WINE TRADE WINDS AT-HOME TASTING DIARY FOR PRE-LABOUR DAY SUMMER 2020 [published since 2000]: By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MIDSUMMER – SERIES FIVE -- 1.Sandbanks Sleeping Giant Foch – Baco Noir 2018 VQA Ontario +164087 LCBO, $19.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from August 17 to September 13 it is priced at $17.95): based on marechal foch and baco noir grapes, this wine comes loaded with the intensity of rustic red fruit and mocha tones, tempered by deftly placed wood notes. Try with roasts. A previous vintage was OWA Gold Medal 2018 and All Canadian Wine Championships Gold Medal 2018. 14g/L residual sugar and 12.5% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Sandbanks Baco Noir Reserve 2019 VQA Ontario +225920 LCBO, $19.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from October 12 to November 5 it is priced at $17.95): plenty of full-bodied black fruit here, displaying also some mocha in its development. Some light barrel aging as well. Best with grilled meats. A previous vintage was OWA Bronze Medal 2018 and All Canadian Wine Championship Double Gold 2018. 13 g/L residual sugar and 12.5% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Sandbanks Route 33 Red (Merlot-Petit Verdot) NV VQA Ontario +17370 LCBO, $19.95: another full-bodied wine, loaded with charm and character reminiscent of typical Bordeaux. The bi-varietal blend is merlot and petit verdot (both commonly used in Bordeaux), all showing red cherry-berry aromatics and textures coupled with some oak tones from extended barrel aging. Plummy too. Best with strong cheeses or sauced meats. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Sandbanks Route 33 White (Riesling-Pinot Grigio) NV VQA Ontario +17369 LCBO, $14.95: another bi-varietal with dry tropical fruit notes and crispness, slightly herbal complexity, with a lemon-lime finish. Very useful in a reliable sense. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Sandbanks Pinot Grigio 2018 VQA Ontario +372219 LCBO, $15.95: this is a competitive category, but Sandbanks goes up very well against other grigios in Ontario. Typical nuances include orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic tropical overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with citric notes. 8 g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Sandbanks Beach Riesling NV VQA Ontario +139022 LCBO, $14.95: a very decent seafood-ready consistent wine in the riesling tradition of petrol and minerals augmented by the range of orchard fruit found in nectarines, plums, apricots, and peaches, ending with a lemony citric crispness. 16G/L resideual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Sandbanks Smugglers White NV VQA Ontario +648642 LCBO, $13.95: a nifty blend of vidal and pinot grigio, with a very light colour but lifted aromatics of pineapple and orchard fruit, following through on the mid-weight palate and ending with a citric finish appropriate for food. 7g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Sandbanks Summer Rose NV VQA Ontario +14867 LCBO, $14.95: this is vidal with skin contact, so the appearance is almost like an orange wine – which makes it sort of trendy. It's also a seasonal release, so when it is gone, it is gone. And it is also lightly sparkling but kept under a twist top. The suggestion on the label is to chill it, not only for the flavour as a white wine but also to stop any bubbles from gushing. Dominating flavours include nectarines and oranges with other tropical notes, right through to the finish. 31 g/L residual sugar, 11.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Sandbanks Rose 2019 VQA Ontario +244616 LCBO, $13.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from September 14 to October 11 it is priced at $17.95 – just in time for Thanksgiving): this is mostly vidal with some gamay, pinot noir, and muscat blanc. It is lightly tasty with an emphasis on floral bouquet. It has a great balance between sweet and tart flavours, within the peachy-citric range. Lovely finish. A previous vintage was All Canadian Wine Championships Silver Medal 2018. 12g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ------------------------------------ SERIES SIX - 1.Henry of Pelham Classic Cabernet-Merlot 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula +504241 LCBO $15.95: this entry level wine is dependable and consistent from year to year. This time it has cabernet franc, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. The Bordeaux-themed blend comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux. It is still a young wine and could profit from a double-decant. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by barrel aging. It has been modestly aged in used oak. Great with foods cooked in the Mediterranean basin style. 12.8% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Baco Noir Classic 2019 VQA Ontario, +270926 LCBO $15.95: As with their previous baco noirs at all levels, HOP has maintained the rich jammy character. This entry level baco has also been re-titled “Baco Noir Classic” and I suspect other HOP entry level varietal wines will also be labeled “Classic”, probably with a price rise of a dollar or so. US barrels are used for more than six months aging. It is still too young for today [only seven months old], needs another year or two. 13% ABV. One of the top General List bacos in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Just Merlot 2019 Pays d'Oc, +17528 LCBO October $11.95: an easy drinking entry-level merlot from the warmer south of France (Languedoc, Rhone). Ripe, oak free, good mix of red and black berries, smooth. 13.5% ABV. Good unpretentious value for the price. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.LangeTwins Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Lodi, +572305 Vintages $24.95: “Certified Green” sustainable. A great wallop of cherries begins the aromatics and dominates right through to the finish in typical Cali-style. 18 months aging in mostly French oak barrels, long rich ending with toasty notes. But only 2.4 g/L residual sugar. 14% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Sacred Hill Pinot Noir 2018 Marlborough, +277665 Vintages Halloween $19.95: typical Kiwi pinot noir from the heart of New Zealand, one of their better values for under $20. While the colour is a bit light, the dynamics of the palate are red cherry-berry all the way, with underbrush notes. Soft tannins dominate the finish. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.J. Bookwalter Readers Chardonnay 2018 Columbia Valley Washington, +634162 Vintages Halloween $19.95: I enjoyed the Cab from Readers awhile back, and I am happy to say that I enjoyed the Chard from Readers as well. It's a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier (20%) which puts it on maybe the same level as a Chardonnay Musque. Certainly, you would want no oak here, and that is a given. It is all stainless and the wine blend is co-fermented. The Viognier contributes honeysuckle and peaches, of course. The Chardonnay dominates with other orchard fruits and compelling citric notes. The blend is aged (with stirring) four months on its lees, and then bottled after a further two months. 13.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --------------------------------------------------------- SERIES SEVEN -- 1.WineryArt Bodega DeMuerte Blanca Sobre Lias 2019 Yecla Spain $23 Majesticwine.ca consignment: this is a bi-varietal wine, a blend of two grapes (here, 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% verdejo). Europe and Latin America have a vast number of bi-varietal wines. Each grape complements the other. Here,the sauvignon is aromatic with citric tones and herbs, while the verdelho is fruity with sweet ripe orchard fruit (peach, apricot). More complexity is given as both wines are aged on their lees (“sobre lias”). Both grape varieties come from vineyards that are over 10-years old. Poultry would be a suggested food accompaniment. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Albino Armani 1607 Sequal Sauvignon DOC Fruili-Grave 2018 Friuli-Venezia-Giulia $20.95 Majesticwine.ca consignment: very intense aromas, fruity from green fruit and herby but with a medium-body and not like Kiwin Savvy. Citric finish, very useful as a first course white wine. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Biscardo Mabis Oropasso Originale Garganega Chardonnay Veneto IGT 2018 $18.95 Majesticwine.ca consignment: another bi-varietal, with 60% garganega and 40% chardonnay. Here the garganega appears to have undergone a partial passito (its unctuousness tastes peachy). Or, at the very least, it is Late Harvest in style. Garganega, of course, is the grape behind Soave, and in its passito form, it's also Recioto di Soave, a sweet dessert wine with apricot and bitter almond complexity. So any sweetness has been muted by the chardonnay's green style. A good food accompaniment would be fish. 13% ABV. Really good quality wine. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Tavernello Pinot Bianco Famoso Rubicone IGT 2018 Emilia-Romagna LCBO +14060 $8.95 and 5.Tavernello Sangiovese Cabernet Rubicone IGT 2018 Emilia-Romagna LCBO +13602 $8.95: here we have entry level bi-varietals (the Argentine Fuzion Shiraz Malbec is a bi-varietal at this same price level). The sour cherry of the sangiovese has been tempered by the fruitiness of the cabernet, much like a SuperTuscan but minus the depth. Food: grilled vegetables or just patio parties. The white bi-varietal is interesting for its inclusion of the aromatic famoso grape, once a “lost” indigenous variety but since reclaimed. It deftly complements the blander pinot bianco. Good quaffing wines. 12% ABV Famoso; 13% ABV Sangiovese. Quality/Price rating is 88 points each by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES EIGHT --- 1.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah Mourvedre Grenache 2017 Cotes du Roussillon Les Aspres, +413245, $19.95 Vintages Nov 28: G-S-M style all the way. One third of the wine is matured in barrels for 9 months and then blended with the other, vatted wines. Jammy, upfront black fruit coupled with both mocha and subtle spice cake tones. Sip or with food. Consistent from year to year.14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Languedoc Red 2017 +413237 Vintages Essential, $16.95: the last vintage here was 2015. It's a blend of syrah and grenache, promising both black fruit and red fruit tones at an affordable price. Local garrigue is apparent, complemented by some fennel. Part of the wine is transferred over to 225-litre oak barrels where it is aged for roughly 10 months. 14% ABV. Good price, especially if you buy before Oct 10 (LTO $2 off). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Jim Barry Shiraz 2017 Clare Valley, +16036 $19.95 Vintages Nov 28: The entire Clare Valley (well-known for its Riesling) produces just over 1% of Australia's entire wine flow. This is a typical Shiraz, 100% (from family vineyards), in the Oz mode, aged in some light French oak, with plummy red fruit tones – but with none of that sweaty-bretty leather saddles from the Rhone. Released in time for the beginning of the Christmas season. Fresh easy drinking. RS 1g/L,14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Alvear Palacio Quemado Vendimia Seleccionada 2018 Ribera del Guadiana Extremadura, +16588, $13.95 Vintages Nov 28: Palacio Quemado wines are New World in style with grapes like tempranillo, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, and with experimentation involving other local varieties such as garnacha tintorera. For the most part, oak aging takes place in 500 litre Fr barriques and less so in 225 litre US barrels. So here the blend is tempranillo with garnacha tintorera, and the aging is about 5 months before bottling. On the palate it is all cherry-berry with toasted smoke tones, a good balance, soft tannins, and some edgy but creamy length. Suitable accompaniment with Christmas poultry. 13% ABV. Good price. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2018 +16750, $21.95, Vintages Nov 14: basically a light wine with the dryness found in Santa Barbara reflected in tropicality and citric tones with a dose of apples and some toast (with butter?). No unnecessary sweetness as most ripe California chardonnays appear to be exhibiting. Some unctuousness can be felt and the finish lends itself to food. But it could go either way or both ways. An adaptable wine at 14.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catherine Estate Blanc de Blanc “Carte Blanche” 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, +315200, $49.95 Vintages Nov 28: quite possibly this is my favourite Ontario wine overall. I would gladly drink more of it, except I have to pay for it. But then, this is the type of wine that many wine writers would gladly pay for. Estate grown chardonnay is hand-picked, partially barrel-fermented (20%) and then aged 54 months in the bottle on lees before degorgement. I love the baked lemon curd and toasted buttery brioche tones. I love watching the endless stream of bubbles. Traditional Method, of course, and pairs best with the usual Champagne accompaniments (caviar, oysters, Brie and goat cheeses). 12.5%, RS 6.4g/L. Lay it down for another half-dozen years. Quality/Price rating is 95 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Bin 106 “Lost Boys” Limited Edition Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +13421 $29.95, Vintages Nov 28: Last year's Bin 106 was a 30th Vintage Limited Edition. This 2019 Bin 106 has been labeled “Lost Boys” in recognition of the three young Speck brothers who spent their summers maintaining the vines (planted by them in 1984). These grapes survived the cut, and represent the very best barrels. Low yields on 3.5 tonnes per acre, gravity movement, destemming, etc. Top barrels were selected. Aged in new and one year old US barriques followed by a year's aging in a Foudre. Single vineyard. As with their other baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy wood character and the lowish price – under $30. This bottle still needs another two years for proper aging, but with double decanting and prolonged exposure to air while under cork, it can be enjoyed now. One of the top bacos in Ontario, works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. Really old cheeses and blues as well. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES NINE – 1.Monte del Fra Bardolino DOC 2019 Veneto, +134544, $15.95 Vintages, January 23, 2021: Bardolinos in Ontario are very rare these days, but this brand (purchased by the LCBO as a “direct” for the past six years) continues to come back year after year. It's awfully good value since the Veronese grape blend is similar to Valpolicella (here, %65 corvina, 30% rondinella, and 5% molinara). Basically, it is the corvina which provides the stuffing, and here it is only 65% unlike Valpolicella which has about 80% corvina. Bardolino is thus usually considered a lighter wine than Valpolicella and has probably reached its comparable price point this way. Expect red fruit and dark spices. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Valpolicella Classico DOC 2018 Veneto, +160226, $18.95 Vintages: a fairly basic but inviting Veronese wine full of red cherry-berry fruit, a bit jammy on the finish, ready now. Typical forest floor elements as well. Pretty well goes with everything, good as a sipper and as a food paired wine. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Ripasso 2017 Veneto, +165662, $24.95 Vintages: bright red fruit dominate both its texture and its palate, evoking some minerality that cuts through the balanced fruity cherry tones. Some forest floor; some mocha tones. Amarone grape pressings are added just before spring, to give it the second fermentation oompf. Great as a sipper or with food or both, ready now at three years after the vintage. It has been aged in large French oak for 18 months. This is a collaborative brand with the LCBO, and there will be a new release in May 2021. The grapes used are corvina veronese and corvinone (80%) with rondinella added. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2019 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +424507, $29.95 Vintages November 28: This Estate wine has had full MLF, 100% wild yeast, barrel fermentation, and French oak aging for 9 months (50% one fill, 50% neutral). Two different clones were used (95 and 96), and the results show a typical Westcott feature of orchard fruit with some tropicality concentrated notes contributed by the oak aging leading to a slight citric finish. Still too young, lay it down – or taste it (as I did) over a stretch of time. A good first course wine since the oak appears in the background as grace notes (it's lighter in toast tones than the 2018). Do not overchill. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Westcott Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2017 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +424500, $29.95 Vintages November 28: This Estate Pinot Noir (clones 115, 667, 777) has been barrel aqed in French oak (15% new) for 23 months. Overall it is harmoniously silky in a cool climate way, with red cherry-berry fruit and nuances of mocha. Good acid levels and soft tannins highlight an herbal consistency. Definitely a food wine that should appeal to all, especially with simply prepared meats and poultry. A slight chilling can enhance its performance with fish such as salmon or trout. It is still too young, so do a double decant or taste over several days as I did. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Henry of Pelham Family Estate Chardonnay 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, $21.95, +268342 Vintages Essential: this bottling continues the tres elegante Burgundian character of earlier years. Some ripeness, pleasant balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place, wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. Overall balance of fruit and wood, vanilla, modest spices. 12.8% ABV, cork closure, barrel fermentation in French oak, barrel aging (some in 3K litre foudres for 8 months. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Speck Family Reserve 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +657874 Vintages November, $34.95: fruit-forward with enough black/dark tones of cherry-berry capable of long cellar aging. The winery says Clones 667 on Block 100 were used for 250 cases. Tank fermentation with 10 months European oak barrel aging (30% new), finishing as blended in an oak tank. Very, very food friendly. 13% ABV. Steady pricing at this level for some years now. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Pencarrow Chardonnay Martinborough NZ, +16028 Vintages December 12, $21.95: one of the nicest balanced fresh chardonnays to come past my palate in quite some time, full of that old style oaking (not too toasty but at least noticeable). Golden hue and golden tastes, stressing a nuttiness from the French oak (20% new) and the wild yeast fermentation (50%). Aged on the stirred lees for 10 months. Plenty of stonefruit nuances. 13% ABV. The buttery finish lingers and nicely accompanies many complex first course dishes. Quality/Price rating is 93+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2018 BC Okanagan VQA, +585760 Vintages November 14, $32.95: typical cool climate approach to pinot noir, emphasizing its savouriness: yellow flower aromatic notes, candied red fruit, sweet green herbals and black pepper on the medium- soft juicy-citric finish. 93% Pinot Noir, 7% Gamay (although this varies from year to year, usually within a percentage point). Aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. Astounding residual sweetness of 0.28 g/L. 13.5% ABV. Tasted over several days. Probably best with any Christmas fowl. Quality/Price rating is 91+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Stel+Mar California Rose 2019, $16.95 LCBO March 2021: this is a multi-blended wine from central California and from a vintage that produced lowered grape sugars. Hence, the lack of typical off-dry California sunshine. Instead, the innovative Stel+Mar team (they produce wine in cans, Tetra paks, and bottles) came up with a drink that looks a lot like and tastes a lot like higher priced roses from southern France. The blend includes grapes such as barbera, petite sirah, and syrah, principally from the Central Coast. Sugar levels are at 7g/L and the acidity is up at 5.6g/L. The colour and palate is definitely food worthy. The mid-palate is attractive with overtones of stonefruit, with a slightly herby bitter finish which makes you want to eat something savoury: it was also my wine of choice for the Canadian Thanksgiving Turkey. They nailed it with this one, at that price. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Lamothe de Haux Chombart & Speck Cave Mystere Merlot 2018 Bordeaux AOC, +17232, $18.95 Vintages, Nov 14: This is a collaborative wine effort by Henry of Pelham (Speck family) and Chateau Lamothe de Haux in Bordeaux (Chambart family) using rich, ripe pre-selected merlot grapes from the Cadillac region, part of Entre-deux-Mers. It's very Mid-Atlantic in style (New World flash, Old World elegance). Cultivated on limestone soils. Supple, with red cherry-berry and mocha notes and fine balanced tannins. It's on the lighter side of medium-bodied after being in French oak barrels for 18 months. Ready soon. 14.5% ABV. Residual sugar is just 1 g/L. Tasted over several days. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Paradise Vineyards Joliesse Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 California, +16564, Vintages October 31: another modest cabby from California (mostly Lodi). Good basic black fruit (cassis, black cherry, spices) – but with a medium body detailed by oak tones of vanilla. Long finish, warm tannins. Tasted over a few days. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES TEN 1.Taittinger Domaine Carneros Brut Vintage Cuvee 2016, +301655 $49.95 Vintages: Cool climate Carneros fruit is perfectly adaptable to sparkling wine done up in the traditional method of double fermentation in the bottle. This is the signature wine of the company's California holdings – with three years of bottle age before release. Content is chardonnay 51%, pinot noir 47%, and pinot gris 2%. Expect a typical yeasty nose from sitting on the lees, moving on to baked spicy fruit and ending with citric tones. It's jumped in price since last year ($42 in June 2019 Vintages) and the vintage has jumped three years as well. The company encourages “food friendly” for those bright, white appetizers of soft cheeses and shellfish. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Buena Vista Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 North Coast, $19.95 +254458 Vintages January 9, 2021: Buena Vista has been continuing with its historic-looking wine labels (the winery was founded in 1857). It's a nifty blend of cabs from Fountaingrove, Sonoma Mountain, and Alexander Valley (all part of the North Coast appellation). After 11 months in 10% new French oak it was racked. The emphasis is on darkness, with plenty of black fruit (cassis, black cherry) and butterscotch tones with black pepper spices, softish finish. Still needs time, another year. Do a double decant or leave it open for a day to get a taste of its potential. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2018 BC VQA Okanagan +308312 Vintages $19.95, January 2, 2021: this particular wine benefits from both an early and a late picked harvest, with the early contributing fresh acid and the later nectarine and citric orange tones. It's very crisp and dry (4.7 g/L RS) and full of orchard fruit (apples, pears, apricots, nectarines, peaches) and sweeter citric fruit such as tangerines and mandarins. There's lots going on here. Best with spiced or vinegared seafood. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Special Select Late Harvest Vidal 2019 VQA Ontario +395228 Vintages, $19.95 for 375 mL: SSLH are my fave sweet wines. They are affordable and not as cloying as some other sweeties; I think that they are also more versatile since they can be paired with savoury apps (nuts, cheeses) or a cheese/dessert course, followed by an extra sip or two on their own. Henry of Pelham's has that honeyed ripe flavour of apricot and fig tones, with a citric background to the finish. These are frozen grapes, picked and then fermented and aged in stainless. It's the only one at the LCBO; this bottle is a newer vintage and tastes really fresh. 10% ABV, 136 g/L RS (down from 2018's 149). Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. FALL 2020 TASTINGS -- SERIES EIGHT --- 1.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah Mourvedre Grenache 2017 Cotes du Roussillon Les Aspres, +413245, $19.95 Vintages Nov 28: G-S-M style all the way. One third of the wine is matured in barrels for 9 months and then blended with the other, vatted wines. Jammy, upfront black fruit coupled with both mocha and subtle spice cake tones. Sip or with food. Consistent from year to year.14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Languedoc Red 2017 +413237 Vintages Essential, $16.95: the last vintage here was 2015. It's a blend of syrah and grenache, promising both black fruit and red fruit tones at an affordable price. Local garrigue is apparent, complemented by some fennel. Part of the wine is transferred over to 225-litre oak barrels where it is aged for roughly 10 months. 14% ABV. Good price, especially if you buy before Oct 10 (LTO $2 off). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Jim Barry Shiraz 2017 Clare Valley, +16036 $19.95 Vintages Nov 28: The entire Clare Valley (well-known for its Riesling) produces just over 1% of Australia's entire wine flow. This is a typical Shiraz, 100% (from family vineyards), in the Oz mode, aged in some light French oak, with plummy red fruit tones – but with none of that sweaty-bretty leather saddles from the Rhone. Released in time for the beginning of the Christmas season. Fresh easy drinking. RS 1g/L,14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Alvear Palacio Quemado Vendimia Seleccionada 2018 Ribera del Guadiana Extremadura, +16588, $13.95 Vintages Nov 28: Palacio Quemado wines are New World in style with grapes like tempranillo, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, and with experimentation involving other local varieties such as garnacha tintorera. For the most part, oak aging takes place in 500 litre Fr barriques and less so in 225 litre US barrels. So here the blend is tempranillo with garnacha tintorera, and the aging is about 5 months before bottling. On the palate it is all cherry-berry with toasted smoke tones, a good balance, soft tannins, and some edgy but creamy length. Suitable accompaniment with Christmas poultry. 13% ABV. Good price. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2018 +16750, $21.95, Vintages Nov 14: basically a light wine with the dryness found in Santa Barbara reflected in tropicality and citric tones with a dose of apples and some toast (with butter?). No unnecessary sweetness as most ripe California chardonnays appear to be exhibiting. Some unctuousness can be felt and the finish lends itself to food. But it could go either way or both ways. An adaptable wine at 14.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catherine Estate Blanc de Blanc “Carte Blanche” 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, +315200, $49.95 Vintages Nov 28: quite possibly this is my favourite Ontario wine overall. I would gladly drink more of it, except I have to pay for it. But then, this is the type of wine that many wine writers would gladly pay for. Estate grown chardonnay is hand-picked, partially barrel-fermented (20%) and then aged 54 months in the bottle on lees before degorgement. I love the baked lemon curd and toasted buttery brioche tones. I love watching the endless stream of bubbles. Traditional Method, of course, and pairs best with the usual Champagne accompaniments (caviar, oysters, Brie and goat cheeses). 12.5%, RS 6.4g/L. Lay it down for another half-dozen years. Quality/Price rating is 95 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Bin 106 “Lost Boys” Limited Edition Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +13421 $29.95, Vintages Nov 28: Last year's Bin 106 was a 30th Vintage Limited Edition. This 2019 Bin 106 has been labeled “Lost Boys” in recognition of the three young Speck brothers who spent their summers maintaining the vines (planted by them in 1984). These grapes survived the cut, and represent the very best barrels. Low yields on 3.5 tonnes per acre, gravity movement, destemming, etc. Top barrels were selected. Aged in new and one year old US barriques followed by a year's aging in a Foudre. Single vineyard. As with their other baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy wood character and the lowish price – under $30. This bottle still needs another two years for proper aging, but with double decanting and prolonged exposure to air while under cork, it can be enjoyed now. One of the top bacos in Ontario, works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. Really old cheeses and blues as well. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES NINE – 1.Monte del Fra Bardolino DOC 2019 Veneto, +134544, $15.95 Vintages, January 23, 2021: Bardolinos in Ontario are very rare these days, but this brand (purchased by the LCBO as a “direct” for the past six years) continues to come back year after year. It's awfully good value since the Veronese grape blend is similar to Valpolicella (here, %65 corvina, 30% rondinella, and 5% molinara). Basically, it is the corvina which provides the stuffing, and here it is only 65% unlike Valpolicella which has about 80% corvina. Bardolino is thus usually considered a lighter wine than Valpolicella and has probably reached its comparable price point this way. Expect red fruit and dark spices. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Valpolicella Classico DOC 2018 Veneto, +160226, $18.95 Vintages: a fairly basic but inviting Veronese wine full of red cherry-berry fruit, a bit jammy on the finish, ready now. Typical forest floor elements as well. Pretty well goes with everything, good as a sipper and as a food paired wine. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Ripasso 2017 Veneto, +165662, $24.95 Vintages: bright red fruit dominate both its texture and its palate, evoking some minerality that cuts through the balanced fruity cherry tones. Some forest floor; some mocha tones. Amarone grape pressings are added just before spring, to give it the second fermentation oompf. Great as a sipper or with food or both, ready now at three years after the vintage. It has been aged in large French oak for 18 months. This is a collaborative brand with the LCBO, and there will be a new release in May 2021. The grapes used are corvina veronese and corvinone (80%) with rondinella added. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2019 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +424507, $29.95 Vintages November 28: This Estate wine has had full MLF, 100% wild yeast, barrel fermentation, and French oak aging for 9 months (50% one fill, 50% neutral). Two different clones were used (95 and 96), and the results show a typical Westcott feature of orchard fruit with some tropicality concentrated notes contributed by the oak aging leading to a slight citric finish. Still too young, lay it down – or taste it (as I did) over a stretch of time. A good first course wine since the oak appears in the background as grace notes (it's lighter in toast tones than the 2018). Do not overchill. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Westcott Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2017 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +424500, $29.95 Vintages November 28: This Estate Pinot Noir (clones 115, 667, 777) has been barrel aqed in French oak (15% new) for 23 months. Overall it is harmoniously silky in a cool climate way, with red cherry-berry fruit and nuances of mocha. Good acid levels and soft tannins highlight an herbal consistency. Definitely a food wine that should appeal to all, especially with simply prepared meats and poultry. A slight chilling can enhance its performance with fish such as salmon or trout. It is still too young, so do a double decant or taste over several days as I did. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Henry of Pelham Family Estate Chardonnay 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, $21.95, +268342 Vintages Essential: this bottling continues the tres elegante Burgundian character of earlier years. Some ripeness, pleasant balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place, wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. Overall balance of fruit and wood, vanilla, modest spices. 12.8% ABV, cork closure, barrel fermentation in French oak, barrel aging (some in 3K litre foudres for 8 months. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Speck Family Reserve 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +657874 Vintages November, $34.95: fruit-forward with enough black/dark tones of cherry-berry capable of long cellar aging. The winery says Clones 667 on Block 100 were used for 250 cases. Tank fermentation with 10 months European oak barrel aging (30% new), finishing as blended in an oak tank. Very, very food friendly. 13% ABV. Steady pricing at this level for some years now. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Pencarrow Chardonnay Martinborough NZ, +16028 Vintages December 12, $21.95: one of the nicest balanced fresh chardonnays to come past my palate in quite some time, full of that old style oaking (not too toasty but at least noticeable). Golden hue and golden tastes, stressing a nuttiness from the French oak (20% new) and the wild yeast fermentation (50%). Aged on the stirred lees for 10 months. Plenty of stonefruit nuances. 13% ABV. The buttery finish lingers and nicely accompanies many complex first course dishes. Quality/Price rating is 93+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2018 BC Okanagan VQA, +585760 Vintages November 14, $32.95: typical cool climate approach to pinot noir, emphasizing its savouriness: yellow flower aromatic notes, candied red fruit, sweet green herbals and black pepper on the medium- soft juicy-citric finish. 93% Pinot Noir, 7% Gamay (although this varies from year to year, usually within a percentage point). Aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. Astounding residual sweetness of 0.28 g/L. 13.5% ABV. Tasted over several days. Probably best with any Christmas fowl. Quality/Price rating is 91+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Stel+Mar California Rose 2019, $16.95 LCBO March 2021: this is a multi-blended wine from central California and from a vintage that produced lowered grape sugars. Hence, the lack of typical off-dry California sunshine. Instead, the innovative Stel+Mar team (they produce wine in cans, Tetra paks, and bottles) came up with a drink that looks a lot like and tastes a lot like higher priced roses from southern France. The blend includes grapes such as barbera, petite sirah, and syrah, principally from the Central Coast. Sugar levels are at 7g/L and the acidity is up at 5.6g/L. The colour and palate is definitely food worthy. The mid-palate is attractive with overtones of stonefruit, with a slightly herby bitter finish which makes you want to eat something savoury: it was also my wine of choice for the Canadian Thanksgiving Turkey. They nailed it with this one, at that price. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Lamothe de Haux Chombart & Speck Cave Mystere Merlot 2018 Bordeaux AOC, +17232, $18.95 Vintages, Nov 14: This is a collaborative wine effort by Henry of Pelham (Speck family) and Chateau Lamothe de Haux in Bordeaux (Chambart family) using rich, ripe pre-selected merlot grapes from the Cadillac region, part of Entre-deux-Mers. It's very Mid-Atlantic in style (New World flash, Old World elegance). Cultivated on limestone soils. Supple, with red cherry-berry and mocha notes and fine balanced tannins. It's on the lighter side of medium-bodied after being in French oak barrels for 18 months. Ready soon. 14.5% ABV. Residual sugar is just 1 g/L. Tasted over several days. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Paradise Vineyards Joliesse Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 California, +16564, Vintages October 31: another modest cabby from California (mostly Lodi). Good basic black fruit (cassis, black cherry, spices) – but with a medium body detailed by oak tones of vanilla. Long finish, warm tannins. Tasted over a few days. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES TEN 1.Taittinger Domaine Carneros Brut Vintage Cuvee 2016, +301655 $49.95 Vintages: Cool climate Carneros fruit is perfectly adaptable to sparkling wine done up in the traditional method of double fermentation in the bottle. This is the signature wine of the company's California holdings – with three years of bottle age before release. Content is chardonnay 51%, pinot noir 47%, and pinot gris 2%. Expect a typical yeasty nose from sitting on the lees, moving on to baked spicy fruit and ending with citric tones. It's jumped in price since last year ($42 in June 2019 Vintages) and the vintage has jumped three years as well. The company encourages “food friendly” for those bright, white appetizers of soft cheeses and shellfish. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Buena Vista Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 North Coast, $19.95 +254458 Vintages January 9, 2021: Buena Vista has been continuing with its historic-looking wine labels (the winery was founded in 1857). It's a nifty blend of cabs from Fountaingrove, Sonoma Mountain, and Alexander Valley (all part of the North Coast appellation). After 11 months in 10% new French oak it was racked. The emphasis is on darkness, with plenty of black fruit (cassis, black cherry) and butterscotch tones with black pepper spices, softish finish. Still needs time, another year. Do a double decant or leave it open for a day to get a taste of its potential. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2018 BC VQA Okanagan +308312 Vintages $19.95, January 2, 2021: this particular wine benefits from both an early and a late picked harvest, with the early contributing fresh acid and the later nectarine and citric orange tones. It's very crisp and dry (4.7 g/L RS) and full of orchard fruit (apples, pears, apricots, nectarines, peaches) and sweeter citric fruit such as tangerines and mandarins. There's lots going on here. Best with spiced or vinegared seafood. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Special Select Late Harvest Vidal 2019 VQA Ontario +395228 Vintages, $19.95 for 375 mL: SSLH are my fave sweet wines. They are affordable and not as cloying as some other sweeties; I think that they are also more versatile since they can be paired with savoury apps (nuts, cheeses) or a cheese/dessert course, followed by an extra sip or two on their own. Henry of Pelham's has that honeyed ripe flavour of apricot and fig tones, with a citric background to the finish. These are frozen grapes, picked and then fermented and aged in stainless. It's the only one at the LCBO; this bottle is a newer vintage and tastes really fresh. 10% ABV, 136 g/L RS (down from 2018's 149). Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. WINE TRADE WINDS AT-HOME TASTING DIARY FOR PRE-LABOUR DAY SUMMER 2020 [published since 2000]: By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS SUMMER – SERIES ONE – 1.Stel + Mar Premium Red California +14775 LCBO, $4.95 for 250 mL can: is actually a pretty decent 100% zinfandel from Lodi, vintage 2018 (not listed on the can), with cherry-berry all the way, accented with notes of mocha-vanillin tones. Typically California. The package holds about two glasses, perfect for one or two people on a picnic or back yard, and is the equivalent value of a 750mL bottle selling at $15. 13.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Stel + Mar Premium White California +14776 LCBO, $4.95 for 250 mL can: is actually a very good 100% unoaked chardonnay from The North Coast, also 2018 vintage (not listed on the can). By properly making cuvees of the many chardonnay vineyards available, it was possible to get the most out of the wine. It shows some vanilla minerality with some lingering toffee tones, so it goes well with food. Typical ripe orchard fruit on the main palate. Chills really fast. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Stel + Mar Rose Tetra California, +15515 LCBO, 3 Litres (6 x 500mL in tetra, $45.95): Simple, easy to drink Californian smooth rose, good with picnics of course. The size is right – two-thirds of a bottle, 17 ounces (four drinks). A good idea for a picnic. Pretty basic wine with proper (and quick) chilling. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Stel + Mar Sparkling Rose California 250 mL can (not yet available at LCBO): The Sparkling Rose (12.5% ABV) is off-dry, but the bubbles are an added attraction. Apparently it is their basic rose (see above, the Tetra) but with bubbles. Bubbles make it so much better. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ------------------------------------ SERIES TWO -- 1.Henry of Pelham Old Vines Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +459966, $19.95 LCBO General List: Same price as the last vintage. Low yielding grapes come from 1984 and later plantings in the Short Hills Bench area. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $20. Both new and older (one/two year old) US barrels are used for initial aging before transfer to 5000L oak foudres. Total aging: 1 year. It is still needs another two years for proper aging, but with decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13.5% ABV. One of the top baco noirs at the LCBO for under $20. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, wild game – all either braised or grilled. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Sartori Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC 120th 2015, +15084, Vintages September $29.95: this is a limited release, to celebrate the company's 120th anniversary. The mix includes corvina veronese (55%), corvinone (25%), plus croatina and rondinells. It was done up in stainless steel fermentation to which malolactic fermentation was employed. And then the second fermentation of ripasso began on the unpressed skins of the Amarone leftover. It was all aged in medium and large oak casks for 24 months, and then blended with a cuvee selection. Red fruit dominates, especially ripe cherries and a twist of savouriness near the deep, deep finish. Great with red meats and older cheese. 14% ABV. If you're going to spend $39 on a better ripasso valpolicella, then this is the one to get. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Riesling Estate 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165 Vintages, $19.95 Vintages September: intense riesling in a Rhine style of cool fermentation, with very off-dry palate but dry finish (good acid levels on the finish) – broad grapefruit and lemons on the mid-palate, sip (mainly) or food. 9.8% ABV, 19.5 g/L RS, twist top, from HOP's oldest Estate riesling vineyards (planted 1984). Should also age well. Try with fish that live in water but die in wine. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Ferraton Pere & Fils Samorens Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge 2018 AOC +168708, $16.95 Vintages September: a very good bargain wine (it costs a lot more in the USA), especially for its depth and intensity. Very meaty on the approach and full of saturated flavours on the mid-palate. Grenache is the main grape (85%), with syrah (10%) and cinsault (5%). Yet it does not have that papery taste of most French grenache .. it is more like Cannonau di Sardegna. Red fruit dominates. 14.5% ABV. There is also a very aromatic Blanc wine, not yet available in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Toro Centenario Malbec 2019 Mendoza, +12452, $9.60 LCBO: newly arrived with its twist top access. There is only one word needed to describe this wine: plump. It comes from FeCoVitA, one of the largest co-ops in the Argentine (over 5000 winegrowers and producers). In producing a low-cost entry level wine, the co-op got it right with plum, blackberry and black cherry flavours. Nothing fancy, just pure plumpness at 12.5% ABV and a modest sugar level of 7 g/L finishing dry on the palate. Great for today's summery patios. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES THREE – 1.Best's Great Western Riesling 2019 Victoria, +688259, $19.95 Vintages October 3: really good age-worthy (20 years or more) Riesling wines from plantings that began in the 1860s at Best's Nursery Block. According to the producer, here are some 41 and 75 year-old vines. Opens with fragrant blossoms on the nose, lemons and apples for entry (of course), some tropicality on the mid-palate, finishing with some austereness. A keeper. 11% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016, +959627, $53.95 Vintages September 19, 2020: its price is up eight bucks since last year's 2015 vintage release, but it is still too young to consume unless you double-decant and drink it over a few days. Half of the wine was made in barrels, the other half in vats. A selection of the better barrels is made with the vatted wine into a single blend, and after 18 months together they are bottled. It will be well-aged after another 10 years. Of the 13 permitted varieties, grenache, syrah, and mourvedre are dominant, with cinsault, counoise, muscardin, and vaccarese added. Still tight but plenty of black fruits and spices. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Chardonnay 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +291211 LCBO, $14.95: ripeness, pleasant balance of acid and fruit, integrated style in place, some freshness in the finish. Overall, terrific balance of fruit in the finish, with residual sugar at 6.1g/litre. 12.7% ABV, screw cap, gravity-driven, fermented in stainless with aging sur lie. Apple and citric tones, completely unwooded. Try with a light cream sauce (pasta, trout,veggies). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Estate Fume Sauvignon Blanc 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +444268 $19.95 winery only: Very aromatic with nuances of toastiness both in the nose and on the palate, somewhat in a fume style started by Robert Mondavi fifty years ago. Typical savvy zestiness is tamed by oaking and unctuous fruit tones. Medium finish accents lemon and vanillin character, melon, honeysuckle. Best as a classy sipper on its own, but also with a lightly aromatic first course. 50% BF in barriques, a half-year aging in oak barriques. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ---------------------------------------------------------------- SERIES FOUR -- 1.Saintly The Good Sparkling Rose Gold 2019 VQA Ontario, +16767 LCBO, $18.95: an all-purpose medium-body off-dry styled wine for patios, terraces, decks, etc. with nuances of strawberries and melons. Grapes include 46% Chardonnay, 46% Cab Franc, 4% Sauvignon Blanc, and 4% Syrah (the grapes and percentages could change from harvest to harvest). Very light-pink in colour, persistent mousse from the cuve close Charmat method. Extended lees contact leads to a creaminess in the body. In three words: fresh, fruity, dry. What more could you ask for in a very pleasant and consistent all-occasion celebratory drink? 3 g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Saintly The Good Sparkling [white] Gold 2019 VQA Ontario, Wine Rack only $18.95: another all-purpose medium-body off-dry styled wine for patio, terrace, deck, etc. with nuances of orchard fruit (apples, pears, peaches) and citric tones. Grapes include 82% Pinot Gris, 15% Muscat, and 3% Chardonnay (the grapes and percentages could change from harvest to harvest). Persistent mousse, Charmat method, extended lees contact – all contribute to a creamy style. What more could you ask for in a very pleasant and consistent all-occasion celebratory drink? 10g g/L residual sugar makes it “dry to off- dry”. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Campbell Kind Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Marlborough, $22.99 consignment through selectwines.ca: Steve Campbell, of www.campbellkindwines.com, has the world’s first international range of sustainable, carbon zero wines. International wineries and winemakers craft environmentally-friendly wines for their retail partners. Campbell Kind Wine currently has several varieties of wines in play, which include Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Syrah and Chenin Blanc from South Africa, Tempranillo blend from Ribera del Duero, Montepulciano blend from Abruzzo, and IgT Rosso Veronese from Verona, and others. I sampled the savvy: made by Steve Smith, New Zealand's first MW, of Smith and Sheth among the Marlborough riverbeds. It's a dynamic wine made from some 30-year old vines, with a medium-body and lower levels of MVC (Modal Varietal Character), especially tropicality and orchard fruit, but with more minerality and citric lemon tones, leading to a higher crisp finish. It's ideal with fried foods. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ------------------------------------------------------- SERIES FIVE -- 1.Sandbanks Sleeping Giant Foch – Baco Noir 2018 VQA Ontario +164087 LCBO, $19.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from August 17 to September 13 it is priced at $17.95): based on marechal foch and baco noir grapes, this wine comes loaded with the intensity of rustic red fruit and mocha tones, tempered by deftly placed wood notes. Try with roasts. A previous vintage was OWA Gold Medal 2018 and All Canadian Wine Championships Gold Medal 2018. 14g/L residual sugar and 12.5% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Sandbanks Baco Noir Reserve 2019 VQA Ontario +225920 LCBO, $19.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from October 12 to November 5 it is priced at $17.95): plenty of full-bodied black fruit here, displaying also some mocha in its development. Some light barrel aging as well. Best with grilled meats. A previous vintage was OWA Bronze Medal 2018 and All Canadian Wine Championship Double Gold 2018. 13 g/L residual sugar and 12.5% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Sandbanks Route 33 Red (Merlot-Petit Verdot) NV VQA Ontario +17370 LCBO, $19.95: another full-bodied wine, loaded with charm and character reminiscent of typical Bordeaux. The bi-varietal blend is merlot and petit verdot (both commonly used in Bordeaux), all showing red cherry-berry aromatics and textures coupled with some oak tones from extended barrel aging. Plummy too. Best with strong cheeses or sauced meats. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Sandbanks Route 33 White (Riesling-Pinot Grigio) NV VQA Ontario +17369 LCBO, $14.95: another bi-varietal with dry tropical fruit notes and crispness, slightly herbal complexity, with a lemon-lime finish. Very useful in a reliable sense. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Sandbanks Pinot Grigio 2018 VQA Ontario +372219 LCBO, $15.95: this is a competitive category, but Sandbanks goes up very well against other grigios in Ontario. Typical nuances include orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic tropical overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with citric notes. 8 g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Sandbanks Beach Riesling NV VQA Ontario +139022 LCBO, $14.95: a very decent seafood-ready consistent wine in the riesling tradition of petrol and minerals augmented by the range of orchard fruit found in nectarines, plums, apricots, and peaches, ending with a lemony citric crispness. 16G/L resideual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Sandbanks Smugglers White NV VQA Ontario +648642 LCBO, $13.95: a nifty blend of vidal and pinot grigio, with a very light colour but lifted aromatics of pineapple and orchard fruit, following through on the mid-weight palate and ending with a citric finish appropriate for food. 7g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Sandbanks Summer Rose NV VQA Ontario +14867 LCBO, $14.95: this is vidal with skin contact, so the appearance is almost like an orange wine – which makes it sort of trendy. It's also a seasonal release, so when it is gone, it is gone. And it is also lightly sparkling but kept under a twist top. The suggestion on the label is to chill it, not only for the flavour as a white wine but also to stop any bubbles from gushing. Dominating flavours include nectarines and oranges with other tropical notes, right through to the finish. 31 g/L residual sugar, 11.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Sandbanks Rose 2019 VQA Ontario +244616 LCBO, $13.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from September 14 to October 11 it is priced at $17.95 – just in time for Thanksgiving): this is mostly vidal with some gamay, pinot noir, and muscat blanc. It is lightly tasty with an emphasis on floral bouquet. It has a great balance between sweet and tart flavours, within the peachy-citric range. Lovely finish. A previous vintage was All Canadian Wine Championships Silver Medal 2018. 12g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ------------------------------------ SERIES SIX - 1.Henry of Pelham Classic Cabernet-Merlot 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula +504241 LCBO $15.95: this entry level wine is dependable and consistent from year to year. This time it has cabernet franc, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. The Bordeaux-themed blend comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux. It is still a young wine and could profit from a double-decant. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by barrel aging. It has been modestly aged in used oak. Great with foods cooked in the Mediterranean basin style. 12.8% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Baco Noir Classic 2019 VQA Ontario, +270926 LCBO $15.95: As with their previous baco noirs at all levels, HOP has maintained the rich jammy character. This entry level baco has also been re-titled “Baco Noir Classic” and I suspect other HOP entry level varietal wines will also be labeled “Classic”, probably with a price rise of a dollar or so. US barrels are used for more than six months aging. It is still too young for today [only seven months old], needs another year or two. 13% ABV. One of the top General List bacos in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Just Merlot 2019 Pays d'Oc, +17528 LCBO October $11.95: an easy drinking entry-level merlot from the warmer south of France (Languedoc, Rhone). Ripe, oak free, good mix of red and black berries, smooth. 13.5% ABV. Good unpretentious value for the price. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.LangeTwins Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Lodi, +572305 Vintages $24.95: “Certified Green” sustainable. A great wallop of cherries begins the aromatics and dominates right through to the finish in typical Cali-style. 18 months aging in mostly French oak barrels, long rich ending with toasty notes. But only 2.4 g/L residual sugar. 14% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Sacred Hill Pinot Noir 2018 Marlborough, +277665 Vintages Halloween $19.95: typical Kiwi pinot noir from the heart of New Zealand, one of their better values for under $20. While the colour is a bit light, the dynamics of the palate are red cherry-berry all the way, with underbrush notes. Soft tannins dominate the finish. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.J. Bookwalter Readers Chardonnay 2018 Columbia Valley Washington, +634162 Vintages Halloween $19.95: I enjoyed the Cab from Readers awhile back, and I am happy to say that I enjoyed the Chard from Readers as well. It's a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier (20%) which puts it on maybe the same level as a Chardonnay Musque. Certainly, you would want no oak here, and that is a given. It is all stainless and the wine blend is co-fermented. The Viognier contributes honeysuckle and peaches, of course. The Chardonnay dominates with other orchard fruits and compelling citric notes. The blend is aged (with stirring) four months on its lees, and then bottled after a further two months. 13.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --------------------------------------------------------- SERIES SEVEN -- 1.WineryArt Bodega DeMuerte Blanca Sobre Lias 2019 Yecla Spain $23 Majesticwine.ca consignment: this is a bi-varietal wine, a blend of two grapes (here, 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% verdejo). Europe and Latin America have a vast number of bi-varietal wines. Each grape complements the other. Here,the sauvignon is aromatic with citric tones and herbs, while the verdelho is fruity with sweet ripe orchard fruit (peach, apricot). More complexity is given as both wines are aged on their lees (“sobre lias”). Both grape varieties come from vineyards that are over 10-years old. Poultry would be a suggested food accompaniment. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Albino Armani 1607 Sequal Sauvignon DOC Fruili-Grave 2018 Friuli-Venezia-Giulia $20.95 Majesticwine.ca consignment: very intense aromas, fruity from green fruit and herby but with a medium-body and not like Kiwin Savvy. Citric finish, very useful as a first course white wine. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Biscardo Mabis Oropasso Originale Garganega Chardonnay Veneto IGT 2018 $18.95 Majesticwine.ca consignment: another bi-varietal, with 60% garganega and 40% chardonnay. Here the garganega appears to have undergone a partial passito (its unctuousness tastes peachy). Or, at the very least, it is Late Harvest in style. Garganega, of course, is the grape behind Soave, and in its passito form, it's also Recioto di Soave, a sweet dessert wine with apricot and bitter almond complexity. So any sweetness has been muted by the chardonnay's green style. A good food accompaniment would be fish. 13% ABV. Really good quality wine. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Tavernello Pinot Bianco Famoso Rubicone IGT 2018 Emilia-Romagna LCBO +14060 $8.95 and 5.Tavernello Sangiovese Cabernet Rubicone IGT 2018 Emilia-Romagna LCBO +13602 $8.95: here we have entry level bi-varietals (the Argentine Fuzion Shiraz Malbec is a bi-varietal at this same price level). The sour cherry of the sangiovese has been tempered by the fruitiness of the cabernet, much like a SuperTuscan but minus the depth. Food: grilled vegetables or just patio parties. The white bi-varietal is interesting for its inclusion of the aromatic famoso grape, once a “lost” indigenous variety but since reclaimed. It deftly complements the blander pinot bianco. Good quaffing wines. 12% ABV Famoso; 13% ABV Sangiovese. Quality/Price rating is 88 points each by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. WINE TRADE WINDS AT-HOME TASTING DIARY FOR PRE-LABOUR DAY SUMMER 2020 [published since 2000]: By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MIDSUMMER – SERIES FIVE -- 1.Sandbanks Sleeping Giant Foch – Baco Noir 2018 VQA Ontario +164087 LCBO, $19.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from August 17 to September 13 it is priced at $17.95): based on marechal foch and baco noir grapes, this wine comes loaded with the intensity of rustic red fruit and mocha tones, tempered by deftly placed wood notes. Try with roasts. A previous vintage was OWA Gold Medal 2018 and All Canadian Wine Championships Gold Medal 2018. 14g/L residual sugar and 12.5% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Sandbanks Baco Noir Reserve 2019 VQA Ontario +225920 LCBO, $19.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from October 12 to November 5 it is priced at $17.95): plenty of full-bodied black fruit here, displaying also some mocha in its development. Some light barrel aging as well. Best with grilled meats. A previous vintage was OWA Bronze Medal 2018 and All Canadian Wine Championship Double Gold 2018. 13 g/L residual sugar and 12.5% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Sandbanks Route 33 Red (Merlot-Petit Verdot) NV VQA Ontario +17370 LCBO, $19.95: another full-bodied wine, loaded with charm and character reminiscent of typical Bordeaux. The bi-varietal blend is merlot and petit verdot (both commonly used in Bordeaux), all showing red cherry-berry aromatics and textures coupled with some oak tones from extended barrel aging. Plummy too. Best with strong cheeses or sauced meats. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Sandbanks Route 33 White (Riesling-Pinot Grigio) NV VQA Ontario +17369 LCBO, $14.95: another bi-varietal with dry tropical fruit notes and crispness, slightly herbal complexity, with a lemon-lime finish. Very useful in a reliable sense. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Sandbanks Pinot Grigio 2018 VQA Ontario +372219 LCBO, $15.95: this is a competitive category, but Sandbanks goes up very well against other grigios in Ontario. Typical nuances include orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic tropical overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with citric notes. 8 g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Sandbanks Beach Riesling NV VQA Ontario +139022 LCBO, $14.95: a very decent seafood-ready consistent wine in the riesling tradition of petrol and minerals augmented by the range of orchard fruit found in nectarines, plums, apricots, and peaches, ending with a lemony citric crispness. 16G/L resideual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Sandbanks Smugglers White NV VQA Ontario +648642 LCBO, $13.95: a nifty blend of vidal and pinot grigio, with a very light colour but lifted aromatics of pineapple and orchard fruit, following through on the mid-weight palate and ending with a citric finish appropriate for food. 7g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Sandbanks Summer Rose NV VQA Ontario +14867 LCBO, $14.95: this is vidal with skin contact, so the appearance is almost like an orange wine – which makes it sort of trendy. It's also a seasonal release, so when it is gone, it is gone. And it is also lightly sparkling but kept under a twist top. The suggestion on the label is to chill it, not only for the flavour as a white wine but also to stop any bubbles from gushing. Dominating flavours include nectarines and oranges with other tropical notes, right through to the finish. 31 g/L residual sugar, 11.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Sandbanks Rose 2019 VQA Ontario +244616 LCBO, $13.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from September 14 to October 11 it is priced at $17.95 – just in time for Thanksgiving): this is mostly vidal with some gamay, pinot noir, and muscat blanc. It is lightly tasty with an emphasis on floral bouquet. It has a great balance between sweet and tart flavours, within the peachy-citric range. Lovely finish. A previous vintage was All Canadian Wine Championships Silver Medal 2018. 12g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ------------------------------------ SERIES SIX - 1.Henry of Pelham Classic Cabernet-Merlot 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula +504241 LCBO $15.95: this entry level wine is dependable and consistent from year to year. This time it has cabernet franc, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. The Bordeaux-themed blend comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux. It is still a young wine and could profit from a double-decant. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by barrel aging. It has been modestly aged in used oak. Great with foods cooked in the Mediterranean basin style. 12.8% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Baco Noir Classic 2019 VQA Ontario, +270926 LCBO $15.95: As with their previous baco noirs at all levels, HOP has maintained the rich jammy character. This entry level baco has also been re-titled “Baco Noir Classic” and I suspect other HOP entry level varietal wines will also be labeled “Classic”, probably with a price rise of a dollar or so. US barrels are used for more than six months aging. It is still too young for today [only seven months old], needs another year or two. 13% ABV. One of the top General List bacos in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Just Merlot 2019 Pays d'Oc, +17528 LCBO October $11.95: an easy drinking entry-level merlot from the warmer south of France (Languedoc, Rhone). Ripe, oak free, good mix of red and black berries, smooth. 13.5% ABV. Good unpretentious value for the price. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.LangeTwins Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Lodi, +572305 Vintages $24.95: “Certified Green” sustainable. A great wallop of cherries begins the aromatics and dominates right through to the finish in typical Cali-style. 18 months aging in mostly French oak barrels, long rich ending with toasty notes. But only 2.4 g/L residual sugar. 14% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Sacred Hill Pinot Noir 2018 Marlborough, +277665 Vintages Halloween $19.95: typical Kiwi pinot noir from the heart of New Zealand, one of their better values for under $20. While the colour is a bit light, the dynamics of the palate are red cherry-berry all the way, with underbrush notes. Soft tannins dominate the finish. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.J. Bookwalter Readers Chardonnay 2018 Columbia Valley Washington, +634162 Vintages Halloween $19.95: I enjoyed the Cab from Readers awhile back, and I am happy to say that I enjoyed the Chard from Readers as well. It's a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier (20%) which puts it on maybe the same level as a Chardonnay Musque. Certainly, you would want no oak here, and that is a given. It is all stainless and the wine blend is co-fermented. The Viognier contributes honeysuckle and peaches, of course. The Chardonnay dominates with other orchard fruits and compelling citric notes. The blend is aged (with stirring) four months on its lees, and then bottled after a further two months. 13.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --------------------------------------------------------- SERIES SEVEN -- 1.WineryArt Bodega DeMuerte Blanca Sobre Lias 2019 Yecla Spain $23 Majesticwine.ca consignment: this is a bi-varietal wine, a blend of two grapes (here, 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% verdejo). Europe and Latin America have a vast number of bi-varietal wines. Each grape complements the other. Here,the sauvignon is aromatic with citric tones and herbs, while the verdelho is fruity with sweet ripe orchard fruit (peach, apricot). More complexity is given as both wines are aged on their lees (“sobre lias”). Both grape varieties come from vineyards that are over 10-years old. Poultry would be a suggested food accompaniment. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Albino Armani 1607 Sequal Sauvignon DOC Fruili-Grave 2018 Friuli-Venezia-Giulia $20.95 Majesticwine.ca consignment: very intense aromas, fruity from green fruit and herby but with a medium-body and not like Kiwin Savvy. Citric finish, very useful as a first course white wine. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Biscardo Mabis Oropasso Originale Garganega Chardonnay Veneto IGT 2018 $18.95 Majesticwine.ca consignment: another bi-varietal, with 60% garganega and 40% chardonnay. Here the garganega appears to have undergone a partial passito (its unctuousness tastes peachy). Or, at the very least, it is Late Harvest in style. Garganega, of course, is the grape behind Soave, and in its passito form, it's also Recioto di Soave, a sweet dessert wine with apricot and bitter almond complexity. So any sweetness has been muted by the chardonnay's green style. A good food accompaniment would be fish. 13% ABV. Really good quality wine. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Tavernello Pinot Bianco Famoso Rubicone IGT 2018 Emilia-Romagna LCBO +14060 $8.95 and 5.Tavernello Sangiovese Cabernet Rubicone IGT 2018 Emilia-Romagna LCBO +13602 $8.95: here we have entry level bi-varietals (the Argentine Fuzion Shiraz Malbec is a bi-varietal at this same price level). The sour cherry of the sangiovese has been tempered by the fruitiness of the cabernet, much like a SuperTuscan but minus the depth. Food: grilled vegetables or just patio parties. The white bi-varietal is interesting for its inclusion of the aromatic famoso grape, once a “lost” indigenous variety but since reclaimed. It deftly complements the blander pinot bianco. Good quaffing wines. 12% ABV Famoso; 13% ABV Sangiovese. Quality/Price rating is 88 points each by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES EIGHT --- 1.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah Mourvedre Grenache 2017 Cotes du Roussillon Les Aspres, +413245, $19.95 Vintages Nov 28: G-S-M style all the way. One third of the wine is matured in barrels for 9 months and then blended with the other, vatted wines. Jammy, upfront black fruit coupled with both mocha and subtle spice cake tones. Sip or with food. Consistent from year to year.14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Languedoc Red 2017 +413237 Vintages Essential, $16.95: the last vintage here was 2015. It's a blend of syrah and grenache, promising both black fruit and red fruit tones at an affordable price. Local garrigue is apparent, complemented by some fennel. Part of the wine is transferred over to 225-litre oak barrels where it is aged for roughly 10 months. 14% ABV. Good price, especially if you buy before Oct 10 (LTO $2 off). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Jim Barry Shiraz 2017 Clare Valley, +16036 $19.95 Vintages Nov 28: The entire Clare Valley (well-known for its Riesling) produces just over 1% of Australia's entire wine flow. This is a typical Shiraz, 100% (from family vineyards), in the Oz mode, aged in some light French oak, with plummy red fruit tones – but with none of that sweaty-bretty leather saddles from the Rhone. Released in time for the beginning of the Christmas season. Fresh easy drinking. RS 1g/L,14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Alvear Palacio Quemado Vendimia Seleccionada 2018 Ribera del Guadiana Extremadura, +16588, $13.95 Vintages Nov 28: Palacio Quemado wines are New World in style with grapes like tempranillo, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, and with experimentation involving other local varieties such as garnacha tintorera. For the most part, oak aging takes place in 500 litre Fr barriques and less so in 225 litre US barrels. So here the blend is tempranillo with garnacha tintorera, and the aging is about 5 months before bottling. On the palate it is all cherry-berry with toasted smoke tones, a good balance, soft tannins, and some edgy but creamy length. Suitable accompaniment with Christmas poultry. 13% ABV. Good price. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2018 +16750, $21.95, Vintages Nov 14: basically a light wine with the dryness found in Santa Barbara reflected in tropicality and citric tones with a dose of apples and some toast (with butter?). No unnecessary sweetness as most ripe California chardonnays appear to be exhibiting. Some unctuousness can be felt and the finish lends itself to food. But it could go either way or both ways. An adaptable wine at 14.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catherine Estate Blanc de Blanc “Carte Blanche” 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, +315200, $49.95 Vintages Nov 28: quite possibly this is my favourite Ontario wine overall. I would gladly drink more of it, except I have to pay for it. But then, this is the type of wine that many wine writers would gladly pay for. Estate grown chardonnay is hand-picked, partially barrel-fermented (20%) and then aged 54 months in the bottle on lees before degorgement. I love the baked lemon curd and toasted buttery brioche tones. I love watching the endless stream of bubbles. Traditional Method, of course, and pairs best with the usual Champagne accompaniments (caviar, oysters, Brie and goat cheeses). 12.5%, RS 6.4g/L. Lay it down for another half-dozen years. Quality/Price rating is 95 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Bin 106 “Lost Boys” Limited Edition Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +13421 $29.95, Vintages Nov 28: Last year's Bin 106 was a 30th Vintage Limited Edition. This 2019 Bin 106 has been labeled “Lost Boys” in recognition of the three young Speck brothers who spent their summers maintaining the vines (planted by them in 1984). These grapes survived the cut, and represent the very best barrels. Low yields on 3.5 tonnes per acre, gravity movement, destemming, etc. Top barrels were selected. Aged in new and one year old US barriques followed by a year's aging in a Foudre. Single vineyard. As with their other baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy wood character and the lowish price – under $30. This bottle still needs another two years for proper aging, but with double decanting and prolonged exposure to air while under cork, it can be enjoyed now. One of the top bacos in Ontario, works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. Really old cheeses and blues as well. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES NINE – 1.Monte del Fra Bardolino DOC 2019 Veneto, +134544, $15.95 Vintages, January 23, 2021: Bardolinos in Ontario are very rare these days, but this brand (purchased by the LCBO as a “direct” for the past six years) continues to come back year after year. It's awfully good value since the Veronese grape blend is similar to Valpolicella (here, %65 corvina, 30% rondinella, and 5% molinara). Basically, it is the corvina which provides the stuffing, and here it is only 65% unlike Valpolicella which has about 80% corvina. Bardolino is thus usually considered a lighter wine than Valpolicella and has probably reached its comparable price point this way. Expect red fruit and dark spices. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Valpolicella Classico DOC 2018 Veneto, +160226, $18.95 Vintages: a fairly basic but inviting Veronese wine full of red cherry-berry fruit, a bit jammy on the finish, ready now. Typical forest floor elements as well. Pretty well goes with everything, good as a sipper and as a food paired wine. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Ripasso 2017 Veneto, +165662, $24.95 Vintages: bright red fruit dominate both its texture and its palate, evoking some minerality that cuts through the balanced fruity cherry tones. Some forest floor; some mocha tones. Amarone grape pressings are added just before spring, to give it the second fermentation oompf. Great as a sipper or with food or both, ready now at three years after the vintage. It has been aged in large French oak for 18 months. This is a collaborative brand with the LCBO, and there will be a new release in May 2021. The grapes used are corvina veronese and corvinone (80%) with rondinella added. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2019 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +424507, $29.95 Vintages November 28: This Estate wine has had full MLF, 100% wild yeast, barrel fermentation, and French oak aging for 9 months (50% one fill, 50% neutral). Two different clones were used (95 and 96), and the results show a typical Westcott feature of orchard fruit with some tropicality concentrated notes contributed by the oak aging leading to a slight citric finish. Still too young, lay it down – or taste it (as I did) over a stretch of time. A good first course wine since the oak appears in the background as grace notes (it's lighter in toast tones than the 2018). Do not overchill. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Westcott Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2017 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +424500, $29.95 Vintages November 28: This Estate Pinot Noir (clones 115, 667, 777) has been barrel aqed in French oak (15% new) for 23 months. Overall it is harmoniously silky in a cool climate way, with red cherry-berry fruit and nuances of mocha. Good acid levels and soft tannins highlight an herbal consistency. Definitely a food wine that should appeal to all, especially with simply prepared meats and poultry. A slight chilling can enhance its performance with fish such as salmon or trout. It is still too young, so do a double decant or taste over several days as I did. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Henry of Pelham Family Estate Chardonnay 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, $21.95, +268342 Vintages Essential: this bottling continues the tres elegante Burgundian character of earlier years. Some ripeness, pleasant balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place, wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. Overall balance of fruit and wood, vanilla, modest spices. 12.8% ABV, cork closure, barrel fermentation in French oak, barrel aging (some in 3K litre foudres for 8 months. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Speck Family Reserve 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +657874 Vintages November, $34.95: fruit-forward with enough black/dark tones of cherry-berry capable of long cellar aging. The winery says Clones 667 on Block 100 were used for 250 cases. Tank fermentation with 10 months European oak barrel aging (30% new), finishing as blended in an oak tank. Very, very food friendly. 13% ABV. Steady pricing at this level for some years now. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Pencarrow Chardonnay Martinborough NZ, +16028 Vintages December 12, $21.95: one of the nicest balanced fresh chardonnays to come past my palate in quite some time, full of that old style oaking (not too toasty but at least noticeable). Golden hue and golden tastes, stressing a nuttiness from the French oak (20% new) and the wild yeast fermentation (50%). Aged on the stirred lees for 10 months. Plenty of stonefruit nuances. 13% ABV. The buttery finish lingers and nicely accompanies many complex first course dishes. Quality/Price rating is 93+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2018 BC Okanagan VQA, +585760 Vintages November 14, $32.95: typical cool climate approach to pinot noir, emphasizing its savouriness: yellow flower aromatic notes, candied red fruit, sweet green herbals and black pepper on the medium- soft juicy-citric finish. 93% Pinot Noir, 7% Gamay (although this varies from year to year, usually within a percentage point). Aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. Astounding residual sweetness of 0.28 g/L. 13.5% ABV. Tasted over several days. Probably best with any Christmas fowl. Quality/Price rating is 91+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Stel+Mar California Rose 2019, $16.95 LCBO March 2021: this is a multi-blended wine from central California and from a vintage that produced lowered grape sugars. Hence, the lack of typical off-dry California sunshine. Instead, the innovative Stel+Mar team (they produce wine in cans, Tetra paks, and bottles) came up with a drink that looks a lot like and tastes a lot like higher priced roses from southern France. The blend includes grapes such as barbera, petite sirah, and syrah, principally from the Central Coast. Sugar levels are at 7g/L and the acidity is up at 5.6g/L. The colour and palate is definitely food worthy. The mid-palate is attractive with overtones of stonefruit, with a slightly herby bitter finish which makes you want to eat something savoury: it was also my wine of choice for the Canadian Thanksgiving Turkey. They nailed it with this one, at that price. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Lamothe de Haux Chombart & Speck Cave Mystere Merlot 2018 Bordeaux AOC, +17232, $18.95 Vintages, Nov 14: This is a collaborative wine effort by Henry of Pelham (Speck family) and Chateau Lamothe de Haux in Bordeaux (Chambart family) using rich, ripe pre-selected merlot grapes from the Cadillac region, part of Entre-deux-Mers. It's very Mid-Atlantic in style (New World flash, Old World elegance). Cultivated on limestone soils. Supple, with red cherry-berry and mocha notes and fine balanced tannins. It's on the lighter side of medium-bodied after being in French oak barrels for 18 months. Ready soon. 14.5% ABV. Residual sugar is just 1 g/L. Tasted over several days. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Paradise Vineyards Joliesse Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 California, +16564, Vintages October 31: another modest cabby from California (mostly Lodi). Good basic black fruit (cassis, black cherry, spices) – but with a medium body detailed by oak tones of vanilla. Long finish, warm tannins. Tasted over a few days. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES TEN 1.Taittinger Domaine Carneros Brut Vintage Cuvee 2016, +301655 $49.95 Vintages: Cool climate Carneros fruit is perfectly adaptable to sparkling wine done up in the traditional method of double fermentation in the bottle. This is the signature wine of the company's California holdings – with three years of bottle age before release. Content is chardonnay 51%, pinot noir 47%, and pinot gris 2%. Expect a typical yeasty nose from sitting on the lees, moving on to baked spicy fruit and ending with citric tones. It's jumped in price since last year ($42 in June 2019 Vintages) and the vintage has jumped three years as well. The company encourages “food friendly” for those bright, white appetizers of soft cheeses and shellfish. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Buena Vista Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 North Coast, $19.95 +254458 Vintages January 9, 2021: Buena Vista has been continuing with its historic-looking wine labels (the winery was founded in 1857). It's a nifty blend of cabs from Fountaingrove, Sonoma Mountain, and Alexander Valley (all part of the North Coast appellation). After 11 months in 10% new French oak it was racked. The emphasis is on darkness, with plenty of black fruit (cassis, black cherry) and butterscotch tones with black pepper spices, softish finish. Still needs time, another year. Do a double decant or leave it open for a day to get a taste of its potential. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2018 BC VQA Okanagan +308312 Vintages $19.95, January 2, 2021: this particular wine benefits from both an early and a late picked harvest, with the early contributing fresh acid and the later nectarine and citric orange tones. It's very crisp and dry (4.7 g/L RS) and full of orchard fruit (apples, pears, apricots, nectarines, peaches) and sweeter citric fruit such as tangerines and mandarins. There's lots going on here. Best with spiced or vinegared seafood. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Special Select Late Harvest Vidal 2019 VQA Ontario +395228 Vintages, $19.95 for 375 mL: SSLH are my fave sweet wines. They are affordable and not as cloying as some other sweeties; I think that they are also more versatile since they can be paired with savoury apps (nuts, cheeses) or a cheese/dessert course, followed by an extra sip or two on their own. Henry of Pelham's has that honeyed ripe flavour of apricot and fig tones, with a citric background to the finish. These are frozen grapes, picked and then fermented and aged in stainless. It's the only one at the LCBO; this bottle is a newer vintage and tastes really fresh. 10% ABV, 136 g/L RS (down from 2018's 149). Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. WINE TRADE WINDS AT-HOME TASTING DIARY FOR PRE-LABOUR DAY SUMMER 2020 [published since 2000]: By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS SUMMER – SERIES ONE – 1.Stel + Mar Premium Red California +14775 LCBO, $4.95 for 250 mL can: is actually a pretty decent 100% zinfandel from Lodi, vintage 2018 (not listed on the can), with cherry-berry all the way, accented with notes of mocha-vanillin tones. Typically California. The package holds about two glasses, perfect for one or two people on a picnic or back yard, and is the equivalent value of a 750mL bottle selling at $15. 13.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Stel + Mar Premium White California +14776 LCBO, $4.95 for 250 mL can: is actually a very good 100% unoaked chardonnay from The North Coast, also 2018 vintage (not listed on the can). By properly making cuvees of the many chardonnay vineyards available, it was possible to get the most out of the wine. It shows some vanilla minerality with some lingering toffee tones, so it goes well with food. Typical ripe orchard fruit on the main palate. Chills really fast. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Stel + Mar Rose Tetra California, +15515 LCBO, 3 Litres (6 x 500mL in tetra, $45.95): Simple, easy to drink Californian smooth rose, good with picnics of course. The size is right – two-thirds of a bottle, 17 ounces (four drinks). A good idea for a picnic. Pretty basic wine with proper (and quick) chilling. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Stel + Mar Sparkling Rose California 250 mL can (not yet available at LCBO): The Sparkling Rose (12.5% ABV) is off-dry, but the bubbles are an added attraction. Apparently it is their basic rose (see above, the Tetra) but with bubbles. Bubbles make it so much better. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ------------------------------------ SERIES TWO -- 1.Henry of Pelham Old Vines Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +459966, $19.95 LCBO General List: Same price as the last vintage. Low yielding grapes come from 1984 and later plantings in the Short Hills Bench area. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $20. Both new and older (one/two year old) US barrels are used for initial aging before transfer to 5000L oak foudres. Total aging: 1 year. It is still needs another two years for proper aging, but with decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13.5% ABV. One of the top baco noirs at the LCBO for under $20. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, wild game – all either braised or grilled. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Sartori Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC 120th 2015, +15084, Vintages September $29.95: this is a limited release, to celebrate the company's 120th anniversary. The mix includes corvina veronese (55%), corvinone (25%), plus croatina and rondinells. It was done up in stainless steel fermentation to which malolactic fermentation was employed. And then the second fermentation of ripasso began on the unpressed skins of the Amarone leftover. It was all aged in medium and large oak casks for 24 months, and then blended with a cuvee selection. Red fruit dominates, especially ripe cherries and a twist of savouriness near the deep, deep finish. Great with red meats and older cheese. 14% ABV. If you're going to spend $39 on a better ripasso valpolicella, then this is the one to get. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Riesling Estate 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165 Vintages, $19.95 Vintages September: intense riesling in a Rhine style of cool fermentation, with very off-dry palate but dry finish (good acid levels on the finish) – broad grapefruit and lemons on the mid-palate, sip (mainly) or food. 9.8% ABV, 19.5 g/L RS, twist top, from HOP's oldest Estate riesling vineyards (planted 1984). Should also age well. Try with fish that live in water but die in wine. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Ferraton Pere & Fils Samorens Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge 2018 AOC +168708, $16.95 Vintages September: a very good bargain wine (it costs a lot more in the USA), especially for its depth and intensity. Very meaty on the approach and full of saturated flavours on the mid-palate. Grenache is the main grape (85%), with syrah (10%) and cinsault (5%). Yet it does not have that papery taste of most French grenache .. it is more like Cannonau di Sardegna. Red fruit dominates. 14.5% ABV. There is also a very aromatic Blanc wine, not yet available in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Toro Centenario Malbec 2019 Mendoza, +12452, $9.60 LCBO: newly arrived with its twist top access. There is only one word needed to describe this wine: plump. It comes from FeCoVitA, one of the largest co-ops in the Argentine (over 5000 winegrowers and producers). In producing a low-cost entry level wine, the co-op got it right with plum, blackberry and black cherry flavours. Nothing fancy, just pure plumpness at 12.5% ABV and a modest sugar level of 7 g/L finishing dry on the palate. Great for today's summery patios. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES THREE – 1.Best's Great Western Riesling 2019 Victoria, +688259, $19.95 Vintages October 3: really good age-worthy (20 years or more) Riesling wines from plantings that began in the 1860s at Best's Nursery Block. According to the producer, here are some 41 and 75 year-old vines. Opens with fragrant blossoms on the nose, lemons and apples for entry (of course), some tropicality on the mid-palate, finishing with some austereness. A keeper. 11% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016, +959627, $53.95 Vintages September 19, 2020: its price is up eight bucks since last year's 2015 vintage release, but it is still too young to consume unless you double-decant and drink it over a few days. Half of the wine was made in barrels, the other half in vats. A selection of the better barrels is made with the vatted wine into a single blend, and after 18 months together they are bottled. It will be well-aged after another 10 years. Of the 13 permitted varieties, grenache, syrah, and mourvedre are dominant, with cinsault, counoise, muscardin, and vaccarese added. Still tight but plenty of black fruits and spices. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Chardonnay 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +291211 LCBO, $14.95: ripeness, pleasant balance of acid and fruit, integrated style in place, some freshness in the finish. Overall, terrific balance of fruit in the finish, with residual sugar at 6.1g/litre. 12.7% ABV, screw cap, gravity-driven, fermented in stainless with aging sur lie. Apple and citric tones, completely unwooded. Try with a light cream sauce (pasta, trout,veggies). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Henry of Pelham Estate Fume Sauvignon Blanc 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +444268 $19.95 winery only: Very aromatic with nuances of toastiness both in the nose and on the palate, somewhat in a fume style started by Robert Mondavi fifty years ago. Typical savvy zestiness is tamed by oaking and unctuous fruit tones. Medium finish accents lemon and vanillin character, melon, honeysuckle. Best as a classy sipper on its own, but also with a lightly aromatic first course. 50% BF in barriques, a half-year aging in oak barriques. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ---------------------------------------------------------------- SERIES FOUR -- 1.Saintly The Good Sparkling Rose Gold 2019 VQA Ontario, +16767 LCBO, $18.95: an all-purpose medium-body off-dry styled wine for patios, terraces, decks, etc. with nuances of strawberries and melons. Grapes include 46% Chardonnay, 46% Cab Franc, 4% Sauvignon Blanc, and 4% Syrah (the grapes and percentages could change from harvest to harvest). Very light-pink in colour, persistent mousse from the cuve close Charmat method. Extended lees contact leads to a creaminess in the body. In three words: fresh, fruity, dry. What more could you ask for in a very pleasant and consistent all-occasion celebratory drink? 3 g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Saintly The Good Sparkling [white] Gold 2019 VQA Ontario, Wine Rack only $18.95: another all-purpose medium-body off-dry styled wine for patio, terrace, deck, etc. with nuances of orchard fruit (apples, pears, peaches) and citric tones. Grapes include 82% Pinot Gris, 15% Muscat, and 3% Chardonnay (the grapes and percentages could change from harvest to harvest). Persistent mousse, Charmat method, extended lees contact – all contribute to a creamy style. What more could you ask for in a very pleasant and consistent all-occasion celebratory drink? 10g g/L residual sugar makes it “dry to off- dry”. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Campbell Kind Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Marlborough, $22.99 consignment through selectwines.ca: Steve Campbell, of www.campbellkindwines.com, has the world’s first international range of sustainable, carbon zero wines. International wineries and winemakers craft environmentally-friendly wines for their retail partners. Campbell Kind Wine currently has several varieties of wines in play, which include Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Syrah and Chenin Blanc from South Africa, Tempranillo blend from Ribera del Duero, Montepulciano blend from Abruzzo, and IgT Rosso Veronese from Verona, and others. I sampled the savvy: made by Steve Smith, New Zealand's first MW, of Smith and Sheth among the Marlborough riverbeds. It's a dynamic wine made from some 30-year old vines, with a medium-body and lower levels of MVC (Modal Varietal Character), especially tropicality and orchard fruit, but with more minerality and citric lemon tones, leading to a higher crisp finish. It's ideal with fried foods. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ------------------------------------------------------- SERIES FIVE -- 1.Sandbanks Sleeping Giant Foch – Baco Noir 2018 VQA Ontario +164087 LCBO, $19.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from August 17 to September 13 it is priced at $17.95): based on marechal foch and baco noir grapes, this wine comes loaded with the intensity of rustic red fruit and mocha tones, tempered by deftly placed wood notes. Try with roasts. A previous vintage was OWA Gold Medal 2018 and All Canadian Wine Championships Gold Medal 2018. 14g/L residual sugar and 12.5% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Sandbanks Baco Noir Reserve 2019 VQA Ontario +225920 LCBO, $19.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from October 12 to November 5 it is priced at $17.95): plenty of full-bodied black fruit here, displaying also some mocha in its development. Some light barrel aging as well. Best with grilled meats. A previous vintage was OWA Bronze Medal 2018 and All Canadian Wine Championship Double Gold 2018. 13 g/L residual sugar and 12.5% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Sandbanks Route 33 Red (Merlot-Petit Verdot) NV VQA Ontario +17370 LCBO, $19.95: another full-bodied wine, loaded with charm and character reminiscent of typical Bordeaux. The bi-varietal blend is merlot and petit verdot (both commonly used in Bordeaux), all showing red cherry-berry aromatics and textures coupled with some oak tones from extended barrel aging. Plummy too. Best with strong cheeses or sauced meats. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Sandbanks Route 33 White (Riesling-Pinot Grigio) NV VQA Ontario +17369 LCBO, $14.95: another bi-varietal with dry tropical fruit notes and crispness, slightly herbal complexity, with a lemon-lime finish. Very useful in a reliable sense. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Sandbanks Pinot Grigio 2018 VQA Ontario +372219 LCBO, $15.95: this is a competitive category, but Sandbanks goes up very well against other grigios in Ontario. Typical nuances include orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic tropical overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with citric notes. 8 g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Sandbanks Beach Riesling NV VQA Ontario +139022 LCBO, $14.95: a very decent seafood-ready consistent wine in the riesling tradition of petrol and minerals augmented by the range of orchard fruit found in nectarines, plums, apricots, and peaches, ending with a lemony citric crispness. 16G/L resideual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Sandbanks Smugglers White NV VQA Ontario +648642 LCBO, $13.95: a nifty blend of vidal and pinot grigio, with a very light colour but lifted aromatics of pineapple and orchard fruit, following through on the mid-weight palate and ending with a citric finish appropriate for food. 7g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Sandbanks Summer Rose NV VQA Ontario +14867 LCBO, $14.95: this is vidal with skin contact, so the appearance is almost like an orange wine – which makes it sort of trendy. It's also a seasonal release, so when it is gone, it is gone. And it is also lightly sparkling but kept under a twist top. The suggestion on the label is to chill it, not only for the flavour as a white wine but also to stop any bubbles from gushing. Dominating flavours include nectarines and oranges with other tropical notes, right through to the finish. 31 g/L residual sugar, 11.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Sandbanks Rose 2019 VQA Ontario +244616 LCBO, $13.95 (but as a Limited Time Offer from September 14 to October 11 it is priced at $17.95 – just in time for Thanksgiving): this is mostly vidal with some gamay, pinot noir, and muscat blanc. It is lightly tasty with an emphasis on floral bouquet. It has a great balance between sweet and tart flavours, within the peachy-citric range. Lovely finish. A previous vintage was All Canadian Wine Championships Silver Medal 2018. 12g/L residual sugar and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ------------------------------------ SERIES SIX - 1.Henry of Pelham Classic Cabernet-Merlot 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula +504241 LCBO $15.95: this entry level wine is dependable and consistent from year to year. This time it has cabernet franc, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. The Bordeaux-themed blend comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux. It is still a young wine and could profit from a double-decant. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by barrel aging. It has been modestly aged in used oak. Great with foods cooked in the Mediterranean basin style. 12.8% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Baco Noir Classic 2019 VQA Ontario, +270926 LCBO $15.95: As with their previous baco noirs at all levels, HOP has maintained the rich jammy character. This entry level baco has also been re-titled “Baco Noir Classic” and I suspect other HOP entry level varietal wines will also be labeled “Classic”, probably with a price rise of a dollar or so. US barrels are used for more than six months aging. It is still too young for today [only seven months old], needs another year or two. 13% ABV. One of the top General List bacos in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Just Merlot 2019 Pays d'Oc, +17528 LCBO October $11.95: an easy drinking entry-level merlot from the warmer south of France (Languedoc, Rhone). Ripe, oak free, good mix of red and black berries, smooth. 13.5% ABV. Good unpretentious value for the price. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.LangeTwins Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Lodi, +572305 Vintages $24.95: “Certified Green” sustainable. A great wallop of cherries begins the aromatics and dominates right through to the finish in typical Cali-style. 18 months aging in mostly French oak barrels, long rich ending with toasty notes. But only 2.4 g/L residual sugar. 14% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Sacred Hill Pinot Noir 2018 Marlborough, +277665 Vintages Halloween $19.95: typical Kiwi pinot noir from the heart of New Zealand, one of their better values for under $20. While the colour is a bit light, the dynamics of the palate are red cherry-berry all the way, with underbrush notes. Soft tannins dominate the finish. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.J. Bookwalter Readers Chardonnay 2018 Columbia Valley Washington, +634162 Vintages Halloween $19.95: I enjoyed the Cab from Readers awhile back, and I am happy to say that I enjoyed the Chard from Readers as well. It's a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier (20%) which puts it on maybe the same level as a Chardonnay Musque. Certainly, you would want no oak here, and that is a given. It is all stainless and the wine blend is co-fermented. The Viognier contributes honeysuckle and peaches, of course. The Chardonnay dominates with other orchard fruits and compelling citric notes. The blend is aged (with stirring) four months on its lees, and then bottled after a further two months. 13.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --------------------------------------------------------- SERIES SEVEN -- 1.WineryArt Bodega DeMuerte Blanca Sobre Lias 2019 Yecla Spain $23 Majesticwine.ca consignment: this is a bi-varietal wine, a blend of two grapes (here, 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% verdejo). Europe and Latin America have a vast number of bi-varietal wines. Each grape complements the other. Here,the sauvignon is aromatic with citric tones and herbs, while the verdelho is fruity with sweet ripe orchard fruit (peach, apricot). More complexity is given as both wines are aged on their lees (“sobre lias”). Both grape varieties come from vineyards that are over 10-years old. Poultry would be a suggested food accompaniment. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Albino Armani 1607 Sequal Sauvignon DOC Fruili-Grave 2018 Friuli-Venezia-Giulia $20.95 Majesticwine.ca consignment: very intense aromas, fruity from green fruit and herby but with a medium-body and not like Kiwin Savvy. Citric finish, very useful as a first course white wine. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Biscardo Mabis Oropasso Originale Garganega Chardonnay Veneto IGT 2018 $18.95 Majesticwine.ca consignment: another bi-varietal, with 60% garganega and 40% chardonnay. Here the garganega appears to have undergone a partial passito (its unctuousness tastes peachy). Or, at the very least, it is Late Harvest in style. Garganega, of course, is the grape behind Soave, and in its passito form, it's also Recioto di Soave, a sweet dessert wine with apricot and bitter almond complexity. So any sweetness has been muted by the chardonnay's green style. A good food accompaniment would be fish. 13% ABV. Really good quality wine. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Tavernello Pinot Bianco Famoso Rubicone IGT 2018 Emilia-Romagna LCBO +14060 $8.95 and 5.Tavernello Sangiovese Cabernet Rubicone IGT 2018 Emilia-Romagna LCBO +13602 $8.95: here we have entry level bi-varietals (the Argentine Fuzion Shiraz Malbec is a bi-varietal at this same price level). The sour cherry of the sangiovese has been tempered by the fruitiness of the cabernet, much like a SuperTuscan but minus the depth. Food: grilled vegetables or just patio parties. The white bi-varietal is interesting for its inclusion of the aromatic famoso grape, once a “lost” indigenous variety but since reclaimed. It deftly complements the blander pinot bianco. Good quaffing wines. 12% ABV Famoso; 13% ABV Sangiovese. Quality/Price rating is 88 points each by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR 2020 APRIL/MAY/JUNE [normally published monthly since 2000- –but these are unusual and perilous times... By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com There were no wine events in Toronto during April/May/June (beyond our own Wine Writers' Circle of Canada 7th Annual Rose tastings (see below), so I continue with wine notes from trade samples – SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS QUARTER – SERIES ONE – 1.Henry of Pelham Riesling Speck Family Reserve 2018 VQA Short Hills Bench, +643361 Vintages June, $24.95 [now available online and at winery]: absolutely delicious MVC intense riesling in a Rhine style, with an off-dry palate but a dry finish (good acid levels on the finish); broad fruity strokes of peaches and flowers on the mid-palate; quite a blazing riesling with intense pleasure, sip or food. 10.5% ABV, cork closure, from HOP's oldest Estate vineyards (35+ year old riesling vines, handpicked). Try with rich bivalve dishes or porchetta. Should improve in the bottle over the years. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir La Clape Syrah/Carignan/Mourvedre 2016 AOP Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape, +370262, $19.95 Vintages June: the South of France bargains continue at the LCBO with this southern Rhone clone emphasizing aromatic red fruit (with some black) and garrigue. Nice long finish for that heavy meat dish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Corbieres 2016 $17.95 +394288 Vintages: In this Terroir Corbieres (from the Narbonne), Bertrand uses traditional fermentation for the syrah, grenache and mourvedre. It is an appealing Rhonish G-S-M, with one-third of the blended wine aging in wood for nine months before bottling. Very firm with some very dark fruit on the very full finish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2018 BCVQA Okanagan Valley +377770 $24.95 Vintages Essential: from one of the leading producers of Chardonnay in BC. Soft orchard fruit (pear, apple, peach), some citrus tones. Soft and versatile, with a medium balance good to accompany any foods. 13% ABV, Residual Sugar 1.0 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Westcott Vineyards Temperance 2018 VQA Vinemount Ridge $19.99 winery [and SAQ +14209964]: this is a passtoutgrain-styled wine (as found in Burgundy) which is very popular in France, made from 50% Gamay Noir and 50% Pinot Noir grapes. There is a 30-day maceration, with a stainless steel all wild and malo-lactic fermentation. Very soft, fleshy, fruity (despite a low residual sugar of only 1 g/L), good for the patio and deck. It would be excellent with all kinds of soups. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Westcott Vineyards Brilliant Traditional Sparkling 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge $39.99 winery, licensees: this is a still-fresh terrific sparkler done up in the traditional style of long lees contact (75 months here), hand riddling, and disgorgement for a secondary fermentation in the bottle. 667 cases were produced of this pinot noir (66%) and chardonnay (33%) blend from their own estate in Vinemount Ridge. It's got a complex basket of flavours, ranging from orchard fruit through to citrus, with the lightness of the chardonnay being balanced off against the heavier tones of the pinot noir. It stays this way right from the entry through to the long finish, and the latter makes this a pretty good food wine too. You'll need to put some down for 2025. 12.9% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Westcott Vineyards Lillias Chardonnay 2019 VQA Niagara Escarpment $24.99 +425322 Vintages: a bright and fresh Chardonnay reflective of the vintage. Tank fermentation and storage with full MLF to soften, and six months lees contact. No oak. Slightly off-dry feel despite 1.8 g/L residual sugar, but a rounded mid-palate. Very stylish with a light lingering finish, great as a non-appetite-provoking aperitif, which makes it a fab cocktail party white wine. Emphasis is on fresh orchard fruit (apples, pears, peaches): it could change over the next two years, which would make it more versatile in being also a first course wine. 12.9% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Escarpment $29.99 winery, licensee: much like Lillias but with oak overtones. This Estate wine has had full MLF, 100% wild yeast, barrel fermentation, and French oak aging for 9 months (20% new, 40% one fill). Two different clones were used (95, 96), and the results show a typical Westcott feature of orchard fruit with some tropicality concentrated notes contributed by the oak aging' leading to a slight citric finish. Still too young, lay it down – or taste it (as I did) over a stretch of time. A good first course wine since the oak appears in the background as grace notes. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Westcott Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2018 VQA Vinemount Ridge $44.99 winery: 11.Westcott Vineyards Block 76 Chardonnay 2018 VQA Vinemount Ridge $44.99 Wine Club: this is a great exercise in comparative horizontal values. The Block 76 is new this year, made for the first time as an exclusive for the Westcott Wine Club. Differences are notable but subtle. Both labels are elegant Burgundian-styled wines, with virtually the same winemaking of full malolactic fermentation and wild yeast, but Block 76 has limited lees stirring. Both are barrel fermented and aged for 10 months in French oak, but Block 76 has more new oak than the Reserve. Block 76 is 12.8% ABV; Reserve is 12.5% ABV. Block 76 has slightly higher total acidity. Chardonnay clones 95 and 96 were used in the Reserve; Chardonnay clone 76 was used in, well, Block 76. But both had strong whiffs of pineapple and butter on the nose. The proof is in the pudding: a tasting over several days showed a more “complex basket” of medium-toned flavours for the Block 76, which was ultimately (and given that it is the same price) my choice of the two. The wines got better as they were exposed to more air over a week; new bottles should really be laid down for a few more years. Soft elegance and incipient balance are keystones here in the long, lingering finish. Also, do not overchill: it just mutes the flavours of layers of fruit and wood. Quality/Price rating for the Westcott Reserve is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Quality/Price rating for the Westcott Block 76 is 93+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Westcott Vineyards Riesling Butler's Grant 2019 VQA Twenty Mile Bench (available as a Wine Club Exclusive only) $24.99: a new entry in the Westcott lineup, a devilishly competent 10% ABV Mosel style and light...first time produced. Parts of the vineyard were planted in 1980. Perfectly attuned to summer, if you can find it (the wine, that is): mine was a trade sample, It was delicious in that Germanic style, ready for consumption now. And certainly affordable for an “old vines” wine. 40 cases offered. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.Baron de Hoen Gewurztraminer Reserve 2017 Alsace, +377721 Vintages $19.95 July 11: from around Beblenheim area, cool fermentation with typical gewurz tones of spices, lychee, roses. 13.5% ABV. Best as aperitif, or with fragrant cheeses, spicy foods. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 14.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Picpoul de Pinet 2019 AOP Picpoul de Pinet Languedoc, +13000, $17.95 Vintages July 25: from between Narbonne and Montpellier, just north of the Mediterranean. Affordable tastiness from the piquepoul grape, 13% ABV, twist top. Expect white floral and mineral tones, with medium acidity, some citrus notes and honey on the finish. One to go up against pinot grigio (but it is better than). Best with shellfish or eels rather than sipping. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 15.McPink Blended Scotch Whisky and Port Cask Finish, $59.95 700 ml bottle. Vintages +12248: McPink is so-called because it has been matured in a Port-wood cask giving it a pink tinge. The tech sheet says it is a blend of 16 single malts (60%) and Edinburgh grain whisky (40%). It's a sweeter and fruitier spirit, made to compete with rums and gins in the “neat” and “soda” market. There's a nose of stewed red fruit such as strawberry plus some mocha elements, and the redness persists on the palate and on the finish. Some herbal complexity makes this a real treat: why mix it? Of course, as a blended whisky, you can, but why bother? Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 16.Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 +149302 Vintages May: one of my faves, and occasionally an LTO at under $20. 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 time it will be awesome. 13.2% ABV. Only 0.26 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 17.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 August 22 and Dec 12: a summer social sipper or quaffer, combining 50% riesling and 40% chardonnay with 8% sauvignon blanc and 2% gewurztraminer – all highly aromatic grapes. 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. 12.1%ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 18.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 +80234 Vintages Essential: more in the Mosel mode than Rhine wine, this delicious sipper is loaded with a nose of citrus highlights (lemon, lime, grapefruit) evolving to orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long lean-ish finish which also makes it nifty food wine for Asiatic dishes of all sorts. Medium body but not dry. Suitable for aging, to get that “petrol” character. 10.1% ABV. RS 20 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 19.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a blend of 86% cabernet franc and 14% merlot. 100% US oak was used – 25% new, balance in 1 to 4 year old barrels. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of berries, plums and cherries. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving acid balances. Should go well with BBQ or other fatty meats. Keep for another few years (tasted daily for a week). 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 20.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +131540 Vintages May: Merlot is still recovering from its dissing by Pinot Noir in the movie “Sideways”. But a lot of wineries are still making it. David Johnson the winemaker has here produced a delightfully fruity but dryish (RS 1.4 g/L) drop that is also affordable. Aged 10 months in French oak, 100% malolactic fermentation. Expect black fruit cherry-berry complexity, headed by black currant. Both a patio sipper and a food wine, and ready now for current drinking and accompanying any kind of comfort food. 12.4% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SERIES TWO: 1.Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2018 IGP Pays d'Oc, +147975, $14.95 Vintages July: [This a re-order]....aromatic but on the dry side, perfect as a social wine or for first course. Expect peachy and orange character, but of course no oak. Youthful and useful with nuances of orchard fruit and spicy nuts. No malolactic fermentation. Could go either way with or without food, hence versatile. 13.5% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Pinot Grigio Classic 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +250217 LCBO, $14.95: a wine made in the pinot gris style (Oregon, Alsace) but labeled pinot GRIGIO should sell well for those looking at a pinot grigio with some kick. Grigio has a reputation of being the vodka of wine, but here it is done up as a fairly complicated off-dry wine with layers being revealed as the wine chills down or warms up. One time it has tropicality then it becomes more citrus with more chilling. That makes it a sipper and a food wine, suitable for pre-prandial in the winter or spring. Of note is its slight tinge of orange colour (aha, another “orange” wine!!) from the grape – it is “gris” after all. Some part of the juice was from warmer regions in Niagara, other parts came from a cooler regions. There is some Ontario cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, with some pear notes. Stainless steel all the way. 12% ABV, twist top. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +430546 LCBO. $14.95: good balanced fruit, citric tones, zest, MVC typicity of savvy zestiness. Fresh, 12.2% ABV. Very aromatic with nuances of grassiness both in the nose and on the palate. Medium finish accents of lemon character, melon tones. Best with a lightly aromatic first course of seafood or dairy. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 Vintages, $24.95: both cabernets franc and sauvignon are used in this Bordeaux-styled blend with merlot, which comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux New World and Old World. It is still in its youth at 4 years of age, and it would be a shame to consume it this young. You could do what I did: open it and drink it over a couple of weeks, exposing it to air gently or speeding up the process by double-triple decanting. You will get several different wines out of one bottle over the course of time. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by French and US oak (30% new) for 10 months. Match it with grilled meats. 13.5% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Lazzara Bianco Secco Charmat Method NV VQA Ontario, +16789, LCBO $17.95: this is the latest entry in the domestic “prosecco” sweepstakes in Ontario. The wine is named after Julia Lazzara, the Speck brothers' great grandmother. It comes in at a respectable 11.5% ABV. With RS 20.4/gL. Off-dry but with aromatic grape varieties in the mix (and they could change from harvest to harvest). Tried with smoked BBQ ribs. Bubbles really play around via Charmat method. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Ivory & Burt Old Vine Zinfandel 2017 Lodi, +479303, Vintages August $19.95: very plush style with plum jam, oak lashings, and some herbs on the long engaging finish. Concentrated dark berry fruit tones (black cherry, blackberry), propped up by new US oak for 15% of the production. Sustainable certificate. Best with grilled meats. 15% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Sartori Valpolicella Superiore DOC 120th 2016, +14584, Vintages August $24.95: this is a limited release for the company's 120th anniversary. The mix includes corvina veronese (50%), corvinone (35%), plus croatina and rondinells. About 20% of the must was drawn off to concentrate flavours and tannins; the rest was done up in stainless steel fermentation to which malolactic fermentation was employed. It was all aged in small oak casks for 18 months, and then blended with a cuvee selection. Red fruit dominates, especially ripe cherries and a twist of savouriness near the finish. Great with red meats and older cheese. 13% ABV. If you're going to spend $25 on a better valpolicella, then this is the one to get. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Henry of Pelham Family Tree The Goat Lady Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +16792 LCBO $16.95: in the highly competitive market of chardonnays between $14.95 and $19.95, this one – at a mid-point in that price range – works well. It is part of a new “Family Tree” addition, beyond the current Red and the White. The whole series is under cork, and not screw-cap. Here the Chardonnay has been in US oak for 7 months, and some of it underwent malolactic fermentation. Very much a creamy mouthfeel, almost Californian in style with some coconut tones. 8.79 g/L residual sugar. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Henry of Pelham Family Tree The Padre Cabernet-Merlot 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, available only at the HOP winery or online, $21.95: a classic blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot, done up in French style with barrel aging for 16 months in both new and older oak (60% French oak, 40% US oak). 13% ABV. Gobs of fruit and vanillin tones, good entry level. But needs more time – do a double decant or taste over several days. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Henry of Pelham Family Tree The Bootlegger Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +16791, LCBO $17.95: all baco noir, which is the deft signature wine of Henry of Pelham. Twenty percent of it has been barrel aged in all US oak, and 80% done up in stainless steel. This one definitely needs time, and exposure is recommended beyond a double decant. It gets more plummy as it opens up. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reserve 2018 VQA Short Hills Bench +616466, $29.95 Vintages June 27: Grapes come from their oldest estate vineyards (beginning 1988), hand-picked. Barrel fermented in French oak with a portion in 3000L foudres, and then barrel aged for 8 – 10 months in a mix of new and older barrels. This continues the tradition of Burgundian elegance. Expect some ripeness, balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place. Wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. 13% ABV, cork closure. Definitely needs another year – or more – in bottle in order to bring out the nuances. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Monday June 21, 2020 2PM to 7PM The Event: The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's SEVENTH annual Rose tasting of imported and domestic rose wines for sale in Ontario – the only tasting of its kind in Ontario! The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's Toronto Head Offices. The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are (or will be) available either year round or for the seasonal offering Spring/Summer 2020. The Quote/Background: All wines submitted were tasted. What follows below are my OWN tasting scores from my OWN notes. My BEST wines scored 91 or more; my BETTER wines were in that narrow 88 – 90 range. My individual scores are given; those from other writers will vary in their writings. In fact, write-ups by other writers will also vary, as well as photos. This was NOT a competition since all wines were tasted with exposed labels and prices, plus tech/sales sheets and an overall spreadsheet. This was all dictated by Ontario's response to COVID-19 and social distancing with crowd limits at 5 persons. The tasting was originally scheduled for April 13, but actually happened two months later when the lockdown eased up a bit. In fairness to the trade, the wines had to be tasted and described before the season ended. The Wines: It is important to realize that Ontario roses are surely world-class, holding their own against those of France, Portugal and Spain. Prices are generally RETAIL unless otherwise specified. The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada would very much like to thank both Drinks Ontario and Wine Marketing Association of Ontario for encouraging their members to participate. There were some 62 submissions, both still and sparkling. Thanks guys! Wines are either at the LCBO (CSPC given) or the winery or consignment/private order. The roses are listed randomly within their score categories. Here are my personal faves; wines that I will actually buy: **DEAN'S CHOICE BEST VALUE - Bodega Argento Argento Rose 2019 $10.95 +13245 Mendoza 85% syrah/malbec/cabernet franc, 14% pinot grigio 12.5% LCBO Seasonal Rose (92+) **DEAN'S CHOICE BEST DOMESTIC – a tie! WITH The Foreign Affair Winery Amarosé 2019 $19.95 Vintages +388702 Niagara Peninsula inot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir 12.2% July 25 (91) and Flat Rock Cellars Pink Twisted 2019 $17.95 +39974 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Gamay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer 11% LCBO (91) **DEAN'S CHOICE BEST IMPORT - Caves d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2019 $62.95 +491019 AOC COTES DE PROVENCE 13% LCBO Vintages 11-Jul-20 (93) Again, wines are arranged RANDOMLY within each GOOD, BETTER, and BEST grade category. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % -Chateau d'Aqueria Tavel Rose 2019 $24.95 +319368 France Rhone Valley Grenache 13.5% LCBO Vintages -Caves d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2019 $62.95 +491019 France AOC COTES DE PROVENCE 13% LCBO Vintages 11-Jul-20 -Caves d'Esclans ROCK ANGEL 2019 $49.95 +491027 France AOC COTES DE PROVENCE 14% LCBO Vintages -When Pigs Fly Rose 2018 $19.95 Ontario VQA Vinemount Ridge pinot noir Vieni Vineyard 13% -Caves d'Esclans THE PALM BY WHISPERING ANGEL 2019 $24.95 +562595 France AOC COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE 13% LCBO Vintages -AIX Rosé 2019 $24.95 +451906 France Provence Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault 13% LCBO Vintages -Bieler Pere & Fils Sabine Rose 2018 $18.95 +867358 France Provence Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cab Sauv, Rolle 13% Consignment, always available P. Dandurand -Faulkner Wines Jules Rose 2018 $19.99 NA France Provence Cinsault, Carignan, Cabernet Sauv, 12.5% Consignment Always available Noble Estates Wines & Spirits -Vignerons de Chusclan MAESTRAL ROSE 2019 $16.45 +15135 France IGP GARD Grenache,Syrah,Merlot 13.50% LCBO Vintages -Frescobaldi Alie 2018 $22.95 +865147 Tuscany Syrah with a touch of Vermentino 12.5% Consignment, Always available Dandurand -Sacred Hill Whitecliff Hawkes Bay Rose 2019 $14.95 +13297 New Zealand Hawkes Bay 12.5% LCBO -Kim Crawford Rose 2019 $18.95 +650325 New Zealand Hawke's Bay 67% Merlot, 29.5% Sauvignon Blanc, 1.3% Pinot Gris, 1.2% Malbec, 0.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.3% Cabernet Franc 13% LCBO -Bodega Argento Argento Rose 2019 $10.95 +13245 Mendoza 85% syrah/malbec/cabernet franc, 14% pinot grigio 12.5% LCBO Seasonal Rose -Charles Smith Wines Band of Roses 2018 $11 USD Washington State 12.5% -Saintly The Good Rose 2019 $17.95 Niagara 12.5% Wine Rack -Huff Estates Winery County Roads Rose 2019 $25 PEC (VQA PEC) Pinot Noir 12% Winery/Online -The Foreign Affair Winery Amarosé 2019 $18.95 Vintages +388702 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir 12.2% LCBO by July 25 -Flat Rock Cellars Pink Twisted 2019 $17.95 +39974 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Gamay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer 11% LCBO -Gerard Bertrand Hampton Water 2019 $29.95 +667337 Languedoc syrah, cinsault, mourvedre,grenache 14% LCBO Vintages 2020-07-11 -UP Ultimate Provence Rose 2019 $27.95 +14833 Provence grenache, cinsault, syrah, rolle 12.5% Vintages ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % -Domaine Bassac MARGALH ROSE 2019 $14.95 +155515 France LOIRE VDF Cinsault, Grenache,Syrah 12% Vintages 22-Aug -Boutinot Les Oliviers Rose 2017 $13.99 NA France Languedoc Grenache, Cinsault 12% Consignment, Always available -Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé 2019 $18.95 +373985 France AOP Languedoc Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah 13% LCBO -Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Rosé 2018 $24.95 +284943 California Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir 12.5% LCBO Vintage Essentials +Stel + Mar Rose 2019 $8.95 500 mL California 12.5% Private Import Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits -Torres Sangre de Toro Rose 2018 $13.95 +848119 Spain Catalunya Garnacha, Carinena 12.5% Consignment, Always available P. Dandurand -Cupio Pinot Noir Rose 2018 South Australia Pinot Noir 12.5*% Currently, BC only Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits -Trapiche Astica Rose 2019 $8.95 +445833 Argentina Cuyo Malbec, Cab Sauv 12.5% LCBO -Henry of Pelham Classic Rosé 2019 $14.95 +613471 VQA Niagara Peninsula 54.1% Pinot Noir 31.7% Gamay Noir 5.1% Riesling 9.1% Pinot Gris 11% LCBO -Westcott Vineyards Pinot Noir Rose 2019 $23.99 VQA Vinemount Ridge 13.00% Winery, Online -Westcott Vineyards Delphine Rose 2019 $18.99 +498527 VQA Twenty Mile Bench 12.9% LCBO Vintages -Pillitteri Estates Winery Racina Pinot Squared 2018 $23 NA Canada Niagara-on-the-Lake 85% Pinot Grigio, 15% Pinot Noir 13% Winery and Online -Huff Estates Winery Getaway Rose 2019 $19 +63982 PEC (VQA ONT) Cabernet Franc 12.8% LCBO -Featherstone Estate Winery Rose 2019 $15.95 +117861 Niagara Cab Sauvignon 42%/Franc39% 13.6% LCBO Vintages May and Sep 2020 -Chateau des Charmes Rose Cuvee d'Andree 2018 $16.95 +333260 Niagara Pinot Noir 12.5% Online, winery -Troupis Fteri Agiorgitiko-Moschfilero Rose 2018 $15.95 +15139 Greece 12.5% LCBO Vintages 2020-07-11 -Quails' Gate Rose 2019 $19.95 +275842 Okanagan Valley gamay noir, pinot noir, pinot gris 12% LCBO Vintages *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % -Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc 2019 $15.95 +14673 France IGP Pays D'Oc Grenache Gris, Grenache LCBO -M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rose 2018 $16.95 +219840 Rhone Grenache, Cinsault & Syrah 13.5% Consignment, Always available P.Dandurand -Folonari Pinot Grigio Pink 2018 $11.95 +43588 Italy Valle Versa in Oltrepo' Pavese Pinot Grigio 11.5% LCBO -St Hallett Rose 2019 $19.95 +15273 Barossa Grenache 12% July LCBO -Woodbridge Rose $11.95 California Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Muscat, Grenache, Zinfandel, Syrah 12% LCBO -Woodbridge White Zinfandel $11.45 +249656 California White Zinfandel, French Colombard, Muscat Alexandria, Mixed Reds (Saignee) 9.5% LCBO -Speck Bros. House Wine Co. Rose Can 2019 $4.95 250mL +15499 VQA Niagara Peninsula 68% Vidal Blanc 25% Riesling 5% Zweigelt 2% Muscat 2% Gewürztraminer 11% LCBO -Speck Bros. Three of Hearts Rosé 2019 $19.95 +552562 VQA Niagara Peninsula 60% Pinot Noir 40% Pinot Gris 11.5% LCBO -Pillitteri Estates Winery Market Collection Lucia's Rose 2018 $16 VQA Niagara Peninsula Cabernet Franc 12.5% Winery and Online -Jackson-Triggs Proprietors Selection Light Rose NV $10.95 Ontario 75% Dry White, 12% White Hybrid, 10% Gewerztraminer, 3% Baco Noir 8% Wine Rack -Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits EastDell Summer Rose 2018 $14.95 +560243 VQA Niagara Peninsula Riesling & Gamay Noir 12.5% LCBO + Grocery -Open Rose 2018 $12.95 +175349 Ontario 100% Gamay Noir 11.7% Wine Rack and LCBO -Huff Estates Winery All Day Rose 2019 $5 250mL can PEC (VQA ONT) Cabernet Franc 12.5% Winery/Online The Food: baguettes, biscuits, waters, California oven-roasted almonds, salted peanuts, arbequina and nicoise olives. The Downside: it was a lot of wines with many monochromatic notes in a similar price range, but we took breaks for food, water, etc. Rince bouche with soda water helped. The Upside: a chance to taste a lot of wines, many of which were top notch. And there were many 2019s – really, really fresh. The Contact Person: organizer – deantudor@deantudor.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95 2.The Date and Time: Wednesday June 24, 2020 3PM to 7PM The Event: A carryover of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's SEVENTH annual Rose tasting of imported and domestic rose wines for sale in Ontario – the only tasting of its kind in Ontario. Today we tasted SPARKLING roses as a separate category. The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's Toronto Head Offices. The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are (or will be) available either year round or for the seasonal offering Spring/Summer 2020. The Quote/Background: We had decided to taste the sparklers against each other in a separate tasting of the fizzes, apart from the still wines. This was all dictated by Ontario's response to COVID-19 and social distancing with crowd limits at 5 persons. The tasting was originally scheduled for April 13, but actually happened two months later when the lockdown eased up a bit. In fairness to the trade, the wines had to be tasted and described before the season ended. The Wines: As always, this was NOT a competition, and the tasting notes I made were MY OWN, for ratings and rankings. Wines are either at the LCBO (CSPC given) or the winery. Wines are arranged randomly within each grade category. **DEAN'S “best sparkling wine” was Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Brut Rose Champagne NV $99.95 +158550 (personal rating of 93-94). **DEAN'S “best sparkling wine value” was once again Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling Rosé NV $17.95 +536565 VQA Ontario (92) I did not rate Leitz Eins-Zwei-Zero NV Rheingau Pinot Noir Sparkling $12.95 LCBO +12549 as it has no alcohol, but it certainly tastes magnificent for 0% ABV, and of course it is in a category by itself. Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Laurent-Perrier Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Brut Rose NV $99.95 +158550 Champagne Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier 12% LCBO Vintage Essentials -Huff Estates Winery Cuvee Janine Rose 2017 $30 +405035 Canada PEC (VQA PEC) Pinot Noir 12.5% Winery/Online -Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling 2014 $34.95 Canada Niagara Pinot Noir & Chardonnay 12% Online, Winery -Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling Rosé N/A $17.95 +536565 Canada VQA Ontario 90% Riesling 10% Cabernet Franc 12% LCBO Year Round -Gruet Sparkling Brut Rose NV Method Champenoise New Mexico $26.95 +15686 pinot noir 12% Vintages -Flat Rock Cellars Crowned Sparkling Brut 2015 $45.00 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir 12% Winery Only New Release ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bottega Spa Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Brut Rose NV $14.95 +277202 Italy Veneto Pinot Nero 11.5% LCBO -Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Lakeview Wine Co. FRESH Sparkling Rose NV $16.95 +341347 VQA Niagara Peninsula Riesling & Gamay Noir 12% LCBO + Grocery *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Speck Bros. Aria Sparkling Rose 2019 $14.95 +14981 VQA Niagara Peninsula 93% Gewürztraminer 5% Muscat Blanc 1% Zweigelt 0.5% Lemberger 0.5% Pinot Noir 11.5*% LCBO Seasonal The Food: bread and water, olives, almonds. The Contact Person: deantudor@deantudor.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR MARCH 2020 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Stel+Mar Premium Red (+14775, $4.95), White (+14776, $4.95) and Sparkling Rose (not yet available at LCBO): These are wine-in-a-can, 250 mL each. By proper blending it was possible to get the most out of the wine. The appellation is California, and for the Red (13.7 ABV)it is a cherry-berry typical zinfandel from the Lodi area. The White is unoaked chardonnay (14.5% ABV with some vanilla minerality) from the North Coast. The Sparkling Rose (12.5% ABV) is off-dry, but the bubbles are an added attraction [apparently it is their basic rose with bubbles]. Simple, easy to drink, good with picnics of course. The size is right – one-third of a bottle, 8 ounces (two drinks). A good idea. Pretty basic wine. By July, the LCBO hopes to also have Stel+Mar Rose Tetra, +15515, 3 Litres (6 x 500mL, $45.95). Quality/Price rating for each is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures (although I did enjoy the chardonnay a tad more). 2.Terlato Steep Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 California, $19.95 release TBD: another Cabernet Sauvignon with just a California appellation. Made principally with grapes from the north east area of Mount Diablo in northern California. There are 20 other California wines at the LCBO at this same price level, some with names such as Victor, Joel, Josh, Tom, et al. The Terlato label says “big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon” to enjoy with heavier meats such as steak or lamb, but it actually tastes of soft tannins with a medium body: more like a Merlot (which would still put it within the lamb area). 13.5% ABV, Stelvin closure. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Mud House Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Marlbrough +190454 Vintages $19.95: down a dollar since last time at LCBO. The wine typical Kiwi Savvy, with a combo of citric tones across the spectrum, grass, and melon-like tropicality. It's a blend of different Marlborough vineyards. Every vineyard batch from Woolshed, Wairau, and Awatere is kept separate for a final blending before bottling. Best served with seafood. I rated this 89 at the media tasting, but in the comfort of my own home, I easily gave it a 90. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Nugan Estate Cookoothama Cabernet Merlot 2016 New South Wales +91669 Vintages May 16 $17.95: from Darlington Point in New South Wales, night harvested, cold mascerated, and then transferred to US and French oak (1,2 and 3 year old) prior to final blending and bottling. Currently it is a lively MVC style (black fruit, herbs, mocha, vanilla), ready now, for red meats or simply just as a conversation social wine. Easily affordable and nicely received. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Nugan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Coonawarra Alcira Vineyard +393686 Vintages May 30 $29.95: after fermentation, the wine moved to French oak for 14 months. Full of cassis, mint, earth, and overlaying oak. Still needs time, say about two more years, or one could do a double decant or one could keep the bottle open for a week, tasting a little each day (as I did). 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2017 VQA Ontario, +247882, $18.95 Vintages: This red blend for 2017 (the blend can change with each release) comprises syrah (31%), cabernet franc (24%), merlot (24%), cabernet sauvignon (16%), and baco noir (5%). The latter may have resulted in a VQA Ontario designation rather than a VQA Niagara. It's all barrel aged, 65% French oak and 35% US oak for 17 months. It is substantial, reflecting the aromatics and flavour profiles of the grapes used. Cherry-berry tones, fresh spices on the finish, some spine to stand up to hearty food. Cork closure, 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Classic 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +13904 LCBO, $16.95: Here is a deft entry-level character lightish pinot noir wine, with some cherry-berry tones, some nuances of wood, mildly opulent style, not totally cool climate at all. Four different clones are fermented in stainless and aged in “European” oak for six months plus. Expect also light cloves, fresh fruit tones, and oak vanillin which will mute over time. Ready soon, but will get better, very food friendly and drinkable. Maybe decant first. 12.8% ABV, twist top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Baron de Hoen Riesling Reserve 2018 Alsace, +446427, $16.95 Vintages: a classic straight-up Alsatian Riesling in the MVC dry mode, 12% ABV, twist top, fairly priced. Orchard fruit dominates, with a nice lemony citric finish meant for fish. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Monday March 2, 2020 Noon – 2:30 PM The Event: A tasting of Vignobles de Larose wines along with a discussion on the new Classification of Crus Bourgeois. The Venue: Le Select The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members The Availability/Catalogue: Marchands des Ameriques is the agency (see below). Differing vintages are currently available; others will come in August and October of this year. The Quote/Background: Franck Bijon, the General Manager and Chief Winemaker of Vignobles de la Rose made the presentation, commenting on the company's history. It's got three major Chateaux in the Haut-Medoc: Chateau LaRose Trintaudon (huge seller in the USA), Chateau LaRose Perganson, and Chateau Arnauld. Area is 263 hectares, production is 1.3 million bottles a year, exports are 30% of the company totals. The company began its first rehabilitation in 1963, followed by another in 2000 to get numerous environmental certifications (and again in 2020). Franck also discussed the details on applying for classification. Crus Bourgeois were classified in 2003 and then again in 2020. There are 247 chateaux with three levels. The first is a basic entry, followed by “superior” and then “exceptional”. Re-validation is every five years (e.g., 2025, 2030, etc.). LaRose's barrel program includes 3600 barrels (of which 900 are new) for the Trintaudon, 400 barrels (of which 140 are new) for the Perganson (superior), and 35 all-new barrels for the Arnauld (exceptional). In 2019, they bought Chateau Tour de Pez in St. Estephe, which we did not taste today. The Wines: Kenneth Gunn of the Marchands des Vins agency has the Haut-Medoc wines for sale... **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau LaRose Trintaudon 2011 [juicy and racy] $29.50 licensee -Chateau LaRose Perganson 2008 [my fave of the day] $34.50 licensee -Chateau LaRose Perganson 2010 [2011 at the agency for $36 licensee] coming Oct 3 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau LaRose Trintaudon 2009 – coming Aug 22 -Chateau Arnauld 2012 -Chateau Arnauld 2014 $58.10 licensee The Food: Bordeaux friendly food, such as a salade d'endive, foies de canard, filet de boeuf grille, risotto aux champignons, and souffle au fromage et aux noisettes. The Downside: I had just come from the dentist. The Upside: Trintaudon 2003, 2014, and 2015 are at the LCBO; Perganson 2006 is at the LCBO $32.10 retail. The Contact Person: manon.morel@vignoblesdelarose.com and kenneth@marchandsdesameriques.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 2020 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2017 Mendoza, +128629, $18.95 Vintages April: black fruit dominates this substantial wine. Made from older vines (some are 50 years old). Aging in French and US oak barrels for 14 months, still needs time to resolve despite 3 years of age. 13.8% ABV, a hefty thick wine that dominates. Best for carnivores? You decide. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reserve 2018 VQA Short Hills Bench +616466, $29.95 Vintages April: Grapes come from their oldest estate vineyards (beginning 1988), hand-picked. Barrel fermented in French oak with a portion in 3000L foudres, and then barrel aged for 8 – 10 months in a mix of new and older barrels. This continues the tradition of Burgundian elegance. Expect some ripeness, balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place. Wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. 13% ABV, cork closure. Definitely needs another year – or more – in bottle in order to bring out the nuances. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Riesling Estate 2018 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165 Vintages, $19.95 Vintages April: intense riesling in a Rhine style of cool fermentation, with very off-dry palate but dry finish (good acid levels on the finish) – broad grapefruit and lemons on the mid-palate, sip (mainly) or food. 10.5% ABV, 17g/L RS, twist top, from HOP's oldest Estate riesling vineyards (planted 1984). Should also age well. Try with fish that live in water but die in wine. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir “Droit” 2017 St. David's Bench Vineyard VQA St. David’s Bench, +582263 Vintages, $19.95: medium-full-bodied, suggestive of Beaujolais grand cru wines such as Morgon or Moulin a Vent in the Droit's capacity for aging. Dark cherry-berry flavours dominate, but there is added spicing and even some nuances of smokey earth and eucalyptus, although the wine is unoaked. Cork finish. Good with BBQ (soon, soon), cheese, or something substantial, but some tannic structure is present to carry through a whole meal. Chateau des Charmes is the only winery using this particular gamay clone. 13.7% ABV. Earlier vintages were gold medal winners in Canada. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2018 Cuvee Michele Estate Grown & Bottled VQA NOTL, +454967, $16.95 LCBO: A lovely young wine, with some forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red fruit (strawberries are hinted by the winemaker). Estate grown and bottled. Good written notes on the back label are spot on. Just under subtle oaking, with a moderate intensity of medium flavours. Ready to drink now. Cork closure, 12.1% ABV. Try with lamb burgers. Dedicated to the late Michele Bosc. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Wednesday February 19, 2020 3PM to 5:30Pm The Event: Rioja Masterclass with Oscar Urrita from Grupo Bodegas Olarra, and Charles Jewitt of Trilogy Wine Group. The Venue: George Brown College, King Street The Target Audience: two dozen wine media and sommeliers, in a seminar tasting setting. The Availability/Catalogue: Oscar spoke briefly about the company's holdings in La Mancha and Ribeira. The thrust was on Bodegas Ondarre in Rioja, but he also pointed out that the Rioja company could legally produce a Cava wine, which unfortunately we could not try today. The Quote/Background: Oscar covered the quality levels of Rioja, the winemaking character, the classification systems and the new arrangement of “single vineyard”, “village”, and “zone”. Several terroirs were indicated in the video displays of terrain maps and the three ranges of wines. For Ondarre, the barrels are about 40% French and 60% USA, at a medium toast. The wines are all blended after separate barreling. Wines from specific vineyards included Valdebaron (VALDEBARON RESERVA 2015 +11784 $22.95 Viana northwest) and Mayor de Ondarre, and the grapes employed were tempranillo (subdued soft fruit), mazuelo (smokey character), and graciano (alcohol body with long length). We had samples of all three. The Wines: +378885 – Erudito Seleccionada 2015 $39.95 (rated *** 89-90) +723452 – Bodegas Olarra Reserva 2015 $19.95 (good polish but still needs time: rated *** 89-90) Future Vintages Releases: +063904 - Cerro Anon Reserva 2015 (May 25th, 600 cases) $20.95, following on the 2014. Cerro Anon Grand Reserva 2011 (release Fall 2020), P.O. not yet issued $29.95 (rated **** 92) Anares Reserva 2015 (release Fall 2020), P.O. not yet issued $19.95 (rated *** 89-90) Private Stock for ordering through Trilogy: Bodegas Olarra Anares Reserva 2010 $21.95 The Food: cheese boards and charcuterie platters, breads, crackers, dried fruit and nuts The Downside: there were few paper notes at the time, all of it was on a powerpoint memory stick for later retrieval at the office. The Upside: a chance to dig deeper into Rioja. The Contact Person: trilogywg@gmail.com and spuritt@hotmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 2.The Date and Time: Thursday February 20, 2020 2PM to 4PM The Event: Chinese Wine Master Class with Lenz Moser, winemaker and proprietor of Chateau Changyu Moser XV (Ningxia, China). The Venue: Shangri-La Hotel, Rosedale Room The Target Audience: wine media, some sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: We tasted four wines that are currently available in Toronto, including a rare blanc de noir from Cabernet Sauvignon, the only one in the world. The Quote/Background: Lenz Moser talked about China and the modern Chinese wineries of today. Through maps and photos, he talked about his own personal experiences of making wine in China. He gave us excellent tech sheets on each of the wines. The Wines: There are three levels, the entry-level Helan Mountain Range, the Moser Family, and the Grand Vin. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau Changyu Moser XV Moser Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 +629989 LCBO Destinations Collection $59.20 [excellent finish] -Chateau Changyu Moser XV Grand Vin Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 +629971 LCBO Destinations Collection $134.95 [very Cali in style with vanilla and cassis] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau Changyu Moser XV Helan Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 +12462 LCBO Vintages $22.95 [no wood treatment, 12 – 18 year old vines] -Chateau Changyu Moser XV Helan Mountain Range Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir 2018 +629997 LCBO Destinations Collection $25.20. [almost vermouth-like with grapefruit tones and slight bitterish finish] The Food: cheese and charcuterie platters, nuts, dried fruit, breads, with platters of fresh veggie rice paper roll-ups, tuna sushi, duck confit on toast, sliders, and more. The Downside: I thought that we would be trying more wines. The Upside: A good opportunity to try wines from China, and from one producer. The Contact Person: andrew@vonterra.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 3. The Date and Time: Thursday February 20, 2020 4PM to 9 PM The Event: Corby's Wine and Spirit Soiree The Venue: The Richmond, 477 Richmond St West The Target Audience: from 4 to 6 it was the media and sommeliers in a trade show setting, followed by the regular clients of Corby's at 6. The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available from the winery or the LCBO. The Quote/Background: There were three wines from California, ten plus from The Foreign Affair Winery, four gins, seven Canadian whisky, three Irish whiskey, and four Scotch (including two 12-year old single malt). The Wines: I only tasted the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -The Foreign Affair Winery Conspiracy Bianco 2018 $17.95 Winery -The Foreign Affair Winery Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2018 $26.95 Winery -The Foreign Affair Winery Dream 2017 +364380 $29.95 [Bord. blend] -The Foreign Affair Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $39.95 Winery -The Foreign Affair Winery Temptress 2016 $44.95 [Bord. blend] Winery -The Foreign Affair Winery Whisky Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 $64.95 Winery ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi Old Vine 2017 +59311 $24.95 -The Foreign Affair Winery Viognier 2018 +11948 in June $23.95 -The Foreign Affair Winery Conspiracy Rouge 2017 +149237 $21.95 [Bord. blend] -The Foreign Affair Winery Apologetic Red 2016 +471516 $69.95 [CabFranc appassimento] -The Foreign Affair Winery Cabernet Franc 2015 $95.95 [CabFranc full appassimento] -The Foreign Affair Winery Gran Q 2012 $132.95 [Bord. Blend full appassimento] -The Foreign Affair Winery Marisa 2016 $45.95 [recioto Riesling] 375mL] *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Imagery Estate Chardonnay 2018 California $21.95 LCBO in August -Imagery Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 California $23.95 LCBO in May -The Foreign Affair Winery Embrace 2017 +538041 $16.95 [Burg. blend] The Food: a cheese and charcuterie platter with breads and fruits. The Downside: I had just raced over from a Chinese wine tasting. The Upside: a chance to catch up with The Foreign Affair Winery offerings The Contact Person: ed@foreignaffairwine.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 4.The Date and Time: Monday February 24. 2020 11AM to 4:30PM The Event: Taste Ontario – Toronto trade show The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was a model – wines and license contacts were listed by region with full data (vintage year, licensee and retail prices), with enough space for tasting notes. The Quote/Background: the media writers were in the Glass Room on the 4th floor where we had advance time and some sit-down table space to write up our scores. The Wines: About 213 wines were available from 55 wineries; I did not taste them all, preferring to concentrate on the chardonnays and the sparklers, and some syrah wines. ABVs are used. The first price is licensee. CSPCs are listed when the wine is available through the LCBO. The rated wines are listed RANDOMLY within each category of BEST, BETTER and GOOD. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): Winery Wine VQA Appellation Vintage Volume/bottle Alc./Vol. LCBO # Licensee Price Retail Price -13th Street Winery Gamay Blanc de Noir Creek Shores 2017 750ml 12.5% n/a $29.34 $34.95 -2027 Cellars Edgerock Vineyard Brut Rosé Twenty Mile Bench 2016 750ml 11.5% n/a $28.95 $34.95 -Alvento Winery Sparkling Rosé Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 12.5% N/A $21.06 $25.15 -Cave Spring Cellars Blanc de Blancs CSV Beamsville Bench 2013 750ml 12.0% n/a $37.78 $44.95 -Cave Spring Cellars Riesling CSV Beamsville Bench 2017 750ml 11.5% 566026 $25.12 $29.95 -Cave Spring Cellars Chardonnay CSV Beamsville Bench 2018 750ml 13.5% 529941 $25.12 $29.95 -Charles Baker Wines Charles Baker Riesling Vinemount Ridge 2017 750ml 11.0% n/a $31.24 $32.91 -Charles Baker Wines Charles Baker Riesling Vinemount Ridge 2016 1500ml 11.0% n/a $83.57 $99.00 -Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Portage Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2016 750ml 12.5% n/a $20.94 $25.00 -Cloudsley Cellars Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13.5% n/a $20.74 $25.00 -Cloudsley Cellars Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench Twenty Mile Bench 2017 750ml 13.5% n/a $29.18 $35.00 -Closson Chase Vineyards Brock Chardonnay Niagara River 2017 750ml 13.0% n/a $19.88 $23.75 -Domaine Queylus Signature Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13.0% n/a $20.89 $24.95 -Flat Rock Cellars Riddled Twenty Mile Bench 2017 750ml 12.0% 383315 $29.34 $34.95 -Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery Cuvée Catharine Brut Niagara Peninsula NV 750ml 12.0% 217521 $27.65 $32.95 -Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery Chardonnay Estate Short Hills Bench 2018 750ml 13.0% 444268 $18.53 $21.95 -Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery Three of Hearts Rosé Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 11.5% 552562 $16.67 $19.95 -Hidden Bench Estate Winery Estate Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2017 750ml 13.0% 68817 $25.12 $29.95 -Hidden Bench Estate Winery Terroir Caché Beamsville Bench 2016 750ml 13.0% 505610 $37.78 $44.95 -Leaning Post Wines The Fifty Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 13.0% 578864 $18.57 $22.20 -Rockway Vineyards Wild Ferment Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2016 750ml 14.0% n/a $19.51 $25.00 -The Foreign Affair Winery Conspiracy Bianco Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 11.3% n/a $14.99 $17.95 -Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay Vinemount Ridge 2018 750ml 12.5% n/a $23.43 $27.95 -Icellars Estate Winery Chardonnay Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 750ml 13.2% n/a $33.60 $40.00 -Queenston Mile Vineyard Chardonnay St. David's Bench 2017 750ml 12.8% n/a $29.38 $35.00 -Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13.0% 172338 $20.90 $24.95 -Southbrook Vineyards Laundry Vineyard Chardonnay Lincoln Lakeshore 2017 750ml 13.4% n/a $29.38 $35.00 -Trius Winery Trius Brut Niagara Peninsula NV 750ml 12.0% 284539 $25.12 $29.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Winery Wine VQA Appellation Vintage Volume/bottle Alc./Vol. LCBO # Licensee Price Retail Price -13th Street Winery Cabernet Franc Creek Shores 2018 750ml 13.0% n/a $20.90 $24.95 -Westcott Vineyards Violette Sparkling Brut Vinemount Ridge 2014 750ml 9.5% n/a $21.74 $25.95 -Two Sisters Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 13.2% n/a $21.84 $39.00 -Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling Ontario NV 750ml 12.0% 418657 $14.99 $17.95 -Colio Estate Wines Bricklayer's Reward Riesling Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 10.5% 644765 $15.83 $18.95 -Stratus Vineyards Stratus White Niagara Lakeshore 2016 750ml 13.1% 660704 $32.91 $39.20 -Broken Stone Winery Exuberance Sparkling Riesling Ontario 2017 750ml 11.0% 627083 $20.89 $24.95 -Stratus Vineyards Tollgate Sauvignon / Semillon Niagara Lakeshore 2018 750ml 11.8% n/a $17.54 $20.95 -Trail Estate Winery Chardonnay Unfiltered Prince Edward County 2018 750ml 12.7% n/a $33.60 $40.00 -North 42 Degrees Estate Winery Chardonnay Ontario 2018 750ml 12.5% n/a $13.50 n/a -Huff Estates Winery Cuvée Janine Prince Edward County 2017 750ml 12.0% n/a $23.90 $30.00 -Trius Winery Barrel Ferment Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 12.8% 251470 $16.67 $19.95 -Between The Lines Winery Gewürztraminer Four Mile Creek 2018 750ml 12.0% n/a $14.99 $17.95 -Pelee Island Winery LOLA Cabernet Franc Rose South Islands 2018 750ml 12.5% 552497 $13.30 $15.95 -Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Voyageur Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2016 750ml 12.7% n/a $16.29 $19.50 -Pelee Island Winery J.S. Hamilton Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive South Islands 2017 750ml 13.5% n/a $14.16 $16.95 -Pelee Island Winery Thaddeus Smith Red [syrah blend] South Islands 2017 750ml 13.4% n/a $21.74 $25.95 -2027 Cellars Wismer Vineyard FoxCroft Block Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2018 750ml 13.0% n/a $19.95 $24.95 -The Foreign Affair Winery Viognier Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 13.5% 11948 $20.05 $23.95 -The Organized Crime Winery Limestone Block Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2017 750ml 13.1% n/a $17.73 $21.20 -Traynor Family Vineyard Chardonnay Skin Ferment White Prince Edward County 2016 750ml 12.4% n/a $16.39 $25.00 -Alvento Winery Riesling Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 9.5% n/a $20.22 $24.15 -Angels Gate Winery Mountainview Syrah Beamsville Bench 2016 750ml 13.0% $25.12 $29.95 -Calamus Estate Winery Barrel Kissed Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 12.0% n/a $14.14 $16.95 -Creekside Estate Winery Iconoclast Syrah St. David's Bench 2016 750ml 13.0% 471797 $20.94 $25.00 -Creekside Estate Winery Iconoclast Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 12.0% 520627 $19.25 $23.00 -Creekside Estate Winery Broken Press Syrah St. David's Bench 2016 750ml 13.5% n/a $46.26 $55.00 -Flat Rock Cellars Gravity Pinot Noir Twenty Mile Bench 2016 750ml 13.5% 1560 $29.34 $34.95 -Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2018 750ml 13.5% 286278 $16.68 $19.95 -Georgian Hills Vineyards Wild & Inspired Chardonnay Cuvée Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13.0% n/a $25.16 $30.00 -Meldville Wines Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 13.0% n/a $16.71 $20.00 -Redstone Winery Limestone Ridge Vineyard Sparkling Twenty Mile Bench 2016 750ml 13.0% n/a $21.06 $25.15 -Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery Elisha's Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 12.5% n/a $19.21 $22.95 -Tawse Winery Natural Quarry Road Chardonnay Vinemount Ridge 2018 750ml 13.0% n/a $31.19 $37.15 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Winery Wine VQA Appellation Vintage Volume/bottle Alc./Vol. LCBO # Licensee Price Retail Price -Broken Stone Winery County Grown Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2018 750ml 13.4% 668269 $22.58 $26.95 -Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Lake Erie North Shore 2017 750ml 11.5% n/a $15.15 $18.15 -Reif Estate Winery 'Magician' Pinot Shiraz Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13.5% 246413 $25.25 $30.15 -Creekside Estate Winery Backyard Sauvignon Blanc Bubbly Creek Shores 2018 750ml 13.5% 398628 $20.94 $25.00 -Between The Lines Winery Riesling Four Mile Creek 2018 750ml 11.5% n/a $14.99 $17.95 The Food: enormous sandwiches were provided to the media, along with a couple of salads plus a charcuterie/cheese board, with cookies and fruit for dessert, and coffee. The Downside: overall, I found some of the wines very inviting (principally whites, roses, and sparklers), but most reds were too young – restaurants and private clients may want to store them awhile. The Upside: the media room...THANK YOU WMAO!! For a comparison of wine quality and prices, look at my previous postings for VQA at the end of February going back several years. The Contact Person: info@wmao.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR JANUARY 2020 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH (January) – 1.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Fitou 2018 $17.95 +403683 Vintages March: Bertrand continues to advance the Terroir series (and the Grand Terroir series) with more localized vineyards. Here it is Fitou, with its grenache and carignan grapes, vinified separately. The carignan has carbonic maceration for two weeks; the grenache is done in traditional style. Some of the wine is barrel aged for a year. Everything here seems to be concentrated in aromas and flavours, red fruit and undergrowth dominating. 14% ABV. The 2017 was just here in November 2019, and was a dollar less. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde 20189 +471284, $12.95 Vintages March: 12% ABV, with lightly floral tones on the nose and on the palate, ending with aromatic softness. 100% Loureiro grape, done up as a vinho verde. Best sipped or with Asiatic appetizers. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Vinedos Marchigue Quilina Carmenere Gran Reserva Colchagua 2018 +13430, $14.95 Vintages March: from Chile's biggest family owned estates (part of Errazuriz Ovalle Family holdings). Black fruit dominates, with cherry-berry and oak (French and US for six months) tones. The medium body is complemented by the medium acidity – goes well with comfort food pairing such as stews, sausages, beans, curries, and with patio sipping. The finish is intense and lush in the New World style. Easy-going BBQ wine. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Tuesday January 14, 2020 4PM - 5PM The Event: Tasting of Escudo Rojo (Spanish for “red shield”) reds with Chief Winemaker Emmanuel Riffaud of Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve The Target Audience: wine media The Availability/Catalogue: Four red wines from Escudo Rojo are in the marketplace, with the Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (CSPC 13434, $17.95) and the Reserva Carmenere (14058, $17), both 2018, coming to Vintages February 8 and April 18 respectively. The Quote/Background: We also tasted the 2018 Gran Reserva and the 2018 Origine with M. Riffaud who is also the Managing Director of the company's Chilean operations. Arterra's Eugene Mylnczyk MW moderated the discussion. For the sake of comparison, we also tasted the basic blended Escudo Rojo wines from 2012, 2013, 2014 (cabernet sauvignon only), and 2015. The company makes wines from other grapes such as chardonnay, petit verdot, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, and syrah; their first vintage was 1999. They have over 1000 ha of property. Canada is their 10th largest market; SEA is number 1 and USA is number 4 The Wines: We began with a brief review of the company and its missions, and a review of the 2018 vintage. We began tasting the four older vintages first to establish a baseline before moving on to the 2018s. The 2013 was last tasted by me for its September 2016 Vintages release. At that time I had said: “nifty red blend of carmenere, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and cabernet franc. It changes every year, but it is mostly one-third of each of the first three, with some franc finishing off the complexity. It has plenty of black fruit (black cherries, cassis, blackberry), plus mocha and toasted tones. It's dense, not yet ready, but will repay time spent in the cellar. Half of 2013 wine was aged in one year old oak barrels for a year. 14% ABV. Good price. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures”. It was my fave of the afternoon today!! **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Escudo Rojo 2013 Maipo [my fave of the tasting] -Escudo Rojo 2012 Maipo -Escudo Rojo 2014 Maipo -Escudo Rojo 2018 Gran Reserva Maipo [blend of 5 red grapes] -Escudo Rojo 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Maipo [20% new French oak] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Escudo Rojo 2015 Maipo -Escudo Rojo 2018 Origine Maipo [new for 2018, all cab sauv from micro-parcels] -Escudo Rojo 2018 Carmenere Colchagua The Food: cheese and charcuterie board plus water and breads, crackers, bread sticks, et al. The Downside: I had to leave at 5 sharp. The Upside: a chance to connect with M. Riffaud The Contact Person: danielle.dagostino@arterracanada.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 2.The Date and Time: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 1 - 4PM The Event: Australian Wine Winter Trade Tasting 2020 Toronto The Venue: The Great Hall, Queen St West The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: a smart looking booklet arranged by agent tables with a special one for the seminar wines (Heritage and Place: the evolution of an Australian classic [shiraz], complete with RRP prices and email addresses. Unfortunately, no pens were available (like last year). The Quote/Background: All major regions are repped here, with just under 200 wines available for tasting from 68 wineries. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. I concentrated on Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons with a smattering of other wines. I folded in some seminar wine tastings. Prices are retail unless otherwise stated. Most of the wines are only available through the agent (as listed). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Angove Family Winemakers Warboys Single Vineyard McLaren Vale Shiraz 2017 $46 Case for Wine -Bleasdale Wines Powder Monkey Lanhorne Creek Shiraz 2015 $59.95 Azureau -Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016 $99.95 Delegat Canada -Mollydooker Wines Blue Eyed Boy McLaren Vale Shiraz 2017 $67.95 Breakthru Beverage Canada -Clarendon Hills Sandown McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $84.95 Breakthru -Innocent Bystander Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2017 $26.95 Von Terra -Giant Steps Wine Applejack Vineyard Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2018 $59.80 Alto Vino -Clonakilla Canberra District Shiraz Viognier 2018 $105 Alto Vino -Soumah d'Soumah Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2018 $27.95 Gradwell Wines -Vasse Felix Margaret River Chardonnay 2017 $42.95 Licensee Breakthru -Montalto Pennon Hill Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2018 $29.95 Nicolas Pearce -Montalto Estate Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2018 $46.95 Nicolas Pearce -Torbreck Vintners Factor Barossa Shiraz 2016 $151.95 Noble Estates -Rymill Coonawarra The Surveyor Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $67 Epic Wines -Penfolds Bin 407 South Australia Barossa Valley Coonawarra LcLaren Vale Padthaway Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 $100 Mark Anthony -Xanadu Wines Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2018 $46.99 Noble Estates -Stella Bella Luminosa Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $75 HHD Imports -Voyager Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2017 $39.95 Rogers & Co -Voyager Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $69.95 Rogers & Co -Hickinbotham Trueman McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $119 Jackson Family Wines -Hickinbotham The Revivalist McLaren Vale Merlot 2016 $119 Jackson Family Wines ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tahbilk Old Vines Nagambie Lakes Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2016 $39.95 Grape Expectations -Voyager Estate Project Sparkling Margaret River Chenin Blanc 2019 $29.95 Rogers & Co -Irrewarra Central Ranges Pinot 2016 $70 Alto Vino -Wines By Farr Farrside Geelong Pinot Noir 2016 $85.60 Alto Vino -Angove Family Winemakers Warboys Single Vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache 2017 $46 Case for Wine -Chalk Hill Wines Alpha Crucis Old Vines McLaren Vale Grenche 2018 $44.95 Azureau -Pepper Tree Estate Elderslee Road Single Vineyard Wrattonbully Cabernet Franc 2014 $39.95 Azureau -Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon BDX McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2016 $54.95 Breakthru -Giant Steps Wine Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2019 $29.95 Alto Vino -Jasper Hill Vineyard Georgia's Paddock Heathcote Shiraz 2015 $95 Alto Vino -Soumah Hexham Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2018 $31.95 Gradwell Wines -Oxford Landing Estates South Australia Chardonnay 2018 $11.95 Licensee Breakthru -Penfolds Bin 311 Adelaide Hills Tasmania Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2018 $50 Mark Anthony -Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $39.95 Mark Anthony -Xanadu Wines DJL Margaret River Chardonnay 2018 $23.95 Noble Estates -Tyrrell's HVD Single Vineyard Hunter Valley Semillon 2014 $43 Select Wines -Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018 $18.95 HHD Imports -Stella Bella Suckfizzle Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018 $38 HHD Imports -Hickinbotham Brooks Road McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016 $119 Jackson Family Wines -Yangarra PF McLaren Vale Shiraz 2019 $29.95 Jackson Family Wines -Tyrrell's Wines Hunter Valley Shiraz 2017 $24.95 Select -Giant Steps Tarraford Vineyard Yarra Valley Shiraz 2018 $60 Alto Vino -Paxton Wines Quandong Farm McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018 $32.99 Noble Estates The Food: cheese boards, along with breads and crackers, jams, fresh fruit. The Downside: The place was packed! still, there was lots of room to manoeuvre about because there was space between tables. The Upside: a really great opportunity to see where Oz wines are today. The Contact Person: canada@wineaustralia.com; annie.dingwall@wineaustralia.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR DECEMBER 2019 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Sandbanks Sleeping Giant Foch – Baco Noir 2018 VQA Ontario +164087 LCBO, $19.95: based on marechal foch and baco noir grapes, this wine comes loaded with the intensity of rustic red fruit and mocha tones, tempered by deftly placed wood notes. Try with roasts. OWA Gold Medal 2018 and All Canadian Wine Championships Gold Medal 2018. 14g/L residual sugar and 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Sandbanks Baco Noir Reserve 2018 VQA Ontario +225920 LCBO, $19.95: plenty of full-bodied black fruit here, displaying also some mocha in its development. Some light barrel aging as well. Best with grilled meats. OWA Bronze Medal 2018 and All Canadian Wine Championship Double Gold 2018. 13 g/L residual sugar and 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Sandbanks French Kiss Cabernet-Merlot 2017 VQA Ontario +361881 LCBO, $19.95: another full-bodied wine, loaded with charm and character reminiscent of typical Bordeaux. The blend is cabernet franc, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon, all showing black cherry-berry aromatics and textures coupled with some oak tones from extended barrel aging. Best with strong cheeses or (heavily) sauced meats. 9 g/L residual sugar and 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Sandbanks Pinot Grigio 2018 VQA Ontario +372219 LCBO, $15.95: this is a competitive category, but Sandbanks goes up very well against other grigios in Ontario. Typical nuances include orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic tropical overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with citric notes. 8 g/L residual sugar and 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.(not to be confused with Sandbanks) Sand Point Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2017 Lodi +11194 LCBO, $16.95: delivers the “California sunshine in a glass” taste, with tropicality and juicy toasted oak and vanilla notes. Lean orchard fruit of pears and apples with a lemon-y finish after the mid-palate. Great at parties for its smoothness. 10 g/L residual sugar and 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.(not to be confused with Sandbanks) Sand Point Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Lodi +11193 LCBO, $16.95: another CaliCab that is positioned nicely at a sweet spot of under $17. It's full-bodied with dark red fruit tones of raspberries and cherries. And it has developed after some time in wood (it's three years old now); the low sweetness level is engaging. A good wine to have with conversation. 8 g/L residual sugar and 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Santa Carolina Carolina Chardonnay Reserva 2018 Leyda Valley Chile +304022 LCBO, $12.95: one of the better chardonnays available at this price level. It's a cool climate wine from the breezy morning fog contributed by the Pacific. There is strong minerality here with native yeasts: some barrel fermentation and some stainless fermentation. Aged six months in French oak with lees contact and no malolactic fermentation. The creaminess is expected, with vanilla tones, nuttiness, orchard fruit on the mid-palate, finishing with citric flavours. 13.8 % ABV with 3.65 g/L RS. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Santa Carolina Carolina Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2019 Leyda Valley Chile +337535 LCBO, $12.95: Chilean savvies show great value. Here is one from the cooler climate area of the country, all fermented in stainless and kept on its lees for a month. It has all of the savvy character: stones, herbs, grass, zest, lemons, minerality, but also some body from the lees treatment. Very fresh, at this point only 6 months old. 13.5% AVB, 2.19 g/L RS. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Santa Carolina Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2018 Colchagua Valley Chile +275925 LCBO, $13.95: one of Chile's best cabbies at this price level, from a mild dry Mediterranean climate. Done up in stainless and then transferred to French oak for eight months wood contact. Expect intense freshness without the overwhelming hard tannins. Fruit includes raspberries and other members of the rose family, some peppery overtones, and a lush finish. Twist top closure, 13.5% ABV, 3 g/L RS. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Adelaide Wines Estates Victoria Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 South Australia +11939 LCBO, $14.95: the LCBO appears to have added more Cabernet Sauvignon to its shelves as the grape is in a comeback mode, principally because of climate warming and softer tannins. Can it replace Merlot??? Well, this one can very easily. Plenty of mocha and dark berries, with a soft tannin finish. It is also vegan friendly, with no animal matter in the fining/filtering process. Selling for far more in the United States, somewhere at $19 USD retail. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.J. Bookwalter Winery Readers Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Columbia Valley AVA Washington State +132382, $35.95 Vintages February: comes from older vines at Washington's oldest vineyards. There are about 1000 wineries in Washington, most being family owned. This particular wine comes from higher elevations, and is 82% cabernet sauvignon with 18% syrah added. It has been aged 26 months in all French oak barrels, 30% of which are new. It's a wine meant for aging (I did a double-decant and tasted it over a few days). The wine has power (14.9% ABV) and huge aromatics at this point, with black fruit such as blackberries (both cab and syrah) and coffee/chocolate tones to mesh with the vanilla from the wood. 2 g/L residual sugar, needs aging. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Prova Cega 2017 Douro DOC +446054 Vintages, $12.95: a full and generous wine from three varieties used for making port: touriga nacional 50%, touriga franca 25%, and tinta roriz 25%. The emphasis of the fruit is a mix of red first followed by the black after the mid-palate. Some spices are present but none dominate. Both the aroma and the taste are moderately complex, even at this price level. The density of the wine suggests rich meat dishes, and certainly very hard cheeses. A new Vintages entry into the Portuguese red wine sweepstakes, coming in at a low 1.5 g/L residual sugar and a high 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.Poggio Landi Brunello di Montalcino 2013 DOCG +573980 Vintages, $49.95: 100% sangiovese grosso, aged 38 months in French oak barrels. Fresh ripe red fruit dominates (berry-cherry), black pepper and anise, vanillin, some forest floor complexity showing, but tannins still need resolution. A cellar keeper, or try it over several days after exposure to air. Start with a double-decant. Long finish with some herbaceousness. Best with hard cheese and game. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 14.Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir 2018 VQA Ontario +461699 $24.95 Vintages Essential: These low yielding grapes come from Short Hills Bench which was planted in 1984. Some of these old vines are still producing, and you can find some of their juice in this bottle. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $25. Aged in premium American Oak for more than 18 months. It's still young, needing another two years or so for proper aging, but with multiple decanting it can be consumed now. 13% ABV on the label. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. And spicy foods. Speck Family Reserves are the top tier by HOP. Quality/Price rating is 90.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 15.Henry of Pelham Family Estate Chardonnay 2018 VQA Short Hills Bench, $21.95, +268342 Vintages Essential: this bottling continues the tres elegante Burgundian character of earlier years. Some ripeness, pleasant balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place, wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. Overall balance of fruit and wood, vanilla, modest spices. 13% ABV on the label, cork closure, barrel fermentation in French and American oak (25% - 33% new), barrel aging for 8 or more months. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Thursday December 5, 2019 5PM to 8PM The Event: Noble Estates Wines and Spirits: Selective Portfolio Consignment tasting The Venue: Vintage Conservatory Yorkville The Target Audience: clients, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available by consignment. The Quote/Background: It was a pre-Christmas show of wines available for personal consumption and for gifting. The Wines: Thirty wines were available at variable cases of 3, 6, or 12, but not for each brand. Licensee prices. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle $199.95 [my FAVE of the night] -Domaine Vincent Delaporte Sancerre Blanc 2018 $35.99 -Cloudsley 20 Mile Bench Chardonnay 2017 $35 -Antonella Cordo Vermentino $27.95 -Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Old Block Vineyard 2014 $51.99 -Brancaia Ilatria 2007 $99.95 [best red of the night] -Remelluri Reserva 2012 $44.99 -Sette Ponti Oreno 2017 $86.95 -Orma 2017 $92.95 -Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $269.95 -Ceretto Barolo Brunate 2015 $199.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Catena Zapata Malbec 2017 $131.99 -Bellavista Alma Gran Cuvee Franciacorta $49.95 -13th Street Gamay Blanc de Noirs 2017 $34.95 -Ceretto Arneis 2017 $37.99 -Francis Ford Coppola Chardonnay Gold Label 2016 $22.99 -Serpens Tokaji Furmint 2017 $19.99 -Clos d'Eglise Macon Charnay 2017 $25.99 -Quinta do Vale Meandro White 2018 $24.99 -Xavier Cuvee Anonyme Chateauneuf du Pape 2015 $59.95 -Ceretto Monsordo 2016 $46.99 -13th Street Whitty Vineyard Gamay 2017 $23.95 -Matchbook Cabernet 2017 $24.99 -Badia a Coltibuono Cbianti Classico 2016 $29.99 -Horseshoes and Handgrenades NV Red $24.99 -Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz 2017 $35.99 -Petra Hebo 2017 $26.99 -Cloudsley Pinot Noir 20 Mile Bench 2016 $34.95 -Greystone Pinot Noir Omihi 2016 $41.99 -Quinta do Vale Meandro Reserve Port $25.99 The Food: cheese and charcuterie platter, augmented by serving platters of diverse hors d'oeuvre. The Downside: I had to leave early to attend a concert The Upside: a chance to taste some select high end wines with Riedel glasses. The Contact Person: joea@nobleestates.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 2.The Date and Time: Tuesday December 10, 2019 10AM to 11:30AM The Event: Vinum & Cibus Italici Taste of Veneto Food and Wine Masterclass The Venue: George Brown College, King Street The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available from the agents or the LCBO The Quote/Background: Michael Fagan and some of the agents/owners presented the wines, with depth about the region of Veneto. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Val d'Oca Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut 2018 DOCG +340570 $18.55 -Masottina Montesco Colli di Conegliano Rosso DOC 2000 $50 TWC Imports [my fave of the day] -Cantina di Negrar Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico 2016 +44784 $29.99 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Andreola di Stefano Pola Col del Forno Rive di Refrontolo Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG $23 Kylix -Biancavigna Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG Glencairn -Mazzolada Traminer Aromatico IGT 2018 Vergina -Vinicola Tombacco Serenissima Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC 2018 Stem Wine Group The Food: paired to the region – prosciutto and salumi cured meats, focaccia, three cheeses (young tallegio, young asiago), risotto amarone. The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 2019 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2017 VQA Twenty Mile Bench $44.95 +184564 Vintages: I've tasted Le Clos Jordanne over the years (often calling it “Closer Dan”, as a nod to baseball's lights out relief pitchers in the ninth inning: the wine has often shut down its competition). And before Le Clos Jordanne there was Inniskillin Alliance, a joint venture with Jaffelin's winemaker who would fly from Burgundy to Niagara to taste Inniskillin's pinot noir in barrel, and then select the best that appears to be the most Burgundian in style for bottling. He also acted as a consultant. That all became the roots of Le Clos Jordanne years later, but with a proper joint ownership between Burgundy's Boisset and Constellation's Vincor (of which Inniskillin was now a part). And Jaffelin itself eventually was bought by Boisset. What goes around comes around! At least until the 2012 vintage. Constellation Canada was bought by Ontario Teachers' pension fund, and rebranded as Arterra. The original winemaker (Thomas Bachelder) has also returned, and he is fashioning a limited edition of LCJ based on the original Le Grand Clos estate vineyard. It is a complex intense blend of red fruit (strawbs, raspberries, cherries) with floral notes and minerality. But it is also very young at this point. Your choices are to keep it a few more years or aerate it by double decanting or letting the bottle stay open for a few days. 18 months of barrel aging. Some immediate changes between the old and new LCJ: the price has dropped from $65 to $44.95. the bottle is now screw-capped, and ABV is 12.5%, down from 13%. There is no word yet on whether there will be a range of LCJs as before (Village, Jordanne, Le Grand Clos). Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2017 Twenty Mile Bench $44.95 +184549 Vintages: Harvested from the west end of the LCJ Estate. Limited edition. Very minerally, green apple with a somewhat earthy complexity on the mid-palate, other orchard fruit (pear, peach) flavours, modest length on the lemony finish. From barrel fermentation, the soft tannins seem to promote creaminess. Some lees complexity. 16 months in barrels. 13% ABV (down a bit from 2012 vintage). Best under-chilled. Tasted better on second and third days. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Event: Devour! Food Film Festival aka DevourFest (Ninth edition) Opening Gala Reception (presented by Taste of Nova Scotia) The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 23, 2019 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM The Venue: Acadia University, Fountain Commons, Wolfville Nova Scotia. The Target Audience: well-wishers and foodies, gala lovers in their “fineries”. The Availability/Catalogue: In style, the Gala Reception was much like similar benefits in Toronto – a walk-around with beverage stations (wine, beer, cider and spirits) and food stations next to each other. It was the usual grazing pattern, except in our case, it is in the lovely autumn of Nova Scotia. So the beverages and the food were mostly available only locally. Still, the theme was Italian food and culture, and the invited restaurants did their amazing job in replicating Italian food. The Quote/Background: This Opening Gala used to be part of a package with the Opening Gala Film, but recently the two got split (you could now do one or both), which suited our personal timetables better. My wife's account of some of the thought-provoking movies we saw at Devour is at http://scenesfromthejourney.blogspot.com/2019/10/devour-wolfville-ns.html Eleven of Nova Scotia's finest chefs came together to create sensory explorations that celebrated local cuisine with an Italian theme. There may have been more food stations that I passed by.... But participating (and tasted) were: -Martin Ruiz Salvador, Beach Pea Kitchen and Bar, Lunenberg, with his salt cod and celeriac cream with poached eggs, sourdough toast, lamb bacon and black garlic. This was my fave of the evening – I even went back for “seconds”. He also did a nifty beef carpaccio. I would give him the “Award For Best Food Presented to an Outlander who Comes from Away”. Last year he did an equally impressive tuna, squid, and oyster dish. www.beachpeakitchen.com -Renee Lavallee, The Canteen, Darmouth NS with her duck liver parfait on housemade crackers and crabapple mustard. This was my wife's fave; she may have gone back for “seconds”. In fact, last year Renee did a smoked beef brisket and she was the first to run out (everybody had to make 300 portions). Later that week, in a culinary workshop mt wife took, Renee replicated her duck parfait when she taught the class. Kudos all round. www.thecanteen.ca -Matthew Krizan, Mateus Restaurant, Mahone Bay, with its pulled duck and dulse was a close second for both of us. Last year Krizan produced trout lox. www.mateusbistro.ca -The Flying Apron Inn and Cookery did a crespelle and white truffle dish, and a potato confit. Last year, they had a ricotta mousse decorated with beauty berries. -Lightfoot & Wolfville Winery did a pork belly with a sauerkraut chip -Meadowbrook Meat Market presented Italian salumi such as a meatball sausage with feta cheese balls. -Keeper's Kitchen did an amazing smoked haddock pate -Acadia Dining Services gave us a great “breakfast” of egg salad and smoked salmon -The Carleton had Nova Scotia smoked swordfish -Agyler's Lodge did their cannellini beans and pancetta; last year it was its famed lobster-scallop-haddock seviche). -Founders House came up with a beef striploin, bone marrow and truffle. The Beverages: Bottled natural mineral water came from Canada Geese of Nova Scotia. Drinks came from The Good Cheer Trail featuring Annapolis Cider Company (best: Crisp and Dry, and Earl Blue), Benjamin Bridge, L'Acadie Vineyards, Compass Distillers, Sober Island Brewing Company (best: oyster stout), Lake City Cider (best: Nieforth Original, Darkside Dry), Boxing Rock Brewing Company (Double IPA was terrific, so was Daskai Keji Black IPA), and Solas Kombucha. I did not try all the the wines, and I had some of the beers/ciders (I really enjoyed Sober Island's Oyster Stout, made with 20 kilos of oysters inserted for 10 minutes into a tank), but I did not have any distilled spirits or cocktails. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Benjamin Bridge Brut NV Methode Traditionnelle $27.99 NS -L'Acadie Vineyards Vintage Cuvee Rose MT 2016  $30  NS -L'Acadie Vineyards Vintage Cuvee MT 2017  $30  NS -Lightfoot & Wolfville Rose 2018 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Lightfoot & Wolfville Fauna Red -Lightfoot & Wolfville Flora White -Benjamin Bridge Tidal Bay 2018 $21.90 NS The Downside: are you kidding? Maybe poorly amplified sound for the announcements and the tributes. It was hard to hear in the corners of the large room. Most attendees had to leave the Gala earlyish in order to get a seat at the film (the North American Premiere of “From the Vine”, with Joe Pantoliano), which was followed by another cocktail party. My wife and I stayed with the Gala Reception, to visit more food and wine stations – we'll catch up with the movie later back in Toronto. The upside: a great introduction to local Nova Scotia food and wine, and to keep an annual tab on the progress of the Nova Scotia wineries. The Contact Person: lia@devourfest.com; michael@devourfest.com The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95. 2.The Date and Time: Tuesday November 5, 2019 12PM - 5PM The Event: Wines of Chile: Love Wine, Love Chile – trade show The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade and media The Availability/Catalogue: large-sized bold print, spiral-bound, name of contact and Ontario sales agent, space for notes, arranged alphabetically. First rate production. The Quote/Background: Signs were on the table with page numbers, very convenient. Some live music was playing but it was hard to hear above it – at that end of the room. The Wines: I did not try all the wines, focusing on whites and higher-end reds. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2017 $21.95 +353086 -Cono Sur Sparkling Rose Bio Bio $13.95 +365205 -Cono Sur Buculeta Viognier $11.50 +64287 -Emiliana Sparkling TM Organic Casablanca $19.95 +536607 -Emiliana Ge Red Organic Colchagua 2015 $79.95 www.emilana.bio -Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Sauvignon Blanc $19.95 +462614 -Errazuriz Aconcagua Don Maximiano $89.95 +501247 -Montes Alpha Chardonnay Casablanca 2017 $19.95 Profile -Vina Santa Alicia Millantu 2017 Maipo $24.95 +469288 -Vina Santa Carolina Herencia 2012 Peumo $69.95 Charton Hobbs -Vina Santa Ema Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Leyda $17.95 +443507 -Vina Santa Ema Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2018 Leyda $17.95 +542365 -Vina Siegel Ketran 2014 Colchagua $99 Sylvestre -Vina Siegel Unique Selection 2015 Colchagua $41.95 Sylvestre -Vina Siegel Gran Reserva Viognier 2015 Colchagua $17.95 Sylvestre -Valdivieso Caballo Loco Grand Cru Maipo 2015 $53.99 Wine Lovers Agency -Vina Ventisquero Enclave Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo $69.95 Univins -Vinedos Veramonte Neyen de Apalta 2015 $60 +255976 -Hacienda Araucano Lurton Hamo Blanco 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Colchagua Lolol $19.95 Trajectory Beverage Partners -Hacienda Araucano Lurton Clos de Lolol White Blend 2018 Colchagua Lolol $29.95 Trajectory Beverage Partners -Vina I Wines Qu Chardonnay Curico 2018 $16.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Longavi Glup Chenin Blanc Marchique 2019 $24.95 The Case for Wine -Montes Purple Angel 2017 Colchagua/Apalta $62.95 +62364 -Valdivieso Eclat Vigno Maule 2010 $33.99 Wine Lovers Agency -Valdivieso Caballo Loco Grand Cru Limari Syrah 2015 $53.99 Wine Lovers Agency -Valdivieso Caballo Loco Grand Cru Apalta Santa Cruz 2015 $53.99 Wine Lovers Agency -Valdivieso Extra Brut TM Bio Bio/Itata $23.99 Wine Lovers Agency -Vina Siegel Single Vineyard Carmenere 2015 Colchagua $25.95 Sylvestre -Morande Adventure Vigno Old Vines Maule 2017 $26.95 +638445 -Morande Brut K.O. NV Maule/Casablanca $19.95 www.morande.cl -Perez Cruz Rose Lingal 2019 Maipo Andes Charton Hobbs -Vina San Esteban In Situ Reserva Chardonnay 2018 Aconagua $14.95 +10765 -Vina San Esteban Laguna del Inca 2017 Aconagua $27.95 MCO -Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua 2017 $24.95 Profile -Aresti Family Collection Assemblage 2015 $39.95 L'Excellent Wines -Calcu Winemaker's Selection 2014 Colchagua $35 Don Ackerman's W&S -Vina Casa Silva Cool Coast Sauvignon Gris 2019 Colchagua $23.99 The Case for Wine -Vina Casa Silva Quinta Generacion Red 2016 Colchagua $29.99 The Case for Wine -Clos de Luz Massal 1945 Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Rapel $21.95 +12675 -Cono Sur Organic Chardonnay 2018 $13.95 +230565 -Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Chardonnay $19.95 P Dandurand -Vina Las Ninas Mitica Red Blend 2017 Apalta $29.95 United Stars -Vina Las Ninas Ella Chardonnay Organic 2017 Apalta $16.95 United Stars -Montgras Amaral Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2018 $16.95 Epic Wines and Spirits -Montgras Antu Limited Syrah Leyda 2013 $24.95 Epic Wines and Spirits The Food: two sets – baby empanadas with beef or chicken or cheese (the moist chicken was best) and the usual Daniel et Daniel charcuterie platters with smoked duck breast, meats, cheeses, pates, and the famous artichoke/parmesan dip. The Downside: music was so loud that I had to shout at contacts (and they back at me) in over half the room at that end. The Upside: a chance to taste some high end wines from Chile. The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87 3.The Date and Time: Thursday November 7, 2019 2:30 PM to 5 PM The Event: Taste Napa Valley: a celebration of excellence trade tasting The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade in afternoon, consumers at night The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available in the LCBO distribution system. The spiral catalogue was sturdy and easy to use with the basics of names and agencies. The Quote/Background: this is probably the most professional and sophisticated of all the Toronto trade tastings, with serious FBMs and sommeliers. The Wines: I did not try every wine. I tasted most of the Cabernets and the Chardonnays. I was impressed by the chardonnays; many exceeded the Sonoma profile of greatness. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Black Stallion Poseidon Chardonnay 2017 Los Carneros $79.95 Select -Cain Concept The Benchland Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Napa Rogers -Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2016 Napa Rogers -Clos Pegase Hommage Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa Azureau -Frank Family Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Rutherford AbV Group -Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Rutherford $200 Breakthru Beverage Canada -Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2014 Napa $68 Vintages [my personal fave of the day] -Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa Rogers -Groth Vineyards and Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Oakville $224.95 The Vine Agency -Groth Vineyards and Winery Hill Family Chardonnay 2018 Napa $64.95 The Vine Agency -Hoopes Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2014 Wilson Wine and Spirits -Keenan Winery Chardonnay 2017 Spring Mountain District $50 Profile -Keenan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa Profile -Louis M. Martini Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa EJ Gallo -Palmaz Vineyards Amalia Chardonnay 2017 Napa Profile -Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa Rogers -Revana Family Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 St Helena Le Sommelier -Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Noirs Sparkling 2015 Napa The Vine Agency -Schramsberg Vineyards J. Schram Sparkling 2010 Napa $169 The Vine Agency -Shafer Vineyards Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2016 Los Carneros Rogers -Silenus Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2015 Napa Carpe Vinum -Silenus Winery Chardonnay 2018 Oak Knoll District Napa $60 Carpe Vinum -St.Supery Estate Vineyards Elu Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa Von Terra -William Hill Estate Chardonnay 2016 Napa EJ Gallo -Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Calistoga Rogers ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Artesa Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2016 Los Carneros A Peller -Black Stallion Bucephalus Red Blend 2015 Napa $199 Select -Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Napa A Peller -Frank Family Chardonnay 2017 Los Carneros AbV Group -Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa Breakthru Beverage Canada -Freemark Abbey Bosche Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Rutherford Breakthru Beverage Canada -Frog's Leap Chardonnay 2017 Napa Rogers -Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Oakville The Vine Agency -Pine Ridge Collines Vineyard Chardonnay 2017 Carernos A Peller -Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Stags Leap District A Peller -William Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa EJ Gallo -World's End If Six Was Nine Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa $100 Profile -World's End Rocksteady Red Blend 2014 Napa $80 Profile The Food: Daniel et Daniel with their superb smoked duck breast and meat platters, cheese platters, veggies, breads and dips. But no pate, unfortunately. The Downside: I wished the catalogue had had a listing of overall prices, but each agency had to be asked. The Upside: I felt comfortable talking about the wines and using the spittoons. The Contact Person: paula@praxispr.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 3. The Date and Time: Sunday November 10, 2019 10AM to 4PM The Event: Monforte Cheese CSA Carrot & Stick Party The Venue: Gladstone Hotel The Target Audience: cheese lovers, especially Monforte CSA backers with vouchers, and those curious about a CSA and what it does. The Availability/Catalogue: The carrot was the party, the stick was the enticing CSA offer (for details see www.monfortedairy.com). There was a current outage of sheep's milk cheese, but plenty of goat/cow/water buffalo milk cheeses. Sheep will be back by Christmas. The Quote/Background: The event was in honour of Ruth Klahsen and her family who have been hard at work creating a new CSA for farms, restaurants and cheese artisans, among others. There was a CSA sign up table and spaces for those with cheese vouchers to purchase newly developed cheeses. Community Supported Agriculture is a vital concern these days, with support for the farms by pre-paying for food. Once the farm knows what money is available, then it can go ahead and buy seed and equipment and staff. I'm a member of Monforte, Fiddlehead Farm, and Kendal Hills Farm. These are unusual in that Monforte is cheese (but with some local sausages too), Fiddlehead has a Winter CSA for many root and cruciferous veggies, Kendal has farmed game such as partridge, cornish hens, and boar. Monforte's CURRENT fresh cheeses include Fromage Frais (a creamy cow cream cheese in a french style), Plain Jane (chevre, creamy and tangy, hooped and hung in a traditional way, Lemon Succor (chevre but with lemon oil and zest), Elsie (chevre with a tangy nut- free pesto), Morita (chevre with chipotles and lime together), Water Buffalo or Goat Fresco, and Halloumi from Water buffalo. Water buffalo is also available as yogurt, as is goat yogurt. There are different styles of soft cheeses (goat feta, cow's milk taleggio, goat Camembert-style, cow Camembert-style, water buffalo with pink peppercorns, water buffalo piacere, different ashed cheeses), cheddars, tommes, blues – an endless parade! Sheep will be added back where appropriate for Christmas. The Wines: There was a cash bar, I had a Quail's Gate Chardonnay. The Food: this was the highlight of the event since the intent was to create a demand for CSA membership and show off what Monforte can do with its cheeses. The Gladstone's chef prepared lemon ravioli with Monforte Lemon Succor (a creamy cheese with goat's milk) and also a focaccia with Monforte fresh mozzarella. Maizel Tortilleria was there, showing off their freshly made tamales of beans and Monforte cheese curds, with their famous chocolate mole sauce. Chef Taylor (The Chase) and Luke Kennedy gave us pulled pork with goat cheese on a freshly cooked wheat pita, along with Moroccan spices. Ruth was serving large samples of cheeses on ryebread, and running a constant patter about CSA developments and the cheese industry. The Contact Person: ruth@monfortedairy.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 5. The Date and Time: Monday, November 18, 2019 3PM to 7PM The Event: the Annual (19th) Sparkling Wine tasting by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. The Venue: WWCC Clubhouse, Toronto The Target Audience: members of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. The Availability/Catalogue: The intent is to showcase to our members what wines would be available for the upcoming Holiday seasons. All of the 60 or so wines are available in Ontario through the usual distribution channels, including "consignment" or "Ontario winery only". The Quote/Background: The WWCC has been holding this tasting every Fall in order to give its members a chance to taste what is in the marketplace for the upcoming Holiday Seasons (Thanksgiving through New Years and St. Valentine's Day) and to write about them. Writers would turn up over the course of a day for the walk-around and taste at their own speed. We the WWCC would like to thank our industry partners for the opportunity to sample these wines. The Wines: What follows are grape-based wines; the ratings here are MINE ALONE and NOT those of the WWCC group. Each writer rates or writes separately, and there is no cumulative total or averaged rating. This is not a judging competition. My own system divides all wines into three categories: BEST (91+ points), BETTER (88-90) and GOOD (85-87), usually the ranking range of Gold, Silver and Bronze in various wine shows. The wines are thus RANDOMLY listed within their categories. In general, where there is no LCBO CSPC, then the wine is at the winery and is available by private order. The BEST VALUE wine (quality for money) is – Hungaria Grande Cuvee Brut Brut NV $12.95 619288 Hungary 11%ABV **** BEST -- Four Stars Rated by Dean Tudor (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country and/or Region Grape Varieties Alc.% -13th Street Winery Premier Cuvee 2013 $39.95 142679 Niagara PN/C 13% =13th Street Winery Grand Cuvee Blanc de Noir 2013 $59.95 361394 Creek Shores Niagara PN/C 13 LCBO Classics -Gerard Bertrand Thomas Jefferson Cremant de Limoux Rose NV $22.95 648618 France Limoux chardonnay, chenin, pinot noir 12% -Tawse Winery Limestone Ridge Sparkling Riesling 2017 $20.95 370361 Canada Niagara Riesling 12% -Tawse Winery Spark Blend 2016 $25.95 384966 Canada Niagara Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir 13% -Queenston Mile Vineyard Brut 2016 $50 Canada Niagara Chard/Pinot Winery Only -Adamo Estate Winery Blanc de Blanc Traditional Method 2016 $52 Canada Niagara On the Lake Chardonnay Musque 11% Winery -Cave Spring Cellars Blanc de Blancs Brut NV $29.95 213983 Canada Niagara Escarpment Chardonnay 12% Vintages Essential -Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Brut 2017 $24.95 n/a Canada Beamsville Bench 100% Riesling 12% Winery -Rosehall Run Vineyards Stardust 2011 $49.95 Canada Prince Edward County Pinot Noir/Chardonnay 12.2% Winery Direct/Online -Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Estate Blanc de Blancs 'Carte Blanche' 2014 $49.95 315200 Canada VQA Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay 12.5% -Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Brut NV $32.95 217521 Canada VQA Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay, Pinot Noir 12% -Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Rose Brut NV $32.95 217505 Canada VQA Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Chardonnay 12% -Louis Bouillot Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore n/a $21.95 48793 France Burgundy Pinot Noir/Gamay/Chardonnay 12% Louis Bouillot Louis Bouillot Perle Noire n/a $16.95 464776 France Vin de France Merlot, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache 12% -Alfred Gratien Champagne Brut Classique NV $74.99 (BC.AB) Champagne 12% Mark Anthony -Champagne Taittinger Taittinger Brut Reserve NV $61.95 365312 France Champagne Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier 12.5% -Rosehall Run Vineyards Ceremony NV $34.95 N/A Canada Prince Edward County Chardonnay 12.2% Winery Direct/Online -Gratien & Meyer Gratien & Meyer Cremant de Loire Blanc Brut NV $21.99 (BC) N/A France Saumur Cabernet Franc (15%), Pinot Noir (40%), Chardonnay (40%), Chenin (5%) 12% BC VIWF February Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits -Gratien & Meyer Gratien & Meyer Cremant de Loire Rose NV $21.99 (BC) N/A France Saumur Cabernet Franc (15%), Pinot Noir (40%), Chardonnay (40%), Chenin (5%) 12 BC VIWF February Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits -Lacheteau Chateau de Montgueret Cremant de Loire Brut NV $19.95 217760 France Loire Valley Chenin, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc 11.5% -Gruet Winery Gruet Blanc de Blancs Sauvage N/V $28.95 689991 New Mexico American 100% Chardonnay 12% LCBO-Consignment now Southern Galzer's Wine & Spirits ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc.% -Megalomaniac Bubblehead Rose TM 2017 $34.95 363655 VQA Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir 12% -Alvento Winery Sparkling Rose 2018 $25.15 n/a Canada Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Rieslng, Muscat, Gewurztraminer 12.5% Winery only -Hungaria Grande Cuvee Brut Brut NV $12.95 619288 Hungary11.5% -Flat Rock Riddled Sparkling TM 2017 $34.95 383315 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Chardonnay 12.5% -ANGELS GATE WINERY SNOWANGEL RIESLING TM N/V $29.95 VQA Niagara RIESLING 11% -ANGELS GATE WINERY ARCHANGEL CHARDONNAY TM 2013 $29.95 227009 BEAMSVILLE BENCH CHARDONNAY 12% -Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Sparkling Riesling 2018 $24.95 N/A Canada Niagara Riesling 9% -Queenston Mile Vineyard Mile High 2017 $35 Canada Niagara Chardonnay 12.5% Winery Only -Queenston Mile Vineyard Mile High Rose 2018 $35 Canada Niagara Pinot Noir 12.5% Winery Only -Pierre Sparr Cremant D'Alsace Brut Reserve NV $18.95 388603 France Alsace 80% Pinot Blanc, 20% Pinot Auxerrois 12.5% -Pierre Sparr Cremant D'Alsace Brut Rose NV $19.95 39016 France Alsace Pinot Noir 12.5% -13th Street Winery Gamay MT Blanc de Noir 2017 $34.95 Creek Shores Niagara Gamay 12.5% Winery Direct/Online -13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc MT 2017 $29.95 Creek Shores Niagara CHARDONNAY 12.5% Winery Direct/Online 13th Street Winery Cuvee Rose MT NV $29.95 147504 Niagara 12.5% Vintages Essentials -PondView Estate Winery Ltd Bella Terra Blanc de Blanc 2016 $34.95 n/a Canada Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay 12% Winery -Cono Sur Sparkling Rosé NV $13.95 365205 Chile Bìo Bìo Valley 100% Pinot Noir 12.5% -Gruet Winery Gruet Brut N/V $24.95 560291 New Mexico American 75% Chardonnay/25% PN 12% LCBO-Consignment now Southern Galzer's Wine & Spirts -Jackson-Triggs Winery Jackson-Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve Brut 2015 $29.95 234161 Canada Niagara on the Lake Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 12.50% LCBO, Wine Rack (Arterra) -Two Sisters Vineyards Lush Sparkling Rose NV $53.80 Ontario Niagara Peninusla PinotNoir/Chardonnay/CabFr 12.50 WINERY -Two Sisters Vineyards Blanc de Franc 2016 $61.80 Ontario Niagara River CabFranc 12.50% WINERY -Pares Balta Brut Cava NV $17.95 650648 Spain 12% -Honsberger Brut 2015 $32.00 Ontario VQA Niagara Peninsula WINERY *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc.% -Megalomaniac Sparkling Personality Charmat $19.95 469007 VQA Niagara Peninsula RIESLING 9.6% -Pelee Island Winery Bella 2018 11597 Ontario VQA auxerrois, pinot noir 12% -Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling $17.95 418657 Canada VQA Ontario 100% Riesling 12% -Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling Rosé $17.95 536565 Canada VQA Ontario 90% Riesling 10% Cabernet Franc 12% -Schmitt Sohne RELAX Bubble N/V $13.95 488593 Germany German Cuvee Blend 11% -Astoria Astoria Prosecco NV $15.70 593855 Italy Veneto Glera 11% -Adamo Estate Winery Spark'l Charmat Method 2018 $18.05 Canada Ontario Chardonnay Musque 11.5% Winery -Rosehall Run Vineyards Pixie NV $19.95 492959 Canada VQA Ontario Vidal 11.7% -FIOL FIOL Prosecco DOC n/a $16.25 394577 Italy Veneto Glera 11% -ANGELS GATE WINERY ARCHANGEL SAUVIGNON BLANC TM 2016 $24.95 VQA Niagara SAUVIGNON BLANC 11% WINERY/VINTAGES VINTAGES MARCH 7 2020 -ANGELS GATE WINERY SHINE TM 2017 $19.95 VQA Niagara MUSCAT 11% WINERY -Mionetto Prestige Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut Brut NV $16.95 483339 Veneto 11% -Henkell Trocken Trocken NV $14.95 122689 Germany 11% -Henkell Rose Rose NV $14.95 203125 Germany 11% -Creekside Estate Winery Backyard Bubbly 2018 $30 398628 Canada Niagara Sauvignon Blanc 13.5% -Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava NV $15.95 216960 Spain Penedes 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, 15% Xarel-lo 12% -Villa Sandi Prosecco Il Fresco DOC, Treviso NV $15.95 394387 Italy Treviso Glera 11% -Villa Sandi Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore Extra Dry NV $20.95 Italy Treviso Glera 11% Consignment Profile Wine Group -PondView Estate Winery Ltd Bella Terra Sparkling Brut 2018 $24.95 n/a Canada Ontario Vidal Blanc 12% -Between the Lines Outset Sparkling Vidal NV $4.65 [200mL cans] 493304 Ontario [Niagara] Vidal 10% The Food: breads, biscuits and water, almonds, olives, cheese. The Contact Person: deantudor@yahoo.com The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95. 6.The Date and Time: Wednesday November 27 2019 11:30AM to 2 PM The Event: Presentation of Ribera del Duero appellation wines The Venue: La Palma, Dundas West The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: these wines are available in Ontario, some at LCBO, others by PO or consignment. The Quote/Background: Veronique Rivest, the first woman to ascend the podium of the Best Sommelier in the World championships in 2013, led the tasting, talking about Ribera del Duero in general and the 13 wines in particular. Ribera has a short growing season, with lots of hot and cold weather and a diverse terroir. So it is difficult to generalize. A lot of the rich, full-bodied and structured wine comes from the age of the vines (about a third are over 50 years old) and from subsequent wood treatment. Tempranillo makes up 95% of the grapes. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Martin Berdugo Reserva 2010 Ribera del Duero $38.15 +233741 [my fave of the day] -Finca Villacreces Prune 2016 Ribera del Duero $22.95 +312140 -Convento San Francisco 2012 Ribera del Duero $21.95 +206409 -Resalte Origien Cosecha 2015 Ribera del Duero $34.45 +593847 -Alenza Gran Reserva 2009 Ribera del Duero $78 +723791 -Bardos Rserva 2014 Ribera del Duero $69.95 consignment ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Martin Berdugo Joven Cosecha 2018 Ribera del Duero $16.70 +558022 -Aire de Protos Rosado 2018 Ribera del Duero $16 – 17 consignment, from garnacha/merlot/cabernet sauvignon -Torres Pago del Cielo Celeste Reserva 2014 Ribera del Duero $34.95 +10493 -Vina Magna 14 Meses Crianza 2016 Ribera del Duero $44.95 consignment -Adaro de Pradorey Crianza 2016 $38.95 consignment -Conde de San Cristobal 12M Cosecha 2015 Ribera del Duero consignment -Valtsotillo Finca Buenavista Cosecha 2016 Ribera del Duero consignment The Food: we ate off the menu with shared plates, beginning with an amazing fregola sarda and lentils dish. The came house hummus on crostini, grilled cornish hen with piri piri sauce, flatiron steak with mushroom ragu, lamb chops, and garnishes of roasted cauliflower and crispy potatoes. All of the food was excellent and well-spiced to go with the Ribera wines. The Downside: I arrived 15 minutes late due to a recalcitrant TTC bus. The Upside: the foods were great matches for all of the wines. The Contact Person: ashley@lapalma.ca; joelle@renownagency.com; https://twitter.com/veroniquerivest The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 7.The Date and Time: Wednesday November 27, 2019 2 – 5:30 PM The Event: Wonderfud-Gradwell Wines Portfolio Tasting The Venue: Peter Pan Bistro The Target Audience: clients, sommeliers, wine trade The Quote/Background: The portfolio offered today came from nine Italian wineries from four regions (Molise, Piemonte, Sicilia, Tuscany). Tables were arranged by region, a good idea. Notes related to the regions, with attention to the character of the wines, geography, local foods, indigenous red and white grape varieties. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available from the agency. The Wines: I did not sample every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -La Torre Chardonnay Brut 2018 Piedmonte $21.95 -La Torre Moscato d'Asti 2018 Piedmonte $21.95 -Pertinace Barbaresco Nevro 2016 Piedmonte $66.95 -Filippo Grasso Ripiddu Etna Rosso Sicily 2017 $31.95 -Filippo Grasso Rosato 2018 $31.95 -Pietramora Vermentino 2018 Tuscany $19.95 -Pietramora Brumaio Morellino di Scansano 2017 $22.98 -Angelo d'Uva Lagena del Molise 2015 $31.95 -Angelo d'Uva Ricupo del Molise 2015 $25.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -La Torre Brachetto d'Acqua 2018 Piedmonte $21.95 -La Torre Cortese Alto Monferato $16.95 -Pertinace Barbaresco 2016 Piedmonte $41.95 -La Vite Altariva Sicily $17.95 -Filippo Grasso Vino Btanco 2018 $31.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pertinace Dolcetto d'Alba 2018 Piedmonte $24.95 -Pertinace Barbera d'Alba 2018 Piedmonte $21.95 -La Vite Rahalmet Grillo 2018 Sicily $13.95 -La Vite Rahalmet Inzolia 2018 Sicily $13.95 The Food: cheese and meat platters, breads, fruit, etc. The Downside: it was very noisy and warm in the room, with no tables or chairs on which to rest a notepad. The Upside: a good chance to focus selectively on certain producers. The Contact Person: sean@gradwellwines.com; p.titone@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86 8.The Date and Time: Thursday, November 28, 2019 11AM – 12:30 PM The Event: New to the Market: unique grapes, unique wines. The Venue: Ovest Restaurant The Target Audience: wine trade The Quote/Background: Jay Whiteley moderated a presentation of 7 producers who spoke about their wines. Most of these wines were already available in Quebec or BC or Alberta, but after the presentation we were all invited to join individual producers as they showcased other wines as possible additions to the Ontario market. So it became a mini-trade fair. The Availability/Catalogue: nothing was available in Ontario – yet. The Wines: I could not stay for the producer mini-trade shows. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cantina Toblino Largiller Nosiola Selezione Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 2012 15E FOB -Il Carpino Vis Uvae Venezie Giulia IGT 2016 [orange wine from pinot gris] 14.5E FOB -Cantina Custoza Val dei Molini Corvina del Garda 2017 4.6 Euros FOB ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pra della Luna Brut Millesimato Prosecco DOC 2017 est 3 Euros FOB -Cantina Vigna Dogarina Treviso Spumante Millessimato Prosecco DOC 2018 3.5 Euros FOB -Villadoria Bricco Magno Langhe Rosso DOC 2016 5 Euros FOB -Carminucci Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC 2016 4.5 Euros FOB The Food: black pitted cured olives and crostini. The Downside: the vagaries of the TTC made me a bit late. The Upside: a chance to taste wines new to the Ontario market. The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it; www.jaywhiteley.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86 9.The Date and Time: Thursday November 28, 2019 4PM - 5PM The Event: Tasting of Arterra Wines with winemaker Marco Piccoli. The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve The Target Audience: clients and sommeliers, wine media. The Quote/Background: This was to be a casual guided tasting and a Q and A with Marco Piccoli. He told us some of winemaking philosophy (“wine is alive and expresses its unique vigour from the vine right through to our palate, and I enjoy infusing each grape with part of my own personality”). We tasted all four wines, asked questions, and he commented on the winemaking process for each sample we had tried. Marco Piccoli comes from Northeastern Italy and, after studying and working at various European wineries, he came as an exchange student to CCOVI (Brock University) before accepting an internship at Inniskillin Niagara Estate Winery. He joined Jackson-Triggs in 2005, becoming Senior Winemaker in 2017 with special responsibility for Arterra premium wines. The Availability/Catalogue: All wines are available at the Jackson-Triggs winery and The Wine Rack. The Wines: We did not get a chance to taste Arterra Epoca 2016 (meritage-style, 20% merlot was appassimento), $34.95) since it was sold out at the winery. Some bottles may still be available at The Wine Rack. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Arterra Chardonnay 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 [my fave of the day] -Arterra Pinot Noir Special Edition 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula $34.95 [25% appassimento] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Arterra Pinot Gris 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 -Arterra Pinot Noir 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 [15% appassimento] The Food: an enormous platter from the Cheese Boutique, with international cheeses and various charcuterie, breads, mustards, relishes, etc. The Downside: I had been hoping for some Epoca, but, for me, not this time...alas. The Upside: a great opportunity to speak with Marco Piccoli The Contact Person: danielle.dagostino@arterracanada.com; haley.juniper@arterracanada.com; The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR OCTOBER 2019 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Best's Great Western Shiraz 2017 Bin 1 Victoria, +222323 Vintages, $21.95: very ripe and juicy at this point, with a longer than expected finish. 13.5% ABV is not hot at all. Typical black fruit of shiraz but also with some herbs and mint. It is a keeper for the next few years. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Fitou 2017 $16.95 +403683 Vintages November: Bertrand continues to advance the Terroir series (and the Grand Terroir series) with more localized vineyards. Here it is Fitou, with its grenache and carignan grapes, vinified separately. The carignan has carbonic maceration for two weeks; the grenache is done in traditional style. Some of the wine is barrel aged for a year. Everything here seems to be concentrated in aromas and flavours, red fruit and undergrowth dominating. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2018 IGP Pays d'Oc, +147975, $14.95 Vintages Nov 2019: aromatic but on the dry side, perfect as a social wine or for first course. Expect peachy and orange character, but of course no oak. Youthful and useful with nuances of orchard fruit and spicy nuts. No malolactic fermentation. Could go either way with or without food, hence versatile. 13.5% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 Vintages, $24.95: both cabernets franc (4%) and sauvignon (50%) are used in this Bordeaux-styled blend (46% merlot) which comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux New World and Old World. It is still in its youth at 4 years of age, and it would be a shame to consume it this young. You could do what I did: open it and drink it over a couple of weeks, exposing it to air gently or speeding up the process by double-triple decanting. You will get several different wines out of one bottle over the course of time. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by French and US oak (40% new) for 18 months. Currently, you could match it with heavy meats. 13.5% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.The Audacity of Thomas G. Bright Chardonnay Sussreserve 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula +11565 LCBO $16.95: Arterra has unleashed a series in respectful memory of the work of its founder the indefatigable Thomas G. Bright. He brought over Euro grapes to grow in Ontario in the late 19th century. Some perished but others survived. I remember drinking “Pinot Chardonnay” from Bright's in the late 1950s. This version from 2017 has been aged in French oak for eight months, then after MF it spent a year on lees. Some unfermented grape juice was added back into the wine before bottling. This brings it up against California chardonnay. RS is now 10g/L but the acidity level means that it can also be used with food, in addition to being a sipper at patios or stand-up events. 14% ABV, cork finish. Best with dairy and fatty foods (cream sauces, cheeses, buttered popcorn, avocado). Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.The Audacity of Thomas G. Bright Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Whisky-Barrel Finish 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula +11564 LCBO $16.95: another Arterra salute to founder Thomas G. Bright. And this wine certainly is bright as a full-bodied red blend in the definite Cali style, mostly merlot. Aged in US oak for 8 months, finished in whisky barrels for 5 months for that smooth finish. Black fruit dominates through the over-the-top cassis tones, but it is countered with spices and smoke elements. Hearty foods are suggested (stews from lamb or beef, meaty pastas, BBQ). 14.5% ABV and RS 5 g/L (the latter well-under some leading Cali brands). Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Bin 106 Baco Noir 30th Vintage Limited Edition 2018 VQA Ontario, $29.95, +13421: these vines were planted in 1984 by the Three Speck Brothers, and this is the 30th vintage for many of the grapes (and maybe the Brothers too). These grapes survived the cut, and represent the very best barrels. Kudos on the effort! Low yields on 3.5 tonnes per acre, gravity movement, destemming, etc. Aged in new and one year old US barriques for a year. Single vineyard. Top barrels were selected. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy wood character and the lowish price – under $30 – a buck for each year. This bottle still needs another two years for proper aging, but with double decanting and prolonged exposure to air while under cork, it can be enjoyed now. 13% ABV. One of the top bacos in Ontario, works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. Really old cheeses and blues as well. 400 cases produced; collectors' item. Quality/Price rating is 92.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Monday October 7, 2019 1:30 PM to 8PM The Event: Rogers & Company Portfolio Trade Tasting The Venue: George The Target Audience: wine trade sommeliers and media The Availability/Catalogue: New wineries this year include Tenuta Cocci Grifoni (Le Marche), Vignerons de Bel Air (Burgundy), and Tenute Falezza (Valpolicella). The catalogue was re-sorted this year by winery in alphabetical order, for the most part. The Quote/Background: The catalogue had much info about each wine, including wine press scores, size and number of wines per case, and space for notes. The Wines: I did not taste every wine, preferring to be eclectic. Prices include HST but not bottle deposits. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2013 $50.95 -Altesino Brunello di Montalcino “Montosoli” 2014 $109.95 [my fave red] -Barbour Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Napa $223.95 -Bevan Cellars Tench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $274.95 -Bull & Gine Pieret DOQ Priorat 2013 $85.95 -Cain Five 2013 Napa $168.95 -Champagne Delamotte Bruct NV $60.95 -Champagne Gaston Chiquet Blanc de Blancs d'Ay Grand Cru Brut NV $59.95 -Chateau Montelena Napa Chardonnay 2016 $75.95 -Chateau Montelena “The Montelena Estate” Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $137.95 [value] -Continuum Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Napa $357.95 -Domaine Christian Moreau Pere et Fils Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon 2018 $54.95 -Domaine Christian Moreau Pere et Fils Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2017 $97.95 -Dominus Estate Napanook 2015 Napa $133.95 -Dominus Estate 2015 Napa $391.95 -Duckhorn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa $130.95 -Duckhorn Napa Merlot “Three Palms” 2016 $130.95 -Chateau Corbin Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010 $71.95 -Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve IGT 2015 Tuscany $131.95 -Forman Vineyard Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $144.95 -Grgich Hills Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $87.95 -Mas Doix “Salanques” 2016 Priorat $67.95 -Mas Doix “Doix” 2015 Priorat $152.95 -Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Rioja Gran Reserva Especial 2009 $175.95 -O'Shaughnessy Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Napa $154.95 -Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2016 Sonoma $66.95 [my fave white] -Paul Hobbs Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $132.95 -Pazo Senorans Albarino 2018 Rias Baixas $27.95 -Pio Cesare Barolo 2015 Piedmont $71.95 -Produttori del Barbaresco DOCG 2015 $54.95 -Quintessa Napa 2016 $212.95 -Red Cap Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa $138.95 -Ridge Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley 2016 Sonoma $66.95 -Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2017 Napa $76.95 -Shafer One Point Five Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $136.95 -Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2015 $423.95 -Ulysses Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa $280 LCBO Classics+478800 -Cobos Marchiori Estate Malbec 2016 Mendoza $266.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Brigaldara Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013 $50.95 -Cain Five 2007 Napa $336.95 -Domaine des Hates Chablis 2018 $29.95 -Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Blanc 2018 $41.95 -Duckhorn Decoy Sonoma County Merlot 2017 $32.95 -Duckhorn Napa Chardonnay 2017 $44.95 -Flowers Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2016 $54.95 -Frog's Leap Napa Chardonnay 2017 $43.95 -Mas Doix “Les Crestes” 2018 Priorat $39.95 -Mas Doix “1902” 2015 $379.95 -Marques de Murrieta Rioja Reserva 2014 $31.95 -Marques de Murrieta Capellania Rioja 2014 $43.95 -Marques de Murrieta Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 $77.95 -Mount Eden Domaine Eden Chardonnay 2015 Santa Cruz $48.95 -Paul Hobbs CrossBarn Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017 $32.95 -Paul Hobbs CrossBarn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $64.95 -Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Santa Cruz $97.95 -Ridgeview Bloomsbury Brut NV Sussex $49.95 -Robert Craig “Affinity” Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $105.95 -Santa Barbara Winery Central Coast Chardonnay 2017 $22.95 -Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Tara Falerio DOC Pecorino 2018 $16.95 [value white] -Terra Costantino “deAetna” Etna Bianco 2017 Sicily $30.95 -Truchard Carneros Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Napa $39.95 -Tr3smano “Vendimia” Ribera del Duero 2016 $76.95 -Vina Cobos Bramare Lujan de Cuyo Malbec 2016 Mendoza $42.95 -Vina Cobos Bramare Rebon Estate Malbec 2016 Mendoza $88.95 -Vina Cobos Felino Chardonnay 2018 Mendoza $18.95 The Food: server platters of green figs, skewered chicken breast, and arancini. There were stationary platters of cheeses and biscuits. The Downside: there was a hectic lineup to get in, but then this was 1:30 starting time. The Upside: a great opportunity to speak with many principals. The Contact Person: s.stoddart@rogcowines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 2.The Date and Time: Tuesday October 8, 2019 3PM to 7PM The Quote/Background: The Event: A tasting of Fortified Wines as developed by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (18th annual tasting) The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's clubhouse. The Target Audience: WWCC members exclusive. The Availability/Catalogue: All these fortified wines are at the LCBO or by consignment, etc. They include ports, sherries, vermouths, and other beverages. The Quote/Background: This was not a competition or a judging, but a tasting for writing purposes re: Holiday Wines and Gifts. The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada would like to thank each of the supplying agents for their contributions. The Wines: My ratings do NOT include a ranking beyond GOOD, BETTER, and BEST. They are listed randomly within each category. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % Availability Where Availability When Agent or Winery Info Comments -La Madre Vermouth La Madre Premium nv $29.45 490978 Spain Spain 15 E-Comm Now Majestic Wine Cellars -Sandeman 20 YO Tawny Port n/a $64.95 116178 Portugal Douro Touriga Franca, etc. 20% Vintages front line anytime (no release scheduled) Charton Hobbs -Tawse Winery Orange Bitters $12.95 N/A Canada Niagara 50% Retail shop Now Daniel Lafleur -Tawse Winery Lemon Bitters $12.95 N/A Canada Niagara 50% Retail shop Now Daniel Lafleur -Tawse Winery Lavender Bitters $12.95 N/A Canada Niagara 50% Retail shop Now Daniel Lafleur -Tawse Winery Wild Cherry Bark Bitters $13 N/A Canada Niagara 50% Retail shop Now Daniel Lafleur -Tawse Winery Barrel-aged Bitters $12.95 N/A Canada Niagara 50% Retail shop Now Daniel Lafleur -Tawse Winery Aromatics Bitters $12.95 N/A Canada Niagara 50% Retail shop Now Daniel Lafleur -PADRÓ I FAMILIA SL PADRÓ & CO. ROJO CLÁSICO VERMOUTH NV EST $24.75 835181 SPAIN CATALUNYA MACABEO 18.0 DESTINATION Nov-19 DB WINE & SPIRITS 180 BTLS -Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny NV $35.95 121749 Portugal Douro 20 LCBO Vintage Essential Sylvestre Wines & Spirits -Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny NV $69.95 14907 Portugal Douro 20 LCBO Vintage Essential Sylvestre Wines & Spirits -Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2017 $159.95 12076 Portugal Douro 20 LCBO - V-mail March 19th, 2020 Sylvestre Wines & Spirits -Croft Vintage Port 2017 127.95 12082 Portugal Douro 20 LCBO March 19th, 2020 Sylvestre Wines & Spirits -Oscar 697 697 Rosso 0 $29.95 Consignment Italy Milano 16 Consignment/Ecom Now Majestic Wine Cellars -Oscar 697 697 Bianco 0 $29.95 Consignment Italy Milano 16 Consignment/Ecom Now Majestic Wine Cellars ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % Availability Where Availability When Agent or Winery Info Comments -Sandeman 10 YO Tawny Port n/a $34.95 n/a Portugal Douro Touriga Franca, etc. 20 Private Order anytime Charton Hobbs -Sandeman Late Bottled Vintage 2012 $13.40 sale 195974 Portugal Douro Touriga Franca, etc. 20.5 LCBO GL Charton Hobbs -Tawse Winery Dry Vermouth $23.13 N/A Canada Niagara Riesling + 14 botanicals 18.5 Retail shop Now Daniel Lafleur -Sogrape Vinhos de Portugal Ferreira Dona Antonia Tawny Reserve Port NV $19.95 157586 Portugal Douro 30% Malvasia Fina, 20% Códega, 20% Viosinho, 20% Rabigato, 10% Arinto 20 LCBO All year Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants -Alvear Alvear Fino Montilla-Morilles $14.05 112771 Spain Montilla Morilles Fino 15% LCBO General List FWM Canada- -La Madre Vermouth La Madre Red 0 $21.5 491018 Spain Spain 15 E-Comm Now Majestic Wine Cellars -Symington Family Warre's Otima 10 y.o. Tawny NV $21.95 566174 Portugal Oporto Touriga Nacional, local varieties 20.00% LCBO - General list Year-round Dionysus W&S Ltd *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % Availability Where Availability When Agent or Winery Info Comments -Sandeman Fine Ruby Port n/a $15.95 23366 Portugal Douro Touriga Franca, etc. 19.5 LCBO GL Charton Hobbs -Williams & Humbert Dry Sack Sherry NV $14.05 13565 Spain Jerez - Xeres Palomino, Pedro Ximénez 19.5 LCBO General List All the time Dandurand. 1660 Tech Ave Unit 2A mississauga ON L4W 5S7. 416-368-3344 -Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage 2014 $18.95 46946 Portugal Douro 20 LCBO GL Sylvestre Wines & Spirits -Taylor Fladgate First Estate NV $17.50 309401 Portugal Douro 20 LCBO GL Sylvestre Wines & Spirits -Croft Reserve Tawny Port NV $18.95 538983 Portugal Douro 20 LCBO March 7th, 2020 Sylvestre Wines & Spirits -Fonseca Fonesca Bin No.27 Reserve Porto $17 325506 Portugal Cima Corga 20% LCBO General List FWM Canada- info@fwmcanada.com -Fonseca Fonseca White Port $17 276816 Portugal Douro Valley Arinto, Malvasia Fina, Codega, Esgana Cao, Folgasao, Gouveio, Viosinho and Rabigato 20% LCBO General List FWM Canada- info@fwmcanada.com info@fwmcanada.com -Alvear Alvear Medium Dry $14.05 112789 Spain Montilla Morilles Amontillado 17% LCBO General List FWM Canada- info@fwmcanada.com The Food: baguette, unsalted roasted almonds, Nicoise olives, water The Contact Person: deantudor@yahoo.com The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94 3. The Date and Time: Wednesday October 9, 2019 2PM - 4PM The Event: Advanced Shiraz Masterclass with Nigel Westblade, chief winemaker of Peter Lehmann, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the winery. The Venue: Independent Wine Education Guild, Toronto The Target Audience: a full house of two dozen wine experts The Availability/Catalogue: The Quote/Background: Nigel spoke on the Barossa and the Shiraz grape, with reference to Peter Lehmann (repped in Ontario by Phillipe Dandurand). He describe the Barossa region (Barossa Valley and Eden Valley) and its 17 sub-regions: the area is responsible for 43% of all Oz premium wine exports; the are has some of the oldest vines in Australia; 550 growers tend to 800 hand-picked vineyards (blocks are kept separate or blended later, depending on quality). Peter Lehmann makes dozens of different wines each year. The Wines: We tasted in order of price, from low to high. Only the first few are currently at the LCBO. -Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2017 Barossa $21.95 Vintages +522235 – in French and US oak for a year, 14.5% ABV, RS 1 h/L. Mocha tones. -Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2018 Barossa $21.95 Vintages TBD +522235 – in US oak, very appealing, 14.5% ABV. -Peter Lehmann Portrait Shiraz Barossa $19.95 +572875 – 10% new French and US oak for a year, grapes from western side of Barossa. 14.5% ABV, RS 0.55g/L. Expressive lunch wine. -Peter Lehmann Futures Shiraz 2016 Barossa - $~35+ new and old French oak for 15 months. 14.8% ABV, RS 3.1g/L. Full flavours and nicely aged. My fave of the tasting. -Peter Lehmann Masters 8 Songs Shiraz Barossa (Barossa Valley and Eden Valley) - $~50+ 60% new French oak for 15 months. 14.5% ABV, RS 0.67g/L opulent and chocolatey. -Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2013 Barossa – $~100+ French oak for 15 months, 14.5% ABV, RS 3 g/L. Very bright, close to Rhone syrah in tones. -Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2010 Barossa – Library wine - 90% French oak and 10% US oak for 14 months, 14% ABV, RS 3.5 g/L. Very bright, close to Rhone syrah in tones. -Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2003 Barossa – Library wine - 90% French oak and 10% US oak for 18 months, 14.5% ABV, RS 2.75 g/L. Very bright, close to Rhone syrah in tones. Aged beautifully, now 16+ years old. -Peter Lehmann Masterson Shiraz 2015 Barossa – from the Moppa sub-region, organic 40 year old vines, 3 tonnes/hectare. Only made 1000 magnums, selling for $2000 AUD each. Price in Canada TBD. Lots of red and blue fruit, mocha and anise tones. The Contact Person: dlenartowich@pdandurand.com; dshing@galleonwines.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94 4. The Date and Time: Thursday, October 10, 2019 11:45AM - 2:15 PM The Event: Luncheon featuring Boekenhoutskloof Winery and its chief winemaker, Marc Kent. The Venue: George The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: The wines are, or will be, available via the channels of the LCBO. The Quote/Background: Marc has been with the company for a quarter of a century, so he is well versed in the philosophy and style. They have grapes from Swartland, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek. He differentiated amongst the three regions as the tasting progressed. The Wines: We tasted the wines before the luncheon. Prices are from the agency and may be affected by availability channels. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms) -Boekenhoutskloof Patina Chenin Blanc 2017 Swartland $29.95 -Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2018 Swartland $15.95 -Boekenhoutskloof Patina Syrah 2017 Swartland $29.95 [my fave] -Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2015 Swartland $55.95 -Heiderberg Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Stellenbosch $14.95 -Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Stellenbosch $55.95 -Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Franschhoek $55.95 -Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Franschhoek Library wine -Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2015 Franschhoek $49.95 -Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2005 Franschhoek Library wine ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Heiderberg Winery Vinologist Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Cape Town $12.95 -Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Chenin Blanc 2019 Swartland $15.95 -Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block 2017 Swartland $37.95 -Boekenhoutskloof Porseleinberg 2016 Swartland $99.95 -Heiderberg Winery Vinologist Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Stellenbosch $12.95 The Food: our menu featured George salad, beef tenderloin or cornish hen, and pavlova. The Downside: Personally, I would have enjoyed cheese with the wines instead of the pavlova. The Upside: I appreciated the efforts of the Univins team in assembling the booklet and preparing the presentation. The Contact Person: demberley@univins.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 5.The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 11:30AM - 4PM The Event: Sustainable South Africa – Wines of South Africa (WOSA) trade show portion The Venue: Steamwhistle Brewery, Roundhouse Hall The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: the show was in both Toronto and Montreal, and not all wines were at both places. The catalogue noted the wines and the vintages, but not all the wines had arrived. Prices (if available) had to be obtained at the tables. The Quote/Background: The seminar at 11:30 was led by John Szabo, and was about the sustainability of the WOSA wineries. My ratings on these wines are folded into the notes below. The Wines: There were 30 wineries, I did not taste them all nor all of the other wines. This time I tried mainly the whites, following on the lead of the seminar which had only two reds. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Asara The Terroir Series Granite Chenin 2018 -Asara The Terroir Series Viognier 2018 -Asara Speciality Range White Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 -Boekenhoutskloof Vinologist Chenin Blanc 2018 $12.95 Univins -Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2016 Univins -Whalehaven Conservation Coast Chardonnay 2016 $45 -Creation Reserve Chardonnay 2018 $49.95 Gradwell Cons -De Trafford Wines Sijnn White 2017 $35.95 Gradwell Cons -Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2017 Dionysus -Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2018 Vintages Essential +367698 $15.95 -Kloovenburg Eight Feel 2017 White $25.95 Gradwell Cons -Ken Forrester Wines Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018 $18 Dec Vintages -Ken Forrester Wines Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2007 Library -Le Bonheur Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $24.95 Select -Meerlust Rubicon 2016 $57.99 Lifford Cons -Mullineux Wines Old Vines White 2018 $38 N Pearce -Overhex Survivor Chenin Blanc 2018 $19.95 Trajectory Bev Co -Pearce Predhomme Chenin Blanc 2018 $19.95 N Pearce -Radford Dale The Renaissance of Chenin Blanc 2017 $45 N Pearce PO -Rustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Woodman -Simonsig Chenin Avec Chene 2017 $34.95 Azureau PO -Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2017 $34.95 Sylvestre PO ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Spier Seaward Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $15.95 Sylvestre -Radford Dale Vinum Chenin Blanc 2018 $17.95 N Pearce -Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc 2019 Univins -Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2018 $24.95 Loyal Imports -Overhex Survivor Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $19.95 Trajectory Bev Co -Fairview Amos Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Noble -Meerlust Chardonnay 2018 $39.95 Lifford PO -Asara Pickled Fush Sauvignon Blanc 2018 -Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap White 2018 $14.95 LCBO -Bottega SA Family Wines Idiom Viognier 2017 ~$35 -Bottega SA Family Wines Idiom Semillon 2016 ~$35 -Whalehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $20 -Bruce Jack Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $15.99 Lifford Cons -Creation Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $19.95 Gradwell Cons -Kloovenburg Unwooded Chardonnay 2019 $16.95 Gradwell Cons -L'Avenir Single Block Chenin Blanc 2018 Select -Le Bonheur Chardonnay 2018 $14.95 Select -Leeuwenkuil Reserve White 2017 Univins -Leeuwenkuil Heritage Chenin Blanc 2017 Univins -Mullineux Wines Kloof Street Chenin Blanc 2018 N Pearce -Waterford Estate Single-Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 Epic Wines & Spirits The Food: Daniel et Daniel did the catering which featured the usual meat platter (duck breast, salumi, sausages, and boerewors), cheeses, breads. Veggies and dips. The Downside: I had to miss the opening of the seminar. The Upside: A chance to re-connect with many WOSA wines (it had been a long time since the last trade show). The Contact Person: lkeenan@propellor.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 6.The Date and Time: Monday, October 21, 2019 1PM to 5PM The Event: Tre Amici Wines: Veni, Vidi, Vino III The Venue: Palais Royale The Target Audience: customers, sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the agency. The Quote/Background: The tasting included wines from the Vertical Wine Group (www.verticalwinegroup.com). The Wines: I did not try all the wines, nor did I try any spirits. Prices for the most part seemed to be licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Villa Pillo Borgoforte 2016 Tuscany $18.95 -Villa Pillo Cingalino 2017 Tuscany $15.95 -Chateau Roubine Provence La Vie En Rose Brut Rose -Collard-Picard Champagne Selection Brut Blanc de Noir $75 -Collard-Picard Champagne Cuvee Prestige Brut $87 -Collard-Picard Champagne Essentiel Brut 2010 $190 -Patrocinio Tempranillo Reserva 2012 Rioja $44.95 -Plan B The King Chardonnay 2015 Margaret River $27.95 -Plan B CV Chardonnay/Viognier 2016 Margaret River $24.50 -Fontanassa Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2017 Piemonte $32.50 -Fontanassa Gavi del Comune di Gavi “Citu” 2015 Piemonte $51.95 -Salvano Barbaresco Riserva 2012 $102 -Salvano Barolo Riserva 2011 $117 -Antonutti Traminer Aromatico 2018 $25.50 -Castelfeder Chardonnay “Doss” 2017 Alto Adige $29.50 -Punti Ferrer Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2017 Cachapoal Chile $19.50 -Punti Ferrer Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2016 Cachapoal Chile $20.95 -Vina Amalia Signature Petit Verdot 2011 Mendoza $83.95 -Misty Cove Landmark Series Riesling 2019 $27 -Misty Cove Landmark Series Sauvignon Gris 2019 $27 -San Martino Undici Prosecco Extra Dry $19.95 -San Martino Millesimato Dry $19.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Casalbosco Dorato Chardonnay IGT Toscana 2017 $24.95 -Lodi Wine Company Chardonnay 2018 Lodi $18.50 -Vinihold Portinho di Covo White Blend Peninsula de Setrubal $12.95 -Vina Amalia Sauvignon Blanc Dos Fincas 2017 Mendoza $19.95 -Vina Amalia Torrontes Dos Fincas 2018 Mendoza $19.95 -Vina Amalia Malbec Dos Fincas Brut Mendoza $21.95 -Vina Amalia Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2013 Mendoza $27.50 -Misty Cove Estate Series Marlborough Pinot Gris 2019 $24.50 -Misty Cove Estate Series Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $21 -Oak Ridge Winery Blazon Chardonnay Lodi 2017 $25.50 -Oak Ridge Winery Gnarled Vine Chardonnay Lodi 2018 $21.95 -Villa Pillo Sant'adele Merlot 2017 Tuscany $44.50 -Patrocinio Zinio Viura & Tempranillo Blanco 2018 Rioja -Patrocinio Garnacha 2016 Rioja $19.50 -Patrocinio Vendimia Seleccionada Tempranillo 2014 Rioja $27.50 -Plan B OD Riesling 2017 Margaret River $24.95 -Plan B DR Riesling 2017 Margaret River $23.95 -Fontanassa Gavi “Ca Adua” 2018 Piemonte $25.50 -Castelfeder Pinot Bianco “Vom Stein” 2017 Alto Adige $27.45 -Castelfeder Sauvignon Blanc “Raif” 2017 Alto Adige $34.50 -Julius Treis Riesling Alte Reben Trocken 2017 Mosel -Valle Secreto Sauvignon Blanc “First Edition” 2017 Cachapoal Chile $20.95 -Punti Ferrer Chardonnay 2018 Cachapoal Chile $14.50 -Punti Ferrer Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Cachapoal Chile $14.50 -Punti Ferrer Gran Reserva Malbec 2017 Cachapoal Chile $20.95 The Food: The Food Studio Catering provided us with charcuterie and salumi platters, international cheeses, peppers, dips, breads, etc. The Downside: I had to leave early so I could pack for my trip to Wolfville and the Devour Food Film Festival. The Upside: Palais Royale was easy to get to. The Contact Person: r.f.sferrazza@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 2019 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING IN SEPTEMBER 2019 – 1.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Languedoc Red 2015 +413237 October Vintages, $16.95: the last vintage here was 2013. This is a re-order of the 2015: it's a blend of syrah and grenache, promising both black fruit and red fruit tones at an affordable price. Local garrigue is apparent, complemented by some fennel. Part of the wine is transferred over to 225-litre oak barrels where it is aged for roughly 10 months. 14% ABV. Good price. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Riesling Estate 2018 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165 Vintages, $19.95: intense riesling in a Rhine style of cool fermentation, with very off-dry palate but dry finish (good acid levels on the finish) – broad grapefruit and lemons on the mid-palate, sip (mainly) or food. 10.5% ABV, 17g/L RS, twist top, from HOP's oldest Estate vineyards (33+ year old riesling vines). Should also age well. Try with fish that live in water but die in wine. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Speck Family Reserve 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench, +657874 Vintages November, $34.95: this is an LCBO re-order of a top of the line pinot noir from Ontario, fruit-forward with enough black/dark tones of cherry-berry capable of long cellar aging. The winery says Clones 667 on Block 100 were used for 250 cases. Tank fermentation with 10 months small European oak barrel aging, finishing as blended in an oak tank. Very, very food friendly. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Cantina Valpantena Veneto Chardonnay IGP 2017 $13.95 Consignment Majestic Wine Cellars: It's a definite antipasto or pre-prandial wine since it was light lemons with lively acidity, some tart apples, 12% ABV, and a longer finish than I was expecting. Quite pleasant. Under composition cork. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Albino Armani 1607 Chardonnay Capitel 2017 Trentino DOC, $19.95 consignment Majestic Wine Cellars. From the Adige Valley region, it's a mellow, rounder wine with less acid (sweet apples) but a long honeyed finish in the mouth. Composition cork, and it too had sweet apples, limes and citrus, and a bright freshness from the stainless steel. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Biscardo Oropasso Originale 2018 IGT Veneto $17.95 consignment from Majestic Wine Cellars: made from 60% garganega (basis of soave) and 40% chardonnay juice. No oak, just stainless steel for freshness. But a longer fermentation than usual, and five months on the lees. Results? An engaging floral, off-sweet bouquet leading to nuts and tropical fruits on the palate with citrus running in the background. A good seam of acidity through to the spicy finish. Best with food, but possible also as a sipper. A very nice riff on Soave. The company's series includes Rosapasso (pinot noir rose) and Neropasso (red), all trading off on the “oro-” gold usage. 13% ABV. Good value. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Morgan Bay Cellars Chardonnay 2017 California appellation $17.95 Majestic Wine Cellars Consignment: cork disc closure, well-rounded texture meant to appeal to the US palate. There were lemons and green apples, but also the softness and taste of a creamy caramel. But there is also enough finishing acid for a first course. Otherwise, sip away. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2016 Napa $25.95, Consignment from Majestic Wine Cellars: a soft wine full of orchard fruit (baked apple, pear), creamy, bright, some vanilla but a little toasted French oak (and lees) with spices. Aperitif or with seafood. 13.5% ABV. RS a meagre 0.1 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Coonawarra Terra Rossa South Australia, $19.95 +677476 Vintages October: it's been awhile since I've had an affordable dense cabby from Oz (since the days of Hill Smith?). This one's loaded with juicy cassis and black cherry notes. Some Bordeaux-like tones come into play (leafy tobacco, cedar box, anise, some herbaceousness. Near the finish there is a softness that may seem out-of-place, but the wine is now almost four years old. Coonawarra produces only 1.5% of Australian wine; the exceptional Terra Rossa section is but a small part of this tiny percentage. A winner all round. 14.3% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10&11.Chateau des Charmes Atelier White 2017 VQA NOTL $14.95 LCBO +688499, and Chateau des Charmes Atelier Red 2017 VQA NOTL $14.95 LCBO +688523, both also at winery and online: these two wines represent the latest blended wines from Chateau des Charmes as Generation Seven Red and White came a decade ago. The white is unusual in that it's an Ontario version of the Alsatian Edelzwicker, with its Riesling-Gewurztraminer-Auxerrois blend of noble varieties. 1800 cases of social wine (parties, pre-prandials, first course food accompaniments) in the mainly popular riesling-gewurz style favoured by a lot of wineries world-wide. The red, to continue a French analogy, is Burgundy meets Bordeaux, with five different grapes: Gamay noir-Pinot noir-Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc. 4000 cases of social wine or first course food accompaniments. Both wines are produced from the Chateau's own estates, and are light-bodied (no oak) and fruity (floral in the white, berries in the red), to accompany friends or simple foods as a social wine. 12% ABV for both. Both are also part of the Limited Time Offers running from the Sept 16 through Oct 13 period, reducing the price to $13.95 apiece. Quality/Price rating of both is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12&13.Toro Bravo Tempranillo Merlot 2018 Valencia, $7.95 LCBO +635755, and Toro Bravo Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc 2018 La Mancha, $7.95 LCBO +10711: these are not the cheapest wines at the LCBO but they do appear to be the most reasonable. The trend in lower-end pricing or entry wines has always been to the bi-varietal spectrum, such as most of the wines from Latin America, especially the ones in magnums. This works in Europe too. Here we have a Tempranillo and Merlot mix from Valencia, where the blend neatly plays down any shortcomings and plumps up the softness and rich readiness of the lowered tannin finish. Fruity, best suited to red wine drinkers on the patio who like just red wine without any food. Sip or quaff. 13% ABV. The white (Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc) to my mind tastes better: more citrus and orchard stone fruit. It is nicely blended and can serve as a patio wine or aperitif or first course wine with light food, showing off a light minerality. 11.5% ABV. Both have a twist top, of course, and both are value wines. Quality/Price rating of the red Toro Bravo is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Quality/Price rating of the white Toro Bravo is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Sunday September 8, 2019 6PM to 8PM The Event: The Grand Reveal of “Devour! The Food Film Fest” October 22-27, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. The Venue: Campbell House, TIFF tent of the Italian Trade Commission The Target Audience: media The Quote/Background: The world’s largest culinary film festival,Devour! The Food Film Fest announced the full film lineup for its 9th year. Devour! takes place October 22-27, 2019 in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. The festival will screen 80+ new food-and-drink inspired films from 24 countries, with this year’s programming and theme centering around “Celebrating Italian Food & Cinema.” For six days, Wolfville is transformed into a festival unlike any other, as it pairs an array of fabulous dishes with captivating films, experiential workshops and 100+ events (including local tours of the Gaspereau Valley gourmet/wine country). This year’s opening gala film on Wednesday, October 23 marks the North American premiere of From the Vine, about a downtrodden man who finds new purpose in reviving his grandfather’s old vineyard in his travels back to his rural Italian hometown. The film’s multi-award-winning director Sean Cisterna and star Joe Pantoliano from the acclaimed television series The Sopranos will be in attendance. Headlining the 2019 festival is award-winning chef, TV host, restaurateur and author Lidia Bastianich, who is curating a special presentation of Big Night on Thursday, October 24, about immigrant brothers from Italy who open their dream restaurant in New Jersey, directed by Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci. Lidia will attend the all-female celebrity chef dinner inspired by the evening’s film and will hold a special book-signing of a selection of her award-winning cookbooks. The festival will include 24 feature-length films including Maxima, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival Audience Award winner directed by Claudia Sparrow, which portrays a subsistence farmer’s courageous journey to stand against the destruction of resources and corporate intimidation; Honeyland, a multi-award winning documentary directed by Ljubomir Stefanov & Tamara Kotevska about a Balkan woman utilising ancient beekeeping traditions to cultivate honey in the mountains of Macedonia; and multi-award winning documentary Ghost Fleet, that uncovers the vast injustice of slavery in the Thai fishing industry through thrilling escape stories, directed by Shannon Service & Jeffrey Waldron. DevourFest is bringing Italy to Nova Scotia with a solid line-up of films to complement an array of talented chefs from around the world. Thanks to a new partnership with the Italian Trade Commission, festival-goers can catch 60 shorts this year, including Italian programming with new serial episodes from David Rocco’s Dolce Italia with David in attendance, short films such as Distance - Short Stories About Food directed by Luigi Capasso and American Marriage directed by Giorgio Arcelli Fontana, and films focused around themes like Italian wine and olive oil. Nova Scotian shorts include That's My Jazz directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kahawa directed by Janet Hawkwood. Closing the festival is The Biggest Little Farm directed by John Chester, that chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature. All films are eligible for the Devour! Golden Tine Awards, chosen by esteemed jurors Peter L. Stein (Frameline), Rita DeMontis (Toronto SUN) and Justin Johnson (British Film Institute). The Awards Brunch takes place on Sunday, October 27 at the Wolfville Farmers Market. Other festival dinners include the Friday, October 25 Celebrity Chef Dinner based on the Spotlight Gala film Food Fighter (about food waste) directed by Dan Goldberg; the Saturday,October 26 Devour! Chefs and Short Gala Dinner featuring short films screened right in the iconic Barrel Cellar of Lightfoot & Wolfville Winery with the diners and inspiring chefs’ dishes; and the return of Devour! DownHome Lobster Supper –also on Saturday, October 26. Attendees will have their pick of experiential workshops and tasting tours, such as the Short Doc Shop Talk with Filmmaker Ben Proudfoot, the Gleaning Expedition with FOUND Forgotten Food, the Zero Waste Workshop with Bob Blumer, and the Bubbles Bus tasting tour. Culinary students from coast-to-coast will cook up a storm alongside festival chefs while also being featured on the big screen in both Merci Bocuse directed by Michael Nguyen, which follows Canadian chefs Trevor Ritchie and Jenna Reich as they head to the prestigious Bocuse d’Or chef competition in France and Stage: The Culinary Internshipdirected by Abby Ainsworth. Indeed, there is 36% Canadian film content at DevourFest this year! More details at the website www.devourfest.com The Wines: We were treated to Folonari Soave (88 pts), Fiol Proscecco (92 pts), Cusumano Syrah (89 pts), Campari and Apernol. The cocktail seemed to be Apernol and Campari with Fiol fizz. The Food: endless platters from a la carte catering focused on Italian food, such as various cheeses, prosciutto, pancetta, salumi, et al. Along with Rocco Agostino's three minute pizza from the $1100 Breville pizzaiolo oven (750 degrees F.). Canoli appeared along with Barocco espresso coffee. The Downside: it got really crowded really fast The Upside: a chance to see the Devour Food Film Festival reveal. The Contact Person: lia@devourfest.com; michael@devourfest.com; The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 2.The Date and Time: Thursday Sept 12, 2019, Noon to 4PM The Event: Taste and buy preview of the 2017 vintage in Burgundy from Bouchard Pere et Fils. The Venue: Montecito Restaurant, Adelaide Street The Target Audience: wine media and private clients of the Woodman Wines and Spirits agency. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines tasted were available as private orders of six bottle cases. The Quote/Background: Annually, Luc Bouchard visits Toronto and gives us a commentary on his harvests and wines. In addition to the 2017 private orders, there were some wines presented that are already at the LCBO. These have been noted below. The Wines: I did not taste every wine at the event. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bouchard Pere et Fils Pouilly-Fuisse 2016 $33 LCBO +56580 [my fave of the day] -Bouchard Pere et Fils Pouilly-Fuisse 2017 $33 LCBO +56580 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Puligny-Montrachet 2017 $77 LCBO +976035 (Dec 1 2019) -Bouchard Pere et Fils Echezeaux 2017 $391 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Volnay Caillerets Ancienne Cuvee Carnot Domaine 2017 $129 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Chambolle Musigny 2017 $91 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Chevalier-Montrachet Domaine 2017 $513 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune du Chateau Domaine Blanc 2017 $65 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Meursault Genevrieres Domaine 2017 $140 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Meursault Domaine 2017 $76 -William Fevre Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2017 $76 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bouchard Pere et Fils Macon-Lugny Saint Pierre 2018 $22 LCBO +51573 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Petit Chablis 2017 $26 LCBO +51466 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Le Corton Domaine 2017 $199 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune du Chateau Domaine Rouge 2017 $66 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Clos de la Mousse Monopole 2017 $95 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Greves Vigne Enfant Jesus Monopole 2017 $170 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Pommard 1er Cru 2017 $112 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Lavieres Domaine 2017 $71 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Gevrey Chambertin 2017 $77 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Nuits-Saint-Georges 2017 $73 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Corton Charlemagne Domaine 2017 $283 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Montagny 1er Cru 2017 $43 -William Fevre Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Domaine 2017 $115 The Food: oysters, charcuterie and cheese boards, Blackbird breads, mustards and compotes. The Downside: I had to race here from a piano recital, and then race off again to another wine tasting. The Upside: another opportunity to engage with Luc Bouchard The Contact Person: rachel@woodmanwinesandspirits.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 3. The Date and Time: Thursday, September 12, 2019 1PM to 4:30PM The Event: Discover Slovenia Walk Around Tasting Trade Show (Food and Wine) The Venue: Rosewater Room, Toronto Street The Target Audience: wine media and agents. The Availability/Catalogue: All wines are available through private order if there is an agency in Ontario. The Quote/Background: EUCCAN and the EU Chamber of Commerce in Canada West co-sponsored this show and tell event of foods and wines from Slovenia, with backing from the Slovenia government. There was an excellent catalogue of food products available from Slovenia. The Wines: I did not try every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Sisi Yellow Muscat 2018 -JNK Rebula “orange” wine 2010 -Bajta Dry Muscat Sparkling (NV?) ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Sisi Traminaec -Radgonske Gorice Zlata Radgonska penina Sparkling Chardonnay 2015 -Kobal Sauvignon 2016 -Doppler Wines Laski WelchRiesling 2018 -JNK Merlot 2011 -Kristancia Merlot 2018 -Vina Joannesvina Joannes Renski Riesling 2016 -Zlata Extra Dry Rose Pinot Noir The Food: I enjoyed lokev (Slovenian ham), kranjske klobasa (Carniolian sausage), celiske mesnine cheese, planika mlekarna cheese, and breads. The Downside: nobody had any real wine prices, but the suggestion was that the wines may be a bit higher than expected for this market, and hence need to be negotiated with the LCBO. The Upside: a chance to taste some Eastern European wines; they did a marvelous job with the whites. The Contact Person: alex.martyniak@eu-canada.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 84 4. The Date and Time: Thursday, September 19, 2019 2PM to 4:30PM The Event: Grandi Marchi: Instituto del Vino Italiano di Qualita The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: 17 producers (all family-owned) were arranged alphabetically, with full details about their companies and a listing of the wines being presented. No prices nor agents were specified. The Quote/Background: This was the trade component to the evening consumer event. The Wines: I did not try all the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alois Lageder Lowengang Chardonnay Alto Adige 2016 -Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari Il Pareto Toscana Rosso IGT 2016 -Antinori Cont'Ugo Bolgheri 2016 -Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna 2018 -Ca'del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Franciacorta NV Fizz -Ca'del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Franciacorta Rose NV Fizz -Col D'Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012 -Col D'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2014 -Gaja Sito Moresco Langhe 2017 -Gaja Promis Ca'Marcanda Toscana IGT 2017 -Masi Agricola Riserva di Costasera Amarone Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2013 -Michele Chiarlo Palas Barolo 2015 -Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d'Asti 2018 -Pio Cesare Barolo 2015 -Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2015 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alois Lageder Chardonnay Alto Adige 2018 -Antinori Prunotto Barolo 2015 -Mastroberardino Novaserra Greco di Tufo 2018 The Food: from Daniel et Daniel, headed up by a fab artichoke parmesan white bean dip. Charcuterie, cheeses, terrines, dried fruit, breads, biscuits. The Downside: it got crowded really fast The Upside: a chance to taste some newer vintages in the Ontario marketplace. The Contact Person: v.smith@ieeemusa.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 5.The Date and Time: Thursday September 19, 2019 3PM to 5PM The Event: Walk-around tasting of Italian and Spanish high quality wines (Native Grape Odyssey Maestro) The Venue: Peter Pan Restaurant The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available, mostly by consignment or by private order. The Quote/Background: Vinitaly International acts as an aggregator for wine producers and helps them establish trade relations with wine markets, through exhibitions, tastings, and courses. They also coordinate the Native Grape Odyssey (NGO) educational project. Funding comes from the EU, the UIV [Italian] and the OIVE [Spanish] promotional groups to lobby for PDO and PGI wines in Japan, Canada and Russia. This tasting will also be back in 2020 in the Fall in Toronto. The Wines: Coming from the Grandi Marchi, I did not try every wine. All prices should be licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Barone Pizzini Franciacorta Animante NV $43 Bonta Trading -Barone Pizzini Franciacorta Brut Nature NV $50 Bonta Trading -Travaglini Gattinara 2015 $31.95 Nov Vintages -Travaglini Gattinara Reserva 2013 $60 Classics October -Speri Valpolicella Classico Superiore Sant Urbano $32.99 Lifford -Speri Amarone 2013 $72.99 Lifford -Feudi Greco di Tufo 2018 $21.99 Stem -Feudi Taurasi 2014 $48.99 Stem -Foradori Vigneti della Dolomiti Manzoni Bianco Fontanasanta 2018 $37.95 Living Vine -Arianna Occipinti Terre Siciliane SP68 Rosso 2018 $32.95 Living Vine -Vittorio Bera e Figli Moscato d'Asti 2018 $29.95 Living Vine -'A Vita Vino Bianco Leuko 2018 $27.95 Living Vine ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Travaglini Gattinara Nebbiolo Coste Della Sesia 2017 $21.99 Lifford -Montesecondo Rosso Toscana 2017 $27.95 Living Vine -Antica Enotria Puglia Rosso 2017 $18.95 Living Vine -Lunaria Coste di Moro Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2015 $23.95 Living Vine The Food: charcuterie, cheese, popcorn, potato crisps, various breads and relishes. The Downside: I had less time than I had thought, and the room was excessively crowded. Unfortunately there were also ver few Spanish wines. The Upside: a chance to taste consignment and private order wines. The Contact Person: info@nativegrapeodyssey.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 6.The Date and Time: Tuesday September 24 2019 1 – 4 PM The Event: Odyssey: Galleon portfolio tasting The Venue: Shangri-La Hotel The Target Audience: wine trade, media, private clients The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available in the LCBO system or by private order (PO). The catalogue was a model, with label reproductions, vintage years, CSPC, prices, and listed in table number order. The Quote/Background: there were some 16 high-end premium wineries to be tasted. This is the fine wine boutique of the Phillippe Dandurand wine agency. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Orellana Malbec 2014 Mendoza $42.95 +178145 Vintages Nov -Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015 $84.95 Vintages December -Dom. Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent 2016 $51.95 Consignment -Ca' del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Franciacorta Magnum NV $110 Consignment -Ca' del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Franciacorta Rose NV $67 Consignment -Champagne Labruyere Prologue NV $67 Consignment -Champagne Labruyere Page Blanche Brut NV $95 Consignment -Champagne Labruyere Anthologie Brut NV $79 Consignment -Fontanafredda Barbaresco Coste Rubin DOCG 2015 $57.95 Consignment -Podere Castorani Amorino Abruzzo Pecorino Superiore Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2016 $22.95 Consignment -Jose Maria da Fonseca J Alentejano 2015 $69.95 PO -Familla Torres Vardon Kennett Cuvee Esplendor Penedes 2013 $44.95 Consignment -Familla Tores Sons de Prades Chardonnay Conca de Barbera 2014 $40.95 Consignment -Trinchero Neyers Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015 $114.99 Consignment -Vina Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Chile $19.95 Consignment ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Coletto Malbec 2014 Mendoza $42.95 +482968 Vintages -Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014 $250; 2017 $300 Consignment -Joseph Drouhin Nuits St-Georges 2015 $79.95 Consignment -Goerges Duboeuf Domaine des Preauds Pouilly-Fuisse 2016 $34.95 Consignment -Ferrari Trento Brut NV $24.95 +352153 Vintages November -Podere Castorani Scia Chardonnay Fiano Puglia 2017 $13.95 Consignment -Jose Maria de Fonseca Hexagon White Peninsula de Setubal 2014 $45 PO -Jose Maria de Fonseca Jose de Sousa Mayor Alentejano 2015 $52 PO -Araex Grands Rolland & Galarreta Rueda 2016 $24.95 Consignment -Torres Mas La Plana Penedes 2015 $53 Consignment -Torres Grans Muralle Conca de Barbera 2015 $125 Consignment -Marimar Estate Albarino Russian River Valley 2017 $39 Consignment -Trinchero Ziata Sauvignon Blanc Napa 2016 $54 Consignment -Trinchero Neyers Vineyards Left Bank Red Napa 2016 $74.99 Consignment -Vina Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve Red 2015 $79.95 Consignment -Vina Errazuriz La Cumbre Aconcagua Costa 2013 $89.95 Consignment -Vina Errazuriz Kai Aconcagua Costa 2013 $149.95 Consignment The Food: custom designed individual platters of four cheeses and four cold cuts, plus 21 different jars of dips, relishes, pickles, compotes, hummus, and truffled aioli. Breads and dried fruits, nuts. The Downside: I had to leave early for my next event. The Upside: a chance to speak with producers (eg, Errazuriz) The Contact Person: dshing@galleonwines.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95 7.The Date and Time: Tuesday September 24 2019 2PM – 8:30 PM The Event: Profile Wine Group 2019 Portfolio Tasting The Venue: Liberty Grand, Exhibition Place The Target Audience: wine trade, media, private clients The Availability/Catalogue: 57 wineries presented about 300 wines. All were available through the usual mechanisms of consignment, private orders, or the LCBO (as noted). Basic information included winery, name, vintage, availability channel, and price. The booklet was arranged by country and then by table within. Very convenient. The Quote/Background: There was a special Vintages table with six recently released wines, while other LCBO products were scattered about the room. A map of all tables was provided in the booklet. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Devaux Cuvee Augusta $50.99 PO -Champagne Devaux Coeur des Bar Blanc de Noir $59.99 Consignment -Champagne Devaux Grande Reserve $60.99 Consignment -Champagne Devaux Cuvee D $65.99 PO -Champagne Devaux Ultra D $69.99 PO -Champagne Devaux D Rose $79.99 Consignment -Chateau de Nages Vieilles Vignes White 2017 $19.95 Vintages November -Domaine des Deux Roches Pouilly-Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2017 $42.99 Consignment -Jean-Luc Colombo Viognier La Violette 2018 $19.99 Consignment -Jean-Luc Colombo Cote Rotie La Divine 2016 $109.99 PO -Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas Les Ruchets 2013 $129.99 PO -Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Rose NV $19.95 Vintages -Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi Maremma Toscana 2016 $124.99 Consignment -Lungarotti L'U Umbria Rosso 2016 $19.99 Consignment -Rocca delle Macie Sergio Zingarelli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2014 $119.99 PO -Tenuta Rocca Chiara Chardonnay Langhe 2017 $28.99 Consignment -Segura Viudas Cava Brut Organic $18.99 PO -Segura Viudas Cava Torre Galimany Gran Reserva 2014 $24.99 PO -Argyle Brut 2015 $29.99 PO -J Lohr Cuvee POM 2015 $95.99 PO -Markham Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $59.99 Consignment -Miner Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $117.99 PO -Miner The Oracle 2014 $139.99 Consignment -Palmaz Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $229.99 PO -Palmaz Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $269.99 Consignment -Peter Franus Coturo Napa Chardonnay 2015 $41.99 Consignment -Peter Franus Brandlin Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $99.99 Consignment -Sbragia Home Ranch Chardonnay 2018 $34.99 PO -Sbragia Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet 2014 $81.99 Consignment -Somerston Priest Ranch Snake Oil 2016 $169.99 PO -Textbook Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $119.99 PO ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Palmaz Amalia Chardonnay 2016 $114.99 PO -Miner Viognier 2017 $35.99 PO -Miner Napa Chardonnay 2017 $44.99 Consignment -Markham Napa Merlot 2016 $34.99 Consignment -J Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay 2017 $19.95 Vintages -J Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2017 $34.95 Vintages -Argyle Blanc de Noirs 2015 $53.99 PO -Velenosi Reve Pecorino Offida 2017 $31.99 PO -Bodegas LAN Culmen Reserva 2011 $109.99 PO -Bodega Garzon Reserva Albarino 2018 $21.95 Vintages -La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli 2013 $139.99 Consignment -Dandelion Honeypot of the Barossa Roussane 2017 $19.95 Vintages -Dandelion Red Queen of the Eden Valley Shiraz 2016 $89.99 PO -Katnook Estate Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $74.99 PO -Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2016 $19.95 Vintages July 2020 -Textbook Napa Chardonnay 2017 $32.99 Consignment -Textbook Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $39.99 Consignment The Food: Cibo pasta from the steam table, Barrocco coffee, Speducci salumni and cured meats, breads. The Downside: I had just come from another rich wine portfolio tasting. The Upside: another chance to speak with producers. The Contact Person: aprodhon@profilewinegroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 8.The Date and Time: Monday September 30, 2019 11AM to 1:30 PM The Event: VIP Rias Baixas Albarino Tasting with David Lawrason The Venue: Lena, Yonge Street The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: All the wines were available from the agents, mostly by consignment or PO. We were given a tech sheet and tasted 10 wines, each with a price. Some of these wines turn up in Vintages from time to time. The Quote/Background: David Lawrason gave a regional powerpoint-style presentation, highlighting history and culture and microclimates, plus notes on each of the wineries. Rias Baixas is a cool region in Northwest Spain. 99% of its wines are white, 96% of its plantings are albarino vines. Major character notes: acidity, fresh aromatics, stone fruit orchards of peaches and apricots, rich bright minerality. Used also in espumosos. Most Albarinos come from the Val do Salnas sub-region and the Condido de Tea sub-region. There are five sub-regions in all. The Wines: We began with a reception wine, Torre Oria Cava Brut MethChamp Valencia, which sells for about $12+ +402255 Vinya Wine Agency (87 pts) – 100% macabeo. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Noella Bebelia Albarino 2018 Soutomajor $35 All the Right Grapes -Attis Xion Albarino 2017 Val do Salnas $24.50 3050 Imports -Lagar Da Condesa Albarino 2017 Val do SWalnas ~$19 Profile Wine Group -Pazo Senorans Anada Albarino 2010 Val do Salnas $79.95 Rogers & Company [my FAVE] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pazo Senorans Albarino 2018 Val do Salnas $31.95 Rogers & Company -Pazo de San Mauro Albarino 2018 Condido do Tea $26.99 Lifford -Laxas Albarino 2018 Condido do Tea $pending The Case for Wine -Terras Gauda Albarino70% 2018 O Roscal $26.95 Brix + Mortar Wine Co. -Paco & Lola Albarino 2018 Val do Salnas $19.95 Azureau Wines and Spirits -Paco & Lola Prime Albarino 2016 Val do Salnas $27.95 Azureau Wines and Spirits The Food: buffet lunch, with rigatoni pasta, cold cuts, avocado salad, breads, dolce con leche cookies. The Downside: some of the wines (the last five) were served over-chilled, and took time to warm up. The Upside: a great opportunity to learn about a region and some of its wines. The Contact Person: javier@gregoryvine.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR AUGUST 2019 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Huff Estates Merlot 2017 South Bay Vineyard VQA Prince Edward County, $30 at winery: very fruity, maybe fruit gone wild, but tempered with 18 months in French oak (15% new). Typically bright red and black fruit style, cherry-berry even. Slightly tannic finish at this point, expected to smooth out over the next year or so. One of the better merlot wines in Ontario. Suggest a double decant before drinking. Charcuterie and/or cheese platters. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Huff Estates Pinot Grigio 2018 VQA Prince Edward County, $19 at winery: the winemaker says “made as a slightly more round version of our typical pinot gris (which we still produce).” This makes Huff a rarity, producing both pinot gris and pinot grigio, the white equivalent of a winery producing both shiraz and syrah: it is all in the style that the winemaker wants. Here the RS is 4.8 g/L which does give it a roundness. Body is firmer and colouring is more straw. Useful as an aperitif or first course wine, but it is more demanding than a regular sipper. 12.5% ABV. 600 cases. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Huff Estates Cabernet Franc 2017 South Bay Vineyard VQA Prince Edward County $35 winery: herby red fruit dominates. 18 months French oak, 30% new. 225 cases. Some tannins need to resolve on the finish, so double decant or leave open for a long time. God with almost anything that needs a bracing red. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Fogolar Cabernet Franc 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $22 at winery (Ridgepoint Winery): barrel fermentation with a month of maceration and then pressed to barrel for storage. Aged in French and US oak barrels (30% new) for 18 months. Ripe black fruit, good aging to bring out the spices and flavours. Best with grilled veggies and meats. Needs double decanting. 13.4% ABV, residual sugar at 1.9 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 89.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Cooper's Hawk North Block Sparkling 2016 VQA Ontario, $23.95 +644773 Vintages Aug 17: a good blend of chardonnay and chardonnay musque (for tropical roundness), with residual sugar at 6 g/L. The vines have been planted to take advantage of the directional wind flows. Expect lemony-y citrus minerality with distinctive chardonnay apple “blanc de blanc” tones. Good infrastructure bready spine, terrific first course or appetizer accompaniment. We had a mayo-parmesan-scallion topping on biscotti. It was just a guess, but it went very well! Uses the cuve close technique. Produced by one of the stalwarts of the EPIC region in LENS. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Fess Parker Pinot Noir 2016 Sta. Rita Hills +83212 Vintages, $33.95: lots of bright red fruit such as raspberries, with spicy-toast woodsy-mushroom points and some vanilla and pepper. From four different vineyards in the region, finishing off at 11 months in French oak (43% new). A whopping 14.3% ABV may still need to be tamed despite its quaffability. Juicy-jammy California wine all the way, but may also need a double decant to open it up. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Estate Fume Sauvignon Blanc 2018 VQA Short Hills Bench, +444268 $19.95 winery only: Very aromatic with nuances of toastiness both in the nose and on the palate, somewhat in a fume style started by Mondavi fifty years ago. Typical savvy zestiness is tamed by oaking and unctuous fruit tones. Medium finish accents lemon and vanillin character, melon, honeysuckle. Best as a classy sipper on its own, but also with a lightly aromatic first course. 50% BF in barriques. 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Saint Chinian 2016 +370247 September Vintages $17.95: Bertrand has a Terroir series embracing the range of Sud de France wines. Here it is older vines in a schist area of Languedoc, specifically syrah and mourvedre (both vinified separately). Expect black fruit all over the place (even black olives, mocha and garrigue). The “f” word comes to mind: full, fat, fleshy, fabulous at this price. Some of the wine is aged for a year in barrel, the rest matured in vats and then blended before bottling. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Luigi Bosca Malbec 2016 DOC Single Vineyard Lujan de Cuyo Finca Vistalba Mendoza +74922 Vintages October, $29.95: 70-year old vines are aged in new French oak for 14 months with ML fermentation. Highly structured but with red fruit and mocha tones, not light 14.3% ABV. New French oak aging for 14 months adds some toastiness. Better with food such as heavy meats. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Red Tractor (Creekside) Cabernet Merlot 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +11851 $17.95 Vintages September: comes in a stout package, a sort of hommage to the workers, with a screw cap. Aged in barrels for a year, with black fruit notes and a rural sense of character (probably from the cabernet franc). Quite quaffable. 13% ABV, sugar at 3 g/L. Just bottled in June 2019. The producer suggests “bold food” pairing. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Red Tractor (Creekside) Cabernet Franc 2017 VQA Four Mile Creek Winery direct/online, $25: from Serluca Family farm in Niagara. Vinified New World style, with 14% ABV showing, a sugar content of 5.9 g/L (twice the above Cabernet Merlot offering), bottled in June 2019 (after 16 months barrel aging). Strong cherry and red fruit (raspberry?) dominate the nose, but the palate finishes with an herbaceous quality. More bold wine for a “bold food” pairing (suggested are sharp cheese, smoked poultry, lamb ragu, grilled meats). Stuffing. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Angus the Bull (Aberdeen Wine Company) Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Central Victoria Australia +602615 LCBO $18.95: a wine that first began in 2002. It has been skillfully blended with different cabernet sauvignon grapes from across Central Victoria to be a pre-eminent drinking wine for beef in all forms. Lately, it's about 42% Goulburn, 29% Barossa, 20% Heathcote, and a bit from McLaren Vale and other Victorian sites. Very tasty and integrative, expressing all the good components of cabernet: mocha, cassis, vanillin, herbs and spices. Long, long length, and 14% ABV with only 3 gm/L RS. For the guys who eat “beef and two veg”, it is certainly addictive. Quality/Price rating is 89.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Note: September LTO is $2.50 off the list price. 13.Chateau des Charmes Riesling “Old Vines” 2015 Estate Bottled VQA Niagara-On-The-Lake, +277228, $18.95 Vintages August: made from vines largely planted in 1978, so it is now a very mature vineyard. 12% ABV. Succulent, but off-dry Alsatian character (citric tones, spices), with now almost four years of aging. A beaut with spicy or higher acidic foods – lush and plush. Lots of orchard fruit character. Twist top. Quality/price rating 90 points by Dean Tudor. 14.Chateau des Charmes Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard VQA St. David's Bench NOTL, $34.95 +453423 winery and online: from a nice ripe year (and thus only made in better years), loaded with choco-berry and mocha tones. One year in French oak, but still done in a Euro style as a food wine. 0.6 gm/L residual sugar; hence, a definite feel of minerality and extremely useful with food such as steak or any lamb cut. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Monday August 26, 2019 11:30AM to 3PM The Event: Lunch Tasting: Truth or Dare tasting of Rhone Valley Vineyards. The Venue: Gare de l'Est Dundas Street East The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: some of the wines are at the LCBO, the rest are private orders. The Quote/Background: Sara D'Amato, well-known Toronto sommelier and CAPS spokesperson, led us in a seminar of wines from the Rhone, focusing on five distinct regions and featuring representative samples (i.e., those available in Ontario) for tasting. She gave us (about two dozen attendees) a rundown on the Rhone area (31 appellations, second largest wine-producing area in France, soils of all kinds [rocky, clay, granite, limestone, sandy]). The first flight was a blind tasting: we had to identify the region that the wine came from. For me, the wines of North and South are totally different, so it was easy to place the wines on the regional tasting mat. No prizes awarded, but it set up our palates for the other 12 wines to come. This was a more in-depth seminar on the particulars of the five appellations. The Wines: The five regions explored were: Condrieu, Crozes-Hermitage, Cotes du Rhone Villages, Cairanne, and Lirac. Agents are noted below. The wines were from varying vintage years, and overall I enjoyed the older ones better than the younger ones. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau de Montfaucom Comtesse Madeleine Blanc 2016 Lirac. Nicolas Pearce Inc. -Chateau de Montfaucom Baron Louis Rouge 2015 Lirac. Nicolas Pearce Inc. -Lionel Faury Condrieu 2017. Barrel Select. -Francois Villard Les Terrasses du Palat Condrieu 2017 +209254 $78 [my fave of the day] -Pierre Gaillard Condrieu 2016 +540344 $65 -Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2016 +704908 $35.95 -Ferraton Pere et Fils Calendes Crozes-Hermitage 2016 +526376 $31.95 -Maison Gabriel Meffre Laurus Rouge 2016 Cotes du Rhone Villages. Trajectory Beverage. -Domaine Boutinot Les Six Rouge 2016 Cairanne +452093 $31.30 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -M.Chapoutier Les Meysonniers Crozes-Hermitage 2017. Vins Philippe Dandurand. -Brotte Bord Elegance Blanc 2017 Cotes du Rhone Villages Laudon +644385 $16.95 -Domaine Boutinot Les Coteaux Rouge 2016 Cotes du Rhone Villages. Noble Estates. -Domaine de L'Amandine Rouge 2017 Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret. $19.99 Lic Stem Wine -Domaine Alary Le Jean de Verde Rouge 2015 Cairanne +639914 $24.25 -Cellier Des Dauphins Rouge 2017 Cairanne. Churchill Cellars -Brotte Creation Grosset Rouge 2017 Cairanne +33852 $17.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Louis Bernard Louis Rouge 2016 Cotes du Rhone Villages +391458 $13.20 The Food: typically French – with cheese boards and charcuterie boards, followed by breads and appetizer platters of shrimp, potatoes with carmelized onions, lamb loin chimichurri, coq au vin avec vol au vent, oyster mushrooms, and more. The Downside: I am conversant with North Rhone; I was hoping for more wines from the South, to plug my information gaps and to relate to similarities in styles. The Upside: I actually learned a lot. The Contact Person: mariane.pregent@sopexa.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR JUNE 2019 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH OF JUNE 2019 – 1.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Tautavel 2016 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, +272575, $18.95 Vintages August: a blend typical of the south Rhone – with grenache, syrah, and carignan - and coming in at 14.5% ABV. Grand Terroir is Bertrand's range of specific vineyards in the Roussillon region. A third of the wine is aged in French oak barrels for nine months; the rest goes into vats. Red fruit and black fruit dominate with nuances of aging and wood. Some garrigue too. Best with food. Quality/Price rating is 89.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Pinot Grigio Classic 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +250217 LCBO, $14.95: a wine made in the pinot gris style (Oregon, Alsace) but labeled pinot GRIGIO should sell well for those looking at a pinot grigio with some kick. Grigio has a reputation of being the vodka of wine, but here it is done up as a fairly complicated off-dry wine with layers being revealed as the wine chills down or warms up. One time it has tropicality then it becomes more citrus with more chilling. That makes it a sipper and a food wine, suitable for pre-prandial in the winter or spring. Of note is its slight tinge of orange colour (aha, another “orange” wine!!) from the grape – it is “gris” after all. Some part of the juice was from warmer regions in Niagara, other parts came from a cooler regions. There is some cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, with some pear notes. Stainless steel all the way. 12% ABV, twist top. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Classic 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +13904 LCBO, $16.95: Here is a deft entry-level character pinot noir wine, with some cherry-berry tones, some nuances of wood, mildly opulent style, not totally cool climate at all. Four different clones are fermented in stainless and aged in “European” oak. Expect also light cloves, fresh fruit tones, and oak vanillin which will mute over time. Ready now but will get better, very food friendly and drinkable. Maybe decant first. 13% ABV, twist top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses White 2018 AOP Languedoc, +10621 Vintages August, $18.95: a companion wine to the Cote des Roses rose wine, this time in the blanc mode. Same shape bottle with the roses on the bottom (punt) and the glass closure. Yellow tints suggest a higher level of sweetness than it has. But tropical fruits do dominate through the mix of grenache, viognier, and vermentino grape varieties. Intriguing, and very useful as an aperitif. But don't serve too cold. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay 2016 Santa Lucia Highlands, +958975 Vintages, $34.95: based on vines planted in 1988 near Monterey Bay, its main claim-to-fame is the resolute oakiness that simulates barrel fermentation in style. The wine shows more restraint than most California chardonnay, in that the vanilla sweet oak is not as treacly as some. It shows the three basic elements of lemons, tropical fruit, and buttery toast – enough to satisfy anybody who wants a heavy white wine. Yum yum. The 2017 will be on sale June 24 – July 21 as an LTO ($5 off) and as a Labour Day special, Aug 29 – Sept 4 ($5 off)...which brings the Ontario price down to $29.95 CAD, the same (in numbers only) as the US retail price (saving 37% over the USD price). 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Waterkloof Circle of Life Red 2015 Stellenbosch South Africa, +698175 Vintages August, $19.95: this is a red blend companion to the Circle of Life White blend, released in the Spring at Vintages. Maybe later a rose? Here are syrah (73%), merlot (16%), and petit verdot (11%). Hand sorted grapes and a gravity system were used; syrah was whole bunch fermented while the others were destemmed. The syrah was aged in 600 litre French oak, the others in 225 litre barrels. Only 20% were new wood. 18 months in barrel was followed by a blending and another year in wood. The syrah was definitely Rhonish with blackberry components, complemented by the juicy Bordeaux varieties. The finish is herbaceous and definitely food-related. RS is only 1.1, 13.3% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.William Fevre Espino Carmenere 2017 DO Central Valley Chile, +464412 Vintages August, $15.95: the Burgundian company of William Fevre has a Chile operation, and this wine was last in Vintages with the 2015 year (April 2018). I liked it then, but it is better now, maybe with a slight blend change. It is 85% carmenere, 12.5% malbec, and 2.5% syrah. Black fruit dominates, with cherries and oak tones. The medium body is complemented by the medium acidity – goes well with food pairing and with patio sipping. The finish is intense and lush in the new World style. Easy-going BBQ wine. 13.6% ABV. Gold Medal winner in Chile. No change in price since 2015 vintage. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Sunday June 2, 2019 1PM - 4PM The Event: Tasting with Francis Vallana, owner and winemaker at Vallana in Alto Piedmonte. The Venue: Paris Paris The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through www.wineonline.ca, but some are private order. The Quote/Background: In the Alto Piedmonte, nebbliolo is known as Spanna, and it is Vallana's forte. The family has been making wine since 1787, but the estate itself was officially established in 1937. They make four nebbiolo-predominant wine: Campi Raudi, Spanna, Boca (blend of nebbiolo, vespolina and uva rara), and Gattinara. Francis was in town for three days, leading up to a winemaker's dinner at Buca. (Hence, Boca at Buca). The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vallana Spanna Colline Novaresi 2015 DOC $40 -Vallana Boca 2015 DOC $54 [70/30 nebbiolo/vespolina -Vallana Campo Raudii 2006 $39.95 -Vallana Gattinara 2002 DOCG $79 [still tight] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vallana Spumante di Qualita Rosato Methodo Classico 2015 [100% nebbiolo] $49.95 -Vallana Nebbiolo Colline Novaresi 2018 $29.95 The Food: bread, water The Downside: hey, it was Sunday The Upside: a chance to meetup with Vallana and Wineonline.Ca The Contact Person: samfritztate@gmail.com; jonny@wineonline.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87 2.The Date and Time: Friday June 7, 2019 1PM to 3PM The Event: Chalk, Slate, Gravel mini-portfolio tasting of ciders and some wines. The Venue: Archive The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: all product is available through Chalk, Slate, Gravel. The Quote/Background: It was a mix of ciders (apple, pear, flavoured), wines, and spirits [Calvados, Gin]. I especially enjoyed the Poire Calvados Domfrontais at $90, the Hors d'Age Calvados Domfrontais at $150, and the 20 Year Old Calvados Domfrontais $205. The Wines and Ciders: I did not try everything, there were 30+ samples available for tasting. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Comte Louis de Lauriston Pommeau de Normandie $39.95 Vintages -Pacory Grim' de Poire $39.95 [fortified pear, my FAVE of the afternoon] -Pacory Cidre Le Coustard 5.9% $15.50 [aged in used Calvados casks] -Pacory Poire Vif et Petaillent 3.5% $14.50 -Pacory Poire Domfront 5.4% $15 -Pacory Poire Domfront L'Ideal 4.5% $19.95 -Mohr-Sedal Austria Rudi 8% $15 -Mohr-Sedal Austria Sophie 5.7% $15 -Mohr-Sedal Austria Apfel-Cyder 4.5% $18.75 [organic] -Mohr-Sedal Austria Birnen-Cyder 4% [organic] -Reisetbauer Sparkling Apple Wine 2013 7% $32 [2 years on lees] -Goldkehl/Chen Apple and Pear Mostviertel Mostbirn 4.5% $5.50 [vegan] -WINE – Stairs 'n' Roses Riesling Feinherb 2017 Mosel $44.75 -WINE – Meyer-Fonne Pinot Noir Reserve 2017 Alsace $29.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Theo Capelle Contenin Prestige Apple Cider 5.5% $19.95 -Comte Louis de Lauriston Cidre Bouche Brut 4.5% $13.50 -Mohr-Sedal Austria Franzi 7.6% $15 -Mohr-Sedal Austria Sissi 5.3% $15 -Goldkehl/Chen Apple 4.5% $5.50 [vegan] -WINE – Lingot Martin Cerdon Classic NV $26.50 -WINE – Meyer-Fonne Gewurztraminer Sporen Vieilles Vignes 2015 Alsace $63 -WINE – Stairs 'n' Roses Next Generation 2017 Mosel $37 The Food: bread, water The Downside: I had just come from a huge LCBO Vintages tasting that morning. The Upside: Cider is very refreshing. The Contact Person: edward_j_thompson@yahoo.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 3. The Date and Time: Thursday June 13, 2019 1PM to 3PM The Event: Alberto Zenato's Guided Tasting to the Soul of Lugana and the Heart of Valpolicella. The Venue: George Brown College 3rd Floor Tasting Lab The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available. The Quote/Background: Zenato's estate is by Lake Garda's microclimate that allows for an optimal growing season. They are famed for the white Lugana (trebbiano di Lugana or turbiana) and the red Ripassa (mostly corvina). Alberto gave his powerpoint presentation and tasting notes on all nine wines today, plus he freely answered many questions. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Zenato Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC 2018 Vintages +36856 Aug 17 $17.95 -Zenato Lugana Riserva Sergio Selection DOC 2017 +928218 Vintages July 20 $39.95 -Zenato Alanera Rosso Veronese IGT 2015 +451724 Vintages TBA $19.95 -Zenato Amarone Classico DOCG 2014 +413179 Vintages $50.95 -Zenato Amarone Riserva Sergio Selection DOCG 2013 +132316 Classics Sept 5 $110 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Zenato Lugana San Benedetto DOC 2018 +707158 Vintages $19.95 -Zenato Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2016 +995702 Vintages Oct 26 $18.95 -Zenato Veneto Rosso Parziale Appassimento IGT 2015 +208579 LCBO $14.05 -Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2015 +479766 Vintages $24.95 The Food: cheese and salumni, sausages, dried fruit, bread, biscuits. The Downside: I wished more had attended, for this was a great tasting event, very informative and useful. The Upside: A chance to re-connect with Alberto Zenato. The Contact Person: dpancer.cipelli@bellnet.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 4. The Date and Time: Monday June 17, 2019 1Pm to 4PM The Event: A tasting with Antonio Macanita, a Portuguese winemaker who crafts wines from the Azores to Alentejo, reflecting local terroirs. This includes his Douro wines which he makes with his sister Joana under the Macanita label. The Venue: Peter Pan The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: Bernard's notes were impeccable, as always. All wines are available in limited quantities through www.lesommelier.com. The Quote/Background: Antonio consults for more than 13 other Portuguese wineries. In 2018 he won at least two Portuguese winemaker awards. He also owns FitaPreta. The Wines: I was able to try all 23 wines. Prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -SEXY Sparkling Rosé Brut NV, Alentejo, $30.95 (6/cs) -SEXY Sparkling Gold Brut Blanc de Blanc NV, Alentejo, $33.95 (6/cs) -FitaPreta Branco de Pólvora 2015, Alentejo, $37.95 (6/cs) [Pólvora means gunpowder] -FitaPreta Branco de Indígenas 2015, Alentejo, $37.95 (6/cs) -FitaPreta Palpite White Grande Reserva 2016, Alentejo, $39.95 (6/cs) -Maçanita Os Canivéis 2016, Douro, $43.95 (6/cs) [my FAVE white of the tasting] -FitaPreta White 2018, Alentejo, $19.95 (12/cs) [value priced] -FitaPreta Tinto de Castelão 2015, Alentejo, $40.95 (6/cs) -FitaPreta Baga do Sol Red 2015, Alentejo, $41.95 (6/cs) -FitaPreta A Trincadeira Não é Tão Preta 2015, Alentejo, $47.95 (6/cs) -FitaPreta Preta 2015, Alentejo, $124.95 (3/cs) -Maçanita Touriga National Cima Corgo 2015, Douro, $59.95 (6/cs) -Maçanita e SOUSAO ou sera Vinhão 2016, Douro, $45.95 (6/cs) [value priced] -Maçanita “As Olgas” Red 2016, Douro, $112.95 (6/cs) [my FAVE red of the tasting] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Azores Wine Company Arinto dos Azores 2017, Pico Island, $48.95 (6/cs) -Azores Wine Company Verdelho O Original 2017, Pico Island, $48.95 (6/cs) -Azores Wine Company Rosé Vulcânico I.G. Açores 2018, $22.95 (12/cs) -SEXY Explosion d’Amour Grande Cuvée 2014, Alentejo, $31.95 (6/cs) -FitaPreta Branco de Talha 2016, Alentejo, $35.95 (6/cs) -Azores Wine Company Tinto Vulcânico I.G. Açores 2017, $33.95 (6/cs) -FitaPreta Red 2016, Alentejo, $20.95 (12/cs) -FitaPreta Palpite Red Grande Reserva 2015, Alentejo, $41.95 (6/cs) -FitaPreta A Touriga Vai Nua 2016, Alentejo, $41.95 (6/cs) The Food: bread, water, 2 year old cheddar, goat cheese. The Downside: Well, traffic was enormous with the Raptor Rapture parade. The Upside: A chance to converse with Antonio. The Contact Person: bernard@lesommelier.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 5.The Date and Time: Monday June 24 2019 5:15PM to 9 PM The Event: The 2019 Lieutenant-Governor Awards for Excellence in Ontario Wines and the Winetario consumer walkabout show. The Venue: Atrium, George Brown College, Adelaide Street The Target Audience: media and OWA judges for the LG Awards, consumers later in the evening beginning at 7PM. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available at the winery and some of the LCBO, but overall inventories were now low. Everybody loves a winner! The catalogue had plenty of information about the 13 wineries but no wines were listed. The Quote/Background: The LG Awards (and the speeches) were the closing presentations for this year's George Brown College Wine Symposium. The 11 winning wineries were in attendance pouring their medal-winning wines. These wines were the “best in show” wines as a top tier of the Ontario Wine Awards, which covers about 26 categories of Gold Medal wines. We had a chance to taste them all, and they are indicated below as “LGA”. The LGA segued into the consumer show at 7PM, with some of the LG wineries and some others – 13 in all – pouring their wines. The Wines: I tried all the LGA but I did not try all of the other wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -LGA Sue-Ann Staff Estate 2017 Howard's Vidal Icewine -LGA Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate 2016 Grand Reserve Merlot -LGA Megalomaniac N/V Bubblehead -LGA Niagara College Teaching Winery 2017 Gastronomy Chardonnay [my FAVE white] -Niagara College Teaching Winery 2017 Gastronomy Fume Blanc -2017 Cellars Rose Gamay Wismer-Foxcroft Vineyards 2018 -Southbrook Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2017 -Reif Estate Drea's Sauvignon Blanc 2017 -Chateau des Charmes Riesling Old Vines 2015 -Chateau des Charmes Brut Sparkling NV -Henry of Pelham Baco Noir Speck Family Reserve 2017 [my FAVE red] -Henry of Pelham Cuve Catherine NV Sparkling TM ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -LGA Big Head Wines 2017 RAW Syrah -LGA Big Head Wines 2018 Gewurztraminer -LGA Creekside Estate 2017 Iconoclast Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon -LGA Flat Rock Cellars 2015 Gravity Pinot Noir -LGA Peller Estates 2016 Andrew Peller Signature Series Riesling -LGA Tawse 2013 Lenko Vineyard Chardonnay -LGA Trius 2016 Showcase Red Shale Cabernet Franc Clark Farm Vineyard -Tawse Spark Sparkling -2027 Cellars Chardonnay 2017 Stonebridge -2017 Cellars Riesling Wismer-Foxcroft Vineyards 2018 -Byland Estate Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2018 -Byland Estate Winery Gamay Rose 2018 -Flat Rock Cellars Estate Chardonnay 2017 -Flat Rock Cellars Riesling 2017 -Speck Family Three of Hearts Rose 2018 -Magnotta Pinot Grigio 2017 -G. Marquis Pinot Noir 2016 -Jackson Triggs White Meritage 2017 Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc The Food: from the Cheese Boutique we had charcuterie, cheeses, dried fruit, crackers and breads. The Downside: nothing, really. The Upside: There was time and space to chat and try some LCBO water. The Contact Person: sandy.kurbis905@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 6.The Date and Time: Wednesday June 26, 2019 6PM to 9PM The Event: Winemakers’ Tasting of Dig Our Roots: Special varietals from a specialty crop area. The Venue: George Brown College Third Floor Wine Lab King St The Target Audience: wine media, licensees, and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available, mostly at the winery but also some at the LCBO. The Quote/Background: Bruce Wallner, the genial MS, provided context on the small batch offerings of grapes that fly under the radar in Ontario (“cool climate is emphasized”). Three winemakers and a sales director discussed their own wines and interacted with each other. Pertinent questions were asked of the panel. We managed to cover Kerner, Trollinger, Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Semillon, Malbec, Zweigelt, and Petit Verdot. The Wines: The were four reception wines that were not really discussed, just enjoyed. So we had a total of 16 wines to note. The lab wines begin with the vintage year: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Konzelmann Riesling Cuve Close Sparkling VQA Ontario -Stratus Cabernet Franc Rose 2018 VQA NOTL en magnum (1500 mL) -2017 Konzelmann Riesling Small Batch VQA (Johannisberg clone, aged in acacia barrels) -2017 Stratus Sémillon VQA NOTL -2016 Reif Sémillon VQA Niagara River -2016 Stratus Botrytis Sémillon VQA NOTL [my FAVE white] -2014 Stratus Petit Verdot [my FAVE red] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -EastDell Summer Rose 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula -Reif Kerner Reserve 2017 VQA Niagara River -2017 Lakeview Cellars Kerner VQA -2017 Konzelmann Pinot Blanc VQA -2017 Reif Chenin Blanc VQA Niagara River -2017 Lakeview Cellars Viognier VQA -2016 Lakeview Cellars Malbec VQA -2017 Konzelmann Canada Red VQA (Zwiegelt60%/Cabernet Sauvignon40%) -2017 Reif Magician 'Shiraz Pinot' VQA Niagara River The Food: charcuterie, cheeses, dried fruit, pickles, bread, all possibly from the Cheese Boutique. The Downside: we had a bit too much wine offered before the main event. The Upside: excellent panel discussions. The Contact Person: laura@wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR MAY 2019 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – Taittinger Domaine Carneros Brut Vintage Cuvee 2013, +301655 $41.95 Vintages June 20: Cool climate Carneros fruit is perfectly adaptable to sparkling wine done up in the traditional method of double fermentation in the bottle. This is the signature wine of the company's California holdings – with three years of bottle age before release. Content is chardonnay 58% and pinot noir 42%. Expect a typical yeasty nose from sitting on the lees, moving on to baked spicy fruit and ending with citric tones. It is well-priced and the company encourages “food friendly” for those bright, white appetizers of soft cheeses and shellfish. 12.1% ABV. Too bad my wedding anniversary falls on June 17 – I'll miss stocking up for it by a few days. Quality/Price rating is 92.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Troupis Fteri Moschofilero 2017 Greece, +647388 $16.95 Vintages June 8: flower aromatics and some grape tones (much like muscat) and with a deceptive citric finish. So: starts out floral, rises to fat perfume, and then descends to crispness for the food as a first course wine, paired with white meats. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Waterkloof Circle of Life White 2015 Stellenbosch South Africa, +284588 $19.95 Vintages: Waterkloof is now organized according to biodynamic principles (which is one step beyond organic). The emphasis is on terroir sustainability. The Circle of Life series is a mid-level brand (others are Astracus, Circumstance, and Seriously Cool). Here the blend is sauvignon blanc 72% and chenin blanc 28%. Previous harvests have produced a mix that also included chardonnay and semillon. So the blend can change depending on the moment of picking the terroir. BF was for six months in older 600 litre French barrels. The initial nosing is sauvignon blanc of muted strength, followed by a sharper minerality of chenin. The long finish makes this a really good wine for aperitif time. Cinq a sept anyone? 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Waterkloof Circumstance Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Stellenbosch South Africa, +651471 $24.95 Vintages: the Circumstance level of wine-making covers a wide range of varieties, over 11 different labels (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Mourvedre, Syrah, et al). Here, again with biodynamic principles, we can see the evolution of a lighter cabernet sauvignon emphasizing red fruit and berries rather than the usual cassis. After MF, it was aged in 20% new French barrels and 80% second and third year for 20 months. Unfiltered. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Secreto Patagonico Malbec 2017 San Patricio del Chanar Patagonia Argentina, +635961, $19.95 Vintages June: Very dense black texture with black fruit dominating and some toasty tones of American wood in the finish. Typical blackberries, dark plums, and violets on the palate. Some butter for mouthfeel, some mocha elements as well. 14% ABV. As of now, still a young wine. So do a double-decant and/or taste it over several days. A keeper through 2020+. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Old Vines Baco Noir 2018 VQA Ontario, +459966, $19.95 LCBO General List: Latest vintage, just arrived. low yielding grapes come from 1984 and later plantings in the Short Hills Bench area. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $20. Both new and older (one/two year old) US barrels are used for initial aging before transfer to 5000L oak foudres. Total aging: 1 year. It is still needs another year or two for proper aging, but with decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13% ABV. One of the top baco noirs at the LCBO. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Gamay Estate 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench, +232323, $19.95 currently only at the winery. Aromatic black and red fruit (cherries, raspberries, blueberries), augmented by oak tones with vanilla cake spices, not as lean or Euro as Beaujolais. Fermented in stainless and aged in a mix of US and French oak for 10 months before bottling. Medium-bodied, good for patio drinking (sangria too), parties, BBQ. Ready now, but with some tannic structure to carry through a whole meal. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Gerard Bertrand Terroir Minervois Syrah Carignan 2016 +952804, $15.95 Vintages July: handpicking and total destemming are hallmarks of the Bertrand approach. After the malo, both varieties are blended and part of the wine is aged in 225-litre Bordeaux barrels for 8 months. There are lively light spicy carignan flavours of cherries and plums, with some black fruit (black olive and blackberry) syrah component plus mocha. 13.5% ABV. BBQ wine. Price is $1 less than the 2015 vintage. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir La Clape Syrah/Carignan/Mourvedre 2016 AOP La Clape, +370262, $18.95 Vintages June: the bargains continue at the LCBO with this southern Rhone clone emphasizing aromatic red fruit (with some black) and garrigue. Nice long finish for that heavy meat dish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah Mourvedre Grenache 2016 Cotes du Roussillon Les Aspres, +413245, $18.95 Vintages July: G-S-M style all the way. One third of the wine is matured in barrels for 9 months and then blended with the other, vatted wines. Jammy, upfront black fruit coupled with both mocha and subtle spice cake tones. Sip or with food. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Gerard Bertrand Hampton Water 2018 AOP Languedoc, +667337, $29.95 Vintages June: the prices of quality rose from south of France keep climbing, and this one is no exception. It comes complete with a glass stopper, which is annoying to open after re-capping: this would seem to encourage drinking the whole bottle at one time. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable rose, meant to complete with Miraval, Leoube, Ott, La Coste, Whispering Angel – at around the $30 pricepoint from the south of France Languedoc or Provence regions. It's been aged a few months in oak before bottling and release. Very well done, exhibiting the leanness of minerals with a higher red fruit acidic finish for rich appetizers and grilled fatty fishes. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Conundrum Rose 2018 California, +557595 $21.95 Vintages June: here's another addendum to the Conundrum family by owner Wagner Family. They've got White, Red, sparkling Blanc de Blanc, Sparkling Rose, and still Rose that is new to Ontario. I predict that Orange or Amber is next, as well as more sparkling variations. It is a successful line imported into Ontario via Andrew Peller. This one has RS 4 g/L and 13.1% ABV. But the compelling aspect here is the inclusion of Valdiguie grapes, once thought of as being a variation of Gamay. So like Gamay, it is light and aromatic with pale rose colour and tastes of strawberries, plus some watermelon. It's a good addition to the roses available for sale. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Lakeview Serenity Sauvignon Blanc 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +688549 $16.95 LCBO: a nifty sauvignon blanc, with a 5 g/L residual sugar. It's a very pleasant pre-prandial drink with tropical fruit tones dominating citric zest. But there is enough acidity to make it a first course wine, or served with a salad. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Lakeview Serenity Baco Noir 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +688556 $16.95 LCBO: with a residual sugar of 15 g/L, this wine seems poised to take on Apothic from California. It's full-bodied and emphasizes black fruit with mocha tones and some smoke. Oak aged for eight months in new French and Hungarian wood. Possibly best served on its own as a party wine, or with hot-dogs or burgers. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Chateau des Charmes Rose Cuvee d’Andree 2018 Estate Grown VQA NOTL, $16.95 Vintages +333260: this fresh and vibrant rose (named after Madame Andree Bosc) continues to please year over year as I have said before. It is still 100% pinot noir, dry “old style” as in Europe, but loaded with Ontario cranberry, red fruit strawberry, and some discreet black cherry tones from the hot summer, coming in at 12.5% ABV. Stainless steel fermentation of course, and twist top. Refreshing. Ontario Wine Awards Gold Winner for 2016. I scored the 2017 at 91+ points; this release is just as good but, of course, fresher. RS: 6.1g/L. “Vegan friendly” (no animal products used in filtering). Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Chateau des Charmes Cabernet Franc 2016 VQA St. David's Bench. NOTL, +453415 $34.95 at Winery and boutiques: it has been years since I tasted the St. David's Bench Cab Franc from Chateau des Charmes, and they have a continual winner of 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 some pine/cedar tones. Aged for a year in 1 – 2 year-old French oak with some toast. Not made every year, and this is the ONLY cabfranc Chat des Charmes produces. Sip as a meditative drink or with red meat/cheese. Cork closure, keep it around for awhile. I opened my bottle and did a double-decant followed by several days of open bottle sampling. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Friday May 3 2019, 1PM to 4 PM The Event: Tasting of wines from Le Cimate of Montefalco, Umbria. The Venue: Biagio The Target Audience: influencers and wine media and clients The Availability/Catalogue: almost all the wines we tasted were available from Cottonwood Agency. The Quote/Background: Paolo Bortoloni makes the wines for Le Cimate, and he was along to speak about the wines in context with the company's philosophy. The family owns a total of 170 hectares, with 108 used for grain, 15 for DOP olive groves (9,000 trees), and 20 for DOCG vines. There are four different types of grapes: sagrantino, sangiovese, trebbiano spoletino, refosco. The Wines: All wines are in six-packs. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Le Cimat Trebbiano Spoletino 2018 +864280 $38.12 13.5% ABV -Le Cimat Montefalco Rosso DOC 2012 $43.89 [blend of sangiovese, merlot, sagrantino, cabernet] 14.5% ABV -Le Cimat Sagrantino DOCG 2011 15.5% ABV $66.64? [older is better] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Le Cimat Saudade Umbria IGT Rosato 2018 $35.90 13.5% ABV -Le Cimat Sagrantino DOCG 2013 +864272 15.5% ABV $66.64 -Le Cimat Sagrantino DOCG 2012 15.5% ABV $66.64? The Food: platters of Italian appetizers: puff paste, mainly spinach and cheese, anchovy, tomato, deep fried olives. The Downside: I arrived late due to TTC issues. The Upside: A chance to try the Montefalco Sagrantino vertical of 2011, 2012, and 2013. The Contact Person: elizabeth@cottonwoodagency.com; pbartoloni@lecimate.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87. 2.The Date and Time: Monday May 6, 2019 7PM to 10PM The Event: Winemaker Dinner with the Cantina Frentana (Rocca San Giovanni Chiete) range from Abruzzi. The Venue: Posticino Ristorante, Queensway. The Target Audience: clients of Caliber Fine Wines and Spirits, the Ontario agent. The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available through private order or consignment. The Quote/Background: Both Sandy (Caliber) and Felice di Biase (Sales Manager) spoke about the wines. There was also a guitarist performing. Over two dozen attended. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cantina Frentana Cococciola Spumante Brut NV [from the cococciola grape] $20.30 -Cantina Frentana Pecorino Abruzzo DOC Costa del Mulino 2017 $11.55 LCBO -Cantina Frentana 60th Edition Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 2015 $22.50 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cantina Frentana Torre Vinaria Pecorino Abruzzo DOC 2017 $19.55 -Cantina Frentana Cerasuolo Abruzzo DOC Costa del Mulino 2017 $18.10 -Cantina Frentana Panarda Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 2012 $24.95 [North American appeal with its mocha tones] The Food: a full Italian dinner which started with bruschetta (spumante), and then a seafood salad of shrimp, calamari, and scallops (two pecorino wines), spaghetti ragu (rosato), mushroom risotto (60th edition), and a three meat platter with lamb, veal, and beef (panarda). Chef Antonio Pirone exceeded himself with terrific excellent food, well prepared. Unfortunately, I had to leave before dessert and espresso. The Downside: I had to leave right after the savoury dishes. The Upside: A chance to break bread with Sandy (Caliber) and Felice (Frentana). The Contact Person: caliber@winevintages.com; toto.pirone@hotmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 3. The Date and Time: Wednesday May 8 2019 2PM to 5PM The Event: Pure Discovery 2019 The Venue: George Brown College, Adelaide Street The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: wines were available at LCBO or consignment or PO. The Quote/Background: In a split with the usual trade-consumer show tradition of trade in the afternoon and consumer at night, the NZ show had the consumer edition two days earlier on Monday at the Globe and Mail Centre. Some twenty NZ wineries participated in the event. There were also plenty of theme tables such as “aromatic wines”, “chardonnay”, LCBO Vintages, “lighter wines”, “pinot noir”, and “sparkling” tables. There were fewer wines and fewer people invited. Also, there was some co-ordination with VQA Ontario on the pinot noir table, allowing for a comparison of Ontario and NZ pinot. A great idea!! But I only had the time to sample NZ, and pinot noir was not really part of my strategy this year. The other reds were just a few merlot and syrah labels. The Wines: As usual, I did not taste every wine. Prices are average retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Babich Te Henga 2018 $12.95 -Churton Viognier Marlborough 2016 $44 Le Sommelier -Millton Riverpoint Vineyard Viognier Gisborne 2016 $26 The Living Vine -Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay North Canterbury 2016 $43 Woodman [my FAVE today] -Palliser Estate Chardonnay Martinborough 2017 $42 FWM -Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay Auckland 2017 $32 Connexion Oenophilia -Tatty Bogler Chardonnay Waitaki Valley 2017 $30 Abcon -Carrick EBM Chardonnay Central Otago 2011 $47 Noble Estates -Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 $59.20 Charton Hobbs -Eradus Sauvignon Blanc Awatere Valley Marlborough 2018 $19.95 +225557 -Paddy Borthwick Chardonnay Wairarapa 2017 $25.95 Vintages -Stoneleigh Wild Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 $19.95 Corby -Dog Point Vineyard Pinot Noir Marlborough 2009 $49.95 Noble Estates -Greywacke Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013 $54 Connexion Oenophilia -Stoneleigh Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough NV $14.22 Corby -Nautilus Cuvee Brut Marlborough 2015 $39 Breakthrough Beverage Canada ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Villa Maria Keltern Chardonnay Gisborne 2017 $49 Dandurand -Te Awanga Mister Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2017 $22 Azureau -Aronui Chardonnay Nelson 2016 $25 Connexion Oenophilia -Auntsfield Single Vineyard Chardonnay Marlborough 2016 $38 DB Wine -Greywacke Chardonnay Marlborough 2015 $44 Connexion Oenophilia -Felton Road Chardonnay Bannockburn Gentral Otago 2010 $59 Lifford -Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah Hawke's Bay 2015 $104.95 Select Wines -Craggy Range Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2017 $28.95 Select Wines -Loveblock Orange Marlborough 2018 $28.95 Vine Agency -Luna Estate Eclipse Chardonnay Martinborough 2017 $34.95 Terra Firma -Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 $24.95 Arterra -Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir Marlborough 2017 $29.95 Arterra -Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc Wairarapa 2018 $24.99 FWM -Villa Maria Southern Clays Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014 $60 Dandurand -Quartz Reef MT Vintage 2013 Blanc de Blancs Central Otago $80 Amethyst -Toi Toi Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough NV $17 Von Terra -Te Awanga Estate Reserve Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2017 $35 Azureau -Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Syrah Hawke's Bay 2014 $59.95 Hobbs & Co -Paddy Borthwick Chardonnay Wellington 2018 $25.95 Nicholas Pearce -Ant Moore Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2017 $18.95 Licensee The Living Vine The Food: There was sustainable smoked salmon courtesy of the Marine Stewardship Council, and platters of cheeses and charcuterie from the Cheese Boutique. The Downside: the catalogue, while a gem of work with its directory and facts, was printed on clay-based paper that took no pen or pencil. So my choice was to use either blood or a roller nib. I used both. The Upside: a refreshing change from other shows, with the involvement of VQA Ontario wines. The Contact Person: info@amcc-inc.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 4. The Date and Time: Monday May 27 2019 1PM - 5PM The Event: Gambero Rosso's Tre Bicchieri Road show The Venue: Liberty Grand, CNE The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: most of the wines are or will be available. As usual, prices were far and few between, but I did note what I could. The Quote/Background: We had an assortment of Tre plus some finalists and some recent vintages of EN PRIMEUR wines that were in bottle but not yet available for sale (DOP regulations). There also was a special table with about 20 Falanghina wines (including a sparkler). And a special area for producers looking for agencies to represent them in Ontario. The Wines: I did not taste all the 100+ wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ruffino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva Ducale Oro 2014 Arterra -Ruffino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Romitorio 2015 ~$90 Arterra -Cantina di Solopaca Falanghina del Sannio DOP VSQ Brut -Varvaglione Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2015 $24 Vintages -Tenuta di Arceno Valadorna 2013 Tuscany Breakthru Beverage -Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Strada al Sasso Riserva 2013 Breakthru Beverage -Poggio La Nose Gigio 2015 Tuscany Glencairn -Fiamberti OP Buttafuoco Storico V. Sacca del Prete 2013 Lombardy Cottonwood -Fiamberti OP Pinot Nero Brut MT Lombardy Cottonwood -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Brut $19 Cru -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Frizzante Sui Lieviti Difetto Perfetto $24 Cru -Cantine del Notaio Aglianico del Vulture Il Sigillo 2013 Basilicata Dionysus -Cantine San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria Sessantanni 2015 Dionysus -Reva Barolo Ravera 2015 EN PRIMEUR $130 Nicolas Pearce -G.Borgogno Barolo Riserva 2011 $256 Lic Noble -G.Borgogno Barolo Cannubi 2013 $171 Lic Noble -G.Borgogno Langhe Nebbiolo No Name 2014 $40 Lic Noble -Ferrari Trento Brut Perle 2013 EN PRIMEUR Dandurand -Borgo Conventi Collio Sauvignon 2017 $29 Profile -Villa Sandi Il Fresco Brut Rose Profile -Monteci Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costa delle Corone 2009 The Case for Wine -La Guardiense Falanghina del Sannio Janare Senete 2017 The Vine Agency -Torrevento Since 1913 Primitivo 2015 $40 Tricana Imports -Poggio Le Volpi Primitivo di Manduria Piano Chiuso Riserva 2015 Wine Lovers Agency ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Reva Nebbiolo d'Alba 2017 EN PRIMEUR $30 Nicolas Pearce -Gorghi Tondi Coste a Preola Grillo 2018 $17 Vintages -Ruffino Modus 2016 -Varvaglione 12E Mezzo Primitivo del Salento IGP 2015 $15 Vintages -Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum 2013 Tuscany Breakthru Beverage -Fiamberti OP Buttafuoco Cacciatore 2016 Lombardy EN PRIMEUR Cottonwood -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Brut Particella 68 $30 Cru -Poggio Le Volpi Roma Malvasia Puntinata 2017 Wine Lovers Agency -Torrevento Castel del Monte Rosso V. Pedale Riserva 2015 $20 Tricana Imports -La Guardiense Falanghina del Sannio Janare 2018 EN PRIMEUR The Vine Agency -La Guardiense Sannio Aglianico Lucchero 2015 The Vine Agency -Velenosi Offida Pecorino Villa Angela 2018 EN PRIMEUR Profile -Borgo Conventi Collio Friulano 2017 $29 Profile -Casale del Giglio Mater Matuta 2015 Lazio $78 Profile -Casale del Giglio Cesanese 2017 Lazio $26 Profile -Ferrari Trento Brut Rose 2013 Dandurand -Famiglia Cottini-Monte Zovo Amarone della Valpolicella 2014 HHD Imports -Ridolfi Brunello di Montalcino 2014 Ethica Wines The Food: From Cibo and Don Alfonso: pastas, cheeses, ragu, polenta, grilled veggies, prosciutto, gorgonzola, Parmigiano Reggiano, sausages, condimenti, smoked salmon, desserts (cannoli, tiramisu), some different hams, espresso coffees. The Downside: Prices were vague or had to be checked. The Upside: Great food. The Contact Person: gamberorossocanada@sogood.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 5.The Date and Time: Tuesday May 28,2019 7Pmto 9PM The Event: D.O. Rueda Wine Tasting The Venue: Patria, King Street The Target Audience: wine writers, influencers, clients. The Availability/Catalogue: There were 24 or so wineries showing their wines, but only a few had Ontario representation. These were in the main square. Along the glassed-in perimeter there were the other wineries that wanted reps but had only two people pouring all the wines. Here, the wines were arranged by aroma and body-weight, ending with barrel fermented wines. The Quote/Background: Bruce Wallner, MS, was along to provide helpful commentaries. Rueda produces mainly white wines, and exports widely. The authorized white grapes used are Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viura. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. All wines are DO Rueda. MARQUES DE RISCAL RUEDA DO (LCBO +36822) is the only one available at the LCBO stores for $13.35. It turned up among the wines NOT repped. But I tasted it anyway. HIJOS DE ALBERTO GUTIERREZ DE ALBERTO DORADO NV $42 was a semi-sweet dessert wine that I did not taste. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Menade Verdejo 2018 $19.95 The Living Vine [my FAVE of the evening] -Finca Montepedroso Verdejo 2017 Rueda DO $20.99 Licensee STEM WINE GROUP -Palacio de Bornos Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $15.95 J. Cipelli -Palacio de Bornos Verdejo Sobra Lias ‘La Caprichosa’ 2017 $21.95 J. Cipelli -Bodegas Rueda Perez Vina Buron 2018 Verdejo70%/Viura30% $12.95 Lic Reif -Bodegas Protos Verdejo 2017 Barrel Fermented [not repped!!] -JAVIER SANZ VERDEJO 2018 LCBO +533561 $19.05 Majestic -JAVIER SANZ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 LCBO +533579 $19.05 Majestic ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Palacio de Bornos Verdejo 2018 $15.95 J. Cipelli -Bodega Gotica Badajo 2018 DO Rueda $14.95 Licensee Rouge et Blanc -Bodega Gotica TrasCampanas 2018 DO Rueda $17.95 Licensee Rouge et Blanc -Bodegas Rueda Perez Vina Buron 2018 Verdejo $13.95 Lic Reif -Bodegas Rueda Perez Jose Galo Verdejo 2018 $11.65 Reif -Bodegas Verdeal Verdejo Ayre 2018 ~ $18 Bespoke -Bodegas Verdeal Verdejo 500 Flores 2018 price? Bespoke -Bodegas Verdeal Verdejo 500 Flores 2017 price? Bespoke Unrepped Wineries, approx. CAD retail HIJOS DE ALBERTO GUTIERREZ -DE ALBERTO VERDEJO 2018 $20 -MONASTERIO DE PALAZUELOS VERDEJO 2018 $15 CASTELO DE MEDINA -CASTELO DE MEDINA VERDEJO 2018 $20 -CASTELO DE MEDINA VERDEJO VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA 2017 $25 -CASTELO DE MEDINA SAUVIGNON BLANC VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA 2017 $25 PAGO TRASLAGARES -TRASLAGARES VERDEJO 2018 $18 -TRASLAGARES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 $20 BODEGAS FELIX SANZ -VIÑA CIMBRÓN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 $26 -VIÑA CIMBRON VERDEJO 2018 $26 -VIÑA CIMBRON VERDEJO SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL 2017 $26 HERRERO BODEGA -ERRE DE HERRERO VERDEJO 2018 $21 -ROBERT VEDEL CEPAS VIEJAS $30 -POUR JANINE VERDEJO $23 The Food: Food was outstanding, with planks and boards of Spanish cheeses and housemade sausages and meats. There were platters of apps, plus their stunning paella (clams, mussels, shrimp, fish, etc.). The Downside: prices were not that easy to obtain, especially from those wineries that were seeking reps. The PR firm went out of their way to nail down what prices they could; I appreciated that effort. Also, it was so dark – which made it difficult to read labels or other fine print (such as vintage date). The Upside: Rueda wines are not that well-known, and they are a pleasing alternative to other white wines. It was a good learning experience for me. The Contact Person: giuliana@glocommunications.ca; jessica@glocommunications.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR APRIL 2019 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot 2016 Speck Family Reserve Tier VQA Short Hills Bench, +616433 Vintages, $39.95 June 2019: made from HOP's oldest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot vineyards in the style of Bordeaux, from specially selected barrels for this top level. Aged in French and US oak for 18 months (40% new barrels). I did enjoy this wine over a week after opening with daily tasting and decanting. Needs more aging to appreciate some nuances of the black fruit. Best with wine-braised foods such as lamb, venison or other game, wild mushrooms (as appropriate). 13.5% ABV, vinified with cropping and selection. Merlot49/Cabernetsauvignon37/Cabernetfranc14%. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2017 IGP Pays d'Oc, +147975, $14.95 Vintages May 2019: aromatic but on the dry side, perfect as a social wine or for first course. Expect peachy and orange character, but of course no oak. Youthful and useful with nuances of orchard fruit and spicy nuts. No malolactic fermentation. Could go either way with or without food, hence versatile. 13.5% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Family Tree White 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +251116, $17.95 Vintages May 11: HOP makes a very serious blended white wine and red wine, with grapes from their own sites (about 40% of the blend) and from across Niagara. The grapes change from year to year, as do the percentages. For 2016, they've got chardonnay (40%), viognier (29%), gewurztraminer (19%), and chardonnay musque (12%). Each, of course, contributes various distinctive aromatics and flavour profiles. Not only that, about 40% of it is barrel fermented and aged in barrel for 8 months (I'm guessing it's mostly chardonnay), and the balance is in stainless steel with no malolactic so as to preserve freshness (the wine is about 2.5 years old now). So we have orchard fruit, citrus, and some lingering spicy aftertaste. Still a classic cork closure, 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Fitou 2017 $16.95 +403683 Vintages May 25: Bertrand continues to advance the Terroir series (and the Grand Terroir series) with more localized vineyards. Here it is Fitou, with its grenache and carignan grapes, vinified separately. The carignan has carbonic maceration for two weeks; the grenache is done in traditional style. Some of the wine is barrel aged for a year. Everything here seems to be concentrated in aromas and flavours, red fruit and undergrowth dominating. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde 2018, +471284, $12.95 Vintages June: 12% ABV, with lightly floral tones on the nose and on the palate, ending with aromatic softness. 100% Loureiro done up as a vinho verde. Best sipped or with Asiatic appetizers. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2016 VQA Ontario, +247882, $18.95 Vintages: This red blend for 2016 (the blend can change with each release) comprises syrah (32%), cabernet franc (15%), cabernet sauvignon (18%), merlot (30%), and baco noir (5%). The latter may have resulted in a VQA Ontario designation rather than a VQA Niagara. It's all barrel aged, 65% French oak and 35% US oak for 17 months. It is substantial, reflecting the aromatics and flavour profiles of the grapes used. Cherry-berry tones, fresh spices on the finish, some spine to stand up to hearty food. Cork closure, 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Baco Noir Classic 2018 VQA Ontario, +270926 LCBO $15.95: As with their previous baco noirs at all levels, HOP has maintained the rich jammy character but the price has risen $1. This entry level baco has also been re-titled “Baco Noir Classic” and I suspect other HOP entry level varietal wines will also be labeled “Classic”, probably with a price rise of a dollar or so. US barrels are used for more than six months aging. It is still too young for today [only seven months old], needs another year or two. 12.5% ABV. One of the top General List bacos in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Speck Brothers Revel Cab Noir 2017 VQA Ontario, +575662 $16.95 General List LCBO: an out-and-out party wine (you are expected to revel). The bumpf says “big, bold...ripest...warmest...rich flavor [their US spelling]...go large...vibrant”, but the taste is black cherry, black currant, blueberry, vanilla. Oak aged for 6 months, should be good with any meaty BBQ. Party on! Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2016 Clare Valley, +998476 $22.95 Vintages: Barry's vineyard was first planted in 1977 at high altitudes. The entire Clare Valley (well-known for its Riesling) produces just over 1% of Australia's entire wine flow. This is a typical Shiraz, 100%, in the Oz mode, aged in some French oak, with plummy black fruit tones – but with none of that sweaty-bretty leather saddles from the Rhone. Released in time for the beginning of the BBQ season. 13.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Queenston Mile Vineyard Chardonnay 2017 Estate Bottled VQA St. David's Bench, $35 at winery & online: from a boutique winery in NOTL, associated with the winemaking team at Creekside. It is a big, big wine made even bigger if you let it breath for a few days. In fact, it had been called almost blowsy and shameless. Barrel fermented and then aged a year in French oak. After being open a few days it gets to become sophisticated. With its ripe orchard fruit and buttery complexity, it can be best as a sipper to grace a thoughtful conversation. Unctuous and long lush finish. 12.8% ABV. 308 cases. Quality/Price rating is 92.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Queenston Mile Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 Estate Bottled VQA St. David's Bench, $40 at winery & online: from a boutique winery in NOTL, associated with the winemaking team at Creekside. It is another big, big wine from a 50 acre vineyard. Small batch fermentation leads to a year in French oak. After that, it's a cool climate Burgundian styled wine that goes all the way to delight with cherry-berry and Ontario cranberry tastes on the mid-palate. There is also some forest floor in the underbrush finish. Definitely a food wine. Tried daily over the course of a week (it got better). Another wine to sip and savour, delightful. But do keep some bottles for a few years. Twist top employed. 12.7% ABV. 863 cases. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Queenston Mile Vineyard Blanc de Noirs 2015 VQA St. David's Bench Traditional Method $50, winery & online: an exciting yeasty toasty sparkling 100% pinot noir offer, 26 months on the lees. Opens with citric tones and some anise, but then becomes a heavy weight with a toasty mouthfeel and bitter almonds on the finish. Should be better in a few more years. 12.5% ABV. 60 cases. Quality/Price rating is 91.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.Queenston Mile Vineyard Mile High 2017 VQA Ontario Charmat Method $35, winery & online: chardonnay and chardonnay musque make up the blend. It's balanced and ready for drinking now, with orchard fruit and citric tones upfront on the nose leading to a fruity off-grape (musque) mid-palate taste, and with some resolve on the finish. Good with appetizers or as a sipper. My wife loved it. It's charming for sure, but the price...12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 14 & 15.Queenston Mile Vineyard Mile White 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula $25, winery & online, plus Queenston Mile Vineyard Mile Red 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula $25, winery & online: I'm doing these together because of the similar techniques and prices. Blended wines are the recent coming thing in Ontario since the winemaker can take a bit of everything and produce a consistent product from year to year, not to mention balancing the wine in off-vintages. Sources here are from across Niagara Peninsula. The White is very good, with a blend of mostly chardonnay, followed by pinot gris, viognier, sauvignon blanc and semillon. I had to drill through the website (at www.queenstonmile.com) to dig this up via the varietal directory. Orchard fruit and citrus dominate with aromatic florals from the white grapes. The Red version is syrah 56%, rest is merlot, gamay and some cab sauvignon. Creekside specializes in syrah, and it is here in abundance, with lotsa smoke and pepper for your BBQ. White 12.5% ABV; Red is 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points apiece by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 16.Huff Estates Merlot 2018 VQA Ontario, $20 at winery, also at Vintages +134239: very fruity, maybe fruit gone wild, no oak or other aging – just stainless steel. Typically bright red and black fruit style, cherry-berry even. Slightly tannic finish at this point, expected to smooth out over the next year or so. One of the better merlot wines in Ontario. First course or cheese. Twist top. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 17.Huff Estates Chardonnay South Bay Vineyards 2017 VQA Prince Edward County, $30 at winery: 14 months in French oak, about 15% new. Slightly smokey, citric tones and some minerality, good balance and nuances between the elements. Long toasty finish, needs buttery food. Not really a sipper, and don't overchill. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 18.Huff Estates Cuvee Janine 2016 Sparking Rose Traditional Method VQA Prince Edward County, $30 at winery: 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay, with 20 months on lees (first made in 2010 with two years on lees). Traditional method as in Champagne. Dark rose colour, just a shade paler than most Alsatian still pinot noirs! Good brisk refreshing bubbles accent the black fruit tones. Long dry finish suggests food as well as sipping. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 19.Huff Estates Pinot Noir Reserve 2017 VQA Prince Edward County, $40 at winery: all pinot noir, with a year of French oak (10% new) showing off plenty of strawbs, cherries and other red fruit. Some forest floor in evidence (suggesting earthly food and mushrooms), with finishing acidity integrating well with dark chocolate (even mocha) tones. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 20.Huff Estates Cuvee Peter L. Huff 2016 Blanc de Blancs VQA Prince Edward County, $40 at winery: the 2015 vintage is at LCBO +198754 for $32.35. 100% chardonnay done up in traditional Champagne method. Lots of smoke and toast with some forest floor, much like the South Bay still chardonnay. Here, the wine was on its lees for 24 months. Opens with some orchard fruit, followed by citric and butter tones on the mid-palate. The wine is still young and needs more time for resolution. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Tuesday April 2, 2019 6Pm to 8PM The Event: Winemakers Tasting: old vines and aged wines – Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake The Venue: George Brown College Chef's School King Street The Target Audience: wine writers and bloggers, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: only recent vintages are available for purchase The Quote/Background: This was a showcase by Inniskillin, Reif, and Strewn wineries in NOTL, showing off back vintage and old vine table wines that reflect the terroir and quality of NOTL wines. It was a preliminary to the annual celebration “DIG OUR ROOTS” which promotes the NOTL appellation, history and culture. This is held in NOTL on April 12 – 14 this year, with multiple events at the various wineries (not just these three). Bruce Wallner MS did the introduction and moderation for the winemakers Nicholas Gizuk (Asst Winemaker Inniskillin), Roberto Di Domenico (Reif) and Joe Will (Strewn). Each presented some table wines (chardonnay, cabernet, meritage) and icewines. The Wines: Eight table wines were presented to about two dozen attendees at a sit-down seminar. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Strewn Winery 2016 Chardonnay Terroir Canadian Oak VQA Niagara Peninsula, old vines, four barrel batch, 14.8% ABV -Reif Estate Winery 2001 Chardonnay Reserve VQA Niagara Peninsula, ripe/rich/redolent of wood lanolin, 13% ABV -Inniskillin Wines 2016 Reserve Merlot VQA Niagara Peninsula, velvety smooth, 14% ABV -Reif Estate Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve VQA Niagara River, very Old World, fantastic aged nose, 13% ABV – my FAVE of the tasting -Strewn Winery 2015 The LIMITED Cabernet Sauvignon (Home Farm) VQA NOTL, blended cab sauvignon and franc for a wine club purchase (LIMITED), unfiltered, 13.3% ABV -Reif Estate Winery 2002 Meritage VQA Niagara Peninsula, rich fumes and depth, 13.5% ABV ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Inniskillin Wines 2017 Montague Vineyard Chardonnay VQA Four Mile Creek, old vines, French oak, 13% ABV -Strewn Winery 2012 Strewn Three Terroir VQA Niagara Peninsula, Bordeaux-styled merlot/cabsauv/cabfranc, 14.4% ABV The Food: I could not stay for the food The Downside: I had to leave early for another engagement, so I missed the icewines. The Upside: A chance to re-connect with the winemakers. The Contact Person: Laura Vertucci The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 2.The Date and Time: Thursday April 4, 2019 2PM to 6 PM The Event: Wines of Portugal Grand Tasting The Venue: Artscape Daniels Launchpad, Queens Quay East The Target Audience: media, trade, sommeliers, et al The Availability/Catalogue: About 300 wines were poured, from 30 wineries (many looking for agents). Very few wines are actually landed here in Ontario. The Quote/Background: The crowds were nicely spread out through the show, so it was just a matter of weaving in and out. Without a catalogue it was awkward for many tasters to get full particulars. Prices and availability were vague. I downloaded the program and printed off the catalogue portion: there were blank spaces where names of agents should have been. The Wines: I only tasted selected red and white table wines; my time did not permit rose, ports and sparklers, and other assorted goodies. Prices were speculative. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quiz Wines & Spirits Piano DOC Reserva Red 2017 Airen -Quiz Wines & Spirits Piano DOC Reserva White 2017 Airen -Quinta Nova Pomares Moscatel Galego 2018 $19.95 Le Sommelier -Quinta Nova Mirabilis Grande Reserva 2017 $88.95 Le Sommelier -Quinta Nova Referencia Grande Reserva 2016 $114.95 Le Sommelier -Quinta da Lapa Reserva 2017 Branco United Stars -Dona Maria Julio Bastos Amantis Reserva Branco Viognier 2015 -Casa Santos Lima Confidencial Reserva 2014 Majestic -Casa Santos Lima Colossal Reserva 2016 Majestic -Quinta de Chocapalha Reserva White 2016 Von Terra -Wine & Soul Pintas Character 2016 Tinto old vineyards Von Terra -Sogrape Vinhos Casa Ferreirnha Planalto Reserva 2017 Branco Authentic W & S -Santos & Seixo Santos da Casa Reserva Douro White 2017 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quiz Wines & Spirits Piano DOC White 2018 Airen -Quiz Wines & Spirits Quintela Colheita White 2018 Airen -Quinta Nova Pomares Branco 2018 $19.95 Le Sommelier -Quinta Nova Grainha Reserva Branco 2017 $32.95 Le Sommelier -Quinta Nova Grainha Reserva Tinto 2016 $32.95 Le Sommelier -Quinta da Lapa Alvarinho 2018 United Stars -Quinta da Lapa Nana 2018 Branco United Stars -Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas Branco 2018 The Vine Agency -Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas Maria Papolla Loureiro/Alvarinho 2018 The Vine Agency -Jose Maria da Fonseca Periquita Branco 2017 P Dandurand -J. Portugal Ramos Loios 2018 Branco Sylvestre -Casa Santos Lima Passion of Portugal Reserva 2016 $10.95 Majestic -Campolargo Branco 2016 Sercial Groupe Soleil -Wine & Soul Guru 2017 Branco Von Terra -Santos & Seixo Santos da Casa Reserva Alvarinho 2017 -Santa Vitoria Branco 2018 The Food: from Cyn's Catering – cold cuts, sausages (hot and spicy), cheeses, breads, sweet and savoury custards, hot cod croquettes, Portuguese empanadas of potatoes/seafood/beef, et al. The Downside: I arrived two hours late, coming from a matinee concert. So I did not have sufficient time to taste as many wines as I had wanted to. The Upside: there were some very fine wines in the show. The Contact Person: chloe.benayoun@sopexa.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87. 3. The Date and Time: Friday April 5, 2019 Noon - 2PM The Event: A Champagne Tasting from Champagne William SAINTOT, a grower champagne firm represented in Ontario by Riverdale Wines. The Venue: Scrivener Square LCBO Kitchen The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: currently La Cuvee Seduction is available at the LCBO; soon, the full-bottle Blanc de Noirs will be here too (the half-bottle is online available here). The Quote/Background: Morgann Trebutien, the winemaker at William Saintots (he's also the husband of Saintot's daughter [the current owner]), was supposed to lead the discussion but he was delayed for several hours. The tasting went ahead since the wines were already here, and the Riverdale Wines agency's sommelier Christos Palaskas stepped in. The Wines: We tasted a horizontal range of 7 wines, all of them in the French marketplace. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne William Saintot Blanc de Noirs ~$62 750 mL 100% pinot noir, 12% ABV, blend of 2014,2015,2016 vintages, 60% BF, 6.5 gr/L, pale yellow, citric aromatics, non-reserves. -Champagne William Saintot Blanc de Noirs +554944 $38.65 LCBO online 375 mL (“Chopine”) version of 750 mL but here an older blend of 2011 and 2012 pinot noirs which were prominent. -Champagne William Saintot Prestige Brut 1er Cru 2010 ~$75 80% pinot noir, 20% chardonnay from three vineyards, 12% ABV, intense but balanced, -Champagne William Saintot 2012 Millesime ~$75 bottled 2013, 60% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay, 12% ABV, 5 gr/L, fresh yeast. -Champagne William Saintot La Cote de Chignon 2011 ~$145 2.6 g/L, 1200 bottles made, very old flavours, and a real winner. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne William Saintot La Cuvee Seduction +100197 LCBO, $82.65, no reserve wines, 55% chardonnay 2015, 45% chardonnay 2014, old vines, 60% BF, 6.5 gr/L, 12% ABV, 4000 bottles. Buttery with citric overtones. -Champagne William Saintot La Roseraie [2016] ~$62 72% pinot noir, 28% chardonnay, old vines, 2 different vineyards, 6.5% gr/L, 12% ABV. Lots of fresh fruit. The Food: smoked salmon, goat cheese, bay scallops. The Downside: I arrived late, but did not miss anything. The Upside: A terrific “horizontal” tasting through 7 wines. The Contact Person: jerry@riverdalewines.com or wayne@riverdalewines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 4. The Date and Time: Monday April 8, 2019 1:30 – 3:30 PM The Event: Taste Oregon Seminar with Howard Rossbach, President/Founder of Citation & Erratic Oaks Vineyard The Venue: Midfield Wine Bar The Target Audience: sommeliers, writers The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available by private order, in six packs. The Quote/Background: This was an in-depth study of “Library” wines which are currently available from Citation in Oregon. Howard explained his philosophy of holding back wines and then selling them when they are ready to drink. French oak used. He has an entry level wine called Centerstone which was shown at the Oregon trade fair the next day (April 9). More details at www.citationwine.com The Wines: Citation is represented in Ontario by Alex Kitts of Intra Vino Inc. Prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Citation Chardonnay Willamette 2008 $110.95 13.9% ABV butter and aged oak -Citation Chardonnay Willamette 2011 $81.95 13.9% barrel fermented [my FAVE white] -Citation Chardonnay Willamette 2014 $48.95 13.5% unctuous body, fresh [best value] -Citation Pinot Noir Willamette 2003 $139.95 hot finish, bottled aged 7 years -Citation Pinot Noir Willamette 2002 $154.95 13.5% excellent mouthfeel, some oxidation, bottle-aged 7 years before release [my FAVE red] -Citation Pinot Noir Willamette 2000 $183.95 13.5% changed in the glass, bottle-aged 7 years before release -Citation Pinot Noir Willamette 1998 $226.95 13% changed in glass, some sharpness resolved later -Citation Pinot Noir Willamette 1995 $269.95 13% unbelievably juicy -Citation Pinot Noir Willamette 1994 $299.95 13.8% soft, maturing, single vineyard ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Citation Chardonnay Willamette 2007 $139.95 13.5% good aging, slight bitter finish -Citation Pinot Noir Willamette 2005 $102.95 13.9% bottled aged for 9 years before release, still tannic with emerging fruit The Food: grazing bowls of charcuterie, cheese, marinated olives, walnuts, toasts. The Downside: I arrived a half hour late due to TTC problems. The Upside: a chance to discuss older wines with Howard. The Contact Person: info@intravino.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 5.The Date and Time: Tuesday April 9, 2019 12:30 AM to 4PM The Event: Oregon Wine Trail in Toronto trade show The Venue: Globe and Mail Centre The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: 30 wineries showed over 125 wines. While the catalogue was alphabetical by producer, the tables were not. Still the print was large. No prices were given. One producer was looking for an agent, while others were vague about the prices. Only a handful had price sheets or sell sheets. Some wines were listed in the catalogue but were not on the tables; other wines were on the table but not listed in the catalogue. The Quote/Background: There were three seminars on Oregon wines (pinot gris, blind tasting strategies, selling points of Oregon wine [terroir, grape varieties]. Oregon wine sales increased 16% over the past three years. Oregon has over 700 wineries but only 30 were here – they have chosen to export. One thousand vineyards grow 72 different grape varieties. The Wines: I did not taste every wine, concentrating on chardonnays first and then pinot noirs. I had tasted Citation wines the day before. In general, prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alexana Chardonnay Terroir Series 2016 Willamette Valley $36.95 Licensee Le Sommelier -Alexana Pinot Noir Revana Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir 2013 Dundee Hills $59.95 Licensee Le Sommelier -Anne Amie Vineyards Pinot Gris 2018 Willamette winesbuykcm.com -Archery Summit Arcus Pinot Noir 2016 Dundee Hills Peller -Argyle Reserve Pinot Noir 2016 Willamette Profile -Citation Pinot Noir 2015 Willamette $48.97 Intra Vino -Del Rio Vineyards Pinot Noir 2016 Rogue Valley npwines.com -Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2015 Dundee Hills P Dandurand -Foris Dry Gewurztraminer 2017 Rogue Valley DB Wines and Spirits -Phelps Creek Vineyards Chardonnay 2016 Columbia Gorge Wine Online -Trisaetum Chardonnay 2017 Willamette $46.95 npwines.com -Walter Scott X Novo Chardonnay 2016 Eola-Amity Hills Kinsale Wines ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alexana Pinot Gris Terroir Series 2016 Willamette Valley $33.95 Licensee Le Sommelier -Division Chardonnay “Trois” 2017 Johan Vineyard Willamette Valley $59.99 Lifford -Archery Summit Chardonnay 2017 Eola-Amity Hills $60 Peller -Boedecker Cellars Athena Chardonnay 2015 Willamette -Centerstone Un-oaked Chardonnay 2017 Willamette $25 Intra Vino -Domaine Drouhin Oregon Roserock Chardonnay 2016 Eola-Amity Hills P Dandurand -Domaine Drouhin Oregon Arthur Chardonnay 2016 Eola-Amity Hills P Dandurand -Elk Cove Chardonnay 2017 Willamette Breakthrough Beverage -Foris Chardonnay 2017 Rogue Valley DB Wines and Spirits -La Crema Pinot Noir 2017 Willamette Breakthrough Beverage -Lavinea Elton Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 Eola-Amity Hills Lifford -Sokol Blosser Estate Chardonnay 2017 Dundee Hills Noble Estates -Stoller Family Estate Chardonnay 2018 Dundee Hills $24.95 The Vine Agency -Walter Scott Freedom Hill Pinot Noir 2016 Eola-Amity Hills Kinsale Wines The Food: there was a wide variety – Oregon dungeness crab crostini with avocado, chili and lime; charcuterie board with smoked duck breast; Oregon cheeses, including Jefferson Cheddar, Oregonzola, Smokey Blue, and Mount Mazama; breads, plum jam, mustards; dark chocolate bark with blueberry, hazelnut, rosemary; Seely Mint Farm patties; Stumptown coffee roasters. The Downside: there were three seminars, but I did not attend, preferring to taste more wines. The Upside: I like what Oregon is doing these days. And the blue cheeses were phenomenal. The Contact Person: npwines.com or Predhomme Strategic Marketing The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87 6.The Date and Time: Wednesday April 10, 2019 4PM to 7:30PM The Event: Grandes Pagos de Espana: get-together with unique single estate wines. The Venue: Wine Academy The Target Audience: variety of guests, mostly consumers with money, some writers and sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: in general, wines are available by consignment or private order. The catalogue was a booklet with a good-sized history of the Estate plus details on the one wine that each had submitted. The Quote/Background: There are 30 members of the GPDE, and 17 turned out for this event with a variety of salespeople or agency reps. The Wines: 18 wines were poured (9 whites, 9 reds). Prices are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Valdespino Fino Inocente Jerez $25.95 [7 yrs on lees] Azureau -Gramona III Lustros 2012 Cava Penedes $60 Brix & Mortar Wine Co. -Belondrade y Lurton 2017 Rueda No Ontario representative -Propiedad de Arinzano Gran Vino Blanco Pago de Arinzano 2014 [chardonnay] $100 Mark Anthony -Finca Valpiedra Reserva 2012 Rioja $46.99 Stem Wine Group -Pago de Vallegarcia Hipperia 2015 Vino de la Tierra de Castilla ~30Euros [Bordeaux blend] No Ontario representative -Mais Doix Salanques 2016 Priorat $74.95 [G-C-S] Rogers & Co -Aalto 2016 Ribera del Duero $85.81 Trialto ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alvear 3 Miradas Vino de Pueblo 2017 Montilla Moriles $22.95 Family Wine Merchants -Astobiza 2018 Txakoli de Alava $21.95 [grape: ondarrabi zuri] Wine Online -Mustiguillo Finca Calvestra 2017 [grape: merseguera] No Ontario representative -Propiedad de Arinzano Hacienda de Arizza 2017 Pago de Arinzano [chardonnay] ~$25 Mark Anthony -Chivite Coleccion 125 Blanco 2016 Navarra $70 [chardonnay] Churchill Cellars -Palacio Quemado La Zarcita 2016 Vino de la Tierra de Extamadura $22.95 Family Wine Merchants -Enrique Mendoza Estrecho 2015 Alicante $47.95 [monastrell] LCBO -Abadia Retuerta Pago Negralada 2015 Vino de la Tierra Castilla y Leon [tempranillo] $130 Consignment Halpern -Bodegas Mauro 2016 Vino de la Tierra Castilla y Leon $67.95 Eogers & Co. -San Roman 2015 Toro $52 Rogers & Co. The Food: spoons of tortilla, potatoes and eggs; charcuterie boards, cheeses, Armenian cracker bread; anchovy open-faced sandwiches. The Downside: it was very dark, took me more than half an hour to adjust. The Upside: a chance to taste some high-end Spanish estate wines. The Contact Person: cschatzmann@grandespagos.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87 7.The Date and Time: Monday April 15, 2019 3PM to 7PM Provence drives continuing popularity of rose Nielsen reports that rose wine supplies grew by 53% from 2016 to 2017, and its popularity shows no signs of flagging two years later. Today Provence still leads France in rose production with its nine appellations, which are increasingly distinguished by the colors of their particular roses, and the region provides about one-third of roses imbibed by global consumers. The Event: The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's SIXTH annual Rose tasting of imported and domestic rose wines for sale in Ontario – the only tasting of its kind in Ontario! The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's Toronto Head Offices. The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are (or will be) available either year round or for the seasonal offering Spring/Summer 2019. The Quote/Background: All wines submitted were tasted. What follows below are my OWN tasting scores from my OWN notes. My BEST wines scored 91 or more; my BETTER wines were in that narrow 88 – 90 range. My individual scores are given; those from other writers will vary in their writings. In fact, write-ups by other writers will also vary, as well as photos. This was NOT a competition since all wines were tasted with exposed labels and prices, plus tech/sales sheets and an overall spreadsheet. The Wines: It is important to realize that Ontario roses are surely world-class, holding their own against those of France, Portugal and Spain. Prices are generally RETAIL unless otherwise specified. The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada would very much like to thank both Drinks Ontario and Wine Marketing Association of Ontario for encouraging their members to participate. There were some 97 wines sent in (including 12 fizzes, see below), well over last year's total of 85 wines....It is getting bigger every year!! Thanks guys. Wines are either at the LCBO (CSPC given) or the winery or consignment/private order. The roses are listed randomly within their score categories. My personal faves (wines I will actually buy): BEST VALUE - Casa Santos Lima LAB Rose 2018 $9.75 635213 Portugal Lisboa castelao, camarate, cabsauv 12.5% BEST SWEET - Accolade Wines Australia LTD Banrock Station Pink Moscato 2018 $11.95 170134 Australia South Australia 6% BEST DOMESTIC - Queenston Mile Pinot Noir Rose 2017 $30.00 VQA St David's Bench Pinot Noir 13% BEST IMPORT - Chateau de Berne Romance 2018 $19.99 (consignment Southern Glazer's) N/A France Provence Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Merlot 12.5% Again, wines are arranged randomly within each GOOD, BETTER, BEST grade category. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % -Bodegas Izadi Izadi Larrosa Rose D.O.Ca 2018 $16.95 490961 Spain Rioja 100% Garnacha 13.5% -Maison d'Aix AIX Rose 2018 $22.95 451906 Coteau d'Aix En Provence 12.5% -Domaine des Nugues Rose 2017 $17.95 556126 France Beaujolais-Villages Gamay Noir 12.5% -13th Street Winery Gamay vin Gris 2018 $24.95 NA Canada Creek Shores gamay 11.5% -Casa Santos Lima LAB Rose 2018 $9.75 635213 Portugal Lisboa castelao,camarate,cabsauv 12.5% -When Pigs Fly Rose 2018 $19.95 Ontario VQA Vinemount Ridge pinot noir Vieni Vineyard 13% -Tawse Winery Quarry Road Pinot Noir Rose 2018 $27.95 N/A Canada Niagara Pinot Noir 12% -Southbrook Organic Vineyards Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rose 2017 $19.95 279117 Canada Niagara Peninsula 85% Cabernet Franc / 15% Merlot 11.4% -Southbrook Organic Vineyards Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rose 2018 $19.95 279117 Canada Niagara Peninsula 100% Cabernet Franc 11.4% -Southbrook Organic Vineyards Estate Cabernet Rose 2016 $24.95 Canada Four Mile Creek 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 12.5% sweet -Accolade Wines Australia LTD Banrock Station Pink Moscato 2018 $11.95 170134 Australia South Australia N/A 6% -Planeta Planeta Rose Sicilia DOC 2018 $17.95 111856 Italy Sicily Nero d'Avola, Syrah 12.5% -Quinta de Cabriz Cabriz Colheita Seleccionada Dao DOC Rose 2018 $13.95 30445 Portugal Dao 50% Touriga Nacional and 50% Alfrocheiro 12.5% -Chateau de Berne Romance 2018 $19.99 (consignment) N/A France Provence Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Merlot 12.5% -Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2018 $16.95 648477 France Costieres des Nimes Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault 13.5% -Malivoire Rose Moira 2018 $24.95 Beamsville Bench pinot noir 12.5% -Henry of Pelham Three of Hearts Rose 2018 $19.95 552562 Niagara pinot noir88/gris12 11.5% -Queenston Mile Pinot Noir Rose 2017 $30.00 VQA St David's Bench Pinot Noir 13% -Trius Winery Trius Rose 2018 $17.95 341743 Canada VQA Niagara Peninsula 44% Gamay Noir, 30% Pinot Noir, 25% Syrah, 1% Pinot Meunier 11.5 -Leaning Post Wines Rosé 2018 $20.00 n/a Canada Ontario, Niagara Lakeshore Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon 12.5% -Cave Spring Rose 2018 $15.95 295006 Niagara Peninsula 13% -North42Degrees Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2018 $17.95 VQA Four Mile Creek Cab Sauv 12.5% -Di Profio Estate Gamay Rosé 2017 $18.95 Canada Niagara Gamay Noir 12.8% -Peninsula Ridge Estates Beal Vineyard Cabernet Rose 2018 $14.95 177840 Canada Niagara 100% Cabernet Franc 13% -Westcott Vineyards Pinot Noir Rose 2018 $22.95 Niagara Pinot Noir 12.5% -Featherstone Estate Winery Rose 2018 $15.95 117861 Canada Niagara Peninsula Cab Franc 13.1% -Château des Charmes Rosé Cuvée d'Andrée 2016 $16.95 333260 Canada Niagara Pinot Noir 12.5% ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % -Famille JM CAZES JM Cazes Rose de L'Ostal IGP 2018 $15.95 450809 France Languedoc 50% Syrah, 50% Grenache 13% -Lorgeril L'Orangeraie Rosé 2017 $10.45 279661 France South of France Cinsault, Grenache 12.5% -Lorgeril Gris de Garille 2018 $13.95 731220 France Cite de Carcassonne, SF Cinsault, Grenache, Merlot 12.5% -Gerard Bertrand Perles de Grenache Rose 2018 $18.95 556209 Pays d'Oc grenache 12% -Conde de Valdemar Rose 2018 $14.45 168278 Spain Rioja tempranillo 13% -Famille Perrin La Vieille Ferme Ventoux Rose 2018 $12.45 622134 France Ventoux Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah 13% -Domaine Bassac Margalh Rose Organic 2018 $14.95 155515 France Languedoc cinsault, syrah, greanche 12.5% -Megalomaniac - JHC Cellars of Distinction Pink Slip 2018 $19.95 85126 Niagara Pinot Noir 57, Syrah, 19, Chardonnay Musqué 17, Gamay 5, Merlot 2 12% -Inniskillin Pinot Noir Rose 2018 $14.95 N/A Canada Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chardonnay 12.5% -Flat Rock Cellars Pink Twisted 2018 $17.95 39974 Niagara Peninsula pinot noir, gewurz, riesling 11.8% -Oyster Bay Rose 2018 $19.95 493171 New Zealand Marlborough pinot noir, chard 12.5% -Henry of Pelham Rose Classic 2018 $14.95 250217 Niagara pinotnoir79/gamay/gris/SB 11% -Henry of Pelham Sibling Rivalry Pink 2018 $13.95 171033 Niagara cabfr39/gamay28/pnoir28 11.5% -Fielding Pinot Noir Rosé, Estate Bottled 2018 $24.95 NA Canada Lincoln Lakeshore PN 12.1% -Fielding Rosé 2018 15.95 53421 Canada Niagara Peninsula Gamay/PN 11.8 38 Fielding Long Weekend Rosé 2018 $13.45 576181 Canada Niagara Peninsula Merlot/CF/CS/Vio 11.8% -Pasqua 11 Minutes Rose Trevenezie 2018 $19.95 556142 Italy Trevenezie Corvina, Trebbiano di Lugana, Strah, Carmenere 12.5% -Fantini Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2018 $10.95 635342 Italy Abruzzo Montepulciano 13% -Sogrape Gazela Vinho Verde Rose n/a $9.95 404533 Portugal Vinhos Verdes Borracal, Espadeiro, Amaranal, Vinhao 9.5% -Bacalhôa JP Azeitão Syrah Rosé 2018 $8.95 404566 Portugal Setubal Peninsula Syrah and Moscatel Roxo 12.5% -Malivoire Vivant Rose 2018 $19.95 498535 Beamsville Bench pinot noir 12% -Malivoire Ladybug 2018 $16.95 559088 Beamsville Bench Cabfr/pinotnoir/gamay 12% -Tawse Winery Sketches Of Niagara Rose 2018 $17.95 172643 Canada Niagara Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir, Gamay 12% -Redstone Winery Rose (LCBO label) 2018 $17.95 650655 Canada Niagara Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, Merlot, Pinot Gris 12% -Huff Estates Rose 2018 $20 VQA Ontario 100% cabernet franc 12.5% -Huff Estates All Day Rose 2017 $18 VQA Ontario cabernet franc 12.5% -Vineland Estates Rotling 2018 $20 VQA Ontario Vidal, Cab Franc 12.5% -Vineland Estates Game Changer The Memory Rose 2018 $16.95 VQA Ontario mix of reds 12.5% -Creekside Undercurrent Dos Pinots 2018 $23 VQA pinotnoir76/pinotgris24 11% -Creekside Rose 2018 $15.95 48819 VQA pinotnoir52/merlot48 12% -Wayne Gretzky Winery Wayne Gretzky Rose 2018 $16.95 NA Canada VQA Niagara Peninsula 80% Pinot Noir, 17% Pinot Grigio, 3% Gamay Noir 12% -Pillitteri Estates Winery Racina - Pinot Squared 2018 $35 Canada Niagara-on-the-Lake Pinot Grigio/Pinot Noir 12.5% -Alvento Winery South Wind 2018 $20.15 Niagara Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewurzt 12% -Ravine Vineyard Cabernet Rosé 2018 $25.00 Canada Niagara-on-the-Lake 100% Cabernet Franc 11% -Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits EastDell Summer Rosé 2017 $14.95 560243 Canada Niagara Peninsula Riesling/Gamay Noir 12.5% -Palatine Hills Estate Winery Cabernet Franc Rosé 2018 $19.95 N/A Canada Niagara 100% Cabernet Franc 12% -The Foreign Affair Winery Amarosé 2018 $18.95 388702 Canada Ontario - Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir (76%) Chardonnay (24%) 13.8% -Burning Kiln Winery Broken Needle 2017 $19.95 n/a Canada VQA Ontario (Norfolk County) 100% Pinot Noir 11.7% -Gerard Bertrand Cotes des Roses 2017 $18.95 373985 AOP Languedoc grenache/cinsault/syrah 13% *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % -Gerard Bertrand Gris Blanc 2018 $16.95 409870 Pays d'Oc grenache noir/gris 13% -Harwood Estate Vineyards North Beach Rose 2017 $18.95 Ontario Vidal Blanc, Riesling, Merlot 11% -The Roost Wine Company Nine Yards Rosé 2018 $22.95 Canada ON - -Southern Georgian Bay Cold Climate Blend Winery 12.5% -13th Street Winery Pink palette 2018 $15.95 275834 Canada Niagara peninsula Cabernet Franc 13.5% -13th Street Winery Burger Blend Rose 2018 $14.95 609545 Canada Niagara peninsula Cab Franc, Merlot, Gamay, pinot Noir 12% -Jackson-Triggs Reserve Rose 2017 $14.95 N/A Canada Niagara Peninsula Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay 12.5% -Megalomaniac - JHC Cellars of Distinction Homegrown Rosé 2018 $14.95 639856 Canada Niagara Riesling 50, Vidal 40, Baco Noir 10 11% sweet -E&J Gallo Winery Canada Limited Apothic Rose 2018 $16.95 545780 United States California Grenache, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Carignane, and other Select Varietals 13% sweet -E&J Gallo Winery Canada Limited Barefoot Pink Pinot Grigio NV $9.95 639971 United States California Pinot Gris, Moscato and other wines 12% sweet -E&J Gallo Winery Canada Limited Barefoot Pink Moscato NV $9.95 642983 United States California Moscato, French Colombard,and other wines 9% sweet -Coopers Hawk Vineyards Rose 2017 $15.95 296533 VQA Ontario 9% -Bottega Bottega Pinot Grigio Rose DOC delle Venezie 2017 $14.95 490938 Italy Veneto Pinot Grigio 12% -Muga Rosé 2018 $14.95 03795 Spain Rioja Garnacha, Viura, Tempranillo 12.5% -Susana Balbo Signature Rose 2018 $21.95 493130 Argentina Uco Valley 60% Malbec 40% Pinot Noir 13.2% -Shingleback Red Knot Rose 2018 $16.95 639997 Australia McLaren Vale 78% Pinot Noir, 16% Shiraz, 6% Grenache 12% -DGB - Beachhouse Wines The Beachhouse Rose 2018 $10.95 164343 S. Africa Western Cape (wellington) Pinotage 12.5% -Redstone Winery Rose (Bistro label) 2017 $16.95 N/A Canada Niagara Cab Franc, Pinot Noir 12% -Coopers Hawk Vineyards Dry Rose 2017 $17.95 winery VQA Ontario -PondView Estate Winery Cabernet Franc Rosé 2018 $16.95 n/a Canada Niagara Peninsula Cabernet Franc 12% -London Born Wine Co. White Gamay 2017 $16.95 N/A Canada Ontario Gamay Noir 12.5% -Sandbanks Winery Rose 2018 $13.95 244616 Canada Ontario 95% Vidal, 5% Zweigelt 12% The Food: baguettes, biscuits, water, California oven-roasted almonds, arbequina and nicois olives. The Downside: it was a lot of wines with many monochromatic notes in a similar price range, but we took a lot of breaks for food, water, etc. Rince bouche with soda water helped. The Upside: a chance to taste around 85 (!) wines, many of which were top notch. And there were so many 2018s – really, really fresh. The Contact Person: organizer – deantudor@deantudor.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95 8.The Date and Time: Tuesday April 16, 2019 Noon to 3PM The Event: A vertical tasting of Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva plus three other wines, with owner Antonio M. Zaccheo Jr. The Venue: EVOO, Avenue Road The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available, mostly by private order. The Quote/Background: Antonio is the son of Carpineto's co-founder,and now runs the company which is dedicated to Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano plus other Tuscan wines. His five estates plus contracts furnish enough wine for about 30 different labels, including Chianti Classico and Brunello ranges. The blend in the Nobile series is almost always 90% sangiovese and 10% canaiolo, but the range could be 70 – 30. Wines are aged for 1 to 2 years in oak. Univins and Spirits is the agent in Ontario; there are currently six Carpineto wines listed with the LCBO. Antonio led us through the 8 Nobile vertical wines and then three others (Chianti Classico, Brunello). The Wines: Many were restrained but eventually became long on the palate ending a bit tight on the finish. Depth and quality varied by vintage. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2007 -Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 1995 -Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 1990 [my FAVE} -Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2011 -Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2012 $34.95 -Carpineto Chianti Classico 2015 DOCG n/a ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2015 $34.95 -Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2013 $34.95 -Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2010 -Carpineto Chianti Classico 2016 DOCG +356048 $19.95 -Carpineto Brunello di Montalcino 2012 DOCG +515486 $63.95 The Food: For starters, we had a generous sampling of Carpineto's olive oil (Oliveto Sillano, made from 4 olive varieties in the upper Arno orchards) with crusts of breads. I began the meal with meatballs in ragu and pecorino crostini (others had chickpea soup or arugula salad), followed by the venison tenderloin. Pappardelle with lamb or steak was also available. The Downside: we started half-hour late. The Upside: a chance to converse with Antonio and to taste a rare vertical of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, The Contact Person: amzaccheo@carpineto.com; demberley@univins.ca; The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 9.The Date and Time: Wednesday April 17, 2019 3PM to 7PM The Event: A carryover of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's SIXTH annual Rose tasting of imported and domestic rose wines for sale in Ontario – the only tasting of its kind in Ontario. Today we tasted SPARKLING roses as a separate category. The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's Toronto Head Offices. The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are (or will be) available either year round or for the seasonal offering Spring/Summer 2019. The Quote/Background: We had decided to taste the sparklers against each other in a separate tasting of the fizzes, apart from the still wines. The Queenston Mile Pet-Nat was an acquired taste. The Wines: As always, this was NOT a competition, and the tasting notes I made were my own, for ratings and rankings. Wines are either at the LCBO (CSPC given) or the winery. Wines are arranged randomly within each grade category. Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Château des Charmes Rosé Sparkling 2014 $34.95 78055 Canada Niagara Pinot Noir & Chardonnay 12% -Colio Estate Wines Lily Rosé 2017 $17.95 536565 Canada Lake Erie North Shore 90% Riesling, 10% Cabernet Franc 12% -Di Profio Estate Sparkling Gamay Rosé 2016 $28.95 Niagara 12.2% -Trius Winery Trius Brut Rose Non-Vintage $32.95 184309 Canada VQA Niagara Peninsula 70% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, 4% Pinot Meunier, 3% Gamay Noir 12% -Peller Estates Peller Estates Signature Series Ice Cuvee Rose 2018 $35.75 113035 VQA Niagara Peninsula 70% Pinot Noir, 26.6% Chardonnay, 3.5% Gamay Noir 12% ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Fielding Sparkling Rosé, Traditional Method NV $32.95 Canada Niagara Peninsula PN/Chardonnay 12% -Bottega Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Brut Rose 2017 $14.95 277202 Italy Veneto Raboso & Pinot Nero 11.50% -Burning Kiln Winery Sparks 2017 $26.95 Canada VQA Ontario (Norfolk County) 95% Pinot Noir 5% Pinot Gris 13.1% *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Rose nv $21.95 280172 New Zealand pinot noir, chard 12.5% -London Born Wine Co. Sparkling Rose 2017 $24.95 VQAOntario Gamay Noir 11% -Queenston Mile Pet Nat 2018 $40 VQA St David's Bench Pinot Noir 11% -Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits FRESH Sparkling Rosé Non-Vintage $15.95 341347 Canada Niagara Peninsula Riesling/Gamay Noir 12.5% The Food: bread and water The Contact Person: deantudor@deantudor.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95 10.The Date and Time: Monday April 29, 2019 1PM to 5PM The Event: California Wine Tour 2019 Toronto The Venue: Fairmont Royal York The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: the Media Room opened at 1PM, which gave us a 1.5 hour jump on the big show (thanks!!). The Quote/Background: I did not taste all the wines in the show. But I did try some from the show room itself, plus what I could glean from the media room. Prices were generally given to the trade “on demand”. The best booth was Nichols, with its older wines, a terrific area. The Wines: I did not taste every wine in the show, just the ones below and a few others in the media room --- **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Nichols Winery & Cellars Talley Vineyard Chardonnay 1997 $80 Marchands des Ameriques -Nichols Winery & Cellars Reserve Merlot Vinas del Sol Vineyard 1999 $74 -Nichols Winery & Cellars Pinot Noir Paragon Vineyard 1999 $75 -Nichols Winery & Cellars Meritage Ninety Nine 199 $67 -Nichols Winery & Cellars Soleil & Terroir Reserve Merlot VDS 1998 $49 -Nichols Winery & Cellars Soleil & Terroir Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 $49 -Nichols Winery & Cellars Soleil & Terroir Reserve Pinot Noir LaColline 1997 $56 -Nichols Winery & Cellars Soleil & Terroir Chardonnay Paragon 1998 $75 -J Cuvee 20 Sparkling -Chandon Brut Rose NV $34.95 Vintages -Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV $34.84 Airen -Scott Family Chardonnay 2016 Arroyo Seco $29.95 Majestic Cons. -Rutherford Ranch Napa Chardonnay $25 Majestic Cons -Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2015 Rogers Con -Schug Carneros Estate Chardonnay 2017 $26.99 Lifford Cons -Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $129.99 Noble Estates PO -Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis 2016 $84.95 Vintages -Signorello Estate Padrone Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $284.95 Profile Cons -Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Merlot Three Palms Vineyard 2016 $145 Rogers Cons -Gary Farrell Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 $45 USD -Whitehall Lane Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $77.95 The Vine Cons -St. Supery Estate Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $29.95 Von Terra PO -White Rock Vineyards Claret 2015 Napa -Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley 2014 -Rutherford Wine Company Lander-Jenkins Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $19.95 Vintages -Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2016 Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands -Taub Family Vineyards Heritance Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $49.95 Vintages 2020 -Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $34.95 Vintages -Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel 2015 $26.95 Vintages -Chalone Estate Pinot Noir 2015 Stem ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Scott Family Pinot Noir 2016 Arroyo Seco $35 Majestic Cons. -Emmolo Merlot 2016 $69.95 A Peller Cons -Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon $27.95 Vintages -Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $39.95 Vintages -Chalk Hill Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2017 $34.99 Lifford Cons -Argot Simpatico Ranch Chardonnay 2014 Bennett Valley Sonoma County $42.25 Vintages -Francis Ford Coppola Archimedes Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Sonoma 2015 $101.99 Noble estates PO -Hall and Walt Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $285 Vintages -J Lohr Vineyards Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2016 $49.95 Vintages -Share & Splash Angels & Cowboys Rose 2018 $24.95 Vintages -Lange Twins Ivory & Burt Zinfandel 2015 Roust Canada -Gary Farrell Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 $55 USD -Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2016 $45 USD -Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Chardonnay 2017 $35 USD -Delicato Black Stallion Estate Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $42.95 Vintages -Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Lake 2015 $29.95 Vintages -Whitehall Lane Tre Leoni 2016 $49.95 The Vine Cons -Cline Family Big Break Zinfandel 2016 $46.95 Vinesx -Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Rutherford 2016 -Four Virtues Lodi Zinfandel Bourbon Barrel Aged 2017 $23 Majestic Cons -Chalone Estate Chardonnay 2015 Stem -Morgan Bay Cellars Chardonnay 2017 $17 Majestic Cons The Food: uniquely this time the food was mostly related to the “S” word – sliders, sushi and shashimi, all of which was appreciated. At another table, there were charcuterie (pronounced as “s”!) platters with meats and cheeses (that “s” again!!). Thanks guys! The Downside: it got crowded really fast, packed within 15 minutes The Upside: it was good to see the Second Harvest Silent Auction. The Contact Person: paula@praxispr.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR MARCH 2019 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reserve 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench +616466 Vintages April $29.95: Grapes come from their oldest estate vineyards (1984 onward), hand-picked. Barrel fermented in French oak with a portion in 3000L foudres, and then barrel aged for 8 – 10 months in a mix of new and older barrels. This continues the tradition of Burgundian elegance. Expect some ripeness, balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place. Wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. 13.3% ABV, cork closure. Definitely needs another year – or more – in bottle in order to bring out the nuances. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Obalo Rioja 2017, +644856 Vintages March 30, $17.95: here is a fresh and fruity 100% tempranillo that has only been aged (with ML fermentation) for 3 months in diverse cooperage of French oak (50% new) – so it is not a Crianza. The company (founded in 2006) does make a Crianza and a Reserva, plus a Rose. And the small vineyards are about 40 – 90 years old, showing some depth through age and grace. It's a spicy cherry-berry complex of aromatics with some finish inviting pasta and rice dishes, tapas and cheeses. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Champagne Drappier Brut Nature Pinot Noir Zero Dosage NV, +179275 Vintages March 30: $59.95: Uses first-pressed juice, malolactic fermentation, no filtering, and then aged 30 months or more sur lattes. The highlight of course: there is no dosage. Aromas of citric fruit, tartness at first but mellowing out on the mid-palate with some herbal green complexity. Finish is structurally tight but brisk and refreshing. Good as a preprandial aperitif or with a first course. A Champagne to age in your cellar: it will only get better as it matures. Very affordable. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Gerard Bertrand Naturae – Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 IGP Pays d'Oc +644393 April 13 Vintages $19.95: This one leads off the introduction of organic and vegan wines in Ontario by Gerard Bertrand. It is exceedingly fresh, with no oaking (it's the 2018 vintage). The new range is “naturae”, and as little manipulation as possible is employed. The wine has been racked before malo begins, and then racked again. The acid/sweetness/tannin balance is loaded with dense black fruits (cassis, blueberry, black raspberry). It'll need some more time bottle, so try it at Christmas. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Languedoc Red 2015 +413237 April 27 Vintages, $16.95: the last vintage here was 2013. This is a re-order of the 2015: it's a blend of syrah and grenache, promising both black fruit and red fruit tones at an affordable price. Local garrigue is apparent, complemented by some fennel. Part of the wine is transferred over to 225-litre oak barrels where it is aged for roughly 10 months. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino 2014 +941757 [April 13 Vintages for the 2013] at $62.95: The 2014 I tasted was 100% sangiovese grosso, aged two years in French and Slavonian oak barrels.Fresh black fruit dominates (blueberry, black cherry), forest floor showing, but tannins still need resolution. A cellar keeper, or try if over several days after exposure to air. Best with cheese and game. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Buena Vista Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 North Coast, $24.95 +254458 Vintages April 27: Buena Vista has been continuing with its historic-looking wine labels (the winery was found in 1857). It's a nifty blend of cabs from Fountaingrove, Sonoma Mountain, and Alexander Valley (all part of the North Coast appellation). After some months in oak it was racked. The emphasis is on darkness, with plenty of black fruit (cassis, black cherry) and butterscotch tones with black pepper spices, softish finish. Still needs time, maybe by Christmas. Do a double decant or leave it open for a day to get a taste of its potential. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Tuesday, March 5, 2019 5:30PM - 8PM The Event: A tasting of 16 Mile Cellar Vineyards and Winery, led by new winemaker Morgan Juniper with the participation of co-owner Susan Barnacal. The Venue: Yonge and Davisville The Target Audience: Toronto wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: the new wines will be available at the winery's Open House Saturday May 4. The Quote/Background: The winery was founded in 2010, and is located on 16 Mile Creek, which is 16 miles from the Falls themselves. They only make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, mostly from their 12 planted organic acres. Their first winemaker was Thomas Bachelder. “Our goal is to produce small quantities of hand-picked, hand-made and distinctive wines each year”. Currently, the winery offers 10 wines, all in different vintages. There are three tiers: the Rebel line at $22.95, mostly meant for restaurants, the mid-priced Civility Chardonnay and Incivility Pinot Noir series at $29.95, and a top tier Tenacity Pinot Noir at $50. There is also a Rose made from bought-in riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. Total production thus far is about 1,000 cases a year. They use a mix of old and new (10%) French oak. Some of their wines are lightly filtered, and some not at all. More details are at www.16milecellar.com The Wines: Five wines were poured. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -16 Mile Cellar Civility Chardonnay 2015 VQA Creek Shores, 12.5% $29.95 80 cases -16 Mile Cellar Incivility Pinot Noir 2014 Unfiltered VQA Niagara Peninsula 13% $34.95 170 cases -16 Mile Cellar Tenacity Pinot Noir Unfiltered 2015 VQA Creek Shores, 13% $50 179 cases ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -16 Mile Cellar Rebel Chardonnay 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula 13.5% $22.95 200 cases INFANCY – -16 Mile cellar ”Morgan Juniper” Pinot Noir 2018 VQA Creek Shores 2 barrels to be bottled in late 2020. This is Morgan's first wine at 16 Cellars; it was mild and nervous but should be awesome after some bottle age. A very capable wine. The Food: none The Contact Person: morgan@16milecellar.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 2.The Date and Time: Thursday March 28, 2019 7:30 – 9:30 PM The Event: Opening of Gallery 50 Photography Exhibit with a wine tasting hosted by Noble Estates. The Venue: 50 Quebec Avenue. The Target Audience: 32 local residents (including 5 guys). The Availability/Catalogue: we tasted four southern Italian wines plus Prosecco from the Noble Estates portfolio, as presented by Joe Alberti (Private & Licensee Sales). The wines are available by consignment, and ranged from $27.95 Licensee to $49.95. The Quote/Background: Joe Alberti led a wine tasting with a Powerpoint program, opening with the freshly poured Prosecco from Foss Marai. He detailed the locations of the grapes and wines used in southern Italy and led us through the tasting with stress on aromatics and palates. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Foss Marai Millesimato Prosecco 2017 $27.99 Licensee [good bubbles and vintaged] -Antonella Corda Cannonau di Sardegna 2016 $27.95 Licensee [grenache, higher acid] -Donnachiara Taurasi Campania 2013 $49.95 Licensee [nicely evolved but still young, 1 year oak] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Planeta Cerasuolo 2016 Sicily DOCG $27.99 Licensee [nero d'avola; chocolate&cherries] -Planeta Etna Rosso 2016 Sicily $31.99 Licensee [nerello grape, elegant but edgy, food versatile] The Food: Planeta olive oil, breads, crackers, sweet potato chips, salami The Downside: the night went very quickly, and there was no time for the exhibits. The Upside: great tasting wines, five was just about the right number. The Contact Person: joea@nobleestates.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH – Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015, +959627, $45.95 Vintages: a bargain wine for its price (up only two bucks since the 2011 vintage), but still too young to consume unless you double-decant and drink it over a few days. Half of the wine was made in barrels, the other half in vats. A selection of the better barrels is made into a single blend after 18 months, and stored for four to six months before release. It will be well-aged after another 10 years. Of the 13 permitted varieties, grenache, syrah, and mourvedre are dominant, with cinsault, counoise, muscardin, and vaccarese added. Still tight but plenty of black fruits and spices. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2015 Mendoza, +128629, $19.95 Vintages March 2019: black fruit dominates this substantial wine. Made from older vines (many are 50 years old). Aging in French and US oak barrels for 14 months, still needs time to resolve despite 4 years of age. 14.2% ABV, a hefty thick wine that dominates. Best for carnivores? You decide. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Bonnet & Associates Chateau Vrai Caillou 2016 Bordeaux Superieur, +348292, $15.95 March 16 Vintages: Mostly merlot (55%) from the “Entre deux Mers” region which excels in quantities of value Bordeaux. Aged a year in both tanks and barrels, and could age a bit more in your cellar (or do a double-decant and wait an hour). Red fruit dominates, edged by some plumminess. Food ideas basically suggest lamb roast and cheeses. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Corbieres 2015 $18.95 +394288 Vintages: In this Terroir Corbieres, Bertrand uses carbonic maceration for the syrah and traditional fermentation for the grenache and mourvedre. It is an appealing Rhonish G-S-M, with the blended wine aging in wood for eight months before bottling. Very firm with some fruit on the full finish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Baron de Hoen Cremant d'Alsace Brut Mausberg Blanc de Blancs NV, +171785 Vintages, $17.95: Limestone pebbles are responsible for the higher acid of the pinot auxerrois and pinot blanc grapes used in the blend here. Traditional Method is used, of course, without any ML. It is a pretty wine, with a bit of fruit, but is better as an aperitif or with first courses. My wife and I enjoyed this bottle with popcorn and a movie at home. It's sustainable agriculture in the region, and with a huge production of some 600,000 bottles (50K cases), there is an opportunity to keep the price down. This is a re-order by Vintages. 12.5% ABV, 3.8 g/L TA and 10 g/L RS. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 Vintages, $24.95: both cabernets franc (4%) and sauvignon (50%) are used in this Bordeaux-styled blend which comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux New World and Old World. It is still in its youth at 3 years of age, and it would be a shame to consume it this young. You could do what I did: open it and drink it over a couple of weeks, exposing it to air gently or speeding up the process by double-triple decanting. You will get several different wines out of one bottle over the course of time. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by French and US oak (40% new) for 18 months. Currently, you could match it with heavy meats. 13.5% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Baron de Hoen Gewurztraminer Reserve 2017 Alsace, +377721 Vintages $19.95: from around Beblenheim area, cool fermentation with typical gewurz tones of spices, lychee, roses. 12.5% ABV, and RS of 15 g/L (off-dry). Best as aperitif, or with fragrant cheeses, spicy foods. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2017 Estate Grown & Bottled VQA NOTL, +454967, $16.95 LCBO: A lovely young wine, with some forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red fruit (strawberries are hinted by the winemaker). Estate grown and bottled. Good written notes on the back label are spot on. Just under subtle oaking, with a moderate intensity of medium flavours. Ready to drink now. Cork closure, 12.5% ABV. Try with lamb burgers. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2016 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard VQA St.David's Bench, +332858, $38.95 at winery, online, boutiques: Quite a powerful wine, lots of stylish Burgundian forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red berry fruit. It was last produced in 2014 (some years were declassified). Needs some time, maybe three more years. 13% ABV. It will also show better with food such as an Asian salmon preps or veal or lamb. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Sartori di Verona “Corte Bra” Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011 DOCG, $49.95, +225540 Vintages March: this wine has aged nicely (7 years now; initially 4 years in small oak) and becomes more of a bargain at this price level. 15.5% ABV puts it in the bigger leagues. Black fruit dominates the nose and palate, lots of body, lush and luscious in a Juicy Lucy style, and a long finish. Unfiltered. We had it with aged sheep and water buffalo cheeses from Monforte (Ontario). Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Buena Vista Winery Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa Valley, $59.95 +539106 Vintages March 16: a top of the line Napa cab with its richness, denseness and opulence from Oak Knoll and St. Helena vineyards. After 28 months in French oak (35% new) it was racked and bottled unfiltered. Tons of black fruit and mocha tones with spices suggestive of cardamom – and a long, long finish. Still needs time, a cellar keeper. Do a double decant or leave it open for a week to get a taste of its potential. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Berger-Rive Manoir de Mercey Rully En Rosey Red 2015 #635623, $32.95 Vintages: From the Cote Chalonnaise, this is an old vines pinot noir Burgundy that is pretty consistent from year to year (and they've kept the price down too). After fermentation it goes into wood (about a quarter of the volume is put into new oak) for a year's aging. Typical ripe red fruit with vanilla wood, but also soft which appeals to many North American tastes. Should be cellared another year. Smart buy at this price. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reserve 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench +616466 Vintages April $29.95: Grapes come from their oldest estate vineyards (1984 onward), hand-picked. Barrel fermented in French oak with a portion in 3000L foudres, and then barrel aged for 8 – 10 months in a mix of new and older barrels. This continues the tradition of Burgundian elegance. Expect some ripeness, balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place. Wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. 13.3% ABV, cork closure. Definitely needs another year – or more – in bottle in order to bring out the nuances. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Estate 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268391 Vintages, $24.95: Here is a deft Burgundian-character pinot noir wine, with cherry-berry tones, some toast, mildly opulent style, not totally cool climate at all. Fermented in stainless and aged in “European” oak (30% new) for 10 months. Ready in a year or two. Dependable. And also available in Denmark, Hungary, Japan and USA. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Obalo Rioja 2017, +644856 Vintages March 30, $17.95: here is a fresh and fruity 100% tempranillo that has only been aged (with ML fermentation) for 3 months in diverse cooperage of French oak (50% new) – so it is not a Crianza. The company (founded in 2006) does make a Crianza and a Reserva, plus a Rose. And the small vineyards are about 40 – 90 years old, showing some depth through age and grace. It's a spicy cherry-berry complex of aromatics with some finish inviting pasta and rice dishes, tapas and cheeses. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Champagne Drappier Brut Nature Pinot Noir Zero Dosage NV, +179275 Vintages March 30: $59.95: Uses first-pressed juice, malolactic fermentation, no filtering, and then aged 30 months or more sur lattes. The highlight of course: there is no dosage. Aromas of citric fruit, tartness at first but mellowing out on the mid-palate with some herbal green complexity. Finish is structurally tight but brisk and refreshing. Good as a preprandial aperitif or with a first course. A Champagne to age in your cellar: it will only get better as it matures. Very affordable. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Gerard Bertrand Naturae – Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 IGP Pays d'Oc +644393 April 13 Vintages $19.95: This one leads off the introduction of organic and vegan wines in Ontario by Gerard Bertrand. It is exceedingly fresh, with no oaking (it's the 2018 vintage). The new range is “naturae”, and as little manipulation as possible is employed. The wine has been racked before malo begins, and then racked again. The acid/sweetness/tannin balance is loaded with dense black fruits (cassis, blueberry, black raspberry). It'll need some more time bottle, so try it at Christmas. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino 2014 +941757 April 13 Vintages $62.95: The 2014 I tasted was 100% sangiovese grosso, aged two years in French and Slavonian oak barrels. Fresh black fruit dominates (blueberry, black cherry), forest floor showing, but tannins still need resolution. A cellar keeper, or try if over several days after exposure to air. Best with cheese and game. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Thursday January 24, 2019 6PM to 8PM The Event: Restaurant Canada Show 2019 Media Preview Cocktail Reception for the February 24 – 26 show at the Enercare Centre. The Venue: Restaurant Canada offices The Target Audience: food media The Quote/Background: I arrived at 6Pm but the place was jam packed already; it was hard to get engaged with any conversation. The Wines: Three wines from Lifford Agency and Mill Street beers were for tasting and enjoying. Maker's Mark and Courvoisier VS Cognac were offered in cocktails. Seedlip and Flow alkaline spring water were on display as drinks for non-drinkers. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Laurent Miquel Vendanges Nocturnes Classic Rouge Licensee only Program $10.74 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Passi Reali Organic Montepulciano Appassimento +523100 LCBO $13.14 Licensee *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ironstone Obsession Symphony +295931 LCBO $13.14 Licensee The Food: samples were offered from a variety of kitchens, few of whom had business cards. Freshly cooked food samples came from Cafe Belong and Rosalinda Restaurant, among others. Pre-made products included Beyond Sausage Original Bratwurst (meatless), blueberry powerballs, cheeses and crackers. The Downside: too many phones snapping at food with photographers taking up space and time, made for quite a crowd. The Upside: a chance to try some new types of vegan foods. The Contact Person: sabrine@punchcanada.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 81. 2. The Date and Time: Monday February 25 2019 11AM to 4PM The Event: Taste Ontario – Toronto trade show The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was a model – wines and license contacts were listed by region with full data (vintage year, licensee and retail prices0, with enough space for tasting notes. The Quote/Background: the media writers were in the Glass Room on the 4th floor where we had advance time and some sit-down table space to write up our scores. The Wines: About 175 wines were available; I did not taste them all. ABVs are used. The first price is licensee. CSPCs are listed when the wine is available through the LCBO. The rated wines are listed randomly within each category of BEST, BETTER and GOOD. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): Winery Wine VQA Appellation Vintage Vol/Btl Alc/Vol LCBO# UPC# Licensee Price Retail Southbrook Vineyards 2016 Triomphe Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2016 750ml 12.6 172338 621605402145 $20.90 $24.95 Southbrook Vineyards 2017 Wild Ferment Chardonnay Niagara Escarpment 2017 750ml 13 644625 621605483137 $30.80 $35.00 Tawse Winery Pet-Nat Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13 N/A 670459010068 $21.06 $24.95 Tawse Winery Estate Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2013 750ml 12.5 N/A 670459006702 $32.04 $38.15 2027 Cellars StoneBridge Vineyard Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2017 750ml 13 N/A N/A $19.95 N/A 13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc Creek Shores 2016 750ml 12.5 N/A $25.12 $29.95 13th Street Winery Chardonnay Viscek Vineyard Creek Shores 2017 750ml 12.5 N/A $25.12 $29.95 Two Sisters Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2016 750ml 13.5 N/A 832651001453 $21.54 N/A Trius Trius Brut Niagara Peninsula NV 750ml 12 284539 48162001299 $25.12 $29.95 Trius Trius Brut Rose Niagara Peninsula NV 750ml 12 184309 48162012691 $27.44 $32.95 Trius Trius Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13.1 251470 48162004429 $16.67 $19.95 Stratus Stratus White Niagara-On-The-Lake 2015 750ml 12.9 660704 $32.08 $38.20 Queenston Mile Vineyard Chardonnay St.David's Bench 2016 750ml 13 N/A $29.38 $35.00 Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Adam Steps Beamsville Bench 2017 750ml 10.5 901211 7-79334-01211-8 $20.90 $24.95 Cave Spring Cellars Riesling CSV Beamsville Bench 2016 750ml 12 566026 7-79334-66026-5 $25.12 $29.95 Cave Spring Cellars Pinot Noir Dolomite Niagara Escarpment 2017 750ml 12.5 504608 7-79334-04608-3 $20.90 $24.95 Charles Baker Ivan Vineyard Riesling Twenty Mile Bench 2017 750ml 11 N/A $22.80 $27.00 Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling Vinemount Ridge 2015 750ml 10.5 N/A $31.80 $37.20 Megalomaniac Reserve Cabernet Merlot Twenty Mile Bench 2016 750ml 14 N/A 699187005160 $59.95 $59.95 Chateau des Charmes Wines Brut Sparkling Niagara-on-the-Lake NV 750ml 12.5 207944 776409100008 $21.74 $25.95 Cloudsley Cellars Pinot Noir, Homestead Vineyard Twenty Mile Bench 2015 750ml 12.5 N/A 627843870654 $41.84 $50.00 Cloudsley Cellars Pinot Noir, Glen Elgin Vineyard Twenty Mile Bench 2015 750ml 12.5 N/A 627843870661 $41.84 $50.00 Leaning Post Wines The Fifty - Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13 N/A 628055332312 $18.57 $22.20 Icellars Estate Winery Reserve Red Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 750ml 14 N/A 657664339542 $25.16 $30.00 Icellars Estate Winery Merlot Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 750ml 14.5 N/A 657664339481 $37.82 $45.00 Henry of Pelham Winery Estate Chardonnay Short Hills Bench 2016 750ml 13.5 268342 1. 7-79376-20121-1 $18.53 $21.95 Henry of Pelham Winery Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Estate Blanc de Blanc Carte Blanche Niagara Peninsula 2013 750ml 11.9 315200 779376465057 $37.78 $44.95 Hidden Bench Estate Winery Estate Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2017 750ml 13 68817 878102002013 $25.12 $29.92 Hidden Bench Estate Winery Terroir Caché - Red Meritage Beamsville Bench 2015 750ml 13.9 505610 878102004017 $37.78 $44.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Winery Wine VQA Appellation Vintage Vol/Btl Alc/Vol LCBO# UPC# Licensee Price Retail Hidden Bench Estate Winery Estate Riesling Beamsville Bench 2017 750ml 11 183491 878102003027 $20.90 $24.95 Henry of Pelham Winery Three of Hearts Rosé Niagara Peninsula 2018 750ml 11.5 552562 779376496013 $16.67 $19.95 Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2017 750ml 13 286278 881860300482 $16.68 $19.95 Flat Rock Cellars Riesling Twenty Mile Bench 2016 750ml 11 43281 881860100303 $14.99 $17.95 Icellars Estate Winery Arinna Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 750ml 14.5 N/A 657664339450 $35.29 $42.00 Domaine Queylus Chardonnay Tradition Niagara Peninsula 2016 750ml 13 N/A 896131000923 $23.43 $27.95 Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Réserve du Domaine Niagara Peninsula 2014 750ml 13 N/A 896131000213 $37.83 $45.00 Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Portage Chardonnay PEC 2014 750ml 12.7 2015.2605 8517000275 $20.94 $25.00 Creekside Estate Winery Iconoclast Syrah St.David's Bench 2016 750ml 13 VINTAGES# 471797 $20.94 $25.00 Creekside Estate Winery Iconoclast Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 12 VINTAGES# 520627 $19.25 $23.00 Cloudsley Cellars Pinot Noir, Niagara Niagara Peninsula 2016 750ml 12 N/A 627843870678 $20.74 $25.00 Meldville Wines Chardonnay Lincoln Lakeshore 2017 750ml 13 N/A $16.71 $20.00 Meldville Wines Syrah Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13 N/A $22.63 $27.00 Chateau des Charmes Wines Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Estate Grown & Bottled Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 750ml 13.4 81653 776409816534 $12.44 $14.95 Muscedere Vineyards Estate Winery Merlot Lake Erie North Shore 2016 750ml 13.2 N/A 628696160909 $16.89 $20.20 Muscedere Vineyards Estate Winery Meritage Lake Erie North Shore 2016 750ml 13.5 N/A 628696160800 $25.32 $30.20 North 42 Degrees Estate Winery Riesling Lake Erie North Shore 2016 750ml 11.5 N/A $14.99 $17.95 Pelee Island Winery Meritage Vinedressers Lake Erie North Shore 2016 750ml 13.5 N/A 317933 n/a $24.95 Charles Baker B-Side Riesling Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 10.3 N/A $18.57 $22.00 Queenston Mile Vineyard Mile High Sparkling Ontario 2017 750ml 12.5 N/A $29.38 $35.00 Redstone Winery Redfoot Vineyard Viognier Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13 N/A 670459009406 $16.84 $20.15 Redstone Winery Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2013 750ml 13 N/A 670459006801 $21.54 $24.90 Reif Estate Winery Chenin Blanc Niagara River 2017 750ml 13 N/A 779320000419 $17.95 $20.15 Reif Estate Winery Riesling Reserve Niagara River 2017 750ml 13 N/A 779320001249 $17.95 $20.15 Reif Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Niagara River 2016 750ml 13.5 N/A 779320001102 $31.45 $35.15 Southbrook Vineyards 2017 Heather's Home Vineyard Riesling Vinemount Ridge 2017 750ml 11.1 650135 621605 453093 $19.21 $22.95 The Good Earth Vineyard & Winery Viognier Niagara Peninsula 2016 750ml 13.7 N/A N/A $20.90 $24.95 The Good Earth Vineyard & Winery Merlot Beamsville Bench 2016 750ml 13.9 N/A N/A $29.34 $34.95 Vineland Estates Winery Unoaked Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 12 669374 7-79327-12001-1 $12.45 $14.95 Vineland Estates Winery Elevation St Urban Riesling Niagara Escarpment 2017 750ml 8.5 38117 7-79327-19427-2 $16.67 $19.95 Vieni Estates Wine and Spirits Appassimento Classic Method Private Reserve Vinemount Ridge 2013 750ml 16 N/A $54.95 $59.95 Two Sisters Vineyards Merlot Niagara River 2013 750ml 14 N/A 832651001378 $40.15 $52.80 Bachelder Bachelder Mineralite Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13.5 N/A 185729000378 $19.97 N/A Calamus Estate Winery Meritage Niagara Peninsula 2016 750ml 13 N/A 693550001254 $16.67 $19.95 Colio Estate Wines Lily Rosé Sparkling Ontario NV 750ml 12 536565 779373618517 $14.99 $17.95 Colio Estate Wines Bricklayer's Reward Riesling Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 10.5 644765 779373321219 $15.83 $18.95 Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Cabernet Merlot Reserve Lake Erie North Shore 2016 750ml 12.5 328013 853698001169 $16.00 $18.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Winery Wine VQA Appellation Vintage Vol/Btl Alc/Vol LCBO# UPC# Licensee Price Retail Lakeview Wine Co. Lakeview Cellars Viognier Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13 N/A 874537110149 $16.67 $19.95 Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay Ontario 2016 750ml 12.5 453167 853698001053 $12.62 $14.95 Cloudsley Cellars Pinot Noir, Twenty Mile Bech Twenty Mile Bench 2015 750ml 12.5 N/A 627843870647 $29.18 $35.00 Chateau des Charmes Wines Cabernet Merlot, Estate Grown & Bottled Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 750ml 13.1 556951 776409000292 $13.30 $15.95 Chateau des Charmes Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown & Bottled Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 750ml 12.6 370320 776409000155 $13.30 $15.95 Megalomaniac Narcissist Reserve-Riesling Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 11 67587 699187000455 $14.14 $18.95 Megalomaniac My Way Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2017 750ml 13 142646 699187000165 $20.90 $24.95 Icellars Estate Winery Syrah Vinemount Ridge 2017 750ml 13.5 N/A 657664339474 $33.60 $40.00 North 42 Degrees Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Lake Erie North Shore 2016 750ml 13.5 N/A $16.67 $19.95 Redstone Winery Redstone Estate Syrah 2015 750ml N/A $33.73 $40.15 Casa-Dea Estates Winery Chardonnay Reserve Prince Edward County 2016 750ml 12.7 546812 898150000038 $22.58 $26.95 Calamus Estate Winery Riesling Off Dry Niagara Peninsula 2015 750ml 11 N/A 693550001285 $13.30 $15.95 Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery 2016 Robert's Block Riesling Niagara Peninsula 2016 750ml 11.1 231415 91238 00002 9 $21.78 $26.00 Adamo Estate Winery Lepp David's Vineyard Riesling Niagara Lakeshore 2017 750ml 12 N/A 628451509424 $16.67 $19.95 Trail Estate Winery Wild-Ferment Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2017 750ml 11.7 N/A N/A $29.38 $35.00 2027 Cellars Wismer Vineyard -FoxCroft Block - Riesling Twenty Mile Bench 2017 750ml 10 N/A N/A $16.95 N/A Vieni Estates Wine and Spirits Semi Dry Riesling Vinemount Ridge 2017 750ml 9.5 N/A $16.18 $16.95 The Food: enormous sandwiches were provided to the media, along with a chick pea and carrot salad and a green salad (spinach) plus a charcuterie/cheese board, with cookies and fruit for dessert, and coffee. The Downside: overall, I found some of the wines very inviting, but most were too young. Restaurants and private clients may want to store them awhile. The Upside: the media room...THANK YOU WMAO!! For a comparison of wine quality and prices, look at my previous postings for VQA at the end of February going back several years. The Contact Person: info@wmao.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 3.The Date and Time: Tuesday, February 26, 2019 1 - 4PM The Event: Australian Wine Winter Trade Tasting 2019 Toronto The Venue: The Great Hall, Queen St West The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: a smart looking booklet arranged by agent tables with a special one for the seminar wines (Sommelier Choices), with RRP prices and email addresses. Unfortunately, no pens were available...I loaned out one of mine, never got it back. The Quote/Background: Thirty regions are repped here, with 250 wines available for tasting from 75 wineries. Wow... The Wines: I did not taste every wine. I folded in the seminar wine tastings. Prices are retail unless otherwise stated. Most of the wines are only available through the agent (as listed). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Henschke Giles Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2016 $80 Licensee Breakthru Beverage -BK Wines Swaby Piccadilly Valley Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2016 $49.95 -Pewsey Vale The Contours Eden Valley Riesling 2004 Breakthru Beverage -Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasmania Pinot Noir 2017 $75 Lifford -Yangara High Sands McLaren Val Grenache 2015 $155 Breakthru Beverage -Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2016 $49.99 Mark Anthony -Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon BDX McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2016 $79.95 Breakthru Beverage -Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2016 $109.95 Alto Vino -Standish The Relic Shiraz Viognier $159.90 Alto Vino -Domaine Naturaliste Artus Margaret River Chardonnay 2017 $69.95 Authentic -Domaine Naturaliste Morus Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $89.95 Authentic -Peter Lehmann Stonewall South Australia Barossa Valley Shiraz 2012 $90 P Dandurand -Glaetzer Amon-Ra Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016 $84.95 Vine Agency -Pepper Tree Estate Block 21A Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $64.95 Azureau -Ten Minutes by Tractor Estate Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2017 $53.95 Grape Brands -Ten Minutes by Tractor McCutcheon Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2017 $79.95 Grape Brands -DogRidge MVP McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $73.95 Licensee Le Sommelier -Voyager Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $69.95 Rogers -Golding Wines Rocco Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2014 $57.99 Noble Estates -Golding Wines Francis John Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2014 $57.99 Noble Estates -Pikes Wines Pike & Joyce Vue du Nord Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2017 $53.99 Noble Estate -Artisan Tasmania Chardonnay 2017 $77.99 Noble Estates -Artisan Tasmania Pinot Noir 2017 $77.99 Noble Estates -Torbreck The Factor Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015 $164.99 Noble Estates ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Turkey Flat Vineyards Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016 $59.95 Noble Estates -Torbreck Hillside Vineyard Barossa Valley Grenache 2016 $106.99 Noble Estates -Voyager Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2016 $39.95 Rogers -Voyager Estate Margaret River Shiraz 2015 $37.95 Rogers -DogRidge MVP McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014 $73. 5 Licensee Le Sommelier -RedHeads Wine Blue Belle Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2017 $27.15 Select Wines -Tyrrell's Wines Winemaker's Selection Vat 1 Hunter Valley Semillon 2013 $61.95 Select -Tyrrell's Wines HVD Single Vineyard Hunter Valley Semillon 2013 $42.95 Select -Tyrrell's Wines Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2013 $61.95 Select -Wakefield St Andrews Clare Valley Margaret River Chardonnay 2016 $34.95 Profile -Glaetzer Wallace Barossa Valley Shiraz Grenache 2016 $33.95 Vine Agency -Soumah of Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2018 $27.95 Gradwell -Brokenwood Hunter Valley Shiraz 2016 $54.99 Lifford -Domaine Naturaliste Floris Margaret River Chardonnay 2017 $24.95 Authentic -Shaw + Smith Adelaide Hills Riesling 2018 $45 Lifford -Shaw + Smith M3 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2015 $45 Lifford -Giant Steps Wombat Creek Vineyard Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2017 $59.80 Alto Vino -d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie McLaren Vale Shiraz Viognier 2014 $29.95 Churchill -Brash Higgins CHN McLaren Vale Chenin Blanc 2017 $42.95 Living Vine -Mac Forbes Coldstream Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2015 $61.95 You Drink Wine -Ten Minutes by Tractor Wallis Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2016 $79.95 Grape Brands -Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2018 $36.95 Grape Brands -Dodgy Bros Juxtaposed Old Vines McLaren Vale Grenache 2017 $41.95Licensee Le Sommelier -Vasse Felix Heytesbury Margaret River Chardonnay 2017 $100Licensee Breathru Beverage -Penfolds Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2016 $99.95 Mark Anthony -Penfolds Bin 407 South Australia Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $99.95 Mark Anthony -Coldstream Hills Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2017 $25.51 Mark Anthony -Wolf Blass Black Label Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Malbec 2012 $99.95 Mark Anthony -Two Hands Bella's Garden Barossa Shiraz 2016 $61.95 Breakthru Beverage -Clarendon Hills Astralis McLaren Vale Syrah 2014 $449.95 Breakthru Beverage -Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock 2015 $99.95 Alto Vino -Bindi Block 5 Pinot 2016 $152.85 Alto Vino -Giant Steps Applejack Pinot 2017 $58.80 Alto Vino -Kay's Block 6 2016 $103.70 Alto Vino -Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2017 $54.75 Alto Vino -By Farr Pinot Noir 2016 $100 Alto Vino -Wirra Wirra RSW McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016 $59.95 Michael Andrew Brands *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ochota Barrels Green Room McLaren Vale Grenache Syrah 2017 $46.95 Living Vine -Irrewarra Pinot 2016 $71.15 Alto Vino The Food: cheese boards and charcuterie boards from Cheese Boutique, along with breads and crackers. Plus four kinds of sliders: veggie, chicken, roast beef, and ham/cheese. The Downside: The place was packed! still, there was lots of room to manoeuvre about because there was space between tables. One major drawback: it was terribly dark upstairs and terribly bright downstairs, thus hard to read the catalogue. The Upside: a really great opportunity to see where Oz wines are today. The Contact Person: canada@wineaustralia.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 2018 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH – 1.Southbrook Canadian Framboise NV, $19.95/375 mL, winery: jammy raspberry nose and palate, excellent on its own, with chocolate or (even better) as a Raspberry Kir with your bubbly of choice. 13.5% ABV. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay Organic 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +172338 Vintages $24.95: fruit is from two contracted growers (Saunders and Laundry), all barrel fermented in oak(2d and 3rd year barrels), lees aging one year, all vegan friendly. 12.6% ABV. Very soft and engaging, much like the 2012 in its youth, some toast but a longish length. Showing some orchard fruit on the mid-palate. Burgundian in style. Best tasted in contemplation, underpriced. Do not overchill. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Southbrook Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2017 Biodynamic VQA Niagara Escarpment, $35 retail at winery and online (releasing December 2018) and also available through select restaurants: 100% chardonnay. The wine is biodynamic, suitable for vegans. Wild fermentations are slow and produce complex wines. Freshness and acidity is emphasized. At 13% ABV, it is quite an experience, especially so after more aging or exposure to air. So far there are tones of lemons, melons, green pear, and some oak. As a distinct food wine, it would pair nicely with cheeses and seafood, but do not overchill. It also tastes more expensive than it is, rich, full with a plush finish. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Southbrook Skin Fermented Vidal (Orange Wine) 2017 Biodynamic VQA Ontario, $29.95 retail: this is a terrific wine from Four Mile Creek estates. There is natural expression wild fermentation (juice, stems and skin) over a month long period with foot-trodding. After pressing ans chilling outdoors, the wine settled on lees and was bottled cloudy without any filtering or additives (e.g., no sulphites). It's got a searing intensity and a bit of a sour tang on the finish for character; sugar was <1.5 g/L. The free naturally occurring SO2 is only 6 M/L. So – there is a lot going on here, such as citric tones and tropical fruits, flowers, tea, some green and herbaceous fruit. The winery suggests that it seems to be a successful pairing with vinaigrette salads, bitter greens, and artichokes. I really liked this wine and gave the 2014 version (which admittedly had some aging by 2018) a sound 95 points. The 2017 is somewhat different but in the same style, and hopefully it will age as well. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Southbrook Laundry Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore Organic, UPC 621605, $35 Winery only: This is the start of the new Southbrook Single Vineyard series. The originating source is Heather Laundry's organic pinot noir clone 115 from Lincoln Lakeshore. A second organic Single Vineyard series will be launched next year, from the Warren Saunders Family vineyards. Natural fermentation with 40% whole clusters, aged 19 months in large French oak (11% new oak), 12.6% ABV. It's what a natural pinot noir should be: red fruit dominated by cherries, some forest floor, and a seam of acidity in the finish for food. Very Burgundian in style. It needs more time, and so a double decant is recommended. But I kept mine open for days and returned from time-to-time to re-enjoy. But obviously others are ready to drink it now. Vegan-friendly. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Southbrook Laundry Vineyard Gamay 2017 Biodynamic VQA Vinemount Ridge, $24.95 retail from winery: another in the Single Vineyard series, this one from Vinemount Ridge. It too is biodynamic and suitable for vegans. 12.9% ABV with low free SO2 (12 mg/L). Wild yeast and malo complete the almost four weeks of fermentation on skins, followed by barrel aging in older French barriques for seven months. Light bodied and herbal with red fruit tones, slightly fewer tannins than expected. Not your typical gamay. Screwcap closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Southbrook Laundry Vineyard Riesling 2017 Organic VQA Vinemount Ridge, +581603 $22.95 retail from winery: another in the Single Vineyard series, this one from Vinemount Ridge. It's organic, suitable for vegans, and comes from the fab Vinemount Ridge sub-appellation: the home of many great Ontario Rieslings which are very close in style to the terpenic Alsatians. Residual sugar is a lowish off-dry 8 g/L. Delicious palate blend of orchard and stone fruit in the mineral style. 11.1% ABV. Could be aged a bit. Screwcap closure. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.La Celia Elite Malbec 2015 Paraje Altamira Uco Valley Mendoza, +578187, $24.95 Vintages: a current blend of 93% malbec, 5% syrah, and 2% cabernet franc (varies every year, sometimes with some tannat). Very dense black texture with black fruit dominating and some toasty tones of American wood in the finish. Some butter and cream for mouthfeel, good coffee elements as well. 14.7% ABV. As of now, still a young wine. So do a double-decant and/or taste it over several days. A keeper through 2015+. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.La Celia Reserva 2015 Uco Valley Mendoza, +618280 $14.95 Vintages December 8: a baby brother to the Elite, with a malbec and cabernet franc blend. Red fruit tends to dominate, complete malolactic fermentation. Smooth all the way, especially on the finish. Try a double-decant at this stage, to being out its warmth. 13.5%ABV. Competitively priced at under $15. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.SonVida Malbec 2015 Reserve Paraje Altmira Mendoza $29.95 Vintages +458240: some cabernet sauvignon added in, plus aging in a bit of new French oak for almost two years (with some US oak). Some smoky mocha tones with mild but upfront black fruit riffing off the full-body but getting louder and more prominent with the finish. Produced by Sonia and David Smith, former UK journalists now making high altitude malbec wine since 2007. Double decanting is needed to bring out the proper fruit expression. But of course the wine can be aged for at least a decade. 14% ABV. Try it with lamb chermoula as I did Saturday night....terrific match. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.G. Marquis Vineyards Chardonnay The Silver Line 2017 Single Vineyard Niagara Stone Road VQA NOTL, +258681, $17.95 Vintages: a nifty all-purpose chardonnay with enough fruit (apples, pears, melons) and oak tones (muted vanilla, buttery), probably best as a first course or entry level wine for fish. Slightly off-dry. 13% ABV. No price change in years. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12. G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir 2016 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +258673 Vintages, $20.20: with ML and BA (six months in new, mainly French oak, this wine seems burgundian cool climate in style with a wash of Ontario cranberries. Red fruit, black cherries, some smoke, forest floor, long finish. 13.2% ABV. Expect some velvety tones and feel. Hand-picked from over-25-year-old vines. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.G.Marquis The Red Line Pinot Grigio 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $13.10 +276501 LCBO: for an Ontario PG at this price level the melons and pears really come through, with a clean, dry, zesty finish. 12.4%ABV Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 14.G.Marquis The Red Line Sauvignon Blanc 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $13.95 +556894 LCBO: expect a basic but useful savvy here, with the usual emphasis on the green weedy character plus some limes and other citric tones. It's an acidic but fresh lingering finish. 12.5%ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 15.G.Marquis The Red Line Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $14.10 +473090 LCBO: much is going on here, albeit in a red fruit mode (red currant, cranberries, raspberries, crushed cherries) tempered by some mild oaking and forest floor complexity. 13%ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 16.Rapscallion Frisky Beaver Frisky Red 2017 VQA Ontario, $14.95, winery only: a deep BBQ and gutsy wine for the Man of the House, based on baco noir, marechal foch, and cabernets. 13%ABV. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 17.Magnotta Vidal Icewine Limited Edition VQA Niagara 2016 $32.90, 375 mL, +587154 Vintages: 10%ABV and showing apricot, mango, and pineapple tones, very sweet at 205 g/L residual sugar. I would lay this down for awhile so the fruit flavours can meld together and the finishing acidity rise. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 18.Kittling Ridge Vidal Icewine VQA Niagara 2017 $40.45, 375 mL, +563247 Vintages: 10%ABV with orchard fruit (pear, apricot), melon nuances, and honey (botrytis?). Some hot tropical fruit too. 185 g/L residual sugar is 10% less than the Magnotta. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 19.Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2016 VQA Ontario, +247882, $18.95 TBD Vintages: This red blend for 2016 (the blend can change with each release) comprises syrah (32%), cabernet franc (15%), cabernet sauvignon (18%), merlot (30%), and baco noir (5%). The latter may have resulted in a VQA Ontario designation rather than a VQA Niagara. It's all barrel aged, 65% French oak and 35% US oak for 17 months. It is substantial, reflecting the aromatics and flavour profiles of the grapes used. Cherry-berry tones, fresh spices on the finish, some spine to stand up to hearty food. Cork closure, 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 20.Henry of Pelham Riesling Estate 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165 Vintages, $19.95: intense riesling in a Rhine style of cool fermentation, with a very off-dry palate but a dry finish (good acid levels on the finish) – broad grapefruit and lemons on the mid-palate, sip or food. 11.2% ABV, twist top, from HOP's oldest Estate vineyards (33+ year old riesling vines). Should also age well. Try with fish that live in water but die in wine. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 21.Sacred Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Marlborough, +489112, $18.95 LCBO General List: a warm and dry summer led to a fruity harvest. The tropical fruit intensity leads to a citric lemony finish for food, typically white fish or seafood. It should be even better next year! 12.5% ABV, RS=5.9 g/L, twist top. The Reserve version appeared in Vintages at three dollars more. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Wednesday November 7, 2018 2PM to 5PM The Event: Wines of Chile trade show The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: spiral bound listing by winery, with full contact info and varietal and price, etc. Seminar wines were listed but not available at a separate table in the main show (unlike previous years). The Quote/Background: It was a packed show with a variety of sommeliers and wine media. John Szabo led the seminar (5 reasons to love Chile) of 10 wines. The Wines: I did not taste every wine from the 26 or so wineries today, just as many as I could handle in a two hour time frame. The higher priced wines are generally available through PoW (private orders). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Aresti Codigo de Familia 380 Assemblage 2012 Curico, $65 Lexcellent PoW -Emiliana Organic Vineyards Coyam 2016 Colchagua, $29.95 +63891 -Errazuriz Don Maximiano 2015 Aconcagua, $84 +501247 -Garces Silva Amayna Syrah 2015 Leyda, $28.95 Sylvestre -Indomita Zardoz Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Maipo, $26.95 Rare Earth PoW -La Ronciere Quiron Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua 2014, $38 Wine Lovers -Luis Felipe Edwards Dona Bernarda Colchagua 2014, $35.99 Noble Estates -Montes Alpha M 2014 Colchagua Valley, $89.95 +914580 -Santa Ema Gran Reserva Chardonnay Leyda, $16.95 +542365 -Santa Rita Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Maipo, $80 EJGallo -Valdivieso Caballo Loco Grand Cru 2013 Maipo, $52.99 Wine Lovers -Valdivieso Caballo Loco Grand Cru Syrah 2014 Limari, $52.99 Wine Lovers -Valdivieso Caballo Loco Sparkling Brut Nature Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Bio Bio, $44.99 Wine Lovers -Valdivieso Sparkling Extra Brut Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Bio Bio-Itata $21.99 Wine Lovers -Ventisquero Enclave 2013 Pirque, $74.95 Univins -Ventisquero Tara Chardonnay 2015 Atacama, $39.90 +511337 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Veramonte Neyen 215 Apalta, $59.95 -Aresti Family Collection Assemblage 2014 Curico, $29.95 Lexcellent -Aresti Trisquel Assemblage 2016 Curico, $19.95 Lexcellent -Casa Silva Microterroir Carmenere 2011 Colchagua, $59 Churchill -Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Maipo, $24.95 +353086 March 2019 -Casas del Bosque Syrah Pequenas Producciones 2017 Casablanca, $44.95 N/A -La Ranciere Licaten Cabernet Sauvignon Curico Coast 2016, $22.95 Wine Lovers -Luis Felipe Edwards LFE900 Single Vineyard Colchagua 2014, $29.99 Noble Estates -Perez Cruz Chaski Petit Verdot 2014 Maipo Andes, $29.85 +386564 -Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Colchagua, $19.95 +322586 -Santa Alicia Millantu 2016 Maipo, $24.95 +469288 -Santa Alicia Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2017 Maipo, $16.95 +406991 -Santa Ema Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Leyda, $15.95 +443507 -Santa Ema Gran Reserva Syrah Leyda, $18.95 +371161 -Santa Ema Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo, $18.95 +485557 -Sutil Acrux 2014 Colchagua, $39.99 Philip Mirabelli -Ventisquero Vertice 2015 Colchagua-Apalta, $34.95 +386911 -Maquis Viola Colchagua 2013, $50 +578013 The Food: pate, cold cuts, international cheeses, breads, pickles, mustards, jams. The Downside: I arrived later than I wanted to. There was no separate table for the seminar wines, but I did find a few on the agency stands. The Upside: a good way to catch up with changes in the Chilean wine industry. The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 2.The Date and Time: Monday, November 19, 2018 3PM to 7PM The Event: A tasting of Fortified Wines as developed by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (17th annual tasting) The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's clubhouse. The Target Audience: WWCC members exclusive. 11 members had signed up. The Availability/Catalogue: All these fortified wines are at the LCBO or by consignment, etc. They include ports, sherries, vermouths, and other beverages. The Quote/Background: This was not a competition or a judging, but a tasting for writing purposes re: Holiday Wines and Gifts. The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada would like to thank each of the supplying agents for their contributions. The Wines: My ratings do NOT include a ranking beyond GOOD, BETTER, and BEST. They are listed randomly within each category. Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % Availability Where Agent or Winery Info **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alvear Fino N/V $12.95 112771 Spain Dry Sherry 15% LCBO FWM Canada -Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe $18.90 231829 Spain Jerez Sherry 15% LCBO General List Woodman Wines and Spirits -Vinicola Hidalgo S.A. Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla D.O. NV $16.95 745448 Spain Jerez Sherry 15% Vintages Noble Estates Wine and Spirits -Osborne Bailen Dry Oloroso NV Spain Jerez Sherry 18% LCBO PMA -Vinicola Hidalgo S.A. Hidalgo Napoleon Amontillado D.O. NV $22.95 471094 Spain Jerez Sherry 17.5% Vintages Noble Estates Wine and Spirits -Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny NA $35.95 121749 Portugal Duoro Various 20% Vintages Sylvestre Wines & Spirits -Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny NA $69.95 149047 Portugal Duoro Various 20% VIntages Sylvestre Wines & Spirits -Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage 2013 $18.45 46946 Portugal Duoro Various 20% LCBO Sylvestre Wines & Spirits -Sandeman Tawny 20 Year Old n/a $64.95 116178 Portugal Douro Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cao 20% Vintages Charton Hobbs -Sandeman Vau Vintage 375ml 1999 $12.95 583013 Portugal Douro Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, 20% Vintages Charton Hobbs -Poli Distillerie Poli vaca Mora $39.95 Italy Veneto 32% Vintages Majestic -Fratelli Branca Fernet Branca $23.15 Italy Emiglia Romagna 40% Vintage Essential Majestic -Fratelli Branca Punt E Mes $23.95 Italy Emiglia Romagna 16% Consignment Majestic Wine Cellars -Fratelli Branca Antica Formula 1000ml $50.95 Italy Emiglia Romagna 16.50% Consignment Majestic Wine Cellars -Sibona Distellerie Amaro Sibona $33.95 Italy Piedmonte 28% Consignment Majestic Wine Cellars ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Warre Otima 10 Year Old $21.95 566174 Portugal Douro Port 20% LCBO GL Dionysus -Distilleria Caffo Vecchio Amaro Del Capo $32.95 Italy Calabria 35% Vintages Majestic Wine Cellars -Fonseca White Port N/V $16.95 276816 Portugal Port 20% LCBO FWM Canada -Gonzalez Byass Croft Original Fine Pale Cream Sherry $15.95 73452 Spain Jerez Sherry 17.5% Vintages Woodman Wines and Spirits -Sandeman LBV 2013 $17.45 195974 Portugal Douro Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional 20.50% LCBO GL Charton Hobbs -Bottega Vermouth Rosso NV $24.95 Italy Merlot 16% Quebec Noble Estates Wine and Spirits -Fratelli Branca Carpano Classico $25.95 Italy Emiglia Romagna 16% Consignment Majestic Wine Cellars -Karlo Estates Van Alstine White 2017 $39 Canada Prince Edward County Frontenac Blanc 18% Karlo Estates Winery -Prince Hubert De Polignac Reynac Pineau Des Charentes n/a $22.55 372169 France Cognac Ugni Blanc 17% General List Signature Wines & Spirits -Reif Estate Winery Vinea N/V $29.95 732633 Niagara 20% Vintages March 30/19 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Southbrook Vineyards Whimsy! The Anniversary N/A $29.95 N/A Canada VQA Niagara Peninsula 100% Chardonnay 15.7% winery & online at Southbrook -Williams & Humbert Dry Sack Sherry NV $14 13565 Jerez Sherry 19.5% GL Dandurand -Alvear Medium Dry Fino N/V $12.95 112789 Spain Sherry Amontillado 17% LCBO FWM Canada -Alvear Cream NV $12.75 515791 Sherry 18% Vintages FWM Canada -Fonseca Bin 27 N/V $16.95 325506 Portugal Douro Port 20% LCBO FWM Canada -Sandeman Fine Ruby Port n/a $15.95 23366 Portugal Douro Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cao 19.5% LCBO GL Charton Hobbs -Bottega Vermouth Bianco NV $24.95 Italy Pinot grigio 16% Noble Estates Wine and Spirits -Kittling Ridge Icewine & Brandy NV $19.95 558999 Ontario Vidal 17.18% LCBO -Kittling Ridge Kingsgate Canadian Apera Reserve $8.55 90860 Canada Ontario 20% LCBO -Karlo Estates Van Alstine Red 2016 $29 Canada Prince Edward County Frontenac Noir 18% winery or online at Karlo -Vivace Estate Winery Cavatina n/a $19.00 n/a Canada Southwestern Ontario Foch 19.5% Vivace Estate The Food: pita bread, unsalted roasted almonds, Nicoise olives, water The Contact Person: deantudor@yahoo.com The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94 3. The Date and Time: Tuesday November 20, 2018 2PM - 4PM The Event: Select portfolio tasting of 18 wines from CGU Fine Wines The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve The Target Audience: wine media and licensees The Availability/Catalogue: what we tasted is available now, more different wines will be available in the spring 2019. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Trapet Pere & Fils Gevrey-Chambertain 2015 $116.08 -Domaine David Duband Cote de Nuits Village 2016 $50.21 -Domaine Dublere Savigny-Les-Beaune Villages Les Planchots du Nord 2015 $48.80 -Domaine Dublere Chablis Valmur Grand Cru 2013 $111.16 -Domaine Heitz-Lochhardet Pommard 1er cru Monopole Clos des Poutures 2016 $125.32 -Domaine Francois Mikulski Meursault 2016 $94.63 -Domaine Guillemot-Michel Vire-Clesse Quintaine 2016 $46.84 -Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Chassagne-Montrachet Village Ancegnieres $104.47 -Weingut A. Christmann Pfalz Reiterpfad-Hofstuck GG 2016 $74.98 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Trapet Pere & Fils Alsace Ox Pinot Auxerrois 2016 $27.23 -Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Nuits Saint Georges 2016 $90.58 -Domaine Gerard Julien & Fils Aloxe Corton Les Valozieres 1er Cru 2015 $72.26 -Domaine David Duband Nuits Saint Georges 2016 $88.22 -Domaine R & P Bouley Volnay 2016 $66.99 -Domaine Francois Mikulski Cremant de Bourgogne NV $28.95 -Weingut A. Christmann Pfalz Riesling Trocken 2016 $24.21 -Weingut Schloss Lieser Mosel Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett 2017 $32.27 -Julia Bertram Ahr Handwerk Spatburgunder 2016 $32.16 The Food: no food The Downside: this was the second of three tastings I was at today, quite a bit of running around. The Upside: a chance to re-connect with CGU The Contact Person: cgufinewines@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87 4.The Date and Time: Thursday November 22 2018 2:30 PM to 5 PM The Event: A Tuscan Market Event of wines and foods The Venue: George Brown College The Target Audience: unknown, although some wine media attended The Availability/Catalogue: there were no wine catalogues but at least 4 separate booklets on Tuscan food and wine, with nothing really specific about the brands we tasted. The Quote/Background: The event was organized on behalf of Tuscany and on the occasion of the International Year of Italian Food 2018 by the Italian Trade Commission and Regione Toscana. The Wines: I did not try every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tenuta Pietramora Brumaio Morellino di Scansano $24.95 Gradwell Wines -Tenuta Pietramora Petramora Morellino di Scansano $31.95 Gradwell Wines -Cecchi Chianti Classico Storia di Famiglia 2015 -Andrea Paoletti Rancore 2010 Toscano $61 organic Bespoke Wine & Spirits -Poggio Stenti Maremma Toscana Rosso DOC 2015 $19.90 TWC Imports Licensee -Poggio Stenti Tribulo Montecucco Toscana Rosso DOC 2013 $21 TWC Imports Licensee -Tenute Piccini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013 $34.69 Winelovers -Carpineto Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva 2012 Univins -Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva 2013 Univins -Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon Toscano 2011 Univins ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Fortulla Rosso di Toscana IGT Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc 2011? -Tenuta Pietramora Germile Morellino di Scansano $17.95 Gradwell Wines -Villa Cerna Primocolle Chianti Classico 2015 -Cecchi Chianti 2016 -Uggiano Chianti Roccialta DOCG $14.95 -Falconeri Cabernet Sauvignon di Toscana IGT 2010 -Uggiano Petrai Merlot di Toscana IGT -La Sala Chianti Classico 2015 $26.50 organic Bespoke Wine & Spirits -Poggio Stenti Toscana Bianco IGT 2017 $19.90 TWC Imports Licensee -Dogajolo Toscano Rosso 2015 Univins *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Poggio Stenti Toscana Rosato IGT 2017 $19.90 TWC Imports Licensee -Tenute Piccini Chianti Black Label 2016 $14.99 Winelovers -Tenute Piccini Donna di Valiano Chardonnay 2016 $22.99 Winelovers The Food: there was Lavazza coffee, there were two cheese stands (one of which had a great Pecorino Toscano), and two salami/antipasto meat stands (one of which was a delicious Piaceri d'Italia finocchiona salami). But otherwise information and food was scarce. The two olive oil stands were too crowded for my attentions. The Downside: it got crowded really fast, but I was never really sure who the target audience was drawn from. Also, there was scarce information about the foods. There were sheets on the wines but no overall listing nor prices nor levels of availability. It was a show where there was a lot of hand-selling, which can be effective but only if the crowd was smaller and there was more time. The Upside: I got some exposure to Tuscan wines not normally seen around Toronto. The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 82 5.The Date and Time: Monday November 26, 2018 1:30 - 6PM The Event: Bubbles Against Troubles Sparkling Wine Tasting in aid of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The Venue: Peter Pan Bistro [upstairs] The Target Audience: wine trade and consumers The Availability/Catalogue: all stands had tech sheets and/or lists of wines being poured. The Quote/Background: Mark Cuff of The Living Vine had always wanted to have a sparkling wine tasting from natural and biodynamic wineries. Here he collaborates with Nicholas Pearce, Le Sommelier, The Vine, Cru Wine Merchants, and Noble Estates for a range of sparklers from Champagnes through to Pet-Nat [petillant naturel, methode ancestrale]. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. The Living Vine also had top-notch ciders (Southbrook Organic Wild Ferment Cider 2017, $13.30; Eric Bordelet Normandy Brut Tendre Cider $17.95, and Poire Authentique Cidre $23.95; and Meinklang Foam Cider $33). And a beer (Meinklang Urkhorn Ale Burgenland 330 mL $4.75). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): not in any order -Paulo Laureano Sparkling Brut DOC Bucelas 2010 $29.95 Lic Nicolas Pearce [my fave] -Sorelle Bronca Diffetto Perfetto Sur Lie Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore NV $23.95 Lic Cru -Raventos I Blanc L'Hereu Vlanc de Blancs Brut 2016 $27 Lic Cru -Monmarthe Champagne Secret de Famille Brut $48.95 Lic Cru -Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco NV $66.95 The Vine -Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut CSV Trad Method 2009 $44.75 The Vine -Bottega White Gold Venezia DOC +348318 Vintages $29 -Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose Brut +158550 $99 -13th Street Blanc de Blanc VQA $20.90 Lic -Champagne Gosset Grand Reserve Brut NV $76.95 Lic Le Sommelier -JM Sohler Cremant d'Alsace Blanc de Blancs Brut 2015 $24.95 Lic Le Sommelier -Clos Lentiscus Blanc Brut Nature 2014 Penedes $33.95 Lic Le Sommelier -Clos Lentiscus Pet-Nat Malvasia Sitges 2014 Penedes $41.95 Lic Le Sommelier -Clos Lentiscus Rose Brut Nature 2012 Penedes $32.95 Lic Le Sommelier -Clos Lentiscus Rose 41N Brut Nature 2013 Penedes $36.95 Lic Le Sommelier -Julia & Navines Cave Brut Nature Reserva “No SO2” Penedes $19.95 Lic Le Sommelier -Champagne Goutorbe Bouillot Reflects de Riviere Brut NV $58.95 Lic Nicolas Pearce -Champagne Ducret Le Chemin du Chemin Premier Cru NV $58.95 Lic Nicolas Pearce -Champagne Fleury Blanc de Noirs $68 The Living Vine -Barmes-Buecher Cremant d'Alsace Zero Dosage 2016 $32.95 The Living Vine -Domaine Geschickt Double Zero Cremant d'Alsace 2016 $32.95 The Living Vine -Chateau Leoube Sparkling de Leoube NV Provence $69.95 The Living Vine -Alta Alella Cava Mirgin Rose Reserva 2016 $24.95 The Living Vine -Recaredo Cava Terrers 2012 Penedes $45.95 The Living Vine -Vittorio Bera & Figli Moscato d'Asti 2017 Piedmont $29.95 The Living Vine -Podere Carvarola Lambrusco La Rondinina 2016 Emilia Romagna $24.95 The Living Vine -Meinklang Foam Red Burgenland $36.95 The Living Vine -Southbrook Vineyards Biodynamic Bubbly Chardonnay 2017 VQA $25.12 The Living Vine -Supernatural Wine Co. Super Pet-Nat $38 The Living Vine -Figuiere Atmosphere Sparkling Grenache $45 [orange?] The Living Vine ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Sorelle Bronca Brut Superiore Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore NV $20.95 Lic Cru -Raventos I Blanc De Nit Rose Brut 2016 $32.95 Lic Cru -Quid Rosato Brut NV Aglianico/Sangiovese $19.95 The Vine -Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs Brut Trad Method 2015 $65.95 The Vine -13th Street Cuvee Rose VQA $20.90 Lic -Bonnet-Huteau Terre Australe Pen-Nat NV Loire $25.95 Lic Le Sommelier -Rolet Cremant de Jure Rose Brut NV $33.95 Lic Le Sommelier -Aphros Phaunus PetNat Loureiro Vinho Verde DOC 2016 Lima $34.95 Lic Le Sommelier -Mas Codina Brut Nature Reserva Cava Penedes NV $19.95 Lic Nicolas Pearce -Domaine Baud Brut Sauvage Cremant de Jura NV $32.95 Lic Nicolas Pearce -Mure Cremant d'Alsace NV $24.95 Lic Nicolas Pearce -Chateau Barouillet Splash Pey-Nat VDF NV $26.95 Lic Nicholas Pearce -La Stoppa Malvasia $25 The Living Vine -Domaine Geschickt Obi Wine Keno Bulle Pet-Nat Alsace 2017 $37 The Living Vine -Alta Alella Cava Mirgin Reserva 2016 $24.95 The Living Vine -Massimago Zurlie Corvina Rose NV Veneto 600 mL $23.95 The Living Vine -Massimago Mago Spumante Rose Brut 2016 Veneto $34.95 The Living Vine -Fattoria Sardi Pet-Nat 2017 Tuscany $24.95 The Living Vine -Podere Carvarola Lambrusco Il Cenerino 2016 Emilia Romagna $24.95 The Living Vine -Claus Preisinger Ancestral Sankt Laurent 2017 $44.95 The Living Vine The Food: tubular crisps, popcorn, puff paste twists, veggies, olives, dips, bread. The Downside: it was raining outside, making it awkward to attend the event. The Upside: overall, one of the best wine shows I have ever tasted at. It was only a few months back that The Living Vine brought forth the first “orange” wine show in Toronto, and that too was a fab event. The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR OCTOBER 2018 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH – 1.Vinha do Cais Ribeira Douro Reserva 2015 +523639 Vintages $13.95: a fine wine from the vineyards of Barao de Vilar in the hills of Douro Superior. The red blend contains tourigas nacional/franca/barroca and tinta roriz (the same grapes as in Port: winemaker Alvaro van Zeller is well-known for his award-winning Ports). The table wine is named after one of the top 31 streets in the world for walking (Conde Nast). It's a little dense right now (as most Douro table wines are) and needs to open up, despite three years in bottle: I did a double decant over four days and – bingo – great fruit, soft aromas, fat/fleshy/fresh/fruity flavours, at a marvelous price. 13% ABV. And as the price has not changed, an even greater value than the 2014. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.The Barry Bros Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Clare Valley +632059 $19.95 Vintages January: a new SCS blend, this one 65% shiraz and 35% cab sauvignon. A combo of cherry-berry red and black fruits served up with typical shiraz dusty spices. French oak is used, and shows in the tannin resolution at the finish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Champagne Taittinger Nocturne Sec NV +618389 $69.95 Vintages December: this wine has been at this price level for at least the past 5 years. The one at the LCBO is the Disco Ball design bottle. Champagne for the end of dinner with dessert or a savoury, or by itself socially for later in the evening (hence the name). Actually, a social Champagne for party goers. The blend is chardonnay 40%, pinot noir 35%, and pinot meunier 25%, from 30 different vineyards from various vintages, and cellared for 4 years before disgorgement. The end result is smooth and creamy, with a long flavourful off-dry (“Sec” - 17.5 g/L dosage) finish. So it lies somewhere between Extra-Sec and Demi-Sec categories, perhaps closer to the “extra” level. Absolutely delightful for New Year's Eve. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Estate Blanc de Blanc 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +315200 Vintages December, $44.95: there is not much more to say about this wine that I haven't already said over the years – it's simply one of the top performing bottles of Traditional Method or secondary fermentation in the province. The price has not changed over the years, still $44.95 (going back a l-o-n-g time), but the grapevines are older and producing quality material. This is estate grown (Short Hills Bench) 100% chardonnay, the best juice selected for 20% barrel fermentation and then aged for up to 60 months in the bottle before being disgorged. Very close to champagne, with its elegance and smoothness plus citric overtones especially in the finish, and that typical yeasty baked goods aromatics. 12.5% ABV, a personal fave of mine. Needs another six months for the disgorgement addition to come together. The 2012 was a Gold Medal winner at 2017 All Canadian Wine Championships. 308 6-btl cases in a small lot production. Quality/Price rating is 93+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2015 Mendoza, +128629, $19.95 Vintages March 2019: black fruit dominates this substantial wine. Made from older vines (many are 50 years old). Ageing in French and US oak barrels for 14 months, still needs time to resolve despite 4 years of age. 14.2% ABV, a hefty thick wine that dominates. Best for carnivores? You decide. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Luigi Bosca Malbec Terroir Los Miradores 2014 Single Vineyard Valle de Uco Mendoza, +568899 Vintages, $32.95: Lately, we have seen many high priced Argentine malbec wines from single vineyards and with special handling in the Ontario marketplace, at about the $25 – 39 price range. Here is another one – 30% of this wine was aged in new French oak for 12 months with ML fermentation, rest in stainless steel tanks. Highly structured but with dark red fruit, dried figs, and mocha nuances, not light (14.3% ABV). Oak aging adds some toastiness and cedar tones. Could handle up to 15 years of aging. Needs food such as heavy red meat and game. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 Vintages, $24.95: both cabernet franc (4%) and sauvignon (50%) are used in this Bordeaux-styled blend which comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux New World and Old World. It is still in its youth at 3 years of age, and it would be a shame to consume it this young. You could do what I did: open it and drink it over a couple of weeks, exposing it to air gently or speeding up the process by double-triple decanting. You will get several different wines out of one bottle over the course of time. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by French and US oak (40% new) for 18 months. Currently, you could match it with heavy meats. 13.5% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Speck Family Reserve 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench, +657874 Vintages, $34.95: top of the line pinot noir from Ontario, fruit-forward with enough black/dark tones of cherry-berry capable of long cellar aging. The winery says Clones 667 on Block 100 were used for 250 cases. Tank fermentation with 10 months small European oak barrel aging, finishing as blended in an oak tank. Very, very food friendly. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah Mourvedre Grenache 2015 Cotes du Roussillon, +413245, $18.95 Vintages Nov: 14% ABV, GSM style all the way. One third of the wine is matured in barrels for 9 months and then blended with vatted wines. Jammy, upfront black fruit coupled with both mocha and subtle spice cake tones. Sip or with food. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2016 IGP Pays d'Oc, +147975, $14.95 Vintages January 2019: aromatic but on the dry side, perfect as a social wine or for first course. Expect peachy and orange character, but of course no oak. Youthful and useful with nuances of orchard fruit and spicy nuts. No malolactic fermentation. Could go either way with or without food, hence versatile. 13.5% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde 2017, +471284, $12.95 Vintages January 2019: 12% ABV, with lightly floral tones on the nose and on the palate, ending with aromatic softness. 100% Loureiro as a vinho verde. Best sipped or with Asiatic appetizers. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Baron de Hoen Pinot Gris Reserve 2016 Alsace, +461657, $16.95 Vintages: stainless steel production, 12.5% ABV. Plenty of dried fruit tones, good body with some biscuits. Alsatian pinot gris is among the best of all pinot gris – and this one is at a concentrated, reserve level. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015, +959627, $45.95 Vintages December: a bargain wine for its price (up only two bucks since the 2011 vintage), but still too young to consume unless you double-decant and drink it over a few days. Half of the wine was made in barrels, the other half in vats. A selection of the better barrels is made into a single blend after 18 months, and stored for four to six months before release. It will be well-aged after another 10 years. Of the 13 permitted varieties, grenache, syrah, and mourvedre are dominant, with cinsault, counoise, muscardin, and vaccarese added. Still tight but plenty of black fruits and spices. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Monday October 1, 2018 1PM – 4:30PM The Event: The Living Vine Portfolio Tasting The Venue: Spoke Club The Target Audience: wine trade (buyers, sommeliers, media) The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were in stock, a few were private orders. The catalogue booklet (with copious extensive notes on the principals) was accompanied by an order form. The pouring tables were arranged by country. The Quote/Background: The Living Vine specializes in natural and organic and biodynamic wines from a dozen different countries and multiple regions within. They rep about 100 different wineries with rotating lists of available wines. Mark Cuff, who operates the company, is probably the first “port of call” for many such wines in Ontario. In fact, a decade ago (on February 2008) he was the first one to put on a massive trade show (“Return to Terroir”) featuring such wines at the Distillery District. His firm is at www.thelivingvine.ca, and most wines are available through the site. The Wines: I did not try every wine. There were two biodynamic ciders from Bordelet Normandy, Brut Pomme Tendre ($18.95) and Poire Granite ($23.95), and an organic cider from Southbrook (Wild Ferment Cider 2017 $13.30 Lic). In addition, there was a tasting of some 18 wines from Southbrook Winery in Ontario – what I did taste have been folded into the notes below. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -BK Swaby Chardonnay Adelaide Hills 2016 $49.95 -Brash Higgins CBSV Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale 2016 $45.95 -Ochota Barrels Texture Like Sun Magnum Adelaide 2017 $112.95 [magnum] -Ruggabellus Salumodo Riesling/Semillon Barossa 2014 $75.95 [orange] -Ruggabellus Archaeus Syrah Barossa 2015 $75.95 -Ghostwriter Bates Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz 2013$103.95 -Hobo Folk Machine White Light Sonoma 2017 $26.95 -Cowhorn Spiral 36 Willamette $37.95 -Southbrook Triomphe Riesling 2016 $19.21 Lic -Southbrook Biodynamic Bubbly 2017 $25.12 Lic -Southbrook Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2016 $33.60 Lic -Southbrook Poetica Chardonnay 2012 $43.74 -Southbrook Witness Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ?? -Portal de Priorat Siuralta Gris Grenache Gris Orange Priorat 2015 $53.95 -Punctum 20,000 Leagues Orange La Mancha 2017 $16.95 -Barmes-Buecher Steingrubler Grand Cru Riesling Alsace 2014 $51 -Fleury Champagne Blanc de Noirs Brut NV $67.95 -Grappin Les Greves Burgundy White $98.95 PoW -Ostertag Jardins Pinot Blanc Alsace 2016 $29.95 -Ostertag Jardins Sylvaner Alsace 2016 $29.95 -Pinte Chardonnay Jura 2015 $36.95 -Ratte Chardonnay Jura $46.95 PoW -Domaine de la Garreliere Milliard d'Etoiles Touraine $35.95 -Casa Wallace Gold Sauvignon Blanc Piedmont 2014 $27.95 -Cirelli Pecorino Le Marche 2017 $26.95 -COS Maldafrica Cab/Merlot 2014 Sicily $79.95 -Fabio Gea Cul Otte Langhe Nebbiolo Piedmont 2015 $82.95 -Massimago Amarone Veneto $123.99 -Ant Moore Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2017 $18.95 -Dry River Gewurztraminer Marlborough $46.95 PoW -Millton Riverpoint Viognier Gisborne 2015 $31.95 -Valli Old Vine Riesling Otago 2012 $36.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Brash Higgins GR/M Grenache/Mourvedre McLaren Vale 2016 $45.95 -Brash Higgins CHN Chenin Blanc McLaren Vale 2016 $42.95 -Camp Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma 2016 $29.95 -Camp Chardonnay Sonoma 2017 $29.95 -Cowhorn Viognier Willamette 2015 $52.95 -Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2016 $20.90 Lic -Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rose 2017 $16.67 Lic -Southbrook Poetica Red 2013 $59.93 Lic -Southbrook Triomphe Merlot 2016 $25.12 Lic -Alta Alella Cau d'en Genis Barcelona 2016 $29.95 [xarel.lo] -Celler Credo Miranius Xarel.lo Penedes $24.95 -Anne de Joyeuse Camas Chardonnay 2017 $13.95 -Batard Langelier Polaris Muscadet Loire $18.95 -Chateau Beru Bourgogne Chardonnay Chablis 2016 $52.95 -Claire Ouzoulias Clos Chantel l'Alouette St. Emilion $39.95 -Ecu Muscadet Classic Loire $22.95 [magnum] PoW -Vittorio Bera Moscato d'Asti Piedmont 2017 $29.95 -Fonterenza Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany 2010$288.95 [magnum] -Millton Te Arai Chenin Blanc Gisborne 2016 $29.95 -Millton Crazy By Nature Chardonnay Gisborne $25.95 -Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $34.95 PoW The Food: there was a charcuterie board and a cheese board, plus biscuits and fruit/veggies. The Downside: I could not taste every wine. The Upside: It was a good collection, and a chance to catch up with Southbrook Winery (Ontario). The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. 2.The Date and Time: Wednesday October 3, 2018 1Pm – 3:30PM The Event: To Venture is to Be Bold – the media launch of the new Venture wine line from Magnotta. The Venue: Woods The Target Audience: wine media The Availability/Catalogue: three of the Venture wine line are already available at the LCBO. Everything is available at the Magnotta stores. Apart from the sparkler ($25.95), the wines are currently line priced at $14.95 each. There are about 180 different products available with the Magnotta name. The Quote/Background: A long time supporter of Toronto-area healthcare facilities, CEO Rossana Magnotta has launched the G. Magnotta Foundation for Vector-Borne Diseases to help establish Canada's first research facility to study Lyme Disease and eventually other vector-borne diseases. The research will lead to better testing and treatment for Lyme Disease patients in Canada. Her husband Gabe suffered and then died from Lyme disease. The Wines: We tasted each wine separately and then paired it with a dish. There were seven courses in all. Both Peter Rotar (chief winemaker) and Mrs. Magnotta spoke about each wine and the appropriate pairing. All of the wines were made from grapes grown in five vineyards in Niagara. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Venture Chardonnay VQA 2016 $14.95 Magnotta stores or online -Venture Dry Rose VQA [pinot grigio85 and pinot noir15] $14.95 Magnotta stores or online -Venture Cabernet Sauvignon VQA 2016 $14.95 +574541 13.3% ABV ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Venture Starlight Sparkling Wine VQA $25.95 LCBO December -Venture Pinot Noir VQA 2016 $14.95 Magnotta stores or online *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Venture Pinot Grigio 2016 VQA $14.95 +574533 12.5%ABV The Food: there were about 40 attendees at the tasting. We began with the Venture Starlight Sparkling Wine VQA (89 pts) $25.95 at the LCBO in December, in time for the holidays. It was a Riesling-Vidal blend (from 18 year old vines) in a golden bottle. The bottle had been expressly imported from Italy. It was the same idea (but a different shape from) Bottega's Gold Prosecco. It was paired with charcuterie and pate, but its off-dry nature was a bit too intense for the meats. Next up was the Venture Pinot Grigio 2016 VQA (87 pts) $14.95 12.5%ABV, with house lightly smoked Ontario salmon and quinoa salad. This was followed by Venture Chardonnay VQA 2016 (91 pts) $14.95 at Magnotta stores or online, accompanied by Ontario pickerel and wild rice risotto. The Venture Dry Rose VQA [pinot grigio and pinot noir] (92 pts) $14.95 at Magnotta stores or online hit the spot with the Ontario organic greens with Magnotta icewine vinaigrette. Venture Pinot Noir VQA 2016 $14.95 Magnotta stores or online was up next for the Ontario lamb chop and braised rack of lamb, with compelling root vegetables. I really enjoyed the Venture Cabernet Sauvignon VQA 2016 $14.95 13.3% ABV, especially with the pan seared Ontario elk. The Downside: we started late and I had another engagement to run to; I missed most of one main course and dessert. The Upside: 50 cents from every Venture bottle sold goes to Lyme disease research at the University of Guelph. The Contact Person: marisa.mainella@magnotta.com rossana.magnotta@magnotta.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 3.The Date and Time: Wednesday Oct 3 2018 1PM to 5PM The Event: The 6th annual Portfolio Tasting of Mark Anthony Wines & Spirits The Venue: Aperture Room, Dundas and Elm The Target Audience: wine clients and sommeliers and media The Availability/Catalogue: wines were available for purchase, some by consignment, others by private order, a few are at the LCBO too. The Quote/Background: finally after six years Mark Anthony got the catalogue right...it was something easy to hold and mark up, with space for notes. The Wines: I did not try every wine. Prices are Licensee, order from Mark Anthony. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Lanson White Label NV Brut $66.49 -Champagne Lanson Black Label NV Brut $56.49 -Champagne Lanson Rose Label NV Brut $66.49 -Louis Latour Chateau Corton Grancey Grand Cru Rouge 2016 $196.89 -Brotte Les Hauts de Barville Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2017 $50.99 PoW -Brotte Domaine Barville Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2016 $56.99 PoW -Chateau Cantin Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2015 $49.99 PoW -Alain Brumont Chateau Montus La Tyre 2009 $135.27 -Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri DOC 2016 +606194 $64.75 retail -Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia 2015 +414987 $99 retail -Mission Hill Family Estate Perpetua Okanagan Valley 2013 $48.80 -Mission Hill Family Estate Compendium Okanagan Valley 2012 $57.81 -Stags' Leap Winery Viognier Napa 2016 +597369 $39.95 retail -Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Tapestry Red Wine Napa 2013 $54.93 -Beringer Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2014 +149955 $219.95 retail ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Maison Simonnet-Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne P100 Blanc de Noir NV $46.99 -Alain Brumont Chateau Montus Madiran 2013 $33.76 -Alois Lageder Lowengang Chardonnay Alto Adige 2014 +473850 $71 retail -Tenuta Sant'Antonio Campo dei Gigli Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2013 $80.81 PoW -Luce della Vite La Vite Lucente Toscana IGT 2014 $30.38 -Luce della Vite Luce Toscana IGT 2015 +685264 $114.95 retail -Luce della Vite Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013 +120881 $119.95 retail -Ornellaia Le Volte dell'Ornellaia Toscana IGT 2016 +964221 $29.95 retail -Tormaresca Chardonnay Puglia IGT 2017 $16.03 -Bodegas Vivanco Coleccion Vivanco 4 Varietales Rioja DOCa 2016 $68.80 PoW -Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz South Australia 2015 +309625 $99 retail -Achaval-Ferrer Finca Altimira Vino Tinto Malbec Mendoza 2014 $135 PoW and LCBO 2019 -Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2016 $28.75 Direct Delivery -Mission Hill Family Estate Quatrain Okanagan Valley 2013 $61.33 -Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus Okanagan Valley 2014 $135 -Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay Napa 2016 +655381 $39.95 retail -Stags' Leap Winery Merlot Napa 2014 $45.75 -Etude Wines Grace Benoist Ranch Chardonnay Carneros Estate Napa 2015 $40 -Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2016 $69.99 PoW The Food: when I got there at 3:30, all of the food was gone and none of it had been replenished. The Downside: I had a conflict with an earlier engagement; consequently, I did not try all the wines that I wanted to. Also, the room was exceptionally noisy – enough so that I ended up pointing to the wine I wanted poured into my glass. The Upside: great wines! The Contact Person: kmattsson@markanthony.com or awebb@markanthony.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 4.The Date and Time: Saturday October 14 Noon The Event: Examining and eating the Whole Life Expo media canvas tote bag. The Venue: My house The Target Audience: my wife and I The Availability/Catalogue: everything can be found at the 32nd annual Whole Life Expo (www.wholelifeexpo.ca) at the Metro Convention Centre Nov 9, 10, and 11. As Canada's largest showcase of natural health and green living, this event plays host to over 200 exhibitors and 80 speakers from across North America. Check out the program at the website. One of the speakers is Pat Crocker, author of Healing Cannabis Edibles, a cookbook of safe edibles with reliable doses. [see my review at my blog] The Quote/Background: the media bag contained two types of goodies, best described as food and facial. Some were not applicable, and were passed on to others. We did have material from Flora, which involved Floradix Formula for iron deficiency (my wife), Women's Care Probiotics with over 25 billion viable cells to aid digestive health and absorption of nutrients, while supporting the immune function (my wife), and Flora Apple Cider Vinegar (yummy if taken by the tablespoon). There was Chai True Cinnamon, added to my Organo instant coffees, the Organic Traditions “turmeric latte” with probiotics and saffron (mostly for me: my wife had her own Flora pro-biotics), a delicious Healthy Crunch Kale Chips bag (with onion flavours), and for dessert: cranberries from Patience Fruit Company, and baru seeds from Brazil via Baru Baron. Should we have done this at night, the media kit also had a beeswax tea light from The Bee Shop (Bloor Street). Healthy organic and Free Trade snacks all round, with serious consideration of wine pairing...see below... The Wines: Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Rose 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 winery and online: this is 100% pinot noir, with a great colour. Cherry-berry complexity (think strawbs, rasps, even cranberries making it tarter on the finish). Perfect with a snack of organic dried cranberries. Totally dry on the palate with enough substance and citric minerality to create a lingering on the finish. We tasted it as a sipper with organic snacks. Do drink it as fresh as you can right now. 12% ABV. Finished under cork. 90 pts. Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Tradition 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula Vintages +392738 $29.95 November 2018 Vintages: as is typical with well-made pinot noirs in Ontario, there is concentration of immense red fruit flavours here, with some Ontario cranberry tartness on the finish (indeed, it goes well with organic dried cranberries). It does, of course, need bottle time, but this should repay the purchase price. I'm guessing four more years. Otherwise, do a double decant or open for a few days, at least with a one bottle purchase. Aged in French oak (35% new) for 16-20 months. It's a natural wine with little intervention by chief winemaker Thomas Bachelder. 92pts. The Food: see above The Downside: I was still hungry The Upside: I could swallow wine at home The Contact Person: briana@thesirengroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 5.The Date and Time: Monday October 15 2018 11:30AM to 4PM The Event: Italian Wine Expo 2018; discovering the many regions of Italian wines. The Venue: Lodge on Queen, 251 Queen St West The Target Audience: wine media and trade The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue listed some 90 wines, most available through Heirloom Vine Imports, one of the sponsors of the show. Prices, vintages, and a brief description of the company were provided. There were 19 companies attending. More details at www.heirloomvineimports.com The Quote/Background: There was a relaxed seminar for an hour before the walkaround portion; these 15 wines were talked about by Jamie Drummond and I have incorporated my rating into the listings below. There was also a public tasting from 5Pm to 8PM. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are generally licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Soc. Agr.F.Lli Biagi Montepulciano d'Abbruzo Colline Teramane DOCG Riserva “Matteo Biagi” 2009 14Euros -Castello di Roncade Villa Guistinian Cuvee Veneto IGT 2013 $41.90 -Tenuta Montenmagno Monferrato Rosso Violae 2017 $25.90 Lic -Dogliotti 1870 Barolo DOCG 2013 n/a. $51 for the 2014. Lic -Conte d'Attimis Maniago Sauvignon DOC Colli Orientali 2017 $27.10 Lic -Gaspare Buscemi Perle d'Uva 2004 15 Euros; current vintage is 2014 @ 9.5 Euros -Castello di Roncade Raboso Piave 2014 $21.74 -Tenuta Mantemagno Mysterium Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 2015 $45.85 lic -Terre di Bruca 41 Quarantuno Nero D'Avola Bio 2012 $44.35 Lic [organic] -Le Tenute del Garda Sottosopra Vino Turbolento Sparkling NV $34.60 Retail ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Castello di Roncade Bianco Dell'Arnasia Chardonnay di Venezia DOC 2015 $23.40 -Dogliotti 1870 Barbaresco DOCG 2015 $49.40 Lic -Castello di Roncade Raboso dell'Arnasa DOC Piave 2014 $25.50 Lic -Terre di Bruca Syrano Syrah IGT Sicilia 2016 organic $23 Lic -Terre di Bruca Quaranta Nero d'Avola IGT Sicilia 2015 organic$23.50 Lic -Le Colyure Prosecco Brut Fagher $22.95 retail -Kurtin Soc. Agr. Friulano Collio DOP 2017 -Le Tenute del Garda Lucone Garda DOC Groppello 2015 $23.75 Retail -Conte d'Attimis Schioppettino Friuli Colli Orientali 2015 $35.52 Lic -Tenuta Monte Gorna Etna Rosso 2014 -Tenute Falezza Agr. San Felice Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Soc Agr Ca dei Faggi Cantina Perabo Ribolla Gialla Brut 2017 5.5Euros -Podere Roverat Tai da Mar 2016 4 Euros -Kurtin Soc. Agr. Ribolla Gialla 2017 The Food: charcuterie and cheese platters plus breads and veggies The Downside: I had to leave early for another tasting. The Upside: a chance to reconnect with some Italian wines since I will not be in town when ICE comes in on Oct 29. The Contact Person: renee@heirloomvineimports.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 6.The Date and Time: Monday October 15 2018 1:30 PM to 4 PM The Event: Rogers & Company Chateau, Villa & Estate Wines annual portfolio tasting The Venue: George The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: wines were available by the 3, 6, 12 pack case, but not in every label. The Quote/Background: Every year Rogers & Co puts on probably the best show of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Plus, of course, cabs from other regions, and pinot noirs, and an equal section of white varietals. The reach is also Spain, Italy, France, plus emerging regions of Argentina and New Zealand. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Wines are not in any order. All prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Axial Vinos Lagar de Proventus Tr3amano 2016 Ribera del Duero $76.95 -Marques de Murrieta Rioja Reserva 2014 $31.95 -Marques de Murrieta Rioja Gran Reserva 2011 $69.95 -Marques de Murrieta “Castillo Ygay” Rioja Gran Reserva Especial 2009 $175.95 [my fave red wine of the tasting] -Domaine de la Bretonniere Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2017 $16.95 -Masson-Blondelet Pouilly Fume Villa Paulus 2017 -Champagne Delamotte Brut NV $60.95 -Clos Bellane Chateauneuf-du-Pape Urgonien 2015 $60.95 -Olivier Leflaive Meursault 2015 $111.95 -Olivier Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 2015 $124.95 -Olivier Leflaive Volnay 2014 $86.95 -Continuum Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2015 $348.95 -Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2014 $82.95 -Castello di Volpaia Coltassala Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015 $64.95 -Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2013 Montosoli $109.95 -Shafer Vineyards Stags Leap District Napa Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $423.95 -Shafer Vineyards Stags Leap District Napa One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $134.95 -Forman Vineyard Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $143.95 -Dominus Estate Dominus 2014 $385.95 -Dominus Estate Napanook 2014 $114.95 -Quintessa Rutherford Napa Red Wine 2015 $212.95 -Paul Hobbs Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $132.95 -O'Shaughnessy Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $205.95 -Share & Splash Wine Co. High Dive Napa 2015 $149.95 -Domaine Serene Dundee hills “Evenstad” Reserve Chardonnay 2016 $98.95 -Crossbarn Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2016 $32.95 -Paul Hobbs RRV Chardonnay 2015 $66.95 -Grgich Hills Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015 $62.95 [my fave white wine of the tasting] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Astrolabe Province Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $21.45 -Astrolabe Valleys Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $21.45 -Buehler Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2016 -Brack Mountain Wine Company “Bench” Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $29.95 -Buil & Gine GineGine Priorat 2016 $27.95 -Terra Costantino deAetne Etna Bianco 2016 $30.95 -Fontodi Chianti Classico 2015 $37.95 -Fontodi Fiaccianello della Pieve IGT 2015 $131.95 -Agricola Punica Montessu 2015 $29.95 -Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec 2017 $64.95 -Domaine des Hates Chablis 2017 $29.95 -Chateau Vieux Lartigue 2011 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru $37.95 -Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2016 $39.95 -Pio Cesare Barolo 2014 $79.95 -Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2015 $39.95 -Ovid Proprietary Red Wine 2015 $471.95 -O'Shaughnessy Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $122.95 -Domaine Serene Dundee hills “Evenstad” Reserve Pinot Noir 2015 $116.95 The Food: cheeses, breads, crispy battered and fried green beans The Downside: I had arrived late from another tasting The Upside: my annual swing through Napa Cabs! The Contact Person: s.stoddart@rogcowines.com or The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 7.The Date and Time: Tuesday October 16 2018 2PM - 4 PM The Event: A Taste of Sonoma: the annual tour through Toronto The Venue: The Carlu The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through the LCBO or as PoW The Quote/Background: There were 25 wineries pouring about 75 premium wines, ranging from established classics to premieres. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NV $34.95 PoW -Benziger Tribute Bordeaux Blend 2014 $107 -Dry Creek The Mariner Meritage Red Blend 2013 $55 -Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2014 $40 -Sebastiani Gravel Bed Red Blend Sonoma Coast 2016 $45 -Francis Ford Coppola Archimedes Cabernet Bordeaux Blend Alexander Valley 2014 Vintages -J Vineyards Russian River Chardonnay 2016 $41 -La Crema Chardonnay RRV 2016 $39.95 -Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Chardonnay RRV 2016 $70 -Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2015 $75 -Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2013 $100 -Rodney Strong Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2013 $100 -Rodney Strong Crown Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2013 $100 -Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel 2014 Alexander Valley $55 -Siduri Parsons Pinot Noir 2015 RRV $70 -Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2015 $50 -St. Francis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Alexander Valley $80 -The Calling Pinot Noir 2016 RRV $61 -The Calling Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2016 RRV $45 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV $33.95 +192898 Vintages -Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $55 -Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2016 $71 -Failla Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2015 $57 -Chalk Hill Chardonnay Sonoma County 2015/2016 $67 -J Vineyards Russian River Pinot Noir 2016 $52 -Patz & Hall Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2016 $65 -Robert Young Estate Winery Merlot 2013 Alexander Valley $81 -Robert Young Estate Winery Barrel Select Chardonnay 2015 Alexander Valley $61 -Robert Young Estate Winery Scion Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Alexander Valley The Food: a rich range of charcuterie, cheeses, veggies breads, smoked salmon. The Downside: nothing really The Upside: with Rogers & Co's Napa collection of cabs and chardonnays, I had a good opportunity to compare vis a vis Sonoma The Contact Person: calwine@sympatico.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 2018 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com 1.The Date and Time: Tuesday September 4, 2018 11AM to 3PM The Event: Wine Luncheon with Sandro Bottega The Venue: Biagio Ristorante The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: there are many wines in the portfolio, and they will be on-stream in due course. Most of what we tasted was not generally available in Ontario, but could be obtained through the offices of Noble Estates, Bottega's agent. The Quote/Background: Sandro Bottega gave an enthusiastic, passionate guide to his plots in the region that makes Prosecco (and his plots in Tuscany and other Italian regions). Throughout his career since 1983 he has made vast use of organic principles in the crafting of Prosecco. Every single bottle in all of his Prosecco ranges is vintage dated. All Prosecco has a modest shelf life of about 5 years if cellared properly. This was evident in the vertical tasting of Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco DOC Brut. The 2013 was slightly oxidized but the mousse was full and thus reminiscent of well-aged Champagne. Personally, I loved it. The 2016 had evolved very well, and would be my personal choice from off the shelf (look closely for the vintage year). His latest project is making vodka from grapes. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco DOC Brut 2013 n/a -Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco DOC Brut 2016 +897702 $15 LCBO -Bottega Gold Prosecco +621458 $27.95 Vintages -Bottega Acino d'Oro Chianti Classico VTG 2015 -Bottega Ancestral Sparkling wine 2017 – unfiltered cloudiness because it is not disgorged. Yummy bone dry character, but a little goes a long way. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco DOC Brut 2014 n/a -Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco DOC Brut 2017 +897702 $15 – bottled May 11 2018 -Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco DOC Rose 2017 +277202 $15 -Bottega Valpolicella Ripasso VTG 2016 – availability? -Bottega Amarone 2014 – availability? -Il Vino Dell' Amore Petal Moscato +588780 $14 LCBO The Food: we had a full scale luncheon with small plates. First up were appetizers of cod, polenta, and ricotta tarts (accompanied by Bottega Gold) at a reception. Seated, we had plated stuzzichini (sundried tomatos, ricotta stuffed puff pastry, potato skin marcapone with bottarga) and Il Vino dei Poeti 2017 with its delicious fruitiness. The antipasto was prosciutto and black figs with Bottega Balsamic reduction and Il Vino dei Poeti Rose 2017. The primo was pasta alla puttanesca with Bottega Acino d'Oro Chianti Classico VTG 2015. The cheese platter was Blu 61, Parmigiano, and Pecorino (Bottega Valpolicella Ripasso VTG 2016 and Bottega Amarone 2014). Dolce was fresh berries marinated in Moscato and washed down with Il Vino Dell' Amore Petal Moscato. I took my biscotti home and also passed on the espresso. Near the end we all had access to his new Gin Bacur (+476309, $39.95) made with Italian botanicals from Veneto (sage), Tuscany (juniper), Sicily (lemon zest), and water from the Italian Alps. Liqueurs included Limoncello, Bottega Nero (chocolate), and Pistachio – plus Grappa Sandro Bottega Club (+478156, $30.45). Not tasted (unfortunately) were his Vermouth Bianco (using pinot grigio as base) and Vermouth Rosso (merlot base) plus 30 botanicals. The Downside: we started late due to projector issues The Upside: a chance to hear Sandro and learn about the sustainable and organic practices of the company. The Contact Person: sandrobottega@bottegaspa.com; spuritt@sympatico.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 2.The Date and Time: Wednesday September 12 11:30 - 5PM The Event: We Are d'Abruzzo Americas Tour 2018 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC. Houston and Boston were the USA cities. The Venue: George Brown College for the seminar; Terroni for the lunch and walk-around. The Target Audience: wine trade. The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were not commercially available in Ontario, but wineries were hopeful of picking up agencies. The Quote/Background: There was a seminar led by Michael Fagan with seven producers showing off their wines (I've folded their wines into the rated listings below). The wine bones of the Abruzzo region were discussed and commented on (32,000 hectares of vines, 3.5 million hectolitres of wine of which 800,000 Hl is Multipulciano d'Abruzzo DOC/DOCG. There are 10,000 producers; most white wine is Trebbiano, but Pecorino is their best white wine. Minor conflict of interest: my Italian grandparents came from Abruzzo. The Wines: I did not try all the wines. Many prices were vague or lacking. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tenuta Ulisse Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP Amaranta 2015 -Valle Martello Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Prima Terra 2012 -Fontefico Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Riserva Titinge 2014 $50 USD [organic] -Codice Citra Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Riserva Caroso 2013 $29.95 Authentic -Collefrisio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Semis 2011 -Il Feuduccio Colline Teatine Pecorino IGT Feuduccio 2017 $28 Woodman -Dora Sarchese Colline Teatine Pecorino IGT Mimi 2017 -Tenuta Arabona Colline Pescaresi Pecorino IGT Organic Mia Natura 2017 Vino Allegro ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Azienda Tilli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Lupus 2016 -Cantina di Ortona Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Gustav 2013 -Di Sipio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP Riserva Di Sipio 2013 -Bosco Nestore Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP Riserva 110 2012 Mavirosa Imp -Azienda Tilli Terre di Chieti Pecorino IGT Concetto 2017 -Bosco Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP Riserva Pan 2013 Mavirosa Imp -Casal Thaulero Terre di Chieti Pecorino IGP Mr. Peco 2017 $13.95 Authentic -Ciavolich Colline Pescaresi IGT Pecorino Aries 2017 -Codice Citra Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP Ferzo 2016 $17.95 Vintages October -Codice Citra Terre di Chieti Pecorino IGP Ferzo 2017 $17.95 Vintages -Collefrisio Terre di Chieti Pecorino IGT Vignaquadra 2017 -Fontefico Abruzzo DOC Pecorino Superiore La Canaglia 2017 -Dora Sarchese Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Mimi 2015 -Tenuta I Fauri Abruzzo DOC Pecorino 2017 -Tenuta Ulisse Terre di Chieti Pecorino IGP Ulisse 2017 -Valle Martello Colline Teatine Pecorino IGT Brado 2017 -Valori Abruzzo DOC Pecorino Organic Valori 2017 The Food: most of the stand-up luncheon finger food was also presented at the walkaround function. We were enticed by Italian pre-cut cheeses, croquettes, fish and tomato stew, spiducci (arrosticini) lamb skewers, pate on crostini with caramelized onions, white anchovies on crostini, grilled cheese and tomato open faced sandwiches, fresh fruit, and more. The breads were from their SudForno bakery. The Downside: the seminar started late, but as there was another tasting, it ended abruptly by 1PM. The Upside: a chance to taste many Pecorino wines not normally listed by the LCBO, plus a few red reserve wines. The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 3. The Date and Time: Monday September 24, 2018 11AM to 6PM The Event: Taste Artisanal Salon: Premier Edition The Venue: St. James Cathedral Centre The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through LCBO distribution channels, including Destination stores, plus a few PoW (private order wine) The Quote/Background: These are foods and drinks made in an artisanal manner (mostly small lots or by hand). There were small quantities of rum and of ciders. Chalk, Slate, Gravel brought in ciders from Normandy, in the $14 - $16 range, all as Private Orders. These were from both Pacory and Pierre Huet, and included perries as well (Poire Fermier, Poire Demi-Sec). Grim de Poire and Pommeau de Normandie were also offered, in the $35 range. The Wines: I did not try all the wines. PoW is Private Order Wine **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Gustave Lorentz Gewurztraminer Reserve 2016 $22.95 Vintages -Martin Berdugo Verdejo Rueda 2016 $22.60 PoW Amethyst -Chateau Bel-Air La Royere L'Esprit de Bel-Air La Royere 2015 Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux $25.95 AMV-Whiz -HGA Altos de Torona Rosal 2015 Rias Baixas $25.95 Spanish Destination Store/online -HGA Bodegas Regina Viarum Via Imperial Mencia 2015 Ribeira Sacra $21 Spanish Destination Store/online -Tenuta Montenmagno Monferrato Rosso Violae 2017 $25.90 Lic Heirloom Vine -Dogliotti 1870 Barolo DOCG 2013 n/a. $51 for the 2014. Lic Heirloom Vine -Conte d'Attimis Maniago Sauvignon DOC Colli Orientali 2017 $27.10 Lic Heirloom Vine -Foss Marai ROOS Brut Spumante +435610 $19.95 -Rossovermiglio Greco 2015 DOC Sannio $21.40 AMV-Whiz -Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG 2015 $15.75 AMV-Whiz -Zorzettig Cabernet Franc 2016 Colli Orientali $20.85 AMV-Whiz -Arrocal Passion Ribeira del Duero 2012 $25.50 Royal York Discovery store -Arrocal Seleccion Ribeira del Duero 2012 $33.40 Royal York Discovery store -Arrocal Angel Ribeira del Duero 2012 $50 Royal York Discovery store ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Martin Berdugo Barrica Ribera del Duero 2015 $18.65 PoW Amethyst -Martin Berdugo Rosado Ribera del Duero 2016 $17.45 PoW Amethyst -Chateau Bel-Air La Royere Gormandise de Bel-Air La Royere 2016 Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux $20.95 AMV-Whiz -Lacey Estates Inox Unoaked Chardonnay 2017 VQA PEC $20.09 Licensee -Lacey Estates Inspired Gewurztraminer 2016 VQA PEC $16.72 Licensee -HGA Bodegas Regina Viarum Via Appia Mencia 2015 Ribeira Sacra $19.80 Spanish Destination Store/online -Dogliotti 1870 Barbaresco DOCG 2014 n/a. $49.40 for the 2015. Lic Heirloom Vine -Castello di Roncade Bianco dell'Arnasa DOC Venezia Chardonnay 2015 $23.40 Lic Heirloom Vine -Castello di Roncade Raboso dell'Arnasa DOC Piave 2014 $25.50 Lic Heirloom Vine -Terre di Bruca Syrano Syrah IGT Sicilia 2016 organic $23 Lic Heirloom Vine -Terre di Bruca Quaranta Nero d'Avola IGT Sicilia 2015 organic$23.50 Lic Heirloom Vine -Anselmi San Vincenzio 2017 +948158 $17.95 -Villacreces Pruno 2016 +312140 $22.95 -Rossovermiglio Fiano 2015 DOC Sannio $21.10 AMV-Whiz -Tenuta di Trecciano Daniello IGT Rosso Toscana 2013 $37.25 AMV-Whiz -Zorzettig Schioppettino 2015 $26 AMV-Whiz -Arrocal Ribeira del Duero 2014 $19.30 Royal York Discovery store The Food: a range of charcuterie and pate, cheeses, breads, preserves (for cheeses), pestos, all from Vinci caterers. The Downside: Desbarres Chocolate, which I did not try, was the only food artisan. The Upside: Chalk, Slate, Gravel brought in ciders from Normandy The Contact Person: annep@tastesenseltd.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 4.The Date and Time: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 3PM to 7PM The Event: the Annual (18th) Sparkling Wine tasting by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. The Venue: WWCC Clubhouse The Target Audience: members of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. The Availability/Catalogue: all of the 80 or so wines are available in Ontario through the usual distribution channels, including "consignment" or "Ontario winery only". The intent is to showcase to our members what wines would be available for the upcoming Holiday seasons. The Quote/Background: The WWCC has been holding this tasting every Fall in order to give its members a chance to taste what is in the marketplace for the upcoming Holiday Seasons (Thanksgiving through New Years and St. Valentine's Day) and to write about them. Writers would turn up over the course of a day for the walkaround and taste at their own speed. We the WWCC would like to thank our industry partners for the opportunity to sample these wines. The Wines: What follows are grape-based wines; the ratings here are MINE ALONE and NOT those of the WWCC group. Each writer rates or writes separately, and there is no cumulative total or averaged rating. This is not a judging competition. My own system divides all wines into three categories: BEST (91+ points), BETTER (88-90) and GOOD (85-87), usually the ranking range of Gold, Silver and Bronze in various wine shows. The wines are then randomly listed within their categories. In general, where there is no LCBO CSPC, then the wine is at the winery and is available by private order. The BEST VALUE wine (quality for money) is: Sieur D'Arques Sas Grande Cuvee 1531 De Aimery Cremant De Limoux NV $18.95 +428086 Roussillon (60%Chardonnay, 30% Chenin, 10% Mauzac) 12.5%ABV. **** BEST -- Four Stars Rated by Dean Tudor (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Name Vintage Price LCBO# Region Grape Varieties ABV% -Taittinger Brut Reserve N/V $61.95 365312 Champagne Chardonnay / Pinot Noir / Pinot Meunier 12.50% -Laurent Perrier Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Brut Rosé Champagne NV $99.95 158550 Champagne 100% Pinot Noir 12.0% -Sieur D'Arques Sas Grande Cuvee 1531 De Aimery Cremant De Limoux NV $18.95 428086 Roussillon 60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin, 10% Mauzac. 12.50% -Trius Winery Brut Rose n/v 32.75 184309 Niagara Peninsula 70% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, 4% Pinot Meunier 12 -Flat Rock Cellars Riddled Sparkling 2011 $34.95 383315 Twenty Mile Bench Chardonnay 11.80 -Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Blanc de Blanc 'Carte Blanche' 2013 $44.95 315200 VQA Short Hills Banch Chardonnay 11.90% -Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Brut N/V $29.95 217521 VQA Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay / Pinot Noir 12% -Redstone Pinot Noir Sparkling Rose 2016 $29.95 Niagara Pinot Noir 13% -Ravine Vineyard Brut NV $38.00 Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay 12.5% -Thirty Bench Wine Makers Sparkling Riesling n/v 38.95 n/a Niagara Peninsula Riesling 12 -Tawse Quarry Road Pinot Noir Sparkling Rose 2016 $29.95 Niagara Pinot Noir 13% -Tawse Cuddy Sparkling Riesling NV $24.95 546762 Niagara -Dr. Loosen Dr. L Sparkling Riesling NV $14.95 296095 Mosel Riesling 10.5% -Francois Martenot Chartron et Trebuchet Cremant de Bourgogne NV $20.95 571661 Burgundy Chardonnay/Pinot Noir 12% -Featherstone Winery Cuvee Joy 2013 $34.95 310334 Twenty Mile bench Chardonnay 12.2 -Château des Charmes Blanc de Blancs 2014 34.95 423111 Niagara on the Lake Chardonnay 12.3 -Cono Sur Cono Sur Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé NV %13.95 365205 Chile Pinot Noir 12% -Jackson Triggs Grand Reserve Entourage Sparkling Brut 2015 $29.95 234161 Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay & Pinot Noir 12.5% -Tawse Limestone Ridge Sparkling Riesling 2016 $20.95 Niagara Riesling 12% -Redstone Sparkling Brut 2016 $24.95 Niagara Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir 13% -Cave de Lugny Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Blanc de Blancs NV $21.95 460865 Burgundy Chardonnay 11.5% -Araex Villa Conchi NV $17.95 577148 Catalunya 30% Xarel.lo 30% Parellada 30% Macabeo 10% Chardonnay 11.50% -Bottega Gold 2015 $27.95 621458 Glera 11 -Foss Marai Foss Marai Extra Dry Prosecco NV $19.95 729392 eneto Glera 11.5% ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars Rated by Dean Tudor (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Name Vintage Price LCBO# Region Grape Varieties ABV% -Featherstone Winery Cuvee Joy Rose 2016 $29.95 450700 Twenty Mile Bench Pinot Noir 12.5 -Westcott Vineyards Brilliant Sparkling 2013 $34.95 NA Vinemount Ridge/Ontario 2/3 Pinot Noir & 1/3 Chardonnay 12.9 -Westcott Vineyards Violette Sparkling Brut 2017 $25.95 438200 Vinemount Ridge/Ontario 2/3 Pinot Noir & 1/3 Chardonnay 12.5 -Peller Estates Winery Ice Cuvee Classic n/v 34.75 284547 Niagara Peninsula 70% Chardonnay 30% Pinot Noir 12 -Peller Estates Winery Ice Cuvee Rose n/v 35.75 113035 Niagara Peninsula 70% Pinot Noir, 26.5% Chardonnay, 3.5% Gamay Noir 12 -Trius Winery Brut n/v 29.75 284539 Niagara Peninsula 70% Chardonnay 30% Pinot Noir 12 -Trapiche Trapiche Extra Brut Sparkling NV $13.90 262261 Mendoza Chardonnay (70%), Semillon (20%) Malbec (10%) 12% -Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava NV 15.95 216960    50% Macabeo, 35% -Parellada, 15% Xarel-lo 12 -Freixenet S.A. Cordon Negro NV $15.00 261945 Spain Macabeo, Perellada, Xarello 11.5 -Pierre Sparr Cremant D'Alsace Brut Reserve NV 19.95 388603    Alsace 80% Pinot Blanc, 20% Pinot Auxerrois 12.5 -Pierre Sparr Cremant D'Alsace Brut Rose NV 19.95 39016 Alsace Pinot Noir 12.5 -Bellissima Prosecco Brut NV $24.96 548164 Veneto Glera 11.5 -Oyster Bay Wines New Zealand Ltd. Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Brut NV $22.95 163634 Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 12% -Oyster Bay Wines New Zealand Ltd. Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Rose NV $22.95 280172 Hawke's Bay Chardonnay / Pinot Noir 12% -Megalomaniac Bubblehead N/V $29.95 363655 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir 12.5% -Les Grands Chais de France Chateau De Montgueret Cremant De Loire Brut NV $19.95 217760 Loire 12% -Ruffino Prosecco NV $16.95 467811 Veneto Glera 11% -Strewn Sparkler 2017 $24 Ontario Sauvignon Blanc 12.5 Winery -Château des Charmes Brut Sparkling NV 25.95 224766 Niagara on the Lake Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 12.5 Château des Charmes Rose 2014 34.95 78055 Niagara on the Lake Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 12 -Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut N/V $29.95 217505 VQA Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir / Chardonnay 12% -Ethica Wines Le Contesse Prosecco NV $17.95 516583 Veneto Glera 11 -Colio Lily Sparkling NV +418657 $17.95 LCBO -Colio Lily CEV Sparkling Rose NV +618512 $17.95 Vintages -Burning Kiln Winery Sparks 2017 $26.95 N/A South Coast Pinot Noir 13.1 -MGM Mondo Del Vino Acquesi Brachetto NV $13.50 375667 Piedmont Brachetto 6.5 -Vina Casal S.A. Fresita NV $14.95 216887 Chile Macabeo, Perellada, Xarello 11.5 *** GOOD -- Three Stars Rated by Dean Tudor (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Name Vintage Price LCBO# Region Grape Varieties ABV% -Schmitt Soehne RELAX Bubbles n/v $13.95 488593 Mosel Blend 11% -Peninsula Ridge Estates Sparkling Riesling 2017$25.15 582072 Niagara Riesling 9% -Ravine Vineyard Charmat NV $16.95 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir 12.5% Licensee -Megalomaniac Sparkling Personality 2017 $23.95 469007 Niagara Peninsula Riesling 9.5% -Diamond FRESH Sparkling Riesling NV $15.95 441162 Niagara Peninsula Riesling 11.5% -Diamond FRESH Possibilities Sparkling Rose NV $15.95 341347 Niagara 60Riesling/40Gamay 12.5% -Konzelmann Estate Winery Methode Cuve Close Riesling n/v 18.95 Niagara-on-the-Lake Riesling 11.5% -Langguth-Erben Blue Nun 24K Gold Edition NV $14.95 518407 11% -Arterra Wines Canada Andiamo NV $14.95 577130 Niagara Peninsula Italian Muscat & Riesling, Canadian Vidal 10.5% -Jackson Triggs Reserve Method Cuve Close 2016 $15.95 217679 Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, & Riesling 12.5% -Jackson Triggs Grand Reserve Entourage Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $29.95 353078 Niagara Peninsula Sauvignon Blanc 12% -Freixenet S.A. Carta Nevada NV $13.30 216887 Spain Macabeo, Perellada, Xarello 11.5 -La Marca La Marca Prosecco NV 17.95 487694 Veneto Glera 11.29 -Bottega Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Prosecco Doc 2017 $15.00 897702 Veneto Glera 11% -Bottega Bottega Rose Vino Dei Poeti Sparkling 2017 $15.00 277202 Veneto Pinot Nero; Raboso 11.5% -La Gioiosa DOC Treviso Brut N/V $14.95 N/A Treviso Prosecco 11% -Sartori Prosecco Brut N/V $14.95 N/A Treviso Prosecco 11% -Santa Margherita Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore NV $19.95 687582 Veneto Glera 11.50% -FIOL FIOL Prosecco n/a 13.25 394577 Veneto Prosecco DOC Glera 11 -Villa Sandi Prosecco Il Fresco DOC, Treviso NV 15.95 394387  Treviso Glera 11 -Piera Martellozzo Blue Giovello NV $15.20 85316 Veneto Glera 11 -Casella Yellow Tail Bubbles NV $14.95 229039 South Australia. 74% Chardonnay, 14% Colombard, 11% Semillon 11.50% -Casella Yellow Tail Bubbles Rosé NV $14.95 229047 South Australia Chardonnay 70%, Colombard 13%, Semillon 13%, Sauvignon Blanc 4% 11.50% -Wagner Family of Wines Conundrum Blanc de Blanc 2016 24.95 497735 California Pinot Gris, Muscat, Viognier, Chenin Blanc 12.60% -Pelee Island Winery Secco $14.95 225946 Ontario 11.5 -Pelee Island Winery Lola Sparkling Rose NV $14.95 450981 Ontario 11.5% -Thirteenth Street Wine 13th Street Cuvée Brut Rosé NV $27.95 147504 Ontario 71% Pinot Noir; 29% Chardonnay 12.5% -PondView Estate Winery Lot 74 Sparkling 2017 24.95 n/a VQA Ontario Vidal Blanc 12 -Konzelmann Estate Winery Methode Cuve Close Rosé n/v 18.95 Niagara-on-the-Lake Merlot 12 The Food: breads, biscuits and water, almonds, olives, cheese. The Contact Person: deantudor@yahoo.com The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95. 5.The Date and Time: Wednesday Sept 26, 2018 1PM – 5PM. The Event: Galleon Odyssey Portfolio tasting The Venue: Shangri-La Hotel The Target Audience: wine buyers (trade and consumer [the latter at night]), media The Availability/Catalogue: most everything is either an exclusive for ordering that day via LCBO, or PoW. Others were Vintages, Classics or LCBO Online. The Quote/Background: The tasting booklet was a model, with bottle shots, info on the wine's provenance, some “scores”, prices, vintage year, and where it is in the system. The booklet was in table order. Unfortunately, the tables themselves were in random order, so there was much flipping about the booklet. The wines not for sale via LCBO were listed as PoW, but at least they they could be tasted. Many representatives of the principals were pouring. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. Prices are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Luis Canas Rioja Crianza DO Magnum 2014 +511592 $38.95 -El Esteco Blanc de Blancs 2017 Calchaqui Salta Argentina $24.95 -Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 2015 Aconcagua Chile $84.95 PoW -Errazuriz La Cumbre Syrah 2007 Aconcagua Chile $84.95 -Fontanafredda Barolo Vigna La Rosa DOCG 2012 Piedmont +40105 $75 -Frescobaldi Castello di Pomino Benefizio Chardonnay Pomino DOC 2016 Tuscany $36.95 PoW -Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Lamaione Toscana IGT Magnum 2007 Tuscany $249 -Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Prologue Brut NV [grower] $67 -Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Anthologie Brut Rose NV [grower] $79 -Joseph Drouhin Nuits Saint Georges 2015 $79.95 PoW -Fonseca Hexagon Red VR Peninsula de Setubal 2009 $69.95 -Fonseca Jose de Sousa Mayor VR Alentejano 2015 $52 PoW -Les Cordeliers Prestige Brut Cremant de Bordeaux NV St Emilion [semillon] $24.95 -Les Cordeliers Prestige Brut Rose Cremant de Bordeaux NV St Emilion [80CF/20M] $24.95 -M. Chapoutier Chante-Alouette Hermitage Blanc 2015 +140541 $89.95 Classics December -M. Chapoutier Monier de la Sizeranne Hermitage 2013 +182725 $118.95 Classics December -Poggio Al Tesoro Il Seggio Bolgheri 2014 Tuscany $42 -Poggio Al Tesoro Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore 2012 Tuscany $52.95 -Poggio Al Tesoro Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore 2014 Tuscany $79.95 PoW -Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Merlot 2013 Horse Heaven Hills Washington State $48 -Columbia Crest Kiona Vineyards Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Red Mountain Washington State $59.95 -3 de Valandraud Saint-Emilion 2014 $49.95 -Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Laborde Cabernet Sauvignon $49.95 -Neyers Vineyards Carneros District Chardonnay 2014 Napa $61.99 -Neyers Vineyards Neyers Ranch – Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa $114.99 -Champagne Canard-Duchene Cuvee Leonie NV $45 PoW -Champagne Canard-Duchene Cuvee Charles VII Blanc de Blancs NV $65 PoW -Villa Maria Single Vineyard Southern Clays Pinot Noir 2014 Marlborough $59.95 +466060 Classics November ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Gorka Izagirre G22 Bizkaiko Txakolina DO 2016 Basque Country Spain $27.95 -Rolland & Galarreta Rueda DO 2016 $24.95 -Rolland & Galarreta Ribera del Duero DO 2016 $29.95 -El Esteco Old Vines Torontes 2017 Calchaqui Salta Argentina $24.95 -El Esteco Fincas Notables Malbec 2015 Calchaqui Salta Argentina $29.95 -Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga d'Alba DOCG 2013 Piedmont Feb 2019 Vintages $44.95 -Frescobaldi Tenuta Ammiraglia Alie Rose Toscana IGT Magnum 2017 $52.95 -Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent 2016 $51.95 -Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Corton Grand Cru Les Hautes Mourottes 2013 $109 -Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Rose 2017 +409755 $18.95 October 27 Vintages -Fonseca Hexagon White VR Peninsula de Setubal 2014 $45 PoW -Poggio Al Tesoro Solosole Bolgheri Vermentino 2016 Tuscany $25.95 -Chateau Valandraud Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2006 $355 PoW -Torres Sons de Prades Chardonnay Conca de Barberea 2015 Spain $32.95 -Torres Salmos Priorat 2015 +265710 October Vintages $49.95 -Neyers Vineyards Left Bank Red 2016 Napa $74.99 The Food: charcuterie and salumi, Ontario and PQ cheeses, veggies and fresh fruit, dips, tapenade, breads, preserves, mustards, nuts, dried fruit – everything was labeled. The Downside: the tables were not in booklet order so I had to riffle through it. The Upside: there was room, a patio, and coffee. The Contact Person: dshing@galleonwines.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS TASTING DIARY FOR SUMMER 2018 [published since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS SUMMER – 1. Chateau des Charmes Riesling “Old Vines” 2015 Estate Bottled VQA Niagara-On-The-Lake, +277228, $18.95 Vintages: made from vines largely planted in 1978, so it is now a very mature vineyard. 12% ABV. Succulent, but off-dry Alsatian character (citric tones, spices), with now almost three years of aging. A beaut with spicy or higher acidic foods. Lots of orchard fruit character. Twist top. Available at Vintages even before its release at the winery! Quality/price rating 90 points by Dean Tudor. 2. Chateau des Charmes Gewurztraminer 2016 St.David’s Bench VQA, $21.95 Vintages +453472: from older vines in the St. David's Bench voineyards, done up in stainless steel, 12.6% ABV, Alsatian style (concentrated fruit, off-dry on the mid-palate, spicy with a tad of bitter on the finish, great with Asiatic foods. Or wonderful as a sipper by the deck/patio/pool. Cork finish, and it should improve over the next five years. Quality/price rating 90 points by Dean Tudor. 3. Chateau des Charmes Brut Sparkling Methode Traditionelle NV Niagara-On-The-Lake VQA, +224766, $25.95: this Brut is a mix of about half each of chardonnay and pinot noir from vines planted as early as 1991 (and from at least four vineyards), exhibiting apple and orchard tones with citrus and toast. All mostly from the same vintage, and “Recently Disgorged” after two or three years on lees, 12.5% ABV. Base material for bubblies from both grapes is the same: just the skin contact varies. RS is 8.6 g/L. Price has been incremental, only $3 in over 4 years. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Gerard Bertrand Cremant de Limoux Thomas Jefferson Brut Blanc 2015 AOP Cremant de Limoux, +438838, $19.95 Vintages September: from Haute Vallee de l'Aude in Languedoc comes this excellent under $20 Cremant derived from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Noir. The nose is textbook white: flower, pepper, honey, green apple, biscuit; the mousse is excellent and full. Long dazzling finish. Hand harvested with disgorged bottles (Cremant). 12.5% ABV. Good comparison with the late lamented Saumur Brut which was delisted by the LCBO in the spring. Sparkling wine from Limoux was the only sparkler to be found in Jefferson's personal cellar. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Luigi Bosca Chardonnnay 2017 Mendoza, +575985, $19.95 Vintages October: made from Lujan de Cuyo and Valle de Uco sources, from vineyards with an age of 40 years on average. It is still a young wine at a year and a bit, so it may need more time to evolve in the bottle. Currently, it reflects delicate orchard fruit and minerality. For the most part there is stainless steel fermentation with some of the wine going into French oak for six months while the rest stays in stainless. 14% ABV with 1.6 g/L residual sugar. Do not serve too cold, the slightly bitter finish needs to open up. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Madrone Estate Winery Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc/Viognier 2015 Sonoma County, +577775, $19.95 Vintages: this is a pretty well straight-up wine with nuances of typical California viognier fruit (honey, peaches, ripe tropicality) spread against the pinot blanc corpus in an 85-15 ratio in favour of the pinot blanc. This makes the wine an equally good sipper or first course drink (soups, leafy salads). No malo-lactic fermentation, 14.1% ABV. Great looking label. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Madrone Estate Winery Valley of the Moon Blend '41 2013 Sonoma County, +570838 $26.95 Vintages: the '41 here pays homage to the year 1941 when the Valley of the Moon winery was first established. In composition, the blend for 2013 is zinfandel (44%), syrah (24), barbera (18), merlot (8), petite sirah (4), and sangiovese (2). In Europe, these are often called field blends, even though they may have been calculated. It screams “BBQ” all the way to the pig, although poolside drinkers may try it with less greasy affairs such as a slice of pizza or a meaty sandwich. Aged for 16 months, 20% second year oak. 14.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Adega Mea Dory Harvest Red 2015 IGP Lisboa Portugal, +570085, $16.95 Vintages: a field blend from touriga nacional, syrah, tinta roriz, and merlot. Stainless steel fermentation followed by some of the wine aging in used French oak barrels. Dominant tones are black fruit such as black currants and black pepper. Nifty BBQ wine at 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Ferraton Pere et Fils La Tournee 2016 Vin de France Rouge, +561282 $13.95 Vintages September: a blend of syrah and grenache from the south of France (Herault, Gard), fermented separately in stainless steel and concrete. The grape varieties are later blended and aged on the lees. Mostly red fruits dominate, but with the spices it is very reminiscent of the Rhone. BBQ might be a useful food accompaniment. Good price! 13.5 ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Saint Chinian 2015 +370247 September Vintages $17.95: Bertrand has a Terroir series embracing the range of Sud de France wines. Here it is older vines in a schist area of Languedoc, specifically syrah and mourvedre. Expect black fruit all over the place (even black olives, mocha and garrigue). The “f” word comes to mind: full, fat, fleshy, fabulous at this price. One third of the wine is aged for nine months in barrel, the rest matured in vats and then blended before bottling. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Fitou 2015 $16.95 +403683 Vintages September: Bertrand continues to advance the Terroir series (and the Grand Terroir series) with more localized vineyards. Here it is Fitou, with its grenache and carignan grapes, vinified separately. The carignan has carbonic maceration for two weeks; the grenache is done in traditional style. Some of the wine is barrel aged for a year. Everything here seems to be concentrated in aromas and flavours, red fruit and undergrowth dominating. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Corbieres 2015 $18.95 +394288 Vintages: In this Terroir Corbieres, Bertrand uses carbonic maceration for the syrah and traditional fermentation for the grenache and mourvedre. It is an appealing Rhonish G-S-M, with the blended wine aging in wood for eight months before bottling. Very firm with some fruit on the full finish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir La Clape Syrah/Carignan/Mourvedre 2015 AOP La Clape, +370262, $18.95 Vintages October: the bargains continue at the LCBO with this southern Rhone clone emphasizing aromatic red fruit (with some black) and garrigue. Nice long finish for that heavy meat dish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 14.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Minervois Syrah Carignan 2015 +952804, $16.95 Vintages: handpicking and total destemming are hallmarks of the Bertrand approach. After the malo, both varieties are blended and part of the wine is aged in 225-litre Bordeaux barrels for 8 months. There are lively light spicy carignan flavours of cherries and plums, with some black fruit (black olive and blackberry)syrah component plus mocha. 14% ABV. BBQ wine. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 15.Gerard Bertrand Gris Blanc 2017 IGP Pays d'Oc +409870 Vintages, $16.95: from between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, and from two different grenache varieties (noir and gris). Red fruit all the way, with very pale pink and grey colours. It looks different when viewed from different angles. Aromas of melons are fresh, just almost perfect for lazy late summer drinking, so you might want to load up. Twist top. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 16.Palliser Estate Pencarrow Pinot Noir Martinborough 2016 New Zealand, +692301 Vintages, $24.95: made from 7 different clones in 4 different vineyards and with indigenous yeast, this crafted wine has been aged 10 months in 24% new 228-litre barrels. Expect ripe dark-red cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by a palate of juicy dark-red cherry-berry tones. Some forest floor showing already. Structured to be an all-purpose pinot at an engaging price, it will get better over the next five years. Best with white meat (poultry, pork) – or, at this point in its growth, as a sipper. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 17.Pelee Island Winery J.S. Hamilton Red 2017 VQA South Islands, +581181 Vintages, $18.95: named after one of the founders of the original Pelee Island Wine and Vineyards Company (and preceded itself by Vin Villa Vineyards). It's a bright and cheerful wine harbouring dark fruit among the syrah (48%), petit verdot (41%), and malbec (11%) blend. There is also some barrel aging. Residual sugar is less than 2.8 grams per litre. It is also a bit too young at this point, showing some tannins that may disappear with a double decant. As well, I tasted it over several days. Pairs well with fattier foods such as pork and, of course, cheeses. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 18.Pelee Island Winery Late Harvest Riesling 2017 VQA Ontario, +136010 Vintages, $15.95: sweeter white wines must be coming back, perhaps driven by sweeter roses, because I've seen a lot of them lately. This one has 38 grams residual sugar per litre, but it is not cloying. Rich flavours of lemon, peaches, some botrytis tones, and more orchard fruit. Its for dessert or fatty cheeses, perhaps over-the-top spicy foods as well. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 19.Pelee Island Winery LOLA Gewurztraminer 2017 VQA Ontario, +618231 LCBO September,$13.95: it's a basic Ontario gewurz showing off typical roses and slight bitterness tones. Lovely aromas. Body is semi-sweet at 28 grams per litre of residual sugar but alcohol of 12.5%. Quaffable for the dying days of summer or with South East Asiatic foods. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 20.Pelee Island Winery LOLA Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 VQA Ontario +618223 LCBO September, $14.95: a pretty good medium price winner in the Ontario cabernet sweepstakes, with some residual sugar of 6 grams a litre to give it a fruitiness for younger wine drinkers. It's the newest in Pele's LOLA series, brimming with red berry fruit tones. Good finish, ready now, quaffable for the autumn season or with grilled meats. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR JUNE 2018 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH – 1.Chateau des Charmes Aligote 2017 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, $15.95, +296848 LCBO: made from the rare French vinifera (seldom seen outside Burgundy) that Paul Bosc has cultivated since 1978, loaded with orchard fruit (apples and pears) and ending with a finishing crisp acidity suggesting food more than sipping. It was often used in Burgundy as the white wine base for Kir; now, almost any dry white is used for a Kir in North America. It's refreshing for summer, and is unoaked. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Chateau des Charmes Riesling 2017 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, $14.95, +3464 LCBO: it has been a long while since I last reviewed this wine in an earlier vintage. It's done up in stainless, slight and light honeyish citrus tones, but refreshing length. Good bones and flesh, off-dryish style (20gm/L residual sugar) that is also useful as a sipper. 10.5% ABV. Spiffy clear “riesling-shaped” bottle, twist top, clean effective and useful labels (both front and back). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Wednesday June 6 2018 1PM to 8PM The Event: Canadian Cheese Industry Conference at the Third Canadian Cheese Awards (held biennially). The Venue: St Lawrence Market, Temporary North Hall The Target Audience: cheese producers, some media The Quote/Background: There were a number of seminars on offer, such as taking advantage of the opportunity of CETA, NAFTA and TPP; innovations to think outside of the box (Dr. Art Hill, Chair of Guelph's Dept of Food Science and expert in cheese technology); innovation from an American perspective; and panel discussions on expectations from the cheese supply chain. This was followed by the Canadian Cheese Awards Ceremony – see www.cheeseawards.ca for a list of the winners in 19 main categories, nine special categories, five regional divisions, plus the Cheese of the Year. There were 378 entries in all, with the big winners coming from PQ, ONT, PEI, and NS. This is the only pan-Canadian cheese competition open to all milks used in cheese-making – cow, goat, sheep, water buffalo – as pure natural cheese. It was all co-ordinated by founder Georgs Kolesnikovs with Gurth Pretty (Loblaw) and other hosts. There was a jury of 12 who tasted in February all cheeses blind within their categories (directed by Dr. Art Hill). From six to eight PM there was the tasting gala for sampling cheeses, and it included charcuterie, baked goods, wine, beer and cider. The cheese awards are supported by Loblaw Companies with the Dairy Farmers of Canada as Principal Partner, Cow Milk Cheese. Overall, there were two major major cheese winners: the Best Cow Cheese winner was awarded $5000 (this was Cows Creamery 3 Year Old Cheddar from PEI, which also won the Best Atlantic Canada Cheese), and the Canadian Cheese of the Year also got $5000 (this was Louis d'Or from Fromagerie du Presbytere in Sainte-Elizabeth-de-Warwick PQ). The Food: We were offered samples of all of the cheese winners in their respective categories. My overall fave was the Best Raw-Milk Cheese, Louis d'Or vieilli 2 ans from PQ – similar to the Cheese of the Year Louis d'Or but a year older in aging. Other samples of food and wine included Ottawa's Big Rig Brewery radlers and pilsener, some Woolrich goat triple crème brie, Janice Beaton's jams and jellies (which are specifically designed to accompany cheeses), Game Changer White and Red wine from Vineland Estates (88 points, $15 LCBO) with pinot blanc and riesling in the white and both cabernets and merlot in the red, assorted breads and biscuits, Brickworks Cider Batch 1904 and its Queen Street 501 (both some of my fave ciders), Ottawa's Seed to Sausage amazing charcuterie (www.seedtosausage.ca) and Sweet Nature Bakery offering grilled raclette cheese sandwiches. The Downside: I had to miss the seminars as I was at a matinee play that day. The next day I was at the Ontario Wine Awards in Niagara, so I missed everything that day, which included an industry showcase and the big Artisan Cheese Night Market. The Upside: I managed to re-connect with some friends in the cheese business. The Contact Person: heather@cheeselover.ca; georgs@cheeselover.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 2.The Date and Time: Friday June 8 2018 11AM to 10PM The Event: Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri en primeur Toronto The Venue: Liberty Grand The Target Audience: wine trade, media, the public in the evening The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available or will be available through the agents or the LCBO The Quote/Background: This is part of the world tour that features wines of the highest standing (three glasses) plus the new bottling of “potential” winners. More than 20% of the wines awarded this year in Italy are labeled as “green”, which includes organic and biodynamic wines as well. The Wines: I was physically unable to taste all wines, but I did try to get around to most agents. I could not make the seminars as I was at the LCBO tasting lab. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Cl. Campolongo di Torbe 2011 Authentic -Masi Amarone Valpolicella Cl. Vaio Amaron Sergeo Aligheri 2011 Authentic -Trento Brut Conte Federico Riserva 2012 Bossi Fedrigotti $85 magnum Authentic -Varvaglione Primitivo di Manduria Papale Oro 2015 Puglia est$20 Caliber -Villa Raiano Fiano di Avellino Alimata 2015 Campania $34.95 Connexion Oenophilia -Fellini Primitivo di Manduria Sinfarosa Zinfandel 2015 Puglia Eurovintage -Pasqua Cecilia Peretta Amarone della Valpolicella Famiglia Pasqua 2013 Hobbs & Co -Bis Cantina Tollo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Mo Riserva 2013 Abruzzo $40 J.Cipelli -Torrevento Castel del Monte Rosso V. Pedale Riserva 2014 Puglia Majestic -Tenuta Sant'Antonio Amarone della Valpolicella Campo dei Gigli 2013 $79.95 Mark Antony -Umani Ronchi Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Sup. V.V. 2015 $33 PO Noble Estates -Cavit Trento Brut Altemasi Graal Riserva 2010 Trentino $60 Noble Estates -Petra Rosso 2014 Tuscany Noble Estates -Velenosi Rosso Piceno Sup. Roggio del Filare 2014 Marche $40 Consign Profile -Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva di Fizzano 2014 $37.95 Profile -Ottella Lugana Molceo Riserva 2015 Veneto United Stars -Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013 $95 Woodman -Poggio al Tesoro Bolgheri Sup. Sondraia 2014 Tuscany $60 P. Dandurand ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Fiamberti OP Riesling Ida 2017 Lombardy $24 Cottonwood -Cantine del Notaio Aglianico del Vulture Il Repertorio 2015 Basilicata $35 Dionysus -Cantina Sociale di Carpi e Sorbara Lambrusco di Sorbara Secco Omaggio a Gino Friedmann Emilia Romagna $17.95 Dionysus -Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Chianti Classico Montaperto 2015 $69.95 Grape Brands -Medici Ermete & Figli Reggiano Lambrusco Concerto 2016 Emilia Romagna Profile -La Guardiense Falanghina del Sannio Janare Senete 2016 Campania $18.95 Vine Agency -Bisci Verdicchio di Matelica Vign. Fogliano 2015 Marche The Vine Agency The Food: cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano, creamy and regular Gorgonzola, etc.), breads, focaccia, prosciutto on bread sticks, salads, marinated veggies, orecchiette pasta with veggies and sausage, stew and polenta, tiramisu, cannoli, espresso, etc. The Downside: I had to taste about 150 wines at the LCBO lab for the wine media before this show, and hence I could not attend the two seminars on Prosecco and Barbera. The Upside: a great opportunity to taste some stunning wines. The Contact Person: gamberorossocanada@sogood.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 3.The Date and Time: Thursday June 14, 2018 11AM to 3PM The Event: The annual Taste and Buy Preview of the latest (2016) vintage from Burgundy, hosted by Luc Bouchard and Woodman Wines. The Venue: Canoe The Target Audience: buyers and media The Availability/Catalogue: some wines were available at LCBO for popular wines; 2016 upper echelon wines are available via Woodman in six packs. 41 other wines were also available for ordering, but there were no tasting samples of these. The Quote/Background: it was a smaller assortment of labels than in previous years because 2016 was one of the smallest harvests in 25 years. While weather played havoc during most of the year, there was a wonderful ripening period for the small crop. There were about 25 Grand Cru, Premier Cru and Village wines from Bouchard Pere & Fils, William Fevre Chablis, Villa Ponciago in Fleurie, and Champagne Henriot. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. Indeed, I tasted very few wines since I had a deep freeze dental appointment at 10AM and could not taste. I brought along my Burgundy expert, Brian Dawson, a retired financier with deep pockets and an even deeper cellar. He assisted me in tasting and ratings. I spent the early part of the session assembling my notes and writing strategies. Prices are RETAIL. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain NV $75 Consignment -Champagne Henriot Brut Blanc de Blancs NV $105 PO -Champagne Henriot Brut Rose NV $95 Classics +384099 -Champagne Henriot Brut Vintage 2008 $133 PO -Champagne Henriot Brut Hemers 2005 $325 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 2015 $50 +545152 Vintages -Bouchard Pere & Fils Aloxe Corton 2015 $60 +972240 Vintages -Bouchard Pere & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 2015 $60 +661330 July Classics -Bouchard Pere & Fils Pommard 1er Cru 2015 $80 +129602 August Classics -Bouchard Pere & Fils Le Corton Grand Cru Domaine 2016 $190 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Nuits St Georges les Cailles Domaine 1er Cru 2016 $160 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Pommard 1er Cru 2016 $99 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Gevrey Chambertin 2016 $74 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru Domaine 2016 $272 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault Genevrieres Grand Cru Domaine 2016 $135 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Montagny 1er Cru 2016 $40 PO **VALUE -William Fevre Chablis Fourchaume 1er Cru 2016 $67 PO ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux 2016 $26 +461640 Vintages **BEST VALUE -William Fevre Chablis Bougros Grand Cru Domaine 2016 $105 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune du Chateau 1er Cru Domaine 2016 $64 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune Clos de la Mousse 1er cru Monopole 2016 $83 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune Greves Vigne Enfant Jesus 1er cru Monopole 2016 $163 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Monthelie les Duresses 1er Cru Domaine 2016 $59 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Volnay Caillerets Ancienne Cuvee Carnot 1er Cru Domaine 2016 $121 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Nuits-Saint-Georges 2016 $71 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Crus Domaine 2016 $505 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault Perrieres 1er Cru Domaine 2016 $147 PO -Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault les Clous Domaine Village 2016 $78 PO The Food: oysters, charcuterie, cheeses, breads. The Downside: I could not taste until near the end. The Upside: I enjoyed the wine banter with Brian. The Contact Person: jason@woodmanwinesandspirits.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 4.The Date and Time: Monday June 18 2018 11AM to 5PM The Event: The Lord of Chianti Classico tasting: Toronto 2018 The Venue: AGO The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through the LCBO or by consignment, some are on the water, etc, The Quote/Background: There was a seminar at 11, with about 50 attendees and nine wines (each with a rep to speak about the wines). The theme was the “9 communes” of the region – 4 from south of Florence and 5 from north of Sienna. It was a Masterclaas led by Michael Godel who carefully illustrated the microclimates with comments from the panel. The Wines: There were 27 wines estates with a range of Chianti Classico, CC Riserva, and CC Gran Selezione. I did not taste all the wines; the seminar wines are folded into the ratings below. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2014 $30.95 Consignment Le Sommelier **Overall FAVE -Cantine Melini Chianto Classico Riserva 2011 P Dandurand -Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva 2013 $29.95 Univins -Casale dello Sparviero Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Parona 2013 -Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo 2014 $23.95 Sept Vintages -Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2013 $60 Profile -Castello di Gabbiano Bellezza Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2013 -Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012 $69 Colio Estate -Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico 2016 Carpe Vinum -Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio 2016 Carpe Vinum -Famiglia Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Valore di Famiglia 2015 Charton Hobbs -Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Margone 2012 Frontier Wine -Lornano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012 Frontier -Principe Corsini – Villa Le Corti Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Don Tommaso 2014 Artisanal Wine Imports -Querciabella Chianti Classico Riserva 2014 Grape Brands -Querciabella Chianti Classico Riserva 2013 $37.95 -Rocca di Castagnoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle 2013 Signature Wines -Ruffino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva Ducale Oro 2012 Arterra -Viticcio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Prunaio 2013 Eurovintage ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bibbiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Capannino 2015 Le Sommelier PO -Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico Riserva Misciano 2013 The Case for Wine -Carobbio Chianti Classico Riserva 2014 Apparition Wine & Spirit -Castello di Albola Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Santa Caterina 2015 -Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico 2015 -Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione La Prima 2015 Signature -Famiglia Cecchi Chianti Classico Villa Cerna Primocolle 2015 $23 Charton Hobbs -Fattoria di Valiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 6.38 2013 Wine Lovers -Felsina Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia 2013 -Losi Querciavalle Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Losi Millennium 2010 Natural Vines -Vallepicciola Chianti Classico Riserva 2015 -Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Bastignano 2014 Nicholas Pearce -Villa Trasqua Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Nerento 2012 Frontier Wine The Food: this was a buffet luncheon, with quiche, two different salads (green, chickpea), asparagus and mushrooms, and brined roast chicken (drumette with some breast attached). It was tender enough that I knew it was chicken and not cooked Gallo Nero – which would have been “too much” in symbolism...but still it was close enough. LOL. The Downside: there was a tragedy on the subway which meant that many of us were late for the 11 AM start. The Upside: good selection of wines, and excellent food. The Contact Person: chianticlassicotoronto@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 5.The Date and Time: Wednesday June 21 2018 11:30AM - 4PM The Event: Riesling & Co. Toronto German Wine Trade Show The Venue: Arcadian Lofts The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are here or on the water or available by PO. The spiral bound catalogue was a good model, with relevant names and numbers and addresses of the principals, agents and wine labels, including vintages. Prices were not available for all wines, but were listed for some. The wine tables were in catalogue order, thus we did not have to flip back and forth to find an entry. The Quote/Background: There was a seminar “Taste the New Germany” (new wines from varietals) led by Jurgen Hammer, Director of the German Wine & Sommelier School in Berlin. There were 9 wines, and I folded them into the results below. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Donnhoff 2015 Riesling Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Qualitatswein Trocken Nahe $48 Cons Groupe Soleil -Donnhoff 2015 Riesling Operhauser Brucke Spatlese Nahe $65 Cons Groupe Soleil -Donnhoff 2015 Riesling Niederhauser Hermannshohle Spatlese Nahe $76 Cons Groupe Soleil -Donnhoff 2015 Riesling Niederhauser Hermannshohle Grosses Gewachs Nahe $105 Cons Groupe Soleil -Weingut Pfeffingen 2016 Ungsteiner Harrenberg Grosses Gewachs Pfalz $55 Cons Context Wines -Edition Abtei Himmerod Cremant Mosel Brut $24.95 Andrew Peller -Hiestand 2013 JJ-Riesling Kreuz Gossese Gewachs Rheinhessen $50 Univins -Kuhling-Gillot 2016 Riesling Qvinterra Rheinhessen $24.95 Cons Le Sommelier -Kuhling-Gillot 2014 Riesling Kabinette aus der Steillage Rheinhessen $31.95 Cons Le Sommelier -Meiser 2015 Riesling Alzeyer Rotenfels Rheinhessen $32.50 Winelovers -Deinhard Gelblack Rheingau Schloss Johannisberger Gutswein $35 Mark Anthony -Prinz von Hessen 2016 Riesling Royal Kabinett Rheingau $29.95 PO Kylix Wines -Prinz von Hessen 2016 Riesling Dachsfilet Rheingau $46.95 PO Kylix Wines -Schloss Reinhartshausen Chateau Riesling Brut Sekt Rheingau $27.95 PMA -Schloss Reinhartshausen 2016 Riesling Schlossberg Grosses Gewachs Rheingau $37 PMA -Schloss Reinhartshausen 2015 Riesling Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen Grosse Lage Spatlese Rheingau PMA -Schloss Reinhartshausen 2013 Riesling Erbacher Marcobrunn Grosse Lage Auslese Rheingau PMA -Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2016 Riesling Alte Reben Mosel $32 HHD Imports -Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2016 Riesling Scharzhofberger Kabinett Mosel $24.9 Sept Vintages ** MY FAVE WINE TODAY ** -Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2013 Riesling Piesporter Goldtropfchen Spatlese Mosel HHD Imports -Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2015 Riesling Josephshofer Spatlese Mosel $40 HHD Imports -Selbach Oster 2016 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spatlese Mosel $38.95 +561183 Vintages -Selbach Oster 2014 Riesling Graacher Domprobst Alte Reben Spatlese Mosel $35.95 +532721 Classics -Dr. Loosen 2016 Riesling Dr. L Mosel Brut $13.95 +423566 LCBO -Weingut Schloss Lieser Mosel 2016 Riesling Kabinett Wehlenher Sonnuher $32 CGU Fine Wines -Weingut A. Christmann Pfalz 2016 Riesling $22.50 CGU Fine Wines -Julius Treis Mosel 2014 Riesling Sekt Prestige Brut -Weingut Siegrist Pfalz 2013 Pinot Noir Ilbesheimer Kalmir ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Siegbert Bimmerle 2017 Riesling Baden Kabinett $24.95 Andrew Peller -Siegbert Bimmerle 2017 Riesling Baden Kabinett Off-dry $24.95 Andrew Peller -Donnhoff 2015 Riesling Trocken Nahe $28 Cons Groupe Soleil -Weingut Lucashof 2017 Riesling Deidesheimer Herrgottsacker Erste Lage Pfalz The Vine -Weingut Pfeffingen 2016 Dry Riesling Qualitatswein Pfalz $22 Cons Context Wines -Kuhling-Gillot 2016 Riesling Nierstein Rheinhessen $31.95 Cons Le Sommelier -Schloss Reinhartshausen 2016 Riesling Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen Grosse Lage Kabinett $28.95 Rheingau PMA -Balthasar Ress 2016 Hattenheim Schutzenhaus Riesling Kabinett +735241 Vintages Churchill Cellars -Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2017 Riesling Wiltinger Mosel $26.95 HHD Imports -Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2014 Riesling Kaseler Nies'chen Kabinett Mosel $28 HHD Imports Spring 2019 -Selbach Oster 2016 Riesling Mosel $24.95 Noble Estates -Selbach Oster 2015 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese Mosel $46.95 +540476 Vintages -Weingut Schloss Lieser Mosel 2016 Riesling Trocken $21 CGU Fine Wines -Weingut A. Christmann Pfalz 2016 Riesling Gimmeldingen Trocken $32 CGU Fine Wines -Hiestand 2017 Gruner Sylvaner Rheinhessen Univins -Weingut Nagelsforst Baden 2016 Pinot Blanc -Weingut Lucashof Pfalz Pinot Gris 2017 The Vine The Food: chicken schnitzel sliders, sausage sliders, cold cuts, cheeses, breads, fruit and nuts, dumplings, spaetzle noodles (with cheese, meats). The Downside: I was waitlisted for the seminar, but I got in because there was a 25% rate of no shows. On behalf of my no-show “colleagues”, I'd like to apologize on their behalf to the the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Upside: The first table was an uncatalogued tasting of some sekt wines, to set up the palate. And the second table was Donnhoff, who showed four of the top and most expensive wines in the show. What a way to start! The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR MAY 2018 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Taittinger Brut Prestige Rose NV $79.95 +993113 Vintages May 26: Taittinger has always been one of my fave Champagnes, and the Rose is a personal favourite, even though the price has crept up over the years from $73 or so. After the final blend of blancs (chardonnay is at 30%) some still red pinot noir (Montagne de Reims, Les Riceys) of up to 15% of the total is added. This is the bright pink colour and a major flavour component. Red fruit dominates (raspberry, cherries) and the one word to summarize is: fresh. Delicious anytime. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.GUSTO41 Palinka Dark Sourcherry Hungary 500 mL +553123 Vintages $38.95 Rapid Release April 28: in Ontario, this is a companion to the other Palinka that was released in Ontario: the Apricot eau-de-vie. Strong bone-dry sour Kecskemet cherry tones from the flesh are nicely augmented by cherry pit extract (which also lends an aromatic of almonds). Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures 3.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Estate 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268391 Vintages, $24.95: Here is a deft Burgundian character pinot noir wine, with cherry-berry tones, some toast, mildly opulent style, not totally cool climate at all. Fermented in stainless and aged in “European” oak (30% new) for 10 months. Ready in a year or two. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Baron do Hoen Pinot Blanc Reserve 2016 Alsace +446419 $13.95 Vintages: a delicate, balanced white for the summer, aged a year in stainless steel. A terrific price at this level by this underappreciated varietal. It's mainly a first course wine with apps or grilled fish. A patio/deck crowd pleaser from Europe. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Tradition 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula Vintages +392738 $29.95 November 2018 Vintages: as is typical with well-made pinot noirs in Ontario, there is concentration of immense red fruit flavours here, with some Ontario cranberry tartness on the finish. It does, of course, need bottle time, but this should repay the purchase price. I'm guessing four more years. Otherwise, do a double decant or open for a few days, at least with a one bottle purchase. Aged in French oak (35% new) for 16-20 months. It's a natural wine with little intervention by chief winemaker Thomas Bachelder. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Rose 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 winery and online: this is 100% pinot noir, with a great colour. Cherry-berry complexity (think strawbs, rasps, even cranberries making it tarter on the finish). Totally dry on the palate with enough substance and citric minerality to create a lingering on the finish. The wine could swing either way: as a sipper or as a first course food wine. It might eventually evolve into something different with time (perhaps an Alsatian pinot noir), but do drink it as fresh as you can right now. 12% ABV. Finished under cork. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Chateau des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot 2016 VQA NOTL, $15.95 winery +0556951 now, GL at LCBO next month: this same wine's vintage 2016 is also available at the LCBO in a half-bottle 375 mL size ($6.95). It is a consistent mix of both cabernets (sauvignon and franc at about 40% each) plus merlot, put up in older used French oak for a few months to give it some substance and spices beyond the strawberry, cassis and blueberry flavours. Some toast in evidence for grapes that were declassified from single-vineyard estate bottlings. With some bracing finishing acids and mocha tones, it is a great choice for tomato-based sauces and ragouts. 13% ABV. Cork finish. Could be aged. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Chateau des Charmes Sauvignon Blanc 2017 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +391300 $15.95 LCBO: last tasted by me in the 2013 vintage. Here, good balanced fruit, citric tones (mainly lime), zest, MVC typicity for sauvignon blanc. Light to medium bodied, from grapes harvested a month later than normal. Fresh but so far maybe too fresh at this point. Try later in the summer. 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Tautavel 2015 Cotes du Roussillon Villages, +272575, $18.95 Vintages June: a blend typical of the south Rhone – with syrah, grenache, and carignan - and coming in at 14% ABV. Grand Terroir is Bertrand's range of specific vineyards in the Roussillon region. A third of the wine is aged in French oak barrels for nine months; the rest goes into vats. Red fruit and black fruit dominate with nuances of aging and wood. Some garrigue too. Best with food. Quality/Price rating is 89.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Dievole Chianti Classico DOCG 2014, +444448 Vintages, $22.95: a very sound, firmly based Chianti Classico for the wine library at homer, could be aged a few more years. 10 - 15 year old vines, 13.5% ABV. Stored in 41 hectolitre untoasted French oak for about 14 months. Typical Chianti complexity but with more minerals and a longer length. Red fruit such as dark cherries dominates the concentrated flavours (90% sangiovese, rest canaiolo and colorino). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Henry of Pelham Riesling 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +268375 LCBO $14.95: from their “Classic Tier” – absolutely delicious Euro MVC riesling in a Rhine style, with an off-dry palate but a dry finish (good acid levels on the finish). Citrus and flowers on the mid-palate, sip or food. 11.5% ABV. Cool fermentation is stressed. Try with goat cheeses, hams, grilled veggies. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Henry of Pelham Riesling Speck Family Reserve 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench, +643361 Vintages June, $24.95 [now available online and at winery]: absolutely delicious MVC intense riesling in a Rhine style, with an off-dry palate but a dry finish (good acid levels on the finish); broad fruity strokes of peaches and flowers on the mid-palate; quite a blazing riesling with intense pleasure, sip or food. 11% ABV, cork closure, from HOP's oldest Estate vineyards (30+ year old riesling vines, handpicked). Try with rich bivalve dishes or porchetta. Tasted Nov. 25, 2015. Quality/Price rating is 90.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Henry of Pelham Family Estate Chardonnay 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench, $19.95, +268342 Vintages June: [but now available online and at the winery] this bottling continues the tres elegante Burgundian character of earlier years. Some ripeness, pleasant balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place, wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. Overall balance of fruit and wood, vanilla, modest spices. 13.5% ABV, cork closure, BF in 90% French oak (25% new), BA for 8 months. Quality/Price rating is 90.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Berger Rive Manoir de Mercey Mercurey Chateaubeau 2015 +508002 $29.95 Vintages June: from the Cote Chalonnaise, this is an old vines pinot noir Burgundy that is pretty consistent from year to year (and they've kept the price down too). After fermentation it goes into wood (about a quarter of the volume is put into new oak) for a year's aging. Typical ripe red fruit with vanilla wood, but also soft which appeals to many North American tastes. Should be cellared another year. Smart buy at this price. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2016 Speck Family Reserve VQA Ontario +461699 $24.95 Vintages Essential: These low yielding grapes come from Short Hills Bench which was planted in 1984. Some of these old vines are still producing, and you can find their juice in this very bottle. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $25. Aged in premium American Oak for more than 18 months. It's still young, needing another two years or so for proper aging, but with multiple decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13.5% ABV on the label. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. And spicy foods. Speck Family Reserves are the top tier by HOP. Quality/Price rating is 90.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 14.Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Estate Blanc de Blanc 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +315200 Vintages TBD, $44.95: there is not much more to say about this wine than I haven't already said over the years – it's simply one of the top performing bottles of Traditional Method or secondary fermentation in the province. The price has not changed over the years, still $44.95 (going back a l-o-n-g time), but the grapevines are older and producing quality material. This is estate grown (Short Hills Bench) 100% chardonnay, the best juice selected for 20% barrel fermentation and then aged for up to 60 months in the bottle before being disgorged. Very close to champagne, with its elegance and smoothness plus citric overtones (especially in the finish) and that typical yeasty baked goods aromatics. 12.5% ABV, a personal fave of mine. Needs another six months for the disgorgement addition to come together. The 2012 was a Gold Medal winner at 2017 All Canadian Wine Championships. Quality/Price rating is 93+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Tuesday May 1, 2018 11AM to 2PM The Event: A tasting of wines from HGA Bodegas (Galicia), led by Export Director Cornelia Proca. The Venue: Mad Crush Wine Bar The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through the LCBO Discovery stores or online. Bod HGA is repped by AMV-Whiz Trading Ltd. The Quote/Background: HGA Bodegas had four wineries represented today, with most of their wines at the Spanish Discovery store (Kingsway, at Royal York and Bloor). Ms. Proca took us through the 11 wines from Bodegas Regina Viarum (Sacra Ribeira), Bodegas Altos de Torona and Pazo de Villarei (both Rias Baixis). Home is Galicia in the northwest corner of Spain, abutting both Portugal and the Atlantic. This also turned out to be a mini-albarino and mini-mencia horizontal tasting. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pazo de Villarei “Villarei” 2014 Rias Baixas [albarino] $25.05 -Altos de Torona Albarino 2015 Rias Baixas $22 -Altos de Torona Albantu Albarino 2016 Rias Baixas $17.95 Vintages September -El Ilusionista Verdejo 2017 Rueda [private order] -Bodega Regina Viarum Expression XII Meses Mencia 2012 Sacra Ribeira $33 -Bodega Regina Viarum Mencia 2015 Sacra Ribeira $25 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pazo de Villarei Albarino 2015 Rias Baixas $21.85 -Altos de Torona Rosal 2015 Rias Baixas [albarino 75%, Loureiro et al] $22 -Altos de Torona Godello 2017 Rias Baixas $22 [just bottled, N/A, Private Order] -Bodega Regina Viarum Via Imperial Mencia 2015 Sacra Ribeira $21 -Bodega Regina Viarum Via Appica Mencia 2015 Sacra Ribeira $21 The Food: international cheeses, charcuterie, focaccia, cod and potato croquettes, grilled cheese, deep fried sweetbreads with maple, cauliflower patties. The Downside: we had no tasting/tech sheets for reference points (prices, availability, vintage). The Upside: good time of day, good weather. The Contact Person: corneliaproca@hgabodegas.com; annep@tastesenseltd.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 2.The Date and Time: Wednesday May 9 2018 12:30AM to 3PM The Event: Eradus Wines and the Essence of the Awatere Valley The Venue: Kost, in the Bisha Hotel The Target Audience: wine media The Availability/Catalogue: some of the wines are finding their way into Ontario through the Consignment program of the Kolonaki Group. Currently, only the Sauvignon Blanc is available at Vintages; it is regularly re-ordered. The Quote/Background: Michiel Eradus, owner of Eradus Wines, was in town for the New Zealand Wine Show the next day. He hosted a lunch for a dozen, and presented his wines (not all were showing at the next day's trade event). Along the way, he described his winery and the Awatere Valley growing conditions. And he had some great insights into the New Zealand wine industry. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Eradus Sauvignon Blanc Awatere 2017 $19.95 +225557 (2016) -Eradus Chardonnay Special Reserve 2015 Awatere, $20 – 25 14.5% ABV [very ripe] MY FAVE -Eradus Sjacrri Special Reserve Pinot Noir Awatere 2015 14% ABV magnum N/A -Eradus Stickey Mickey Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2014 12.5%ABV 500 mL $40 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Eradus Pinot Gris Single Vineyard Awatere 2017, 13.2% ABV, $19.95 -Eradus Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Awatere 2016 14% ABV, $24.95 -Eradus Ana Sauvignon Blanc 2017 13% ABV $17.95 Consignment Licensees The Food: A sea of starters with Hawaiian kanpachi seviche (squid ink), fried calamari, ahi tuna ceviche, avocado and spiced farro flatbread, red beet salad, green chorizo and salsa balls, salad of pumpkin and persimmon and black quinoa, char-grilled octopus and pumpkin seed. The mains were off the menu, so I had steelhead trout with fennel salad and potato fingerlings. It was the best item on the menu that could accompany all of the wines. The Downside: music was very loud, made it difficult to hear at first, and it only softened after 2PM. The Upside: we were on the 44th floor, with a view out over the lake, on a totally white sunshine day. Almost like the Mediterranean, and we had that cuisine too The Contact Person: steve.kriaris@kolonakigroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 3.The Date and Time: Thursday May 10 2018 Noon to 3PM The Event: Tasting/Drinking wine with Frederic Brouca of AOC Faugeres, repped in Ontario by Nicolas Pearce. The Venue: Paris Paris The Target Audience: licensees, wine writers, pr. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are here or will be here (see below) The Quote/Background: Domaine Frederic Brouca has several different bottlings of his organic wines from the region. He explained them (all were red), but also began with some wines from his association with Mure in Alsace, for that white wine component of the afternoon. We tasted eight wines in all. He has markets in Newfoundland, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, New York – with Paris as his largest overall market. 80% of his business is in the USA. He discussed each wine in detail; it was a great learning experience. The Wines: All the wines are organic, prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Frederic Brouca Champs Pentus AOC Faugeres [GSM] 2016 $21.95 Cons -Domaine Frederic Brouca Samso Seuille VDF Faugeres [100% cinsault] 2015 $19.95 Cons -Domaine Frederic Brouca Clos Sauveplane AOC Faugeres [70%mourvedre,30%syrah] 2013 13.5% ABV $34.95 old vines Consignment -Mure Pinot Gris Alsace Signature 2015 [Demeter} $26.95 Cons ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Frederic Brouca Clos Sauveplane AOC Faugeres [70%mourvedre,30%syrah] 2016 13.5% ABV $37.95 old vines Consignment Fall arrival -Domaine Frederic Brouca De Facto Rose AOC Faugeres [45%mourvedre/55%grenache] 2017 $21.95 June arrival -Domaine Frederic Brouca Vermouth 16% [organic grapes and botanicals} $27 Fall arrival -Mure Sylvaner Alsace Signature 2015 [Demeter} $19.95 Cons The Food: there was a selection of charcuterie, sausages, three French cheeses (including Comte), breads and French fries. The Downside: I had to leave immediately for the New Zealand Wine Show, a 20 minute walk away. The NZ seminar was slated to start at 1:30PM. The Upside: there was a chance for a quick chat with Frederic Brouca. The Contact Person: frederic@brouca.com; np@npwines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 4.The Date and Time: Thursday May 10, 2018 1:30PM - 5PM The Event: Flavours of New Zealand Toronto Tasting The Venue: Glass Factory, 99 Sudbury St The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: wines were listed in the catalogue by winery or group, with suggested retail prices. Some of the logos were inconsistently listed along the booths, with out-of-order wineries. I got a lot of exercise walking around. The Quote/Background: I did the walk-around tasting, folding them into the results below. The wines were served too cold for an “aromatics discovery” tasting (Albarino, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer), but when I returned to re-try or try for the first time (allowing for some warm up), the bottles had been replaced by other too cold wines. Some wines were supposed to be blind tasted, but I could not find them. The Wines: Many wines are found online or in-person at the LCBO New Zealand Discovery store 1838 Avenue Road in Toronto. I did not try all the wines in the show. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Rockburn Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Central Otago +468157 $19.95 -Nautilus Chardonnay 2016 Marlborough +331652 $27.95 FAVE WHITE TODAY -Astrolabe Taihoa Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Kekerengu Coast Marlborough 2016 $39.95 Rogers -Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $35.95 Charton Hobbs -Cloudy Bay Te Koko Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $59.95 Charton Hobbs -Cloudy Bay Te Koko Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $59.95 Charton Hobbs -Giesen Single Vineyard Selection Clayvin Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014 $99.95 -Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014 $39.95 Connexion Oenophilia -Greywacke Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 $50 Connexion Oenophilia -Loveblock Pinot Noir Bendigo Central Otago 2016 $34.95 Vine Agency -Te Awanga Estate Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2016 $27.95 Azureau -Quarter Acre Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay 2016 $34.95 Azureau -Quarter Acre Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2016 $34.95 Azureau ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Giesen The August Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013 $54.95 Charton Hobbs -Cloudy Bay Te Wahl Pinot Noir Central Otago 2014 $123.95 -Forrest Albarino Marlborough 2017 $22.95 Abcon -Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Riesling Martinborough 2016 $26 Select Cons -Waimea Classic Riesling Nelson 2016 $18.95 Churchill Consignment -Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer Marlborough 2016 $19.99 Wine Guru -Lindauer Classic Brut Sparkling Wine North Island NV $19.95 Profile -Mister Syrah Hawke's Bay 2015 $29.95 Azureau -Te Awanga Estate Syrah Hawke's Bay 2015 $31.95 Azureau -Toi Toi Clutha Pinot Noir Central Otago 2016 $29.95 Vonterra -Villa Maria Cellar Selection Organic Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 $30.40 P Dandurand -Vidal Reserve Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2016 $27.95 -Thornbury Pinot Noir Central Otago 2016 $27.95 Airen *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Yealands Land Made Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $15 +425298 Licensee only Trialto -Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Gris Marlborough 2017 $22.94 Trialto -Waipara Hills Riesling North Canterbury 2016 $21.99 Southern Glazer's Consignment -Villa Maria Celler Selection Pinot Gris Marlborough 2017 $21.95 PDandurand The Food: breads and cheeses. The Downside: I had needlessly rushed to the seminar because the last few seminars were sitdowns. This time the seminar reverted to the past and it was a walkaround, self-pour which I could have joined any time. The Upside: So I finished early, marked up the show catalogue, and got into the tasting about a half hour early. So I got home earlier as well, avoiding rush hour. The Contact Person: events@nzwine.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85. 5.The Date and Time: Saturday May 12 2018 5:32PM – 10:30PM The Event: Bi-monthly gathering of the Us and Them Others dinner group. The Venue: Evans Avenue, Toronto The Target Audience: four couples united in gastronomic and vinous pleasures. This was a revised version of the original which dated from November 1983, almost 35 years ago. The original intent was for two couples to alternate dinners, and invite a third couple. By 2018 the original two couples had invited and liked a third couple so much that they re-incorporated them, changing from “Us and Them” to “Us and Them Others” – in the spirit of fun. So now there are three couples, rotating every two months. The Quote/Background: Among the many topics discussed, we all considered Ontario matters. The Wines: Not a consensus, but just my own ratings... **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Kew Vineyards Blanc de Blancs 2014 Brut MT VQA [apps] -Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Estate Blanc de Blancs Brut 2012 MT VQA [apps] -Ruffino Chianti Classico Ducale Oro 2012 Gran Selezione [duck leg] -Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva 2014 [duck leg] -Hidalgo Oloroso Faraon 18% Sherry [almond cake] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Pinot Gris 2015 Alsace [with pate] -Grasshopper Rock Earnscleugh Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 [duck leg] The Food: kudos all round to chefs Joe and Monica The menu - app spreads and biscuits with the sparklers house made cognac chicken liver pate with lightly pickled grape slices (the pate made more luxurious with added cream cheese) dry mixed fruit and wine braised duck legs, with sauteed green beans and fingerling potatoes bistro salad risotto almond cake coffees and teas The Contact: www.deantudor.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95 6.The Date and Time: Tuesday May 15 2018 Noon to 2PM The Event: Informal tasting of some Bordeaux wines from Chateau Bel-Air La Royere [Blaye, Cote de Blaye] with owner-winemaker Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud. The Venue: Paris Paris, at the tasting bar The Target Audience: wine sommeliers, media The Availability/Catalogue: wines will be appearing initially at the France Discovery store in Ottawa and online, and will also be proposed for Vintages. The Quote/Background: Assisted by Soline Bossis from Bordeaux, Mme. Chevrier-Loriaud presented her wines with detail. Not in the tasting were their “small lot” sauvignon blanc and their top wine. The top Chateau wine could sell for about $50 in Ontario. It was first made in 1995 with a consistent 55%merlot and 45%malbec composition. Indeed, the Chateau has one of the highest proportions of malbec vines in the Bordeaux; many of them are “old vine” malbec from after WWII. Other vines, such as the cabernet sauvignon, are leased as an addition to the “second vin”. The Chateau is in the process of becoming organic, but until certification comes, the grapes are said to be produced by “organic principles”. All of the employees here are women. The Wines: It is a trio of vintages: the top wine is currently 2014, the second wine is 2015, and the Gourmandises is 2016. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): [the top wine is not yet available in Ontario, could sell for $50] -Gourmandises de Chateau Bel-Air La Royere 2016 Cotes de Blaye $19.95 France Discovery store soon, and also online: a very elegant blend of 100% merlot from 15 year old vines. Good for passing the time as a sipper on the deck/patio or as a lubricant for conversation, and as a first course wine. -Esprit de Chateau Bel-Air La Royere 2015 Cotes de Blaye $24.95 France Discovery store soon, and also online: this is the “second vin” of the Chateau, currently blended as 90% merlot, with 5% malbec and 5% cabernet sauvignon, but in other years, it has been 80% merlot and 10% the other varietals. Most of the vins are 30 years old but some hearken back to 1947. It punches well above its price (which is what it is also selling for in Quebec: time to load up). The Food: typical for Paris Paris – cured sausages, French cheeses (e.g., comte), olives, breads, charcuterie, French fries. The Downside: it was beginning to get hot in the weather with the rise in temperatures. The Upside: a great chance to speak with the principal. The Contact Person: chateau.belair.la.royere@wanadoo.fr; annep@tastesenseltd.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 7. The Date and Time: Tuesday, May 22, 2018 2PM to 4PM The Event: Orange Crush – tasting of contact wines featuring Mateja Gravner The Venue: Peter Pan Bistro (upstairs) The Target Audience: sommeliers and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are either in stock or by private order through The Living Vine or (for Sperling BC wines) Cru Wine Merchants. Southbrook wines are also available at the winery in Niagara. The Quote/Background: This was the first major “orange wine” show in Toronto - the entire contact wine portfolio of The Living Vine, anchored by the appearance of Mateja Graver and her Graver orange wines of Italy (these are made in Georgian amphorae, buried underground with a long maceration with wild yeasts and no temperature control; after pressing, the wine was poured back into amphorae for five more months before the start of ageing in large oak barrels where it was left for six years, and then bottled without fining or filtration). It was also a major achievement for Mark Cuff, owner of The Living Vine – the same Mark Cuff who promoted the biodynamic/organic wine show at the Distillery District a decade ago: Return to Terroir (Feb 8, 2008). The Wines: Orange wines are an acquired taste, so this was an important wine tasting for me with its major exposure. I tried to embrace its sensibilities. The best wines were very expensive because of the labour and upkeep. But there were some values, especially for the novice orange drinker. All prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Sperling Vineyard Amber Gris 2016 BCVQA Okanagan Valley, $34.95 Cru Wine Merchants -Gravner Pinot Grigio Anfora Friuli IGT Italy $219.95 -Dominio de Punctum 20,000 Leguas 2017 La Mancha Spain $16.95 – I gave this wine four stars because of its excellent entry level value. A great introduction to the fresh tannic steeliness of orange wine. -Southbrook Niagara Orange/Skin Fermented Vidal 2014 VQA Ontario not available -Southbrook Niagara Orange/Skin Fermented Vidal 2015 VQA Ontario not available -Southbrook Niagara Orange/Skin Fermented Vidal 2017 VQA Ontario end of summer -Denavolo [2016] Lot # L16D Emilia Romagna IGT Italy $49.95 – awesome, my overall FAVE -COS zibibbo In Pithos 2016 Sicily $62.95 private order -Turner-Pageot Languedoc Le Blanc [picpoul, marsanne] 2017 $26.95 private order -Turner-Pageot Languedoc Les Choix Marsanne Orange 2015 $52.95 -Cueva Orange Tardana – Macabeo Valencia Spain 2016 $32.95 private order ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Southbrook Niagara Orange/Skin Fermented Vidal 2016 VQA Ontario $25.12 -Gravner Ribolla Anfora Friuli IGT Italy 2008, 14% ABV $109.95 -Gravner Ribolla Anfora Friuli IGT Italy 2009, 14% ABV $119.95 private order -Gravner Bianco Breg Anfora Friuli IGT Italy 2008 15% ABV $109.95 -sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, chardonnay, and riesling italico all fermented separately but aged together. -Gravner Bianco Breg Anfora Friuli IGT Italy 2009 15% ABV $119.95 private order -Orsogna Lunaria Ramoro Pinot Grigio Abruzzo Italy $23.95 -in colour, close to rose -Domaine Ligas Kydonitsa Barique 2015 Pella Greece $44.95 private order -COS Rami Greciano/Insolia 2016 Sicily $35.95 -COS Pithos Bianco 2015 Sicily $59.95; magnum $94.95 -Fonterenza Biancospino [NV] Tuscany Italy $39.95 -Celler Credo Estrany Xarel-Lo Estrany 2014Penedes Spain $56.95 -Cosimo Maria Masini “Daphne” Bianco 2015 $44.95 private order -Animacorale L'Audace Grillo 2015 $29.95 some RS -Animacorale Il Visionario Inzolia 2015 $29.95 private order -Animacorale Il Visionario Catarratto 2015 $29.95 private order -Animacorale L'eretico Grecanico 2015 $29.95 private order The Food: orange-coloured snacks (baby carrots, orange pepper slices, BBQ tortilla chips, orange cheddar cheese, orange-tinged popcorn, ritx crackers, cheesies, three orange dips which included hummus). The Downside: it was really crowded (yeah, a real orange crush) since there was a sommelier seminar at 1PM and it just finished shortly after 2PM The Upside: a great opportunity to taste a wide range of contact wines. The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95 8. The Date and Time: Thursday, May 24, 2018 1:30PM - 3PM The Event: The Power of Food – lunch and learn with Jordana Hart of www.ihartnutrition.com The Venue: The Simple Kitchen The Target Audience: food media The Quote/Background: Jordana specializes in helping women create a healthy relationship with food while remaining aware that life is all about moderation. She's an RD and blogger. The Simple Kitchen is a paleo, gluten-free and mostly dairy-free restaurant in Roncesvalles Village. It specializes in boxes, salads, bowls, special coffees, fresh-pressed juices, fresh baked goods, and unprocessed ingredients. It has an active catering business. Hart emphasized mindfulness, the idea of creating a rainbow of colours on your plate so you can be attracted to it, even if it is just greens and tomatoes on a pizza. Mindfulness includes chewing your food (call for Lynn Belevedere!!) and sitting down while you eat. You should have the three macronutrients at every meal (fat, carbohydrates, protein), not necessarily equal in proportions. Try for three meals and two snacks each day. The Wines: The restaurant has a small number of alcoholic beverages. For wines, there are Pelee Island Cabernet and Pelee Island Pinot Grigio. They make mimosas with fresh orange juice and Moscato d'Asti. The Food: we had a wide-ranging lunch with small versions of bone broth, almond banana smoothie, warm turmeric latte with housemade cashew mylk and cracked pepper, vanilla chia seed bowls with granola and coconut whipped cream, boxes for keto, lean and vegan diets, and avocado toasts with sauerkraut. There were at least four different box cookies in the paleo/keto mode, a variety of triangles and squares. The Downside: we started late and I was pressed to leave for an appointment. The Upside: everything was so healthy The Contact Person: michelle@lucidcommunications.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87. 9. The Date and Time: Tuesday May 29, 2018 1PM to 5PM The Event: Spring Preview Wine Tasting with PondView Estate Winery and Stem Wine Group (Stem is the wine agent for PondView) The Venue: Tim Horton's Theatre in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers, private clients The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available either through the winery or through the agent. The Wines: prices are licensee. I did not try all the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Henri Abele Vintage Brut Champagne 2009 $99.99 – my white/spark FAVE of the tasting -460 Casina Bric Barolo Piedmont 2012 $46.99 – my red FAVE of the tasting -Pondview Bella Terra Reserve Cabernet Franc Unfiltered VQA 2014 $39.75 -Pondview Bella Terra Reserve Meritage Unfiltered VQA 2013 $44.75 -Pondview Bella Terra Reserve Appassimento Cabernet VQA 2014 $69.75 -Andeluna Altitud Chardonnay Mendoza Argentina 2016 $22.99 -Fatt. Magliano Vermentino Toscana 2017 $24.99 -Ronco del Gelso Riesling Schulz 2016 Friuli IGT $35.99 -Husic Chardonnay Napa Valley 2015 $84.99 -La Manufacture Chablis Grand Cru Blanchots 2014 $104.99 -Fatt. Magliano Illario IGT Rosato Tuscany 2017 $23.99 -Henri Abele Brut Rose Champagne $69.99 -Henri Abele Brut Traditional Champagne NV $55.99 -Corte Aura Franciacorta Brut NV $31.99 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Burnt Ship Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.30 -Burnt Ship Bay Chardonnay 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.45 -Burnt Ship Bay Cabernet 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.30 -PondView Lot 74 Sparkling Vintage Brut 2016 $24.90 -PondView Lot 74 White 2016 $14.95 [chardonnay/riesling/gewurztraminer] -PondView Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2016 VQA Niagara $17.95 -PondView Black Label Skipping Stone 2017 $16.95 [vidal] -PondView Black Label Riesling Dry 2016 $19.95 -PondView Bella Terra Reserve Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2015 $29.95 -Colterenzio Cora Pinot Bianco 2017 Alto Adige Italy $20.99 -Colterenzio Lafoa Chardonnay 2017 Alto Adige Italy $57.99 -Castello di Semivicoli Pecorino 2017 Abruzzo Italy $28.99 -Castello di Semivicoli Trebbiano 2014 Abruzzo Italy $39.99 -Ca' del Baio Langhe Riesling 2016 Piedmont $29.99 -Chotard Sancerre Blanc 2017 $29.99 -Chotard Sancerre Rose 2017 $29.99 -La Manufacture Chablis 2016 $34.99 -Ronco del Gelso Fruiliano Toc Bas 2016 Friuli $29.99 -Ronco del Gelso Malvasia Vigna Della Permuta 2016 Friuli IGT $29.99 -Andeluna Altitud Malbec Mendoza Argentina 2014 $25.99 -Husic Pinot Noir Napa Valley 2015 $84.99 The Food: platters of charcuterie and cheeses, plus breads and biscuits. The Contact Person: mark@stemwinegroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 10. The Date and Time: Wednesday May 30, 2018 11:30AM to 2PM The Event: Wines of South Africa spring release tasting of wines from the Western Cape. The Venue: National Club The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are landed, some are private orders. The Quote/Background: Seven Western Cape producers were part of the luncheon. Each gave details about their wines in general and the wine being tasted in particular. Wineries included De Wetshof Estate, DGB, Ken Forrester Wines, MAN Family Wines, Mulderbosch, Rustenberg, and Spier. The Wines: There were three flights: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon – 14 wines in all. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Mulderbosch 1000 Mile Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $29 private order Abcon -Ken Forrester Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2016 Vintages $17.95 -Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2007 N/A – my FAVE of the tasting -DGB Bernard Series Chenin Blanc 2016 Vintages $29.95 -De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2017 $19.95 private order Glencairn -De Wetshof LESCA Chardonnay 2015 $24.95 private order Glencairn -Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2015 $49 Classics June -Mulderbosch Fable Syrah 2014 $44 private order Abcon ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -MAN Family Wines Tormentoso Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Vintages $17 -Rustenberg John X Merriman 2014 Vintages $24.95 -Spier Creative Block 3 2015 $29.95 Sylvestre *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Spier Signature Chardonnay 2017 $12.30 Sylvestre -DGB Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2016 LCBO $15.55 -MAN Family Wines Skaapveld Shiraz 2016 Vintages July $14.95 The Food: breads, salads, chicken breasts, and custards. The Downside: I had to leave early, to attend a play. The Upside: a chance to taste some South African wines new to the Ontario market. Plus we were all given a copy of the 2018 Platter Wine Guide. The Contact Person: keenan@propellerpr.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR APRIL 2018 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH – 1.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Saint Chinian 2015 +370247 May 12 Vintages $17.95: the last vintage here was 2011 at $1 less. Bertrand has a Terroir series embracing the range of Sud de France wines. Here it is older vines in a schist area of Languedoc, specifically syrah and mourvedre. Expect black fruit all over the place (even black olives, mocha and garrigue). The “f” word comes to mind: full, fat, fleshy, fabulous at this price. One third of the wine is aged for nine months in barrel, the rest matured in vats and then blended before bottling. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Languedoc Red 2015 +413237 May 12 Vintages, $16.95: the last vintage here was 2013. It's a blend of syrah and grenache, promising both black fruit and red fruit tones at an affordable price. Local garrigue is apparent, complemented by some fennel. Part of the wine is transferred over to 225-litre oak barrels where it is aged for roughly 10 months. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.J.B. POLI VACA MORA AMARO VENETO, $39.95 for 700 ml, +662726 Vintages: a grappa-based bitter from the Veneto that is on the dryish side of balanced. You don't find these too often in Ontario (I've had people tell me that even Campari is too sweet): this is a digestif, like Fernet, that is perfect for settling a tummy with its off-menthol tones coupled with fall lashings of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg. At the risk of mixing my languages, it is a true “trou Normand”. Vaca Mora refers to a “black cow” train that served amaros to the passengers in 1885. 32% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Cantina Valpantena Veneto Chardonnay IGP 2016 $14.95 Consignment Majestic Wine Cellars: It's a definite antipasto or pre-prandial wine since it was light lemons with lively acidity, some tart apples, 12% ABV, and a longer finish than I was expecting. Quite pleasant. Under composition cork. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Morgan Bay Cellars Chardonnay 2016 California appellation $17.95 Majestic Wine Cellars Consignment: cork disc closure, well-rounded texture meant to appeal to the US palate. There were lemons and green apples, but also the softness and taste of a creamy caramel. But there is also enough finishing acid for a first course. Otherwise, sip away. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2015 Napa $27.95 Private order from Majestic Wine Cellars: a soft wine full of orchard fruit (apple, pear), creamy, bright, some vanilla but a little oak with spices. Aperitif or with seafood. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.J.B. Poli Camomilla Elisir Veneto +547927 Vintages $44.95 700 mL: hard to believe that there are actually three different producers of Italian camomilla at the LCBO, all based on the chamomile flower. But they also sell well in Germany. The Poli is a grappa infusion of chamomile, followed by a sweetening to contain and extend the typical chamomile flavours. 30% ABV, best as a digestif if you do not like bitters. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI SEMI-SWEET YELLOW MUSCAT 2016 Hungary, +46508 Vintages, $16.95: This Yellow Muscat is related to Muscat Blanc. Made from older vines, done up in Late Harvest style, with that peachy complexity, medium-bodied, but with lemons and pineapple acidity on the longer finish. Floral aromatics. 13.5% ABV, a volcanic wine. Serve with later courses (fruity mains, salads, curries, cheeses, off-dry desserts). No price change over the 2015!. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: Thursday April 5, 2018 6PM - 9PM The Event: Down the Rabbit Hole/Reverie at the Park first anniversary party. The Venue: Reverie at the Park, College Street The Target Audience: food media (I was one of the older folk, but I did note Dick Snyder and Sara Waxman as attending). The Quote/Background: David Mulock provided us with inspired cocktails such as Sweet Lou's wet Negroni or A Forager's Find with bourbon, shiso, lemon, sugar, and High Park wild ginger. Beer and wine were also available. Most media had a cocktail followed by wine at dinner. While others were nursing their cocktails, I talked with Executive Chef Jef Edwards who has been here about a year. This was Reverie's first anniversary dinner, followed by a music party upstairs at 9PM (I had to go home: busy day on Friday at the LCBO tasting lab and at the Green Living Show). Chef Jef comes from Winnipeg and spent some time in creating the sharing menu at Reverie. He also spoke before each dish, giving its history and creation notes. Previously, he had told me about his fab “chef's selection”, a menu of some 11 courses for four persons ($204 total), which included sea scallops, salmon croquette, pork belly, Alaskan trout, duxelle chicken, muscovy dick, rack of lamb, venison, and dessert. He had a printed menu for it so that he could compromise on any allergies or dislikes by patrons. So there is a lot to play around with – even with a comparable seafood menu of “chef's selection”. Currently, though, they have no corkage license rider so you would be limited to the short house wine list. The Wines: I tried tasting samples of five wines. I did not see the labels -- **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Charles & Charles Chardonnay Washington ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pfaff Riesling Pfaffenheim Cuvee Jupiter Alsace -Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore -George Deboeuf Hob Nob Pinot Noir Languedoc *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Santa Margherita Valdadige Pinot Grigio The Food: It was a five course dinner for about 36 – 40 attendees, with excellent table service and significant plates. We began with house made focaccia and breads with pesto and then moved on to s lovely smoked beef tartare and enoki with crisps and hot mustard (served in a beef bone where the marrow would have been). This was followed by a scallop surf and turf with pea and piccata and oyster mushrooms. There was more: cured mackerel and artichoke with kohlrabi and pickled blueberry, and a light gnocchi and ricotta with spinach and palm hearts, like a gnudi. The ending was a veal and porcini aligot (potatoes, cheese, white wine) with peaches. Kudos all round, as well as the applause... The Downside: typical for the area was the excessive music level, not very enjoyable when eating, and especially when it goes on and on for three hours and more. But then, that's just me... The Upside: a chance to talk to Chef Jef Edwards. The Contact Person: olivia@nordstrommatte.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 2.The Date and Time: Tuesday April 10, 2018 12PM - 3:30 PM The Event: Taste Oregon; a journey of discovery The Venue: Berkeley Church, Queen Street East The Target Audience: wine trade and media The Availability/Catalogue: it was a great looking catalogue, loaded with details about the wineries and their wines, arranged alphabetically by winery or company. Only price ranges were given, which is a great idea for these vague times of currency fluctuations and markups and transportation, etc. So – the recommended retail price in the US would be as $$ = 10 – 15 USD, or $$$$$ = more than $50, Five price ranges were suggested. Importers were listed by company name only, and only a few had walkaway price lists. The Quote/Background: More than 35 wineries were on board today, with about 200 wines. Eight food purveyors showed off their skills. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are mostly licensee, or at least within as USD retail dollar price range. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Elk Cove Goodrich Chardonnay 2015 Yamhill-Carlton $65 licensee Breakthru Beverage -Elk Cove Fibe Mountain Pinto Noir 2015 Chehalem Mountain $73 licensee Breakthru Bev -Alexana Winery Terroir Series Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2015 Willamette $25 – 50 USD Le Sommelier -Archery Summit Arcus Pinot Noir 2015 Dundee Hills $125 CAD Andrew Peller Imports -Archery Summit Eola Amit Hills Chardonnay 2016 $45 USD Andrew Peller -Archery Summit Dundees Hills Pinot Noir 2016 $60 USD Andrew Peller -Argyle Vintage Brut PN/C/PM 2016 Willamette $40 Andrew Peller -Argyle Brut Rose 2013 PN/C/PM Dundee Hills $50 Andrew Peller -Bachelder Oregon Mineralite of Oregon Chardonnay 2014 Willamette $?? Lifford -Bachelder Oregon Parfum de Oregon Pinot Noir 2014 Willamette $?? Lifford -Division Winemaking Pinot Noir Trois 2015 Eola Amity Hills more than $50 USD Lifford -Hyland Estates Winery Old Vine Chardonnay 2016 McMinnville $39.95 CAD N Pearce -Hyland Estates Winery Old Vine Riesling 2016 McMinnville $34.95 CAD N Pearce -Phelps Creek Vineyards Columbia Gorge Chardonnay 2015 $34 US Wines Online Canada -R.Stuart Rose d'Or Brut NV PN/C Willamette $25 – 50 Epic -Trisaetum Coast Range Estate Riesling 2015 Yamhill-Carlton $45 CAD N Pearce -Trisaetum Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2016 $45 CAD N Pearce -Walter Scott Wines X Novo Chardonnay 2016 Eola Amity Hills $45 USD Kinsale Oregon ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Winderlea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Dundee Hills more than $50 USD Katy Moore -Winderlea Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 Barrel Fermented Willamette Valley more than $50 USD Katy Moore -Valley View Winery Viognier 2015 Applegate Valley $18 USD Eurovintage -Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2016 $25 CAD The Vine Agency -Solena Estate Chardonnay Willamette 2015 $39.95 CAD N Pearce -R.Stuart Big Fire Pinot Gris 2015 Willamette $10USD Epic --Phelps Creek Vineyards Lynette Chardonnay 2014 Columbia Gorge $38 US Wines Online Canada -Rex Hill Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 $25 – 50USD N Pearce -Rex Hill Seven Soils Chardonnay 2015 Willamette $39.95 CAD N Pearce -Adelsheim Vineyard Caitlin's Reserve Chardonnay 2015 Willamette more than $50USD Mark Anthony -Adelsheim Vineyard Staking Claim Chardonnay 2015 Chehalem more than $50USD Mark Anthony -Adelsheim Vineyard Elizabeth's Reserve Pinot Noir 2013 Willamette $80 Mark Anthony -Chehalem Winery Ian's Reserve Chardonnay 2015 Dundee Hills $25 – 50 USD Living Vine -Chehalem Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2015 Ribbon Ridge $85 CAD Living Vine -Citation Oregon Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2014 $25 – 50 Intervino -Division Winemaking Chardonnay Trois 2016 Willamette $25 - $50 USD Lifford -Domaine Drouhin Oregon Arthur Chardonnay 2015 Dundee Hills Dandurand -Domaine Drouhin Oregon Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2015 $50 CAD Dandurand -Domaine Oregon Roserock Pinot Noir 2015 Eola Amity Hills $41CAD Dandurand -Domaine Roy et Fils Chardonnay 2016 Willamette $25 – 50 USD Univins The Food: small bites came from Richmond Station (roasted carrots), LBS (pickled mussels on potato), Mad Crush (lamb tartare on crostini), Barque (pulled pork tortilla), and Sweet Jesus (six types of ice cream, none of which went with any wine, but it was a good afterthought: I enjoyed my serving of the chocolate, peanut butter, peanuts, and caramel ice cream). In a separate serving area The Cheese Boutique produced a range of cheeses (soft through hard, some blues, sausages, Pingue prosciutto, biscuits, dried fruit and nuts. Best food for me was the lamb tartare from Mad Crush. The Downside: when will the trade shows ever learn the importance of walkaway price lists for landed wines? How much does a piece of paper cost? The Upside: good wines, good food. The Contact Person: info@predhomme.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 3.The Date and Time: Wednesday, April 11 2018 11:30 AM – 3:30PM The Event: The First Kolonaki Group Portfolio Tasting – trade show component The Venue: The Addison's Residence, Wellington St West The Target Audience: sommeliers and media, food and beverage managers The Availability/Catalogue: Ontario Licensee Price List for April 2018 had all the products in convenient bottle shots, region, price, and availability (consignment, et al). The Quote/Background: There were stations scattered through some small rooms, which gave us a sense of both coziness and convenience. The Wines: There were over 50 different products (wines, beers, spirits). I only tried some of the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Luc Belaire Rose Brut Provence $38 +395384 June 9 Vintages -Luc Belaire Gold Brut Burgundy $38 Consignment -Argyros Estate Atlantis White Assyrtiko-Athiri-Aidani 2017 Santorini $20.95 Consignment -Boutari 1879 Legacy 2007 $60 Consignment -Domaine Karanika Brut Amydeon $32.95 Consignment -Domaine Karanika Rose Brut Amydeon $32.95 Consignment -Kir Yianni Akakies Rose Brut 2017 Amydeon $19.95 Consignment -Kir Yianni Two Olives Xinomavro-Syrah-Merlot 2015 Imathia $32.95 Consignment -Kir Yianni Diaporo Xinomavro 90% Syrah 10% 2013 Imathia $46.95 consignment -Santo Santorini Grand Reserve Assyrtiko $44.95 consignment -Thalia Syrah-Kotsifali Rose 2016 Crete $9.75 consignment -Wine Art Estate Pink Bang 2017 [touriga nacional] $22.95 Consignment -Eradus Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Awatere $18.95 Vintages -Ego Bodegas Goru Blend Chardonnay Muscat 2017 Jumilla $13.95 Vintages Fall 2018 -Ego Bodegas Goru Blend Monastrell-Syrah-Petit Verdot 2015 Jumilla $13.95 Vintages ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Eradus Ana Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Awatere 2017 $17.95 consignment -Wine Art Estate Techni Alipias Assyrtiko Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Drama $19.95 Consign -Wine Art Estate Plano Malagousia 2016 Drama $20.95 Consignment -Santo Nykteri Santorini 2017 $29.95 Private Order -Skouras St. Georges Nemea Agiorgitiko 2014 $18.95 consignment -Skouras Armyra Chardonnay 2016 Peloponesse $21.95 consignment -Skouras Megas Oenos Cabernet St.Georges 2014 Peloponesse $48.95 consignment -Boutari Grand Reserve Naoussa-Xinomavro 2012 $24.95 Late spring 2018 -Argyros Estate Atlantis Assyrtiko 2016 Santorini $29.95 Consignment -Argyros Estate Santorini 2016 $31.95 Consignment -Domaine Mega Spileo Red Blend 2012 Acahaia $28.95 Consignment -Domaine Mega Spileo Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Acahaia $27.95 Vintages The Food: charcuterie and cheeseboards, breads and biscuits, dried fruit, shrimp spoons, platter passarounds. The Downside: unfortunately, Papaioannou wines (some of my faves) were not available for tasting. The Upside: one of the last wines I had was based on a Portuguese grape variety, thus providing a fortuitous segue to my next tasting 20 minutes later... The Contact Person: steve.kriaris@kolonakigroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 4.The Date and Time: Wednesday April 11, 2018 1PM to 4PM The Event: Welcome to a World of Difference: wines of Portugal grand tasting Toronto The Venue: Globe and Mail Centre 17th floor The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was quite similar to others from the past, with info about grape varieties in each bottle. But agents were not noted, nor were there any notes on availability. The tables were roughly in alphabetical order, so that was a help. We were all given bracelets whoch could be used to get additional information. Some us BEGGED for the printed version of the catalogue so that we may have something to write on. I explained that I was a writer and I needed that crutch in order to ask relevant questions (e.g., availability and price). The Quote/Background: Once again, only a handful of agents were smart enough to have a sheet of paper with prices and availability. Kudos to them. That of Airen Imports was a model of conciseness. How much does paper cost? The Wines: I only tried some of the wines and ports. Prices and agents are generally missing, sorry. I had stupidly thought that my bracelet would give me the name of the agent and prices by email. It did not. Marketing here was not very helpful. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ramos Pinto Porto 30 Years old vines -Esporao Branco Reserva 2016 $26 FWP -Messias Brut Milesime 2013 $25 Signature -Quinta da Devesa Porto 40+ Anos -Quinta da Lapa Espumante Brut Nature Reserva 2014 $28.95 Wine Moves -Quinta da Lapa Reserva 2012 $29.95 Wine Moves -Quinta da Lapa Reserva Homenagem 2014 Tejo $42.95 Wine Moves -Quinta das Apegadas Velha Grande Reserva 2013 $55 -Sandeman Porto Tawny 30 Years Old -Quintela Branco 2016 +463900 $13.35 -Piano Grande Reserve Red $39.95 Private order Airen ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Piano Red 2016 $13.80 Private order Airen -Piano Reserve Red $20.35 Private order Airen -Porto Ferreira Duque de Braganca Tawny 20 year old -Messias 10 Anos Signature -Campolargo Espumante Bruto 2014 -Campolargo Espumante Bruto Rose 2014 -Casa Santons Lima Al-Ria 2016 $15.95 Majestic -Casa Santons Lima Entre Nos 2015 $22 Majestic -Casa Santons Lima Parcelas 2015 $14.95 Majestic -Casa Santons Lima Colossal Reserva 2015 $15.95 Majestic -Caves da Montanha Premium Reserva Brut 2012 2.9E Ex-Ce -Caves da Montanha Love Pink Brut 3.1E Ex-Ce -Caves da Montanha Premium Reserva Brut 2012 2.9E Ex-Ce -Caves da Montanha Superior Brut 2.55E Ex-Ce -Esporao Monte Velho 2017 $14 FWP -Esporao Assobio Branco 2017 $17 FWP -Global Wines Cabriz Espumante Bruto 2014 -Sobroso Barrique Select 2017 -Casa Amarela Reserva Branco 2016 $25 -Casa Amarela Il Terroir Branco 2016 $25 -Quinta da Lapa Selection Branco 2017 $12 Wine Moves -Quinta da Lapa Nana Branco 2017 $15.95 Wine Moves -Quinta da Lapa Branco Reserva 2016 $17.95 Wine Moves The Food: charcuterie and cheese platters, croquettes, yummy custards for dessert. The Downside: very difficult to get comprehensive catalogue information on availability, agency, and prices. I had wrongly assumed it would be captured via my bracelet. The Upside: a great opportunity to see Toronto from the Globe Centre 17th floor. The Contact Person: chloe.benayoun@sopexa.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 75 5.The Date and Time: Monday April 16, 2018 Noon - 3PM The Event: Ogier Winemaker Tasting and Lunch The Venue: Wine Academy The Target Audience: wine writers and influencers The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available through the LCBO or the agency, Select Wines. The Quote/Background: Ogier was founded in 1859 in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and purchased in 1995 by JeanJean. Raphael Pommier, an associate winemaker at Ogier, gave us a seminar on his terroir-driven wines for Ogier. They have a focus on grenache (70% of their vines, cultivated for a fruity late harvest style) which is co-fermented with syrah and/or mourvedre, cinsault, and other varieties when needed. Pommier works with 44 other “associate” winemakers, each with their own levels of responsibility. He makes his wines in the north Ardeche. He's in Toronto as a promoter this time, with presentations to the LCBO and other customers. Pommier took us through the various plots of land with different strata. The Safres has compressed sand, the Gres Rouge has everything (sand, gravel, rocks, and red clay). The Vinolithic is here in its second vintage – only 15 300-litre barrels were made (6000 bottles). Each year will be slightly different while they experiment to find an upscale Cotes du Rhone. This year – 2015 – had 15% ABV. The Wines: We had eight wines plus the new vintage of Ventoux Rose 2017. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape White 2016 [five grapes] $54.95 -Gres Rouge Chateauneuf-du-Pape Red 2015 $57.95 -Safres Chateauneuf-du-Pape Red 2015 $57.95 -Domaine Notre Dame de Cousignac Vinolithic Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Red 2015 $26.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Red 2015 $49.95 -Ogier Heritages Cotes du Rhone 2016 $14.95 -Ogier Ventoux Rose 2017 $13.95 [coming soon] *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ogier Ventoux Red 2016 $11.95 -Ogier Ventoux Rose 2016 $13.95 The Food: we ordered from a special menu. I had ham croquettes and a pork chop. Others had Cornish hen, salads, and veggies. The Downside: bad weather made it a struggle to get downtown. The Upside: the postponement of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada annual rose tasting due to the bad weather gave me the opportunity to attend this terrific luncheon. The Contact Person: mitchell@selectwines.ca raphaelpommierusa@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 6.The Date and Time: Monday April 23, 2018 1PM to 5PM The Event: California Wine Tour 2018 Toronto The Venue: Fairmont Royal York The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: the Media Room opened at 1PM, which gave us a 1.5 hour jump on the big show (thanks!!). The Quote/Background: The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. But I did try some from the show room itself, plus what I could glean from the media room. Prices were generally “on demand”. The best booth was Nichols, with its older wines, a terrific area. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chandon Brut NV -Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs NV -Grgich Hills Estate Merlot 2014 -Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2014 -Heitz Wine Cellars Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 -Freemark Abbey Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 -Marimar Estate Mas Cavalls Pinot Noir 2013 -Rodney Strong Vineyards Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2015 -Rutherford Wine Company Lander-Jenkins Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 -Schrug Carneros Estate Chardonnay 2016 -Signorello Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 -Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet 2013 -Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis 2015 -Bogle Vineyards Phantom [blend] 2014 -Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2015 Reserve Santa Lucia -Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay 2015 -Wente Vineyards Estate Grown Morning Fog Chardonnay 2016 $19.95 LCBO -Nichols Winery & Cellars Edna Ranch Chardonnay 2000 $50 US -Nichols Winery & Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon D'Anbino 2003 $55 US -Nichols Winery & Cellars Pinot Noir Paragon Vineyard 1999 $55 US -Nichols Winery & Cellars Meritage Ninety Eight 1998 $55 US -Nichols Winery & Cellars Silver Fox Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label 2005 $55 US -Nichols Winery & Cellars Soleil & Terroir Reserve Merlot Ninety Eight 1998 $35 US -Nichols Winery & Cellars Soleil & Terroir Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Ninety Eight 1998 $55 US -Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa -Clos Pegase Chardonnay 2016 Napa -Ca' Momi Napa Merlot 2015 -Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Merlot Three Palms Vineyard 2015 -Chalone Estate Pinot Noir 2015 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Kunde Family Winery Chardonnay 2016 Sonoma Valley -Buena Vista Carneros Pinot Noir 2013 -Carol Shelton Wines Rocky Reserve Zinfandel 2015 -Cline Family Big Break Zinfandel 2015 -Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 -Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2016 -Chalk Hill Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2014 -Chalone Estate Chardonnay 2015 -Francis Ford Coppola Archimedes Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Sonoma 2014 -Gloria Ferrer Brut NV -Hall and Walt Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 -Hoopes Vineyard Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 -Hope Family Treana Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 -J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2015 -Long Meadow Ranch Chardonnay 2015 -Michael David Earthquake Zinfandel 2014 -Patz and Hall Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2015 -Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel 2015 -Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Lytton Spring 2015 -St.Supery Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 -Beringer Napa Valley Quantum Red Blend 2015 -Stags' Leap Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 -Truchard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 -Caymus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 -Emmolo Merlot 2015 The Food: uniquely this time the food was mostly related to the “S” word – sliders, sushi and shashimi, all of which was appreciated. Thanks guys! The Downside: it got crowded really fast, packed within 15 minutes The Upside: it was good to see the Second Harvest Silent Auction. The Contact Person: paula@praxispr.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 7.The Date and Time: Tuesday, April 24, 2018 8AM to 6PM The Event: Growing Success and Profit: the First Ontario Craft Wine Conference & Trade Show The Venue: Beanfield Centre The Target Audience: Winery owners/presidents, winemakers, production, sales staff and industry suppliers. The Quote/Background: “We are really excited to bring the Ontario Craft Wine Conference & Trade Show to the Ontario market. The opportunity to learn, share, collaborate and do business all in one day will benefit all aspects of the sector, from wineries, to suppliers, to stakeholders.” – Sue Ann Staff The Highlights: This was the first annual one-day Ontario Craft Wine Conference & Trade Show, featuring presentations from wine industry professionals and experts. Topic streams included: retail marketing, finance, government/regulatory, and technical matters. There was a keynote, some panel discussions, and demonstrations. There was also a 9500 sq.ft. trade show with wine industry trade suppliers displaying products and services. I was there mainly to sample wines and to attend the technical seminars (appassimento research, sustainable winemaking, and wine trends). Unfortunately, none of the 12 programs were repeated, nor were there videos or transcripts. So if you were interested in topics that were concurrently presented, then you needed a second - or more – attendee to take notes and to participate. “Wine trends” and “sustainability” went up against each other, which was unfortunate, especially since sustainability is a wine trend (as is “appassimento”, but at least that panel held no conflict for me). Specific topics of the panels included export markets, the value of the appellation, brand protection and intellectual property, selling VQA wines in Ontario, banking matters, DTC (direct to consumer sales), and grant application writing. The keynote address was given by Erica Crawford who described how Kim Crawford wines came about, with its emphasis on business models, branding, routes to markets, screw caps, distribution networks and sales. It was a “how we did it” story in top down fashion, with no assets and no hidden costs to the company. A virtual winery before the name was used. They led the way with NZ sauvignon blanc exports, which in total now comprise 86% of all wine exports from NZ. After lunch, Deloitte presented its third annual review, now found at -- http://www.vqaontario.ca/Library/Documents/OntarioWineandGrapeIndustryPerformanceReport_2017_FINAL_optimized.pdf The Wines: There were two dozen wines for tasting at the lunch buffet. I did not try them all. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay 2016 -Hare Wine Crown Land Red (Cabernet Franc) 2015 -Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay -Cave Spring Cellar Riesling Estate -Closson Chase Chardonnay 2016 -Smoke and Gamble Cabernet Merlot 2014 -Henry of Pelham Classic Riesling 2016 -Norman Hardie Niagara Chardonnay 2015 -Stratus Wildass Rose 2017 -Reif Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Kacaba Cabernet Syrah 2016 -Rosehall Run Vyd Righteous Dude Riesling 2016 -Frisky Beaver Shades of Grey Chardonnay -London Burn Wine Company Viognier 2016 -Malivoire Rose Vivant 2017 -Sue Ann Staff Sauvignon Blanc -Niagara College Teaching Winery Balance Viognier 2016 -Oxley Estate Pinot Gris 2017 The Food: lunch buffet included french fries, smoked salmon and cream cheese on rye, sliced AAA roast beef on ciabatta, pasta salad, tomato salad, and squares for dessert. The Downside: I was told that there were no transcripts or videos available, but that Powerpoint presentations could be requested from the presenters. The Upside: a great way to make contacts and to keep up with the wine industry. The Contact Person: christine@boostpr.ca; alison@winecouncilofontario.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 8. The Date and Time: Wednesday, April 25, 2018 The Event: The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's FIFTH annual Rose tasting of imported and domestic rose wines for sale in Ontario – the only tasting of its kind in Ontario! The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's Toronto Head Offices. The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are (or will be) available either year round or for the seasonal offering Spring/Summer 2018. The Quote/Background: All wines submitted were tasted. What follows below are my OWN tasting scores from my OWN notes. The BEST wines scored 91 or more; the BETTER wines were in that narrow 88 – 90 range. My individual scores are given; those from other writers will vary. In fact, write-ups by other writers will also vary, as well as photos. This was NOT a competition since all wines were tasted with exposed labels and prices, plus tech/sales sheets. The Wines: It is important to realize that Ontario roses (both still and sparkling) are surely world-class, holding their own against those of France, Portugal and Spain. My fave Ontario rose sparkler was Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Rose Brut NV ($29.95) and fave Ontario still rose was Two Sisters Vineyards Rosé 2017 at $35 (Bordeaux-style blend) – The Foreign Affair Amarose 2016 just a point less but about half the Two Sisters price. Similarly, for imports, the best value rose sparkler continues to be the Cono Sur Pinot Noir Rose Brut NV at $13.95, and the best value still rose Lorgeril L'Orangeraie Rosé 2017 $10.25 +279661 Pays d'Oc, both at the LCBO. Prices are generally RETAIL unless otherwise specified. The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada would very much like to thank both Drinks Ontario and Wine Marketing Association of Ontario for encouraging their members to participate. There were some 85 wines sent in, well over last year's 70 wines....It is getting bigger every year!! Thanks guys.. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut Non-vintage $29.95 217505 GL VQA Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Chardonnay 12% -13th Street Winery 13th Street Cuvée Brut Rosé NV $27.95 147504 Niagara 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay 12.5% Vintage Essential -Alliance Loire De Chanceny, Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut NV $19.65 211466 GL Cabernet Franc, Grolleau Noir 12.5% -Megalomaniac Winery Bubblehead NV $29.95 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Chardonnay 13% Currently available at winery -Chateau des Charmes Cuvee d'Andree Rose 2017 $15.95 333260 GL VQA NOTL 13% -Taittinger Prestige Brut Rose Champagne NV $79.95 993113 Champagne PN/Chard/PM 12% LCBO May 26th -Pares Balta Pares Balta Cava Pink NV $21.99 Penedes Garnatxa, Parellada, Macabeo 11.5% Consignment Available Now Noble Estates Wine & Spirits -Chateau Gassier Esprit Gassier Rose 2017 $20.95 +490839 Cotes de Provence 13% Vintages -Chateau Gassier Le Pas du Moine Saint-Victoire Rose 2017 $23.95 +450874 Cotes de Provence 13.5% Vintages -Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rose 2017, $17.95, avail: LCBO, (85% Pinot Noir, 9% Pinot Gris, 3% Gamay, 3% Cabernet Franc). Also available in 20 litre kegs to licensees. -Tawse Quarry Road Pinot Noir Rose 2017 Vinemount (Organic) $27.95 Retail shop (100% Pinot Noir) -Cono Sur Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé NV $13.95 365205 GL Chile Pirque Pinot Noir 12.50% -Gérard Bertrand Perles de Grenache Rosé 2017 $18.95 556209 IGP PAYS D'OC Grenache 12.5% -Chateau de Berne Emotion 2016/2017 $16.95 556183 Cotes de Provence 60% Cinsault, 40% Grenache Noir 13% -Chateau de Berne Terres de Berne Rose 2017 $17.95 278861 Cotes de Provence Grenache Noir, Cinsault 12.5 -Lacheteau Francois Dulac Cotes De Provence 2016 $16.00 483040 Cotes de Provence Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvedre 12.5% -Lorgeril L'Orangeraie Rosé 2017 $10.25 279661 Pays d'Oc Cinsault, Merlot, Grenache, Syrah 13% -Martin Berdugo Rosado 2016 $17.45 388909 Spain Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 13.5% -Muga Rosé 2017 $14.95 603795 Spain Rioja Grenache, Viura, Tempranillo 13.5% -Foreign Affair Winery Amarosé 2017 $18.95 388702 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir 85%& Chardonnay 15% 13% -Three of Hearts Rosé 2017 $19.95 552562 VQA Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris 12% -13th Street Winery 13th Street Burger Blend Rose 2017 $14.95 Niagara 13% -13th Street Winery 13th Street Vin Gris Gamay 2017 $24.95 Niagara Gamay 12.5% -Westcott Pinot Noir Rose 2017 $2.95 Niagara -Featherstone Winery Rose 2017 $15.95 117861 Niagara Peninsula Gamay Noir, Cab Sauv 13.7% -When Pigs Fly Pinot Noir Rose 2017 $19.95 sold out -Creekside Estate Winery Rosé 2017 $15.95 vintages June Niagara Peninsula 100% Syrah 12.8% -Queenston Mile Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 $30 St.David's Bench 100% Pinot Noir 12.5% -Two Sisters Vineyards Rosé 2017 $35 Merlot 64%Cab Franc 19%Cab Sauv 17% 13% ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Oyster Bay Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Rosé NV $22.95 280172 New Zealand Marlborough / Hawke's Bay Pinot Noir 20% / Chardonnay 80% 12.5% -Konzelmann Estate Winery Methode Cuvé Close Rosé N/V $18.95 Niagara Peninsula Merlot 12% -Gérard Bertrand Côtes des Roses Rosé 2016 $18.95 373985 Midi, France Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah 13% -Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2017 $15.95 950576 Costieres de Nimes Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault 13.5% -Perrin La Vieille Ferme Rose 2017 $11.95 622134 Vin de France Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah 13% -Brand Phoenix Cote Bleu 2017 $12.95 541276 Provence Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauv. Merlot 12.5% -Chateau de Charelard Beaujolais Rosé d'Ete 2017 $14.95 119438 Beaujolais Gamay 12.5% -LORNANO “ETEL” ROSATO TOSCANO 2017 N/A N/A TUSCANY 100% SANGIOVESE 13% -Global Wines Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Rosé Dão DOC 2017 $13.95 30445 Dao Touriga Nacional & Alfrocheiro 12.5% -Sogrape Gazela Vinho Verde Rose NV $8.95 404533 Portugal Vinhos Verdes Borracal, Espadeiro, Amaral, Vinhao 9.5% -Sogrape Mateus Rose NV $10.45 +166 Portugal Baga, Rufete, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca 11% -Susana Balbo Signature Rose 2017 $20.95 493130 Argentina Uco Valley 60% Malbec - 40% Pinot Noir 13% -Cono Sur Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 $10.95 318014 Chile Pirque Pinot Noir 13% -Wither Hills Pinot Noir Rose 2017 $18.95 552992 New Zealand Marlborough Pinot Noir Rose 12.5% -Oyster Bay Rosé 2017 $19.95 671940 New Zealand Marlborough Pinot Noir 13.5% -Kim Crawford Rose 2017 $17.95 VINTAGES# 650325 New Zealand Marlborough 99% Merlot, 1% Syrah 13% -Kanonkop Wine Estate Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage Rosé 2017 $13.95 553073 South Africa Stellenbosch Pinotage 14% -North 42 Degrees Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2017 VQA LENS Cabernet Sauvignon 12.5% -Fielding Rosé 2017 $15.95 53421 Niagara Gamay Noir (80%) Pinot Noir (20%). 12.3% -Fielding Long Weekend Rosé 2017 $13.95 576181 Niagara Cab Franc (80%) Cab Sauv (20%) 11.8% -Henry of Pelham Rosé 2017 $14.95 613471 VQA Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Gamay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc 11.9% -Sibling Rivalry Pink 2017 $13.95 171033 VQA Niagara Peninsula Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc 11.5% -House Wine Co. Rosé 2017 $13.95 324558 VQA Niagara Peninsula Vidal Blanc, Riesling, Zweigelt 11.7% -Malivoire Wines Malivoire Ladybug Rosé 2016 $16.95 559088 Niagara 60% Cabernet Franc, 20% Pinot Noir and 20% Gamay 12.5% -Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rose 2017 $19.75 Niagara Cab Franc ORGANIC 11.4% -Southbrook Cabernet Rose 2016 $29.75 4 Mile Creek BIODYNAMIC 11.5% -Westcott Delphine Rose 2017 $16.95 498527 Niagara -Legends Estates Cabernet Rose 2017 $14 Niagara Cab Sauv 12% -PondView Estate Winery Cabernet Franc Rosé 2017 $16.95 Niagara Peninsula Cabernet Franc 12.5% -Kacaba Vineyards Rebecca Rose 2017 $17.95 Niagara Peninsula Gamay 13.5% -Rockway Vineyards Pinot Noir Rose 2017 $17.95 Twenty-Mile Bench Pinot Noir 12.3% -Rockway Vineyards Rose 2016 $15.95 Niagara Peninsula 95% PN 5% Riesling 11.5% *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Beal Vineyard Cabernet Rose 2017 $14.95 177840 Beamsville Bench Cabernet Franc 14% -Flat Rock Cellars Pink Twisted 2017 $17.95 39974 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir 65%, Gewurztraminer 20%, Riesling 15% 12.5% -Legends Estates Terroir Rose 2015 $14 Niagara Semillon/CabFr 12% -Southbrook Syrah Rose 2017 $29.75 4 Mile Creek BIODYNAMIC 11.5% -Open Rosé 2017 $12.95 175349 Canada Niagara Gamay/Pinot Noir 12% -Jackson-Triggs Jackson-Triggs Reserve Rosé 2016 $14.95 Niagara Chardonnay/Merlot 13% -Inniskillin Inniskillin Estate Series Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 $14.95 Niagara Pinot Noir 12.5% -Megalomaniac Winery Pink Slip Rose 2017 $19.95 Vintages # 85126 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Musque, Riesling, Merlot, Gamay 11.9% -Sandbanks Winery Rose 2017 $13.95 244616 VQAOntario 90% Vidal 12% -Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Dry Rose 2016 $17.95 Canada LENS Merlot 10.5% -Grange of Prince Edward 2017 Gamay Rosé 2017 $24.95 VQA PEC 100% Gamay 12% -Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Rose -Sweet 2016 $15.95 296533 Canada LENS Pinot Noir,Merlot, Cab Franc, Pinot Gris 10% -Pelee Island Winery Pelee Pink 2012 $12.45 529354 -Pelee Island Winery LOLA Cabernet Franc Rose 2017 15.95 552457 -CREW - Colchester Ridge Estate Winery Red Sky at Night 2017 $16.95 LENS 100% Merlot 13.5% -King's Court Estate Winery Princess Rosé 2016 $16.95 491050 Niagara Cabernet Franc 11.5% -13th Street Winery Pink Palette Rosé 2017 $15.95 275834 Niagara Cabernet Franc 13% -Karlo Estates VQA Ontario 2016 Patio Reserve -Bottega SpA Vino dei Poeti Brut Rose NV $14.95 277202 Italy Veneto Pinot Noir and Raboso 11.5% -Boutinot Les Oliviers Rose 2016 $14.99 France Languedoc Grenache & Cinsault 12.5% -Legends Estates Sparkling Rose NV $16 Niagara Chard/Merlot 12% -Grange of Prince Edward Brut Rosé 2012 $35 VQA PEC 100% Pinot Noir 12% -Francis Ford Coppola Winery Sofia Rosé 2017 $24.95 284943 California Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir 12.8% -Black Cottage Rosé 2017 $16.95 539320 New Zealand Marlborough Pinot 12.5% -The Beach House Rose 2017 $10.95 164343 South Africa 12% The Food: baguettes, biscuits, water, California oven-roasted almonds, arbequina and nicois olives. The Downside: it was a lot of wines with many monochromatic notes in a similar price range, but we took a lot of breaks for food, water, etc. Rince bouche with soda water helped. The Upside: a chance to taste 85 (!) wines, many of which were top notch. The Contact Person: organizer – deantudor@deantudor.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95 9. The Date and Time: Monday, April 30, 2018 Noon – 4:30 PM The Event: Somewhereness: place, earth, quality, stewardship The Venue: Spoke Club The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: all the wines were available through LCBO or at the winery, but a few were for licensees only. The Quote/Background: Somewhereness has been a major wine organization in Ontario with its annual trade show featuring 12 “craft” wineries. The Wines: I did not try all the wines. Prices are mostly retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2012, $38.50 Licensee -Cave Spring Cellars Blanc de Blancs CSV 2009 Beamsville Bench $44.95 -Cave Spring Cellars Riesling CSV 2016 Beamsville Bench $29.95 -Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Adam Steps 2016 Beamsville Bench $24.95 -Cave Spring Cellars Pinot Noir Estate 2015 Beamsville Bench $39.95 -Cave Spring Cellars La Penna 2015 Beamsville Bench $44.95 [cab fr] -Charles Baker Wines Riesling Picone Vineyard 2014 Vinemount Ridge Twenty Mile Bench $35 -Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Reserve du Domaine 2013 Niagara Peninsula $45 -Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir La Grand Reserve 2013 Niagara Peninsula $60 -Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay 2016 Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 -Flat Rock Cellars The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2015 Twenty Mile Bench $26.95 -Flat Rock Cellars Gravity Pinot Noir 2013 Twenty Mile Bench $34.95 -Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2015 Beamsville Bench $29.75 -Hidden Bench Terroir Cache 2013 Beamsville Bench $39 -Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2015 Beamsville Bench $29.75 -Malivoire Small Lot Chardonnay 2016 Beamsville Bench $19.95 -Malivoire Mottiar Chardonnay 2013 Beamsville Bench $29.95 -Norman Hardie Calcaire 2016 Ontario $23 [r,ch,pg] -Norman Hardie Chardonnay 2015 Niagara Peninsula $39 -Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir 2016 Prince Edward County $45 -Southbrook Organic Vineyards Biodynamic Bubbly Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2017 $29.95 -Southbrook Organic Vineyards Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2016 Four Mile Creek $40 -Southbrook Organic Vineyards Poetica Chardonnay 2012 Four Mile Creek $52 -Southbrook Organic Vineyards Poetica Red 2013 Four Mile Creek $70 -Stratus Tollgate Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2017 NOTL $20.95 -Stratus Tollgate Chardonnay 2016 NOTL $22 -Stratus White 2014 NOTL $38 -Stratus Red 20147 NOTL $48 -Tawse Chardonnay 2012 Beamsville Bench $29.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -13th Street Winery Premier Cuvee Niagara Peninsula 2012 Brut $34.95 -13th Street Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Niagara Peninsula $19.95 -Bachelder Chardonnay Mineralite Niagara Peninsula 2016, $19.97 Licensee -Charles Baker Wines Riesling Ivan Vineyard 2017 Twenty Mile Bench $27 -Domaine Queylus Cabernet Franc Reserve du Domaine 2014 Niagara Peninsula $34.95 -Domaine Queylus Merlot La Grand Reserve 2013 Niagara Peninsula $49.95 -Domaine Queylus Chardonnay Tradition 2015 Niagara Peninsula $24.95 -Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2016 Beamsville Bench $23.7 -Hidden Bench Fume Blanc 2016 Beamsville Bench $29.75 -Malivoire Small Lot Pinot Noir 2015 Beamsville Bench $29.95 -Norman Hardie Cabernet Franc 2016 Niagara Peninsula $29 -Tawse Quarry Road Vineyard Riesling Vinemount Ridge 2016 $24.95 -Tawse Quarry Road Vineyard Pinot Noir Vinemount Ridge 2014 $35.95 -Tawse Redfoot Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2013 Lincoln Lakeshore $39.95 The Food: platters of charcuterie, cheeses, breads, toasts, pates. The Downside: I had to leave early for another wine tasting. The Upside: a chance to catch-up with several owners and winemakers. The Contact Person: somewhereness@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 10. The Date and Time: Monday, April 30, 2018 3 – 5 PM The Event: Spring Portfolio tasting of 30.50 Imports The Venue: Mad Crush wine bar, College Street The Target Audience: licensees, media, private clients. The Availability/Catalogue: about 75 wines were in stock, another 10 were private orders, and a few were at Vintages The Quote/Background: all the tables were arranged largely by country, with some producers available for discussion. The Wines: I did not try all the wines. Most wines were sustainable, or organic or biodynamic. Prices are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cantina di Venosa Verbo Aglianico del Vulture 2015 Basilicata +538561 Vintages $17.95 -Castello di Verduno Barbaresco 2014 $52.95 -Castello di Verduno Barolo Massara 2012 $84.95 -Azienda Agricola 499 Enigma Moscato d'Asti 2017 Piedmont$23.95 -Fattoria di San Quintino Vermentino 2016 Tuscany $17.95 -Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Guiliano Riserva 2013 $49.95 -Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bruciagna 2013 $59.95 -Musella Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva 2011 $85.95 -Bodegas Briego Reserva 2011 Ribera del Duero $38.95 -Finca La Emperatriz Rioja Reserva 2012 $37.95 -Celler Cesca Vicent LoPiot 2014 Priorat $42.95 -Celler Cesca Vicent Abat Domenech 2010 Priorat $69.95 -Lloart Brut Reserva DO Cava 2014 Penedes $25.95 -Bodegas Tradicion Fino VOS 375 mL $37.95 -Valle de Junco Lapa dos Gaivoes Escholha 2011 Alentejo $37.95 -Sidonio de Sousa Garrafeira 2011 Bairrada $59.95 -Douro Prime Inquieto Reserva 2010 $44.95 -Chapuy Carte Verre Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV $61.95 -----half-price alert: also at 375 mL for less than half-price, $29.95 -Chateau Musar Red 2006 Bekaa Valley $79.95 -Huff Estates Cuvee Janine 2015 Trad Method PEC $29 -Huff Estates Cuvee Peter F Huff 2015 Trad Method PEC $35 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Arnaldo Capral Sagrantino de Montefalco Collepiano 2010 Umbria +373498 $63 -Tenuta Cavalier Pepe Irpinia Falanghina Lila 2015 $20.95 -Daniele Pintus Vermentino 2015 Sardinia $25.95 -Daniele Pintus Canonnau 2015 Sardinia $26.95 -ATTIS Bodegas Y Vinedos Albarino Xion 2016 $23.95 -ATTIS Bodegas Y Vinedos Albarino Laranxa [orange] 2016 $32.95 -Finca La Emperatriz Rioja Crianza 2013 $23.95 -Emilio Valerio Amburza 2012 Navarra $29.95 -Celler Cesca Vicent Red 2015 Priorat $27.95 -Celler Cesca Vicent Cabaler Blanco 2015 Priorat $32.50 -Vale da Mo Branco 2015 Douro $18.95 -Huff Estates Chardonnay South Bay 2016 PEC $25 The Food: charcuterie platters, cheeses, breads. The Downside: I had to arrive late from another wine tasting. The Upside: a good venue and some really fine international wines The Contact Person: info@3050imports.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR MARCH 2018 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT FREE TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.La Bise Wines The Thief Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro 2015 Barossa Valley, +534768 April 28 Vintages $24.95: a nifty wine from Oz that's been marketed as pairing with beef and pizza. That makes it a “guy” wine ready now. Mataro is also the name given for Mourvedre and Monastrell – expect jump-out flavours of berries (on the nose) resolving to mushrooms and forest floor with a long length. I suspect the evolving nature of this wine (good for a few more years) will lean towards more aged characteristics. Some 25-year old Shiraz is used; all three grape have been vinified separately in a spicy oak program. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Luigi Bosca Gala 2 2014 Mendoza, +542647 Vintages, $36.95: a Bordeaux-styled blend of cab sauvignon (85%), and equal amounts of cab franc and merlot [but not always; there is wiggle room for different annual proportions of these last two]. While each variety is vinified separately, only the cab sauvignon is aged 14 months in oak with malolactic. The other two are stainless. It's definitely a New World take on Bordeaux, but with upfront jammy and partially baked black fruit (berries, plums) and spicy wood. The producer says it should cellar well for 15 years; try it after two more. A good competitor to similar California wines but better adaptable to food with is long length. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Dievole Novecento Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2014, +213926 Vintages, $37.95: a very sound, firmly based Chianti Classico Riserva for the cellar, could be aged 10 or more years. Fifteen year old vines, 13.5% ABV. Stored in untoasted French oak for about 17 months. Typical Chianti complexity but with more minerals and a longer length. Red fruit such as dark cherries dominates the richly concentrated flavours. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Pelee Island Vinedressers Meritage VQA South Islands 2016, +317933 Winery, $24.95: typical MVC for a Bordeaux-styled blend (50% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 20% cabernet franc), with black fruit and toastiness. Some mocha tones and forest floor. But it needs more time, certainly, to fully enjoy. One to lay down, or do a double-decant and taste over several days: then try it with a roast or mushrooms. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Pelee Island LOLA Cabernet Franc Rose 2017 VQA South Islands, +552497 $15.95 April 30 LCBO: as a major new player in the Ontario domestic rose category, this rose is derived from Pelee Island vineyards on the island itself at 42 degrees North latitude, similar to appellations in Spain, France, Italy and California. Stainless steel, all cabernet franc, residual sugar of 9g/l for that mid-weight feel. A good touch of strawberries with a off-pink colour. Tastes fresh all the way to the long finish. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2016 Estate Grown & Bottled VQA NOTL, +454967, $16.95 LCBO: A nifty young wine, with some forest floor and mushrooms to complement the red fruit of strawberries. Estate grown and bottled. Good written notes on the back label are spot on. Just under some subtle oaking, with a moderate intensity of medium flavours. It could use more time in the bottle. Cork closure, 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1.The Date and Time: March 1, 2018 6:30PM - 10PM The Event: Wine tasting dinner with Michelle Schromm, Global Brand Ambassador for Paul Hobbs and his Vina Cobos (Argentina) wines. Vina Cobos is repped here in Ontario by Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants. The Venue: The ONE Restaurant, Neil Young Room The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: the wines have been available from time to time in Ontario The Quote/Background: The voluble Ms. Schromm spoke enthusiastically about Argentine wines in general, and, of course, Vina Cobos in particular. Cobos Malbec was first harvested in 1999; Paul Hobbs was a founding partner and winemaker. He now also consults globally at over 30 wineries including Canada. One of his new major projects is Crocus in Cahors where he has planted Malbec vines. The Wines: Some of the wines were introduced as far back as 2014, and have managed to retain their CSPCs. And initial prices have held steady. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vina Cobos Felino Chardonnay 2016 Mendoza +119099 $19.95 April 28 Vintages -Vina Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Mendoza +132365 $19.95 Vintages -Vina Cobos Bramare Malbec Valle de Uco 2014 [4 different vyds] +123729 $44.95 Vintages -Vina Cobos Bramare Zingaretti Vineyard Malbec 2013 $119.95 unavailable at LCBO now ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vina Cobos Felino Malbec 2016 Mendoza +118067 $19.95 Aug 18 Vintages The Food: the menu included an amuse (chilled lobster salad) which went very well with the Chardonnay. The app was a grilled prawn and chorizo with black bean croquette, a good match for the Cabernet Sauvignon. The three Malbecs were tasted against the Wagyu sirloin cap, and then against the 12-layered dark chocolate cake. Everything was appropriate and well-chosen. The Contact Person: mschromm@paulhobbs.com; rsalvino@awsm.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 2.The Date and Time: Monday March 5, 2018 11AM to 4:30 PM The Event: Benvenuto Brunello Toronto The Venue: The Carlu The Target Audience: wine trade. The main event was for consumers that evening – buying Brunellos. We were just tasting. The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was the usual model of information arranged alphabetically by producer, and listing the wines (but not the Ontario prices). Labels were displayed as well as addresses of the principals and agents. Some producers were looking for agents. Some wines at the tasting were not listed; others were listed but not available to be tasted. Some agents (Le Sommelier, Lifford et al) had tasting and availability notes with prices. The group comes to Toronto and Montreal and the USA (which takes 25% of Brunello's production) every late winter, after the wines are released on January 1.There were 32 estates. The Quote/Background: There was a seminar of some 10 wines, mostly Brunellos of the 2013 vintage, with technical sell sheets and presentations from the winery, all moderated by Michael Godel. Sixty people attended this seminar. There are 208 bottling wineries who are members of the sponsoring Consortium. Nine million bottles of Brunello are produced each year, along with 4.5 million of Rosso. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, preferring to concentrate on the Riservas and Single Vineyards. All these are DOCG. There were also Rossos, Sant'Antimo, and a few white wines. The wines from the seminar are folded in. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -ALTESINO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -ARGIANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 RISERVA -BANFI POGGIO ALLE MURA RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2011 VIGNA DEL FIORE -BELPOGGIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 -CAPARZO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -CASISANO COLOMBAIOLO RESERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2011 -CASTELGIOCONDO RIPE AL CONVENTO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009 -CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 RISERVA -CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO MILLICENTO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 -COL D'ORCIA POGGIO AL VENTO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 -CUPANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 -CUPANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009 -DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI PRIME DONNE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 -DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -FANTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 RISERVA VIGNA LE MACCHIARETTE -IL GRAPPOLO SASSOCHETO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 -IL POGGIONE VIGNA PAGANELLI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -LA COLOMBINA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 -LA MAGIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2012 -LE RAGNAIE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO “V.V.” 2012 -LE RAGNAIE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO “FORNACE” 2013 -VILLA POGGIO SALVI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2012 -SASSO DI SOLE RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -TENUTE SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO VIGNETO MANACHIARA 2012 -TALENTI PIAN DE CONTE RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -TENUTA CORTE PAVONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 -TENUTA CORTE PAVONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2011 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -ALTESINO MONTOSOLI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 -BANFI CASTELLO BANFI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -CAPANNA RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -CASTELGIOCONDO RIPE AL CONVENTO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -CORTONESI LA MANNELLA RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 -FANTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 -VILLA POGGIO SALVI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 -VILLA POGGIO SALVI POMONA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 -TENUTA CORTE PAVONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 The Food: O & B provided platters of smoked salmon, meats, sausages, cheeses, dips, breads, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, etc. The Downside: smoked salmon? The Upside: there seemed to be enough room to manoeuvre well. The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 3.The Date and Time: Monday March 5 2018 2PM to 4PM, and 5PM to 7PM The Event: Media Preview of Dig Our Roots, from Niagara-on-the-Lake “where it all began” The Venue: Thoroughbred Food & Drink, 304 Richmond St. W, The Target Audience: wine media The Availability/Catalogue: wines were available at the winery in most cases, others at the LCBO. The Quote/Background: This was an intimate, invite-only Dig Our Roots Media Launch with limited capacity of about 8, moderated by Master Sommelier Bruce Wallner who emphasized the nature of cool climate wines. Flights of Niagara-on-the-Lake Appellation wines were presented by the winemakers or wineries. It was in two sessions, afternoon and early evening. But I was at the Brunello tasting and missed the first session of different wines and speakers. This was an Inaugural Celebration of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Appellation, held over April 6-8, 2018 weekend. An opportunity for wine lovers to explore the NOTL appellation through a terroir showcase, history and culture, while immersing themselves in unique winery experiences, unearthing what makes this place and wines special. The 22 wineries will be leading seminars, planting seedlings, sampling wines blind, and eating four course meals. Ticket prices and guest capacity for each experience will vary. The best place to go for details is www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/event/digourroots Sub-appellations to be covered include Four Mile Creek, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara River, and St. David's Bench. The Wines: I tried most of the wines, but some of them did not jibe with the list I was given, especially the ones from the 2PM session. Participating wineries in my session included (with presenter): Between the Lines (Greg Wertsch), Hare Wine Co. (Andrea Kaiser), Lakeview Wine Co (Thomas Green), Reif Estate (Roberto DiDomenico), Riverview Cellars (Alyssa Bator), and Stratus (Ben). Each commented on the particular wine, with Bruce's take augmenting the panel's. Earlier, there were Chateau des Charmes, Coyote's Run, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Pillitteri, Pondview, Strewn and Trius. I tasted a few of their wines too, later at the buffet. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Trius Wild Fermented Chardonnay 2015 -Chateau des Charmes Equuleus 2014 -Hare Noble Cabernet Franc Appassimento 2013 -Reif Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 [my fave] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Between the Lines Lemberger Reserve 2015 -Lakeview Cellars Viognier 2016 -Riverview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Unoaked 2016 -Stratus Tannat 2013 The Food: a huge buffet spread of food which included various pizzas and flatbreads with (individually) smoked salmon, hen of woods mushroom bechamel pizza, rapini and sausage pizza, sausage platter, quinoa and beets salad, cheese platter, and more – I had to leave before they stopped putting out the food! The Downside: I had been nicely satiated at the Brunello tasting, so this was an add-on that I could enjoy. The Upside: great food accompaniment to a wide range of wines, including a rare 2001. The Contact Person: evermeer@jankelley.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. 4. The Date and Time: Tuesday March 6, 2018 6PM to 9PM The Event: Green Living Show Food and Drink Pavilion media launch: “Taste Ontario, Taste the World” April 6 – 7 – 8 at Metro Convention Centre. The Venue: Propeller Coffee and Co. Cafe The Target Audience: wine and food media The Availability/Catalogue: all the wines and beers are available, and so is the food both at the show itself and at the originating restaurant. The Quote/Background: The emphasis in the Green Living Show is on health, wellness, and sustainability. This applies to food and alcohol as well. There was a separate room for displays and samples of pre-packaged health items. There were also vegan “leather” jackets and clothes. The Wines: I tried most of the wines and some of the beers. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Closson Chase Chardonnay 2014 VQA PEC $28.95 -Closson Chase Pinot Noir 2014 VQA PEC $29.95 -Rosewood Locked and Loaded Chardonnay 2016 VQA Niagara $16.95 -Rosewood Suss Riesling 2016 VQA Niagara $15.95 -Market Brewery Co. Bear Hug 7% ABV 55 IBU -Farmhouse Cider Pommies 6% ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Rosewood Pinot Noir 2016 VQA Niagara $24.95 -Beau's Lug Tread 5.2% The Food: I started by trying to pair the wines with the food, but this proved impossible since I had to move around back and forth through the crowds. My wife helped me. What can I say? Everything was scrumptious. From Farm'r there was Montreal brisket slider. From Urban Acorn there was food from a Scottish-Haitian fusion (smoked salmon with potato scone and edamame, and black bean accra with red pepper sauce pikliz and parsnip chip). 6ix Triangle had a root veggie and chickpea dish with Indian flavours. Momos from Tibet included beef, veggie pasta, and vegan fillings. Santo Pecado (St. Clair) contributed some Central Mexican food such as chicken tinga taco, a pork taco, and veggie (mushrooms) al pastor taco. Cucinato Italian Culinary Studio made us zeppola with fresh ricotta and tomato sauce; Lion City Restaurants made Singaporean food such as salted Ontario egg potato chips. Dessert came from Wafelhuis – Belgian Liege style waffles with Ontario raspberry souffle. All great street food!! The Downside: It was bitterly cold outside as I walked from the subway station. The Upside: I still have memories of last year's event. Good food, good drinks, good company. The Contact Person: keira@touchwoodpr.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. 5. The Date and Time: Wednesday March 14, 2018 5PM to 9:30PM The Event: Tasting Menu at Globe Bistro The Venue: Globe Bistro, Broadview and Danforth The Target Audience: the four of us The Quote/Background: We undertook to check out Chef Dan Sanders' tasting menu. WE ACTUALLY PAID OUR OWN WAY, but we did take advantage of two things. First, it was Happy Hour at 4 - 6PM, so we started at 5PM with 18 half-priced oysters (French Kiss aka Beau Soleil from Miramichi NB region) and half-priced draught beer. One of us tried the Melon from Malivoire figuring it was like Muscadet from the Loire, but to my taste it was too fragrant/aromatic with peach tones. Not with raw oysters, but better with cooked and sauced oysters (stew?). From Canada, I would prefer the Melon from Norman Hardie PEC with the raw oysters. Actually, I would have just preferred a Muscadet. Nevertheless, some of us had Hopping Mad for a bitter hop taste that went well with oysters. Second, Wednesdays are “corkage free” nights, so we brought a bottle of Alsatian Reserve Gewurztraminer 2015 and a Barbaresco 2006. Also, we decided to swap out the “dessert” part of the tasting menu for a cheese-based savoury dish at the end. You could of course skip the oysters and beers, and go on another night with its corkage of $20 a bottle, one per couple. We were just maximizing the value of the meal. We tried the five course tasting menu at $70 a head. Chef Dan offers three tasting menus daily (Tuesday – Sunday) – 4 courses for $60, 5 for $70, and 6 for $80, with matching wines for $30, $40, and $50. Quite a good deal, but you would be wise to email him at Globe a few days in advance to set it up. Especially if you have strong dislikes or allergies. Also – everyone at the table who orders the tasting menu must have this same menu. The Wines: Our Alsatian Reserve Gewurztraminer was astoundingly brilliant with the “white wine match” part of the meal. The Barbaresco was also terrific; I use it as an all-purpose red since I find that nebbiolo goes with just about anything needing a red wine. Not too big, just enough fruit, loaded with structure that changes with age, etc. The Food: Our menu tonight was also accompanied by lots of house-made Red Fife bread with housemade butter. 1)Amuse bouche of baby kale, caribou moss foam, and elk tartare [fabulous] 2)Roasted mushroom salad, tempura battered veggies, sun choke root veggies, celery, and a pouring of chasseur sauce (French hunter) 3)Duck foie gras with toasted brioche, spruce tip foam, cloudberry compote. [fabulous] 4)Pan seared large scallops, roasted butternut-hazelnut crumb, house honey from their local hives 5)Intermezzo palate refresher – Blueberry sorbet with lemon 6)Lamb loin, kale adobo sauce, wheat berries, red wine jus [fabulous] 7)Chevre from Quebec, bread chips, wild plums, walnuts [fabulous] The whole menu was inspirational and to our liking. We were enthusiastic eaters. And the price was reasonable. Once you factor in the oysters, beers, and the LCBO cost of the good wine you brought in (plus tax and tip), it comes to around $250 a couple. The Downside: we did not take any photos (should we have? That's a lot of light flashing with all those plates) The Upside: good, controlled service, no rushing, no feel of waiting for the next course. The Contact Person: adrian@globebistro.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94. 6. The Date and Time: Wednesday March 21 2018 4PM to 7PM The Event: 6th edition of FOOD SENSATIONS The Venue: SUB-ZERO Showroom, King St East The Target Audience: food writers and bloggers, lifestyle opinion shapers. The Availability/Catalogue: There were good notes on the food, with descriptive details. Most would be available through Whole Foods, Organic Garage, The Big Carrot, Sobeys, and others. The Quote/Background: Not unlike the movies SENSATION HUNTERS (1933) and SENSATIONS OF 1945, both of which dealt with cabaret girls...here, it was a mini-trade show of select foods new to the Toronto-Ontario markets. The collective presentation gave us some insight into what is new for spring here in Hogtown. The wines were not part of the show presentations, but all three were Italian (white, two reds). The Food: AGROPUR was there showing off its “world's best Camembert”, the L'Extra 170gr, fresh from its camembert tasting at the World Championship Cheese Contest (Madison, Wisconsin) March 6 – 8. Delicious with apricots and figs, biscuits, walnuts. Terrific paste. Les Viandes DU BRETON (with its ethical and responsible agriculture) showed off its “rustic” boneless pork loin filet” (pigs from family farms. No antibiotics, grain-fed, Certified Humane for pigs in Canada) a category available in three flavours of chipotle & lime, Mexican BBQ, and curry ($16.39 per kg). They also have a “rustic Black Forest smoked bacon” ($6.99 250g) and an “organic bacon” ($8.99 250g). Mounds of flavour in the bacon. For dessert, we had LACREM vegan ice cream, made from soy milk. You really could not tell the difference between dairy-egg ice cream and vegan ice cream. Real flavours are derived from Chai Tea, Earl Grey Tea, Lemon Meringue Pie, Vanilla and Maple. I loved the Maple but my ultimate fave was the Lemon and Poppy Seed ice cream. Available in 473 mL cup portions. At the end there was CAMELLIA SINENSIS tea, with teapots. They offered a number of Bristol Chais, based on either black tea or green tea. And also herbs (rooibos, cardamom, cinnamon, etc.). Good palate cleansers. We also tried the CAFFITALY System of coffee. They have their own machines but the capsules are also compatible with Nespresso. We had the Robusto coffee blend, presumably named after the robusto varietal of coffee bean – full intense espresso flavours with bitter cocoa and dark chocolate. Plus whipped milk. And on the way out, we had the amazing AMARELLI liquirizia, created in 1731 in Calbria. It's a licorice candy, good for the digestion. There's a mint-flavoured version as well as a dark chocolate, all coming in a 20g or 40g metal box. The Downside: I think we were the oldest people there, and we did not have any cameras. The Upside: a great experience to taste what's upcoming in this region. The Contact Person: nadia.edwards@natapr.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 2018 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com 1. The Date and Time: Monday February 5, 2018 11AM to 1PM The Event: Simply Italian Great Wines Americas Tour in Toronto The Venue: St. James Cathedral Centre The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: the wines in the Franciacorta/Curtefranca seminar are available through www.winemoves.com The Quote/Background: Riccardo Ricci Curbastro, President of Federdoc, explained the traceability and regulation of Italian DOC wines. He used his own Franciacorta Ricci Curbastro as examples of one territory but with three denominations. Six wines were presented, three of them sparklers. He carefully explained the new role of CETA for wine protection to DOP, DOC and DOCG, plus IGT. The Wines: We had six wines in the seminar and a variety (maybe 36) outside with a stand-up lunch. Prices and availability were vague at best, but the Curbastro wines were quoted as US retail. There was no catalogue of wines. I did not try all the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta Saten Brut 2013 [chardonnay] $46.95 -Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta Rose Brut NV [pinot nero/20% chardonnay] $48.50 -Roberto Sarotto Barolo 2014 Piedmont -Roberto Sarotto Barbaresco 2013 Piedmont -Menicucci Chianti Classico Riserva 2014 Tuscany -Menicucci Governo all' Uso IGT 2014 Tuscany ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta Brut NV $40 -Ricci Curbastro Curtefranca Rosso Vigna Santella del Grom 2013 $25.95 -Ricci Curbastro IGT Sebrino Pinot Nero 2010 $38.50 -Matteo Soria Bolla Bea Blanc de Noir Spumante Brut MC [pinot nero] -Matteo Soria Bolla Bea Asti Secco DOP -Roberto Sarotti Asti Secco DOP -Duchessalia Astri Secco DOP -Bera Barbaresco 2013 Piedmont -Bera Barolo 2013 Piedmont -Menicucci Chianti Classico 2015 Tuscany -Menicucci Il Principie della Faggeta IGT 2014 Tuscany *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ricci Curbastro Curtefranca Bianco 2016 $17.25 -Menicucci Solo IGT 2014 Tuscany -I Feudi di Romans Venezia Giulla Ribolla Gialla 2017 The Food: we had a light lunch of sandwiches, cheeses, and pastries. The Downside: it was a snowy-blowy day outside... The Upside:...but the seminar was very well attended (about 66 people). The Contact Person: simplyitalianwines@gmail.com and winemoves@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85 2. The Date and Time: Monday February 26 2018 11AM to 4PM The Event: Taste Ontario – Toronto trade show The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was a model – wines and license contacts were listed by region, moving from east to west, with full data (vintage year, licensee and retail prices0, with enough space for tasting notes. The Quote/Background: the media writers were in the Glass Room on the 4th floor where we had advance time and some sit-down table space to write up our scores. The Wines: About 175 wines were available; I did not taste them all. ABVs are used. The first price is licensee. CSPCs are listed when the wine is available through the LCBO. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): Pelee Island Winery Vinedresser Meritage South Islands 2016 13.5 317933 $24.75 $24.95 Cave Spring Cellars Riesling CSV VQA Beamsville Bench 2015 11.5 566026 $25.12 $29.95 Cave Spring Cellars Chardonnay CSV VQA Beamsville Bench 2016 13.5 529941 $25.12 $29.95 Charles Baker Wines Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard VQA Vinemount Ridge 2014 $29.55 $35.00 Domaine Queylus Chardonnay Tradition Niagara Region 2015 13% 489591 $20.90 $24.95 Fielding Estate Winery Brut (Traditional Method) Niagara Peninsula NV 12 $31.20 $37.15 Hidden Bench Estate Winery Bistro Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2013 13% N/A $17.95 N/A Magnotta Winery Chardonnay VQA - The Silver Line Single Vineyard Niagara Stone Road Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 13.6% 258681 $15.19 $17.95 Nyarai Cellars Veritas Niagara Peninsula 2012 13 $22.58 $26.95 Redstone Winery Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2013 12.5 NA $16.00 $19.15 Tawse Winery Limestone Ridge Spark Riesling Twenty Mile Bench 2015 12 370361 $17.69 $21.15 Chateau des Charmes Brut sparkling wine Méthode Traditionnelle Niagara-on-the-Lake n/v 13 1454091 $12.54 half-bottle $14.95 Chateau des Charmes Equuleus, Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard St. David's Bench 2014 13 319525 $36.14 $43.00 Icellars Estate Winery Arinna Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 13.5 $32.76 $39.00 Icellars Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 14.7 $50.49 $60.00 Inniskillin Niagara Estate Winery Reserve Merlot 2014 $20.90 $24.95 Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Organic Merlot Niagara Peninsula 2016 12.5 n/a $25.12 $29.95 Stratus Stratus White Niagara-on-the-Lake 2014 12.9 $32.08 $38.00 Stratus Stratus Red Niagara-on-the-Lake 2014 13 $40.52 $48.20 Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard Chardonnay VQA Niagara Peninsula VQA 2015 11.9% 184432 $32.93 $39.20 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling VQA Ontario N/A 12% 418657 $14.99 $17.95 Colio Estate Wines Lily Rosé Sparkling VQA Ontario N/V 12% 536565 $14.14 $16.95 Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Cabernet Merlot Reserve Lake Erie North Shore 2016 13% 328013 $16.00 $18.95 Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Gewurztraminer Lake Erie North Shore 2016 11% N/A $18.53 $21.95 Charles Baker Wines Charles Baker Riesling B-Side VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 11 $18.57 $22.00 Creekside Estate Winery Iconoclast Syrah St. David's Bench 2015 13.6 471797 $20.94 $25.00 Creekside Estate Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon St. David's Bench 2013 13.5 $37.82 $45.00 Fielding Estate Winery Unoaked Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2016 12.5 Vintages 164491 $12.62 $14.95 Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2016 13.5% 286278 $16.68 $19.95 Flat Rock Cellars Riesling Twenty Mile Bench 2016 11% 43281 $14.99 $17.95 Malivoire Wine Mottiar Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2013 13 $22.58 $29.95 Megalomaniac My Way Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2016 12.5 % N/A $20.90 $24.95 Meldville Wines Chardonnay Lincoln Lakeshore 2016 13% $16.89 $20.20 Tawse Winery Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2015 12.5 N/A $16.84 $20.15 The Good Earth Food And Wine Co. 2015 Chardonnay Beamsville Bench VQA 2015 13.0 % $20.90 $24.95 The Good Earth Food And Wine Co. 2016 Viogner Niagara Peninsula VQA 2015 13.5 % $20.90 $24.95 Vineland Estates Winery Elevation Cabernet Niagara Escarpment 2015 13 173609 $23.47 $28.00 Westcott Vineyards Violette Sparkling Brut Vinemount Ridge 2016 12.4 $21.74 $25.95 Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay Vinemount Ridge 2016 14 $21.74 $25.95 13th Street Winery Premier Cuvée Niagara Peninsula 2012 12.5 $29.34 $34.95 2027 Cellars Wismer Vineyard - Fox Croft Block Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2016 12.8% n/a $19.19 $22.95 Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery Grand Reserve Shiraz 2015 $20.90 $24.95 Reif Estate Winery Chardonnay Reserve Niagara River 2014 13.5% $19.40 $22.15 Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Organic Riesling Niagara Peninsula 2016 11 n/a $20.90 $24.95 Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Organic Cabernet Franc Rosé Niagara Peninsula 2017 11.4 n/a $16.67 $19.95 Stratus Tollgate Chardonnay Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 13.1 $18.53 $22.20 Two Sisters Vineyards Estate Red Reserve Niagara River 2012 13.5 $21.01 n/a Two Sisters Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2016 13.5 $32.76 $39.00 Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard Calcaire VQA Ontario VQA 2016 11.7% $19.42 $23.20 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay Ontario 2016 12.5 453167 $12.62 $14.95 Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Adam Steps VQA Beamsville Bench 2016 10.5% 901211 $20.90 $24.95 Rosewood Estates Winery Locked & Loaded White Niagara Peninsula 2016 13.00% $14.31 $16.95 Vieni Estates Wine and Spirits Momenti Sparkling N/V $13.32 $13.95 Vineland Estates Winery Chardonnay unoaked Niagara Peninsula 2017 12.5 307751 $11.60 $13.95 13th Street Winery Chardonnay Creek Shores 2016 13 $14.99 NA Inniskillin Niagara Estate Winery Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 $20.90 $24.95 Pondview Estate Winery Lot 74 Sparkling Ontario 2016 12 $20.90 $24.95 Reif Estate Winery Chenin Blanc Niagara River 2016 13% $16.75 $19.15 Reif Estate Winery Shiraz Reserve Niagara Peninsula 2016 13% $23.85 $27.15 Two Sisters Vineyards Riesling Niagara Escarpment 2016 10.7 LCBO # 2017.1801 $29.38 $35.00 Grange of Prince Edward Winery 'Estate Grown' Chardonnay VQA Prince Edward County VQA 2013 12 n/a $16.67 $19.95 Lacey Estates Winery INOX Chardonnay VQA Twenty Mile Bench 2017 12.5 $20.09 $24.00 Rosehall Run Vineyards Indigo Sparkling White 2016 $20.90 $24.95 Frisky Beaver | Smoke&Gamble Frisky Beaver Shades of Grey Chardonnay VQA Ontario 2015 12.8% 490383 $12.45 $14.95 The Food: enormous sandwiches were provided to the media, along with quinoa salad and a green salad plus cookies for dessert, and coffee. The Downside: overall, I found some of the wines very inviting, but most were too young. Restaurants and private clients may want to store them awhile. The Upside: the media room...THANK YOU WMAO!! The Contact Person: info@wmao.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 3. The Date and Time: Tuesday February 27 2018 11AM to 4PM The Event: Wine Australia Winter Trade Tasting Toronto PLUS seminar The Venue: George Brown College, Chef's House The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the agents and/or LCBO distribution system The Quote/Background: we had a really cool seminar on sustainability, green, organic and biodynamic wines coming out of Australia, led by the irrepressible Mark Davidson. ENTWINE is the major association for an environmentally green wine industry, especially with water management. They represent over 500 vineyards and wineries, with 30% of the national crush. We were also exposed to some rare new varieties such as Dolcetto and Vermentino, Graciano and Nero D'Avola. The seminar was full with about 50 attendees. There were 12 wines at the seminar, folded into the listing below. 5 of them were not in the trade show but are available. The Wines: There were 180 wines from 75 wineries; I did not taste them all. Prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Wakefield St.Andrews Clare Valley Chardonnay 2015 $30.96 Profile -Brash Higgins CHN McLaren Vale Chenin Blanc 2016 $42.95 Living Vine -Pewsey Vale Vineyard The Contours Eden Valley Riesling 2012 $45.95 Negociants Int. -Deliquente Wine Co Screaming Betty Riverland Vermentino 2017 $17.50 [11% ABV] -Jansz Tasmania Premium Cuvee NV $28 Negociants Int -Vasse Felix Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $50 Negociants Int -Dalrymple Pipers River Pinot Noir 2015 $42.95 Negociants Int -Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon $28.95 +84996 -Voyager Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $64.95 Rogers -Schild Estate Limited Release Moorooroo Vineyard Barossa Valley Shiraz 2013 $78.63 Nicholas Pearce -Glaetzer Amon Ra Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015 $72.95 The Vine -Torbreck Vintners The Struie Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015 $62.16 Noble -Bindi Block 5 Barossa Valley Pinot Noir 2015 $155 Alto Vino -By Farr Three Oaks Geelong Chardonnay 2016 $85.80 Alto Vino -Chapoutier & Laughton La Pleiade Heathcote Shiraz 2013 $90.95 +95570 -Clonakilla Canberra Shiraz Viognier 2015 $104 +27367 -Epsilon Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015 $23.95 Alto Vino [best value of the day!] -Kay Bros Block 6 McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014 $92.95 +598870 -Massena Eleventh Hour Barossa Valley Shiraz 2012 $49.60 Alto Vino ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Fishbone Black Label Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012 $29.85 +261247 -Paxton McLaren Vale Graciano 2016 $31 Noble -Alpha Box & Dice Dead Winemakers Society Adelaide Hills Dolcetto 2016 $26.95 Authentic -Rockford Local Growers Barossa Valley Semillon 2015 $55 Negociants Int -Coldstream Hills Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2016 $26.51 Mark Anthony -Pepper Tree Elderslee Road Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $39.95 Azureau -Pepper Tree The Gravels Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier 2013 $39.95 Azureau -Alpha Box & Dice Golden Mullet Fury McLaren Vale Semillon Viognier 2016 $26.95 Authentic -The Lane 19th Meeting Adelaide Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $37.25 Epic Wines -Wakefield Estate Clare Valley Chardonnay 2016 $14.03 Profile -Gentle Folk Blossoms Adelaide Hills Merlot Pinot Noir Petit Verdot 2016 $42.95 Living Vine -Ochota Barrels The Slint Vineyard Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2016 $57.95 Living Vine -Angove Family Winemakers Warboys Vineyard McLaren Vale Shiraz Grenache 2013 $46 Churchill Cellars -Henschke Henry's Seven Barossa Shiraz Grenache Mataro Viognier 2015 $55 Negociants Int -d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache 2013 $29.95 Churchill Cellars -John Duval Wines Plexus Barossa Shiraz Grenache Mataro 2014 $57 Negociants Int -Vasse Felix Filius Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $27.95 Negociants Int -Voyager Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2015 $34.95 Rogers -Voyager Estate Margaret River Shiraz 2013 $30.95 +713115 -Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Barossa Valley Shiraz 2014 $89.95 +731620 -Paxton Wines Jones Block McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014 $34.53 Noble -Torbreck Vintners The Steading Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2015 $50.62 Noble -Torbreck Vintners The Factor Barossa Valley Shiraz 2014 $146.86 Noble -Torbreck Vintners RunRig Barossa Valley Shiraz Viognier 2014 $267.17 Noble -Turkey Flat Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015 $58.59 Noble -By Farr Farrside Geelong Pinot Noir 2015 $85.80 +392829 -By Farr Geelong Shiraz 2014 $69.95 Alto Vino -Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock Heathcote Shiraz 2013 $98.5 +294751 -Kalleske Pirathon Barossa Valley Shiraz 2013 $29.95 +130278 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Brash Higgins NDV McLaren Vale Nero D'Avola 2016 $45.95 Living Vine -Murdoch Hill Sulky Blanc Adelaide Hills Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Gris 2016 $65.95 Living Vine -Grosset Polish Hill Vineyard Clare Valley Riesling 2007 $54.75 Alto Vino -John Duval Wines Annexus Barossa Grenache 2016 $82.95 Negociants Int -Voyager Estate Margaret River Girt by Sea Chardonnay 2016 $24.95 Rogers The Food: platters of arancini and dumpling pot stickers plus cheese boards and charcuterie boards, dried fruit, etc. The Downside: it got really crowded really fast – and hot. The Upside: I managed to taste all thre wines I wanted to. The Contact Person: annie.dingwall@wineaustralia.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR JANUARY 2018 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH – 1.Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2016 VQA Ontario, +247882, $18.95 TBD Vintages: This red blend for 2016 (the blend can change with each release) comprises syrah (32%), cabernet franc (15%), cabernet sauvignon (18%), merlot (30%), and baco noir (5%). The latter may have resulted in a VQA Ontario designation rather than a VQA Niagara. It's all barrel aged, 65% French oak and 35% US oak for 17 months. It is substantial, reflecting the aromatics and flavour profiles of the grapes used. Cherry-berry tones, fresh spices on the finish, some spine to stand up to hearty food. Cork closure, 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Family Tree White 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +251116, $17.95 Vintages: HOP makes a very serious blended white wine and red wine (see above), with grapes from their site (about 40% of the blend) and from across Niagara. The grapes change from year to year, as do the percentages. For 2016, they've got chardonnay (40%), viognier (29%), gewurztraminer (19%), and chardonnay musque (12%). Each, of course, contributes various distinctive aromatics and flavour profiles. Not only that, about 40% of it is barrel fermented and aged in barrel for 8 months (I'm guessing mostly chardonnay), and the balance is in stainless steel with no malolactic so as to preserve freshness. So we have orchard fruit, citrus, and some lingering spicy aftertaste. Cork closure, 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Chardonnay 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +291211 LCBO, $14.95: ripeness, pleasant balance of acid and fruit, integrated style in place, some freshness in the finish. Overall, terrific balance of fruit in the finish, with residual sugar under 2 g/litre. 13.5% ABV, screw cap, fermented in stainless with aging sur lie. Apple and citric tones, completely unwooded. Try with a light cream sauce (pasta, trout). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Estate 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268391 Vintages, $24.95: Here is a deft Burgundian character pinot noir wine, with cherry-berry tones, some toast, mildly opulent style, not totally cool climate at all. Fermented in stainless and aged in “European” oak (30% new) for 10 months. Ready in a year or two, coming to Vintages in September 2018 [at winery now]. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Speck Family Reserve 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench, +657874 Vintages TBD, $34.95: top of the line pinot noir from Ontario, fruit-forward with enough black/dark tones of cherry-berry capable of long cellar aging. The winery says “multiple clones play a role in the layered complexity of this wine”. Oak tank fermentation with 10 months small barrel aging. Very, very food friendly. The label has been changed to a black finish from a silver-blue. 13.5% ABV. [at winery now] Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Sartori di Verona “Corte Bra” Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2010 DOCG, $49.95, +225540 Vintages February: this wine has aged nicely (7 years now) and becomes more of a bargain at this price level. 15.5% ABV puts it in the bigger leagues. Black fruit dominates the nose and palate, lots of body, lush and luscious in a Juicy Lucy style, and a long finish. Unfiltered. We had it with aged sheep cheeses from Monforte (Ontario). Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Tenuta Le Colonne 2015 Bolgheri, $26.95, +544619 Vintages February: Bolgherie is one of my fave blends; this one has 70% cab franc, 20% merlot and 10% cabernet sauvignon -- all international varieties. It's been aged for 12 months in large barrels, and can keep safely for a decade. Perhaps it might be better in 2010. Here it boasts a structure to last, trimmed with fresh and fragrant black fruit (cherries and berries), with a long long finish. Basically, it is a meat wine. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Buena Vista The Count Founder's Red Wine 2014 Sonoma, $26.95, +382267 Vintages February: this wine honours the company's founder (1857, Agoston Haraszthy) and it is usually an award winner in various competitions. It's a true blend, with different grapes (mostly merlot, with syrah and zinfandel and some other Rhone varietals: it varies every year) fermented separately in open and closed-top fermenters, aged in a variety of Hungarian, French, and American oak before final assemblage and bottling. Expect some mocha tones with baking aromas of cinnamon and vanilla, black and dark fruit. It's a thick wine that will improve over the next year, and is suitable for a sit-down dinner of any barbecue. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Sonoma County, +331603 Vintages, $27.95: in time for the upcomingspring season and early BBQs (this is a re-release of a popular selling red wine). It's sourced from Sonoma County (99%) and retails in the US at $24 USD. Black fruit all the way (black cherry, blackberry, black currant), 90% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cabernet franc, rest is petit verdot, merlot, and malbec – which makes it a Bordeaux-styled wine. 13.5% ABV, aged 10 months in French and US oak (86% of total production) plus balance in stainless for freshness. And there's some mocha nuances for the millennials to pick out and go wild over. I last tasted this in May 2017; here, it has picked up a few non-fruit tones such as leather and tobacco leaf, even some “smoke”. All of which is a good thing for the evolution and maturing of wines. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 1.The Date and Time: Tuesday December 12 2017 3PM to 5PM The Event: CGU Fine Wines holiday portfolio wine tasting The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve, King and Spadina The Target Audience: licensees, private clients, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: CGU specializes in Burgundy, Champagne and Germany; everything is available by the case of 6 or 12, but wines are on the water for mostly spring arrival. The Quote/Background: It was a small tasting in a small room with a small crowd and small pours of half an ounce. And there was very little small talk. Just the way I like it. Taste, write notes, spit, move on....no chatter, no hard sell. The Wines: All estimated prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Weingut A. Christmann Pfalz biodynamic Gimmeldingen 2016 $32.33 -Jean Stodden The Rotweingut Ahr Hardtberg Spatburgunder GG 2015 $112.78 -Champagne Marguet Ambonnay Shaman 13 Grand Cru Brut Nature NV grower biodynamic $66.78 -Champagne Dhondt-Grellet Cote des Blancs Vieilles Vignes Selectionnees Millesime 2011 grower $83.30 -- ** MY FAVE OF THE TASTING ** -Champagne Benoit Dehu Fossoy Cuvee La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 2014 grower biodynamic $121.09 -Domaine Labruyere Moulin-a-Vent Coeur de Terroirs 2014 $24.66 -Domaine Gerard Julien & Fils Cote de Nuits Villages 2014 $45.72 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Weingut Peter Jakob Kuhn Rheingau biodynamic Jacobus Trocken 2016 $25.47 -Weingut A. Christmann Pfalz biodynamic Idig GG 2016 $90.54 -Jean Stodden The Rotweingut Ahr Spatburgunder 2015 $32.66 -Domaine Francois Mikulski Cremant de Bourgogne NV $27.83 -Champagne Marguet Ambonnay Rose Grand Cru Brut Nature 2012 grower biodynamic $94.58 -Domaine Francois Mikulski Bourgogne Aligote 2015 $27.93 -Domaine R & P Bouley Bourgogne Rouge 2015 $30.87 The Food: none. The Downside: my subway train was delayed by “power off”. The Upside: I took the TTC scenic route above ground. The Contact Person: cgufinewines@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. AND SO WE LEAP ON DOWN TO – 2.The Date and Time: Monday January 29, 2018 6:15 - 10PM The Event: annual dinner of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada The Venue: Mad Crush Wine Bar, College Street The Target Audience: members of the WWCC and their guests, all set to try out the new Mad Crush (Jamieson Kerr's new spin on his former Crush Wine Bar). We are grateful for their setup, service, and no charge for corkage! The Wines: 14 different wines were on show Reception wines: 13th Street bubbly VQA Creekside 2016 Sauvignon Blanc bubbly VQA Colio Lily Rose VQA Ontario bubbly Dinner wines from members: –- Alkoomi 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Frankland River, Western Australia -- Domaine de Bachellery 2007 Pays D’Oc Grenache fut de chene -- Fabre Montmayou 2013 Gran Riserva Malbec –- Chateau Marquis D'Alesme Grand Cru Classe, AC Margaux 2005. -- 2016 Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay -- 2012 Legends Estates Petit Verdot. -– Quinta da Jardinete Merlot/Aragonez 2010 Azores (Portugal; not available in Canada) -- Fresh Sparkling Rose Gamay/Riesling VQA Ontario (April) -- -- Novas Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere Chile LCBO #434662 -- Magnotta Blanc de Blancs Sparkling VQA ( Winery and Magnotta Stores) -- 1987 Inniskillin Heuriger Nouveau (made by Karl Kaiser). The Food: we began with a series of hors d'oeuvre which went perfectly well with the sparklers. And then we continued with a choice of apps, mains and dessert. I had the sweetbreads and the lamb and the cheese, and samples of all the wines. Hors d'oeuvre Truffled Pecorino Potatoes Roast Cauliflower Cakes & Pomegranate Fried Salt Cod & Green Peppercorns Apps Winter Parsley Root Puree OR Maple-Aleppo Glaze Crispy Sweetbreads [not too sweet] OR Harrissa Spiced Raw Kale Salad Mains Bourguignon Canadian Beef Port Steak With Confit Garlic Pomme Purée OR Pappardelle & Wild Mushrooms With Grey Owl & Roast Walnuts OR Slow Charcoal Roast Leg of Canadian Lamb With Aubergine & Chevre Melktert Dessert Apple Tarte Tatin & Ice Cream OR Cheese & Biscuits The Downside: the night of a big snow storm that eventually petered out. The Upside: a chance to break bread with wine-writing colleagues and with nobody from the trade around. The Contact Person: deantudor@yahoo.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 2017 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGES RECEIVED FOR A REVIEWED TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir 2016 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, $15.95, +57349 LCBO: medium-bodied, suggestive of Beaujolais [same grape variety]. Easy drinking of (sour) cherry-berry flavours with occasional nuances of spices. Carbonic maceration used for 1/3 of the wine; rest is fermented in normal classic style. Aged 8 months in older neutral oak. Best for patios or mulled wine, parties, BBQ. Ready now, but with some tannic structure to carry through a whole meal. 13.4% ABV, higher than before, cork closure. A very popular wine, with 3010 cases made. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Chateau des Charmes Vidal Icewine 2016 Estate VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +413732 Vintages, $46.95 for 375 mL; +565861 Vintages, $26.95 for 200 mL: an aromatic unoaked Icewine with apricot as the defining aroma and flavour, followed by honeyed tones. Ready now, but could be aged – but then it will taste different but, in my opinion, taste better with some marmalade tones. 9.5% ABV. Perfect for gifting (the 200 mL comes in a handsome box) at that sweet point for under $30 or $50. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.WineryON Bodegas Demuerte 2014 Yecla Spain $23.95 Consignment Majestic Wines & Spirits: a compelling blend of monastrell and syrah old vines, put up in some French oak for a period of time, showing value in the red fruit exposed and the oak overtones. 14.5%ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.WineryON Bodegas Demuerte Gold 2015 Yecla Spain $26.95 Consignment Majestic Wines & Spirits: a step up from the regular Demuerte, with old vines from monastrell and syrah grapes plus some garnacha tintorera. Put up in French oak for 14 months, and with the addition of the garnacha, has a more cherry-berry taste profile. Well worth the extra dollars. 14.5%ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Cantina Valpantena Valpolicella Ripasso Torre del Falasco 2015 Veneto +642421 $17.95: the LCBO continues to release one Valpolicella Ripasso wine ever other week, just about all at the same price point of $17.95. A comparative tasting could be in order if some one were to organize it. Here one would expect fresh ripe fruit with body and structure from the ripasso technique. 13.5%ABV. Food or sip. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Le Ville Di Antane Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Storia Antica 2015 Veneto $17.95 +373672: another equally good ripasso, at the same price point, but with more stuffing from the increase in alcohol (Superiore range) to 14%ABV. Body and structure dominate, perhaps the better choice with food. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Amastuola Primitivo Organic 2014 Puglia +300004 $16.95: this is a preferred choice from among the basic primitivos at the LCBO simply because it is made with organic grapes. Expect that dense, over-the-top zinfandel-type flavour at an affordable price. 14%ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Torres Altos Ibericos 2014 Rioja Crianza, +527291, $14.95 Vintages: Typical “wild berries and spices” of tempranillo grapes. Fermented over 16 days and then aged a year in French and US oak, some new. 13.5% ABV. Some jamminess should integrate well with the spices and tannins to eventually produce a well-developed bottle of food wine. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Miguel Torres Cordillera de Los Andes Special Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo Valley, +541169 Vintages January 20 $19.95: a warmer climate wine, with 14% ABV reflected in the cherry-berry flavours with spices (including leatherish aromas). Longer finish. Aged a year in French oak (30% new). Still needs time. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Fitou 2014 $16.95 +403683 Vintages January 6: Bertrand continues to advance the Terroir series (and the Grand Terroir series) with more localized vineyards. Here it is Fitou, with its grenache and carignan grapes, vinified separately. The carignan has carbonic maceration for two weeks; the grenache is done in traditional style. Some of the wine is barrel aged for a year. Everything here seems to be concentrated in aromas and flavours, red fruit and undergrowth dominating. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Corbieres 2014 $18.95 +394288 Vintages: In this Terroir Corbieres, Bertrand uses carbonic maceration for the syrah and traditional fermentation for the grenache and mourvedre. It is an appealing Rhonish G-S-M, with the blended wine aging in wood for eight months before bottling. Very firm with some fruit on the full finish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Ferraton Pere et Fils Calendes Crozes-Hermitage 2015 $29.95 Vintages January 6: with grapes from all three of Mercurol, Beaumont-Monteux, and Larnage, this wine is very typical of modern day Crozes-Hermitage with its dark fruit blackberry-plum tones and body, opaque, some garrigue and long tannic finish. Needs time or a double decant. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.SonVida Malbec 2013 Mendoza $29.95 Vintages +458240: 5% cabernet sauvignon added in, plus aging in 15% new French oak for 14 months (with some US oak). Mocha tones with mild but upfront black fruit riffing off the full-body. Produced by Sonia and David, former journalists making malbec wine since 2007. Double decanting is needed to bring out the proper fruit expression. But of course the wine can be aged a decade. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 14.Eastdell Wines Cuvee Brut 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +485615 Vintages: a difficult growing season but just right for making acidic grapes comprising the blend for sparkling wines. Here, it was 55% pinot noir, 45% chardonnay, done up in traditional method style of secondary fermentation in the bottle. 11% ABV. Expect orchard fruit on the nose and palate (peach, pear, apple) and effervescent flavours emphasizing typical “Ontario” grapefruit, with some lemon and melons. Good on its own, but best with food such as aged cheese or terrines. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 15.Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +522672 $19.95 for 200 mL to Dec 31, 2017 ($2 off): 2016 was an early harvest when temps dropped to -10 and -13 Celsius. The results here are typically classic, with tonalities of orchard fruit, apricots, honeyed citrus peel, and some acidic structure for a spine. 11.5% ABV, 152 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 16.Frazzitta Vigna Alta Grillo 2016 IGP Terre Siciliane, +361146 $18.95 LCBO online or Store 624 in Woodbridge: grillo was once exclusively used in Marsala but recently its production as a white table wine has expanded, with the aid of cryomaceration (crushed grapes held at low temps for several days before fermentation to allow flavours to develop). With stainless steel and 12.5% ABV, the rich wine shows herby complexity with citric notes and tanginess. Because of its spine and body structure, it is a good food wine, primarily seafood. Not really for just sipping. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Tuesday, November 7, 2017 11:30AM to 4PM The Event: Annual Wines of Chile Toronto tasting The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade, with consumers at night 7PM to 9:30. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available in various contexts, ranging from GL through Consignment and Private Orders. The catalogue had full details on ordering, including prices, contact names, and Ontario agent names. The Quote/Background: I attended the seminar this year. There was a wrinkle: none of the wines were in the trade show itself. There used to be a focus table with these wines. Instead, there were focus tables just for sparkling wines (this was new in 2017), top wines for licensees, and small producers' table. I managed to get around to all of them: the seminar, the tables, and then dabbled in the trade show itself. The seminar was conducted by Patricio Tapia, author of “Descorchados”. He was assisted from time to time by agents or principals who were seated at separated round tables with lucky members of the trade who snagged a seat at the seminar. My ratings from the tables and the seminar are folded into the lists below. The Wines: I did not taste every wine at the show. Most prices below are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Morande Extra Brut NV Casablanca $30 Majestic -Morande Extra Brut K.O. Secano Interior $23.95 Majestic -Valdivieso Brut Charmat NV $12.99 Wine Lovers -Anakena Ona Special Reserve Red Blend Cachapoal 2015 $19.95 Accolade Wines -Aresti Family Collection Assemblage Curico 2012 $29.95 Southern Glazer's -Caliterra Edicion Limitada M Colchagua 2015 $21.95 LCBO -Caliterra Cenit Colchagua 2014 $21.95 Churchill Cellars -Carmen Winemaker's Red Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2014 $29.95 Select Wines -Carmen Gold Reserve Maipo 2013 $59.95 Select Wines -Casa Silva Romano 1912 Vines Colchagua 2015 $27.90 Churchill Cellars -Concha y Toro Terrunyo Cabernet Sauvignon Pirque 2014 $34.95 LCB0 -Emiliana Metodo Tradicional Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Casablanca Brut $17.95 PMA -Errazuriz Don Maximiano 2014 Aconcagua $84.95 LCBO -Perez Cruz Pircas de Liguai Single Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Andes 2013 $29.95 -San Esteban In Situ QV Blend Aconcagua 2014 $54.95 MCO -San Esteban In Situ Laguna del Inca Blend Aconcagua $32.95 -San Esteban In Situ Signature Chardonnay/Viognier 2016 Aconcagua $17.95 LCBO -Santa Carolina VSC 2012 Cachapoal $39.95 LCBO -Santa Carolina Herencia 2010 Peumo $69.95 Charton Hobbs -Siegel Family Ketran 2013 Colchagua $80 JCipelli -Valdivieso Caballo Loco Grand Cru Maipo $39.99 Wine Lovers -Ventisquero Tara Chardonnay Atacama $47.95 LCBO ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Santa Ema Sparkling NV Leyda $34.95 ROUST -Valdivieso Extra Brut TM NV $19.99 Wine Lovers -Siegel Unique Selection 2013 Colchagua $39.95 JCipelli -Ventisquero Enclave Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2012 $79.95 Univins -Veramonte Ritual Chardonnay Casablanca $18.95 LCBO -Veramonte Neyen Apalta 2012 $49.95 Epic Wines -Arboleda Chardonnay Aconcagua Costa 2016 $19.95 LCBO -Casa Silva Lago Ranco Sauvignon Blanc Otorno 2016 $27.95 Churchill Cellars -Carmen Do Quijada #1 Semillon Colchagua 2016 Select Wines -Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2015 $22.95 LCB0 -Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay Limari 2015 $19.95 LCB0 -Emiliana GE Syrah/Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua 2013 $79.95 PMA -Emiliana Signos de Origen La Vanilla 2016 Casablanca $20 PMA -Caliterra Tributo Petreo Colchagua 2015 Churchill Cellars -Valdivieso Eclat Vigno 2010 Maule $34.95 Wine Lovers -Santa Rita Bougainville Maipo 2012 EJ Gallo -Legado Reserve Chardonnay 2015 $21.35 -Errazuriz Max Reserva 2015 $20.09 Licensee LCBO -Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2015 $17.81 LCBO Licensee -Montgras Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2014 $22.95 LCBO -Montgras Ninquen Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah Colchagua 2014 $29.95 LCBO -San Esteban In Situ Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Aconcagua $22.95 LCBO The Food: empanadas (of course: beef, chicken, veggie), charcuterie and cheese boards, dips and breads. The Downside: as with many trade shows these days, too many wines to taste in one go. The Upside: I was grateful to be able to taste the seminar wines while seated, with enough time to write notes. The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 2. The Date and Time: Thursday November 9, 2017 3Pm to 8PM The Event: Breakthru Beverage Taste and Buy Holiday Event The Venue: Oretta, King St West The Target Audience: private buyers The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available but by the case of 6 or 12. The Quote/Background: This was a “holiday” showcase for the Breakthru Beverage – B&W Wines Division, featuring a wide variety of wines from New and Old World producers, beginning at $21 (Adamo Viognier 2016 VQA) retail through $159.95 (Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum 2009), ranging from champagnes to whites to reds. The Wines: I did not taste every wine since I arrived at 4:20PM and had to leave early for another engagement. 32 wines were served, some were also available through the LCBO. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Tarlant Brut Reserve NV $45.15 -Darioush Signature Chardonnay 2014 Napa $82.95 -Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa $139.95 -Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Meursault 2015 $94.95 -Adamo Estate Viognier Bock Vineyard VQA 2016 $21 -Zena Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Willamette $154.95 -Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2013 $89.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Adamo Estate Meritage VQA Niagara Escarpment 2015 $45 -Long Meadow Ranch Estate Merlot 2013 Anderson Valley $64.95 -Arrowood Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $54.95 -Two Hands Sexy Beast Cabernet 2015 McLaren Vale $34.95 -Il Fauna di Arcanum 2013 $44.95 -Bibi Graetz Soffocone di Vincigliata IGT 2014 Tuscany $74.95 -Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum 2009 Tuscany $159.95 -Hickinbotham The Revivalist Merlot 2014 McLaren Vale $134.95 -Two Hands Charlies Garden Shiraz 2015 McLaren Vale $74.95 -Piper-Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV $59.95 -Darioush Signature Merlot 2013 Napa $99.95 -Darioush Duel Shiraz Cabernet 2014 Napa $74.95 -Rockford Local Growers Semillon 2014 Barossa Valley $44.95 -Long Meadow Anderson Valley Chardonnay 2014 $64.95 -Brewer Clifton Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2015 $67.95 -The Paper Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough $47.95 The Food: salumi and cheese platters, breads, tomato bruschettas, tomato/mozz skewers, sliders of porchetta, eclairs and tarts for dessert (although there were no dessert wines). The Downside: I had to leave early. The Upside: it got crowded early on, but people knew how to move away. The Contact Person: jthompson2@breakthrubev.com; hwasserman@bwwines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 3. The Date and Time: Monday, November 13, 2017 2PM to 6PM The Event: Never Say Never – Australian Portfolio tasting from The Living Vine The Venue: Peter Pan Bistro, second floor The Target Audience: private clients, sommeliers, media The Availability/Catalogue: According to the order sheets, everything was available, but by the case of 6 or 12. The Quote/Background: The Living Vine, founded by Mark Cuff, sells only wine that is organic or biodynamic or at least “sustainable”, from Old World (e.g.,France, Spain, Austria, Germany, Italy, et al) and New World countries (USA, NZ, Oz, Canada, Latin America) The Wines: Wineries here included Brash Higgins (McLaren), Jamsheed (Yarra), Jauma (McLaren Basket Range), Lucy Margaux Adelaide Hills), Murdoch Hill (Adelaide Hills), Ochota Berrels (Adelaide Hills), Patrick Sullivan (Victoria), Ruggabellus (Barossa), Shobbrook (Barossa), and William Downie (Victoria). A couple of other wineries from Oz were not presented today. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Jamsheed Harem Madame Chardonnay 2016 $37.95 *my FAVE of the afternoon* -Brash Higgins Nymph White Blend 2016 $42.95 [chenin, semillon, et al] -Brash Higgins GR/M Grenache Mourvedre 2016 $42.95 -Brash Higgins CBSV Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $42.95 -Jamsheed Harem La Syrah 2015 $39.95 -Jauma A 1000 Fires 2016 [semillon, chenin] $39.95 -Lucy Margaux Village of Tiers Pinot Noir 2015 $49.95 -Murdoch Hills Red Blend 2015 $49.95 [cabsauv,syrah] -Murdoch Hills Sulky Blanc 2016 $65.95 [riesling, sauvblanc, et al] -Murdoch Hills Ridley Pinto x Two 2016 $65.95 [pinot noir, p.meunier, p.gris] -Murdoch Hills Surrey Pinot Meunier 2016 $65.95 -Ochota Barrels Slint Hills Chardonnay 2016 $53.95 -Ruggabellus Archaeus Syrah 2013 $74.95 -Ruggabellus Efferus Mataro 2015 $75.95 -Ruggabellus Archaeus Syrah 2015 $75.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Brash Higgins ZBO Zibibbo 2016 $42.95 -Brash Higgins MRLO Merlot 2016 $42.95 -Brash Higgins NDV Nero d'Avola 2016 $45.95 -Brash Higgins Omensetter Shiraz 2012 $83.95 -Jamsheed Ma Petite Francine Cabernet Franc $39.95 -Jamsheed Le Menace Rouge Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $39.95 -Jauma Tikka The Cosmic Cat 2016 $39.95 [shiraz, grenache] -Jauma Blewitt Springs Pet Nat Chenin Blanc 2016 $55.95 -Murdoch Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $37.95 -Murdoch Hills Syrah 2015 $49.95 -Murdoch Hills Sulky Rouge 2016 $65.95 [syrah, p.noir] -Ochota Barrels Fugazi Vale Grenache 2016 $57.95 -Patrick Sullivan Pink Pound 2016 $39.95 [p.noir, s.blanc, gewurz] -Patrick Sullivan Windy Cottage Pinot Noir 2016 $46.95 -Ruggabellus Sallio Riesling 2014 $47.95 -Ruggabellus Fluus Grenache 2015 $47.95 -Ruggabellus Quomodo Riesling 2014 $75.95 -Ruggabellus Timaeus Grenache 2015 $75.95 -Shobbrook Tommy Field Barossa Syrah 2014 $51.95 -Shobbrook Romanee Tuff Syrah 2014 $51.95 -William Downie Petit Verdot 2016 $29.95 The Food: bread and butter (a first?), water The Downside: quite a lot of wines, and most in that heavy Oz style! The Upside: a chance to taste rare wines. The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 4. The Date and Time: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM The Event: CENTItalia Gusto Cultural Opening Night The Venue: Liberty Grand, Exhibition Grounds The Target Audience: members of ICCO and the food/wine press. The Quote/Background: This was a joint venture with the food program at Centennial College and the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario (ICCO). It began with a pizza night event at 5:30 and concluded with a Pizza Cultura (written by Mark Cirillo) Book Launch at 7:30 and the announcement of an upcoming Centennial-IFSE and ICCO collaboration to benefit students pursuing an education in Italian culinary arts. The whole festival ran from November 14 through 17, and featured three chefs. There were pizza master classes led by Chef Franco Pepe, dinners from Michelin Star Chef Cristina Bowerman and Chef Ugo Mora – all directly from Italy. Local particpation included stations by Viva Napoli Pizzeria, Longo Brothers Fruit Market, Pizza Nova, Faema (coffee), and Centennial College. The Wines: There were three wines at the opening night launch – Enrico Servafino Barbaresco 2014 14.5% ABV (rated 91 points), Bellavista Franciacorta (rated 90 points), and Bottega Prosecco (rated 88 points) – I was hoping that there would have been more. Plus sparkling water, coffee, and beer. The Food: Longo's has a terrific set of pizzas (one was a flatbread version) and salumi platter. Centennial College displayed several crostini (five different types), plus prosciutto wrapped veggies. They also had over 3 dozen students helping out at various stations. Cristina Bowerman did her famed “zeppole” (fritter with a sweet topping, expressive of St Joseph's Day in the southern half of Italy). Pizza Nova did its new “carbone” dough pizzas (dough infused with activated charcoal, giving it is dark colour, and airier texture). It was available with a number of different Pizza Nova toppings. The Downside: I was only able to attend the first two hours since I had tickets to a concert downtown. The Upside: 320 people were expected, which is quite a large crowd!! The Contact Person: tinelli@italchambers.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 5. The Date and Time: Wednesday November 22, 2017 5:30 - 7PM The Event: Tasting wines with Fabian Reis, winemaker and viticulturist of Ferox wines. The Venue: Belsize Drive The Target Audience: wine writers and bloggers. Event set up by Andre Proulx, President-Elect of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. The Availability/Catalogue: we tasted three wines. Only the two whites are still available; the red is sold out. The Quote/Background: www.ferox.ca is an Ontario virtual winery owned and operated by Fabian Reis and his sommelier wife Stephanie. He's a grandson of Herbert Konzelmann (Konzelmann Winery) but makes his wine at Reif Estates, setting up his virtual label. In the past he has made Icewine for Donald Ziraldo. He has 2100 cases now. The Wines: Currently he has made three wines, but there are others still in tank and barrel (including a single barrel Chardonnay for 36 months, and Icewine). Magnums are also available but for special occasions, and he is setting aside wines for a cellar library collection. In Spring 2018, he plans to release Riesling 2017, Sauvignon Blanc 2017, and Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon 2016. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ferox Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 VQA Niagara $55 [80% merlot] – 75 cases, sold out quickly, very Euro in style, 70% new French oak, first vintage. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ferox Riesling 2016 VQA Niagara, $38 – off-dry, Kabinett level, long length, needs more bottle age. 25 year old vines. Half put up in acacia barrels for eight months; the other half in stainless, then blended together. 85 cases. -Ferox Sauvignon Blanc 2016 VQA Four Mile Creek, $46 – fruity style, developing nicely but with a modest finish. Put up in acacia barrels for eight months; the other half in stainless, then blended together. The Contact Person: info@ferox.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 6.The Date and Time: Friday, November 24, 2017 1 – 3 PM The Event: Tutored tasting with Stephane Vedeau, owner and winemaker of La Ferme du Mont (Cotes du Rhone). The Venue: George Brown College Tasting Lab, King Street The Target Audience: wine writers, bloggers and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: only two current CdR vintages are available November, and the others are TBD from the LCBO. Eurovintage Int. is the Ontario agent. The Quote/Background: Stephane Vedeau showed his knowledge of pH and controlled acidity which he believes are key to winemaking in the Cotes du Rhone. His wines are also organic, with natural/wild yeasts. No SO2 or filtering are used. No citric or tartaric acids are added. 50 hectares of old vines are cultivated. And the Grenache grape is his great passion... The Wines: we tasted 13 wines in all, many from older vintages and last year. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -La Ferme du Mont Premiere Cote 2015 Cotes du Rhone +251645 $17.95 -La Ferme du Mont Premiere Cote 2011 Cotes du Rhone N/A -La Ferme du Mont Premiere Cote 2013 Cotes du Rhone N/A -La Ferme du Mont Le Ponnant 2010 Cotes du Rhone Villages N/A -La Ferme du Mont Le Ponnant 2014 Cotes du Rhone Villages N/A -La Ferme du Mont Gigondas Cotes Jugunda 2015 +354118 $32.95 -La Ferme du Mont Chateauneuf du Pape 2011 N/A ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -La Ferme du Mont La Truffiere 2016 $16.95 Under consideration, P/O for now -La Ferme du Mont Le Ponnant 2015 Cotes du Rhone Villages +171371 $20.95 -La Ferme du Mont Chateauneuf du Pape Cotes Capelan 2013 +78857 $82.95 -La Ferme du Mont Chateauneuf du Pape 2015 $48.95 Under consideration -La Ferme du Mont Premiere Cote 2014 Cotes du Rhone N/A -La Ferme du Mont Premiere Cote 2016 Cotes du Rhone N/A The Food: charcuterie platter, cheeses, dried fruit, breads, biscuits. The Downside: I had just come on time from a heavy New World Vintages tasting at the LCBO, and then we (at GBC) started a half hour late. The Upside: a rare opportunity to taste older basic Cotes du Rhone wines. The Contact Person: Daniela Lopera evmarketing@eurovintage The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. 7.The Date and Time: Monday, November 27, 2017 3PM to 7PM The Event: A tasting of Fortified Wines as developed by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (16th annual tasting) The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's clubhouse. The Target Audience: WWCC members exclusive. Nine members had signed up. The Availability/Catalogue: All these fortified wines are at the LCBO or by consignment. They include ports, sherries, vermouths, and other beverages. The Quote/Background: This was not a competition, but a tasting for writing purposes. There were some remarkable sherries here as well. The Wines: My ratings do NOT include a ranking beyond GOOD, BETTER, and BEST. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Extra Dry Fino $17.95 +231829 Xeres Palomino 15%ABV -Bodegas Altanza Coleccion Roberto Amillo Palo Cortado 500 mL $74.95 Jerez Palomino 20.50% Profile Wine Group -Bodegas Altanza Coleccion Roberto Amillo Oloroso 500mL $74.95 DO Jerez Palomino 21.50% Profile Wine Group -Bodegas Alvear Pedro Ximenez de Anada 375ml 2014 $24.95 +499152 Montilla Moriles PX 19%ABV -Bodegas Altanza Coleccion Roberto Amillo Pedro Ximenez 500mL $74.95 DO Jerez Pedro Ximénez (PX) 15% Profile Wine Group -Bodegas Alvear Cream $16.95 +515791 Montilla-Morilles PX 18%ABV -Lustau East India Solera Cream 500 mL $20.25 342931 Jerez 20% -Taylor Fladgate 325th Anniversary Tawny $46.95 +517730 Douro 20% -Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny $69.95 +149047 Douro 20% -Sandeman 20 year old Tawny $64.95 +116178 Douro 20% -Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro 500mL $16.95 +642173 Penedes Moscatel Oro 15% -Fratelli Branca Antica Formula Vermouth 1000mL $51.95 Consignment Emiglia-Romania 16% Majestic Wines and Spirits -Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino NV $27.95 +461913 Piemonte Moscato 16% -Bodegas Altanza Amillo Vermouth Reserva 750mL $27.95 DO Jerez Palomino, Pedro Ximenez (PX) 15% Profile Wine Group -Frazzitta Zibibbo Vino Liquoroso NV $16.75 +361120 Terre Siciliane IGT 16% ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Frazzitta Malvasia Vino Liquoroso NV $19.80 +361088 Terre Siciliane IGT 16% -Frazzitta Crema alla Mandoria NV $15.70 +361096 Marsala Fine DOP 16% -Frazzitta Malvasia Vino Liquoroso NV $19.80 +361104 Marsala Fine DOP 16% -Karlo Estates Gewurztraminer Fortified 500 mL 2016 $65 Prince Ed County 17% -Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos Dry $15.55 +375097 Jerez 18.5% -Bodegas Altanza Coleccion Roberto Amillo Amontillado 500mL $74.95 DO Jerez Palomino 20% Profile Wine Group -Gonzalez Byass Alfonso Sherry Oloroso Secco N/A Private Order Jerez -Vinicola Hidalgo S.A. Hidalgo Faraon Oloroso Sherry 500 mL $21.95 +471078 Jerez Palomino 18% -Sandeman Late Bottled Vintage Port 2011 $17.15 +195974 Douro 55% Touriga Franca, 25% Tinta Roriz, 20% Touriga Nacional 20.50%ABV -Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage 2013 $18.15 +46946 Douro 20% -Calem 10 Year Old Tawny $25.25 +248542 Douro 20% -Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny $35.95 +121749 Douro 20% -Fonseca Vintage Port 2009 $59.95 +256875 Douro 20.5% -Southbrook Vineyards Whimsy: The Anniversary $29.95 Niagara on the Lake Chardonnay 15.9% -Fratelli Branca Carpano Classico Rosso 1000mL $23.95 Consignment Emiglia-Romania 16% Majestic Wines and Spirits -Fratelli Branca Punt E Mes 1000mL $24.95 Consignment Emiglia-Romania 16% Majestic Wines and Spirits *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Fonseca White Port N/V $16.95 +276816 Douro 20% -Karlo Estates Van Alstine White 500 mL 2016 $45 Prince Ed County Frontenac white 17.5% -Fonseca Bin 27 N/V $16.95 +325506 Douro 20% -Sandeman Ruby Port $15.95 +23366 Douro Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amareta, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão 19.50% -Karlo Estates Van Alstine Red 500mL 2016 $39 Prince Ed County Frontenac 18% The Food: bread, unsalted almonds and hazelnuts, olives, water The Contact Person: deantudor@yahoo.com The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94 8. The Date and Time: Monday November 27, 2017 7PM to 10PM The Event: a re-tasting of the important Spanish sherries from the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada press tasting. The Venue: Gothic epicures The Target Audience: me The Availability/Catalogue: products are available by private order through Profile Wine Group. The Quote/Background: Roberto Amillo is a major collector of Spanish wines and sherries and bottles/paper etc. He has almost 20,000 items and has opened a museum-gallery-shop in Jerez. In 2011, Amillo started Espíritus de Jerez, making his own selection from older, exceptional soleras and bottling them under the Colección Robert Amillo label. The series contains four sherries and two brandies. Everything he has done with this collection has garnered great scores in the mid-nineties (points). The packaging deserves a mention: the half-litre bottles are square, squat, and made of thick heavy glass, with colourful accents inspired by mosaic tilework. After consumption, the bottles can be used as decanters or perfume/cologne bottles. The sherries have a good track record, but are convoluted in each one's marketing. Bodegas Altanza presents them after Robert Amillo has sourced the materials (from Jerez producers) for his Espiritus de Jerez brand, which are then marketed in Ontario by Profile Wine Group who repps Altanza. The Wines: The Roberto Amillo sherry range was tasted (four bottles) and scored – **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bodegas Altanza Colección Roberto Amillo Palo Cortado Palomino Jerez $74.95 half-litre Espíritus de Jerez: 20.5%ABV, from a solera at Bodegas Williams & Humbert. Extremely aromatic, loaded with toasted oak, walnuts (some rancio), dried fruit, leather, the usual suspects of citrus, toffee and mocha, spices of cloves. Some aging, such as an older flor nose and complexity with minerality. Nice long length in the finish for the complex of sweet spices and pastries. Good structure. My fave of the four...and actually, palo cortado is my fave sherry of all that I taste. Possibly 95 points. -Bodegas Altanza Colección Roberto Amillo Oloroso Palomino Jerez $74.95 half-litre Espíritus de Jerez: 21.5%ABV, from a 30-year old 24 butt solera at Bodegas Williams & Humbert. Fragrant nose, complex dried fruit (again, dried orange peel, rancio nuts with some varnish, cedar, cinnamon. With age, higher alcohol is useful here to carry through the solera notes and a more oily feel in the mouth. As with all of these wines, there is (from aging) a tannic bitterness in the undertones that collectors will revel in. Long spicy finish. Possibly 94 points. -Bodegas Altanza Coleccion Roberto Amillo Pedro Ximenez Jerez $74.95 half-litre Espiritus de Jerez: 15%ABV, sourced from Bodegas Rey Fernando de Castilla. Much as I love this drink for its sweetness, I feel compelled to say that my tasting palate is not as well adapted to sweet beverages. I enjoy all of them, but a little goes a long way with me. Here we have intense richness of raisins, dates, figs, mocha, anise with lots of toasted toffee. The low alcohol keeps this one in range. Persistent finish. Suitable for chocolate fondue, pastries, foie gras, blue cheese. Possibly 91 points. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bodegas Altanza Colección Roberto Amillo Amontillado Palomino Jerez $74.95 half-litre Espíritus de Jerez: 20%ABV, from a single barrel at Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana in Sanlucar. It is actually a Manzanilla Amontillada, especially on the nose with its brininess and some volatile acidity showing. Otherwise, dried fruit and peel of apricot and oranges mixed with some rancio of toffee and nuts. Dried oxidized aromas dominate, with tones of mushrooms, herbs, forest floor, not for the faint of heart. Slightly bitter/tannic finish. A real wine for a real collector looking to sample an older dry sherry. Possibly 89 - 90 points. The Contact Person: aprodhon@profilewinegroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94. 10. The Date and Time: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 5PM to 6PM The Event: Tasting of higher alcohol beverages from the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's Fortified wine tasting. The Venue: Gothic Epicures The Target Audience: me The Availability/Catalogue: all at the LCBO or private order. The Quote/Background: Some products were re-tasted from the WWCC's Fortified wine tasting because of their packaging or higher alcohol. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bodegas Altanza Coleccion Roberto Amillo Brandy de Jerez Solera Gran Reserva $119.95 half-litre Private Order with Profile Wine Group: 38%ABV, very elegant and complex, lots of dried fruit and spices as one would expect from sherry brandy. Sourced from a variety of producers in the Jerez region. Sold in a bottle that is uniform with the Coleccion Roberto Amillo sherries. Foreign prices seem to indicate that this too should be $74.95 as line priced with the sherries, but the higher tax level for distilled spirits in Ontario pushes up the price. -Fratelli Branca Fernet-Branca Amer/Bitters, +220145, $23.10 for 500 mL: this is one of the top dry bitters of the world. Here are 27 herbs and spices aged in oak for a year. It can be enjoyed with beer, mixed drinks, on the rocks, or with soda/pop drinks. But it is best straight. 39% ABV, with that characteristic gentian and vanilla/oak matured flavour. -Taylor Fladgate 325th Anniversary Edition Port Tawny $46.95 +517730 Douro: 20%ABV, in a short, fat bottle based on a shape from their beginnings (hand-blown then, not so now). The blend comes from all of their 10, 20, 30, and 40 year old tawnies. Typical of older tawnies: candied peel, dry cherries and figs, nut rancio. The colour, though, looks a lot closer to ruby or LBV. Still a good drink. -Maynard's 100 Years of Port Wine Stack $99 +515866 LCBO: 20%ABV, 4 bottles of 200mL apiece for 10, 20, 30, 40 years of tawny port – truly a century of port. Maynard's has been around for over 230 years, making and selling ports. Each tawny reveals a different character of blends, of course, and the intent could be to sell this for a group tasting, say 8 people ($12.50 each?) who want an ounce each to sample. Good idea! ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Torres Imperial Brandy Gran Reserva 10, +522359, 750mL, $29.95 LCBO: 38%ABV, an uncommonly good brandy at this price level, following the traditional distillation of white wines being aged in American oak casks in a solera system. Dark, spicy complex from the oak, clove-y and coconut-y. A double-gold winner, available in other bottle sizes but outside Ontario. The Contact Person for Bodegas Altanza: aprodhon@profilewinegroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR OCTOBER 2017 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH -- 1.Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2015 Estate Grown & Bottled VQA NOTL, +454967, $16.95 LCBO: A nifty young wine, with some forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red fruit (strawberries are suggested). Estate grown and bottled. Good written notes on the back label are spot on. Just under subtle oaking, with a moderate intensity of medium flavours. Ready to drink now. Cork closure, 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2016 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, $14.95, +81653 LCBO: A consistent wine, year in and year out, my fave Ontario chardonnay at this price point. The label has more info, stressing a lighter body and more fruit finish for 2016 (orchard fruit) with some buttery nuanced complexity from the barrel fermentation, and with a longer finish. Aged in oak for 9 months. The palate is just as rich as previous vintages, but with slightly less alcohol and RS=7 g/L. Cork closure, keep it around for awhile. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Family Estate Chardonnay 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, $19.95, +268342: slated for Vintages release November 25 [but now available online and at the winery], this bottling continues the tres elegante Burgundian character of earlier years. Some ripeness, pleasant balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place, wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. Overall balance of fruit and wood, vanilla, modest spices. 13.5% ABV, cork closure, BF in 90% French oak (25% new), BA for 8 months. Tasted October 25, 2017. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Gerard Bertrand Cremant de Limoux Brut Blanc 2015 AOP Sud de France, +438838, $19.95 Vintages: from Haute Vallee de l'Aude in Languedoc comes this excellent under $20 Cremant derived from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, indigenous Mauzac, and Pinot Noir. The nose is textbook white: flower, pepper, honey, green apple, biscuit; the mousse is excellent and full. Long dazzling finish. Hand harvested with disgorged bottles (Cremant). 12.5% ABV. Good comparison with the late lamented Saumur Brut which was delisted by the LCBO in the spring. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Saint Chinian 2015 +370247, $17.95 Vintages: the last vintage here was 2011 at $1 less. Bertrand has a Terroir series embracing the range of Sud de France wines. Here it is older vines in a schist area of Languedoc, specifically syrah and mourvedre. Expect black fruit all over the place (even black olives, mocha and garrigue). The “f” word comes to mind: full, fat, fleshy, fabulous at this price. One third of the wine is aged for nine months in barrel, the rest matured in vats and then blended before bottling. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Cloudline Pinot Noir 2015 Willamette Valley Oregon +159970 $26.95 Vintages: Domaine Drouhin introduced the Cloudline label in 2002. It proved a very popular alternative to its more showy siblings, and serves as a second label for the Domaine. Certainly it is very affordable. Lots of approachability with its fruit forward elegance. Earthy with “black and blue” fruit tones. Nutty with mocha nuances. 13.5% ABV. For travellers to Quebec, the 2016 is now at SAQ. The back label of this 2015 sample bottle was entirely in French...Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Mendoza, +128629, $19.95 Vintages: black fruit dominates this substantial wine. Made from older vines (50 years old). Ageing in new French oak barrels for a year, still needs time to resolve despite 4.5 years of age. 14.1% ABV, a hefty thick wine that dominates. Best for carnivores? You decide. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Fess Parker Pinot Noir 2014 Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley +209858 November 25 Vintages, $64.95: lots of bright red fruit such as raspberries and strawbs, with spicy-toast woodsy points and some vanilla and pepper, finishing off at 12 months in 1/3 new French oak. Definitely the “f” word: fruit forward, fat, fleshy, French oak, from the F Block of 18 year old vines. A whopping 14.1% ABV may still need to be tamed despite its quaffability. Juicy-jammy California wine all the way. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2014 Oregon +961284 $52.95 Vintages November 25: both black and red fruits are in play here, with clear definitions of black cherry, plum, dark cherry, black berry, and a Burgundian balanced sensibility with some earthiness. Long fat finish, capable of a decade or more in aging. Gravity flow, French oak barrels. 14.1% ABV but no hot finish. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Vinha do Cais Ribeira Douro Reserva 2014 +523639 Vintages $13.95: a fine wine from the vineyards of Barao de Vilar in the hills of Douro Superior. The red blend contains tourigas nacional/franca/barroca plus tinta roriz. The wine is named after one of the top 31 streets in the world for walking (Conde Nast). The wine is a little dense right now and needs to open up, despite three years in bottle: I did a double decant over three days and – bingo – great fruit, soft aromas, fat/fleshy/fresh/fruity flavours, at a marvelous price. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Maynard's Port Wine Encyclopedia, Vol. III, $49.95, +516963 LCBO Gift Purchase: this is a great introduction for tasting port, a sort-of tutorial. And very useful for a Christmas gift in that price range (it is actually five dollars cheaper than last year's vol. II). Here are six of the Van Zeller family's Barão de Vilar's fine Ports for this sampling set. They have been in the business of port for 16 generations (since 1652); the LBV concept was originated by them in 1954. The six tubes are 60 mL each: 12 ounces in total. Just perfect for 2 – 3 persons, say about $18 each, for that educational experience and fun. There are notes on the inside of the box (which looks like a book), and if you want more, there is always Wikipedia. The first three may not seem much like a bargain (white, ruby, tawny) but the latter three are bargains in this context (reserve tawny [10-20 yrs, 40-year old tawnies, plus a Colheita 2006 single vineyard). There are tasting notes provided (the tawnies regularly get over 90 points or gold medals just about everywhere) as well as suggested pairings with food. Unfortunately, the food pairings are difficult since the quantity of wine is so small: by the time a couple have tasted and enjoyed the ports, there is little left but the aromas. But it is worth a shot if you go at it alone. One suggestion: the package will cost a bit more, but it may be appropriate to just keep the ports on the dark side by dropping the white port and adding a 20 year old or LBV in addition to the Colheita, a sort-of comparison with all the tawnies. White ports are about $17 a full bottle, but Colheitas are twice that. My fave, of course, was the 40-year old tawny, with its complicated nose, nuttiness, and dried fruit tones on the palate. Kudos all round, better than volume II. Quality/Price rating of the package is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2016 California, +369686 Vintages Essentials $19.95: a killer wine winner in the USA since 1982, the KJC is now at Vintages Essentials, although given that the brand is sixth in US sales by dollar values (sells for $12.10USD on average) and should be selling equally well here in Canada, it ought to be a General List wine. This month (Nov 5 – Nov 25) it is also an LTO with $2 off each bottle (=$17.95). Time to load up, for it's been 95% barrel-fermented and exploits a creamy palate and finish. All chardonnay from Monterey (47%), Santa Barbara (30%), Mendocino (22%) and Sonoma (1%) is done up sur lie and aged five months in older French and US oak with 11% of it new. Good integration of off-dry tropical flavours on the mid-palate with vanilla and cream, followed by slight oak nuances in the finish. A key example of a winemaker's wine blend: consistent from year to year. With a plastic cork there is no need to store – drink as you buy. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Monday October 2, 2017 2PM to 5 PM The Event: Annual Portfolio Tasting of Azureau Wine Agency The Venue: Le Germain Hotel, Maple Leaf Square The Target Audience: in the afternoon, licensees and wine writers. The Availability/Catalogue: wines were available via Vintages, Consignment or Private Order. The Quote/Background: Nine seminars were offered, which included special wines from Salentein (Argentina), Alpha Crucis (Australian Shiraz), Valdespino 100 point sherries, Gleva Estates (Cava), Roda (Rioja), and Clos Pegase among others. The Wines: I did not try every wine. Prices are licensee unless Vintages **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bodegas Salentein La Pampa Single Vineyard Malbec 2014 $59.95 Consignment -Antica Fratta Franciacorta Brut Rose 2011 $42.95 Private Order -Cantine Riondo Amarone 2012 $34.95 Consignment -Erste Neue Sauvignon Blanc Alto Adige 2016 $22.95 Consignment -Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Chenin Blanc $31.95 Private Order -Rioja Vega Reserva 2011 $24.95 Consignment -Rioja Vega Gran Reserva 2009 $34.95 Consignment -Paco & Lola Albarino 2016 $18.95 Vintages -Enrique Mendoza Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2016 $24.95 Private Order -Valdespino Manzanilla en Rama 375 mL $21.95 Consignment -Clos Pegase Mitsukos Chardonnay $34.95 Vintages -Jose Pariente Barrel Ferment Verdejo 2015 $34.95 Consignment -Jose Pariente La Provincia 2015 $34.95 Private Order -Bodegas Castano Casa de la Cera 2013 $49.95 Consignment -Bodegas Castano Casa Cisca 2013 $61.95 Consignment -Bodegas Roda Reserva 2012 $47.95 Consignment -Bodegas Roda Reserva 1994 n/a -Bodegas Roda Reserva 2004 n/a ? -Bodegas Roda I Reserva 2009 $79.95 Private Order -Bodegas La Horra Corimbo $39.95 Consignment -Bodegas La Horra Corimbo I 2012 $74.95 Consignment -Gleyva Estates Mont Ferrant Berta Bouzy 2011 $32.95 Consignment -Gleyva Estates Titiana Pansa Blanca Brut 2012 $32.95 Consignment -Gleyva Estates Titiana Rose Pinot Noir 2012 $32.95 Private Order -Gleyva Estates Titiana Brut Nature 2011 $34.95 Private Order ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Dominio de Tares Cepas Viejas Mencia 2015 $37.95 Private Order -Dominio de Tares Barrel Fermented Godello 2016 $32.95 Consignment -Bodegas Nekeas Vega Sindos Chardonnay $17.95 Consignment -Wits End Alpha Crucis Fiano 2016 $24.95 Consignment -Wits End Alpha Crucis Titan Shiraz $27.95 Private Order -Kunde Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Private Order -Girard Old Vines Zinfandel 2014 $39.95 Vintages -Girard Petite Sirah 2013 $49.95 Consignment -Pepper Tree Elderslee Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $39.95 Vintages -Pepper Tree Semillon Sauvignon Blanc $24.95 Private Order -Enrique Mendoza Estrecho Monastrell 2014 $44.95 Vintages Feb 2018 -Enrique Mendoza Le Quebradas Monastrell 2014 $44.95 Vintages Feb 2018 -Foncalieu Le Giset Pays d'Oc 2015 $15.95 Consignment -Foncalieu Les Illustres Pays d'Oc 2012 $32.95 Consignment -Diemersfontein Chenin Blanc $21.95 Private Order -Bodegas Salentein Pyros Barrel Select Malbec 2014 $25.95 Consignment -Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Syrah 2015 $25.95 Private Order -Casas del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $14.95 Vintages Essential -Antica Fratta Franciacorta Brut $32.95 Private Order -Antica Fratta Franciacorta Essence 2013 $39.95 Private Order -Antica Fratta Franciacorta Saten $42.95 Private Order -Paco & Lola Follas Novas Albarino 2015 $19.95 Vintages -Paco & Lola Ophalum 2016 2016 $18.98 Private Order The Food: platters of international cheeses, berries, veggies, olives, breads and toasts. The Downside: nine short seminars were offered in three waves of three each, but I could not get to all of them. It was a downside to just me, but a boon to others. These were highly specialized and appropriate to determined buyers and licensees. Kudos to Azureau for putting them on!! The Upside: the seminars and the spaciousness of the room (there was a paying event with many more people coming in at 6:30 for a fundraiser). The Contact Person: dan@azureau.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 2. The Date and Time: Tuesday October 3, 2017 The Event: Napa Valley Vintners “Taste Napa Valley” trade show The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: all wines tasted are available through the LCBO system or by Private Orders. The Quote/Background: At night, there was a consumer show offered by Vintages, with different wines and foods for the paying public. At least 17 principals attended for both the day and night shows. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices were listed here and there, I grabbed “papers” for notes and prices where I found them so that I would not tie up the lines of tasters by constantly asking for prices. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Y. Rousseau Wines Le Roi Soleil Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Mt Veeder Napa $140 -Y. Rousseau Wines Le Roi Soleil Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Mt Veeder Napa $140 -Ca' Momi Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa $27.95 Consignment Licensee -Silverado SOLO Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Stags Leap District Napa $160 -Krupp Brothers Stagecoach Chardonnay 2014 Napa $109 Vintages -Krupp Brothers M5 Stagecoach Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Napa $300 Private Order BND Wines -Baldacci Family Vineyards Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Stags Leap District Napa -Cain Five Red Blend 2006 Spring Mountain District Napa $168 -Frank Family Chardonnay 2015 Carneros Napa -Grgich Wine Estates Chardonnay 2014 Napa -Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Napa -Hall Kathryn Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa -Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Napa -Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Napa -Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Napa $115 -Paul Hobbs Nathan Coombs Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Coombsville Napa $526 -Signorello Estate Chardonnay 2015 Napa -Signorello Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Napa ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vineyard 7&8 Correlation Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Spring Mountain District Napa -Somnium Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa $185 -Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Spring Mountain District Napa -Grgich Wine Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa -Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Mt Veeder Napa -Heitz Chardonnay 2015 Napa -Saintsbury Chardonnay 2014 Los Carneros Napa -Black Stallion Chardonnay 2015 Napa $30.95 Vintages -Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa $39.95 Vintages Feb 2018 -Ca' Momi Chardonnay 2016 Napa -Silverado Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Yountville Napa -Clos du Val Hirondelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa Stags Leap District $175 -Clos du Val Estate Chardonnay 2015 Los Carneros Napa $44.95 Vintages -Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa -Baldacci Family Vineyards Sorelle Chardonnay 2015 Los Carneros Napa -Buehler Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Napa -Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Stags Leap District Napa The Food: Daniel et Daniel provided the generous charcuterie and cheese platters, which included awesome Stilton and smoked duck breast. Veggies and fruits were strewn about, as well as breads and dips and tapenades. The Downside: I was unable to attend the advance seminar. The Upside: it was not as crowded as the larger California wine fair, allowing for more mingling and serious tasting. The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 3. The Date and Time: Tuesday October 3 2017 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM The Event: Wine With Spirit Winemaker's Dinner The Venue: Ilhas de Bruma Restaurant, College Street The Target Audience: consumers and wine press The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available at the Stockyards LCBO store (Destination/Discovery Portugal Wines) or online. The Quote/Background: Joao Pedro Montes is the Portuguese founder of “Wine With Spirit” a company determined to make wine a lifestyle by embracing specific wine styles with specific foods, and making labels out of them. Pedro Sereno is the winemaker, and together they craft wine blends using mainly indigenous varieties. For example, the white wine that goes with bread and cheese is called “Bread & Cheese”, and is made from varying amounts by vintage of fernao pires (50%)/arinto (25%)/viosinho (25%) crafted to being out the best elements of cheese and bread. The red blend for “Bread & Cheese” has syrah/tourigna nacional/castelao in the blend. It is a great concept, to take some of the guesswork out of wine and food matching for unsure beginning consumers and millennials. There is also a red “Meet&Meat” and a white “Seafood&Co”. Romantic wines include both a red and a white “Dine With Me Tonight”. As Montes says, “we bottle emotions”. There are stories to read on each label. And the marketing together makes it all one simple package: there are 14 or so wines all together (two of which are well-oaked), so it is possible to buy a set and use as appropriate. Now, if only they could be packaged as 12 different labels in a case at the LCBO... The Wines: We tasted the wines separately one by one, with a food course following each wine. The food was buffet-style. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Wine With Spirit Bastardo! Black Edition White Tejo [premium] 2015 +341155 $22.75 -Wine With Spirit Meet & Meat Red Tejo 2015 +341163 $17.65 -Wine With Spirit Feijoada & Co Red Alentejo 2015 +327121 $18.50 -Wine With Spirit Dine With Me Tonight Red Alentejo 2015 +327147 $20.20 -Wine With Spirit BASTARDO! Black Edition Red Tejo 2015 [premium] +327196 $25.30 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Wine With Spirit Basta! Brut TM Sparkling Wine 2015 +327667 $22.15 -Wine With Spirit Seafood & Co White Vinho Verde 2016 +327675 $17.70 -Wine With Spirit Bread & Cheese White Tejo 2016 +401942 $17.70 -Wine With Spirit Bread & Cheese Red Tejo 2015 +341189 $17.65 -Wine With Spirit Bastardo! Red Tejo 2015 +341130 $17.65 The Food: grand buffet-style for Portuguese food, with cornbread, olives, fresh queso, shrimp croquettes, cod, potato, meat croquettes, chorizo, rices (two kinds), steak, chicken, cooked veggies of various kinds, potatoes, etc. The Downside: I had just come from a Napa tasting and needed to refresh my palate. The Upside: good looking wines matched very well with the food I ate from the buffet. The Contact Person: joao.montes@wws.pt; ildefonso_go@rogers.com; leob@tastesenseltd.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 4. The Date and Time: Monday October 16, 2017 1Pm to 4Pm The Event: Rogers & Company Annual Portfolio Tasting, with some principals. The Venue: George The Target Audience: sommeliers, private clients. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are landed or soon will be. The Quote/Background: There had been some churning over the previous year, so there were new principals in attendance. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are licensee per bottle. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Astrolabe Marlborough “Province” Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $21.25 -Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Rioja 2007 $129.95 -Tr3smano Vendimia Ribeira del Duero 2014 $76.95 wooden case of three x $76.95 -Alpamanta Breva Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Argentina Unfiltered Biodynamic $37.95 -Zardetto Spumanti Porta Monticano 2016 Sparkling $14.95 -Vignole Chianto Classico DOCG 2014 $19.95 -Fontodi Flaccianello della Piave IGT 2013 $117.95 -Chateau de Maligny Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey 2016 $42.95 -Chateau Mire L'Etang La Clape Blanc 2016 $14.95 -Chateau Mire L'Etang La Clape Rouge 2015 $14.95 -Domaine Brusset Gigondas Les Hauts de Montmirail 2015 $50.95 -Champagne Delamotte Blac de Blancs NV $75.95 -Brigaldara Amarone della Valpolicella Case Vecie 2012 $75.95 -Pio Cesare Barolo DOCG 2012 $72.95 -Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli 2012 $109.95 -Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Carernos Chardonnay 2015 $79.95 -Shafer One Point Five Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $133.95 -Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $399.95 -Truchard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $39.95 -Dominus Estate Dominus 2013 $398.95 -Red Cap Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $136.95 -O'Shaughnessy Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $205.95 -Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot 2013 $101.95 -Paul Hobbs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $114.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $19.95 -Continuum 2014 (Pritchard Hill) $299.95 -Laughing Stock Portfolio Red Blend 2015 $56.95 -Share a Splash Angels & Cowboys Sonoma County Red 2015 [mainly zinfandel] $29.95 -Share a Splash High Dive Napa Valley Red 2014 $144.95 -Rutherford Wine Co. Cedar Rock Chardonnay 2016 $15.15 -The Originals “Cab Sauv” Columbia Valley 2015 $19.95 -”Bench” Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Knights Valley $29.95 -Bodegas Val de Vid Verdejo 2016 Spain $15.95 -Cruz de Piedra Macabeo 2016 $12.95 -La Giustiniana Gave di Gavi Lugarara 2016 $22.95 -Falchini Paretaio IGT 2013 $29.95 -Agricola Punica Barrua 2013 $49.95 -Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru La Clavoillon 2015 $164.95 -Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2015 $36.95 -Clos Bellane Chateauneuf-du-Pape Urgonien 2014 $54.95 -Champagne Delamotte Brut NV $56.95 -Volpai Coltassala 2013 $59.95 -Pio Cesare Barbaresco DOCG 2012 $72.95 -Shafer TD-9 Napa Valley 2015 $89.95 -Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014 $56.95 -Forman Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $143.95 -Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $137.95 -O'Shaughnessy Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $122.95 -Quintessa Rutherford 2014 $213.95 -Robert Craig Affinity Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $105.95 -Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014 $75.95 -Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2015 $64.95 -Duckhorn Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015 $43.95 -Paul Hobbs CrossBarn Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2016 $31.95 -Paul Hobbs CrossBarn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $66.95 -Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015 $66.95 The Food: in addition to cheese and biscuit stationary platters, there were passed platters with arancini, skewered meats, and salmon and cheese rollups. The Downside: I could not easily locate water for rinsing or refreshing. The Upside: A great series of impressive wines. The Contact Person: s.stoddart@rogcowines.com; c.mclean@rogcowines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. 5. The Date and Time: Tuesday October 17, 2017 4:30PM - 8PM The Event: Delicato Family Vineyards Vintages tasting with Tammy Brown, Regional Sales Manager for the Americas. The Venue: Wine Academy, Richmond Street The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are at Vintages or by consignment. The Quote/Background: Tammy spoke about the company's history and development. They are now one of the top ten grape growers by hectares (1700 hA) with vineyard properties in Napa, Monterey, and Lodi, plus many grower contracts. The company has several tiers of wines ranging from the Bota Box (3L, $42.65 LCBO) to some prestigious $200 a pop wines. Today we were to taste, after the presentation, some Irony, Noble Vines, Black Stallion, Z. Alexander Brown, and Gnarly Head wines, ranging from $19.95 to $30.95. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Black Stallion Estate Chardonnay Napa Valley 2015 Vintages +339689 $30.95 -Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay Monterey County 2015 $19.95 Not yet at Vintages. -Irony I Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 North Coast $24.95 Vintages +25106 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Irony I Chardonnay Monterey County 2015 $22.06 consignment [the Napa version is available at Vintages +27409 for $24.95 retail] -Noble Vines 667 Pinot Noir Monterey Vintages +342808 $19.95 -Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Proprietary Red Blend 2015 North Coast Vintages +519785 $21.95 [zin, syrah, petite syrah, cab sauv] -Gnarly Head 1924 Double Black Limited Edition 2015 California Vintages +498881 $19.95 [zin, PS, syrah] The Food: we began with a leafy salad and some julienne root veggies, paired with the Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay 2015 and/or the Irony I Chardonnay Monterey 2015 (I found the Noble Vines a better match when eating just the leaves, but when the root veggies with their sugar was on the fork, the Irony I worked better...just sayin'). This was followed by medium-done steak on mash with Brussels sprouts and bacon, paired with Irony I Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (the cab was more food friendly than the heavier red blends). For dessert, there was apple crisp a la mode paired with the richer Black Stallion Chardonnay Napa 2015. The apple was indeed crisp with a tang of acid, so it worked ok once the ice cream was out of the way. The Downside: I had difficulty finding the entrance, which apparently was not uncommon. The Upside: The Contact Person: mitchell@selectwines.ca or tammy.brown@delicato.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86. 6. The Date and Time: Monday October 23, 2017 2PM to 5PM The Event: Grand Portfolio tasting of Tre Amici wine agents (Veni, Vidi, Vino II) The Venue: Palais Royale The Target Audience: trade and media in the afternoon, guests in the evening The Availability/Catalogue: all wines could be purchased The Quote/Background: it had been some time since the VVV I portfolio tasting, and I needed to catch up with Tre Amici teams. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Wines of Carlos Basso Mendoza Malbec Gran Reserva Vina Amalia 2012 $39.95 -Wines of Carlos Basso Mendoza Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot Signature Blend 2012 $59.95 -Wines of Carlos Basso Mendoza Petit Verdot Signature 2011 $75 -Rockway Vineyards Chardonnay SLR Wild 2012 Niagara $19.50 -Punti Ferrer Chardonnay Gran Reserva 2015 Chile $23.95 -Valle Secreto Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Malbec/PetitVerdot/Carmenere Profundo 2012 Chile $95 -Chateau Roubine Cotes de Provence Grenache/Cinsault/Syrah La Vie en Rose Brut Rose 2015 $26.95 -Cascina Adelaide Piedmont 2010 Barolo Fassati $89.95 -Cascina Adelaide Piedmont 2009 Barolo Riserva Per Elen $110.95 -Ellena Giuseppe Nascetta Langhe 2014 Piedmont $19.95 -Ellena Giuseppe Barolo 2012 Piedmont $42.50 -Ellena Giuseppe Barolo Ascheri 2011 Piedmont $59.95 -Fattoria di Lulano Tuscany 2014 Chianti Classico Riserva $35.95 -Villa Pillo Tuscany 2013 Merlot Sant'Adele $39.95 -AnticaVigna Amarone Della Valpolicella 2012 $46.50 -Tenuta Santome Prosecco Superiore Brut NV $24.95 -Misty Cove Marlborough NZ 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Wild Ferment Gravel & Loam $22.95 -Louis de Vernier Penedes Cava Brut Nature NV $18.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Mas Fi Xarel.lo/Macabeo/Parellada Cava Brut NV $13.95 -Gnarled Vine California Chardonnay 2015 $18.95 -Wines of Carlos Basso Mendoza Malbec 2 Fincas Brut NV $19.95 -Wines of Carlos Basso Mendoza Torrontes 2 Fincas 2016 $17.95 -Wines of Carlos Basso Mendoza Malbec 2 Fincas Rose 2016 $17.95 -Valle Secreto Cabernet Franc Private 2013 Chile $36.95 -Valle Secreto Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah/Carmenere Private Blend 2011 Chile $36.95 -Chateau Roubine Cotes de Provence Tibouren/Cinsault La Vie en Rose 2015 $22.95 -Chateau Roubine Cotes de Provence Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah Terre de Croix Cru Classe 2014 $39.95 -Cascina Adelaide Piedmont 2012 Barolo Privilegiati $52.95 -Cascina Adelaide Piedmont 2011 Barolo 4 Vigne $64.95 -Cascina Adelaide Piedmont 2010 Barolo Cannubi $89.95 -Ellena Giuseppe Nebbiolo Langhe 2015 Piedmont $32.95 -Nuraghe Supramonte Sardinia Vermentino 2015 $13.50 -Casalbosco Tuscany 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Orchidea $34.95 -Fattoria di Lulano Tuscany 2014 Cabernet/Merlot/Colorino Toscana Lui $45.50 -Fattoria di Lulano Tuscany 2012 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ottantuno $64.95 -Villa Pillo Tuscany 2013 Syrah $39.95 -Tenuta Santome Santhomas's Spumate Brut Rose NV $16.50 -Misty Cove Marlborough NZ 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Gravel & Loam $17.95 -Misty Cove Marlborough NZ 2015 Chardonnay Gravel & Loam $35.95 The Food: there was a salumi platter, potato croquettes, roasted and grilled veggies, breads and cheeses and biscuits, plus fruit. The Downside: I had to leave early for a trip to DevourFest food film festival in Wolfville, Nova Scotia The Upside: a chance to see the redecorated Palais Royale. The last time I was there they had featured sweaty line dancing and beer. It was now an “event palace”. The Contact Person: john@treamiciwines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 7. The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM The Event: Devour! (Seventh edition) Opening Gala Reception (presented by Taste of Nova Scotia) The Venue: Acadia University, Fountain Commons, Wolfville Nova Scotia. The Target Audience: well-wishers and foodies. The Availability/Catalogue: In style, the gala was much like similar benefits in Toronto – a walkaround with beverage stations (wine, beer, cider and spirits) and food stations. It was the usual grazing pattern, except in our case, it is in Nova Scotia. So most of the beverages and all of the food were mostly available only locally. The Quote/Background: This Opening Gala used to be part of a package with the Opening Gala Film, but this year the two got split (you could do one or both), which suited our personal timetable better. Twelve of Nova Scotia's finest chefs came together to create sensory explorations that celebrated local cuisine. Participating were: Renee Lavallee (The Canteen on Portland), Charlie Burtt (The Port Pub), Margie Lamb (Meadowbrook Meat Market), Stephanie Ogilvie (Brooklyn Warehouse), Ludovic Eveno (Agricola Street Brasserie), Martin Ruiz Salvador (Fleur de Sel), Matthew Krizan (Mateus Bistro), Chris Bolt (The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar), Virginia Fynes (The Union Street, with a unique venison slider), Ingrid Dunsworth (The Cake Lady), Peter Welton (Chartwells at Acadia University). Plus Jonathan Joseph from Argyler Lodge and Restaurant was there – a delicious smoked salmon cake [from Willy Krauch?} AND the Argyler Lodge was the Judge's Choice at this year's Chowder Smackdown. They did a terrific smoked haddock and corn chowder. But the best food I had there (and I went back for seconds) was from Brooklyn Warehouse and Chef Stephanie Ogilvie. She had prepared pastrami cured salmon, pimento cheese, salmon roe, “everything spiced” smoked creme fraiche, and pickled quail egg, on a sprouted rye eclair. Dy-no-mite!! I gave her the “Award For Best Food Given to an Outlander who Comes from Away” The Beverages: Drinks came from The Good Cheer Trail featuring Domaine de Grand Pre, Planters Ridge Winery, Avondale Sky Winery, Benjamin Bridge, Saint-Famille Wines, L'Acadie Vineyards, Barrelling Tide Distillery, Halifax Distilling Co., Tangled Garden (herb liqueurs and fruit cordials), Boxing Rock Brewing Company (Double IPA was terrific, so was Daskai Keji Black IPA), and Bulwark Cider (best was their Bulwark Original, followed by Bulwark Blush and People's Cider). I sampled the wines and some of the beers/ciders, but did not have any distilled spirits or cocktails. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Benjamin Bridge Brut NV Methode Traditionnelle $28 NS -Domaine de Grand Pre Haskap Sparkling 11.5% ABV $27.50 NS -L'Acadie Vineyards Vintage Cuvee Sparkling MT 2014 $31 NS -L'Acadie Vineyards Vintage Cuvee Rose MT 2015 $30 -Planters Ridge Quintessential Red $24 NS PN/Lucy Kuhlman/Marquette/Castel [gold medalist] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Planters Ridge Elevation Sparkling 2016 $24 NS Muscat ottonel/L'acadie/Frontera blanc -Planters Ridge Chardonnay 2015 $25 NS -Lightfoot & Wolfville Fauna (off-dry Marechal Foch and Leon Millot, presented here as matched with “red velvety truffle” made with Fair Trade and organic chocolate via Just Us). -Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 $25 NS (also available in Ontario) -Domaine de Grand Pre Castel Vintner's Reserve 2016 13.5% ABV -Domaine de Grand Pre Tidal Bay 2016 $20 -Sainte-Famille Wines Fundy Fizz 2015 $19 NS -Sainte-Famille Wines Siegfried 2014 $16 NS -Avondale Sky Tennycape 2015 $19 NS -Avondale Sky Leon Millot Rose 2016 $18 NS -Avondale Sky Leon Millot Red 2015 $25 NS The Downside: are you kidding? If anything, people had to leave the Gala early in order to get a seat at the film, which was followed by a cocktail party. The Upside: There was a chance to speak with actor Gordon Pinsent who presented his fave food film, “The Hundred-Foot Journey”. He curated it with a discussion. His daughter, actor Leah Pinsent (Made in Canada), was also along, and she told us of her impending rom-com/drama series “Savoury”. The Contact Person: lia@devourfest.com; michael@devourfest.com   The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 2017 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH – Miguel Torres Chile Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2016 Central Valley, +177444 Vintages $14.95: a Fair Trade wine, 13% ABV, low RS of 1.3 g/L. Cool fermentation, no oak, typical varietal character for Chilean sauvignon blanc and instantly recognizable as such. Apples, lemons, ripe fruit (on the nose). Aperitif or with a first course. Value-priced. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Baron de Hoen Gewurztraminer Reserve 2015 Alsace, +377721 Vintages $18.95: cool fermentation with typical gewurz tones of spices, lychee, roses. 13% ABV, and RS of 14 g/L (off-dry). Best as aperitif, or with fragrant cheeses, spicy foods. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reserve 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench +616466 Vintages $29.95: the last time I wrote about this wine concerned the 2010 vintage. I rated it 91+ and the price then (2013) was $35. I am not sure why the price is now lower. Grapes come from their oldest estate vineyards (1988 onward), hand picked. Fermented in French oak (40% new Allier, rest in one year barrels).This continues the tradition of Burgundian elegance. Expect some ripeness, balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place. Wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. 13.5% ABV, cork closure. Definitely needs another year – or more – in bottle in order to bring out the nuances. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Classic Tier Cabernet-Merlot 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula +504241 LCBO $14.95: this wine is dependable and consistent from year to year. This time it has 53% cabernet franc, 28% merlot, and 19% cabernet sauvignon. This Bordeaux-themed blend comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux. It is still a young wine and could profit from a double-decant. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by barrel aging. It has been modestly aged in used French and US oak barrels. Great with foods cooked in the Mediterranean basin style. 13.5% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2016 Speck Family Reserve VQA Ontario +461699 $24.95 at winery now: These low yielding grapes come from Short Hills Bench which was planted in 1984. Some of these old vines are still producing, and you can find their juice in this very bottle. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $25. Aged in premium American Oak for more than 18 months. It's still young, needing another two years or so for proper aging, but with multiple decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13.5% ABV on the label. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. And spicy foods. Speck Family Reserves are the top tier by HOP. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2015, +719435, $29.95 Vintages: this wine is a cool climate offering, so much as current California “heat” would allow, from the coast coolness in the evening and the early morning, and with fruit (ten different clones) from eleven different vineyards. Head winemaker Craig McAllister celebrated his tenth anniversary with La Crema, and here has crafted a minor gem. Expect a combo of cherry-berry, underbrush, some (but low) oaking, some mocha, spices. I had it with roasted chicken thighs; it went very well. 100% French oak, 20% being new. Not a heavy pinot noir (nine months in barrel), unlike many others from California. 13.5% ABV. Price has not increased in years. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Cusumano Syrah 2016 Terre Siciliane IGT +145490 LCBO $13.95: one of Cusumano's international single varietal series, coming in at 13.5% ABV. It is an interesting addition to the LCBO general list program. The average age of the vines here is 13 years. Cold maceration and cool fermentation, followed by circulation and MF in stainless. It sits on its lees for a half year and then lightly filtered into bottles. No oak, but plenty of black berries. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Cusumano Nero d'Avola 2016 Terre Siciliane IGT +143164 LCBO $12.95: one of Cusumano's single indigenous varietal series, average age of vines is 14 years, 13.5% ABV. Cold maceration and cool fermentation, followed by circulation and MF in stainless. It sits on its lees for a half year and then lightly filtered into bottles. No oak, so very fruity, fresh and with a smooth finish. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Familia Torres Habitat Red 2015 Catalunya +511527 Vintages $19.95: certified organic, 14.5% ABV, made with garnacha and syrah grapes. Cold maceration and cool fermentation, followed by circulation and MF in stainless. Lees aged in oak for 6 – 8 months, 20% new French oak barrels. Exhibits typical syrah blackberries and some cloves from wood. Other spices can include rosemary and fennel. Warm, long finish. Can be served with family meat and cheeses. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Wednesday September 6, 2017 12:30 – 2:30 PM The Event: Master Wine tasting-lunch with Franklin Tate, principal of Miles from Nowhere winery, Margaret River Australia. The Venue: Biff's Bistro The Target Audience: wine writer Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines have been currently submitted to the LCBO for future purchase consideration by David Litner of www.winemoves.com, but the Miles from Nowhere Cabernet Merlot 2015 is now being released at LCBO Vintages on October 28). Wine Moves uses Vintages and Private Orders to allow consumers to access wine markets, but do not do Consignment. The Quote/Background: Franklin Tate was once associated with the well-established Evans and Tate labels, but has since moved on to his own winery, Miles from Nowhere (a reference to his ancestry and his vineyard locations in Western Australia's Margaret River region) which was set up in 2007. He's got 18K cases a year, from 46.9 hectares (2 vineyards are 20 years old). Www.milesfromnowhere.com.au. We don't see many wines from Margaret River in Ontario, so these are welcome additions. His largest market in North America is Florida. He has two ranges: an Estate series of 6 varietals (line priced in Ontario at $18.50) and a Best Blocks reserve series of 4 varietals ($34.95 Ontario line priced). Margaret River is loaded with micro-climates and different soils, so he really concentrates on the art of blending. His best stuff goes into the Best Blocks, of course; it is not made every year. Twist tops only are used, as well as nifty but clean and clear wine labeling. The Wines: The intent of the lunch was to show off the Estate series of wines. Franklin also brought along some Best Blocks, specifically Best Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 as a comparison to the CM (same year, same ABV, 80% new French oak, 18 months in barrel, malo-lactic) since only the best barrels were selected for the cuvee blend. With more Cabernet there was also more dark fruit notes, mocha tones, some mint and dusty herbs, More tannins too, along with a longer finish. Rated 92, $34.95 private order. The white was a Best Blocks Chardonnay 2016 for which I had no Estate series comparison. He only exports a bit of it. Its ABV is 13.2%, and some it was BF; all of it was BA in new French oak for six months before final blending. It is everything you would want from a balanced chardonnay with some citrus, orchard fruit, toast, nutty, caramel, biscuit, and that important rich mouth feel. Rated 93, $34.95 private order. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Miles from Nowhere Margaret River Rose 2017, $18.50: 12.7%ABV, all syrah/shiraz grapes. Done up in Provencal style (pale salmon). Cool fermentation followed by fining and filtration. Full of red fruits and some candy floss on mid-palate. Best with almost anything. -Miles from Nowhere Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2015, $18.50: 14.5% ABV. A steal at this price, winner of 9 gold medals which is impressive. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 3% petit verdot, 2% shiraz, matured in French oak. Very Bordeaux-like in style, with promises of dark fruit (plums, blackberries) and spicing. Firm tannins suggest a few more years would benefit the wine. Best with lamb. Available Oct 28 at Vintages. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Miles from Nowhere Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2017, $18.50: 12.4% ABV, grassy with high tropical notes, more minerally than expected, savoury but also off-dry citric finish. Best as aperitif, or sipper, but also with goat cheese. -Miles from Nowhere Margaret River Shiraz 2016: 14.7% ABV, with a combo of French and US oaks for a year's maturation. It is deep, dark and delicious – a dark cherry-berry delight with a whiff of cherry chocolates. A chewy wine. The Food: we ordered off the menu – I chose the liver options (chicken liver “parfait” and grilled calf's liver), plus assorted breads and sparkling water. I find that liver goes with a variety of wines, not just Chianti. The Downside: I had to rush in from another meeting at 11 AM. The Upside: great one-on-one discussions on Australian wines and the export markets. Franklin is a master talker. The Contact Person: franklin@grapeexp.com.au and david@winemoves.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. 2. The Date and Time: Tuesday September 12, 2017 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM The Event: Master wine tasting-lunch with Richard Dore, co-owner of Foxen Winery in Santa Maria (in Santa Barbara) California. The Venue: Jump The Target Audience: wine writer Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. The Availability/Catalogue: all three pinot noirs have been currently submitted to the LCBO for future purchase consideration by David Litner of www.winemoves.com, but the Chardonnay Tinaquaic 2014 Santa Maria Valley is now at LCBO Vintages +414219. Wine Moves uses Vintages and Private Orders to allow consumers to access wine markets, but it does not do Consignment. The Quote/Background: Our conversation started off, of course, with the impact of the movie “Sideways” on both Foxen and California pinot noir. A lot of the movie was shot at their tasting room 7200 Foxen Canyon Road in 2003/4. They now have a larger tasting room at 7600 for the burgundy and Italian wine varieties (7200 is for strictly bordeaux and rhone type wines). Maybe it was appropriate that Dick Dore was here during TIFF. Anyway, I got my star celebrity quality interview on both the movie and the current wines. Foxen began in 1985 and immediately specialized in pinot noirs. Indeed, 60% of their production is of that grape. Their capacity is 15 – 18K cases annually, totally dependent on microclimate conditions. They produce 28 different wines; 12 are exclusive to their Wine Club of some 5,000 members. The amount of oak aging has always been determined by the winemaker, and varies from vintage to vintage and varietal to varietal depending on microclimate conditions. Some wines have come to Canada, principally to Classics although the Foxen Tinaquaic Vineyard Estate Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Santa Barbara seems to be an almost annual import offered via Vintages. The Wines: We tried three pinot noirs with lunch, along with the chardonnay. In an earlier write-up, I had sampled two wines: +414219 FOXEN TINAQUAIC VINEYARD ESTATE CHARDONNAY Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara 2014 $52.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 (which factored in the price), and +462770 Foxen Block 43 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 Santa Maria Valley California $54.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 (which factored in the price). Both were outstanding wines. I had a chance to retry the Chardonnay, and all three pinot noirs were from 2014, and thus forming a mini-horizontal tasting. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Foxen Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2014 $45.95, 13.4% ABV: a good introduction to the pinots of Santa Rita Hills, very typical. Ripe, dark fruits, chewy cherry, balance of fruit and deft oaking. 17 months in French oak (18% new). No fining or filtration. Affordable quality California fruity pinot noir. 1934 cases made. -Foxen La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Santa Rita Hills $63.95, 13.8% ABV: several cuts above the SRH above, still juicy and dense but with that old world Euro dry finish quality so suitable for food. 17 months in all tight grained French oak with medium toast, 40% new. 800 cases made. -Foxen Block 8 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Santa Maria Valley $71, 14.5% ABV: Block 8 was planted 40 years ago, these vines were 18 years old in 2014. Here we find lots of red fruit and a virtually perfect expression of what California pinot noir should be like. All Francois Freres medium toast tight grain barrels, half new; 17 months in barrel; no fining or filtration. Long lingering finish, a wine to savour for its depth. 14.4% ABV. 1400 cases made. -Foxen Tinaquaic Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2014 Santa Maria Valley Santa Barbara +414219 $52.95: very aromatic, in a Montrachet style with that style of yeast, and dry farmed. Unctuous fruit with some hazelnut, orange and light honey tones (depending on temperature served at). Full on the palate with some orchard fruit suggesting young peaches. Sur lies eight months in barrel (25% new French oak). Very, very long mouth-filling finish. 13.9% ABV. 175 cases made. My favourite wine of today's tasting. And well worth the price. All three pinots have been submitted to Vintages. Block 8 and Block 43 (not tasted by me) have been offered to Classics. The Food: we ate off the menu at Jump. I had the Jump Caesar with kale, and the grilled trout Cobb salad. Both went well with the demanding pinots. Others in the party had wild mushroom soup and bison/boar ragu pasta. The Downside: It had been awhile since I had been to Jump and at one point I lost my bearings, but I arrived in plenty of time to a high noise level which abated by 1PM. The Upside: a chance to converse with Dick Dore about Sideways, California imports to Canada, the White House, and European sales. Plus, of course, his own remarkable wines. The Contact Person: dickdore@aol.com or winemoves@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 3. The Date and Time: Friday September 15, 2017 12:30 PM – 2:30 The Event: A Master Wine tasting lunch with Thys Lombard, International Sales Consultant for Oldenburg Vineyards, Stellenbosch South Africa. The Venue: Biff's Bistro The Target Audience: wine writer Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. The Availability/Catalogue: Oldenburg Chardonnay 2011 and 2012 WO Stellenbosch, +374645 were once available in Ontario, priced at just over $20. Today we tasted a Chenin Blanc 2015 ($19.95) and a Rhodium Red Blend 2013 ($34.95, Bordeaux-style). The wines are repped by www.winemoves.com and David Litner. Both wines will be available next year through the LCBO, but everything from the winery can now be a private order “in the meantime”. The Quote/Background: Founder Adrian Vanderspuy (who is originally from this area and returned home) bought Oldenburg farm in Stellenbosch's Banhoek Valley in 2003 and planted typical varietals. Oldenburg Wines only makes one level of wine, a varietal series of Chenin Blanc ($19.95), Chardonnay ($19.95), Merlot ($27.95), Syrah ($34.95), Cabernet Franc ($27.95), Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.95), and Viognier ($19.95). But the firm today is now expanding to incorporate a series of blends such as the Rhodium 2013, and these will be their “premium” line at $34.95 CAN. Next up is a Rhone blend along the lines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, similarly priced. This strategy certainly sounds feasible after a decade of operation. Twist tops are used for the varietals; corks are used for the blends. 10K cases seems to be an optimum level, but the blends may push that level up. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Oldenburg Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2015 WO Stellenbosch, $19.95 release TBD: blend of 69% tank fermented and 31% barrel fermented wine, eight months in 300 litre French oak barrels (50% new). 13% ABV. Lime, lemon and other citrus tones dominate at first entry, replaced by Granny Smith (what else?) tones and light oaking in a sort-of sweet-sour embrace on the mid-palate. There is elegance, body and even some stuffing to accommodate food. This is a top savoury wine with a long lingering ending, not your uncle's Loire CB. Best with food. -Oldenburg Vineyard Rhodium 2013 WO Stellenbosch, $34.95 release TBD: named after a rare metal produced for premium jewelry, and most of the world's production coming from South Africa, this is indeed a rare gem. A blend of merlot (75%), cabernet franc (15%), petit verdot and malbec (5% each). 14% ABV. And very Right Bank (think St Emilion or Pomerol) in its voluptuousness. It has spent 19 months in 300 litre French oak, 50% new. Again, because of the franc, it is a bit on the herbal-savoury side, and ideal for food. Still youthful with a long way to go, give it ten more years. I re-corked it and tasted it over the next few days after a double decant. More fruit elegance and balance emerged as well as wood tones. It became more juicy with lots of quality black fruit showing. And it is very well-priced. The Food: we ordered off the menu. I had cream of mushroom soup (which goes with all wines) and a pork schnitzel on the bone, complete with chouxcroute, potatoes and mustard sauce. Others in the party had mussels and lamb merguez burger. The Downside: I had been overheated all this hot week, and was thankful to arrive early at Biff's so that I could cool down. [Does this make me a dog?] The Upside: a chance to explore the international wine scene vis-a-vis South Africa with Thys Lombard who covers a lot of territory. The Contact Person: thys@oldenburgvineyards.com or winemoves@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. 4.The Date and Time: Wednesday, September 20, 2017 2PM to 8 The Event: Mark Anthony's Portfolio Tasting, 5th annual 2017 The Venue: Arcadian Lofts The Target Audience: wine trade, writers, sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue had been redesigned over the previous two years – it looked spectacular with all needed details such as name, year, size, price for licensees, availability, and some room for notes. Good clean layout. The Quote/Background: 41 producers or labels were featured, some with principals. New this year were a lot of wines from the former Treasury Estates in Canada. The Wines: I did not sample all the table wines. Prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Penfolds 129 Coonawarra Shiraz 2015, $34.95 -Penfolds 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2014, $53.95 -Penfolds 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2014, $69.95 *MY FAVE RED* -Tenutae Lageder Lowengang Chardonnay Alto Adige 2014, $49.95 -Castello di Gabbiano Bellezza Chgianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012, $39.95 -Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo Castel del Monte 2013, $74.95 -Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Red Wine 2013, $54.39 -Graham's 20 Year Tawny Port 500 mL, $38.40 -Hidden Bench Felseck Vineyard Chardonnay 2104 VQA, $39 *MY FAVE WHITE* -Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2013, $49.95 -Mission Hill Quatrain 2012, $60.27 -Mission Hill Oculus 2012 BC, $115.37 -Rodney Strong Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $101.24 -Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $102.24 -Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $99.95 -Checkmate Capture Chardonnay 2014 BC, $75 -Checkmate Little Pawn Chardonnay 2014 BC, $86 -Checkmate Opening Gambit Merlot 2013 BC, $75 -Checkmate Silent Bishopt Merlot 2013 BC, $75 -Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, $43.95 -Beringer Quantum Napa Valley, $79.95 -Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages Sonoma County 2012, $129.95 -Etude Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvigon 2012, $109.95 -Etude Carneros Estate Chardinnay 2014, $39.96 -Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, $55.95 -Brumont Chateau Montus La Tyre 2009 Madiran, $125 -Brumont Chateau Montus Cuvee Prestige 2009 Madiran, $74.95 -Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2013, $199.95 -Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri 2014 $55.76 -Luce Della Vite 2014, $99.75 -Louis Latour Ch. Corton Grnacey Grand Cru Blanc 2015, $202.65 -Louis Larour Meursault Blagny Blanc 1er cru 2015 $108.45 -Chateau Meyney Hauts de Mayney Saint Estephe 2011 $51.95 -Chateau Cantin St Emilion Grand Cru 2014, $53.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90) in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015, $23.95 -Beringer Luminus Chardonnay Oak Knoll 2014, $44.95 -Stags Leap Napa Valley Petite Sirah 2014, $49.95 -Stags Leap Napa Valley Merlot 2013, $44.95 -Stags Leap Napa Valley Viognier 2016, $34.95 -Symmetry Meritage Alexander Valley 2013, $69.95 -Brumont Chateau Bouscasse Madiran Vieilles Vignes 2006, $39.45 -Lucente IGT Toscana 2014, $30.07 -La Volte dell'Ornellaia 2015, $54.95 -Coldstream Hills Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2015, $32.95 -Coldstream Hills Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2016, $29.95 -Acacia Carneros Chardinnay 2015, $26.50 -Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, $49.59 -Chateau Lamarque Haut Medoc 2012, $35.82 -Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2015 $35.12 -Mission Hill Compendium 2012 BC, $57.18 -Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2015, $251.85 -Achaval Ferrer Mendoza Malbec 2015, $28.95 -Brotte Domaine de Barville Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015, $49.95 -Schloss Johannisberg Rotlack Kabinett Trocken 2016, $35.95 The Food: delicious platters of charcuterie, smoked whitefish & salmon & octopus, international cheeses, salumi, veggies and dips, olives, dried fruit, nuts, from O & B. The Contact Person: lcatchpole@markanthony.com; jkrueger@markanthony.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 5.The Date and Time: Thursday, September 21, 2017 2PM to 5PM The Event: Wines of Argentina: Cambalache The Venue: Lena Restaurant The Target Audience: sommeliers, press The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through LCBO via Vintages, Classics, Consignment, etc. Some are private order. Familia Schroeder (Patagonia) was at the show looking for an agent. The Quote/Background: there were 20 wineries with agents, one without. The catalogue gave some brief details about the winery, along with the Ontario agent. Two wineries had US reps here. The Wines: I did not try all the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alta Vista Single Vineyard Alizarine 2012, Classics Dec 2017, +119834 $55 -Alta Vista Terroir Selection, Vintages March 2018, +542035 $29.95 -Bodega Catena Zapata Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc 2015 +450106 Vintages $19.95 -Bodega Catena Zapata High Mountain Vines Chardonnay 2016 $129.95 Vintages +918805 -Familia Schroeder Saurus Barrel Fermented Pinot Noir 2015 $30 -Familia Zuccardi Concreto 2015 $39.95 Vintages January 2018 +455774 -Finca Agostino Familia de la Cava Malbec 2014 $48.95 Private Order B & W Wines -Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah 2013 $24.99 Univins -Kauzo Estates 1853 Old Vine State Malbec Grand Reserve Blend 2012 $32.99 Go Wine USA -Kauzo Estates Malacara Malbec Oak Cask 2015 $20 $32.99 Go Wine USA -Manos Negras Teho Malbec 2013 $64.95 Classics +482075 -Mascota Vineyards BB Gran Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $54.99 Univins -Mascota Vineyards Unanime Gran Vino Tinto 2013 $29.95 LCBO +466938 -Navarro Correas Alegoria Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 $30 Kirkwood -Susana Balbo Wines Benmarco Malbec 2015 $19.95 Consignment Profile -Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Finca Ambrosia 2012 $39.95 Vintages +402941 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Navarro Correas Structura Ultra 2012 $44.99 Kirkwood -Bodega Catena Zapata Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2013 +982355 $49.95 -Bodega Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $19.95 Vintages +128629 -Bodega Luigi Bosca Malbec DOC 2013 $29.95 Vintages +74922 -Bodegas Salentein Numina Gran Corte 2014 $34.95 Consignment Azureau -Bodegas Salentein Portillo Sauvignonm Blanc 2017 $14.95 Consignment Azureau -El Esteco Ciclos Torrontes 2016 $16.96 Vintages +482976 -El Esteco Serie Finacs Notables Tannat 2014 $28.95 Private Order Philippe Dandurand -Familia Schroeder Saurus Barrel Fermented Malbec 2016 $30 -Familia Zuccardi Aluvional Altamira 2014 $80 Vintages Spring 2018 -Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $19.95 Vintages +135202 -Luca Malbec 2014 $34.95 Vintages +167312 -Luca Pinot Noir 2014 $32.95 Vintages +175570 -Manos Negras Zaha Malbec 2011 $34.95 Classics +441691 -Pascual Toso Alta Malbec 2015 $32.95 Eurovintage -Marcelo Pelleriti Chardonnay Reserve 2015 $16.95 Univins The Food: grilled octopus skewers; creamy cod croquettes; small bite gaucho empanadas; breads. The Downside: it was really warm outside, and the venue itself was just a bit too small to hold everybody, so it got crowded really fast. I lasted an hour and a bit. The Upside: a great opportunity to talk to agents with Argentine wines. The Contact Person: mxa@mrecic.gov.ar The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85 6.The Date and Time: Monday, September 25, 2017 3Pm to 7PM The Event: the Annual (15th) Sparkling Wine tasting by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. The Venue: WWCC Clubhouse The Target Audience: members of the WWCC The Availability/Catalogue: all of the 55+ wines are available in Ontario through the usual distribution channels, including "consignment" or "Ontario winery only". The intent is to showcase to our members what wines would be available for the upcoming Holiday seasons. The Quote/Background: The WWCC has been holding this tasting every fall in order to give its members a chance to taste what is in the marketplace for the upcoming Holiday Seasons (Thanksgiving through New Years and St. Valentines Day). About a dozen writers turn up over the course of a day. We the WWCC would like to thank our industry partners for the opportunity to sample these wines. The Wines: Although ciders were also requested, we only received one wine that was apple based: Pelee Island Winery Crèmant de Pomme 2016 Lake Erie North Shore (sample with no label) available at the winery only, which was tasted at the end and rated by me at a good Three and One Half Stars (89 points), and recommended. What follows are grape-based wines; the ratings are MINE ALONE and not those of the group. Each writer rates or writes separately, and there is no cumulative total or average rating. The wines are randomly listed within their categories: **** BEST -- Four Stars Rated by Dean Tudor (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Flat Rock Cellars Riddled Sparkling 2010 $34.95 383315 Twenty Mile Bench Chardonnay 12% ** MY FAVE OF THE DAY ** -Monmarthe Champagne Secret de Famille Brut NV $51.50 Champagne Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay 12% Cru Wine Merchants -Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Cuvée Catharine Blanc de Blanc 'Carte Blanche' 2012 $44.95 315200 Vintages VQA Niagara Peninsula 100% Chardonnay 12.5 -Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs n/v $34.95 223792 Sonoma Chardonnay 12.5 -Chateau des Charmes Brut Sparkling MT NV $24.95 224766 NOTL Pinot Noir, Chardonnay 12 -Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery Cuvée Catharine Brut N/V 29.95 217521 VQA Niagara Peninsula 75% Chardonnay; 25% Pinot Noir 12 -Tawse Winery Laundry Vineyard Blanc De Noir Sparkling 2011 $29.95 Niagara Pinot Noir 12.5 -Tawse Winery Brut N/V $ 384966 Niagara Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir 12 -Tawse Winery Limestone Ridge Spark Riesling 2015 $20.95 370361 Niagara Riesling 12 -Kew Blanc de Blancs 2014 $29.95 Niagara Barrel Aged 12% -Kew Tradition 2012 $29.95 Niagara 12.2 -Kew Blanc de Noirs 2013 29.95 Niagara 12.5 -Cooper`s Hawk Vyds North Block Sparkling 2016 $21.95 winery only VQA Ontario Chardonnay 12.5 -Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut N/V 29.95 217505 VQA Niagara Peninsula 75% Pinot Noir; 25% Chardonnay 12 -Bejot Laboure Gontard Cremant de Bourgogne Rose $19.95 460816 Burgundy Pinot Noir 12% -Jackson-Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve Sparkling Brut 2014 $29.95 +538363 Niagara Chardonnay, Pinot Noir 12.50% -Yvon Mau Henri Abele Brut Traditional NV $54.99 940436 Champagne Chardonnay,Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier 12 -Piper-Heidsieck Brut Sparkling MT NV $59.95 462432 Champagne 12 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars Rated by Dean Tudor (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Racentós i Blanc De Nit Rosé Brut 2013 $34.99 Spain Conca del Riu Anoia Macabeu, Xarel-lo, Parellada, Monastrell 12% Cru Wine Merchants -Raventós i Blanc L'Hereu Blanc de Blanc Brut 2013 $28.95 Spain Conca del Riu Anoia Macabeu, Xarel-lo, Parellada 12.10% Cru Wine Merchants -Gonzalez Byass Vilarnau Cava N/A $14.95 515254 Penedés 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada 15% Xarello 11.50% -Chateau des Charmes Blanc de Blancs MT 2014 $32.95 423111 NOTL Chardonnay 12.5 -Konzelmann Estate Winery Methode Cuvee Close Riesling 2015 17.95 Niagara Riesling 11 -Flat Rock Cellars Crowned Sparkling Brut 2009 $45.00 N/A Twenty Mile Bench Chardonnay 12% -Jackson-Triggs Reserve Sparkling Moscato 2016 $19.95 N/A Niagara Muscat 12% -Piera Martellozzo S.P.A. BLU GIOVELLO PROSECCO 0 14.95 85316 11% -Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Reserve NV 19.95 388603 Alsace 12.5 -Segura Viudas Segura Viudas Brut Reserva NV $15.50 216960 Penedes, DO Cava 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, 15% Xarel.lo 12 -Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling MT 2014 $29.95 78055 NOTL Pinot Noir 12 -Kew Rosalie 2010 29.95 Niagara 12.5 -Tawse Winery Quarry Road Pinot Noir Sparkling Rose 2015 $29.95 Niagara Pinot Noir 12 -Redstone Pinot Noir Sparkling Rose 2015 $29.95 Niagara Pinot Noir 12.5 -13th Street Winery Cuvee Rose NV 27.95 147504 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Chardonnay 12.5 -Schmitt Soehne RELAX BUBBLES NV $13.95 488593 Mosel Cuvee 12% -Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling Rose NV 16.95 536565 Lake Erie North Shore 90% Riesling, 10% Cabernet Franc 12 -Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling NV 17.95 418657 Lake Erie North Shore Riesling 12 -Cono Sur Vineyards Sparkling Brut Rose NV $14.15 365205 Bio Bio Valley Pinot Noir 12 -460 Casina Bric di Viberti Gianluca Barolo Casina Bric Brut Rose Collezione N8 NV $29.99 941376 Piedmont Nebbiolo 12 -Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Rose NV 19.95 39016 Alsace 100% Pinot Noir 12.5 -Pelee Island Winery Secco 2013 14.95 225946 Lake Erie North Shore 85% Pinot Blanc/15% Auxerrois 12 -Rosehall Run Indigo Sparkling 2016 24.95 winery only VQA Ontario Riesling, etc. 12.2 -Calamus Estate Winery Starstruck 2014 $28.95 Ontario 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay 11.5 -Creekside Estate Winery Backyard Bubbly Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $25 398628 Niagara Peninsula Sauvignon Blanc 13.20% -Chateau de Montgueret Chateau de Montgueret Cremant de Loire NV $19.95 217760 Loire Chenin, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc 11.50% -Bejot Laboure Gontard AOC Cremant de Bourgogne Brut $20.95 401018 Burgundy Chard/Pinot Noir 12% -Sorelle Bronca Brut Superiore Prosecco NV $24.50 Valdobiadene Glera 11% Cru Wine Merchants *** GOOD -- Three Stars Rated by Dean Tudor (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Trapiche Extra Brut 2015 13.45 262261 Chard/Sem/Mal 12 -Rosehall Run Ceremony Blanc de Blancs ?? ?? PEC ?? 12.2 -Bottega Petalo Il Vino dell' Amore Moscato $13.95 588780 Veneto Moscato 6.5 -Megalomaniac Bubblehead Rose NV $23.75 363655 Niagara Pinot Noir 13 -Konzelmann Estate Winery Methode Cuvee Close Rosé 2016 17.95 Niagara Merlot 12.5 -Rosehall Run Pixie NV 19.95 492959 PEC Vidal 11.7 -Pelee Island Winery Lola Rose 2016 14.95 450981 Lake Erie North Shore 85% Vidal/!5% Chambourcin 12 -Pelee Island Winery Lola Vidal 2016 13.95 484998 Lake Erie North Shore 100% Vidal 12 -Calamus Estate Winery Crackle 2016 18.95 NTP only Ontario 75% Vidal /12.5% Chardonnay / 12.5% Pinot Gris 11 -Jackson-Triggs Reserve Sparkling Cuve Close 2015 $15.95 217679 Niagara Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir 12.50% -Ruffino Prosecco NV $16.75 467811 Friuli & Veneto Glera 11% The Food: bread and water, almonds, olives. The Contact Person: deantudor@yahoo.com The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95. 7. The Date and Time: Tuesday September 26, 2017 2PM to 8:30PM The Event: Profile Wine Group 2017 Portfolio The Venue: Liberty Grand The Target Audience: wine press, sommeliers, private clients, licensees The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are through the LCBO or by private order. The Quote/Background: This showcase was last presented in Toronto in 2015. It will be a biannual affair. BTW, this was one of the very few wine shows I have attended that let me choose my own wines to sample and in my own order. Thanks!! The Wines: I only tasted table wines, and then not all of them: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Finca Las Cerezas Altamira Single Vineyard Malbec 2015 Argentina, $40.95 Private Order (PO) -Dandelion Vineyards Red Queen of the Eden Valley Shiraz 2015 $65.95 PO -Domaine des Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Plentitude de Bonte 2015 $42.95 PO -Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas Les Ruchets 2014 $99.95 Consignment -Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer Reserve 2016 Alsace $18.95 Vintages October -Pierre Sparr Riesling Altenbourg 2015 Alsace $18.95 Vintages March 2018 -Casale del Giglio Mater Matuta Rosso 2013 $76.95 PO -Castello di Querceto Il Picchio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015 $74.95 PO -Castello di Querceto Il Querciolaia 2011 $60.95 PO -Cesari Bosan Amarone Classico Riserva 2008 $99.95 Consignment -Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto 2013 $66.95 Consignment -Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Elioro Chardonnay 2015 $54.95 Consignment -Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Bricco Gattera 2013 $114.95 PO -Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Enrico VI 2013 $134.95 PO -Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi 2014 $144.95 Consignment -La Spinetta Barolo Garretti 2013 $76.95 PO -Mazzei Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezone 2013 $75.95 PO -Rocca delle Macie Sergio Zingarelli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012 $100 Classics -Sassetti Livio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2010 $144.95.95 Consignment -Bodegas Altanza Lealtanza Gran Reserva 2010 $31.95 PO -Bodegas Altanza Sorolla 2010 $99.95 PO -Bodegas LAN Gran Reserva 2010 $36.95 PO -Bodegas LAN Culmen Reserva 2011 $104.95 PO -J.Lohr October Night Chardonnay Arroyo Seco 2015 $34.95 Vintages -J.Lohr Cuvee Series St. E 2013 $80 Vintages -Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay 2014 $63.95 PO -Palmaz Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $229.95 Consignment -Peter Franus Coturo Chardonnay 2014 $51.95 Consignment -Peter Franus Napa Valley Red Wine 2014 $87.95 Consignment -Somerston Priest Ranch Coachgun Red 2012 $124.95 PO -Somerston Stornoway 2013 $149.95 PO -Somerston Celestial Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $199.95 PO ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Palmaz Amalia Chardonnay 2014 $99.95 Consignment -Palmaz Cedar Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $89.95 Consignment -Peter Franus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $76.95 Consignment -J.Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $55.95 Consignment -Miner Viognier 2016 California $27.95 PO -Miner Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015 $45.95 Consignment -Miner Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $99.95 Consignment -Bodega Iniesta Corazon Loco Premium 2012 $36.95 PO -Bodegas Altanza Lealtanza Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $18.95 PO -Bodegas LAN Santiago Ruiz Albarino 2016 $27.95 PO -Velenosi Ludi 2014 $49.95 PO -San Polo Brunello di Montalcino 2012 $71.95 Consignment -Sassetti Livio Brunello di Montalcino 2012 $87.95 Consignment -Susana Balboo Brioso 2016 Argentina $45.95 PO -Wakefield The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Australia $199.95 PO -Montes Folly 2012 Chile $82 Classics -Chateau de Nages JT White 2015 France $29.95 PO -Domaine des Deux Roches Bourgogne Tradition 2015 Consignment $24.95 -Domaine des Deux Roches Macon Villages Tradition 2015 $24.95 PO -Domaine des Deux Roches Saint Veran Vieilles Vignes 2015 $37.95 -Domaine des Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2015 $36.95 Vintages -Domaine des Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Les Crays 2015 $56.95 PO -Jean-Luc Colombo Rose Cape Bleue 2016 $19.95 Consignment -Jean-Luc Colombo Viognier la Violette 2015 $18.95 Consignment -Jean-Luc Colombo Condrieu Amour de Dieu 2014 $84.95 Consignment -Auelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata 2012 $84.95 PO -Auelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata 2010 $84.95 PO The Food: the deep and dark espresso coffee came from Barocco Coffee Company; the sparkling and still water came directly from the Dolomites via Dolomia water; Speducci Mercatto and Paganelli co-ordinated the sopressata and salumni and wild board coppa, as well as the local prosciutto; and Cibo provided a penne borghese pasta dish. Breads were also included. The Downside: it was blazing hot outside, with a slow walk from Dufferin Gates to Liberty Grand. The Upside: a chance to re-discover the many wines and principals of Profile. The Contact Person: aprodhon@profilewinegroup.com; jturco@profilewinegroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR SUMMER 2017 [published since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH – Henry of Pelham Old Vines Baco Noir 2016 VQA Ontario, +459966, $19.95 LCBO General List: low yielding grapes come from 1984 and later plantings in the Short Hills Bench area. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $20. Both new and older (one/two year old) US barrels are used for 14 months aging. It is still needs another year or two for proper aging, but with decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13% ABV. One of the top bacos at the LCBO. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +13904 LCBO, $16.95: Here is a deft entry-level character pinot noir wine, with some cherry-berry tones, some nuances of wood, mildly opulent style, not totally cool climate at all. Fermented in stainless and aged in “European” oak (15% new). Expect also light cloves, fresh fruit tones, and oak vanillin which will mute over time. Ready now but will get better, very food friendly and drinkable. Maybe decant first. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Estate Blanc de Blanc 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +315200 Vintages TBD, $44.95: there is not much more to say about this wine than I haven't already said over the years – it's simply one of the top performing bottles of Traditional Method or secondary fermentation in the province. The price has not changed over the years, still $44.95, but the grapevines are older and producing quality material. This is estate grown (Short Hills Bench) chardonnay, the best juice selected for 20% barrel fermentation and then aged for up to 60 months in the bottle before being disgorged. Very close to champagne, with its elegance and smoothness plus citric overtones (especially in the finish) and that typical yeasty baked goods aromatics. 12.5% ABV, a personal fave of mine. Needs another six months for the disgorgement addition to come together. Gold Medal winner at 2017 All Canadian Wine Championships. Quality/Price rating is 93+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Estate Fume Sauvignon Blanc 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench, $19.95 winery only: First time for this style at HOP. Very aromatic with nuances of toastiness both in the nose and on the palate, somewhat in a fume style started by Mondavi fifty years ago. Typical savvy zestiness is tamed by oaking and unctuous fruit tones. Medium finish accents lemon and vanillin character. Best as a classy sipper on its own, but also with a lightly aromatic first course. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde 2015, +471284, $12.95 Vintages: 100% Loureiro, 12% ABV, with lightly floral tones on the nose and on the palate, ending with aromatic softness. Loureiro is one of the vinho verde varieties used in blending. Best sipped or with appetizers. A Vintages re-order just in time for summer endings. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Casa Vinicola Sartori Mont'Albano Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso Venezie IGT 2015, +492546, $16.95 Vintages: from organic vineyards in the Friuli-Graves DOC zone. The name indicates a red-stemmed refosco grape that is indigenous to the region. The wine is ruby-ish, assertive with herbaceous complexities, and goes best with food, especially fatty salami and sausages. Reminds me of a leaner cabernet franc. Organic wine, 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Baron de Hoen Cremant d'Alsace Brut Mausberg Blanc de Blancs NV, +171785 Vintages, $17.95: Limestone pebbles are responsible for the higher acid of the pinot auxerrois and pinot blanc grapes used in the blend here. Traditional Method is used, of course, without any ML. It is a pretty wine, with a bit of fruit, but is better as an aperitif or with first courses. My wife and I enjoyed this bottle with popcorn and a movie at home. It's sustainable agriculture in the region, and with a huge production of some 600,000 bottles (50K cases), there is an opportunity to keep the price down. This is a re-order by Vintages. 12.5% ABV, 3.8 g/L TA and 10 g/L RS. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Chateau des Charmes Riesling “Old Vines” 2014 Estate Bottled VQA NOTL, at winery [+277228 older Vintages SKU], $18.95 Vintages: Made from vines largely planted in 1978, so it is now a mature vineyard. 12.4% ABV. Succulence like you would not believe, but off-dry Alsatian character (citric tones, spices), with now almost three years of aging. A beaut with spicy or higher acidic foods. Lots of character. Twist top. Silver Medal from this year's National Wine Awards of Canada. Quality/price rating 91 points by Dean Tudor. Chateau des Charmes Aligote 2016 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, $15.95, +296848 LCBO: made from the rare French vinifera (seldom seen outside Burgundy) that Paul Bosc has cultivated since 1978, loaded with orchard fruit (apples and pears) and ending with a finishing crisp acidity suggesting food more than sipping. It was often used in Burgundy as the white wine base for Kir; now, almost any dry white is used in North America. It's refreshing for summer, and is unoaked. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. La Crema Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2015 +962886 Vintages, $29.95: La Crema winemakers get a fairly consistent wine from year to year, with bottle aging being the main difference. Cool climate (as much as California could allow) from the coast in the evening and the early morning. Expect a combo of lemons, toast and orchard fruit tones, with a smooth finish from secondary malolactic fermentation. One of my really fave California chardonnays: balanced concentration. Mostly French oak with some US; 19% of the total is new oak. 13.9% ABV (from label). Excellent price. Better paired with food, from starters and apps through to cheese. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Luigi Bosca La Linda Old Vines Malbec 2014 +507442 $15.95 LCBO: this is a high value wine, given its price, quality Old Vines (30 years average), and altitude (just under a kilometre). Half of it has been aged in once-used US oak for eight months, the other half stays in stainless. The final blend is then lightly filtered. 13.4% ABV. Quite a stuffing of floral aromas and vanilla, juicy plummy taste, longer finish, best with substantial food, and even better if it is cellared a few more years. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Paololeo Passo del Cardinale 2014 Primitivo di Manduria DOC Puglia +496463 Vintages $18.95: this full-bodied red at 14% ABV, with a dried herbal character, shows also its warm ripe fruit and vanilla tones (three months in US oak barriques). It is very smooth in that California zinfandel manner, very BBQ friendly. Sip or drink with red-based food (sauces, meats, anything BBQ). Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Berger Rive Manoir de Mercey Mercurey Chateaubeau 2014 +508002 $29.95 Vintages: from the Cote Chalonnaise, this is an old vines pinot noir Burgundy that is pretty consistent from yearv to year. After fermentation it goes into wood (about a quarter of the volume is put into new oak) for a year's aging. Typical ripe red fruit with vanilla wood, but also soft. Should be cellared another year. Smart buy at this price. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro NV Spain +642173 $16.95 500mL Vintages Sept 16: from the Moscatel de Alejandria grape, this is one of my fave fortified dessert wines, at 15% ABV. Torres has been making it since 1946, and in the 21st century it has been a consistent medal winner at the annual Muscats de Monde (France). Expect tons of muscat aromas and flavours emphasizing rose, lemons, peaches, apricots. It's usually stored a year in stainless and then bottled the following February for 2 – 4 months extra aging under cork. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Ungava Premium Gin (Domaine Pinnacle, PQ), +374231, $34.95: at first sight an intriguing yellow colour bordering on green, reminiscent of yellow chartreuse. All of the flavour and the colour come from hand-picked Arctic ingredients from the Ungava Bay area. The northern botanicals include wild rose hips, cloudberry, crowberry, Labrador Tea, “Arctic Blend”, and of course Nordic Juniper (which is pronounced but with diminished flavours). Labrador Tea and Arctic Blend are two plants within the rhododendron family. All six botanicals are used in Indigenous Inuit tea. See www.ungava-gin.com for further technical and botanical details. Entry is light and bracing with aromatics carrying through. Toned down juniper is noticeable, but other unique flavours are in play. Long finish, not hot. Tried straight and over ice, and as a Negronic Spritzer. Bottle and label also employ Inuktitut wording. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Wednesday July 5, 2017 9:30 AM to 4PM The Event: Boxcars & beers: the Cheese Train (Stouffville-Uxbridge return) The Venue: The York-Durham Heritage Railway “Cheese Train”, Second Wedge Brewing Company, The Passionate Cook's Essentials (all Uxbridge). The Target Audience: food writers and bloggers – more than a dozen. The Availability/Catalogue: Second Wedge Brewing Company is only a year and a half old, it is not yet at the LCBO for wider distribution [https://thesecondwedge.ca/about-us/], The Passionate Cook's Essentials [http://thepassionatecook.ca/about-us/], Cheese by Cecilia [http://cheesebycecilia.com/], and the York-Durham Heritage Railway [http://ydhr.ca/train] are all partners in this endeavour. The Quote/Background: Boxcars and Beers: “The Cheese Train” is a 90 minute “Taste of Ontario” with professional fromager Cecilia Smith and brewery owner/certified beer judge Joanne Richter. It's a series of five beer and cheese pairings of Southern Ontario cheeses and Uxbridge's own The Second Wedge craft brewery. Cheeses range from mild to strong, and include such notables as Monforte's Providence and Glengarry's Celtic Blue. There is even an Uxbridge firm cheese from Carpe Diem Farm (“Durham”) made from sheep's milk. Cecilia takes the lead in describing the origins of Ontario cheese farms, how to taste cheese and then how to taste the first cheese. Joanne follows with how to taste beer and then taste the first beer, and Cecilia then returns to examine the pairing of the first cheese with the first beer, and what to look out for. And plenty of time for a Q. and A. at any point. The pattern repeats for the other four cheeses. Servings of cheeses were generous, and beers were five ounce pours. Meanwhile, the train is moving from Stouffville to Uxbridge at a leisurely pace, with plenty of rustic views. At the end of the first trip, there is a take-home tasting glass and tasting notebook. On the layover, there is a pause to enjoy the brewery for further tastings, leading to their beer garden. All three trips are on Sundays (July 16, July 30, and August 27) so there is an opportunity to visit the Uxbridge Farmers' Market and/or downtown historic Uxbridge with The Passionate Cook's Essentials which also houses the cheeses for sale. Many more details and ticket purchases are at http://ydhr.ca/train/boxcars-beer-the-cheese-train/ The Beers and Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau des Charmes Rose Cuvee d'Andree 2015 VQA -Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay Estate 2013 Paul Bosc Vineyards VQA -The Second Wedge Brewing Company 3 Rocks India Pale Ale 6%ABV, 52IBU -The Second Wedge Brewing Company Monday Night Piper Scottish Ale 4.8%ABV, 27IBU ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Second Wedge Brewing Company Portage and Main (heather oat ale) 4.5%ABV, 20IBU [seasonal] -The Second Wedge Brewing Company Elgin Blonde Ale 4.3%ABV, 30IBU -The Second Wedge Brewing Company Day Tripper Pale Ale 4.2%ABV, 21IBU [seasonal] -The Second Wedge Brewing Company Rain Maker Porter 4.8%ABV, 27IBU *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bachelder “Parfum” Pinot Noir 2014 VQA The Food: It came from a variety of sources – cheeses included Albert's Leap Bella Marie Brie from Quality Cheese in Vaughan (paired with Elgin Blonde), Oxford Harvest from Gunn's Hill in Woodstock (paired with Day Tripper), Providence [my fave here] from Monforte Dairy in Stratford (paired with 3 Rocks), Durham from Carpe Diem Farm in Uxbridge (paired with Monday Night Piper), and Celtic Blue [also my fave here] from Glengarry Fine Cheese in Lancaster (paired with Rain Maker). I found the pairings to be spot on, especially the first three. The last two beers could have accompanied either of the last two cheeses. In general, I like tasting food against alcohol, although I usually prefer to cross-taste which leads to lots of comparison (and takes time, also with much palate rinsing). We needed to use our water bottles. I am sure water will be on the train for the paying customers. On the cheese plate there were slices of organic apricots and a piece of Uxbridge's Desbarres bean to bar chocolate [https://www.desbarreschocolate.com], which was appreciated with the Porter. For a media lunch at the brewery, we were treated to three items from Urban Pantry Restaurant [http://urbanpantry.ca] in Uxbridge: bison sliders and goat cheese on brioche buns, pulled pork and red onion jam on brioche bread, and wilted organic greens on boursin crostini. All delicious and terrific with beer made by brew master Doug Warren who took us on the tour of the beermaking process. After that, it was off to another media treat at Lisa Hutchinson and Chef Erin Monaghan's The Passionate Cook's Essentials. Lisa and Erin did a demo of one of her most popular seminars: making pizza. They made six different pizzas in a matter of minutes, and we media had samples accompanied by wine (see above for the wines). Her store has cooking classes, cooking tools, jars and cans of food, frozen foods cooked in-house for home use, and a cheese counter. The Downside: It was such a calm day in Toronto traffic that I arrived super-early for the bus trip to Stouffville, and we arrived in Stouffville super-early before boarding the train. I had a lot of time to kill, totaling well-over an hour. But I had lots to read about our media jaunt. The Upside: a really good chance to explore a heritage train. Visit the website to find all of its glorious history, including restoration schemes. We had a dynamic trip in a train with five coaches on the original track laid to provide Gooderham & Worts in the new Distillery District with grain and lumber (July 1871, as the Toronto and Nipissing Railway). Of course, the return trip in those days was full of distilled spirits. The York-Durham Heritage Railway partners in quite a few tourist excursions. The Contact Person: cshibinsky@gmail.com; info@thesecondwedge.ca; ydhr@ydhr.ca; sboyle@centralcounties.ca; lisa@thepassionatecook.ca; cecilia@cheesebycecilia.com; The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. 2. The Date and Time: Tuesday, August 16, 2017 3PM to 6PM The Event: Trailblazers & Terroirs – new and pre-release vintages of premium BC wines from Mission Hill, CedarCreek, Martin's Lane and Checkmate Artisanal wineries The Venue: Broadview Hotel, Lincoln Hall The Target Audience: wine writers, sommeliers, private clients and licensees. The Availability/Catalogue: all are available through Mark Anthony Wine and Spirits. The Quote/Background: in a TED format, winemakers talked a bit about their sustainability at each location and then presented their wines to an audience of about 64. Darryl Brooker led off for Mission, followed by Taylor Whelan of CedarCreek, Shane Munn of Martin's Lane, and Phil McGahan of Checkmate. The Wines: all prices are “Direct to Consumer Pricing”, with the wines available in three- or six-packs. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Checkmate Little Pawn Chardonnay 2014 $110, half wild ferment, all French oak MY FAVE -Mission Hill Family Estate Perpetua 2015 $50 SS & French oak & concrete eggs -Martin's Lane Naramata Ranch Pinot Noir 2014 $100 French extra tight grain oak -Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus 2013 $135 Meritage French oak barriques 56% new MY FAVE RED ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Martin's Lane Naramata Ranch Riesling 2014 $65 spontaneous fermentation -CedarCreek Platinum Haynes Creek Viognier 2016 $29 oak and concrete -Checkmate Black Rook Merlot 2013 $85 French oak 21 months -CedarCreek Estate Winery The Last Word 2014 $85 Meritage, 20 months French oak The Food: hot platters of ground lamb, arancini,and more (I did not stay to the end), plus cheeseboards. The Downside: I was sort of expecting a wider variety of wines at the bar, a mini-portfolio of some other (less expensive) wines to take advantage of the crowd of writers, sommeliers, and private clients. Instead, we had more of the eight wines already sampled. The Upside: great quality wines on show, terrific event venue The Contact Person: dana@danalee.biz The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 3. The Date and Time: Friday, August 18, 2017 The Event: 2017 annual tasting of LCBO Vintages Essentials catalogue The Venue: LCBO tasting lab The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: all are available at the LCBO in the various Vintages sections or by order through the store or online. The Quote/Background: I have reproduced the entire listing of wines from the VE catalogue below, taken from the LCBO spreadsheet that was sent to participating writers. Vintage dates were not listed by the LCBO, although, of course, they appear on the label. The supply to the LCBO is continuous, and new vintages supplant the older one when supplies are exhausted. In many cases, I added the date when I noted it. I did not taste every wine, and for some wines I did taste, I did not give a rating. I have listed the top wines judged by taste and by value, even though some wines are drinkable now and others must be cellared. Two wines were unfortunately corked: one a white, and one an icewine, both Ontario. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): Argentina 1834 SUSANA BALBO CRIOS TORRONTÉS $13.95 2016 Australia 142935 SMALL GULLY THE FORMULA ROBERT'S SHIRAZ $20.95 2014 Canada 24133 THIRTY BENCH RIESLING $20.85 2015 Canada 213983 CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING $29.95 Chile 694208 PÉREZ CRUZ RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $14.95 2014 France 508614 VEUVE CLICQUOT PONSARDIN BRUT VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE $102.95 2008 France 268771 LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT PREMIER CHAMPAGNE $72.95 NV Italy 111641 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI $15.95 2014 Italy 425488 SELLA & MOSCA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA RISERVA $16.95 2013 New Zealand 304469 CLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC $35.95 Portugal 149047 TAYLOR FLADGATE 20-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT $69.95 Spain 82024 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS GRAN RESERVA $17.95 2007 Spain 36483 TORRES GRAN CORONAS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $19.95 2012 USA 258699 J. LOHR RIVERSTONE CHARDONNAY $19.95 2015 USA 84988 BERINGER NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY $23.95 2015 USA 678698 GNARLY HEAD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL $17.95 2015 ==================================== Argentina 985002 CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $19.95 Argentina 1834 SUSANA BALBO CRIOS TORRONTÉS $13.95 Argentina 58339 KAIKEN MALBEC $15.95 Argentina 478727 CATENA MALBEC $19.95 Argentina 452672 LUIGI BOSCA MALBEC $18.95 Australia 142935 SMALL GULLY THE FORMULA ROBERT'S SHIRAZ $20.95 Australia 660043 TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ $24.95 Australia 142018 MAJELLA THE MUSICIAN CABERNET/SHIRAZ $19.95 Australia 84996 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON $28.95 Australia 606624 RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON $22.95 Australia 659607 MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ $22.95 Australia 925453 KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN SHIRAZ $19.95 Australia 943787 WAKEFIELD SHIRAZ $18.95 Canada 544791 REIF VIDAL ICEWINE $24.95 Canada 370361 TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE SPARKLING RIESLING $20.95 Canada 447441 CAVE SPRING RIESLING ICEWINE $49.95 Canada 274753 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE PINOT NOIR $30.30 Canada 64618 FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC $19.95 Canada 149237 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY $19.95 Canada 388306 INNISKILLIN VIDAL ICEWINE $49.95 Canada 389411 JACKSON-TRIGGS RESERVE VIDAL ICEWINE $39.95 Canada 258673 G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE PINOT NOIR $19.95 Canada 147504 13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ $27.95 Canada 1545 FLAT ROCK PINOT NOIR $20.95 Canada 1578 FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE $17.95 Canada 18564 PELLER ESTATES PRIVATE RESERVE VIDAL ICEWINE $27.30 Canada 24133 THIRTY BENCH RIESLING $20.85 Canada 89037 TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA CHARDONNAY $21.95 Canada 286377 CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED RIESLING $18.95 Canada 302083 BACHELDER NIAGARA CHARDONNAY $24.95 Canada 303800 TRIUS RED $24.95 Canada 430561 HENRY OF PELHAM RIESLING ICEWINE $49.95 Canada 522672 LAKEVIEW CELLARS VIDAL ICEWINE $21.95 Canada 545004 MISSION HILL RESERVE CHARDONNAY $23.95 Canada 553321 MISSION HILL RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON $30.95 Canada 559088 MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ $16.95 Canada 563247 KITTLING RIDGE VIDAL ICEWINE $39.95 Canada 573147 MALIVOIRE CHARDONNAY $19.95 Canada 587154 MAGNOTTA VIDAL ICEWINE $32.95 Canada 591313 MALIVOIRE GAMAY $17.95 Canada 198853 TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING $24.50 Canada 213983 CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING $29.95 Canada 565861 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES VIDAL ICEWINE $26.95 Chile 322586 MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $20.00 Chile 30957 CONCHA Y TORO WINEMAKER'S LOT 148 CARMENÈRE $17.95 Chile 337238 CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $22.95 Chile 694208 PÉREZ CRUZ RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $14.95 Chile 408658 SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $19.95 Chile 974717 CASAS DEL BOSQUE RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC $14.95 France 681643 CHÂTEAU ARGADENS $17.95 France 162073 LOUIS JADOT BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR $23.95 France 11452 WILLM RÉSERVE RIESLING $15.95 France 50575 CHANSON RÉSERVE DU BASTION PINOT NOIR $19.95 France 158550 LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE $99.95 France 215525 LA CHABLISIENNE LES VENERABLES, VIEILLES VIGNES $26.95 France 259721 E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE $19.95 France 268755 CRISTAL BRUT VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE $304.95 France 268771 LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT PREMIER CHAMPAGNE $72.95 France 280461 DOM PÉRIGNON BRUT VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE $231.95 France 302018 CHÂTEAU PIPEAU $39.95 France 363457 DOMAINES PERRIN RÉSERVE $16.95 France 365924 LOUIS JADOT BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES $17.95 France 508614 VEUVE CLICQUOT PONSARDIN BRUT VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE $102.95 France 542548 HENRI BOURGEOIS LES BARONNES SANCERRE $27.95 France 926626 FAMILLE PERRIN LES SINARDS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $36.95 France 933077 LOUIS JADOT CHARDONNAY BOURGOGNE $23.95 France 220244 ARMAND DE BRIGNAC ACE OF SPADES BRUT GOLD CHAMPAGNE $305.95 Italy 912956 RUFFINO MODUS $29.95 Italy 951319 BOLLINI PINOT GRIGIO $17.95 Italy 111641 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI $15.95 Italy 650713 MONTE ZOVO SA' SOLIN RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA $18.95 Italy 729392 FOSS MARAI EXTRA DRY PROSECCO $19.95 Italy 168179 MARCHESI DI BAROLO LA TRADIZIONE BAROLO $39.95 Italy 69377 MONTE ANTICO $15.95 Italy 106450 SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO $19.95 Italy 413179 ZENATO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO $52.95 Italy 425488 SELLA & MOSCA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA RISERVA $16.95 Italy 433417 TEDESCHI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA $44.95 Italy 479766 ZENATO RIPASSA VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE $26.95 Italy 606541 ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO $19.95 Italy 650432 CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO $52.95 Italy 687582 SANTA MARGHERITA BRUT VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE $19.95 Italy 741769 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO $18.95 Italy 910430 TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE $22.95 Italy 948158 ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO $16.95 Italy 986786 TIGNANELLO $105.95 Italy 145920 MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI $21.95 New Zealand 650325 KIM CRAWFORD PANSY! ROSÉ $17.95 New Zealand 991950 KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY $19.95 New Zealand 10421 ASTROLABE PROVINCE SAUVIGNON BLANC $22.95 New Zealand 35386 KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC $19.95 New Zealand 304469 CLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC $35.95 New Zealand 316570 OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC $19.95 New Zealand 326728 OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY $14.95 New Zealand 626390 KIM CRAWFORD PINOT NOIR $19.95 Portugal 121749 TAYLOR FLADGATE 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT $35.95 Portugal 149047 TAYLOR FLADGATE 20-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT $69.95 Portugal 606590 ESPORÃO RESERVA RED $25.95 South Africa 328567 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CABERNET SAUVIGNON $16.95 South Africa 595280 PORCUPINE RIDGE SYRAH $15.95 Spain 82024 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS GRAN RESERVA $17.95 Spain 166538 LAN CRIANZA $16.95 Spain 50203 BERONIA RESERVA $20.90 Spain 36483 TORRES GRAN CORONAS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $19.95 Spain 177345 MUGA RESERVA $25.95 Spain 479014 JULIÁN CHIVITE GRAN FEUDO RESERVA $17.95 USA 294298 CONUNDRUM RED $24.95 USA 212126 MCMANIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON $19.95 USA 369686 KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CHARDONNAY $19.95 USA 210047 COLUMBIA CREST H3 CABERNET SAUVIGNON $20.95 USA 130138 MEIOMI PINOT NOIR $27.95 USA 521021 FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND COLLECTION IVORY LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON $24.95 USA 232371 LOUIS M. MARTINI NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON $33.95 USA 958975 MER SOLEIL RESERVE CHARDONNAY $34.95 USA 59311 MICHAEL DAVID 7 DEADLY ZINS OLD VINE ZINFANDEL $25.95 USA 255513 ROBERT MONDAVI NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON $37.95 USA 258699 J. LOHR RIVERSTONE CHARDONNAY $19.95 USA 314575 STERLING NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON $30.95 USA 342428 BONTERRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $21.95 USA 342436 BONTERRA CHARDONNAY $19.95 USA 352583 BERINGER KNIGHTS VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON $43.95 USA 359257 RAVENSWOOD VINTNERS BLEND OLD VINE ZINFANDEL $18.95 USA 594341 TOASTED HEAD CHARDONNAY $18.95 USA 608653 SONOMA-CUTRER RUSSIAN RIVER RANCHES CHARDONNAY $27.95 USA 656561 J. LOHR SEVEN OAKS CABERNET SAUVIGNON $23.95 USA 710426 CAKEBREAD CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON $119.95 USA 738823 LIBERTY SCHOOL CABERNET SAUVIGNON $21.95 USA 954834 RODNEY STRONG ESTATE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR $25.95 USA 996405 STAGS' LEAP WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON $55.95 USA 84988 BERINGER NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY $23.95 USA 188110 FIRST PRESS CABERNET SAUVIGNON $25.95 USA 222877 CAYMUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON $104.95 USA 678698 GNARLY HEAD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL $17.95 USA 27516 J. LOHR LOS OSOS MERLOT $22.95 4. The Date and Time: Monday, August 21, 2017 6PM to midnight The Event: The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada Summer Casual Dinner The Venue: Le Paradis Brasserie Bistro, 166 Bedford The Target Audience: members of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada The Availability/Catalogue: see dinner menu below, and list of wines from member cellars below. David Currie went all out to give us a fab dinner at a fab price, with no corkage. The Wines: -Saumur Brut Sparkling NV Loire -Trapiche Brut Sparkling NV Argentina -Jeio Cuvee Rose Brut Spumante -Yerling Station Shiraz Reserve 1998 Australia -Iced Apple Magnotta Ontario (375 mL) -Don Sebastiani Aquinas Pinot Noir Napa 2012 -Black Stone Pinot Noir from Sonoma -Chateau Pique-Segue 2015 (Montravel) -Chateau Sainte-Marie 2015 (Entre Deux-Mers) -2005 Château Bahans Haut-Brion -2009 Thanisch Bercasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinet -Ontanon 2005 Gran Reserva Rioja -2008 Catena Malbec High Altitude Select -2015 La Ferme Du Mont Gigondas -2015 Kacaba Reserve Cabernet Franc -Convento San Francisco Ribeira del Duero 2010 -Del-Gatto Pinotage PEC (made from clones from a Pinotage vine in BC) -Gold Hill Cabernet Franc 2014 BC VQA Okanagan Valley -Gold Hill Grand Vin Meritage 2014 BC VQA Okanagan Valley -Gold Hill Chardonnay Unoaked 2014 BC VQA Okanagan Valley The Food: 1) Canapés (pate on crostini; shrimp and guacamole; sauted mushrooms; and others) with Sparkling wine 2) Gazpacho (watermelon) OR Cresson (hot watercress with blue cheese) OR Auvergnate Salad (arugula, apples, Bleu d'Auvergne, walnuts, walnut oil) 3) Main Course: Supreme de poulet a la estragon (Harriston Co-op Chicken Suprême with shallots, tarragon, red wine sauce OR Paleron au poivre (grilled flatiron beef, black peppercorns, frites) Saumon a l'oseille (roast Atlantic salmon with sorrel, green beans, mushrooms) 4) Cheese Course 5) Dessert: Glaces et sorbets OR tarte au fruit OR Balthazar (flourless chocolate cake) 6) Coffee / tea / espresso / cappuccino The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94. 5. The Date and Time: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 11:30 AM to 2PM The Event: DevourFest food film festival's press launch of the October 25 – 29 programme in Wolfville Nova Scotia. The Venue: GBC Chef's House The Target Audience: media (food, wine, films, etc.) The Quote/Background: Devour! Organizers were in town to launch and preview the 2017 program in Wolfville. There is also to be a consumer tasting function in Toronto on Thursday. Special guests today included actor Gordon Pinsent, chef Rob Blumer, and other chefs who will be part of the 7th annual festival, including George Brown students. American Express has named Devour! One of the “Top Festivals for Foodies in the World”. Over the years, both the number of films and gastronomic tours/seminars have dramatically increased, all involving food and wine with special mentions to local beer and wines, spirits, local cheeses, and local seafood. More details are at www.devourfest.com which has the full program as of August 29. I can assure you, after my three years of attending, you won't find a better collection of new food film docs and new food dramatic films anyplace else: 99 events, 72 films, 3 celebrity chef dinners, 23 workshops, 22 tasting tours, and 20 special events for dinners and parties. The Wines: Today we were served the latest version (close to rose in colour) of Benjamin Bridge Nova 7, one of the best sparkling muscats in the world. It is actually mostly Nova Scotia muscat with a few other aromatic varieties (closely kept secret), to create a semi-sparkler like the Italian muscato. Four Stars. Brother Matt Jones, as bearded as ever, was on hand with his spirited cocktails. The Food: there were cheese platters and two types of Nova Scotia seafood – NS scallops with onion relish atop fried pancetta slices, and NS lobster tacos – all pulled together by George Brown students. The Contact Person: chefmhowell@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95 6. The Date and Time: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Noon to 4PM The Event: GO Wine! AMV – Whiz Trading Portfolio The Venue: George The Target Audience: writers, sommeliers, clients The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available, most are at LCBO online The Quote/Background: It is a wide-ranging and diverse catalogue full of hidden gems. There was a spreadsheet order form plus some comprehensive notes that saved asking many questions. The Wines: I did not taste every wine or beer (there were over 55 of them in the portfolio). Prices are retail. Wines were by the case of 6 or 12, but not both. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Delouvin-Bagnost +385369 Brut Tradition $44.95 MY FAVE OF THE DAY -Chateau de St. Martin Provence +367051 2016 Rose& Roll IGP Mediterranee Rose $19.30 -Ch St Martin Cuvee Grande Reserve AOP Cotes de Provence Rose $26.75 -Ch St Martin Cuvee Grande Reserve AOP Cotes de Provence Rose [Bouteille Provencale] $27.95 -Domaine du Bois de St. Jean +437178 2013 La Ballade des Angles Vacqueyras $21.75 -Cellier des Chartreux +366988 2014 D. Hautes Roches AOP Cru Tavel Rose $20.65 -Bodegas Arrocal +262864 2015 Regina Viarum Ribera del Duero $24.20 -Bodegas Arrocal +246776 2012-ARROCAL PASSION Ribera el Duero $25.50 -Parras Vinhos Lisboa +258250 2015 Casa das Gaeiras White $16.90 +379551 2013 Trecciano Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva – Terra Rossa DOCG $26.35 +308832 2013 Tenuta di Trecciano Daniello IGT Supertuscan $38.50 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Gapsted Wines Alpine Valley Victoria +350495 2013 Tobacco Road Shiraz $18.35 -PFAFFL Weinviertel) +235696 2016-HAIDVIERTEL – GR.VELTLINER $23.50 -Chateau Cantenac +379387 2014 Selection Madame - St. Emilion Grand Cru $32.00 +379395 2014 Chateau Moulin de Grenet - Lussac St. Emilion $21.40 -Chateau Camille Gaucheraud +369487 2010 Rouge Merlot $19.05 +369511 2015 Chateau Camille Gaucheraud Tradition Sauvignon Blanc $16.85 -Domaine des Nugues 2016 Beaujolais Villages Blanc $22.15 -Domaine des Nugues +364942 2013 Fleurie $26.05 -Domaine Pascal Gibault +364884 2016 P. Gibault Sauvignon Blanc Touraine $19.65 -Chateau de St. Martin Cuvee No. 2 de St Martin AOP Cotes de Provence Rose $20.65 -Ch St Martin AOP Cotes de Provence Rose Cuvee Eternelle Favorite $30.30 -La Belle Collection +419803 2016 Colette AOP Cotes de Provence Rose $21.90 -Domaine de la Sabatiere +366913 2015 Seraphine AOP Cotes du Rhone White $18.55 -Dom. de la Sabatiere +366939 2015 Sabatine AOP Cotes du Rhone Red $20.60 -HGA Bodegas Rias Baixas +262997 2015 Altos de Torona O Rosal [white] $25.95 -HGA Bodegas Rias Baixas +263003 2015 Bodegas Altos de Torona Albarino $22.70 -Bodegas Arrocal Ribera del Duero +246768 2014 Arrocal $19.30 -Parras Vinhos Lisboa +258250 2015 Casa das Gaeiras White $16.90 -Wine With Spirit S.A. Tejo +341130 2015-Bastardo Red $17.85 -Parras Vinhos Lisboa +258300 2015 Castelo do Sulco White $14.65 -Cantalici +313998 2012 Baruffo Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG $35.00 -Gruppo Cevico Emilia Romagna +314251 2015 Tere Cevico Rebola Colli Rimini DOC $13.45 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine des Nugues +364967 2015 Beaujolais Villages Red $19.10 -HGA Bodegas Rias Baixas +263011 2015 Pazo de Villarei $21.85 -Wine with Spirit S.A. Tejo +341189 2015 Bread & Cheese Red $17.85 The beers I saved for last, as palate cleansers on my way out into the damp humid midday sun. GO has Highlander Brew Co. from South River, ON, available as kegs and as two-fours in line priced uniformed label cans ($78 for 24 cans). Of the six varieties, I best enjoyed Rye Road Pale Ale (46 IBU, rated 92) followed by Lion Grass Ale (37 IBU, 90 points), Scottish Ale (34 IBU, 89 points) and Blacksmith Smoked Porter (27 IBU, 89 points). Buckshot Lager (22 IBU) and Happy Landing Light Ale (22 IBU) were also available. The Food: cheese platters, breads, fruits The Downside: I was rushed, coming from another function, and I needed time to chill down from the outside humidity. So it took awhile to get my bearings. The Upside: good quality wines and good notes and pricing information. The Contact Person: ildefonso_go@rogers.com or annep@tastesenseltd.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 available at http://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor/trade.txt or the archives at http://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR JUNE 2017 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH – Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2016 VQA Ontario, +270926 LCBO $14.95: As with their previous baco noirs at all levels, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy character and the price (it has been $14.95 for awhile). Both new and older US barrels are used for more than six months aging (24% new oak). It is still too young for today [only seven months old], needs another year or two. 13% ABV. One of the top General List bacos in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2015 IGP Pays d'Oc, +147975, $14.95 Vintages: aromatic but on the dry side, perfect as a social wine or for first course. Expect peachy and orange character, but of course no oak. Youthful and useful with nuances of orchard fruit and spicy nuts. Could go either way with or without food. Versatile. 12.5% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Torres Salmos 2014 Priorat, +450734 $35.95 Vintages: a delicious red fruit concoction like Chateauneuf-du-Pape with its carinena, garnacha and syrah blend. 14.5% ABV. Expect meatiness and berries, and extremely long finish. Aged in French oak for 14 – 16 months. Of course, much better in a few years (will hold a decade). Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Concilio Pinot Grigio Trentino DOC 2016 +637595 LCBO: loaded as much as a PG can be with orchard fruit finishing dry on the palate. But uncomplicated. Fresh, fresh, fresh and plenty good for the patio/deck of the hot days ahead. Sip or with food – your choice (maybe both ways?). Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Chevalier Monopole Rose Dry Methode Traditionelle NV +485920 Vintages $16.95: a veritable bargain since it is a sparkler at a still wine price. Champagne-method of secondary fermentation, aged nine months, 12% ABV, just perfect for the summer patio/deck campaign. If you like affordable bubbles, then this is it from southern France, with gamay, cinsault, cabernet and bobal grapes in the field blend. Nothing like red fruit in summer (black fruit in winter)....Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Buena Vista Winery Chardonnay 2015 North Coast +396440 Vintages $24.95: it's hard to distinguish among California chardonnays at this price level, so go for the cool climate ones. The 2015 harvest here was early in August, so the wine has aged well with nine months in stainless and French oak (10% new). Expect the typical baked apple and fresh apple, vanilla, orchard fruit, and some citrus tones on the finish. Nuances abound, such as in smoke. A contemplative wine, don't waste it on the patio – there's enough finishing acid to pair with a first course. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Southbrook Vineyards Seriously Cool Red 2013 VQA Ontario, $15.95 +453639 LCBO: an interesting blend of pinot noir (65%), gamay (25%), zweigelt (8%) and syrah (2%) from sustainable vineyards. The wine is also suitable for vegans. It is all stainless steel, with twist top, at 12.5% ABV. Expect classic Ontario red fruit (cherry-berry) plus some tart cranberry for refreshment and finish. Can be either a sipper or foodwine or both. The back label has little description; it would have been nice to know the grape names and proportions. Other Ontario wineries do this. I actually like this wine a lot better than I did a year ago, so it is capable of aging, and I think next year it will be even better. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Southbrook Vineyards Serious Cool Chardonnay 2016 VQA Ontario, $14.95 +457481 LCBO: a blend of chardonnay and chardonnay musque, 50% of each (last year's vintage had a dollop of added riesling). The residual sugar is 5 g/l, less than the comparable Seriously Cool Red. The winery notes that half of the grapes were harvested from vineyards transitioning to organic, so the source vineyards are at least “sustainable plus”. A good quaffer or social wine or even a first course white wine, displaying Ontario orchard fruit (apple, peach, et al) in a light mode, and some citric tones. Best with cheeses served on the patio. 11.8% ABV. The back label has little description; it would have been nice to know the proportions of the two chardonnay varieties used. Other Ontario wineries do this. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Southbrook Vineyards Serious Cool Rose 2016 VQA Ontario, $14.95 Winery Direct: a blend of pinot noir and vidal [the latter transitioning to organic], with upfront strawberry and perfumed aromatics, finishing with a savoury bite suitable for sipping on its own as an aperitif or as a first course foodwine. Best in summer, of course. 11.5% ABV. The back label has little description; it would have been nice to know the proportions of the grapes used. Other Ontario wineries do this. Quality/Price rating is 89-90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Huff Estates Pinot Gris 2016 VQA Ontario, $22 at winery: from vineyards in PEC (80%) and Tawse Winery (20%). Stress is on the old Alsatian style and uses the “gris” descriptor rather than the more-common “grigio”. “Gris” usually indicates more white floral and white fruit aromatics, and floral consistency right through to an enticing finish. Body is firmer and colouring is more straw or yellowish. Useful as an aperitif or first course wine, but it is more demanding than a regular sipper. 12.5% ABV. 900 cases. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Huff Estates Riesling Off Dry 2016 VQA Ontario, $20 at winery: I did not find this “off-dry” (RS 17g/l), but rather a typical Ontario Riesling with fruity body and finishing acidity. More a first course or aperitif than a sipper as the label may imply. Good balance of tropical fruit sweetness and citric acidity. 11.5% ABV. 1600 cases. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Huff Estates Merlot 2016 VQA Ontario, $20 at winery: very fruity, maybe fruit gone wild, no oak or other aging – just stainless steel. Typically bright red and black fruit style, cherry-berry even. Slightly tannic finish at this point, expected to smooth out over the next year or so. One of the better merlot wines in Ontario. First course or cheese. 13% ABV. 700 cases. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Huff Estates Rose 2016 VQA Ontario, $19 at winery: made totally from cabernet franc with 12 hours of skin contact during fermentation. Lovely pale colour, aromatics and first palate of strawberries and then the typical cranberry textures and finish for an Ontario wine. Light herbaceous suggests food on the patio or some first course app. 12.5% ABV. 900 cases. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Cardone Archita Gioia del Colle Primitivo 2014 Puglia, $24.95 +488383 Vintages: there is a lot going on here that should also appeal to zinfandel lovers. Behind a sheen of chocolate and coffee (North American appeal), there is a range of stewed and jammy dark fruit, somewhat raisinated but tempered with a sweet toasted smoke feel in the long finish. Good bang for the buck. Others have noted that the 2014 vintage is the best ever for Archita. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Giuseppe B. CARPANO ANTICA FORMULA VERMOUTH, +360248 Vintages, $16.95 for 375 mL: a revelation in the vermouth world, created in 1786. This is red vermouth, emphasizing vanilla, dried fruit, dates and orange zest. Bitter-sweet, with some gentian root notes. 16.5% ABV, long persistent finish, best on the rocks as an aperitif or after a meal straight up. Many Toronto bars use it in their cocktails, such as the Negroni or Manhattan. Quality/Price rating is 94 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. CARPANO BIANCO DRY, $22.95 litre, Private Order from Majestic Wine Cellars: a nifty vermouth to savour or to use in blends with cocktails. Expect peppery-like citrus, oily and fruity (nectarine) textures, and dry enough to show off herbs and botanicals. It has more vanilla tones than expected, but the sweetness has been mitigated (about RS 30 gr/L). It's even got Cretan dittany (hop marjoram) as an herb. Not for really dry martinis, but great as an aperitif on the rocks, on its own for a comfort drink, or as a cocktail. 18% ABV, long fnish like wine. It may be coming to the LCBO, so watch for it. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Fratelli Branca Fernet-Branca Amer/Bitters, +220145 Vintages, $23.10 for 500 mL: this is one of the top dry bitters of the world. Here are 27 herbs and spices aged in oak for a year. It can be enjoyed with beer, mixed drinks, on the rocks, or with soda/pop drinks. But it is best straight. 40% ABV, with that characteristic gentian and vanilla/oak matured flavour. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Thursday June 1 11AM to 3:30PM The Event: Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa (PIWOSA) showcase seminar The Venue: St James Cathedral, Library Room The Target Audience: wine writers, agents, and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: most wines available through LCBO distribution (including Destination store). The Quote/Background: We had two seminars, about 30 people in each. The AM seminar concerned Noble Whites with presentations by principals for Raats, Ken Forrester, Glenelly, Journey's End, and Jardan/Jardin speaking about their microclimate and terroir at the winery and the wine we were tasting (there was one wine per presenter). In the PM, we had Paul Cluver, De Grendel, The Drift, TWOGH Radford, and Klein Constantia, with Unique Terroir being featured through two whites and three reds. PIWOSA is similar to other “family” groups in that they are small and independent, featuring innovative programs and events. The LCBO had a PIWOSA function later that night in their “taste and buy” series. The Wines: There were 10 wines tasted. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2016 +231282 $17.95 -Glenelly Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2014 +382200 $15.75 -Journey's End Destination Chardonnay 2015 +497321 $22 -Jordan (Jardin in NA) Jardin Nine Yards Chardonnay 2015 $36 Abcon -Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2013 500mL Halpern ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2016 $22 Lifford -Paul Cluver Riesling Dry Encounter 2015 +494237 $20 -De Grendel Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 2014 +Churchill Cellars -The Drift Farm Single Vineyard Gift Horse Barbera 2015 Imprese -The Winery of Good Hope Radford Dale Black Rock 2013 +485490 $29.95 The Food: light lunch of spicy slices of chicken breasts with salads, multu-grain ciabatta buns, and strawbs skewered with pineapple. And some white wine from the first seminar. The Downside: only 10 wines were available (the paying customers at night got to sample about 40 wines). The Upside: a very enjoyable and enlightening seminar. The Contact Person: keenan@propellerpr.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. 2. The Date and Time: Monday June 5, 2017 6:30 – 9:30 PM The Event: Joint tasting of wines from Il Botolo (Gradwell Wines) and Colle Manora (Cottonwood Agency) The Venue: HotBlack Coffee, Queen Street West The Target Audience: wine writers, clients The Availability/Catalogue: all wines were available as landed for sale online, usually by the 6- or 12-pack. The Quote/Background: It was nice to not only see two agencies co-operating but also having their wines from the same region: Piedmont. They told me that wines are available only by the case until the end of August, after which they can be bought by the bottle online and shipped freely to a store for pickup, so long as a $50 minimum is spent. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Colle Manora Mila Collezione Chardonnay/Viognier 2014 Piemonte, 13.5%, 6 for $160 retail -Il Botolo Moscato d'Asti 2015, $21.95 each Woodbridge LCBO store or online (6 packs) -Il Botolo Chardonnay 2015 Piemonte 40% Barrel Fermented, $25.95 each Woodbridge LCBO store or online (6 packs) ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Colle Manora Ray Albarossa 2013 Piemonte DOC, 13.5%, 6 for $186 retail -Colle Manora Rosso Barchetta DOC 2012 Piemonte [cab sauv/merlot] 14%, 6 for $198 retail -Colle Manora Piangalardo Barolo DOCG 2011 Monferrato, 15%, 6 for $382 retail -Il Botolo Barbera d'Asti 2015 [stainless], $19.95 Woodbridge LCBO store or online (6 packs) -Il Botolo Chardonnay 2014 [stainless], $21.95 Woodbridge LCBO store or online (6 packs) -Il Botolo Barbera d'Asti 2013 Barrel Aged, $24.95 Consignment 6 pack -Il Botolo Barbera d'Asti Nizza [18 mos. Oak, limited] 2013, $43.95 Consignment 6 pack The Food: appetizer/bite sizes of prosciutto and melon, veal meatballs, prosciutto and asparagus, truffled risotto, seafood mix (calamari, scallop, shrimp), tomato and mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese – a great looking spread. The Downside: it was not as well-attended as it should have been, many people canceled because of the impending rain which never came. The Upside: an opportunity to spend time with the agents and their principals. The Contact Person: sean@gradwellwines.com and elizabeth@cottonwoodagency.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. 3. The Date and Time: Wednesday June 7, 2017 2PM to 5PM The Event: Wines of Portugal Grand Tasting Trade and Media Show The Venue: Airship37 Event Venue, Parliament Street Distillery District The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: varied availability according to the producers. Some wineries were looking for agents, but did not prominently display that red sign. Some wines were not available, while other wines were not listed. Prices were not displayed. The Quote/Background: It was hot and noisy, not especially conducive to a trade show which requires concentration. It needed more curating in order to bring the best clients to the wineries and agents. The Wines: I only tried table wines and some ports, and not all of them. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Sogevinus Veedha 2013 Douro Red +255851 LCBO $15.10 -Calem Coheita 1961 Porto $200 -Kopke Colheita 1981 Porto $50 -Kopke Colheita 1967 Porto $200 -Kopke Colheita 1999 Porto $70 -Calem Coheita 2000 Porto $60 -Quinta Vale d'Aldeia White 2016 -Quinta da Devesa Red reserva Vinhas Velhas 2011 Douro -A&D Wines Monologo Chardonnay 2016 $17.95 Licensee Kylix -Cabriz Reserva VB 2015 Dao White Noble -Esporao Reserva White 2015 Alentejo FWP -Quinta dos Murcas Reserva 2011 Douro FWP -Casa Santos Lima Colossal Reserva Lisboa Red 2014 Majestic ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Wine and Soul Guru 2015 Douro White $49.95 -Wine and Soul Manoella 2014 Douro Red $29.95 -Wine and Soul Pintas 2014 Douro Red Old Vines $129.95 -Wine and Soul Quinta da Manoella 2014 Vinhas Velhas Old Vines Douro Red $129.95 -Wine and Soul Pintas Character 2014 Douro Red Old Vines $49.95 -Cortes de Cima White 2015 Alentejo Terroir -Quinta do Mondego Red 2011 Dao e Lafoes -Parras Castelo do Sulco White 2015 Lisboa GO -Monte da Ravasqueira White Alentejo -A&D Wines Monologo Avesso 2016 $17.95 Licensee Kylix -Messias Quinta do Valdoeiro 2012 Bairrada Red Signature -Jose Maria da Fonseca Albis 2015 Peninsula de Setubal Moscatel Philippe Dandurand -Casa de Santar Reserva 2012 Dao Red $27.95 Noble -Esporao Verdelho 2016 FWP -Esperao Monte Velho White 2015 FWP -Casa Santos Lima Pluma Vinho Verde Lisboa 2016 $14 Majestic -Casa Santos Lima Confidencial Reserva Lisboa Red 2013 Majestic -Casa Santos Lima Bons-Ventos 2015 Red Majestic -Casa Santos Lima Oassuin of Portugal Reserva Lisboa Red 2015 Majestic -Bacalhoa Tinto da Anfora 2014 Alentejo PMA -Alianca Foral Reserva 2014 Douro PMA *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quinta Vale d'Aldeia Infel White 2015 The Full Wineglass -Cortes de Cima Chamine White 2016 Alentejo Terroir -Alianca Vinho Verde 2016 $9 PMA The Food: as always, a wide selection of platters for spicy bbq chicken drumettes, cod fish croquettes with two kinds of mayo (herb, chipotle), mac and cheese, chorizo and buns, portuguese style cheeses, fruit, veggies, spicy meats and cold cuts, trout salad, breads, small bite desserts. The Downside: as was typical, not all wines were available, and even some agents were uncertain as to specific availability. The Upside: a good selection of newish Portuguese wines in the Ontario market. The Contact Person: marketing@viniportugal.pt The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85. 4. The Date and Time: Thursday June 8 2017 1:30PM to 4:30PM The Event: Descorchados (Latin America)2017 Trade and media Tasting in Toronto The Venue: 2nd Floor Events, King and Spadina The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: The tasting notes booklet was arranged in table order; unfortunately, the table placards had no number on them. The best approach, then, was going from table 1 to table 48 with no jumping around. However, the tables were only in order by row, which meant that if you wanted order you must go down the row on the right to the end and then bounce back to the beginning to go down the left-hand row, etc. This could have been obviated by putting table numbers on the placards. Anyway, I got great exercise – in the heat. The Quote/Background: Four countries were here: Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. The Wines: There were 46 wineries with 22 varietals and over 200 wines in all. I just tasted the table wines. Listings are based on the book-catalogue. Agents listed where known. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Chardonnay 2015 Argentina $25.95 -Trapiche Gran Medalla Chardonnay 2015 Argentina -Laura Catena Luca Chardonnay 2015 Argentina -Navarro Correas Alegoria Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2015 Argentina $22.95 PO Kirkwood Diamond -Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Malbec 2014 Argentina +433862 $119 -Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Chile +18721 Vintages $17.95 -Baron Philippe de Rothschild Maipo Mas Andes Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 -Luis Felipe Edwards Marea Chardonnay 2015 Leyda $19.99 -Perez Cruz Pircas de Liguai Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo Andes $40 -San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Maipo $19.95 -Ventisquero Tara White Wine 1 Chardonnay 2014 Atacama $50 – 52 -William Cole Mirador Selection Chardonnay 2016 Casablanca $15.95 Abcon ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Finca La Moras Gran Syrah 2014 Argentina $25 -Mascota Vineyards Opi Chardonnay 2016 Argentina $10.95 -Garzon Single Vineyard Albarino 2016 Uruguay $23 -Vinedo de Los Vientos Estival Gewurzt/Chardonnay/Moscato 2016 Uruguay $17 TBD -Zuccardi Aluvional Gualtallary Malbec 2014 Argentina $80 Dionysus -Zuccardi Poligonos del Valle de Uco 2015 Argentina $29.95 Dionysus -Tarapaca Gran reserva Pinot Noir Chile +404210 Vintages $17.95 -Aquitania Sol de Sol Chardonnay 2012 Chile $35 US -Baron Philippe de Rothschild Casablanca Escudo Rojo Sauvignon Blanc 2016 -Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Limari Chardonnay 2016 -Cono Sur Single Vineyard Block No 18 El Recurso Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Maipo -Koyle Costa Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Colchagua Costa $22 -Laberinto Wines Cenizas de Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Maule-Colbun -Maquis Gran Reserva Carmenere 2013 Colchagua $15.95 Halpern -Maquis Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Colchagua $15.96 Halpern -Miguel Torres Cordillera Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Elqui Family Wine Merchants -Errazuriz Max Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $16.95 -Santa Carolina Luis Pereira Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Chile $200 Charton Hobbs -Santa Ema Amplus Chardonnay 2015 Leyda $17.95 -Santa Ema Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Leyda $15.95 Vintages -Tabali Talinay Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Limari -William Cole Mirador Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Casablanca $15.95 Abcon The Food: charcuterie, sausages, cheese, breads. The Downside: event organizers continue to amaze me by finding new ways to make it difficult to get to a table you want to visit. Here, it was the sequence of rows. The Upside: we got a free copy of the Descorchados book!! The Contact Person: events@winealign.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86. 5. The Date and Time: Sunday June 11, 2017 1PM to 4PM The Event: A tasting of some fine Ontario syrah. The Venue: Writer Jason Solanki's abode at Chez Megz The Target Audience: invited wine media guests The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were available in the Ontario system, although some were from private cellars. The Quote/Background: we were given a list of the 16 wines and invited to taste through them and rate them, or whatever. The Wines: We had five Syrah from Kacaba, four from Creekside, and one each from seven others. Only the Jackson Triggs and the Legends were labeled Shiraz. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): (94) Kacaba Terraced Vineyard Syrah 2014 VQA Niagara Escarpment $29.95...perhaps atypical because of some brett tones and aging, but it was definitely a North Rhone syrah with 8% viognier co-fermentation... (93) Creekside Broken Press Syrah 2008 Queenston Road Vineyard VQA St David's Bench Niagara +202127 $42.95 ...well-aged, Rhonish, best with food... (92) Kacaba Silver Bridge Vineyard Syrah 2013 VQA Niagara Escarpment $29.95...delicious syrah intensity... (91) Kacaba Reserve Syrah 2012 VQA Niagara Escarpment $44.95..tight and still developing... (91) Creekside UNBroken Press Syrah 2012 Queenston Road Vineyard VQA St David's Bench Niagara +202127 $42.95 ...delicious Rhonish complexity... (91) Rockway Vineyards Small Lot Block 12-140 Syrah 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara +498675 $24.95...packs a wallop in specialized intensity... ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): (90) Kacaba Founder's Select Syrah 2015 VQA Niagara Escarpment $44.95...way too young to consume, one for the cellar, try in 10 years... (89) Kacaba Proprietor's Block Syrah 2013 VQA Niagara Escarpment $29.95...very tannic, still needs time... (89) Creekside Syrah 2013 VQA +66654 $15.95...delicious delivery of fruity shiraz...twist top (88) Creekside Iconclast Niagara Syrah 2014 VQA St Davids's Bench Niagara +471797 $22.95 twist top (89) Legends Reserve Shiraz 2012 Lizak Vineyard VQA Lincoln Lakeshore Niagara $23.95...some brett tones, well-aged and developed wine... (89) 13th Street Essence Syrah 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula $44.95...good hits of nicely made syrah... (89) Southbrook Winery Whimsy! Syrah 2012 Organic and Biodynamic VQA Four Mile Creek N/A... produced from a single barrel, with 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% merlot... (88) Redstone Syrah RedstoneVineyard 2013 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore Niagara $39.95 (88) Fielding Syrah 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula $39.95 (88) Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Shiraz 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula +317941 $24.95...shiraz style of upfront fruit but finishes lean and green, takes time, needs food. The Food: Hodge Podge and Matilda in the Buff cheeses from Monforte, breads. The Downside: it was very summer-hot to get there and back, but the venue had good air circulation and was conducive to tasting. The Upside: compatible crowd of tasters. The Contact: http://vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com/ The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 6. The Date and Time: Tuesday June 13, 2017 11AM to 4PM The Event: Australia Up Close; Wine Australia celebrates the diversity of fine Australian wine. The Venue: Design Exchange The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were generally available at the LCBO or through the agent, with some private orders. The Quote/Background: Mark Davidson led off the seminar with descriptions of the 10 or so wines for focusing. My ratings have been blended in with the general tastings below. The Wines: I did not try every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Janz Tasmania Premium Cuvee NV $26.95 -Shaw + Smith M3 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2014 $34 -Voyager Broadvale Block 6 Margaret River Chardonnay 2014 $55 Rogers & Co -Pepper Tree Varietal Range Wrattonbully Merlot 2014 $22.95 Azureau -Pepper Tree Single Vineyard Calcare Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $39.95 +493601 -Pepper Tree Single Vineyard Coquun Hunter Shiraz 2014 $70 +483461 -Lake Breeze Arthur's Reserve Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Malbec 2013 $64.95 Azureau -Lake Breeze Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $31.95 Azureau -Lake Breeze Bernoota Langhorne Creek Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $28.95 Azureau -Voyager Estate Girt by Sea Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2013 $28 +2265217 Rogers&Co -Voyager Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $70 +2283256 Rogers&Co ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon 2011 Hunter Valley $29.99 B & W -Grossett Watervale Clare Valley Riesling 2016 $43 -Alpha Crucis Tital McLaren Vale Shiraz 2015 $29.95 -d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie McLaren Vale Shiraz Viognier 2012 $29.95 +936971 -Vasse Felix Filius Margaret River Chardonnay 2016 $24.95 +448415 -Dalrymple Tasmania Pinot Noir 2015 $42.95 +299379 -Peter Lehmann The Barossan Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015 $21.95 +522235 Nov 2017 -Wakefield Jaraman Clare Valley Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $24.95 +142398 -Voyager Estate Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2016 $24 +2437879 Rogers&Co -Voyager Estate Margaret River Shiraz 2013 $38 +2265242 Rogers&Co -Voyager Estate Margaret River Girt By Sea Chardonnay 2016 $28 +2283332 Rogers&Co -Voyager Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2014 $46 +2283268 Rogers&Co *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alpha Crucus McLaren Vale Fiano 2016 $27.95 Azureau -BK Wines Skin 'n' Bones Adelaide Hills White 2006 $35 -Spinifex Lola Barossa Valley White 2015 $34 -Brash Higgins ZBO Riverland Zibibbo 2016 $30 -Alpha Box & Dice Golden Mullet Fury Semillon Viognier 2015 $25 Autentic The Food: prosciutto and ham and salami, international cheeses, breads and preserves and different mustards. The Downside: the seminar started late and went on beyond the time specified. It was also only slightly more than half-full. The Upside: Mark Davidson is an amazing seminar presenter. The Contact Person: canada@wineaustralia.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87. 7. The Date and Time: Tuesday June 13, 2017 3:30PM to 5:30 PM The Event: Exclusive seminar/tasting of La Tordera's Proseccos The Venue: GBC Chef's House Tasting Lab The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available through Katy Moore of K Cellars. The Quote/Background: Matteo Burani from La Tordera spoke on the origins of the company. They started vineyards in 1918 in the steep hills of Valdobbiadene and then moved to wine production only in 2003. The non-grafted root stock grapes are all hand-harvested and estate-grown and bottled. They have a green certificate from CasaClima. Three of the wines have been submitted to Vintages, but most are just private orders through K Cellars. The Wines: We tasted five wines (they make at least eight), all of them vintage dated. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -La Tordera Gabry Rose Brut $178.32 per case of 12 -La Tordera Superiore di Cartizze DOCG $35 bottle retail [their top wine] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -La Tordera Saomi Brut (90% glera, 10% chardonnay) – lightest of all the wines $183.48 per case of 12 Licensee -La Tordera Brunei Brut $212.88 per case of 12 -La Tordera Serrai Extra Dry $212.88 per case of 12 The Food: appetizers and bites of sausages, mushroom quiche, chocolate squares. The Downside: I had just come from a very heavy Australian wine trade show, so I was a bit rushed. The Upside: this was my first Prosecco seminar from just one producer. The Contact Person: katymoore60@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87. 8. The Date and Time: Tuesday June 20, 2017 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM The Event: The Art of Blending Olive Oils Master Class by Giovanni Zucchi. The Venue: Aria Ristorante, York Street The Target Audience: food bloggers The Availability/Catalogue: “Olive Oil Doesn't Grow on Trees” is the name of his book on the art of blending, which is what his family Oleificio Zucchi has done since 1810. The website www.zucchi.com lists a wide variety of blends, including Italian EVOO and EVOO from other EU countries. There is also a range of two organic EVOO and four PDO and PGI. There are also nine different flavoured EVOO and four vinegars. The Quote/Background: Giovanni Zucchi led a seminar on the kinds and complexities of different olive oil cultivars. We were to blend our own extra virgin olive oil which came from four different regions. New combination of flavours are important, through synthesis, like the blends of coffee beans and wines, and even cheeses. The Oils: we were not told the regions until afterwards. My own notes follow – Bottle A: slightly bitter and pungent, a bit vegetal (Andalusian Spain) Bottle B: thick, fruity, soft finish (Spain) Bottle C: peppery, bright, long length (Tuscany) Bottle D: thick, soft, slight pepper finish (Crete) – my fave I blended C and D, and topped up with some A. we were allowed to take home our “finished” bottle. The Food: we had a tasting menu which followed – with green apples, lobster taco, breads, several apps for food (shrimp, veggies, cheeses) plus sparkling Fiol Prosecco. The Downside: it started late. The Upside: a chance to connect with food bloggers. The Contact Person: mdeangelo@colangelopr.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 9. The Date and Time: Thursday, June 22, 2017 3:00 Pm to 6 PM The Event: British Beverage Showcase The Venue: Wychwood Barns The Target Audience: alcohol beverage trade (wines, beers, spirits) The Availability/Catalogue: all products are in play in Ontario, with certain exceptions – they will come in later. The Quote/Background: I was only interested in beer and ciders The Beers: I sampled 7 beers plus a cider (Caple Rd Cider Blend No. 3 500 mL $2.95 +498014, rated BETTER 3.5 stars). For starters I had some Hush Heath 1503 Balfour Classic Cuvee, TBD for Classics Catalogue, about $45, made in traditional method (rated BETTER 3.5 stars). For dessert I had a small snort of Thunder Toffee and Vodka Spirit Drink (29.9%, 375 mL, $23.95 +496067 rated BETTER 3.5 stars). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Innis & Gunn Bourbon Cask Dark Ale 330mL 7.4% $2.95 +478297 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Innis & Gunn IPA 6 x 330 mL 5.6% $14.50 +493627 -Elvis Juice Grapefruit Infused IPA 330 mL 6.5% 40 IBU $3.25 +489385 -Wychwood Brewery Hobgoblin Gold 500 mL 4.5% 35 IBU $2.75 +488445 -Hall & Woodhouse Badger Fursty Ferret McClelland Premium Imports *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Charlie Wells Dry Hopped Lager 500 mL 4.7% 27 IBU $2.65 +476887 -Harviestoun Brewery Raspy Engine Raspberry Porter $3.20 Kinetic Brands/Imprese The Food: traditional, but with new spins: pig in a blanket, roast beef in yorkshire pudding tarts, toad-in-the-hole with avocado and quail egg, “fish and chips” (upscale seafood in tacos), Stilton and cheddar cheeses, clotted cream and strawberry preserves, biscuits and scones. The Downside: not enough beer or cider for me to sample. The Upside: it has been a couple of years since we had a UK beer show – the last was in October 2014 at The Caledonian, and it was all Scottish beer and ciders. The Contact Person: isabell.french@mobile.trade.gov.uk The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 10. The Date and Time: Tuesday June 27, 2017 2PM to 4PM The Event: Chateau Ste. Michelle 50th Anniversary Tasting & Masterclass. The Venue: The 48, King Street West The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: through the LCBO The Quote/Background: Bob Bertheau, head winemaker for CSM, led a dozen of us through a tasting of their higher end tiered wines, stressing techniques and terroirs. He was on an Eastern Canada swing through Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, with this seminar. The Wines: We tasted six wines, most will be available through the LCBO or P Dandurand. Two current listings at the LCBO (Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, both 2015) will have special retrospective historical labels to celebrate the 50th anniversary. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Chardonnay 2014, +724237, $49 -Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Merlot 2013, +70581, $49 -Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Meritage 2012, +499467, $84 -Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, +499459, $69 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling 2015, +677161, $44 -Chateau Ste. Michelle Tenet Grencache/Syrah/Mourvedre 2014, +462945, $99 The Food: charcuterie, cheeses, focaccia. The Downside: I had to leave at 3PM for another tasting. The Upside: a chance to briefly chat with Bob Bertheau. The Contact Person: dshing@galleonwines.ca; jcocks@pdandurand.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 11. The Date and Time: Tuesday June 27, 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM The Event: CGU Fine Wines Portfolio tasting The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve, King Street West The Target Audience: clients, sommeliers and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: all wines will be available later this year through CGU. The Quote/Background: A good tasting lineup, very professionally arranged. The company is focused on the wines of Burgundy, Champagne and Germany. The Wines: Many of the wines were certified biodynamic, one was “biodynamic practices” and another was “organic practices”. All prices are licensee, and wines are available as the six pack. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -DOMAINE TRAPET PERE & FILS (JEAN-LOUIS TRAPET) 2014 GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN “OSTREA” $95.97 -DOMAINE GERARD JULIEN 2014 NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES “AUX SAINTS-JULIENS” $72.36 -DOMAINE MICHEL GAUNOUX 2008 POMMARD GRANDS EPENOTS PREMIER CRU $166.80 -DOMAINE MICHEL GAUNOUX 2007 CORTON-RENARDES GRAND CRU $169.94 -CHAMPAGNE DHONDT-GRELLET [GROWER] “LES TERRES FINES” BLANC DE BLANCS 2013 BASE $61.31 -CHAMPAGNE ELIANE DELALOT [GROWER] PLEIADES [2013] $94.15 (3 packs) -WEINGUT SCHLOSS LIESER MOSEL 2016 SL RIESLING TROCKEN $19.80 -WEINGUT PETER JAKOB KUHN RHEINGAU 2016 JACOBUS TROCKEN $24.52 -WEINGUT PETER JAKOB KUHN RHEINGAU 2015 DOOSBERG GROSSE GEWACHS $68.59 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -DOMAINE TRAPET PERE & FILS (JEAN-LOUIS TRAPET) 2014 GEWURZTRAMINER BEBLENHEIM $27.02 -DOMAINE MICHEL GAUNOUX 2014 BOURGONGE $44.02 -DOMAINE LABRUYÈRE 2014 MOULIN-A-VENT LA CARQUELIN $40.56 -WEINGUT SCHLOSS LIESER MOSEL 2016 WEHLENER SONNENUHR KABINETT $28.62 -WEINGUT SCHLOSS LIESER MOSEL 2016 GOLDTROPFCHEN AUSLESE $56.63 -WEINGUT SCHLOSS LIESER MOSEL 2015 NIEDERBERG HELDEN GROSSE GEWACHS $55.06 -JEAN STODDEN THE ROTWEINGUT AHR 2015 SPATBURGUNDER $31.45 The Food: none The Downside: I had to race there from another wine tasting and then leave early for a third wine function (cing a sept affair). The Upside: a chance to taste some new wines from a new importer. The Contact Person: michael@cgufinewines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 12.The Date and Time: Wednesday June 28, 2017 1PM to 4PM The Event: Inaugural tasting of premium wines and spirits from the Independent Consignment Wine Agents group. The Venue: George, Queen Street The Target Audience: wine writers, sommeliers, consumer clients. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available, some at the LCBO the balance from the agent. The Quote/Background: There are 20 members of the ICWA who have banded together mainly as a co-operative marketing tool for the Consignment and Private Ordering warehouse. Five of the members put on a great mini-show today. The Wines: Agents were: Amethyst, Context, Mondo Vino, Violet Hill, and Wharton Fine Wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau Gilbert Gaillard St. Chinian $18 Wharton -Balbi Soprani Brachetto d'Acqui Spunmante Dolci NV $18 Wharton -S.Ilarione Rosso 2013 Calabria $17 Wharton -Boucabeille Cotes du Roussillon Rouge 2015 $21 Context -Chateau Laulerie Bergerac 2014 $18 Violet Hill -Sogevinus Veedha Douro Red $15 +255851 -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Rosado 2016 [Tempranillo] $17 LCBO Online/Products of the World Store -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Barrica 2015 $19 LCBO Online/Products of the World Store -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Reserva 2010 $37 LCBO Online/Products of the World Store -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero MB 2011 $52 LCBO Online/Products of the World Store -Cantina Nals Margreid Lyra Gewurztraminer Cru 2014 $31 Mondo Vino -Az. Ag. Perticaia Montefalco Rosso Riserva 2010 Umbria $30 Mondo Vino -Weingut Hauck Quarzit Riesling QBA Trocken 2014 Nahe $23 Violet Hill -Domaine Viranel Aromas Sauvages St Chinian 2015 $23 Violet Hill -Monte dei Roari Palustrel IGT Veneto 2012 $22 Violet Hill ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico 2012 $24 Wharton -Me Gustas Tu Tempranillo 2013Catalunya $17 Wharton -Winbirri Vineyards Bacchus 2015 Norfolk England [white] $55 Wharton -Pfeffingen Weissburgunder Pinot Blanc 2015 $22 Context -Pfeffingen Spatburgunder Pinot Noir 2015 $29 Context -Aculei Barolo 2013 La Bioca $55 Context -Chateau Massereau 2014 Bordeaux Superior $26 Context -Martin Berdugo Rueda Verdejo 2016 $22 LCBO Online/Products of the World Store -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Joven 2015 $15 LCBO Online/Products of the World Store -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Crianza 2013 $27 LCBO Online/Products of the World Store -Az. Ag. Perticaia Montefalco Umbria Rosso IGT 2015 $18 Mondo Vino -Az. Ag. Le Salette I Progni Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2014 Veneto $30 Mondo Vino -Az. Votino Cocceius Sannio Taburno Falaghina Campania $20 Mondo Vino -Domaine de Torraccia Christian Imbert et Fils Rouge AOP Corse 2013 $27 Mondo Vino -Monte dei Roari Bardolino Le Reboi 2015 $18 Violet Hill -Domaine Desire Petit Arbois Trousseau 2014 Jura $35 Violet Hill -Weinrieder Gruner Veltliner Klassik 2015 $22 Violet Hill *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -La Staffa Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2015 $21 Context -Boucabeille Les Terrasses Cotes du Roussillon Blanc 2015 $21 Context -Cantina Nals Margreid Muller Thurgau Alto Adige 2015 $20 Mondo Vino -Livio Pavese Mantarucco Monferrato Piedmont 2006 $25 Violet Hill The Food: excellent assortment of PRE-CUT cheeses, breads, focaccia, dips (avocado, tapenade, creamy cheese). The Downside: My pupils were still dilated from the optometrist visit, but at least I could see in the semi-darkness. The Upside: a chance to taste some wines from agents who almost never pour at shows. The Contact Person: laura@amethystwine.ca; philipdwharton@hotmail.com; dee@violethillwine.com; Mondo Vino = dcastricone@sympatico.ca; Context = markjohnjacoby@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 13.So – on June 22, I was welcome to partake in the media preview launch of Burger's Priest salute to the Canada 150 celebration on July 1 (they had not done this for two years). On Canada Day, Burger's Priest will celebrate Canada 150 by offering a Confederation Burger dedicated to the local foods of Canada: all 15 outlets (13 in the GTA, 2 in Edmonton) starting at noon will offer the new burger until supplies run out. It's a huge creation comprised of their beef burger from locally sourced animals, a full lobster tail from Nova Scotia, maple syrup from Quebec, and bacon ham from Ontario. Talk about surf and turf! And it sells as a loss-leader for $18.67...Fries, drinks, shakes, dessert will be extra. To top it off, there's a draw for a free combo Burger's Priest once a week for a year. There are 150 draws, and they are not site-specific, so it is possible that any one location could end up with all 150 prizes. I found the burger very appetizing, if a bit overwhelming in volume: you may need a doggy bag. The flavours of maple/salty bacon/lobster tail/beef really do work well together. But use both hands, and I found it best to invert the burger to better capture the juices and flavours. A high IBU Pilsner is my suggested accompaniment. For more details, try jocelynblack@live.ca. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR MAY 2017 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH -- 1.KENDALL-JACKSON Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Sonoma County, +331603 Vintages June 10, $22.95: a timed release to enjoy for the summer (2013 came to Vintages last October) and the BBQ season. It's sourced from Sonoma County (99%) and retails in the US at $24 USD, which makes it a veritable bargain in Ontario – no price increase since the 2013 came aboard. Black fruit all the way (black cherry, blackberry, black currant), 90% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cabernet franc, rest is petit verdot, merlot, and malbec – which makes it a Bordeaux-styled wine. 13.5% ABV, aged 10 months in French and US oak (86% of total production) plus balance in stainless for freshness. And there's some mocha nuances for the millennials to pick out and go wild over. K-J makes a dozen different “Vintner's Reserve” red, white and rose wines. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.KACABA Rebecca Rose VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 +227025 July 8 Vintages, $17.95: a nicely pale-coloured blend of both cabernet sauvignon (80%) and cabernet franc (20%), coming in at 12.8% ABV. Dry style red fruits: strawbs, red currant, cranberry (hey, it's Ontario]. Goes with just about everything. A nicely balanced rose which got high scores at the Wine Writer's Circle of Canada rose tasting in April. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.KACABA Jennifer's Pinot Gris VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 winery only, $17.95: one of the “summer series” and also more Alsatian in its complexity with orchard fruit (pear, peach, apple) and no oaking. Medium weight and finishes dry, but can be used either a social drink or with first-course food. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.KACABA Susan's Sauvignon Blanc VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 winery only, $17.95: another summer series wine, quaffable in its tropicality and lowered zestiness. Good mouthfeel, nice dry finish. It has Memories of Sauvignon Blanc, making it another social wine for the patio or with first-course food. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.KACABA Meritage VQA Niagara Escarpment 2015 winery only, $24.95: the blend changes every year; here, it is cab franc 85%, cab sauvignon 8% and merlot 7%. Everything was vinified separately in older French and US oak for 9 months, and the final blend was determined, put into stainless, and then bottled. This is a value wine driven by both red and black fruit, still tannic. What I usually do is a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in sealed bottle for a week or so, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then the wine will be ready in five years. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.KACABA Cabernet/Syrah VQA Niagara Escarpment 2015 winery only, $29.95: this is a blend of cabernet franc (66%) and syrah (34%). At one time it was a blend of cabernet/merlot/syrah, but this changes every year depending on the grapes available and the harvest conditions. You'll get a whiff of anise and red fruit, and with the franc it is a bit savoury. Definitely a red meat wine. What I usually do is a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in sealed bottle for a week or so, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then the wine will be ready in four years. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.KACABA Reserve Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara Escarpment 2015 winery only, $44.95: this is one of Kacaba's new Signature Series – its ultra-premium black label wine-line. Very reminiscent of Right Bank (St Emilion) cabs but without the stuffing of, say, Cheval Blanc. It is just as hard but durable at this young age. Currently it is mute until tasted later after aeration. What I usually do is a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in sealed bottle for a week or so, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then the wine will be ready in six to ten years. Complex aromas begin to ascend and descend as the week rolls on. First some cherries. Mostly red, but later also black. Some vanilla smoke, spiciness, even coffee and chocolate (that'll please the millennials). Again, strong (aged or gamey) red meat is called for food pairing. 13.8% ABV (one degree higher than the other reds above). Quality/Price rating is 91 - 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Sacred Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough, +489112, $18.95 LCBO General List: a dry summer led to a fruity harvest. The tropical fruit intensity leads to a citric lemony finish for food, typically white fish or seafood. It should be even better next year! 12.5% ABV, twist top. The Reserve version appeared in Vintages at three dollars more. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rose 2016 Languedoc, +373985, $18.95 Vintages: out just in time for summer or graduation. 12.5% ABV, and fresh and fruity with an excellent pale rose colour. The bottle has a bottom shaped like a rose in bloom (to view it, turn the bottle onto its side). It is a blend of grenache, cinsault and syrah, emphasizing both red and black currants with some candy floss on the finish. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Gres de Montpellier Syrah Grenache 2014 Coteaux du Langurdoc, +493635, $18.95 Vintages June 10: 13.5% ABV, south Rhone style all the way. 80% of the wine is matured in French oak barrels for about a year, after a short post-fermentation maceration to enhance fruitness. Jammy, upfront black fruit and garrigue coupled with mocha nuances and the papery grenache quality. Sip or with food. One of the many Bertrand “Grand Terroir” series. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Bottega PINOT GRIGIO ROSÉ IGT DELLE VENEZIE 2016, $14.95 +490938 Vintages [Veneto Pinot Grigio]: made from grapes that have been hanging on the vine longer than regular pinot grigio grapes, in order to increase the “grey” pigmentation, tannins and fruitiness. Because of this, the PG rose (a natural colour from the grapeskin) is much better than just about any PG from Italy. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 87.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Gusto Apricot Palinka “Mezes” with Honey and Dried Fruits (Johanna Kft, Hungary), +485466, $28.95 500 mL: showing 31% ABV. A nifty off-dry apricot eaux-de-vie with enhanced flavours. You don't see these too often at the LCBO. Made from orchard fruit grown in Kecskemet, Hungary, and put through a highly regulated and certified distillation system. The off-dry character comes from both the dried apricots (three of them floating in the bottle) and the local acacia honey. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.Chateau des Charmes Rose Cuvee d’Andree 2015 Estate Grown VQA NOTL, $15.95 Vintages +333260: this fresh and vibrant rose (named after Madame Andree Bosc) continues to please year over year as I have said before. It is still 100% pinot noir, dry “old style” as in Europe, but loaded with Ontario cranberry, red fruit strawberry, and some discreet black cherry tones from the hot summer, coming in at 12.6% ABV. Stainless steel fermentation of course, and twist top. Refreshing. Ontario Wine Awards Gold Winner for 2016. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 14.Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling Traditional Method 2014 NOTL VQA, +78055 Vintages, $32.95: half chardonnay and half pinot noir (blanc des noirs) from vines planted as early as 1991, very pretty colour (from PN dosage), reminiscent of strawberry blush, almost 2 years lees contact and fermented in the bottle. Full, rich, ripe yeasty biscuit complexity. Citric finish, best with food and appetizers. Recently disgorged. 12.5% ABV. Stunning. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 15.Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery Almanac White Field Blend 2016 VQA Prince Edward County, +516575 LCBO, $19.30: this is the latest entry in the White Blend category at the LCBO, with its combo of chardonnay (60%), riesling (30%), and pinot gris (10%). The emphasis is on strong aromatics and freshness via stainless steel fermentation with no oaking. All the elements come from the Grange estate: the chardonnay was first planted in 2001, the riesling in 2007. It's a competitive blend, emphasizing orchard fruit and basic minerality in the finish. Can be sipped and/or with a first course. I found the cork closure unnecessary; a twist top should suffice for easy patio drinking. But I can see the production problems since the Red Blend has a cork also. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 16.Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery Almanac Red Field Blend 2014 VQA Prince Edward County, +516567 LCBO, $19.30: this is the latest entry in the Red Blend category at the LCBO, with its combo of cabernet franc (60%), gamay noir (30%), and pinot noir (10%). It was macerated a month during primary, and then aged 18 months in neutral French barriques. The freshness comes through since none of the grapes create a “fruit bomb”. Indeed, the style is distinctly Euro with cherries and berries and a sense of garrigue. Some tannins may still need to be tamed, so I'd be interested in re-tasting this wine a year from now. A long length also suggests that this might be a good food wine, beyond the patio apps. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Tuesday May 2, 2017 Noon to 2PM The Event: Gourmet Spanish Luncheon, Tapas and wine tasting at SIAL Canada 2017 The Venue: Spanish Pavilion, Enercare Centre The Target Audience: opinion leaders for the Foods & Wines From Spain group. The Availability/Catalogue: wines were available in Ontario. The Quote/Background: Christine Cushing did a cooking demonstration for most of the 10 tapas that were available for us to try – each in bite sizes. Table wines came from DO Rueda, and there was one sherry from DO Jerez. We also had four samples of olive oil to taste. Two were blends (good peppery tastes and fresh herbs), one was an organic blend (greener and more pepper), and one was a single varietal (Arbequina) best for mayonnaise. Arbequina was used in all four samples that we tasted. We were provided with bread and green apple slices for palate refreshers. While we were doing the olive oils, Cushing did the tapas, there was a presentation on hams, and white wines were served. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tio Pepe Fino ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Jose Pariente Sauvignon Blanc DO Rueda 2016 -Marques de Riscal White DO Rueda 2016 The Food: We tried most of the tapas against the two white wines; Tio Pepe accompanied the octopus and the salt cod fritters, the hands down winners in the afternoon. Tapas came paired and began with Iberico serrano ham wrapped around cooked quince and a verrine of potato, pepper and artichokes. Next up was raw asparagus with tiny croutons and a savory egg pot de crème with chorizo (another winner). Manchego cheese with honey and Iberico cheese on olive oil torta completed the savouries. Dessert was marisma saffron infused rice pudding brulee plus an olive oil madeleine with toasted almonds. The Downside: we started late and then there mike problems. The Upside: a chance to sample a wide variety of interesting Spanish food products. The Contact Person: susan@thesirengroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 2. The Date and Time: Tuesday May 2, 2017 6:30PM – 9 PM The Event: The Extraordinary Taste of Tuscany The Venue: Terroni Adelaide The Target Audience: friends of the Italian Trade Commission in a walk-around, with no pressure. The Availability/Catalogue: apart from the wines, this was more of a show and tell about DOPs from Tuscany. Featured were Pecorino Toscano PDO, Chianti Classico DOCG, Finocchiona PGI, Olio Chianti Classico PDO, and Prosciutto Toscano PDO. The Quote/Background: Only the wines seemed to have brand names, although I suspected something about Il Forteto and Tagionato amongst the cheeses. The Wines: There were chianti classicos poured but no list, so my scribbles will have to do (It was dark and very difficult to see vintage dates) -Gabbiano Riserva -San Felice -Vicchiomaggio La Prima Gran Selezione -Valiano Riserva -Fonterutoli Mazzei -DieVole -Vigne Instine 2014 The Food: there were stations with olive oil and cheeses to sample, spaghetti with garlic and olive oil and cheese, porchetta, finocchiona salami, and prosciuto toscano. Also, platters came around with pizza squares. The Downside: tutti matti in the audience, especially at the wine bar. The Upside: a good chance to see some Italian food. Was this part of the SIAL package? The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85 3. The Date and Time: Wednesday May 3, 2017 2:30 – 4:30 PM The Event: Tutored tasting with Valentina Argiolas – Argiolas wines from Sardinia. The Venue: George Brown Chef's House Wine Tasting Lab The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available through Stem Wines, although the 2013 Argiolas Costera Cannonau di Sardegna DOC is coming out at Vintages on May 27 (+99028, $22.95) The Quote/Background: Sardinia is home to 20 grape varieties. Many are made into different styles of wines. Argiolas is sustainable with biodiversity and pest management; most of its vineyards are located at the southern tip of Sardinia. The Wines: All prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Argiolas Vermentino Costamolino 2016 $16.99 -Argiolas Is Solias Estate 2013 [95% carignano, 5% bovale sardo] $28.00 ---> MY FAVE -Argiolas Turriga 2012 [85% cannonau, 5% each bovale sardo, malvasia nera, carignano] $89.99 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Argiolas Turriga 2011 [85% cannonau, 5% each bovale sardo, malvasia nera, carignano] $89.99 -Argiolas Korem [55% bovale sardo, 35% carignano, 10% cannonau] $49.99 -Argiolas Costera 2014 Cannonau di Sardegna $18.99 The Food: just water The Downside: It was a busy week for me and I was rushing around. The Upside: a chance to speak with Valentina Argiolas. The Contact Person: robert@stemwinegroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 4. The Date and Time: Thursday, May 4, 2017 11 AM to 4:30 PM The Event: Wines of Greece Grand Tasting The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available through the agent The Quote/Background: there was a seminar which I could not attend as I had a prior lunch and a piano recital to attend. Also, that meant that I could only taste from 3:30 to 4:30 PM The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. Many prices were vague or vaguely stated. All prices should be licensee, **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Costa Lazardi Amethystos Cava 2012 [cab franc] $49.95 Dionysus -Domaine Vassilou Fume 2015 $19.95 Intra-Vino -Domaine Vassilou Nemeion 2008 $18.95 Intra-Vino -Papaioannou Estate Microclima 2005 $64.95 Lic Kolonaki -Biblia Chora Ovilos White 2016 $42.90 Maitre de Chai -Biblia Chora Areti Red 2010 $35.70 Maitre de Chai -Domaine Papagiannakos Savatiano Old Vines 2016 $17.55 Majestic -Tsililis-Theopetra Estate Limniona 2013 $26 Majestic ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Hatzimichalis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 $19.20 LCBO -Pavidis Estate Emphasis Agiorgitiko 2013 $25 Licensee Intra-Vino -Domaine Vassilou Nemea 2010 $17.95 Intra-Vino -Kir Yianni Akakies 2015 Brut $18 lic Kolonaki -Papaioannou Estate 2010 $19.95 Lic Kolonaki -Papaioannou Estate Old Vines 2010 $31.95 Lic Kolonaki -Biblia Chora White 2016 $26.90 Maitre de Chai -Domaine Gerovassiliou Ktima White 2016 $27.50 Maitre de Chai -Domaine Gerovassiliou Ktima Malagousia 2016 $29.90 Maitre de Chai -Domaine Gerovassiliou Ktima Red 2015 $33.90 Maitre de Chai -Lyrarakis Plyto Psarades 2016 $22 Majestic -Lyrarakis Assyrtiko Voila 2016 $18 Majestic -Domaine Papagiannakos Kalogeri Malagouzia 2016 $20.95 Majestic -Domaine Papagiannakos Erythros 2014 $20.95 Majestic -Tsililis-Theopetra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah-Limniona 2013 $26 Majestic -Tsililis-Theopetra Estate Malagouzia-Assyrtiko 2016 $26 Majestic -Cavino Domain Mega Spileo Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $27.95 Retail United Stars The Food: with no food left (it appeared to be cheeses and charcuterie and veggies and dips), I had a clear shot at the wines. The Downside: I could only attend after 3:30 The Upside: no food to tempt me! The Contact Person: gathanas@allaboutgreekwine.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 5. The Date and Time: Monday, May 8, 2017 3PM to 8PM The Event: Port & Douro Wine Tasting Toronto 2017 The Venue: Park Hyatt The Target Audience: wine trade and others for about 12 Ontario agencies The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were currently available The Quote/Background: there was a seminar (24 people) at 3PM, and I had a chance to savour seven wines; these have been folded into the ranges below. The Wines: There was no listed catalogue of wines, just pages for tasting notes and names of agents. This slowed me down considerably as I was busy sipping and writing. Please excuse any typos below... **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quinta Nova Grainha Reserve Red $31.95 Le Sommelier -Taylor's Very Old Single Harvest Vintage Port 1967 $300 Sylvestre -Quinta Dona Matilde Colheita 2008 $47 Small Winemakers -Ramos Pintos Tawny 20 Years $82 Mondia Alliance -Quinta do Portal Grand Reserva Red 2009 Lifford -Martha's Porto Extra Dry White Port $25 -Senhora do Convento Tawny 10 Year Old -Taylor Tawny 40 Year Old ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas White 2015, +285410 -Quinta Nova Grainha Reserve White $31.95 Le Sommelier -Alves de Sousa Gairosa Quinta 2011 $50 Davenport & Vista -Alves de Sousa Abondonado 2013 $80 Davenport & Vista -Niepoort Vertente 2014 FWP -Convento Proprietor's Red Blend 2012 -Lavradores de Feitoria Meruge 2014 Red $39.95 FWP -Lavradores de Feitoria Meruge 2015 White $39.95 FWP -Jorges Rosas Vinhos Puro Quinta da Touriga 2014 FWP -Ramos Pintos Tawny 10 Years $49 Mondia Alliance -Quinta do Silval Dornha Velha Red 2015 $11.30 Madhu Wines -Quinta do Silval Dornha Velha Red 2015 $11.30 Madhu Wines -Quinta do Silval Dornha Velha Reserva Red 2013 $18 Madhu Wines -Quinta do Portal Peceatore 2014 $11 Lifford -Quinta do Portal Fontana 2014 $14.95 Lifford -Sandeman Tawny 20 Years Old -Niepoort LBV 2012 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quinta Nova Pomares $19.95 Le Sommelier -Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas Red 2014, +285428 -Porto Magalhaes Ruby Special Reserve -Alves de Sousa Caldas Reserva 2013 $25 Davenport & Vista -Alves de Sousa Caldas 2015 $15 Davenport & Vista The Food: none until after 5, and then it disappeared quickly. Compensation: I took some leftover bread from the seminar. The Downside: there was only one porto colheita. The Upside: despite a remarkable lack of food, the event went well with crowds moving through the tables. The Contact Person: portodouro@wolffpublicrelations.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 84 6. The Date and Time: Tuesday May 9, 2017 Noon - 5PM The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017 The Venue: Arta Gallery, Distillery District The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: about a third of the producers were looking for agents. Each producer had about 6 or so wines, so there were about 100 wines in the show, mostly modestly priced. The Quote/Background: it was very crowded and noisy with lots of hustle and bustle. The Wines: There were 11 wineries with agents, 7 without. I did not try every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine du Bicheron Macon Peronne Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2015 Agent? -Domaine du Bicheron Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blanc NV Agent? -Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2014 Artisanal -Domaine Henri de Villamont Auxey-Duresses La Canee 2014 $42.95 Eurovintage -Domaine Henri de Villamont Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru Les Chatelots 2011 $62.95 Eurovintage -Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Pouilly-Fuisse Veilles Vignes 2015 Wine Online -Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Pouilly-Fuisse Les Petites Bruyeres 2016 Wine Online -Domaine Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin 1er cru Champeaux 2015 $132 J. Cipelli -Domaine Trapet-Rochelandet Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2014 Agent? -Domaine Trapet-Rochelandet Gevrey Chambertin Les champs chenys 2014 Agent? -Maison Ambroise Nuits Saint Georges 2014 Agent? -Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Meursault 2015 Listed Agent? -Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Pouilly-Fuisse 2015 Listed Agent? -Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Cremant de Bourgogne NV Moingeon Listed Agent? -Vitteaut Alberti Cremant de Bourgogne Rose $30 Agent? -Maison Louis Picamelot Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noir En Chazot 2013 $29 Agent? ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Maison Ambroise Saint Romain 2014 Agent? -Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 1er cru Montmains 2015 $39.95 Nicolas Pearce -Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 2015 $27.95 -Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaulignot 2015 Artisanal -Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2015 Artisanal -Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay Prestige 2015 13.5% ABV $19.95 Eurovintage -Domaine Henri de Villamont Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embazees 2011 Blanc $79.95 October Vintages -Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Damoisseaux 2014 $19.95 Eurovintage -Domaine Henri de Villamont Savigny Les Beaune Le Village 2015 Rouge $44.95 Eurovintage -Domaine Henri de Villamont Montagny 1er cru 2014 Blanc October Vintages $36.95 -Domaine Henri de Villamont Cremant de Bourgogne NV $22.95 Eurovintage -Vitteaut Alberti Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs $27 Agent? -Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Macon Les Morizottes 2015 $29.95 Wine Online -Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Blanc NV $24.95 Wine Online -Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Macon Verze 2015 $42.55 J. Cipelli -Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Saint-Veran Les Champs Ronds 2015 $44.95 J. Cipelli -Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2015 $50.95 J. Cipelli -Domaine Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin Les Corvees 2015 $84 J. Cipelli -Herve Kerlann Bourgogne Chardonnay Cuvee H 2015 $30 Has agent but not listed as such. *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis Amphore 2015 $69.95 -Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige 2014 $19.95 Eurovintage -Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015 Wine Online The Food: basic nibbles of nuts and dried fruit, breads, water. The Downside: some of the wines disappeared rather quickly. I came to the show late, just after 2PM. But still I missed Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau, some of Domaine de Mauperthuis, and some of Domaine Tortochot. The Upside: a chance to profile new affordable wines from burgundy. The Contact Person: charline.primat@businessfrance.fr The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 7. The Date and Time: Tuesday May 9, 2017 5:30PM to 9PM The Event: Dinner with Pierre Jhean, winemaker at Domaine Henri de Villamont. The Venue: Cluny, Distillery District. The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: two wines are coming in October; one is already here, see below. The Quote/Background: M. Jhean spoke about the terroir conditions and the vintages and production techniques as we sampled wines before and during dinner. De Villamont ownns 10 hectares on the Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits, with the winery in Savigny-les-Beaune. They specialize in Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru, Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru, and Grands-Echezeaux. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Henri de Villamont Auxey-Duresses La Canee 2014 $42.95 Eurovintage -Domaine Henri de Villamont Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru Les Chatelots 2011 $62.95 Eurovintage ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay Prestige 2015 13.5% ABV $19.95 Eurovintage -Domaine Henri de Villamont Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embazees 2011 Blanc $79.95 October Vintages -Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Damoisseaux 2014 $19.95 Eurovintage -Domaine Henri de Villamont Savigny Les Beaune Le Village 2015 Rouge $44.95 Eurovintage -Domaine Henri de Villamont Montagny 1er cru 2014 Blanc October Vintages $36.95 -Domaine Henri de Villamont Cremant de Bourgogne NV $22.95 Eurovintage *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige 2014 $19.95 Eurovintage The Food: we ordered off the menu. I had some cod followed by some Moroccan lamb steaks. The Downside: nothing The Upside: we also sampled the company's Chateau d'Aigueville Rouge Cote du Rhone Villages 2015 (+479683 LCBO $14.95) a medium bodied wine (but 14.5% ABV) very suitable with lamb. The Contact Person: vintages@eurovintage.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 8. The Date and Time: Wednesday May 10, 2017 1PM - 5PM The Event: The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour The Venue:ROM The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was loaded with data about grape varieties and sustainability, plus of course the distribution and prices for the wines. The Quote/Background: From the American Association of Wine Economists came some interesting figures for export by leading variety in 2016: Sauvignon Blanc 181.94 million litres, followed by Pinot Noir at 12.17 million litres, Chardonnay (6.06 million litres), and Pinot Gris (4.71). The Wines: I attended the Pinot Noir Masterclass led by Sara d'Amato, and folded in my scores with the show itself. I did not taste every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Te Kairanga Runholder Pinot Noir Martinborough 2015 $35 Select -John Forrest Collection Pinot Noir Waitaki Valley 2015 $49.95 Abcon -Saint Clair Pioneer Block 15 Strip Block Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 Lower Waihopai Valley $34.95 PMA Canada -Tohu Atwatere Valley Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 $34.95 Connexion Oenophilia -Giesen Fuder Clayvin Chardonnay Marlborough 2014 $60 Charton-Hobbs -Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014 $39.95 Connexion Oenophilia -Greywacke Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011 $49.95 +402651 Vintages Connexion Oenophilia -Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer Marlborough 2016 +619475 Vintages -Nautilus Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014 Southern Valleys +606913 $35.95 -Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 $24.95 Constellation -Saint Clair Dawn Methode Traditionnelle Marlborough 2012 $49.95 PMA Canada -te Pa Oke Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Wairau Valley $29.95 Univins -Villa Maria Single Vineyard Southern Clays Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014 Wairau Valley $59.99 -Spy Valley ENVOY Johnson Vineyard Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014 Waihopai Valley +143644 Vintages $29.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Spy Valley ENVOY Johnson Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Waihopai Valley +429308 Vintages $29.95 -Te Mania Pinot Noir Nelson 2015 $27.99 Small Winemakers -Esk Valley Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 $24.99 Hobbs & Co -te Pa Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 Benmorven $24.95 Univins -Greystone Pinot Noir Waipara Valley 2015 $45 Noble Estates -Mount Riley Limited Release Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Gibbston $27 Kirkwood Diamond -Akarua Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Banockburn $39.95 Vintages Pending -Paddy Borthwick Pinot Noir Wairarapa 2015 $32 Nicholas Pearce -Sacred Hill Special Selections Helmsman Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc Hawke's Bay 2014 +175646 Vintages $59.95 -Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Chardonnay Marlborough 2014 +495010 Vintages $31.95 -Astrolabe Valleys Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 Awatere Valley $22.95 Rogers & Co -Babich Black Label Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 +465963 Vintages $27.95 -Elephant Hill Reserve Merlot Cabernet Hawke's Bay 2013 $49.95 HHD Imports -Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough $18.95 +734798 Vintages -Thornbury Chardonnay 2015 Gisborne $18.95 +135322 Vintages -Blind River Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 $27.95 Wine Guru -Blind River Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 $32.95 Wine Guru -Lion Huntaway Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 $29.95 Profile -Marisco The King's Legacy Chardonnay Marlborough 2015 +393694 Vintages $19.95 -Matua Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 $19.25 Mark Anthony -Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Brut Hawke's Bay NV +163634 $21.95 -Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Rose Hawke's Bay NV +280172 $21.95 -Sacred Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 +490326 Vintages $21.95 -Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 Awatere Valley $24.95 Vintages Pending *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Clos Henri Petit Clos Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 Upper Wairau Valleys $23.99 Charton-Hobbs -Mudhouse Single Vineyard Claom 431 Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Bendigo $28 Mondia Alliance -Maude Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Cromwell, Lowbrun and Pisa Valleys $38 Agent? -Elephant Hill Syrah Hawke's Bay 2014 $34.95 HHD Imports -Forrest Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 $22.50 Abcon -Spy Valley Chardonnay Marlborough 2015 Southern Valleys $22.95 Noble Estates The Food: Daniel & Daniel supplied cheeses, charcuterie, breads, crackers, veggies and dips. The Downside: we had 14 Riedel Pinot Noir glasses for the seminar; these large vessels were so close together on my tasting mat that I was nervous every time I tasted a sample. The Upside: a good chance to see where the industry was today in its campaign for sustainability: 98% certification for all NZ wineries. The Contact Person: info@ketchin.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 9. The Date and Time: Wednesday May 24, 2017 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM The Event: Spring Portfolio Tasting for Galleon Wines Ontario The Venue: The 48th, One King Street West The Target Audience: licensees and clients, wine media. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through Vintages, consignment, or by private order. The Quote/Background: These wines come from premium, family-owned wineries in Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Italy, and the New World. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Brut NV Prologue $58 -Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Brut NV Rose Anthologie $65 -Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Brut NV Page Blanche Blanc de Blancs $79 [all 2012] -Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2014 Blanc $124.95 -Domaine Queylus Signature Pinot Noir 2014 $23.95 Exclusive licensee -Domaine Queylus Reserve Cabernet Franc Merlot 2012 $29.34 licensee -Domaine Queylus Tradition Cabernet Franc 2013 $20.90 licensee -Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre Rouge 2015 $27.95 -Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent 2014 $49.95 -Maison Joseph Drouhin Nuits-St-Georges 2015 $78.95 -Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015 $74.95 -Chateau Clarke Listrac-Medoc Cru Bourgeois 2010 $42.95 Vintages +503904 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Corton Grand Cru Les Hautes Mourottes 2013 Rouge $109.95 -Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Ladoix Premier Cru Les Basses Mourottes 2013 Rouge $59.95 -Domaine Queylus Tradition Pinot Noir 2014 $29.95 Vintages June 10 +392738 -Domaine Queylus Reserve Pinot Noir 2012 $37.82 licensee -Domaine Queylus Grande Reserve Pinot Noir 2012 $50.49 licensee -Domaine Queylus Grande Reserve Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012 $42 licensee -Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre Blanc 2016 $27.95 -Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Chablis 2015 $27.95 -Domaine Coillot Marsannay Les Boivins 2014 $49.95 -Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014 $79.95 -Domaine Virginie Thunevin Bordeaux Lalande de Fronsac 2015 $24.95 -Chateau Rahoul Graves 2013 $29.95 Vintages +226043 -Chateau Le Boscq Saint-Estephe 2010 $54.95 -Ca' del Bosco Curtefranca Bianco 2016 $36.95 -Ca' del Bosco Curtefranca Rosso 2014 $36.95 -Poggio al Tesoro Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore 2012 $52.95 -Col Solare Red Mountain Washington 2013 $81.75 Vintages +20387 -Ca' del Bosco Maurizio Zanella IGT Sebrino Rosso 2012 $100 The Food: bread, water The Downside: the great view east from the 48th floor left me wondering for how much longer the green visage would be there. The Upside: A chance to converse with some principals such as Edouard Labruyere of Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere and Vincent Ravaut of Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut. The Contact Person: dshing@galleonwines.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR APRIL 2017 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com TWO NEW BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH – SOUTHBROOK Vineyards Organic Wild Ferment Cider 2016 750 mL $15.95 Winery and select licensees only: this is a “col fondo” (“with sediment”) apple cider, unfiltered, bottled with 11 g/L RS, then fermented dry. No additions of any kind. Made from hand-harvested organic apples at Avalon Orchards in Innisfil, 7% ABV, larger format bottle with crown cap, in a 6-pack. Made from the 2016 harvest of 33% each Nova Mac, Nova Spy, and Liberty varieties, along with a small amount of Goldrush and Priscilla for tannins. Suitable for vegans. The aroma was like that funky smell one gets from Breton or Norman ciders, but it is not quite there in the mid-palate (it's too crisp). Obviously it needs time, so I'm buying a six-pack and laying them down for a few years. Even so, it is definitely the best “made in Ontario” cider that I have had...and it is fairly priced as well. The engaging finish makes this drink a food-oriented one. Food suggestions include gastro pub items and sharp aged or smoked cheddar. I had mine with some leftover warmed arancini and some roasted but unsalted almonds. Dee-lishus all round with the cider. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. DE MONTAL “La Blanche” Blanche d' Armagnac AOC, +481127 Vintages for 700 mL, $37.95: although the Blanche Armagnac received AOC approval in 2005, it is still somewhat a curiosity in North America. It was meant to be a white spirit that could compete with vodka or grappa for the cocktail market. It has one advantage over grappa or marc: the distillate comes from the wine of any of four kinds of grapes. De Montal says it is from ugni blanc and folle blanc, thus making it more authentic as a “blanche” than others. Essentially it is a one-time distillation rounded off at 40%ABV and aged a minimum of three months in stainless without oak. So it comes out clear, fruity and suave and a lot smoother than pomace grappa/marc. From Winesearcher.com - “Unusually, each brandy from this appellation must undergo an authorized assessment before being released on the market”. So it is defensible. My sample came with some cocktail recipes, but I usually prefer my spirits neat. The clear bottle is recognizable since it seems to be like any other vodka bottle with square shoulders. As a spirit, for smoothness, it works well in mixed drinks. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Monday April 3, 2017 1PM to 5:30 PM The Event:California Wine Fair 2017 Tour The Venue: Fairmont Royal York The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: A separate media room had been set up in order to have a quiet space for the wine writers. 52 or so wines were available for sampling and writing. More, of course, were at the main show which started at 2:30. The Quote/Background: I tasted most of the wines in the media room and a few others from the big room. Kudos for the media room setup. The Wines: Where known, agents are listed for private orders/consignment. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Heitz Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Napa Valley Martha's Vineyard $345 Lifford -Heitz Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Napa Valley Martha's Vineyard $455 Lifford -Nicols Merlot 1999 Paso Robles [no agent] -Nicols Chardonnay 2000 edna Valley [no agent] -La Crema Chardonnay 2014 Sonoma Coast $29.95 Vintages -Benovia Chardonnay Fort Ross Seaview 2014 $89.95 Univins -Bogle Vineyards Phantom California 2012 $30 Abcon -DAOU Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2013 $158.95 Vintages -Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay Napa 2013 $6795 Vintages -Groth Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2013 $113.95 The Vine Agency -Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder 2013 $115.99 Lifford -Treana Blanc Central Coast 2014 $29.95 Vintages -Signorello Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2013 $162.95 Profile -Schug Pinot Noir Carneros 2015 $46.99 Lifford -Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis Napa 2014 $79.95 Vintages Fall2017 -Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages Red Blend Sonoma 2013 $66.41 Mark Anthony -Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 2015 $34.95 Vintages ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -O'Neill Austerity Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Paso Robles $27.95 Airen -O'Neill Austerity Chardonnay 2015 Arroyo Seco $27.95 Airen -La Crema Pinot Noir 2014 Sonoma Coast $29.95 Vintages -Artesa Estate Chardonnay Carneros 2014 $22.95 Andrew Peller Imports -Cline Big Break Zinfandel Contra Costa County 2014 $42.95 Vinexx -Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2014 $35.95 Vintages -Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley Three Palms Vineyard 2013 $117.95 Vintages -Ferrari-Carano Reserve Caberente Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2013 $75 Halpern -Hall Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013 $79.95 Vintages Fall 2017 -J. Lohr Vyd Series Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2014 $54.95 Profile -Reata Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands 2014 $69.95 Carpe Vinum -Marimar Estate Mas Cavalls Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2013 Family Wine Merchants -Pedroncelli Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2014 Kylix -J Davies Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2014 $193.95 The Vine Agency -Patz and Hall Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2014 $79.95 Philippe Dandurand -St. Supery Estate Sauvignon Blanc Napa 2016 $32.95 Vintages -Beringer Chardonnay Napa 2014 $22.95 Vintages -Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2013 $106 Mark Anthony -Trefethen Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Knoll District Napa 2013 $89.95 Vintages Fall 2017 -Stags' Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2013 $49.95 Vintages The Food: terrine, breads, cheeses (gouda, borgonzola, white cheddar, havarti with dill, triple crème Brie, Niagara gold, Le Cremeaux), and veggie platters The Downside: as always, I could not taste every wine. The Upside: there are still a wide variety of drier California wines. The Contact Person: paula@praxispr.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 2. The Date and Time: Tuesday April 11, 2017 11AM to 4PM The Event: Taste Oregon; a journey of discovery The Venue: The Fermenting Cellar and Archeo, both in the Distillery District. The Target Audience: wine trade (agents, media, sommeliers) The Availability/Catalogue: very few wines are at the LCBO, most are available on consignment or by private order. Prices were variably vague. The catalogue was “open” but contained the essential details of representation, names and addresses. The Quote/Background: There was a structured tasting and seminar at 2PM, but I had to pass it up because of my time frame. There was also a consumer show at 7PM. The Wines: Over 46 wineries appeared. I did not taste every wine, just hoping to taste at least one or two at most of the wineries. Of course pinot noir and pinot gris dominated, but there were some chardonnays, blends, some cabs and a syrah or two, **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Argyle Vintage Brut 2013 Profile -Bachelder Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2014 Lifford -Bachelder Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 Lifford -Bergstrom Wines Sigrid Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2014 Halpern -Bergstrom Wines Old Stones Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2014 Halpern -Bergstrom Wines Cumberland Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 Halpern -Chehalem Ian's Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2013 The Vine Agency -Sokol Blosser Evolution White NV PMA Canada -Solena Estate Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2015 Nicholas Pearce -Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir Rose 2016 $27.95 The Vine Agency -Winter's Hill Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2014 Abcon -Shea Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Pommard Clone Pinot Noir 2014 $112.95 Woodman -Mouton Noir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 Noble Estate -Phelps Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Wine On Line -Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Orchard Block Pinot Noir 2013 PMA Canada -Seven Bridges Winery Prima Nata (Cab.Sauv&Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot) Columbia 2013 -Rex Hill Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 $60 Nicholas Pearce -Foris Rogue Valley Pinot Blanc 2015 Dan Barrett -Le Cadeau Aubichon Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Gris Reserve 2014 Le Sommelier ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Rex Hill Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2013 Nicholas Pearce wines -Adelsheim Caitlin's Reserve Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2014 Mark Anthony -Alexana Winery Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2014 Terroir Series $36.95 Le Sommelier -Bachelder Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2014 Lifford -Chateau Bianca Wetzel Estate Cuvee Blanc NV -Firesteed Citation Oregon Chardonnay 2014 Intravino -Siduri Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir 2014 $58 Halpern -Merriman Wines Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2013 $19.99 USD retail -Phelps Creek Lynette Chardonnay 2014 Wine On Line -Roco Winery Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2015 $52.50 J Hanna and Sons -Shea Wine Cellars Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay 2014 Empson Canada -Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2014 The Vine Agency -Winter's Hill Estate Dundee Hills Watershed Pinot Gris 2015 Abcon -Solena Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 Nicholas Pearce -Trisaetum Winery Coast Range Estate Pinot Noir 2014 Nicholas Pearce Wines -Union Wine Company Underwood Oregon Pinot Noir 2015 Rogers & Co -Adelsheim Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 -Chehalem Three Vineyards Pinot Noir 2013 The Vine Agency -Firesteed Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 Intravino -Foris Rogue Valley Pinot Gris 2015 Dan Barrett The Food: roasted kalette salad with hay smoked rye berries and lingonberries, new potato salad with Kozlik mustard and birch syrup raisins, smoked baked west coast salmon – served at Archeo 11AM to 3PM. All dee-lishus! The Downside: I had to go to another show immediately afterwards. The Upside: It had been 12 years since the last Oregon show, which was at St Lawrence Hall and had also featured a salmon bake. This time there was also a selection of some 52 wines at Archeo's bar for media/trade to sample. The Contact Person: info@predhomme.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 3. The Date and Time: Tuesday April 11, 2017 2:30PM - 6PM The Event: Austrian Food and Drink Showcase The Venue: La Maquette Event Space The Target Audience: wine and food trades The Availability/Catalogue: most of the wines had representation in Ontario. The Quote/Background: With the new CETA agreement between Canada and Europe there is more of a chance of Austrian cheeses and other foods showing up in Canada. This showcase also took advantage of the visit of the Austrian Minister of Agriculture (Andre Rupprechter) to Canada. The Wines: I did not try all the wines. I did not try the beers or the spirits. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Salomon Gruner Veltliner Kremser Tor Alte Rebe 2015 Lamprecht -Salomon Gruner Veltliner Wachtberg Erste Lage 2015 Lamprecht -Markus Huber Rose Zweigelt 2016 Woodman ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Leopold Klassic Gruner Veltliner 2013 $16.95 Lamprecht -Schuster Gruner Veltliner Wagram 2016 [organic] Marchand des Ameriques -Markus Huber Gruner Veltliner Alte Zetzen 2014 Erste Lage +486811 Classics $36 -Markus Huber Gruner Veltliner Terrasen 2015 +484956 Vintages $19.95 -Markus Huber Riesling Terrasen 2016 Woodman -Weingut Christ Weissburfunder Vollondwein 2016 -PMC Munzenrieder Sauvignon Blanc 2015 -Pfafft Haidviertel Gruner Veltiner 2015 AMV-Whiz Trading -Schloss Gobelsburg Kamptal Riesling 2016 Artisanal Wines -Lenz Moser Prestige Blaufraenkisch Barrique 2015 +477570 Vintages $17.95 -Winzer Krems Gruner Veltliner Sandgrube 13 +375022 $12.95 LCBO -Winzer Krems Kellermeister Goldberg Reserve Gruner Veltliner 2015 $19.85 Dionysus The Food: I did not try all the food. I really enjoyed the fan-cut sausage meat specialties of Frierss (salamivariation, karreespeck, rohwurst, and alpenaufschnitt). Loidel had salami, kantwurst, smoked sausages, and even “mini-salamis” touted as snacks. Landhof provided a good selection of cabanossi (seasoned and smoked sausages). Handl Tyrol had a nice selection of Tyrolean hams and speck. Cheeses came from Bergkaserei Zillertal (hard Tyrolean Alpine), Woerle (haymilk, semi-hard), and Kaserebellen's haymilk (local agent: Snack Consulting). Also available in the showcase were GMO-free flours, Manner's cream wafers (local agent: Husky), fruit preserves, pumpkin seeds and oils, pickled veggies (gherkins, asparagus, peppers). The Downside: it got crowded really fast The Upside: a wide range of products, which was a pleasant surprise. The Contact Person: toronto@austriantrade.org The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 4. The Date and Time: Saturday, April 22, 2017 The Event: The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's fourth annual Rose tasting of imported and domestic rose wines for sale in Ontario – the only one of its kind in Ontario. The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's Toronto Head Offices. The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are (or will be) available either year round or for the seasonal offering Spring/Summer 2017. The Quote/Background: All wines submitted were tasted. What follows below are my tasting scores. This was NOT a competition since all wines were tasted with exposed labels and tech/sales sheets. The BEST wines scored 91 or more; the BETTER wines were in that narrow 88 – 90 range. My individual scores are given; those from other writers will vary. In fact, write-ups by other writers will also vary, as well as photos. The Wines: It is important to realize that Ontario roses (both still and sparkling) are surely world-class, holding their own against those of France, Portugal and Spain. My fave Ontario rose sparkler was Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Rose Brut NV and fave Ontario still rose was Two Sisters Rose 2016, both just under $30. But Stratus Wildass Rose 2016 and The Foreign Affair Amarose 2016 were just a point or two less but half the price. Similarly, for imports, the best value rose sparkler continues to be the Cono Sur Pinot Noir Rose Brut NV at $13.95, and the best value still rose is Bacalhoa JP Azeitao Syrah 2016 at $8.60, both at the LCBO. Prices are generally RETAIL unless otherwise specified. The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada would very much like to thank both Drinks Ontario and Wine Marketing Association of Ontario for encouraging their members to participate. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): 93 Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut NV $29.95 +217505 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Chardonnay 12% 93 Two Sisters Rosé 2016 $29 Niagara River Merlot 60/CS20/CF20 13% 92 Cono Sur Pinot Noir Rose Brut NV $13.95 +365205 Chile Pinot Noir 12% 92 Maison AIX AIX Rosé 2016 $22.95 +451906 Tautavel Grenache 12.5% 92 Matua Pinot Noir Rose 2016 $16.95 +484618 New Zealand Malborough PinotNoir 13% 92 Stratus Wildass Rose 2016 $14.25 Niagara +71712 92 The Foreign Affair Amarose 2016 $14.75 +388702 91 Bacalhoa JP Azeitao Syrah 2016 $8.60 +404566 Portugal Peninsula De Setubal Syrah, Moscatel Galego Roxo 12% 91 Featherstone Estate Winery Cuvee Joy Rose Sparkling 2015 $29.95 +450700 Featherstone Vineyard, Twenty Mile Bench Pinot Noir 12.5% Nov 2017 91 Flat Rock Cellars Pink Twisted 2016 $17.95 +39974 Niagara Peninsula 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Gewurztraminer, 10% Riesling 13% LCBO Only 22-Jul-17 91 Inniskillin Inniskillin Niagara Reserve Cabernet Franc Rose 2016 $19.95 Winery Only Niagara 100% Cabernet Franc 12.5% 91 Susana Balbo Signature Rose 2016 $19.95 +493130 Argentina Uco Valley 60% Malbec - 40% Pinot Noir 12.5 Vintages Aug 2017 91 Tawse Sketches Rose 2016 $17.35 +172643 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): 90 Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rose 2016 $10.95 +318014 Chile Bio Bio Valley 13% 90 Coyote's Run Pinot Noir Rose 2016 $22.95 Winery Only 90 Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Rosé NV $21.95 +280172 New Zealand Marlborough/Hawkes Bay 20% Pinot Noir / 80% Chardonnay 12.5%s July 8th, 2017 90 Francois Dulac Cotes du Provence 2016 $16.00 +483040 Provence Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre 13% 90 Hidden Bench Estate Winery Locust Lane Rosé 2016 $21.75 +68833 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir/Viognier 13% VINTAGES June 24.2017 90 Kacaba Vineyards Rebecca Rose 2016 $17.95 +227025 Niagara Peninsula Cab Sauv/Cab Franc 12.8% 90 Le Cimate Saudade Rosato 2015 $27 Lic Montefalco Umbria Cons Cottonwood 90 Magnotta Winery G. Marquis Silver Line Ice Rosé Sparkling N/V $29.95 +274761 NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE PINOT NOIR. with CABFRANC icewine 13.4% 90 Tawse Growers Blend Rose2016 2016 $19.95 89 Calamus Estate 150 eh Rose 2015/16 $13.95 Niagara 63Gewurz/25Riesling/7Chard2016/5Merlot2016 89 Creekside Estate Winery Pinot Noir Rose 2016 $21.95 St. Davids Bench Pinot Noir 12% Winery Only 89 Fielding Estate Winery Rosé 2016 $15.95 +53421 Niagara Peninsula Gamay (80%) and Pinot Noir (20%) 12.3% 89 G. Bertrand Gris Blanc 2015 $16.95 +409870 Pays d'Oc VINTAGES 89 Garofano Girofle Rosato Negroamaro 2015 $23 Lic +255405 Italy Salento IGT Consign Cottonwood 89 Henry of Pelham Rosé 2016 $14.95 +613471 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Zweigelt 11.5% 89 Hidden Bench Estate Winery Nocturn Rosé 2016 $19.75 Niagara Region Merlot, CF, CS, Malbec 13% 89 Pure Provence Pink Gecko 2016 $14.95 +485946 AOP Coteaux Varois en Provence 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault 12.6% 89 Rustenberg Wines Petit Verdot Rosé 2016 $13.95 +451773 South Africa Stellenbosch 100% Petit Verdot 13.50% Vintages 27-May-17 89 Southbrook Vineyards Estate Cabernet Rosé 2016 $29.95 Four Mile Creek Cabernet Sauvignon / Cabernet Franc 11.5% Vintages June 10 89 Stratus Rose 2016 89 Torres Vina Esmeralda Rosé 2016 $13.95 +490920 Catalunya Granacha Tinta 12.50% 89 Torrevento Primaronda Rose 2015 $14.95 Cons Puglia Bombino black 12% Majestic Wine Cellars 89 Valdemar Conde de Valdemar Rose 2016 $13.95 +168278 Rioja Tempranillo 13% LCBO Vintages Oct-28 88 Bottega Bottega Vino dei Poeti Brut Rose NV $14.95 +277202 Veneto Blend of Pinot Noir and Raboso 11.5% 88 Codorniu Raventos Codorniu Seleccion Rose NV $16.95 +370080 Costers del Segre Pinot Noir, Xarel-lo, Parellada 12% 88 Creekside Estate Winery Cabernet Rose 2016 $14.95 +48819 Niagara Peninsula Cabernet Sauvignon 13.5% 88 DeMorgenzon DeMorgenzon Garden Vineyards Rose 2016 $11.95 +48581 South Africa Stellenbosch 54% Grenache/36% Syrah/10% Mourvédre 13.5% 88 Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2016 $13.95 +492934 Chile 88 Featherstone Estate Winery Rose 2016 $15.95 +117861 Twenty Mile Bench Gamay, Cab Sauvignon, Pinot Noir 13.5% Vintages August 2017 88 Fielding Estate Winery Long Weekend Rosé 2016 13.95 N/A Canada Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir (70%) and Gamay (30%) 11.8 Winery Only May-17 88 Izadi Izadi Larrosa Rose 2015 (2016 soon) $14.95 +490961 Rioja 100% Garnacha 13.5% Vintages 2017-05-13 88 JEAN-MAX ROGER Sancerre Rosé La Grange Dîmière 2016 $25.95 +490813 Loire/Sancerre Pinot Noir 13.5% 29-Apr-17 88 Piera Martellozzo S.P.A. Giovello Pink Rose 2016 $11.95 +445627 Friuli 12% 88 Southbrook Vineyards Seriously Cool Rosé 2016 $15.95 Ontario Pinot Noir/Vidal 11.5% LCBO July *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): 87 Remy Pannier Rose D'Anjou 2016 LCBO +12641 $14.95 87 Filomusi Guelfi Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2014 $22 Lic +119585 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Consign Cottonwood 87 Jackson-Triggs Niagara Reserve Rose 2015 $14.95 32%Gamay/68%CabFranc 13% Winery 87 Masi Agricola Rosa dei Masi 2016 $15.95 +377267 Veneto Refosco 12.5% Vintages July 22 2017 87 Rosehall Run Pixie Sparkling NV $19.95 +492959 Ontario Riesling/Chard/PN 11% Winery/Online/LCBO 86 Bottega PINOT GRIGIO ROSÉ IGT DELLE VENEZIE 2015 (2016 soon) $14.95 +490938 Veneto Pinot Grigio 12% 86 Colio Estate Wines Girls' Night Out Rosé 2015 $13.95 +89862 Ontario Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc 13% 86 Oyster Bay Rosé 2016 $18.95 +493171 New Zealand Marlborough Pinot Noir 13% Vintages July 22nd, 2017 86 Harbour Estates Winery Sunset 2016 $15.95 Niagara Peninsula Riesling, Merlot, Sauvignon 10% Retail store only 86 King's Court Estate Winery Princess Rose 2016 $15.95 +491050 Niagara Cab-Franc, Ehrenfelser 11.5% 86 Pelee Island Winery Lola Sparkling Rose 2014 $14.95 +450981 Lake Erie North Shore 78% Vidal Blanc/22% Chambourcin 12% 86 Pelee Island Winery Pelee Pink-VQA 2015 $11.95 +529354 Lake Erie North Shore 100% Chambourcin 12% 86 Reif Estate Winery River Road Cabernet Rosé 2016 $12.75 +468223 Niagara River Cabernet 12.50% 86 Rosehall Run Just One Rose 2016 $17.95 Ontario Gamay/PN (5%) 13% Winery/Online 86 Sandbanks Rose Vidal 2016 $13.95 +244616 Ontario 85 Banrock Station Pink & White Grapefruit Rose $10.95 +170134 Australia 85 Banrock Station Pink Moscato 2016 Australia 85 Pillitteri Estates Winery Rose 2014 $13.50 Niagara Peninsula 100% Cabernet Franc 11.5% Winery The Food: baguettes, water, California oven-roasted almonds, arbequina olives. The Downside: it was a lot of wines with many monochromatic notes in a similar price range, but we took a lot of breaks for food, water, etc. Rince bouche with soda water helped. The Upside: a chance to taste 70 wines, many of which were top notch. The Contact Person: organizer – deantudor@deantudor.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95 5. The Date and Time: Monday April 24, 2017 Noon to 2PM The Event: 30.50 wine portfolio tasting for consumers and media The Venue: Kasa Moto Yorkville The Target Audience: wine media and retail purchasers The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available in consignment stock, or set to arrive in May/July, or by private order. The Quote/Background: it's a very Euro catalogue with some California and Ontario (Huff) content. The Wines: I did not sample every wine. Prices are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Castello di Verduno Piedmont Barbaresco 2013 $55 -Castello di Verduno Piedmont Barolo Massara 2009 $84.95 -Fat. Di San Quintino Tuscany Vermentino 2016 $16.95 -Il Paradiso di Frassina Tuscany Rosso Organic IGT 2014 $25.95 -Il Paradiso di Frassina Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino 2011 $79.95 [organic] -Musella Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Veneto 2010 $79.95 [biodynamic] -Celler Cesca Vicent Priorat Abat Domenech 2009 $69.95 [organic] -Llopart Penedes Brut Reserva 2011 Cava $26.95 [organic] -Valle de Junco Alentejo Lapa dos Gaivoes Escolha $37.95 -Sidonio de Sousa Bairrada Garrafeira 2009 $51.95 -Belem's Madeira Wine 10 Year Old Sercial $65.95 -Domaine Hatzidakis Santorini Assyrtiko Nikteri 2014 $47.95 -Bodegas Comenge Ribera del Duero Reserva 2011 $40 [organic] -Bodegas Comenge Ribera del Duero Reserva 2012 $60 [organic] -Bodegas Comenge Ribera del Duero Jacobus 2012 $150 [organic] -Chapuy Champagne Carte Verte Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 375mL $29.95 – less than half-price of a 750 mL bottle! -Musar Jeune Red Bekaa Valley Lebanon 2013 $29.95 [organic] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Castello di Verduno Piedmont Langhe Nebbiolo 2015 $29.95 -Il Paradiso di Frassina Tuscany DO 12 UVE IGT Maremma 2011 $59.95 -Celler Cesca Vicent Priorat Cabaler Bianco 2015 $32.95 [organic white grenache] -Celler Cesca Vicent Priorat LoPiot 2013 $41.95 [organic] -Pago de Tharsys Valencia Dominio de Tharsys Brut Nature Cava NV $17.95 -Domaine Hatzidakis Santorini Assyrtiko 2015 $34.95 -Bodegas Comenge Ribera del Duero Crianza 2012 $30 [organic] -Chiusa Grande Abruzzo Roccosecco Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2012 $24.95 -Peter Zimmer Alto Adige Pinot Bianco 2016 $21.95 -ATTIS Bodegas Y Vinedos Rias Baixas Albarino Xion 2015 $23.95 [organic] -Bodegas Briego Ribera del Duero Reserva 2011 $36.95 -Finca La Emperatriz Rioja Reserva 2012 $37.95 -Douro Prime Inquieto Seserva 2010 $39.95 -Joao Barbosa & Filos Setubal Moscatel de Setubal 2013 500 mL $22.95 -Mylonas Winery Greece Attica Savatiano 2015 $22.95 -Huff Estates South Bay Chardonnay PEC VQA 2014 $30 -Huff Estates South Bay Merlot PEC VQA 2014 $40 -Huff Estates Cuvee Peter F Huff [traditional method]PEC VQA 2011 $40 The Food: edamame, broccoli tempura, and sauces. The Contact Person: nelson@3050imports.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 6. The Date and Time: Thursday April 27, 2017 11AM to 3 PM The Event: Taste and Buy preview of the 2015 vintage from Burgundy as produced by Bouchard Pere & Fils and William Fevre Chablis. The Venue: Canoe The Target Audience: buyers, sommeliers, media, LCBO The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available but by the six bottle case. The Quote/Background: The best two wines I enjoyed, in terms of value or bang for the buck were the Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Montagny 1er Cru ($38, private order) and the Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Pouilly-Fuisse ($29 +56580 LCBO). The Wines: I did not note all of the wines such as the Beaujolais, the Champagne Henriot, or the wines already at the LCBO as I was on a time restraint. Prices include LCBO taxes, markups, HST. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Chambertin-Clos-de-Bèze $420.00 $2,520.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Le Corton - Domaine $180.00 $1,080.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Nuits St Georges les Cailles - Domaine $153.00 $918.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Pommard 1er Cru $92.00 $552.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Gevrey Chambertin $67.00 $402.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Chevalier-Montrachet - Domaine $480.00 $2,880.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Corton Charlemagne - Domaine $260.00 $1,560.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Saint Aubin 1er cru $57.00 $342.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Puligny-Montrachet $80.00 $480.00 -William Fevre Chablis 2015 Grand Cru Les Preuses - Domaine $125.00 $750.00 -William Fevre Chablis 2015 Grand Cru Les Clos - Domaine $141.00 $846.00 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Montagny 1er Cru $38.00 $228.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Beaune Clos de la Mousse - Monopole $79.00 $474.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Beaune Grèves Vigne Enfant Jésus – Monopole $156.00 $936.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Monthélie les Duresses - Domaine $57.00 $342.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Savigny les Beaune les Lavières – Domaine $66.00 $396.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Volnay Caillerets Ancienne Cuvée Carnot –Domaine $116 $696 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Chambolle Musigny $78.00 $468.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot $141.00 $846.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Meursault Genevrières - Domaine $129.00 $774.00 -Bouchard Pere & Fils 2015 Meursault les Clous - Domaine $72.00 $432.00 -William Fevre Chablis 2015 Beauroy - Domaine $58.00 $348.00 -William Fevre Chablis 2015 Fourchaume - Domaine $69.00 $414.00 -William Fevre Chablis 2015 Vaillons - Domaine $58.00 $348.00 -William Fevre Chablis 2015 Montmains - Domaine $58.00 $348.00 -William Fevre Chablis 2015 Bougros - Domaine $99.00 $594.00 The Food: as always, Canoe provided exceptional oysters, charcuterie platter, and cheese platter, with accompanying breads and biscuits, pickles and mustards. The Downside: I did not taste the non-2015 other wines. The Upside: I enjoyed talking to an extraordinary range of knowledgeable people. The Contact Person: rachel@woodmanwinesandspirits.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR MARCH 2017 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH – 1.Henry of Pelham Pinot Grigio VQA Niagara Peninsula, +250217 LCBO, $14.95: a wine made in the pinot gris style (Oregon, Alsace) but labeled pinot GRIGIO should sell well for those looking at a pinot grigio with some kick. Grigio has a reputation of being the vodka of wine, but here it is done up as a fairly complicated off-dry wine with layers being revealed as the wine chills down or warms up. One time it has tropicality then it becomes more citrus with more chilling. That makes it a sipper and a food wine, suitable for pre-prandial in the winter or spring. Of note is its slight tinge of orange colour (aha, another “orange” wine!!) from the grape – it is “gris” after all. Some part of the juice was from warmer regions in Niagara, other parts came from a cooler regions. There is some cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, with some pear notes. Stainless steel all the way. 12.5% ABV, twist top. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268391 Vintages TBD, $24.95: Here is a deft Burgundian character pinot noir wine, with cherry-berry tones, some toast, mildly opulent style, not totally cool climate at all. Fermented in stainless and aged in “European” oak (30% new). Expect also some cloves, tobacco and oak which will mute over time. Ready now but will get better, very food friendly. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Riesling Estate 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165 Vintages, $17.95: intense riesling in a Rhine style of cool fermentation, with a very off-dry palate but a dry finish (good acid levels on the finish) – broad grapefruit and lemons on the mid-palate, sip or food. 11.5% ABV, twist top, from HOP's oldest Estate vineyards (30+ year old riesling vines, handpicked). Should also age well. Try with fish that live in water but die in wine. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Riesling 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +268375 LCBO $14.95: absolutely delicious Euro MVC riesling in a Rhine style, with an off-dry palate but a dry finish (good acid levels on the finish). Citrus and flowers on the mid-palate, sip or food. 11.5% ABV. Cool fermentation is stressed. Try with goat cheeses, hams, grilled veggies. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Pelee Island Vidal [Canada Limited Edition] 2016 VQA Ontario, +393405, $11.45: for this year, there are new labels emphasizing the 150th anniversary of Canada. As always, it is a bit on the lightish side and off-dry with 15 g/l RS. The vidal has been augmented with geisenheim (16%). Expect a bit of honey/lemon citric flavours and tones, either with food or as a sipper. The winery suggests Tex-Mex food or tempura. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 87.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Pelee Island Cabernet Franc [Canada Limited Edition] 2016 VQA Ontario, +393405, $11.45: for this year, there are new labels emphasizing the 150th anniversary of Canada. As always, it is a bit on the lightish side although 13% ABV indicates a hotter growing season. Expect mute tones of ripe fruit jam, some cassis, and softness throughout. Best as a sipper, although the winery suggests steak or pulled pork. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI SEMI-SWEET YELLOW MUSCAT 2015 Hungary, +46508 Vintages, $16.95: This Yellow Muscat is related to Muscat Blanc. Made from older vines, done up in Late Harvest style, with that peachy complexity, medium-bodied, but with lemons and pineapple acidity on the longer finish. Floral aromatics. 12% ABV, a volcanic wine. Serve with later courses (fruity mains, salads, cheeses, off-dry desserts). Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Sacred Hill Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2016 Marlborough, +490326, $21.95 Vintages April 15: a dry summer led to a fruity harvest. The tropical fruit intensity leads to a citric lemony finish for food, typically white fish or seafood. It should be even better next year! 12.5% ABV, twist top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Chateau Vrai Caillou 2014 Bordeaux Superieur, +348292, $16.95 April 15 Vintages: Medal winner Paris 2016. Mostly merlot (55%) from the “Entre deux Mers” region which excels in quantities of value Bordeaux. Aged a year in both tanks and barrels, and could age a bit more in your cellar (or do a double-decant and wait an hour). Red fruit dominates, edged by some plumminess. Food ideas basically suggest lamb roast and cheeses. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Monday March 6, 2017 11AM to 4PM The Event: Taste Ontario Toronto; VQA Wines of Ontario The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade (media at 11, trade at 1) The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available at winery or LCBO. The catalogue had full details with names of contact persons. The Quote/Background: Over 40 wineries participated, from Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Peninsula, and Prince Edward County. The Wines: I did not taste every wine; there were 130. Prices are retail. Scores are added for each wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (90+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): 90 Stratus Vineyards Stratus White Niagara Lakeshore 2013 13.8 +660704 $38 90 Tawse Winery Tawse Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2013 12.5 N/A $20.15 94 Thomas Bachelder Chardonnay Mineralité Niagara Peninsula 2014 12.50% N/A 92+ 2027 Cellars LTD Wismer Vineyard - Foxcroft Block - Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2014 12.8 +421362 Vintages $22.95 92 Adamo Estate Winery Oaked Chardonnay Willms Vineyard 2014 Niagara On The Lake 2014 13.8% N/A $31 92 Cave Spring Cellars Riesling CSV Beamsville Bench 2015 11.5% +566026 $29.95 94 Southbrook Vineyards Southbrook Poetica Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2013 13 N/A $50 90 Southbrook Vineyards Southbrook Estate Grown Small Lot '101' Cabernet Franc Four Mile Creek 2013 12.5 N/A $34.95 90 Chateau des Charmes Rosé sparkling wine Méthode Traditionnelle Niagara-on-the-Lake 2014 12.5 +78055 $29.95 94 Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut VQA Niagara Peninsula NV 12% +217505 $33.84 93+ Icellars Estate Winery Chardonnay Niagara-on-the-lake 2014 13.5 $35 90 Icellars Estate Winery Pinot Noir Niagara-on-the-lake 2015 13 $45 90 Malivoire Wine Company Bisous Brut Nature Beamsville Bench NV 12 N/A $34.95 90 Closson Chase Vineyards Closson Chase South Clos Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2014 12.5 N/A $39.95 90 Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Signature Niagara Peninsula 2013 13 N/A 90 Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir Twenty Mile Bench 2014 13% 1545 $20.20 92 Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2015 13.5% +681247 $18.95 93 Flat Rock Cellars Riddled Traditional Method Sparkling Twenty Mile Bench 2010 12% +383315 $29.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 89.5 in Quality/Price Rating terms): 88 Flat Rock Cellars Riesling Twenty Mile Bench 2015 9.5% +43281 $16.95 89 Good Earth Vineyards & Winery (The) Riesling Beamsville Bench 2014 9.6 $21.95 89 GreenLane Estate Winery Tenacious C[hardonnay] Lincoln Lakeshore 2014 13.2 $19.95 88 GreenLane Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Lincoln Lakeshore 2012 13.5 $32.95 88+ Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay Ontario 2015 11% +453167 $14.95 89+ Creekside Estate Winery Chardonnay Queenston Road Vineyard St. David's Bench 2014 13 $24.95 88 Creekside Estate Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon St. David's Bench 2012 13.5 $40 89 Domaine Queylus Chardonnay Tradition Niagara Peninsula 2014 13 N/A $24.95 89+ Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery Estate Chardonnay VQA Short Hills Bench 2015 13.5 268342 $22.54 89 Magnotta Winery G. Marquis Chardonnay Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 13.6 N/A $17.95 89 Magnotta Winery Magnotta Enotrium Gran Reserva Niagara Peninsula 2012 15.5 N/A $60.15 88 Meldville Wines Meldville Sauvignon Blanc Lincoln Lakeshore 2015 13.8 N/A $20.20 89+ Meldville Wines Meldville Chardonnay Lincoln Lakeshore 2015 13.2 N/A $20.20 89 Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard County Chardonnay VQA Prince Edward County 2014 11.4% N/A $45.20 89+ Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard Chardonnay VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 12.2% +184432 $39.20 89 Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard Pinot Noir VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 11.9% 208702 $45.20 89 Nyarai Cellars Viognier Niagara Peninsula 2015 13% $22.95 88 Pelee Island Winery Vinedresser Chardonnay Lake Erie North Shore 2012 13% 492462 $17.75 88 Rapscallion Wine Company Frisky Beaver Shades of Grey Chardonnay VQA Ontario 2015 12.8% 490383 $14.95 89 Redstone Winery Redstone Cabernet Niagara Peninsula 2013 13 NA $19.95 89 Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Reserve Niagara Peninsula 2012 13.5 N/A $45 89 Fielding Estate Winery Riesling Niagara Peninsula 2014 10.5 +146761 $15.95 88+ Reif Estate Winery Reif Estate Chardonnay Reserve Niagara River 2014 13.5 % +252163 $22.15 89 Reif Estate Winery Reif Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Niagara River 2014 13 % +304162 $30.15 88+ Rosewood Estates Winery Origin Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2014 13 $28.95 89 Chateau des Charmes Equuelus St. David's Bench 2012 13.5 319525 $42.00 89+ Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Riesling, Estate Bottled Niagara-on-the-Lake 2014 12 277228 $17.95 88 Chateau des Charmes Cuvée d’Andrée Rosé, Estate Grown & Bottled Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 12.6 333260 $15.95 89 Rosewood Estates Winery Origin Cabernet Franc Niagara Peninsula 2014 13.2 $29.95 89 Southbrook Vineyards Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2015 12.5 N/A $22.95 89 Southbrook Vineyards Southbrook Triomphe Pinot Noir Niagara Peninsula 2015 12.5 N/A $29.95 88 Stoney Ridge Estate Winery Excellence Pinot Noir Niagara Peninsula 2015 12.5% N/A $29.95 88 13th Street Winery Cuvee Rose NV Niagara Peninsula NV 12.5% 147504 $27.95 88 2027 Cellars LTD Queenston Road Vineyard' Pinot Noir St. David's Bench 2013 13 421370 $35.00 88 2027 Cellars LTD 2027 Cellars Falls Vineyard Riesling Vinemount Ridge 2016 10 n/a $18.95 88 Adamo Estate Winery Gewurztraminer Wismer - Lakeview Vineyard 2015 Twenty Mile Bench 2015 12.9% N/A $19.95 89 Adamo Estate Winery Pinot Noir Lowrey Vineyard 2014 St. David's Bench 2014 12.8% N/A $34.75 89 Thomas Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2012 12.5 $44.95 88 Thomas Bachelder Pinot Noir Parfum Niagara Peninsula 2014 12.5 N/A 89+ Thomas Bachelder Wismer-Parke Pinot Noir Twenty Mile Bench 2014 13 $44.95 88 Westcott Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay Vinemount Ridge 2015 12.9 N/A $32.95 89 Westcott Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir Vinemount Ridge 2013 13.5 N/A $30.00 88 Two Sisters Vineyards Eleventh Post Niagara River 2012 14% N/A $39.00 88 Cave Spring Cellars Chardonnay CSV Beamsville Bench 2014 13% +529941 $29.95 89 Cave Spring Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Beamsville Bench 2015 13% +246561 $39.95 86 Stratus Vineyards Tollgate Red Niagara-on-the-Lake 2014 13.5 N/A $22 88+ Stratus Vineyards Stratus Red Niagara Lakeshore 2012 13.8 +131037 $44.00 89 Tawse Winery Tawse Riesling Niagara Peninsula 2015 10 NA $16.05 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): 86 Fielding Estate Winery Estate Bottled Chardonnay Lincoln Lakeshore 2015 12.5 +355842 $21.95 86 GreenLane Estate Winery Riesling Lincoln Lakeshore 2014 10.9 $12.95 86 Icellars Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Niagara-on-the-lake 2015 13 $50.00 85 Icellars Estate Winery Arinna Niagara-on-the-lake 2014 13 $39.00 86 Creekside Estate Winery Iconoclast Syrah St. David's Bench 2013 12.2 $22.95 85 Vieni Estates Wine and Spirits Sauvignon Blanc Vinemount Ridge 2013 13 N/A 86 Pelee Island Winery Vinedressers Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Lake Erie North Shore 2012 13% 492470 $19.75 86 Redstone Winery Redstone Redfoot Vineyard Viognier 2015 Lincoln Lakeshore 2015 13 N/A $29.95 86 Stoney Ridge Estate Winery Gewurztraminer Niagara Peninsula 2015 13% N/A $14.95 86 Meldville Wines Meldville Cabernet Franc Lincoln Lakeshore 2015 13 N/A $27.00 85 Mike Weir Estate Winery Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2016 12.5 26 $14.95 86 Stoney Ridge Estate Winery Excellence Merlot Niagara Peninsula 2015 13.5% na $24.95 85 Vineland Estates Winery Cabernet Merlot Niagara Peninsula 2015 12.5 $15.00 85 Westcott Vineyards Violette Sparkling Brut Vinemount Ridge NV 12.3 N/A $25.95 87 Aure Wines Viognier Ontario 2015 11.2 $15.95 86 Two Sisters Vineyards Riesling Niagara Escarpment 2015 10.7% n/a $35.00 87 Tawse Winery Tawse Pinot Noir Niagara Peninsula 2013 13 NA $22.15 86 Rosewood Estates Winery Select Series Merlot Niagara Escarpment 2013 13 $19.95 The Food: WMAO graciously provided a variety of baguette sandwiches, wraps, salads, and grains – plus some desserts and coffees. The Downside: I had to leave early for another engagement, but I did spend almost 3 hours tasting what I could. The Upside: a chance to catch up with VQA wines ahead of the Ontario Wine Awards. The Contact Person: magdalena@wmao.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 2. The Date and Time: Monday, March 13, 2017 1PM to 3PM The Event: Lunch with Georg Riedel, 10th generation head of Riedel Crystal. The Venue: Chef's House, George Brown College The Target Audience: wine writers and editors The Availability/Catalogue: it was principally a tasting of wines with the red varietal series of Riedel crystal glassware. The wines we tasted may not be generally available through the LCBO, but they were relevant to the exercise. The Quote/Background: we were “tasting” glasses, and not wines, to find which glass went best with which wine. I remember doing this every now and then, starting about 25 years ago when Riedel began a big push in North America. Their latest glass was in 2015, I think, and it was for Provence Rose. We had no rose today, but we did have – The Wines: Pol Roger in a Champagne glass (reception wine), Norman Hardie Pinot Noir Niagara VQA 2013, Black Hills Estate Syrah Okanagan VQA 2014, and Stags Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2013. We had a CS glass, a PN glass, and a Syrah glass. Each wine was poured into all three glasses so that we could taste and try. The PN glass had a smokestack shape (high brandy glass style) which emphasized fresh fruity tones; the Syrah had a slightly closed-in top somewhat like an ISO glass that emphasized salt and minerals; and the CS rim was more straight open for intense flavours and acidic for food. So the Napa cab was more aromatic to fit in with dessert, the BC syrah was juicy but with some minerality, and the Ontario pinot noir was upfront fruity. It was a great exercise in discovering the impact of wine and food pairings. Riedel believes in more different styles of glasses for the red wines and some differing ones for their white wines. One of their breaks with tradition is abandoning the flute glass for Champagne; I am all for their current “Champagne” glass. Most of my own tastings are with the basic ISO glass – there is some consistency in using the same glass. The Food: the food was meant to accompany the wines, so we were expected to taste the salmon against the PN in all three glasses to see how they affected taste. The braised beef short ribs went up against the syrah; the mocha chocolate tartelette went up against the CS. The menu was well-chosen to emphasize the flavours of the wine and the appropriate glasses. Overall, it seemed as if we had tasted 18 different wines (9 with food, 9 without food). The Downside: I needed more intense concentration to be worthy of the consideration of taste. The Upside: a chance to talk with Georg Riedel. The Contact Person: mbuckley@nikecomm.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94. 3. The Date and Time: Monday March 27, 2017 11:30AM to 2PM The Event: Tasting Loire Valley wines of Ackerman and Remy Pannier with winemaker Pierre Charon and Export Manager Isabelle Moreau. The Venue: Novotel Toronto Esplanade The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: only 4 wines are currently listed in Ontario, all Remy Pannier. The rest will be applied for; they are TBD. The Quote/Background: Pierre Charon took us through the winemaking processes. A few notable facts: the difference between MT Saumur Brut and MT Cremant de Loire (Ackerman makes both) is that Saumur is machine-harvested while Cremant is hand-harvested. Cabernet Franc such as Ackerman's Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil is done by short maceration, stainless steel fermentation, and early bottling – light and fruity and clean. Ackerman/Remy Pannier is the number one producer of sparkling wines in the Loire. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Remy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2016 LCBO +68676 $15.90 -Ackerman Secret des Vignes Saumur Blanc 2015 est$19.95 TBD [Gold Medal] slightly oaked -Ackerman Cremant de Loire Cuvee 1811 Blanc Brut est$19.95 TBD [70% chenin] Gold medal -Ackerman Cremant de Loire Royal Blanc Brut est$24.95 [60% chardonnay] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Remy Pannier Sauvignon IGP Val de Loire 2016 LCBO +471318 $12.95 [Gold Medal for 2015] -Remy Pannier Blanc de Noir 2016 est$16.95 TBD [cabernet franc] -Ackerman Saint-Nicolas de Bourgeuil 2015 est$18.95 TBD -Ackerman Secret des Vignes Chinon 2014 est$19.95 TBD -Ackerman Cremant de Loire Ambrosa est$22.95 [60% chenin] Gold medal *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Remy Pannier Muscadet 2016 LCBO +13821 $14.95 -Remy Pannier Rose D'Anjou 2016 LCBO +12641 $14.95 The Food: there was a buffet emphasizing Loire-style food, such as rillettes de Tours, pan-seared cod loin, leeks mash, veal stew with mushroom cream sauce. The Downside: with about 40 people it was a very noisy room. The Upside: a chance to speak with winemaker Pierre Charon. The Contact Person: amcginty@eurovintage.com; sales@eurovintage.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 4. The Date and Time: Tuesday March 28, 2017 5:30PM to 8:30PM The Event: Media Preview of 2017 Green Living Show The Venue: Propeller Coffee Company The Target Audience: “green” media writers, food and wine writers. The Availability/Catalogue: we were treated to food, beer and wine from diverse sources (see below) as well as samples of green products via the “swag bag” and a “top-10 innovations of the year” counter-top display. Personnel from the companies involved were available for interviews. The Green Living Show will have more than 400 sustainable companies April 7 – 9 at the Metro Convention Centre. For more details, see www.greenlivingshow.ca. The Quote/Background: The media preview centered around the Food and Drink Pavilion (Taste Ontario, Taste the World), with local beers and sustainable wines. There were dishes from a variety of restaurants and caterers (see below). Much buzz was generated. The Wines: Southbrook and Rosewood had sustainable VQA wines; I also tried a few beers. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay VQA 2015 -Southbrook Triomphe Pinot Noir VQA 2015 -Rosewood Merlot VQA 2013 -Southbrook Wild Ferment Apple Cider 2016 $15.95 750mL -High Park Across the Pond English Special Ale 42 IBU -High Park Off the Leash India Pale Ale 57 IBU ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc VQA 2015 -Southbrook Connect Organic White VQA 2015 -Rosewood Origin Riesling VQA 2014 -Sweetgrass Shagsbark Stout 52 IBU -Whitewater Farmer's Daughter 22 IBU -High Park Against the Grain Lager 20 IBU The Food: There were eight stalls offering foods that could be called “street food”, except some required a fork and/or a place to sit down. All of the food was terrific, right down to the last bite. It's worth going to the show just to eat (and drink). -Karam Kitchen (Syrian food) with a halloumi cheese pita [hello@karamkitchen.com] -Magic Oven with Tandoori chicken katchumber salad -Hawthorne Food Drink with beef pot stickers [www.hawthorneto.ca] -Pimenton Spanish/Mediterranean with paella {www.pimenton.ca] -TC's MoMo Tibetan dumplings (veggie/beef) and vegetarian pasta noodles [tserongdo@hotmail.com] -B'saha Restaurant Moroccan street food (chicken couscous, grilled merguez with warm salad, toasted beet salad) [www.bsaha.ca] -Urban Acorn Catering (black bean and malanga fritter with roasted red pepper, house-smoked hickory salmon) -Santo Pecado (butternut squash taco with green beans, sweet corn, pumpkin seed, Ontario corn tortilla) The Downside: I had to leave early to go to an Italian food and wine show. The Upside: a chance to view and examine good innovations such as Dalcini's stainless steel containers, Crazy D's all natural soda, vegan cashew cheese by Fauxmagerie Zengarry (stunning!), and STRAND's BOB (Black Out Bulb: an LED light that switches to battery when blackouts occur). The Contact Person: enavarro@enterprisecanada.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95. 5. The Date and Time: Tuesday March 28 6PM to 9PM The Event: VIVA ITALIA Italian Market The Venue: George Brown College Atrium The Target Audience: consumers and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are from agents and LCBO; food from restaurants. The Quote/Background: The Wines: I did not taste all the wines **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -De Gregorio Lotto 1 Catarratto – Viognier 2015 IGT Terre Sicilian $15.40 (Colio) -Il Palagio When We Dance Chianti DOCG 2014 $21.95 (Le Sommelier) -Fanti Sassomagno Sant'Antimo Rosso DOC 2013 Tuscany $19.95 (Le Sommelier) -Tenuta di Martucino Brunello 2011 $53.95 (Profile) ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ruffino Modus Sangiovese/Cabernet/Merlot 2014 Tuscany -Tenuta di Martucino Barolo 2011 $38.95 (Profile) -Cantina Rizzi Barbaresco 2012 $38.95 Vintages +478958 The Food: I did not try all the foods, unlike the Green Show preview. Stalls and stands came from a variety of place, such as - -Ardo [ardorestaurant.com] had a really terrific cannoli -Carmen -Fabricca [www.mcewangroup.ca] -Forno Culture for breads -Local Kitchen & Wine Bar -Pusateri's Fine Foods for pasta -Speducci Mercatto -Terroni -Tutti Matti for a fab porchetta -A. Bertozzi Importing [www.bertozziepicure.com] La Garofalo mozzarella di bufala -Mountain View Coffee for Columbia coffee -Gelato Fresco for ices (I had coffee and one blood orange) The Downside: I had to be at another function earlier in the evening. The Upside: a chance to try some new wines and new foods. The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 2017 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH -- 1.Luigi Bosca Malbec 2013 Single Vineyard Lujan de Cuyo +74922 Vintages, $21.95: aged in new French oak for 14 months with ML fermentation. Highly structured but with red fruit and mocha tones, not light (14% ABV. Oak aging adds some toastiness. Better with food such as heavy meats. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2012 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 Vintages, $24.95: both cabernet franc and sauvignon are used in this Bordeaux-styled blend which comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux New World and Old World. It is still in its youth at 4 years of age, and it would be a shame to consume it this young. You could do what I did: open it and drink it over a couple of weeks, exposing it to air gently or speeding up the process by double-triple decanting. You will get several different wines out of one bottle over the course of time. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by French and US oak (40% new) for 18 months. Currently, you could match it with heavy meats. 14% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Gerard Bertrand Gris Blanc 2015 IGP Pays d'Oc +409870 March 18 Vintages, $16.95: from between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, and from two different grenache varieties (noir and gris). Red fruit all the way, with very pale pink and grey colours. It looks different when viewed from different angles. Aromas of melons are fresh, just almost perfect for lazy summer drinking, so you might want to load up. Twist top. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Languedoc Red 2013 +413237 March 18 Vintages, $16.95: a blend of syrah and grenache, promising both black fruit and red fruit tones at an affordable price. Local garrigue is apparent, complemented by some fennel. Part of the wine is transferred over to oak barrels where it is aged for roughly 10 months. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Fess Parker Pinot Noir 2013 Sta. Rita Hills +382333 March 18 Vintages, $33.95: lots of bright red fruit such as raspberries, with spicy-toast woodsy points and some vanilla and pepper. From three different vineyards in the region, finishing off at 12 months in 1/3 new French oak. A whopping 14.2% ABV may still need to be tamed despite its quaffability. Juicy-jammy California wine all the way. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Southbrook Triomphe Pinot Noir 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula [Organic], +621605, $29.95 Winery only: natural fermentation with 40% whole clusters, aged 9 months in large French oak (12% new oak), 12.5% ABV. It's what a natural pinot noir should be: red fruit dominated by cherries, some forest floor, and a seam of acidity in the finish for food. At a recent cool climate pinot noir tasting with a group that had been tasting wine together for 30 years, I made it a Mystery Wine (the other 10 wines had already been determined for months), and it went up against Burgundy (half the wines), Oregon, New Zealand, and Ontario. In the final vote, seven of the tasters – including me – ranked it in their top three wines; it was exceeded only by a pair of $100 Burgundies. I thought it needed more time, but obviously others were ready to drink it now. Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.La Crema Pinot Noir Monterey 2014, $26.95 Vintages June 24 or TBD: this wine is cool climate from the coast coolness in the evening and the early morning, and with fruit crafted by an experienced Canadian winemaker who knows cool climate. Expect a combo of black cherry-berry, underbrush and earth, balanced but low oaking, some mocha, fennel spices. Very savoury -- I had it with haggis; it went very well. 100% French oak, 17% being new. Not a heavy pinot noir (only eight months in barrel), unlike many others from California. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.La Crema Chardonnay Monterey 2015, +158683 Vintages June 24 or TBD $26.95: this is a Vintages re-order of the Monterey appellation Chardonnay from La Crema, but for the later 2015 harvest. Last time the release in Ontario was at the same price, when the CAD was better. So it becomes more of a bargain now. It is pretty much a cool climate chardonnay and fills a niche in the California Chardonnay landscape. It's angularity stresses brightness in the orchard fruit, with a nice lemony finish and refreshing pineapple acidity. Most of it was aged for 5 months in primarily French oak (20% new), the balance in stainless; the 13.5% ABV is down a bit from the 2013. Nuances of light oaking show with a reduced vanilla feel but still with a full body. A food wine, not a sipper (fish, first course, chicken), Good price. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2015 California, +369686 Vintages Essentials $19.95: a killer wine winner since 1982, the KJC is at Vintages Essentials, although given that the brand is sixth in US sales by dollar values (sells for $12.10USD on average) and should be selling equally well here, it ought to be a General List wine. It's always been barrel-fermented in part and exploits a creamy palate and finish. All chardonnay from Monterey (56%), Santa Barbara (27%), Mendocino (15%) and Sonoma (2%) done up sur lie and aged seven months in 44% French and 53% US oak. Good integration of off-dry tropical flavours on the mid-palate with vanilla and cream, followed by slight oak nuances in the finish. A key example of a winemaker's wine blend: consistent from year to year. With a plastic cork there is no need to store – drink as you buy. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Monday, February 6, 2017 Noon - 3PM The Event: Lunch and wine tasting with Pieroangelo Tommasi The Venue: Modus Ristorante The Target Audience: wine writers, LCBO The Availability/Catalogue: the current releases are all available through Vintages, with one private order. The older vintages were N/A. The agency is Univins and Spirits. The Quote/Background: Pieroangelo spoke about his family's company and their latter-day expansion before leading the tasting. Currently, they own 6 wineries through 5 regions (Veneto, Lombardy, Tuscany, Apulia, and Basilicata. We tasted 4 wineries today – 7 Amarones in two styles and 4 other wines. The major difference between the Amarones is that Ca'Florian comes in at 4 g/l sugar and 75% corvina while the basic Amarone has 8 g/l sugar and only about 50% corvina. I preferred the lower sugar levels, and of course they went better with the food. The 2009 Amarones are the company's 50th harvest. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Casisano Brunello di Montalcino 2011, +483800, $49.95 Vintages April 1/17 -Tommasi Amarone Classico 2007, 15.5% ABV, n/a -Tommasi Amarone Classico 2009, 15.5% ABV, n/a -Tommasi Ca' Florian Amarone Classico 2007, 15.5% ABV, n/a *BEST RED TODAY* -Tommasi Ca' Florian Amarone Classico 2008, 15.5% ABV, n/a -Tommasi Ca' Florian Amarone Classico 2009, 15.5% ABV $99.95 private order 6-pack -Paternoster Aglianico del Vulture 2012 Basilicata, $35.95 Vintages July 6 2017 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Poggio al Tufo Alicante 2013 Tuscany, +70797, $22.95 Vintages -Tommasi Amarone Classico 2008, 15.5% ABV, n/a -Tommasi Amarone Classico 2012, 15.48% ABV, +356220, $49.95 Vintages -Paternoster Don Anselmo Aglianico del Vulture 2012 Basilicata, $67.95 Vintages Sept 7 2017 The Food: Before we began, there were some amuse bouche (meatballs in tomato sauce, shrimp, truffled wild mushroom crostini). We ordered with a range of choices: I did the grilled shrimp with beans and red peppers, and the prime strip loin – both with the Amarones in mind as good accompaniments. The Downside: wow – my palate needed a cleanser after the heavy-heavy Amarones (15.5% ABV) The Upside: a good chance to exchange views and opinions about Tommasi wines and the Italian wine industry. The Contact Person: cbreuer@univins.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 2. The Date and Time: Tuesday February 7, 2017 11AM to 4PM The Event: Wine Australia Winter Trade Tasting with Mark Davidson The Venue: Verity The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: there was a catalogue with prices indicating availability or N/A. There were 55 wines. The Quote/Background: Tables were arranged by type – alternative varieties, aromatic whites, chardonnay, pinot noir and grenache, cabernet blends, and shiraz blends (largest). There was a seminar of 14 wines led by Mark Davidson and a team of six local sommeliers. Sixty people attended this seminar; the names of the wines have been folded in to the listing below. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, and some I could not get to because of the tables and crowds. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tahbilk Goulburn Valley Marsanne 2010 **BEST WHITE TODAY** [not listed at LCBO] -Domaine Naturaliste Rebus Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $32.95 -Kalleske Pirathon Barossa Valley Shiraz 2013 $33.42 -Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Barossa Valley Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012 N/A -Vasse Felix Heytesbury Margaret River Chardonnay 2015 +111368 $69.95 -Cullen Diana Madeline Margaret river Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2010 N/A -Luke Lambert Yarra Valley Syrah 2012 N/A **BEST RED TODAY** -Rockford Basket Press Barossa Valley Shiraz 2008 +195254 $94.95 [oldest wine today] -Bindi Quartz Macedon Ranges Chardonnay 2015 $121.23 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tahbilk Goulburn Valley Marsanne 2016 +117945 $18.95 -Jansz Premium Tasmania Cuvee NV +566828 $26.95 -Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 +489906 $22.95 -Vasse Felix Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 +686543 $43.95 -Tahbilk Glulburn Valley Viognier 2016 $18.95 -Vasse Felix Filius Margaret River Chardonnay 2015 +106103 $24.95 -Bindi Dixon Macedon Ranges Pinot Noir 2012 $84.65 -Ringbolt Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 +606624 $21.95 -Ulupna Limited Edition Goulburn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $36.95 -Ulupna Royal Phoenix Goulburn Valley Shiraz 2015 $45.95 -Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock Heathcote Shiraz 2013 $102.11 -Kay Brothers Hillside McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012 $52.92 -Mitolo GAM McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014 $52.95 -Langmeil Valley Floor Barossa Valley Shiraz 2014 +140912 $27.95 -Glaetzer Bishop Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015 +627869 $39.95 -Ochota Barrels Sense of Compression Adelaide Hills Grenache 2015 $86,95 -Yalumba The Octavius Barossa/Eden Shiraz 2012 $129.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -O'Leary Walker Polish Hill Clare Valley Riesling 2015 $27.55 -Domaine Naturaliste Sauvage Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2015 $32.95 -Alpha Box & Dice Golden Mullet Fury McLaren Vale Semillon Viognier 2014 +237446 $20 -Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Semillon 2012 +930495 $55.95 -By Farr Tarrside Geelong Pinot Noir 2014 $82.72 The Food: platters of international gourmet cheeses, crispbreads, preserves, and grapes. The Downside: once the seminar was over, the tables were moved back. But there was still so little room that it was difficult to get to all the wines, pour and then spit and dump. The Upside: most of the discussion came from the sommelier panel, and this was very refreshing. The Contact Person: anne.popoff@wineaustralia.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 3. The Date and Time: Wednesday February 8, 2017 11AM to 3PM The Event: 2017 Wines of British Columbia Toronto Trade Tasting The Venue: Arcadian Loft The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: Twelve wineries participated, geared to an audience of mainly sommeliers but also wine writers. The Quote/Background: Ten wines were poured at the seminar led by David Lawrason; the same wines were also in the show itself, along with about two dozen other wines. The Wines: I was unable to taste all the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Church & State Wines Lost Inhibitions Red Blend Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot 2015 N/A BC only **BEST RED TODAY** -Dirty Laundry Woo Woo Gewurztraminer 2015 $19.99 HHD Imports March 4 Vintages -Dirty Laundry Cabernet Merlot 2014 $25.95 HHD Imports -Joie Farm En Famille Reserve Pinot Noir 2014 $39.90 -Laughing Stock Portfolio Red Blend Merlot, CS, CF, Malbec, PV 2014 $54.95 Licensee Rogers -Poplar Grove The Legacy Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 +353110 $52 -Sperling Vineyards Chardonnay Vision 2014 +378570 $32 **BEST WHITE TODAY** -Cipes Brut NV Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc $24.90 N/A -Cipes Blanc de Noir Pinot Noir Brut 2008 $32 N/A -Cipes Ariel Pinot Noir Chardonnay Pinot Meunier Brut 1998 $77 N/A ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2014 +208694 $33.95 -Church & State Wines Lost Inhibitions White Blend Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc 2015 N/A BC Only -Burrowing Owl Merlot 2012 +585737 $40.95 -Laughing Stock Blind Trust Red Malbec, Merlot, CS, CF 2014 $36.95 Licensee Rogers -Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2015 +137348 $44.25 -Burrowing Owl Malbec 2014 +284256 $44.25 -Moraine Estate Cliffhanger Red Malbec and Merlot 2014 +464131 $24.95 -Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 2016 +467555 $23.95 -Poplar Grove Syrah 2013 $44.95 Trialto -St. Hubertus Riesling 2014 $17.95 Terroir -Cipes Rose Brut NV Pinot Noir $26 N/A -Therapy Vineyards Freud's Ego Merlot, Cab Sauv, Syrah, Cab Franc 2015 $24.95 Dionysus *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Joie Farm Pinot Noir 2014 $26.95 -Joie Farm A Noble Aromatic White Blend 2015 $24.95 -Mission Hill Chardonnay 2014 +281212 $15.95 The Food: It was a great idea – amuse bouche style food right in front of each pouring table – smoked fish crostini, pastrami and other meats on some kind of platform, chicken samosas, beef in choux paste. Kudos! The Downside: I was at the dentist, so I could not make the seminar. The Upside: a good chance to reconnect with BC VQA wines. The Contact Person: Lkittmer@winebc.com or Tnykilchuk@winebc.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 4. The Date and Time: Thursday, February 9, 2017 11AM to 3PM The Event: New Gems and Old Favourites from Northern Italy The Venue: Chef's House, George Brown College The Target Audience: wine trade, media The Availability/Catalogue: There were four wines at the seminar and about a dozen more for just the trade. The agents were there to sample wines and perhaps sign up an Italian winery to represent. Reps from the wineries had just arrived from Miami and warmer weather. The Quote/Background: We began with a short talk on the traceability and regulation of Italian DOC wines from Federdoc, and then moved on to the seminar moderated by Michael Fagan. About 40 attended the seminar and the panel presentation. None of the wines are currently in the Ontario marketplace. The Friuli region is in the process of regularizing its name on the label. The Wines: Hey, I tried every wine! **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Villa Mattielli San Giacomo Valpolicella Ripasso DOC 2014 $25–30 USD retail ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -La Scusa Ribolla Gialla Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC 2015 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Casa Vinicola Antonutti Pinot Grigio Friuli Grave DOC 2015, $18-29 USD retail -La Scusa Friulano Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC 2015 The Food: a light buffet lunch included roast pork loin with mushroom sauce and roasted roots of potatoes, carrots and onions. There was also a vegetarian lasagne and a green salad followed by a dessert. The Downside: I thought that there would be more interplay with the audience, especially since there were only 4 wines. The Upside: it was good to sit and break bread with some agents, something we don't normally do. The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87 5. The Date and Time: Thursday February 23, 2017 7PM - 10PM The Event: Marisco NZ Winemaker's Dinner, with Matt Mitchell, General Manager of the Winery. The Venue: Estiatorio Volos, Richmond Street The Target Audience: wine media The Availability/Catalogue: wines are at, or will be at, the LCBO except for the pinot noirs which are private orders through Authentic Wine & Spirits. The Quote/Background: Matt left us to taste the wines on our own, and to develop their affinities for the food. Then he went around the table and chatted with everybody. The winery is in Marlborough by the Waihopai River. They focus on sauvignon blanc, pinot gris and pinot noir. There is a high end series which includes a viognier but we had so samplings here. The “Bastard” refers to the single chardonnay as out-of-the-ordinary since it is not really prominent in this region. The export model is label “Legacy”, but alas, there were no samples here for us to taste. Matt and I covered a lot of ground about New Zealand wines in Ontario, and we discovered that he went to wine school (Roseworthy) with our mutual friend Joe Will of Strewn Winery in Niagara. The Wines: I had been exposed to Marisco over the years through the annual New Zealand wine show that passed through Toronto every May. I was disappointed that no Chardonnays appeared (I loved The King's Bastard Chardonnay, which the company changed to King's Legacy on the new export label)... **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Marisco The King's Desire Pinot Noir Rose 2016, $19.95 +492926 Vintages April 29 -Marisco The King's Wrath Pinot Noir 2015 $26 Private Order ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Marisco The King's Ned Pinot Noir 2014 $19 Private Order -Marisco The King's Thorn Pinot Gris 2016 $19.95 +490300 Vintages May 13 -Marisco The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $16.60 LCBO +470070 The Food: we had a small plates menu, with samplings of flaming saganaki (sheep's milk cheese) with The Ned Sauvignon Blanc, and a trio of horiatiki salad, tiger prawn saganaki, and grilled Moroccan octopus accompanied by the Thorn Pinot Gris and the King's Desire Pinot Noir Rose. The main course was surf and turf: grilled Mediterranean filleted sea bass and beef tenderloin riganato. Here we had both Pinot Noirs. The food was well-chosen for engaging the wine. The Downside: I had to leave early before dessert (alas, there was no sticky wine either). The Upside: an engaging one-on-one conversation with Matt Mitchell about the New Zealand wine industry. The Contact Person: nmonoholias@awsm.ca and matt@marisco.co.nz The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 6. The Date and Time: Monday February 27, 2017 11:30AM - 3PM The Event: Master Class with Matias Calleja of Bodegas Beronia, on the use of oak. The Venue: Lena The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers (36 or so in all at the seminar) The Availability/Catalogue: only some wines are at the LCBO, as indicated. Others can be privately ordered through Woodman Wines and Spirits. The Quote/Background: we tasted 10 wines. A white at reception, a barrel sample of new Rioja done up in three different oak styles, a reserva and three Gran Reservas. Matias spoke on the company's use of oak: US oak, French oak, and special barrels with US staves and French heads. I actually did prefer this latter, which was a judicious use of oak. They go through 3500 new barrels a year, and all new wines go into new barrels for a period and after that into second- and third-use barrels for aging. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -BERONIA GRAN RESERVA 2008 VINTAGES 940965 $37.95 -BERONIA GRAN RESERVA 1994 PO -BERONIA GRAN RESERVA 1973 N/A **BEST WINE TODAY** 95pts ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -BERONIA RESERVA 2012 VINTAGES 50203 $20.95 -BERONIA TEMPRANILLO ELABORACION ESPECIAL RIOJA LCBO 426981 $16.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -BERONIA RUEDA VERDEJO 2015 VINTAGES 461327 $11.25 -BERONIA TEMPRANILLO RIOJA LCBO 243055 $13.95 Barrel Samples – US Oak (88pts); French Oak (89pts); Mixed oak (90pts) The Food: we had a range of Spanish cheeses and sausages plus breads just after the tasting started. This was followed by a scrumptious meal accompanied with extra wine: our table had some 1994 Gran Reserva (yummy), with choices of mushroom and lentil soup, organic chicken, caldoso pasta, and striploin. I chose the striploin because I thought it would pair better with the Rioja. It did. Kudos to the kitchen. The Downside: I thought the aromas of the cheeses and the sausages on the tables conflicted with the aromas of the wines. They were difficult to ignore. The Upside: a good chance to hear about an oak program, and to savour a wonderful 1973 Gran Reserva Rioja. The Contact Person: rachel@woodmanws.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR JANUARY 2017 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH – 1.Miguel Torres Santa Digna Syrah Reserva 2013 Central Valley, +480905, $14.95 Vintages: 80% of this wine was aged in French oak for 9 months, and then bottled at 14% ABV. This is a Fair Trade wine (Fair for Life) in which all the workers get a decent wage. The vines grow in Linares in poorly-drained soil with low-yields. This gives it a very syrah-like character of vibrant black fruits and violets. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde 2015, +471284, $12.95 Vintages: 12% ABV, with lightly floral tones on the nose and on the palate, ending with aromatic softness. Loureiro is one of the vinho verde varieties used in blending. Best sipped or with appetizers. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah Mourvedre Grenache 2013 Cotes du Roussillon, +413245, $18.95 Vintages Feb 18: 14% ABV, GSM style all the way. One third of the wine is matured in barrels for 9 months and then blended with vatted wines. Jammy, upfront black fruit coupled with both mocha and subtle spice cake tones. Sip or with food. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rose 2015 Languedoc, +37895, $18.95 Vintages: out just in time for Valentine and then continuing through Easter. 12.5% ABV, but fresh and fruity with an excellent pale rose colour. The bottle has a bottom shaped like a rose in bloom (to view it, turn the bottle onto its side). It is a blend of grenache, cinsault and syrah, emphasizing both red and black currants with some candy floss on the finish. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos 2012, $20.95 (500 mL), +980805 Vintages: Hungarian nectar, full of apricot, dried peach and orange peel. 13% ABV. Try with blue cheese as an ending to the meal. No price increase over the 2010, last here at Vintages in 2015. There will not be many of these left as new Euro rules raise minimum sugar levels and increase the puttonyos to 5 or 6, eliminating all the 3 and 4 levels. Prices will rise too, through $50 a bottle. Quality/price rating 91 points by Dean Tudor. 6.Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2012 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268391 Vintages Feb 18, $24.95: Here is a deft Burgundian character pinot noir wine, with cherry-berry tones, some toast, mildly opulent style, not totally cool climate at all. Fermented in stainless and aged in “European” oak (30% new). Ready now, very food friendly. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2014 Speck Family Reserve VQA Ontario, +461699, $24.95 Vintages Feb 18: Low yielding grapes come from Short Hills Bench area which was planted in 1984. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – at under $25. Aged in premium American Oak for more than 18 months, it's still young, needing another two years or so for proper aging, but with multiple decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13.5% ABV. One of the top bacos at the LCBO. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. And spicy foods. Speck Family Reserves are the top tier by HOP. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.THE KRAKEN BLACK SPICED RUM, 750 mL +225698, $30.95, 47% ABV: I rarely review spirits beyond brandies, but this one caught my eye, and it is a delicious drink on its own "neat" (as I usually have my Cognacs and Malts). It's a base of dark rum from Trinidad and Tobago, aged one to two years, and with 11 added spices (cinnamon, ginger, and clove dominate). The taste is rather on the nutty side, with tones of vanilla and mocha and the spices, with a long peppery finish. There is no doubt it has strong flavours but it is mild on the attack. Physically, the black liquid rum comes in an attractive bottle with hoop handles and an interesting label that celebrates the giant sea squid nicknamed "The Kraken" (legend has it that a dark rum shipment from the Caribbean was once lost to the beast in the ocean). I grew up with the Jabberwocky, so I can identify with such myths. The rum was actually put together in Indiana (says the label), and it is now a Hot Brand in the USA. You could try a Black Mojito or a Perfect Storm (The Kraken plus ginger beer and lime wedge), but do try it as a sippin' neat drink. Also available in different formats at the LCBO: +389304, 50 mL $4.95; +366534, 375 mL $17.95; +318683, 1140 mL $42.95; +454710, $1750 mL $62.95; and as a Limited Edition ceramic bottle suitable for gifting (+427286, 750 mL $44.95). Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2015 Speck Family Reserve VQA Ontario, +461699, $24.95 at winery now: Low yielding grapes come from Short Hills Bench area which was planted in 1984. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $25. Aged in premium American Oak for more than 18 months. It's still young, needing another two years or so for proper aging, but with multiple decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13.5% ABV. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. And spicy foods. Speck Family Reserves are the top tier by HOP. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2015 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, $14.95, +81653 LCBO: A consistent wine, year in and year out, my fave Ontario chardonnay at this price level. The labels have more info, stressing a lighter body and more fruity finish for 2015 (orchard fruit) with some buttery nuanced complexity from the barrel fermentation, and with a longer finish. Aged in oak for 9 months. The palate is richer than previous vintages, with more alcohol, buy it up. Cork closure, keep it around for awhile. 14.3% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. [currently on sale at LCBO for $1 off until Feb 26] 11.Chateau des Charmes Cabernet Franc 2015 VQA NOTL, +162602 LCBO, $14.95: it has been two years since I tasted the entry level 2013 Cab Franc from Chateau des Charmes (I usually have access to their St David's Bench Vineyard Franc wines, costing twice as much), and they have a continual winner. It has some over-the-top full-bodied black spicy fruit while still retaining some cranberries and bell peppers, slightly augmented with some pine tones. Aged for 9 months in French oak with some toast. Sip or with first course food. Cork closure, keep it around for awhile. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Thursday January 12, 2017 10:30 AM to noon. The Event: Winterlicious media preview, City of Toronto. The Venue: Lee, King Street West The Target Audience: media The Availability/Catalogue: There were posters and booklets detailing the restaurants and programs involved in Winterlicious 2017 for January 27 – February 9. The Culinary Event Series and the Prix Fixe Promotion were discussed. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/winterlicious for the celebration of 150 years of Canadian cuisine, Caribbean influence, bartending, and Italian seafood (among others). The Quote/Background: Councillor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre) as Chair of Toronto's Economic Development Committee gave the major presentation on the annual Winterlicious prix fixe restaurant event, and introduced YP (Yellow Pages) Dine as the presenting sponsor for the next three years, and Chef Susur Lee for today's host restaurant. More than 220 restaurants are included in this year's Winterlicious, with menus from $18-23-28 at lunch to $28-38-48 at dinner. More than 6.2 million meals have been served during this promotion, which began in 2003 to assist in slow periods of business in January and July. The Food: a major force on the Toronto restaurant scene is Susur Lee, so it was fitting that the media launch presser was at his premier restaurant Lee. Since Lee is only open for dinner, there was just the dinner menu ($48), and we had a generous selection of samples such as the excellent appetizer spring roll duo (cheeseburger spring roll + cod & stone crab spring roll with cream cheese, highlighted by smoked chili mayo + kaffir lime – all on a bed of lettuce leaf for a wrap) and the appetizer Thai fried chicken with tamarind chutney and green apple kimchi. From the mains we had samples of a stunning seared yellowfin tuna with a mustard ponzu butter sauce. Great food, lovingly prepared and served. Coffee and ESKA Natural Spring Water were also available. The Downside: the event was slightly late in getting started. The Upside: social media were out in force, with #LiciousTO, @LiciousTO, instagram.com/liciousto, facebook.com/LiciousTO, plus @leerestaurant and @susrlee. The Contact Person: Anastasia Saradoc The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 2. The Date and Time: Monday January 16, 2017 6Pm to 10PM The Event: annual dinner of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada The Venue: Tutti Matti, King and Spadina The Target Audience: members of the WWCC and their guests, almost two dozen in all. The Availability/Catalogue: the wines were drawn from WWCC member cellars. The Quote/Background: the annual dinner is really a fun time to which everybody brings their A game. The Wines: I tasted most of these wines, and they were largely terrific. Bubbly service at beginning: -JEIO Rose Brut NV Italy -Grange of PEC Lot 4 Brut NV VQA PEC -Blu Giovello Prosecco NV -LAN Crianza 2012 Rioja magnum -Laztana Tempranillo Reserva Rioja 2010 -Fielding Riesling Reserve 2006 VQA -Between the Lines Merlot 2009 VQA -Rosewood Merlot 2011 VQA -J. de Telmont Blanc de Blanc Brut NV -J. de Telmont Cuvee Grand Rose Brut -Franciacorta 2010 Monzio Compagnoni -2007 Union Forté -2012 Two Sisters Cabernet Franc VQA -Mountain Road Winery Vidal Icewine 2000 -1990 Moulin Touchais -2009 Roux Pere & Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumes -Frescobaldi Nippozano Chianti Rufina Reserva 2012 -2005 Osoyoos Larose BC VQA -Chateau Les Charmes-Godard 2012 Francs-Cote de Bordeaux -Exultet Estates Chardonnay The Blessed 2010 VQA PEC -Muscedere Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2008 VQA LENS -Pisano Merlot and Tannat 2012 Uruguay -Azores Sao Miguel Quinta Da Jardinette Merlot and Tempranillo 2014 -Sardinia Terre Bianche Torbato 2014 The Food: Antipasto Choice – Porchetta (slow roasted pig, tuna sauce, arugula, deep fried shallots, toasted country bread; Aqua Cotta (carrot, celery, onion, black cabbage, bread, duck egg served in a large soup bowl); Verdure (cauliflower, carrots, leeks, squash, black cabbage, pistachio bagna cauda). Main Choice - Crespella (crepes, fontina bechamel, wild mushrooms); Eliche Pasta (lamb, fennel, chick pea, rosemary); Costole Di Manzo (short ribs, beer, oranges, Rosemary, beets and beet greens). Formaggio Dolce Tiramisu, Sorbetto It was a meat crowd, so the porchetta and the short ribs won the raves, especially in combo with the wines. The Contact Person: deantudor@deantudor.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 3. The Date and Time: Thursday, January 19, 2017 6PM to 10PM The Event: Globe Bistro's 10th Birthday celebration The Venue: Globe Bistro, Danforth The Target Audience: friends, media, etc. The Quote/Background: About 300 were expected for this “posh nosh” gathering of celebration, including owner-operator Ed Ho himself (who was on the guest list under “H”). The Wines: Globe served four wines: Cave Spring Chardonnay 2015 VQA (rated: 89), Hidden Bench Bistro Pinot Noir 2013 VQA (rated: 88), McManis Petite Sirah 2014 California (rated: 89), and Malivoire Pinot Gris 2015 VQA (rated: 88). I stuck with the Chardonnay, augmented by Flying Monkeys Hopping Mad IPA beer. There were other draught beers and bottled beers available, but essentially it was a wine crowd. The Food: food was excellent, of course. Globe had wisely ordered a large cheese platter (about a dozen different cheeses, but no blues) and a large charcuterie platter (mainly gourmet sausages from around the world) from the Cheese Boutique. At this buffet table there was also a veggie platter of crudites and crisp breads. Two other platters by the kitchen comprised oysters and a roasted suckling pig. One-bite sized canapes were served by the staff: pig heart boudin blanc (wonderfully spiced), foie torchon, trout rillette, smoked cod croquette (my fave of the night: gotta love that smoke!), beef tartare, and Asian veggie rolls (also a fave). There was also black pudding terrine, squash pakoras, and northern woods mushroom crepes, but we did not see any. It was amazing how the staff were able to roll everything out in waves. Good team. The Downside: we left early, just before 7:30 PM after seeing all the staff and picking our way through the crowds. The Upside: a chance to see a few people I had not seen in a while. The Contact Person: ed@globebistro.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95. 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/Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 2016 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH -- 1.Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay 2014 St. David's Bench Vineyard VQA St David's Bench, +430991, $19.95 Vintages: one of several chardonnays at different price points from Chateau des Charmes. My last vintage tasted was the 2012. Barrel fermented and barrel aged in French oak for almost a year, with lees stirring. 25-year old vines. Expect soft balance with nuances of minerality and some muted tropicality, served up with orchard fruit. Cork closure. Long finish. One of my fave chards, but do not serve overchilled. 495 cases. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Chateau des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot Old Vines 2012 VQA NOTL, $21.95 +222372 Vintages: a substantial wine made from plots planted beginning in 1983-1985 and then again in 1992-1996 (all four of their vineyards) – about a third each of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot, coming in at 13.5% ABV after 10 months time in non-new French oak. Expect medium mocha, cedar, vanilla and cassis, but double-decant the bottle before serving. The extra airing will help soften it and give it a longer length from the older vines. Tasted successfully over a number of days. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Chateau Devise d'Ardilley Haut-Medoc 2012, +642512, $29.95 Vintages Dec 10: this popular brand is useful for the mid-Atlantic style for North American Bordeaux drinking. Composed of 45% merlot, 50% cabernet sauvignon, and 5% petit verdot, 13% ABV. Lots of black fruit with a strong wood component, lingering but mild finish. A first course wine? Haut-Medocs are really “good buy” in wines. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Tautavel 2013 Cotes du Roussillon Villages, +272575, $18.95 Vintages Jan 7, 2017: one of the real few values in the opening January release at Vintages. It's a blend typical of the south Rhone – with syrah, grenache, and carignan - and coming in at 14% ABV. Grand Terroir is Bertrand's range of specific vineyards in the Roussillon region. A third of the wine is aged in French oak barrels for nine months; the rest goes into vats. Red fruit and black fruit dominate with nuances of aging and wood. Some garrigue too. Best with food. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Ferraton Pere & Fils Samorens Cotes-du-Rhone 2014, +168708, $14.95 Vintages Jan 21/17: a good Rhone blend of grenache (85%), syrah (10%) and cinsault (5%). It's matured in vats as a simple Rhone, at 13.5% ABV. Aromas and texture are basically a grenache papery sensation, with dark berry complexity and modest spicing. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Maynard's Port Encyclopedia, vol. II, $54.95, +464917 LCBO Gift Purchase: this is a great introduction for tasting port, a sort-of tutorial. And very useful for a Christmas gift at that price range. Here are six of the Barão de Vilar's fine Ports for this sampling set. They have been in the business of port for 16 generations; the LBV concept was originated by them in 1954. The six tubes are 60 mL each: 12 ounces in total. Just perfect for 2 – 3 persons, say about $18 each. There are notes on the inside of the box (which looks like a book), and if you want more, there is always Wikipedia. The first three may not seem much like a bargain (white, ruby, LBV 2012) but the latter three are bargains in this context (10-, 20, 30-year old tawnies). There are tasting notes provided (the tawnies regularly get over 90 points just about everywhere) as well as suggested pairings with food. Unfortunately, the food pairings are difficult since the quantity of wine is so small: by the time a couple have tasted and enjoyed the ports, there is little left but the aromas. But it is worth a shot if you go at it alone. One suggestion: the package will cost a bit more, but it may be appropriate to just keep the ports on the dark side by dropping the white port and adding a colheita after the LBV, a sort-of comparison with the tawnies. White ports are about $17 a full bottle, colheitas are twice that. My fave, of course, was the 20-year old tawny, with its complicated nose and dried fruit tones on the palate. Quality/Price rating of the package is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Monday, October 31, 2016 9:30AM – 4PM [WRITTEN NOVEMBER 10] The Event: A Tasting of Wines from Italy: 21 years. The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall Lobbies The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: The catalogue was for all of Canada, so Vancouver and Calgary along with Montreal were also included. Not all wines were offered for tasting in all locations, so we had to pay attention to the small print as to which wine was where. We had to stay sober as well...Otherwise, there was detail on grape varieties and names of agents and others. Prices were lacking, but we just had to ask. Of course, not everybody knew their own prices – which was a marketing shame...Most wines were seemingly private orders, or perhaps consignment and a few in Vintages. Some wines would be available next year (2017) at the LCBO. The Quote/Background: Nobody had a firm grip on the numbers of different wines. Some wines never showed up, others were substituted, some were completely new, and vintages varied. Once again, many tables could not pin down even an estimated price. There were many tables of wines with wineries looking for an agent. I could not in all good conscience taste and review these when there were so many other wines in the room that are already here in Ontario and needed to be tasted. The Wines: I did not taste every wine – WHO COULD IN FOUR HOURS ??? I concentrated only on the oldest reds I could find. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell'annunziata 2011, $75 Profile -Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell'annunziata 2010 n/a Profile -Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell'annunziata 2008 $175 Profile -Bersano Barolo Riserva 2007, $74 Profile -Camperchi Toscana IGT Sangiovese 2008, $30 United Stars Corp -Casetta Flli Barolo Riserva La Serra 2010, $60 Signature -Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2011, $75 Colio Estate -Gerardo Cesari Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Il Bosco 2010, $73.95 Profile -Gussalli Beretta Franciacorta Cuvee 7 Lo Sparviere, $29.95 Eurovintage -Cantine Petrosino Terre Siciliane IGP Saluq Shiraz 2012, 7.50E AMV-Whiz Trading -Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva di Fizzano 2013, $35.95 Profile -San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2013, $38 Groupe Soleil -Statti Mantonico IGT Calabria Bianco 2014, $20 Majestic -Tenute Piccini Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Fattoria di Valiano 2010, $29 Wine Lovers -Togni Rocca dei Forti Cuvee Asti, $12.95 Dionysus -Torraccia di Presura Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2010, $69 The Vine Agency ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Barone Mantalto Viognier Collezione di Familiglia 2015 Terre Siciliane, +435479, $15.95 Feb 4/17 Vintages -Cusumano Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2015, $22.95 Family Wine Merchants -Marchesi Mazzei ChiantiClassico GranSelezione Castello Fonterutoli 2011,$54.95 Profile -Monte del Fra Bianco di Custoza Ca del Magro 2014, $25 Signature -Cantine Petrosino Terre Siciliane IGP Brezza Mediterranea 2015, 4.90E AMV-Whiz Trading -Statti Greco IGT Calabria Bianco 2015, $17 Majestic -Togni Gran Casale Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2013, $21 Dionysus -Togni Casalfarneto Anfora Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2015, $14.95 Dionysus -Torrevento Matervitae Fiano Puglia 2015, $14.95 Majestic -Ca'Tullio Friuli Aquileia Viola Traminer Aromatico 2015, $18 Signature -Fazio Erice Pietrasacra 2010 Nero d'Avola, $55.95 Profile *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Amastuola Salento IGP Bianco 2015, $16 Majestic -Cusumano Sicilia Shamaris 2015, $14.95 Family Wine Merchants -Cantine Ermes Sicilia IGT Tenute Orestiadi Ludovico 2009, $19.95 Charton Hobbs -Feudo Disisa IGT Terre Siciliane Tornamira 2012, $35 Vintage Trade -Monteci Lugana 2015, $24.95 The Case for Wine -Statti Lamezia Bianco 2015, $16 Majestic The Food: Cibo Wine Bar did the food very well: some cheeses, meat platters, dried fruit, breads, pasta, olives, arancini, creamy gorgonzola, pickles. The Downside: for the first time ever I missed the seminar, with John Szabo and some great wines from Puglia. The Upside: I had a chance to taste some fine wines in the walkabout. The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 2. The Date and Time: Saturday, November 12, 2016 Noon to 4PM The Event: A tasting of Fortified Wines as developed by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (15th annual tasting) The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's clubhouse. The Target Audience: WWCC members exclusive. Nine members had signed up. The Availability/Catalogue: All these fortified wines are at the LCBO or by consignment. They include ports, sherries, vermouths, and other beverages. The Quote/Background: This was not a competition, but a tasting. The Wines: My ratings do not include a ranking beyond GOOD, BETTER, and BEST. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Gonzalez Byass Sherry Solera 1847 $15.75 446476 -Fonseca White Port NV $17.15 276816 -SYMINGTON FAMILY Warre's OTIMA N/V $22.90 566174 500 mL -Emilio Lustau Oloroso Pata de Gallina N/V $39.00 471110 500 mL Hanna -Emilio Lustau Oloroso Don Nuno N/V $15.65 375105 Hanna -Emilio Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos N/V $15.35 375097 Hanna -Gonzalez Byass Alfonso Oloroso Seco $20.00 954776 -Taylor Fladgate 20-Year Old $69.95 149047 -Graham's 20 Year Old – 500 mL $38.50 620641 -POLI DISTILLERIE S.R.L. Poli Amaro Vaca Moro $37.95 662726 -FRATELLI BRANCA Antica Formula Vermouth 1 litre $48.95 Consignment Majestic -Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Ratafia 2006 Ontario $29.95 -Alvear Fino Montilla-Morilles NV $12.95 112771 -Pernod SA Byrrh Grand Quinquina $14.90 440909 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Croft Port Late Bottled Vintage 2010 -Alvear Medium Dry Montilla-Moriles NV $12.95 112789 -Sogevinus Calem 10 Yr Old Port $29.95 248542 -Reynac Pineau des Charentes $22.95 372164 -FRATELLI BRANCA DISTILLERIE Carpano Classico 1 litre $24.80 Consignment Majestic -FRATELLI BRANCA DISTILLERIE Punt E Mes 1 litre $22.55 Consignment Majestic -MANOEL D. POCAS JUNIOR VINHOS LBV Port 2009 $25.95 642058 -Graham's 10 Year Old $29.95 404012 -Gonzalez Byass Nutty Solera, Medium Oloroso $15.95 35204 -Taylor Fladgate LBV 2011 2011 $18.10 46946 -Taylor Fladgate Fine White $15.95 69856 -Taylor Fladgate 10-Year Old $34.95 121749 -Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe $17.95 231829 -Gonzalez Byass Cristina Medium $20.00 196808 -Emilio Lustau East India Solera N/V $24.95 342931 500 mL *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Graham's Late Bottled Vintage 2011 $17.25 191239 -Fonseca Port Bin 27 NV $16.95 325506 -Gonzalez Byass Croft Original Fine Pale Cream Sherry $15.95 73452 -Southbrook Vineyards Whimsy! The Anniverary ON $29.95 -De Sousa Seasons Reserve Port NV Ontario -Lakeview Cellars Orion's Belt 2006 VQA Niagara 500 mL -Karlo Van Alstine Red 2012 PEC 500mL The Food: bread, pretzels, kohlrabi, daikon radishes, unsalted almonds, water The Contact Person: deantudor@yahoo.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94 3. The Date and Time: Thursday November 17, 2016 6PM to 8PM The Event: Gourmet Food and Wine Expo 2016 The Venue: Metro Toronto Convention Centre The Target Audience: wine trade and VIP night The Availability/Catalogue: the distributed handbook was very informative. The Quote/Background: I just strolled around from booth to booth. I sampled wines here and there, I sampled draught beer. I did not do any food or any seminars. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Baron-Fuente Grand Cepage Chardonnay NV Brut, +471045 $75 -Zenato Veneto Rosso Appassimento 2013 IGT, +208579, $13.20 -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Crianza 2012, +233733, $27 online lcbo.com -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Reserva 2010, +233741, $37 online lcbo.com -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero MB 2011, +233709, $52 online lcbo.com -Delhommeau Harmonie Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur Lie 2013, +164264 $16.45 Vint -Clarence-Dillon Claredelle Bordeaux 2014, +28845, $24.95 Vint -San Esteban In Situ Reserva Syrah Aconcagua Valley 2014, +662817, $15.95 Vint -La Madone Le Perreon Beaujolais-Villages 2014, +98115 $16.95 Vint -Atamisque Catalpa Malbec Tupungato Mendoza 2013, +194126 $19.95 Vint ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Amirault Cremant de Loire Blanc NV Brut Biodynamic, +462606 $23 -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Verdejo White 2015, +476374 $17 online lcbo.com (or the Royal York LCBO “Destination Spain” for all the Bergugo wines) -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Joven 2015, +233758, $15 online lcbo.com -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Barrica 2014, +233717, $19 online lcbo.com -Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2015, +391847, $14.95 Vintages -5 Stones Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon KPM Margaret River 2015, +108001, $19.60 Vint -Atamisque Serbal Malbec Tupungato Mendoza 2014, +444737 $16.95 Vint -5 Stones Cabernet-Merlot 2014 KPM Margaret River, +127761, $23.95 Vint -Domaine Courbis Rouge St Joseph 2013, +7914, $30.95 Vint *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Rosado 2014, +233691 $17 online lcbo.com The Beers: I sampled Goose Beer, Railway City, Mill Street, Granville Island, and Nickle Brook. Because Mill Street and Brickworks Cider share the same ownership (and hence, booth at the show), I did their two ciders on display: Brickworks Batch 1904 (dry) and Batch 501 (less dry times two) – both excellent “Four Stars” and my house cider at home. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Goose Beer Company IPA, 5.9% ABV, 55 IBU -Railway City Double Dead Elephant IPA, 7.5% 90 IBU – my FAVE of the show -Railway City Express India Session Lager 4.8% ABV -Mill Street West Coast IPA, 6.6% ABV 87 IBU -Granville Island Brewing Winter Ale 5.5% ABV more than 30 IBU -Nickel Brook Equilibrium ESB 5.5% ABV 43 IBU -Nickel Brook Head Stock IPA 7% ABV 80 IBU ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Goose Beer Company Honkers Ale, 4.3% ABV, 30 IBU -Goose Beer Company Rambler, 6.7% ABV, 65 IBU -Railway City Sweet Stout Black Coal 6% ABV -Mill Street 100th Meridian 5% ABV 23 IBU -Granville Island Brewing English Bay Pale Ale 5% ABV 23 IBU -Nickel Brook Naughty Neighbour APA 4.9% ABV 38 IBU *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Railway City Cranberry Festive Lager 5.5% ABV -Nickel Brook Cause and Effect Blonde 4.7% ABV 19 IBU The Downside: there was no on-site LCBO store The Upside: the show seemed to have better vibes this year. The Contact Person: christopher.waters@sunmedia.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87. 4. The Date and Time: Wednesday, November 23, 2016 6PM to 9 PM The Event: Client Celebration of Presidential Gourmet Catering with the Royal Ontario Museum. The Venue: ROM, Age of Dinosaurs Gallery The Target Audience: food and wine event planners and media. The Quote/Background: PG Catering does corporate events, weddings, home and office parties, with about 30 venues that they are associates (including the Ontario Science Centre, the ROM, Roy Thomson Hall, et al). They have a wide-range of sustainable menus for all their events. Some of what they can do were on display tonight. Their new Exec Chef Jay Suppiah provided a new menu, which began with hors d'oeuvre in motion followed by food stations and a dessert display table. This food preview showcase was complemented by a good upscale range of Canadian wines. For more details, visit www.presidentialgourmet.ca The Wines: These were pretty impressive wines for a media/preview gathering. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Brut Rose NV VQA -Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2013 VQA ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Thirty Bench Riesling Winemakers Blend 2015 VQA -Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 BCVQA *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir 2015 VQA The Food: this is what we were here for...THE MENU !! “Hors d’oeuvre in Motion” -Pork Belly Mini Sliders (braised pork belly and pineapple slaw sandwiched between Polynesian style pineapple buns: a meal in themselves!) -Portobello Poke (Portobello mushroom on top of a taro chip with togarashi cream) -Huili Huili Chicken (chicken, ginger, soy, garlic, mustard and sherry served in a crispy spice wonton taco: my absolutely fave dishes of the night) -Shrimp ‘n’ Grits (Creole spice, coffee and micro cilantro served on a spoon: grits were more like polenta) Food Stations -Japanese Sujuki Market (chicken katsu, sushi rice, scallions, sesame seeds, nori Vegetarian option: braised Japanese eggplant) – took some time to build, so there was a line-up. -Maple-Candied Muskoka Trout (smoked cucumber, citrus segments, fennel slaw, cocoa-vanilla vinaigrette: great flavours_ -Deconstructed Beef Wellington (truffle jus, King Oyster mushroom, roasted Brussels sprouts: I'm not a fan of beef or of Brussels sprouts, but this won me over) Dessert Display (I try to stay away from sugar, but could not resist the red velvet and the verrine. My wife Ann helped me out here...) -Petit Gateau -Vanilla Yogurt Mousse with Maple Fudge and Strawberry Gelee Center -Dark Chocolate Mousse with Cherry Ganache Center -Matcha Tea Mousse with Yuzu Mousse Center -Carrot-Walnut Cake with Buttermilk Glaze -Red Velvet Cake Pops with Cream Cheese Icing -Orange Chocolate Layer Cake -Verrine (buttermilk panna cotta, plum gelee, almond tuile) -Tartelettes (citrus pate sucree, orange pastry cream, fresh fruit) -Mendiant (chocolate pate sucree, gianduja ganache, toasted pecan, candied lemon peel) -Eclaire (butterscotch pastry cream with glazed marzipan) -Macarons, Chocolate and Spekuloos -Chocolate Mint Truffle -Guava Pate de Fruit -Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bon Bon -Passion Fruit Marshmallow -Montelimar Square The Downside: I wished I had a larger appetite and could eat some of the desserts. The Upside: a chance to also see the famed Dale Chihuly glass exhibit of 11 installations. The Contact Person: ruth@thesirengroup.com; rick@presidentialgourmet.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94. 5. The Date and Time: Saturday, November 26, 2016 Noon to 4PM The Event: Tasting of Beaujolais and Gamay arranged for the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada by Andre Proulx. The Venue: The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada Clubhouse The Target Audience: members of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada – expected audience of 12. The Availability/Catalogue: all of the wine are available in Ontario. The Quote/Background: It had taken some time to round up these wines, and we'd like to thank Sopexa for their strong participation. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Jean-Michel Dupre Vieilles Vignes de 1935 Morgon 2014, $19.95 Vintages +440297 -Lucien Lardy Cote du Py Morgon 2014, $24.95 Vintages +468694 -Chateau de Pizay 2014 Morgon TBD France Sopexa -Henry of Pelham 2015 Gamay $19.95 Niagara At Winery -Chateau des Charmes 2015 Gamay Droit $17.95 Niagara Vintages +346742 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Jean-Michel Dupre Vieilles Vignes de 1940 Beaujolais Villages 2014, $16.95 Vintages +468710 -Lucien Lardy 2014 Beaujolais Villages Blanc price TBD Hobbs & Co -G Descombes 2014 Brouilly TBD France Sopexa -Oak Bay 2012 Gamay $18.50 BC At Winery -Dominique Piron 2014 Chiroubles TBD France Lifford -Chateau Thivin 2013 Cote De Brouilly TBD France Sopexa -Chateau Bonnet 2013 Chenas TBD France Sopexa -Grange of Prince Edward Select 2013 Gamay $22.95 PEC At Winery -13th Street 2014 Sandstone Gamay $29.95 Niagara Vintages +130195 -13th Street 2015 Gamay $19.95 Niagara Vintages +177824 -Eastdell 2014 Gamay $13.95 Niagara LCBO +214890 -Cave Spring Cellars 2014 Gamay $15.95 Niagara LCBO +228569 -Malivoire 2015 Small Lot $19.95 Niagara At Winery -Malivoire 2015 Le Coeur $24.95 Niagara At Winery -Chateau des Charmes 2014 Gamay $14.95 Niagara LCBO +57349 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Casa Dea 2014 Gamay $15.95 PEC At Winery -Rezin 2013 Beaujolais TBD France Sopexa -Georges Duboeuf 2014 Morgon - Cote De Py TBD France Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd -Grange of Prince Edward 2013 Gamay $16.95 PEC LCBO +615062 -Malivoire 2014 Gamay $17.95 Niagara Vintages +591313 The Food: basic nuts, pretzels, breads, water The Contact Person: andre.proulx@bellmedia.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94. 6. The Date and Time: Monday November 28, 2016 1PM to 4PM The Event: Wines of Spanish Garnacha Tasting Showroom The Venue: Boehmer The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: the wines were nicely arranged by tables of availability: we began with wines without an agent, then wines with agent (consignment, private orders), followed by wines available at the LCBO (General, Vintages). The Quote/Background: Garnacha is a rising star in Spanish exports (there are 70,000 hectares planted of red, 2300 of white), and this is its third marketing event of the year in Ontario. The success of Monasterio de La Vinas in Ontario is compelling, not only for its modest pricing but also for its quality and aging. The Wines: There were two dozen wines to try: red, white and rose. My best buy was the Beso de Vino at under $10. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Solar de Urbezo Ecologico Old Vines Garnacha 2015 Carinena 2015 TBD No Agent -Celler Batea Tipicitat Garnacha 2012 Terra Alta (with 15% carignan) TBD No Agent -Las Morada de San Martin Las Luces Garnacha 2008 Vinos de Madrid TBD No Agent -Vinas del Vero Secastilla Old Vines Garnacha 2013 Somonyano, $40 -Santo Cristo Legado del Moncayo Old Vines Garnacha 2015 Campo de Borja, $13 -Aragonesas Fagus Seleccion Especial Old Vines Garnacha 2013 Campo de Borja, $25 - $30 -San Alejandro Las Rocas Old Vines Garnacha 2013 Calatayud, $21 -Ignacio Marin Old Vines Garnacha 2010 Carinena, $12.75 Vintages -Grandes Vinos y Vinedos Monasterio de Las Vinas San Jose de Aguaron Reserva Old Vines Garnacha 2008 Carinena, $14.95 Vintages -Grandes Vinos y Vinedos Monasterio de Las Vinas Gran Reserva Old Vines Garnacha 2007 Carinena, $17.95 Vintages ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ecovitres Mesie Garnacha White 2013 Terra Alta TBD No Agent -Cellers Unio Perlat Garnacha 2014 Montsant TBD No Agent -Las Morada de San Martin Senda Garnacha 2012 Vinos de Madrid TBD No Agent -Altavins Ilercavonia Garnacha White 2015 Terra Alta TBD No Agent -Las Morada de San Martin Initio Garnacha 2010 Vinos de Madrid TBD No Agent -Virgen de la Sierra Cruz de Piedra Seleccion Especial Garnacha 2014 Calatayud, $17.95 -Paniza Garnacha 2012 Carinena, $18.95 -Pablo Menguante 2012 Carinena, $16.95 Vintages -Grandes Vinos y Vinedos Beso De Vino Old Vines Garnacha 2014 Carinena, $9.95 LCBO *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cellers Unio Clos Dalian Garnacha White 2015 Terra Alta TBD No Agent -Celler Batea Vall Major Garnacha White 2015 Terra Alta TBD No Agent -Botera Vila Closa Garnacha White 2015 Terra Alta -Paniza Garnacha Rose 2014 Carinena, $16 -San Valero Castillo de Monseran Garnacha 2015 Carinena, $9.95 LCBO The Food: smoked meats and fish, apple packets, chocolate barks, Manchego cheese, breads and fruit. The Downside: ballpoint pens handed out with the catalogue did not work well on the the glossiness of the catalogue, so I switched to feltipped pens. Also, the yellow ink used for the name of the wine was very difficult to read in the shadowy light. The Upside: a chance to capture the leading edges in garnacha from Spain. The Contact Person: frederique.charron@sopexa.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 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/ WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR OCTOBER 2016 [published monthly since 2000] -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH -- 1.Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, +959627, $45.95 Vintages Nov 12: a bargain wine for its price (up two bucks since the last vintage 2011), and still too young to consume unless you double-decant and drink it over a few days. Half of the wine was made in barrels, the other half in vats. A selection of the better barrels is made into a single blend after 18 months, and stored for six months before release. It will be well-aged after another 10 years. Of the 13 permitted varieties, grenache, syrah, and mourvedre are dominant, with cinsault, counoise, muscardin, and vaccarese added. Still tight but plenty of black fruits and spices. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot 2010 Speck Family Reserve Tier VQA Short Hills Bench, +616433 Vintages, $39.95 Nov 26: made from Pelham's oldest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot vineyards in the style of Bordeaux, from specially selected barrels for this top level. Aged in French oak for 20 months (60% new and 40% 1 year old barrels). I did enjoy this wine over a week after opening with daily tasting and decanting. Needs more aging to appreciate some nuances of the black fruit, otherwise the wine is useful now. Best with wine-braised meats such as lamb, venison or other game. 13.5% ABV, vinified by cropping and selection. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2012 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 December Vintages, $24.95: both cabernet franc and sauvignon are used in this Bordeaux-styled blend which comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux New World and Old World. It is still in its youth at 4 years of age, and it would be a shame to consume it this young. You could do what I did: open it and drink it over a couple of weeks, exposing it to air gently or speeding up the process by double-triple decanting. You will get several different wines out of one bottle over the course of time. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by French and US oak (40% new) for 18 months. Currently, you could match it with heavy meats. 14% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Quinta de Curvos Afectus Alvarinho 2015 Vinho Regional Minho, +471276 Vintages Nov 26, $17.95: not a Vinho Verde with its 13% powerful ABV, but made from just one of the VV grapes – Alvarhino. The winery uses sustainability and organic principles. Delicate flowers with under-notetones of ripe fruit, medium body but full-flavours on the finish with enough structure for food. Don't overchill. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Sartori di Verona Montegradella Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, $17.95, +473157 Vintages December 10: this wine has aged nicely – it is 4 years old at this point. The colour is changing to brown tints but the fruit notes of black currants and black plums are now augmented by more underbrush, with a resolved fullish finish that goes extremely well with food (we had it with Persian lamb shoulder). 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Sartori di Verona Corte Bra Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2009, $49.95, +225540 Vintages December 10: this wine has aged nicely (7 years now) and becomes more of a bargain at this price level. 15.5% ABV puts it in the bigger leagues. Black fruit dominates the nose and palate, lots of body, lush and luscious in a Juicy Lucy style, and a long finish. We had it with aged cheeses from Monforte (Toscano Secco). Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Gerard Bertrand Cap Insula 2013 Languedoc, +474973, $17 Vintages Nov 12: another very useful and very youthful G-S-M from south of France. It is much like a baby Chateauneuf-du-Pape with the three dominant grape varieties, but it also seems more geared to the NA market with its ripe concentration of black fruit and chocolate-coffee flavours. Good value at this price. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2014 VQA Ontario, +247882, $18.95 April 2017 Vintages: This red blend for 2014 (it can change with each release) comprises syrah (33%), cabernet franc (19%), cabernet sauvignon (14%), merlot (29%), and baco noir (5%). The latter may have resulted in a VQA Ontario designation rather than a VQA Niagara. It's all barrel aged, 65% French oak and 35% US oak for 17 months. It is substantial, reflecting the aromatics and flavour profiles of the grapes used. Cherry-berry tones, fresh spices on the finish, some spine to stand up to hearty food. Cork closure, 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.White Cliff Sauvignon Blanc Winemaker's selection Marlborough NZ, +610972, $14.95 General List: a very pleasant wine, with its diminished grassiness and beefed up fruit. The orchard tones are light enough for an all-purpose food/quaff wine. 12.5% ABV. Very fresh in this 2016 antipodean vintage. Quality/Price rating is 87.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Henry of Pelham Estate Cuvee Catherine Blanc de Blanc Carte Blanche Brut 2011 VQA, +315200, $44.95 Nov 12 Vintages: hand-picked chardonnay from the VQA Short Hills Bench, 20% BF, fermentation in bottle followed by about 5 years lees aging. Tastes much like the leading French regional competitor. The 2011 already has 3 gold medals (2016 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships, 2016 All Canadian Wine Championships, 2016 National Wine Awards of Canada) – what more can I say? Oh, yeah this is my fave Ontario sparkler (hey, I have actually bought this wine in previous vintages). 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 94 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay Organic 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +172338 Vintages $22.95: fruit is from two contracted growers (63& Saunders and 37% Laundry), all barrel fermented in French oak (2d and 3rd year barrels), lees aging one year, all vegan friendly. 12.5% ABV. Very soft and engaging, much like the 2012 in its youth, mild toast but a longish length. Showing some orchard fruit on the mid-palate. Very Burgundian in style. Best tasted in contemplation, underpriced. Do not overchill. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Monday, October 3, 2016 11:30AM – 2:30PM The Event: Tasting Marques de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo wines with winemaker Marcelo Papa. The Venue: Toula, Westin Harbour Castle The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: all vintages will be available in the months to come, see below. The Quote/Background: This also the 40th anniversary of Marques de Casa Concha. Marcelo, who comes to Toronto about once a year, spoke on the changing nature of Concha y Toro as they position themselves internationally. They are developing more food friendly wines in an elegant, sophisticated style, wines that are also suitable for sipping on their own but appear to be better with food. The Wines: All wines will be available through the Vintages program. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, $17.95, +481002 March 2, 2017 – [Euro-style] -Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, $21.95, +337238, Vintages Essentials in December. - [North American style] -Concha y Toro Vigno Old Vines Carignan Dry Farmed Maule 2014, $22 TBD [60 year old vines] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2014, $19.95, +342857 Spring 2017 for 2014 -Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2014, $19.95, +169862 Spring 2017 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Marques de Casa Concha Pais/Cinsault 2015, $24.95 TBD [carbonic maceration for Pais, and limited production] The Food: we ordered off the menu, which included salads (caprese) and smoked salmon. There was pasta (lamb ragu, clams), and branzino or striploin or cornish hens. The Downside: the subway was not really working well this AM, and I was later than I wanted to be. The Upside: good wines and a chance to talk with Marcelo. The Contact Person: mbruni@escaladews.ca; catherine@catchcom.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. 2. The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 12, 2016 11AM to 2PM The Event: Winemaker Tasting for Pascual Toso (Argentina)with Ontario agent Eurovintage. The Venue: National Club The Target Audience: media (wine and others) The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available at the LCBO or will be. There were some uncertainties about the wine notes (some wines were not available), but it all got straightened out in the end. The Quote/Background: Pascual Toso arrived from Piedmont and set up his winery in 1890. The tasting today was part of a road trip to celebrate the winery's 125th anniversary and to introduce Felipe Stahlschmidt their new winemaker who signed on in 2015 after 10 years with Catena. They make primarily malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay in Maipu (La Barrancas). The company produces some 7 million litres of wine a year at different levels. Paul Hobbs came in 2001 as a consultant, refining the upper level Toso blends and crafting a New World approach to their wines. Today was also the Ontario release of the Barrancas Toso Malbec (60%)-Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) Red Blend 2014, $18.95 at Vintages TBD. It was crafted to celebrate the 125th anniversary and bears a special label. The Wines: we started with Toso Brut Chardonnay NV Charmat Method Mendoza, 12%, not available in Ontario. And we finished with Pascual Toso 2014, a limited edition of 125 double magnums autographed by Paul Hobbs, and celebrating 125 years of Toso. Here, the company took one barrel of their best malbec and one barrel of their best cabernet sauvignon, and blended it 50-50 to produce the anniversary blend. It still needed time, of course. And I wonder what it would be like at the 150th anniversary. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pacual Toso Barrancas Toso Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon Red Blend 2014 125th Anniversary, $18.95 TBD -Pascual Toso Alta Malbec 2014 Barrancas, $32.95 -Pascual Toso Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Barrancas, +441907 Vintages, $32.95. -Pascual Toso Finca Pedregal Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (72-28%) 2014 Barrancas, $69.95 -Pascual Toso Magdalena Toso Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (73-27%) 2013 Barrancas, $99.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Edition 2014 Barrancas, $16.95 -Pascual Toso Malbec Limited Edition 2014 Barrancas, +162610 LCBO, $16.20 -Pascual Toso Malbec Reserve 2013 Barrancas, +183897 Vintages, $19.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pascual Toso Malbec 2014 Barrancas, +35170 LCBO, $14.14 The Food: the National Club had prepared an Argentine buffet extravaganza, with sausages and charcuterie cold cuts, salads, peppers, hot rice dishes, croquettes, and stuffed tenderloins. Cheeses were mainly Spanish. The Downside: I had to leave early for a matinee. The Upside: a chance to speak to Felipe Stahlschmidt The Contact Person: sales@eurovintage.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87. 3. The Date and Time: Monday, October 17, 2016 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM The Event: Portfolio tasting of Rogers & Company The Venue: George Restaurant The Target Audience: sommeliers, private clients. The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available by the case. The Quote/Background: Principals were there in support of the tasting for Pio Cesare, Domaine Serene, Continuum, Cannonball, Astrolabe, Grgich Hills, Truchard, Altesino, Araex, Shafer, and Buil & Gine. The Wines: I did not try every wine. Prices are Licensee, purchase is by the case if 6 or 12. New this year included an English sparkler, Ridgeview Bloomsbury Brut 2014 (quite impressive). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay 2014, $84.95 -Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2011 $50.95 -Falchini Paretalo IGT 2011 $26.95 my FAVE VALUE RED of the tasting -Pio Cesare Ornato Barolo 2012, $115.95 -Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee du Baron 2013, $41.95 -Grgich Hills Napa Valley Chardonnay 2013, $61.95 -Grgich Hills Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $83.95 -Grgich Hills Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, $94.95 -Shafer Napa Valley Merlot 2013, $75.95 -Shafer Napa Valley Relentless 2013, $132.95 -Shafer One Point Five Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $123.95 -Maison Alex Gambal Chassagne-Montrachet 2013, $81.95 -Maison Alex Gambal Vosne-Romanee Vieilles Vignes 2013, $107.95 -Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $74.95 -Forman Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $143.95 -Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014, $63.95 -Pio Cesare Barolo 2012, $72.95 -O'Shaughnessy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $116.95 -O'Shaughnessy Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $182.95 -Shafer Napa Valley Relentless 2013, $132.95 -Shafer Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $379.95 -Dominus Estate Dominus 2012, $309.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ridgeview Bloomsbury Brut 2014, $49.95/6 -Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir 2013, $111.95 -Dominus Estate Napanook 2012, $98.95 -Ovid Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $414.95 -Blue Mountain Vineyards Brut NV, $25.45 -Terra Costantino deAetna” Etna Bianco 2014, $28.95 -Union Wine Co. Underwood Pinot Gris Oregon 2015, $21.95 -Duckhorn Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $33.95 -Lis Neris Pinot Grigio Isonzo 2015, $27.95 -Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2012, $72.95 -O'Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $147.95 -Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Blanc 2015, $36.95 -Astrolabe Valleys Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $19.95 -Continuum 2013 Napa Valley Red, $284.95 -Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $56.95 -Chateau Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $129.95 -Altamura Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $146.95 -Buehler Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2014, $29.95 -Buehler Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, $56.95 -Joan Gine White DOC Priorat 2012, $27.95 -Truchard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $38.95 The Food: cheeses and breads, goat cheese with avocado guac on toasts on platters, hot arancini, deep fried veggies, chicken skewers, and maybe more (I did not stay the whole time). The Downside: I had a Champagne tasting after this, so my time here was short but sweet. The Upside: a chance to taste some really high calibre wines, with Miriam and Dr. Joseph Rogers themselves. The Contact Person: c.mclean@rogcowines.com; s.stoddart@rogcowines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 4. The Date and Time: Monday, October 17, 2016 3PM to 4:30PM The Event: A tasting of Charles Heidsieck Champagnes with Cyril Brun, Chef de Cave. The Venue: Shangri-La Hotel The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: both wines are at Vintages. The Quote/Background: M. Brun spent a great deal of time on the elaboration of the two wines plus some historical cultural materials. We were just tasting the two wines. The Wines: Both wines would score in the low 90s, say 92-94. My own preference was for the Rose Reserve because I felt it offered more complexity than did the Brut Reserve. The major difference is that the Brut Reserve has 40% reserve wines, while the Rose Reserve only has 20%, and thereby appears more fresh (it gets its colour from 5% red wine addition). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Reserve, +36962 Vintages $69.95. -Charles Heidsieck Champagne Rose Reserve, +409342 Vintages $74.95. The Contact Person: catherine@catchcom.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85. 5. The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 2PM to 5PM The Event: Istituto Grandi Marchi tasting of fine Italian wines. The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: many of the wines are available by consignment, others are in the LCBO distribution, others are private order – the usual mixed bag! All wineries have Ontario agents. The Quote/Background: The Grandi Marchi is made up of 19 Italian wine families concentrating on fine wines for 25 years or more. They have their own estates and are industry leaders. The Wines: I did not taste every wine, and prices may not be exact, if at all. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alois Lageder Gewurztraminer Alto Adige 2015, $26.95 -Alois Lageder Cor Romigberg Cabernet Sauvignon Alto Adige 2011, $65 [Demeter] -Donnafugata Mille e una Notte Rosso Sicilia IGT 2011, $89 -Donnafugata Ben Rye Passito di Pantelleria DOC 2014, $45 half-bottle. -Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 2011, $85 -Gaja Barbaresco 2013, $279 -Masi Mazzano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011 -Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d'Asti 2015, $19 -Pio Cesare Chardonnay L'Altro Piemonte 2015, $29.95 -Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2013 -Umani Ronchi Cumaro Conero Riserva 2011, $30 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tenuta San Guido Guialberto Toscana IGT 2014 -Alois Lageder Lowengang Chardonnay Alto Adige 2011, $49.95 [Demeter] -Folonari Cabreo Il Borgo Toscana IGT 2013, $45 -Folonari Campo al Mare Bolgheri DOC 2014, $30 -Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna DOC 2015, $18 -Carpene Malvolti 1868 Extra Dry Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore NV -Donnafugata Tancredi Rosso Sicilia IGT 2011, $44.95 -Gaja Sito Moresco Langhe 2014, $65 -Jermann Chardonnay Venezia Giulia IGT 2015, $36 -Lungarotti Montefalco Sagrantino 2010, $44.95 -Lungarotti Vigna Monticchio Torgiano Rosso Riserva 2009, $45.95 -Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi Riserva 2009, $52.95 The Food: Daniel & Daniel caterers provided cheeses, salumi platters, breads, fresh and dried fruits. The Contact Person: igmtoronto@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. 6. The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 2PM to 7PM The Event: Mark Anthony's Portfolio Tasting, 4th annual 2016 The Venue: Arcadian Lofts The Target Audience: wine trade, writers, sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue had been redesigned over the previous two years – it looked spectacular with all needed details such as name, year, size, price for licensees, availability, and room for notes. The Quote/Background: 52 producers or labels were featured, some with principals. The Wines: I did not try any beers or spirits. Overall I was most impressed with the quality of the sparkling wines. I did not sample all the table wines. Prices are licensee. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Gunderloch Riesling Nackenheim Rothenberg Auslese 2014, $57.25 -Jean Baptiste Riesling Kabinett 2016, $19.75 -Graham's 20 Year Tawny Port 500 mL, 38.40 -Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Red Meritage 2012 VQA, $38.20 -Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador 2013, $125.60 -Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista 2013, $125.60 -Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2013 $34.95 -Mission Hill Quatrain 2012, $49.95 -Santa Rita Floresta Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $20.30 -Treana Blanc 2014, $29.95 -Rodney Strong Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $99.95 -Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $99.95 -Davis Bynum River West Chardonnay 2014, $32.95 -Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $99.95 -Checkmate Fool's Mate 2013 BC, $80 -Checkmate Attack Chardonnay 2013 BC, $115 -Checkmate Capture Chardonnay 2013 BC, $90 -Checkmate Queen Taken Chardonnay 2013 BC, $125 -Checkmate Little Pawn Chardonnay 2010 BC, $110 -Brumont La Tyre 2006, $129.95 -Chateau Lamarque Haut Medoc 2010, $35.50 -Lanson Gold Label Champagne Brut Millesime 2015 $90 -Lanson Rose Label Champagne Rose, $72.95 -Alois Lageder Gewurztraminer 2013, $23.95 -Cuvee Tsarine by Adriana Champagne Brut NV $86.95 -Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2013, $199.95 -Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri 2014 $55 -Luce Della Vite 2013, $114.95 -Falesco Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone Le Poggere 2015, $10.85 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2014, $223.95 -Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay 2014 $19.95 -Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2014 $26.95 -Nederburg Heritage Heroes Airhawk Sauvignon Blanc 2016 South Africa. $19.95 -Santa Rita Casa Real 2012, $62.95 -Santa Rita Triple C 2011, $47.95 -Achaval Ferrer Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, $28.85 -Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2013, $57 -Mission Hill Oculus 2012, $89.95 -Mission Hill Compendium 2011, $56.95 -Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2013 VQA, $28.95 -Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Valley Semillon 2011, $55.95 -Tyrrell's Vat 47 Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2012, $53.14 -Michael Mondavi Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $59.95 -Michael Mondavi Animo Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $129.95 -Davis Bynum Jane's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, $39.95 -Adelsheim Elizabeth's Reserve Pinot Noir Oregon 2013, $88.95 -Simmonet Febvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2012 $99.95 -Simmonet Febvre Chablis 2014 $23.65 -Brotte Domaine de Barville Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2014, $47.45 -Chateau Montus Cuvee Prestige 2009 Madiran, $74.95 -Chateau Laroque Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2010 $68.95 -Alois Lageder Krafuss Pinot Nero 2014 $56.95 -Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio 2014 $30.95 -Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2010 $122.05 The Food: delicious platters of charcuterie, smoked whitefish & salmon & octopus, international cheese, salumi, veggies and dips, olives, dried fruit, nuts, from O & B. The Contact Person: lcatchpole@markanthony.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 5. The Date and Time: Monday, October 24, 2016 1:30PM – 5 PM The Event: Discover the Somewhereness Wines of Ontario The Venue: St. James Cathedral Centre The Target Audience: wine media and trade The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the LCBO or at the winery. The Quote/Background: There are now 12 members of Somewhereness, mostly in Niagara, and they subscribe to a sense of place (the Lake Ontario effect), the ancient soils, the quality of the premium wines, and a sens of stewardship towards the conditioning of the earth. They grow site-specific wines in small lots. All the wineries are family owned. It began in 2007 with five wineries. John Szabo led a seminar of some 12 Niagara wines, a mix of contemporary and older vintages for Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. These have been folded in below. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. All prices are retail; all wines are VQA. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bachelder Niagara Wismer Wingfield #1 Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2013, $44.95 -Bachelder Niagara Wismer Foxcroft #2 Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2013, $44.95 -Cave Spring Cellars Blanc de Blancs CSV 2008 Beamsville Bench, $39.95 -Cave Spring Cellars Riesling CSV 2014 Beamsville Bench, $29.95 -Cave Spring Cellars Riesling CSV 2010 Beamsville Bench [Winery Library] -Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard 2013 Vinemount Ridge, $35 -Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Reserve 2013 Niagara Peninsula, $45 -Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir La Grande Reserve 2013 Niagara Peninsula, $60 -Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling Twenty Mile Bench 2009 [Winery library] -Flat Rock Riddled Traditional Method Sparkling Twenty Mile Bench 2010, $29.95 -Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2012, $24.95 -Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2013, $29.75 -Hidden Bench Estate Nuit Blanche Beamsville Bench 2014, $40 -Malivoire Bisous NV Brut Beamsville Bench, $29.95 -Norman Hardie Cuvee de Roche 2014 VQA Ontario [blend of Niagara and PEC] Winery -Norman Hardie Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2009 [winery library] -Southbrook Estate Grown Small Lot Wild Ferment Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2012, $34.95 -Southbrook Poetica Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2013, $49.95 -Southbrook Poetica Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2009, [winery library] -Southbrook Estate Grown Small Lot Witness Block Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc Four Mile Creek 2013, $39.95 -Stratus White NOTL 2013, $38 -Stratus Red NOTL 2012, $44 -Tawse Quarry Road Vineyard Riesling Vinemount Ridge 2014, $23.95 -Tawse Limestone Ridge Sparkling Riesling 2014 Twenty Mile Bench, $19.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -13th Street Winery Cuvee Rose NV Niagara, $27.95 -13th Street Winery Viognier 2015 Niagara, $19.95 -Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay Mineralite 2013, $44.95 -Bachelder Niagara Lowrey Pinot Noir St. David's Bench 2013, $44.95 -Bachelder Niagara Wismer Parke Pinot Noir Twenty Mile Bench 2014, $34.95 -Bachelder Niagara Parfum Pinot Noir 2014, $26.10 -Cave Spring Cellars Chardonnay CSV 2013 Beamsville Bench, $29.95 -Cave Spring Cellars Pinot Noir Estate 2014 Beamsville Bench, $39.95 -Charles Baker Riesling Ivan Vineyard 2015 Twenty Mile Bench, $27 -Domaine Queylus Merlot Cabernet Franc La Grande Reserve 2012 Niagara Peninsula, $49.95 -Flat Rock Gravity Pinot Noir Twenty Mile Bench 2012, $29.95 -Malivoire Mottiar Pinot Noir Beamsville Bench 2013, $34.95 -Malivoire Small Lot Pinot Noir Beamsville Bench 2014, $29.95 -Norman Hardie Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2014, $39 The Food: three dense cheeses from Monforte (cow and goat), a variety of local cheeses from the Cheese Boutique, terrific sliced salmon from the Fat Chance Cold Smoked Salmon Company, sliced bread from de le terrs bakery, and wonderful salumi from Paganelli (boar sausage