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/ Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing. This Diary has always been available since 2000 at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com... AN ADDED VALUE FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS – Always available at http://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor/trade.txt or the archives at http://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor/ REPORT ON THE BENVENUTO BRUNELLO TOUR 2023.... The Date and Time: November 28, 2023 9:30A - 2:30P The Event: a tasting of the 2019 Brunello di Montalcinos (plus a few other Brunello wines) from Tuscany, sponsored by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino. The Venue: Aria Ristorante, York Street The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: quite a few of the wines are available right now through the LCBO and local agents. Michael Godel provided a brisk commentary on the region, and this was followed by a "wine list" of the 70 or so wines we were to taste. The region produces three distinct types of wines: Brunello from the sangiovese grosso grape, a white moscadello, and a "Rosso di Montalcino" for current drinking. The Quote/Background: There are 208 producing wineries in the region (we tasted wines from about 35 different wineries); 25% of them are organic or biodynamic. From a variety of sources -- "Brunello di Montalcino has an aroma of cherries, strawberries, florals, tar, truffles, violets and spices. They are supple, generous, elegant, refined, polished, succulent and rich in texture and depth. All are well-balanced with silky smooth mouthfeel, integrated tannins with a long aftertaste." Of course, all of these have to develop through long cellaring, about 3 - 10 years at least. The 2019 vintage has been rated 5/5, the 2018 is 4/5 and the 2016 is 5/5. The 130+ attendees tasted the wines in lots of four, which was a decent pace. The Wines: I managed to taste most of the wines...about 55 of them were from the release of the 2019 vintage. The rest were 2018 (and at the Riserva level) and even 2016 (my fave). Older is better with Brunello. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Argiano Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 154609 $59.95 -Argiano Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Vigna Del Suolo 2019 $275.00 -Castello Di Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $59.95 -Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggio Alle Mura Vigna Marrucheto 2019 -Castello Di Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggio Alle Mura 2019 -Tommasi Casisano Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 483800 $49.95 -Celestino Pecci Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggio Al Carro 2019 -Col D'orcia Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 306852 $54.95 -Col D'orcia Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Docg 2016 Poggio al Vento (my fave) -Corte Dei Venti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $44.95 -Cortonesi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg La Mannella 2019 $89.41 -Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Progetto Prime Donne 2019 $115.00 -Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $64.95 -Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Docg 2018 -Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $67.00 -Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Vallocchio 2019 $89.95 -La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $65.00 -La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Fiore Di NO 2019 -La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Riserva 2018 -Le Gode Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Montosoli 2019 $150.00 -La Serena Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 14963 $94.00 -Ridolfi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 644963 $59.95 -Ruffino Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Greppone Mazzi 2019 $72.26 -Salicutti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $199.95 -San Polo Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Vignvecchia 2019 $160.00 -Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggio Doria 2019 -Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Vigna Del Lago 2019 $95.00 -Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggio Al Granchio 2019 $95.00 -Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Vigna Spuntali 2018 -Poggio Di Sotto Brunello Di Montalcino 2018, D.O.C.G. LCBO# 337774 $243.95 -San Polino Brunello Di Montalcino 2018, D.O.C.G. LCBO# 14813 $87.00 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Armilla Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $69.95 -Carpineto Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 515486 $64.95 -Caprili Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $60.00 -Collemattoni Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $61.99 -Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $57.95 -Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Campo Di Marzo 2019 -Cortonesi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Poggiarelli 2019 $95.95 -Elia Palazzesi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 -Franco Pacenti Brunello Di Montalcinio Docg 2019 $73.00 -Franco Pacenti Brunello Di Montalcinio Docg Rosildo 2019 -La Casaccia Di Franceschi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 -Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2019 -La Fornace Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $65.00 -La Fortuna Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $49.95 -San Polo Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 650812 $79.00 -San Polo Brunello Di Montalcino Podernovi Docg 2019 $160.00 -San Polo Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Riserva 2018 -Talenti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $76.00 -Talenti Brunello Di Montalcino Docg Piero 2019 $215.00 -Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 922054 $56.95 -Uccelliera Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $134.99 -Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 LCBO# 713719 $59.95 -Voliero Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2019 $119.99 The Food: there was bread followed by a box lunch of four paninos - pulled chicken, prosciutto, tomato caprese and grilled veggies. The Downside: we needed bigger spit buckets (at least one had spilled all over a section of our table). The Upside: a chance to taste some really incredible wines. The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. REPORT FROM RHONE VALLEY WINES.. The Date and Time: Wed November 22, 2023 The Event: The Rhone Valley Vineyards Winemaker Tour The Venue: 2d Event The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, wine agents. The Availability/Catalogue: an xlsx file with full details The Quote/Background: The Rhone Valley (North and South) is a region and not an appellation. The "Vignobles de la Vallee du Rhone" wine tour had six principals speak to us: Michelle Bouffard from Chateau du Trignon (Gigondas), Denis Guthmuller who is President of the Syndicat Of Cotes du Rhone, Philippe Pellaton from Maison Sinnae, Celine Verdier Rieu from Chateau d'Orsan, and Samuel Montgermont. There are 31 appellations in the region, using 34 grape varieties for 17 crus, 22 Cotes du Rhone Villages, and 171 communes. Exporting to Canada: 9% of the total production (which is itself 76% red, 11% white, 13% rose). Of all the wines, 18% are organic. The Wines: I tasted most of the wines. The tasting was divided into three parts: one was a seminar of 11 wines, another was a stand up walk around of about 10 wines, and another was a sitdown lunch with about a dozen wines. Only 7 or so agents rep these wineries, while half of the wineries here were looking for agents. No prices were offered on my spreadsheet. About half of the wines were organic...see below...The tasting featured 23 wines followed by an extensive meal with more wines. Each course was matched with an appropriate wine to underline their ability to enhance food. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau de Trignon Gigondas 2017 -Xavier Vins Red Cotes du Rhone 2020 (Noble) -J. Denuziere Cotes du Rhone, 2020 (Rogers) -Chateau d’Aqueria Tavel Rose, 2022 (Noble) -Cave Heritiere Gabert Cave de Tain Hermitage, 2018 (Noble) [my fave red] -Paul Jaboulet Cornas Les Grandes Terasses, 2020 -Les Vignes de l'Arque Cuvee Les Chemins de Rome White Duche d'Uzes 2022 -Cave de Bonnieux Luberon Cuvee Revelation 2020 -J. Denuziere Saint Joseph Cotes du Rhone 2020 -Cave de Cairanne Cuvee Insouciante Red 2021 -Cave Saint Desirat Condrieu 2020 [my fave white] -Alain Jaune Grande Garrigue 2021 -Domaine de Vacqueyras Seguret L'Amandine Cotes du Rhone Villages 2021 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau Beaubois Cuvee Confidence Costieres de Nimes 2022 (white) -LAVAU White Cotes du Rhone 2022 (Noble) -Domain Rozel Cuvee Alayx, 2021, Grignon-LesAdhemar -Halos de Jupiter Red Cotes du Rhone 2020 -Chateau des Coccinelles Cotes du Rhone 2022 -Domaine Gassier Nostre Pais 2020 -Les Petits Duc Cotes du Rhone 2021 -Domaine de la Citadelle Le Chataigner Rose Luberon 2022 -Domain Autrand Cotes du Rhone Village, 2022 (N Pearce) -Villa Voltinia Maison Sinnae Cotes du Rhone Villages Chusclan, 2021 -Chateau d’Orsan Chusclan, 2020 -Mas Carlot Generations Costieres de Nimes 2020 (N Pearce) -Gabriel Meffre Cotes du Rhone Saint Vincent 2022 -La Font Louisiane Cotes du Rhone 2020 -Collines de Bourdic Duche d'Uzes Les Figuieres 2022 -Chateau de Montfaucon Comtesse Madeleine 2021 (not sweet) (N Pearce) The Food: our sitdown lunch had a wide variety of protein to show off the wines. Service was on small plates, naturally. We began with dungeness crab old bay cakes with the Coccinelles. This was followed by the pork belly bao hoisin, cashews, chili mayo and the Chataigner rose (best combination of the afternoon: what a delight!). Next was a braised beef short rib with the Autrand and the Mas Carlot, followed by some slow cooked lamb with the Chateau D'Orsan Cotes du Rhone Villages Chausclan 2022. The parade ended with a small individual cheese course with the Montfaucon. The Downside: apart from the seminar there was no overall listing of wines, they all had to be hand-selected in writing. The Upside: the set-up was nicely done, with a seminar, walk around, and a lunch. The Contact Person: diane.santerne@sopexa.com; agathe.arollinat@sopexa.com. The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86. Brand Appellation Color Cuvée name Vintage Organic label Workshop Agent Xavier Vins AOC Côtes du Rhône Red 2020 Panel Noble Estates Château Beaubois AOC Costières de Nîmes White Confidence 2022 Organic, Biodynamic Demeter, HVE Panel n.a Château d'Aqueria AOC Tavel Rosé Château d'Aqueria 2022 HVE Panel Noble Estates Cave de Cairanne AOC Côtes du Rhône Red Insouciante 2021 Organic, Biodynamic Demeter, HVE Panel Louis Charles Agency Château du Trignon AOC Gigondas Red 2017 Organic Panel n.a Domaine Rozel AOC Grignan-les-Adhémar Red Alayx 2021 HVE Panel n.a Halos de Jupiter AOC Côtes du Rhône Red Côtes du Rhône 2020 Panel Halpern Enterprise Lavau AOC Côtes du Rhône White 2022 Panel Noble Estates Les Vignes de l'Arque AOC Duche d'Uzes White Les Chemins de Rome 2022 Organic Panel n.a J Denuzière AOC Côtes du Rhône Red 2020 Panel Rogers Company Cave de Bonnieux AOC Luberon Red Révélation 2020 Panel n.a Paul Jaboulet Ainé AOC Cornas Red Les Grandes terrasses 2020 Discovery Halpern Enterprise Alain Jaume AOC Vacqueyras Red Grande Garrigue 2021 Organic Discovery Vinoluna / Groupe Soleil Château Boucarut AOC Côtes du Rhône Red Les Petits Ducs 2021 Organic Discovery n.a Domaine de l'Amandine AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Red 2021 Organic, HVE Discovery n.a Domaine Gassier AOC Costières de Nîmes Red Nostre Païs 2020 Organic Discovery Halpern Enterprise CECILE MESTRALLET - Les Collines du Bourdic AOC Duche d'Uzes White Duché d'Uzès blanc 2021 HVE Discovery n.a Gigondas Lacave AOC Côtes du Rhône White La Font Louisiane 2020 Discovery n.a Maison Gabriel Meffre AOC Côtes du Rhône White Gabriel Meffre "Saint Vincent" 2022 Discovery Trajectory Beverage Caves Carod AOC Clairette de Die Sparkling Jasmée Muscat 2023 Lunch Hektars Agenc Château de Montfaucon AOC Lirac White Comtesse Madeleine 2021 Organic Lunch Nicholas Pearce Wines Chateau des Coccinelles AOC Côtes du Rhône White Château des Coccinelles 2022 Organic Lunch n.a Château d’Orsan AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages CHUSCLAN Red Château d’Orsan 2022 Lunch n.a Domaine Autrand AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Red 2020 Lunch Nicholas Pearce Wines Domaine de La Citadelle AOC Luberon Red Le Châtaignier 2021 Organic, HVE Lunch n.a Domaine des Garances AOC Beaumes de Venise Red Alazard 2022 Organic Lunch n.a Héritiers Gambert Cave de Tain AOC Hermitage Red 2018 Lunch Noble Estates Mas Carlot AOC Costières de Nîmes Red Générations 2020 Lunch Nicholas Pearce Wines Maison Sinnae AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Chusclan Red Villa Voltinia 2021 HVE Lunch n.a REPORT ON DRINK CHILE 2023 The Date and Time: Monday November 20, 2023 1PM - 4:30PM The Event: a trade walk around tasting of Wines of Chile and Prochile wines. The Venue: Windsor Arms Hotel The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: the booklet gave a good series of highlights. There were 120 wines from 17 wineries to taste, plus audio tours and tastings every 15 minutes for an overview of Chilean wine styles. There was material on the various wine regions and 18 wine valleys. The Quote/Background: Chile has come a long way towards more diversity and higher quality over the years. Sustainability and innovation have led the way The Wines: I did not taste every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Arboleda Brisa Aconcagua, 2021 $49.95 [5 grape varieties] -Las Ninas Traditional Method Brut Chardonnay, 2022 $19.95 (April 2024) -Las Ninas Traditional Method Rose Pinot Noir, 2022 $19.95 (April 2024) -Luis Felipe Edwards LFE900 Red Blend, 2018 [5 varieties] -Santa Rita Floresta Chardonnay, 2021 $27.95 -Sutil Acrux Red 2020 [6 varieties] $48 -Casa del Toqui Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 $24.95 -Errazuriz Don Maximiniano, 2018 -Vina Santa Carolina El Pacto Agreement No.2, Carmenere, 2021 -Emiliana Organic Vineyards Novas Stellar Selection, 2021 Red Blend $19.95 -Emiliana Organic Vineyards Coyam, 2020 $34.95 -Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvingon, 2021 $22.95 -Santa Ema Sparkling Pinot Noir/Chardonnay, $80.95 -Santa Ema Catalina Red, 2019 $111.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Arboleda Chardonnay, 2022 $18.95 -Marea Grand Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 $ 17.95 -Santa Ema Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserve, 2023 $17.95 -Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Carmenere, 2022 $45 -Undurraga Sauvignon Terroir Hunter, 2021 $30 -Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Piedra Secca, 2021 -Santa Rita Pewen Carmenere, 2021 $60 -Montes Alpha Chardonnay, 2021 $22.95 -Santa Carolina Reserva Chardonnay, 2022 $14.45 -Terraustral Gold Grand Reserve Chardonnay, 2021 $18 -VSPT Wine Group Leyda Reserva 2022, $16.95 -Concha y Toro Diablo Crystal Sauvignon Blanc, $17.95 -Cono Sur Organic Chardonnay, 2021 $14.95 The Food: for the trade, there were food platters of meats, cheeses, breads, biscuits. The Downside: it got really crowded really fast. The Upside: a chance to catch up with the latest from Chile. The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 80 REPORT ON A TASTING OF WINES FROM ITALY 2023 The Date and Time: Monday, October 30, 2023 10:30A - 5PM The Event: Annual ICE Italian Wine Tasting [28th year] The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, wine agents. The Availability/Catalogue: online QR code needed The Quote/Background: 86 estates were showing three wines wines or more. John Szabo MS gave a Masterclass in the new-ish geographic precisions of appellations. There is the Menzioni Geographiche Aggiuntive (MGA for Barolo, Barbaresco, Prosecco, Verdicchio, et al)), the Unita Geographiche Aggiuntive (UGA for Chianti Classico, Soave, Nobile di Montepulciano, Etna, et al). There are also CONTRADAS and PIEVES [parishes]. These are all sub-units of no classification or hierarchy. But also: under UGA/MGA, etc., no grapes can be purchased. For example, Soave has 33 UGAs, Etna has 142 Contradas covering 11 communes, Barolo has 181 MGAs covering 11 communes, while Barbaresco haS 66 MGAs covering just 4 communes. Very difficult to memorize it all....Many wineries are looking to "premiumizing" their production via name branding and protecting. Stay tuned... The Wines: I did not taste all the table wines or all the fizzes, and I did not taste any dessert wines nor grappas or amari or even olive oils! **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pinot Grigio, Maculan -Etna Bianco, 2021, Cusumano -Chardonnay, Castello Gabbiano -Oro, 2021, Il Drago e La Fornace -Rosso Piceno Superiore, 2018 Sella e Mosca -Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, 2020 Rocca delle Macie -Fiordiligi Grillo Sicilia 2022, Mazara Del Vallo, $22 -Barolo, 2018, Rocche dell Annunziata -Rosso Piceno Superiore, 2020, Velenosi -Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo, 2020, Graci -Mane Vino Rosso IGT Toscana, Podere Casanova $14.50 -Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, 2019, Boscarelli -Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOC, Podere Casanova $24 -Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOCG, Podere Casanova $42 -Settecento Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOCG, Podere Casanova $75 -Baciami Vino Spumante Rose Da Uve Mammolo, Piandaccoli -Chianti Classico Vigna del Sorbo, 2020, Fontodi -Barolo Cannubi, 2018 Borgogno -Barolo Sarmassa, 2017, Marchese di Barolo $81.25 licensee -Barolo Cannubi, 2017, Marchese di Barolo $81.5 licensee -Corte Vino Rosso de Montepulciano DOC Podere Casanova, $15.50 -La Cantina del Colli Ripani Fasserina IGT Marche 2022, $20 -Gavi di Gavi, 2021, Marchese di Barolo $25.15 licensee -Donna Angelica Lucido 2021, Assul $29 -Carinda Insolia, Mazara del Vallo 2022, $22 -Barbaresco Gallina, 2019, Oddero -Chardonnay DOC Friuli, Modeana -Chardonnay 2021, Albino Armani $17.95 licensee -Primitivo Since 1913, 2019, $32.35 licensee -Fiano E'Arte, 2022, $14.35 licensee -Primitivo Organic IGP, Agricola Amastuola, 2021, $18.85 licensee -Primitivo Centosassi Organic, Agricola Amastuola, 2018, $28.75 licensee ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Pecorino, 2022, Cantina Tollo -Pecorino Falerio 2022, La Cantina $21 -Anima Lavica Janare Campania Spumante -Ca del Magro, 2021, Bianco Monte del Fra -Podere Casanova Vini Montepulciano Bianco Toscano Canto 2022 -Falanghina, 2021, la Guardinense -Soave Classico Calvarino, 2021, Pieropan -Ribolitto, 2021, Il Drago e La Fornace -Rubesco Vigna Monticchio, Lungarotti -Syrah Ruggiero, Assuli $22 -Ribolla Gialla Venezia Giulia, Modeano -Pinot Grigio, 2022, Albino Armani, $19.30 licensee -Primitivo Rosato Infintinum 2022, Torrevento SRI, $15.75 licensee -Primitivo E'Arte 2022, Torrevento SRI $14.35 licensee The Food: This year it was catered by Stelvio, a Northern Italian Eatery on Dundas Street. They gave us a Buffet Rustico: polenta Bolognese Sauce, polenta with vegetable sauce caponata, Mortadella sausage, sopresatta prosciutto, chickpea salad, pasta salad, quiche di zucchini, pinzimonio con hummus, pickled green and black olives, a range of cheeses, grisini, flatbread cipolle, giardiniera, four kinds of salumi and five kinds of formaggi, and espresso coffee to finish. The Downside: I had no cell phone, so I could not access all the details of each wine. The Upside: over the afternoon about 1600 people attended. The Contact Person: toronto@ice.it or b.marassi@ice.it or info@stelviotoronto.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 REPORT ON THE WINES OF GREECE TRADE TASTING TORONTO OCTOBER 24, 2023 The Date and Time: Tuesday 24, 2023 1PM to 5PM The Event: a tasting of the wines of Greece. The Venue: Arcadian Loft The Target Audience: licensees, sommeliers and wine media, wine agents. The Availability/Catalogue: a spiral bound catalogue with many maps and wine/grape descriptions. There were 29 tables with 116 wines, and the wineries were placed mostly by agent to cover a few tables each. There were about four wines per winery, and there were full details about winery contacts (email addrersses) plus agents, the latter with phone numbers. A good resource guide. The Quote/Background: Most of the wineries were repped by a small handful of agents, such as Kolonaki (11 wineries at 11 tables), Dionysus (3 tables), Selections Le Maitre de Chai (3), Asteria Imports (3), and then the others with one or two tables each. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Malamatina Winery Filioma Dry Rose 2022 [merlot] -Malamatima Filioma Agiorgitiko 2022 PGI Peloponnese -Alpha Estate Xinomavro Red Single Vineyard Hedgehog 2020 PDO Amyndeon -Alpha Estates Assyrtiko 2021 -Cavino Atelier Mavro Kalavritino-Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 PGI Achaia -Domaine Costa Lazaridi Amethystos Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Drama -Domaine Hatzimichalis Alfega White 2022 [sauvignon blanc, malagousia, robola] -Domaine Hatzimichalis Assyrtiko Alepotrype Vineyard 2022 PGI Atalanti Valley -Ktima Biblia Areti White 2020 PGI Pangeon [assyrtiko] -Ktima Biblia Ovilos White 2022 PGI Pangeon -Ktima Tselepos Amalia Brut NV [moschofilero] -Zoinos Winery Sparkling White Extra Brut 2021 PDO Zitsa [debina] -Kitma Pavlidis Emphasis Assyrtiko 2022 PGI Drama -Kitma Spiropoulos Ode Panos Rose 2020 Brut -Oenops Wines Apla Dry White 2022 -Papagiannakos Winery Salvatiano Old Vines 2022 PGI Markopoulo -Papagiannakos Winery Salvatiano "Vientzi" 2020 PGI Markopoulo -Papagiannakos Winery Kalogeri Malagousia 2022 PGI Attiki -Santo Wines Grand Reserve Santorini Assyrtiko 2020 PDO Santorini [oaked] [fave today] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Malamatima Four Angels Red 2022 PGI Peloponnese [syrah/merlot] -Malamatima Four Angels White PGI Peloponnese [chardonnay/malagousia] -Malamatina Winery Filioma Moschofilero 2022 PGI Peloponnese -Boutari Moschofilero 2022 PDO Mantinia -Domaine Skouras Cuvee Prestige White 2022 PGI Peloponnese -Domaine Skouras Assyrtiko Wild Ferment 2022 PGI Peloponnese -Cavino Mega Spileo Cuvee III White 2022 PGI Achaia -Domaine Costa Lazaridi Malagousia 2022 PGI Drama -Domaine Costa Lazaridi Chateau Julia Assyrtiko 2022 PGI Drama -Domaine Hatzimichalis Kapnias Red 2020 [cabernet sauvignon] PGI Atalanti Valley -Ktima Biblia Chora White 2022 PGI Pangeon -Papagiannakos Winery Assyrtiko 2022 PGI Attiki -Santo Wines Santorini Assyrtiko 2022 PDO Santorini -Santo Wines Santorini Nykteri 2022 PDO Santorini The Food: cheese platters with biscuits and breads and fresh fruit; grilled baby octopus with chili crisp; hot apps on platters of chicken, fish, lamb meatballs, fried veggie balls. The highlight for me was the oregano and lemon lamb kleftiko and charred eggplant. The Downside: I had just come from an earlier wine portfolio tasting. The Upside: good exposure to wines that dance in the catalogue. The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. REPORT ON THE CGU FINE WINES WINTER PORTFOLIO TRADE TASTING OCTOBER 24, 2023 The Date and Time: Tuesday October 24, 2023 12noon to 3P The Event: CGU Portfolio Tasting The Venue: Terrace Room, Park Hyatt The Target Audience: licensees and wine media, with private collectors later. The Availability/Catalogue: a one-page sheet listed the wines at five tables, with label names, regions, vintage dates, prices, case sizes, and order information. The Wines: I had the opportunity to try most of the wines. Prices are licensee only. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine Michel Voarick Pernard-Vergelesses 2021 Aloxe-Corton Rouge $65.76 -Domaine des Ardoissieres Silice Blanc 2022 [biodynamic] $34.12 -Niew Vineyards Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021 Willamette $111.11 [my second fave] -Chantereves Marsannay Rose 2021 Savigny-les-Beaune $59.35 -Domaine Derey Fixin Les Echalais Marsannay 2021 Rouge $60.86 -Domaine Patrice Rion Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Terre Blanches 2020 $101.76 -Domaine Pierrick Bouley Volnay 1er Champans 2020 Rouge $187.10 -Domaine Boyer-Martenot Boyer de Bar Chardonnay 2021 $30.70 [my fave of the day] -Domaine Boyer-Martenot Puligny-Montrachet Les Reuchaux 2020 $140.89 -Domaine Garcia Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Grandes Vignes 2021 Rouge $160.14 -Thiriet Cote de Nuits Villages aux Montagnes 2021 $136.54 -Domaine Guillemot-Michel Vire-Clesse Quintaine 2021 [biodynamic] $65.87 -Domaine des Terres de Velle Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesse [white] $64.71 -Domaine Francois Mikulski Cremant de Bourgogne NV Meursault $38.78 -Laurent Ponsot Meursault 1er Cru Blagny Cuvee du Myosc 2019 $226.84 -Le Chai Duchet Vire-Clesse 2021 $33.86 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Reinhard & Beate Knebel Rottgen GG 2021 Mosel [white] $88.75 -Weingut A. Christmann Aus den Lagen Riesling 2021 Pfalz $38.81 -Weingut A.J.Adam Hofberg GG 2022 Mosel $72.81 -Weingut Schloss Lieser Juffer Sonnenuhr Spatlese 2020 Mosel $42.10 -Domaine Michel Voarick Corton-Charlemagne 2021 Grand Cru Aloxe-Corton $328.68 -Clement Lavallee Bourgogne Cotes d'Auxerre Rouge 2020 Ma Pierre $56 -Clement Lavallee Saint-Bris Les Copains d'Abord 2021 $47.07 -Domaine Derey Bourgogne Montre Cul Marsannay 2021 Rouge $40.64 -Armand Heitz Pommard 1er Cru Pezerolles 2020 $150.03 -Domaine Garcia Marsannay Clos du Roy 2021 Rouge $96.09 -Thiriet Bourgogne Aligote au Jardin Comblanchien 2021 $82.61 -Domaine Francois Mikulski Bourgogne Aligote 2021 Meursault $47.91 -Domaine Georges Glantenay Volnay 2020 $77.81 -Laurent Ponsot Bourgogne Blanc Cuvee du Perce-Neige 2019 $61.67 -Le Chai Duchet Macon Blanc 2022 $24.96 The Downside: there was a Greek wine trade show immediately afterwards. The Upside: there were only 35 wines to taste. The Contact Person: info@cgufinewines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85 REPORT FFROM ROGERS & COMPANY PORTFOLIO TRADE TASTING MONDAY OCTOBER 23, 2023 The Date and Time: Oct 23, 1:30 - 4:30P The Event: Rogers & Company Portfolio Trade Tasting The Venue: George, Queen Street The Target Audience: wine trade, sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: a good paper catalogue with prices, regional descriptions, and space for notes. The Quote/Background: many principals attended the tasting and did most of the pouring. New this year was Arthur de Lencquesaing from Marques de Murrieta, this year's guest of honour. The Wines: There were more than 135 wines to sample; I did not taste all of them. Prices are licensee only. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Blue Mountain Brut NV VQA Okanagan $32.99 -Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Tara Falerio Pecorino 2022 Le Marche $18.49 -Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa $105.99 -Marques de Murrieta Capellania 2018 [white, viura] $125.99 -Marques de Murrieta Dalmau Rioja 2019 $249.99 -Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2011 $299.99 -Lis Neris Jusosa Chardonnay 2019 Friuli $52.99 -Lis Neris Confini 2018 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer Friuli $64.99 -Domaine "Luquet Le Pavillon" Macon-Villages 2021 $27.99 -Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Sec 2022 Loire $50.99 -Olivier Leflaive Freres Les Setilles 2020 Burgundy $47.99 -Chanson Pere et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2020 $139.99 -Champagne Bollinger PNC AY18 NV $141.99 -Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee NV $85.99 -Champagne Bollinger RD Extra Brut 2008 $389.99 -Peay Vineyards Estate Chardonnay West Sonoma Coast 2021 $96.99 -Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2022 $80.99 [my fave of the day] -Shafer "One Point Five" Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Napa $159.99 -Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Napa $489.99 -WINC Porter & Plot Chardonnay 2020 Central Coast California $22.99 -Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2020 Napa $98.99 -Faust "The Pact" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 $122.99 -Duckhorn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Napa $134.99 -Duckhorn "Three Palms" Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot 2020 $137.99 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -The Organized Crime Winery Limestone Block Chardonnay 2021 Beamsville Bench $19.71 -Pazo Senorans Albarino Rias Baixas Spain $32.99 -Domaine Henry Pelle Sancere "La Croix au Garde" 2022 Loire $33.99 -Domaine La Meuliere Chablis 2022 $33.99 -Olivier Leflaive Freres Montagny 1er cru Bonneveaux 2019 $76.99 -Champagne Bollinger Rose Brut NV $119.99 -Paul Hobbs CrossBarn Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2020 $39.99 -Flowers Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022 $54.99 -Vins Denuziere Cornas 2021 $63.99 -Share a Splash Wine Company Cannonball Chardonnay 2021 California $18.99 -Pavillon de Leoville Poyferre Saint-Julien 2018 $81.99 The Food: there was a cheese platter with appropriate fromages ranging from runny through to hard, plus some blue cheese. I was there only for the first hour and a half, and sampled some of the four hot platters. There was a platter of George burger with a brioche bun slider, a shrimp tempura with white sauce, a mozzarella orancini/arancini, and a chicken satay skewer. The Downside: as always, it got crowded really fast. The Upside: a major opportunity to taste some really fine expensive wines. The Contact Person: s.stoddart@rogcowines.com or j.clarke@rogcowines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. REPORT ON PROFILE WINE GROUP PORTFOLIO TASTING...September 2023 The Date and Time: Tuesday September 26 2023 2PM - 8:30PM The Event: Profile Wine Group Portfolio Trade Tasting 2023 The Venue: Liberty Grand (Exhibition Place) The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: Everything was available via QR code The Quote/Background: Having the samples from Don Alfonso was a nice touch. The Wines: All prices are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Miner Chardonnay Napa $63 -Corezza Spumante Method Traditionale $35.99 -Argyle Vintage Brut Oregon 2018 $43 -Textbook Sonoma Chardonnay 2022 $41 -J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2021 $43 -Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Reserva NV $27 -Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Rose Reserva NV $28 -Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2021 $60 -Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Les Crays 2021 $70 -Deux Roches St Veran Rives de Longsault 2021 $45 -Palmaz Chardonnay Amalia 2019 $139 -Palmaz Cedar Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $123 -Palmaz NAPA 2018 $277 -Chateau Mailliard Gregory NV $62 -Chateau Mailliard Prestige Blanc de Blanc 2016 $85 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Phermento Lambrusco di Sorbana 2021 $34.99 -Borgo Conventi Ribolla Gialla 2022 $30.99 -Borgo Conventi Isonzo Pinto Grigio 2021 $26.99 -Villa Sandi La Rivetta 120 Valdobbiadonme Prosecco NV $35 -Cristom Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2020 $69 -Solid Ground Chardonnay California 2022 $20 -Dough Chardonnay California 2020 $25 -Markham Chardonnay 2021 $40 -Casale del Giglio Bianco Lazio $24 -Madame Veuve Point Chablis 2022 $44 -Madame Veuve Point Beaune 1er Cru Pimants 2020 $94 -Madame Veuve Point Gevrey Chambertin Rouge 2019 $113 -Chateau Mailliard Alexia Rose NV $75 -Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2021 $25 -Wakefield Jaraman Chardonnay 2021 $25 -Morambo Creek Chardonnay 2021 Australia $35 -Satrco Bianco Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc 2022 $26 The Food: platters of sundried tomatoes, a mix of artichoke hearts, pepperettes, capicola, mortadella, ham, parmesan chunks, pickled beets, eggplant, grilled zucchini, marinated mushrooms, mixed olives, whipped gorgonzola, fig syrup, foccacia. As a special treat, Don Alfonso restaurant provided both La Rissiola (cured amberjack, chives, yogurt, fava bean) and Il Raviolo (pheasant, oyster mushrooms, parmesan cheese, black truffle). The Downside: it got crowded really fast. The Upside: a chance to experience some really great wines. The Contact Person: aprodhon@profilewinegroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87 REPORT ON MARK ANTHONY PORTFOLIO TASTING September 2023 The Date and Time: Monday September 25, 2023 5P-9P The Event: Mark Anthony's Port to Place Portfolio Tasting The Venue: Second Floor Events King Street west The Target Audience: private buyers, sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: There was a paper listing, with label photo, for all of the wines and spirits, and with prices. It was arranged alphabetically (for the most part) by winery or ownership, or by first name. They did a good job for all of the details of all of the products. The Wines: I did not try wines that were available at the LCBO. Nor did I try any fortified wines or spirits or seltzers. Prices are retail, for the consignment (con) and private orders (po). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alois Lageder Chardonnay Alto Adige 2022, $20.95 private order -Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio 2022, $33.95 po -Attems Ramato DOC Fruili Rose 2022, $24 con -Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena DOCG 2019, $59.95 con -Bertani Soave Original Vintage Edition DOC 2022, +36341 con Dec 2023, $27.25 -Brotte Domaine Barville Red CDP 2018, $60.95 po -Brumont Montus Pacherenc Vich Bihl 2015, $43.95 con -Chateau St Jean Chardonnay 2021, $19.95 po -Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages Sonoma 2018, $132 con -Henkell Cremant de Loire Brut AOC NV, Vintages, $21.95 -Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NV $42.25 con -Segura Viudas Heredad Cava NV Vintages December $39.95 -Mission Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022, $24.95 con -Checkmate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2019, $95 -Lanson Black Label Champagne NV, %86.75 -Lanson Rose Champagne NV, $79.95 po -Lanson Le Vintage 2012, $99.95 -Davis Bynum Chardonnay 2021 $34.95 po -Tenuta Luce Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 $165.95 con -Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2028 $24.65 con -Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Vintages $47.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alois Lageder Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio 2022, $21.95 consignment -Arboleda Chardonnay 2021 Chile $19.95 po -Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2021, $14.95 po -Brotte Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne Creation Grosset 2020, $21.95 po -Brotte Cotes du Rhone Villages Laudun Bord Elegance 2022, $18.95 po -Austin Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, $29.95 con -Martin's Lane Simes Pinot Noir 2019, $99.95 con -Louis Latour Macon Lugny Les Genievres 2020 $29.95 con -Rodney Strong Sonoma Chardonnay 2020 $19.25 con -The Wine Group Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2022 $17.95 con -The Wine Group Band of Roses 2021 $26.95 po -The Wine Group Imagery Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Vintages $23.95 The Food: there were cheese and charcuterie boards loaded with salami, Celtic blue cheese, Beemster cheese, rye crisps, grapes, various fruit sauces (peaches, etc.) The Downside: the food disappeared quickly (but then, this is a wine tasting not a food tasting). The Upside: a chance to evaluate recent vintages The Contact Person: scaputo@markanthonywines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 REPORT ON A RELAXING SUMMER SATURDAY AFTERNOON TASTING September 2023 I was invited by Giovanni Silvestri of Rome's International Marketing Communications to a small group tasting at Restaurant Deco in Toronto's Junction (Keele and Dundas). Actually, it was a family-style lunch with wine and with kids. Deco was still springing back from the pandemic: they had opened just before covid-19 attacked. There were seven adults here, and we tasted the wines with multiple food courses. For food we had shareable platters of Italian chewy breads with porchetta and olive oils, followed by caprese with fresh local tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. There were two hot courses: one with short pasta and guancale in Roman style, and another with gnocchi bolognese. There were six wines, and the tasting was led by Giovanni who also represents Gambrero Rosso Worldtour. Full disclosure--he's also the brand ambassador for Casale del Giglio wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Casale del Griglio Bellone 2022 Lazio IGT 13.5% ABV. Bellone as a grape harkens back to Roman times but it has once again risen to its potential in sales with a “juicyfruit” tenderness and a long palate. It had been a major seller at our LCBO, and Giovanni points out that it may be coming back. Bellone is also often found in white wine blends in Lazio and Umbria. -Castello di Gabiano Corte Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Piemonte DOC [organic] 10.50 Euros 13.5% comes from the southern part of Piedmont but still delivers the typical sauvignon blanc herbaceous character so necessary for food wines. -Castello di Gabiano Adornes Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2015 Piedmont DOCG 14% ABV was my fave of the tasting, with its deep richness and satisfying aging. Aged 18 months, at least six in barriques, and more in the bottle before release. Barbera is the principal red grape of Piedmont, although, of course, it is lighter than barbaresco and barolo (both made from nebbiolo, a different but more tannic grape). Cherry-berry complexity makes the wine approachable, especially the older wines. Look also for what are known as “warm spices” or “pumpkin pie” spices with a shot of vanilla as it is aged in wood. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Casale del Griglio Satrico 2022 Lazio Bianco +569806 $18.95 6g/L residual sugar, 13% ABV: made up in stainless with a combo of grapes (chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, trebbiano giallo) almost like a field blend. This results in a good grip based on the grapes, such as herbs and grass, orchard fruit, lemons, and an underlying minerality. A good wine to sip on the patio or deck. -Anselmi San Vincenzo 2022 Veneto IGT +948158 $19.95 5g/L residual sugar, 12.5% ABV is much like Soave with its garganega grape blended with chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, exhibiting flowers and plums, even aromas of red currants. It's off-dry and best with food as a first course. -Castello di Gabiano La Bruja Barbera d'Asti 2020 Piedmont DOCG 14.5% ABV was fermented in concrete (60%) and then aged for a year. Expect a variety of red fruits such as sour cherry, strawberry and raspberry. Better years will have a shot of dark fruit such as black cherry or blackberry nuances. The higher acid makes the wine more food-friendly as the wine cuts through the rich creams and sauces. REPORT FROM ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO SEPTEMBER 2023 The Date and Time: Sept 19 1PM - 5PM The Event: Tasting Recent Vintages of Alsatian wines The Venue: Second Floor Events, King Street West The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: a QR code at the site or a PDF later in the week, with info on the wines (but no prices) The Quote/Background: Still wines are aromatic, unoaked, dry, complex, balanced, high quality and very food-friendly. 90% of the wines in Alsace are white. Seven main grape varieties (in order of vineyard plantings): Pinot Blanc (22%), Riesling (21%), Gewurztraminer (19%), Pinot Gris (16%), Pinot Noir (11%), Sylvaner (5%) and Muscat d’Alsace (2%). Crémant d’Alsace makes up 27% of total production and is made in the traditional method from Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Auxerrois, Pinot Noir (all Crémant d’Alsace Rosés are 100% Pinot Noir) and Chardonnay, the latter only for Crémant production. The AOC Alsace appellation is 70% of total production, Crémant d’Alsace is 27% and AOC Grand Cru is 3% (predominately Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat d’Alsace). There were only 12 wineries attending here today which gave all of us a chance to concentrate on the few wines that were at the show. All the gewurztraminers were on one table, as were all the rieslings, the cremants, the pinot noirs, some blends and the older vintages. We had a great opportunity to compare and contrast producers. There were six tables in all. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cave Jean Geiler Gewurztraminer Grand Cru 2020 -CAVE JEAN GEILER CRÉMANT D’ALSACE, RIESLING NV -CAVE JEAN GEILER ALSACE, RIESLING, 2021 "INSPIRATION TERROIRS” -CAVE JEAN GEILER ALSACE GRAND CRU FLORIMONT GEWURZTRAMINER, 2020 -DOMAINE WACH ALSACE, RIESLING, 2022 "ANDLAU” not repped -DOMAINE WACH ALSACE GRAND CRU KASTELBERG RIESLING, 2019 not repped -DOMAINE SOHLER PHILIPPE ALSACE, RIESLING, 2022 "HEISSENBERG" not repped -DOMAINE KIRRENBOURG ALSACE GRAND CRU HENGST GEWURZTRAMINER, 2017 -CAVE DE RIBEAUVILLÉ CRÉMANT D’ALSACE "GIERSBERGER", NV -CAVE DE RIBEAUVILLÉ ALSACE, RIESLING, 2021 BIO -CAVE DE RIBEAUVILLÉ ALSACE, GEWURZTRAMINER, 2021 "COLLECTION" -ETIENNE SIMONIS ALSACE, GEWURZTRAMINER, 2021 not repped -ETIENNE SIMONIS ALSACE GRAND CRU MARCKRAIN GEWURZTRAMINER, 2021 not repped -WUNSCH & MANN CRÉMANT D’ALSACE "TRADITION" BIO, NV [my fave fizz] -WUNSCH & MANN ALSACE, GEWURZTRAMINER, 2022 "N°3", BIO -DOPFF AU MOULIN CRÉMANT D’ALSACE "CUVÉE JULIEN", NV -DOPFF AU MOULIN ALSACE GRAND CRU BRAND GEWURZTRAMINER, 2019 -ARTHUR METZ CRÉMANT D’ALSACE LIEU-DIT "SCHIEFERBERG", NV -ARTHUR METZ CRÉMANT D’ALSACE "PRESTIGE", NV -CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE PFAFFENHEIM ALSACE, GEWURZTRAMINER, 2020 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -ETIENNE SIMONIS CRÉMANT D’ALSACE EXTRA BRUT, NV not repped -ARTHUR METZ ALSACE, RIESLING, 2021 "HORIZON” -Cave Jean Geiler Pinot Gris 2021 Bio -Domaine Charles Frey Riesling 2022 “Granite” not repped in Ontario -DOMAINE KIRRENBOURG ALSACE GRAND CRU SCHLOSSBERG RIESLING, 2020 BIO -Domaine Gruss Riesling Vieilles Vignes 2022 -DOMAINE GRUSS ALSACE GRAND CRU VORBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER, 2019 -CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE PFAFFENHEIM CRÉMANT D’ALSACE EXTRA BRUT, NV -CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE PFAFFENHEIM ALSACE, RIESLING, 2021 "JUPITER" The Food: there was a tapas station with tomato bread, ricotta ndjua on crostini, manchego on bread, chorizo and goat cheese, mussels escabeche. There was also a more traditional cheese/charcuterie platter with duck prosciutto, calabrese, truffled mortadella, Beemster cheese, Celtic blue, truffled Gouda. The Downside: I wanted more riesling and gewurztraminer wines. Price ranges were not listed. The Upside: there were a fair number of off-dry wines. The Contact Person: nperez@sopexa.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 REPORT FROM THE NATURAL WINES FROM CHILE TRADE TASTING SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 The Event: Natural Wines from Chile Trade Tasting, September 12, Noon – 2:30PM The Venue: SIPS Toronto, Maud Street The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: at least two of these wines will be in the Ontario market, perhaps this year. The Quote/Background: ProChile gave us (seminar of 20) local sommelier Heather MacDougall as moderator, and Chilean sommelier Mariana Martinez as principal speaker and discussant. She was on a hookup via the Internet. Natural wines is a large category that mainly includes no human or chemical interference with grapes. Categories include: transparency, sustainable, organic, biodynamic, and the like. Perhaps “orange wine” is where all the principles may intersect. Mariana talked about all of these and the various certification seals used in Chile. She also talked about Pais grapes and their usefulness in natural wine production. Much of the activity of natural wines occur in the Itata and Colchagua valleys. She spoke on details of all five wineries, plus of course she talked on tasting all the five wines with a palate. Discussions ensued on marketing, agents and prices. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Probulk Wine Buena Vida de Chile Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Leyda and Colchagua, with bought natural grapes. -Vina Antiyal Kuyen 2019 Maipo, berries blue and black (syrah, cab sauv, carmenere, petit verdot), about $50 CDN. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Co-op Marga Marga La Zaranda Sauvignon Blanc 2021 ~$40 CDN -Villalobos Silvestre Carignan Colchagua 2019 $28 CDN -Wildmakers Sabatico Maule 2018 Garnacha - Cariñena $20 USD The Food: we had a board with charcuterie (salumi. mortadella), cheese (pecorino, gruyere), empanadas (chicken, beef, veggie), Taralli Pugliese, and some really good bread. The Downside: we only had five wines. I think we needed more, say 8 in all, in order to make comparisons and evaluate different vintages of the same wine to indicate aging possibilities or changes in palate, different winemakers, and stages in “naturalness” viniculture. The Upside: well, despite the above, it was a good exercise in learning about the character of Chilean natural wines. The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. WINES IN REVIEW: 1.Black Tower Rivaner White (750mL, +336503, $13.95; 1 litre, +215012, $21.90; 1500mL, +336529, $25.90) is offered at the LCBO in three sizes, depending on your need. It's based on the Muller-Thurgau grape variety (a crossing with Riesling). Medium weight and floral, with some orchard fruit of pears and peaches leading to a medium-sweet finish. You can drink it at parties or patios as an aperitif. The Kendermann winery recommends pairing with any vegan or vegetarian dish, or spicy Asian-style dishes. 29g/L, 9.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Black Tower Dornfelder Pinot Noir Pfalz (+580118, $15.95): Dornfelder is about 85% of this blend, and is very related to the gamay grape with its cherry-berry tones of sour red cherries and deep blackberries. So you can slightly chill the wine to engage its ripe and fresh flavours with velvet tannins similar to a beaujolais dry finish. It's medium dry on the mid-palate (11g/L residual sugar) and 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Emiliana Adobe Reserva Organic Rose 2021 Rapel Valley (+274399, $14.95): hot days and cool nights make for a jolly good rose wine. Adobe is a line of organic reserve wines from Chile. Here, the company uses 40% syrah, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. All three give it a distinct Euro character in the concentrated cherry-berry mode, along with some melons and plums. Cassis also enters the picture. Medium-bodied, the wine is useful for both aperitif on the patio or party, and for hors d'oeuvre or first course sit-downs. Stainless steel was used, 12% ABV and 6g/L. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SPIRITUALITY BITTERS NOTES Armagnac-- Bas-Armagnac de Montal Les Hauts de Montrouge 2004 700 mL. +11426 Vintages October 21, 2023 $118: comes in a red wood gift box for the Christmas holidays. There are about 181 producers of Armagnac in Gascony, and many make single vintage bottlings unlike in Cognac. Hence, there are many bottles of older Armagnac brandies (10, 15, 20, 30 year olds) that sell everywhere in the world -- but in small lots. Montal's 2004 was aged a minimum of 19 years in oak. Armagnac sells well in Quebec – they recognize a bargain. 2004 is a blend of colombard, folle blanche, baco, and ugni blanc in a continuous distillation. Extremely aromatic with overtones of roasted nuts, caramel, vanilla, dried fruits (such as apricots), and oak character. Exceptionally smooth on the mid-palate and great soft length on the finish. 40% ABV. Watch for it in in the LCBO's Holiday release Oct 21 or Nov 4. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Originally, I was going to call this review “Better Notes”, but then I thought that was too coy. Bitters are better than they've ever been since they do a nice job of breaking down fried and breaded fats, oil and grease in the old tum-tum. Too many people today eat fried foods (I shudder to think what their digestive system will look like in 50 years), and that includes even some Japanese sushi. More sushi joints are adding tempura for extra crunch and filler, and as a way to keep costs down. Zwack Unicum Bitters (500mL, +364851, $34) has come from Hungary (mostly) since 1790, with some production in other European countries. In 1992 it became a company limited by shares, and now has some involvement with other spirits such as Smirnoff vodka, Cinzano, Baileys, and Schlumberger TM sparkling wine. At 40% ABV it has not changed over the years. It's full of great herb extracts, water, alcohol, and some sugar to ameliorate the finish. Over 40 different herbs and spices are infused and distilled, and then aged for 6 months in oak. It's widely used as a hot toddy. This digestive liqueur allows for indulgence and spicy conditions. It can even be used as an amaro for aperitifs or as a mixer. Underberg Bitters (3 x 20mL in a box, +214809, $8.25) calls itself a “Natural Herbal Digestive”; it's been made in Germany since 1846. In 1949 the company began producing only the small 20mL bottles as a single-shot pacifist for digestive ails. Unlike other bitters and amari, Underberg has no added sugar, but finishes with the texture of palate sweetness from natural fructose. We know that it is gluten-free, and that licorice is one of the principal extracted herbs, and that the herbs come from 43 different countries. 44% ABV but easy to swallow. BEER NOTES Originally I was going to call this review “Beer Nuts”, but then I thought that was too coy and punny. I was given four beers from Innis & Gunn (repped by PMA) to write up as the company makes some changes in Ontario at the LCBO. Innis & Gunn was founded in 2003 in Scotland; this is now its 20th anniversary. The company specializes in Scottish ale, also called Scottish red beer, a sort-of milder stout with lower carbonation. My wife likes them for their character and lower carbonation. I usually drink just draught beer but it is pretty hard to tell the difference between draught Innis & Gunn and bottled Innis & Gun – principally because of the carbonation. 1.The Innis & Gunn Lager Beer (473mL cans, +33528, $2.95) now at the LCBO, is made in Ontario, brewed with barley and oats and aromatic hops. It replaces the 500mL can that was imported from Scotland, and the price has been reduced from $3.50 since it is now made locally. The taste remains the same with citrus tones and nuances of the basics of lager beer. 4.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.The Innis & Gunn Caribbean Rum Cask Beer (473mL cans, +33526, $3.75 normally, but $3.25 on sale through September 10 as an LTO, saving 50 cents) replaces the bottles and is brewed under license in Toronto. It's a standardized can size, and still 6.8% ABV. Using only barley and low bittering, it's matured in hand-selected rum casks, and this gives it a toffeed dried fruit and off-dry character with some vanilla tones. Matured 51 days in cask. My wife's fave. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.The Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Cask (500mL cans, +13618, $3.35) usually appears in Ontario in January and February, just ahead of St. Patrick's day. It's a Scottish oatmeal stout, with barley and oats, and it matures for 51 days in Irish whiskey casks coming in at 6.1% ABV. It's actually a “Product of Scotland” made in used Irish whiskey casks, exhibiting vanilla tones with nuances of coffee and chocolate (mocha elements) as do stouts. So it is a Limited Edition, and if you wanted more, then you had better buy more when it first comes out...watch for it next winter!! Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.The Innis & Gunn Islay Whisky Cask Beer Limited Edition (2 x 330mL bottles in a box, +25082, $12.95) is also a Laphroaig Edition in a double cardboard box. It's another in the Scottish red beer category. It's been double matured in Laphroaig first fill malt cask (10-year old single-malt Laphroaig) AND then in port casks. It's a malty amber ale, coming in at 7.4% ABV, full of peat smoke toffee and tobacco. Well-worth your consideration. Quantities are limited. Quality/Price rating is 94+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. REPORT ON TASTING OF WINES FROM CHATEAU D'AIGUEVILLE COTES DU RHONE AND HENRI DE VILLAMONT BEAUNE BURGUNDY The Date and Time: July 27, 12:30 - 3PM The Event: Chateau d'Aigueville and Henri de Villamont wine tasting. The Venue: National Club The Target Audience: wine media The Availability/Catalogue: the wines will mostly be available at LCBO/Vintages over the next little while, before Christmas in most cases. The Quote/Background: Domain Henri de Villamont (Savigny-les-Beaune) is one of the oldest producers in the region, with ten hectares in the Cote de Beaune (Savigny) and Cote de Nuits (Chambolle-Musigny). A wide range of appellations are matured in 4,000 barrels in their cellars. We sampled six different wines. From the organic certified Chateau d'Aigueville in the Southern Rhone (soon to be biodynamic with the 2023 harvest), we sampled six more wines. Both wineries are owned by the Schenk family wine merchants of Switzerland (in all, Schenk harvests 3500 hectares of vineyards world-wide). The Wines: Prices are estimated retail... **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau d'Aigueville Vin de France La Source Blanc 2021 (mostly clairette) -Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay Prestige 2021 ($24) -Henri de Villamont Macon-Villages 2018 ($29) -Henri de Villamont Pouilly-Fuisse Grumes d'Or 2020 ($53) -Henri de Villamont Santenay Les Champs-Claude 2017 ($43) -Henri de Villamont Savigny-Les-Beaune Le Village 2019 ($59) -Chateau d'Aigueville Cotes du Rhone Massif d'Uchaux 2020 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige 2021 ($24) -Chateau d'Aigueville Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2021 -Chateau d'Aigueville Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2022 -Chateau d'Aigueville Cotes du Rhone Villages 2019 -Chateau d'Aigueville Vin de France La Rosee Rouge 2022 (all syrah) The Food: iced heritage tomato caprese salad, followed by a large chicken supreme with veggies, and with fresh berries and ice cream for dessert. The Downside: I had to leave early due to a prior engagement. The Upside: it was hot outside but nicely chilled inside. The Contact Person: Tom Noitsis-- sales@eurovintage.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 ======================================================================= REPORT ON THE 16th ANNUAL TASTIN' FRANCE trade show, July 10, 2023... The Date and Time: Monday July 10, 2023 11A - 4PM The Event: Tastin' France: a B2B event with French wine producers seeking representation in Ontario, Quebec, and other provinces. The Venue: Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel, One Blue Jays Way The Target Audience: wine professionals, buyers, LCBO, some media, etc. The Availability/Catalogue: Ten producers showed their wines in Toronto, with a total of some 80 samples. The catalogue had a full listing of the products, including grapes and percentages. As well, there were names and addresses for each company, production numbers, and a good description of each winery. The Quote/Background: This was the 16th annual trade tasting roadshow in three cities: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver. Previous Toronto hotel sites have included the Park Plaza Hyatt and the Hotel Ochoa. The Wines: I did not taste every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Esterlin Blanc de Blancs Brut Eclat Champagne -Champagne Esterlin Cleo Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne 2010 [my fave of the day] -Champagne Esterlin Brut Nature Champagne 2009 -Champagne Esterlin Brut Eclat Champagne -Be Bio Chardonnay 2022 IGP Pays d'Oc -Domaine des Pierettes Eros Rose 2022 [gamay, chenin] Loire -Cave de Ribeauville Cremant Brut Alsace NV [auxerrois, pinot blanc] -Cave de Ribeauville Pinot Gris Collection 2022 Alsace -Cave de Ribeauville Gewurztraminer Collection 2021 Alsace -Claude Leblanc Pouilly-Fuisse 2020 -Claude Leblanc Pouilly-Fuisse 1er cru 2020 -Claude Leblanc Rully 1er cru blanc Les Marissous 2021 -Claude Leblanc Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits 2020 -Claude Leblanc Santenay 2020 -Claude Leblanc Nuits-Saint-Georges 2019 -Hesiode Pierre Bourree et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Village 2018 -Hesiode Pierre Bourree et Fils Nuit-Saint-Georges Village 2020 -Hesiode Pierre Bourree et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses Village 2018 -Fonoya Delta L'Homme Chardonnay 2022 IGP Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert -Le Cellier du Pic French Toast Rose 2022 IGP Pays d'Oc -Be Bio Grenache Rose 2022 IGP Pays d'Oc -Domaine du Vistre Mas du Vistre Blanc IGT Gard -Vignobles Vellas Naughty Angel Viognier 2022 Languedoc -Vignobles Vellas Les Silex Fumes Blanc 2022 IGP Saint Guilhem Le Desert -Chateau Les Vergnes Blanc 2022 Bordeaux ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Esterlin Ex Solera Champagne NV -Champagne Esterlin Pur Meunier Champagne NV -Domaine des Pierettes Sen'S Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Touraine [organic] -Vignoble Demois L'ane Blanc 2020 Chinon -Vignoble Demois L'ane Rose 2020 Chinon -Cave de Ribeauville Riesling Collection Alsace 2020 -Claude Leblanc Saint-Veran 2022 -Hesiode Le Bois Braud Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur Lie 2021 Loire -Hesiode Laudacious Brut Nature NV Montlouis-sur-Loire -Hesiode Pierre Bourree et Fils Auxey-Duresses Village 2016 -Domaine de Mayal Oplezir Rose 2022 Luberon -Domaine de Mayal Cuvee Classique Blanc 2022 Luberon -Domaine du Vistre Mas du Vistre Rose IGT Gard -Vignobles Vellas Chai d'Oeuvre Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Languedoc -Vignobles Vellas Mrs. Seafood 2021 Languedoc -Vignobles Vellas Poison Rose 2022 Languedoc -Vignobles Vellas Naturellement Pur Orange Wine 2021 Languedoc -Chateau Les Vergnes Rose 2022 Bordeaux -Univitis Grand Theatre Blanc 2022 Bordeaux -Univitis Grand Theatre Rose 2022 Bordeaux The Food: we were given disposable “Bento” boxes of charcuterie, fromages, grapes, nuts, and crackers. Plus unlimited coffee and tea. The Downside: the Marriott was a bit awkward to get to via TTC since it had a separate entrance to the Rogers Centre. Also, inside there was an enormous walk to the extra-spacious and extra-high ballroom where the tasting was held. I felt a lot like Alice. The Upside: a great opportunity to taste some fabulous wines from France that are not currently being listed at the LCBO. The Contact Person: romane.champion.int@businesfrance.fr; rodolphe.desobry@businessfrance.fr The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87. ========================== REPORT ON THE VINHO VERDE TASTING trade show, June 20, 2023.... The Date and Time: Tuesday June 20, 2023 11:30 - 4PM The Event: Vinho Verde Tasting The Venue: Second Floor Events, King Street The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: downloaded from the cloud. There were 14 producers and about 70 wines. The Quote/Background: Christopher Sealy led the Masterclass which covered the major aspects of Vinho Verde, complete with Powerpoint and a paper map. The Vinho Verde region covers whites, reds, rose, and fortified wines; it lies between the Douro and the Minho rivers – it's the largest wine region in Portugal, with 1400 wine brands, 9 subregions, and 45 grape varieties. Each bottle is certified (numbered and identified) and forms part of the annual 70 million litres (45% exported) produced. Canada is its sixth largest market. The Wines: I did not sample all the wines. Prices are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quinta da Raza Alvarinho 2022, $22.95 (Christopher Stewart) -Quinta da Raza Alvarinho Trajadura 2022, $21.95 (Christopher Stewart) -Quinta da Raza Rose 2022, $14.95 (Christopher Stewart) -Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Loureiro Wild Ferment 2022, $19.95 (Kolonaki) -Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Spumante NV, $38.95 (Kolonaki) -Vercoope Via Latina Grande Reserva 2018 -Guapos Wine Project Castelo Negro 2018 -Quinta das Arcas Alvarinho Reserva 2021 -Casal de Ventozela Prime Selection 2019 (1/3 alvarinho, avesso, loureiro) -Casal de Ventozela Alvarinho 2022 Minho -Aveleda Alvarinho 2022 -Aveleda Solos de Granito 2021 -Aveleda Solos de Xisto 2021 -Quinta d'Amares Pet-Nat NV ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quinta da Raza Avesso 2022, $22.95 (Christopher Stewart) -Quinta da Raza Gouveio 2021, $28.95 (Christopher Stewart) -Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Rose 2022, $16.95 (Kolonaki) -Vercoope Via Latina Seco Rose NV -Quinta d'Amares Vinesa Alvarinho 2018 -Quinta da Lixa Colinas do Avesso 2016 -Adega Ponte de Lima Colheita Selecionnada Loureiro 2022 -Quinta do Ameal Loureiro 2021 Lima -A & D Wines Quinta Santa Teresa Avesso Esculpido 2020 -A & D Wines Quinta Santa Teresa Avesso 2022 -3 Rostos Nativo Reserva 2020 -3 Rostos Flor de Linho Alvarinho 2022 -3 Rostos Barrete Padeiro Rose 2022 -3 Rostos Flor de Linho Azal 2022 -3 Rostos Barrete 2022 The Food: The Masterclass attendees each got a large rice bowl with their choice for veggies (bok choy, squash) and/or smoked chicken; the main tasting had a platter of cold cuts and cheeses and assorted veggies and fruits. The Downside: like the Valpolicella tasting I attended last week, the wines all shared the same broad characteristics with some individual qualities. But after awhile it tended to reduce my palate's effectiveness of discernment. The Masterclass thus had great value for me. Good details are at www.vinhoverde.pt The Upside: good food, good wines, good Masterclass seminar. Thanks to Chris Sealy. The Contact Person: andrea@amcc-inc.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. REPORT ON THE ANNUAL LIVING VINE ACID TRIP PORFOLIO TASTING, June 18, 2023... The Date and Time: Sunday June 18, 2023 1P - 5PM The Event: The Annual Living Vine Acid Trip Try-and-Buy Portfolio Tasting The Venue: Society Clubhouse, College Street The Target Audience: wine media, private clients, restaurants. The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available on some 15 tables, with label names, vintage dates, case quantities (6 or 12), and retail/licensee prices for each wine. The Quote/Background: Mark Cuff, who runs The Living Vine, has been a sustainable/green/organic/biodynamic wiz for a couple of decades now. His annual portfolio tasting is one of the best in town, with many new brands and a diversified audience (in attendance, there were as many babies as seniors!). The Wines: I did not taste all the 100 or so wines and ciders. As is my wont, I concentrated on the summery white wines. The ciders from Cidre Fleuri were phenomenal: Piccolino, Joe, Klaus, Willie, Rosie – all in 473ml containers at $7.75 each. There were also 750 ml bottles of cider: Terrain Vague, Niagara Place, Villefranche, and Franconia at $20 each. I did not taste the non-alcoholic wines (“Proxies”) or the kombucha or the spirits. Prices are retail... **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau Grand Launay Blanc 2022, $27.95 [my fave of the show] -Poggio Piccolo Chianti 2020, $29.95 -Poggio Piccolo Vermentino 2020, $28.95 -Antica Enotria Bianco 2021, $20.95 -Montesecondo 2021, $32.95 -Villa Papiano Strada Corniolo 2020, $39.95 -Cantina Fiorentino Madreterra 2021, $24.95 -Patch Pinot Grigio 2022, $21.95 -Poivre d'Ane White 2021, $26.95 -Texier Chateauneuf du Pape VV 2020, $94.95 -Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $32.95 -Smallfry Tangerine Dream 2022, $39.95 -El Bandito Cortez 2022, $59.95 -Rigour and Whimsey Thus Spoke Veruca 2020, $52.95 -Lagasca Viognier 2021, $17.95 -Pomelado Orange Wine 2021, $18.95 [at LCBO} -Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2022 South Africa, $25.95 -JC Wickens Wines Swerwer White 2023 South Africa, $33.95 -Hidden Bench R & D Chardonnay 2020 VQA, $30 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Foradori Manzoni Bianco 2021, $43.95 -Dettori Renosu Bianco NV, $38.95 -Domaine Flo Busch Lou Bragalou 2021, $30.95 -Domaine Pinte Chardonnay Arbois 2020, $37.95 -Stephan Rocher Lemon Tree 2022, $31.95 -Mas Goma Cosi Joan Orange NV, $36.95 -Makarounas Aerides 2022, $29.95 -Cam Rd Down the Rabbit Hole 2021, $42.95 -El Bandito Skin 2022, $59.95 -Cellar Credo Volaina Spain 2019, $24.95 -Norte Sur Rosado 2021, $17.95 -Lanzado Orange 2021, $19.95 [at LCBO] -Badenhorst Curator White 2022 South Africa, $23.95 -Hidden Bench Chardonnay Beton 2021 VQA, $27.95 The Food: some to be purchased The Downside: the room was surrounded by mirrors, which made it look much more crowded than it actually was. The Upside: taste and try before you buy The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 REPORT ON THE VINI VALPOLICELLA RETURNS trade tasting, June 15, 2023... The Date and Time: Thursday June 15, 2023 1PM to 4PM The Event: Vini Valpolicella Returns The Venue: Chelsea Hotel The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: as a small show, it was economical to produce a paper catalogue for 14 wineries and 70 wines. The Quote/Background: Just about every producer here had three levels: superiore and/or classico; ripasso; and amarone and/or recioto. In the region there are 2251 grape growers, six co-ops, and 344 bottlers. 73.6 million bottles happened in 2021 (61% exported), with a quarter of them being Amarone and another half being Ripasso. The Wines: I did not try every wine. I concentrated on Amarone and some Ripassos. I was feeling palate fatigue towards the end because many of these wines were very similar in their approaches. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cantine di Verona Valpolicella DOC Superiore 2015 Brolo dei Giusti 14.5%ABV Majestic -Cantine di Verona Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Valpantena 2019 Ritocco 13.5%ABV Majestic -Casalforte Valpolicella Ripasso DOC 2020 13.5%ABV Azureau -Corte Figaretto Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Valpantena 2018 Brolo del Figaretto 16.5%ABV Colio Estate -Corte Forte Amarone della Valpolicella DOPCG Classico 2016 Terre de San Zeno 15.5%ABV -Costa Arente Amarone della Valpolicella DICG Valpantena 2017 17%ABV $107 consignment Independent Wine Company Wines -Ilatium Morini Valpolicella DOC Superiore 2017 Prognai 15%ABV -Ilatium Morini Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 DOCG Leon 16.5%ABV -Massimago Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2018 Conte Gastone 16%ABV The Living Vine -Rocca Sveva Cadis 1898 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva 2016 Rocca Sveva 15%ABV -Sartori di Verona Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 15%ABV Univins -Sartori di Verona Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva 2015 15.5%ABV $69.95 LCBO ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cantine di Verona Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2018 Torre del Falasco 14%ABV -Casalforte Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 15%ABV $39.95 Azureau -Monte Zovo Famiglia Cottini Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2020 Villa Annaberta 15%ABV $40 Dionysus -Rocca Sveva Cadis 1898 Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2017 Rocca Sveva 14%ABV -Rocca Sveva Cadis 1898 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 Cantina di Illasi 14.5%ABV -Tinazzi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2018 La Bastia Ca' de' Rocchi 15%ABV Vinoluna -Valentina Cubi Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2018 Arusnatico 14%ABV -Valentina Cubi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2013 Morar 16%ABV The Food: cheese and biscuits, strawberries. The Downside: it was a small room, and got crowded really fast. The Upside: a chance to taste a range of Valpolicella in its different formats. The Contact Person: judith@townhallbrands.com; lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 REVIEW June 10/23 Springs Road Kangaroo Island Shiraz 2017 Estate Grown, Vintages +30753, $32.95: a very nicely aged shiraz, bottled in August 2018 after 12 months in French oak, 30% new. Aromatics include plenty of riper black fruit tones (blackberry, black cherry) plus some mint and anise. A full-bodied wine but with soft tannins and some jamminess. Some saline notes detected (from the sea?) matched by black pepper and leather tones. The mid-palate has developed mocha notes, while the finish picks up some oaking. While the weather was wet in both winter and spring and the harvest was four weeks late, the resulting yield was very much reduced but with concentrated fruit. It shows well. Tasted over a few days with no real loss of flavours. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. REPORT ON THE 2023 NORTHWEST WINE EXPEDITION trade tasting [OREGON & WASHINGTON STATE] June 12, 2023... The Date and Time: Monday June 12 Noon-4P The Event: 2023 Northwest Wine Expedition Trade Tasting: Oregon and Washington The Venue: The Globe and Mail Centre, 17th floor The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: paperless through BottleBooks, which listed very few prices beyond a range from “$$ to $$$$$” The Quote/Background: The Wines: I tasted mainly Chardonnays and a few other interesting white, rose and sparkling wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -A to Z Wineworks Bubbles NV -Adelsheim Chardonnay 2020 -Adelsheim Chardonnay Staking Claim 2019 -Angela Vineyards Chardonnay Willamette 2019 -Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Horse Heaven Hills 2021 -Citation Oregon Chardonnay 2015 -Cristom Vineyards Eola Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021 $59 -Milbrandt Estates Chardonnay 2019 -Milbrandt Family Chardonnay 2020 -Sokol Blosser Bluebird Cuvee Brut Sparkling 2020 -Traveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero Dosage NV -Traveri Cellars Blanc de Noir Brut NV -Troon Vineyard Biodynamic White Blend Kubli Beach Applegate Valley Oregon 2021 [marsanne, roussanne, vermentino] -Valdemar Estates Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2021 $65 -Valley View Winery Domaine Rogue “Quercia” Chardonnay Applegate Valley 2021 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -A to Z Wineworks Chardonnay Oregon 2021 -Airfield Estates Chardonnay 2021 -Brittan Vineyards Chardonnay 2021 -Centerstone Willamette Valley Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2018 -Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2021 -Domaine Drouhin Oregon Arthur Chardonnay 2021 -Erath Winery Oregon Pinot Noir Rose 2021 -Evolution White 2021 -Evolution Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2021 -Foris Vineyards Chardonnay 2021 -L'Ecole No 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines Yakima Valley 2022 -Pike Road Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2021 -Pomum Cellars Idilico Albarino 2022 -Rex Hill Seven Soils Chardonnay 2019 -Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2021 -Traveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs NV -Traveri Cellars Rose NV -Valley View Winery Viognier 2019 The Food: there were enormous cheeseboards from the Cheese Boutique with an assortment of salumni and cold cuts, pre-cut cheeses (including a dynamite truffle cheese), strawberries, blackberries, veggie platters (crudites and cooked/pickled/grilled). The Downside: the media room was only available for a few people. The Upside: a good selection of wines and producers, interesting conversations. The Contact Person: kelly@predhomme.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87 REPORT ON THE GAMBERO ROSSO ANNUAL TRE BICHHIERI trade tasting, June 8, 2023... The Date and Time: Thursday June 8, 2023 11:30A - 5P The Event: Gambero Rosso Annual Tre Bicchieri Walk Around Tasting The Venue: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: once again, the catalogue was up in the cloud and had to be downloaded. The Quote/Background: There was a masterclass from the Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo on Cerasuolo Rose, based on Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes. We tasted six wines, and the results are noted below. All the wines were under cork, and ranged in price in Italy as 8 – 15 Euros each retail. And they were all small lot bottlings. In the grand hall, 48 wineries in all participated this year in Toronto. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, going after the sparkling, the whites, and the roses plus some reds. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Brut Golf 1927 NV -Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Xtra Brut Rose 2018 -Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2022 -Terzini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, hot finish at 14%ABV -Buccicatino Fatt Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, 13%ABV -Velenosi Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Prope 2022, 13.5%ABV [my fave, savoury gamey tones] -Tenuta Secolo IX Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 13.5%ABV -Planeta Chardonnay 2021 Sicily (Vintages July 8) $54.95 -Terzini Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo -Cusumano Noa 2019 Sicily $31.95 -Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019 $104 -Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera Riserva 2017 -Lamole di Lamoe Chianti Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli 2019 -Castello Vichimaggio FSM Vigna Piggarso 2018 $69.85 -Torrevento Castel del Monte Rosso Vigna Pedale Riserva 2016 Puglia -Famiglia Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Villa Rosa 2018 -Tenute del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019 Tuscany -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Particella 181 2021 Prosecco -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut NV Prosecco -Monviert FCO Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia -Cantina Tollo Peco IGP Pecorino Terre di Chieti 2022 -Infinitum Primativo Rosada $15.95 -Panizzi Vernacia de San Gimignano DOCG 2017 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Rose 2022 -Jasci & Marchesani Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 12.5%ABV -Jasci & Marchesani Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo -Famiglia de Cerchio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Passo Sacro 2022, 13%ABV -Ferrari Brut -Dievole Chianti Gran Selezione 2018 -San Marzano Edda $27.95 -Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016 -Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione V. Poggiarso 2018 $55 -Planeta Maroccoli 2018 Sicily $ 49.95 (Vintages Oct 7) -Tornatore Etna Bianco 2021 Sicily $37.50 (Noble Estates) -Tornatore Etna Rosso 2021 Sicily $33 (Noble Estates) -Italo Cescon Pinot Grigio 2022 -Tenuta Borgo Conventi Collio Bianco Luna di Ponca 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia The Food: servers came around with platters of diverse appetizers, including lamb and veggies, beef, meatballs, bruschetta, mushroom pizza, arancini. The Contact Person: gamberorossocanada@sogood.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 REPORT FROM QUEBEC DELIGHTED – RENDEZ-VOUS GOURMET QUEBEC IN TORONTO Date: Monday June 5, 2023, 9A – 5P The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall Lobby The Target Audience: food writers and Ontario wholesale food buyers. The Event: The 11th edition of Rendez-Vous Gourmet Quebec in Toronto. Background: This is a joint venture with the Ministere de l'Agriculture, des Pecheries et de l'Alimentation, plus the Bureau du Quebec a Toronto – to help promote the PQ food sector. Some 66 exhibitors were involved in showcasing their sustainable or organic foods or consumer goods and services. It was a trade show with stalls and salespeople plus free tastings of many products. Brochures were generously available, as were specific cards. My major interests were in wines, beers, ciders, and cheeses. I could only find one Nordic vineyard and distillery at the show: Domaine Le Cageot; but its scope was limited to non-alcoholic wines, vinegars, preserves, honey, syrup, tea, and various collaborations with other producers such as Oree Signature (sausages), Fees Boreales (candles), gifts and baskets. The show had diverse organic free trade non-GMO teas, plus kombucha, mushroom coffee mixes (Dodjivi), tonic water (1642), non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails (Romeo's gin), and Cafe Castelo (a coffee roasting house which provided us with an enormous bag of coffee to take home). Categories I did not visit included bakery and desserts, confectionary and maple products, fruit and veggies, oils, condiments and spices, ready-to-eat, and retail tech. I had better luck with cheeses and snacks: only three cheesemakers turned up – Fromagerie L'Ancetre [which is already everywhere in Ontario health food stores with many lactose-free cheeses and organic old double-smoked cheddars, Baluchon, and Raclette cheeses], Plaisirs Gourmets (distributor, offering yummy le cheddar du presbytere, blue Fleuron, Cheval noir de l'isle, and even Blue Benedictine [a perennial prize winner]), and Fromages CDA. Manba gave me a large jar of their peanut butter which contained a range of Haitian hot spices (very addictive, but yes it didn't run out before I got home). There were plated samples of salmon tartare from Grizzly, as well as salmon burgers and tuna tartare. Northfolk Bison gave me a Bison Burger, emphasizing its strong nutritional value over beef and pork. The company also produces wild boar and elk. Other sampling I did (and enjoyed) included les gars de saucisse and Zoe Greek EVOO. Snacks abounded, and most of them were nutritious, suitable for schools and daycare. My loot bag contained many small sealed packs, some with gluten-free and organic options. All were peanut- and nut-free. One line from Malyna was even called ”Snack Attack”. Vitali-t snacks are all based on oats; hence, they were gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, peanut-free, allergen-free and rich in protein and carbohydrate fibre for sustained energy. Les Fumistes produces Fumix – a cereal-based smoked snack mix – dy-no-mite!. Grandma Emily produces both organic and non-organic granola cereals and bars. GoGo Quinoa specializes in mainly quinoa for its cookies and snacks. I had a great time at the show....Everybody was warm and friendly, answered all my questions, and generously came forward with samples. The downside of the show: a lack of wine, beers, and ciders, and I had to miss the cooking demo with Chef Romain Avril. The upside of the show: a good range of food products – most enjoyable. The contact Persons: medias@prdepartment.ca; david.dupuy@mce.gouv.qc.ca; valerie.dufour@mce.gouv.qc.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 REPORT ON THE WINES OF PORTUGAL trade show, June 1, 2023... The Date and Time: Thursday June 1, 2023, 1PM to 5PM The Event: Wines of Portugal: food & wine experience in Toronto The Venue: ROM The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: it was a full book of some 60 pages, containing 32 wineries and over 300 wines. There was a description of the ten most widely used grape varieties (out of 250 grape varieties in total) plus some indices. The table numbers ran in accord with the page numbers of the producers in the book. Each entry had full contact deets of addresses, phone numbers, agents, local names, and the like (plus a small map indicating regions). Each wine was listed by name, with year, region, and grapes. Prices were not available. The Quote/Background: the book was excellent, except for the lack of prices. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, missing most of the reds. Agents are listed in parentheses. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vicente Faria Vinhos Animus 2022 Vinho Verde -Soito Encruzado Reserva 2021 -Niepoort Redoma Reserva Branco 2021 Douro $61 (Le Sommelier) -Azores Wine Co. Arinto dos Acores 2018 and 2021 $60 (Le Sommelier) -Sao Luiz Winemakers Collection Folgazao & Rabigato Branco 2018 Douro (Wineworld) -Sogevinus Veedha 2020 Red Douro +31197 LCBO $15.95 (Amethyst) -FitaPreta Palpite Branco Reserva 2021 $44 VR Alentejano (Le Sommelier) -Macanita Vinhos Tinto Reserva 2020 $45 Douro (Le Sommelier) -Quinta do Mondego Branco 2019 -Quinta do Mondego Munda Encruzado Branco 2020 -J.Portugal Ramos Family Duorum Colheita Branco 2021 (Sylvestre) -Cartuxa EA Bio 2021 (FWP Trading) -Casa Relvas Herdade Sao Miguel Colheita Seleccionada Branco 2022 -Casa Relvas DOC Vidigueira Branco 2022 -Boas Quintas Opta Dao Encurzado 2022 -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Arinto Branco Reserva 2021 -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Colheita Seleccionada Branco 2021 -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Blanc de Noir Cuvee Brut 2014 [my fave] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Obra Prime 2022 Vinho Verde (Perigon beverage) -Soito Espumante Blanc de Noirs 2019 -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Blanc de Noirs Brut NV -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Blanc de Blancs Brut NV -Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Rose Brut NV -Enoport Caves Velhas Romeira Chardonnay 2020 Lisboa -Enoport Cabeca de Toiro Reserva 2022 Tejo -Quinta do Casal Branco Falcoaria Colheita Tardia 2016 Tejo [late harvest] -Sao Luiz Branco 2022 Douro (Wineworld) -Sao Luiz Reserva Branco 2021 Douro (Wineworld) -Dialogo Branco Snow 2021 Douro, $19 (Le Sommelier) -Dialogo Tinto 2021 Douro, $21 (Le Sommelier) -NAT'Cool! Primata 2021 Douro $29 1 litre (Le Sommelier) -Drink Me Nat'Cool Dao 2020 Red $23 l litre (Le Sommelier) -Fresh from Amphora Nat Cool Branco 2022 (Azureau) -Falua Reserva Branco 2020 -Churchills Estates Grafite Douro Branco 2021 -Casa Santos Lima Blend Portugal Branco 2022 Lisboa -Boas Quintas Gandarada Encurzado Branco 2022 -Boas Quintas Fonte do Ouro Branco 2022 The Food: there was a paid event coming up in the evening starting at 6, so we were treated to some awesome food in the afternoon – Four chefs provided excellent samples, in addition to the charcuterie (nice to have smoked duck breast back again) and cheese platters. -Chef Manuel Vilela (Chiado) gave us some fresh pan-seared cod and porcini, on a bed of lemon risotto; -Chef Dave Junek (Salt) gave us a large wagyu slider with chimichurri aioli with a side manchego-jambon croquette; -Chef Martine Bauer (Restaurant Pompette) presented us with a chicken and duxelles vol- au-vent AND a salmon citrus gravlax. -Chef Rafael Covarrubias (Hexagon in Oakville) gave us a scallop crudo with buttermilk, melon and tarragon and jalapeno, PLUS a salted cod empanada, preserved tomato, nduja, and preserved lemon. The Downside: it got crowded really fast after the masterclass finished, further antagonized by low lighting from the ceiling. The Upside: quality food matching quality wine samples. The Contact Person: www.winesofportugal.com; marketing@viniportugal.pt; Lumir JARDAK The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94 REPORT ON THE CRU WINE MERCHANTS PORTFOLIO, May 30, 2023... The Date and Time: Tuesday May 30, 2023, from 11:30A to 3:30 PM The Event: Cru Wine Merchants Portfolio Tasting 2023 The Venue: Constantine Toronto The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media, wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: a good looking catalogue laid out by country and then producer, with details on pricing for licensees. The Quote/Background: there were 64 wine producers showing anywhere from one wine to a dozen wines each. The Wines: I could not taste every wine, most notably many of the reds. Prices are licensee net in most cases. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Versado Reserva Malbec 2010 Mendoza (+316984 Vintages, $78 retail) -Charles Baker Wines Riesling Ivan Vineyard 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $25.49 -Charles Baker Wines Riesling Picone Vineyard 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge, $39.03 -Charles Baker Wines Riesling Blanc de Blanc Cuvee du Boulanger 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $31.67 [my fave fizz of the day] -Stratus White 2021 VQA NOTL $25.49 -Stratus Skin Contact Viognier 2021 VQA NOTL $27.88 -Stratus Red 2017 VQA NOTL $39.03 -Wiston Estate Sparkling Rose Brut NV Sussex $69.95 -Champagne Monmarthe Secret de Famille Brut NV $49.95 -Jeaunaux-Robin Fil de Brume Brut NV $69.95 -Domaine Albert Mann Gewurztraminer 2020 Alsace $38.95 -Domaine Albert Mann Cremant Extra Brut 2018 $47.95 -Domaine Oudin Vaugirault 1er cru Chablis 2021 $59.95 -Domaine Francois Gay et Fils Beaune 1er cru Les Teurons Blanc 2018 $89.95 -Barth Charta Riesling 2019 Rheingau $30.95 -Sorelle Bronca Difetto Perfetto Sur Lie Prosecco 2021 Conegliano Valdobbiadene $28.95 -Agricola Molino Moscato d'Asti Mistral 2022 Trersio $24.95 -Vina Costeira Lua Jazz Brut Treixadura Sparkling NV Rias Baixas [not yet priced] -Raventos Blanc de Blanc Brut 2020 $27 Penedes -Can Sumoi Ancestral Sparkling 2018 $31.95 Penedes -Bethel Heights Estate Chardonnay 2019 Oregon $54.95 -Kongsgaard Chardonnay 2019 Napa $230 -San Felo Tuscany Le Stoppie Vermentino [not yet priced] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Versado Malbec 2018 Mendoza (+317008 Vintages, $21.25 retail) -Stratus Chardonnay 2020 VQA NOTL $39.03 -Stratus Field Blend Ancestral 2022 $27.88 -Jeaunaux-Robin Le Dessous de la Cabane Rose NV $74.95 -Domaine Oudin Chablis 2021 $37.95 -Domaine Oudin Les Serres Chablis 2021 $47.95 -Sorelle Bronca Modi Brut Prosecco NV $21.95 -Vini Bossanova Pet Nat Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 $41.95 -Rippon Sauvignon Blanc Lake Wanaka 2021 $39.95 -Kleinood Tamboerskloof Viognier Stellenbosch 2022 $33.95 -Favia-Erickson Carbone Chardonnay 2020 Combsville $79.95 -Hudson Chardonnay 2021 Napa $124.95 -Precision Wine Co. Introvert White 2020 California AVA $21.95 -Brokenwood Hunter Valley Australia Semillon 2022 [not yet priced] The Food: from Constantine's menu – a variety of flatbreads, including a pomodoro pizza and a mushroom pizza, along with bites of cheese and pate mousse on breads. The charcuterie platter included more cheese, pate, sausages, and salami as well as sundried tomatoes. The Downside: many wines were physically collated together but split apart by the catalogue listing; this meant a lot of to-ing and fro-ing through the booklet. The Upside: a great opportunity to taste great wines. The Contact Person: kasiakoziara@cruwinemerchants.com; Charles Baker The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 May 2023 1.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 (their first general list wine at the LCBO, to be released in June): a summer social sipper or quaffer, combining 41.6% riesling and 40.7% chardonnay with 15.9% sauvignon blanc and balance pinot grigio – all highly aromatic grapes. The percentages change from vintage to vintage depending on vineyard conditions. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. A popular seller with 2501 cases. Incredibly fresh and fruity tones for summer. Vegan friendly. 15g/L residual sugar. 12.9% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +80234 Vintages Essential: more in the Mosel mode than Rhine wine, this delicious all Riesling sipper is loaded with a nose of citrus highlights (lemon, plentiful lime, grapefruit) evolving to Ontario orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long finish which also makes it nifty food wine for many Asiatic dishes. Medium body, off-dry. Suitable for aging (to get that “petrol” character). 1429 cases made. 9.5% ABV. Consistent vintage RS 21 g/L. Vegan friendly. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +89011 Vintages October 7: 20% of this wine went into neutral Canadian oak barrel for fermentation, leaving 80% for stainless steel. That contributed to the softness and to the muted tones of grassiness. Tropical flowers are accented rather than tropical fruit, and this too adds to its dryness culminating with ending citrus notes for a long finish. It's a great wine for savvy lovers who go for complexity rather than just herbs. At the same time, this allows for more food choices. Only 408 cases. Vegan friendly. 5 g/L residual sugar, 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 +149302 Vintages September 23: one of my faves. Over the years it has simply gotten better as the grapevines matured. Wild indigenous yeast is used. Good mid-tone oaky component (it is very easy to say it is mid-way between French and US oak) from the use of nearby Canadian oak trees. 10% new oak, 90% 1 to 5 year old. Terrific ripe orchard fruit aromas and palate. Plus vanillin and cream after the mid-palate leading to citric food-friendly finish. Needs more time for balancing, but then at that moment it will be awesome. Vegan friendly. 328 cases. 12.5% ABV. 1.2 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Featherstone Estate Winery Pinot Grigio 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +20599 Vintages July 22: this is a highly competitive category, but Featherstone goes up very well against the other PGs in Ontario, especially with its slight yellow colour. Its colour and even its taste can slot it into the rose category, or even the “orange” wine area. Typical nuances include off-dry orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic melon-ish overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with slightly bitter citric notes. That makes it both a sipper and a food wine, suitable as a pre-prandial in the summer. There is some Ontario cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, but also with some peach notes. Stainless steel all the way, with half being pressed immediately and half left to soak on skins before pressing. Vegan friendly. 10g/L residual sugar. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Featherstone Estate Winery Phoenix 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 +519025 Vintages August 19: Gewurztraminer done up in stainless steel, very Alsatian in style, with concentrated fruit, off-dry on the mid-palate, spicy with a tad of bitter on the finish, great with Asiatic foods or any spicy foods. Or wonderful as an aperitif by the deck/patio/pool/terrace/balcony. Capable of improvement over the next few years. Vegan friendly. Strictly limited at 75 cases total production. 10 g/L residual sugar. 12.3% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Featherstone Estate Winery Frostbite Select Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula [half-bottle] $29.95 at winery retail store: On the nose, very aromatic with major tropical tones of melons and lychees, very much in the fruity Alsatian style of "tardif" gewurztraminer. Yum. Cool fermentation in stainless steel, with typical concentrated gewurztraminer modes of lychees, spices, limes, some roses on the mid-palate. Best as a desert wine by the deck or porch or pool, or with fragrant cheeses, spicy and/or creamy dessert foods, with a tad of bitter on the finish. Great with Asiatic foods. Vegan friendly. 112 cases. 14% ABV. Residual sugar is 66g/L. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Featherstone Estate Winery Rose 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 +117861 Vintages May 27: over the years, this rose has had varying amounts of grape varieties – all dependent on what wily winemaker David Johnson sees as the best possible blend. In the past it has had pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, as well as gamay noir, merlot, chardonnay, and cabernet franc. This latest vintage (2022) has cabernet sauvignon 49%, cabernet franc 18.7%, gamay noir 18.7%, and pinot noir 13.7%. It's an extremely useful wine for any event, any occasion, with any food, or just alone as a sipper on the beach/patio/deck/terrace/backyard/porch/balcony – even in front of a roaring fireplace (as I did just this week when the temperature dropped). Expect plenty of red fruit tones in its deliciousness. Great price. Vegan friendly. 1148 cases. 11.8g/L residual sugar, 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a consistent blend of 95% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. All US oak was used – 25% new barrels for 10 months. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of tastes of cherry-berries and plums, some leafy qualities. Black pepper. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving acid balances. Should go well with BBQ veggies. Keep for another few years (I tasted one bottle over a week). Vegan friendly. 2067 cases. 1.7 g/L residual sugar. 12.2% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 Vintages +131540: Merlot is still recovering from its dissing by Pinot Noir in the movie “Sideways”. But a lot of wineries still enjoy making it. David Johnson the winemaker has here produced a delightfully fruity but dryish drop that is also affordable. Aged 10 months in French oak (25% new), 100% malolactic fermentation. Expect black fruit cherry-berry complexity, headed by cassis. Both a patio sipper and a food wine, and ready now for current drinking and accompanying any kind of comfort food. Vegan friendly. 499 cases made. RS 2.3 g/L 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Featherstone Estate Winery Gamay Noir 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 winery retail store: medium-full-bodied, suggestive of lighter Beaujolais wines such as Fleurie. Dark cherry-berry flavours dominate, but there is added spicing and even some nuances of earthiness and eucalyptus (the wine is oaked for ten months in US barrels). Good with BBQ, cheese, or something substantial, but a tannic/tart structure of refreshing cranberies is present to carry through a whole meal. 348 cases produced. Vegan friendly. 11.5% ABV, Residual sugar 1.3g/L. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ====================================== The Date and Time: Monday, May 15, 2023, 11:30AM – 3:30PM The Event: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Walkaround Tasting The Venue: Aria The Target Audience: wine trade, agents, media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: The proprietors of the eight Vino Nobile di Montepulciano featured wineries were in attendance; two were looking for agents (Manvi, Podere Casanova). The Quote/Background: This appellation of Tuscany is between Siena and Rome, just south of Chianti, and was famous for its light red wines based on sangiovese. The walkaround featured pressure-less pourings from Cantina Crociani (Cavinona Wine Agency), Carpineto (Univins and Spirits), Fattoria del Cerro (Cavinona Wine Agency), Fattoria Svetoni (Tre Amici), Il Molinaccio (United Stars), Manvi (looking for agent), Podere Casanova (looking for agent) and Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano (Tre Amici). The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. I skipped a white wine and a vinsanto, and a few Rossos di Montepulciano.... **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Crociani Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva Toscana -Podere Casanova Vino Noble di Montepulciano Settecento -Manvi Ojas Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva 2019 -Fattoria Svetoni Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2019 $25 -Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2017 -Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva 2016 -Fattoria del Cerro Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2019 -Fattoria del Cerro Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva 2017 -Il Molinaccio di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva La Poiana 2019 [organic] $86.95 -Carpineto Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2019 -Carpineto Appodiato di Montepulciano Poggio Sant'Enrico 2012 Vino Noble di Montepulciano DOCG ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Podere Casanova Vino Noble di Montepulciano DOCG -Podere Casanova Corte Vino Rosso di Montepulciano DOC -Podere Casanova Irripetibile IGT Toscana -Manvi Myra Rosso di Montepulciano DOC -Manvi Arya Vino Noble di Montepulciano -Crociani Vino Noble di Montepulciano -Fattoria Svetoni Rosso Noble di Montepulciano 2021 -Fattoria Svetoni Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2020 $25 -Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Corbaio Rosso Toscana 2018 -Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Campaltino Toscana Rosso IGT -Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Rosso di Montepulciano 2021 -Fattoria del Cerro Antica Chilesi -Il Molinaccio di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano La Spinosa 2019 [organic] $63.95 -Carpineto Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2020 -Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon IGT 2020 The Food: Aria provided an enormous Italian buffet selection which included multiple cold cut platters of first rate salumi (nothing hot), caprese salad, pizza, roast potatoes, roast chicken, roast porchetta, asparagus risotto, gnocchi, a wheel of parmigiano reggiano, biscotti. The Downside: nothing really – the weather co-operated for those of us who wanted to be outdoors. The Upside: good listing of Vino Nobile wines, which I have not seen in the same room in Ontario for quite some time. The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 96 ========================= REPORT FROM THE SANTORINI VOLCANIC TERROIR PDO TASTING MAY 3, 2023... The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 3, 2023, 12PM – 3:30 PM The Event: Santorini Volcanic Terroir PDO tasting The Venue: George The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: Four wineries presented their wines that were available in Ontario – Estate Argyros, Domaine Sigalas, Gaia Wines and Santo Wines. The Quote/Background: This was a walk around tasting concerned with the wines of PDO Santorini Greece. It was a great chance to explore the wine labels of a small slice of Greece. Both the still wines of assyrtiko grapes and vinsanto were poured. The Wines: There were 14 wines in all (including four vinsanto) **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Estate Agryos Monsignori 2020, 14.5% -Gaia Thalassitis 2021, 13.8% $42 -Assyrtiko by Gaia Wild Ferment 2021, 14%, $50 -Gaia Nykteri 2020, 14% -Santo Nykteri 2021, 14.1%, $43 -Domaine Sigalas Santorini Barrel 2021, 14.5%, $67.98 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Estate Agryos Santorini Assyrtiko 2021, 14.4% -Santo Santorini Assyrtiko 2022, 13.2% -Domaine Sigalas Santorini AA 2022, 13.4%, $34.95 -Domaine Sigalas Santorini 2022, 14.5%, $53.95 VINSANTO – -Estate Agryos Santorini Vansanto First Release 2015, 13.1%, $79.95 Rated: 92 pts. -Estate Agryos Santorini Vansanto First Release 2002, 13.28%, $150 Rated: 93 pts. -Gaia Vinsanto 2012, 10.9% Rated: 90 pts. -Santo Vinsanto 2016, 11.2% $37 Rated: 89 pts. The Food: George produced some delicious bites from PDO Santorini food products, including PDO Santorini fava bean, PDO Santorini tomato fondant with goat cheese, potato wrapped tuna, shrimp tempura, lemon thyme pettole, chicken satay, heirloom carrot and potato, oysters and lemons, chocolate beignets, tartlet of nuts and dried fruit. The Downside: I had just come from a huge Australian wine marketing trade show. The Upside: a chance to focus on the Santorini wines The Contact Person: contact@johnszabo.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 REPORT FROM THE NEW TO MARKET TASTING FROM AUSTRALIA May 3, 2023... DATE: Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from noon – 2 PM The Event: New to Market Tasting Toronto, from Australia The Venue: Peter Pan Bistro, Queen Street The Target Audience: wine agents and media The Availability/Catalogue: there was a nice booklet listing the various wine regions of Australia, with maps, and sorting the producers alphabetically, with contact names, email addresses, websites and a listing of two or more wines from each of the 13 wineries which had participated. The Quote/Background: Brown Brothers are back! The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are AUD. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bremerton Wines Special Release No Added Preservatives Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2022, 14.5%, $57.50 FOB six pack -Brown Brothers Origins Series Dry Rose Victoria Shiraz Dolcetto 2022, 12.5%, $48.90 FOB six pack -Hart of the Barossa Vine Vale Barossa Valley Mataro 2021, 13.7%, organic, $78 FOB six pack -Hart of the Barossa Ye Brave Barossa Valley Shiraz 2021, 14.8%, organic, $78 FOB six pack -Jo Irvine Levrier Wines Brut Rose Adelaide Hills Petit Meslier NV, 11.5%, $159.60 FOB for six pack -Jo Irvine Mosaic Collection Barossa Valley Merlot 2028, 14.5%, $134 FOB for six pack -Organic Hill Founders Release McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, 13.8%, biodynamic, $90 FOB for case of 12. -Organic Hill Founders Release McLaren Vale Shiraz 2021, 13.8%, biodynamic, $90 FOB for case of 12. -Teusner Weines Gentleman Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, 14.5%, $65 FOB for six pack ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bremerton Wines Tamblyn Langhorne Creek Cabernet Shiraz Malbec 2020, 14%, $90 FOB for case of 12 -Brown Family Innocent Bystander King Valley Pinot Gris 2022, 13.5% ABV, $54.90 FOB for six pack -Burge Family Wine Estates Corryton Burge Barossa Shiraz 2020, 14.5%, $60 FOB for six pack. -Burge Family Wine Estates Corryton Burge Barossa Grenache 2022, 14%, $60 FOB for six pack. -Eight at the Gate Wines Single Vineyard Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2019, 14.5%, $52 FOB for six pack -Eight at the Gate Wines Single Vineyard Wrattonbully Chardonnay 2021, 12.9%, $48 FOB for six pack -Lou Miranda Estate Fierce III Barossa Valley Sagrantino 2019, 14.5%, $90 FOB for six pack -Lou Miranda Estate Fierce III Barossa Grenache Mataro Shiraz 2019, 14.5%, $90 FOB for six pack -Pindarie Rosedale Road Barossa Sangiovese 2022, 12%, $96 FOB for six pack -Pindarie TSS Mediterranean Blend Barossa Tempranillo Sangiovese Shiraz 2021, $13.5%, $120 FOB for case of 12 -Project Wine Angas & Bremer The Creek Langhorne Creek Grenache Graciano Malbec, Shiraz, Touriga 2021, 14.5%, $65 FOB case of 12 -Project Wine Angas & Bremer Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2021, 14.8%, $85 FOB case of 12 -Sevenhills Cellars Inigo Clare Valley Grenache 2021, 14%, $45 FOB for six pack -Sevenhills Cellars Quarry Road Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2019, 13.5%, $76 FOB for six pack -Teusner Wines Bilmore Barossa Valley Shiraz 2021, 14.5%, $65 FOB for six pack -The Pawn Langhorne Creek Fiano 2022, 13%, $125 for case of 12 -The Pawn Adelaide Hills Tempranillo 2021, 14%, $125 FOB for case of 12 The Food: a good collection for a relaxed stand-up lunch and wine tasting – sliders (beef, chicken), grilled cheese small sandwiches, cheese twist pastries, a charcuterie platter, a cheese platter, and a veggie platter, all with assorted breads and crackers and root crisps. The Downside: it got crowded really fast. The Upside: a good chance to taste wines new to the Ontario market. The Contact Person: annie.dingwall@wineaustralia.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91 REPORT FROM BOLDLY NEW YORK TRADE TASTING April 17, 2023.... DATE: Monday April 17th from 1pm-4pm The Event: Boldly New York – Toronto Trade Tasting The Venue: Peter Pan Bistro The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: the paperless catalogue was available via a downloadable cloud file. The Quote/Background: There are 144 wineries in New York state, which embraces the Finger Lakes regions, Long Island, and Hudson Valley. New York is the third largest wine-producing area in the US after California and Washington state. Ten producers and their principals attended to pour 80+ wines: Boundary Breaks - Paul Mozeley; Dr. Konstantin Frank - Eric Baist; Element Winery - Christopher Bates; Forge Cellars - Richard Rainy; Hermann J. Wiemer - Oskar Bynke; Heron Hill - Jordan Harris; Living Roots - Colleen Hardy; Mazza Chautauqua - Kevin Faehndrich; Ravines Wine Cellars - Lisa and Morten Hallgren; and Wagner Vineyards - Alex Jankowski. The Wines: I only tasted white wines (except for an expensive red) – there were 8 chardonnays and 24 rieslings plus an assortment of sauvignon blancs and gruners. Where possible I added the name of the agent. Prices varied from the initial catalogue, so many of them may be inaccurate but within that range. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Channing Daughters Scuttlehole Chardonnay 2020 Long Island CA$20 -Element Winery Syrah 2016 Finger Lakes CA$195 -Forge Cellars Riesling Caywood Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes CA$38 -Forge Cellars Riesling Willow Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes CA$38 -Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Riesling Dry 2021 Finger Lakes CA$30.12 Living Vine agency -Heron Hill Winery Heron Hill Ingle Vineyard Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes $42 Le Savoir-Boire agency -Heron Hill Winery Reserve Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes $34 -Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Chardonnay 2020 Finger Lakes CA$25.00 -Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Unoaked Chardonnay 2021 Finger Lakes CA$24.95 July 22 Vintages Release -Wölffer Estate Summer In A Bottle Rosé 2022 Lake Ontario [Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc] -Wölffer Estate Vineyard Summer In A Bottle White 2021 New York [Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Blanc] -Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Caywood East Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes CA$38.95 -Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Riesling Select 2021 Finger Lakes CA$32.95 [35 year old vines] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Boundary Breaks #239 Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes CA$30.62 -Brotherhood Chardonnay 2019 Finger Lakes CA$23 Epic Wine agency -Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes -Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Grüner Veltliner 2019 Finger Lakes -Forge Cell-ars Dry Riesling Classique 2020 Finger Lakes CA$32 -Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Riesling HJW Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes CA$61.61 Living Vine agency -Heron Hill Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2021 Finger Lakes Le Savoir-Boire agency -Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Dry Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes CA$25 -Lieb Cellars Estate Chardonnay 2021 North Fork of Long Island CA$37.95 -Mazza Chautauqua Cellars Riesling Nutt Road 2017 Finger Lakes CA$16.00 -Ravines Wine Cellars Ravines Dry Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes -Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling Argetsinger Vineyard 2019 Finger Lakes -Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling White Springs Vineyard 2020 Finger Lakes -Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Chardonnay Unoaked 2021 Finger Lakes CA$27.95 -Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Dry Riesling 2021 Finger Lakes CA$32.95 -Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Riesling Semi Dry 2021 Finger Lakes CA$32.95 -Wölffer Estate Vineyard Wolffer Sauvignon Blanc 2021 New York -Wölffer Estate Vineyard Wölffer Estate Chardonnay 2021 Long Island The Food: a grazing assortment of flatbreads and root veggie crisps, dips, hummus, raw veggies, puff pastry twists, cheeses (blue, smoked), olives. Good comfort foods. The Downside: very noisy crowd (hard surfaces), my concern about prices. The Upside: a rare opportunity to taste New York state wines. The Contact Person: melissa@amcc-inc.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85 REPORT FROM TASTE ONTARIO ! TORONTO April 12, 2023.... The Date and Time: Wednesday April 12, 2023 11A to 5PM The Event: TASTE ONTARIO ! TORONTO The Venue: Park Hyatt The Target Audience: wine media, agents, and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: The paper catalogue was replete with data and info on each wine, plus an overview of the Ontario VQA wine industry. Prices listed were both for licensees and for retail sales. Contacts were listed for each winery. The Quote/Background: 62 wineries participated from the Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, and Emerging Regions. All of the 300+ wines featured are available to order. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines; I was focused on chardonnays and sparklers. I divided my time between the media room (where I could sit down) and the trade show floor (where I could stand up). Prices are retail. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tawse Winery Robyn's Block Chardonnay 2020 $47.15 [MY FAVE] -Adamo Estate Winery Growers Series Oaked Chardonnay 2019 $19.95 -Colio Reserve Chardonnay 2020 $19.95 -Closson Chase Vineyards Churchside Chardonnay PEC 2019 $50 -Lighthall Vineyards Estate Chardonnay PEC 2020 $37.85 -2027 Cellars Wismer Vineyard Foxcroft Block Chardonnay 2020 $30 -Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Foxcroft “Nord” Chardonnay 2020 -Bachelder Les Villages Chardonnay 2021 $35 -Cave Spring Vineyard Chardonnay CSV 2020 $34.95 -Domaine Queylus Chardonnay Signature 2018 -Flat Rock Cellars Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2020 $34.95 -Hidden Bench Bistro Chardonnay 2019 -Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2020 $54.95 -Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2020 $39.95 -Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2020 $29.99 -Inniskillin Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 $30.95 -Jackson Triggs Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2020 $27.95 -Southbrook Organic Vineyard Triomphe Chardonnay 2019 $26.95 -Ravine Vineyard Estate Limited Edition Vintage Brut 2011 $135 [300 bottles] [MY FAVE] -Drea's Wine Co. Small Batch Blanc de Blanc 2020 $59.50 -Stratus Blanc de Blanc 2015 -Charles Baker Wines Cuvee du Boulanger Blanc de Blancs 2020 $39.95 -Rockway Vineyards Limited Edition Brut Cuvee Sparkling NV $90 -Trius Sparkling Brut NV $29.95 -Trius Sparkling Brut Rose NV $29.95 -Trius Showcase Brut Nature Sparkling NV $54.95 -Lighthall Vineyards Culmination Blanc de Blancs Sparkling PEC 2019 $39.95 -13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc NV $29.95 -Two Sisters Blanc de Franc 2019 -Jackson Triggs Grand Reserve Entourage Blanc de Blanc 2017 $27.95 -Jackson Triggs Grand Reserve Entourage Sparkling Brut 2017 $49.95 -Henry of Pelham Family Cuvee Catherine Estate Blanc de Blanc Carte Blanche 2017 $49.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Adamo Estate Winery Sogno Unoaked Chardonnay 2021 $19.95 -KIN Vineyards Carp Ridge Chardonnay 2019 $32 -Pelee Island Winery Vinedressers Chardonnay 2021 $19.95 -Broken Stone Winery Chardonnay PEC 2020 -Closson Chase Vineytard Chardonnay PEC 2020 $35 -Lighthall Vineyards Fondation Chardonnay PEC 2021 $24.95 -Norman Hardie Chardonnay PEC 2020 $59.20 -Rosehall JCR Chardonnay Rosehall Vineyard PEC 2019 $36 -Bachelder Mineralite Chardonnay 2021 $25 -Calamus Estate Barrel Kissed Chardonnay 2021 $21.95 -Henry of Pelham Family Estate Chardonnay 2020 $19.95 -Le Clos Jordanne Jordan Village Chardonnay 2020 $29.95 -Leaning Post The Fifty Chardonnay 2020 $25.20 -Legends Estates Chardonnay Reserve 2017 $21 -Meldville Chardonnay 2019 $20 -Meldville Chardonnay Barrel Select 2019 $26 -Reif Chardonnay 2020 $19.15 -Two Sisters Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay 2019 $39 -Westcott Vineyards Violette Sparkling Brut 2021 $29.99 -The Foreign Affair Winery Sparkling Rose Brut NV $24.95 -Bella Terra Vineyards Sparkling Brut $24.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -KIN Vineyards Carp Ridge Skin Fermented Chardonnay 2021 $26 -Bonnie Vivant Chardonnay 2021 $34.04 -Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay 2020 $15.15 -Casa-Dea Estates Winery Unoaked Chardonnay PEC 2021 $20.95 -Trail Estate County Chardonnay Vintage 3 PEC 2019 $50 -Vineland Estates Winery Un-oaked Chardonnay 2021 $15.95 The Food: there were several charcuterie boards, with cheeses and meats and veggies and fruit, plus breads and dips. The Downside: it was jam packed, which made it awkward to move about from table to table. The Upside: I had a great opportunity to taste many chardonnays and sparklers. It was peaceful in the media room. The Contact Person: lauren.garrard@wmao.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. REPORT FROM LOIRE VALLEY WINES TORONTO! March 28, 2023... The Date and Time: Tuesday March 28 2PM - 6PM The Event: A tasting of some 40 wines from the Loire Valley The Venue: Second Floor Events, King Street West The Target Audience: wine trade and wine press The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was available online The Quote/Background: there were ten principals/wineries, and some were looking for representation in Ontario. Some had agents pouring, some wines were available in Quebec only, at the SAQ. Loire wines are almost a semi-rarity in Ontario. There is the popular Muscadet, the sauvignon blancs of Touraine, the chenin blancs and roses of Anjou, the occasional Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, plus Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. We did not see many high end wines today. The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, but there were about 40+ wines available. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Amirault Saint-Nicolas De Bourgueil Les Quarterons Rouge 2020 +28249 $36.95 French Wine Destination Store in Ottawa -Amirault Saint-Nicolas De Bourgueil Les Gravilices 2019 +28250 $36.35 French Wine Destination Store in Ottawa -Lacheteau Sauvignon Blanc Haut Poitou Les Cimes +10632 $17.95 2022 -Lacheteau Muscadet Chateau de Cleray 2022 -Domaine des Tilleuls Essentielle Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 2021 SAQ 13589133 $20.50 -Château Soucherie Savennières Blanc Clos des Perrières 2020 SAQ 13591102 $47.75 -Château Soucherie Anjou Blanc Ivoire 2022 SAQ 14221576 $25 -Famille Bougrier Confidences Vouvray Sec AOP 2021 +28239 $20.45 -Bernard Fouquet Vouvray Brut Methode Traditional NV -La Seigneurie Saumur Fines Bulles Brut Zero 2016 -Famille Bougrier Domaine Guenault 1885 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Lacheteau Cabernet Franc Montagueret -Lecheteau Muscadet Heritage de Cleray 2022 -Bernard Fouquet Domaine des Aubuisières Vouvray Cuvée Silex Sec 2021 -Bernard Fouquet Bonnes Blanches Sec Chenin Blanc Anjou 2020 -Lionel Gosseaume Les Sauterelles Touraine Sauvignon 2022 -La Seigneurie Saumur Blanc Les Pentes 2021 -La Seigneurie Saumur Mademoiselle La Seigneurie 2022 Rose -Domaine Des Tilleuls Sauvignon Blanc La Petite Chapelle 2022 -Domaine Des Tilleuls Chardonnay La Petite Chapelle 2022 -Chateau Soucherie Rose Pivoine 2022 -Famille Bougrier Rose d'Anjou 2022 -Famille Bougrier Vouvray Chenin Blanc Doulce 2021 +253229 $19.05 -Famille Bougrier Confidences Menetou Salon 2020 +313576 $24.10 The Food: there were mobile servers with platters of onion custard tarts and mushroom tarts. There was a cheese platter with brie, Avonlea cheddar, Balsamic onion cheddar, Fontina, and Beemster [best cheese]. Meats included chicken liver mousse, Sacy pork sausage, and Serano ham. There were excellent fresh blackberries on the plates. The Downside: there was very little information since the catalogue was online; my request for a PDF was stalled and it never arrived (hence, the lateness of this review) The Upside: The chance to be at a regional wine tasting. The Contact Person: info@loirevalleywine.com or https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 84. At the LCBO, you can currently find 332 coolers. Of course, no store carries them all. But the LCBO's website (www.lcbo.com) does list them all. The largest sub-category is “coolers and cocktails” with 180 products, followed by “seltzers and sodas” with 105. “Teas and Caesars” take up the rest. Typical size is about a 355 mL can or a 473 mL can (size will vary) with 5.5% ABV and priced under $3. Sugar content varies wildly. I thought that I would drop a line or two about one of the newest, from the Aloette restaurant group. They've already launched “Espresso Martini Fizz” ($2.45, 473 mL can) and now they are back for a second launch: Southside Fizz ($2.95, 355 mL can, 5.5%ABV). It's a pre-made or pre-fab version of the basic Cucumber Mint Gimlet aka Eastside (or Southside) Cocktail aka Cucumber Gin and (if fizzy) Tonic. So it's got London Dry Gin, mint, cucumber juice, lime juice, sugar, and seltzer water. I'm a wine guy so I passed it over to my wife who's a gin aficionado. This cooler is light and citrusy on the palate, and would be more enjoyable if you deeply chill it and serve it on the rocks: it is the start of the patio season. Quite a quartet set of wines, just released by Chateau des Charmes (at winery and online) -- CHATEAU DE CHARMES EQUULEUS 2020 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard, VQA St. David's Bench. +319525, $60 at winery and online: made from a traditional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Cabernet Franc (25%) and Merlot (25%), but only made in good years (earlier vintages had all three grapes at varying levels such as, at one time, 53% cab sauv/34% cab franc/13% merlot and other blends; all was dependent on the harvest). The last vintage I tasted was 2010. The 2020 spent 16 months in small French oak, with each variety aged separately. After blending it is aged further in French oak casks for several months. Tons of concentrated Bordeaux flavours, all the dark black berries and mocha, but some years away from mellowing well. It's a Meritage wine in that Bordeaux-style blend, with plenty of black fruit and some smoke. Cellar this wine another 5 years, or else do a double decant (maybe even more) to accelerate the aging process. Tasted over a number of days – and it kept getting better. A good meaty wine for strong-flavoured grilled meats. Residual sugar 0.4 g/L. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 94 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ====================================================== CHATEAU DES CHARMES CABERNET FRANC 2020 St. David's Bench Vineyard, VQA St. David's Bench, +453415 $44.95 at winery and online: it has been some years since I last tasted their St. David's Bench Cabernet Franc; they have a continual winner of a brooding wine that could have been diverted to Equuleus. It has some over-the-top full-bodied black spicy fruit while still retaining some cranberries and bell peppers, slightly augmented with a herby edge of pine/cedar/tobacco leaf tones. Aged for a year in 1 – 2 year-old toasted French oak. Sip as a meditative drink or with red meat/cheese (the winery suggests any herb-encrusted meats). Cork closure. I opened my bottle and did a double-decant followed by several days of open bottle sampling. Residual sugar at 0.5 g/L. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ====================================================== CHATEAU DES CHARMES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 St. David's Bench Vineyard, VQA St. David's Bench, +935957 $44.95 at winery and online: this is the only single variety Cabernet Sauvignon that Chateau des Charmes makes, and not every year. Aged in small 1 – 2 year old French oak for 12 months. Loaded with dark choco-berry and mocha tones, and smooth all over, good balance between fruit-acid-wood. Ready now but will benefit from a cellaring of up to five years. This is Bordeaux quality as a food wine – upfront cassis, tobacco leaf, mocha. Should be great with shanks (lamb, veal, pork, drumsticks) or oxtail, even necks or cheeks. Residual sugar at 0.3 g/L. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ===================================================== CHATEAU DES CHARMES MERLOT 2020 St David's Bench Vineyard, VQA St David's Bench, +453431, $44.95 at winery and online: made only in the best years, 2012 was the last vintage I had tasted. Rich and ripe cassis, cherry, cedar tones from one year barrel aging in French oak. As is typical with Merlot, you'll get a velvet soft finish with enjoyable finishing tannins. Give it two or more years, or do double-decanting. Residual sugar at 0.5 g/L. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR 2022 [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 REPORT ON RED WINES FROM RIBERA DEL DUERO SPAIN – Spain’s Ribera del Duero is home to the most Spanish iconic wine estates—- Vega Sicilia and Tinto Pesquera. Both have defined the taste and style of Ribera del Duero. This region has more great wines than any other in Spain. -Hermanos Penez Pascuas El Pedrosal Crianza 2016 Ribera del Duero, LCBO +540070 $18.95: a basic entry level wine at a good price for Ribera wines. Actually, it is rare to find Ribera del Duero for under $20 in Canada. This is all tempranillo from 20 year old vines, aged 12 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. There's a lot of wine packed into this bottle. Although medium-bodied, it is warm and spicy, floral, with toasted ripe fruit and oak tones. Charcuterie and cheese boards work very well here as food pairings. 14.5% ABV, 4 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. -Legon Premium Vina Vilano 2018 Pedrosa Ribera del Duero, LCBO +270645 $29.95: 100% tempranillo, aged two years in French oak. Vineyards are 90 years old (on average) with some at 100 years plus. Rich nose, “pumpkin pie” spices, cooked plums, berries. Long wooded tannins with some olive complexity and a slightly bitterish finish. Should be great with all manner of roasts. Dryish, dense rich and plush on the mid-palate. 14% ABV, 2 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. -Real Sitio de Ventosilla Pradorey Finca la Mina Reserva 2015, LCBO +995191 $36.95: 95% tempranillo, 3% cabernet sauvignon and 2% merlot, from a single vineyard. 18 months in French oak, six months in Nevers oak vats. Very savoury in tone (the cab and merlot seem to contribute nuances of eucalyptus), yummy fruit which just gets better as it aerates (do a double decant). Classic complex wine for Ribera del Duero at the median price point: black and red baked fruit (cherries, plums, berries) and even some garrigue in its herbs and smokey spices. Finish is smooth and velvety. Tasted over several days. 14.5% ABV, 2 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. -Penafiel Silencio de Miros 2015 Raphael Vineyard Ribera del Duero, LCBO +21214 $86: 100% tempranillo grown at 1000 metres, aged in new French oak barrels. Fruity aromatic compounds are extracted: red currants, plums, forest floor nuances, raisinated grapes, mocha, spices, new oak tones, even a touch of sherry. At the end, everything comes together with a melding of flavours, in an extremely long finish. Tasted over several days. Probably even better after some aging, say a decade more in bottle through 2032. This vintage was rated at 96 points by Decanter in 2018. 14.5% ABV, 2 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 94+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= RECENT MAJESTIC WINES CONSIGNMENT AND LCBO PICKS – 1.Sensi 1890 Collezione Pinot Grigio dell Venezie 2020 AOC High Volume Consignment - $ 15.95: relatively full-bodied for an Italian style pinot grigio, with the emphasis on “yellow”: yellow colour, yellow fruit, yellow honey. Full of citric zest, good with food beyond the first course – think peaches and lemons and apples, with some serious tones on the mid-palate. Commingling is back, with citric undertones. Flavours of stone fruit but with some yellow pear drops, rich, mid-palate crispness. Clean citric finish with minerality. Food or appetizer. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Rutherford Ranch Morgan Bay Cellars Chardonnay California 2019 High Volume Consignment - $ 17.95: cork disc closure, well-rounded texture meant to appeal to the American taste palate. There were lemons and pear, but also the softness and taste of a creamy caramel augmented by a Meyer lemon off-sweet mandarin quality. But there is also enough finishing acid for a first course. Otherwise, sip away. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Morgan Bay Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon California 2019 High Volume Consignment - $ 17.95: a great wallop of black fruit (black cherries, blackberries) begins the aromatics and dominates right through to the finish in typical Cali-style. The emphasis is on darkness, with plenty of black fruit and butterscotch tones, with some black pepper spices, and a softish finish to a medium body. Very useful as an everyday cab at a great price point. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Albino Armani 1607 Tenuta di Sequals Sauvignon Friuli-Grave 2020 DOC Consignment - $20.95: very intense aromas, fruity from green fruit and herby but with a medium-body and not like Kiwi Savvy. Citric finish, very useful as a first course white wine. Good with asparagus or smoked fish. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Javier Sanz Vmalcorta Verdejo Rueda 2019 Consignment - $33.95: top-rated at a pre-pandemic Rueda wine trade show in Toronto at 91+ points: higher acid food wine, floral and citric, emphasizing the brighter side of aromatic Spanish verdejo. Very well made with an exceptional, lingering finish. Perhaps best with shellfish such as oysters or mussels, clams. White flesh fish would also be appropriate. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Amastuola Primitivo Organic Puglia IGP 2019 Consignment - $20.95: this is a preferred choice from among the basic primitivos in Ontario simply because it is made with organic grapes. Expect that dense, over-the-top zinfandel-type flavour of jamminess from plums, cherry-berry fruit, with a cinnamon spicy kick. 14%ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Sensi 1890 Collezione Merlot Terre Siciliane IGT 2019 Consignment - $ 15.95: This shows aromatic herbs on the nose, red fruit (raspberries) and spice, great North American appeal in that merlot is recognizable, modest tannins, balanced on the mid-palate, okay by itself or with food as a first course red. Velvet smooth finish. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Biscardo Neropasso Rosso Veneto IGT 2019 Consignment - $ 19.95: 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. Intense jammy concentration of dark fruit including plums. 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 almost three years after the vintage. 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 leftovers. Food or sip. The company's series includes Rosapasso (pinot noir rose apassimento) and Oropasso (white), all trading off on the “-passo” usage. Good price. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Colli Vicentini Romeo Prosecco DOC Extra Dry LCBO # 21434 - $14.95 (on LTO to March 27 $1 off): this is a cute pairing (see also below), with the regular prosecco as Romeo and the rose prosecco as Juliet from the appropriate Italian region. Off-dry, frizzante style, aperitif or party wine. 100% fruity Glera grapes used, promotes an intense rich floral scent of citric tones and apples. 11.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Colli Vicentini Juliet Prosecco Rose 2020 DOC Extra Dry LCBO # 20979 - $14.95: the rose version has the minimum 85% fruity Glera content to allow for 15% addition of pinot nero (noir), and it is vintage dated. Lovely rose colour after a short maceration period. Here we have floral orchard fruits such as peaches, apples, and some pinot quality raspberry tones. Excellent as an aperitif or first course wine with seafood or fish. 11.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Sensi 1890 Collezione Chianti DOCG 2020 LCBO # 20060 - $12.25: About 70% sangiovese grapes with %30 other varieties as allowed by the DOCG rules; these can be balanced in different vintage years. Aged in steel and on its lees for six months, using the micro-oxygenation technique. No wood. Fresh red cherries (slightly sour), spices, useful as a basic entry level wine at this price. Youthful – reminds me of the fiasco di vino that once was used. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Passion of Chile Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Reserva 2020 LCBO # 20904 - $9.95: opening notes of blueberry, strawberry, caramel. Long finish, great with succulent stew meat dishes. Still needs time to resolve, a hefty thick wine that dominates. Do a decant to open it up. Best for carnivores? You decide. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.Cantine Carlo Pellegrino Marsala Superiore Garibaldi DOC LCBO # 16180 - $13.80: just that right touch of carmelized alcohol for a dessert wine full of baked vanilla and figs. Works well with creamy chocolate, eggs zabaglione, shortcakes, ice cream. 18% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Cantina Goccia 3Q Rosso 2018 Umbria IGT $16.95 LCBO +22878: a basic entry level “SuperUmbrian” wine made with unoaked sangiovese, cabernet and merlot grapes. So there is some red and black fruit and some dark chocolate, augmented at 2 g/L residual sugar. It is available only in a recycled paperboard bottle; there are instructions on the Frugalpac bottle on how to recycle if you are not bringing it back to The Beer Store for a deposit return. It's a great idea, first launched in Italy in June 2020. And it's a more sustainable form of packaging [packaging and transportation is more than half of the wine carbon footprint]. Frugalpac bottles are 94% recycled paper, and are used (with a separate liner) for wines, spirits and olive oils. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Windrush Estate Hockley Valley Jim Warren Classic Chardonnay 2018 Foxcroft Vineyard VQA Beamsville Bench $65 at winery, only 80 cases made [2019 is $49.95]: these are indeed the latest Jim Warren Classic Chardonnays available for sale. His chardonnays embrace both an opening aromatic nose and a terrific mid-palate taste of what he is known for: rich stone fruit, some tropicality and orchard fruit, a judicious use of oak, ending with a citric minerality for a strong food wine. Bearing in mind what you get from California and Europe that costs much more, this is a great price for value. 3g/L residual sugar. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 94 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SUNDAY SAIL SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island    2021  +22850  $19.95 Vintages: this is an exceptionally fresh savvy just loaded with citrus peel zest character (think lime, grapefruit, lemon) and that distinctive Kiwi herbal taste base. Just released at Vintages, and perfect for summer patio/deck/bbq/outdoors imbibing. Make sure you get some before they run out! Try as a refreshing sipper or (because of its long finish)  with first course foods. I had mine with an herbal salad of microgreens and piquant leaves, chopped hard boiled eggs, and some squash soup with house made croutons. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. APRIL 22, 2022 1.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 Vintages on May 21 and again on November 19: a summer social sipper or quaffer (and for Thanksgiving too), combining 54% riesling and 18% chardonnay with 15% pinot grigio and 13% gewurztraminer – all highly aromatic grapes. The percentages change from vintage to vintage depending on vineyard conditions. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. A popular seller with 1282 cases. Incredibly fresh and fruity tones for summer. 14g/L residual sugar. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2020 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, plentiful lime, grapefruit) evolving to Ontario orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long lean-ish finish which also makes it nifty food wine for many Asiatic dishes. Medium body, off-dry. Suitable for aging, to get that “petrol” character. 2573 cases made. 10.5% ABV. RS 20.7g/L. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +89011 Vintages April 30 and and again on October 8: 20% of this wine went into neutral Canadian oak barrel fermentation, leaving 80% for stainless steel. That contributed to the softness and to the muted tones of grassiness. Tropical flowers are accented rather than tropical fruit, and this too adds to its dryness culminating with ending citrus notes for a long finish. It's a great wine for savvy lovers who go for complexity rather than just herbs. At the same time, this allows for more food choices. Only 542 cases. 4g/L residual sugar, 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 +149302 Vintages October 8: one of my faves. Over the years it has simply gotten better as the grapevines matured. Wild indigenous yeast is used. Good mid-tone oaky component (it is very easy to say it is mid-way between French and US oak) from the use of nearby Canadian oak trees. 10% new oak, 90% 1 to 5 year old. Terrific ripe orchard fruit aromas and palate. Plus vanillin and cream after the mid-palate leading to citric food- friendly finish. Needs more time for balancing, but then at that moment it will be awesome. 14% ABV. 1.69g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Featherstone Estate Winery Pinot Grigio 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +20599 Vintages August 13: this is a highly competitive category, but Featherstone goes up very well against the other PGs in Ontario, especially with its slight yellow colour. It's colour and even its taste can slot it into the rose category, or even the “orange” wine area. Typical nuances include off-dry orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic melon-ish overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with slightly bitter citric notes. That makes it both a sipper and a food wine, suitable as a pre-prandial in the summer. There is some Ontario cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, but also with some peach notes. Stainless steel all the way, with half being pressed immediately and half left to soak on skins before pressing. 10g/L residual sugar. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Featherstone Estate Winery Rose 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 +117861 Vintages May 21 and again on September 10: over the years, this rose has had different and varying amounts of grape varieties – all dependent on what wily winemaker David Johnson sees as the best possible blend. In the past it has had pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, as well as gamay noir, merlot, chardonnay, and cabernet franc. This latest vintage (2021) has cabernet sauvignon 33.3%, gamay noir 60%, and pinot noir 6.7%. It's extremely useful for any event, any occasion, with any food, or just alone as a sipper on the beach/patio/deck/terrace/backyard/porch/balcony – even in front of a roaring fireplace (as I did just this week when the snow dropped in High Park North a few days before Earth Day). Expect plenty of red fruit tones in its deliciousness. Great price. 1662 cases. 7g/L residual sugar, 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a blend of 95% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. All US oak was used – 25% new, balance into 1 to 4 year old barrels. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of tastes of cherry-berries and plums, leafy qualities. Black pepper. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving acid balances. Vegan. Should go well with BBQ veggies. Keep for another few years (I tasted one bottle over a week). 2106 cases. 2.59g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +131540 Vintages April 30 and again on Nov 5: 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 2g/L) drop that is also affordable. Aged 10 months in French oak, 100% malolactic fermentation. Expect black fruit cherry-berry complexity, headed by cassis. Both a patio sipper and a food wine, and ready now for current drinking and accompanying any kind of comfort food. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. APRIL 27, 2022 – 1.Chateau des Charmes Rose Cuvee d’Andree 2021 Estate Grown VQA NOTL, $18.95 +333260 at winery, online, and LCBO: 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 12.2% ABV. Stainless steel fermentation of course, and twist top. Refreshing. A previous Ontario Wine Awards Gold Winner in 2016. 4.2g/L residual sugar. Vegan friendly: no animal products used in filtering. 675 cases produced. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2017 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard VQA St.David's Bench, +332858, $44.95 at winery and online: Quite a powerful wine, lots of stylish Burgundian forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red berry fruit. It was last produced in 2016. Needs some time, maybe three more years. 13.5% ABV. It will also show better with food such as Asian salmon preps or veal or lamb. Cork closure. Residual sugar is 1.2g/L. 1200 cases produced. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay 2020 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard VQA St David's Bench, +287268, $34.95 (online and winery): one of several chardonnays at different price points from Chateau des Charmes. My last vintage tasted was the 2016. Barrel fermented and barrel aged in French oak for almost a year, with lees stirring. 30-year old vines. Expect soft balance with nuances of minerality and some muted tropicality, served up with orchard fruit and melons. Cork closure. Long finish. One of my fave chards, but do not serve overchilled. 474 cases. 0.4g/L residual sugar. 12.2% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.KACABA IRRESISTIBLE SPARKLING 2019, $30.15 winery and online: [also known as Joanne's Blend, formulated for Joanne Kacaba herself] an amazingly “irresistible” sparkling rose with fresh aromas of strawberries and summer peaches. The blend is 66% chardonnay, 20% pinot noir, and 14% pinot meunier, fermented separately and blended in stainless steel for 22 months. Then it was transferred to a Charmat tank for two months, aging on its lees. A great aperitif for the patio/deck/balcony/terrace/boat, or paired with light cheeses (especially a baked brie). Off-dry complexity. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.KACABA CABERNET/SYRAH 2017 +26424 Vintages May 21, $30.15 also at winery and online: this is a blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon (27% each) with syrah (46%), the latter being the oldest planting in Ontario. 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. Matured in French and American oak barrels for 13 months or so. 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 make a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in a re-sealed bottle for a week or so, with daily tastings. The wine itself will be at its peak in a few more years. 5.4 g/L residual sugar. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Down to here for June 18 release. Varvaglione 12E MEZZO Primitivo del Salento 2020 IGT Puglia, $14.95 +395053: This full-bodied red has a dried herbal character, and also shows its warm ripe fruit (plums, cherries) and spicy mocha vanilla tones from three months in US oak barriques. It is very smooth in that over-the-top California zinfandel manner, very BBQ friendly. Sip or drink with red-based food such as pasta and pizza, or anything BBQ. Very affordable price. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 1.The Date and Time: Monday April 25, 2022 11AM – 1PM session The Event: Taste Ontario! Toronto Trade and Media Tasting 2022 The Venue: Park Hyatt Toronto The Target Audience: wine media, agents, sommeliers, opinion makers. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are at the winery, some are at the LCBO. Full details were included in the catalogue. The Quote/Background: There was a Media Tasting Room up on the 17th floor where writers could relax and sample wines at their leisure. The Wines: all prices are retail. I tasted only these wines out of the 300 or so available. LCBO numbers where available. **** BEST -- Four Stars (90+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -13th Street Winery Cuvée Rosé Niagara Peninsula NV 12.5% 147504 $29.95 -180 Estate Winery Gamay Rosé Sparkling Creek Shores 2021 11% $30.20 -180 Estate Winery Gamay Noir Reserve Creek Shores 2019 13% $46.20 -Bachelder Les Villages Chardonnay 'Bench' Niagara Escarpment 2020 $34.95 -Closson Chase Vineyards Churchside Pinot Noir Prince Edward County 2019 12% +265074 $42.00 -Lighthall Vineyards Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2019 12.5% $36 -Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard County Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2019 12.5% +381715 $49.20 -Rosehall Run Vineyards JCR Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2019 12% $36 -Rosehall Run Ceremony Prince Edward County 2017 12% $36 -Rosehall Run Hungry Point Sauvignon Blanc Prince Edward County 2020 12.5% $28 -13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc Niagara Peninsula 2019 12.5% $29.95 -2027 Cellars Fox Croft Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2020 13% $25 -Cave Spring Vineyard Blanc de Blancs CSV Beamsville Bench 2015 12% $49.95 -Cave Spring Vineyard Pinot Gris Estate Beamsville Bench 2020 14% $27.95 -Cave Spring Vineyard Chardonnay CSV Beamsville Bench 2019 14% +529941 $29.95 -Cloudsley Cellars Wingfield Vineyard Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2019 13% $50 -Cloudsley Cellars Foxcroft Vineyard Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2019 13% $50 -Cloudsley Cellars Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench Beamsville Bench VQA 2018 13% $35 -Hidden Bench Estate Winery Bistro Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2017 13% $16.93 Lic -Meldville Wines Sauvignon Blanc Lincoln Lakeshore 2019 12.5% $20 -Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay Niagara Escarpment 2020 13.5% +424507 $29.99 -Fogolar Hanck Vineyard Riesling 2019 VQA Twenty Mile Bench 12.5% $19.95 -Southbrook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 VQA Four Mile Creek 13% $45 -Chateau des Charmes Wines Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Niagara-on-the-Lake 2019 13% +81653 $14.95 -Chateau des Charmes Wines Rosé, Cuvée d’Andrée Niagara-on-the-Lake 2021 12% +333260 $18.95 -Chateau des Charmes Wines Brut Sparkling Niagara-on-the-Lake NV 12.5% +224766 $25.95 -Drea's Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc Niagara Peninsula 2019 12.5% $26.50 -Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve White Meritage Niagara Peninsula 2020 13% +360297 $25.95 -Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2019 13.5% +593996 $20.95 -Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Entourage Brut Niagara Peninsula 2017 13% +234161 $29.95 -Southbrook Winery Estate Skin Fermented White (Orange) Ontario 2020 10.7% +628065 $29.95 -Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2018 12.7% +172338 $24.95 -Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Lake Erie North Shore 2020 13% $20.15 -Featherstone Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2019 12.5% +149302 $22.95 -Featherstone Winery Sauvignon blanc Niagara Peninsula 2021 12% +89011 $17.95 -Icellars Estate Winery Pinot Noir Niagara-on-the-Lake 2019 13.5% $30 -Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Meritage Niagara Escarpment 2017 13.6% $33.15 -Lailey Winery Stonebridge Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2019 13.8% $48 -Southbrook Winery Poetica Red Four Mile Creek 2019 14% $70 -Tawse Winery Robyn's Block Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2019 13% $46.95 -Two Sisters Vineyards Eleventh Post Niagara River 2017 14.5% +20935 $45 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Icellars Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc Twenty Mile Bench 2019 13.5% $35 -Cooper's Hawk Vineyards North Block Sparkling Ontario 2016 12.5% $25.15 -Broken Stone Winery Chenin Blanc Prince Edward County 2020 12% $29.95 -Broken Stone Winery County Grown Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2020 12.7% +668269 $26.95 -Broken Stone Winery Gewürztraminer "Applehouse Vineyard" Prince Edward County 2019 11.6% $21.95 -Closson Chase Vineyards Ridge South Clos Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2019 12.5% $42 -Closson Chase Loyalist Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2020 12% $26 -Trail Estate Winery Chardonnay (Cold Creek Vineyard) Prince Edward County 2020 14% $45 -Trail Estate Oh Julius Ontario 2021 10.5% $35 -Traynor Family Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Niagara Peninsula 2020 13.9% $20 -Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling Ontario NV 12% +418657 $17.95 -North 42 Degrees Estate Winery Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Extra Dry Ontario 2020 12.5% $24.95 -Calamus Estate Winery Barrel Kissed Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2021 13.5% $21.95 -Cloudsley Cellars Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula Niagara Peninsula 2019 13% $25 -Malivoire Melon Beamsville Bench 2021 12% $21.95 -Megalomaniac Wines "Outspoken" Unoaked Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2020 13.5% $18.95 -Rennie Estate Winery Christine Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2017 13% $40 -Westcott Vineyards Violette Sparkling Brut Niagara Escarpment 2021 12.5% $25.99 -Drea's Wine Co. Rose Niagara Peninsula 2020 12.5% $26.50 -Inniskillin Niagara Estate Winery Montague Vineyard Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2019 13% $25.95 -Lailey Winery Orange Skin Fermented White Niagara River 2021 11.7% $33 -Lakeview Wine Co. Lakeview Barrel Aged Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2017 13% +17633 $22.95 -Two Sisters Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2019 13% $39 The Food: boards of cheeses, charcuterie, dried and fresh fruits, nuts, breads, et al at convenient locations outside the noisy trade hall. The Downside: I had to leave in order to get to my next winetasting, a Portuguese event. The Upside: the Media Room was a relaxing delight where I could evade the noise and contemplate a wine at my own speed. The Contact Person: andrea.peters@wmao.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. =========================================================== The Date and Time: Thursday, May 5, 2022 11AM to 2PM The Event: Bringing New Zealand to You wine trade show The Venue: Globe and Mail Centre The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: paperless – it was all online but downloadable. There were no prices, just price ranges, and no tech sheet links. I downloaded all the chardonnay names, and that formed the basis of my tasting that morning. The Quote/Background: This was a maskless, agent-less, pour-your-own session, so we could go at our own speed and also not have to talk to anybody. A tech sheet was provided for each wine. And every now and then there was an agency tent card with specifics on those wines available at the LCBO, including SKU number. The Wines: I did not taste every wine (there were 105 samples available). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Kumeu River Wines Estate Chardonnay 2020 Auckland -Kupe Escarpment Wines Chardonnay 2015 Martinborough -Soljans Estate Barrique Reserve Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2019 -Clearview Wines Estate Chardonnay 2018 Hawke's Bay -No.1 Family Estate Cuvee No.1 Methode Traditionale Sparkling Wine NV Wairu Valley [chardonnay] -Johanneshof Cellars Marlborough EMMI Method Traditionale 2009 Wairu Valley [pinot noir, chardonnay] -Greywacke Vineyards Chardonnay 2017 Wairu Valley -Giesen Group Chardonnay “The Fuder Clayvin” 2015 Southern Valleys -Neudorf Vineyards Neudork Rosie's Block Chardonnay 2018 Nelson -Bell Hill Chardonnay North Canterbury 2016 -Quartz Reef Methode Traditionale Brut NV Central Otago -Felton Road Chardonnay Bannockburn 2018 Central Otago -The Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Hawke's Bay -Rapaura Springs Bull Paddock Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Marlborough -Paddy Borthwick Vineyards Pinot Gris 2019 Wairarapa -Hans Herzog Family Estate - Pinot Noir 2016 Wairau Valley $57 -Auntsfeld Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 Marlborough -Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Pinot Noir 2019 Awatere Valley ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -The Landing Chardonnay 2020 Northland -Matawhero Wines 2020 Single Vineyard Chardonnay -Oyster Bay Rose 2021 Marlborough [pinot noir, chardonnay] at LCBO -Fromm Winery Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay 2019 Marlborough -Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2020 Marlborough at LCBO -Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Marlborough -URLAR Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Wairarapa -The Hunting Lodge Seasonal Marlborough Albarino 2019 Marlborough -Dry River Riesling 'Craighall' 2019 Martinborough -Hans Herzog Family Estate - Mistral 2016 Marlborough [Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne] -Nautilus Estate of Marlborough Opawa Pinot Noir 2018 Wairau Valley -Folium Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 Marlborough -Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 Wairau Valley The Food: we had bamboo boats of cheeses (yummy truffle cheese), veggies, fruits, and breads/crackers, and cold cuts. They were worth lugging about. The Downside: some of us had a small discussion on the pour-your-own feature – should we not be wearing gloves to lessen any contact with covid-19? Plastic gloves could have easily been provided or we could have been told to bring our own. Gloves are in the same category as masks: protection. The Upside: a chance to taste in silence The contact person: melissa.stunden@nzwine.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. ======================================================================== The Date and Time: Monday, May 9, 2022 7Pm to 10PM The Event: Wine Dinner and Tasting of Filare Italia The Venue: Posticino, Etobicoke The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: only one wine is currently available (Ribolla Giallo IGT) but the others may be imported soon. The Quote/Background: The writers had a talk with Marco Tam and Vincenzo Castana who described the “green” technical aspect of wine production in the far NorthEast section of Italy, upper Friuli Venezia Giulia (bordering the Adriatic, Slovenia, Austria and Venice). They own 100 hectares of vineyard plus other properties. They integrate sustainability with bioeconomy and produce digestate, an organic fertilizer resulting from the processing of biogas. This is then distributed in the fields of the vineyards. The Wines: We tasted five wines with dinner (see menu below). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Filare Italia Ribolla Gialla IGT Friuli Venezia Giulia 2020, +23098 $14.95, June 18 Vintages release. {very aromatic on the nose with some almonds and walnuts on the palate,and a long finish to accompany food; 12.5% ABV, low residual sugar}. -Filare Italia Ribolla Gialla Brut NV $15.50 n/a {impressive with a phenomenal mid-palate at a decent price: apples, citric minerality, white flowers, fresh and creamy. Best as an aperitif or first course seafood wine. 12% ABV, low residual sugar} ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Filare Italia Pinot Grigio DOC Friuli Venezia Giulia 2019 $16 n/a {hot nose but a lush mid-palate moving on to elegance and refreshment. 12% ABV, low residual sugar} -Filare Italia Merlot Rive DOC Friuli Venezia Giulia 2020 $16.75 n/a {intense, firm and full with aromatics of berries and a soft finish. 12.5% ABV, low residual sugar} -Filare Italia Cabernet Sauvignon DOC Friuli Venezia Giulia 2020 $16.75 n/a {concentrated garnet colour and a nose suggestive of forest floor and herbs, light but with a good tight structure that will improve and unwind with age. 12% ABV, low residual sugar} The Food: Chef Antonio of Posticino prepared dinner with the appropriate wines. First up was a tomato bruschetta with the Pinot Grigio 2019, a good marriage. This was followed by a salumi selection plate of two slices each of three kinds of salami, four different cheeses including mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano, two lightly fried tempura shrimp, and olives. All with the impressive “wine of the night” – Filare Italia Ribolla Gialla IGT Friuli Venezia Giulia 2020, +23098, $14.95 in June. Next up was the pasta course: paccheri pork ragu, delightful with the aromatic Merlot Rive 2020. The fourth course had the three ribs of a rack of lamb, swiftly grilled and then plated on a bed of polenta, accompanied by the Cabernet Sauvignon 2020. The Downside: not everybody arrived on time. The Upside: kudos to Chef Antonio for his patience and food matching excellence!! The Contact Person: Sandy Garofalo at spg@caliberwines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. ====================================================================== The Date and Time: Monday May 16, 2022 11:30AM to 2:30PM The Event: Taste the Essence – Cotes du Rhone The Venue: 1 Kitchen (inside 1 Hotel) The Target Audience: wine sommeliers, wine press. The Availability/Catalogue: there were 8 wines, and we had full notes and some prices, plus other material about the Cotes du Rhone wines. 25 of us attended the seminar on one long table plus some booths. The Quote/Background: Sara d'Amato, via Powerpoint preentation, led us in the seminar, discussing microclimates and types of grapes (23 varieties!). It's a winemaker's paradise with multiple chances to blend varieties together to produce multiple spectra of aromas. 75% of its AOC wines is “Cotes du Rhone” (88% of these are reds, 5% are white and 6% are rose), and more and more of them are moving to SNOB – sustainable, natural, organic and/or biodynamic. The Wines: Some of us tasted the Southern Rhone wines separately, but ultimately it was a food and wine pairing lunch, with pours of 8 wines to try against the foods. See below for the menu. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Lavau La Decelle AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Valreas Blanc 2020, $18.95 SAQ through Connexion Oenophilia. [firm, good finish, apricots, vanilla, honey, even garrigue. 50% viognier, 50% marsanne, 13.5% ABV] -Brotte Bord Elegance AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Laudun Blanc 2021, agent in Ontario is Mark Anthony [higher acid levels for dryness apricots, orchard fruit, citric fruits, almonds, 80% grenache blanc, 13.5% ABV] -Maison Gabriel Meffre Laurus AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Rouge 2017, $21.10 SAQ through Trajectory [low yields, tight tannins, fruity garrigue of rosemary and blueberry, one to lay down more. 60% grenache, 35% syrah, 14% ABV] -Cave de Cairanne Le Chene Noir AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Rouge 2019, agent is Signature Wines & Spirits.[grenache 50%, carignan 30%, syrah 20%, dark in colour with red fruits in aromas (raspberries, strawberries, red currants), peppery finish. Good character. 14.5% ABV] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vignerons de l'Enclave Chasses Nurges AOC Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2019, $16.20 at SAQ, repped by Divin Paradis in Quebec. [delicious, aromatic freshness of apricots and vanilla, light finish, 14% ABV] -Cellier des Dauphins Les Dauphins AOC Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2020, $14.05, agent is Churchill Cellars.[convenient twist top, bright and smooth with some caramelization, anise, vanilla. 13.5% ABV] -Chateau Le Grand Retour AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu Rouge 2019, $17.95 at Nicholas Pearce Wines.[grenache 70%, syrah $20, mourvedre 10%, typical GSM with red stone fruits, dark fruits, anise, spices. 14.5% ABV] -Les Cassagnes de la Nerthe AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Rouge 2019, agent Woodman WS [syrah 50%, grenache 30%, mourvedre 15%, violet and pepper notes, soft tannins, but a hot finish. 15% ABV] The Food: The menu was very important, to show off the wines, and that it did admirably. We began with the Chasses Nurges as aperitif, moving on to the La Decelle which accompanied charcuterie boards of meats (one smokey, one spicy, one air cured, along with baba ghanoush bites on crisp breads and with tomatoes). The second course had individual fiore pasta from Queen's Pasta with nut free basil pesto. The Bord Elegance was the wine, and it met the flavours of the pasta. We had three wines with our bison striploin (Les Dauphins, Laurus, and the Chateau Le Grand Retour) so it was a better comparison with the wines and accompaniment of truffled rutabaga puree, crispy kale, and broccolini. The fourth course was a platter of cheeses, including the awesome Black truffle Mountainoak Gouda [cow], the Ash Goat, and a smokey Blue Haze. Wines were: Les Cassagnes de la Nerthe and Le Chene Noir. The Downside: I had to do a massive food shopping just before the tasting, but I did get there just as activities began. The Upside: a chance to taste some new-to-me Cotes du Rhone wines, especially the whites. The Contact Person: elina.lam@sopexa.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 The Date and Time: May 25, 2022 12:30P – 3:30P The Event: New York State of Wine Trade Event The Venue: The Livmore, Gerrard Street West The Target Audience: wine writers, sommeliers, agents The Availability/Catalogue: another online catalogue which I had to print out (I don't mind doing this, but it would make sense for all the trade shows to get together and make a common format so we can template it. Each single download or other accessibility point was different, much like restaurant charge card machines)...In general, the New York data included varieties used and a possible Canadian retail price. The Quote/Background: there was a structured tasting before the walk around tasting, with Jennifer Huether MS, Sara D'amato, and Christopher Bates MS. Bates discussed the evolving wine scene in New York State. We tasted some 12 seminar wines from Long Island and the Finger Lakes. The Wines: I did not try every one of the 40+ wines in the self-pour walk around portion. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Wölffer Estate Vineyard Summer In A Bottle Rosé 2021 Lake Ontario (Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc) CA$37.05 -Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Riesling Dry 2019 Finger Lakes West Seneca CA$24.53 -Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars T23 Cabernet Franc 2019 Finger Lakes East Seneca CA$25 -Boundary Breaks #239 Dry Riesling 2019 Finger Lakes CA$28.89 -Boundary Breaks Cabernet Franc 2020 Finger Lakes CA$25.21 -Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Classique 2019 Finger Lakes CA$44.95 -Mazza Chautauqua Cellars Riesling, Nutt Road 2017 Finger Lakes CA$20 -Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling Argetsinger Vineyard 2019 Finger Lakes CA$41.21 -Heron Hill Winery Ingle Vineyard Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes price not available -Living Roots Wine & Co. Finger Lakes Riesling Pétillant Naturel 2020 CA$29.95 -Element Winery Cabernet Franc 2020 Finger Lakes price not available -Element Winery Riesling 2010 Finger Lakes price not available -Element Winery Riesling 2009 Finger Lakes price not available -Heron Hill Winery Classic Blaufrankisch 2019 Finger Lakes price not available ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Lieb Cellars Estate Sparkling Pinot Blanc 2019 North Fork of Long Island CA$39.95 -Channing Daughters Ramato 2020 Long Island (98% Pinot Grigio, 2% Muscat) CA$44.95 -Hound's Tree Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Long Island North Fork price not available -Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Grüner Veltliner 2019 Finger Lakes CA$31.95 -Fox Run Vineyards Lemberger 2019 Finger Lakes price not available -Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Round Rock Vineyard Riesling 2019 Finger Lakes CA$33 -Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Caywood East Dry Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes CA$24.99 -RGNY-North Fork Scielo Rose 2020 Long Island (Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) CA$12 -RGNY - North Fork Scielo NY Tinto 2018 Long Island (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot) CA$14.98 -Mazza Chautauqua Cellars Chambourcin The Perfect Rose 2020 Lake Erie CA$15.00 -Lieb Cellars Estate Cabernet Franc 2020 North Fork of Long Island (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Teroldego) CA$39.95 -Red Newt Cellars The Knoll Riesling, Lahoma Vineyards 2017 Finger Lakes CA$50.00 -Red Newt Cellars Cabernet Franc 2019 Finger Lakes CA$25.00 -Brotherhood Winery Pinot Noir 2017 Finger Lakes CA$27.95 -Channing Daughters Tocai Friulano 2020 Long Island (Friulano,Sauvignon Blanc)CA$37.95 The Food: Fresh City Farms provided us with both a box of cheese, charcuterie, pickles, olives, bread, and biscuits, AND a hot dog BBQ with substantial cut green salads with sesame, chick peas, et al. On the terrace, with glorious sunshine. The Downside: I got lost getting to the Livmore – I was unfamiliar with the area after all these years of house sitting. Also, there were no bottles of Chardonnay, just Riesling and a variety of reds. (see above) The Upside: a chance to re-connect with New York wines – it has been some time for me, about five years. The Contact Person: Melissa Stunden melissa@amcc-inc.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. The Date and Time: Monday May 30, 2022 Noon - 4PM The Event: 2022 Chianti Classico Esperienze The Venue: The Globe and Mail Centre, King Street The Target Audience: wine trade, wine writers, sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: as with all the current wine shows in Toronto, there was no print catalogue – it was all virtual for specific data about terroir, history, DOC coverage, production, etc. (facts and figures). Prices were available but from the sgents in attendance. The Quote/Background: There were 35 wineries promoting Chianti Classico at three or so levels (regular, reserve, and gran selezione. Also, there were dedicated tables for Vin Santo DOC (12 of them) plus Olive Oil DOP (14 of them). The tables were arranged by the 11 appellations. The Wines: I did not try every wine, although I did try at least one wine per winery. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bellezza Cavaliere d'Oro San Casciano 2015 -Colli Fiorentini Chianti Classico San Casciano3 Riserva La Verita 2014 -Villa Mangiacane Chianti Classico San Casciano Riserva 2017 -Villa Mangiacane Chianti Classico San Casciano Gran Selezione 2016 -Carpineto Chianti Classico Greve Gran Selezione 2016 -Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Picchio Greve 2018 -Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Gtan Selezione La Prima Greve 2018 -Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello Montefioralle 2016 -Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo Panzano 2018 -Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Riserva Panzano 2018 $29 Le Sommelier Licensee -Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Margone Panzano 2016 $49 Le Sommelier Licensee -Tenuta Carobbio Chianti Classico Riserva Panzano 2015 -Arillo in Terrabianca Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio Croce Radda 2019 -Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Gaiole 2019 -Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva Gaiole 2017 -Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva Cultus Gaiole 2017 -Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Millennio Gaiole 2015 -Fèlsina Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia Rancia Castelnuovo Berardenga 2018 -Lecci e Brocchi Chianti Classico Riserva Il Chiorba Castelnuovo Berardenga 2018 -Lecci e Brocchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Celerarium Castelnuovo Berardenga 2015 -San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio Castelnuovo Berardenga 2018 -San Felice Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio Castelnuovo Berardenga 2017 -Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vagliagli 2016 -Dievole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina Vagliagli 2016 -Casale dello Sparviero Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castellina 2018 -Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo Castellina 2019 -Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ser Lapo Castellina 2018 -Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Valore di Famiglia Castellina 2016 -Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli Sergioveto Castellina 2016 -Tenuta Villa Trasqua Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Nerento Castellina 2016 -Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Donato in Poggio 2015 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Isole e Olena Chianti Classico San Donato in Poggio 2019 -Tenuta Villa Trasqua Chianti Classico Riserva Fanatico Castellina 2017 -Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Riserva Sergioveto Castellina 2018 -Lornano Chianti Classico Riserva Le Bandite Castellina 2017 -Lornano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castellina 2015 -Casale dello Sparviero Chianti Classico Riserva Castellina 2018 -Cecchi Chianti Classico Villa Cerna Primocolle Castellina 2017 -Fattoria della Aiola Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Cancello Rosso 2017 -Dievole Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento Vagliagli 2018 -Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Misciano Vagliagli 2018 -Tolaini Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette Castelnuovo Berardenga 2018 -Tenuta Casenuove Chianti Classico Riserva Panzano 2017 -Capannelle Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole 2016 -Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Panzano 2019 $22 Le Sommelier Licensee -Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva Lamole 2017 -Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva Gaiole 2018 -Fèlsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia Castelnuovo Berardenga 2018 -Conti Capponi - Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Bastignano Montefioralle 2016 -Fontodi Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole Panzano 2019 -Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Riserva Montefioralle 2017 -Vecchie Terre di Montefili Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano 2017 -Querciabella Chianti Classico Riserva Greve 2017 -Castelli del Grevepesa Chianti Classico Riserva San Casciano Clemente VII 2018 -Castelli del Grevepesa Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Casciano Clemente VII 2016 -Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva d'Oro San Casciano 2016 -Carpineto Chianti Classico Greve Riserva 2017 -Lanciola Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Le Masse di Greve 2016 -Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Greve Riserva 2018 -Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Riserva Agostino Petri Greve 2018 -Lanciola Chianti Classico Riserva Le Masse di Greve 2016 The Food: Catering was by the always excellent Ascari – -Crostini neri (chicken liver and fried sage on toast) -Farinata – rosemary and chickpea pancake, whipped ricotta, sundried olives -Funghi pizza slices – cremini mushroom, gorgonzola DOP, garlic, chives -Ribolita – kale and white bean stew on sourdough toast -Coccoli prosciutto & stracchino – cheese-filled fried dough ball covered with cured ham. Plus coffee... The Downside: I had no time to try the vin santo DOCs on offer, nor the olio DOP The Upside: there was a media room with all the bottles, and there were chairs. So it was relatively easy to taste and appraise. The Contact Person: kelly@predhomme.ca or amanda@predhomme.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 7.KACABA Rebecca Rose VQA Niagara Peninsula 2021+227025 July 16 Vintages, $20.15: a nicely pale-coloured gamay wine (formerly a blend of cabernets), coming in at 11.7% ABV. Dry (3g/L residual sugar) style red fruits: strawbs, red currant, sweet cherries, cranberry (hey, it's Ontario) with a touch of pink watermelon for added complexity. Stainless steel used for storage. Goes with just about everything. A nicely balanced rose which reminded me of Provence. And it gets high scores at the Wine Writer's Circle of Canada rose tastings. 60 cases at the LCBO, more at the winery. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.KACABA Susan's Sauvignon Blanc VQA Niagara Peninsula 2021 winery and online at kacaba.com, $20.15: another summer series wine, quaffable in its tropicality and lowered zesty herbaceousness. Good mouthfeel, nice dry finish for appetizers on the patio/deck/balcony/porch. Stainless steel storage. No malolactic fermentation, thus the crispness and freshness has been preserved. It has Good Memories of Sauvignon Blanc, making it another social wine for the patio or with first-course food. 3g/L residual sugar. 10.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. =========================================June 3 Available through Case-Wine.COM --Case-Wine.com is... ... a new online platform connecting Ontario VQA boutique wineries to new customers. They've asked me to review some of the VQA wine bottle products they have listed on their website, and to let people know about the availability of these wines through Case-Wine.com. I earn no money from the reviews listed below. They are not resellers but a platform that provides a service to both the local VQA craft wineries and the customers as an intermediary. This should have great appeal to Ontario residents, especially for those who have ever wanted to buy VQA boutique wines (about 17 wineries are currently listed for Niagara, 2 for Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore will be listed soon), but cannot or don't feel like travelling to the individual wineries (such as myself, with no car). Here is their URL: https://www.case-wine.com/index 3.Waupoos Estate Winery Riesling 2021 VQA Prince Edward County {$19.95]: with grapes planted in 2015, still young and fresh, somewhat crisp and dry at this point. Light bodied, with a stainless steel ferment. Various aromatics abound from a young riesling on the green side: fresh apples, lime, nuances of lemongrass. Crisp food finish, but also good for those hot summery days as an aperitif for the deck/patio/balcony. Very food-worthy with assorted seafood (shrimp on the barbee?), light but not spicy pork, chicken in different styles. 5 g/L residual sugar, very dry. 11.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Nomad at Hinterbrook Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2021 VQA Niagara Lakeshore [$17.95]: bone-dry, light aromas of tropicality such as pineapple, some gooseberry, even grassy or herbaceous. Stainless steel fermentation. Grapefruit and other citric tones on the mid-palate. Apples, finishing with lemons. Great with all manner of veggies, especially green ones. 300 cases made. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Konzelmann Estate Winery Gewurztraminer Late Harvest 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula. Very aromatic with some tropical tones of melons and lychees, very much in the fruity Alsatian style of gewurztraminer. Yum. Cool fermentation in stainless steel, with typical concentrated gewurztraminer tones of spices, limes, some roses on the mid-palate. Best as an off-dry aperitif by the deck or porch or pool, or with fragrant cheeses, spicy and/or creamy foods, with a tad of bitter on the finish. Great with Asiatic foods. Twist-off closure. 11.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Strewn Premium Riesling Lively 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula. Here is a basic, all purpose semi-dry Ontario riesling that is lightly acidic with a smooth sweet tone on the mid-palate, and with some zestiness coming off the tongue. It's got all the elements of stone fruit (peaches, apricots, nectarines) plus the “lively” character of the lime-citrus mineral complex. 11.7% ABV. Residual sugar is 11.6 g/L. Probably best with all manner of light and white food such as white-fleshed fish, cooked pork roast, chicken. And, of course, extremely useful as a drink on the deck/patio/balcony/terrace/pool. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Icellars Estate Rose 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula. The current blend contains 9 different unspecified grape varieties from the Niagara Peninsula, which gives the producer much leeway in crafting a final blend. The label says strawberries and burnt sugar, and when I first opened the bottle I was immediately hit with the overpowering aromas of strawberries. Wow. Each of the grape varieties contributes distinctive fruit to the mix. So – depending on the vintage and the grapes available, the blend can change over the years. Very aromatic, emphasizing cherry-berry and orchard fruit layered under a tart bone dry cranberry-ish finish-length. A nice cheese wine from a very hot and dry vintage year. 13.1% ABV. Residual sugar is 5.9g/L. 100 cases made. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --2027 Cellars Gamay Rose 2021 VQA Twenty Mile Bench. [$22] This wine (all Gamay Noir) comes from the Foxcroft Block of the Wismer Vineyard on the Twenty-Mile Bench. It has undergone a cold fermentation to complete dryness, and exhibits the typical red Gamay character of red berries on the palate, with some aromatics of violets, black tea and some earthy rhubarb minerality. It is a light and balanced easy drinking wine for the patio/deck. Indeed, it can be an all-purpose free-standing social drink or aperitif or first-course wine. 394 cases. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Leaning Post Rose 2021 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake. [$22] A first-time production for Leaning Post, and using all Pinot Noir: an immediately overwhelming sensation of strawberries and raspberries on the nose. Almost made me want to douse myself with this “perfume”. Undertones of orange and lemons. Some sweetness on the mid-palate. Fermentation was begun in stainless steel before 43% of the wine was transferred to concrete for finishing and roundness (emulating the fired-clay vessels of early winemaking). The porous nature of the storage added to the length of the minerality, and also suggested some sour tart cherries on the finish. An excellent wine for socializing. Personally, I loved it. Vegan-friendly. 5.5 g/L residual sugar. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Nomad at Hinterbrook Winery Garden Rose 2021 VQA Niagara Lakeshore. [$17.95] Amazingly enough, this wine comes with a cork finish – very unusual in a sea of Ontario roses that use twisttops/screwcaps for what is basically a fresh quaffing wine. This suggests that aging is ok and might be a possibility, changing the aromatics to bouquets and promoting change to the wine's structure. I only had one bottle, so I might never know for sure. My first sense on tasting was the presence of some petillance, not enough to affect the nosing but enough to suggest that any light carbonation could actually enhance its ageability potential. The prickliness enhanced the cherry-berry basket of fruit flavours, and provided some refreshing melon tones to my palate. A very good wine for the patio/deck. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay Organic 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $25: fruit is from two contracted growers, all barrel fermented in oak (2d and 3rd year barrels). Wild fermentation, wild malolactic fermentation, lees aging one year, all vegan friendly. Very soft and engaging, much like the 2016 in its youth, some toast but a longish length. Showing some orchard fruit (such as pears) on the mid-palate. Burgundian in style with citric zest in the mid-palate, long finish. Best tasted in contemplation, underpriced. Do not overchill. Twist top. Try with creamy cow's milk (Brie, Camembert) or Alpine Gruyere; also, simple roasted chicken. 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. King's Court Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $20.95: there are many different fruit profiles for savvies in the world, ranging from the kiwi herbal zestiness to blowsy fruit-forward flavours. This one is a bit more open and approachable, showing some green orchard fruit, some stone fruits, citric tones on the finish, and a crispness that needs food. It is well-within the range of North American sauvignon blanc wines. But do not overchill when you serve it on the patio/deck/terrace. Try with BBQ, creamy pasta, or grilled sandwiches. 12.5% ABV. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. REPORT FROM THE NORTHWEST WINE EXPEDITION TRADE SHOW JUNE 6 2022 The Date and Time: Monday June 6 Noon to 4PM The Event: Northwest Wine Expedition Trade Show The Venue: Steam Whistle Brewing, Locomotive Hall, Bremner Blvd The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, agents The Availability/Catalogue: The BottleBooks catalogue of 192 products was online and accessible by mobile. Information was provided on the name of the product, AVA, types of grapes used, suggested pricing, and the like. The Quote/Background: The potential usefulness of BottleBooks was shown by the host information on the event and making connections digitally. The Wines: There were 192 wines (plus or minus, as there were last minute additions and subtractions). Many wineries were seeking representation in Ontario. Few had tech/sales sheets. I only tasted Chardonnays and Sparkling wines. Among the latter, I certainly enjoyed: Treveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay) NV Four Stars 91+ Treveri Cellars Blanc de Noir (Pinot Noir) NV Four Stars 91+ Treveri Cellars Brut Zero (Chardonnay) NV Four Stars 91+ Sokol Blosser Bluebird Cuvee Sparkling 2019 (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Müller- Thurgau, Muscat) Three and a half Stars 88 – 90 **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Revana Vineyards Alexana Chardonnay Terroir Series 2020 $46 retail Le Sommelier. -A to Z Wineworks REX HILL Seven Soils Chardonnay 2019 -Adelsheim Vineyard Staking Claim Chardonnay 2018 -Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge Chardonnay 2018 -Milbrandt Estates Chardonnay 2018 -Milbrandt Family Chardonnay 2020 -Centerstone Willamette Valley Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2017 -Citation Oregon Chardonnay Cristom Vineyards 2015 -Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay 2020 -Domaine Drouhin Oregon Roserock Chardonnay 2018 $26.95 -Foris Vineyards and Winery Chardonnay 2019 $23.95 DB Wine and Spirits -Phelps Creek Lynette Chardonnay 2018 -Sokol Blosser Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2019 -Stoller Family Estate DUNDEE HILLS CHARDONNAY 2020 -The Eyrie Vineyards Chardonnay "The Eyrie" 2018 -Chateau Bianca Wetzel Estate Chardonnay 2019 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -A to Z Wineworks Oregon Chardonnay 2021 -Adelsheim Vineyard 2019 Willamette Valley -Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay 2020 -J. Bookwalter Readers Chardonnay 2020 (Chardonnay, 24% Viognier) -K Vintners Substance 'Ch' Chardonnay 2020 -Woodward Canyon Washington State Chardonnay 2020 -Division Chardonnay Un 2020 -Phelps Creek Chardonnay Columbia Gorge 2019 -Elk Cove Vineyards Pike Road Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2019 -Westmount Wine Co Westmount Chardonnay 2020 The Food: The Food Dudes provided many samples of hors d'oeuvre, such as reuben sliders, halloumi flatbreads with pears, chimichurri shrimp, tomato toasts with ricotta, prime steak tartare, seed crusted tuna, and avocados with veggies. Some food was provided by Pacific Northwest suppliers looking for agents. But no one seemed to have any bread or other platform to display the large number of sauces and dips and preserves. Overall, my favourite was Cardamon Hills Chutney which had a variety of chutneys that included apricot, apple-ginger, tomato, mango and quince. Laurel Brand had a great series of hazelnut spreads, macadamia butter, and hazel nut chocolates. The Downside: BottleBooks was affectionately known as BottleNecks by the Luddites The Upside: it was a large space and there was plenty of room for elbowing. The Contact Person: kelly@predhomme.ca and events@thefooddudes.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 =================================== The Date and Time: Wednesday June 15, 2022 11AM to 3PM for trade The Event: The Living Vine Acid Trip: portfolio tasting & try-and-buy The Venue: Birreria Volo, College Street The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are in stock. There was a two page order list, divided by country (France, Italy, Spain, New World, Hidden Bench). The Quote/Background: It was a great weather day, so all the tables were set up outside Volo in the street patio area, with umbrellas for shade. The Wines: There were 66 wines, ciders and no-al; I did not taste all of them. Prices are licensee. Delivery is free in Toronto, $6 a case outside Toronto. Wines listed are either 6 packs or 12 packs. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Clos Roussely L'Escale Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $20.66 -Terres Dorees Beaujolais Le Ronsay, $17.96 -Fattoria Sardi Pet-Nat [sparkler], $23.36 -Massimago Garangega 2021, $26.96 -Raimones Orange NV Spain, $31.46 -Alta Alella Pet-Nat Rose 2021, $27.86 -Portal del Priorat Luno Montsant 2020, $23.36 -Bodegas Comenge Biberius 2020, $19.76 -Nikolaihof Terrassen Gruner Veltliner 2019, $25.16 -Mouflon Muscat 2021 [partial skin contact], $24.98 -Mouflon Pinot Gris+Riesling 2021 [orange], $26.79 -Mouflon Viognier60+Chardonnay20+Marsanne20 [orange, magnum], $56.35 -Bordlet Sidre Brut Tendre [France], $17.96 -Cambridge Road Peche Naturalist 2021 New Zealand, $33.36 -Folklore Chardonnay 2019 Western Australia, $15.99 [Vintages +19905 $17.95 retail] -Hidden Bench Bistro Riesling 2017 VQA, $15.05 -Hidden Bench Bistro Chardonnay 2019 VQA, $19.71 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Langelier Polaris Muscadet 2020, $18.86 -Terres Dorees Bourgogne Pinot 2020, $26.96 -Orsogna Lunaria Ramoro Pinot Grigio, $19.76 -Cirelli Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Rose 2021, $23.36 -Antica Enotria Bianco 2020, $18.86 -Finca Fabian Sparkling NV [sauvignon blanc, viognier, chardonnay], $15.26 -Alta Alella GX Garnacha 2020, $20.66 -Meinklang Gruner Veltliner, $22.46 -Decideret Hip Hop Cider [dry hopped], $31.46 -Folklore Shiraz Western Australia, $17.65 -Jumpin' Juice Sunset [orange] NV, $33.26 -Jumpin' Juice Riesling NV, $33.26 -Alpamanta Breva Pais Pet-Nat Criolla 2021 Mendoza, $29.66 -Hidden Bench Bistro Pinot Noir 2019 VQA, $20.71 -Hidden Bench Locust Lane Rose 2021 VQA, $19,71 -Hidden Bench Nocturne Rose 2021 VQA, $19.71 -Hidden Bench Sauvignon Blanc Beton Methode 2021 VQA [concrete egg], $22.10 -Rachis & Derma Chardonnay 2020 VQA, $27.88 The Food: no food, but there was water. The Downside: no food (bread cubes would have helped) The Upside: “taste and try before you buy” – as the song says... The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca or danielle@thelivingvine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 ========== The Date and Time: Wednesday June 15, 2022 2:30P to 5:30P The Event: Rendez-Vous Beaujolais Walk-Around Trade Tasting The Venue: St Andrew's Hall & Lounge, 150 King Street Wes The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: There were four agents with presentations, while four other wineries were looking for representation. The catalogue was an interactive PDF file which allowed for more consistency. There was a description of each wine. The Quote/Background: It has been a decade or so since the last major Beaujolais tasting in Toronto. In that time, sales of Nouveau have flattened and the availability of wines from the number of villages (communes) had fallen off. It was a chance to re-discover the 12 appellations and 10 crus of Beaujolais. The Wines: Some wines did not arrive. I counted 42 wines at the show, and I tried to taste most of them in the limited time I had available. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -VINESCIENCE Beaujolais Blanc Signature 2021 Rogers & Co -VINESCIENCE Morgon Climats Grand Cras 2021 Rogers & Co -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Villages White 2020 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Morgon 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE LATHUILIÈRE-GRAVALLON Beaujolais Morgon Corcelette 2020 [seeking] -LES VINS J.M. AUJOUX Collection Aujoux en Beaujolais-Villages Blanc 2021 [seeking] -LES VINS J.M. AUJOUX Collection Aujoux en Morgon 2021 – HVE 3 [seeking] -LES VINS J.M. AUJOUX Côte de Brouilly Douze Perles 2020 -LES VINS GEORGES DUBOEUF Domaine du Riaz Côte de Brouilly 2020 PDandurand -LES VINS GEORGES DUBOEUF Domaine des 4 vents Fleurie 2019 PDandurand -LES VINS GEORGES DUBOEUF Brouilly 2020 PDandurand -LES VINS GEORGES DUBOEUF Morgon 2018 PDandurand -DOMAINE THIVOLLE Morgon Charmeur 2020 [seeking] -ALLIANCE DE VIGNERONS BOURGOGNE BEAUJOLAIS Moulin-à-Vent Coeur de Granit 2020 Vinexx ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -VINESCIENCE Beaujolais Rosé Signature 2021 Rogers & Co -VINESCIENCE Chiroubles Les Clochers du Beaujolais 2021 Rogers & Co -VINESCIENCE St-Amour Les Clochers 2021 Rogers & Co -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Chénas 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Fleurie Charbonnière 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Juliénas 4 Cerisiers 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Juliénas Beauvernay 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Juliénas Vayolette 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais St-Amour 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE LATHUILIÈRE-GRAVALLON Beaujolais Blanc Roche Noire 2021 [seeking] -DOMAINES CHERMETTE Brouilly Pierreux 2021 [selection du maitre de chai PQ] -DOMAINES CHERMETTE Fleurie Poncié 2021 [selection du maitre de chai PQ] -DOMAINES CHERMETTE Moulin-à-Vent Les Trois Roches 2021[selection du maitre de chai PQ] -ALLIANCE DE VIGNERONS BOURGOGNE BEAUJOLAIS Chénas Coeur de Granit 2020 Vinexx -ALLIANCE DE VIGNERONS BOURGOGNE BEAUJOLAIS Beaujolais Villages 3 Madones 2021 Noble -ALLIANCE DE VIGNERONS BOURGOGNE BEAUJOLAIS Brouilly 3 Madones 2021 Noble The Food: There were two components – one was a combined fromage and charcuterie board, about two feet wide and six feet in length. Spectacular, to say the least. There were two of these. The boards also had crisps, breads, dried fruit, fresh fruit, and mustards. The only thing missing were the typical sausages. The other component were the individual platters of gamay smoked roasted salmon, beaujolais pork rillettes, rose smoked duck with stone fruit, and chardonnay crab and citrus salad. The Downside: I had to leave early. The Upside: the great fromage/charcuterie board! The Contact Person: liz@lluzzapr.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. ==================== 6.The Date and Time: Thursday June 23, 2020 1P - 5PM The Event: Gambrero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Summer Edition The Venue: Liberty Grand The Target Audience: wine trade, sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: one needed a QR code to access the catalogue which contained details for ordering wine. The Wines: I tasted mostly whites, roses, and sparkling (hey, it's summer!) and a few reds of my interests. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tenute Tomasella Pros-ecco Prosecco Treviso DOC -Cantina Tollo Roccaventosa 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP -Cantina Tollo Mo' 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOP -Monte del Fra Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Lena di Mezzo Estate DOC, $24.95 (Vintages) Signature Agency -Monte del Fra Ca' del Magro Custoza Superiore DOC 2019 -Varvaglione Vigne & Vini Papale Linea Oro Primtivo di Manduria 2019 DOP (Vintages) -Umani Ronchi Centoric Plenio Riserva 2018 -Francesco Tornatore Etna Bianco Pietrarizzo 2021 -Tenute Tomasella Friuli Furiliana 2021 -Bruni Marememma Toscana Vermentini Plinio 2021 -Varvaglione Vigne & Vini Salice Salentino 2019 -Varvaglione Vigne & Vini 12 e Mezzo Primtivo di Manduria 2020 DOP -Ferrari Brut MT Trento -Ferrari Brut Rose MT Trento [60chard/40pinot noir] -Tentiment CIVA Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Vigneto Bellazoia -Montenidoli Vernaccia di San Gimignano Carato 2019 -Cantine Lunae Bosoni et Grigia Colli de Luni Vermentino 2021 -Offida Pecorino Reve 2020 Single Vineyard -Casale del Giglio Anthium Bellone 2021 Lazio IGT -Casale del Griglio Satrico 2021 Lazio IGT -Tenute Borgo Conventi Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Collio ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Umani Ronchi Centoric Pecorino Colli Aprutini 2020 -Umani Ronchi Centoric Verdicchio 2018 -Francesco Tornatore Etna Bianco 2021 -Tenute Tomasella Prosecco NV [twist top, low Al -Tentiment CIVA Ribolla Giallo Friuli NV Extra Brut -Tentiment CIVA Ribolla Giallo Friuli 2021 -Montenidoli Vernaccia di San Gimignano Fiore 2020 -Montenidoli Vernaccia di San Gimignano Traditionale 2020 -Cantine Lunae Bosoni et Grigia Vermentino 2021 -Cantine Lunae Bosoni et Grigia La Bianca 2021 The Food: Catered by the Liberty Grand Entertainment Group....platters of food included pesto panini, mozzarella and tomatoes, polenta topped with crispy mushrooms, meat skewers with veggies, flatbread/focaccia with creamy gorgonzola and arugula, rotini ragu with grilled cherry tomatoes, prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks, arancini, and tiramisu and cannoli for dessert. The Downside: I did not have a cell phone The Upside: just about all the wines were white, rose, sparkling or light reds from Northern or Central Italy, a great tasting in view of the sunny summer weather. The Contact Person: Benedetta The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 6.The Date and Time: August 16, 2022 3:30PM - 8PM The Event: Travel South USA Media Event The Venue: Malaparte TIFF The Target Audience: travel writers and spirits writers The Availability/Catalogue: we had three bourbons set before us as a tasting (see below), led by a very capable Mike McLean of MixxIT Canada By Beam Suntory. This was the major presentation from Kentucky, and, of course, the main reason for my attending. The Quote/Background: The Travel South USA states represented in Canada included Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. There was also a rep from New Orleans and one from Atlanta. It was a trade fam tour to entice travel writers to explore the American south. There were many regional foods to be sampled (see below) and many cocktails to be tasted. The best appeared to be the Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail of Jim Beam Bourbon 1.5 oz, lime juice [no sugar] 1 oz., and topped up over ice with Gosling's no-al ginger beer. Dynamite. Hors d'oeuvre were passed while the reps were available for short talks with the travel writers. And then it was on to the bourbon tasting and thence to the BBQ buffet dinner. The Bourbons: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon $45.45 LCBO +103747, 45ABV – very smooth, 70% corn and 30% red winter wheat. One of my personal faves. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Basil Hayden Kentucky Bourbon $55.95 (on sale at LCBO at $50.95 until Sept 12) LCBO +326025, 40% ABV – 63% corn and 37% rye, and thereby introduces savoury herby rye notes finishing with some grassiness. -Jim Beam White Label Bourbon $30.95 (on sale at LCBO at $29.20 until Sept 12) LCBO +21378, 40% ABV – 77% corn The Food: Oliver and Bonacini did the catering, beginning with the multiple hors d'oeuvre platters: tuna salad on a lettuce leaf; BBQ short rib on polenta; shrimp and hot sausage; lightly battered fried okra; fried chicken drumettes; and cheddar cheese tarts with carmelized onions and piped goat cheese cream. Each came on a bed of a different sauce: these 5 BBQ sauces are available online (Carolina Gold Classic - South Carolina, Rendezvous Mild Barbecue Sauce - Memphis, Alabama White BBQ Sauce – Alabama, Sam Jones Vinegar Sauce – North Carolina, Fiorella’s Jack Stack BBQ Original – Kansas City). These sauces were also put out for the buffet, and were easily available for mixing and matching and savouring. So the major food of the evening was a small buffet of fried chicken and corn bread waffle with scallions, short ribs and grits with collard greens, and smoked brisket and potato bun slider with macaroni. To top it off, there was a variety at the dessert table: southern pies (key lime, coconut cream, blueberry) and peach cobbler. The Downside: music was too loud, and interfered with Mike's bourbon tasting. The Upside: A chance to do wide tasting and nibbling around a variety of southern cuisine dishes. The Contact Person: katie@reachglobal.ca or ashton@reachglobal.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. M.Chapoutier Belleruche Blanc Cote du Rhone 2021, +245340 LCBO, $17.55 NOW on sale at $14.55 (save $3 a bottle) until September 11: “Belleruche” is French for “beautiful beehive”. Chapoutier's company, which follows biodynamic principles such as night harvesting, has many beehives scattered throughout their sustainable properties in the Cote du Rhone. This is one of my fave white wines; my wife loves Belleruche Rouge with its grenache noir and syrah, also at the LCBO. The white uses grenache blanc, roussanne, viognier (with some light skin maceration), clairette and bourboulenc grapes, with the first two varieties dominating its vinous character. The nosing is strong, with botrytis-inflected bouquets of voluptuous flowers and aromas of grapefruit, pear, and melon leading to a mid-palate tasting of red fruit and honey (those bees!). On the nose, it seems sweet, but the residual sugar is a low 2 grams per litre. There is a modest acidity but some intense flavours from the wine being aged on its lees for half a year – just perfectly right for a refreshment on a hot summer day on the patio/deck/balcony/terrace/porch/beach etc. Also, some anise on the finish makes this a compelling accompaniment to grilled or poached fish. But do not overchill. It's one of the better values at the LCBO, and made even more so with its temporary price reduction of $3 a bottle. It is certainly worth buying by the case. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Adega Ponte de Lima Grande Escolha Vinho Verde DOC 2021: this is a terrific vinho verde from a co-op that rises above the usual FFLLCC designation (Fresh and Fruity, Light and Lively, Crisp and Citrusy). It is all that and more, coming in at a reasonable 12% ABV with only 5 grams of residual sugar per litre. As an aromatic balanced blend of loureiro and alvarinho grape varieties, the latter contributes more than its share of complexity of tropical fruit, pear, and linden. The addition of alvarinho is a definite upgrade. The loureiro is from the Lima River valley while the alvarinho is from the Lima River slopes. Initial aromas are floral and citric, followed on the mid-palate with some passion fruit, and a long finish with some pear and lemon tones. Very refreshing for that patio/deck/terrace affair, or with light finger food such as sushi or shrimp, white meat skewered kebabs, or cold pasta salads. It's a winner. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Bas-Armagnac de Montal Les Hauts de Montrouge 2003 700 mL. +11426 Vintages October 29, 2022 $109.60: comes in a red wood gift box for the Christmas holidays. There are about 181 producers of Armagnac in Gascony, and many make single vintage bottlings unlike in Cognac. Hence, there are many bottles of older Armagnac brandies (10, 15, 20, 30 year olds) that sell everywhere in the world -- but in small lots. Montal's 2003 was aged a minimum of 19.5 years in oak. Armagnac sells well in Quebec – they recognize a bargain. Extremely aromatic with overtones of roasted nuts, caramel, vanilla, dried fruits, and oak character. Exceptionally smooth on the mid-palate and great soft length on the finish. 40% ABV. Apparently, this 20-year old will be making its 23rd anniversary in the LCBO's Holiday release. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Redtail Vineyards Gamay Rose 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula [$22] Although Redtail is in Prince Edward County, their Gamay Rose comes from Niagara grapes. Pretty pink fruit suggestive of watermelons and cut strawberries, both visually and gustatory. Redtail Rose exhibits the typical Gamay character of red berries on the palate, with aromatics of violets, tea and some rhubarb minerality. It is a light and balanced easy drinking wine for the patio/deck. Indeed, it can be an all-purpose free-standing social drink or aperitif or first-course wine. The Gamay grape is very, very food friendly. Screw cap, drink now. 10.3% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Byland Estate Winery Rose 2020 VQA Niagara [$16.80] This wine is pale but bright pink from the Pinot Noir grape, which had been harvested in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Lots of red fruit, such as cherry and sweet pomegranate. Fresh tones, a citric finish. While useful as an outdoors sipper, it could also double as a very interesting first course wine with finger food or white meats. That's the Pinot Noir talking. Gold Medalist at the All Canadian Wine Championships. 9g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Nomad at Hinterbrook Winery Sparkling Firefly Rose 2021 VQA Ontario [$19.95] Produced using the Charmat Method (secondary fermentation in a tank), this sparkler is loaded with strawberry tones from the Cabernet Franc grapes used. The pale colour comes from the 2021 vintage (and it is rare that Charmat wines are vintage dated). Expect some intense cherry-berry fresh fruits as a summer or fall patio/terrace/deck social party wine. Or an in-house aperitif before the main event. 13% ABV. It's a good Ontario sparkler for under $20. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. The Date and Time: Thursday September 8, 2022 11AM - 5PM The Event: Grandi Marchi, Italy's Top Wineries Guided & Walk Around Tasting The Venue: Windsor Arms Hotel The Target Audience: wine trade (sommeliers, agents, LCBO, media) The Availability/Catalogue: it was an online catalogue, and some of the wines were not available in Ontario. The Quote/Background: There was a master class at 11AM for 80 attendees with 14 principals such as Helena Lageder, Alberto Chiarlo, Niccolo Antinori, Alberto Tasca, Piero Mastroberardino. Each spoke about their company and one of their wines, moderated by Michael Fagan. The slide show was also very informative. The Wines: We had one prosecco, three white wines, nine red wines, plus one sweetie. There were some 60+ walk around wines in the main show; I did not try them all. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Umani Ronchi Centovie Pecorino Colli Aprutini IGT Abruzzo 2020 organic 13% ABV -Jermann Vintage Tunina Venezia Giulia IGT 2020 13.5% “great finish” from 5 varietals -Alois Lageder Cason Bianco Viognier-Petit Manseng Delle Dolomiti IGT 2019 Alto Adige biodynamic 13% ABV -Michele Chiarlo Tortoniano Barolo DOCG 2018 14% ABV -Marchese Antinori Guado al Tasso Bolgheri DOC Superiore 2019 Toscano 14.5% ABV -Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari Tenute Cabreo il Borgo Toscana IGT 2018 15% ABV -Col d'Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva 2013 organic 14.5% ABV -Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi DOCG Riserva 2015 Campania 13.5% ABV -Masi Riserva di Costasera Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2016 Veneto 15.5% -Donnafugata Ben Rye Passito di Pantelleria DOC 2020 Sicily 14.27% ABV -Carpene Malvolti 1868 Prosecco Superiore NV Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Veneto 11% -Lungarotti Torre di Giano Vermentino/Grechetto/Trebbiano 2021 Umbria -Jermann Bianco Where Dreams Have No End Chardonnay IGT 2020 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Carpene Malvolti 1924 Prosecco Superiore NV Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Veneto 11% -Carpene Malvolti Prosecco Rose Brut 2020 DOCG Veneto 11% ABV -Lungarotti Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2018 Umbria organic 15.5% ABV -Rivera Il Falcone Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG 2016 Apulia 13.5% ABV -Tasca d'Almerita Rosso del Conte Rosso Contea di Sclafani DOC 2016 Sicily 14% ABV -Umani Ronchi Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superior 2020 -Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio 2020 Alto Adige -Antinori Bramito della Sala Chardonnay 2021 Umbria -Jermann Vinnae Ribolla Giulia Venezia Giulia 2021 The Food: we had tomato & bocconcini skewers; rice paper vegetable salad rolls and dip; roast beef tortilla pinwheel with peppers, creamy horseradish, arugula, goat cheese mini quiche; mushroom risotto (my fave); vegan sliders; salumi platter; cheeses; breads. The Downside: there were the inevitable sound problems that needed to be straightened out, and then later during the walk around it was announced that Elizabeth II had passed. The Upside: a chance to taste some rare and expensive wines, plus speak with winemakers and producers. The Contact Persons: info@ieemusa.com; b.marassi@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. The Date and Time: Tuesday October 11, 2022 10:30AM - 4PM The Event: Milano Wine Week International Masterclass Program The Venue: Aria Ristorante, 25 York Street The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine agents, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: There were two wineries involved, one with an Ontario agent – VALDO (Wine Online) and MASSOTINA. The Quote/Background: The first seminar was a web show presentation seminar from Italy, “From Veneto to Friuli: exploring different terroirs and wine styles” by VALDO winery (a Bolla company) with various speakers such as their chief winemaker Gianfranco Zanon and Matteo Bolla. The second seminar was a blind tasting of six MASOTTINA wines, in “Exploring Prosecco styles and terroir”. It too was a web show, but with participation in Milan, London, New York and Toronto. Both seminars had simultaneous translations when needed. Cristina Mercuri with Filippo Bartolotta spoke on the wines, with emphasis on: Brut/Extra Dry is just a question of dosage and taste? The Wines: The six Masottina Proseccos were two different samples (Brut and Extra Dry) of three wine levels: Rive di Ogliano, Contrada Granda, and Calmaggiore, all Glera. But with different terroirs **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Valdo Cuvee 1926 Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG Extra Dry 16g/L RS, 90Glera/10Chardonnay -Valdo Elevantum Rose Prosecco DOC Brut 11.5g/L RS, 90Glera/10PinotNoir [MY FAVE] -Masottina Collezione RDO Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Ogliano DOCG Levante Extra Dry Millesimato. 13.5g/L all Glera [ANOTHER MY FAVE] -Masottina Collezione Contrada Granda Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut 10g/L all Glera -Masottina Collezione Contrada Granda Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry 14g/L all Glera -Masottina Collezione Calmaggiore Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut 10g/L all Glera ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Valdo Amor Soli Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG Bio Brut 2021 10g/L RS, all Glera -Valdo Tenuta La Maredana Prosecco DOC Brut 9g/L RS, 85Glera/15PinotNoir $21.99 -Valdo Prosecco Cuvee I Magredi Extra Dry DOC Extra Dry 15g/L RS, all Glera $18.99 -Masottina Collezione RDO Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Ogliano DOCG Ponente Brut Millesimato. 6G/L all Glera -Masottina Collezione Calmaggiore Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Dry 14g/L all Glera The Food: Aria gave is a food box: inside there was a main course of roast chicken breast with excellent quinoa pilaff, followed by goat cheese cheddar from Lindsay Ontario accompanied by gluten-free crackers. Desserts included barreti al cioccolato (chocolate cake, salted caramel mousse, chocolate shell) and biscotti with orange zest and star anise. The Downside: it was a long day of watching a big video screen. The Upside: a good chance to catch up with Prosecco by tasting 11 different wines. The Contact Person: Benedetta Marassi b.marassi@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. The Date and Time: Tuesday October 11, 2022 10:30AM - 4PM The Event: Milano Wine Week International Masterclass Program The Venue: Aria Ristorante, 25 York Street The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine agents, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: There were two wineries involved, each with Ontario agents –- VALDO (Wine Online) and FIAMBERTI (Cottonwood Agency). The Quote/Background: The first seminar was a web show presentation seminar from Italy, “From Veneto to Friuli: exploring different terroirs and wine styles” by VALDO winery (a Bolla company) with various speakers such as their chief winemaker Gianfranco Zanon and Matteo Bolla. They introduced the region's I Magredi winery's still wines. Both seminars had simultaneous translations when needed. Fiamberti's Buttafuoco range uses mainly the indigenous grapes Croatina (about 2/3), followed by Barbera, Uva Rare and Ughetta di Canneto. Giulio Flamberti spoke to us via the web show, and answered all questions. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Fiamberti Caristoro Metodo Classico DOCG Rose Brut NV 3g/L [pinot noir] $40 -Fiamberti Il Cavaliere Pinot Nero Vinificato In Bianco 2021 [frizzante white wine] $32 -Fiamberti Buttafuoco Storico Vigna Solenga DOC 2017 Oltrepo Pavese $88 -I Magredi Divinotello Trevenezie IGT 2017 [Bordeaux blended style] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Fiamberti Buttafuoco Storico Vigna Sacca del Prete DOC 2017 Oltrepo Pavese $84 -Fiamberti Buttafuoco Storico Il Cacciatore DOC 2020 Oltrepo Pavese $44 -I Magredi Cabernet Sauvignon Friuli DOC Grave 2021 -I Magredi Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC Grave 2021 $16.99 The Food: Aria gave is a food box: inside there was a main course of roast chicken breast with excellent quinoa pilaff, followed by goat cheese cheddar from Lindsay Ontario accompanied by gluten-free crackers. Desserts included barreti al cioccolato (chocolate cake, salted caramel mousse, chocolate shell) and biscotti with orange zest and star anise. The Downside: it was a long day of watching a big video screen. The Upside: we tasted some unusual wines from two wineries in two different wine regions. The Contact Person: Benedetta Marassi b.marassi@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. The Date and Time: Wednesday October 19 2022 2P - 9P The Event: STEM Wine Group Family of Wines Portfolio Tasting 2022 (Toronto) The Venue: Globe and Mail Centre 17th Floor The Target Audience: private clients, restaurants, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available by the case. There were over 250 wines, beers and spirits from 60 producers, 40 of them from Italy. Each had a page describing the attributes of their winery, and a page or so of illustrated labels with grape and vineyard designations, and prices per bottle. Over 40 suppliers sent representatives to show off their wines and guide tasters from behind their tables. The Quote/Background: For two years in a row, Stem Wine Group has been the number one Consignment Agency in Ontario. The wine tasting was extremely popular and got very crowded very early. I arrived at 2PM and stayed for two hours. The Wines: I did not (could not) taste every wine. What follows are highly recommended wines arrived at by my eclectic wanderings. I did not try beers or spirits. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tombacco Pecorino IGT Terre di Chieti Abruzzo 2020 $15.99 -Villabella Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2017 $64.99 -Villabella Fracastoro Riserva Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2012 $74.99 -Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2017 $189.99 -Corteaura Franciacorta Brut DOCG $37.99 -Corteaura Franciacorta Rose DOCG $42.99 -Corteaura Franciacorta Pas Dose DOCG $46.99 [my fave fizz of the day] -Ronco del Gelso Siet Vignis Chardonnay DOC 2020 Friuli Isonzo $32.99 -460 Casina Bric Sparkling Nebbiolo d'Alba Brut Rose $33.99 -460 Casina Bric Nebbiolo d'Alba Spumante Brut Rose Magnum Metodo Classico 1.5 litre bottle $144.99 -Gaja Rossj Bass Langhe DOP 2021 $119.99 -Gaja Barbaresco DOC 2019 $369.99 -Camarcanda Bolgheri DOP 2019 $269.99 -Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Cabernet Swauvignon 2017 Colline Teatine IGT Abruzzo $84.99 -Mandrarossa Passito di Pantelleria DOC 2020 $59.99 -Daniel Chotard Sancerre Blanc AOC 2020 $33.99 -La Manufacture “Blanchat” Chablis Grand Cru AOP 2019 $139.99 -Cassetania Cava Brut Reserva $21.99 -Citation Cornerstone Un-Oaked Chardonnay Willamette Valley OR 2017 $24.99 -Citation Pinot Noir Oregon 2006 $119.99 -Citation Chardonnay Oregon 2015 $59.99 -Precision Adorn Chardonnay California 2019 $16.99 -Grand Napa Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $114.99 -Grand Napa Heir Apparent Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $159.99 -Grand Napa Heir Apparent Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $139.99 -Husic Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2018 $99.99 -Husic Palm Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016 $139.99 -Husic Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016 $199.99 -Bella Terra Fume Blanc Corus Vineyard VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $34.95 -Bella Terra Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2018 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $39.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Anno Domini Diamond Vino Spumante Rosato Bio Vegan $18.99 -Anno Domini Moscato IGT Veneto Frizzante $15.99 -Delibori Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOCG 2017 $42.99 -Forchir Famiglia Bianchini Ribolla Gialla IGT 2021 $21.99 -Azienda Agricola Inama Vin Soave Classico DOC $24.99 -Ca' del Baio Autinbej Barbaresco DOCG 2019 $49.99 -Il Borro Toscana Lamelle Chardonnay IGT 2021 $34.99 -Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi DOCG 2017 $54.99 -Daniel Chotard Sancerre Rouge AOC 2020 $44.99 -La Manufacture Petit Chablis AOP 2020 $34.99 -La Manufacture “Forets” Chablis Premier Cru AOP 2020 $59.99 -Vina Bujanda Petra de Valpiedra DO Rioja 2018 $79.99 -Cassetania Cava Gran Reserva 2018 $29.99 -Precision Calculated Chardonnay California 2021 $18.99 -Grand Napa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $84.99 -Husic Palm Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2017 $139.99 -Bella Terra Sparkling Brut VQA Niagara Peninsula 2020 $24.95 -Bella Terra Sauvignon Blanc Corus Vineyard VQA Niagara Peninsula 2021 $19.95 -Bella Terra Wild Ferment Riesling Four Mile Creek 2019 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $24.95 The Food: In the tasting room itself there was a scooped-out half-wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano with chunks of cheese. Outside, there were four stations: Grano Duro pasta by hand with elbow rigatoni ragu and polenta-filled twisted bows (culurgiones); Tutto Pronto with eggplant parmigiano and mozzarella sliders, truffled sauteed mushrooms on grilled crostini, and artichoke crostini with lemon ricotta; Mattachioni supplied a brilliant porchetta bun with pepperoncini; Francobello did a butternut squash risotto with peas and mushrooms. Rufino Espresso provided the coffee, while GP8 provided the bottled oxygen water. The Downside: lots of people, lots of chatter, and the 160 page catalogue was enormously heavy to play with (but useful, of course!). The Upside: a chance to re-connect with Stem and some of its producers who I have not seen for three years. The Contact Person: tania@stemwinegroup.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. [done] RECENT AND DECENT TASTING NOTES FOR SOME PAYS D'OC IGP WINES... --Gerard Bertrand Perles de Grenache Rose 2021 Pays D'Oc IGP Vintages 556209 $18.95: fresh, very fragrant with fruity elegance. The pale salmon colour was phenomenal, and very typical of South of France roses. All grenache grapes. Scored highly by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (over 90 points). Very dry, with residual sugar at 2 g/L. On the palate, strawberries dominate. A very good quaffer for parties, or for a wine pairing with fish and broiled foods. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Domaine de La Baume Elisabeth Viognier 2021 Pays D'Oc IGP Vintages 438796 $18.95: fresh stone fruit tones abound with peaches and apricots leading to a citric long finish. Cold fermentation done up in steel, with peachy aromas. We had it with squash soup and a roast (both poultry and pork). Dee-licious. But also good as an aperitif. 2g/L residual sugar. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Gabriel Meffre Le Fat Bastard Chardonnay 2021 Pays D'Oc IGP LCBO 563130 $15: a very satisfying and easy-breezy quaff on the LCBO's general wine list. Nutty butters on palate, some pear decadence, nuances of vanilla bean from a partial oak aging. No malolactic fermentation. Elegant balanced finish with good food depth. 2g/L residual sugar. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Fortant Terroir d'Altitude Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Pays D'Oc IGP LCBO 17535 $15.45: made from hillside grapevines (250 – 600 metres). Complex cassis and pumpkin spices, along with forest floor mushrooms and some garrigue. Black fruit and long finish dominates. Aged four months in French oak. Perhaps best with grilled or broiled foods. 2g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Sarl Le Loup Blanc Soif du Loup Rouge 2019 Pays D'Oc IGP Vintages 20955 $19.95: a combo of cabernet sauvignon and syrah, but extra-dry (unlike the Oz combo of cabernet and shiraz). “Soif du Loup” in English means “thirst of the wolf”. Here there are 35-year old vines, and red fruit with spices and minerality dominates. This is an organic wine, great as an all-purpose food red. 2 g/L residual sugar. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. REPORT FROM TENUTA FANTI: Brunellos and Olive Oils The Date and Time: Tuesday October 25, 2022 2PM - 4PM The Event: Tasting Tenuta Fanti wines with Export Manager Irene Dal Canto The Venue: Blue Door Wine Shop 1010 Bloor Street west The Target Audience: sommeliers, media, private clients The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available by the case through the agency Le Sommelier, or as single bottles through Blue Door. Olive oils are through Blue Door as well. The Quote/Background: There was one white wine, four reds, one Vin Santo, Grappa, and three Extra Virgin olive oils. Fanti began at the beginning of the 18th century, and it is currently in conversion to organic. In addition to 52 hectares of vineyards there are 8,500 olive trees. All prices below are retail. The Wines: I did not taste the Grappa di Brunello Riserva, half-litre gift box, $99. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Soralisa Sant'Antimo Bianco DOC 2021 $31 (bright, fruity blend of equal parts of vermentino and viognier, with a dollop of both malvasia toscana and trebbiano toscano, from 10-30-year old vines, fermented and stored on lees in stainless, minerals, good finish). Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. -Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio DOCG 2015 $89 – not made every year (five oldest vineyards of the estate, aged two years in French tonneaux and Slavonian oak vat, expect dried meat, tar, tobacco, dried strawberries, spices, ripe and chewy). My fave, and only six dollars more than the 2017 Brunello below. Quality/Price rating is 96 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. -Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017 $83 (made from 20 – 30 year-old vines, fermented similar to the Vallocchio, aged in bottle for 18 months prior to release, expect red cherries, plums, walnuts, ripe fruit). Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. -Vin Santo Sant'Antimo DOC 2014 $74 375-ml bottle – (40% trebbiano toscano, 40% malvasia toscana, 20% colombano from 30-year old vines, slow ferment in caratelli small oak barrels, 5 years aging, about 1200 half-bottles every vintage. Golden brown, syrupy, tones of butterscotch and caramel, dried fruit, roasted nuts, and caramelized orange peel. Complex). Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2020 $33 (full, ripe, red fruit, generous, made from 15-20-year old vines aged in oak one year and then bottle for seven months. Some rusticity which will soften with aging). Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. -Poggio Torto IGT Toscana Rosso 2020 $24 (blend of sangiovese, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah, young vines, fermented in stainless, aged in oak, much black raspberry and cherry fruit in the “supertuscan” range, needs time). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Olive Oils: -Extra Virgin Olive Oil Olivastra 2021 $40 500ml (100% olivastra seggianese from 200 year old trees at 650 meters, very fruity, slightly sweet but intense). Best of the three. -Extra Virgin Olive Oil Moraiolo 2020 $35 500 ml (100% all moraiolo olives, some green notes leading to a balance between bitter and spicy). -Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend 2021 $20 500 ml (blend of correggiolo, leccino and olivastra olives, from 15-200 year old trees, intensely fruity with light green tones). The Food: salumni board with three meats and three cheeses plus grapes. The Downside: it was a stand up affair, and my knees got tired, so I had to sit down for awhile. The Upside: good wines, easily available, and good location for Blue Door (between Dufferin and Ossington subway stations). The Contact Person: orders@lesommelier.com or irene@tenutafanti.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. The Date and Time: Monday October 31, 2022 11AM to 5PM The Event: A Tasting of Wines from Italy 2022 in Toronto The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall The Target Audience: wine trade, media, sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: there was a PDF available with all the information needed. The Quote/Background: This year's show was the first since 2019. About 101 producers showed over 500 wines to an assortment of agents, the LCBO, hotels and restaurants, the wine media, sommeliers, and others. There were two Masterclass seminars, one on organic wines and another on pinot griglio. We were told that 55 million litres were shipped to Canada in the first eight months of 2022, up 12% over last year. The Wines: Of course, I did not try every wine...I just moved about.I was very impressed with the wines repped by Le Savoir-Boire, Majestic, and Le Sommelier. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Najma Prosecco Brut DOC Le Savoir-Boire -Il Drago e la Fornace RIBOLLITO IGT TOSCANA 2020 80% sangiovese, 10% merlot, 5% colorino, 5% cabernet -Il Drago e la Fornace ORO IGT TOSCANA ROSSO 2020 65% cabernet franc, 35% sangiovese -PASOLINI DALL’ONDA PIO 7 RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 100% sangiovese $35 Le Savoir-Boire -PASOLINI DALL’ONDA PIO 7 GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 100% sangiovese $39 -Amastuola PRIMITIVO IGP PUGLIA 2019 BIO 100% primitivo -Amastuola ONDA DEL TEMPO IGP PUGLIA 2019 BIO 25% primitivo, 25% aglianico, 25% merlot, 25% cabernet sauvignon -Masi AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO Costaserra DOCG RISERVA 2016 70% corvina, 15% rondinella, 10% oseleta, 5% molinara -Assuli Fiordiligi Grillo Sicilia DOC 2021 $20 Le Sommelier -Assuli Fiordispina Perricone Rosato Sicilia DOC 2021 $20 Le Sommelier -Assuli Lorlando Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC 2019 $23 Le Sommelier -Case Paolin Prosecco Superiore DOCG Asolo Sui Lieviti Brut Nature Col Fondo $29.95 -Antonella Corda Vermentino Sardegna 2021 $27.99 Noble Estates -Feudo Antico Pecorino Terre di Chieti Organic 2021 Abruzzo $16.95 Rare Earth Wines -ICARDO Fossati Barolo 2016 La Morra $57.95 Wilson Wines -LE RAGNAIE Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Casanovina Montosoli 2017 $168 Le Sommelier -La Sabbie dell' Etna 2021 Etna Rosato Profile -Tommasi Le Rosse Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC 2021 $16.90 Univins -Corte Moschina Granetto Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC 2021 $18.95 Artisanal Wine ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Najma Prosecco Millesimato 2021 DOC La Savoir-Boire $17 -Najma Prosecco Spumante Rosato Brut $17 -Il Drago e la Fornace ROSSO FOCO ETNA DOC 2016 90% mascalese, 10% nerello cappuccio -Il Drago e la Fornace BIANCO FOCO ETNA DOC 2019 90% carricante, 10% catarratto -Il Drago e la Fornace RIBOLLA IGT VENEZIA GIULIA 2021 100% ribolla gialla -PASOLINI DALL’ONDA PIO 7 ANNATA BIO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2019 90% sangiovese, 10% merlot $28 -PASOLINI DALL’ONDA MONTOLI ANNATA BIO CHIANTI DOCG 2020 100% sangiovese $22 -PASOLINI DALL’ONDA Violante Vino Rosato Organic 2021 Toscano IGT 100% merlot $22 -Amastuola CENTOSASSI IGP PUGLIA 2017 BIO 100% primitivo -Amastuola NEGROAMARO IGP SALENTO 2019 BIO 100% nero amaro -Amastuola LAMAROSSA IGP PUGLIA 2020 BIO 100% primitivo -Masi BROLO CAMPOFIORIN ORO ROSSO DEL VERONESE IGT 2018 80% corvina, 10% rondinella, 10% oseleta -Masi TOAR VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2018 80% corvina, 10% rondinella, 10% oseleta -Masi PROSECCO DOC MODELLO MASI NV 100% glera -Assuli Carinda Insolia Sicilia DOC $20 Le Sommelier -Assuli Lorlando Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC 2019 $23 Le Sommelier -Vino Lauria Terre Siciliane Frappato Scoglitti IGP 2021 $26 Le Sommelier -Firriato Sicilia Cavaneva Etna Bianco 2021 Profile The Food: a variety of small plates, such as mushroom risotto, pepperoni slices, sundried tomatoes, mortadella cubes, bean salad with canned tuna, cheese, beef brescola IGP, canoli, biscotti, biscuits. The Downside: it was a long, long day, with two masterclass seminars and 500 wines to choose from. The Upside: a chance to renew some old acquaintances The Contact Person: Benedetta Marassi b.marassi@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. NEW RELEASES FROM CHATEAU DES CHARMES, NOTL VQA: 1.Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling Traditional Method 2017 VQA NOTL winery and online $34.95: [I last sampled the 2016 vintage at same price] here half chardonnay and half pinot noir (blanc des noirs) from vines planted as early as 1991, very pretty colour from the pinot dosage, reminiscent of strawberry blush, 2 years lees contact and then re-fermented in the bottle. Full, rich, ripe yeasty biscuit complexity. Citric finish, best with food such as appetizers. Strawb fruit dominates. Recently disgorged. 10 g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Stunning. 250 cases available. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.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. Some creamy texture. All wine mostly from the same vintage, and “Recently Hand Disgorged” after a year on lees, 12% ABV. Base wine for bubblies from both grapes is the same: just the skin contact varies. 9g/L residual sugar. 2877 cases. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Chateau des Charmes Riesling “Old Vines” 2016 Estate Bottled VQA Niagara-On-The-Lake, $18.95: made from vines largely planted in 1978, so it is now a very mature vineyard. 12.5% ABV. Succulent, but off-dry Alsatian character (citric tones, spices), with now almost six years of aging. A beaut with spicy or higher acidic foods – lush and plush. Lots of orchard fruit character and some minerality. Best with Asiatic food. Twist top. 8.1 gm/L. 928 cases. Quality/price rating 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Chateau des Charmes Gewurztraminer 2021 St.David’s Bench VQA, $21.95 winery and online: from older vines (26 years) in the St. David's Bench vineyards, done up in stainless steel. Alsatian in style, with concentrated fruit, off-dry on the mid-palate, spicy with a tad of bitter on the finish, great with Asiatic foods or any spicy foods. Or wonderful as a sipper/aperitif by the deck/patio/pool/terrace/balcony. Cork finish, and it should improve over the next five years. 4.6 gm/L residual sugar. 13.1% ABV. 318 cases produced. Quality/price rating 91 points by Dean Tudor. 5.Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2017 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard, VQA St.David's Bench, $44.95 at winery and online: Quite a powerful wine from the 60-acre vineyard, lots of stylish Burgundian forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red berry fruit. It was last produced in 2016. Currently, this vintage is 16 months in new French oak barrels. Still needs some time, maybe two more years. 13.5% ABV. It will also show better with food such as Asian salmon preps or veal or lamb. Cork closure. Residual sugar is 1.3g/L. 13.5% ABV. 1234 cases produced. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir “Droit” 2020 St. David's Bench Vineyard, VQA St. David’s Bench, $21.95 [winery and online]: 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 earthiness and eucalyptus, although the wine is unoaked. “Gamey gamay” is probably the phrase! Cork finish. Good with BBQ, cheese, or something substantial, but some tannic structure is present to carry through a whole meal. Chateau des Charmes is the only winery in the world using this particular gamay clone. 1g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Earlier vintages were gold medal winners in Canada. 492 cases produced. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. The Date and Time: Wednesday November 2, 2022 2P - 4P The Event: Mediterranean Aperitivo The Venue: EATALY Bloor and Bay The Target Audience: wine and food writers The Availability/Catalogue: in this context, only the specific Vermouth di Torino was available in Ontario. Dan Rabinovitch of Azureau Wines spoke on behalf of the vermouths. The Quote/Background: MAP (Mediterranean Aperitivo) is an information campaign on PGI and PDO, EU terms for protecting names and geographic origins. Here the seminar was on Vermouth di Torino (PGI), Pecorino Toscano (PDO), Amalfi Lemons (PGI), and Greek olives. The PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is a higher standard than PGI(Protected Geographic Indication). The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry Ricetta Piemontese 500mL 17%ABV $40 consignment Azureau ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino Ricetta Originale 16%ABV $30 consignment Azureau [moscato & botanicals] off-dry -Bordiga Storica Ricetta 15%ABV +14771076 [nebbiolo] -Berto Antico Opificio Rosso Vermouth di Torino 17%ABV [traditional style with white wine, spices, sugar and added alcohol] The Food: pecorino toscano, amalfi lemon peel, olives The Downside: there was a zoom connection of simultaneous tasting with NYC, but it eventually degraded and we cut out. The Upside: Dan filled in with tasting notes on the vermouths. The Contact Person: www.mediterraneanaperitivo.com dan@azureau.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 80 The Date and Time: Tuesday November 8, 2022 11:30AM - 4PM The Event: Drink Chile wine trade show The Venue: Arcadian Lofts The Target Audience: wine trade, wine writers, agents The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was actually printed, not electronic, in view of the general public coming in at 6:30PM. There were 16 pages of text on the wines and grapes and valleys, plus descriptions of the wines and some prices. The Quote/Background: There was a masterclass (with a large turnout) at 11:30, specializing in four categories of wine: new wave whites, Mediterranean-style reds, red Bordeaux-style blends, and a cabernet sauvignon terroir tour. The Wines: I did not every every wine-–there were about 120 from 16 different wineries. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Anakena Alwa Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Colchagua & Maipo 2017, $64.95 Bacchus Group -Anakena Ona Red Blend (Shiraz,CabSauv,Carm) Cachapoal 2019 $27.95 Bacchus Group -Aresti Trisquel Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2020 Lexellent -Aresti Trisquel Series Vichuquen Costa Chardonnay Curico 2021 Lexcellent -Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2019 $21.25 +353086 -Santa Carolina Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2020 Iata $18.95 LCBO -Cono Sur 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2020 Casablanca $30 Vintages n/a -Carmen Delanz Alto Jahuel Estate Blend Maipo 2020 Icon Fine Wines -Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo $23.95 +337238 -San Pedro 1865 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Curico $34.95 +27202 Vintages -Cono Sur Organic Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Colchagua 2019 Authentic Wine -Montes Alpha M Colchagua 2020 Profile -Montes Akpha Special Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Colchagua Profile -Santa Carolina Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Cauquenes 2020 Charton Hobbs -Santa Carolina Reserva Familia Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2020 Charton Hobbs ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Montes Wings Colchagua 2019 Colchagua Profile -Espiritu de Chile Rose Grenache Desert 2020 Curico Trayvino -Espiritu de Chile Explorador Gran Reserva Maipo 2020 Trayvino -Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Syrah Limari 2021 Icon Fine Wines -Carmen Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca 2022 Icon Fine Wines -Amayna Sauvignon Blanc Leyda $28.95 Marentette -Las Veletas Estate Viognier 2022 Maule Heritage Cellars -Miguel Torres Cordillera Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Maipo Andes $22.95 Vintages -Montes Purple Angel 2020 Colchagua Profile -Anakena Nuna Chardonnay Cachapoal 2020 $18.95 Bacchus Group -Casas del Bosque Botanic Series La Cantera Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca $19.95 +28583 -Aresti Trisquel Series Semillon 2020 Curico Lexcellent -Garces Silva Catalino Pais 2019 Maule $19.95 Internet Exclusive Marentette -Las Veletas Almaule Pais 2021 Maule -Montes Outer Limits Cinsault 2021 Iata -Perez Cruz Grenache 2020 Maipo $21.95 Vintages -Emiliana Coyam 2019 Colchagua $29.95 +63891 -Miguel Torres Gran Reserva Andica Caberent Sauvignon 2020 Iata $17.95 -Veramonte Primus The Blend 2019 Colchagua $19.95 +712463 Vintages The Food: a variety of cheeses with dried fruit and breads; mini-empanadas; salmon canapes, and more... The Downside: it got crowded really fast. The Upside: there was a media room where writers could contemplate their tasting samples. The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 84 The Date and Time: Wednesday November 9 2022 6:30PM - 9PM The Event: Icons of the Okanagan Valley Walk Around Tasting The Venue: Modus Ristorante The Target Audience: private customers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: all these VQA wines were available for sale by the bottle that night. This was followed by a chance to buy the wines at the LCBO via the Internet. Private Collectors is a sub-group of high end wines within the Mark Anthony Wine and Spirits portfolio. The wineries are owned by Anthony von Mandl. My personal contact was Kirsty from Mark Anthony; she had extended my invitation. The Quote/Background: Checkmate had New World Chardonnay and Merlot, with old world elegance. Martin's Lane had stylish small lot Pinot Noir and Riesling. Shane Munn, the winemaker at Martin's Lane, was available for talk and discussion. The best part of the evening was tasting only a few wines (just seven) and talking about them with friends and sales help, especially contrasting the two merlots and the two chardonnays. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Checkmate Winery Queen Taken Chardonnay 2018 VQA $111.95 -Checkmate Winery Fools Mate Chardonnay 2018 VQA $95.95 -Checkmate Winery Silent Bishop Merlot 2018 VQA $95.95 -Checkmate Winery End Game Merlot 2018 VQA $95.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Martin's Lane Winery Naramata Riesling 2018 VQA $54 -Martin's Lane Winery Simes Pinot Noir 2017 VQA $96 -Martin's Lane Winery Naramata Pinot Noir 2017 VQA $96 The Food: canapes The Contact Person: privatecollectors@markanthony.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. CASE-WINE November 11-12, 2022 1.Lacey Estates Paradise Sparkling Rose [formerly Paradise Petit Petillant Rose] 2021 Prince Edward County $24. A delightful drink made from pinot noir grapes, very fruity and off-dry in a cream soda mode (raspberries, strawberries, creamy texture) with some watermelon and a lemon-lime-grassiness complexity at the finish. A good aperitif, or with a late course such as a cheese board with dried fruit or a fresh fruit dessert. Crown cap makes it easy to open. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Wending Home Estate Vineyards & Winery Pinot Gris VQA Creek Shores 2020 $27.95. I'm not a fan of pinot grigio, but I adore pinot gris. It's the same grape, but it is produced differently, like syrah and shiraz are produced differently. In both cases it's a question of terroir and winemaking skills. Here the pinot gris has more colour and more body: some of Wending Home is late picked and has that nose of melons and orchard fruit, not to mention unctuousnes on the palate. Cool fementation in stainless steel gives this a rich and ripe sensibility, with minerality and some pear drops on the length which seems to have a higher acid finish very suitable for a wide range of food. Very well done in that Alsatian pinot gris style. 13% ABV. 2g/L residual sugar. 223 cases made. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Konzelmann Estate Winery Chardonnay Barrel Aged 2020 Reserve Series VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95. Konzelmann has been making this style of barrel-aged chardonnay (in French oak barrels) since the last century. It has some plush fruit with some modest oak tones of vanilla and cream. Expect a combination of caramel, green apple, under-ripe peaches – smooth all the way through the finish. A basic crowd pleaser as an aperitif or as a first-course wine. Do not overchill. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. The Date and Time: Monday November 21, 2022 10:30A to noon The Event: A tasting of Conegliano Valdobbiadene: the heart of Prosecco Superiore DOCG The Venue: SIPS, Maud Street The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers (over two dozen in all) The Availability/Catalogue: this was a masterclass of higher-end Prosecco wines. These wines were generally not yet available for sale in Ontario, except as specified. The Quote/Background: Jennifer Huether, MS, was our speaker today, and she ran over the basics of what this Italian region was all about. The hills of CV are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All of the wine made in this DOCG is white; 93% of the wine made here is sparkling. Two sub-regions produce the best Prosecco – Rive and Cartizze. The Martinotti Method (a variation of Charmat) is prescibed. While not every farmed area is organic, glyphosate has been totally banned and growers are moving toward a green sustainability. The overall top quality Proseccos come from these two regions of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, both located between Venice and the Dolomites...and these are at the DOCG level. 105 million bottles are produced every year. Each bottle should have wine that is 85% Glera grape at a minimum, with 15% maximum allowable for other grapes such as pinot nero, chardonnay, and any of some four local varieties. Pronunciation was basically straightforward: val-doh-bee-ahhh-deh-ne The Wines: There were 9 wines, and in general I really enjoyed the dryer ones. Each wine had about 11.5% ABV. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -L'Antica Quercia Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut Nature Sui Lieviti “A” 2020 [organic wine, on lees, bone dry at 0g/L residual sugar] -Frassinelli Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Brut Rive di Santa Maria di Feletto 2021 [1.5g/L residual sugar, modest finish] -Canevel Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut Biologico Campofalco Monfalcon Vineyard 2021 [90% glera, 10% verdiso, extended Charmat storage] -Bottega Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry “Il Vino dei Poeti” [16-18 g/L RS, Noble Estates agency] -Col Vetoraz Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry [16g/L RS, finishes drier, savoury] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Sommariva Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut [9g/L RS, jes peachy with some lemon peel] -Ruggeri Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut Quartese [9g/L RS] -Perlage Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry Col di Manza [16g/L RS] -Marsuret Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry Il Soller [16g/L RS] The Food: water biscuits and water The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 SOME NEW WINES FROM THE LOIRE VALLEY IN FRANCE..... 1.Chateau de Montgueret Cremant de Loire NV AOC Brut. LCBO +217760 $20.95: this has long been one of my fave French Cremants, done up in the same traditional method as Champagne. Not only has it been a gold medalist in Europe, but it has also been rated just as highly at the annual Wine Writers' Circle of Canada Christmas tastings. It uses chenin blanc, chardonnay and some cabernet grapes. Hand-picked, as a condition of its Cremant status. Very fine, persistent bubbles, with 1g/L residual sugar, aged 15-18 months, smooth and well-balanced. Expect to find a generous mix of green herbs, honey, citrus, with some orchard fruit on the back end before a lime finish. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Domaine Bouchaud Pont Caffino Chateau Thebaud Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sure Lie 2014 +24613 $25.95 Internet Order Online: a rare find – an over-the-top higher acid Muscadet that pairs with ANY style of seafood. Despite its age, it is still in that light and crisp and fresh category. Made from 80-year-old vines which emphasize citrus tones on the mid-palate. Most fruit is citric but there are also some crisp melons lurking there. Ripe, dry, clean finish. 12% ABV, 2g/L residual sugar. Top flight luxury packaging plus a cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Famille Bougrier Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2020 LCBO +253229 $15.55: Vouvrays can be dry or off-sweet; this one is in the latter category and serves nicely as an aperitif with food or as a first course wine with some appropriate creamy dish. Pale in colour, unoaked. It's a nicely done affordable typical Vouvray, with an off-dry complexity in the honeyed finish. The fruit bowl contains quince aromas, pear and orchard/stone fruit such as apricots and peaches. My sample went very well with salted nuts (cashews and pistachios) and smoked gorgonzola cheese. 12% ABV, 36g/L residual sugar. Screwcap twist-off closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. NEW WINES FROM ALSACE IN FRANCE... 1.Domaine Alliman-Laugner Cremant d'Alsace Brut NV +30593 Vintages $23.95: this is an elegant aperitif wine beginning with aromatic florals on the nose and continuing with apples and lemons on the mid-palate, and with a refreshingly tart length to the finish. For what it is worth, it costs more in the USA (nationally at retail). The grape blend is pinot blanc, pinot gris, and riesling. The lemon zest at the finish also makes it very useful as a first course wine. Under the new Alsatian rules, it is labelled “sec”, or dry. 6g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Wilm Riesling 2020 Reserve Alsace +11452 Vintages Essential $19.95 [on sale until Jan 1 @ $18.45]: This is a “welcome back” wine as Alsatian wine makes a comeback from being over-the-top sweet whites due to climate change. At 5g/L residual sugar it is virtually dry, noted “sec” on the back label. Its big body is citric and floral with some juniper, even some nuances of anise. Compelling with sushi, shellfish, fish, and poultry. 12.5% ABV. Twist-off closure. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2020 Grand Reserve Alsace +747600 Vintages $20.95: this wine gives a big bang for the buck: rose petals, tropicality, pear unctuousness, with “sweetness and spice on finish”. Remarkable with sushi, spicy dishes, foie gras and/or terrines. With such a great body, it should be more intense and flavourful after five more years. “Grande Reserve” indeed. With 16g/L residual sugar, this wine is at the low end of “moelleux” (12 – 45 g/L). 14% ABV. Tasted chilled over several days. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. MORE WINES FROM THE SOUTHERN COTES DU RHONE... 1.Sinard et Fils Domaine Saint Laurent Garriguette Cotes du Rhone Blanc AOC 2021, with a mix of 60%clairette, 30%roussanne, and 10%grenache blanc. And it is redolent with garrigue terpenes, of course, that aromatic low-lying scrub of pine cones and rosemary and juniper. Very fresh and inviting from the newly released 2021 vintage, complemented by pears, orchard fruit, and lemon tones. Extremely useful as an aperitif or first course wine with seafood and/or cheese. Soft finishing acidity, done up in stainless steel of course. Do not overchill. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ~$30 2.Monnier Marres Domaine Montmartel Cotes du Rhone Rouge Organic 2021, vinified with 50%grenache, 40%syrah, and 10%carignan. Typical density of southern Rhone with a preponderance of grenache tones followed by syrah flavours and garrigue terpenes: red berries, spices, anise, some burnt caramel, ripe, but a long penetrating finish, some tannic tightness in the structure. Mouthfilling. Ripe, fresh and fruity with black berry and cherry plumminess. Not filtered. Great organic wine. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.~$18 ***************************************************************end of 2022 WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR 2022 [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 – REPORT ON RED WINES FROM RIBERA DEL DUERO SPAIN – Spain’s Ribera del Duero is home to the most Spanish iconic wine estates—- Vega Sicilia and Tinto Pesquera. Both have defined the taste and style of Ribera del Duero. This region has more great wines than any other in Spain. -Hermanos Penez Pascuas El Pedrosal Crianza 2016 Ribera del Duero, LCBO +540070 $18.95: a basic entry level wine at a good price for Ribera wines. Actually, it is rare to find Ribera del Duero for under $20 in Canada. This is all tempranillo from 20 year old vines, aged 12 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. There's a lot of wine packed into this bottle. Although medium-bodied, it is warm and spicy, floral, with toasted ripe fruit and oak tones. Charcuterie and cheese boards work very well here as food pairings. 14.5% ABV, 4 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. -Legon Premium Vina Vilano 2018 Pedrosa Ribera del Duero, LCBO +270645 $29.95: 100% tempranillo, aged two years in French oak. Vineyards are 90 years old (on average) with some at 100 years plus. Rich nose, “pumpkin pie” spices, cooked plums, berries. Long wooded tannins with some olive complexity and a slightly bitterish finish. Should be great with all manner of roasts. Dryish, dense rich and plush on the mid-palate. 14% ABV, 2 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. -Real Sitio de Ventosilla Pradorey Finca la Mina Reserva 2015, LCBO +995191 $36.95: 95% tempranillo, 3% cabernet sauvignon and 2% merlot, from a single vineyard. 18 months in French oak, six months in Nevers oak vats. Very savoury in tone (the cab and merlot seem to contribute nuances of eucalyptus), yummy fruit which just gets better as it aerates (do a double decant). Classic complex wine for Ribera del Duero at the median price point: black and red baked fruit (cherries, plums, berries) and even some garrigue in its herbs and smokey spices. Finish is smooth and velvety. Tasted over several days. 14.5% ABV, 2 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. -Penafiel Silencio de Miros 2015 Raphael Vineyard Ribera del Duero, LCBO +21214 $86: 100% tempranillo grown at 1000 metres, aged in new French oak barrels. Fruity aromatic compounds are extracted: red currants, plums, forest floor nuances, raisinated grapes, mocha, spices, new oak tones, even a touch of sherry. At the end, everything comes together with a melding of flavours, in an extremely long finish. Tasted over several days. Probably even better after some aging, say a decade more in bottle through 2032. This vintage was rated at 96 points by Decanter in 2018. 14.5% ABV, 2 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 94+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ======================================================================= RECENT MAJESTIC WINES CONSIGNMENT AND LCBO PICKS – 1.Sensi 1890 Collezione Pinot Grigio dell Venezie 2020 AOC High Volume Consignment - $ 15.95: relatively full-bodied for an Italian style pinot grigio, with the emphasis on “yellow”: yellow colour, yellow fruit, yellow honey. Full of citric zest, good with food beyond the first course – think peaches and lemons and apples, with some serious tones on the mid-palate. Commingling is back, with citric undertones. Flavours of stone fruit but with some yellow pear drops, rich, mid-palate crispness. Clean citric finish with minerality. Food or appetizer. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Rutherford Ranch Morgan Bay Cellars Chardonnay California 2019 High Volume Consignment - $ 17.95: cork disc closure, well-rounded texture meant to appeal to the American taste palate. There were lemons and pear, but also the softness and taste of a creamy caramel augmented by a Meyer lemon off-sweet mandarin quality. But there is also enough finishing acid for a first course. Otherwise, sip away. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Morgan Bay Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon California 2019 High Volume Consignment - $ 17.95: a great wallop of black fruit (black cherries, blackberries) begins the aromatics and dominates right through to the finish in typical Cali-style. The emphasis is on darkness, with plenty of black fruit and butterscotch tones, with some black pepper spices, and a softish finish to a medium body. Very useful as an everyday cab at a great price point. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Albino Armani 1607 Tenuta di Sequals Sauvignon Friuli-Grave 2020 DOC Consignment - $20.95: very intense aromas, fruity from green fruit and herby but with a medium-body and not like Kiwi Savvy. Citric finish, very useful as a first course white wine. Good with asparagus or smoked fish. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Javier Sanz Vmalcorta Verdejo Rueda 2019 Consignment - $33.95: top-rated at a pre-pandemic Rueda wine trade show in Toronto at 91+ points: higher acid food wine, floral and citric, emphasizing the brighter side of aromatic Spanish verdejo. Very well made with an exceptional, lingering finish. Perhaps best with shellfish such as oysters or mussels, clams. White flesh fish would also be appropriate. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Amastuola Primitivo Organic Puglia IGP 2019 Consignment - $20.95: this is a preferred choice from among the basic primitivos in Ontario simply because it is made with organic grapes. Expect that dense, over-the-top zinfandel-type flavour of jamminess from plums, cherry-berry fruit, with a cinnamon spicy kick. 14%ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Sensi 1890 Collezione Merlot Terre Siciliane IGT 2019 Consignment - $ 15.95: This shows aromatic herbs on the nose, red fruit (raspberries) and spice, great North American appeal in that merlot is recognizable, modest tannins, balanced on the mid-palate, okay by itself or with food as a first course red. Velvet smooth finish. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Biscardo Neropasso Rosso Veneto IGT 2019 Consignment - $ 19.95: 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. Intense jammy concentration of dark fruit including plums. 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 almost three years after the vintage. 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 leftovers. Food or sip. The company's series includes Rosapasso (pinot noir rose apassimento) and Oropasso (white), all trading off on the “-passo” usage. Good price. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Colli Vicentini Romeo Prosecco DOC Extra Dry LCBO # 21434 - $14.95 (on LTO to March 27 $1 off): this is a cute pairing (see also below), with the regular prosecco as Romeo and the rose prosecco as Juliet from the appropriate Italian region. Off-dry, frizzante style, aperitif or party wine. 100% fruity Glera grapes used, promotes an intense rich floral scent of citric tones and apples. 11.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Colli Vicentini Juliet Prosecco Rose 2020 DOC Extra Dry LCBO # 20979 - $14.95: the rose version has the minimum 85% fruity Glera content to allow for 15% addition of pinot nero (noir), and it is vintage dated. Lovely rose colour after a short maceration period. Here we have floral orchard fruits such as peaches, apples, and some pinot quality raspberry tones. Excellent as an aperitif or first course wine with seafood or fish. 11.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Sensi 1890 Collezione Chianti DOCG 2020 LCBO # 20060 - $12.25: About 70% sangiovese grapes with %30 other varieties as allowed by the DOCG rules; these can be balanced in different vintage years. Aged in steel and on its lees for six months, using the micro-oxygenation technique. No wood. Fresh red cherries (slightly sour), spices, useful as a basic entry level wine at this price. Youthful – reminds me of the fiasco di vino that once was used. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Passion of Chile Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Reserva 2020 LCBO # 20904 - $9.95: opening notes of blueberry, strawberry, caramel. Long finish, great with succulent stew meat dishes. Still needs time to resolve, a hefty thick wine that dominates. Do a decant to open it up. Best for carnivores? You decide. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.Cantine Carlo Pellegrino Marsala Superiore Garibaldi DOC LCBO # 16180 - $13.80: just that right touch of carmelized alcohol for a dessert wine full of baked vanilla and figs. Works well with creamy chocolate, eggs zabaglione, shortcakes, ice cream. 18% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Cantina Goccia 3Q Rosso 2018 Umbria IGT $16.95 LCBO +22878: a basic entry level “SuperUmbrian” wine made with unoaked sangiovese, cabernet and merlot grapes. So there is some red and black fruit and some dark chocolate, augmented at 2 g/L residual sugar. It is available only in a recycled paperboard bottle; there are instructions on the Frugalpac bottle on how to recycle if you are not bringing it back to The Beer Store for a deposit return. It's a great idea, first launched in Italy in June 2020. And it's a more sustainable form of packaging [packaging and transportation is more than half of the wine carbon footprint]. Frugalpac bottles are 94% recycled paper, and are used (with a separate liner) for wines, spirits and olive oils. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Windrush Estate Hockley Valley Jim Warren Classic Chardonnay 2018 Foxcroft Vineyard VQA Beamsville Bench $65 at winery, only 80 cases made [2019 is $49.95]: these are indeed the latest Jim Warren Classic Chardonnays available for sale. His chardonnays embrace both an opening aromatic nose and a terrific mid-palate taste of what he is known for: rich stone fruit, some tropicality and orchard fruit, a judicious use of oak, ending with a citric minerality for a strong food wine. Bearing in mind what you get from California and Europe that costs much more, this is a great price for value. 3g/L residual sugar. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 94 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SUNDAY SAIL SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island    2021  +22850  $19.95 Vintages: this is an exceptionally fresh savvy just loaded with citrus peel zest character (think lime, grapefruit, lemon) and that distinctive Kiwi herbal taste base. Just released at Vintages, and perfect for summer patio/deck/bbq/outdoors imbibing. Make sure you get some before they run out! Try as a refreshing sipper or (because of its long finish)  with first course foods. I had mine with an herbal salad of microgreens and piquant leaves, chopped hard boiled eggs, and some squash soup with house made croutons. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. APRIL 22, 2022 1.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 Vintages on May 21 and again on November 19: a summer social sipper or quaffer (and for Thanksgiving too), combining 54% riesling and 18% chardonnay with 15% pinot grigio and 13% gewurztraminer – all highly aromatic grapes. The percentages change from vintage to vintage depending on vineyard conditions. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. A popular seller with 1282 cases. Incredibly fresh and fruity tones for summer. 14g/L residual sugar. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2020 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, plentiful lime, grapefruit) evolving to Ontario orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long lean-ish finish which also makes it nifty food wine for many Asiatic dishes. Medium body, off-dry. Suitable for aging, to get that “petrol” character. 2573 cases made. 10.5% ABV. RS 20.7g/L. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +89011 Vintages April 30 and and again on October 8: 20% of this wine went into neutral Canadian oak barrel fermentation, leaving 80% for stainless steel. That contributed to the softness and to the muted tones of grassiness. Tropical flowers are accented rather than tropical fruit, and this too adds to its dryness culminating with ending citrus notes for a long finish. It's a great wine for savvy lovers who go for complexity rather than just herbs. At the same time, this allows for more food choices. Only 542 cases. 4g/L residual sugar, 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 +149302 Vintages October 8: one of my faves. Over the years it has simply gotten better as the grapevines matured. Wild indigenous yeast is used. Good mid-tone oaky component (it is very easy to say it is mid-way between French and US oak) from the use of nearby Canadian oak trees. 10% new oak, 90% 1 to 5 year old. Terrific ripe orchard fruit aromas and palate. Plus vanillin and cream after the mid-palate leading to citric food- friendly finish. Needs more time for balancing, but then at that moment it will be awesome. 14% ABV. 1.69g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Featherstone Estate Winery Pinot Grigio 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +20599 Vintages August 13: this is a highly competitive category, but Featherstone goes up very well against the other PGs in Ontario, especially with its slight yellow colour. It's colour and even its taste can slot it into the rose category, or even the “orange” wine area. Typical nuances include off-dry orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic melon-ish overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with slightly bitter citric notes. That makes it both a sipper and a food wine, suitable as a pre-prandial in the summer. There is some Ontario cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, but also with some peach notes. Stainless steel all the way, with half being pressed immediately and half left to soak on skins before pressing. 10g/L residual sugar. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Featherstone Estate Winery Rose 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 +117861 Vintages May 21 and again on September 10: over the years, this rose has had different and varying amounts of grape varieties – all dependent on what wily winemaker David Johnson sees as the best possible blend. In the past it has had pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, as well as gamay noir, merlot, chardonnay, and cabernet franc. This latest vintage (2021) has cabernet sauvignon 33.3%, gamay noir 60%, and pinot noir 6.7%. It's extremely useful for any event, any occasion, with any food, or just alone as a sipper on the beach/patio/deck/terrace/backyard/porch/balcony – even in front of a roaring fireplace (as I did just this week when the snow dropped in High Park North a few days before Earth Day). Expect plenty of red fruit tones in its deliciousness. Great price. 1662 cases. 7g/L residual sugar, 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a blend of 95% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. All US oak was used – 25% new, balance into 1 to 4 year old barrels. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of tastes of cherry-berries and plums, leafy qualities. Black pepper. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving acid balances. Vegan. Should go well with BBQ veggies. Keep for another few years (I tasted one bottle over a week). 2106 cases. 2.59g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +131540 Vintages April 30 and again on Nov 5: 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 2g/L) drop that is also affordable. Aged 10 months in French oak, 100% malolactic fermentation. Expect black fruit cherry-berry complexity, headed by cassis. Both a patio sipper and a food wine, and ready now for current drinking and accompanying any kind of comfort food. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. APRIL 27, 2022 – 1.Chateau des Charmes Rose Cuvee d’Andree 2021 Estate Grown VQA NOTL, $18.95 +333260 at winery, online, and LCBO: 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 12.2% ABV. Stainless steel fermentation of course, and twist top. Refreshing. A previous Ontario Wine Awards Gold Winner in 2016. 4.2g/L residual sugar. Vegan friendly: no animal products used in filtering. 675 cases produced. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2017 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard VQA St.David's Bench, +332858, $44.95 at winery and online: Quite a powerful wine, lots of stylish Burgundian forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red berry fruit. It was last produced in 2016. Needs some time, maybe three more years. 13.5% ABV. It will also show better with food such as Asian salmon preps or veal or lamb. Cork closure. Residual sugar is 1.2g/L. 1200 cases produced. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay 2020 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard VQA St David's Bench, +287268, $34.95 (online and winery): one of several chardonnays at different price points from Chateau des Charmes. My last vintage tasted was the 2016. Barrel fermented and barrel aged in French oak for almost a year, with lees stirring. 30-year old vines. Expect soft balance with nuances of minerality and some muted tropicality, served up with orchard fruit and melons. Cork closure. Long finish. One of my fave chards, but do not serve overchilled. 474 cases. 0.4g/L residual sugar. 12.2% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.KACABA IRRESISTIBLE SPARKLING 2019, $30.15 winery and online: [also known as Joanne's Blend, formulated for Joanne Kacaba herself] an amazingly “irresistible” sparkling rose with fresh aromas of strawberries and summer peaches. The blend is 66% chardonnay, 20% pinot noir, and 14% pinot meunier, fermented separately and blended in stainless steel for 22 months. Then it was transferred to a Charmat tank for two months, aging on its lees. A great aperitif for the patio/deck/balcony/terrace/boat, or paired with light cheeses (especially a baked brie). Off-dry complexity. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.KACABA CABERNET/SYRAH 2017 +26424 Vintages May 21, $30.15 also at winery and online: this is a blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon (27% each) with syrah (46%), the latter being the oldest planting in Ontario. 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. Matured in French and American oak barrels for 13 months or so. 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 make a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in a re-sealed bottle for a week or so, with daily tastings. The wine itself will be at its peak in a few more years. 5.4 g/L residual sugar. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Down to here for June 18 release. Varvaglione 12E MEZZO Primitivo del Salento 2020 IGT Puglia, $14.95 +395053: This full-bodied red has a dried herbal character, and also shows its warm ripe fruit (plums, cherries) and spicy mocha vanilla tones from three months in US oak barriques. It is very smooth in that over-the-top California zinfandel manner, very BBQ friendly. Sip or drink with red-based food such as pasta and pizza, or anything BBQ. Very affordable price. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 1.The Date and Time: Monday April 25, 2022 11AM – 1PM session The Event: Taste Ontario! Toronto Trade and Media Tasting 2022 The Venue: Park Hyatt Toronto The Target Audience: wine media, agents, sommeliers, opinion makers. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are at the winery, some are at the LCBO. Full details were included in the catalogue. The Quote/Background: There was a Media Tasting Room up on the 17th floor where writers could relax and sample wines at their leisure. The Wines: all prices are retail. I tasted only these wines out of the 300 or so available. LCBO numbers where available. **** BEST -- Four Stars (90+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -13th Street Winery Cuvée Rosé Niagara Peninsula NV 12.5% 147504 $29.95 -180 Estate Winery Gamay Rosé Sparkling Creek Shores 2021 11% $30.20 -180 Estate Winery Gamay Noir Reserve Creek Shores 2019 13% $46.20 -Bachelder Les Villages Chardonnay 'Bench' Niagara Escarpment 2020 $34.95 -Closson Chase Vineyards Churchside Pinot Noir Prince Edward County 2019 12% +265074 $42.00 -Lighthall Vineyards Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2019 12.5% $36 -Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard County Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2019 12.5% +381715 $49.20 -Rosehall Run Vineyards JCR Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2019 12% $36 -Rosehall Run Ceremony Prince Edward County 2017 12% $36 -Rosehall Run Hungry Point Sauvignon Blanc Prince Edward County 2020 12.5% $28 -13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc Niagara Peninsula 2019 12.5% $29.95 -2027 Cellars Fox Croft Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2020 13% $25 -Cave Spring Vineyard Blanc de Blancs CSV Beamsville Bench 2015 12% $49.95 -Cave Spring Vineyard Pinot Gris Estate Beamsville Bench 2020 14% $27.95 -Cave Spring Vineyard Chardonnay CSV Beamsville Bench 2019 14% +529941 $29.95 -Cloudsley Cellars Wingfield Vineyard Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2019 13% $50 -Cloudsley Cellars Foxcroft Vineyard Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2019 13% $50 -Cloudsley Cellars Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench Beamsville Bench VQA 2018 13% $35 -Hidden Bench Estate Winery Bistro Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2017 13% $16.93 Lic -Meldville Wines Sauvignon Blanc Lincoln Lakeshore 2019 12.5% $20 -Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay Niagara Escarpment 2020 13.5% +424507 $29.99 -Fogolar Hanck Vineyard Riesling 2019 VQA Twenty Mile Bench 12.5% $19.95 -Southbrook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 VQA Four Mile Creek 13% $45 -Chateau des Charmes Wines Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Niagara-on-the-Lake 2019 13% +81653 $14.95 -Chateau des Charmes Wines Rosé, Cuvée d’Andrée Niagara-on-the-Lake 2021 12% +333260 $18.95 -Chateau des Charmes Wines Brut Sparkling Niagara-on-the-Lake NV 12.5% +224766 $25.95 -Drea's Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc Niagara Peninsula 2019 12.5% $26.50 -Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve White Meritage Niagara Peninsula 2020 13% +360297 $25.95 -Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2019 13.5% +593996 $20.95 -Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Entourage Brut Niagara Peninsula 2017 13% +234161 $29.95 -Southbrook Winery Estate Skin Fermented White (Orange) Ontario 2020 10.7% +628065 $29.95 -Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2018 12.7% +172338 $24.95 -Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Lake Erie North Shore 2020 13% $20.15 -Featherstone Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2019 12.5% +149302 $22.95 -Featherstone Winery Sauvignon blanc Niagara Peninsula 2021 12% +89011 $17.95 -Icellars Estate Winery Pinot Noir Niagara-on-the-Lake 2019 13.5% $30 -Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Meritage Niagara Escarpment 2017 13.6% $33.15 -Lailey Winery Stonebridge Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2019 13.8% $48 -Southbrook Winery Poetica Red Four Mile Creek 2019 14% $70 -Tawse Winery Robyn's Block Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2019 13% $46.95 -Two Sisters Vineyards Eleventh Post Niagara River 2017 14.5% +20935 $45 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Icellars Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc Twenty Mile Bench 2019 13.5% $35 -Cooper's Hawk Vineyards North Block Sparkling Ontario 2016 12.5% $25.15 -Broken Stone Winery Chenin Blanc Prince Edward County 2020 12% $29.95 -Broken Stone Winery County Grown Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2020 12.7% +668269 $26.95 -Broken Stone Winery Gewürztraminer "Applehouse Vineyard" Prince Edward County 2019 11.6% $21.95 -Closson Chase Vineyards Ridge South Clos Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2019 12.5% $42 -Closson Chase Loyalist Chardonnay Prince Edward County 2020 12% $26 -Trail Estate Winery Chardonnay (Cold Creek Vineyard) Prince Edward County 2020 14% $45 -Trail Estate Oh Julius Ontario 2021 10.5% $35 -Traynor Family Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Niagara Peninsula 2020 13.9% $20 -Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling Ontario NV 12% +418657 $17.95 -North 42 Degrees Estate Winery Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Extra Dry Ontario 2020 12.5% $24.95 -Calamus Estate Winery Barrel Kissed Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2021 13.5% $21.95 -Cloudsley Cellars Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula Niagara Peninsula 2019 13% $25 -Malivoire Melon Beamsville Bench 2021 12% $21.95 -Megalomaniac Wines "Outspoken" Unoaked Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2020 13.5% $18.95 -Rennie Estate Winery Christine Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2017 13% $40 -Westcott Vineyards Violette Sparkling Brut Niagara Escarpment 2021 12.5% $25.99 -Drea's Wine Co. Rose Niagara Peninsula 2020 12.5% $26.50 -Inniskillin Niagara Estate Winery Montague Vineyard Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2019 13% $25.95 -Lailey Winery Orange Skin Fermented White Niagara River 2021 11.7% $33 -Lakeview Wine Co. Lakeview Barrel Aged Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2017 13% +17633 $22.95 -Two Sisters Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2019 13% $39 The Food: boards of cheeses, charcuterie, dried and fresh fruits, nuts, breads, et al at convenient locations outside the noisy trade hall. The Downside: I had to leave in order to get to my next winetasting, a Portuguese event. The Upside: the Media Room was a relaxing delight where I could evade the noise and contemplate a wine at my own speed. The Contact Person: andrea.peters@wmao.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. =========================================================== The Date and Time: Thursday, May 5, 2022 11AM to 2PM The Event: Bringing New Zealand to You wine trade show The Venue: Globe and Mail Centre The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: paperless – it was all online but downloadable. There were no prices, just price ranges, and no tech sheet links. I downloaded all the chardonnay names, and that formed the basis of my tasting that morning. The Quote/Background: This was a maskless, agent-less, pour-your-own session, so we could go at our own speed and also not have to talk to anybody. A tech sheet was provided for each wine. And every now and then there was an agency tent card with specifics on those wines available at the LCBO, including SKU number. The Wines: I did not taste every wine (there were 105 samples available). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Kumeu River Wines Estate Chardonnay 2020 Auckland -Kupe Escarpment Wines Chardonnay 2015 Martinborough -Soljans Estate Barrique Reserve Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2019 -Clearview Wines Estate Chardonnay 2018 Hawke's Bay -No.1 Family Estate Cuvee No.1 Methode Traditionale Sparkling Wine NV Wairu Valley [chardonnay] -Johanneshof Cellars Marlborough EMMI Method Traditionale 2009 Wairu Valley [pinot noir, chardonnay] -Greywacke Vineyards Chardonnay 2017 Wairu Valley -Giesen Group Chardonnay “The Fuder Clayvin” 2015 Southern Valleys -Neudorf Vineyards Neudork Rosie's Block Chardonnay 2018 Nelson -Bell Hill Chardonnay North Canterbury 2016 -Quartz Reef Methode Traditionale Brut NV Central Otago -Felton Road Chardonnay Bannockburn 2018 Central Otago -The Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Hawke's Bay -Rapaura Springs Bull Paddock Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Marlborough -Paddy Borthwick Vineyards Pinot Gris 2019 Wairarapa -Hans Herzog Family Estate - Pinot Noir 2016 Wairau Valley $57 -Auntsfeld Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 Marlborough -Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Pinot Noir 2019 Awatere Valley ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -The Landing Chardonnay 2020 Northland -Matawhero Wines 2020 Single Vineyard Chardonnay -Oyster Bay Rose 2021 Marlborough [pinot noir, chardonnay] at LCBO -Fromm Winery Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay 2019 Marlborough -Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2020 Marlborough at LCBO -Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Marlborough -URLAR Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Wairarapa -The Hunting Lodge Seasonal Marlborough Albarino 2019 Marlborough -Dry River Riesling 'Craighall' 2019 Martinborough -Hans Herzog Family Estate - Mistral 2016 Marlborough [Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne] -Nautilus Estate of Marlborough Opawa Pinot Noir 2018 Wairau Valley -Folium Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 Marlborough -Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 Wairau Valley The Food: we had bamboo boats of cheeses (yummy truffle cheese), veggies, fruits, and breads/crackers, and cold cuts. They were worth lugging about. The Downside: some of us had a small discussion on the pour-your-own feature – should we not be wearing gloves to lessen any contact with covid-19? Plastic gloves could have easily been provided or we could have been told to bring our own. Gloves are in the same category as masks: protection. The Upside: a chance to taste in silence The contact person: melissa.stunden@nzwine.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. ======================================================================== The Date and Time: Monday, May 9, 2022 7Pm to 10PM The Event: Wine Dinner and Tasting of Filare Italia The Venue: Posticino, Etobicoke The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: only one wine is currently available (Ribolla Giallo IGT) but the others may be imported soon. The Quote/Background: The writers had a talk with Marco Tam and Vincenzo Castana who described the “green” technical aspect of wine production in the far NorthEast section of Italy, upper Friuli Venezia Giulia (bordering the Adriatic, Slovenia, Austria and Venice). They own 100 hectares of vineyard plus other properties. They integrate sustainability with bioeconomy and produce digestate, an organic fertilizer resulting from the processing of biogas. This is then distributed in the fields of the vineyards. The Wines: We tasted five wines with dinner (see menu below). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Filare Italia Ribolla Gialla IGT Friuli Venezia Giulia 2020, +23098 $14.95, June 18 Vintages release. {very aromatic on the nose with some almonds and walnuts on the palate,and a long finish to accompany food; 12.5% ABV, low residual sugar}. -Filare Italia Ribolla Gialla Brut NV $15.50 n/a {impressive with a phenomenal mid-palate at a decent price: apples, citric minerality, white flowers, fresh and creamy. Best as an aperitif or first course seafood wine. 12% ABV, low residual sugar} ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Filare Italia Pinot Grigio DOC Friuli Venezia Giulia 2019 $16 n/a {hot nose but a lush mid-palate moving on to elegance and refreshment. 12% ABV, low residual sugar} -Filare Italia Merlot Rive DOC Friuli Venezia Giulia 2020 $16.75 n/a {intense, firm and full with aromatics of berries and a soft finish. 12.5% ABV, low residual sugar} -Filare Italia Cabernet Sauvignon DOC Friuli Venezia Giulia 2020 $16.75 n/a {concentrated garnet colour and a nose suggestive of forest floor and herbs, light but with a good tight structure that will improve and unwind with age. 12% ABV, low residual sugar} The Food: Chef Antonio of Posticino prepared dinner with the appropriate wines. First up was a tomato bruschetta with the Pinot Grigio 2019, a good marriage. This was followed by a salumi selection plate of two slices each of three kinds of salami, four different cheeses including mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano, two lightly fried tempura shrimp, and olives. All with the impressive “wine of the night” – Filare Italia Ribolla Gialla IGT Friuli Venezia Giulia 2020, +23098, $14.95 in June. Next up was the pasta course: paccheri pork ragu, delightful with the aromatic Merlot Rive 2020. The fourth course had the three ribs of a rack of lamb, swiftly grilled and then plated on a bed of polenta, accompanied by the Cabernet Sauvignon 2020. The Downside: not everybody arrived on time. The Upside: kudos to Chef Antonio for his patience and food matching excellence!! The Contact Person: Sandy Garofalo at spg@caliberwines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. ====================================================================== The Date and Time: Monday May 16, 2022 11:30AM to 2:30PM The Event: Taste the Essence – Cotes du Rhone The Venue: 1 Kitchen (inside 1 Hotel) The Target Audience: wine sommeliers, wine press. The Availability/Catalogue: there were 8 wines, and we had full notes and some prices, plus other material about the Cotes du Rhone wines. 25 of us attended the seminar on one long table plus some booths. The Quote/Background: Sara d'Amato, via Powerpoint preentation, led us in the seminar, discussing microclimates and types of grapes (23 varieties!). It's a winemaker's paradise with multiple chances to blend varieties together to produce multiple spectra of aromas. 75% of its AOC wines is “Cotes du Rhone” (88% of these are reds, 5% are white and 6% are rose), and more and more of them are moving to SNOB – sustainable, natural, organic and/or biodynamic. The Wines: Some of us tasted the Southern Rhone wines separately, but ultimately it was a food and wine pairing lunch, with pours of 8 wines to try against the foods. See below for the menu. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Lavau La Decelle AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Valreas Blanc 2020, $18.95 SAQ through Connexion Oenophilia. [firm, good finish, apricots, vanilla, honey, even garrigue. 50% viognier, 50% marsanne, 13.5% ABV] -Brotte Bord Elegance AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Laudun Blanc 2021, agent in Ontario is Mark Anthony [higher acid levels for dryness apricots, orchard fruit, citric fruits, almonds, 80% grenache blanc, 13.5% ABV] -Maison Gabriel Meffre Laurus AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Rouge 2017, $21.10 SAQ through Trajectory [low yields, tight tannins, fruity garrigue of rosemary and blueberry, one to lay down more. 60% grenache, 35% syrah, 14% ABV] -Cave de Cairanne Le Chene Noir AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Rouge 2019, agent is Signature Wines & Spirits.[grenache 50%, carignan 30%, syrah 20%, dark in colour with red fruits in aromas (raspberries, strawberries, red currants), peppery finish. Good character. 14.5% ABV] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vignerons de l'Enclave Chasses Nurges AOC Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2019, $16.20 at SAQ, repped by Divin Paradis in Quebec. [delicious, aromatic freshness of apricots and vanilla, light finish, 14% ABV] -Cellier des Dauphins Les Dauphins AOC Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2020, $14.05, agent is Churchill Cellars.[convenient twist top, bright and smooth with some caramelization, anise, vanilla. 13.5% ABV] -Chateau Le Grand Retour AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu Rouge 2019, $17.95 at Nicholas Pearce Wines.[grenache 70%, syrah $20, mourvedre 10%, typical GSM with red stone fruits, dark fruits, anise, spices. 14.5% ABV] -Les Cassagnes de la Nerthe AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages Rouge 2019, agent Woodman WS [syrah 50%, grenache 30%, mourvedre 15%, violet and pepper notes, soft tannins, but a hot finish. 15% ABV] The Food: The menu was very important, to show off the wines, and that it did admirably. We began with the Chasses Nurges as aperitif, moving on to the La Decelle which accompanied charcuterie boards of meats (one smokey, one spicy, one air cured, along with baba ghanoush bites on crisp breads and with tomatoes). The second course had individual fiore pasta from Queen's Pasta with nut free basil pesto. The Bord Elegance was the wine, and it met the flavours of the pasta. We had three wines with our bison striploin (Les Dauphins, Laurus, and the Chateau Le Grand Retour) so it was a better comparison with the wines and accompaniment of truffled rutabaga puree, crispy kale, and broccolini. The fourth course was a platter of cheeses, including the awesome Black truffle Mountainoak Gouda [cow], the Ash Goat, and a smokey Blue Haze. Wines were: Les Cassagnes de la Nerthe and Le Chene Noir. The Downside: I had to do a massive food shopping just before the tasting, but I did get there just as activities began. The Upside: a chance to taste some new-to-me Cotes du Rhone wines, especially the whites. The Contact Person: elina.lam@sopexa.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 The Date and Time: May 25, 2022 12:30P – 3:30P The Event: New York State of Wine Trade Event The Venue: The Livmore, Gerrard Street West The Target Audience: wine writers, sommeliers, agents The Availability/Catalogue: another online catalogue which I had to print out (I don't mind doing this, but it would make sense for all the trade shows to get together and make a common format so we can template it. Each single download or other accessibility point was different, much like restaurant charge card machines)...In general, the New York data included varieties used and a possible Canadian retail price. The Quote/Background: there was a structured tasting before the walk around tasting, with Jennifer Huether MS, Sara D'amato, and Christopher Bates MS. Bates discussed the evolving wine scene in New York State. We tasted some 12 seminar wines from Long Island and the Finger Lakes. The Wines: I did not try every one of the 40+ wines in the self-pour walk around portion. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Wölffer Estate Vineyard Summer In A Bottle Rosé 2021 Lake Ontario (Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc) CA$37.05 -Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Riesling Dry 2019 Finger Lakes West Seneca CA$24.53 -Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars T23 Cabernet Franc 2019 Finger Lakes East Seneca CA$25 -Boundary Breaks #239 Dry Riesling 2019 Finger Lakes CA$28.89 -Boundary Breaks Cabernet Franc 2020 Finger Lakes CA$25.21 -Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Classique 2019 Finger Lakes CA$44.95 -Mazza Chautauqua Cellars Riesling, Nutt Road 2017 Finger Lakes CA$20 -Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling Argetsinger Vineyard 2019 Finger Lakes CA$41.21 -Heron Hill Winery Ingle Vineyard Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes price not available -Living Roots Wine & Co. Finger Lakes Riesling Pétillant Naturel 2020 CA$29.95 -Element Winery Cabernet Franc 2020 Finger Lakes price not available -Element Winery Riesling 2010 Finger Lakes price not available -Element Winery Riesling 2009 Finger Lakes price not available -Heron Hill Winery Classic Blaufrankisch 2019 Finger Lakes price not available ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Lieb Cellars Estate Sparkling Pinot Blanc 2019 North Fork of Long Island CA$39.95 -Channing Daughters Ramato 2020 Long Island (98% Pinot Grigio, 2% Muscat) CA$44.95 -Hound's Tree Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Long Island North Fork price not available -Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Grüner Veltliner 2019 Finger Lakes CA$31.95 -Fox Run Vineyards Lemberger 2019 Finger Lakes price not available -Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars Round Rock Vineyard Riesling 2019 Finger Lakes CA$33 -Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Caywood East Dry Riesling 2020 Finger Lakes CA$24.99 -RGNY-North Fork Scielo Rose 2020 Long Island (Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) CA$12 -RGNY - North Fork Scielo NY Tinto 2018 Long Island (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot) CA$14.98 -Mazza Chautauqua Cellars Chambourcin The Perfect Rose 2020 Lake Erie CA$15.00 -Lieb Cellars Estate Cabernet Franc 2020 North Fork of Long Island (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Teroldego) CA$39.95 -Red Newt Cellars The Knoll Riesling, Lahoma Vineyards 2017 Finger Lakes CA$50.00 -Red Newt Cellars Cabernet Franc 2019 Finger Lakes CA$25.00 -Brotherhood Winery Pinot Noir 2017 Finger Lakes CA$27.95 -Channing Daughters Tocai Friulano 2020 Long Island (Friulano,Sauvignon Blanc)CA$37.95 The Food: Fresh City Farms provided us with both a box of cheese, charcuterie, pickles, olives, bread, and biscuits, AND a hot dog BBQ with substantial cut green salads with sesame, chick peas, et al. On the terrace, with glorious sunshine. The Downside: I got lost getting to the Livmore – I was unfamiliar with the area after all these years of house sitting. Also, there were no bottles of Chardonnay, just Riesling and a variety of reds. (see above) The Upside: a chance to re-connect with New York wines – it has been some time for me, about five years. The Contact Person: Melissa Stunden melissa@amcc-inc.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. The Date and Time: Monday May 30, 2022 Noon - 4PM The Event: 2022 Chianti Classico Esperienze The Venue: The Globe and Mail Centre, King Street The Target Audience: wine trade, wine writers, sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: as with all the current wine shows in Toronto, there was no print catalogue – it was all virtual for specific data about terroir, history, DOC coverage, production, etc. (facts and figures). Prices were available but from the sgents in attendance. The Quote/Background: There were 35 wineries promoting Chianti Classico at three or so levels (regular, reserve, and gran selezione. Also, there were dedicated tables for Vin Santo DOC (12 of them) plus Olive Oil DOP (14 of them). The tables were arranged by the 11 appellations. The Wines: I did not try every wine, although I did try at least one wine per winery. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bellezza Cavaliere d'Oro San Casciano 2015 -Colli Fiorentini Chianti Classico San Casciano3 Riserva La Verita 2014 -Villa Mangiacane Chianti Classico San Casciano Riserva 2017 -Villa Mangiacane Chianti Classico San Casciano Gran Selezione 2016 -Carpineto Chianti Classico Greve Gran Selezione 2016 -Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Picchio Greve 2018 -Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Gtan Selezione La Prima Greve 2018 -Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello Montefioralle 2016 -Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo Panzano 2018 -Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Riserva Panzano 2018 $29 Le Sommelier Licensee -Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Margone Panzano 2016 $49 Le Sommelier Licensee -Tenuta Carobbio Chianti Classico Riserva Panzano 2015 -Arillo in Terrabianca Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio Croce Radda 2019 -Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Gaiole 2019 -Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva Gaiole 2017 -Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva Cultus Gaiole 2017 -Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Millennio Gaiole 2015 -Fèlsina Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia Rancia Castelnuovo Berardenga 2018 -Lecci e Brocchi Chianti Classico Riserva Il Chiorba Castelnuovo Berardenga 2018 -Lecci e Brocchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Celerarium Castelnuovo Berardenga 2015 -San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio Castelnuovo Berardenga 2018 -San Felice Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio Castelnuovo Berardenga 2017 -Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vagliagli 2016 -Dievole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina Vagliagli 2016 -Casale dello Sparviero Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castellina 2018 -Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo Castellina 2019 -Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ser Lapo Castellina 2018 -Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Valore di Famiglia Castellina 2016 -Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli Sergioveto Castellina 2016 -Tenuta Villa Trasqua Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Nerento Castellina 2016 -Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Donato in Poggio 2015 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Isole e Olena Chianti Classico San Donato in Poggio 2019 -Tenuta Villa Trasqua Chianti Classico Riserva Fanatico Castellina 2017 -Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Riserva Sergioveto Castellina 2018 -Lornano Chianti Classico Riserva Le Bandite Castellina 2017 -Lornano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castellina 2015 -Casale dello Sparviero Chianti Classico Riserva Castellina 2018 -Cecchi Chianti Classico Villa Cerna Primocolle Castellina 2017 -Fattoria della Aiola Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Cancello Rosso 2017 -Dievole Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento Vagliagli 2018 -Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Misciano Vagliagli 2018 -Tolaini Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette Castelnuovo Berardenga 2018 -Tenuta Casenuove Chianti Classico Riserva Panzano 2017 -Capannelle Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole 2016 -Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Panzano 2019 $22 Le Sommelier Licensee -Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva Lamole 2017 -Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva Gaiole 2018 -Fèlsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia Castelnuovo Berardenga 2018 -Conti Capponi - Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Bastignano Montefioralle 2016 -Fontodi Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole Panzano 2019 -Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Riserva Montefioralle 2017 -Vecchie Terre di Montefili Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano 2017 -Querciabella Chianti Classico Riserva Greve 2017 -Castelli del Grevepesa Chianti Classico Riserva San Casciano Clemente VII 2018 -Castelli del Grevepesa Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Casciano Clemente VII 2016 -Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva d'Oro San Casciano 2016 -Carpineto Chianti Classico Greve Riserva 2017 -Lanciola Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Le Masse di Greve 2016 -Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Greve Riserva 2018 -Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Riserva Agostino Petri Greve 2018 -Lanciola Chianti Classico Riserva Le Masse di Greve 2016 The Food: Catering was by the always excellent Ascari – -Crostini neri (chicken liver and fried sage on toast) -Farinata – rosemary and chickpea pancake, whipped ricotta, sundried olives -Funghi pizza slices – cremini mushroom, gorgonzola DOP, garlic, chives -Ribolita – kale and white bean stew on sourdough toast -Coccoli prosciutto & stracchino – cheese-filled fried dough ball covered with cured ham. Plus coffee... The Downside: I had no time to try the vin santo DOCs on offer, nor the olio DOP The Upside: there was a media room with all the bottles, and there were chairs. So it was relatively easy to taste and appraise. The Contact Person: kelly@predhomme.ca or amanda@predhomme.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 7.KACABA Rebecca Rose VQA Niagara Peninsula 2021+227025 July 16 Vintages, $20.15: a nicely pale-coloured gamay wine (formerly a blend of cabernets), coming in at 11.7% ABV. Dry (3g/L residual sugar) style red fruits: strawbs, red currant, sweet cherries, cranberry (hey, it's Ontario) with a touch of pink watermelon for added complexity. Stainless steel used for storage. Goes with just about everything. A nicely balanced rose which reminded me of Provence. And it gets high scores at the Wine Writer's Circle of Canada rose tastings. 60 cases at the LCBO, more at the winery. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.KACABA Susan's Sauvignon Blanc VQA Niagara Peninsula 2021 winery and online at kacaba.com, $20.15: another summer series wine, quaffable in its tropicality and lowered zesty herbaceousness. Good mouthfeel, nice dry finish for appetizers on the patio/deck/balcony/porch. Stainless steel storage. No malolactic fermentation, thus the crispness and freshness has been preserved. It has Good Memories of Sauvignon Blanc, making it another social wine for the patio or with first-course food. 3g/L residual sugar. 10.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. =========================================June 3 Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay Organic 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $25: fruit is from two contracted growers, all barrel fermented in oak (2d and 3rd year barrels). Wild fermentation, wild malolactic fermentation, lees aging one year, all vegan friendly. Very soft and engaging, much like the 2016 in its youth, some toast but a longish length. Showing some orchard fruit (such as pears) on the mid-palate. Burgundian in style with citric zest in the mid-palate, long finish. Best tasted in contemplation, underpriced. Do not overchill. Twist top. Try with creamy cow's milk (Brie, Camembert) or Alpine Gruyere; also, simple roasted chicken. 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. King's Court Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $20.95: there are many different fruit profiles for savvies in the world, ranging from the kiwi herbal zestiness to blowsy fruit-forward flavours. This one is a bit more open and approachable, showing some green orchard fruit, some stone fruits, citric tones on the finish, and a crispness that needs food. It is well-within the range of North American sauvignon blanc wines. But do not overchill when you serve it on the patio/deck/terrace. Try with BBQ, creamy pasta, or grilled sandwiches. 12.5% ABV. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. REPORT FROM THE NORTHWEST WINE EXPEDITION TRADE SHOW JUNE 6 2022 The Date and Time: Monday June 6 Noon to 4PM The Event: Northwest Wine Expedition Trade Show The Venue: Steam Whistle Brewing, Locomotive Hall, Bremner Blvd The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, agents The Availability/Catalogue: The BottleBooks catalogue of 192 products was online and accessible by mobile. Information was provided on the name of the product, AVA, types of grapes used, suggested pricing, and the like. The Quote/Background: The potential usefulness of BottleBooks was shown by the host information on the event and making connections digitally. The Wines: There were 192 wines (plus or minus, as there were last minute additions and subtractions). Many wineries were seeking representation in Ontario. Few had tech/sales sheets. I only tasted Chardonnays and Sparkling wines. Among the latter, I certainly enjoyed: Treveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay) NV Four Stars 91+ Treveri Cellars Blanc de Noir (Pinot Noir) NV Four Stars 91+ Treveri Cellars Brut Zero (Chardonnay) NV Four Stars 91+ Sokol Blosser Bluebird Cuvee Sparkling 2019 (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Müller- Thurgau, Muscat) Three and a half Stars 88 – 90 **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Revana Vineyards Alexana Chardonnay Terroir Series 2020 $46 retail Le Sommelier. -A to Z Wineworks REX HILL Seven Soils Chardonnay 2019 -Adelsheim Vineyard Staking Claim Chardonnay 2018 -Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge Chardonnay 2018 -Milbrandt Estates Chardonnay 2018 -Milbrandt Family Chardonnay 2020 -Centerstone Willamette Valley Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2017 -Citation Oregon Chardonnay Cristom Vineyards 2015 -Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay 2020 -Domaine Drouhin Oregon Roserock Chardonnay 2018 $26.95 -Foris Vineyards and Winery Chardonnay 2019 $23.95 DB Wine and Spirits -Phelps Creek Lynette Chardonnay 2018 -Sokol Blosser Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2019 -Stoller Family Estate DUNDEE HILLS CHARDONNAY 2020 -The Eyrie Vineyards Chardonnay "The Eyrie" 2018 -Chateau Bianca Wetzel Estate Chardonnay 2019 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -A to Z Wineworks Oregon Chardonnay 2021 -Adelsheim Vineyard 2019 Willamette Valley -Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay 2020 -J. Bookwalter Readers Chardonnay 2020 (Chardonnay, 24% Viognier) -K Vintners Substance 'Ch' Chardonnay 2020 -Woodward Canyon Washington State Chardonnay 2020 -Division Chardonnay Un 2020 -Phelps Creek Chardonnay Columbia Gorge 2019 -Elk Cove Vineyards Pike Road Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2019 -Westmount Wine Co Westmount Chardonnay 2020 The Food: The Food Dudes provided many samples of hors d'oeuvre, such as reuben sliders, halloumi flatbreads with pears, chimichurri shrimp, tomato toasts with ricotta, prime steak tartare, seed crusted tuna, and avocados with veggies. Some food was provided by Pacific Northwest suppliers looking for agents. But no one seemed to have any bread or other platform to display the large number of sauces and dips and preserves. Overall, my favourite was Cardamon Hills Chutney which had a variety of chutneys that included apricot, apple-ginger, tomato, mango and quince. Laurel Brand had a great series of hazelnut spreads, macadamia butter, and hazel nut chocolates. The Downside: BottleBooks was affectionately known as BottleNecks by the Luddites The Upside: it was a large space and there was plenty of room for elbowing. The Contact Person: kelly@predhomme.ca and events@thefooddudes.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 =================================== The Date and Time: Wednesday June 15, 2022 11AM to 3PM for trade The Event: The Living Vine Acid Trip: portfolio tasting & try-and-buy The Venue: Birreria Volo, College Street The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are in stock. There was a two page order list, divided by country (France, Italy, Spain, New World, Hidden Bench). The Quote/Background: It was a great weather day, so all the tables were set up outside Volo in the street patio area, with umbrellas for shade. The Wines: There were 66 wines, ciders and no-al; I did not taste all of them. Prices are licensee. Delivery is free in Toronto, $6 a case outside Toronto. Wines listed are either 6 packs or 12 packs. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Clos Roussely L'Escale Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $20.66 -Terres Dorees Beaujolais Le Ronsay, $17.96 -Fattoria Sardi Pet-Nat [sparkler], $23.36 -Massimago Garangega 2021, $26.96 -Raimones Orange NV Spain, $31.46 -Alta Alella Pet-Nat Rose 2021, $27.86 -Portal del Priorat Luno Montsant 2020, $23.36 -Bodegas Comenge Biberius 2020, $19.76 -Nikolaihof Terrassen Gruner Veltliner 2019, $25.16 -Mouflon Muscat 2021 [partial skin contact], $24.98 -Mouflon Pinot Gris+Riesling 2021 [orange], $26.79 -Mouflon Viognier60+Chardonnay20+Marsanne20 [orange, magnum], $56.35 -Bordlet Sidre Brut Tendre [France], $17.96 -Cambridge Road Peche Naturalist 2021 New Zealand, $33.36 -Folklore Chardonnay 2019 Western Australia, $15.99 [Vintages +19905 $17.95 retail] -Hidden Bench Bistro Riesling 2017 VQA, $15.05 -Hidden Bench Bistro Chardonnay 2019 VQA, $19.71 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Langelier Polaris Muscadet 2020, $18.86 -Terres Dorees Bourgogne Pinot 2020, $26.96 -Orsogna Lunaria Ramoro Pinot Grigio, $19.76 -Cirelli Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Rose 2021, $23.36 -Antica Enotria Bianco 2020, $18.86 -Finca Fabian Sparkling NV [sauvignon blanc, viognier, chardonnay], $15.26 -Alta Alella GX Garnacha 2020, $20.66 -Meinklang Gruner Veltliner, $22.46 -Decideret Hip Hop Cider [dry hopped], $31.46 -Folklore Shiraz Western Australia, $17.65 -Jumpin' Juice Sunset [orange] NV, $33.26 -Jumpin' Juice Riesling NV, $33.26 -Alpamanta Breva Pais Pet-Nat Criolla 2021 Mendoza, $29.66 -Hidden Bench Bistro Pinot Noir 2019 VQA, $20.71 -Hidden Bench Locust Lane Rose 2021 VQA, $19,71 -Hidden Bench Nocturne Rose 2021 VQA, $19.71 -Hidden Bench Sauvignon Blanc Beton Methode 2021 VQA [concrete egg], $22.10 -Rachis & Derma Chardonnay 2020 VQA, $27.88 The Food: no food, but there was water. The Downside: no food (bread cubes would have helped) The Upside: “taste and try before you buy” – as the song says... The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca or danielle@thelivingvine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 ========== The Date and Time: Wednesday June 15, 2022 2:30P to 5:30P The Event: Rendez-Vous Beaujolais Walk-Around Trade Tasting The Venue: St Andrew's Hall & Lounge, 150 King Street Wes The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: There were four agents with presentations, while four other wineries were looking for representation. The catalogue was an interactive PDF file which allowed for more consistency. There was a description of each wine. The Quote/Background: It has been a decade or so since the last major Beaujolais tasting in Toronto. In that time, sales of Nouveau have flattened and the availability of wines from the number of villages (communes) had fallen off. It was a chance to re-discover the 12 appellations and 10 crus of Beaujolais. The Wines: Some wines did not arrive. I counted 42 wines at the show, and I tried to taste most of them in the limited time I had available. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -VINESCIENCE Beaujolais Blanc Signature 2021 Rogers & Co -VINESCIENCE Morgon Climats Grand Cras 2021 Rogers & Co -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Villages White 2020 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Morgon 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE LATHUILIÈRE-GRAVALLON Beaujolais Morgon Corcelette 2020 [seeking] -LES VINS J.M. AUJOUX Collection Aujoux en Beaujolais-Villages Blanc 2021 [seeking] -LES VINS J.M. AUJOUX Collection Aujoux en Morgon 2021 – HVE 3 [seeking] -LES VINS J.M. AUJOUX Côte de Brouilly Douze Perles 2020 -LES VINS GEORGES DUBOEUF Domaine du Riaz Côte de Brouilly 2020 PDandurand -LES VINS GEORGES DUBOEUF Domaine des 4 vents Fleurie 2019 PDandurand -LES VINS GEORGES DUBOEUF Brouilly 2020 PDandurand -LES VINS GEORGES DUBOEUF Morgon 2018 PDandurand -DOMAINE THIVOLLE Morgon Charmeur 2020 [seeking] -ALLIANCE DE VIGNERONS BOURGOGNE BEAUJOLAIS Moulin-à-Vent Coeur de Granit 2020 Vinexx ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -VINESCIENCE Beaujolais Rosé Signature 2021 Rogers & Co -VINESCIENCE Chiroubles Les Clochers du Beaujolais 2021 Rogers & Co -VINESCIENCE St-Amour Les Clochers 2021 Rogers & Co -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Chénas 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Fleurie Charbonnière 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Juliénas 4 Cerisiers 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Juliénas Beauvernay 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais Juliénas Vayolette 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE DE BOISCHAMPT Beaujolais St-Amour 2019 [seeking] -DOMAINE LATHUILIÈRE-GRAVALLON Beaujolais Blanc Roche Noire 2021 [seeking] -DOMAINES CHERMETTE Brouilly Pierreux 2021 [selection du maitre de chai PQ] -DOMAINES CHERMETTE Fleurie Poncié 2021 [selection du maitre de chai PQ] -DOMAINES CHERMETTE Moulin-à-Vent Les Trois Roches 2021[selection du maitre de chai PQ] -ALLIANCE DE VIGNERONS BOURGOGNE BEAUJOLAIS Chénas Coeur de Granit 2020 Vinexx -ALLIANCE DE VIGNERONS BOURGOGNE BEAUJOLAIS Beaujolais Villages 3 Madones 2021 Noble -ALLIANCE DE VIGNERONS BOURGOGNE BEAUJOLAIS Brouilly 3 Madones 2021 Noble The Food: There were two components – one was a combined fromage and charcuterie board, about two feet wide and six feet in length. Spectacular, to say the least. There were two of these. The boards also had crisps, breads, dried fruit, fresh fruit, and mustards. The only thing missing were the typical sausages. The other component were the individual platters of gamay smoked roasted salmon, beaujolais pork rillettes, rose smoked duck with stone fruit, and chardonnay crab and citrus salad. The Downside: I had to leave early. The Upside: the great fromage/charcuterie board! The Contact Person: liz@lluzzapr.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. ==================== WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR JANUARY 2021 [published regularly 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 11 -- 1.Henry of Pelham Estate Gamay 2019 VQA Ontario, +19903, $19.95 Vintages April 2021: [currently at 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 about 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. Hey, summer weather is coming! 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 1.Henry of Pelham Riesling Speck Family Reserve 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +643361 $27.95 [now available online and at winery]: absolutely delicious MVC intense riesling in a Mosel style (and using a Mosel clone), 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. Residual sugar is 15.4g/L, 9.8% ABV, cork closure, from HOP's oldest Estate vineyards (35+ year old riesling vines, handpicked, stainless steel fermentation). 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. 3.Sacred Hill Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2018 Marlborough, +490326, $21.95 Vintages February 20: 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. Some creaminess in the texture (60% was fermented in older French oak barrels, and 15% new oak was also used). If you lay it down, it should be even better next year! 12.5% ABV, twist top. Residual sugar 4g/L. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Lapis Luna Zinfandel 2018 North Coast AVA, +17264, $19.95 Vintages March 20, 2021: [cheese and rice, where do they come up with these labels? 400-year-old copperplate engravings]. Anyway, something to look at and something to read while you consume and meditate on the niftiness of the blend (80% zinfandel, 20% sangiovese) done up in 10% new French and US oak for 10 months. The rich zin has been curbed and lightened by the sour cherries of the sangiovese. Think of a variety of flavours: cedar, jammy black fruit (plums, blackberry, blueberry), spicy florets. Dark and bold flavours. 14.3# ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Durant & Booth Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Napa Valley, $34.95, +16565, Vintages February 6, 2021: The blend is cabernet sauvignon (87%), petit verdot (6%), merlot (5%), and petite sirah (2%). Chock full of some lightly floating red fruit (think cherries, strawbs, red mulberry) and then some plateaus of darker elements (plum, blueberry, mocha tones). Really good balance, but better after a year more in the bottle. There's some muscle here after 10 months in 25% new French oak. Do a double decant or taste it over a few days as I did. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. JANUARY 20 – 1.Troupis Fteri Moschofilero 2019 Greece, +647388 $14.95 Vintages March 20: 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. Price dropped $2 since the 2017 vintage was in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Estate 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268391 Vintages, February 20, $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 oak. Ready in a year or two. Dependable. And also available in Denmark, Hungary, Japan, USA and Czech Republic. Needs time; try a double decant. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench +616466, $29.95 [currently at winery] Vintages May 1: 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. 12.8% ABV, cork closure. Definitely needs another year – or more – in bottle in order to bring out the nuances. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165, $19.95 Vintages March 20: 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. 5.Buena Vista The Sheriff Sonoma County 2017 +539114, $49.95 Vintages March 6: well, here was a surprise – a really good wine from 10 different red grape varieties, a sort-of California Chateauneuf-du-Pape. For the record, this 2017 vintage has petite sirah (28%), petit verdot (21%), cabernet sauvignon (16%), carignan (9%), grenache (9%), syrah (7%), malbec (4%), cabernet franc (2%), merlot (2%), and mission (2%). The proportions can vary from vintage to vintage. All grapes were grown on different parcels in Sonoma. One of California's first sheriffs, Agoston Haraszthy was elected Sheriff of San Diego County in 1850. He built the first jail. This is a full and firm field blend type of wine, with aromas/palates of every good thing you could find in the “kitchen sink”: black fruit cassis, cherries, blackberries, plums, red raspberries – and then drifting off to mocha, followed by savouries such as black pepper and tobacco leaf. Oak aging was 10 months, with 15% new oak. The rich tannins need time, so put it away for a few years. If necessary, do a double decant and taste over several days. 15% ABV. Serve with rich game stews or tomahawk steaks. Quality/Price rating is 91-92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Cinsault 2018 Paarl South Africa +18618, $17.95 Vintages March 6: this is a broad basic, entry-level wine from a grape imported to South Africa via Languedoc and South Rhone. Indeed, cinsault is one of the parents of “pinotage” (the other is pinot noir). Until recently, it had the largest acreage planted in South Africa (cabernet sauvignon now has the largest number of plantings). This particular vineyard in 2018 had 30 year old cinsault vineyards. Expect some heady fruity ripeness aromas, a slight sweetness despite 3.8 g/L residual sugar, with a pronounced peppery backspin, much like grenache. Needs tomato sauce dishes, with veal-beef-pork meats. Cork closure. Ready now. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Gustave Lorentz Sylvaner Reserve 2019 +18160, $16.95, Vintages March 6: sylvaner is the workhorse wine of Alsace. It turns up everywhere by itself or as a zwicker wine. It is light and delicate, somewhat reminiscent of the pinot grigio style and mood. Indeed, it could have been marketed the same way. It's an uncomplicated fresh wine stressing lemons and citric attack with a dry finish. Aperitif wine or first course (seafood/fish). A good entry level wine with lots more body than the pinot grigio style. [a wine colleague of mine had accidentally left a car-trunk full of Alsatian white wines to freeze in the cold – only the sylvaner survived] 13.5% ABV, 1.8 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ JANUARY 23 - 1.Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, LCBO & Grocery +326975, $15.95: fruit-driven aromatics come from the bouquet of orchard fruit which clearly shows on the mid-palate, finishing off with a slight citrus tang (thus making it perfectly adaptable to a first course food offering such as seafood or light salad). As a social drink for the patio/deck/terrace or party, the balanced fruit-acid of the wine is very nicely placed. Stainless steel cold aging [no oak]. Also available in 60 grocery stores. 13.5% ABV. Twist top. Good value price. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Cabernet 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, LCBO & Grocery +499384, $15.95: a blend of 51% cab sauvignon and 49% cab franc, although in taste and performance it seems as if there is more franc in the mix. There is a melange of both red and black fruit, such as cherries, raspberries, cranberries followed by cassis and blackberries. From the short wood aging comes some vanilla, coffee-toffee, and woody spices. Medium in mouthfeel and well-balanced all the way, just what you want from a party red wine that can also extend through to the cheese course. 12.8% ABV. Capable of aging for a few years. Tasted over several days after a double-decanting. Twist top. Also available in 60 grocery stores. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2019 VQA Niagara Escarpment, Vintages, +19899 April 3, $19.95 [only 30 cases available, sold out at the winery]: very light and pale in colour, but full of flavours such as an herbed-induced introduction to Ontario fruit (gooseberries, nectarines) and florals. A very nicely developed bone dry drink for late spring and Easter. Cold stainless steel fermentation accentuates the dried tropical fruit component. 12.1% ABV, 3 g/L residual sugar. A good little savvy that will take you all the way through from the table's first courses to the fresh cheeses. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Rebecca Rose 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Winery Only [320 cases], $19.95: I have really enjoyed previous vintages of this wine. The grape here is gamay, as in light and fruity Beaujolais. So it's a typical light, refreshing, and fruity drink with low alcohol and low tannins. Cold stainless fermentation helps it retain the strawb and rasp berry nature of the grape, as well as some of that typical Ontario cranberry taste. Best on its own as a patio/terrace/deck party drink or with a light platter of first course foods. 12.3% ABV. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. FEBRUARY 17 – 1.Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2017, +959627, $53.95 Vintages April 3, 2021: the 2016 was here in September 2020; the 2017 is still too young to consume unless you double-decant and drink it over a few days. Half of the wine was made in Burgundian 228-litre-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 nicely well-aged after another 10 years. Of the 13 permitted varieties, grenache, syrah, and mourvedre are dominant, with cinsault, counoise, muscardin, and vaccarese also used. Still tight but plenty of black fruits and spices. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90-91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Rose 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +613471, $14.95 at the winery: it has been awhile since I've actually written a review about this nifty rose; the price at that time for the 2015 vintage was just a dollar less. The current blend is pinot noir, riesling, and gamay noir, with each variety contributing distinctive fruit to the mix. Other earlier vintages also contained merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, and/or pinot gris. So – depending on the vintage and the grapes available, the blend can change. Very aromatic, emphasizing cherry-berry and orchard fruit layered under a tart cranberry finish-length. A nice cheese wine. 11.5 %ABV; 6.2g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Sacred Hill Whitecliff Hawkes Bay Rose 2020 New Zealand, $14.95, +13297 April 1 LCBO Seasonal Rose Program: this Kiwi wine has been here before, with great sales and tasting success. The previous (2019) vintage was 91+ points in my scoring of roses from the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada Seventh Annual Rose tasting held last June, 2020. Expect some intense cherry-berry fresh fruits as a summer patio/terrace/deck social party wine. Or an in-house aperitif before the main event. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91-93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. MARCH 7 2021 – 1.Gerard Bertrand Terroir An806 Corbieres 2018 $17.95 +394288 Vintages: In this Terroir Corbieres (from the Narbonne), Bertrand uses traditional fermentation for the grenache, syrah, 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 leading on to the very full and ripe finish. Needs hearty food. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Parker Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Paso Robles $24.95 +17684 Vintages [wine of the month for April 17, 2021]: an affordable Cali-Cab, but only 5,000 cases made. Part of the Fess Parker winery unit, the US SRP is $17. Aged six months in all French oak resulting in typical cabby spicy mocha flavours, blackberry/plummy fruit (and with a leathery hint suggestive of syrah), vanilla finish. My wife said “yum”, which is her description for a juicy palate. Changed for better complexity over time with stoppered exposure and a double decant. Smooth but dry with a long lingering finish: great with food. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Lazzara Rosato Secco NV VQA Ontario $17.95 +18248 LCBO Seasonal Rose April 1 release: this is the Speck Brothers' rose version of the Lazzara Bianco Secco, which was made in the style of prosecco. It has the palest of pale “rose” colour and is incredibly fresh at this point. Off-dry but barely, with enough stuffing to wow my wife who loved it. Typical melange of cherry-berry flavours. Very well-priced. Stainless steel, Charmat process (but with very tiny mousse bubbles). 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90-91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Three of Hearts Pinot Grigio 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +20374 Vintages July 24, 2021 [currently at winery]: this is a highly competitive category, and Three of Hearts goes up very well against the other grigios in Ontario, especially with its slight yellow colour. Typical nuances include off-dry orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic melon-ish overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with slightly bitter citric notes. That makes it both a sipper and a food wine, suitable for a pre-prandial in the summer. There is some Ontario cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, but also with some peach notes. Stainless steel all the way. Part of a team with Three of Hearts Rose (same bottle shape, same cork closure). 12.5% ABV. Is a sparkling pinot grigio coming? Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. MARCH 19 – 1.Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard VQA St David's Bench, +430991, $24.95 Vintages May 1: one of their several chardonnays at different price points, from Chateau des Charmes. My last vintage tasted was the 2014 (which was $5 less). Barrel-fermented and barrel-aged in French oak for a year, with lees stirring. 27-year old vines. Expect full-bodied balance with nuances of minerality and some muted tropicality, served up with orchard fruit and a buttery consistency with some slight smokey spices. Cork closure. Long finish. One of my fave chards, but do not serve overchilled. Very age worthy, should see us through (and after) the pandemic period. 500 cases. 13.3% ABV. Residual sugar 3g/L. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Chateau des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot Old Vines 2017 VQA Niagara-On-The-Lake, $24.95 +222372 at winery and online: a substantial wine made from plots planted beginning in 1983-1985 and then again in 1992-1996 (in all four of their vineyards) – about a third each of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot, coming in at 12.6% ABV after 15 months time in French oak. Expect some intricacy with its 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. 485 cases. Residual sugar 1g/L. It should outlast the pandemic. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose Rose 2020 IGP Coteaux de Beziers (Languedoc) +20012 $16.95 Vintages May 15: this is a super-value rose from the Deep South of France, comprised of all red grapes: cinsault (45%), grenache (40%), syrah (5%) and caladoc (10%). The latter is an interesting cross between grenache and malbec, useful for its high resistance to disease, tannins and aromatic quality. The mostly bush vines are 25 – 50 years old. Each variety separately undergoes a long and cool fermentation before blending together. In colour, the wine is extremely pale. The aromatics exhibit plentiful floral and berry notes, continuing on through the mid-palate before resolution with the finishing acids – great with foods such as appetizers or first courses, even salads. Sophie Larose was a late 19th century vine handpicker who fought for women's rights in the vineyards. See the back label. This wine is suitable for vegans. RS is 4g/L, ABV is 12.5%. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. APRIL 21, 2021 17.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 April 17 and August: a summer social sipper or quaffer, combining 62% riesling and 3% chardonnay with 20% sauvignon blanc and 15% gewurztraminer – all highly aromatic grapes. The percentages change from vintage to vintage depending on vineyard conditions. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. A popular seller with 1999 cases. Incredibly fresh and fruity tones for summer. 12g/L residual sugar. 12.3% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 18.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2019 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 Ontario orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long lean-ish finish which also makes it nifty food wine for many Asiatic dishes. Medium body, off-dry . Suitable for aging, to get that “petrol” character. 1429 cases made. 10.6% ABV. RS 22.4 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 19.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a blend of 95% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. All US oak was used – 25% new, balance into 1 to 4 year old barrels. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of tastes 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 (I tasted one bottle daily for a week). 2408 cases. 3 g/L residual sugar. 12.5% 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 15: 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. 21.Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +89011 Vintages June 12 and October: 20% of this wine went into barrel fermentation, leaving 80% for stainless steel. That contributed to the softness and to the muted tones of grassiness. Tropical flowers are accented rather than tropical fruit, and this too adds to its dryness culminating with ending citrus notes for a long finish. It's a great wine for savvy lovers who go for complexity rather than just herbs. At the same time, this allows for more food choices. Only 293 cases. 5.5g/L residual sugar, 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. v22.Featherstone Estate Winery Rose 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 +117861 Vintages (and again on September 4): over the years, this rose has had different and varying amounts of grape varieties – all dependent on what wily winemaker David Johnson sees as the best possible blend. In the past it has had pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, as well as gamay noir, merlot, and cabernet franc: the latter three are in the 2019. This latest vintage (2020) has cabernet sauvignon 50%, gamay noir 30%, merlot 7%, and chardonnay 13%. It's extremely useful for any event, any occasion, with any food, or just alone as a sipper on the beach/patio/deck/terrace/balcony – even in front of a roaring fireplace in winter (as I did just this week when the sub-zero snow dropped in High Park North the day before Earth Day). Expect plenty of red fruit tones in its deliciousness. Great price. 1359 cases. 6.59g/L residual sugar, 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ===================================================================== MAY 1 – 2.Three of Hearts Pinot Grigio 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +20374 Vintages July 24, 2021 [currently at winery]: this is a highly competitive category, and Three of Hearts goes up very well against the other grigios in Ontario, especially with its slight yellow colour. Typical nuances include off-dry orchard fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some aromatic melon-ish overtones. It is refreshing on the mid-palate, finishing with slightly bitter citric notes. That makes it both a sipper and a food wine, suitable for a pre-prandial in the summer. There is some Ontario cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, but also with some peach notes. Stainless steel all the way. Part of a team with Three of Hearts Rose (same bottle shape, same cork closure). 12.5% ABV. Is a sparkling pinot grigio coming? Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +131540 currently at winery: 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 2.2g/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. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Cantina Valpantena Veneto Chardonnay Alfabeto IGP 2019 $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.Cantina Armani Albino Armani 1607 Chardonnay Capitel 2019 Trentino DOC, $21.95 consignment Majestic Wine Cellars. From the Adige Valley region, it's a mellow, rounder wine with less acid 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.Cantina Mabis Biscardo Oropasso Originale 2019 IGT Veneto $18.95 consignment from Majestic Wine Cellars: made from about 60% early harvest garganega [also known as malvasia de manresa in Spain](basis of soave) and 40% late harvest 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 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Rutherford Ranch Morgan Bay Cellars Chardonnay 2018 California appellation $16.95 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. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2018 Napa $29.95 Consignment from Majestic Wine Cellars: a soft wine full of orchard fruit (baked apple, pear), creamy, bright, some vanilla but a little toasted French and American oak (and lees) with spices. Best with sauced seafood. 14.5% ABV. Very dry finish. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ====westcott 1.Westcott Vineyards Temperance Red 2020 VQA Vinemount Ridge $19.99 at winery and online: this is a Burgundian passtoutgrain-styled wine 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 ferment and malo-lactic fermentation. Very soft, fleshy, fruity, good for the patio/terrace/balcony/porch/deck. It would be excellent with all kinds of soups. 11.5% ABV. Screwcap Closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Westcott Vineyards Brilliant Traditional Sparkling 2017 VQA Vinemount Ridge $39.99 at winery and online: this is a still-fresh terrific sparkler done up in the traditional style of long lees contact (three years here), hand riddling, and disgorgement for a secondary fermentation in the bottle. 2250 bottles 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 2025-2027. 12.5% ABV. 8.4g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Westcott Vineyards Lillias Unoaked Chardonnay 2020 VQA Niagara Escarpment $24.99 at winery and online: a bright and fresh Chardonnay (two clones used) reflective of the vintage. Stainless tank fermentation and storage with half MLF to soften, and six months lees contact. No oak. Slightly off-dry feel despite 3g/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. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Westcott Vineyards Riesling Butler's Grant 2019 VQA Twenty Mile Bench $18.99 at winery or online: a devilishly competent 11% ABV Mosel style and light, formerly offered just to their Wine Club members. Now 550 cases are available to all. Parts of the vineyard were planted in 1980. Perfectly attuned to summer -- this was delicious in that Germanic style, ready for consumption now. And certainly affordable for an “old vines” wine. 8.2g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Westcott Vineyards Delphine Rose 2020 VQA Twenty Mile Bench $18.99 at winery and online: a refreshing blend of cabernet franc (53%) and pinot noir (47%), pressed for six hours skin maceration and then complete malolactic fermentation. Early picking gave it that zesty complexity of red fruit such as strawberries and raspberries and cranberries (aka sunshine in a glass). Screwcap closure. 12% ABV. 8.5g/L residual sugar. A very good wine as an aperitif on the balcony/deck/terrace, etc. And as a first course wine with a spread board (charcuterie, smoked fish, cheese, dried fruits, nuts, et al). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Westcott Vineyards Pinot Noir Rose 2020 VQA Vinemount Ridge $23.99 at winery and online: two clones of pinot noir (667 and 777) ere used from the fabulous Vinemount Ridge vineyard. The fruit, while awesome, is tempered by the higher alcohol of 13.5% ABV and lowered grape sugar of 3g/L. Ontario cranberries are noted as well as raspberries on the nose, followed by a hefty taste sensation on the mid-palate, ending with a rush of balanced tannins on the finish – good for first, second, and third courses. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, LCBO and Grocery +53678 $15.95 [LTO $13.95 May 23-June 19]: this is a no brainer choice – a classic savvy that's been made since the winery opened, excellent quality from the renowned A.J. Lepp vineyard (39.5%), Wismer vineyard (20.4%), balance from three others. No oak, of course, with cold fermentation in stainless tanks. Typical MVC aromas of gooseberry and some grass, lemons and long length. This has been a huge seller for Peninsula Ridge, and it goes very well with grilled white meats and grilled veggies. 12% ABV, <3g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. --Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Beal Vineyard Cabernet Rose 2020 VQA Beamsville Bench, Vintages +177840 $15.95 May 15 release: the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada has had eight annual tastings of Ontario rose wines, and this one from Peninsula Ridge has always been selected in the “Best” category (90+ points) except for one year. So it has a great track record with wine writers. It's all Cabernet Franc, with short skin contact and long fermentation at low temperatures – always in stainless steel tanks. Red fruit, of course, dominates in a juicy style (but with only 4g/L residual sugar). Typical MVC for Ontario strawberries, red cherries, and cranberries (for that crisp long finish). Best served with decks/terraces/balconies/patios/backyards and sunshine, or with grilled seafood. (Their 2013 vintage rose sold for $11.95). Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. JUNE 12 release - ======= 4.Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir “Droit” 2018 St. David's Bench Vineyard VQA St. David’s Bench, +346742 Vintages June 12, $19.95 [also at winery and online]: 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 earthiness and eucalyptus, although the wine is unoaked. Cork finish. Good with BBQ, cheese, or something substantial, but some tannic structure is present to carry through a whole meal. Chateau des Charmes is the only winery in the world using this particular gamay clone. 2Gm/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV, lower than previous years. Earlier vintages were gold medal winners in Canada. 1100 cases produced. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Chateau des Charmes Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine Methode Traditionnelle 2016 VQA Niagara on the Lake, $34.95 Vintages June 12 [also at winery and online]: one of Ontario's top-rated MT sparklers, nicely aged at almost five years. 100% chardonnay. Bottle aged on the lees for at least 2 years, with buttercream notes, citrus aromas, fresh bread, excellent mousse. 250 cases. 5g/L residual sugar. 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. STEL+MAR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Lodi, +20808 $17.95 LCBO: from sandy loam soils. A great wallop of cherries begins the aromatics and dominates right through to the finish in typical Cali-style from Lodi. Long rich tones of cassis, toffee, mocha, and ending with toasty vanilla notes. Soft, juicy, almost like a Merlot and finishes with delicate tannins. Best enjoyed as a social sipper drink with good companions. Tasted over a few days with repeated flavours. 8g/L residual sugar. 13.7% ABV. Cork closure. Label artwork by Stephanie Cheng of Toronto! 10,000 cases. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 1.Huff Estates County Roads Pinot Noir Rose 2020 VQA Prince Edward County $25 online/winery: on the nose, crisp and clear red fruit with a tang of orange and some cranberry. Redolent with that PEC minerality, 1.3g/L residual sugar. 100% pinot noir done up in stainless steel, with 18 hours on the skins. Good as aperitif, but also with snacks such as pates, cheeses, or (as the winery suggests) grilled veggie skewers. Long long length to the finish. Incredibly fresh food wine. 400 cases. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Huff Estates Getaway Rose 2020 VQA Ontario +63982 $20 [online and 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 (including salads) on the patio or some first course app. Seems to be a perfect all-purpose beach wine. 3.2g/L 12.8% ABV. 1500 cases. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Huff Estates Buried Vine Pinot Gris 2020 VQA Prince Edward County $22 at winery and online: a good little aperitif (or first course) wine made in Alsatian style with more body texture and colour. Pears are evident, perhaps more ripe than the wine's green apple tones. 3g/L residual sugar for a bit of roundness. 850 cases, 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Huff Estates Four Acre Merlot 2019 South Bay Vineyard VQA Prince Edward County, $30 at winery or online: very fruity, maybe fruit gone wild, but tempered with 15 months in French oak (30% new). Typically bright red and black fruit style, cassis, cherry-berry even. Some herbaceousness on the nose. Slightly tannic finish at this point, expected to smooth out over the next year or so. One of the better merlot wines in Ontario. I suggest a double decant before drinking. 225 cases produced. Charcuterie and/or cheese platters. 2.6g/L residual sugar. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Huff Estates Catharine's Chardonnay South Bay Vineyards 2019 VQA Prince Edward County, $35 at winery and online: 14 months in French oak (30% new; 40% older) plus 30% in stainless steel tank. Slightly smokey, citric tones and some minerality, good balance and nuances between the elements. Barrel flavours, baked fruit, orchard fruit and nuts. Long toasty finish, needs buttery food. Not really a sipper, and don't overchill. In the past, this wine has been a multiple award winner. 1.3g/L residual sugar. 365 cases produced. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Huff Estates Old Vines Cabernet Franc 2019 South Bay Vineyard VQA Prince Edward County $35 winery and online: herby red fruit dominates, but also plums and cherries with a dash of cassis. 16 months French oak, 30% new. Some tannins need to resolve on the finish, so double decant or leave open for a long time. Good with almost anything that needs a bracing red, such as spicy sausages or lamb or boar dishes. Tasted over a few days. 400 cases produced. 3 g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 1.Chateau des Charmes Aligote 2019 Cuvee Michele VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, $15.95, +296848 LCBO: made from the rare French vinifera grape (seldom seen outside Burgundy) that Paul Bosc has cultivated since 1978, loaded with lean orchard fruit (green apples and unripe 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; in North America now almost any dry white is used for a Kir. Aligote is refreshing for summer, and has no oak. Named for the late Michele Bosc. 3g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay 2017 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard VQA St David's Bench, +287268, $24.95 at winery and online: one of several chardonnays at different price points from Chateau des Charmes. My last vintage tasted was the 2016. Barrel fermented and barrel aged in French oak for a year, with lees stirring. Almost 30-year old vines. Expect soft balance with nuances of minerality and some muted tropicality, served up with orchard fruit. Cork closure. Long citric finish in Euro mode. One of my fave chards, but do not serve overchilled. 513 cases. No residual sugar. 13.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling Traditional Method 2016 NOTL VQA, TBD +78055 Vintages, available at winery and online now for $34.95: [I last sampled the 2014 vintage at same price] here 50.9% chardonnay and 49.1% pinot noir (blanc des noirs) from vines planted as early as 1991, very pretty colour from the pinot 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 such as appetizers. Strawb fruit dominates. Recently disgorged. 7.9 g/L residual sugar. 11.5% ABV. Stunning. 330 cases available. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ====================to June 26 release 1.Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, LCBO & Grocery +326975, $15.95: fruit-driven aromatics come from the bouquet of orchard fruit which clearly shows on the mid-palate, finishing off with a slight citrus tang, thus making it perfectly adaptable to a first course food offering such as seafood or light salad. It can also be used as a social drink for the patio/deck/terrace/balcony or party. The balanced fruit-acid here is very nicely placed. Stainless steel cold aging [no oak]. Also available in 60 grocery stores. 13.5% ABV. 7 g/L residual sugar. Twist top. Good value price. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Cabernet 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, LCBO & Grocery +499384, $15.95: a blend of 71% cabernet franc and 29% cabernet sauvignon. The ratio of the cabernets can change from vintage year to vintage year. There is a melange of both red and black fruit, such as cherries, raspberries, cranberries followed by cassis and blackberries. From the short wood aging comes some vanilla, coffee-toffee, and woody spices. Medium in mouthfeel and well-balanced all the way, just what you want from a party red wine that can also extend through to the cheese course. 13.5% ABV. 14 g/L residual sugar. Capable of aging for a few years. Tasted over several days after a double-decanting. Twist top. Also available in 60 grocery stores. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Jennifer's Pinot Gris 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula winery and online only, $19.95: one of the “summer series” and also more Alsatian in its complexity with orchard fruit (pear, peach, apple) and no oaking. Some melon notes too. Medium weight and finishes dry, but can be used either as a social drink or with first-course food such as chicken or seafood. Grapes come from a vineyard located on the Lincoln Lakeshore. 12.9% ABV. 5.4 g/L residual sugar. Made in stainless steel. Twist top. 400 cases produced. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Pinot Noir 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula $32.95 at winery & online: and here we enter the realm of upscale Ontario pinot noir. Kacaba has been making it for decades – Winemaker Jim Warren worked with pinot noir for Kacaba as early as 1999. This time, 300 cases were produced after aging 14 months in new and old French oak (88%) and acacia barrels (12%). A savoury wine (aromas of forest floor) loaded with red fruit such as tart red currants, Ontario cranberries, strawberries, and woodsy complexity from the oak and acacia suggestive of cedar spices and even some tobacco leafiness. Double-decanted and tasted over several days to simulate aging. The producer suggests white meats such as chicken, veal or pork, or sip on its own. Cork closure. 13% ABV. 3 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. =====================================july 10 Speck Brothers Three of Hearts Rose 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula +552562 now at winery, $19.95: the original of this “Heart” series, and a major competitor in the annual Wine Writers' Circle of Canada Rose tasting – with high scores. The composition changes from vintage to vintage (e.g. 2017 and 2018 were both 88% pinot noir, balance pinot gris; the 2019 was 60% pinot noir and 40% pinot gris). The 2020 is apparently mostly pinot noir with pinot gris and gamay noir. No skin contact, cold fermentation in stainless. Loaded with apricot/almond tones and that Ontario cran-raspberry complexity. With its minerality and citrus finish, it is better as a food wine than as a sipper. 12% ABV; residual sugar of 7.1 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Gerard Bertrand Hampton Water 2020 Languedoc AOP +667337, Vintages $29.95: a joint effort with rocker Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse, and footballer Bertrand. It's a terrific marketing device to ask you to dive into Hampton Water rose. Some French oak aging for roundness but otherwise it is cool temperature all the way from the pressing through fermentation. The principal grape is grenache, followed by cinsault and mourvedre. Early bottling ensures freshness and fruitiness. Expect the scrubby herbs of the dry Mediterranean, some lavender, minerality from the low sugars and high acid. Definitely a refreshing wine, more of a food wine with its red fruit spiciness and and citrus tones on the finish. 13.5% ABV; 2 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Cusumano Merlot 2019 Terre Siciliane IGT +9779 LCBO General List $12.95: one of Cusumano's international single varietal series, coming in at 13% ABV. It is an interesting addition to the LCBO general list program. The average age of the vines here is 17 years. Cold maceration and cool fermentation in stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless. It sits on its lees for a minimum of 5 months and then is lightly filtered for bottle aging. No oak, but plenty of red and black berries. Value-driven. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. ===================================== july 12 Loire Valley Wine [www.loirevalleywine.com] was one of the few regional wine marketing teams that took the initiative by presenting actual real wines to the local Ontario wine media during the pandemic. It was done via SOPEXA, the French food and wine marketing bureau...and the upshot was that I was the recipient of both a six pack of wine and a loaded picnic basket crammed with relevant food pairings for an outdoor gathering. While there was a suggested pairing menu, we could taste the wines and foods in any order, as in a mix and match mode. There were tinned sardines in olive oil, suggested to be paired with the Parlez-Vous IGP Sauvignon Blanc 2019. It was a delightful workable combination without the Parlez-Vous being overwhelmed. Other wines, which actually went better with the sardines, included the zesty Chateau de la Grange Muscadet Vieilles Vignes 2018 and the Thierry Delaunay Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2020. Next up was a pork rillette, meant to go with the B & G Vouvray 2019, and this was spot on. A great match with the off-dry Vouvray, and surprisingly, the Parlez-Vous IGP Sauvignon Blanc also went well since the rillette was principally pork with fat. The Thierry Delaunay savvy was a tad heavier than expected with the rillette. The lighter bodied IGP savvy was greater on the palate and managed to cleanse away the fatty falavours more efficiently. The next course was the East Coast lobster roll (brioche bun), to be paired with the Touraine and the Jean-Max Roger Sancerre 2019. There were two buns, one for each of us, so my wife toasted one of the buns and we split the two lobster rolls in half, each of us getting a toasted portion. Toasting the roll stiffened the bun and gave it a smoky allure. The Sancerre overtook the Touraine, but the Sancerre itself was overtaken by the Patrice Moreux Pouilly-Fume 2017. The basic soft brioche roll was a melt-in-your-mouth experience, and paired naturally with the Thierry Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc 2020 and the Jean-Max Roger Sancerre 2019. Ultimately, the Patrice Moreux Pouilly-Fume 2017 was declared the winning wine so far as lobster was concerned. Complexity meets complexity. The last course was, of course, the cheese course: three sprightly representatives – paillot de chevre, a grand crème (triple creme), and a petit Cantal (a smaller version of the 88-pound wheel). We tried all six wines, and the overall winner was the complex Patrice Moreux Pouilly-Fume 2017. The understated wines were very light for the heavy cream based cheeses. The B & G Vouvray 2019 also stood out as it was off-dry, while the Muscadet Vieilles Vignes was also an inspired choice. Here are the six wines that we had, with my tasting notes and LCBO details: 1.Lacheteau Parlez-Vous Sauvignon Blanc 2019 IGP Val de Loire +647099 LCBO General List $11.75: a good value savvy, with nods to tropical fruit and grass, but very easy going and very tasty, almost a savvy for beginners. A good way to get into the grape. 12.5% ABV, 4g/L residual sugar. Pairs very well with goat cheese e.g. paillot de chevre. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Chateau de la Grange Muscadet Cotes de Grand Lieu Vieilles Vignes 2018 +637868 Vintages $13.95: minerally driven from 40 year old vines, and reflecting melon, orchard fruit, and ending with a long citrus clean finish. 11.7% ABV, 2gL residual sugar. Do not serve too chilled. Good with a variety of seafood and poultry. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Thierry Delaunay La Salamandre Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Touraine +391847 Vintages $16.95: Touraine is my fave go to region for sauvignon blanc, principally because it is so value-driven. You get a lot of bang for your buck: freshness, ripe peaches and melons, some cut grass (but not too zesty as in Kiwi land). Good finishing citrus acidity. This was the freshest wine of the tasting pack of six. 12% ABV, 4g/L residual sugar. Great with a cheese platter and/or sushi. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Barton & Guestier Les Petites Parcelles Chenin Blanc 2019 Vouvray +232264 Vintages $16.95: tons of fruit aromas, both orchard and tropical. Good aperitif social wine, could be best with Asiatic spicy food, or a creamy cheese platter. It was useful with the pork rillette and the grand crème cheese. 12% ABV, 23g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Jean-Max Roger Cuvee Genese 2019 Sancerre +189126 Vintages $33.95: an organic wine with cold fermentation, natural yeasts, some aging on heavy lees. Ripe fruit flavours and some zest from the sauvignon blanc, but not as nervy as the Antipodean style. Freshness has been retained by its minerality. 12.5% ABV, 2g/L residual sugar. Can be aged for a few years to show more complexity. Goes very well with all kinds of seafoods. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Patrice Moreux Corty Artisan La Loge Aux Moines 2017 Pouilly-Fume +18493 Vintages $48: some organic principles are followed, but mainly for fertilizing and limited intervention and then, only when necessary (the producer also follows the lunar cycle during the vinification process). Taste: a juicy palate throughout with citrus tones evidenced on the mid-palate before resolving to more fruitiness and finishing with a minerality that makes it all food-worthy. It's very complementary to richly grilled fish, saucy scallops, creamy poultry, and fresh cheese platters. 13.5% ABV, 2g/L residual sugar. Can be aged another 5 years or so. Don't serve too cold. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. July 22 Domaine Martin Cotes du Rhone 2018, +18642 Vintages, $17.95: 80% grenache and 20% syrah. Typical density of southern Rhone with a preponderance of grenache tones followed by syrah flavours: spices, anise, some burnt caramel, ripe, but a long penetrating finish, some tannic tightness in the structure. Mouthfilling. Ripe, fresh and fruity with black berry and cherry plumminess. Not filtered. 13.5% ABV, 2g/L residual sugar. A top-scoring wine at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Antica Valle Francescana Limoncino 500 mL. +17161 October 23, 2021, $45. 30% ABV, with a 2% infusion of lemon peels: decanter comes with two glasses and a gift box. Exceedingly fresh flavours with that citrus tang of sharpness from the essential oils. Largely hand-peeled in Umbria. Terrific as an ice cream topping (which is how I had my 40 mL sample). Sales of lemoncello or limoncino in total make it the number two liqueur in Italy, after Campari. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Dun Bheagan Single Malt Islay +576397 $54.90 750mL.: extremely intense, bottled straight from the cask. Small batch. Eight years old. Some herbal complexity with strong floral notes makes this a real treat. Smokey peaty all the way...could be challenging for some. 43% ABV. Good value. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Bas-Armagnac de Montal Les Hauts de Montrouge X.O. 700 mL. +21564 Vintages October 2021 $112: comes in a wooden gift box (it's that time of year again). From the producers of the finest Armagnac in the region. Armagnac has only 10% of the production of Cognac; it has a single distillation only. Uses all four grape varieties allowed. Comprised of about 12 years-old distillates, deep nose of roasted nuts, full fruity flavours with a soft peachy off-dry finish. Some mocha is evident. 40% ABV. A steal at this price. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Bas-Armagnac de Montal Les Hauts de Montrouge 2002 700 mL. +11426 Vintages October 23 2021 $99.95: comes in a red gift box for the Christmas holidays. There are about 181 producers, and many make single vintage bottlings (unlike in Cognac). Hence, there are many bottles of older Armagnac brandies (10, 15, 20, 30 year olds) that sell everywhere in the world -- but in small lots. Montal's 2002 was aged a minimum of 19.5 years in oak. Armagnac sells well in Quebec – they recognize a bargain. Extremely aromatic with overtones of caramel, vanilla, dried fruits, and oak character. 40% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. July 29 – Chateau Pesquie Terrasses AOC Ventoux Rouge 2019 +577196 $21.95: I first ran into wines from Ventoux when I was at a tasting in Edinburgh – they were being promoted as a lighter-styled Cotes du Rhone wine. I have not followed them since that time but obviously climate change has impacted the wine: Ventoux are heavier now. Pesquie has 60% grenache and 40% syrah, certified organic and vegan, with biodynamic practices. The cool climate of Mont Ventoux appears to be lessened, which now puts the wines into competition with regular southern Rhone wines. Expect an aromatic nose of spices and garrigue and lots of red berries mainly from the grenache. Fresh all the way, not aged at all, with a long, long floral bone-dry finish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Michel Gassier Nostre Pais AOC Costieres de Nimes Rouge 2018 +295410 $23.95: complete with an assortment of local red grape varieties -- 50% grenache, 20% syrah, 20% mourvedre, and 5% both carignan and cinsault. Their version of the popular GSM wines. About 43% of the wine from the region is red, and 41% of the region's total wines are exported. Gassier has certified organic farming. 12 month barrel aging in used French oak for half the wine, the other other half in concrete tanks. It's a dark wine, emphasizing the black fruits (cherry, blackberries, plums) with mocha tones and anise garrigue. Tannins will be resolved with another year of aging. Good value. 3g/L residual sugar, 15% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SEPTEMBER --- 1.Paso Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Paso Robles AVA, +161141 LCBO General List, $18.95: from the Monterey Wine Company, this wine of 100% cabernet sauvignon shows rich dark berry components (currants, plums, blackberries) exhibiting a fruity audacious palate. It's a bit blowsy at the aroma stage but softens into ripe black fruit on the mid-palate, ending with California vanilla tones from oaking. Some finishing tannins and enough acid to accompany meaty foods. Opened and then tasted over several days. Well-enjoyed. Residual sugar is 5g/L, 13.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 90. 2.Chateau LaRose-Trintaudon Sustainable, Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc 2014 $28.95 +297945 Sept 18 Vintages: dark colour dominated by deep black fruit (cassis, blackberry, plum) tones. Very filling on the mid-palate with the beginning of tannins near the end, leading to a long length with finishing acid. Best with food, of course, particularly meat such as beef and lamb. The blend always ranges around 45% cabernet sauvignon and 55% merlot and some added petit verdot to flesh it out. Peppery finish. This is a perennial favourite in North America, a brand that many are familiar (and comfortable) with. MVC/QPR: 92 1.The Date and Time: Friday September 10, 2021 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: Boehmer The Target Audience: wine writers and other media The Availability/Catalogue: Marchands des Ameriques is the agency (see below). Differing vintages are currently available; others will come in periodically. 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, plus Chateau Tour de Pez in St. Estephe, which they bought in 2019. Area is 255 hectares of vines, production is 1.3 million bottles a year, and 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. Re-validation is every five years (e.g., 2025, 2030, etc.). Eligibility is mostly by blind tasting. There are 247 chateaux with three levels. The first is a basic entry, followed by “superior” and then “exceptional”. He then went on to describe his own company's wines. 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). M.Bijon then went on to taste and describe the wines he brought with him. Wines are mostly equal merlot and cabernet sauvignon, with some petit verdot. The St Estephe does have some cabernet franc, as most St Estephe wines do have. The Wines: Kenneth Gunn of the Marchands des Vins agency has the Haut-Medoc wines for sale...but, on September 18 at Vintages, Chateau LaRose-Trintaudon Sustainable, Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc 2014 $28.95 +297945 went on sale in Ontario. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau LaRose Trintaudon 2014 [juicy and racy] -Chateau LaRose Perganson 2008 [my fave of the day, nicely aged, longer finish] -Chateau Arnauld 2012 [another fave, still young, very juicy] close to Margaux ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau LaRose Trintaudon 2018 [intense nose, very fresh] -Chateau Arnauld 2018 [soft on the mid-palate] A new wine of 6700 bottles has been introduced: L'Experience Sans Sulfites Ajoutes 2019, from sustainable old vines (70% cabernet sauvignon and 30% merlot). Other availability: Château Arnauld Cru Bourgeois Haut Médoc 2015 – LCBO Vintages Classics #21928 $68.00 release date : December 02 2021   - 80 cases   Consignment (currently out of stock but available soon): Château Larose Trintaudon 2011 - $30.00 (before tax and deposit) Château Larose Perganson 2008 - $37.00 (before tax and deposit) The Food: Bordeaux friendly food, such as a selection of meats (beef and lamb) atop lentils de puy, and wild mushrooms on richly buttered crostini. The main dish was classic tournedos with a wine sauce, potato puree, and grilled asparagus. The Downside: I was nervous, mainly because this was my first trade event in over 18 months! In fact, the last trade event I was at (March 2, 2020) was an earlier version of this seminar with earlier vintages. The Upside: Chateau LaRose-Trintaudon Sustainable, Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc 2014 $28.95 +297945 is now available in Ontario via LCBO Vintages (only 400 cases). The Contact Person: isabelle.eon@vignoblesdelarose.com and kenneth@marchandsdesameriques.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92 up to Oct 2 ---------------------------------------------- Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir Estate Bottled Old Vines 2017 VQA NOTL, +256834, $24.95 (at winery and online): I think that this is the first de Charmes' “Old Vines” Pinot in some time (maybe 2012?). Quite a powerful wine (the 2007 was a Cuvee winner), lots of forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the dynamic red berry fruit. Grapes come from their St David's Bench block, the oldest vineyard they have. It could still use some time(I tasted at home over a few days). High acidity but low tannins. 1.7 g/L residual sugar. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Jackson-Triggs White Meritage Grand Reserve 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +360297, $25.95 Vintages, online, Wine Rack, winery: this is the classical Bordeaux blend of sauvignon blanc (80%) and semillon (20%). It is almost never made in Ontario, but it has been made occasionally at Jackson-Triggs, when the circumstances were right. Previous vintages I have enjoyed included the 2017 and the 2012. But in 2012, the blend was 70% sauvignon blanc (with 10% of the savvy being barrel fermented in French oak) and 30% semillon, and the price was a dollar less. This time (2020) all of the semillon went into older French oak after extended skin contact. Herbs and honey dominate the flavour profiles, with stone fruit and grapefruit accents augmenting some tropicality. It will also reveal longer depth after more bottle aging of a year or so. Best with seafood – indeed, I had it with a Hooked fishcuterie plate of a half dozen denizens. Long finish. Residual sugar is a low 3g/L. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. The Date and Time: Wednesday September 21, 2021 11AM – 12:30PM The Event: 2021 Northwest Wine Expedition The Venue: The Globe and Mail Centre The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, wine agents. The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were available or will be. The event was also a feature for acquiring new agents. The catalogue contained the basics of estate name, website, and Twitter address. There was no agency name, even if the winery had an Ontario agent. Name of the wine was followed by the vintage date and a space for notes. Opening text was confined to photos, maps, climate bar graphs, vineyards, and quality. 75% of Oregon wineries produce fewer than 5,000 cases per year. Similar information appeared for Washington, except that here 90% of all Washington wineries produced under 5,000 cases per year. The Quote/Background: October 2 was the release date for a highly touted Washington- Oregon spotlight in the Vintages catalogue. Unfortunately, of the seven wineries with wines in the release, only two wineries were in this trade show: Del Rio Vineyards and Chateau Ste. Michelle. So I had no chance at this show to taste any Northwest wines being released on October 2. The show was originally to be held in the spring of 2020 but it was shut down on March 17 along with everything else, to reduce the spread of covid-19. The wines were already in Toronto, so what we tasted this morning were wines principally from 2016-2018, with a few from 2019 and 2020, and some from 2015 as well. I went to the show to taste on1y chardonnays. There were 23 of them from Oregon, and I managed to taste 16 (one wine did not turn up). There six from Washington but I was only allowed to taste one of them. In the organization of the event, we were all seated six feet apart with no masks, while our masked servers and winery principals asked us what we wanted and then delivered it. Halfway through the tasting the show administration decided that we could not taste by varietal but by winery. At that point I had tasted most of the chardonnays, and I did not want anything else. The Wines: All the chardonnays were remarkably good; we were not given many prices (I guess we had to ask but I had no time to wait for a winery rep). So my ratings are based on taste alone, without consideration for prices and value. Wines in each tier are listed alphabetically by winery name. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality Rating terms): -A to Z Wineworks Oregon Chardonnay 2018 [$22.95CAD price volunteered] -Angela Estate Vineyard Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2017 -Foris Vineyards and Winery Chardonnay 2018 [$23CAD volunteered] -Sokol Blosser Winery Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2018 [Nov. Vintages $28] -Trisaetum Coast Range Estate Chardonnay 2017 [$52CAD price volunteered] -Trisaetum Coast Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2019 [$39CAD price volunteered] -Barnard Griffin Washington State Chardonnay 2018 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality Rating terms): -A to Z Wineworks Rex Hill Seven Soils Chardonnay 2017 [$44.95CAD volunteered] -Adelsheim Vineyard Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2019 -Adelsheim Vineyard Staking Claim Chardonnay 2018 -Angela Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2017 -Chateau Bianca Wetzel Estate Chardonnay 2017 -Citation Centerstone Willamette Valley Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2017 -Cristom Vineyards Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay 2019 -Domaine Drouhin Oregon Roserock Chardonnay 2018 -Sokol Blosser Winery Evolution Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2019 [Nov. Vintages] -Winderlea Winery Chardonnay 2017 The Food: we each got a bento box from Salon by Alo Yorkville. I shared it with my wife when I got home. Coffee came from Hot Black, Queen Street west. The bento box had torched Norwegian salmon, heirloom cherry tomato with burrata, beef tartare and charred eggplant, and a cheesecake dessert. A Northwest cheese course would have been preferable. The Downside: we were not supposed to taste by grape variety but rather by winery, which limited my interest. I cannot leap from pinot noir to pinot gris to syrah to riesling to chardonnay – and back – within four to eight bottles at a time. The Upside: this was my first trade show in 19 months; I may have been a little rusty. The Contact Person: Nicholas Pearce Wines – www.npwines.com or np@npwines.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): very good – 92. REPORT FROM DRINK CHILE WINE EXPO NOVEMBER 3 2021 CANADA The Date and Time: Wednesday November 3, 2021 11AM – 1PM – 3PM - 5PM The Event: Drink Chile Wine Expo 2021 Canada, Toronto Trade Show The Venue: Arcadian Lofts The Target Audience: wine media, agents, sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: It was a mix of wines already at the LCBO, or coming to the LCBO, and some “maybes”. 17 wineries were at the show, with over 100 wines total. The catalogue was typical, with lots of text on the various grapes and appellation valleys. The wines were sorted by wineries, about 4 – 6 each, with a brief description but no prices. The Quote/Background: There was a masterclass but I decided not to attend. In the organization of the event, we were all seated six feet apart with no masks, while our masked servers and winery principals asked us what we wanted and then delivered it. The Wines: Very few of the principals had order forms with Ontario prices, but I did manage to nab a few quotes. There was a mix of wines already at the LCBO and others in transit or here on spec. I did not taste every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vina Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon Aconcagua 2019 -Aresti Trisquel Series Vichuquen Costa Chardonnay Curico Valley 2020 $24.95 -Vina Chocalan Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley 2019, $15.99 retail Cons. STEM -Cono Sur 20 Barrels Chardonnay Casablanca 2019 -Cono Sur Sparkling Rose Pinot Noir Bio Bio -Vina Errazuriz Villa Don Maximiano 2017 Aconcagua -Vina Errazuriz Don Maximiano 2017 Aconcagua -Vina Errazuriz Don Maximiano 2018 Aconcagua -Vina Errazuriz Don Maximiano 2012 Aconcagua -Garces Silva Family Boya Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2020 -Garces Silva Family Catalino Pais Cauquenes-Conde de Maule 2019 -Montes Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Colchagua 2020 -Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua 2019 -Vina Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Maipo Andes 2019 -Vina Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Edition Maipo Andes 2019 -Vina Santa Carolina Gran Reserva Chardonnay Itata 2018 -Vina Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2018 -Siegel Family Unique Selection Colchagua 2018 -Siegel Family 1234 Red Blend Colchagua 2019 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vina Arboleda Chardonnay Aconcagua Costa 2019 -Aresti Trisquel Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Leyda Valley 2020 $19.95 -Aresti Trisquel Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley 2019 $19.95 -Aresti Trisquel Gran Reserva Carmenere Curico Valley 2019 $19.95 -Vina Chocalan Reserva Chardonnay Maipo Valley 2019 $15.99 retail Consignment STEM -Vina Chocalan Gran Reserva Origen Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley 2018 $19.99 +21467V -Cono Sur Organic Chardonnay San Antonio 2021 -Cono Sur Bicicleta Rose Pinot Noir -Garces Silva Family Amayna Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2020 -Garces Silva Family Boya Pinot Noir Leyda 2019 -Garces Silva Family Boya Rose Pinot Noir – Garnacha Leyda 2020 -Miguel Torres La Mulas Cabernet Sauvignon Central Valley 2021 -Miguel Torres Andiva Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Itata 2019 -Miguel Torres Cordillera Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2019 -Montes Alpha Chardonnay Sauvignon Aconcagua Costa 2019 -Vina Santa Carolina Reserva Chardonnay Casablanca 2020 -Siegel Family Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua 2018 -Siegel Family Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2021 -Siegel Family Gran Reserva Viognier Colchagua 2021 The Food: mine was a Bento box of creamy cheese, sliced strawberries, grapes, crostini, and water biscuits. Just right, and just enough. We ate while we tasted. The Downside: we were asked to get there early for check-in, but almost nobody was there except check-in staff. We still had to wait until 11AM to gain admission to the show, which started late. I managed to get a catalogue so I could at least check off what I wanted to taste while waiting for the trade show to start. The Upside: sitting down and tasting and comparing wines at my leisure. Let's have more of this!! It was very much like being a wine judge... The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91. Chateau des Charmes Gewurztraminer 2018 St.David’s Bench VQA, $21.95 Vintages +453472 (also at winery and online): from older vines (22 years) in the St. David's Bench vineyards, done up in stainless steel. Alsatian in style, with concentrated fruit, off-dry on the mid-palate, spicy with a tad of bitter on the finish, great with Asiatic foods or any spicy foods. We had it with Tuscan Seafood Ribollita from Hooked. Or wonderful as a sipper/aperitif by the deck/patio/pool/terrace/balcony. Cork finish, and it should improve over the next five years. 6 gm/L residual sugar. 12.6% ABV. 229 cases produced. Quality/price rating 91 points by Dean Tudor. Chateau des Charmes Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine Methode Traditionnelle 2017 VQA Niagara on the Lake, $34.95 +423111 Vintages [also at winery and online]: one of Ontario's top-rated MT sparklers, nicely aged at four years. 100% chardonnay. Bottle aged on the lees for at least 2 years, with orchard fruit notes, some buttercream, citrus aromas, fresh bread, excellent mousse. Vintage dated from the 2017 harvest. 550 cases. 1.35g/L residual sugar. 12.7% ABV. The wine is still young and could use food pairing or more time for resolution. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. REPORT FROM ABRUZZO ITALY WINE TASTING AT CASA LOMA NOVEMBER 15 2021 – The Date and Time: Monday November 15, 2021 1PM – 5:30PM The Event: Tasting of Abruzzo wines via The Charming Taste of Europe campaign. The Venue: Casa Loma The Target Audience: wine writers, sommeliers, wine trade agents The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available through the LCBO, or by consignment, or by arrangement with an agent. Some wineries were looking for Ontario agents. The catalogue listed all full values: name of wine, varietal, vintage, number of bottles annually, percentage composition, winemaking process, aging process, colour, bouquet, palate, ABV, food pairings, retail price on the market. Best catalogue layout I have seen in quite some time. The Quote/Background: Seventeen wineries participated. We did not wear masks when tasting, although the agents and pourers usually did. Note: minor conflict of interest – my maternal grandparents immigrated to Ontario from Abruzzo. The region has about 6,000 grape producers, 35 co-ops, and over 250 wineries. The Wines: I decided to taste white wines and aged reds. The red wines are largely montepulciano d'abruzzo, the whites pecorino and trebbiano d'abruzzo. Some agents are listed after their wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cantina Tollo Mo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2016 $19.95 Jan 2022 Vintages Eurovintage -Ciavolich Divus Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2017 $29.95 Tifa Wine Inc -Ciavolich Aries Colline Pescaresi Pecorino 2020 $28.95 Tifa Wine Inc -Collefrisio In & Out Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2015 30E -Collefrisio Semis Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2013 30E -Jasci & Marchesani Rudhir Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018 $45 SI, LCBO -Fattoria la Valentina Spelt Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2017 $40 – 45 Mondo Vino -Masciarelli Villa Gemme Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2015 $100 STEM Group -Nic Tartaglia Colline Pescaresi Pecorino 2020 $30 Oikades -Tenuta Secolo IX Moscatello Passito Colline Pescaresi Passito 2015 7.9E ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Biagi Rerum Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2020 Rose -Biagi Pecorino Colli Aprutini 2020 $25 – 30 -Bosco Nestore Pan Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2017 $24.95 EPIC -Bosco Nestore Lnea Classico Colline Pescaresi Pecorino 2020 $12 EPIC -Cantina Tollo Pietrame Terre di Chieti 2020 $12.95 Rurovintage -Ciavolich Fosso d'Abruzzo Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2015 $49.95 Tifa Wine Inc -Ettore Galasso Corno Grande Premium Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2017 -Masciarelli Castello Di Semivicoli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2018 $33 STEM Group -Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2017 $40 STEM Group -Nic Tartaglia Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2017 $30 Oikades -Novaripa Rocky Marciano Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2014 $24.95 March 5 Vintages -Novaripa Monaric Amber Terra di Chieti Pinot Grigio 2029 $19 -Orlandi Contucci Ponno Abruzzo Pecorino Superiore 2020 $24.95 EPIC -Orlandi Contucci Ponno Colle dellecorte Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Superiore 2020 $21.59 EPIC -Paride d'Angelo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Organic 2016 $21.50 -Tenuta Secolo IX Fonte Grotta Colline Pescaresi Bianco 2020 7.9E -Tenuta Terraviva Mario's 46 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2018 20E Alta Wines -Tenuta Terraviva Giusi Rose Corasuolo d'Abruzzo 2020 15E Alta Wines The Food: all of the food was brought to us via platters: individual servings of eggplant parmigiana, cheese risotto arancini, shrimp tempura, porketta sliders. All four were outstanding. Each table had a platter of I Bibanesi's “gusto pizza”: pizza flavoured breadsticks with EVOO, cheese, tomato, and oregano. Addictive!! The Downside: Casa Loma is not easy to get to via walking: you either go up the Baldwin steps or you walk down from St. Clair. The Upside: a great chance to re-connect with old friends at ICE, and to taste wines not commonly found in Ontario. The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 REPORT FROM GAMBERO ROSSO TRE-BICCHIERI 2021 TORONTO LIBERTY GRAND NOVEMBER 22, 2021 -- The Date and Time: Monday November 22, 2021 1PM to 6PM The Event: This was the big tasting – Gambero Rosso Trebicchieri award winners and other Italian wines. The Venue: The Liberty Grand, CNE grounds The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, agents The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was available via QR Code, or, if you did not have a smartphone, on special request for the PDF. It was more a brochure, with a table listing by alphabetical agent and then name of the wine. Specifics were addressed at each tasting table (price, availability channels, etc.). The Quote/Background: Gambero Rosso was back in Canada to present an exclusive selection of Tre Bicchieri rated wines, awarded in the large Vini d'Italia Guide ($30). There were a number of masterclasses (about five), running every hour on different regions of Italy, from North to South. I did not attend, preferring to spend my time at the tasting tables – especially before the crowds surged at 3PM The Wines: I tasted what I could, but there were so many wines – I gave preference to sparklers and white wines, with some older, more expensive reds. Wines are listed by my rating points, followed by an agency name. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Val d'Oca Valdobbiadene Rive di Santo Stefano Extra Brut 2019 [ALLIED WINE GROUP] -Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Cl. Costasera Riserva 2015 [AUTHENTIC] -Masi Lugana Lunatio 2020 [AUTHENTIC] -Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Mazzano 2012 [AUTHENTIC] -Varvaglione 12 e Mezzo Primitivo 2020 [CALIBER] -Varvaglione Primitivo di Manduria Papale Oro 2019 [CALIBER] -Collezione Privata Cosimo Varvaglione Old Vines Negroamaro 2019 [CALIBER] -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Frizzante Sui Lieviti Difetto Perfetto 2019 MID$30 [CRU] -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Particella 181 2020 [CRU] -Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Brut $20.95 [CRU] -Franciacorta Brut Cuvée N. 7 - Lo Sparviere [EPIC] -Enrico Serafino Barbaresco Sanavento 2018 [MAJESTIC] -Enrico Serafino Barolo Monclivio 2016 [MAJESTIC] -Cantine di Verona Valpolicella Sup. Brolo dei Giusti 2015 [MAJESTIC] -Cantine di Verona Amarone della Valpolicella Torre del Falasco 2017 [MAJESTIC] -Francesco Tornatore Etna Bianco Pietrarizzo 2020 [NICHOLAS PEARCE] -Panizzi Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva 2016 [WINE LOVERS AGENCY] -Toblino Trentino Nosiola Largiller 2013 [LCBO CLASSICS, $65] -Toblino Trentino Gewürztraminer 2020 -Toblino Trentino Chardonnay Foll 2018 -Tenuta Mara Vermentino di Gallura Petrizza 2020 - Masone Mannu -Poggio Le Volpi Frascati Sup. Epos Riserva 2018 [WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC.] -Velenosi Offida Pecorino Bio 2020 [PROFILE WINE GROUP] ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Santa Margherita Valdobbiadene Brut Brut Rosé [DANDURAND] -Tenuta di Angoris Collio Bianco Langor Giulio Locatelli Riserva 2019[ARGENTUM WINE IMPORTS] -Tenuta di Angoris FCO Ribolla Gialla 2020 [ARGENTUM WINE IMPORTS] -Famiglia Cecchi Maremma Toscana Vermentino Litorale Val delle Rose 2020[CHARTON HOBBS] -Enrico Serafino Gavi del Comune di Gavi Grifo del Quartaro 2020 [MAJESTIC] -Enrico SerafinoLanghe Nebbiolo Picotener 2019 [MAJESTIC] -Toblino Trentino Lagrein Las 2018 -Scuderia-Italia Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 -Scuderia-Italia Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 -Scuderia-Italia Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC 2016 -Val d'Oca Valdobbiadene Dry Uvaggio Storico [ALLIED] -Canevel Spumanti Prosecco Brut Rosé 2020 [AUTHENTIC] -Canevel Valdobbiadene Brut Setage 2020 [AUTHENTIC] -Canevel Valdobbiadene Brut Campofalco 2020 Organic [AUTHENTIC] The Food: in common with other trade tastings of late in this era of covid-19, all foods were on platters carried by wait staff. These included copious amounts of pesto panini with cheese and meat, arancini and cheese balls with tomato dipping sauce, prosciutto wrapped bread-sticks, polenta and mushrooms, tomato caprese salad, pizza (cheese and herbs), pasta with a light fresh sauce, cold skewers of veggies and mushrooms, followed by desserts of cannoli and tiramisu. The Downside: the desserts came out too soon, and there was just one half table with coffee. Also, the catalogue was a bit short on details. The Upside: the show was nicely orchestrated with agency tables close to hand, and the flow of traffic was well-paced. The Contact Person: Giovanni Silvestri The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. REPORT FROM ALSATIAN WHITE WINES Dec 14, 2021 – I was given a half dozen bottles of Alsatian wine via Sopexa, to try pairing against a variety of Asian foods. Of course I shared the meal with my wife... We started with Crémant d’Alsace Brut Dirler-Cadé 2016 and then Crémant d’Alsace Domaine Frey-Sohler 2012. Both were totally different. The Crémant d’Alsace Brut Dirler-Cadé 2016 (LCBO +184357, $41) was Brut Nature (bone dry) with 60% pinot gris, 30% auxerrois, and 10% riesling, coming in at 12.4% ABV and 0.66 g/L residual sugar. Average age of the vines: 35 years. The wine has been certified by ECOCERT as biodynamic since the 2012 vintage. It was aged 24 – 32 months on lees, no dosage. The taste was compellingly dry and lemony, being driven by the auxerrois, with a soupcon of riesling on the mid-palate. The finish was lip smacking and appetite provoking. A very good first wine. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. The Crémant d’Alsace Domaine Frey-Sohler 2012 (LCBO +185511, $31.45) was all riesling and Extra Brut at 3.9 g/L residual sugar and 12.1% ABV. It sat for 9 (NINE!) years of aging on fine lees. It can be an aperitif or first course wine with bivalves. It had a riesling austerity that emphasized minerality, orchard fruit and lemons. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. The food Sopexa sent came from local chef Alex Pivnick; it included -- -Ontario salad leaves with terrific sesame miso vinaigrette, julienned daikon and carrot, -Explosive spicy Thai sesame peanut noodles with vegetables and green onion, -Smacked spicy cucumber salad, chiliflakes and shoyu, and -good fatty Duck rillette. Ending with underripe/tartish fruits: cactus pear, passion fruit, kiwi, and apricot. The main condiment was chili crisp with peanut pieces. With the food, we began with Pinot Blanc Joseph Cattin 2019 (LCBO +226642, $14.95) which was a bargain in a sea of pinot grigio from other countries. Pinot blanc has value in its unctuousness and thicker body. Residual sugar was 7 g/L and there was 12% ABV. On the palate, there was orchard fruit, especially white peaches, along with a yeast and citrus complexity. It certainly went with tasting samples of all the courses. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Other wines included Wilm Riesling Réserve 2019 (LCBO +11452, $19.95) just a tad dry with 2.4 g/L residual sugar and 12.55% ABV from the minerality of the terroir. Tangy citric tones with an underlying raciness on the mid-palate. I loved it with the duck rillete; it cut through the fat content. Should also do well with cream-sauced based seafood. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Then we had a chance to compare different styles of gewurztraminer. First up was the Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2020 (LCBO +373373, $17.95) with its 13.5% ABV and 14.9 g/L of residual sugar. It seemed to be totally lychee and peaches, exceedingly ripe fruit, long bitterish finish. Good with all manner of Asian foods. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. The last wine was the Willm Gewurztraminer Réserve 2019 (LCBO +269852, $17.95) with its 13.31% ABV and 18.39 g/L of residual sugar: it's all about tropical fruit, flowers and spices, from lychees to pineapples, to roses, to cinnamon. Everything lingers, and it is hard to beat at this price. Great with all manner of Asian foods. Terrific value. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. and here ends 2021... ==================================================================================