We'll continue to write and publish despite the stand off between the union and the LCBO... .it will all depend on the availability of product. Needless to say that LTOs may not exist and/or that Vintages New Releases will still continue as they were...
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JULY 20, 2024 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 https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my 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).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE. This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.
MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89) = my basic standard is MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ ) =superior wine
MAJOR THEME: LCBO Online and 16 Flagship Stores Only; see page 28+ in the July 6 magazine.
Recommended Wines UNDER $20
========================
W+18794 Fabregues Selection Picpoul de Pinet 2022 Languedoc $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
W+12811 Jermann Chardonnay 2022 Friuli $42.95
W+37748 Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Chardonnay 2021 Chile $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+37519 Dreissigacker Organic Dry Riesling Rheinhessen 2022 $25.95
W+63941 Mahi Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Marlborough $25.95
R+596031 Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz 2019 McLaren Vale $49.95
R+38535 Marchand-Tawse Morgon 2021 Beaujolais $31.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+31464 Chateau Chemin-Royal 2028 Moulis-en-Medoc Bordeaux $30.95
R+36460 Bertani Valpantena Valpolicella 2022 Veneto $25.95
R+19872 Dolianova Blasio Riserva Cannonnau di Sardegna 2017 Sardinia $28.95
R+36448 Piemaggio Le Fioraie Chianti Classico 2017 Tuscany $32.95
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale online through Sunday July 21..
Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling Sale Price $29.95 Price Was $32.95 Save $3.00
Miraval Rosé Sale Price $23.95, Price Was $25.95 Save $2.00
King Maui Sauvignon Blanc Sale Price $14.95 Price Was $17.95 Save $3.00
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Sale Price $18.95 Price Was $21.95 Save $3.00
Château des Charmes Barrel Fermented Chardonnay VQA Sale Price $13.95 Price Was $14.95 Save $1.00
Flat Rock Twisted White Sale Price $14.95 Price Was $17.95 Save $3.00
Sistina Pecorino Terre Di Chieti IGT Sale Price $14.00, Price Was $16.00 Save $2.00
Latte Miele Pecorino IGT Terre Di Chieti Abruzzo Sale Price $12.00, Price Was $14.00 Save $2.00
Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni Sale Price $21.95, Price Was $24.95 Save $3.00
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Sale Price $20.95 Price Was $22.95 Save $2.00
Masi Costasera Amarone Classico DOC Sale Price $51.00, Price Was $55.00 Save $4.00
Negrar Amarone Classico DOCG Sale Price $33.55 Price Was $37.05 Save $3.50
Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna Sale Price $17.45 Price Was $19.95 Save $2.50
Dievole Tenuta Le Colonne Vermentino IGT Sale Price $15.00 Price Was $17.00 Save $2.00
Faustino I Gran Reserva Sale Price $28.95 Price Was $31.95 Save $3.00
Some LTO recommendations for the July 21 to August 18 2024 period...maybe....
W+158683 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay Sale Price $27.95, Price was $29.95 Save $3.00
R+367896 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Sale Price $31.95. Price was $34.95 Save $3.00
R+541946 Stave & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon Sale Price $18. Price was $21. Save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Spring Season ---
REPORT ON THE ICONS OF THE OKANAGAN VALLEY WINE TASTING
The Date and Time: Tuesday March 26, 2024 7P - 9P
The Event: ICONS of the Okanagan Valley - Taste and Buy Event with Checkmate Artisanal Winery and Martin's Lane Winery
The Venue: Lena, Yonge Street
The Target Audience: the private collectors group of Mark Anthony, wine media and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines were available in Ontario by consignment.
The Quote/Background: The fact of dratted construction outside did not deter many people from attending this business casual tasting event. Seven wines were presented, which was a good number for holding our attention and gives us enough space to evaluate and taste properly. Eventually, it got really crowded -- as I left...
The Wines: at least I was able to taste each and every wine at this event. Wines are available by consignment.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Checkmate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2019, $101.95 con
-Checkmate End Game Merlot 2019, $101.95 con
-Martin's Lane Simes Vineyard Riesling 2022, $59.95 con
-Martin's Lane Simes Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018, $101.95 con [my fave, being one year older]
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Martin's Lane Dehart Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, $101.95 con
-Checkmate Knight's Challenge Chardonnay 2019, $101.95 con
-Checkmate Attack Chardonnay 2019, $101.95 con
The Food: there was the inevitable cheese platter and biscuits with slices of murcia al vino, bella vitano, manchego, and a slab of blue Valdeon. Some plattered pinchos (canapes) such as patatas bravas with spiced tomato and milk mayonnaise, jambon-wrapped dates with blue cheese and marcona almonds, lamb skewer asado with onion salsa, and avocado guac on sourdough toast.
The Contact Person: privatecollectors@markanthony.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JULY 20, 2024 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 https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my 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).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE. This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.
MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89) = my basic standard is MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ ) =superior wine
MAJOR THEME: LCBO Online and 16 Flagship Stores Only; see page 28+ in the July 6 magazine.
Recommended Wines UNDER $20
========================
W+18794 Fabregues Selection Picpoul de Pinet 2022 Languedoc $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
W+12811 Jermann Chardonnay 2022 Friuli $42.95
W+37748 Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Chardonnay 2021 Chile $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+37519 Dreissigacker Organic Dry Riesling Rheinhessen 2022 $25.95
W+63941 Mahi Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Marlborough $25.95
R+596031 Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz 2019 McLaren Vale $49.95
R+38535 Marchand-Tawse Morgon 2021 Beaujolais $31.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+31464 Chateau Chemin-Royal 2028 Moulis-en-Medoc Bordeaux $30.95
R+36460 Bertani Valpantena Valpolicella 2022 Veneto $25.95
R+19872 Dolianova Blasio Riserva Cannonnau di Sardegna 2017 Sardinia $28.95
R+36448 Piemaggio Le Fioraie Chianti Classico 2017 Tuscany $32.95
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale online through Sunday July 21..
Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling Sale Price $29.95 Price Was $32.95 Save $3.00
Miraval Rosé Sale Price $23.95, Price Was $25.95 Save $2.00
King Maui Sauvignon Blanc Sale Price $14.95 Price Was $17.95 Save $3.00
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Sale Price $18.95 Price Was $21.95 Save $3.00
Château des Charmes Barrel Fermented Chardonnay VQA Sale Price $13.95 Price Was $14.95 Save $1.00
Flat Rock Twisted White Sale Price $14.95 Price Was $17.95 Save $3.00
Sistina Pecorino Terre Di Chieti IGT Sale Price $14.00, Price Was $16.00 Save $2.00
Latte Miele Pecorino IGT Terre Di Chieti Abruzzo Sale Price $12.00, Price Was $14.00 Save $2.00
Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni Sale Price $21.95, Price Was $24.95 Save $3.00
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Sale Price $20.95 Price Was $22.95 Save $2.00
Masi Costasera Amarone Classico DOC Sale Price $51.00, Price Was $55.00 Save $4.00
Negrar Amarone Classico DOCG Sale Price $33.55 Price Was $37.05 Save $3.50
Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna Sale Price $17.45 Price Was $19.95 Save $2.50
Dievole Tenuta Le Colonne Vermentino IGT Sale Price $15.00 Price Was $17.00 Save $2.00
Faustino I Gran Reserva Sale Price $28.95 Price Was $31.95 Save $3.00
Some LTO recommendations for the July 21 to August 18 2024 period...maybe....
W+158683 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay Sale Price $27.95, Price was $29.95 Save $3.00
R+367896 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Sale Price $31.95. Price was $34.95 Save $3.00
R+541946 Stave & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon Sale Price $18. Price was $21. Save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Spring Season ---
REPORT ON THE ICONS OF THE OKANAGAN VALLEY WINE TASTING
The Date and Time: Tuesday March 26, 2024 7P - 9P
The Event: ICONS of the Okanagan Valley - Taste and Buy Event with Checkmate Artisanal Winery and Martin's Lane Winery
The Venue: Lena, Yonge Street
The Target Audience: the private collectors group of Mark Anthony, wine media and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines were available in Ontario by consignment.
The Quote/Background: The fact of dratted construction outside did not deter many people from attending this business casual tasting event. Seven wines were presented, which was a good number for holding our attention and gives us enough space to evaluate and taste properly. Eventually, it got really crowded -- as I left...
The Wines: at least I was able to taste each and every wine at this event. Wines are available by consignment.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Checkmate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2019, $101.95 con
-Checkmate End Game Merlot 2019, $101.95 con
-Martin's Lane Simes Vineyard Riesling 2022, $59.95 con
-Martin's Lane Simes Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018, $101.95 con [my fave, being one year older]
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Martin's Lane Dehart Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, $101.95 con
-Checkmate Knight's Challenge Chardonnay 2019, $101.95 con
-Checkmate Attack Chardonnay 2019, $101.95 con
The Food: there was the inevitable cheese platter and biscuits with slices of murcia al vino, bella vitano, manchego, and a slab of blue Valdeon. Some plattered pinchos (canapes) such as patatas bravas with spiced tomato and milk mayonnaise, jambon-wrapped dates with blue cheese and marcona almonds, lamb skewer asado with onion salsa, and avocado guac on sourdough toast.
The Contact Person: privatecollectors@markanthony.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism
Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
