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Friday, December 4, 2015

Re: Holiday tasting, from Majestic Wine Imports

Grazie mille Signore Tudor!! - you the man!!!



Sent from my Samsung device


-------- Original message --------
From: Dean Tudor <dtudor@pathcom.com>
Date: 02-12-2015 10:37 (GMT-05:00)
To: blog1 <dtudor2.gothicepicures@blogger.com>
Subject: Holiday tasting, from Majestic Wine Imports

 
4.J.B. POLI VACA MORA AMARO VENETO, $37.95 for 700 ml, +662726 Vintages: a grappa-based bitter from the Veneto that is on the dryish side of balanced. You don't find these too often in Ontario (I've had people tell me that even Campari is too sweet): this is a digestif, like Fernet, that is perfect for settling a tummy with its off-menthol tones coupled with fall spicings of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg. At the risk of mixing my languages, it is a true "trou Normand". Vaca Mora refers to a "black cow" train that served amaros to the passengers in 1885. 32% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 
5.Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2010 $41.95 +922054 Vintages: good depth of expression with many lush sangiovese points. Expect some sourish black cherries and forest floor complexity, but also some soft mocha in a North American appeal. Very well made with exceedingly long length (reflecting some herbaceousness), and affordable. 14.5% ABV.  Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 
6.Remo Farina Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012 Veneto, $39.95 +995910
AND
Remo Farina Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2013 Veneto, $17.95 +999946 (or, $62.95 for 2 x 750 ml bottles plus a wooden case, +384578 Vintages:
this is a very popular package which sold out last year and has been re-ordered albeit with a one-year later vintage date. No matter, the wines are consistently made from year to year. One could also hope that the 2013 Valpolicella Classico was re-fermented on the same dregs of the 2012 amarone grape pressings – just to be a neat package. Expect deep lush fruity fresh flavours in both wines, more so with the Amarone which also has some decent oak tones from barrel aging. A very attractive gift pack with the wooden reusable box. Available separately at Vintages December 12, 2015. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 
7.LOIRE VINS DOMAINE Chateau D'Eternes Saumur Brut NV Loire $14.95, +429696: this is a Chenin Blanc – Chardonnay blend, in a methode traditionale process for secondary in the bottle fermentation. It all emphasizes white-fleshed fruit, nuts, and vanilla. 12.5% ABV. This wine scored four stars in a recent Wine Writers' Circle of Canada Sparkling wine tasting. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Thursday, December 3, 2015

The Event: A Tasting of Wines from Italy: 20 years.

The Date and Time: Monday, November 2, 2015  10AM to 5PM
The Event: A Tasting of Wines from Italy: 20 years.
The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall Lobbies
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue:
The Quote/Background: There was a seminar, the first time in years, and it actually started on time! The seminar was on the wines of the viceroys (southern Italy) which was the crossroads of wars and kings (France, Spain, Greece, Hapsburg, Bourbons). It was presented by Prof. Attilio Scienza and moderated by Jamie Drummond (Good Food Media). I folded these eight wines into the ratings below. The Veneto, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Emilia Romagna export most of Italy's wines. The southern part, while it produces 28% of all Italian wine, only exports 4.7% of Italian wine.
The Wines: Nobody had a firm grip on the numbers of different wines. Some wines never showed up, others were substituted, some were completely new, and vintages varied. Once again, many tables could not pin down even an estimated price. I did not taste all the wines, concentrating only on the oldest reds I could find. Prices quoted were licensee.
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Pirro Varone Rosso Camillo 2011 Salento Rosso, $24.05  Le Caviste
-Feudi di San Gregorio Piano di Montevergine 2009 Taurasi Riserva, $79.95  Stem Wine
-Aurelio Settimo Barolo 2008   Profile
-Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Cultus Boni Riserva 2011, $35 Halpern
-Bersano Barolo Riserva 2006   Profile
-Campari Wines Carignano del Sulcis Terre Rare Riserva 2010   Majestic
-Campari Wines Alghero Marchese di Villamarina 2010   Majestic
-Casetta Flli Barolo Riserva 2008   Signature
-Castello di Gabbiano Toscana Alleanza 2012, $39.95   Treasury Wine Estates
-Clavesana Olo Barolo 2011, $36    J Cipelli
-Jorche Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2010, $30  Le Sommelier
-Luiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ottatuno 2011, $72.50 retail Tre Amici
-Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva di Costasera 2009 Authentic
-Rivera Castel del Monte Riserva Il Falcone 2009, $25  Lifford
-San Felice Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio da San Felice 2010 Charton Hobbs
-San Felice Toscana Vigorello 2010 Charton Hobbs
-Spadafora Sicilia Sole dei Padri 2008  Grape Brands
-Travaglini Giancarlo Gattinara Riserva 2009   Lifford
-Travaglini Giancarlo Il Sogno 2010  $140   Lifford
-Venegazzu Montello e Colli Asolani Superiore Capa di Stato 2009, $49  Abcon
 
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Travaglini Giancarlo Gattinara Tre Vigne 2009   Lifford
-Umani Ronchi Marche Rosso IGT Pelago 2010, $47  Noble Estates
-Spadafora Sicilia Les Jeux Sont Faits 2011  $58.95  Grape Brands
-Torrevento Castel del Monte Vigna Pedale Riserva 2010  Majestic
-Spadafora Sicilia Schietto Nero d'Avola 2011  $29.95  Grape Brands
-Tenute del Cerro Colpetrone Montefalco Sagrantino 2010, $32  Lifford
-Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione 2010, $46.95 Constellation
-San Fabiano Calcinaia Toscana Cerviolo Rosso 2010, $55  Groupe Soleil
-Rivera Castel del Monte Riserva Cappellaccio 2009, $21  Lifford
-Monte del Fra' Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Lena di Mezzo 2011 $44.95 Vintages  
-Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera 2011    Authentic
-Galasso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Corno Grande Riserva 2009, $19.95  HHD Imports
-Masseria Frattasi Taburno Falanghina di Montagna 2014, $19.95  Perugini
-Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, $38.95 Halpern
-Donnafugata Sicilia Sursur Grillo 2014, $24.99 Lifford
-Cantine due Palme Primitivo Salento IGP 2013, $15.95  Majestic
-Val di Neto Melissa Rosso Superiore Mutro 2008, $24.95   Perugini
-Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata 2010   Profile
-Bel Colle Barolo Monvigliero 2009   Mondo Vino
-Bel Colle Barbaresco Roncaglie 2010   Mondo Vino
-Broccatelli Galli Montefalco del Sagrantino Preda del Falco 2008, $24.95  J Cipelli
-Casetta Flli Barbaresco 2010, $27.95   Signature
-Costantino Terre Siciliane Syrah 2013, $18.95 retail
-Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2011, $68   Colio
-Farina Montefante Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2010  Majestic
-Fazio Erice Pietrasacra 2008 Riserva  Profile
-Venegazzu Montello e Colli Asolani Rosso della Casa 2009, $26  Abcon
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Librandi Duca San Felice Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva 2012, $17.95  Noble Est
-Le Vigne Biondi Outis 2013, $44.50  Cavinona
-Alois Terre del Volturno IGP Cunto Murella 2011, $25 Vintages April 2016
-Baracchi Toscana IGT Ardito 2011  Liberty
-Umani Ronchi Rosso Conero San Lorenzo 2014 $16.99  Noble Estates
 
The Food: Cibo Wine Bar did the food very well: some gnocchi, cheeses, meat platters, dried fruit, breads, pasta, olives, pickles, and porchetta.
The Downside: My bag was searched on the way INTO the Hall. Security was tight.
The Upside: there were a significant number of wineries seeking Ontario representation, and this is always a good sign.
The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.
 
Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Re: Health and Reference Food Books for Holiday Gifting

Thank you as always!!

Cheers,
Danielle Johnson ~ Senior Publicist
Raincoast Books
2440 Viking Way Richmond, BC V6V 1N2
604 448 7163

raincoast.com
facebook.com/raincoastbooks
twitter.com/raincoastbooks



[ http://www.goodfoodrevolution.com/deans-list-2015-part-3-reference-health-books/ ]
>http://www.goodfoodrevolution.com/deans-list-2015-part-3-reference-health-books/
>
>Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Health and Reference Food Books for Holiday Gifting

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Holiday tasting, from Majestic Wine Imports

 
4.J.B. POLI VACA MORA AMARO VENETO, $37.95 for 700 ml, +662726 Vintages: a grappa-based bitter from the Veneto that is on the dryish side of balanced. You don't find these too often in Ontario (I've had people tell me that even Campari is too sweet): this is a digestif, like Fernet, that is perfect for settling a tummy with its off-menthol tones coupled with fall spicings of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg. At the risk of mixing my languages, it is a true "trou Normand". Vaca Mora refers to a "black cow" train that served amaros to the passengers in 1885. 32% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 
5.Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2010 $41.95 +922054 Vintages: good depth of expression with many lush sangiovese points. Expect some sourish black cherries and forest floor complexity, but also some soft mocha in a North American appeal. Very well made with exceedingly long length (reflecting some herbaceousness), and affordable. 14.5% ABV.  Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 
6.Remo Farina Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012 Veneto, $39.95 +995910
AND
Remo Farina Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2013 Veneto, $17.95 +999946 (or, $62.95 for 2 x 750 ml bottles plus a wooden case, +384578 Vintages:
this is a very popular package which sold out last year and has been re-ordered albeit with a one-year later vintage date. No matter, the wines are consistently made from year to year. One could also hope that the 2013 Valpolicella Classico was re-fermented on the same dregs of the 2012 amarone grape pressings – just to be a neat package. Expect deep lush fruity fresh flavours in both wines, more so with the Amarone which also has some decent oak tones from barrel aging. A very attractive gift pack with the wooden reusable box. Available separately at Vintages December 12, 2015. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 
7.LOIRE VINS DOMAINE Chateau D'Eternes Saumur Brut NV Loire $14.95, +429696: this is a Chenin Blanc – Chardonnay blend, in a methode traditionale process for secondary in the bottle fermentation. It all emphasizes white-fleshed fruit, nuts, and vanilla. 12.5% ABV. This wine scored four stars in a recent Wine Writers' Circle of Canada Sparkling wine tasting. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

The Event: Eat to the Beat

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 27, 2015 7PM to 10 PM
The Event: Eat to the Beat
The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall
The Target Audience: a fundraiser for breast cancer support.
The Availability/Catalogue: There was a catalogue listing all the chefs, the name of their dish, and the beverages.
The Quote/Background: This is the annual fundraiser for Willow Breast
Cancer Support Canada, and it raised over $200,000 this time. For 20
years, Eat to the Beat has celebrated 60 female chefs while raising
funds and awareness. Just under $4 million has been raised during that
time. This was the 20th, so a celebration was in order: more people came than ever before. There were silent auctions, raffles, mystery bags, and sponsors that illuminated the affair.
The Wines: My wife and I tried to get everywhere, but missed one
section, so we never tasted most of the alcohol. We did enjoy the Austrian beer from McClelland, the prosecco from Noble Estates, and the sparkling rose from Huff Estates of Prince Edward County – great refreshments on a hot, steamy night inside the RTH lobbies.
The Food: the 60 chefs included Vanessa Yeung of Aphrodite Cooks (Moroccan spiced lamb meatballs with smoky tomato yogurt sauce and cilantro pesto), Ann Janes of Cocomira Confections (coconut crunch, peanut butter crunch), Cathy Beneway of Creative Catering by Cathy (baby romaine wraps with an Asian slaw filling), Dufflet Rosenberg (chocolate s'mores cup), Kyla Eaglesham and Winlai Wong of Madeleines (sweet madeleines), Elaine Wong of the Omni King Edward Hotel(autumnal apple and onion galette with cider braised pork and plum chutney), Emily Richards of Per La Familigia (rapini frittata), Jacqueline Lo of Ruelo Patisserie (petite fours), Rossy Earle of Ryerson University (crabapple brown butter squash), Angela Panigas of the Sultan's Tent (Moroccan hummus cones), and Michelle Edgar of the Sweet Escape Patisserie (savoury shortbreads). Yummy all…These were all our faves. And 21 of the chefs have been doing Eat to the Beat for over 10 years or more!!
The Downside: I bid on some items – but never got any of them at my bid level…
The Upside: the 20 or so cheeky corset models and the live jazz.
The Contact Person: Shana Coppen <scoppen@willow.org>
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95.
 
Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Sunday, November 29, 2015

The Event: Wines of Chile trade show

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 27, 2015  11:30 AM to 5 PM
The Event: Wines of Chile trade show
The Venue: ROM
The Target Audience: wine trade (consumers in the evening)
The Availability/Catalogue: just about all wines are available, at the LCBO or through consignment/private orders.
The Quote/Background: I attended the seminar of 10 wines, and these have been folded into the ratings below. There were special tables for those in a hurry: high end Vintages offerings, top wines for licensees, sparkling wines, and innovative wines. I did all these first before roaming about. It was a good show.
The Wines:
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir 2012 $6995 +83378
-Santa Rita Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon $59.95  +337246
-Morande Brut Nature Casablanca Valley, $48.75   Majestic
-Morande Brut K.O. Secano Interior  $23.95  [70% pais]  Majestic
-Montes Purple Angel Colchagua Valley 2012
-Veramonte Neyen 2010 Colchagua $59   Churchill
-Siegel Unique Selection Colchagua Valley 2012 $39.95  J Cipelli
-Santa Alicia Millantu Maipo 2012  $27.95    Eurovintage
-Morande Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2013 $22.80  +389254 
-Indomita Zardoz Maipo 2013 $27.95   Rare Earth
-Emiliana Coyam 2012 Colchagua $29.95  +63891
-Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir Limari 2013 $19.95  +301424
 
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Perez Cruz Chaski Petit Verdot Maipo Andes 2012
-Tabali Reserva Especial Tinto Limari Valley $23.95  +107540
-In Situ Signature Syrah-Mouvedre-Viognier 2013 Aconcagua $17.95  +431098
-In Situ Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Aconcagua 2013  $20.95  +76281
-In Situ Signature Chardonnay-Viognier Aconcagua 2015  $17.95   MCO
-Morande Gran Reserva Chardonnay Casablanca 2014 $22.80   Majestic
-Morande Gran Reserva Pinot Noir Casablanca 2014 $22.80   Majestic
-Morande Edicion Limitada Carignan Loncomilla 2011 $25.12   +427971
-Montgras Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2012 $22.95 Vint. March 2016
-Bisquertt Tralca Premium Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere Syrah 2010 Colchagua
-Koyle Royale Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Colchagua Andes $22.95
-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Colchagua $19.95  +322586
-Montes Sparkling Angel NV  $20   Profile
-Leyda Single Vineyard Cahuil Pinot Noir Leyda Valley 2012 $19.95 Dionysus
-Casas del Toqui Gran Reserve Terroir Selection Pinot Noir Casablanca $19.95 Vintages
-Maycas de Limari Quebrada Seca Chardonnay Limari, $30 +331520
-Maquis Lien Colchagua Valley, $29 +403881
-Montes Spring Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $14.95
-Tabali Talinay Pinot Noir 2013
-Errazuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $19.95 +203364
-Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $19.95  +335174
-Anakena Tama Viognier Cachapoal Valley 2014 $16.95
-Casas del Toqui Leyenda del Toqui red Blend $49.95
-Arboleda Pinot Noir Aconcagua Valley $19.95
-Leyda Cahuil Pinot Noir Leyda Valley 2012 $19.95
-Morande Edicion Limitada Medieterraneo del Maule 2012  $41.25
-Santa Rita SR Secret Reserve Red Blend Maipo $14.95  +431080
-Montgras Antu Grenache Carignan Syrah Colchagua Valley 2012
-Via Wines Oveja Negra Lost Barrel Blend Maule Valley 2011, $22.95
-Emiliana Organic Sparkling Wine Casablanca Valley, $17.95
-Santa Ema Amplus Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2012  $19.95  +76307
 
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-San Pedro 35 South Organic Maipo and Rapel 2014 $12.95
-Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Maipo
-Oveja Negra Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Carmenere Maule Valley $15
-Caliterra Tributo Carmenere 2013 $16.95  +56630
-Perez Cruz Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2012  $19.95   +431015
-Koyle Don Cande Cinsault 2014  $14.75
-Ventisquero Kalfu Kuda Chardonnay Leyda Valley 2014, $17.95
 
 
 
 
The Food: both cheese and chicken empanadas with sauces, charcuterie platters, cheese platters, fresh veggies and dips, breads and toasts.
The Downside: I could not taste all the wines.
The Upside: I appreciated the focus tables.
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

COB: refers to a 5PM deadline

 
Since we all want the "youngsters" involved in WWCC, we've  used the youngsters' lingo, as defined by the Urban Dictionary --
 
In use since at least 2005.
 
 
Acronym for Close of Business. Usually referring to a 5:00PM deadline.
Middle manager: "umm, if you could just get that done by COB, that would be terrrrrrrific."
Programmer: "sure, I'll get to that right away" ::what the hell, I guess I better do that right away...I'll look up COB on Urban Dictionary::
 
by middle manager March 10, 2005

 

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 28, 2015

 
WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR  NOVEMBER 28, 2015
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO 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. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some "under $25" suggestions, along with point values.
 
 
====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20
 
Stefano Farina Le Brume Langhe Rosso 2010, +360073, $16.95: good dark tones, aging well, 14.5% ABV, concentrated and smoky, excellent price. QPR: 90.
 
 
TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Coyote's Run Rare Vintage Chardonnay 2013 VQA Four Mile Creek, +426437, $24.95. QPR: 89.
2.Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +80234, $26.95: lovely complex wine, crisp lemon acidity with body but off-dry on the finish, twist top, overwhelming but underpriced. QPR: 89.
3.Domaine Ehrhart Rosenberg Gewurztraminer 2014 Alsace, +315705, $21.95. QPR: 89.
4.Domaine des Malandes Chablis 2014, +111658, $24.95. QPR: 89.
5.Cruzados Titular Vinho Branco Coheita 2013 Dao, +429985, $13.95: a bit of Christmas here with some pine tones, but otherwise floral character in a useful wine at this pricepoint. 12.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88.
6.Secreto Patagonico Chardonnay 2012 Patagonia Argentina, +380055, $18.95: with all the US oak here expect some CalArg yumminess. 14% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88.
7.Casas del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Casablanca Valley, +974717, $13.95: twist top, 13.5% ABV, citrus and grass, typical savvy herbaceousness for MVC quality. QPR: 88.
8.Delheim Family Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Stellenbosch, +429720, $17.95: off-dry orchard fruit and citric tones, good finish that's a bit off-dry at the end. QPR: 88.
 
TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2012 Columbia Valley, +263418, $17.95: packs a merlot punch, everything you'd expect (mocha, cherry-berry, soft), but a longer and food-friendly finish. 13.5% ABV, well-priced juice. QPR: 89.
2.San Esteban In Situ Signature Wines Hillside Blend 2012 Aconcagua Valley, +431098, $19.95: lush and full with a tannic finish for food, 14.5% ABV. Concentrated Euro tones of garrigue. Syrah55/mourvedre40,viognier5 blend offers a kick. QPR: 88.
3.Robert Oatley Shiraz 2013 McLaren Vale, +327387, $19.95: 14.5% ABV kicks in with some sweet mid-palate tones of mocha and black fruit. Swings either way (sip or food). QPR: 88.
4.Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 WO Western Cape, +68767, $16.95: a straight ahead and affordable MVC cab, now almost four years old and aging well. 14.5% ABV, cork closure, tight and could use more time in the bottle. QPR: 88.
5.M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2014, +168716, $15.95: a refreshingly disarming Midi blend of grenache-syrah-carignan, berries and garrigue. QPR: 88.
6.Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas 2013 Yecla, +276162, $16.95: 70% monastrell with equal cabernet and grenache filling the rest. Nice and juicy, lots of berries and great black fruit over a layer of oak vanilla. QPR: 89.
 
VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $25 RETAIL
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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.Spy Valley Envoy Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Waihopai Valley Marlborough, +429308, $29.95 retail.
2.Huchet & Mourat Gorges Muscadet Sevre & Maine 2009, +429084, $25.95.
3.Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G.C. Sancerre 2014, +189126, $28.95.
4.Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Napa, +936039, $159.95.
5.Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Shiraz 2008 Barossa Valley, +731620, $89.95.
6.Chateau Bernadotte 2005 Haut-Medoc, +431775, $32.95.
7.Chateau Clarke 2009 Listrac-Medoc, +503904, $39.95.
8.Chateau Maris Las Combes Minervois La Liviniere 2011, +341958, $25.95.
9.Masi Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2008, +462812,
$69.95.
10.Alto Moncayo Veraton Garnacha 2012 Campo de Borja, +173211, $33.95.
11.Faustino I Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +976662, $35.95.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The Event: Napa Valley Vintners Toronto 2015 tasting

 
The Date and Time: Monday, October 26, 2015  1:00PM to 4:30 PM
The Event: Napa Valley Vintners Toronto 2015 tasting
The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall
The Target Audience: wine writers and wine trade.
The Availability/Catalogue: all of the wines are available to licensees from the agents.
The Quote/Background: Vintages was putting on a show that evening; One Night in Napa Valley, with 29 wines for purchase. Only two of these wines were in the afternoon trade show.
The Wines: I did not try all the wines. There were five wines in the seminar moderated by John Szabo, and they were all cabernet sauvignon or cab blends. I continued this them by pursuing Napa cabs (with some chardonnays for relief). Prices are all licensee, but very few tables had price sheets.
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Atalon Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012, $37.95 cons B & W Wines
-Black Stallion Chardonnay Napa Valley 2014, $29 Select
-Beringer Chardonnay PR Napa Valley 2013, Treasury Wine Estates
-Cain Red Blend 2007 Cain Concept The Benchland Napa Valley
-Cain Red Blend 2010 Cain Five Spring Mountain  Rogers
-Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 SLD Stag's Leap District, The Vine
-Clos Pegase Chardonnay 2012 Los Carneros, Azureau
-Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2012 Napa Valley   Rogers
-Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select Spring Mountain District 2011, $362  Rogers
-Signorello Estate Chardonnay 2014 Hope's Cuvee Napa, $134.95 Profile
-Silenus Chardonnay 2014 Oak Knoll District
-Silver Oak Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2006 Halpern
-Silver Oak Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2010 Halpern
-Spottswoode Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon St Helena Napa 2012
-Spottswoode Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon St Helena Napa 2012 $200
-Spottswoode Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst Napa 2012 $100
 
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon SOLO Stags Leap District Napa Valley 2012
-Frank Family Chardonnay Napa Valley 2013, Da Capo
-Freemark Abbey Chardonnay Napa Valley 2014, $37.95 B&W
-Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011, $39.95 B&W
-Silenus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012
-Somerston Cabernet Sauvignon Priest Ranch Napa Valley 2012
-Stag's Leap Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012 Treasury Wine
-Bouchaine Chardonnay Carneros Napa Valley 2011 $35
-Acumen Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011, $90  Vinexx
-Cuvaison Chardonnay Estate 2013 Los Carneros, Lifford
-Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012, $57  Rogers
-B Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Syn3rgy Napa Valley 2011, $69.75 Da Capo Wines 
-B Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Ehrlich Vineyard Napa Valley 2012, $119.75 Da Capo Wines 
-B Cellars Chardonnay Maldonaldo Vineyard Napa Valley 2013, $45.75 Da Capo Wines 
-Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley 2012, $61 +29207 
-Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2012, $93 +440230 Rogers
-Napa Cellars Chardonnay Napa Valley 2013 Dandurand
-Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012, The Vine
-Havens Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Spring Mountain District $62, Profile
-La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2011, $95 Classics +659755
-Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2011, $96.95 Vintages +411579
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012, $32.95 Select
-Gallica Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley 2012, BND wines 
-Girard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012 Azureau
 
The Food: Daniel et Daniel catered with charcuterie platters, cheese platters, and breads.
The Contact Person: bhawley@napavintners.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com