Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing. This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com... AN ADDED VALUE FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS – Always available at http://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor/trade.txt or the archives at http://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor/ REPORT ON THE BENVENUTO BRUNELLO TOUR 2023.... The Date and Time: November 28, 2023 9:30A - 2:30P The Event: a tasting of the 2019 Brunello di Montalcinos (plus a few other Brunello wines) from Tuscany, sponsored by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino. The Venue: Aria Ristorante, York Street The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: quite a few of the wines are available right now through the LCBO and local agents. Michael Godel provided a brisk commentary on the region, and this was followed by a "wine list" of the 70 or so wines we were to taste. The region produces three distinct types of wines: Brunello from the sangiovese grosso grape, a white moscadello, and a "Rosso di Montalcino" for current drinking. The Quote/Background: There are 208 producing wineries in the region (we tasted wines from about 35 different wineries); 25% of them are organic or biodynamic. From a variety of sources -- "Brunello di Montalcino has an aroma of cherries, strawberries, florals, tar, truffles, violets and spices. They are supple, generous, elegant, refined, polished, succulent and rich in texture and depth. All are well-balanced with silky smooth mouthfeel, integrated tannins with a long aftertaste." Of course, all of these have to develop through long cellaring, about 3 - 10 years at least. The 2019 vintage has been rated 5/5, the 2018 is 4/5 and the 2016 is 5/5. The 130+ attendees tasted the wines in lots of four, which was a decent pace. The Wines: I managed to taste most of the wines...about 55 of them were from the release of the 2019 vintage. The rest were 2018 (and at the Riserva level) and even 2016 (my fave). Older is better with Brunello. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Argiano Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 154609 $59.95 -Argiano Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Vigna Del Suolo 2019 $275.00 -Castello Di Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $59.95 -Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggio Alle Mura Vigna Marrucheto 2019 -Castello Di Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggio Alle Mura 2019 -Tommasi Casisano Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 483800 $49.95 -Celestino Pecci Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggio Al Carro 2019 -Col D'orcia Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 306852 $54.95 -Col D'orcia Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Docg 2016 Poggio al Vento (my fave) -Corte Dei Venti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $44.95 -Cortonesi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg La Mannella 2019 $89.41 -Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Progetto Prime Donne 2019 $115.00 -Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $64.95 -Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Docg 2018 -Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $67.00 -Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Vallocchio 2019 $89.95 -La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $65.00 -La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Fiore Di NO 2019 -La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Riserva 2018 -Le Gode Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Montosoli 2019 $150.00 -La Serena Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 14963 $94.00 -Ridolfi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 644963 $59.95 -Ruffino Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Greppone Mazzi 2019 $72.26 -Salicutti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $199.95 -San Polo Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Vignvecchia 2019 $160.00 -Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggio Doria 2019 -Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Vigna Del Lago 2019 $95.00 -Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggio Al Granchio 2019 $95.00 -Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Vigna Spuntali 2018 -Poggio Di Sotto Brunello Di Montalcino 2018, D.O.C.G. LCBO# 337774 $243.95 -San Polino Brunello Di Montalcino 2018, D.O.C.G. LCBO# 14813 $87.00 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Armilla Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $69.95 -Carpineto Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 515486 $64.95 -Caprili Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $60.00 -Collemattoni Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $61.99 -Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $57.95 -Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Campo Di Marzo 2019 -Cortonesi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggiarelli 2019 $95.95 -Elia Palazzesi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 -Franco Pacenti Brunello Di Montalcinio Docg 2019 $73.00 -Franco Pacenti Brunello Di Montalcinio Docg Rosildo 2019 -La Casaccia Di Franceschi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 -Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2019 -La Fornace Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $65.00 -La Fortuna Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $49.95 -San Polo Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 650812 $79.00 -San Polo Brunello Di Montalcino Podernovi Docg 2019 $160.00 -San Polo Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Riserva 2018 -Talenti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $76.00 -Talenti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Piero 2019 $215.00 -Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 922054 $56.95 -Uccelliera Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $134.99 -Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 713719 $59.95 -Voliero Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $119.99 The Food: there was bread followed by a box lunch of four paninos - pulled chicken, prosciutto, tomato caprese and grilled veggies. The Downside: we needed bigger spit buckets (at least one had spilled all over a section of our table). The Upside: a chance to taste some really incredible wines. The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. REPORT FROM RHONE VALLEY WINES.. The Date and Time: Wed November 22, 2023 The Event: The Rhone Valley Vineyards Winemaker Tour The Venue: 2d Event The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, wine agents. The Availability/Catalogue: an xlsx file with full details The Quote/Background: The Rhone Valley (North and South) is a region and not an appellation. The "Vignobles de la Vallee du Rhone" wine tour had six principals speak to us: Michelle Bouffard from Chateau du Trignon (Gigondas), Denis Guthmuller who is President of the Syndicat Of Cotes du Rhone, Philippe Pellaton from Maison Sinnae, Celine Verdier Rieu from Chateau d'Orsan, and Samuel Montgermont. There are 31 appellations in the region, using 34 grape varieties for 17 crus, 22 Cotes du Rhone Villages, and 171 communes. Exporting to Canada: 9% of the total production (which is itself 76% red, 11% white, 13% rose). Of all the wines, 18% are organic. The Wines: I tasted most of the wines. The tasting was divided into three parts: one was a seminar of 11 wines, another was a stand up walk around of about 10 wines, and another was a sitdown lunch with about a dozen wines. Only 7 or so agents rep these wineries, while half of the wineries here were looking for agents. No prices were offered on my spreadsheet. About half of the wines were organic...see below...The tasting featured 23 wines followed by an extensive meal with more wines. Each course was matched with an appropriate wine to underline their ability to enhance food. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau de Trignon Gigondas 2017 -Xavier Vins Red Cotes du Rhone 2020 (Noble) -J. Denuziere Cotes du Rhone, 2020 (Rogers) -Chateau d’Aqueria Tavel Rose, 2022 (Noble) -Cave Heritiere Gabert Cave de Tain Hermitage, 2018 (Noble) [my fave red] -Paul Jaboulet Cornas Les Grandes Terasses, 2020 -Les Vignes de l'Arque Cuvee Les Chemins de Rome White Duche d'Uzes 2022 -Cave de Bonnieux Luberon Cuvee Revelation 2020 -J. Denuziere Saint Joseph Cotes du Rhone 2020 -Cave de Cairanne Cuvee Insouciante Red 2021 -Cave Saint Desirat Condrieu 2020 [my fave white] -Alain Jaune Grande Garrigue 2021 -Domaine de Vacqueyras Seguret L'Amandine Cotes du Rhone Villages 2021 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau Beaubois Cuvee Confidence Costieres de Nimes 2022 (white) -LAVAU White Cotes du Rhone 2022 (Noble) -Domain Rozel Cuvee Alayx, 2021, Grignon-LesAdhemar -Halos de Jupiter Red Cotes du Rhone 2020 -Chateau des Coccinelles Cotes du Rhone 2022 -Domaine Gassier Nostre Pais 2020 -Les Petits Duc Cotes du Rhone 2021 -Domaine de la Citadelle Le Chataigner Rose Luberon 2022 -Domain Autrand Cotes du Rhone Village, 2022 (N Pearce) -Villa Voltinia Maison Sinnae Cotes du Rhone Villages Chusclan, 2021 -Chateau d’Orsan Chusclan, 2020 -Mas Carlot Generations Costieres de Nimes 2020 (N Pearce) -Gabriel Meffre Cotes du Rhone Saint Vincent 2022 -La Font Louisiane Cotes du Rhone 2020 -Collines de Bourdic Duche d'Uzes Les Figuieres 2022 -Chateau de Montfaucon Comtesse Madeleine 2021 (not sweet) (N Pearce) The Food: our sitdown lunch had a wide variety of protein to show off the wines. Service was on small plates, naturally. We began with dungeness crab old bay cakes with the Coccinelles. This was followed by the pork belly bao hoisin, cashews, chili mayo and the Chataigner rose (best combination of the afternoon: what a delight!). Next was a braised beef short rib with the Autrand and the Mas Carlot, followed by some slow cooked lamb with the Chateau D'Orsan Cotes du Rhone Villages Chausclan 2022. The parade ended with a small individual cheese course with the Montfaucon. The Downside: apart from the seminar there was no overall listing of wines, they all had to be hand-selected in writing. The Upside: the set-up was nicely done, with a seminar, walk around, and a lunch. The Contact Person: diane.santerne@sopexa.com; agathe.arollinat@sopexa.com. The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86. Brand Appellation Color Cuvée name Vintage Organic label Workshop Agent Xavier Vins AOC Côtes du Rhône Red 2020 Panel Noble Estates Château Beaubois AOC Costières de Nîmes White Confidence 2022 Organic, Biodynamic Demeter, HVE Panel n.a Château d'Aqueria AOC Tavel Rosé Château d'Aqueria 2022 HVE Panel Noble Estates Cave de Cairanne AOC Côtes du Rhône Red Insouciante 2021 Organic, Biodynamic Demeter, HVE Panel Louis Charles Agency Château du Trignon AOC Gigondas Red 2017 Organic Panel n.a Domaine Rozel AOC Grignan-les-Adhémar Red Alayx 2021 HVE Panel n.a Halos de Jupiter AOC Côtes du Rhône Red Côtes du Rhône 2020 Panel Halpern Enterprise Lavau AOC Côtes du Rhône White 2022 Panel Noble Estates Les Vignes de l'Arque AOC Duche d'Uzes White Les Chemins de Rome 2022 Organic Panel n.a J Denuzière AOC Côtes du Rhône Red 2020 Panel Rogers Company Cave de Bonnieux AOC Luberon Red Révélation 2020 Panel n.a Paul Jaboulet Ainé AOC Cornas Red Les Grandes terrasses 2020 Discovery Halpern Enterprise Alain Jaume AOC Vacqueyras Red Grande Garrigue 2021 Organic Discovery Vinoluna / Groupe Soleil Château Boucarut AOC Côtes du Rhône Red Les Petits Ducs 2021 Organic Discovery n.a Domaine de l'Amandine AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Red 2021 Organic, HVE Discovery n.a Domaine Gassier AOC Costières de Nîmes Red Nostre Païs 2020 Organic Discovery Halpern Enterprise CECILE MESTRALLET - Les Collines du Bourdic AOC Duche d'Uzes White Duché d'Uzès blanc 2021 HVE Discovery n.a Gigondas Lacave AOC Côtes du Rhône White La Font Louisiane 2020 Discovery n.a Maison Gabriel Meffre AOC Côtes du Rhône White Gabriel Meffre "Saint Vincent" 2022 Discovery Trajectory Beverage Caves Carod AOC Clairette de Die Sparkling Jasmée Muscat 2023 Lunch Hektars Agenc Château de Montfaucon AOC Lirac White Comtesse Madeleine 2021 Organic Lunch Nicholas Pearce Wines Chateau des Coccinelles AOC Côtes du Rhône White Château des Coccinelles 2022 Organic Lunch n.a Château d’Orsan AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages CHUSCLAN Red Château d’Orsan 2022 Lunch n.a Domaine Autrand AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Red 2020 Lunch Nicholas Pearce Wines Domaine de La Citadelle AOC Luberon Red Le Châtaignier 2021 Organic, HVE Lunch n.a Domaine des Garances AOC Beaumes de Venise Red Alazard 2022 Organic Lunch n.a Héritiers Gambert Cave de Tain AOC Hermitage Red 2018 Lunch Noble Estates Mas Carlot AOC Costières de Nîmes Red Générations 2020 Lunch Nicholas Pearce Wines Maison Sinnae AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Chusclan Red Villa Voltinia 2021 HVE Lunch n.a REPORT ON DRINK CHILE 2023 The Date and Time: Monday November 20, 2023 1PM - 4:30PM The Event: a trade walk around tasting of Wines of Chile and Prochile wines. The Venue: Windsor Arms Hotel The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: the booklet gave a good series of highlights. There were 120 wines from 17 wineries to taste, plus audio tours and tastings every 15 minutes for an overview of Chilean wine styles. There was material on the various wine regions and 18 wine valleys. The Quote/Background: Chile has come a long way towards more diversity and higher quality over the years. Sustainability and innovation have led the way The Wines: I did not taste every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Arboleda Brisa Aconcagua, 2021 $49.95 [5 grape varieties] -Las Ninas Traditional Method Brut Chardonnay, 2022 $19.95 (April 2024) -Las Ninas Traditional Method Rose Pinot Noir, 2022 $19.95 (April 2024) -Luis Felipe Edwards LFE900 Red Blend, 2018 [5 varieties] -Santa Rita Floresta Chardonnay, 2021 $27.95 -Sutil Acrux Red 2020 [6 varieties] $48 -Casa del Toqui Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 $24.95 -Errazuriz Don Maximiniano, 2018 -Vina Santa Carolina El Pacto Agreement No.2, Carmenere, 2021 -Emiliana Organic Vineyards Novas Stellar Selection, 2021 Red Blend $19.95 -Emiliana Organic Vineyards Coyam, 2020 $34.95 -Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvingon, 2021 $22.95 -Santa Ema Sparkling Pinot Noir/Chardonnay, $80.95 -Santa Ema Catalina Red, 2019 $111.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Arboleda Chardonnay, 2022 $18.95 -Marea Grand Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 $ 17.95 -Santa Ema Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserve, 2023 $17.95 -Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Carmenere, 2022 $45 -Undurraga Sauvignon Terroir Hunter, 2021 $30 -Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Piedra Secca, 2021 -Santa Rita Pewen Carmenere, 2021 $60 -Montes Alpha Chardonnay, 2021 $22.95 -Santa Carolina Reserva Chardonnay, 2022 $14.45 -Terraustral Gold Grand Reserve Chardonnay, 2021 $18 -VSPT Wine Group Leyda Reserva 2022, $16.95 -Concha y Toro Diablo Crystal Sauvignon Blanc, $17.95 -Cono Sur Organic Chardonnay, 2021 $14.95 The Food: for the trade, there were food platters of meats, cheeses, breads, biscuits. The Downside: it got really crowded really fast. The Upside: a chance to catch up with the latest from Chile. The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 80 REPORT ON A TASTING OF WINES FROM ITALY 2023 The Date and Time: Monday, October 30, 2023 10:30A - 5PM The Event: Annual ICE Italian Wine Tasting [28th year] The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, wine agents. The Availability/Catalogue: online QR code needed The Quote/Background: 86 estates were showing three wines wines or more. John Szabo MS gave a Masterclass in the new-ish geographic precisions of appellations. There is the Menzioni Geographiche Aggiuntive (MGA for Barolo, Barbaresco, Prosecco, Verdicchio, et al)), the Unita Geographiche Aggiuntive (UGA for Chianti Classico, Soave, Nobile di Montepulciano, Etna, et al). There are also CONTRADAS and PIEVES [parishes]. These are all sub-units of no classification or hierarchy. But also: under UGA/MGA, etc., no grapes can be purchased. For example, Soave has 33 UGAs, Etna has 142 Contradas covering 11 communes, Barolo has 181 MGAs covering 11 communes, while Barbaresco haS 66 MGAs covering just 4 communes. Very difficult to memorize it all....Many wineries are looking to "premiumizing" their production via name branding and protecting. Stay tuned... The Wines: I did not taste all the table wines or all the fizzes, and I did not taste any dessert wines nor grappas or amari or even olive oils! **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pinot Grigio, Maculan -Etna Bianco, 2021, Cusumano -Chardonnay, Castello Gabbiano -Oro, 2021, Il Drago e La Fornace -Rosso Piceno Superiore, 2018 Sella e Mosca -Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, 2020 Rocca delle Macie -Fiordiligi Grillo Sicilia 2022, Mazara Del Vallo, $22 -Barolo, 2018, Rocche dell Annunziata -Rosso Piceno Superiore, 2020, Velenosi -Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo, 2020, Graci -Mane Vino Rosso IGT Toscana, Podere Casanova $14.50 -Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, 2019, Boscarelli -Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOC, Podere Casanova $24 -Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOCG, Podere Casanova $42 -Settecento Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOCG, Podere Casanova $75 -Baciami Vino Spumante Rose Da Uve Mammolo, Piandaccoli -Chianti Classico Vigna del Sorbo, 2020, Fontodi -Barolo Cannubi, 2018 Borgogno -Barolo Sarmassa, 2017, Marchese di Barolo $81.25 licensee -Barolo Cannubi, 2017, Marchese di Barolo $81.5 licensee -Corte Vino Rosso de Montepulciano DOC Podere Casanova, $15.50 -La Cantina del Colli Ripani Fasserina IGT Marche 2022, $20 -Gavi di Gavi, 2021, Marchese di Barolo $25.15 licensee -Donna Angelica Lucido 2021, Assul $29 -Carinda Insolia, Mazara del Vallo 2022, $22 -Barbaresco Gallina, 2019, Oddero -Chardonnay DOC Friuli, Modeana -Chardonnay 2021, Albino Armani $17.95 licensee -Primitivo Since 1913, 2019, $32.35 licensee -Fiano E'Arte, 2022, $14.35 licensee -Primitivo Organic IGP, Agricola Amastuola, 2021, $18.85 licensee -Primitivo Centosassi Organic, Agricola Amastuola, 2018, $28.75 licensee ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pecorino, 2022, Cantina Tollo -Pecorino Falerio 2022, La Cantina $21 -Anima Lavica Janare Campania Spumante -Ca del Magro, 2021, Bianco Monte del Fra -Podere Casanova Vini Montepulciano Bianco Toscano Canto 2022 -Falanghina, 2021, la Guardinense -Soave Classico Calvarino, 2021, Pieropan -Ribolitto, 2021, Il Drago e La Fornace -Rubesco Vigna Monticchio, Lungarotti -Syrah Ruggiero, Assuli $22 -Ribolla Gialla Venezia Giulia, Modeano -Pinot Grigio, 2022, Albino Armani, $19.30 licensee -Primitivo Rosato Infintinum 2022, Torrevento SRI, $15.75 licensee -Primitivo E'Arte 2022, Torrevento SRI $14.35 licensee The Food: This year it was catered by Stelvio, a Northern Italian Eatery on Dundas Street. They gave us a Buffet Rustico: polenta Bolognese Sauce, polenta with vegetable sauce caponata, Mortadella sausage, sopresatta prosciutto, chickpea salad, pasta salad, quiche di zucchini, pinzimonio con hummus, pickled green and black olives, a range of cheeses, grisini, flatbread cipolle, giardiniera, four kinds of salumi and five kinds of formaggi, and espresso coffee to finish. The Downside: I had no cell phone, so I could not access all the details of each wine. The Upside: over the afternoon about 1600 people attended. The Contact Person: toronto@ice.it or b.marassi@ice.it or info@stelviotoronto.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 REPORT ON THE WINES OF GREECE TRADE TASTING TORONTO OCTOBER 24, 2023 The Date and Time: Tuesday 24, 2023 1PM to 5PM The Event: a tasting of the wines of Greece. The Venue: Arcadian Loft The Target Audience: licensees, sommeliers and wine media, wine agents. The Availability/Catalogue: a spiral bound catalogue with many maps and wine/grape descriptions. There were 29 tables with 116 wines, and the wineries were placed mostly by agent to cover a few tables each. There were about four wines per winery, and there were full details about winery contacts (email addrersses) plus agents, the latter with phone numbers. A good resource guide. The Quote/Background: Most of the wineries were repped by a small handful of agents, such as Kolonaki (11 wineries at 11 tables), Dionysus (3 tables), Selections Le Maitre de Chai (3), Asteria Imports (3), and then the others with one or two tables each. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Malamatina Winery Filioma Dry Rose 2022 [merlot] -Malamatima Filioma Agiorgitiko 2022 PGI Peloponnese -Alpha Estate Xinomavro Red Single Vineyard Hedgehog 2020 PDO Amyndeon -Alpha Estates Assyrtiko 2021 -Cavino Atelier Mavro Kalavritino-Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 PGI Achaia -Domaine Costa Lazaridi Amethystos Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Drama -Domaine Hatzimichalis Alfega White 2022 [sauvignon blanc, malagousia, robola] -Domaine Hatzimichalis Assyrtiko Alepotrype Vineyard 2022 PGI Atalanti Valley -Ktima Biblia Areti White 2020 PGI Pangeon [assyrtiko] -Ktima Biblia Ovilos White 2022 PGI Pangeon -Ktima Tselepos Amalia Brut NV [moschofilero] -Zoinos Winery Sparkling White Extra Brut 2021 PDO Zitsa [debina] -Kitma Pavlidis Emphasis Assyrtiko 2022 PGI Drama -Kitma Spiropoulos Ode Panos Rose 2020 Brut -Oenops Wines Apla Dry White 2022 -Papagiannakos Winery Salvatiano Old Vines 2022 PGI Markopoulo -Papagiannakos Winery Salvatiano "Vientzi" 2020 PGI Markopoulo -Papagiannakos Winery Kalogeri Malagousia 2022 PGI Attiki -Santo Wines Grand Reserve Santorini Assyrtiko 2020 PDO Santorini [oaked] [fave today] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Malamatima Four Angels Red 2022 PGI Peloponnese [syrah/merlot] -Malamatima Four Angels White PGI Peloponnese [chardonnay/malagousia] -Malamatina Winery Filioma Moschofilero 2022 PGI Peloponnese -Boutari Moschofilero 2022 PDO Mantinia -Domaine Skouras Cuvee Prestige White 2022 PGI Peloponnese -Domaine Skouras Assyrtiko Wild Ferment 2022 PGI Peloponnese -Cavino Mega Spileo Cuvee III White 2022 PGI Achaia -Domaine Costa Lazaridi Malagousia 2022 PGI Drama -Domaine Costa Lazaridi Chateau Julia Assyrtiko 2022 PGI Drama -Domaine Hatzimichalis Kapnias Red 2020 [cabernet sauvignon] PGI Atalanti Valley -Ktima Biblia Chora White 2022 PGI Pangeon -Papagiannakos Winery Assyrtiko 2022 PGI Attiki -Santo Wines Santorini Assyrtiko 2022 PDO Santorini -Santo Wines Santorini Nykteri 2022 PDO Santorini The Food: cheese platters with biscuits and breads and fresh fruit; grilled baby octopus with chili crisp; hot apps on platters of chicken, fish, lamb meatballs, fried veggie balls. The highlight for me was the oregano and lemon lamb kleftiko and charred eggplant. The Downside: I had just come from an earlier wine portfolio tasting. The Upside: good exposure to wines that dance in the catalogue. The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. REPORT ON THE CGU FINE WINES WINTER PORTFOLIO TRADE TASTING OCTOBER 24, 2023 The Date and Time: Tuesday October 24, 2023 12noon to 3P The Event: CGU Portfolio Tasting The Venue: Terrace Room, Park Hyatt The Target Audience: licensees and wine media, with private collectors later. The Availability/Catalogue: a one-page sheet listed the wines at five tables, with label names, regions, vintage dates, prices, case sizes, and order information. The Wines: I had the opportunity to try most of the wines. Prices are licensee only. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Michel Voarick Pernard-Vergelesses 2021 Aloxe-Corton Rouge $65.76 -Domaine des Ardoissieres Silice Blanc 2022 [biodynamic] $34.12 -Niew Vineyards Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021 Willamette $111.11 [my second fave] -Chantereves Marsannay Rose 2021 Savigny-les-Beaune $59.35 -Domaine Derey Fixin Les Echalais Marsannay 2021 Rouge $60.86 -Domaine Patrice Rion Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Terre Blanches 2020 $101.76 -Domaine Pierrick Bouley Volnay 1er Champans 2020 Rouge $187.10 -Domaine Boyer-Martenot Boyer de Bar Chardonnay 2021 $30.70 [my fave of the day] -Domaine Boyer-Martenot Puligny-Montrachet Les Reuchaux 2020 $140.89 -Domaine Garcia Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Grandes Vignes 2021 Rouge $160.14 -Thiriet Cote de Nuits Villages aux Montagnes 2021 $136.54 -Domaine Guillemot-Michel Vire-Clesse Quintaine 2021 [biodynamic] $65.87 -Domaine des Terres de Velle Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesse [white] $64.71 -Domaine Francois Mikulski Cremant de Bourgogne NV Meursault $38.78 -Laurent Ponsot Meursault 1er Cru Blagny Cuvee du Myosc 2019 $226.84 -Le Chai Duchet Vire-Clesse 2021 $33.86 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Reinhard & Beate Knebel Rottgen GG 2021 Mosel [white] $88.75 -Weingut A. Christmann Aus den Lagen Riesling 2021 Pfalz $38.81 -Weingut A.J.Adam Hofberg GG 2022 Mosel $72.81 -Weingut Schloss Lieser Juffer Sonnenuhr Spatlese 2020 Mosel $42.10 -Domaine Michel Voarick Corton-Charlemagne 2021 Grand Cru Aloxe-Corton $328.68 -Clement Lavallee Bourgogne Cotes d'Auxerre Rouge 2020 Ma Pierre $56 -Clement Lavallee Saint-Bris Les Copains d'Abord 2021 $47.07 -Domaine Derey Bourgogne Montre Cul Marsannay 2021 Rouge $40.64 -Armand Heitz Pommard 1er Cru Pezerolles 2020 $150.03 -Domaine Garcia Marsannay Clos du Roy 2021 Rouge $96.09 -Thiriet Bourgogne Aligote au Jardin Comblanchien 2021 $82.61 -Domaine Francois Mikulski Bourgogne Aligote 2021 Meursault $47.91 -Domaine Georges Glantenay Volnay 2020 $77.81 -Laurent Ponsot Bourgogne Blanc Cuvee du Perce-Neige 2019 $61.67 -Le Chai Duchet Macon Blanc 2022 $24.96 The Downside: there was a Greek wine trade show immediately afterwards. The Upside: there were only 35 wines to taste. The Contact Person: info@cgufinewines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85 REPORT FFROM ROGERS & COMPANY PORTFOLIO TRADE TASTING MONDAY OCTOBER 23, 2023 The Date and Time: Oct 23, 1:30 - 4:30P The Event: Rogers & Company Portfolio Trade Tasting The Venue: George, Queen Street The Target Audience: wine trade, sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: a good paper catalogue with prices, regional descriptions, and space for notes. The Quote/Background: many principals attended the tasting and did most of the pouring. New this year was Arthur de Lencquesaing from Marques de Murrieta, this year's guest of honour. The Wines: There were more than 135 wines to sample; I did not taste all of them. Prices are licensee only. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Blue Mountain Brut NV VQA Okanagan $32.99 -Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Tara Falerio Pecorino 2022 Le Marche $18.49 -Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa $105.99 -Marques de Murrieta Capellania 2018 [white, viura] $125.99 -Marques de Murrieta Dalmau Rioja 2019 $249.99 -Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2011 $299.99 -Lis Neris Jusosa Chardonnay 2019 Friuli $52.99 -Lis Neris Confini 2018 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer Friuli $64.99 -Domaine "Luquet Le Pavillon" Macon-Villages 2021 $27.99 -Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Sec 2022 Loire $50.99 -Olivier Leflaive Freres Les Setilles 2020 Burgundy $47.99 -Chanson Pere et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2020 $139.99 -Champagne Bollinger PNC AY18 NV $141.99 -Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee NV $85.99 -Champagne Bollinger RD Extra Brut 2008 $389.99 -Peay Vineyards Estate Chardonnay West Sonoma Coast 2021 $96.99 -Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2022 $80.99 [my fave of the day] -Shafer "One Point Five" Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Napa $159.99 -Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Napa $489.99 -WINC Porter & Plot Chardonnay 2020 Central Coast California $22.99 -Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2020 Napa $98.99 -Faust "The Pact" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 $122.99 -Duckhorn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Napa $134.99 -Duckhorn "Three Palms" Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot 2020 $137.99 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -The Organized Crime Winery Limestone Block Chardonnay 2021 Beamsville Bench $19.71 -Pazo Senorans Albarino Rias Baixas Spain $32.99 -Domaine Henry Pelle Sancere "La Croix au Garde" 2022 Loire $33.99 -Domaine La Meuliere Chablis 2022 $33.99 -Olivier Leflaive Freres Montagny 1er cru Bonneveaux 2019 $76.99 -Champagne Bollinger Rose Brut NV $119.99 -Paul Hobbs CrossBarn Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2020 $39.99 -Flowers Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022 $54.99 -Vins Denuziere Cornas 2021 $63.99 -Share a Splash Wine Company Cannonball Chardonnay 2021 California $18.99 -Pavillon de Leoville Poyferre Saint-Julien 2018 $81.99 The Food: there was a cheese platter with appropriate fromages ranging from runny through to hard, plus some blue cheese. I was there only for the first hour and a half, and sampled some of the four hot platters. There was a platter of George burger with a brioche bun slider, a shrimp tempura with white sauce, a mozzarella orancini/arancini, and a chicken satay skewer. The Downside: as always, it got crowded really fast. The Upside: a major opportunity to taste some really fine expensive wines. The Contact Person: s.stoddart@rogcowines.com or j.clarke@rogcowines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. REPORT ON PROFILE WINE GROUP PORTFOLIO TASTING...September 2023 The Date and Time: Tuesday September 26 2023 2PM - 8:30PM The Event: Profile Wine Group Portfolio Trade Tasting 2023 The Venue: Liberty Grand (Exhibition Place) The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: Everything was available via QR code The Quote/Background: Having the samples from Don Alfonso was a nice touch. The Wines: All prices are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Miner Chardonnay Napa $63 -Corezza Spumante Method Traditionale $35.99 -Argyle Vintage Brut Oregon 2018 $43 -Textbook Sonoma Chardonnay 2022 $41 -J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2021 $43 -Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Reserva NV $27 -Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Rose Reserva NV $28 -Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2021 $60 -Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Les Crays 2021 $70 -Deux Roches St Veran Rives de Longsault 2021 $45 -Palmaz Chardonnay Amalia 2019 $139 -Palmaz Cedar Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $123 -Palmaz NAPA 2018 $277 -Chateau Mailliard Gregory NV $62 -Chateau Mailliard Prestige Blanc de Blanc 2016 $85 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Phermento Lambrusco di Sorbana 2021 $34.99 -Borgo Conventi Ribolla Gialla 2022 $30.99 -Borgo Conventi Isonzo Pinto Grigio 2021 $26.99 -Villa Sandi La Rivetta 120 Valdobbiadonme Prosecco NV $35 -Cristom Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2020 $69 -Solid Ground Chardonnay California 2022 $20 -Dough Chardonnay California 2020 $25 -Markham Chardonnay 2021 $40 -Casale del Giglio Bianco Lazio $24 -Madame Veuve Point Chablis 2022 $44 -Madame Veuve Point Beaune 1er Cru Pimants 2020 $94 -Madame Veuve Point Gevrey Chambertin Rouge 2019 $113 -Chateau Mailliard Alexia Rose NV $75 -Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2021 $25 -Wakefield Jaraman Chardonnay 2021 $25 -Morambo Creek Chardonnay 2021 Australia $35 -Satrco Bianco Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc 2022 $26 The Food: platters of sundried tomatoes, a mix of artichoke hearts, pepperettes, capicola, mortadella, ham, parmesan chunks, pickled beets, eggplant, grilled zucchini, marinated mushrooms, mixed olives, whipped gorgonzola, fig syrup, foccacia. As a special treat, Don Alfonso restaurant provided both La Rissiola (cured amberjack, chives, yogurt, fava bean) and Il Raviolo (pheasant, oyster mushrooms, parmesan cheese, black truffle). The Downside: it got crowded really fast. The Upside: a chance to experience some really great wines. The Contact Person: aprodhon@profilewinegroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87 REPORT ON MARK ANTHONY PORTFOLIO TASTING September 2023 The Date and Time: Monday September 25, 2023 5P-9P The Event: Mark Anthony's Port to Place Portfolio Tasting The Venue: Second Floor Events King Street west The Target Audience: private buyers, sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: There was a paper listing, with label photo, for all of the wines and spirits, and with prices. It was arranged alphabetically (for the most part) by winery or ownership, or by first name. They did a good job for all of the details of all of the products. The Wines: I did not try wines that were available at the LCBO. Nor did I try any fortified wines or spirits or seltzers. Prices are retail, for the consignment (con) and private orders (po). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alois Lageder Chardonnay Alto Adige 2022, $20.95 private order -Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio 2022, $33.95 po -Attems Ramato DOC Fruili Rose 2022, $24 con -Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena DOCG 2019, $59.95 con -Bertani Soave Original Vintage Edition DOC 2022, +36341 con Dec 2023, $27.25 -Brotte Domaine Barville Red CDP 2018, $60.95 po -Brumont Montus Pacherenc Vich Bihl 2015, $43.95 con -Chateau St Jean Chardonnay 2021, $19.95 po -Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages Sonoma 2018, $132 con -Henkell Cremant de Loire Brut AOC NV, Vintages, $21.95 -Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NV $42.25 con -Segura Viudas Heredad Cava NV Vintages December $39.95 -Mission Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022, $24.95 con -Checkmate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2019, $95 -Lanson Black Label Champagne NV, %86.75 -Lanson Rose Champagne NV, $79.95 po -Lanson Le Vintage 2012, $99.95 -Davis Bynum Chardonnay 2021 $34.95 po -Tenuta Luce Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 $165.95 con -Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2028 $24.65 con -Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Vintages $47.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alois Lageder Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio 2022, $21.95 consignment -Arboleda Chardonnay 2021 Chile $19.95 po -Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2021, $14.95 po -Brotte Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne Creation Grosset 2020, $21.95 po -Brotte Cotes du Rhone Villages Laudun Bord Elegance 2022, $18.95 po -Austin Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, $29.95 con -Martin's Lane Simes Pinot Noir 2019, $99.95 con -Louis Latour Macon Lugny Les Genievres 2020 $29.95 con -Rodney Strong Sonoma Chardonnay 2020 $19.25 con -The Wine Group Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2022 $17.95 con -The Wine Group Band of Roses 2021 $26.95 po -The Wine Group Imagery Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Vintages $23.95 The Food: there were cheese and charcuterie boards loaded with salami, Celtic blue cheese, Beemster cheese, rye crisps, grapes, various fruit sauces (peaches, etc.) The Downside: the food disappeared quickly (but then, this is a wine tasting not a food tasting). The Upside: a chance to evaluate recent vintages The Contact Person: scaputo@markanthonywines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 REPORT ON A RELAXING SUMMER SATURDAY AFTERNOON TASTING September 2023 I was invited by Giovanni Silvestri of Rome's International Marketing Communications to a small group tasting at Restaurant Deco in Toronto's Junction (Keele and Dundas). Actually, it was a family-style lunch with wine and with kids. Deco was still springing back from the pandemic: they had opened just before covid-19 attacked. There were seven adults here, and we tasted the wines with multiple food courses. For food we had shareable platters of Italian chewy breads with porchetta and olive oils, followed by caprese with fresh local tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. There were two hot courses: one with short pasta and guancale in Roman style, and another with gnocchi bolognese. There were six wines, and the tasting was led by Giovanni who also represents Gambrero Rosso Worldtour. Full disclosure--he's also the brand ambassador for Casale del Giglio wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Casale del Griglio Bellone 2022 Lazio IGT 13.5% ABV. Bellone as a grape harkens back to Roman times but it has once again risen to its potential in sales with a “juicyfruit” tenderness and a long palate. It had been a major seller at our LCBO, and Giovanni points out that it may be coming back. Bellone is also often found in white wine blends in Lazio and Umbria. -Castello di Gabiano Corte Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Piemonte DOC [organic] 10.50 Euros 13.5% comes from the southern part of Piedmont but still delivers the typical sauvignon blanc herbaceous character so necessary for food wines. -Castello di Gabiano Adornes Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2015 Piedmont DOCG 14% ABV was my fave of the tasting, with its deep richness and satisfying aging. Aged 18 months, at least six in barriques, and more in the bottle before release. Barbera is the principal red grape of Piedmont, although, of course, it is lighter than barbaresco and barolo (both made from nebbiolo, a different but more tannic grape). Cherry-berry complexity makes the wine approachable, especially the older wines. Look also for what are known as “warm spices” or “pumpkin pie” spices with a shot of vanilla as it is aged in wood. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Casale del Griglio Satrico 2022 Lazio Bianco +569806 $18.95 6g/L residual sugar, 13% ABV: made up in stainless with a combo of grapes (chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, trebbiano giallo) almost like a field blend. This results in a good grip based on the grapes, such as herbs and grass, orchard fruit, lemons, and an underlying minerality. A good wine to sip on the patio or deck. -Anselmi San Vincenzo 2022 Veneto IGT +948158 $19.95 5g/L residual sugar, 12.5% ABV is much like Soave with its garganega grape blended with chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, exhibiting flowers and plums, even aromas of red currants. It's off-dry and best with food as a first course. -Castello di Gabiano La Bruja Barbera d'Asti 2020 Piedmont DOCG 14.5% ABV was fermented in concrete (60%) and then aged for a year. Expect a variety of red fruits such as sour cherry, strawberry and raspberry. Better years will have a shot of dark fruit such as black cherry or blackberry nuances. The higher acid makes the wine more food-friendly as the wine cuts through the rich creams and sauces. REPORT FROM ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO SEPTEMBER 2023 The Date and Time: Sept 19 1PM - 5PM The Event: Tasting Recent Vintages of Alsatian wines The Venue: Second Floor Events, King Street West The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: a QR code at the site or a PDF later in the week, with info on the wines (but no prices) The Quote/Background: Still wines are aromatic, unoaked, dry, complex, balanced, high quality and very food-friendly. 90% of the wines in Alsace are white. Seven main grape varieties (in order of vineyard plantings): Pinot Blanc (22%), Riesling (21%), Gewurztraminer (19%), Pinot Gris (16%), Pinot Noir (11%), Sylvaner (5%) and Muscat d’Alsace (2%). Crémant d’Alsace makes up 27% of total production and is made in the traditional method from Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Auxerrois, Pinot Noir (all Crémant d’Alsace Rosés are 100% Pinot Noir) and Chardonnay, the latter only for Crémant production. The AOC Alsace appellation is 70% of total production, Crémant d’Alsace is 27% and AOC Grand Cru is 3% (predominately Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat d’Alsace). There were only 12 wineries attending here today which gave all of us a chance to concentrate on the few wines that were at the show. All the gewurztraminers were on one table, as were all the rieslings, the cremants, the pinot noirs, some blends and the older vintages. We had a great opportunity to compare and contrast producers. There were six tables in all. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cave Jean Geiler Gewurztraminer Grand Cru 2020 -CAVE JEAN GEILER CRÉMANT D’ALSACE, RIESLING NV -CAVE JEAN GEILER ALSACE, RIESLING, 2021 "INSPIRATION TERROIRS” -CAVE JEAN GEILER ALSACE GRAND CRU FLORIMONT GEWURZTRAMINER, 2020 -DOMAINE WACH ALSACE, RIESLING, 2022 "ANDLAU” not repped -DOMAINE WACH ALSACE GRAND CRU KASTELBERG RIESLING, 2019 not repped -DOMAINE SOHLER PHILIPPE ALSACE, RIESLING, 2022 "HEISSENBERG" not repped -DOMAINE KIRRENBOURG ALSACE GRAND CRU HENGST GEWURZTRAMINER, 2017 -CAVE DE RIBEAUVILLÉ CRÉMANT D’ALSACE "GIERSBERGER", NV -CAVE DE RIBEAUVILLÉ ALSACE, RIESLING, 2021 BIO -CAVE DE RIBEAUVILLÉ ALSACE, GEWURZTRAMINER, 2021 "COLLECTION" -ETIENNE SIMONIS ALSACE, GEWURZTRAMINER, 2021 not repped -ETIENNE SIMONIS ALSACE GRAND CRU MARCKRAIN GEWURZTRAMINER, 2021 not repped -WUNSCH & MANN CRÉMANT D’ALSACE "TRADITION" BIO, NV [my fave fizz] -WUNSCH & MANN ALSACE, GEWURZTRAMINER, 2022 "N°3", BIO -DOPFF AU MOULIN CRÉMANT D’ALSACE "CUVÉE JULIEN", NV -DOPFF AU MOULIN ALSACE GRAND CRU BRAND GEWURZTRAMINER, 2019 -ARTHUR METZ CRÉMANT D’ALSACE LIEU-DIT "SCHIEFERBERG", NV -ARTHUR METZ CRÉMANT D’ALSACE "PRESTIGE", NV -CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE PFAFFENHEIM ALSACE, GEWURZTRAMINER, 2020 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -ETIENNE SIMONIS CRÉMANT D’ALSACE EXTRA BRUT, NV not repped -ARTHUR METZ ALSACE, RIESLING, 2021 "HORIZON” -Cave Jean Geiler Pinot Gris 2021 Bio -Domaine Charles Frey Riesling 2022 “Granite” not repped in Ontario -DOMAINE KIRRENBOURG ALSACE GRAND CRU SCHLOSSBERG RIESLING, 2020 BIO -Domaine Gruss Riesling Vieilles Vignes 2022 -DOMAINE GRUSS ALSACE GRAND CRU VORBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER, 2019 -CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE PFAFFENHEIM CRÉMANT D’ALSACE EXTRA BRUT, NV -CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE PFAFFENHEIM ALSACE, RIESLING, 2021 "JUPITER" The Food: there was a tapas station with tomato bread, ricotta ndjua on crostini, manchego on bread, chorizo and goat cheese, mussels escabeche. There was also a more traditional cheese/charcuterie platter with duck prosciutto, calabrese, truffled mortadella, Beemster cheese, Celtic blue, truffled Gouda. The Downside: I wanted more riesling and gewurztraminer wines. Price ranges were not listed. The Upside: there were a fair number of off-dry wines. The Contact Person: nperez@sopexa.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 REPORT FROM THE NATURAL WINES FROM CHILE TRADE TASTING SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 The Event: Natural Wines from Chile Trade Tasting, September 12, Noon – 2:30PM The Venue: SIPS Toronto, Maud Street The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: at least two of these wines will be in the Ontario market, perhaps this year. The Quote/Background: ProChile gave us (seminar of 20) local sommelier Heather MacDougall as moderator, and Chilean sommelier Mariana Martinez as principal speaker and discussant. She was on a hookup via the Internet. Natural wines is a large category that mainly includes no human or chemical interference with grapes. Categories include: transparency, sustainable, organic, biodynamic, and the like. Perhaps “orange wine” is where all the principles may intersect. Mariana talked about all of these and the various certification seals used in Chile. She also talked about Pais grapes and their usefulness in natural wine production. Much of the activity of natural wines occur in the Itata and Colchagua valleys. She spoke on details of all five wineries, plus of course she talked on tasting all the five wines with a palate. Discussions ensued on marketing, agents and prices. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Probulk Wine Buena Vida de Chile Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Leyda and Colchagua, with bought natural grapes. -Vina Antiyal Kuyen 2019 Maipo, berries blue and black (syrah, cab sauv, carmenere, petit verdot), about $50 CDN. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Co-op Marga Marga La Zaranda Sauvignon Blanc 2021 ~$40 CDN -Villalobos Silvestre Carignan Colchagua 2019 $28 CDN -Wildmakers Sabatico Maule 2018 Garnacha - Cariñena $20 USD The Food: we had a board with charcuterie (salumi. mortadella), cheese (pecorino, gruyere), empanadas (chicken, beef, veggie), Taralli Pugliese, and some really good bread. The Downside: we only had five wines. I think we needed more, say 8 in all, in order to make comparisons and evaluate different vintages of the same wine to indicate aging possibilities or changes in palate, different winemakers, and stages in “naturalness” viniculture. The Upside: well, despite the above, it was a good exercise in learning about the character of Chilean natural wines. The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. WINES IN REVIEW: 1.Black Tower Rivaner White (750mL, +336503, $13.95; 1 litre, +215012, $21.90; 1500mL, +336529, $25.90) is offered at the LCBO in three sizes, depending on your need. It's based on the Muller-Thurgau grape variety (a crossing with Riesling). Medium weight and floral, with some orchard fruit of pears and peaches leading to a medium-sweet finish. You can drink it at parties or patios as an aperitif. The Kendermann winery recommends pairing with any vegan or vegetarian dish, or spicy Asian-style dishes. 29g/L, 9.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Black Tower Dornfelder Pinot Noir Pfalz (+580118, $15.95): Dornfelder is about 85% of this blend, and is very related to the gamay grape with its cherry-berry tones of sour red cherries and deep blackberries. So you can slightly chill the wine to engage its ripe and fresh flavours with velvet tannins similar to a beaujolais dry finish. It's medium dry on the mid-palate (11g/L residual sugar) and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Emiliana Adobe Reserva Organic Rose 2021 Rapel Valley (+274399, $14.95): hot days and cool nights make for a jolly good rose wine. Adobe is a line of organic reserve wines from Chile. Here, the company uses 40% syrah, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. All three give it a distinct Euro character in the concentrated cherry-berry mode, along with some melons and plums. Cassis also enters the picture. Medium-bodied, the wine is useful for both aperitif on the patio or party, and for hors d'oeuvre or first course sit-downs. Stainless steel was used, 12% ABV and 6g/L. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SPIRITUALITY BITTERS NOTES Armagnac-- Bas-Armagnac de Montal Les Hauts de Montrouge 2004 700 mL. +11426 Vintages October 21, 2023 $118: comes in a red wood gift box for the Christmas holidays. There are about 181 producers of Armagnac in Gascony, and many make single vintage bottlings unlike in Cognac. Hence, there are many bottles of older Armagnac brandies (10, 15, 20, 30 year olds) that sell everywhere in the world -- but in small lots. Montal's 2004 was aged a minimum of 19 years in oak. Armagnac sells well in Quebec – they recognize a bargain. 2004 is a blend of colombard, folle blanche, baco, and ugni blanc in a continuous distillation. Extremely aromatic with overtones of roasted nuts, caramel, vanilla, dried fruits (such as apricots), and oak character. Exceptionally smooth on the mid-palate and great soft length on the finish. 40% ABV. Watch for it in in the LCBO's Holiday release Oct 21 or Nov 4. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Originally, I was going to call this review “Better Notes”, but then I thought that was too coy. Bitters are better than they've ever been since they do a nice job of breaking down fried and breaded fats, oil and grease in the old tum-tum. Too many people today eat fried foods (I shudder to think what their digestive system will look like in 50 years), and that includes even some Japanese sushi. More sushi joints are adding tempura for extra crunch and filler, and as a way to keep costs down. Zwack Unicum Bitters (500mL, +364851, $34) has come from Hungary (mostly) since 1790, with some production in other European countries. In 1992 it became a company limited by shares, and now has some involvement with other spirits such as Smirnoff vodka, Cinzano, Baileys, and Schlumberger TM sparkling wine. At 40% ABV it has not changed over the years. It's full of great herb extracts, water, alcohol, and some sugar to ameliorate the finish. Over 40 different herbs and spices are infused and distilled, and then aged for 6 months in oak. It's widely used as a hot toddy. This digestive liqueur allows for indulgence and spicy conditions. It can even be used as an amaro for aperitifs or as a mixer. Underberg Bitters (3 x 20mL in a box, +214809, $8.25) calls itself a “Natural Herbal Digestive”; it's been made in Germany since 1846. In 1949 the company began producing only the small 20mL bottles as a single-shot pacifist for digestive ails. Unlike other bitters and amari, Underberg has no added sugar, but finishes with the texture of palate sweetness from natural fructose. We know that it is gluten-free, and that licorice is one of the principal extracted herbs, and that the herbs come from 43 different countries. 44% ABV but easy to swallow. BEER NOTES Originally I was going to call this review “Beer Nuts”, but then I thought that was too coy and punny. I was given four beers from Innis & Gunn (repped by PMA) to write up as the company makes some changes in Ontario at the LCBO. Innis & Gunn was founded in 2003 in Scotland; this is now its 20th anniversary. The company specializes in Scottish ale, also called Scottish red beer, a sort-of milder stout with lower carbonation. My wife likes them for their character and lower carbonation. I usually drink just draught beer but it is pretty hard to tell the difference between draught Innis & Gunn and bottled Innis & Gun – principally because of the carbonation. 1.The Innis & Gunn Lager Beer (473mL cans, +33528, $2.95) now at the LCBO, is made in Ontario, brewed with barley and oats and aromatic hops. It replaces the 500mL can that was imported from Scotland, and the price has been reduced from $3.50 since it is now made locally. The taste remains the same with citrus tones and nuances of the basics of lager beer. 4.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.The Innis & Gunn Caribbean Rum Cask Beer (473mL cans, +33526, $3.75 normally, but $3.25 on sale through September 10 as an LTO, saving 50 cents) replaces the bottles and is brewed under license in Toronto. It's a standardized can size, and still 6.8% ABV. Using only barley and low bittering, it's matured in hand-selected rum casks, and this gives it a toffeed dried fruit and off-dry character with some vanilla tones. Matured 51 days in cask. My wife's fave. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.The Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Cask (500mL cans, +13618, $3.35) usually appears in Ontario in January and February, just ahead of St. Patrick's day. It's a Scottish oatmeal stout, with barley and oats, and it matures for 51 days in Irish whiskey casks coming in at 6.1% ABV. It's actually a “Product of Scotland” made in used Irish whiskey casks, exhibiting vanilla tones with nuances of coffee and chocolate (mocha elements) as do stouts. So it is a Limited Edition, and if you wanted more, then you had better buy more when it first comes out...watch for it next winter!! Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.The Innis & Gunn Islay Whisky Cask Beer Limited Edition (2 x 330mL bottles in a box, +25082, $12.95) is also a Laphroaig Edition in a double cardboard box. It's another in the Scottish red beer category. It's been double matured in Laphroaig first fill malt cask (10-year old single-malt Laphroaig) AND then in port casks. It's a malty amber ale, coming in at 7.4% ABV, full of peat smoke toffee and tobacco. Well-worth your consideration. Quantities are limited. Quality/Price rating is 94+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. REPORT ON TASTING OF WINES FROM CHATEAU D'AIGUEVILLE COTES DU RHONE AND HENRI DE VILLAMONT BEAUNE BURGUNDY The Date and Time: July 27, 12:30 - 3PM The Event: Chateau d'Aigueville and Henri de Villamont wine tasting. The Venue: National Club The Target Audience: wine media The Availability/Catalogue: the wines will mostly be available at LCBO/Vintages over the next little while, before Christmas in most cases. The Quote/Background: Domain Henri de Villamont (Savigny-les-Beaune) is one of the oldest producers in the region, with ten hectares in the Cote de Beaune (Savigny) and Cote de Nuits (Chambolle-Musigny). A wide range of appellations are matured in 4,000 barrels in their cellars. We sampled six different wines. From the organic certified Chateau d'Aigueville in the Southern Rhone (soon to be biodynamic with the 2023 harvest), we sampled six more wines. Both wineries are owned by the Schenk family wine merchants of Switzerland (in all, Schenk harvests 3500 hectares of vineyards world-wide). The Wines: Prices are estimated retail... **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau d'Aigueville Vin de France La Source Blanc 2021 (mostly clairette) -Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay Prestige 2021 ($24) -Henri de Villamont Macon-Villages 2018 ($29) -Henri de Villamont Pouilly-Fuisse Grumes d'Or 2020 ($53) -Henri de Villamont Santenay Les Champs-Claude 2017 ($43) -Henri de Villamont Savigny-Les-Beaune Le Village 2019 ($59) -Chateau d'Aigueville Cotes du Rhone Massif d'Uchaux 2020 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige 2021 ($24) -Chateau d'Aigueville Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2021 -Chateau d'Aigueville Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2022 -Chateau d'Aigueville Cotes du Rhone Villages 2019 -Chateau d'Aigueville Vin de France La Rosee Rouge 2022 (all syrah) The Food: iced heritage tomato caprese salad, followed by a large chicken supreme with veggies, and with fresh berries and ice cream for dessert. The Downside: I had to leave early due to a prior engagement. The Upside: it was hot outside but nicely chilled inside. The Contact Person: Tom Noitsis-- sales@eurovintage.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 ======================================================================= REPORT ON THE 16th ANNUAL TASTIN' FRANCE trade show, July 10, 2023... The Date and Time: Monday July 10, 2023 11A - 4PM The Event: Tastin' France: a B2B event with French wine producers seeking representation in Ontario, Quebec, and other provinces. The Venue: Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel, One Blue Jays Way The Target Audience: wine professionals, buyers, LCBO, some media, etc. The Availability/Catalogue: Ten producers showed their wines in Toronto, with a total of some 80 samples. The catalogue had a full listing of the products, including grapes and percentages. As well, there were names and addresses for each company, production numbers, and a good description of each winery. The Quote/Background: This was the 16th annual trade tasting roadshow in three cities: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver. Previous Toronto hotel sites have included the Park Plaza Hyatt and the Hotel Ochoa. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Esterlin Blanc de Blancs Brut Eclat Champagne -Champagne Esterlin Cleo Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne 2010 [my fave of the day] -Champagne Esterlin Brut Nature Champagne 2009 -Champagne Esterlin Brut Eclat Champagne -Be Bio Chardonnay 2022 IGP Pays d'Oc -Domaine des Pierettes Eros Rose 2022 [gamay, chenin] Loire -Cave de Ribeauville Cremant Brut Alsace NV [auxerrois, pinot blanc] -Cave de Ribeauville Pinot Gris Collection 2022 Alsace -Cave de Ribeauville Gewurztraminer Collection 2021 Alsace -Claude Leblanc Pouilly-Fuisse 2020 -Claude Leblanc Pouilly-Fuisse 1er cru 2020 -Claude Leblanc Rully 1er cru blanc Les Marissous 2021 -Claude Leblanc Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits 2020 -Claude Leblanc Santenay 2020 -Claude Leblanc Nuits-Saint-Georges 2019 -Hesiode Pierre Bourree et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Village 2018 -Hesiode Pierre Bourree et Fils Nuit-Saint-Georges Village 2020 -Hesiode Pierre Bourree et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses Village 2018 -Fonoya Delta L'Homme Chardonnay 2022 IGP Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert -Le Cellier du Pic French Toast Rose 2022 IGP Pays d'Oc -Be Bio Grenache Rose 2022 IGP Pays d'Oc -Domaine du Vistre Mas du Vistre Blanc IGT Gard -Vignobles Vellas Naughty Angel Viognier 2022 Languedoc -Vignobles Vellas Les Silex Fumes Blanc 2022 IGP Saint Guilhem Le Desert -Chateau Les Vergnes Blanc 2022 Bordeaux ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Esterlin Ex Solera Champagne NV -Champagne Esterlin Pur Meunier Champagne NV -Domaine des Pierettes Sen'S Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Touraine [organic] -Vignoble Demois L'ane Blanc 2020 Chinon -Vignoble Demois L'ane Rose 2020 Chinon -Cave de Ribeauville Riesling Collection Alsace 2020 -Claude Leblanc Saint-Veran 2022 -Hesiode Le Bois Braud Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur Lie 2021 Loire -Hesiode Laudacious Brut Nature NV Montlouis-sur-Loire -Hesiode Pierre Bourree et Fils Auxey-Duresses Village 2016 -Domaine de Mayal Oplezir Rose 2022 Luberon -Domaine de Mayal Cuvee Classique Blanc 2022 Luberon -Domaine du Vistre Mas du Vistre Rose IGT Gard -Vignobles Vellas Chai d'Oeuvre Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Languedoc -Vignobles Vellas Mrs. Seafood 2021 Languedoc -Vignobles Vellas Poison Rose 2022 Languedoc -Vignobles Vellas Naturellement Pur Orange Wine 2021 Languedoc -Chateau Les Vergnes Rose 2022 Bordeaux -Univitis Grand Theatre Blanc 2022 Bordeaux -Univitis Grand Theatre Rose 2022 Bordeaux The Food: we were given disposable “Bento” boxes of charcuterie, fromages, grapes, nuts, and crackers. Plus unlimited coffee and tea. The Downside: the Marriott was a bit awkward to get to via TTC since it had a separate entrance to the Rogers Centre. Also, inside there was an enormous walk to the extra-spacious and extra-high ballroom where the tasting was held. I felt a lot like Alice. The Upside: a great opportunity to taste some fabulous wines from France that are not currently being listed at the LCBO. The Contact Person: romane.champion.int@businesfrance.fr; rodolphe.desobry@businessfrance.fr The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87. ========================== REPORT ON THE VINHO VERDE TASTING trade show, June 20, 2023.... The Date and Time: Tuesday June 20, 2023 11:30 - 4PM The Event: Vinho Verde Tasting The Venue: Second Floor Events, King Street The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: downloaded from the cloud. There were 14 producers and about 70 wines. The Quote/Background: Christopher Sealy led the Masterclass which covered the major aspects of Vinho Verde, complete with Powerpoint and a paper map. The Vinho Verde region covers whites, reds, rose, and fortified wines; it lies between the Douro and the Minho rivers – it's the largest wine region in Portugal, with 1400 wine brands, 9 subregions, and 45 grape varieties. Each bottle is certified (numbered and identified) and forms part of the annual 70 million litres (45% exported) produced. Canada is its sixth largest market. The Wines: I did not sample all the wines. Prices are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quinta da Raza Alvarinho 2022, $22.95 (Christopher Stewart) -Quinta da Raza Alvarinho Trajadura 2022, $21.95 (Christopher Stewart) -Quinta da Raza Rose 2022, $14.95 (Christopher Stewart) -Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Loureiro Wild Ferment 2022, $19.95 (Kolonaki) -Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Spumante NV, $38.95 (Kolonaki) -Vercoope Via Latina Grande Reserva 2018 -Guapos Wine Project Castelo Negro 2018 -Quinta das Arcas Alvarinho Reserva 2021 -Casal de Ventozela Prime Selection 2019 (1/3 alvarinho, avesso, loureiro) -Casal de Ventozela Alvarinho 2022 Minho -Aveleda Alvarinho 2022 -Aveleda Solos de Granito 2021 -Aveleda Solos de Xisto 2021 -Quinta d'Amares Pet-Nat NV ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quinta da Raza Avesso 2022, $22.95 (Christopher Stewart) -Quinta da Raza Gouveio 2021, $28.95 (Christopher Stewart) -Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Rose 2022, $16.95 (Kolonaki) -Vercoope Via Latina Seco Rose NV -Quinta d'Amares Vinesa Alvarinho 2018 -Quinta da Lixa Colinas do Avesso 2016 -Adega Ponte de Lima Colheita Selecionnada Loureiro 2022 -Quinta do Ameal Loureiro 2021 Lima -A & D Wines Quinta Santa Teresa Avesso Esculpido 2020 -A & D Wines Quinta Santa Teresa Avesso 2022 -3 Rostos Nativo Reserva 2020 -3 Rostos Flor de Linho Alvarinho 2022 -3 Rostos Barrete Padeiro Rose 2022 -3 Rostos Flor de Linho Azal 2022 -3 Rostos Barrete 2022 The Food: The Masterclass attendees each got a large rice bowl with their choice for veggies (bok choy, squash) and/or smoked chicken; the main tasting had a platter of cold cuts and cheeses and assorted veggies and fruits. The Downside: like the Valpolicella tasting I attended last week, the wines all shared the same broad characteristics with some individual qualities. But after awhile it tended to reduce my palate's effectiveness of discernment. The Masterclass thus had great value for me. Good details are at www.vinhoverde.pt The Upside: good food, good wines, good Masterclass seminar. Thanks to Chris Sealy. The Contact Person: andrea@amcc-inc.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. REPORT ON THE ANNUAL LIVING VINE ACID TRIP PORFOLIO TASTING, June 18, 2023... The Date and Time: Sunday June 18, 2023 1P - 5PM The Event: The Annual Living Vine Acid Trip Try-and-Buy Portfolio Tasting The Venue: Society Clubhouse, College Street The Target Audience: wine media, private clients, restaurants. The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available on some 15 tables, with label names, vintage dates, case quantities (6 or 12), and retail/licensee prices for each wine. The Quote/Background: Mark Cuff, who runs The Living Vine, has been a sustainable/green/organic/biodynamic wiz for a couple of decades now. His annual portfolio tasting is one of the best in town, with many new brands and a diversified audience (in attendance, there were as many babies as seniors!). The Wines: I did not taste all the 100 or so wines and ciders. As is my wont, I concentrated on the summery white wines. The ciders from Cidre Fleuri were phenomenal: Piccolino, Joe, Klaus, Willie, Rosie – all in 473ml containers at $7.75 each. There were also 750 ml bottles of cider: Terrain Vague, Niagara Place, Villefranche, and Franconia at $20 each. I did not taste the non-alcoholic wines (“Proxies”) or the kombucha or the spirits. Prices are retail... **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau Grand Launay Blanc 2022, $27.95 [my fave of the show] -Poggio Piccolo Chianti 2020, $29.95 -Poggio Piccolo Vermentino 2020, $28.95 -Antica Enotria Bianco 2021, $20.95 -Montesecondo 2021, $32.95 -Villa Papiano Strada Corniolo 2020, $39.95 -Cantina Fiorentino Madreterra 2021, $24.95 -Patch Pinot Grigio 2022, $21.95 -Poivre d'Ane White 2021, $26.95 -Texier Chateauneuf du Pape VV 2020, $94.95 -Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $32.95 -Smallfry Tangerine Dream 2022, $39.95 -El Bandito Cortez 2022, $59.95 -Rigour and Whimsey Thus Spoke Veruca 2020, $52.95 -Lagasca Viognier 2021, $17.95 -Pomelado Orange Wine 2021, $18.95 [at LCBO} -Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2022 South Africa, $25.95 -JC Wickens Wines Swerwer White 2023 South Africa, $33.95 -Hidden Bench R & D Chardonnay 2020 VQA, $30 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Foradori Manzoni Bianco 2021, $43.95 -Dettori Renosu Bianco NV, $38.95 -Domaine Flo Busch Lou Bragalou 2021, $30.95 -Domaine Pinte Chardonnay Arbois 2020, $37.95 -Stephan Rocher Lemon Tree 2022, $31.95 -Mas Goma Cosi Joan Orange NV, $36.95 -Makarounas Aerides 2022, $29.95 -Cam Rd Down the Rabbit Hole 2021, $42.95 -El Bandito Skin 2022, $59.95 -Cellar Credo Volaina Spain 2019, $24.95 -Norte Sur Rosado 2021, $17.95 -Lanzado Orange 2021, $19.95 [at LCBO] -Badenhorst Curator White 2022 South Africa, $23.95 -Hidden Bench Chardonnay Beton 2021 VQA, $27.95 The Food: some to be purchased The Downside: the room was surrounded by mirrors, which made it look much more crowded than it actually was. The Upside: taste and try before you buy The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 REPORT ON THE VINI VALPOLICELLA RETURNS trade tasting, June 15, 2023... The Date and Time: Thursday June 15, 2023 1PM to 4PM The Event: Vini Valpolicella Returns The Venue: Chelsea Hotel The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: as a small show, it was economical to produce a paper catalogue for 14 wineries and 70 wines. The Quote/Background: Just about every producer here had three levels: superiore and/or classico; ripasso; and amarone and/or recioto. In the region there are 2251 grape growers, six co-ops, and 344 bottlers. 73.6 million bottles happened in 2021 (61% exported), with a quarter of them being Amarone and another half being Ripasso. The Wines: I did not try every wine. I concentrated on Amarone and some Ripassos. I was feeling palate fatigue towards the end because many of these wines were very similar in their approaches. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cantine di Verona Valpolicella DOC Superiore 2015 Brolo dei Giusti 14.5%ABV Majestic -Cantine di Verona Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Valpantena 2019 Ritocco 13.5%ABV Majestic -Casalforte Valpolicella Ripasso DOC 2020 13.5%ABV Azureau -Corte Figaretto Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Valpantena 2018 Brolo del Figaretto 16.5%ABV Colio Estate -Corte Forte Amarone della Valpolicella DOPCG Classico 2016 Terre de San Zeno 15.5%ABV -Costa Arente Amarone della Valpolicella DICG Valpantena 2017 17%ABV $107 consignment Independent Wine Company Wines -Ilatium Morini Valpolicella DOC Superiore 2017 Prognai 15%ABV -Ilatium Morini Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 DOCG Leon 16.5%ABV -Massimago Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2018 Conte Gastone 16%ABV The Living Vine -Rocca Sveva Cadis 1898 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva 2016 Rocca Sveva 15%ABV -Sartori di Verona Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 15%ABV Univins -Sartori di Verona Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva 2015 15.5%ABV $69.95 LCBO ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cantine di Verona Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2018 Torre del Falasco 14%ABV -Casalforte Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 15%ABV $39.95 Azureau -Monte Zovo Famiglia Cottini Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2020 Villa Annaberta 15%ABV $40 Dionysus -Rocca Sveva Cadis 1898 Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2017 Rocca Sveva 14%ABV -Rocca Sveva Cadis 1898 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 Cantina di Illasi 14.5%ABV -Tinazzi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2018 La Bastia Ca' de' Rocchi 15%ABV Vinoluna -Valentina Cubi Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2018 Arusnatico 14%ABV -Valentina Cubi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2013 Morar 16%ABV The Food: cheese and biscuits, strawberries. The Downside: it was a small room, and got crowded really fast. The Upside: a chance to taste a range of Valpolicella in its different formats. The Contact Person: judith@townhallbrands.com; lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 REVIEW June 10/23 Springs Road Kangaroo Island Shiraz 2017 Estate Grown, Vintages +30753, $32.95: a very nicely aged shiraz, bottled in August 2018 after 12 months in French oak, 30% new. Aromatics include plenty of riper black fruit tones (blackberry, black cherry) plus some mint and anise. A full-bodied wine but with soft tannins and some jamminess. Some saline notes detected (from the sea?) matched by black pepper and leather tones. The mid-palate has developed mocha notes, while the finish picks up some oaking. While the weather was wet in both winter and spring and the harvest was four weeks late, the resulting yield was very much reduced but with concentrated fruit. It shows well. Tasted over a few days with no real loss of flavours. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. REPORT ON THE 2023 NORTHWEST WINE EXPEDITION trade tasting [OREGON & WASHINGTON STATE] June 12, 2023... The Date and Time: Monday June 12 Noon-4P The Event: 2023 Northwest Wine Expedition Trade Tasting: Oregon and Washington The Venue: The Globe and Mail Centre, 17th floor The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: paperless through BottleBooks, which listed very few prices beyond a range from “$$ to $$$$$” The Quote/Background: The Wines: I tasted mainly Chardonnays and a few other interesting white, rose and sparkling wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -A to Z Wineworks Bubbles NV -Adelsheim Chardonnay 2020 -Adelsheim Chardonnay Staking Claim 2019 -Angela Vineyards Chardonnay Willamette 2019 -Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Horse Heaven Hills 2021 -Citation Oregon Chardonnay 2015 -Cristom Vineyards Eola Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021 $59 -Milbrandt Estates Chardonnay 2019 -Milbrandt Family Chardonnay 2020 -Sokol Blosser Bluebird Cuvee Brut Sparkling 2020 -Traveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero Dosage NV -Traveri Cellars Blanc de Noir Brut NV -Troon Vineyard Biodynamic White Blend Kubli Beach Applegate Valley Oregon 2021 [marsanne, roussanne, vermentino] -Valdemar Estates Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2021 $65 -Valley View Winery Domaine Rogue “Quercia” Chardonnay Applegate Valley 2021 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -A to Z Wineworks Chardonnay Oregon 2021 -Airfield Estates Chardonnay 2021 -Brittan Vineyards Chardonnay 2021 -Centerstone Willamette Valley Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2018 -Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2021 -Domaine Drouhin Oregon Arthur Chardonnay 2021 -Erath Winery Oregon Pinot Noir Rose 2021 -Evolution White 2021 -Evolution Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2021 -Foris Vineyards Chardonnay 2021 -L'Ecole No 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines Yakima Valley 2022 -Pike Road Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2021 -Pomum Cellars Idilico Albarino 2022 -Rex Hill Seven Soils Chardonnay 2019 -Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2021 -Traveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs NV -Traveri Cellars Rose NV -Valley View Winery Viognier 2019 The Food: there were enormous cheeseboards from the Cheese Boutique with an assortment of salumni and cold cuts, pre-cut cheeses (including a dynamite truffle cheese), strawberries, blackberries, veggie platters (crudites and cooked/pickled/grilled). The Downside: the media room was only available for a few people. The Upside: a good selection of wines and producers, interesting conversations. The Contact Person: kelly@predhomme.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87 REPORT ON THE GAMBERO ROSSO ANNUAL TRE BICHHIERI trade tasting, June 8, 2023... The Date and Time: Thursday June 8, 2023 11:30A - 5P The Event: Gambero Rosso Annual Tre Bicchieri Walk Around Tasting The Venue: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: once again, the catalogue was up in the cloud and had to be downloaded. The Quote/Background: There was a masterclass from the Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo on Cerasuolo Rose, based on Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes. We tasted six wines, and the results are noted below. All the wines were under cork, and ranged in price in Italy as 8 – 15 Euros each retail. And they were all small lot bottlings. In the grand hall, 48 wineries in all participated this year in Toronto. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, going after the sparkling, the whites, and the roses plus some reds. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Brut Golf 1927 NV -Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Xtra Brut Rose 2018 -Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2022 -Terzini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, hot finish at 14%ABV -Buccicatino Fatt Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, 13%ABV -Velenosi Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Prope 2022, 13.5%ABV [my fave, savoury gamey tones] -Tenuta Secolo IX Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 13.5%ABV -Planeta Chardonnay 2021 Sicily (Vintages July 8) $54.95 -Terzini Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo -Cusumano Noa 2019 Sicily $31.95 -Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019 $104 -Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera Riserva 2017 -Lamole di Lamoe Chianti Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli 2019 -Castello Vichimaggio FSM Vigna Piggarso 2018 $69.85 -Torrevento Castel del Monte Rosso Vigna Pedale Riserva 2016 Puglia -Famiglia Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Villa Rosa 2018 -Tenute del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019 Tuscany -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Particella 181 2021 Prosecco -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut NV Prosecco -Monviert FCO Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia -Cantina Tollo Peco IGP Pecorino Terre di Chieti 2022 -Infinitum Primativo Rosada $15.95 -Panizzi Vernacia de San Gimignano DOCG 2017 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Rose 2022 -Jasci & Marchesani Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 12.5%ABV -Jasci & Marchesani Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo -Famiglia de Cerchio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Passo Sacro 2022, 13%ABV -Ferrari Brut -Dievole Chianti Gran Selezione 2018 -San Marzano Edda $27.95 -Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016 -Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione V. Poggiarso 2018 $55 -Planeta Maroccoli 2018 Sicily $ 49.95 (Vintages Oct 7) -Tornatore Etna Bianco 2021 Sicily $37.50 (Noble Estates) -Tornatore Etna Rosso 2021 Sicily $33 (Noble Estates) -Italo Cescon Pinot Grigio 2022 -Tenuta Borgo Conventi Collio Bianco Luna di Ponca 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia The Food: servers came around with platters of diverse appetizers, including lamb and veggies, beef, meatballs, bruschetta, mushroom pizza, arancini. The Contact Person: gamberorossocanada@sogood.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 REPORT FROM QUEBEC DELIGHTED – RENDEZ-VOUS GOURMET QUEBEC IN TORONTO Date: Monday June 5, 2023, 9A – 5P The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall Lobby The Target Audience: food writers and Ontario wholesale food buyers. The Event: The 11th edition of Rendez-Vous Gourmet Quebec in Toronto. Background: This is a joint venture with the Ministere de l'Agriculture, des Pecheries et de l'Alimentation, plus the Bureau du Quebec a Toronto – to help promote the PQ food sector. Some 66 exhibitors were involved in showcasing their sustainable or organic foods or consumer goods and services. It was a trade show with stalls and salespeople plus free tastings of many products. Brochures were generously available, as were specific cards. My major interests were in wines, beers, ciders, and cheeses. I could only find one Nordic vineyard and distillery at the show: Domaine Le Cageot; but its scope was limited to non-alcoholic wines, vinegars, preserves, honey, syrup, tea, and various collaborations with other producers such as Oree Signature (sausages), Fees Boreales (candles), gifts and baskets. The show had diverse organic free trade non-GMO teas, plus kombucha, mushroom coffee mixes (Dodjivi), tonic water (1642), non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails (Romeo's gin), and Cafe Castelo (a coffee roasting house which provided us with an enormous bag of coffee to take home). Categories I did not visit included bakery and desserts, confectionary and maple products, fruit and veggies, oils, condiments and spices, ready-to-eat, and retail tech. I had better luck with cheeses and snacks: only three cheesemakers turned up – Fromagerie L'Ancetre [which is already everywhere in Ontario health food stores with many lactose-free cheeses and organic old double-smoked cheddars, Baluchon, and Raclette cheeses], Plaisirs Gourmets (distributor, offering yummy le cheddar du presbytere, blue Fleuron, Cheval noir de l'isle, and even Blue Benedictine [a perennial prize winner]), and Fromages CDA. Manba gave me a large jar of their peanut butter which contained a range of Haitian hot spices (very addictive, but yes it didn't run out before I got home). There were plated samples of salmon tartare from Grizzly, as well as salmon burgers and tuna tartare. Northfolk Bison gave me a Bison Burger, emphasizing its strong nutritional value over beef and pork. The company also produces wild boar and elk. Other sampling I did (and enjoyed) included les gars de saucisse and Zoe Greek EVOO. Snacks abounded, and most of them were nutritious, suitable for schools and daycare. My loot bag contained many small sealed packs, some with gluten-free and organic options. All were peanut- and nut-free. One line from Malyna was even called ”Snack Attack”. Vitali-t snacks are all based on oats; hence, they were gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, peanut-free, allergen-free and rich in protein and carbohydrate fibre for sustained energy. Les Fumistes produces Fumix – a cereal-based smoked snack mix – dy-no-mite!. Grandma Emily produces both organic and non-organic granola cereals and bars. GoGo Quinoa specializes in mainly quinoa for its cookies and snacks. I had a great time at the show....Everybody was warm and friendly, answered all my questions, and generously came forward with samples. The downside of the show: a lack of wine, beers, and ciders, and I had to miss the cooking demo with Chef Romain Avril. The upside of the show: a good range of food products – most enjoyable. The contact Persons: medias@prdepartment.ca; david.dupuy@mce.gouv.qc.ca; valerie.dufour@mce.gouv.qc.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 REPORT ON THE WINES OF PORTUGAL trade show, June 1, 2023... The Date and Time: Thursday June 1, 2023, 1PM to 5PM The Event: Wines of Portugal: food & wine experience in Toronto The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: it was a full book of some 60 pages, containing 32 wineries and over 300 wines. There was a description of the ten most widely used grape varieties (out of 250 grape varieties in total) plus some indices. The table numbers ran in accord with the page numbers of the producers in the book. Each entry had full contact deets of addresses, phone numbers, agents, local names, and the like (plus a small map indicating regions). Each wine was listed by name, with year, region, and grapes. Prices were not available. The Quote/Background: the book was excellent, except for the lack of prices. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, missing most of the reds. Agents are listed in parentheses. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vicente Faria Vinhos Animus 2022 Vinho Verde -Soito Encruzado Reserva 2021 -Niepoort Redoma Reserva Branco 2021 Douro $61 (Le Sommelier) -Azores Wine Co. Arinto dos Acores 2018 and 2021 $60 (Le Sommelier) -Sao Luiz Winemakers Collection Folgazao & Rabigato Branco 2018 Douro (Wineworld) -Sogevinus Veedha 2020 Red Douro +31197 LCBO $15.95 (Amethyst) -FitaPreta Palpite Branco Reserva 2021 $44 VR Alentejano (Le Sommelier) -Macanita Vinhos Tinto Reserva 2020 $45 Douro (Le Sommelier) -Quinta do Mondego Branco 2019 -Quinta do Mondego Munda Encruzado Branco 2020 -J.Portugal Ramos Family Duorum Colheita Branco 2021 (Sylvestre) -Cartuxa EA Bio 2021 (FWP Trading) -Casa Relvas Herdade Sao Miguel Colheita Seleccionada Branco 2022 -Casa Relvas DOC Vidigueira Branco 2022 -Boas Quintas Opta Dao Encurzado 2022 -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Arinto Branco Reserva 2021 -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Colheita Seleccionada Branco 2021 -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Blanc de Noir Cuvee Brut 2014 [my fave] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Obra Prime 2022 Vinho Verde (Perigon beverage) -Soito Espumante Blanc de Noirs 2019 -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Blanc de Noirs Brut NV -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Blanc de Blancs Brut NV -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Rose Brut NV -Enoport Caves Velhas Romeira Chardonnay 2020 Lisboa -Enoport Cabeca de Toiro Reserva 2022 Tejo -Quinta do Casal Branco Falcoaria Colheita Tardia 2016 Tejo [late harvest] -Sao Luiz Branco 2022 Douro (Wineworld) -Sao Luiz Reserva Branco 2021 Douro (Wineworld) -Dialogo Branco Snow 2021 Douro, $19 (Le Sommelier) -Dialogo Tinto 2021 Douro, $21 (Le Sommelier) -NAT'Cool! Primata 2021 Douro $29 1 litre (Le Sommelier) -Drink Me Nat'Cool Dao 2020 Red $23 l litre (Le Sommelier) -Fresh from Amphora Nat Cool Branco 2022 (Azureau) -Falua Reserva Branco 2020 -Churchills Estates Grafite Douro Branco 2021 -Casa Santos Lima Blend Portugal Branco 2022 Lisboa -Boas Quintas Gandarada Encurzado Branco 2022 -Boas Quintas Fonte do Ouro Branco 2022 The Food: there was a paid event coming up in the evening starting at 6, so we were treated to some awesome food in the afternoon – Four chefs provided excellent samples, in addition to the charcuterie (nice to have smoked duck breast back again) and cheese platters. -Chef Manuel Vilela (Chiado) gave us some fresh pan-seared cod and porcini, on a bed of lemon risotto; -Chef Dave Junek (Salt) gave us a large wagyu slider with chimichurri aioli with a side manchego-jambon croquette; -Chef Martine Bauer (Restaurant Pompette) presented us with a chicken and duxelles vol- au-vent AND a salmon citrus gravlax. -Chef Rafael Covarrubias (Hexagon in Oakville) gave us a scallop crudo with buttermilk, melon and tarragon and jalapeno, PLUS a salted cod empanada, preserved tomato, nduja, and preserved lemon. The Downside: it got crowded really fast after the masterclass finished, further antagonized by low lighting from the ceiling. The Upside: quality food matching quality wine samples. The Contact Person: www.winesofportugal.com; marketing@viniportugal.pt; Lumir JARDAK The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94 REPORT ON THE CRU WINE MERCHANTS PORTFOLIO, May 30, 2023... The Date and Time: Tuesday May 30, 2023, from 11:30A to 3:30 PM The Event: Cru Wine Merchants Portfolio Tasting 2023 The Venue: Constantine Toronto The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media, wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: a good looking catalogue laid out by country and then producer, with details on pricing for licensees. The Quote/Background: there were 64 wine producers showing anywhere from one wine to a dozen wines each. The Wines: I could not taste every wine, most notably many of the reds. Prices are licensee net in most cases. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Versado Reserva Malbec 2010 Mendoza (+316984 Vintages, $78 retail) -Charles Baker Wines Riesling Ivan Vineyard 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $25.49 -Charles Baker Wines Riesling Picone Vineyard 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge, $39.03 -Charles Baker Wines Riesling Blanc de Blanc Cuvee du Boulanger 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $31.67 [my fave fizz of the day] -Stratus White 2021 VQA NOTL $25.49 -Stratus Skin Contact Viognier 2021 VQA NOTL $27.88 -Stratus Red 2017 VQA NOTL $39.03 -Wiston Estate Sparkling Rose Brut NV Sussex $69.95 -Champagne Monmarthe Secret de Famille Brut NV $49.95 -Jeaunaux-Robin Fil de Brume Brut NV $69.95 -Domaine Albert Mann Gewurztraminer 2020 Alsace $38.95 -Domaine Albert Mann Cremant Extra Brut 2018 $47.95 -Domaine Oudin Vaugirault 1er cru Chablis 2021 $59.95 -Domaine Francois Gay et Fils Beaune 1er cru Les Teurons Blanc 2018 $89.95 -Barth Charta Riesling 2019 Rheingau $30.95 -Sorelle Bronca Difetto Perfetto Sur Lie Prosecco 2021 Conegliano Valdobbiadene $28.95 -Agricola Molino Moscato d'Asti Mistral 2022 Trersio $24.95 -Vina Costeira Lua Jazz Brut Treixadura Sparkling NV Rias Baixas [not yet priced] -Raventos Blanc de Blanc Brut 2020 $27 Penedes -Can Sumoi Ancestral Sparkling 2018 $31.95 Penedes -Bethel Heights Estate Chardonnay 2019 Oregon $54.95 -Kongsgaard Chardonnay 2019 Napa $230 -San Felo Tuscany Le Stoppie Vermentino [not yet priced] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Versado Malbec 2018 Mendoza (+317008 Vintages, $21.25 retail) -Stratus Chardonnay 2020 VQA NOTL $39.03 -Stratus Field Blend Ancestral 2022 $27.88 -Jeaunaux-Robin Le Dessous de la Cabane Rose NV $74.95 -Domaine Oudin Chablis 2021 $37.95 -Domaine Oudin Les Serres Chablis 2021 $47.95 -Sorelle Bronca Modi Brut Prosecco NV $21.95 -Vini Bossanova Pet Nat Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 $41.95 -Rippon Sauvignon Blanc Lake Wanaka 2021 $39.95 -Kleinood Tamboerskloof Viognier Stellenbosch 2022 $33.95 -Favia-Erickson Carbone Chardonnay 2020 Combsville $79.95 -Hudson Chardonnay 2021 Napa $124.95 -Precision Wine Co. Introvert White 2020 California AVA $21.95 -Brokenwood Hunter Valley Australia Semillon 2022 [not yet priced] The Food: from Constantine's menu – a variety of flatbreads, including a pomodoro pizza and a mushroom pizza, along with bites of cheese and pate mousse on breads. The charcuterie platter included more cheese, pate, sausages, and salami as well as sundried tomatoes. The Downside: many wines were physically collated together but split apart by the catalogue listing; this meant a lot of to-ing and fro-ing through the booklet. The Upside: a great opportunity to taste great wines. The Contact Person: kasiakoziara@cruwinemerchants.com; Charles Baker The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 May 2023 1.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 (their first general list wine at the LCBO, to be released in June): a summer social sipper or quaffer, combining 41.6% riesling and 40.7% chardonnay with 15.9% sauvignon blanc and balance pinot grigio – all highly aromatic grapes. The percentages change from vintage to vintage depending on vineyard conditions. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. A popular seller with 2501 cases. Incredibly fresh and fruity tones for summer. Vegan friendly. 15g/L residual sugar. 12.9% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +80234 Vintages Essential: more in the Mosel mode than Rhine wine, this delicious all Riesling sipper is loaded with a nose of citrus highlights (lemon, plentiful lime, grapefruit) evolving to Ontario orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long finish which also makes it nifty food wine for many Asiatic dishes. Medium body, off-dry. Suitable for aging (to get that “petrol” character). 1429 cases made. 9.5% ABV. Consistent vintage RS 21 g/L. Vegan friendly. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +89011 Vintages October 7: 20% of this wine went into neutral Canadian oak barrel for fermentation, leaving 80% for stainless steel. That contributed to the softness and to the muted tones of grassiness. Tropical flowers are accented rather than tropical fruit, and this too adds to its dryness culminating with ending citrus notes for a long finish. It's a great wine for savvy lovers who go for complexity rather than just herbs. At the same time, this allows for more food choices. Only 408 cases. Vegan friendly. 5 g/L residual sugar, 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 +149302 Vintages September 23: one of my faves. Over the years it has simply gotten better as the grapevines matured. Wild indigenous yeast is used. Good mid-tone oaky component (it is very easy to say it is mid-way between French and US oak) from the use of nearby Canadian oak trees. 10% new oak, 90% 1 to 5 year old. Terrific ripe orchard fruit aromas and palate. Plus vanillin and cream after the mid-palate leading to citric food-friendly finish. Needs more time for balancing, but then at that moment it will be awesome. Vegan friendly. 328 cases. 12.5% ABV. 1.2 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Featherstone Estate Winery Pinot Grigio 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +20599 Vintages July 22: this is a highly competitive category, but Featherstone goes up very well against the other PGs in Ontario, especially with its slight yellow colour. Its colour and even its taste can slot it into the rose category, or even the “orange” wine area. Typical nuances include off-dry orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic melon-ish overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with slightly bitter citric notes. That makes it both a sipper and a food wine, suitable as a pre-prandial in the summer. There is some Ontario cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, but also with some peach notes. Stainless steel all the way, with half being pressed immediately and half left to soak on skins before pressing. Vegan friendly. 10g/L residual sugar. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Featherstone Estate Winery Phoenix 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 +519025 Vintages August 19: Gewurztraminer done up in stainless steel, very Alsatian in style, with concentrated fruit, off-dry on the mid-palate, spicy with a tad of bitter on the finish, great with Asiatic foods or any spicy foods. Or wonderful as an aperitif by the deck/patio/pool/terrace/balcony. Capable of improvement over the next few years. Vegan friendly. Strictly limited at 75 cases total production. 10 g/L residual sugar. 12.3% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Featherstone Estate Winery Frostbite Select Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula [half-bottle] $29.95 at winery retail store: On the nose, very aromatic with major tropical tones of melons and lychees, very much in the fruity Alsatian style of "tardif" gewurztraminer. Yum. Cool fermentation in stainless steel, with typical concentrated gewurztraminer modes of lychees, spices, limes, some roses on the mid-palate. Best as a desert wine by the deck or porch or pool, or with fragrant cheeses, spicy and/or creamy dessert foods, with a tad of bitter on the finish. Great with Asiatic foods. Vegan friendly. 112 cases. 14% ABV. Residual sugar is 66g/L. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Featherstone Estate Winery Rose 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 +117861 Vintages May 27: over the years, this rose has had varying amounts of grape varieties – all dependent on what wily winemaker David Johnson sees as the best possible blend. In the past it has had pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, as well as gamay noir, merlot, chardonnay, and cabernet franc. This latest vintage (2022) has cabernet sauvignon 49%, cabernet franc 18.7%, gamay noir 18.7%, and pinot noir 13.7%. It's an extremely useful wine for any event, any occasion, with any food, or just alone as a sipper on the beach/patio/deck/terrace/backyard/porch/balcony – even in front of a roaring fireplace (as I did just this week when the temperature dropped). Expect plenty of red fruit tones in its deliciousness. Great price. Vegan friendly. 1148 cases. 11.8g/L residual sugar, 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a consistent blend of 95% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. All US oak was used – 25% new barrels for 10 months. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of tastes of cherry-berries and plums, some leafy qualities. Black pepper. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving acid balances. Should go well with BBQ veggies. Keep for another few years (I tasted one bottle over a week). Vegan friendly. 2067 cases. 1.7 g/L residual sugar. 12.2% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 Vintages +131540: Merlot is still recovering from its dissing by Pinot Noir in the movie “Sideways”. But a lot of wineries still enjoy making it. David Johnson the winemaker has here produced a delightfully fruity but dryish drop that is also affordable. Aged 10 months in French oak (25% new), 100% malolactic fermentation. Expect black fruit cherry-berry complexity, headed by cassis. Both a patio sipper and a food wine, and ready now for current drinking and accompanying any kind of comfort food. Vegan friendly. 499 cases made. RS 2.3 g/L 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Featherstone Estate Winery Gamay Noir 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 winery retail store: medium-full-bodied, suggestive of lighter Beaujolais wines such as Fleurie. Dark cherry-berry flavours dominate, but there is added spicing and even some nuances of earthiness and eucalyptus (the wine is oaked for ten months in US barrels). Good with BBQ, cheese, or something substantial, but a tannic/tart structure of refreshing cranberies is present to carry through a whole meal. 348 cases produced. Vegan friendly. 11.5% ABV, Residual sugar 1.3g/L. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ====================================== The Date and Time: Monday, May 15, 2023, 11:30AM – 3:30PM The Event: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Walkaround Tasting The Venue: Aria The Target Audience: wine trade, agents, media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: The proprietors of the eight Vino Nobile di Montepulciano featured wineries were in attendance; two were looking for agents (Manvi, Podere Casanova). The Quote/Background: This appellation of Tuscany is between Siena and Rome, just south of Chianti, and was famous for its light red wines based on sangiovese. The walkaround featured pressure-less pourings from Cantina Crociani (Cavinona Wine Agency), Carpineto (Univins and Spirits), Fattoria del Cerro (Cavinona Wine Agency), Fattoria Svetoni (Tre Amici), Il Molinaccio (United Stars), Manvi (looking for agent), Podere Casanova (looking for agent) and Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano (Tre Amici). The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. I skipped a white wine and a vinsanto, and a few Rossos di Montepulciano.... **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Crociani Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva Toscana -Podere Casanova Vino Noble di Montepulciano Settecento -Manvi Ojas Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva 2019 -Fattoria Svetoni Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2019 $25 -Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2017 -Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva 2016 -Fattoria del Cerro Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2019 -Fattoria del Cerro Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva 2017 -Il Molinaccio di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva La Poiana 2019 [organic] $86.95 -Carpineto Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2019 -Carpineto Appodiato di Montepulciano Poggio Sant'Enrico 2012 Vino Noble di Montepulciano DOCG ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Podere Casanova Vino Noble di Montepulciano DOCG -Podere Casanova Corte Vino Rosso di Montepulciano DOC -Podere Casanova Irripetibile IGT Toscana -Manvi Myra Rosso di Montepulciano DOC -Manvi Arya Vino Noble di Montepulciano -Crociani Vino Noble di Montepulciano -Fattoria Svetoni Rosso Noble di Montepulciano 2021 -Fattoria Svetoni Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2020 $25 -Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Corbaio Rosso Toscana 2018 -Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Campaltino Toscana Rosso IGT -Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Rosso di Montepulciano 2021 -Fattoria del Cerro Antica Chilesi -Il Molinaccio di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano La Spinosa 2019 [organic] $63.95 -Carpineto Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2020 -Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon IGT 2020 The Food: Aria provided an enormous Italian buffet selection which included multiple cold cut platters of first rate salumi (nothing hot), caprese salad, pizza, roast potatoes, roast chicken, roast porchetta, asparagus risotto, gnocchi, a wheel of parmigiano reggiano, biscotti. The Downside: nothing really – the weather co-operated for those of us who wanted to be outdoors. The Upside: good listing of Vino Nobile wines, which I have not seen in the same room in Ontario for quite some time. The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 96 ========================= REPORT FROM THE SANTORINI VOLCANIC TERROIR PDO TASTING MAY 3, 2023... The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 3, 2023, 12PM – 3:30 PM The Event: Santorini Volcanic Terroir PDO tasting The Venue: George The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: Four wineries presented their wines that were available in Ontario – Estate Argyros, Domaine Sigalas, Gaia Wines and Santo Wines. The Quote/Background: This was a walk around tasting concerned with the wines of PDO Santorini Greece. It was a great chance to explore the wine labels of a small slice of Greece. Both the still wines of assyrtiko grapes and vinsanto were poured. The Wines: There were 14 wines in all (including four vinsanto) **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Estate Agryos Monsignori 2020, 14.5% -Gaia Thalassitis 2021, 13.8% $42 -Assyrtiko by Gaia Wild Ferment 2021, 14%, $50 -Gaia Nykteri 2020, 14% -Santo Nykteri 2021, 14.1%, $43 -Domaine Sigalas Santorini Barrel 2021, 14.5%, $67.98 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Estate Agryos Santorini Assyrtiko 2021, 14.4% -Santo Santorini Assyrtiko 2022, 13.2% -Domaine Sigalas Santorini AA 2022, 13.4%, $34.95 -Domaine Sigalas Santorini 2022, 14.5%, $53.95 VINSANTO – -Estate Agryos Santorini Vansanto First Release 2015, 13.1%, $79.95 Rated: 92 pts. -Estate Agryos Santorini Vansanto First Release 2002, 13.28%, $150 Rated: 93 pts. -Gaia Vinsanto 2012, 10.9% Rated: 90 pts. -Santo Vinsanto 2016, 11.2% $37 Rated: 89 pts. The Food: George produced some delicious bites from PDO Santorini food products, including PDO Santorini fava bean, PDO Santorini tomato fondant with goat cheese, potato wrapped tuna, shrimp tempura, lemon thyme pettole, chicken satay, heirloom carrot and potato, oysters and lemons, chocolate beignets, tartlet of nuts and dried fruit. The Downside: I had just come from a huge Australian wine marketing trade show. The Upside: a chance to focus on the Santorini wines The Contact Person: contact@johnszabo.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 REPORT FROM THE NEW TO MARKET TASTING FROM AUSTRALIA May 3, 2023... DATE: Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from noon – 2 PM The Event: New to Market Tasting Toronto, from Australia The Venue: Peter Pan Bistro, Queen Street The Target Audience: wine agents and media The Availability/Catalogue: there was a nice booklet listing the various wine regions of Australia, with maps, and sorting the producers alphabetically, with contact names, email addresses, websites and a listing of two or more wines from each of the 13 wineries which had participated. The Quote/Background: Brown Brothers are back! The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are AUD. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bremerton Wines Special Release No Added Preservatives Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2022, 14.5%, $57.50 FOB six pack -Brown Brothers Origins Series Dry Rose Victoria Shiraz Dolcetto 2022, 12.5%, $48.90 FOB six pack -Hart of the Barossa Vine Vale Barossa Valley Mataro 2021, 13.7%, organic, $78 FOB six pack -Hart of the Barossa Ye Brave Barossa Valley Shiraz 2021, 14.8%, organic, $78 FOB six pack -Jo Irvine Levrier Wines Brut Rose Adelaide Hills Petit Meslier NV, 11.5%, $159.60 FOB for six pack -Jo Irvine Mosaic Collection Barossa Valley Merlot 2028, 14.5%, $134 FOB for six pack -Organic Hill Founders Release McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, 13.8%, biodynamic, $90 FOB for case of 12. -Organic Hill Founders Release McLaren Vale Shiraz 2021, 13.8%, biodynamic, $90 FOB for case of 12. -Teusner Weines Gentleman Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, 14.5%, $65 FOB for six pack ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bremerton Wines Tamblyn Langhorne Creek Cabernet Shiraz Malbec 2020, 14%, $90 FOB for case of 12 -Brown Family Innocent Bystander King Valley Pinot Gris 2022, 13.5% ABV, $54.90 FOB for six pack -Burge Family Wine Estates Corryton Burge Barossa Shiraz 2020, 14.5%, $60 FOB for six pack. -Burge Family Wine Estates Corryton Burge Barossa Grenache 2022, 14%, $60 FOB for six pack. -Eight at the Gate Wines Single Vineyard Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2019, 14.5%, $52 FOB for six pack -Eight at the Gate Wines Single Vineyard Wrattonbully Chardonnay 2021, 12.9%, $48 FOB for six pack -Lou Miranda Estate Fierce III Barossa Valley Sagrantino 2019, 14.5%, $90 FOB for six pack -Lou Miranda Estate Fierce III Barossa Grenache Mataro Shiraz 2019, 14.5%, $90 FOB for six pack -Pindarie Rosedale Road Barossa Sangiovese 2022, 12%, $96 FOB for six pack -Pindarie TSS Mediterranean Blend Barossa Tempranillo Sangiovese Shiraz 2021, $13.5%, $120 FOB for case of 12 -Project Wine Angas & Bremer The Creek Langhorne Creek Grenache Graciano Malbec, Shiraz, Touriga 2021, 14.5%, $65 FOB case of 12 -Project Wine Angas & Bremer Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2021, 14.8%, $85 FOB case of 12 -Sevenhills Cellars Inigo Clare Valley Grenache 2021, 14%, $45 FOB for six pack -Sevenhills Cellars Quarry Road Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2019, 13.5%, $76 FOB for six pack -Teusner Wines Bilmore Barossa Valley Shiraz 2021, 14.5%, $65 FOB for six pack -The Pawn Langhorne Creek Fiano 2022, 13%, $125 for case of 12 -The Pawn Adelaide Hills Tempranillo 2021, 14%, $125 FOB for case of 12 The Food: a good collection for a relaxed stand-up lunch and wine tasting – sliders (beef, chicken), grilled cheese small sandwiches, cheese twist pastries, a charcuterie platter, a cheese platter, and a veggie platter, all with assorted breads and crackers and root crisps. The Downside: it got crowded really fast. The Upside: a good chance to taste wines new to the Ontario market. The Contact Person: annie.dingwall@wineaustralia.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 REPORT FROM BOLDLY NEW YORK TRADE TASTING April 17, 2023.... 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 REPORT FROM TASTE ONTARIO ! TORONTO April 12, 2023.... 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. REPORT FROM LOIRE VALLEY WINES TORONTO! March 28, 2023... 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. At the LCBO, you can currently find 332 coolers. Of course, no store carries them all. But the LCBO's website (www.lcbo.com) does list them all. The largest sub-category is “coolers and cocktails” with 180 products, followed by “seltzers and sodas” with 105. “Teas and Caesars” take up the rest. Typical size is about a 355 mL can or a 473 mL can (size will vary) with 5.5% ABV and priced under $3. Sugar content varies wildly. I thought that I would drop a line or two about one of the newest, from the Aloette restaurant group. They've already launched “Espresso Martini Fizz” ($2.45, 473 mL can) and now they are back for a second launch: Southside Fizz ($2.95, 355 mL can, 5.5%ABV). It's a pre-made or pre-fab version of the basic Cucumber Mint Gimlet aka Eastside (or Southside) Cocktail aka Cucumber Gin and (if fizzy) Tonic. So it's got London Dry Gin, mint, cucumber juice, lime juice, sugar, and seltzer water. I'm a wine guy so I passed it over to my wife who's a gin aficionado. This cooler is light and citrusy on the palate, and would be more enjoyable if you deeply chill it and serve it on the rocks: it is the start of the patio season. Quite a quartet set of wines, just released by Chateau des Charmes (at winery and online) -- CHATEAU DE CHARMES EQUULEUS 2020 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard, VQA St. David's Bench. +319525, $60 at winery and online: made from a traditional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Cabernet Franc (25%) and Merlot (25%), but only made in good years (earlier vintages had all three grapes at varying levels such as, at one time, 53% cab sauv/34% cab franc/13% merlot and other blends; all was dependent on the harvest). The last vintage I tasted was 2010. The 2020 spent 16 months in small French oak, with each variety aged separately. After blending it is aged further in French oak casks for several months. Tons of concentrated Bordeaux flavours, all the dark black berries and mocha, but some years away from mellowing well. It's a Meritage wine in that Bordeaux-style blend, with plenty of black fruit and some smoke. Cellar this wine another 5 years, or else do a double decant (maybe even more) to accelerate the aging process. Tasted over a number of days – and it kept getting better. A good meaty wine for strong-flavoured grilled meats. Residual sugar 0.4 g/L. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 94 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ====================================================== CHATEAU DES CHARMES CABERNET FRANC 2020 St. David's Bench Vineyard, VQA St. David's Bench, +453415 $44.95 at winery and online: it has been some years since I last tasted their St. David's Bench Cabernet Franc; they have a continual winner of a brooding wine that could have been diverted to Equuleus. It has some over-the-top full-bodied black spicy fruit while still retaining some cranberries and bell peppers, slightly augmented with a herby edge of pine/cedar/tobacco leaf tones. Aged for a year in 1 – 2 year-old toasted French oak. Sip as a meditative drink or with red meat/cheese (the winery suggests any herb-encrusted meats). Cork closure. I opened my bottle and did a double-decant followed by several days of open bottle sampling. Residual sugar at 0.5 g/L. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ====================================================== CHATEAU DES CHARMES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 St. David's Bench Vineyard, VQA St. David's Bench, +935957 $44.95 at winery and online: this is the only single variety Cabernet Sauvignon that Chateau des Charmes makes, and not every year. Aged in small 1 – 2 year old French oak for 12 months. Loaded with dark choco-berry and mocha tones, and smooth all over, good balance between fruit-acid-wood. Ready now but will benefit from a cellaring of up to five years. This is Bordeaux quality as a food wine – upfront cassis, tobacco leaf, mocha. Should be great with shanks (lamb, veal, pork, drumsticks) or oxtail, even necks or cheeks. Residual sugar at 0.3 g/L. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ===================================================== CHATEAU DES CHARMES MERLOT 2020 St David's Bench Vineyard, VQA St David's Bench, +453431, $44.95 at winery and online: made only in the best years, 2012 was the last vintage I had tasted. Rich and ripe cassis, cherry, cedar tones from one year barrel aging in French oak. As is typical with Merlot, you'll get a velvet soft finish with enjoyable finishing tannins. Give it two or more years, or do double-decanting. Residual sugar at 0.5 g/L. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.