WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for OCTOBER 19, 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)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior
MAJOR THEME: Classic Italian
Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+37758 LUIS FELIPE EDWARDS FAMILY SELECTION GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON $17.95
W+32387 SKOURAS WILD FERMENT ASSYRTIKO 2023 GREECE $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+17586 MISSION ESTATE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 NEW ZEALAND $19.95
W+203877 SUTHERLAND SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+38142 TRIVENTO PRIVATE RESERVE MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $17.95
R+19386 ALPATACO PINOT NOIR 2023 ARGENTINA $15.95
R+36282 HENTLEY FARM VILLAIN & VIXEN SHIRAZ 2022 AUSTRALIA $19.95
R+478271 SISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 AUSTRALIA $18.95
R+186114 JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2022 AUSTRALIA $17.95
R+86918 FLAT ROCK RED TWISTED 2023 VQA ONTARIO $19.95
R+37870 CLOS DE LUZ INTACTO FAMILY RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 CHILE $18.95
R+38202 CHÂTEAU DU LUC 2020 BORDEAUX $19.95
R+38204 CHÂTEAU LUCQUES BESSAN 2016 BORDEAUX $16.95
R+526632 COURTOIS LA GRANGE VINSOBRES 2022 RHONE $19.95
R+23034 DUCA DI SARAGNANO NERO DI TROIA 2021 PUGLIA $16.95
R+455659 FATTORIA LE PUPILLE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2022 TOSCANO $18.95
R+984997 TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2021 VENETO $19.95
Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
W+381251 REDSTONE LIMESTONE RIDGE SOUTH RIESLING 2023 VQA ONTARIO $22.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA ONTARIO $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ ) W+747600 PIERRE SPARR GRANDE RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER 2022 ALSACE $20.95
W+681429 ALOIS LAGEDER TERRA ALPINA PINOT GRIGIO 2022 ALTO ADIGE $20.95
W+36687 SAN GIACOMO DEL COMUNE DI GAVI 2022 PIEDMONT $23.95
W+9142 BABICH BLACK LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 NEW ZEALAND $21.95
R+631879 WAPISA MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $21.95
R+36314 SCHROEDER SAURUS SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CABERNET FRANC 2021
ARGENTINA $23.95
R+497388 HIDDEN BENCH LOCUST LANE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2020 VQA ONTARIO $48.95
R+307686 TAWSE QUARRY ROAD PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA ONTARIO $35.95
R+39769 CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DES LOGES LES 3 MADONES CÔTE DE BROUILLY BEAUJOLAIS 2022 $21.95
R+213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO 2020 PIEDMONT $49.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+579094 CAPARZO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2019 $59.95
R+541292 SAN CLAUDIO II VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2020 $23.95
R+37722 SAN ALEJANDRO QUERENCIA DESEYA ORGANIC VIEJA GARNACHA 2022 SPAIN $17.95
R+529586 R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA BOSCONIA RESERVA 2013 RIOJA $54.95
R+692780 R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA CUBILLO CRIANZA 2016 RIOJA $33.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale through November 9 --
WHITE -
+158683 LA CREMA MONTEREY CHARDONNAY Monterey, California, NOW $27.95 Save $2
+89037 TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA CHARDONNAY VOA Niagara, NOW $19.95 Save $2
RED -
+352583 BERINGER KNIGHTS VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County, California,
NOW $44.95 Save $5
+328567 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Western Cape, South Africa,
NOW $16.95 Save $3
+226035 CHATEAU TEYSSIER AC Montagne-Saint-Emilion, NOW $24.95 Save $3
+59311 THE SEVEN DEADLY ZINS OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Lodi, California, now $21.95, save $3
+964221 LE VOLTE DELL'ORNELLAIA IGT Tuscany, NOW $28.95 Save $3
+353201 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico DOCG Tuscany, now $44.95, save $5
+145920 Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni IGT Tuscany, now $21.95, save $3
+303800 Trius Red VQA Niagara, now $24.95, save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT FROM THE ABRUZZO ITALIAN WINE TASTING June 2024:
The Date and Time: Monday June 17, 2024 11:30AM- 5PM
The Event: Wines of Abruzzo Tasting/Vins des Abruzzes, Italie
The Venue: The Carlu
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: many of the wines were available for private consignment sales by Ontario wine agents.
The Quote/Background: The Masterclass (90 minutes) was a synopsis of the Abruzzo wine industry, principally Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (red) and Pecorino and/or Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (white). There is also a piquant rose: Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, made from Montepulciano grapes. 65% of the region is mountainous (Apennines) with different microclimates that are milder by the Adriatic side. The region has 250 wineries and 35 co-ops to deal with 10,000 grape producers. 34,000 hectares produce 3.5 million hectolitres, 1 million of which is DOC. A lot of it is exported to foreign markets such as Germany (19%) and Canada (11%).
The Wines: Unfortunately we did not taste any red wines in the Masterclass; I was expecting some reds with some depth and aging to contrast and compare with what is currently available.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cantina Tollo Terre di Chieti Pecorino Peco 2923 IGP (Azureau Wines)
-Ausonia Pecorino Bio Machaon 2021 DOC [organic]
-Cirelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC 2022 (The Living Vine) $27.95
-Cirelli Orange Trebbiano NV (The Living Vine) $27.95
-Cirelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2022 (The Living Vine) $27.95
-Colle Moro Montepulciano Nero 2019
-Castaldi Montepulciano Appassimento 2012
-Cirelli Pecorino 2022 (The Living Vine) $28.95
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Fizz: Tenuta Micoli Passerina Orso Bianco NV
-Colle Moro Terre di Chieti Pecorino Alianto 2023 IGP (Lexcellent Wines) $12.95
-Castorani Collini Pescarese Trebbiano Lupai 2022 IGT (Tre Amici Import)
-Ciavolich Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC Fosso Cancelli 2021 (Tifa Wine Inc)
-Valle Martello Villamaggio 2020
-Cantina Tollo Mo' Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva (Azureau)
-Castaldi Casauria Montepulciano Riserva 2018
-Pietrame Edizione Limita Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP
-Orapiena Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP Riserva (Vintages $17.95 +36526)
-Brado Pecorino 2021
-Fattoria Nicodemi Pecorino 2023
The Food: there was a charcuterie board (ante pasta harvest table), with tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, Canadian cheeses, cured meats, smoked salmon, pickled onions, marinated artichokes, artisan breads, crisps, eggplant, dried fruit, et al. The main highlight was the cheese board with giant slabs of Gorgonzola dolce and Parmigiana Reggiano Vecchio (old)
The Downside: the masterclass was almost a half hour late in starting.
The Upside: a chance to taste an impressive variety of obscure Italian wines from Abruzzo.
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.
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)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior
MAJOR THEME: Classic Italian
Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+37758 LUIS FELIPE EDWARDS FAMILY SELECTION GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON $17.95
W+32387 SKOURAS WILD FERMENT ASSYRTIKO 2023 GREECE $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+17586 MISSION ESTATE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 NEW ZEALAND $19.95
W+203877 SUTHERLAND SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+38142 TRIVENTO PRIVATE RESERVE MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $17.95
R+19386 ALPATACO PINOT NOIR 2023 ARGENTINA $15.95
R+36282 HENTLEY FARM VILLAIN & VIXEN SHIRAZ 2022 AUSTRALIA $19.95
R+478271 SISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 AUSTRALIA $18.95
R+186114 JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2022 AUSTRALIA $17.95
R+86918 FLAT ROCK RED TWISTED 2023 VQA ONTARIO $19.95
R+37870 CLOS DE LUZ INTACTO FAMILY RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 CHILE $18.95
R+38202 CHÂTEAU DU LUC 2020 BORDEAUX $19.95
R+38204 CHÂTEAU LUCQUES BESSAN 2016 BORDEAUX $16.95
R+526632 COURTOIS LA GRANGE VINSOBRES 2022 RHONE $19.95
R+23034 DUCA DI SARAGNANO NERO DI TROIA 2021 PUGLIA $16.95
R+455659 FATTORIA LE PUPILLE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2022 TOSCANO $18.95
R+984997 TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2021 VENETO $19.95
Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
W+381251 REDSTONE LIMESTONE RIDGE SOUTH RIESLING 2023 VQA ONTARIO $22.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA ONTARIO $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ ) W+747600 PIERRE SPARR GRANDE RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER 2022 ALSACE $20.95
W+681429 ALOIS LAGEDER TERRA ALPINA PINOT GRIGIO 2022 ALTO ADIGE $20.95
W+36687 SAN GIACOMO DEL COMUNE DI GAVI 2022 PIEDMONT $23.95
W+9142 BABICH BLACK LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 NEW ZEALAND $21.95
R+631879 WAPISA MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $21.95
R+36314 SCHROEDER SAURUS SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CABERNET FRANC 2021
ARGENTINA $23.95
R+497388 HIDDEN BENCH LOCUST LANE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2020 VQA ONTARIO $48.95
R+307686 TAWSE QUARRY ROAD PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA ONTARIO $35.95
R+39769 CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DES LOGES LES 3 MADONES CÔTE DE BROUILLY BEAUJOLAIS 2022 $21.95
R+213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO 2020 PIEDMONT $49.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+579094 CAPARZO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2019 $59.95
R+541292 SAN CLAUDIO II VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2020 $23.95
R+37722 SAN ALEJANDRO QUERENCIA DESEYA ORGANIC VIEJA GARNACHA 2022 SPAIN $17.95
R+529586 R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA BOSCONIA RESERVA 2013 RIOJA $54.95
R+692780 R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA CUBILLO CRIANZA 2016 RIOJA $33.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale through November 9 --
WHITE -
+158683 LA CREMA MONTEREY CHARDONNAY Monterey, California, NOW $27.95 Save $2
+89037 TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA CHARDONNAY VOA Niagara, NOW $19.95 Save $2
RED -
+352583 BERINGER KNIGHTS VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County, California,
NOW $44.95 Save $5
+328567 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Western Cape, South Africa,
NOW $16.95 Save $3
+226035 CHATEAU TEYSSIER AC Montagne-Saint-Emilion, NOW $24.95 Save $3
+59311 THE SEVEN DEADLY ZINS OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Lodi, California, now $21.95, save $3
+964221 LE VOLTE DELL'ORNELLAIA IGT Tuscany, NOW $28.95 Save $3
+353201 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico DOCG Tuscany, now $44.95, save $5
+145920 Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni IGT Tuscany, now $21.95, save $3
+303800 Trius Red VQA Niagara, now $24.95, save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT FROM THE ABRUZZO ITALIAN WINE TASTING June 2024:
The Date and Time: Monday June 17, 2024 11:30AM- 5PM
The Event: Wines of Abruzzo Tasting/Vins des Abruzzes, Italie
The Venue: The Carlu
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: many of the wines were available for private consignment sales by Ontario wine agents.
The Quote/Background: The Masterclass (90 minutes) was a synopsis of the Abruzzo wine industry, principally Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (red) and Pecorino and/or Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (white). There is also a piquant rose: Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, made from Montepulciano grapes. 65% of the region is mountainous (Apennines) with different microclimates that are milder by the Adriatic side. The region has 250 wineries and 35 co-ops to deal with 10,000 grape producers. 34,000 hectares produce 3.5 million hectolitres, 1 million of which is DOC. A lot of it is exported to foreign markets such as Germany (19%) and Canada (11%).
The Wines: Unfortunately we did not taste any red wines in the Masterclass; I was expecting some reds with some depth and aging to contrast and compare with what is currently available.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cantina Tollo Terre di Chieti Pecorino Peco 2923 IGP (Azureau Wines)
-Ausonia Pecorino Bio Machaon 2021 DOC [organic]
-Cirelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC 2022 (The Living Vine) $27.95
-Cirelli Orange Trebbiano NV (The Living Vine) $27.95
-Cirelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2022 (The Living Vine) $27.95
-Colle Moro Montepulciano Nero 2019
-Castaldi Montepulciano Appassimento 2012
-Cirelli Pecorino 2022 (The Living Vine) $28.95
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Fizz: Tenuta Micoli Passerina Orso Bianco NV
-Colle Moro Terre di Chieti Pecorino Alianto 2023 IGP (Lexcellent Wines) $12.95
-Castorani Collini Pescarese Trebbiano Lupai 2022 IGT (Tre Amici Import)
-Ciavolich Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC Fosso Cancelli 2021 (Tifa Wine Inc)
-Valle Martello Villamaggio 2020
-Cantina Tollo Mo' Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva (Azureau)
-Castaldi Casauria Montepulciano Riserva 2018
-Pietrame Edizione Limita Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP
-Orapiena Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP Riserva (Vintages $17.95 +36526)
-Brado Pecorino 2021
-Fattoria Nicodemi Pecorino 2023
The Food: there was a charcuterie board (ante pasta harvest table), with tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, Canadian cheeses, cured meats, smoked salmon, pickled onions, marinated artichokes, artisan breads, crisps, eggplant, dried fruit, et al. The main highlight was the cheese board with giant slabs of Gorgonzola dolce and Parmigiana Reggiano Vecchio (old)
The Downside: the masterclass was almost a half hour late in starting.
The Upside: a chance to taste an impressive variety of obscure Italian wines from Abruzzo.
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.
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
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