORANGE WINE 2021 SPAIN $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+30344 LANZADO ORGANIC ORANGE WINE 2021 SPAIN $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
Wines Over $20 [regular release]
===================
W+417774 QUEYLUS TRADITION CHARDONNAY 2019 VQA $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2019 VQA $21.95 MVC/QPR: 91.
R+390872 WOLF BLASS GREY LABEL SHIRAZ 2018 AUSTRALIA $34.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+471797 CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SYRAH 2020 VQA $25 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+30145 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+78725 CHÂTEAU PINERAIE CAHORS 2020 $22.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
R+29817 FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2016 $63.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Best LCBO Limited Time Offers, good through Sunday June 18...
** Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these are good value...on sale through Sunday June 18...
[red] Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja +976662, now $28.95, save $3.
[red] Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico, +943613, now $20.95, save $4.
[red] Rivera Il Falcone Riserva Castel de Monte Puglia, +177295, $23.95, save $3.
[red] The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA +149237, now $16.95, save $3.
[white] Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi Piedmont +250696, now $16.95, save $3.
[white] Tawse Quarry Road Organic Riesling VQA +198853, now $21.95, save $3.
[fizz] Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore Brut Rose Cremant de Bourgogne, +48793, now $25.95, save $2.
[splurge] Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico +356220, now $44.95, save $5.
[splurge] Chamisal Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay Santa Barbara 2016 +16025, now $35.95, save $4.
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
[red] Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja +976662, now $28.95, save $3.
[red] Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico, +943613, now $20.95, save $4.
[red] Rivera Il Falcone Riserva Castel de Monte Puglia, +177295, $23.95, save $3.
[red] The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA +149237, now $16.95, save $3.
[white] Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi Piedmont +250696, now $16.95, save $3.
[white] Tawse Quarry Road Organic Riesling VQA +198853, now $21.95, save $3.
[fizz] Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore Brut Rose Cremant de Bourgogne, +48793, now $25.95, save $2.
[splurge] Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico +356220, now $44.95, save $5.
[splurge] Chamisal Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay Santa Barbara 2016 +16025, now $35.95, save $4.
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Thursday, May 18, 2023
The Event: Boldly New York – Toronto Trade Tasting
DATE: Monday April 17th from 1pm-4pm
The Event: Boldly New York – Toronto Trade Tasting
The Venue: Peter Pan Bistro
The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: the paperless catalogue was available via a downloadable cloud file.
The Quote/Background: There are 144 wineries in New York state, which embraces the Finger Lakes regions, Long Island, and Hudson Valley. New York is the third largest wine-producing area in the US after California and Washington state. Ten producers and their principals attended to pour 80+ wines: Boundary Breaks - Paul Mozeley;
Dr. Konstantin Frank - Eric Baist; Element Winery - Christopher Bates; Forge Cellars - Richard Rainy; Hermann J. Wiemer - Oskar Bynke; Heron Hill - Jordan Harris; Living Roots - Colleen Hardy; Mazza Chautauqua - Kevin Faehndrich; Ravines Wine Cellars - Lisa and Morten Hallgren; and Wagner Vineyards - Alex Jankowski.
The Wines: I only tasted white wines (except for an expensive red) – there were 8 chardonnays and 24 rieslings plus an assortment of sauvignon blancs and gruners. Where possible I added the name of the agent. Prices varied from the initial catalogue, so many of them may be inaccurate but within that range.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Channing Daughters Scuttlehole Chardonnay 2020 Long Island CA$20
-Element Winery Syrah 2016 Finger Lakes CA$195
-Forge Cellars Riesling Caywood Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes CA$38
-Forge Cellars Riesling Willow Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes CA$38
-Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Riesling Dry 2021 Finger Lakes CA$30.12 Living Vine agency
-Heron Hill Winery Heron Hill Ingle Vineyard Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes $42 Le Savoir-Boire agency
-Heron Hill Winery Reserve Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes $34
-Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Chardonnay 2020 Finger Lakes CA$25.00
-Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Unoaked Chardonnay 2021 Finger Lakes CA$24.95 July 22 Vintages Release
-Wölffer Estate Summer In A Bottle Rosé 2022 Lake Ontario [Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc]
-Wölffer Estate Vineyard Summer In A Bottle White 2021 New York [Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Blanc]
-Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Caywood East Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes CA$38.95
-Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Riesling Select 2021 Finger Lakes CA$32.95 [35 year old vines]
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Boundary Breaks #239 Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes CA$30.62
-Brotherhood Chardonnay 2019 Finger Lakes CA$23 Epic Wine agency
-Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes
-Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Grüner Veltliner 2019 Finger Lakes
-Forge Cell-ars Dry Riesling Classique 2020 Finger Lakes CA$32
-Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Riesling HJW Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes CA$61.61 Living Vine agency
-Heron Hill Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2021 Finger Lakes Le Savoir-Boire agency
-Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Dry Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes CA$25
-Lieb Cellars Estate Chardonnay 2021 North Fork of Long Island CA$37.95
-Mazza Chautauqua Cellars Riesling Nutt Road 2017 Finger Lakes CA$16.00
-Ravines Wine Cellars Ravines Dry Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes
-Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling Argetsinger Vineyard 2019 Finger Lakes
-Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling White Springs Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes
-Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Chardonnay Unoaked 2021 Finger Lakes CA$27.95
-Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes CA$32.95
-Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Riesling Semi Dry 2021 Finger Lakes CA$32.95
-Wölffer Estate Vineyard Wolffer Sauvignon Blanc 2021 New York
-Wölffer Estate Vineyard Wölffer Estate Chardonnay 2021 Long Island
The Food: a grazing assortment of flatbreads and root veggie crisps, dips, hummus, raw veggies, puff pastry twists, cheeses (blue, smoked), olives. Good comfort foods.
The Downside: very noisy crowd (hard surfaces), my concern about prices.
The Upside: a rare opportunity to taste New York state wines.
The Contact Person: melissa@amcc-inc.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
The Event: Boldly New York – Toronto Trade Tasting
The Venue: Peter Pan Bistro
The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: the paperless catalogue was available via a downloadable cloud file.
The Quote/Background: There are 144 wineries in New York state, which embraces the Finger Lakes regions, Long Island, and Hudson Valley. New York is the third largest wine-producing area in the US after California and Washington state. Ten producers and their principals attended to pour 80+ wines: Boundary Breaks - Paul Mozeley;
Dr. Konstantin Frank - Eric Baist; Element Winery - Christopher Bates; Forge Cellars - Richard Rainy; Hermann J. Wiemer - Oskar Bynke; Heron Hill - Jordan Harris; Living Roots - Colleen Hardy; Mazza Chautauqua - Kevin Faehndrich; Ravines Wine Cellars - Lisa and Morten Hallgren; and Wagner Vineyards - Alex Jankowski.
The Wines: I only tasted white wines (except for an expensive red) – there were 8 chardonnays and 24 rieslings plus an assortment of sauvignon blancs and gruners. Where possible I added the name of the agent. Prices varied from the initial catalogue, so many of them may be inaccurate but within that range.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Channing Daughters Scuttlehole Chardonnay 2020 Long Island CA$20
-Element Winery Syrah 2016 Finger Lakes CA$195
-Forge Cellars Riesling Caywood Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes CA$38
-Forge Cellars Riesling Willow Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes CA$38
-Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Riesling Dry 2021 Finger Lakes CA$30.12 Living Vine agency
-Heron Hill Winery Heron Hill Ingle Vineyard Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes $42 Le Savoir-Boire agency
-Heron Hill Winery Reserve Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes $34
-Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Chardonnay 2020 Finger Lakes CA$25.00
-Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Unoaked Chardonnay 2021 Finger Lakes CA$24.95 July 22 Vintages Release
-Wölffer Estate Summer In A Bottle Rosé 2022 Lake Ontario [Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc]
-Wölffer Estate Vineyard Summer In A Bottle White 2021 New York [Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Blanc]
-Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Caywood East Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes CA$38.95
-Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Riesling Select 2021 Finger Lakes CA$32.95 [35 year old vines]
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Boundary Breaks #239 Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes CA$30.62
-Brotherhood Chardonnay 2019 Finger Lakes CA$23 Epic Wine agency
-Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes
-Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Grüner Veltliner 2019 Finger Lakes
-Forge Cell-ars Dry Riesling Classique 2020 Finger Lakes CA$32
-Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Riesling HJW Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes CA$61.61 Living Vine agency
-Heron Hill Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2021 Finger Lakes Le Savoir-Boire agency
-Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Dry Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes CA$25
-Lieb Cellars Estate Chardonnay 2021 North Fork of Long Island CA$37.95
-Mazza Chautauqua Cellars Riesling Nutt Road 2017 Finger Lakes CA$16.00
-Ravines Wine Cellars Ravines Dry Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes
-Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling Argetsinger Vineyard 2019 Finger Lakes
-Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling White Springs Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes
-Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Chardonnay Unoaked 2021 Finger Lakes CA$27.95
-Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes CA$32.95
-Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Riesling Semi Dry 2021 Finger Lakes CA$32.95
-Wölffer Estate Vineyard Wolffer Sauvignon Blanc 2021 New York
-Wölffer Estate Vineyard Wölffer Estate Chardonnay 2021 Long Island
The Food: a grazing assortment of flatbreads and root veggie crisps, dips, hummus, raw veggies, puff pastry twists, cheeses (blue, smoked), olives. Good comfort foods.
The Downside: very noisy crowd (hard surfaces), my concern about prices.
The Upside: a rare opportunity to taste New York state wines.
The Contact Person: melissa@amcc-inc.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: for the May 13, 2023 release.
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: for the May 13, 2023 release.
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994.
These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price).
Currently, the wine media have no access to the tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on for some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these 100 or so biweekly released wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling.
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Month or so ---
LOIRE VALLEY WINES TORONTO!
The Date and Time: Tuesday March 28 2PM - 6PM
The Event: A tasting of some 40 wines from the Loire Valley
The Venue: Second Floor Events, King Street West
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine press
The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was available online
The Quote/Background: there were ten principals/wineries, and some were looking for representation in Ontario. Some had agents pouring, some wines were available in Quebec only, at the SAQ. Loire wines are almost a semi-rarity in Ontario. There is the popular Muscadet, the sauvignon blancs of Touraine, the chenin blancs and roses of Anjou, the occasional Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, plus Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. We did not see many high end wines today.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, but there were about 40+ wines available.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Amirault Saint-Nicolas De Bourgueil Les Quarterons Rouge 2020 +28249 $36.95 French Wine Destination Store in Ottawa
-Amirault Saint-Nicolas De Bourgueil Les Gravilices 2019 +28250 $36.35 French Wine Destination Store in Ottawa
-Lacheteau Sauvignon Blanc Haut Poitou Les Cimes +10632 $17.95 2022
-Lacheteau Muscadet Chateau de Cleray 2022
-Domaine des Tilleuls Essentielle Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 2021 SAQ 13589133 $20.50
-Château Soucherie Savennières Blanc Clos des Perrières 2020 SAQ 13591102 $47.75
-Château Soucherie Anjou Blanc Ivoire 2022 SAQ 14221576 $25
-Famille Bougrier Confidences Vouvray Sec AOP 2021 +28239 $20.45
-Bernard Fouquet Vouvray Brut Methode Traditional NV
-La Seigneurie Saumur Fines Bulles Brut Zero 2016
-Famille Bougrier Domaine Guenault 1885 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2022
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Lacheteau Cabernet Franc Montagueret
-Lecheteau Muscadet Heritage de Cleray 2022
-Bernard Fouquet Domaine des Aubuisières Vouvray Cuvée Silex Sec 2021
-Bernard Fouquet Bonnes Blanches Sec Chenin Blanc Anjou 2020
-Lionel Gosseaume Les Sauterelles Touraine Sauvignon 2022
-La Seigneurie Saumur Blanc Les Pentes 2021
-La Seigneurie Saumur Mademoiselle La Seigneurie 2022 Rose
-Domaine Des Tilleuls Sauvignon Blanc La Petite Chapelle 2022
-Domaine Des Tilleuls Chardonnay La Petite Chapelle 2022
-Chateau Soucherie Rose Pivoine 2022
-Famille Bougrier Rose d'Anjou 2022
-Famille Bougrier Vouvray Chenin Blanc Doulce 2021 +253229 $19.05
-Famille Bougrier Confidences Menetou Salon 2020 +313576 $24.10
The Food: there were servers with platters of onion custard tarts and mushroom tarts. There was a cheese platter with brie, Avonlea cheddar, Balsamic onion cheddar, Fontina, and Beemster [best cheese]. Meats included chicken liver mousse, Sacy pork sausage, and Serano ham. There were excellent fresh blackberries on the plates.
The Downside: there was very little information since the catalogue was online; my request for a PDF was stalled and it arrived at the end of April (hence, the lateness of this review)
The Upside: The chance to be at a regional wine tasting.
The Contact Person: info@loirevalleywine.com or https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 84.
** Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these are good value...on sale through Sunday May 21...
[white] +43281 Flat Rock Riesling VQA save $2, LTO price $17.95
[white] +711556 Wakefield Estate Chardonnay Padthaway South Australia save $2, LTO price $15.95
[red] +30163 Cesari Bosan Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore save $4, LTO price $29.95
[red] +681643 Chateau Argadens Bordeaux Superieur save $3, LTO price $16.95
[red] +226944 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon save $3, LTO price $26.95
[red] +59311 Seven Deadly Zins Old Vines Zinfandel Lodi save $3, LTO price $21.95
[red] +419770 C. Smith Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon Washington State save $3, LTO price $21.95.
[splurge] +996405 Stag's Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa save $5, LTO price $66.95
[fizz] +12619 Vilmart Grand Reserve 1er Cru Champagne save $5, LTO price $68.95
MAJOR THEME: Order through LCBO.COM ONLINE and/or one of the Ten Flagship Stores
Wines Under $20
=========
W+485334 Kew Marsanne 2019 VQA Beamville Bench Niagara $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90
W+32811 Rockway Pinot Gris 2021 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore Niagara $20 MVC/QPR: 89
Wines Over $20
=========
W+298240 Meyer Family McLean Creek Road Chardonnay 2021 BC VQA Okanagan Valley $47.95
MVC/QPR: 89.
W+667758 Roger et Didier Raimbault Vieilles Vignes Sancerre 2018 AC Loire $43.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
Fizz+21463 Blomidon Cuvee L'Acadie Brut Sparkling Traditional Method Annapolis Valley NS $43.95 MVC/QPR: 91
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Thursday, May 4, 2023
LOIRE VALLEY WINES TORONTO!
LOIRE VALLEY WINES TORONTO!
The Date and Time: Tuesday March 28 2PM - 6PM
The Event: A tasting of some 40 wines from the Loire Valley
The Venue: Second Floor Events, King Street West
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine press
The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was available online
The Quote/Background: there were ten principals/wineries, and some were looking for representation in Ontario. Some had agents pouring, some wines were available in Quebec only, at the SAQ. Loire wines are almost a semi-rarity in Ontario. There is the popular Muscadet, the sauvignon blancs of Touraine, the chenin blancs and roses of Anjou, the occasional Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, plus Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. We did not see many high end wines today.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, but there were about 40+ wines available.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Amirault Saint-Nicolas De Bourgueil Les Quarterons Rouge 2020 +28249 $36.95 French Wine Destination Store in Ottawa
-Amirault Saint-Nicolas De Bourgueil Les Gravilices 2019 +28250 $36.35 French Wine Destination Store in Ottawa
-Lacheteau Sauvignon Blanc Haut Poitou Les Cimes +10632 $17.95 2022
-Lacheteau Muscadet Chateau de Cleray 2022
-Domaine des Tilleuls Essentielle Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 2021 SAQ 13589133 $20.50
-Château Soucherie Savennières Blanc Clos des Perrières 2020 SAQ 13591102 $47.75
-Château Soucherie Anjou Blanc Ivoire 2022 SAQ 14221576 $25
-Famille Bougrier Confidences Vouvray Sec AOP 2021 +28239 $20.45
-Bernard Fouquet Vouvray Brut Methode Traditional NV
-La Seigneurie Saumur Fines Bulles Brut Zero 2016
-Famille Bougrier Domaine Guenault 1885 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2022
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Lacheteau Cabernet Franc Montagueret
-Lecheteau Muscadet Heritage de Cleray 2022
-Bernard Fouquet Domaine des Aubuisières Vouvray Cuvée Silex Sec 2021
-Bernard Fouquet Bonnes Blanches Sec Chenin Blanc Anjou 2020
-Lionel Gosseaume Les Sauterelles Touraine Sauvignon 2022
-La Seigneurie Saumur Blanc Les Pentes 2021
-La Seigneurie Saumur Mademoiselle La Seigneurie 2022 Rose
-Domaine Des Tilleuls Sauvignon Blanc La Petite Chapelle 2022
-Domaine Des Tilleuls Chardonnay La Petite Chapelle 2022
-Chateau Soucherie Rose Pivoine 2022
-Famille Bougrier Rose d'Anjou 2022
-Famille Bougrier Vouvray Chenin Blanc Doulce 2021 +253229 $19.05
-Famille Bougrier Confidences Menetou Salon 2020 +313576 $24.10
The Food: there were mobile servers with platters of onion custard tarts and mushroom tarts. There was a cheese platter with brie, Avonlea cheddar, Balsamic onion cheddar, Fontina, and Beemster [best cheese]. Meats included chicken liver mousse, Sacy pork sausage, and Serano ham. There were excellent fresh blackberries on the plates.
The Downside: there was very little information since the catalogue was online; my request for a PDF was stalled and it never arrived (hence, the lateness of this review)
The Upside: The chance to be at a regional wine tasting.
The Contact Person: info@loirevalleywine.com or https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 84.
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
The Date and Time: Tuesday March 28 2PM - 6PM
The Event: A tasting of some 40 wines from the Loire Valley
The Venue: Second Floor Events, King Street West
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine press
The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was available online
The Quote/Background: there were ten principals/wineries, and some were looking for representation in Ontario. Some had agents pouring, some wines were available in Quebec only, at the SAQ. Loire wines are almost a semi-rarity in Ontario. There is the popular Muscadet, the sauvignon blancs of Touraine, the chenin blancs and roses of Anjou, the occasional Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, plus Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. We did not see many high end wines today.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, but there were about 40+ wines available.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Amirault Saint-Nicolas De Bourgueil Les Quarterons Rouge 2020 +28249 $36.95 French Wine Destination Store in Ottawa
-Amirault Saint-Nicolas De Bourgueil Les Gravilices 2019 +28250 $36.35 French Wine Destination Store in Ottawa
-Lacheteau Sauvignon Blanc Haut Poitou Les Cimes +10632 $17.95 2022
-Lacheteau Muscadet Chateau de Cleray 2022
-Domaine des Tilleuls Essentielle Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 2021 SAQ 13589133 $20.50
-Château Soucherie Savennières Blanc Clos des Perrières 2020 SAQ 13591102 $47.75
-Château Soucherie Anjou Blanc Ivoire 2022 SAQ 14221576 $25
-Famille Bougrier Confidences Vouvray Sec AOP 2021 +28239 $20.45
-Bernard Fouquet Vouvray Brut Methode Traditional NV
-La Seigneurie Saumur Fines Bulles Brut Zero 2016
-Famille Bougrier Domaine Guenault 1885 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2022
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Lacheteau Cabernet Franc Montagueret
-Lecheteau Muscadet Heritage de Cleray 2022
-Bernard Fouquet Domaine des Aubuisières Vouvray Cuvée Silex Sec 2021
-Bernard Fouquet Bonnes Blanches Sec Chenin Blanc Anjou 2020
-Lionel Gosseaume Les Sauterelles Touraine Sauvignon 2022
-La Seigneurie Saumur Blanc Les Pentes 2021
-La Seigneurie Saumur Mademoiselle La Seigneurie 2022 Rose
-Domaine Des Tilleuls Sauvignon Blanc La Petite Chapelle 2022
-Domaine Des Tilleuls Chardonnay La Petite Chapelle 2022
-Chateau Soucherie Rose Pivoine 2022
-Famille Bougrier Rose d'Anjou 2022
-Famille Bougrier Vouvray Chenin Blanc Doulce 2021 +253229 $19.05
-Famille Bougrier Confidences Menetou Salon 2020 +313576 $24.10
The Food: there were mobile servers with platters of onion custard tarts and mushroom tarts. There was a cheese platter with brie, Avonlea cheddar, Balsamic onion cheddar, Fontina, and Beemster [best cheese]. Meats included chicken liver mousse, Sacy pork sausage, and Serano ham. There were excellent fresh blackberries on the plates.
The Downside: there was very little information since the catalogue was online; my request for a PDF was stalled and it never arrived (hence, the lateness of this review)
The Upside: The chance to be at a regional wine tasting.
The Contact Person: info@loirevalleywine.com or https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 84.
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
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