WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 5, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com (since 1995). Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Luigi Bosca Reserva Chardonnay 2008 Mendoza: fresh, balanced, good fruit, wood tones, a bit of everything. +142836, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Tabali Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007 Limari: excellent all round for fruit and oak balance. +663005, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. KWV Laborie Chardonnay 2008 Western Cape: fruity, little wood, good apples, peaches and lemons. +146332, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Anne Boecklin Reserve Gewurztraminer 2007 Alsace: MVC nose, pears on mid-palate, long lingering spicy finish. +141226, $19.95, QPR: 91. 5. Helfrich Pinot Gris 2008 Alsace: off-dry party wine, good price. +141788, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Chile: good cool climate style, zesty grassy wine. +135426, $15.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Finca Flichman Paisaje de Barrancas 2006 Mendoza: good blend of syrah, cabernet sauvignon and Malbec, more a food wine. +17129, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Graffigna Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 San Juan Argentina: good spicy aromas, long fruit finish. +60202, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Carmen Nativa Single Vineyard Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Maipo: organic wine, loaded with black fruit, dusty nose, some mint. +975359, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. The Musician by Majella Cabernet Shiraz 2007 Coonawarra: 78% cabernet, 14.5% ABV, I’m tempted to say that it sings. Okay, it sings. +142018, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. X & Y Shiraz 2004 Margaret River: excellent length and well-aged, North Rhone in style. +41194, $15.95, QPR: 92. 6. Landskroon Paul de Villiers Shiraz 2007 Paarl: delicious, and Euro- style. +56432, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Chateau Coulonge 2005 Bordeaux: vibrant fruit in a Parkerized wine. +138743, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. Chateau Rocher Lideyre 2005 Cotes de Castillon: delicious Bordeaux, ready now. +138867, $18.95, QPR: 90. 9. A. Jaume Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Cotes du Rhone- Villages 2007: rich with some syrah spicing, balanced tones. +76331, $19.95, QPR: 90. 10. Leone de Castris Villa Santera Primitivo di Manduria 2007: juicy, almost American zinfandel in style. +730952, $16.95, QPR: 90. 11. Piccini Chianti Classico Riserva 2005: excellent classic style, MVC all the way. +134791, $19.95, QPR: 90. 12. Catapereiro Vinho Tinto 2006 Ribatejano Portugal: delicious but North American style, mocha and cherries, good for parties. +80358, $14.95, QPR: 90. 13. Juan Gil Monastrell 2008 Jumilla: broad sweetness, good syle, appealing for holidays. +13656, $15.95, QPR: 90. 14. Bod. Amador Garcia Penagudo Crianza 2005 Rioja: MVC for everyday Rioja, black fruit and spice, Gold Medal level. +146480, $16.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy these wines and bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara, +33936, $25 retail. 2. Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2007 Marlborough, +359513, $37.95 retail. 3. Chateau Haut Selve 2007 Graves, +682369, $21.95 retail. 4. Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa, +936039, $125.95 retail. 5. Veramonte Primus 2006 Colchagua, +712463, $24.95 retail. 6. Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Coonawarra, +606939, $27.95 retail. 7. Chateau Camensac 1995 Haut-Medoc 5e Cru Classe, +155564, $54.95. 8. Chateau Saint-Hilaire 2005 Medoc, +138651, $24.95. 9. Bodegas Ontanon Reserva 2004 Rioja, +725895, $24.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 21, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Concha y Toro Winemaker’s Lot 14 Chardonnay 2008 Casablanca Valley: elegant and expressive of the Burgundian connection. +30940, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Domaine Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2008: basic MVC for sauvignon blanc, refreshingly youthful, a bit more fruit than others. 3. Terres Blanches Muscat Sec 2008 Pays d’Oc: excellent muscat upfront aromatics, value. +653188, $13.95, QPR: 91. 4. Kurt Darting Riesling Kabinett 2007 Durkheimer Michelsburg Pfalz: off-dry, delicious as a late course white wine, good concentration of riesling. +950212, $16.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Hahn Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Central Coast California: fruity oak tones, vanilla, cloves especially. +57877, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Irony Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa: restaurant-ready wine with bags of cabernet sauvignon character. +25106, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Lucas & Lewellen Queen of Hearts Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Santa Barbara County: useful cabernet, ripe and accessible, appealing fruit. It engaged me. +135368, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Dona Paula Estate Shiraz/Malbec 2007 Mendoza: excellent blend, with each grape supporting the fruit of the other. +998492, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Luis Segundo Correas Las Acequias Malbec 2005 Mendoza: an oak- infused red fruit wine with mocha. +138412, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Tabali Reserva Syrah 2007 Limari Valley Chile: syrah! Hot pure Rhone. +662692, $16.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut Chardonnay 2007, +128280, $29.95 retail. 2. Craggy Range Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 Hawkes Bay NZ, +132043, $41.95 retail. 3. Domaine Bernard Defaix Coye de Lechet Chablis 1er Cru 2007, +950667, $31.95. 4. Domaine de la Rossignole L’Essentiel Sancerre 2007, +141143, $24.95. 5. Antinori Castello della Sala Cervaro Della Sala 2007 Umbria, +512376, $54.95. 6. Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, +711663, $129.95. 7. Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +943472, $89.95. 8. Stags’ Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa, +996405, $49.95. 9. Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, +134528, $44.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 7, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Catena Chardonnay 2007 Mendoza: 14% ABV, stylish, edgy and smoky, from higher altitude grapes. +918895, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2007 Maipo: MVC for the toasty pear tones, butter. +342857, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Chardonnay 2008 Eden Valley: good creamy consistency, smooth toasted at end, twist top, 14% ABV. +651349, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Louis Hauller Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: well-rounded, MVC muscat tones, slightly bitter on finish. +141754, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Jean-Michel Sorbe Quincy 2008: very herby and delicious, citrus, long engaging finish, refreshing, palate cleansing. +608877, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier 2008 Pays D’Oc: partially done up in oak barrels for added succulence and vanilla complexity. +673236, $16.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Merlot 2006 Alexander Valley: soft, black fruit and mocha, strong restaurant wine. +34900, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Round Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California: another good resto wine, hits all the MVC cabernet sauvignon buttons. +526418, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Bodega Francois Lurton Reserva Malbec 2007 Mendoza: quality mocha, smoke and toast. Food wine. +903153, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Weinert Malbec 2004 Mendoza: good depth and tang, well-aged. 14.5% ABV. +556795, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Concha y Toro Winemaker’s Lot 115 Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Quebrada de Agua Vineyard Maule Chile: very tasty black fruit and cassis, greater development possible. +30965, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier 2006 Barossa: Rhone style syrah shines through. +524926, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. Chateau de Lafaurie-Monbadon 2005 Cotes de Castillon Bordeaux: rich, dense black fruit, great price. Buy it all! +140012, $15, QPR: 92. 8. Chateau de Gourgazaud Cuvee Mathilde 2006 Minervois: good dense flavours of black fruit, long long finish. +958629, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. Chateau de Fontenelles Cuvee Notre Dame 2007 Corbieres: appears sweeter than the Minervois above but structured the same (Grenache replacing mourvedre). +106518, $16.95. 10. Château Val Joanis Tradition Syrah 2006 Luberon: 14% ABV, good syrah hit, nicely priced to sell. +965616, $15.95, QPR: 90. 11. Les Vignerons du Castelas Cotes du Rhone 2007: good syrah Rhone typicity, longer finish, more food than just party. +142125, $13.95, QPR: 90. 12. Perrin & Fils Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2007 Cotes du Rhone: red fruit and lovely finish, best with food. +566844, $17.95, QPR: 90. 13. Nuova Cappelletta Barbera del Monferrato 2007: biodynamic wine shoes good fruit and density, longer finish. +719518, $16.95, QPR: 90. 14. A-Mano Primitivo 2007 Puglia: good standby, useful zinfandel-like tones. +972588, $15.95, QPR: 90. 15. Poggio Al Tufo Alicante 2007 Maremma Toscana: deep, dense and delicious, very Italianate, character in the structure. +70797, $18.95, QPR: 90. 16. Marques de Valcarlos Reserva Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Navarra: raisin nose, stretched oak over palate, longer finish, needs food. +928853, $17.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Landmark Overlook Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma/Santa Barbara/Monterey, +356501, $32.95 retail. 2. Yalumba Viognier 2008 Eden Valley, +954644, $22.95 retail. 3. Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir 2007 Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +33951, $21. 4. Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, +73817, $21.95. 5. Murdock Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Coonawarra, +994210, $32.95. 6. Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2005, +512384, $35.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 24, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com (since 1995). Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2008 Margaret River: much like an upscale Graves, great MVC flavours. +47621, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Xanadu Chardonnay 2008 Margaret River: delicious, Burgundian character, toast in the length. +27888, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Sticks Chardonnay 2006 Yarra Valley: oaking dissipates over time, fruit shines through. +141274, $19.94, QPR: 90. 4. Chateau des Charmes St. David’s Bench Chardonnay 2006 Niagara: Burgundian quality, deliciously fruit forward, 14% ABV. +430991, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Rapel: grassy but fresh, young vintage, good buy. +396994, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Crabilis Vermentino 2008 Sardinia: aromatic, floral, longer length, best with crab. +52068, $13.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Cabernet/Merlot 2005 Niagara-on-the- Lake: a food wine, like an aged Bordeaux, quality for the value pricing, already 4 years old. +222372, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Huntington Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California: lovely off-dry chocolate and cherries. +994491, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chakana Reserve Malbec 2008 Mendoza: soft, Merlot-like, affordable. +18671, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2006 Coastal Region South Africa: fruity, aged well, not many oak tones. +53124, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Begadanet 2005 Medoc: MVC, good vintage, approachable now, what more could you ask for at this price? +138875, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Estate Papaioannou Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko 2005 Nemea Greece: delicious fruity components with a dose of underbrush, garrigue, and forests. +47977, $18.95, QPR: 90. 7. Monte Antico Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Tuscany: engaging North American blend. +69377, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Sogrape Callabriga 2005 Dao: black fruit, well-developed and aged wine, best with food. +43638, $19.95, QPR: 90. 9. Beronia Reserva 2005 Rioja: and older feel to the wine, smoke, mocha, plums, delicious and under-priced. +50203, $17.95, QPR: 91. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Pirathon Shiraz 2005 Barossa Valley, +130278, $38.95 retail. 2. Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Adelaide Hills, +965335, $24.95. 3. Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Pinot Noir Tasmania, +962415, $26.95 4. Megalomaniac Sonofabitch Pinot Noir 2007 Niagara, +85134, $24.95 5. 7 Deadly Zins 2007 Old Vines Lodi, +59311, $24.95. 6. Nicolas Maillet Macon Verze 2007, +702605, $22.95. 7. Max Ferd. Richter Riesling Spatlese 1992 Mulheimer Sonnenlay Mosel, +140780, $23.95. 8. Le Serre Nuove Dell’Ornellaia 2007 Bolgheri Rosso, +606194, $59.95. 9. Stratus Riesling 2007 Niagara, +131011, $35.50. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 10, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Flat Rock Cellars Unplugged Chardonnay 2007 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara: expressive of fruity-and-unoaked chardonnay, 13.5% ABV, very good value from the 2007 harvest. +68015, $15.95, QPR: 91. 2. Inniskillin Winemaker's Series Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 VQA Four Mile Creek Niagara: delicious Burgundy style, moderate finish. +586347, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Clayhouse Adobe White 2008 Central Coast California: highly aromatic, floral-scented, big wine. +137059, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Sonoma: a resto wine, very good complexity not bizarre. +971754, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Grant Burge Summers Chardonnay 2007 Adelaide Hills: toast, smoke on nose and mid-palate, falls off to citrus tones, needs good food. +57315, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2008 South Australia: great zest, and great price for an Oz Riesling. Strong aroma. +625129, $15.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ironstone Vineyards Merlot 2007 California: all purpose, useful and intelligent red. +704353, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California: MVC for the joosers amongst us. +135285, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Finca el Origen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: intense fruit, long finish. +128991, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Aconcagua Valley: dynamite juice and flavours, 14.5% ABV, development needs taming but lush now and lusher later. +606764, $17.95, QPR: 92. 5. Goats Do Roam Goat-Roti Syrah/Viognier 2007 Coastal Region South Africa: nice knockoff of a Cotes du Rhone, Euro style syrah, yet juicy. +943175, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Thebot 2005 Bordeaux: nice enjoyable Bordeaux, standard MVC, needs a bit more time, priced to go. +138792, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7. Cantine Due Palme Primitivo 2005 IGT Salento: off-dry character, good as entry level for zinf lovers. +658351, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. Volpaia Citto 2007 IGT Tuscany: delivers long length and generous fruit, good basic Italian food wine. +134817, $13.95, QPR: 90. 9. Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2005: tarry, great finish, aged well. +999946, $16.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay 2007 Santa Lucian Monterey, +66159, $29.95 retail. 2. Domaine Bonnard Sancerre 2008, +140525, $22.95 retail. 3. Studert-Prum Riesling Spatlese 2004 Mosel, +140756, $23.95 retail. 4. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Sonoma, +226944, $22.95. 5. Shingleback Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale, +57844, $23.95. 6. La Spinona Bricco Faset Barbaresco 2004, +134726, $38.95. 7. Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2006 Ribera del Duero, +341461, $29.95 retail. 8. Miguel Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Penedes, +129676, $44.95 retail. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 10, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Flat Rock Cellars Unplugged Chardonnay 2007 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara: expressive of fruity-and-unoaked chardonnay, 13.5% ABV, very good value from the 2007 harvest. +68015, $15.95, QPR: 91. 2. Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 VQA Four Mile Creek Niagara: delicious Burgundy style, moderate finish. +586347, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Clayhouse Adobe White 2008 Central Coast California: highly aromatic, floral-scented, big wine. +137059, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Sonoma: a resto wine, very good complexity not bizarre. +971754, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Grant Burge Summers Chardonnay 2007 Adelaide Hills: toast, smoke on nose and mid-palate, falls off to citrus tones, needs good food. +57315, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2008 South Australia: great zest, and great price for an Oz Riesling. Strong aroma. +625129, $15.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ironstone Vineyards Merlot 2007 California: all purpose, useful and intelligent red. +704353, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California: MVC for the joosers amongst us. +135285, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Finca el Origen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: intense fruit, long finish. +128991, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Aconcagua Valley: dynamite juice and flavours, 14.5% ABV, development needs taming but lush now and lusher later. +606764, $17.95, QPR: 92. 5. Goats Do Roam Goat-Roti Syrah/Viognier 2007 Coastal Region South Africa: nice knockoff of a Cotes du Rhone, Euro style syrah, yet juicy. +943175, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Thebot 2005 Bordeaux: nice enjoyable Bordeaux, standard MVC, needs a bit more time, priced to go. +138792, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7. Cantine Due Palme Primitivo 2005 IGT Salento: off-dry character, good as entry level for zinf lovers. +658351, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. Volpaia Citto 2007 IGT Tuscany: delivers long length and generous fruit, good basic Italian food wine. +134817, $13.95, QPR: 90. 9. Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2005: tarry, great finish, aged well. +999946, $16.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay 2007 Santa Lucian Monterey, +66159, $29.95 retail. 2. Domaine Bonnard Sancerre 2008, +140525, $22.95 retail. 3. Studert-Prum Riesling Spatlese 2004 Mosel, +140756, $23.95 retail. 4. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Sonoma, +226944, $22.95. 5. Shingleback Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale, +57844, $23.95. 6. La Spinona Bricco Faset Barbaresco 2004, +134726, $38.95. 7. Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2006 Ribera del Duero, +341461, $29.95 retail. 8. Miguel Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Penedes, +129676, $44.95 retail. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay 2007: one of the best Ontario chardonnays at just under $20, capable of aging. Euro mode. +89037, $19.95, QPR: 91. 2. Clos du Bois Chardonnay 2007 North Coast California: one of the fighting varietals, a restaurant-ready wine, often on sale at US stores for $9.99US plus taxes. +124867, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Irony Chardonnay 2007 Napa Valley: 14.5% ABV, lots of fruit and minerality, toast, better with food. +27409, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough: very crisp and gooseberries, first course wine. +677450, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Sileni Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2009 Hawkes Bay: ripe and fresh, one of the first of the 2009s to be tasted in Ontario, with some body (useful quaffer) or first course. 12.5% ABV. +32292, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Domaine Saint-Remy Reserve Gewurztraminer 2007 Alsace: delicious, off-dry complexity, reserve level bitterness on finish. Organic too. +61150, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine des Quatre Routes Muscadet Sevre & Maine 2007 Sur Lie: Gold Medalist in France, yet value priced for Ontario, first course wine. +608893, $11.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sumac Ridge Black Sage Vineyard Merlot 2006 Okanagan Valley: good oak hit on the finish, MVC softness and chocolate, aged well. +593053, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Zuccardi Santa Julia Organica Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: delicious, soft berries, almost merlot-like, black fruit and some mocha. Value priced. Organic. +68452, $12.95, QPR: 93. 3. Coriole Redstone Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale: depth from aging, twist top, 14.5%, ripe and soft. +59915, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Richard Hamilton Hut Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 McLaren Vale: minty, deep cabernet sauvignon tones, twist top, 14% ABV, creamy mocha. +567917, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Fongaban 2005 Cotes de Castillon: useful purchase for a well-priced Bordeaux, better after another year. +138735, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Mas des Bressades Cuvee Excellence 2007 Costieres de Nimes: great blend of flavours, chocolate and oak for the syrah. +708750, $18.95, QPR: 90. 7. Beronia Elaboracion Especial Tempranillo 2007 Rioja: ripe with wood tones, plumy, some anise, and mocha. Delightful. +723643, $16.95, QPR: 91. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Le Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 VQAQ Niagara Vinemount Ridge, +0143974, $37 retail. 2. Domaine Bernard Millot Les Petits Charrons Meursault 2006, +130922, $49.95 retail. 3. Domaine La Soufrandise Clos Marie Pouilly-Fuisse 2007, +42622, $29.95 retail. 4. Frog’s Leap Merlot 2006 Rutherford Napa, +707489, $44.95 retail. 5. Stonehedge Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, +25122, $24.95. 6. Chateau Tour Marcillanet 2005 Haut-Medoc, +125880, $27.95. 7. Condado de Haza Crianza 2006 Ribera del Duero, +963348, $27.95. HALF-BOTTLE ALERT: Rutherford Hill Merlot 2004 Napa, +948935, $13.95 375 mL WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cave Spring Estate Gewurztraminer 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench Niagara: delicious in a light Alsatian dry style. +302059, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Fielding Estate Chardonnay Musque 2007 VQA Niagara: bright floral aromas, good body, almost off-dry in the finish. +129643, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Henry of Pelham Off-Dry Reserve Riesling 2007 VQA Short Hill Bench: off-dry complexity, not sweet at all, fini9shes with great length. 11.5% ABV. +557165, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Huff Estates Chardonnay 2007 VQA Ontario: very good typicity, long finish, winemaker wine. +129742, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Rosehall Run Cuvee County Chardonnay 2007 VQA Prince Edward County: some musque was added, deftly made wine, balance of fruit-acid-wood. +132928, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Fairview Viognier 2008 Paarl: good MVC, peach and lemon and some toast, great length and finish, 14.5% ABV. Twist top. +906487, $19.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Quinta da Falorca Colheita Seleccionada 2005 Dao: interesting fruit complexity, a bit young, needs time to open, value priced. +131854, $12.95, QPR: 90. 2. Stoney Ridge Founder’s Signature Collection Pinot Noir 2007 VQA Ontario: cranberries, MVC for pinot noir, sour cherries, Burgundian style but thinner, unfiltered. +588, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Stonehedge Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 California: easy to quaff, hits all the right cabby buttons, finishes smokey. +135327, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Wits End The Procrastinator 2006 McLaren Vale: delivers the cabernet minty hit and the shiraz chocolate texture, full, firm and fruity, 15% ABV. +684100, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Domaine du Prieure Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune 2007: typical burgundy albeit a bit thin, earthy, youthful, and priced to sell. +1286787, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Pech-Redon La Clape L’Epervier 2004 Coteaux du Languedoc: black fruit and garrigue, drying out nicely. +129965, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. Memoria Primitivo di Manduria 2006 Puglia: pure California zinfandel in style but thicker, North American appeal, ready soon. +687210, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Navarrsotillo Noemus Joven 2007 Rioja: hard to beat this organic wine at this price point. Light Rioja flavours, 13% ABV, great for many winter nights. +131839, $14.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench, +68817, $35.20 retail. 2. Flat Rock Cellars Gravity Pinot Noir 2007 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +1560, $29.95 retail. 3. St. Clement Chardonnay 2007 Carneros Napa, +128934, $24.95 retail. 4. Kangarilla Road Shiraz/Viognier 2006 McLaren Vale, +127548, $27.95. 5. Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, +735043, $24.95. 6. Cotes Rocheuses 2005 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +125674, $32.95. 7. Schloss Reinhatshausen Riesling Spatlese Trocken 2003 QmP, +127571, $23.95. 8. Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2003, +125070, $57.95. 9. Torrederos Tinto Crianza 2004 Ribera del Duero, +40808, $24.95. 10. Vallobera Reserva 2001 Rioja, +114314, $28.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 29, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Henry of Pelham Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2007 Niagara: rich, aromatic, barrel tones, fresh lumber for the woodies. +268342, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cline Viognier 2007 California: good aromatics, bone dry but lovely fruit finish, first course white. +128421, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Ironstone Chardonnay 2007 California: resto wine, hits all the right balance notes of juice, acid, body, oak. +355776, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Urban Uco Torrontes 2008 Cafayete Valley Argentina: aromatics, floral, some lemons but not peaches, more a food wine. +128645, $11.95, QPR: 90. 5. McPherson Basilisk Marsanne/Viognier 2007 Central Victoria: full of musky aromatics, brooding body, long finish. +678599, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Seifried Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Nelson New Zealand: very herby and zesty, extreme, not for the faint hearted. +957670, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Tommasi Le Rosse Pinot Grigio 2008 IGT Venezie: very good structure and taste, character in the body, not typical Italian PG. +910497, $16.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Santa Duc Les Buissons Cairanne 2003 CdeR Villages: aging beautifully, well-priced, spicy and peppers, long finish. +017079, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Chateau Mourgue du Gres Les Galets Rouges 2007 Costieres de Nimes: delicious syrah hit, beautiful black fruit overtones, and mocha development. +132548, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Clos du Bois Zinfandel 2006 North Coast: a resto value wine, coconut barrel tones, 13.5% ABV, finishes off-dry, appealing. +38000,$18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red 2007 California: basic, ready, slightly raisinated, quaffer or first course red. +665158, $15, QPR: 90 5. Casa Silva Reserva Merlot 2007 Colchagua Valley Chile: dusty fruit, not yet ready, but affordable for a laydown of one year or more. +718650, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Ballast Stone Merlot 2006 Currency Creek South Australia: very woody but goody price. +127555, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7. Charles Back Fairview Shiraz 2007 Coastal Region South Africa: lush, fruity syrah tones, but Euro style through the length. +626358, $16.95, QPR: 90. 8. JJ Hand Made Wines Merlot 2006 Stellenbosch: well-rounded and finished. +96586, $17.95, QPR: 90. 9. Tommasi Vigneto Le Prunee Merlot 2007 IGT Venezie: mocha and red fruit tones, with some prune notes in the tannic finish. +24505, $16.95, QPR: 90. 10. Lima Quinta das Amoras Colheita Seleccionada 2005 Estremadura: good, solid black fruit tones, ready now. +131862, $12.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Delas Haute Pierre Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +74195, $35.95 retail. 2. Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel 2006 Napa, +903237, $48.95 retail. 3. Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2007, +942151, $28.95 retail. 4. Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2007, +128926, $22.95. 5. Chateau Haut-Maurac 2003 Medoc, +125641, $24.95. 6. Lan Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +92862, $24.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 15, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Creekside Estate Laura White 2007 Niagara: very aromatic blend of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot gris, viognier and riesling. Sipper. +121764, 17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Stratus Wildass White 2006 Niagara: another very aromatic blend but with semillon and gewürztraminer replacing Laura’s pinot gris. A bit spicier with more depth, but also an earlier vintage at a higher price. More a first course wine than a sipper. +85100, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Stonechurch Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2007 Niagara-on-the-Lake: nicely integrated wood tones, but not buttery or creamy, good value. +121772, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Liberty School Chardonnay 2006 Central Coast California: a restaurant wine, very engaging, useful forwardness. Spot on. +960120, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Lapostolle Casa Chardonnay 2008 Casablanca: balanced and integrated, a bit of everything here, apples, limes, melons, oak. 14% ABV. Good price for a mid-weight. +396986, $14.95, QPR: 90 6. Zilzie Chardonnay 2007 Victoria: nothing is better than a Gold Medal heavily-oaked wine, but done in a Euro style. 14.5% ABV. +108027, $17.95, QPR: 94. 7. Domaine Francis Fichet Macon-Villages 2007: pretty decent mid-weight wine with a chardonnay hit on the long finish. +127399, $16.95, QPR: 90 TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Finca Flichman Reserva Malbec 2007 Mendoza: soft vanilla tones despite the 14% ABV, oak aged of course. +746727, $12.95, QPR: 91. 2. Emiliana Natura Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Chile: juicy organic wine, touches of oak and butter. +61069, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Montgras Reserva Carmenere 2008 Colchagua: 14.5% ABV, but not a hot finish. Dark fruit and mocha tones. Excellent value. +960542, $12.95, QPR: 91. 4. Barossa Valley Estate E Minor Shiraz 2007: black fruit and depth, good zest and Euro style +71043, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Courriere-Rongieras 2005 Lussac Saint-Emilion: great mouthfeel, North American merlot softness appeal. +125492, $18.95, QPR: 91. 6. Chateau Haut-Canteloup 2003 Medoc: black fruit merlot dominates in this over-the-top ripe wine. +125534, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2001 Puglia: a nicely aged wine, dry bouquet, subtle finish. Great price. +724674, $13.95, QPR: 90. 8. Finca Sobreno Crianza 2005 Toro: almost ready to drink, dense development of flavours. Woodsy. +40360, $18.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Nicolas Potel Montagny Blanc 1er Cru 2007, +127431, $24.95 retail 2. Chateau de Sancerre Sancerre 2007, +340893, $25.95 retail. 3. Domaine Carneros Estate Pinot Noir 2006, +101816, $34.95 retail. 4. Montes Alpha Syrah 2007 Colchagua Chile, +612, $22.95 retail. 5. Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2004, +971705, $39.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 1, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Angels Gate Mountainview Chardonnay 2007 Niagara: wooded, 8 months in toasted French oak, 13.5%. +116384, $18.95, QPR: 90 2. Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Gris 2007 VQA Four Mile Creek: body and soul, slightly off-dry, summer sipper or first course wine accompaniment. +116582, $17.95, QPR: 90 3. Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench: floral entry, dry complexity on finish. +80234, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Flagstone Free Run Sauvignon Blanc 2008 WO Elim South Africa: delicious, good off-dry in mid-palate, not as nervy as other New World sauvignon blanc. +96537, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2007: great viognier nose (50% of total), good floral complexity, long enjoyable finish, first course food wine or summer sipper. +290296, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Hans Lang Riesling Spatlese 1992 QmP Hattenheimer Hassel: 10.5% ABV, 17 years old and never been kissed, still fresh. Buy a lot of it at this price. Very off-dry and intense. +127100, $18.95, QPR: 92. 7. Miguel Torres Vina Esmeralda 2008 DO Catalunya: this wine has always been one of my fave quaffers for summer, 11.5% ABV, 85% muscatel and 15% Gewurz, and 100% aromatic floral complexities. Perfect for summer sipping, absolutely fresh from 2008 vintage. +113696, $12.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2005 Columbia Valley: wall-aged, 13.5% ABV, big Merlot, restaurant ready. +263418, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Aresti Reserva Merlot 2006 Curico Valley: juicy and herby, long length, better next year but good price to retain in your cellar. +726760, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Deep Woods Estate Block 7 Shiraz 2007 Margaret River: good Euro style syrah, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +109355, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Robertson Winery Prospect Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 South Africa: juicy, mocha tones, some smoke on the finish. +687814, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Robertson Winery Wolfkloof Shiraz 2006 South Africa: good syrah component, mostly Euro style but with US oak coconut flavours. +626341, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Domaine le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages 2007: off-dry fruit on mid-palate, a grenache-syrah-mourvedre (GSM) blend, 14.5% ABV, true to Euro style. +127167, $11.95, QPR: 90. 7. Tsantali Reserve Nemea 2003 Greece: well-balanced, good aging, taut enough for BBQ and lamb. +13524, $14.95, QPR: 91. 8. Terra D’Aligi Tatone Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2005: fat, New World style appreciation, juicy. +994616, $15.95, QPR: 90. 9. Cantina Parroco Nebbiolo Langhe 2007: faster maturing nebbiolo, a thinner Barolo at a great price, and ready sooner. +117192, $18.95, QPR: 90. 10. Castellani Chianti Riserva 2004: very Italianate, and strong cherry flavours. +970707, $14.95, QPR: 90. 11. Bod. Olarra Cerro Anon Reserva 2004 Rioja: needs two more years, but it is a dramatic wine, complex Rioja, worth the wait. +114306, $18.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Angels Gate Old Vine Chardonnay 2005 VQA Beamsville Bench, +116350, $23.95 retail. 2. Robert Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Paso Robles, +25205, $29.95. 3. Mr. Riggs Cabernet 2007 Coonawarra, +126896, $23.95. 4. Chateau Cherchy-Desqueyroux 2005 Graves, +125518, $23.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 18, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cave Spring Chardonnay Musque 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench: light and sort of musky, useful for summer patios. +246579, $15.95, QPR:90. 2. Flat Rock Cellars Riesling 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench: off-dry, long fruity and citric finish, 9.5% ABV. +43281, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Santa Ana La Moscota Chardonnay 2008 Mendoza: lightly toasted wood, fresh chardonnay tones, citrus and apples. 14% ABV. +126870, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 2007 Marlborough: some body, leafiness, length, good for first course food, or sip on summer patio. 13.5% ABV. Twist top. +680983, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Domaene Gobelsburg Gruner Veltliner 2007 Kamptal: off-dry but with a great finish, summery wine. Twist top. +965368, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Vinosia Essenza di Malvasia 2007 Salento: first course food wine, upfront apricots and melons. +122341, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7. Gramona Gessami 2007 Penedes: tasty blend of muscats and sauvignon blanc for length, multi-purpose sipper. +115782, $19.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Kim Crawford Hawkes Bay Merlot 2007: good blend with some obvious franc showing, slightly leafy and herbal. 13.5% ABV. +680967, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Kumkani Cradle Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Stellenbosch: very Euro in style, earthy, black fruits. +107391, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Domaine de la Sauveuse Cuvee Carolle 2007: very expressive of the region, good blend of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, Grenache, and mourvedre. 13.5% ABV. Organic. +43174, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Domaine de Poujo Madiran 2005: Delivers rich complexity. Needs time but don’t pass up this value. +719674, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. La Casa dell’Orco Aglianico 2005 Irpinia: deep, dense, delightful, slightly bitter-sourish finish. Needs food. +123406, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Gladiator Primitivo di Manduria 2006: made for North Americans watching the “Rome” DVD. 14% ABV, Zin-like, strong. +23119, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Messapicus Riserva Salice Salentino 2005: tasty, cherries are suggested, some mocha tones, longer than expected length. +121087, $16.95, QPR: 90. 8. Tharru Cannonau di Sardegna 2006: herby, dry complexity, useful with all manner of foods. +121053, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. Can Bonastre Crianza 2006 Penedes: juicy, mostly merlot and cabernet sauvignon with a touch of syrah. Ozzie anyone? +115733, $18.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2006 Lodi, +942599, $22.95 retail. 2. Chateau Cote Montpezat 2003 Cotes de Castillon, +045658, $21.95. 3. Terre da Vino Essenze Barolo 2004, +92460, $44.95. 4. Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2003 Rioja, +947309, $24.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 20, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Peninsula Ridge Viognier 2007 Niagara: great for booth food and sipping, full flavours, long enough finish for several courses. +662601, $14.95, QPR: 91. 2. La Chablisienne Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2007: MVC, still a curio appellation. +641753, $15.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chakana Malbec 2008 Mendoza: mounds of flavour, North American appeal, off-dry on mid-palate. +3509, $13.95. 2. Navarro Correas Alegoria Gran Reserva Malbec 2006 Mendoza: intense smokey and anise flavours. +28928, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Evans & Tate Shiraz 2004 Margaret River: a food wine with a great finish, some interesting mint and black fruit along the way. +606905, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Nick Faldo Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Coonawarra: delicious off-dry cabernet with a woody underside. +1685, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2008 WO Coastal South Africa: intense Rhone syrah complexity, twist top, 14.8% ABV, buy it all at this price. It’s a Friday wine. +595280, $15, QPR: 93. 6. Pierre Sourdais Tradition Chinon 2005: excellent cabernet franc tones of strawbs and rasps and herbs. +108506, $20.95, QPR: 90. 7. Vesevo Beneventano Aglianico 2006 Campania: more delicious wine, wood and black fruits, all in play. Great juice. Another Friday wine to snap up, buy lots. +120907, $16.95, QPR: 93. 8. Rocca delle Macie Rubizzo Sangiovese di Toscana 2006: ripe, well priced summer sipper, good with food too, soft cherries. Chianti for the North American crowd. +913780, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. Cunha Martins Red 2006 Dao: intriguingly dense, with wood and plums, nice engaging finish. +114462, $14.95, QPR: 90. 10. Albet I Noya Lignum 2006 Penedes: enjoyable, light, summery, fruity, southern Rhone style. Organic. +1313, $16.95, QPR: 90. 11. Sabor Real Vinas Centenarias Tempranillo 2005 Toro: a lumber wine with manly flavours for dad. +122325, $19.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Stags’ Leap Winery Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +655381, $29.95 retail. 2. Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Sonoma, +977173, $39.95 3. Greg Norman California Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 North Coast, +8722, $24.95. 4. Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2007 Mendoza, +79798, $27.95. 5. Vina Cobas Bramare Malbec 2006 Mendoza, +123729, $39.95. 6. Perez Cruz Reserva Limited Edition Carmenere 2007 Maipo, +670539, $24.95. 7. Chateau Courreges 2005 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, +117606, $24.95. 8. Fontodi Chianti Classico 2006, +933317, $28.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 6 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rosewood Estates Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Niagara: higher acid on mid-plate, savoury flavors on the back palate. +112169, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. McManis Family Vineyards Viognier 2007 California: juicy finish, long length, good with food. +658112, $21.95, QPR: 90. 3. Lacheteau Les Loges Vouvray 2007: good fruity finish, some orchard fruit. +525105, $14.95, QPR: 91. 4. Frescobaldi Castello di Pomino 2008 Tuscany: fresh, non-wooded texture of fruit, concentrated tones. +65086, $17.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Calafate Reserva Malbec 2007 Patagonia: juice is full of smoke, black fruit, needs a bit more time. +114702, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Terra Rosa Malbec 2004 Mendoza Old Vine: screwcap, very good harmonious density, complex enough for meals. +93872, $20.95, QPR: 90. 3. Zolo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza: mounds of spices, black fruit, dense concentration. +81927, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Fattoria Monte Chianti Rufina Riserva 2004: chianti balance of classic fruit, leather and flowers all the way. +120972, $19.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2006 Santa Lucia Highlands California Barrel Fermented, +958975, $44.95 retail. 2. Rabl G. Gruner Veltliner 2006 Kamptal Austria, +117390, $29.95. 3. Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2006, +112227, $23.95. 4. Patrick Lesec Meursault 2005, +84533, $49.95. 5. Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, +932400, $63.95. 6. Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 2003 Columbia, +408864, $23.95. 7. Peter Lehmann Mentor 2002 Barossa, +724336, $42.95. 8. Domaine d’Ardhuy Aux Clous Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru 2006, +122515, $39.95. 9. Chateau de Serame Reserve du Chateau Minervois 2006, +651125, $22.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 23, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Greg Norman California Estates Chardonnay 2005 Santa Barbara: good wood on this one, plus creamy minerals. +29264, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2007 Pirque Maipo: well spiced and priced, balanced, lingering finish. +342857, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough NZ: herbaceously fragrant, adapted to sipping possibilities. +686675, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Andre Blanck Rosenberg Pinot Blanc 2007 Alsace: ripe and full, good character, like a pinot gris. +626606, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Duca di Castelmonte Tripudium Bianco 2007 Sicily: great nose from the zibibbo muscat grape, lingering floral fruit. +117531, $18.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. G7 Reserva Carmenere 2006 Loncomilla Chile: deep, dense, chewy, long finish. Ready now. +94177, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. William Cole Columbine Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Curico Chile: velvety, dark fruit, mocha tones, longer length, much like a merlot. +93856, $15.95, QPR: 91. 3. Ferngrove Shiraz 2007 Frankland River Australia: full, rich, and delicious wine, somewhat Euro style. +90282, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. C.J.Pask Gimblett Road Cabernet/Merlot/Malbec 2006 Hawkes Bay NZ: great tasting blend, black fruit, Bordeaux styled. +120816, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Linton Park Shiraz 2004 WO Paarl: Euro syrah-type wine, but richer. +910844, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Maison des Princes Anjou 2007: good cab franc texture, classic MVC (raspberry, smoke, herbs). +107094, $13.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Arrowood Chardonnay 2005 Sonoma, +270694, $34.95 retail. 2. Cuvaison Chardonnay 2007 Carneros Napa, +988261, $25.95. 3. Domaine Michel-Andreotti Montagny 1er Cru 2006, +112516, $23.95. 4. Ridgeline Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +54072, $39.95. 5. Hazyblur Baroota Shiraz 2005 South Australia, +52126, $35.95. 6. Chateau Le Caillou 1998 Pomerol, +45682, $48.95. 7. Chateau Verdignan 1999 Haut-Medoc, +125286, $29.95. 8. Vincent Girardin Les Vergelesses Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru 2006, +110353, $44.95. 9. Marco Bonfante Barbaresco 2004, +117119, $39.95. 10. Baron de Ley Reserva 2004 Rioja, +958868, $21.95. 11. Rioja Bordon Gran Reserva 2001, +114454, $26.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 2, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Niagara College Teaching Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2006 VQA St. David’s Bench: crisp, Chablis-like with apple-pear-lemons. +40675, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2006 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake: packed with flavours, well-rounded creamy, butterscotch. +117572, $21.95, QPR: 90. 3. Domaine des Aubuisieres Cuvee de Silex Vouvray 2008: off-dry chenin blanc, will be a fab drink in two years. +57042, $17.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Tenuta Il Corno Chianti Colli Fiorentini 2006: value priced, hits all the right sangiovese notes, snap it up. +123752, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2008 Colchagua: juicy, some nice herbal fuzz from the carmenere, organic grapes. +56853, $13.95, QPR: 93. 3. Alkoomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Frankland River: great Euro tastes right from start of entry to finish of length. +904227, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4.Richard Hamilton Lot 148 Merlot 2006 McLaren Vale: lots of length follows the cabernet-like fruit on the entry. +39461, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateu Le Bourdieu 2003 Medoc: MVC for the region, some tannins on the finish, still a good buy. +85084, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Domaine Debray Bourgogne Hautes Cotes-de-Beaune 2006: affordable pinot noir from Burgundy, with the usual cran-cherry nose, even some oak. +112219, $21.95, QPR: 90. 7. Zenato Cormi Merlot/Corvina 2006 IGT Veneto: ripe, round and attractive to New World palates. +108282, $19.95, QPR: 90. 8. Mana del Brujo 2006 Calatayud Spain: 14.5% ABV, not yet read, but will reward patience in two years. Invite me over. +15073, $17.95, QPR: 90. 9. Marques de Valcarlos Gran Reserva 1999 Navarra: pruney and dried fruit, but with redeeming oak tones. Great for food. Note the vintage date. +687251, $21.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva 2005, +943613, $24.95 retail. 2. Fattoria La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino 2003, +121905, $48.95. 3. Acacia Chardonnay 2007 Carneros, +80556, $36.95. 4. La Crema Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma Coast, +962886, $29.95. 5. Sterling Vineyards Chardonnay 2006 Napa, +330233, $24.95. 6. Dominus Estate Napanook 2005 Napa, +63065, $53.95. 7. Rutherford Hill Merlot 2005 Napa, +959338, $34.95. 8. Loan Shiraz 2004 Barossa, +104661, $37.95 [organic] 9. Domaine Bernard Defaix Cote de Lechet Reserve Chablis 1er Cru 20-06, +17541, $36.95. 10. Domaine Delorme et Fils Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2006, +110261, $32.95. 11. Marchesi Fumanelli Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2004, +105155, $59.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 11, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.La Chamiza Polo Professional Chardonnay Reserve 2007 Mendoza: 14% ABV, good price for integrated tropical-vanilla-smoke tones. +93864, $12.95, QPR: 91. 2.Viniterra Terra Viognier 2008 Mendoza: delicious fruity and fresh, peaches. 14% ABV, unoaked. +57919, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3.Wakefield Chardonnay 2007 Clare Valley: ripe and juicy, balanced and creamy oak. +711556, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4.Robertson Winery Kings River Chardonnay 2006 South Africa: long length lives with you, lip smacking finish. +104810, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5.Sensation de Chateau Grand Bourdieu Blanc 2005 Graves: woody, with some aged complexity. +107136, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6.Domaine du Pre Baron Sauvignon Touraine 2007: “sustainable”, and affordable zest with the Euro spin. +107128, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7.Feudo Montoni Grillo 2007 Sicily: delicious, loads of fruit character and stone fruit tones. +116319, $13.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Las Lomas Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Maule: excellent cabernet but soft like merlot. Both organic AND Fair Trade. +917922, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2.Pargua II 2006 Maipo: first-rate blend (both cabs, carmenere, syrah, merlot, petit verdot), delicious fruit, long finish. +83279, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3.Delheim Shiraz 2005 South Africa: 14.5% ABV, fab Rhone knock-off, ready soon. +959080, $16.95, QPR: 92. 4.Sonop Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 South Africa: delicious Euro tones, organic and Fair Traded. +606160, $13.95, QPR: 90. 5.Chateau Hauchat 2005 Fronsac: extractive, all merlot and wood coming into balance, needs a year of cellaring. +123489, $15, QPR: 90. 6.Cossetti La Vigna Vecchia Barbera d’Asti 2005: delicious upfront fruit intensity, long enjoyable length, dense. +106278, $15.95, QPR: 90 7.San Silvestro Brumo Nebbiolo d’Alba 2006: light nebbiolo flavours, but Italianate and “memories of Barolo” nevertheless. +101444, $16.95, QPR: 90. 8.Mastroleo Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva 2004: fruity but off-dry on the palate, lots of extract. +121632, $15.95, QPR: 90. 9.Sogevinus Burmester Red Douro 2006: 13.5% ABV, softly developing, rush of fruit near finish. +114413, $16.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Calera Viognier 2006 Central Coast, +90217, $26.95 retail. 2.Vaisse Felix Chardonnay 2007 Margaret River, +903617, $24.95. 3.Domaine Roger Luquet Terroir Pouilly-Fuisse 2007, +907931, $29.95. 4.Eberle Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Paso Robles, +105866, $28.95. 5.White Oak Merlot 2004 Napa Valley, “25th Anniversary”, +678631, $36.95 6.Chateau Tourte des Graves Rouge 2005 Grave, +117630, $29.95. 7.Manuel Olivier Cuvee de Garde Pinot Noir 2005, +112581, $23.95. 8.Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2004, +930966, $26.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 28, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Alamos Torrontes 2007 Argentina: excellent aperitif, finishes dry. +81539, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Wits End Free Settler & The Convict Chardonnay/Viognier 2007 South Australia: juicy, good viognier fruit, aperitif or sipper. +90928, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2008 WO Western Cape: zesty, herby, great price, 13% ABV. +662718, $11.95, QPR: 90. 4. Torre Varano Taburno Falanghina 2007 Campania: good solid fruit flavours, ripe and refreshing, distinguished finish. +106351, $16.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Graffigna Centenario Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 San Juan Argentina: soft, almost like merlot. +93716, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Piping Shrike Shiraz 2006 Barossa: juice, lots of shiraz flavours. +48504, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2007 WO Western Cape: very serious imitator of Northern Rhone. +626333, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Perrin & Fils Cairanne Peyre Blanche 2006 Cotes du Rhone Villages: juicy elegance, brimming with some older flavours through aging. +650960, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Quaderna Via Tempranillo Crianza 2005 Navarra: organic wine, very good length, some forest floor. +115758, $18.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Clos du Val Chardonnay 2006 Carneros Napa, $29.95 retail. 2. Kim Crawford SP Spit Fire Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Marlborough, $24.95. 3. Chartron & Trebuchet Saint-Romaine Blanc 2006, $24.95. 4. Domaine Michel Caillot Meursault La Barre Dessus-Clos-Marguerite 2005, $59.95. 5. Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre 2007, $23.95. 6. Botalcura La Porfia Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc 2005 Maule, $22.95. 7. Chateau Haut-Sarpe 2004 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, $49.95. 8. Domaine des graves D’Ardonneau Cuvee Prestige 2004, $24.95. 9. Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006, $37.95. 10. Sportoletti Assisi Rosso 2006, $21.95. 11. Campillo Reserva 2002 Rioja, $23.95. 12. Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, $39.95. 13. CUNE Vina Real Reserva 2001 Rioja, $32.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 14, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Kankura Fleurs Blanches Chardonnay 2007 Colchagua Valley: value priced smokey-oaky chardonnay from older vines. +96297, $12.95, QPR: 90. 2. Juniper Crossing Chardonnay 2006 Margaret River: great complexity, balance of wood-fruit-acid in Euro mode. +90944, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Soljans Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough: very good complexity, off-dry at entry, good aperitif wine. +91223, $17.95, QPR: 91. 4. Vrede en Lust Karien Chenin Blanc 2007 WO Paarl: another sipper- party wine with distinction in MVC flavour. +101733, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Domaine Saint-Remy Vieilles Vignes Gewurztraminer 2007 Alsace: more MVC, but dense body and flavour, bitterish aftertaste. +106872, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Pierre Sparr Pinto Gris Reserve 2006 Alsace: juicy, off-dry aperitif or with cheese. +983395, $18.95, QPR: 90. 7. Balthasar Ress Riesling Kabinett 1995 Rheingau: for lovers of older Riesling, long lanolin finish. +90670, $19, QPR: 94. 8. Geil Riesling Kabinett 2007 Rheinhessen: excellent value for a German Riesling, 10.5% ABV. +994764, $15.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Clare Valley: deep, gold medalist, nicely elegant. +744235, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Chateau Rousset Grande Reserve 2005 Cotes de Bourg: good balance and approachability, ready soon. +731380, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Castel Oualou Cotes du Rhone 2007: good price for a MVC of the region. +104893, $13.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Roger Lassarat Terroir de Vergisson Pouilly-Fuisse 2006, +110288, $26.95 2. Chateau de Tracy Mademoiselle de T Pouilly-Fume 2007, +106773, $25.95. 3. Stag’s Leap Winery Merlot 2005 Napa, +655399, $49.95. 4. Elderton Ode to Lorraine Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot 2004 Barossa, +976423, $37.95. 5. Henschke Henry’s Seven 2005 Barossa, +685578, $42.95 6. Domaine Duthel “Douby” Morgon 2007, +112557, $20.95. 7. Domaine La Haute Marone Gigondas 2005, +33845, $26.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 28, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Ajello Majus Grillo/Catarrato 2007 Sicily: firm grip, lots of fruit, but finishes dry. First course white. +670844, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Folie a Deux Menage a Trois White 2007 California: off-dry moscato with chardonnay and chenin blanc is very good, long length, sociable wine. +665166, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay 2007 Casablanca: balancing act of fruit- wood-acid, vanilla and spice tones. +396986, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Berton Vineyards The White Viognier 2007 SE Australia: off-dry tastes, typical viognier tones of oranges and peaches. +93435, $14.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Domaine Faillenc Sainte Marie Rouge 2006 Corbieres: an organic product with full extractive density and juicy flavours. +711671, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Domaine des Aires Hautes Les Combelles 2005 Minervois: dominated by dark syrah tones. +701706, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Camplazens Syrah 2006 Pays d’Oc: peppery, herby in mid-palate, more syrah-based character than most. +104752, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Chateau Calissanne 2006 Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence: juicy but not the nougat candy, raspberries stand out. +61283, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Ajello Majus Nero d’Avola Sicily: soft fruit extract, depth beyond the mid-palate, good food wine. +100545, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Inniskillin Reserve Series Meritage 2006 Niagara: juicy blend of 70% merlot and balance cabernet franc. Long finish, but soft. +91132, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Sileni Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2008 Hawkes Bay: unbeatable pinot as it should be (light bodied, 12.5% ABV). +694901, $15, QPR: 91. 8. Seven Sisters Carol Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 WO Western Cape: mocha tones, 13% ABV, densely extractive. +79681, $13.95, QPR: 90. 9. Stellenrust Shiraz 2005 WO Stellenbosch: aged syrah complexity, 14.6% ABV, long finish, ready now. +96552, $16.95, QPR: 90. 10. Chateau Bouissel Classic 2005 Fronton: tannat backed with cab franc, syrah, and Malbec, herby and intense. +693986, $14.95, QPR: 90. 11. Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Riserva 2005: not really chianti in style, more North American blend of sangiovese and Bordeaux varieties, but there is balance and the price is appealing. +111641, $15, QPR: 90. 12. Cantina Tudernum Merlot 2006 Umbria: tight and a bit leans, but a year more should produce the silk and velvet. +101253, $14.95, QPR: 90. 13. 1707 Seleccion de Barricas 2004 Almansa Spain: excellent blend of mourvedre, petit verdot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Some anise. +94854, $16.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $20 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Bridlewood Reserve Syrah 2004 Central Coast, +90084, $27.95 retail. 2. Paul Dolan Vineyards Zinfandel 2006 Mendocino/Amador, $46342, $21.95 3. St.Francis Merlot 2005 Sonoma County, $422014, $32.95. 4. D’Arenberg The Lucky Lizard Chardonnay 2007 Adelaide Hills, +683011, $26.95. 5. Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2006 Clare, +674747, $49.95. 6. The Colonial Estate Explorateur Old Vine Shiraz 2006 Barossa, +18648, $29.95. 7. Domaine Berthet-Rayne Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005, +78741, $43.95. 8. Il Borro Rosso 2005 Tuscany, +661769, $59.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY, 14, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Alamos Viognier 2007 Mendoza: Catena continues to release value- priced varietals – off-dry mouthfeel, floral, finishes dry. +507830, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. D’Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier/Marsanne 2007 McLaren: lovely depth and floral elegance, 13.5% ABV, twist top. +662775, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Delheim Sur Lie Chardonnay 2007 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: good balance, fullish flavours. +956219, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Coastal South Africa: zippy rass and herbs, twist top. +948620, $13.95, QPR: 90 5. Gerard Neumeyer Riesling Les Hospices 2007 Alsace: slightly off dry finish, but basic MVC. Organic wine. +106708, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Jarr 2007 Bordeaux: organic. Good value for its depth. +106849, $15.95, QPR: 91. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Folie a deux Menage a Trois Red 2007 California: affordable California fruit bomb, 13.5%. +665158, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Odfjell Armador Carmenere 2005 Maule/Maipo: dense, extractive, MVC and nicely put together. 13.5% ABV. +83295, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Knappstein Cabernet/Merlot 2005 Clare Valley: minty wine, fruity undertones of ripeness. +593350, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Water Wheel Memsie 2007 Victoria: quaffer, a 14.5% hit, twist top. +656637, $13.95, QPR: 90. 5. Ayama Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Paarl: 14% ABV, good MVC and aging quality. +79517, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Delheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: value wine, Euro style but with upfront North American appeal on the approach. +981357, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7. Slowine Shiraz 2006 Overberg South Africa: good Euro-style syrah. +96503, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Stark-Conde Syrah 2005 Stellenbosch: quality, dense, black fruit. Not filtered. +79525, $19.95, QPR: 90. 9. Chateau Vessiere Costieres de Nimes 2006: loaded with Northern Rhone syrah appeal and character. Affordable. +104877, $15.95, QPR: 92. 10. Perrin Cotes du Rhone Nature 2006: delicious, ready now, and certainly “green” as it is organic. Great house wine too. +948059, $17.95, QPR: 90. 11. Pierre Laplace Madiran 2005: well-rounded, 13.5% ABV, Euro-style with some fruit and length. +103705, $14.95, QPR: 90. 12. Vivallis Paris 4 Grapes 2006 Trentino: useful Bordeaux blend from Italy. +105288, $17.95, QPR: 90. 13. Bod. Maretin Codax Cuatro Pasos Mencia 2006 Bierzo Spain: the mencia grape is rare, even in Spain. Off-dry finish but definite NA style and appeal. +39313, $16.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2006 Niagara, +56929, $40 retail. 2. Maison Champy Pernand-Vergelesses 2006, +8151, $29.95. 3. Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Monte Bello Vineyard, +89284, $60.95. 4. Rodney Strong Merlot 2004, +497933, $22.95. 5. Domaine Olivier Les Clos Lourioux 2005 Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, +82297, $20.95. 6. Barone Ricasoli Casalferro 2004 Tuscany, +469692, $39.95. 7. I Castei Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2004, +739979, $44.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 31, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Three Vineyards Chardonnay 2007 Niagara: balanced already, vanilla, apple, long finish. +105379, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Hess Chardonnay 2006 Monterey: typical restaurant wine, nicely compact with all you’d expect from Cal Chard. +986778, $19.95, QPR: 90 3. William Cole Mirador Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Casablanca: excellent acidity and crisp finish for the price. +93948, $13.95, QPR: 91. 4. Kumkani Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Coastal South Africa: stressed out sauvignon blanc, unbelievably herby and grassy. 14.5% ABV. +57539, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Jean Geiler Gewurztraminer Reserve Particuliere 2007 Alsace: finishes dry, very good MVC for Gewurz lovers. +106864, $17.95, QPR: 92. 6. Eugenio Collavini Sauvignon Blanc Fumat 2006 Collio Italy: body and concentrated flavours. +93575, $16.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Inniskillin Reserve Series Cabernet Franc 2006 Niagara: smoke and herbs throughout, great finish. +91140, $18.75, QPR: 89. 2. Chakana Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: soft North American style. +663161, $13.95, QPR: 90 3. Canepa Reserva Privada Carmenere 2006 Rapel: wow factor is high at this price. Full of juicy ripeness, black fruits. +82586, $13.95, QPR: 91. 4. Celestial Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Margaret River: MVC typicity for the region, Euro style, some dust. +77669, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Hungerford Hill Fishcage Shiraz/Viognier 2006 SEAustralia: twist top, with syrah intensity and viognier floral. 14% ABV. +77958, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau La Gorce 2005 Medoc: nice juicy bottle for the cellar. +91397, $19.94, QPR: 89. 7. Enzo de Sette Rue Nero d’Avola 2006 Sicilia: full and ripe, fleshy, nice value. +101436, $12.95, QPR: 90. 8. Trecciano Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva 2005: volumes of sangiovese flavours, some wood, fullish body. +86314, $19.95, QPR: 90. 9. Gamba Gnirega Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Le Quare 2006: intense dried fruit character. +94979, $17.95, QPR: 90. 10. Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell 2007 Jumilla: very North American in style. +94888, $14.95, QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Gloria Ferrer Chardonnay 2005 Carneros, +83345, $26.95 retail. 2. Heggies Vineyard Chardonnay 2006 Eden Valley, +903559, $23.95. 3. Kim Crawford Kim’s Favourite SP Chardonnay 2006 Gisborne, +90126, $24.95. 4. Maison Champy Bourgogne Signature Chardonnay 2006, +43455, $22.95. 5. Saltram of Barossa Mamre Brook Shiraz 2005, +32227, $21.95. 6. Couly-Dutheil La Baronne Madeleine Chinon 2005, +57059, $21.95. 7. Delas Domaine des Grands Chemins Crozes-Hermitage 2006, +101105, $28.95. 8. Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva 2001, +239277, $31.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 17, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Lake & Mendocino Counties: typical MVC of California SB, with fruit on mid-palate. Organic. +86249, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2.Bodega Lurton Reserva Chardonnay 2008 Argentina: light, 12.5% ABV, twist top, French style. +591743, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3.J & F Lurton Flor de Torrontes 2007 Mendoza: good fruit, top notes quickly get to you. +55475, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4.Parri Estate Viognier/Chardonnay 2007 Southern Fleurie Australia: typically rich, with a citric finish from the Chardonnay (45%). 13% ABV. +17319, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5.X & Y Chardonnay 2006 Margaret River: yummy, full body, still good for food, racy finish and spices. +48561, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6.Kuhlmann-Platz Riesling 2006 Alsace: MVC for style, dry mode. +106724, $16.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1.Angels Gate Pinot Noir 2006 Niagara: MVC, some barnyard, longer finish, no Ontario cranberry tones. +90779, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2.Bonterra Merlot 2006 Mendocino County: best with food. Organic. +984724, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3.Chalone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Monterey: fruity, all round California pleaser. +104190, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4.Don Eugenio Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza: bargain, snap it all up. +32094, $13.95, QPR: 93. 5.Santa Ana La Mascota Malbec 2006 Mendoza: great finish, depth and fruit. +93880, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6.Baron Philippe de Rothschild Reserva Carmenere 2007 Rapel: 14.5% ABV packs a wallop, with mocha tones and gaminess. +37945, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7.Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Syrah 2006 Maipo: full and lush, 14.5% ABV, fair price. +34959, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8.Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz 2006 Langhorne Creek: full, rich, peppery, 14.5% ABV. +90266, $18.95, QPR: 90. 9.Parri Estate Shiraz/Viognier 2006 Southern Fleurie Australia: best wine tasted like a Cote Rotie at one-quarter the price. +48488, $18.95, QPR: 94. 10.Bergwater Vineyards Reserve Merlot 2005 South Africa: dynamite on mid-palate (i.e., just explodes), bursts with fruit on to the finish. +79475, $16.95, QPR: 91. 11.Winery of Good Hope Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2007 Stellenbosch: 14% ABV, basic cab-merlot blend at a great price. +8748, $12.95, QPR: 90. 12.Perrin & Fils Vinsobres Les Cornuds 2006 Rhone: 14%, one-third aged in French oak, 50/50 syrah and Grenache. +56684, $18.95, QPR: 90. 13.Angio Archeo Primitivo 2006 Salento: value and depth are here. +101410, $12.95, QPR: 90. 14.Donna Giovanna Rosso del Salento 2005: North American style and fruit, with syrah tones. +106369, $16.95, QPR: 90. 15.Bodegas Victoria Pardina 2005 Carinena Spain: smoke and black fruit dominate. +82453, $17.95, QPR: 90. 16.Bod. Franco-Espanolas Rioja Bordon Crianza 2004: MVC is very good, long development, spicy, dried black fruit. +103531, $16.95, QPR: 91. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Mitchell Peppertree Vineyard Shiraz 2005 Clare Valley, +57257, $27.95. 2.L’Enclos du Chateau Lezongars 2005 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, +729145, $25.95. 3.Domaine Latour-Giraud Marangues La Fussiere 2005 1er Cru, +86967, $30.95. 4.Cantina Terre del Barolo Vinum Vitae Est Barolo 2004, +101246, $29.95. 5.Castello di Neive Barbaresco 2005, +674044, $23.95. 6.Frescobaldi Castiglioni Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese 2006 Toscana, +974394, $23.95. 7.R.Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza 2002 Rioja, +692780, $26.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 10, 2009 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Lockwood Vineyard Chardonnay 2006 Monterey: bright sunshine from California, longer finish. +673731, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2.Catena Alamos Chardonnay 2007 Mendoza: good blend of flavours, ripe and full, modest vanilla and toast, some cream. +801571, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3.D’Arenberg The Stump Jump White 2007 McLaren Vale/Adelaide Hills: twist top, excellent blend for aperitif or party or first course. +922203, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4.Sileni Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2008 Hawke’s Bay: juicy, great for Asiatic food, 14% ABV, hot finish. Twist top. +32292, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5.Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay 2006: some creaminess, good texture at this price level. +525121, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6.Villa Tonino Inzolia 2007 Sicilia: great finish to upfront fruit, can compete with food. +100552, $13.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1.Konzelmann Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 Niagara: good Euro-based style, aged ok. +112946, $13.70, QPR: 90. 2.Malivoire Gamay 2006 Niagara: highly evolved aromatics of black fruit. +591313, $17, QPR: 90. 3.Clos de Bois Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 North Coast: always a good buy, balance is here, all purpose red. +181685, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4.Santa Julia Malbec Reserva 2005 Mendoza: very Euro, good background and breeding, food needed. +665026, $13.95, QPR: 90. 5.Baron Philippe de Rothschild Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Maipo: very well concentrated flavours, but still Euro in style. +32151, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6.Chilensis Reserva Carmenere 2006 Maule: 14%ABV, some herbs dominate, lovely mouthfeel and texture. +657981, $11.95, QPR: 92. 7.Sandalford Protégé Shiraz 2005 Margaret River: good wood and aging, but it all up. Barrel fermentation, twist top. Classic. +80671, $17.95, QPR: 93. 8.Viljoensdrift River Grandeur Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Robertson: soft but good Euro style backbone from South Africa. +79483, $15.95, QPR: 90. 9.Chateau Larroque 2005 Bordeaux: almost ready, classic MVC. +92536, $17.95, QPR: 90. 10.Terre Domini Valpolicella Ripasso La Vigilia 2006: good depth and mouth-filling berry tones. +103606, $18.95, QPR: 90. 11.Albada Vinas Viejas Garnacha Tinto 2005 Catatayud Spain: low yielding old vines, powerful aromas and flavours. +93005, $15.95, QPR: 90. 12.Salinas Mo Monastrell 2006 Alicante: with some cabernet, syrah, and Grenache, full and ripe. +95133, $16.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Merryvale Chardonnay 2005 Carneros, +76026, $47.95. 2.Domiane Patrick Miolane Chassagne-Montrachet La Caniere 2006, +91199, $46.95. 3.Mark West Pinot Noir 2005 California, +83329, $23.95. 4.Dornier Donatus 2004 Stellenbosch, +606020, $24.95. 5.Chateau L’Escart Cuvee Prestige 2001 Bordeaux Superieur, +91363, $22.95. 6.Due Torri Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2005, +724740, $36.95. 7.N Sentido 2005 Ribera del Duero, +82081, $25.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 6, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Kuhlmann-Platz Riesling Schoenenbourg 2003 Alsace Grand Cru Hunawihr: great price for a distinctive Riesling with lovely aromatics and Alsatian MVC, from a hotter climate. +80515, $23.95, QPR: 91. 2. Schloss Schonborn Riesling 2001 Rheingau: this is a well-aged, not yet fully mature Riesling, off-dry with that typical minerality. 10% ABV. Good value, buy it all. +81836, $15.95, QPR: 94. 3. Salterio Albarino 2007 Rias Baixas: aromatic tones of stone fruit and citrus. Fairly priced. +2774, $17.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Zolo Reserve Malbec 2005 Mendoza: black stuff, dark matter, all inky (cassis, mocha, black cherry). 14% ABV. +81091, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Estampa Gold 2004 Colchagua: Bordeaux blend of cabernets, carmenere, petit verdot, good Bordeaux Euro style consistency. +4752, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Maipo: ripe and fruity, developing cabby tones. +81190, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Shiraz/Grenache 2006 South Australia: exceptionally long finish after palate filling juiciness. Some vegetativeness mingles with fruit. Twist top. +9225, $20.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Roland-La-Garde Cuvee Speciale 2003 Premieres Cotes de Blaye: unbeatable at this price, warm and fruity and good length. But it could still use some time. +87676, $20.95, QPR: 90. 6. Tenuta Viglione Primitivo 2003 Gioia del Colle: off-dry, heavy- heavy, the year for sunshine, extractive wine. +86165, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Vinas Viejas Reserva 2003: great Spanish complexity from old vines. +948067, $19.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy at the LCBO and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Malivoire Gewurztraminer 2006 Beamsville Bench, +542522, $26. 2.Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2006 Napa, +26682, $49.95. 3.Beringer Sbragia Limited Release Chardonnay 2006 Napa, +79178, $54.95. 4.Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay 2006 Napa, +1537, $59.95. 5.Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2006, +655464, $69.95 6.Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune du Chateau 2006, +88716, $44.95. 7.Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Stags Leap District Napa, +14217, $56.95 8.Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Stags Leap District Napa, +45476, $77.95. 9.Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa, +111880, $50.95. 10.Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, +315176, $61.95. 11.Taltarni Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Pyrenees Victoria, +940692, $24.95. 12.Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacques Moulin a Vent 2005, +700187, $33.95. 13.Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2004, +734293, $62.95. 14.Collazzi 2005 Toscana, +656538, $46.95. 15.Monte Zovo Amarone Della Valpolicella Riserva 2003, +651554, $53.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 22, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Flat Rock Cellars Nadja’s Vineyard Riesling 2007 Twenty Mile Bench: brimming with fruit, less austere than in past vintages. +0578625, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2006 Sonoma County: full of palate coating flavours, long length and burnt wood. Excellent. +0275552, $22.95, QPR: 90. 3. Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2006 Casablanca: good depth, longer fishih than most. +390203, $21.95, QPR: 90. 4. Smithbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Pemberton Western Australia: broader fruit, California style. +34876, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2007: deliciously grassy and herbaceous. +933424, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Rene Mure Gewurztraminer 2006 Alsace: this is from older vines (about 30 years old) which show depth. At this price, you should buy it all! +61218, $16.95, QPR: 94. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mawson’s Hill Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Wrattonbully South Australia: value-driven, with MVC of black currants and mocha. +60228, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Porcupine Ridge Syrah/Viognier 2007 Coastal Region South Africa: softer than expected, ready now, 14.5% ABV. +79442, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau Larroque Winter Label 2005 Bordeaux: oak-aged, firm but ready now. +88203, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Monte Zovo Ca’Linverno 2004 IGT Veronese: cabernet tones and wood and toast, for North Americans? +681692, $21.95, QPR: 90. 5. Torre del Falasco Valpolicella Ripasso 2006: full, rich, ripe and vibrant. +642421, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Juan Gil Monastrell 2006 Jumilla: multiple flavours, longer finish, could use a few more months in cellarage. +13656, $16.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy at the LCBO and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Stratus White 2006 Niagara, +660704, $44. 2. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough, +304469, $33.95 3. Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault Les Clous 2006, +66132, $52.95 4. Domaine de la Mandeliere Chablis 1er Cru Mont-de-Milieu 2006, +87403, $33.95. 5. Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, +268235, $50.95. 6. Altair Red 2004 Cachapoal Valley Chile, +38430, $64.95. 7. Duvergey-Taboureau Nuits-Saint-Georges 2005, +84442, $41.95. 8. Cennatoio Chianti Classico Riserva 2003, +704205, $31.95. 9. Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2003, +512384, $35.95. 10. Hermanos Pecina Senorio De P. Pecina Gran Reserva 1998, +82164, $55.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Catena Chardonnay 2006 Mendoza: a beauty – full, delicious, balanced, finishes Euyro style. +918805, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Laborum Torrontes 2007 Cafayette: very aromatic, long length, juicy, well-done wine. +82404, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Quinta da Alorna Reserva Arinto/Chardonnay 2006 Ribatejano: soft, fruity, balance, some wood, long length, useful with lighter meats. +81505, $17.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Blackstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 California: value wine, hits all the Cal points, MVC. +714816, $15, QPR: 90. 2. La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2006 Mendoza: delicious, good depth, and lots of smoke. +75515, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau de Rocques Merlot 2005 Premiere Cotes de Bordeaux: good food wine, slightly tannic finish, upfront fruit but not juicy. +87726, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Chateau Ducla 2005 Bordeaux Superieur: deep tones, well-priced, al most ready, could be sipped. +162461, $15, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau La Gorce 1996 Medoc: load up on this one, 12 years old, and ready in its maturity. +87668, $21.95, QPR: 93. 6. La Bascula Turret Fields Monastrell/Syrah 2005 Jumilla: rich, juicy, spicy, great price. +82123, $15.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these wines at a $10 markup; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy at the LCBO and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Chalone Vineyard Chardonnay 2005, +80226, $36.95. 2. Chateau de Rochemorin Blanc 2006 Pessac-Leognan, +91371, $29.95. 3. Alain Gras Saint-Romain Blanc 2006, +91074, $36.95. 4. Antonin Rodet Puligny-Montrachet 2006, +84541, $53.95. 5. Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc 2007 Cotes du Rhone, +48892, $33.95. 6. Arrowood Le Beau Melange Syrah 2002 Sonoma, +64550, $29.95. 7. Duckhorn Decoy 2006 Napa, +41343, $36.95. 8. Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa, +4366, $30.95. 9. Torbreck The Steading GMS 2005 Barossa, +723890, $48.95. 10. Rustenberg John X Merriman 2005 Simonsberg, +707323, $27.95. 11. Chateau Franc-Maillet 2000 Pomerol, $72322, $51.95. 12. Chateau La Papeterie 2000 Montagne St. Emilion, +87759, $29.95. 13. Antonin Rodet Gevrey-Chambnertin 2005, +84558, $42.95. 14. Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge 2006 Cotes de Rhone, +48884, $30.95. 15. Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005, +43026, $41.95. 16. Terre da Vino Barolo Essenze 2003, +92460, $44.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 25, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Conti Carello Soave Classico 2006: very flavourful, full robust character. +85514, $17.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1.Hedges Cellars CMS 2006: cab, merlot and syrah promotes fresh and fruity, party wine. +948992, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Lurton Reserva Malbec 2006 Mendoza: chocolate and soft plumy flavours, party wine. +903153, $13.95. 3. Wakefield Shiraz 2006 Clare Valley: twist top, off-dry, MVC Oz shiraz, black fruit. +943787, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2006 Hawkes Bay: medium roast, some mocha tones. +586081, $18.95. 5. Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2004 South Africa Coastal: woodsy, Rhonish, definite value. +561142, $16.95, QPR: 91. 6. Tezza Ripasso Valpolicella Ma Roat 2005: character and extractive, lots of flavours. +84053, $17.95, QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these wines at a $10 markup; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy at the LCBO and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Murphy-Goode Chardonnay 2006 Sonoma, +745, $21.95 2. Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough, +677450, $21.95 3. Leon Beyer Riesling Les Ecaillers 2005 Alsace, +955401, $29.95. 4. Schloss Schonborn Riesling Spatlese 1991 Hochheimer Domdechaney, 9.5% ABV, +81703, $29.95. 5. Beaulieu Vineyard Zinfandel 2005 Napa, +80242, $25.95. 6. Edward Sellers Vertigo 2005 Paso Robles, +77875, $39.95. 7. Kenwood Merlot 2005 Sonoma, +717348, $22.95. 8. Seghesio Zinfandel 2006 Sonoma, +942151, $24.95. 9. Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc 2005 Adelaide Hills, +590265, $31.95. 10. Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, +84996, $24.95. 11. Chateau Brillette 2003 Moulis-en-Medoc, +86652, $42.95. 12. Chapelle Lenclos Madiran 2003, +76356, $25.95. 13. Antonio Roncolato Amarone Della Valipolicella 2005, +81778, $43.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 11, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to- Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Fielding Estate Unoaked Chardonnay 2007 Niagara: lemons and acid but ultimately lower acid, full on the mid-palate. +78527, $15, QPR: 90. 2. Cousino-Macul Antiguas Reserva Chardonnay 2007 Maipo: harmonious blend of wood and flavours, everyday chardonnay. +730044,$14.95,QPR: 90 3. Distant Land Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough: off-dry tones, nicely fleshed out, slight interesting vegetal finish. +677542,$19.95, QPR: 90 4. Pierre Sparr Altenbourg Riesling 2003 Alsace: very ripe and ready, full bodied, good Riesling intensity. +906016, $20.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1.Clos La Chance Ruby-Throated Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Central Coast California: a “chance selection”, very good mouthfeel, anise. +966069, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2.Norton Reserva Malbec 2005 Mendoza: both character and age here, expressive of Bordeaux. +17061, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3.Santa Ema Reserve Merlot 2006 Maipo: coconut and mint, rich all over. +642538, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Santa Rita Medalla Real Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Maipo: long length but chewy, lay down a bit more. +275594, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Pikes Eastside Shiraz 2004 Clare Valley: brilliant MVC, twist top, 14.5% ABV. +77891, $21.95, QPR: 90. 6. The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier 2007 South Australia: peppery, soft fruity finish, twist top, 15% ABV. +66738, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Darling Cellars Onyx Kroon 2003 South Africa: continues to age well, excellent Euro feel to the blend. +900639, $17.95, QPR: 90. 8. Graham Beck Gamekeeper Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 South Africa: 15% ABV, lots of flavours but a bit hot. +2519, $19.95, QPR: 90 9. Rust en Vrede Estate Merlot 2005 Stellenbosch: as “sensitively oaked” in Platter, this is New Age complexity. +68759, $18.95, QPR: 90. 10. Chateau D’Argadens 2004 Bordeaux: value driven. +681643, $18.95, QPR: 90. 11. Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano 2006: this is the LCBO’s annual release of a Carmignano, but it now. +508531, $17.95, QPR: 90. 12. Luigi Righetti Rispasso Campolieti 2006 Valpolicella: rich, firm, fully fruited, finishes North American style. +695890, $18.95, QPR: 90. 13. Coto de Imaz Rioja Reserva 2001: value priced, nice oak and aging. +23762, $19.95, QPR: 91. 14. Paso a Paso Tempranillo 2006 La Mancha: chewy raisins, definitely Spanish, 13.5% ABV, good value here. +82206, $14.95, QPR: 90. “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants may consider offering these good value wines at a $10 markup; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy at the LCBO and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Riesling Kabinette 1998 Kaseler Mosel, +940809, $20.95. 2.Domdechant Werner Riesling Spatlese 2003 Hochheimer Rheingau, +654830, $25.95. 3. Castello Della Sala Cervaro Della Sala 2006 Umbria, +512376, $54.95 4. Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa, +904532, $44.95. 5. Syan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Pyrenees Victoria, +72629, $43.95. 6. Chateau Mazeris 2005 Canon-Fronsac, +86330, $27.95. 7. Domaine Rochevine Saint-Joseph 2005, +733923, $27.95. 8. Montirius Vacqueyras Le Clos 2005, +76547, $28.95. Organic. 9. Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva 2004, +384552, $29.95. 10. Cchia Amarone Della Valpolicella 2005, +84087, $39.95. 11. Senorio De P.Pecina Reserva 1999 Rioja, +82156, $34.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 27 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Henry of Pelham Of-Dry reserve Riesling 2007 Short Hills Bench VQA: a quality sipper with orange fruit tones (mango, oranges, peaches). +557165, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Ridgepoint Medium Dry Riesling 2006 Twenty Mile Bench VQA: more stoney and appley, crisply off-dry. +88864, $15, QPR: 90. 3. Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay 2006 Adelaide Hills: manipulative in its oak and fruit. A massage wine. +606186, $20.95, QPR: 90. 4. Domaine Saint-Remy Pinot Auxerrois Val St-Gregoire 2006 Alsace: very spicy, god extract and colour, delicious fruity aperitif. +66514, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Marechal Vouvray 2006: good sipper, loaded with tropicality. +82222, $16.95, QPR: 90 RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1.Bonterra Syrah 2005 Mendocino County: good aged quality already, organic, drink soon. +573709, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Maipo: 14.5% ABV blockbuster of the MVC Chilean usual black currant, coffee, chocolate, leather, forest floor. +684597, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Vina Carmen Nativa Cabdernet Sauvignon 2005 Maipo: organic, some mint on the nose. +975359, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2007 Coastal Region South Africa: twist top, smoke, syrah MVC from North Rhone. Buy it all up! +595280, $14.95, QPR: 94. 5. Alain Geoffroy Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2006: beats to the classic beets. +84475, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Senorio de Sarria Vinedo Sotes 2004 Navarra: some depth and fruit, longish length. +80366, $18.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Alain Geoffroy Chablis Beauroy 2006 1er Cru (+733501 $31.95 retail, suggested $45 on wine card) is minerally, needs seafood. 2. Chateau de la Cree Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot 2006 1er cru (+87163 $79.95 retail, suggested $95 on wine card) is good value for BYOW. 3. Duvergey-Taboureau Puligny-Montrachet 2006 (+84434 $53.95 retail, suggested $69 on wine card) is another forest floor Burgundy. 4. Raphael Dubois Cote de Nuits-Villages Les Monts de Boncourts 2006 (+84905 $31.95 retail, suggested $46 on wine card) has good wood and length. 5. Tomas Fogarty Pinot Noir 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains (+75994 $29.95 retail, suggested $45 on wine card) has cherry, mocha and earth. 6. Domaine Chanson Beaune Teurons 2005 1er cru (+84426 $52.95 retail, suggested $67 on wine card) has deep red fruit. 7. Beronia Gran Reserva 1996 Rioja (+940965 $30.95 retail, suggested $45 on wine card) is a bargain for a 12 year old Rioja. Fine aging, can take more. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 13 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Inniskillin Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2006 Niagara: very crisp and woodsy, some caramel. +586347, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Mike Weir Estate Pinot Grigio 2007 Niagara: delicious, off-dry mid- palate, slight grey-pink blush from skins. +43364, $15.15, QPR: 90. 3. Thirty Bench Riesling 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench: twist top, ripe, floral, stone fruit. +24133, $18.30, QPR: 90. 4. Bod. Naia Las Brisas 2006 Rueda: MVC of SB and viura, higher acid but refreshing. +76596, $13.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Bodegas Castano Hecula Monastrell 2005 Yecla Spain: depth of dark fruit and extract, very good value. +718999, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Colio Estate CEV Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Lake Erie North Shore: red fruit, cherries, mocha, some cream. 12.7% ABV +619510, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Jackson-Triggs Proprietors’ Reserve Shiraz 2006 Niagara: “sounds Aussie, tastes French” says the LCBO panel. +89359, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Chateau Laroche Joubert 2005 Cotes de Bourg: needs cellaring time, but this is a great price. +87064, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Contessa di Radda Chianti Classico 2004: very warm and approachable, mouthfilling, has aged well. +82313, $20.95, QPR: 90. 6. Giodano Vespero 2005 Toscana: needs cellaring but all the sangiovese elements are there in place. +72421, $19.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia Reserva 2001 Rioja (+529586 $36.95 retail, suggested $49.99 on wine card) is a well-aged Rioja, ready now. 2. Lorentz Gewurztraminer Altenberg de Bergheim 2002 Alsace Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes (+21311 $32.95 retail, suggested $37 on wine card) is 13.5% ABV with elements of spicy marmalade. 3. William Fevre Chablis Montmains 2006 1er cru (+977587 $34.95 retail, suggested $49 on wine card) has firm minerals for shellfish. 4. Studert-Prum Riesling Spatlese 2006 (+912659 $25.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) delicious stoney minerals plus peaches. 5. Flat Rock Cellars Gravity Pinot Noir 2006 (+1560 $29.95 retail, suggested $45 on wine card) is a charming blend from different clones and different types of barrels. 6. Clos du Val Pinot Noir 2005 Carneros Napa (+3384 $32.95 retail, suggested $48 on wine card) has Burgundian character from the French oak. 7. Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa (+38125 $28.95 retail, suggested $43 on wine card) approachable wine from Insignia’s vineyards, almost a second label. 8. Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2006 Sonoma (+363358 $22.95 retail, suggested $37 on wine card) is a toasty, jammy resto wine for California lovers. 9. Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2003 (+971705 $39.95 retail, suggested $55 on wine card) is elegant, dark fruit tones, wood from French and US oak. 10. Alain Jaume & Fils Clos de Sixte 2005 Lirac (+76349 $26.95 retail, suggested $40 on wine card) is 50% Grenache, 35% syrah, and 15% mourvedre, a pretty wine reflective of southern Rhone. 11. Ornellai Le Volte 2006 Toscana (+964221 $25.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) is probably the best value SuperTuscan out there since the Cab and Merlot come from their own estates. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 30, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Daniel Lenko Unoaked Chardonnay 2005 VQA Niagara: good fruit set, as an unoaked chardonnay should be. +75630, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Mike Weir Sauvignon Blanc 2007 VQA Niagara: a fabulous Ontario SB at a great price, Loire-like grapefruit too. +686972, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Pacific Rim Dry Riesling 2006 Washington: excellent structure, a New World version of Alsace. +70656, $14.95, QPR: 91. 4. Konrad Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Marlborough: slight botrytis, long fruit, some peaches, slight bitterness on mid-palate. +616243, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Alargo Albarino 2006 Rias Baixas Spain: another fresh and fruity aromatic wine with a longer finish. +82446, $18.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Maipu Mendoza: flamboyant, fruity, full, firm, forest floor, food. +66720, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Santa Julia Organica Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: rich, low tannins, bargain price for organic wine. +68452, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Raw Cabernet/Merlot 2005 Margaret River: best with raw or cooked veggies because of herbal complexities. +75507, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Margaret River: best wines from Oz come from Maggie. Dee-lishjus, off-centre. +59956, $20.95, QPR: 90. 5. Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Merlot 2006: rich and ripe. +68734, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Yves Lambert Domaine De Saint-Just Saumur Champgny Les Terres Rouges 2007 Cabernet Franc: 35-year old vines. Cellar a year. +81331, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7. J & F Lurton Mas Janeil Cotes Du Roussillon-Villages 2005: red fruit, bright for fall consumption. +992800, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. Colinas de Sao Lourenco Tinto 2005 Bairrada: very good blend, character, some aging already. +81570, $15.95, QPR: 92. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Daniel Lenko Signature Chardonnay 2005 VQA (+75671 $39.95 retail, suggested $55 on wine card) is only produced during the better vintages. Nicely balanced, and affordable for a BYOW. 2. Franciscan Chardonnay 2006 Napa Valley (+496125 $24.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) is a restaurant wine decent coconut tones. 3. Pierre Sparr Mambourg Riesling 2003 Alsace Grand Cru (+686006 $26.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) is intense and ridiculously priced low for a Grand Cru from an aromatic year. 4. Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet 2006 (+51383 $64.95 retail, suggested $79 on wine card) is elegance personified. 5. Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (+25221 $24.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) is a Bordeaux blend, ripe and ready now for the resto trade. 6. Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Coonawarra (+590471 $29.95 retail, suggested $45 on wine card) is smooth and ready now. 7. Campo Al Sorbo Chianti Rufina Riserva 1997 (+551507 $33.95 retail, suggested $48 on wine card) is fairly well-layered, a good aged chianti. Buy a lot of it at this price. 8. Torres Salmos Tinto 2005 Priorat (+60772 $32.95 retail, suggested $48 on wine card) good blend of garnacha-syrah-carinena-cabernet in new French oak. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 16, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Tabali Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Limari Chile: citric tones, excellent basic SB MVC. Priced to sell…+662999, $12.95, QPR: 91. 2. Emiliana Natura Chardonnay 2007 Casablanca: from organic grapes, off-dry character. +61895, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Featherstone Gewurztraminer 2007 VQA Twenty Mile Bench: delightfully full-expression of summer, not as heavy as Alsatian. +64592, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2007 VQA Niagara: good Alsatian style, depth. +89029, $18.20, QPR: 90. 5. Vineland Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2006 VQA Niagara: fresh SB components and MVC. +551168, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Jekel Gravelstone Chardonnay 2006 Monterey: vanilla nose, lots of fruit and kiss of oak. 13.5% ABV. +421016, $15.95, QPR: 91. 7. Vinecol Torrontes 2007 Mendoza: from organic grapes, good MVC flavours of Torrontes. +32748, $13.95, QPR: 90. 8. St. Hallett Semillon 2004 Barossa: character of old style from Hunter Valley, a unique taste not to everybody’s taste. +658005, $18.95, QPR: 90. 9. Bestheim Pinot Blanc 2006 Alsace: delivers the fruit and value, aperitif wine. +80523, $15.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Errazuriz Panul Reserve Malbec 2006 Colchagua: fruit on mid-palate, delicious and decent finish. +61929, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Maipo: despite 14.5% ABV, soft, fruity and seductively appealing. +61937, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Veranda Cabernet/Carmenere 2005 Maipo: delicious with a touch of weed, 14% ABV. +91272, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Benziger Syrah 2004 North Coast: woody and syrah-like. +67215, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: good Argentine MVC for the cab, value driven. +467944, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Mendoza: dynamite oak-aged finish, 14.5% ABV. +507707, $15.95, QPR: 91. 7. Spinelli Tatone Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2004: wood-aged complexity at a value price. +994616, $15.95, QPR: 91. 8. Leone de Castris Maiana Salice Salentino Rosso 2006: plumy, ready but still developing. +717959, $13.95, QPR: 90. 9. Quintus Valpolicella Ripasso 2006: this month’s Ripasso wine. +81455, $17.95, QPR: 90. 10. Finca Sobreno Crianza 2004 Toro Spain: coconut nose, plumy fruit, toast, oaking. +40360, $18.95, QPR: 90. 11. Montgo Monastrell Shiraz 2004 Yecla Spain: 14.5% ABV, needs some more cellar time but will repay a wait. +76588, $14.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Casa Marin Cipress Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007 San Antonio Valley Chile (+72678 $29.95 retail, suggested $44 on wine card) is a big wine with huge SB flavours. 2. Coyote’s Run Reserve Chardonnay 2006 VQA Niagara (+49775 $20.95 retail, suggested $35 on wine card) has great balance of flavours and oak. Twist top. 3. Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 VQA Four Mile Creek (+79228 $23.95 retail, suggested $38 on wine card) tastes older but very Burgundian in style. 4. Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Napa (+91058 $28.95 retail, suggested $43 on wine card) is restaurant-ready now. 5. Freemark Abbey Merlot 2002 Rutherford Napa (+1602 $31.95 retail, suggested $47 on wine card) shows good aging, finish. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 2,2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2006 Sonoma: best with food, a balanced wine: fruit-butter-toast-nuts (those are descriptors, not the actual food to eat with the wine). +226936, $19.95, QPR: 91. 2. Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Chardonnay 2006 Eden Valley: the LCBO notes state “not overburdened by oak or excessive fruitiness”. They must have tasted it cold, for when I tasted after the bottle had warmed up, I found those oak and fruit notes as exaggerated flavours. But then I like those flavours – from time to time. +651349, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Riesling 2006 Eden Valley: twist top value in a Riesling, 13.1% ABV. +75986, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Wolf Blass Premium Selection Chardonnay 2006 South Australia: the Premium range, and not the Colours range, are the best Blass values. The Premium range used to be sold only to restos. Elegance but also heavy with wood and fruit. +394908, $19.95, QPR: 92. 5. Boschendal Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2007 South Africa: nervy grass. +82438, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Domaine Bellevue Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2006: more grass and herbs. +82305, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Enseduna Marsanne 2006 Vin de Pays des Coteaux d’Enserune Midi: very intense with a strong finish. +79004, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Terres Blanches Muscat Sec 2007 Vins de Pays d’Oc: summer flowers, intensely aromatic but dry. +653188, $14.95, QPR: 92. 9. Grand’arte Alvarinho 2007 Estremadura Portugal: off-dry, summer sipping aromatic value. +80622, $13.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Leyda Classic Reserve Carmenere 2006 Rapel: juicy value, some herbal complexity. +66845, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Lomond Merlot 2005 Cape Agulhas South Africa: long lingering finish, lots of mocha and spices. +68478, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Nederburg Manor House Shiraz 2006 South Africa: a definite Euro style, longer finish. +68775, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. F. Lurton Domaine du Ministre Rouge 2005 Saint-Chinian: fruit and value at the BBQ. +654558, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. E. Montes Domaine La Casenove La Colomina 2005 Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes: delightfully vivid fruit, length, summer BBQ. +74542, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau de Nages Reserve 2005 Costieres de Nimes: brimming with southern flavours, some garrigue. +427617, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Boutari Grande Reserve 2001 Naoussa Greece: earthy, but mature and ready to drink at an undervalued price. +140111, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Angelini Tuttobene 2006 Tuscany: 13.5% miniTuscan. +72454, $15.95, QPR: 90. 9. Raimat Tempranillo/Syrah 2005 Costers del Segre Spain: ripe and berry fruity, perfect for a BBQ. +14696, $14.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc 2006 St. Helena (+34546 $41.95 retail, suggested $56 on wine card) oaky tasty, cream, great for patio. 2. Marc Bredif Vouvray 2006 (+685362 $20.95 retail, suggested $35 on wine card) is a great vaklue wine for restaurants. 3. Lailey Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Niagara River (+591370 $24.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) is a resto wine with fruit and wood nicely in balance. 4. Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 McLaren Vale (+730374 $23.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) a dynamite wine dripping with power fruit and wood tones. 5. Black Rock Red 2006 Swartland (+68502 $23.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) a Euro-style Rhone mix, like a Gigondas. 6. Vergenoegd Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Stellenbosch (+68445 $23.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) is rich and fruity, ready to roll. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 19, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc 2006 Sonoma County: good wood tones, lightly pronounced. +0537639, $20.05, QPR: 90. 2. Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Sonoma County: more nervy, citrus tones, aperitif levels. +0971754, $15.95, QPR: 91. 3. Vinedos Organicos Emiliana Novas Winemaker’s Selection Chardonnay/Marsanne/Viognier 2006 Casablanca Chile: interesting peaches and spices, finishes vanilla and toast. Makes you hungry. +0063909, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4.Pikes Traditonale Riesling 2006 Clare Valley: very good Riesling character and body. +66894, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough: crisp, over-the-top, with nettles. +9167, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Pfaffenheim Gewurztraminer Cuvee Bacchus 2006 Alsace: classic style, worth more than it is selling for. +996017, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine des Lauriers Picpoul de Pinet 2006 Coteaux du Languedoc: lively, great fruit flavour, longer finish with character. +76570, $14.95, QPR: 90 8. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2006: bargain price for peachy tones. +290296, $17.95, QPR: 90. 9. Matin Codax Burgans Albarino 2007 Rias Baixas Spain: fresh vintage, very lively aromatics for summertime relaxing. +945063, $18.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Echeverria Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Chile: aged well indeed, good price. +59378, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Montgras Reserva Carmenere 2006 Colchagua: chocolate leading to mocha tones. +960542, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Morande Carmenere Reserva 2005: very concentrated everything. +59436, $13.95, QPR: 92. 4. Vina La Rosa La Capitana Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Cachapoal Valley: long, long engaging finish, great at this price. +68429, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Torres Gran Sangre de Toro Reserva 2003 Catalunya: very Rhonish, like a Chateauneuf du Pape, affordable of course. Snap it all up. +315648, $15.95, QPR: 93. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Balnaves Chardonnay 2005 Coonawarra (+70458, $36.95 retail, suggested $52 on wine card) twist top, balanced minerals and oak. 2. Sandalford Chardonnay 2005 Margaret River (+75978, $28.95 retail, suggested $43 on wine card) twist top, pale gold colour, a year in French oak. 3. Raymond Reserve Merlot 2005 Napa (+38059 $23.95 retail, suggested $38 on wine card) has prominent oak but is resto ready. 4. Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2005 Sonoma (+363358 $24.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) is another restaurant wine, ready soon. 5. Tapestry Merlot 2005 McLaren Vale (+64063 $26.95 retail, suggested $41 on wine card) aging well, and some pruniness. 6. Baron De Ley Gran Reserva 1998 Rioja (+642496, $32.95 retail, suggested $47 on wine card) is 13.5% and is a great older wine, stock up for celebrations of 1998. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 5, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Alta Vista Premium Torrontes 2007 Mendoza: okay sipper, summer fresh and off-dry. +37127, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Terra Del Fuego Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Maule: NZ style, crisp and herby, very good finish. +72959, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. KWV Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2005: 14.5% ABV. Fat but not extractive, MVC of smoke, vanilla and citrus fruits. +328559, $14.95, QPR: 93 4. Michel Gassier Les Piliers Viognier 2007 Pays d’Oc: 14.5% ABV, done up in French manner with some new French oak contributing creaminess. +669531, $18.95, QPR: 90 5. Muralhas de Moncao Vinho Verde 2007 Portugal: character and freshness, light and lively. +80374, $13.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Finca Sophenia Reserve Merlot 2006 Mendoza: 13.5% ABV, character plus roundness in the finish. +63412, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Anakena Ona Cabernet/Merlot/Carmenere 2005 Rapel: 14.5% ABV, could be cellared a bit. Great Bordeaux-style blend. +59493, $17.95, QPT: 90. 3. Lurton Hacienda Araucano Reserva Carmenere 2005 Chile: very good with its earthiness, black fruit, mocha. +61325, $12.95, QPR: 90. 4. De Bortoli DB Selection Petite Sirah 2006: smokey, inky, and great for BBQ this summer. +694802, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Bellevue Tumara Titan 2003 Stellenbosch: good Bordeaux-blend tones, but not quite ready. Cellar. +922211, $15.95, QPR: 91. 6. Laougue Le Clos Camy 2005 Madiran: very dense, very enjoyable, BBQ. 50% tannat. +78733, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Cabriz Reserva 2004 Dao: rich and spicy, black fruit, ready to roll. +21410, $18.95, QPR: 90 8. Herdade do Perdigao Vinha do Almo 2005 Alentejano: 14% ABV. More richness with spices and black fruits. +81752, $18.95, QPR: 90. 9. Cyan 12 Meses Barrica 2003 Toro: taut, not yet ready, good fruit but needs time. 14.5% ABV. +66936, $17.95, QPR: 90. 10. Domino Basconcillos 2004 Ribera del Duero: delicious, and value for a Ribera wine. Organic, too. +67371, $21.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Flat Rock Cellars The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2006 Twenty Mile Bench (+1552 $24.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) is a twist topped understated wine in a numbered bottle. Cachet, anyone? 2. Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2005 Napa (+346304 $58.95 retail, suggested $72 on wine card) is 14.3% in classic California chardonnay style. 3. St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Napa (+339663 $24.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) deals with intense flavours but finishes off-dry. 4. Devil’s Lair Chardonnay 2005 Margaret River (+543447 $39.95 retail, suggested $55 on wine card) is Euro style, good integration with oak. 5. Pillitteri Estates Family Reserve Merlot 2002 Niagara (+71753 $39.95 retail, suggested $53 on wine card) good oaking, restaurant-ready now. 6. Rodney Strong Merlot 2004 Sonoma (+497933 $24.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) is extremely popular, with over two years of oak aging. 7. Devil’s Lair Red 2003 Margaret River (+543454 $49.95 retail, suggested $64 on wine card) is Euro-style, Bordeaux-blend, needs food, ready now. 8. Argiano Non Confunditur 2005 Toscana (+72397 $26.95 retail, suggested $40 on wine card) a supertuscan big wine with cabernet, sangiovese, merlot and syrah. 9. Giuseppe Campagnola Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2005 (+76653 $46.95 retail, suggested $60 on wine card) is full of fruit and brimming with chocolate. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 21, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Henry of Pelham Off-Dry Reserve Riesling 2007 VQA Short Hills Bench: amazing value, and ageworthy. Twist top. +557165, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Rapel Valley: full, rich and generous, a meadow/bouquet of flowers. +396994, $13.95, QPR: 91. 3. Viniterra Terra Viognier 2006 Mendoza: off-dry in textured body, good value for a sipper. +57919, $12.95, QPR: 91. 4. Domaine Dominique Pabiot Pouilly-Fume 2006 Les Vieilles Terres: excellent al round, great Euro MVC. +65979, $19.95, QPR: 92. 5. Martin Codax Albarino 2007 Rias Baixas Spain: excellent fruit set for sipping, or for food. A real winner. +984906, $17.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Lyeth L de Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Sonoma: Euro style reflects Boisset ownership. +61028, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cono Sur Vision Merlot 2007 Colchagua: great nose, very Euro and complex. Buy it up. +928291, $15.95, QPR: 92. 3. Vinedos Emiliana Organico Novas Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Colchagua: huge mouthfeel, develops well. +66746, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Barossa Valley Estate E minor Shiraz 2005: all you could ask for. +71043, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Ninquen Antu Syrah 2006 Colchagua: chocolate and cherries, crowd pleaser. +675371, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. St. Augustine 2005 Western Cape: juicy blend of cab/merlot/syrah, at 14% ABV. What’s here not to like? +652628, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Chateau Delord 2005 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux: value, but needs time. +75713, $17.95, QPR: 90. 8. Mas des Bressades Cabernet/Syrah 2006 Vin de Pays du Gard: oak aged, very distinguished flavours. +712174, $18.95, QPR: 90. 9. Bodegas Arrocal 2006 Ribera del Duero: velvet juice, great finish, nice price for a Ribera. +67868, $17.95, QPR: 90. 10. Bodegas Lan Reserva 2001 Rioja: traditional values in a standard MVC Rioja, now ready or cellar. +42929, $20.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mission Hill Select Lot Collection Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2005 Okanagan (+68361, $29.95 retail, suggested $44 on wine card) is excellent food wine, slight oak aging, and best in restaurants. 2. Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay 2006 Santa Lucia Highlands (+66159 $41.95 retail, suggested $55 on wine card) is rich and vibrant, great value in unoaked chardonnay. 3. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough (+304469 $34.95 retail, suggested $49 on wine card) is the iconic sauvignon blanc. 4. Antonin Rodet Meursault 2005 (+963470 $42.95 retail, suggested $57 on wine card) is notable for its toasty-nutty complexity. 5. Zenato Lugana “Sergio Zenato” 2005 Veneto (+928218 $29.95 retail, suggested $44 on wine card) is a reserve-level LH style with barrel aging. 6. Henri de Villamont Pommard 2005 (+69302 $42.95 retail, suggested $57 on wine card) is awesome, with a great finish. 7. Domaine du Grand Tinel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 (+993964 $37.95 retail, suggested $52 on wine card)has aged well and is ready now. 8. Mate Mantus Merlot Sant’Antimo 2004 (+73502 $29.95 retail, suggested $44 on wine card) is not your usual merlot. Expect full, rich, heavy. 9. Michele Castellani Amarone delle Valpolicella Cinque Stelle 2003 (+75127 $64.95 retail, suggested $79 on wine card) is full, and is now restaurant-ready. *** HALF-BOTTLE ALERTS: Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 California (+73726, $8.95 for 375 mL) and Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Penedes (+626721, $9.95 for 375 mL). *** WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 7, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau des Charmes Estate Riesling 2006 VQA NOTL: definite Alsatian mode, long persistent finish. Try to cellar a few years. +0277228, $16.95, QPR: 93. 2. Fielding Estate Fireside Series Chardonnay 2005 VQA Beamsville: hefty chardonnay values (oaky-toasty), good long finish for food. 13% ABV. +0069609, $20.95, QPR: 90. 3. Flat Rock Cellars Twisted 2007 VQA Niagara: best valued as an off- dry sipper or with grilled foods. +1578, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Liberty School Chardonnay 2005 Central Coast California: wooded and rounded, MVC California Chardonnay. +960120, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Anakena Ona Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Casablanca: very good sauvignon tones, 14% ABV. +59501, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Penmara Reserve Semillon 2007 Hunter Valley: toasty (but no oak), remarkably well-rounded with MVC Semillon. +58644, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Aveleda Follies Vinho Verde Alvarinho 2006: affordable succulence, summer sipper. +59048, $15.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Red Horse Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Paso Robles: summer sipper BBQ wine. +60277, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2004 Mendoza: lots of chocolate and fruit. Could be aged. +74922, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Vina La Rosa Don Reca Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Cachapoal Valley: soft, warm and inviting. Mint. +63792, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Coriole Redstone Shiraz 2005 McLaren Vale: soft and ripe, twist top, great for summer fun. +59915, $16.95. 5. Upland Organic Estate Pheasant Haven Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 South Africa: juicy, rounded and full cab flavours. +65540, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Haut-Colombier 2005 Premier Cotes de Blaye: tons of Bordeaux flavour at a ridiculously low price. +43802, $17.95, QPR: 92. 7. Ferraton Pere et Fils Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu 2006: ripe and ready to roll. +74229, $15.95, QPR: 89. 8. Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas 2006 Douro: intense black fruits, but still needs cellaring time. +359893, $15.95, QPR: 90. 9. Marques de Valcarlos Tempranillo/Cabernet Reserva 2000 Navarra: a nicely well-matured Spanish in a Rioja-mode. +928853, $16.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2005 Napa (+26682, $44.95 retail, suggested $59 on wine card) more acid and a longer finish than the Sbragia Chardonnay ($54.95). 2. Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 mostly Napa (+909101, $24.95 retail, suggested $39 on wine card) has balance and is food-driven. 3. Domaine Marc Roy Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2005 (+70185, $54.95 retail, suggested $69 on wine card), ready now. 4. Famiglia Anselma Barolo 2000 (+65524, $55.95 retail, suggested $69 on wine card) is restaurant-ready now, succulent. 5. Travaglini Gattinara 2003 (+713354, $29.95 retail, suggested $44 wine card) is a definite food wine, and a bargain for its readiness. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 24, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cave Spring Estate Gewurztraminer 2006 Beamsville Bench: delivers the real Gewurz goods, but off-dry finish. +303059, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Penmara Reserve Chardonnay 2006 New South Wales: MVC, lean and green apples, hot finish, twist top, 14%ABV, needs food. +912790, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2006 Marlborough: more Alsatian, less dry than most, 14.5% ABV, twist top. +60129, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Sacred Hill Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2006 Hawkes Bay: creamy but light, better with food. +60095, $20.95, QPR: 90. 5. Sileni Estate Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough: twist top, good price for basic MVC. +662882, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Mas des Bressades Cuvee Tradition Blanc 2007 Costieres de Nimes: floral, summer sipper, great finish. +701094, $12.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Baron De Ley Reserva 2002 Rioja: maturing nicely, 13.5% ABV, smoky and red fruits. +958868, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Sogrape Reserva Douro Vinho Tinto 2002: great plumy flavours from the various tinta grapes used for ports. +335208, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Monte Zovo Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2004: very good quality at this price level. +23523, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Castellani Campomaggio Rosso 2003 Tuscany: fave supertuscan blend from a hot vintage. +72371, $20.95, QPR: 90. 5. Mas des Bressades Cuvee Excellence 2006 Costieres de Nimes: very intense syrah character, black fruit, ready this fall and will kee3p. +708750, $17.95, QPR: 93. 6. Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Hawkes Bay: this Bordeaux blend shines with plums. 13.5% ABV. Twist top. +60038, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Goldridge Premium Reserve Syrah 2005 Matakana NZ: stylish wine named after the grape, Euro MVC. 13.5%ABV, twist top. +60053, $19.95, QPR: 90 8. La Playa Block Selection Estate Reserve Carmenere 2006 Colchagua Valley: juicy lucy, 13.5%, with some added cabernet sauvignon for complexity. +59410, $13.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Castello di Monna Lisa Chianti Classico Riserva 2003 (+930651, $34.95 retail, on your wine card for $49?) is ripe plumminess, some smoke. 2. Castello Sonnino Saneleone 2001 Tuscany (+66043, $46.95, on your wine card for $59?) is a lush blend of merlot and sangiovese. 3. Shepherds Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 Marlborough (+586099, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is ripe, twist top, and 13.5% ABV. 4. Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2006 Central Otago (+60061, $37.95 retail, but on your wine card for $52?) is loaded with burgundian tones. 5. House of Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir 2006 Central Otago (+66803, $25.95 retail, but on your wine card for $39?) lush wine but with a finish. Classy bottle and label comes with a cork!!! 6. Anne Boecklin Riesling Schlossberg 2004 Alsace Grand Cru (+61390, $22.95 retail and suggested on wine card for $38) is nicely dry, not too intense. 7. Domaine Cauvard Beaune Clos de la Maladiere 2006 ($39.95 retail on your wine card for suggested $53?) exceptional white for pork. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 10, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau des Charmes St. David’s Bench Gewurztraminer 2006: very good in an Alsatian style, succulent even for Niagara +0453472, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Goldwater Chardonnay 2006 Marlborough: good intensity, hits all the right buttons, strength on the mid-palate, 14% ABV, twist top. +991463, $19.95, QPR: 92. 3. Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough: excellent quality, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +735043, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Spy Valley Chardonnay 2005 Marlborough: 13.5% ABV, twist top, mounds of flavour, toasty finish. +57737, $18.75, QPR: 90. 5. Andre Blanck Pinot Gris Clos Schwendi 2006 Alsace: special award winner, very good, very fruity and well-developed. +686311, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Riesling Kabinett 1998 Mosel: nicely aged and well-priced, 8.5% ABV. +940809, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. Schloss Schonborn Riesling Kabinett 2005 Hattenheimer Rheingau: 10% ABV, off-dry, succulent flavours from a great vineyard. +928184, $18.95, QPR: 90. 8. Calatrasi Accademia Del Sole Viognier 2006 Sicily: lovely concentrated flavours, fab price, 14% ABV. +687921, $13.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Del Fin Del Mundo Reserva Malbec 2005 Patagonia: 14.5% ABV, good concentration, some guts for food. +681197, $12.95, QPR: 91. 2. Don David Reserve Malbec 2006 Cafayate Valley: 13.9% ABV, hot and heavy, but bursting with flavours, needs food. Slightly better than the Del Fin. +64998, $12.95, QPR: 92. 3. Chilensis Reserva Syrah 2005 Maule Valley: hits all the relevant fruit bomb buttons, and for an inexpensive price. +590745, $11.95, QPR: 90. 4. Ninquen Antu Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2006 Colchagua Valley: nicely balanced fruit and wood, blackness all the way. +59329, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Saint Clair Tuatara Bay Pinot Noir 2006 Marlborough: nicely expressed cool climate pinot. Twist top. +57760, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. La Motte Shiraz 2005 Western Cape: a Gold Medalist. Concentrated flavours, 14% ABV. +652685, $21.95, QPR: 90. 7. Chateau Planeres Cuvee Prestige 2005 Cotes du Roussillon: plumy, food wine, great price. +70748, c$14.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Hidden Bench Estate Fume Blanc 2006 Niagara Beamsville Bench (+68825, $28 retail, on your wine card for $40?) has the smoke and the long length expected. Great food wine. 2. Jean Chartron Rully Montmorin 2006 (+68981, $26.95 retail, on your wine card for $40?) has lovely Burgundian flavours and tang on the finish, and great looking bottle. 3. Rutherford Ranch Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa (+60525, $34.95 retail, on your wine card for $49?) has elegance and fruit at a bargain price. 4. Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005 (+70862, $38.95 retail, on your wine card for $53?) is ripe, affordable and ready. 14.5% ABV. 5. Jean Leon Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2002 (+401596, $27.95 retail, on your wine card for $42?) is ready to roll with your beef. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 26, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Flat Rock Cellars Unplugged Chardonnay 2006 VQA Twenty Mile Bench: lean, apples (despite ML), great creamy flavours, best with food, twist top. +68015, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Dry Creek Vyd Fume Blanc 2006 Sonoma: basic herby-rounded blend, too early for summer. +277715, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Gold Label Chardonnay 2006 Monterey: ripe, rich body, dense, kiss of oak, restaurant wine. +708305, $19.95, QPR: 92. 3. Chateau Moncontour Vouvray Demi-Sec 2006: off-dry, good as aperitif, some smoke quality from Chenin Blanc. +16709, $17.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Clos du Val Zinfandel 2005 Napa: a treat, spicy and peppery. +590216, $21.95, QPR: 90. 2. Sebastiani Merlot 2004 Sonoma: very good food wine, with 24% non- merlot grapes added for complexity. +219162, $20.95, QPR: 90. 3. Kaiken Malbec 2005 Mendoza: smokey and black jammy all the way. Buy it up. +58339, $14.95, QPR: 91. 4. Botalcura Reserve El Delirio Syrah/Malbec 2005 Chile: intriguing flavours and complexity from the blend. +18630, $12.95, QPR: 90. 5. Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Margaret River: more franc in style than sauvignon, but useful with food. +606624, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Frederic Mabileau Les Graviers 2006 St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil Loire: concentrated, rich, ripe and full. +70029, $17.95, QPR: 91. 7. Chateau Pesquie Les Terrasses 2005 Cotes du Ventoux: definitely young, local herb aromas, some sweetness on the mid-palate, North American appeal. +652313, $14.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine Fussiacus Pouilly Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2005 (+723007 $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is rich and full from the old vines. 2. Elena Walch Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio 2006 Alto Adige (+937904, $25.95 retail, but on your wine card for $39?) is full, ripe and voluptuous. 3. Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Stags Leap District Napa (+731810, $51.95 retail, but on your wine card for $65?) is approaching the beginning of its run, and is ready now for an impressive meal. 4. Rosenblum Holbrook Mitchell Trio 2004 Napa (+59279, $35.95 retail, but on your card for $49?) is a Bordeaux blend of fruit and power, ready now, 15.7% ABV and portly. 5. James Haselgrove Futures Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale (+59857, $25.95 retail but on your card at $39? Features juicy goodness. 6. Chateau de Sales 2004 Pomerol (+671735, $29.95 retail, on your card for $44?) should dramatically increase your “sales”. 7. Palladino Barolo Riserva San Bernardo 1999 (+60814, $59.95 retail, on your card for $75?) is great value for an older Barolo. 14% ABV. 8. Marsiliana 2001 Maremma (+60871, $46.95 retail, on your wine card for $60?) is a SuperTuscan that is ripe and ready now. HALF-BOTTLE ALERT: Chateau Septy Monbazillac 2003 (+31625, $9.95 half bottle) is botrytis-affected, similar to Sauternes (just around the corner), and worthy of its price. Load up with this stickie!! WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 12, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2007 Niagara: lots of summer peaches here plus other fruit. Aperitif or food. +67587, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Peninsula Ridge Dubois Vineyard Reserve Inox Chardonnay 2006 Niagara: balanced, very good chardonnay rounded character, all stainless, could even satisfy the ABC fans. +56606, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay 2006 Santa Barbara: 13.7%, very good style, just enough voluptuous California mode here. +989152, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Torlesse Chardonnay 2006 South Island NZ: well-rounded, tones of apples and lemons and tropical fruits, vanilla. +57661, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. KWV Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2006/2007 South Africa: stores will get one of the other. 2006 is not as zesty but has a more interesting finish. But lots of 2006! +662718, $9.95, QPR: 91. 6. Comenda Grande White 2006 Alentejo: aromatic flavours, soft mid- palate, juicy finish. +69989, $16.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Casa Silva Quinta Generacion 2004 Colchagua Valley: fleshy and ready, very Euro style with 40% CabSauv and 40% Carmenere. +59451, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. William Fevre La Mision Reserva Carmenere 2006 Chile: good char, BBQ or sip, low price. +59337, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Saxenburg Guinea Fowl 2004 Stellenbosch: Merlot softness and cabernet sensibility, summer BBQ and entertaining. +694364, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Simonsig Frans Malan 2003 Stellenbosch: mostly pinotage and cabernet, very good, broad dense fruit. +57521, $20.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau de Gourgazaud Cuvee Mathilde 2006 Minervois: packed with black fruit flavours. +958629, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Calissanne 2005 Coteaux-d’Aix-en-Provence: I actually prefer the candies, but this wine delivers a ton of syrah flavours with North American chocolate, mint and smoke appeal. +61283, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7. A-Mano Primitivo 2006 Puglia: twist-top, 13.5%, red fruit and raisins, dense, BBQ/patio/party. +972588, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. Empson Monte Antico Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Tuscany: very good blend for the North American market, food wine. +69377, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. Luigi Righetti Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2005: chocolate tones, plums, and price. +575787, $18.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. La Crema Chardonay 2006 Sonoma (+962886, $29.95 retail, on your wine card for $45?) well-rounded and balanced, restaurant-ready, needs food, 13.9% ABV. 2. Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2005 Central Coast California (+958875, $40.95 retail, on your wine card for $55?) emphasizes the BF creaminess. 3. Cockfighter’s Ghost Premium Reserve Pinot Noir 2005 Tasmania (+60947, $29.95, on your wine card for $45?) is in cool climate style, with dense fruit, vanilla tones, 14% ABV. 4. Sandalford Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Margaret River (+22293, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is a gold medalist, 14.5% ABV, long Euro length. 5. Chateau Saransot-Dupre 2003 Listrac-Medoc (+65870, $27.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is resto ready at an affordable price. 6. Antonin Rodet Chambolle-Musigny 2002 (+963504, $51.95 retail, on your wine card for $65?) fruit and balance with food now. 7. Post Scriptum de Chryseia 2005 Douro (+67538, $27.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is very dense and portly, beginning to come around, needs food. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 29, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Malivoire Pinot Gris 2006 Beamsville Bench: tasty, slightly off-dry, sip or food, 12.5% ABV. +591305, $19, QPR: 90. 2. Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2006 San Antonia Valley Chile: zesty, affordable, twist top. +48025, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Evans and Tate Chardonnay 2006 Margaret River: good balance of fruit tropicality, like a rich Chablis. 13.5% ABV. +677765, $19.95, QPR: 92. 4. Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2006 Marlborough: concentrated MVC, great finish, slightly bitter, 13.5% ABV. +32870, $18.95, QPR: 93. 5. Klein Zalze Chenin Blanc Barrel Fermented 2006 Stellenbosch: rich and ripe, 15% ABV, barrel fermentation. Lots of flavour. +57471, $13.95, QPR: 91. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Frey Syrah 2006 North Coast California: medium-bodied organic syrah exhibits the MVC. +57372, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2003 WO Coastal Region: Rhone style, straight ahead MVC, quality finish. +561142, $16.95, QPR: 94. 3. Robertson Winery Prospect Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 South Africa: good MVC and smoke, ripe black fruit. +687814, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Sonop Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 WO Western Cape: great flavours, and good for you too. +606160, $13.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Chavrignac 2005 Bordeaux: an organic Bordeaux wine, containing equal parts of merlot, cab franc, cab sauv, and all flavour. Good stuff. +2436, $15.95, QPR: 91. 6. Coppi Primitivo Peucetico 2001 Puglia: dense, well-developed, well- aged, MVC showing. +724674, $13.95, QPR: 91. 7. Tommasi Merlot Le Prunee 2005 Venezia: a very sound wine, North American appeal of merlot juiciness. +24505, $17.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Roux Pere & Fils Saint-Aubin La Pucelle 2006 (+69153, $29.95 retail, on your wine card for $44?) is great for current drinking. 2. Jean-Max Roger Sancerre Cuvee Les Caillottes 2005 (+65573, $23.95 retail, on your wine card for $38?) is a great aperitif, ready to roll. 3. Schild Estate Shiraz 2005 Barossa (+66555, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) has a great presentation bottle, on the heavy side, twist-top, 14.5%ABV. 4. Shingleback Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 McLaren Vale (+662957, $23.95 retail, on your wine card for $38?) is loaded with ready juice, beginning with 14.5% ABV. 5. Voyager Estate Girt by Sea Cabernet/Merlot 2005 Margaret River (+59931, $23.95 retail, on your wine card for $38?) is soft and fruity, affordable, and ready now. 6. Château Cossieu-Coutelin 2003 St.Estephe (+61697, $32.95 retail, on your card for $48?) won a gold medal. Definitely needs food, but it is ready now for the restaurant trade. 7. Quintarelli Primofiore 2004 (+20867, $56.95 retail, on your wine card for $69?) is a good Veneto blend, with some amarone added for complexity. Pricey, but useful for a BYOW by a client. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 15, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Equus Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Maipo: very intense, grassy MVC. +59394, $11.95, QPR: 90. 2. Santa Rita Medalla Real Chardonnay 2005 Reserva Especial Casablanca Valley: 14.5% ABV, oaky fruity, very ripe. +303628, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. D’Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier/Marsanne 2006 McLaren Vale: aromatic flavours, great sipper for today, fruity and off-dry in texture. 13.5% ABV. +662775, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Kumkani Sauvignon Blanc 2006 South Africa Coastal: very elegant Loire style, full body, finishes off-dry on palate. Twist top. +57539, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Darting Gewurztraminer Kabinett 2005 Pfalz: an off-dry delicious wine with no bitter finish, twist top. +944181, $16.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Clayhouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Paso Robles: approachable now, ready now, good fruit set. +57869, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2006 Colchagua Valley: one of the best wineries in Chile for the prices being asked. Only 70% cabernet sauvignon makes this wine softer than expected. +16071, $14.95, QPR: 91. 3. Kanonkop Kadette 2005 Stellenbosch: ripe and soft, great finish from four different grape varieties. +922237, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Domaine de Berlande Merlot 2006 Vin de Pays d’Oc: a Lurton wine, so you know that it is fruit-forward. 14.5% ABV. +27979, $12.95, QPR: 91. 5. Mas de al Deveze LA 66 2006 Cotes du Roussillon Villages: ripe dark fruit, North American appeal. Get your kicks on Route 66, +65797, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Micheletti Bolgheri 2005: North American appeal, 4/5 Cab sauvignon, balance Merlot. +39685, $20.95, QPR: 90. 7. Rene Barbier Cabernet Sauvignon Seleccion Crianza 2001: 13.5% ABV, another ripe and ready, but with some age showing, good with food. +14639, $19.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ashbrook Chardonnay 2005 Margaret River (+684076, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is a good balanced chardonnay for dinner. 2. Chateau de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc 2006 (+48892, $32.95 retail, and on your wine card for $46?) is an outstandingly ripe food wine. 3. 7 Deadly Zins 2005 Lodi Old Vine (+59311, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) shows a wine brimming with fruit and elegance, and age from the oak. Great with anything after the fish course. 4. Chateau Griviere 2000 Medoc (+65632, $25.95 retail, and on your wine card for $40?) is a steal at the price. Ready now for consumption. 5. Michele Satta Piastraia 2002 Bolgheri (+709980, $39.95 retail, and on your wine card for $55?) is 13.5% ABV and ready now, a SuperTuscan blend. 6. Esporao Reserve 2005 Alentejo Portugal (+606590, $25.95 retail, and on your wine list for $40?) is almost ready to serve, must be tried with food. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 1, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rene Mure Gewurztraminer 2006 Alsace: all the components are here for MVC except the bitter finish. Medium weight. +61218, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Paul and Mallory Talmard Macon-Uchizy 2006: aromatic musque nose, good length, bargain sipper or with food. +66639, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau de Quincay Sauvignon Selection Tradition 2006 Touraine Loire: sharp and brisk sauvignon blanc, easily affordable. +66183, $12.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Bonterra Merlot 2005 Mendocino: fruity, well-rounded and balanced, with more character introduced by the addition of some four other grapes. +984724, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Howling Wolf Zinfandel Shenandoah Valley: woof-woof, impressive at this price, and at 14.8% ABV. +57356, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Tangley Oaks Merlot 2003 Napa Valley Lot 7: full of blackness, great MVC on the heavy side, 14.2% ABV. +68155, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Vina La Rosa La Capitana Barrel Reserve Merlot 2006 Cachapoal Valley: with some added cab sauv and carmenere for character. +58297, $12.95, QPR: 90. 5. Viu Manent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2004 Colchagua Valley: full, rich, ripe and ready, excellent by all criteria. Buy it all at this price level. +59196, $12.95, QPR: 93. 6. Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Clare Valley: 14.5% ABV, twist top, lots of black fruit, priced to go. +744235, $16.95, QPR: 91. 7. Robertson Wolfkloof Shiraz 2005 Robertson: good detail, well- balanced between fruit and wood and acid. A food wine. +626341, $18.95, QPR: 90. 8. Valpantena Torre Del Falasco Valpolicella Rispasso 2005: the “four r’s” of ripe, rich, and ready to roll! +642421, $17.95, QPR: 90. 9. Fort Medoc 2000 Haut-Medoc: nicely aged and spiced, seven years old now. +65581, $17.95, QPR: 93. 9. Chateau du Grand Barrail 2004 Cote de Blaye: lots of shorter Bordeaux flavours, dances on the top of the palate. +672170, $18.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2005 (+33936, $25 retail, on your wine card for $40?) is probably the best Ontario chardonnay available at this price level. Very rich and ready now. 2. Domaine de Chardonnay Chablis Montmains 2006 (+68106, $28.95 retail, on your wine card for $43?) is a quality Premier Cru at an affordable price. 3. Duvergey-Taboureau Meursault 2005 (+67124, $39.95 retail, on your wine card for $50?) can be compared and contrasted with Closure Dan above. 4. Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2005 (+33894, $25 retail, and on your wine card for $40?) is about a year away from being ready, but can be enjoyed now. Mid-weight Burgundian style. Twist top. 5. Meerlust Pinot Noir 2003 Stellenbosch (+663401, $23.95 retail, and on your wine card for $39?) is rustic in style, and ready now. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 16, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.13th Street Funk Vineyard Riesling 2005 Niagara: racy and MVC, some off-dry on the end palate. +56564, $18, QPR: 90. 2. Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2005 Sonoma: very MVC for the region, balanced with acid, fruit, toasted wood, butter. +421644, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. St.Hallett Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Barossa: off-dry finish, twist top, useful drink. +57687, $14.90, QPR: 90. 3. Pierre Spann Pinot Gris Reserve 2005 Alsace: off-dry feel, lots of body and fruit. +983395, $18.85, QPR: 90. 4. Caves des Perrieres Pouilly-Fume 2006: MVC for the region, affordable, twist top. +61358, $19.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Eral Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza: off-dry, ready, North American appeal. +58081, $18.55, QPR: 90. 2. Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza: sustainable winery, 14.5% ABV kick, heavy Bordeaux nose. +677567, $13.95, QPR: 93. 3. Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Colchagua: another thick and juicy mocha and tobacco toned wine. +322586, $21.80, QPR: 94 4. D’Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 McLaren: delicious but some tart flavours, full profile for climbing. +943456, $20.95, QPR: 90. 5.Zilzie Shiraz 2006 South Eastern Australia: cloves and fruit, rich, thick, lovely, heavy-heavy, buy it all! +58016, $16.75, QPR: 94. 6. Chateau Lenormand 2005 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux: depth, but needs time to resolve finishing tannins, balanced already. +60913, $18.45, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine Laurent Mabileau St.Nicholas-de-Bourgueil 2005 Loire: MVC cab franc for the region, leafy, berryish. +61192, $14.55, QPR: 90. 8. Beronia Reserva 2001 Rioja: another must-by from Spain, a great Rioja at this price. +50203, $17.55, QPR: 93. 9. Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico 2005: North American in style and appeal, wood and fruity jam tones, thick. +606541, $19.95, QPR: 90. 10. Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina 2005: very intense and nervy, but getting better with airing. Value. +68163, $13.45, QPR: 91. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau de Rully Blanc 2004 (+46714, $27.45 retail, on your wine card for $42?) is ageing very well, some butter and light oak. 2. Dominus 2004 Napa (+63057, $90.95 retail, but on your wine card for $99.99?) and its second wine, Dominus Estate Napanook 2004 Napa (+63065, $39.95 retail but on your wine card for $55?) form an interesting comparison. Both wines are ready to go now, but the Napanook is slightly more accessible and does not need food. 3. Ridge Geyserville 2005 Sonoma (+723072, $47.75 retail, but on your wine card for $62?) is largely zinfandel. Read Josh Raynolds notes in the Vintages catalogue, and you won’t even have to drink the wine. 4. Rosemount Traditional Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot 2002 South Australia (+484097, $35.20 retail, but on your wine card for $49?) is 82-10-8 in percentages, very mellow and ready now. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 2, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Grant Burge Summers Chardonnay 2006 Eden Valley South Australia: the chardonnay flavour of the month (oak, butter, orchard fruit). +57315, $18.75, QPR: 91. 2. Stella Bella Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Margaret River: Tennessee Williams on a hot night. +48546, $18.85, QPR: 90. 3. W.Gisselbrecht Pinot Blanc Reserve Speciale 2006: affordable Alsatian white, slightly off-dry, priced to go. +955872, $12.75, QPR: 90. 4. Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio 2006 Trentino: very lengthy finish, not high acid, but still a food wine. +51623, $15.85, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1.Vina Ventisquero Yali reserve Carmenere 2005 Colchagua: strong wine, may need some time, good for later food courses. +48306, $11.90, QPR: 90. 2. Don Pascual Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2005 Uruguay: 13%, soft, fruity, enjoyable. +48462, $10.75, QPR: 90. 3. Maxwell Four Roads Shiraz 2004 McLaren Vale: the winemaker went down to the crossroads for this one. Rich textures to sell your soul for. +57000, $21.90, QPR: 90. 4. Henry’s Drive Vignerons Pillar Box Red 2005 Padthaway: a drive- through wine, 15% ABV, rich, a little goes a long way. +685941, $17.40, QPR: 90. 5. Possums Willunga Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale: a Dame Edna confection, 14.5% ABV, twist top. +17517, $18.85, QPR: 90. 6. Lieu-Dit Les Poyeux Saumur Champigny 2005 Loire: full and ripe, delicious mocha and black fruit, 14% ABV. +52639, $16.85, QPR: 91. 7. Consorzio Produttori Vini e Mosti Rossi Primitivo de Manduria Lirica 2004: winter wine, dense but appealing. +669580, $15.75, QPR: 90. 8. Domaine de l’Ameillaud Cairanne 2006 Cotes du Rhone Villages: very soft and fruity, syrah tones dominate. +660605, $14.75, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Martin Ray Chardonnay 2005 (+57067, $23.75 retail, on your wine card for $38?) has been crafted for the resto trade, 14.3% ABV, butterscotch and caramel. 2.M. Chapoutier Chante Alouette Blanc Hermitage 2003 (+140541, $74.75 retail, on your wine card for $89? is a rare MVC treat for a Northern Rhone white. Certainly worth it as a BYOW. 3.Henry of Pelham Reserve Pinot Noir 2006 Niagara (+268391, $24.75 retail, on your wine card at $39?) deep burgundy style, ready soon. 4.Chateau Le Caillou 1998 pomerol (+45682, $48.75 retail, on your wine card for $63?) is nicely aged already, great food wine at this stage. 5. Degani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2003 (+52423, $37.75 retail but on your wine card at $52?) is this month’s amarone flavour. 6. Palacios Remondo Propiedad 2005 Rioja (+597880, $37.75 retail, but on your wine card for $53?) is brimming with fruit and integrity, 145 ABV, great finish. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 19, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Keltie Brook Chardonnay 2005 Carneros: slight oak and butterscotch tones, good balance of fruit and acid. +57364. $17.80, QPR: 91. 2. Richard Hamilton Almond Grove Chardonnay 2006 McLaren Vale: Burgundian elegance to a tee, twist-top. +741009, $16.85, QPR: 90. 3. Producteurs Plaimont Les Vignes Retrouvees Blanc 2005 Cotes de Sain- Mont: aromatic with depth and character, needs cheese. +525451, $14.85, QPR: 90. 4. Muga 2006 Rioja: stone fruit tastes plus some oak tones. +958736, $15.85, QPR: 91. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jekel Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Monterey: first listed in Ontario with the 1983 (I still have some), last here a decade ago at this same price. Buy it all, for it is fully-loaded with flavours, finishing off with wood tones of cedar and mocha. +967893, $16.85, QPR: 94. 2. Don Cristobal 1492 Oak Reserve Merlot 2005 Mendoza: some definition, like a rich carmenere. +663096, $13.85, QPR: 90. 3. Familia Mayol Kaleido Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Mendoza: full and juicy, long depth, good aging in bottle. +55426, $14.85, QPR: 90. 4. El Portillo Elevado Malbec Reserve 2005 Mendoza: dark, dense, with long flavours. +55418, $17.80, QPR: 90. 5. Saurus Patagonia Select Malbec 2005 South Argentina: very tasty, something new, food wine. +55459, $14.85, QPR: 91. 6. Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Mendoza: well-aged, well-priced, 14% ABV, 3 years in French oak. Buy it all. +656363, $16.85, QPR: 94. 7. Weinert Merlot 2003 Mendoza: good MVC merlot, plummy, smoke. +656371, $14.85, QPR: 90. 8. Marchigue Reserve Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot 2004 Colchagua: great quality, red fruit such raspberries. +48298, $13.85, QPR: 90. 9. Vina Chocalan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere/Merlot 2004: MVC Bordeaux-blend, fruity, well-made. +48272, $13.85, QPR: 90. 10. Parri Estate Shiraz/Viognier 2005 Southern Fleurieu Australia: North Rhone all the way, down to some of the brett tones. Buy it all!!! +48488, $17.80, QPR: 96. 11. Kanu Rockwood 2005 Stellenbosch: oaky, great finish, mocha tones, good blend. 14% ABV. +56499, $12.85, QPR: 90. 12. Castello di Neive Barbaresco 2004: light but dynamite in MVC for nebbiolos. +674044, $21.80, QPR: 91. 13. Farina Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2004: good aged value, needs food. +999946, $15.85, QPR: 90. 14. Vina Herminia Crianza Rioja Tinto 2003: good wood from a hot, flabby year and vintage. +51847, $17.80, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Freemark Abbey Chardonnay 2004 (+57323, $27.75 retail, on your wine card for $42?) is traditional California with floral tones, citrus, pear, and oak. 2. Austins Pinot Noir 2005 Geelong Victoria (+684142, $26.75 retail, on your wine card for $41?) is a twist-top with good pinot depth. 3. Chateau Belle-Vue 2004 Haut Medoc (+35592, $31.70 retail, on your wine card for $47?) continues the fact that HMs are the best value in Bordeaux today. Restaurant-ready now. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 5, 2008 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. De Sousa Unoaked Chardonnay 2004 Niagara: good chardonnay fruit and crisp finish. +53520, $13.85, QPR: 89. 2. Ironstone Chardonnay 2006 Lodi: California off-dry, some wood, sip or quaff. +355776, $15.85, QPR: 90. 3. Ingoldby Chardonnay 2006 McLaren Vale: twist-top, value=priced, nicely oaked, 13.5% ABV. +47647, $14.85, QPR: 91. 4. X & Y Chardonnay 2006 Margaret River: twist-top, Bordeaux shaped bottle, long, long finish. +48561, $18.80, QPR: 92. 5. Domaine de L’Aumonier Le Touraine Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2006: very crisp and sauvignon blanc like wine, slightly off dry on the end palate. +62307, $13.85, QPR: 90. 6. St. Donatus Irsai Oliver Balatonlellei 2005: Hungarian muscat-like sipper, good floral quality and mintiness. +12070, $11.85, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cono Sur Organic Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2006 Colchagua Valley: black fruit and French oak dominate, plush and lush. +56853, $13.85, QPR: 90. 2. Taja Gran Reserva 1998 Jumilla Spain: great value for an almost 10 year old wine, well-aged Rioja style with cab and merlot flavours. +539148, $19.80, QPR: 91. 3. Raimat Abadia Crianza 2004 Costers del Segre: one of your bargain mid-Atlantic styled wines. +935460, $14.85, QPR: 90. 4. Cecilia Beretta Roccolo di Mizzole Valpolicella Superiore 2005: good quality, very drinkable, with depth to the fruit. +52431, $16.85, QPR: 90. 5. Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2005: full bodied, food or sip. +328997, $12.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau La Brie 2003 Bergerac: good Bordeaux blend from just south of the region, from a hot vintage year. Resist the temptation to try it with brie...+61994, $13.85, QPR: 91. 7. Domaine Ferrer Ribiere Tradition 2004 Cotes du Roussillon: a fine wine blend of syrah, grenache and mourvedre, one that needs game food. +61143, $14.85, QPR: 90. 8. Veramonte Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Cochagua: depth, loaded with black fruit. +48454, $13.85, QPR: 90. 9. Galli Estate Camelback Shiraz 2003 Victoria: upfront everything, fully loaded plum fruit and dark chocolate. +66512, $19.80, QPR: 91. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jordan Chardonnay 2005 Russian River Valley (+68023, $37.65 retail, on your wine card for $49?) shows bold, concentrated flavours. 2. Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Marlborough (+677450, $21.80 retail, on your wine card for $36?) is very off-the-wall zesty New Zealand sauvignon blanc. For the racy lover. 3. Cedro do Noval 2004 Douro (+64709, $24.75 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is very restaurant-ready, moderate fruit, great food wine, integrated and noticeable French oak. 4. Leasingham Bin 56 Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Clare Valley (+39545, $25.75 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is nicely aged, sip or food. 5. Teusner The Riebke Ebenezer Road Shiraz 2005 Barossa (+48470, $25.75 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is juicy and addictively delicious, reaching 13.5% ABV. 6. St.Hallett Faith Shiraz 2005 Barossa: very good shiraz component, with 14.5% ABV being resolved. +980631, $19.80, QPR: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 8, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay 2006 VQA Twenty Mile Bench: lean green apples and oak vanillin, good finish, twist top. +681247, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Hess Select Chardonnay 2004 California: full of ripeness and butter, good value for a manipulative wine, some aging shows. +986778, $18.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Thirty Bench Red 2005 Beamsville Bench: Cuvee Gold winner and silver at Canadian Wine Awards. Cellar potential, lots of cabernet tannins, big vanilla component. +53389, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel 2005 Lodi: rich old vine complexity at a bargain price, meant for winter. 14.5% ABV. +951889, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Aramis Vineyards Shiraz 2004 McLaren Vale: off-dry mouthfeel, substantial body. +41202, $20.95, QPR: 90. 4. Chateau Coucheroy 2004 Pessac-Leognan: 50/50 blend of merlot and cab sauv, 100% value for MVC. +944983, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico 2005: good MVC intensity, needs cellaring. +970095, $22.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Tawse Beamsville Bench Reserve Chardonnay 2004 (+662858, $42.20 retail, on your wine card for $59?). Gold Medal at Wine Access 2007 Awards, full, dramatic character. Big, big wine. 2. Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2005 Sonoma County (+275552, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is a restaurant ready wine with appeal. 3. Zind-Humbrecht Herrenweg de Turkheim Gewurztraminer 2005 (+993352, $43.95 retail, but on your wine card for $59?) is spicy with that gewurz finish. Very useful in any Oriental situation. 4. Domaine de la Vougeraie Les Pierres Blanches Cote de Beaune 2004 (+50492, $39.95 retail, on your wine card for $54?) is good basic restaurant white. 1. Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa (+189795, $72.95 retail, but on your wine card for $89?) is front-loaded with fruit, ready now. 2. St. Francis Merlot 2002 Sonoma (+422014, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is a fully ripe and aged bargain from a producer which specializes in California merlot. 3. Grant Burge Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre 2002 (+726802, $37.95 retail, on your wine card for $50?) is an excellent GSM in the Chateauneuf du Pape style. 4. Chateau Bel-Air-Ouy 2000 St.Emilion Grand Cru (+46557, $52.95, on your wine card for $68?) is chocolatey, fruit-forward, and ready now. 5. Alvaro Palacios Les Terrasses 2004 Priorat (+977843, $38.95 retail, on your wine card for $53?) is one of Spain’s finest red wines, drinking well now. 6. Finca Sobreno Reserva Seleccion Especial 2000 Toro (+40766, $29.95 retail, on your wine card for $43?) has a chunk of oak in it, as well as black fruits, meant for drinking now. Good aging. 7. S.Antonio Amarone delle Valpolicella 2003 (+685107, $43.95 retail, on your card at $59?) is from that fruity hot vintage, and is ready now for your restaurant. 8. Lacoste-Borie 2003 Pauillac (+43760, $36.95 retail, but on your wine card for $49?) is an engaging second wine from Chateau Grand-Puy- Lacoste, ready soonish. 9. Le Volte 2005 Toscana (+964221, $25.95 retail, on your card for$39?) is made from Ornellaia cab and merlot plus boughten sangiovese. HALF BOTTLE ALERT – Gaja Sito Moresco 2005 Langhe (+998575, $29.95 retail for 375 mL). WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. D’Arenberg The Money Spider Rousanne 2006 McLaren Vale: aromatic, long length, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +656710, $19.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Estampa Gold Assemblage 2004 Colchagua Valley: phenomenal wine, bordeaux-style blend, but needs more time. +47522, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz 2004: full, pepper, black fruits, good finish. +738567, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Step Rd Shiraz 2005 Langhorne Creek: dense black fruit, minty too. +52993, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Prunatelli Chianti Rufina Riserva 2004: very good quality for the price, tastes MVC. +938258, $17.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay 2004 Alexander Valley (+295055, $41.95 retail, on your wine card for $55?) is very rich and nutty, long long length, good structure and finish. 2. Castello Della Sala Cervano Della Sala 2005 Umbria (+512376, $53.95 retail but on your wine card for $69?) has been highly rated by everybody; it is a delicious wine, one of the best whites in Italy, and affordable as a BYOW. 1. Laird Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Napa (+50096, $53.95 retail, but on your wine card for $69?) is ready now. Grapes come from the best desirable spots such as Diamond Mountain. It has a year and half in French oak. 14.5% ABV. 2. Stag’s Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Napa (+996405, $55.95 retail but on your wine card for $69?) is another icon MVC wine from California, good value as a BYOW. Drinking well now. 3. Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (+39537, $39.95 retail, but $55 on your wine card?) is delicious, with a longer length, good structure and great with food. 4. Manzone Barolo Le Gramolere 1999 (+50773, $49.95 retail but $65 on your wine card?) is 14% ABV, and shows great aging already. Phenomenal. 5. Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva 1996 Rioja (+976811, $31.95 retail but $45 on your wine card?) is deliciously described in the Vintages catalogue, and is worth more than the ascribed 88. Well-aged and responsive. 6. Monte del Fra Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2001 (+47506, $45.95 retail but on your card for $59?) is another classic of dried fruit, leather and tar at a fab price for BYOW... 7. Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2004 Toscana (+727636, $29.95 retail but on your card for $45?) is an affordable supertuscan wine with sangiovese and merlot. Smooth all the way with a bit of a bit from finishing tannins. Maybe another six months of cellaring... WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Calera Chardonnay 2005 Central Coast 30th Anniversary: stunning aromas of stone fruit, typical off-dry finish, 14.5% ABV. Bargain price. +713313, $22.95, QPR: 90. 2. Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay 2004 Adelaide Hills: twist top elegance, 13.5% ABV, holding well after almost 4 years. +606186, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Maison Champy Bourgogne Signature Chardonnay 2005: hidden oak charms, lots of vanilla and fruit, almost New Worldish. See below for the pinot noir. +43455, $18.95, QPR: 93. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Truchard Zinfandel 2003 Carneros Napa: good dense berry complexity, longer finish. +54858, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Vina Casablanca El Bosque Syrah Rapel: Gold Medal winner. Wood and fruit upfront, Euro tones. +46276, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Olsen Merlot 2004 Margaret River: minty complexity, great price, ripe dustiness. +25270, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Rosemount Hill of Gold Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 New South Wales: loaded with black fruit, ready now, gold medal winner. +614800, $22.95, QPR: 90. 5. Vina Albali Gran Reserva 1999 Valdepenas Spain: a great clone of Rioja values, vanilla, wood, and sandalwooded fruit. +9621, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau La Cardonne 2000 Medoc: ready to toll, all the Bordeaux complexity and length is here. +980417, $26.95, QPR: 92. 7. Maison Champy Bourgogne Signature Pinot Noir 2005: hidden oak charms, lots of vanilla and fruit, almost New Worldish. Good value to pair with the chardonnay (see above) +1140, $18.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Paso Robles (+16915, $39.95 retail, on your wine card for $55?) is an excellent value for a magnum of 1500mL. One for the large party crowd! 2. D’Arenberg D’Arry’s Original Shiraz/Grenache 2005 McLaren Vale (+661595, $39.95 retail, on your wine card for $55?) is another excellent 1500 mL magnum value for your large party. 3. Wolf Blass Premium Selection Shiraz 2003 (+662122, $12.95 retail, but on your card for $19?) is terrific value for a half-bottle 375 mL, for the solitary diner or a couple having different wines. It has aged well. 4. Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2004 Ribera del Duero (+341461, $27.95 retail, but on your wine card for $40?) is the top-rated Ribera wine at a phenomenal price. Snap it all up... 5. R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia Reserva 2000 Rioja (+529586, $34.95 retail, but on your card for $49?) is an old style Rioja and a new style price. Three years in oak. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 27, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. D’Arenberg The Olive Grove Chardonnay 2006 McLaren Vale: leaves you gasping for more, 13.5% ABV, twist top. Great tasting note in the LCBO catalogue. +702845, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Yalumba Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2005 Barossa: 14% ABV, fruit and oak show, but not toasty. No ML. +39271, $17.95, QPR: 91. 3. KWV Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2005: 14.5% ABV. Fat but not extractive, MVC of smoke, vanilla and citrus fruits. +328559, $14.95, QPR: 93. 4. Aichinger Gruner Veltliner Kamptal 2006 Austria: twist top, elegant and good drink, not the tartness of recent GVs. +48868, %18.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Catena Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Mendoza: deep fruit and long length, longer than expected in a modestly price wine. +467944, $13.95, QPR: 91. 2. Jim Jim Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale: a good rich sipper. +682005, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Margaret River: very good Euro- sensibility from this cool area, at a modest price. +606624, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Laborie Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2004: actually tastes like a Euro- style cabernet franc, red fruits. +663195, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Luigi Righetti Valpolicella Campolieti 2005: ripasso method (using dregs of Amarone for flavour) but then aged in French oak for 12 months. +695890, $16.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Clos du Val Chardonnay 2005 Carneros Napa (+297499, $26.95 retail, on your wine card for $40?) is discriminating elegance, another perfect restaurant wine. 2. Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Gueberschwihr 2005 (+686246, $39.95 retail, but on your wine card for $55?) terrific Alsatian riesling, full of extract and depth. 3. Zenato Lugana Riserva Sergio Zenato 2005 (+928218, $27.95 retail, on your wine card for $43?) is extremely rich and full of body. 1. Beringer Merlot 2004 Napa (+919647, $28.95 retail, and on your wine card for $43?) is a delicious example of a resto ready wine. 2. Chateau Rouget 2004 Pomerol (+51433, $55.95 retail, but on your wine card for $70?) is almost ready, full and dense. 3. Champy Savigny Les Beaune aux Fourches 2005 (+43463, $29.95 retail, but on your wine card for $45?) is the earthy side of burgundy. 4. Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 (+384552, $39.95 retail, but on your wine card for $55?) is another deep, dark and delicious offering from this vintage. 5. Condado de Haza Crianza 2004 Ribera del Duero (+963348, $24.95 retail, but on your wine card for $39?) has a definite coconut nose, juicy finish, good resto wine. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 13, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. D’Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier/Marsanne 2006 McLaren Vale: a 70/30 blend, rich tropical fruits, spices, nuts, twist top, tasty value. +662775, $16.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2005 Contra Costa: soft fruit, blueberries, mocha tones, off-dry sipper, 14.5%. +719211, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Jacques & Francois Lurton Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza: 14.5% ABV, powerful and rich for the winter months ahead, buy it all at this price. +591735, $14.95, QPR: 92. 3. Arboleda Merlot 2005 Aconcagua Valley Chile: soft, creamy, baked tones, gold medalist. +45864, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Valdivieso Reserva Syrah 2005 Chile: 13.5% ABV, dee-lishus in a yummy sense. It has both a syrah tang and a shiraz tang. How did they do that? Brett? +45153, $17.95, QPR: 91. 5. Viu Manent Reserva Carmenere 2005 Colchagua Valley Chile: juicy, jammy, oaky, full of life, attitude, gold medalist. +45161, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Stellenbosch: very well developed, affordable and friendly food wine. +37424, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine de Cantemerle Grains du Terroir 2003 Bordeaux: juicy, affordable, ready soon (Christmas?), snap it up. +47217, $18.95, QPR: 90. 8. Juan Gil Tinto 2005 Jumilla Spain: very good consistency, right from nose to finish, toasty oak, 14% ABV. +1677, $21.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine Du Castel “C” Blanc du Castel 2005 (+36210, $37.95 retail, on your wine card for $53?) is from Israel, chardonnay aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels. Plush and lush for the woodies. 2. Elderton Barossa Ode to Lorraine Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot 2002 (+976423, $39.95 retail, $55 on your wine card?) is “Sweet Lorraine” to me, 14.5% ABV, and now ready for dinner. 3. Kim Crawford SP Te Awanga Vineyard Merlot 2004 Hawkes Bay (+990887, $29.95 retail, but on your wine card at $43?) shows a hard nose and early palate, but smoothes out quite soon, 13.5% ABV, twist top. 3. 3 de Valandraud 2003 Saint-Emilion Grad Cru (+45997, $29.55 retail, but on your wine card for $45?) is an affordable and ready garagiste wine. 4. Chateau Belgrave 2000 Haut-Medoc 5e Cru (+712836, $49.95 retail, but on your wine card for $65?) is ready now to enjoy with your food. 5. Chateau Lalande 2003 Saint-Julien (+43893, $38.95 retail but on your card at $55?) has soft fruit, gentle elegance, and a long finish. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 29, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Kali Hart Chardonnay 2005 Monterey County: good integrated blend of fruit and oak, slight tropicality. +046417, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. William Fevre Chardonnay Gran Cuvee 2006 Maipo: this Chablis producer has moved into Chile, and produces, well, Chablis-like wine. +045146, $18.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Lamargue Cuvee Aegidiane 2003 Costieres de Nimes: hot year, good depth, syrah shines. +033993, $20.95, QPR: 90. 2. Amado sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah 2005 Mendoza: very intense, juicy and off-dry. +037036, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Jean Bousquet Malbec 2005 Mendoza: close to organic, some aging on the nose, full of stuffing, long finish. +036988, $12.95, QPR: 90. 4. Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2006 Marlborough: best pinot buy under $20, with earthiness, good burgundy knockoff. +626390, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2004 Hawkes Bay: very well-structured and delicious finish to the length. +586081, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Lyngrove Reserve Shiraz/Pinotage 2004 Stellenbosch: 13.5% ABV, good oak tones, cork finish, great Euro-style Rhonish syrah. Buy it all. +743526, $12.95, QPR: 94. 7. Rozier Bay Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Western Cape South Africa: smokey wood dominates this blend. +037341, $17.95, QPR: 90. 8. Blason de San Juan Crianza 2002 Ribera del Duero: the Riberas keep coming, at affordable prices. A little primitive in style, this earthy wine needs cellaring for a year or so. +040790, $22.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. M. Chapoutier Invitare Condrieu 2006 (+039255, $57.95 retail, on your wine card for $70?) is a rare, intensely aromatic, stone fruit white wine, sure to please at your resto. 2. Domaine Mathieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2005 (+715458, $35.95 retail, but on your card for $50?) is slightly less intense than the Condrieu but is more affordable. 3. Clos du Val Merlot 2004 (+720953, $29.95 retail, but on your wine card for $45?) is a most perfect restaurant wine: ready now, it goes with almost anything, and it’s affordable. 4. Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa Valley (+038125, $28.95 retail, but on your wine card for $45?) is a “second” wine from Joseph Phelps’ Insignia cult wine. ‘Nuff said. 5. Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2004 Cotes du Rhone (+048884, $25.95 retail, but on your wine card for $40?) is about as close a knockoff to Chateauneuf du Pape as you can get: it’s the next vineyard over. Ready now. 6. Domaine Duclaux Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 (+722264, $35.95 retail, and on your wine card for $50?) has MVC all the way, plus some advanced aging on the nose. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Flat Rock Cellars Twisted 2006 Niagara: now one of my all-time fave summer sippers, with a blend of gewurztraminer, riesling and chardonnay. +1578, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Henry of Pelham Off-Dry Reserve Riesling 2006 Short Hills Bench Niagara: 15 year old vines, very ripe complexities, made in better years. +557165, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2005 Columbia: fruit and wood tones, toast, spices, vanilla, always on sale in USA for $8.99. But here? +232439, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Annie’s Lane Chardonnay 2006 Clare Valley: twist top, partial BF and ML, partial lees, creamy toasty fruit. +59105, $17.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Creekside Estates Shiraz 2006 Niagara: Euro-style that needs more time, lots of smoked meats. +53348, $15.95, QPR: 91. 2. Los Vascos Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Colchagua Valley Chile: whoever wrote the LCBO Vintages note did a great job – a perfect description, spot on. Soft enough wine to drink and to age. 14% ABV. +32078, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Vina Tabali Carmenere Reserva 2005 Limari Valley Chile: 14% ABV, not the merlot style. Needs time, but will repay with its deep, dark, rich tannins resolved. +44008, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Elderton Tantalus Shiraz/Cabernet/Malbec/Merlot 2005 Barossa: twist top, fruity blend. Ready. (59% shiraz). +721589, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Abbotts Turrilite 2005 Minervois: a quick syrah hit (85%) dominates, pretty good value. +43042, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Altesino Rosso 2004 Tuscany: a supertuscan IGT, with added merlot and cab grapes and tones, and with a Parker number of 90, you’d better line up at your Vintages store the night before. No fighting, please, we’re Canadians. +658369, $18.95, QPR: 93. 7. Prado Rey Roble 2005 Ribera del Duero: not even a crianza, but good value nevertheless for long length and fruit, and that Spanish tinge. +674465, $16.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Macrostie Chardonnay 2005 Carneros (+663054, $27.95 retail, on your wine card for $42?) has good value tropicality and creaminess. 2. Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Wintzenheim 2005 (+918078, $35.95 retail, but on your wine card for $49?) is loaded with spices. Sip a glass with friends, and see who can identify the most number of spices. 1. Chateau La Croix St-Georges 2000 St.Georges-St.Emilion (+45187, $26.95 retail, but on your card for $42?) is unfiltered and nicely aged for drinking now. 2. Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2003 (+995910, $38.95 retail, on your list for 53?) is 15% ABV, and represents fine value for that rich hot year, ready soon. 3. Marques de Vitoria Reserva 1998 Rioja (+40428, $23.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) has great value, buy it all and dole it out sparingly. It’s fab now, but will also keep for many years. HALF BOTTLE ALERT: Chateau Septy Monbazillac 2003 ($9.99 retail) for that honeyed-complexity, sauternes knock-off. Affordable. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Lurton Chardonnay Reserva 2006 Mendoza: BF and lees aging for six months, woody toast, 13%. Buy it all! +591743, $13.95, QPR: 95. 2. Paul Talmard Macon-Uchizy Blanc 2005: definitely goosed with something like chardonnay musque, very aromatic and sipper wine, but dry in the finish. +733956, $16.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sebastiani Merlot 2002 Sonoma: 13.5% ABV, with added CS, Z, S, and CF, still MVC for BBQ. Text messaging anyone? Off-dry jammy, with plums. +219162, $20.95, QPR: 90. 2. Lurton Malbec Reserva 2005 Mendoza: balanced and ready, mocha tones and pencils. +903153, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Evans & Tate Shiraz 2003 Margaret River: if it is a red from the Margaret River for under twenty bucks, buy it. Minty, lots of wood, and long, long finish. +606905, $19.95, QPR: 92. 4. Richard Hamilton Lot 148 Merlot 2005 McLaren Vale: 14% ABV, inky, dark, twist top, needs time but merlot shows great value. +039461, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Tumara Malbec 2004 Stellenbosch: mint, smoke and salt, thick body, five (not 12) months in oak. 13% ABV. +037572, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Luigi Righetti Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2005: balance between fruit and leather, spice and roundness. +575787, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Torrederos Tinto Crianza 2001 Ribera del Duero: as with Margaret River, buy up any Ribera del Duero Crianza or higher under twenty bucks. +040808, $18.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Auntsfield Cob Cottage Chardonnay 2005 Marlborough NZ (+032276, $24.95 retail, but on your wine card at $40?), twist top, thick and fleshy caramel. 2. Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet 2005 (+051383, $64.95 retail, but on your card for $79?) has fine citrus and pome fruit tones, long finish. 1. Duckhorn Vineyards Decoy 2005 Napa (+041343, $41.95 retail, on your wine card for $56?) is a nearly-ready meritage blend of four Bordeaux grape varieties. 14.5% ABV. 2. Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa (+039388, $29.95 retail, on your wine card for $45?) has 13.5% ABV and lots of Napa MVC, with merlot added for approachability. 3. Qupe Syrah 2005 Central Coast California (+655878, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $40?) is Euro-style Rhonish MVC, best with grills. 4. Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2005 Barossa (+927533, $25.95 retail, but on your wine card for $40?) is Euro-style with anise and pepper. Twist top. 5. Fattoi Brunello di Montalcino (+033498, $39.95 retail, on your wine card for $55?) has aged quickly, ready now, good value. 6. Faustino I Gran Reserva 1996 Rioja (+976662, $32.95 retail, on your wine card for $47?) is mature plums, good for drinking now. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 18, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Rapel Valley: affordable SB hit, slightly off-dry, pleasing for summer. +396994, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006 Casablanca Valley: bone dry, very herby, more food than sip. +602649, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Konzelmann Riesling Reserve Late Harvest 2005 Niagara Peninsula: off-dry sipper, hard to beat this quality at price. +200527, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Reif Estate Gewurztraminer 2005 Niagara Peninsula: off-dry muscat flavours, no bitterish finish. +127985, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Alta Vista Premium Torrontes 2006 Argentina: full-bodied floral character with gewurztraminer highlights. Summer sipper, 14% ABV. +037127, $12.95, QPR: 90. 6. Olsen Wines Big Fella Chardonnay 2004 Victoria: Oz oaky chards are creping up in price. Twist top, 14.5% ABV. +034884, $21.95, QPR: 90. 7. Rochford Chardonnay 2004 Victoria: another toasty oak special, but with a cork finish. +032383, $21.95, QPR: 90. 8. Chateau de Nages Blanc Cuvee Joseph Torres 2003 Costieres de Nimes 2003: hot year promotes sugar levels, French barrel fermentation promotes creaminess. Needs spicy foods. +912386, $21.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. In Situ Winemaker’s Selection Carmenere 2004 Aconcagua Valley: rich and firm gold medalist, softer and earthier than most. +037952, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Baron Philippe de Rothschild Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Maipo Valley: very Euro-style, claret-like. +032151, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Anakena Merlot Reserva 2005 Rapel Valley: another Euro-style Pomerol-like, spicy red, good acid in the finish. 14.5% ABV. +037960, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Six Foot Six Shiraz/Viognier 2004 Victoria: delicious off-dry consistency, violets, twist top, 3% viognier, 14.5% ABV. +041244, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Grossombre Rouge 2003 Bordeaux: a good value Lurton claret from that warm vintage. +943712, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Le Barradis Bergerac 2005: a useful claret-like wine, great price, and organic to boot. +707273, $12.95, QPR: 90. 7. Esporao Monte Velho Tinto 2004 Alentejano Portugal: a blend of four indigenous grapes, very merlot-like. +036277, $12.95, QPR: 90. 8. Castello di Rapale Chianti Riserva 2001: 13.5% ABV, deliciously bright cherries, organic wine. +651612, $16.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Newton Vineyard Claret 2004 Napa (+037994, $30.95 retail, on your wine card for $45?) is described by the LCBO Catalogue as a Napa Cabernet, despite only 25% cabby content (rest is 56% merlot, 9% PV and 5% syrah, and 2% cabernet franc – it’s the CF that pushes it into the cabernet frame of palate. Beware 15.5% ABV. 2. Chateau Canon de Brem 1999 Canon-Fronsac (+046961, $28.95 retail, on your list for $44?) is well-aged and ready to roll, exceptional finish. 3. Louis Latour Santenay 1er Cru Passetemps 2003 (+041368, $32.95 retail, but on your list for $47?) has juicy, North American appeal. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 4, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Migel Torres Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Curico Chile: very grassy, very fresh, best wine Torres makes in Chile. +177444, $12.95, QPR: 91. 2. Nepenthe Tryst Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2005: a twist top sipper, both grass and honey character, very good, will sell out quickly at this price. +39115, $15.95, QPR: 92. 3. Dona Beatriz Verdejo 2006 Rueda Spain: very dry, long herby finish, fresh, cork finish. +682633, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Martin Codax Burgans Albarino 2006 Rias Baixas Spain: very aromatic, as all albarinos should be, long length, refreshing. +945063, $17.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Juniper Crossing Shiraz 2003 Margaret River: some age showing on the finish, this is a good thing here. It shows both shiraz AND syrah components (is the wine breaking down?). +34231, $18.95, QPR: 92. 2. Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2006 Costal Region SA: French style, black fruit, dry notes, great finish. Scoop it up. +595280, $14.95, QPR: 93. 3. Chateau Cabaron 2003 Bordeaux: simple, but wood and fruit, Bordeaux- styled, value, needs a year more in bottle, North American appeal. +35600, $22.95, QPR: 90. 4. Maculan Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Veneto: ripe and developing, a real steal, cork finished, 13% ABV. +987701, $14.95, QPR: 92. 5. Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Vinas Viejas Reserva 2001: long finish, some depth to the aging, some raisins and prunes, food wine. +948067, $20.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay 2005 (+709717, $58.95 retail, on your wine card for $73?) is high-end elegance, with balance and depth, 14.3% ABV. 2. Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa (+684399, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is restaurant-ready from a winery which only makes cabernet sauvignon. 3. Clos du Bois Reserve Merlot 2003 Alexander Valley (+34900, $29.95 retail but on your wine card for $43?) is tight but has food value. 4. St.Supery Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa (+423822, $35.95 retail but on your wine list for $49?) is a rare, early value, now five years old. 5. Chateau Coucy 2003 Montagne Saint-Emilion (+46516, $28.95 retail, but on your wine list for $43?) off-dry finish has North America appeal. 6. Champy Pernand-Vergelesses Clos de Bully 2005 (+43950, $24.95 retail and on your wine card for $39?) good value for pinot noir intensity. 7. Bodegas Luzon Altos de Luzon Vino Rojo 2004 Jumilla (+685214, $27.95 retail, on your wine list for $43?) is a juicy blend, ready now, of old vine Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. 8. Marques de Murrieta Ygay Reserva 2002 (+982322, $31.95 retail, on your wine list for $46?) should be ready soon, but needs decanting today for tomorrow’s meal. Good oaking. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 21, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Pierre Sparr Pinot Blanc Reserve 2005 Alsace: good price for complexity. Longer finish, needs food. +134635, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Coyote’s Run Reserve Chardonnay 2005 Niagara: rounded, balanced, citric and tropical fruits, toasty oaked. +049775, $21.95, QPR: 90. 3. Cave de Turckheim Gewurztraminer Reserve 2005 Alsace: intense gewurztraminer flavours at a great price. +010397, $19.95, QPR: 91. 4. Michel Gassier Les Piliers Viognier 2006 Pays d’Oc: summer tropicality in a glass, one half BF. +669531, $18.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Syrah 2005 Maipo: the black side of fruit and chocolate, oaky, full finish in syrah mode. 14.5% ABV. +034959, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico 2005: magnum size for this dependable chianti. 1500mL +010694, $27.95, QPR: 90. 3. Coyote’s Run Cabernet Franc 2005 Niagara: fully ripe expression of one of the best Ontario grape varieties, ready soon. Twist top. +050450, $21.95, QPR: 90. 4. Albamar Carmenere 2005 Casablanca Chile: very well structured fruit and balancing acid, needs food. +032763, $12.95, QPR: 90. 5. Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 South Australia: an extremely good wine, tasting in the $60 range, it won’t last long at this price, buy what you can NOW. +675223, $19.95, QPR: 94. 6. Bremerton Matilda Plains Cabernet/Shiraz 2005 Langhorne Creek: good length, use with food or just sip. 15% ABV ! +025015, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7. Flagstone Dragon Tree 2005 Western Cape SA: Bordeaux blend with added pinotage and shiraz, a real mouthful of flavours, but a sipper. Twist top. +037549, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. Chateau Liversan 2003 Haut Medoc: cannot beat the price, better in two years, be patient. Great Bordeaux tones. +035642, $21.95, QPR: 93. 9. Domaine La Croix D’Aline 2004 Saint-Chinian: I’ve no idea what “lamb tangine” is – do the LCBO Vintages writers know something I don’t? Must be made with tangerines...Nevertheless, a big wine with 60% syrah. +036459, $14.94, QPR: 90. 10. Chateau Mourgues de Gres Les Galets Rouge 2005 Costieres de Nimes: 65% syrah, black fruit dominates in this overthetop wine. +725606, $16.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Joseph Phelps Chardonnay 2004 Sonoma/Napa (+034538, $51.95 retail, on your wine card for $66?) has 63% Sonoma fruit, dry, spicy toast. 2. Kim Crawford SP Tietjen Chardonnay 2006 Gisborne New Zealand (+948166, $31.95 retail but on your list at $47?) apricot goodness, toasty, twist top, succulent. 3. Kim Crawford SP Boyszone Pinot Gris 2006 Marlborough (+036954, $29.95, on your wine card for $44?), twist top, off-dry depth. 4. Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Napa (+325779, $35.95 retail but on your list for $49?) is a ripe restaurant wine, ready now. 5. Chateau St.Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 California (_038034, $25.95 retail, on your list for $39?) is more herby and smokey, and ready now. 6. Remoissenet Beaune-Toussaints 2002 1er cru (+036152, $43.95, on your wine card for $59?) is ready now, red fruit and veggie flavours. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 7, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Couchroy 2005 Pessac Leognan: best of the sauvignon blancs released today. A bit of everything (grass, vanilla, honey, tart and citrus). Lean for food. +597708, $17.95, QPR: 91. 2. Carmen Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Casablanca Valley: probably the best value of the SB release, very grassy. +31096, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Benziger Chardonnay 2005 Los Carneros: good wood and fruit, a lot of upfront character. +034777, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Vinecol Torrontes 2006 Mendoza: upfront juiciness, great off-dry sipper for summer. Organic. +032748, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2006 South Australia: summer quaffer, but 13.5% ABV, twist top, good finishing acidity. +624502, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Tommasi Vigneto Le Rosse Pinot Grigio 2006 IGT Venice: great flavours on the palate, dense concentration, longer finish – better than many Italian PGs. Buy a lot of it for summer. +910497, $15.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1/Escorihuela Gascon Don Miguel Gascon Merlot 2005 Mendoza: off-dry merlot complexity, veering to Bordeaux. 13.5% ABV. +037309, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2/Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 McLaren Vale/Coonawarra: yummy sipper, rich and firm and fruity, 14% ABV, now four years old, aging nicely. +965830, $17.95, QPR: 91. 3/Mas des Bressades Cuvee Excellence 2005 Costieres de Nimes: delivers the syrah hit that we all love and adore but at a fraction of the price usually asked. +708750, $16.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2005 Sonoma County (+275552, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $40?) is a fabulous restaurant wine, delivering all the chardonnay sip and/or food character. 2. Chateau Laboure-Roi Meursault Blanc Clos de la Baronne 2005 (+041087, $49.95, on your wine card for $64?) is downright excellent and a steal at the price. 3. Hess Cabernet Sauvignon Allomi 2004 Napa (+906420, $32.95 retail, on your wine card for $48?) is a good example of quality that doesn’t get any better at this price level, ready now, 4. Chateau La Croix St-Vincent 2003 Pomerol (+047340, $31.95, on your wine card for $47?) has great aromatic depth from the sweet 2003 vintage. Ready now, of course. 5. Terrabianca Campaccio 2003 Tuscany (+905265, $39.95, on your wine list for $53?) has red fruits through the sangiovese (70%) and cabernet sauvignon (30%). A rich year, drink soonish, great now. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 23, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Creekside Pinot Grigio 2006 VQA Ontario: very fruity, with high aromatics, great for summer. +50351, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Creekside Reserve Chardonnay 2005 Butler’s Grant Vineyard VQA: good blend of fruit and wood, long finish for food. +49593, $18.95, QPR: 91. 3. Alamos Chardonnay Catena Esmeralda 2006 Mendoza: off-dry, 13% ABV, not heavily oaked (just moderate) but with a vanilla creaminess. +925743, $13.95, QPR: 91. 4. Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Marlborough NZ: very well-made, 13.5% ABV, fruited wine with some grass and body. +735043, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Wilm Gewurztraminer Reserve 2005 Alsace: off-dry on palate, perfumey with some bitterness on the finish. +686303, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Gerard Bertrand Viognier Classic 2006 Pays d’Oc: delicious orange and honeysuckle tones, slight vanilla creaminess from the BF. +30668, $16.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2005 Lodi: chocolate and off-dry, fab sipper from 35 – 80 year old vines. +678698, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Santa Rita Shiraz Reserva 2005 Maipo: thick, thick, extra flavours and aromas. Syrah MVC, not shiraz. +663070, $13.95, QPR: 91. 3. Clarence Hill Shiraz 2004 McLaren Vale: well-made, with some Euro complexity for summer food, but watch the 14.5% ABV. +599811, $19.95, QPR: 91. 4. Lucky Country Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Langhorne Creek, South Australia: a juicy cab, with twist top, full of black fruit and black chocolate, a punishing 15% ABV. +29389, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Taltarni Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Victoria: Euro-style, but minty, developing well, cellar it a bit. Best with food. +940692, $21.65, QPR: 90. 6. Marques de Valcarlos Gran Reserva 1998 Navarra: deep, dramatic, dried fruit, smoke, well-aged wine now ready. +687251, $22.45, QPR: 91. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Saintsbury Chardonnay Unfiltered 2005 Carneros Napa (+359281, $26.95 retail, on your wine card for $43?) has many depths to its layers, dreamy creamy California living. 2. Remoissenet Meursault 1998 Cuvee Maurice Chevalier (+36079, $39.95 retail, on your wine card at $55?) is a nicely matured white burgundy with tons of finish. 3. D’Arenberg The Cadenza Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2004 McLaren Vale (+661587, $25.95 retail, on your wine card for $43?) is a solid southern Rhone GSM clone, best with food. 4. Chateau Coufran 2003 Merlot Haut-Medoc (+35568, $34.95 retail, $49 on your card?) reminded me of its 1978 vintage (I drank litres of the stuff). A fab wine, ready from the overripe year, 85% merlot. 5. Leza Garcia Gran Reserva 1998 Rioja (+681601, $36.95, on your wine card for $53?) is several steps up from the Navarra above. 6. Flam Winery Classico Red 2005 Galilee (+35105, $27.95 retail, on your card for $43?) is very Bordeaux-like, 14.5% ABV, and ready to roll now. 7. Remoissenet Givry 1999 Le Prefere du Roi Henri IV (+36053, $31.95 retail, on your wine card for $47?) is a treat for an aged pinot noir from Burgundy. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 9, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Flat Rock Cellars Twisted 2006 (Niagara): a blend of aromatic riesling, gewurztraminer, and chardonnay, but finishes dry. Sip or food. Twist top. +001578, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Caliterra Arboleda Chardonnay 2006 (Casablanca): this month’s woody chard, now a twist top, fab price. +606772, $16.95, QPR: 92. 3. Amberley Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (Margaret River): very tasty, value- priced, long finish. +595298, $14.95, QPR: 92. 4. Craneford Allyson Parsons Semillon 2005 (Barossa): intense fruit, a bit grassy but floral. +651174, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Willm Pinot Gris/Riesling Reserve 2005 (Alsace): well-rounded sipper for summer. +030627, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Zilliken Butterfly Riesling 2004 (Moselle): very summery, twist top, it has had time to evolve well. +028456, $14.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jackson-Triggs Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Shiraz 2003 (Okanagan): 14.6% ABV, gold medal winner, fruit and spices jump out, great price. +033241, $23.95, QPR: 92. 2. Terrazas De Los Andes Malbec Reserva 2004 (Mendoza): a substantial wine that needs time, the quality is there. +029280, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. William Cole Albamar Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Curico, Chile): approachable balance, enough finishing acids for food, buy it all! +595298, $14.95, QPR: 93. 4. Chateau du Perier 2004 (Medoc): typical MVC for Bordeaux, depth and consistency of cassis and pepper. Lay it down a bit. +035634, $17.95, QPR: 91. 5. Fattoria dei Barbi Morellino di Scansano 2004 (Tuscany): yummy fruit (sweet cherries), but with good finishing acidity for food. +720177, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Raimat Tempranillo/Syrah 2004 (Spain): good blend, summer BBQ wine, preserves both the tempranillo and the syrah character. +014696, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Alexander Valley): lots of smoke on the finish, heavy-heavy fruit bomb, over-the-top and other hyphenated words...+038075, $24.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Bouchard Pere et Fils Meursault Les Clous 2004 (+661322, $48.95 but on your wine card for $64?) has a long food finish, god value. 2. Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2004 is from Victoria (+029488, $25.95 but on your wine card for $39.99?) with 13% ABV, twist top, and packed with fruit to its dry finish. 3. Storybook Mountain Vineyards Zinfandel 2005 from Napa (+682989, $43.95 but on your wine card for $59?) will be ready soon, a good purchase for the fall program. 1. Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2003 (+626325, $39.95 retail, on your wine card for $54?) seems to be drying out (our sample was thusly) so it is great for food right now. Try it before making a decision about cellaring. 2. Vieux Chateau Palon 2003 from Montagne Saint-Emilion (+035550, $27.95 but on your wine card for $43?) is a merlot-based, ripe and ready fruit bomb. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 26, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2006 (Marlborough): twist top, very good intensity, Alsatian dry mode, concentrated MVC. +032870, $22.95, QPR: 92. 2. St. Clair Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Marlborough): twist top, goosey, citric tones, best SB of the NZ release. +554196, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Greg Norman California Estates Chardonnay 2004 (Santa Barbara): fruit-driven, good balance of fruit and wood, longer length for food. +029264, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Sal’mon Groovey Gruner Veltliner 2006 (Krems, Austria): twist top, off-dry floral aromas, body and longer finish for food. Good summer drink. +669606, $12.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. C.J.Pask Gimblett Road Cabernet/Merlot/Malbec 2004 (Hawkes Bay): mostly cabernet and merlot, dense black fruit set, almost ready. +032862, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Goldridge Premium Reserve Merlot/Cabernet 2005 (Hawkes Bay): 14% ABV, 10 months in French oak, and soft, warm flavours. +032821, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Olsen Charlotte’s Dance Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Margaret River): ripeness and black fruit shout out, excellent delivery. +689927, $19.95, QPR: 91. 4. Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Quartage 2004 (Barossa): a Bordeaux blend, 13.9% ABV, mocha, tobacco. +024091, $19, QPR: 91. 5. Travaglini Nebbiolo 2004 (Piedmont): great price for an MVC Barbaresco clone. +030353, $17.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. D’Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 from McLaren Vale ($49.95 retail, on your wine card for $65?), 14.5% ABV, black fruit, drinking well now. There’s an extensive back label for you to read over dinner. +943399. 2. Vasse Felix Adams Road Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2003 from Margaret River ($24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?), 14.5% ABV, ripe and food friendly now. +024653. 3. Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 ($45.95 retail, on your wine card for $59.99?), maturing nicely, 13.5% ABV. +683474. 4. Abbadia Ardenga Brunello di Montalcino 2001 ($47.95 retail, on your wine card for $63?) has rusticity in its aging, food wine, 14% ABV, +672337. 5. Chateau-Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee du Baron 2004 ($37.95 bottle, $18.95 for 375 mL, the latter on your list for $24.99?) is a great chance for you to stock up on an excellently-priced half-bottle for those shorter occasions. +640482 half-bottle. 6. Chateau D’Angulet 2001 from Margaux ($64.95, on your wine card for $74.99?) is smokey and fruity, ready now. +029884. 7. Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune du Chateau 2004 ($39.95, on your wine card for $55?) is polished and ready for food now. +901207. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 12, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Finagra Esporao Vinho Branco Reserva 2005 Alentejo Portugal: pear, buttery tones, plus a chunk of wood. Spicy too. +500033, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Coyote’s Run Riesling 2004 Niagara: Alsatian-mode, nicely dry and developing age. +038869, $15.95, QPR: 91. 3. Sebastiani Chardonnay 2005 Sonoma: 13.5% ABV, good price for a regional California chardonnay. +030791, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Margan Semillon 2004 Hunter Valley: yep, they are still making Old Hunter Style Semillon, but this one is priced under twenty bucks, so snap it all up if you like the honeyed nose. +961516, $17.95, QPR: 91. 5. Chateau Lamothe de Haux Blanc 2006 Bordeaux: fresh and integrative, good price. +909341, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Bouchard Pere et Fils Les Coteaux des Moines Bourgogne 2005: typical smoke, spices and minerals at this basic level, long and good finish. +029769, $18.95, QPR: 91. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Tricyclo Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc 2005 Colchagua: good blend, gold medalist, same idea as Concha y Toro “Trio” (3 grape varieties from 3 different vineyards). +027474, $15.95, QPR: 91. 2. Gemtree Vineyards Bloodstone Shiraz 2005 McLaren Vale: full, firm, heavy, meant to drink with stew, 14.5% ABV. +022111, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Borie La Vitarele Les Terres Blanches 2004 St.Chinian: good price for smoke, bacon and pepper. +017681, $17.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Dopff Riesling Schoenenbourg de Riquewihr 2003 Alsace Grand Cru (+021261, $25.95 retail, but on your wine card for $39.99?) is yet another in a line of well-priced great riesling wines from Alsace. Good MVC, long length for food, dry finish. 2.Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva Old Vines 2004 Portugal (+990572, $29.95 retail, on your wine card for $44?) is juicy with some good length for food. 3.Quinta de Roriz Reserva Vinho Tinto 2002 (+652065, $39.95 retail, but on your card for $55?) is ready, lots of black fruit flavours, soft acids on finish. 4.Casaloste Chianti Classico Riserva 2003 (+663518, $46.95 retail but on your wine card for $62?) is about ready, with good MVC for chianti. 5.Elio Filippino Barolo La Morra 2001 (+024463, $45.95 retail but on your wine card at $59.99?) is a North American appealer, ready now. 6.D’Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2003 McLaren Vale (+907584, $26.95 retail, but on your wine card for $39.99 ?) is the Downunder version of a French garagiste wine (cabernets, merlot, petit verdot). Black fruit. 7.MADEIRA ALERT – the dry Cossart Gordon Madeira Sercial 5 years old (+722975, $17.95) is great value at this price level. 8.HALF-BOTTLE ALERT – for sparkling wine, try the Bailly-Lapierre Cremant de Bourgogne Reserve (+641423, $9.95 for 375 mL) perfect for two glasses. For an amarone, try Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2003 (+033365, $19.95 for 375 mL) for your inexperienced customers. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 28, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mas des Bressades Cuvee Tradition Blanc 2006 Costieres de Nimes: fresh, fruity, affordable, muscat-like but off-dry. +701094, $12.95, QPR: 91. 2. Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris Reserve 2004 Alsace: dense body, aromatic, full for food, satisfying. +983395, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Reserve de Gassac Selection Guibert Blanc 2005 Vins de Pays de l’Herault: full and ripe goodness with tones of chardonnay and viognier. Not restrained. +608778, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Niagara College Teaching Winery Chardonnay 2005 St. David’s Bench Barrel Fermented/Barrel Aged: nice creaminess from this annually successful wine, now at Vintages. +040634, $18.95, QPR: 91. 5. Mike Weir Estate Chardonnay 2005 Niagara: balanced tropical fruit, apples, lemons and vanilla with smoke. +000026, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Clos du Bois Chardonnay 2005 North Coast: basic 13.5% California chardonnay, with crisp tones and toasty oak. +124867, $18.95, QPR: 91. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau d’Argadens 2003 Bordeaux Superieur: warm, NA appeal, great price. +681643, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Chateau Cessera Rouge 2003 Minervois: syrah-based dynamite, intense. +590570, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau de Treviac Rouge 2005 Corbieres: ripe and distinguished international-styled wine. +670505, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Bogle Merlot 2004 California: basic California 13.5% merlot, aged in US oak one year. +701466, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Tommasi Vigneto Le Prunee Merlot 2004 Veneto: with some herbal complexity. +024505, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Rocca della Macie Rubizzo Sangiovese de Toscana 2005: an easy to like Tuscan red with Tuscan tones. +913780, $14.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Dopff au Moulin Gewurztraminer 2003 Riquewihr ($24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) off-dry spiciness from a hot vintage year, rich and fruity. 2. J-C Dagueneau Domaine des Berthiers Pouilly-Fume 2004 (+17673, $27.95 retail but on your wine card for $42?) is classic pouilly MVC all the way. 3. NCT Winery Warren Classic Chardonnay 2005 St. David’s Bench (+040659, $27.95 retail, but on your wine card for $43?) is a bit off- dry this time, but still one of the better Niagara chardonnays. 4.Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 (+32961, $49.95 retail, but on your wine card for $65?) is seriously under-priced. The cachet is enormous, a well-spiced wine. Buy what you can. 5. Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa (+930206, $83.95 retail, but on your wine card for $89?) – treat your clients by marking it up only five bucks. 6. HALF BOTTLE ALERT – Muga Reserva 2003 Rioja (+976928, $12.95 retail for 375 mL, but on your wine card for $19.99?) is a very well-toned rioja from a great year, and ready now. 7. Corino Barolo Vigna Giachini 1999 (+020438, $64.95 retail, but on your wine card for $79?) is 14.5% ABV, definite NA appeal and style, ready now. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 14, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mike Weir Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Niagara: tasty, with good intense MVC for the SB grape. +686972, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2005 Okanagan: with a twist top, aromatic, full-bodied, lots of rich structure, slightly bitter finish, 13.7% ABV. +530683, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Domane Wachau Terrassen Federspiel Gruner Veltliner 2005: twist top, very aromatic, good for both food and sipping. +031534, $16.95, QPR: 90 4. Cave de Vire Vire Clesse Vieilles Vignes 2004 (Burgundy): with a long, long finish, this is a great value chardonnay from Burgundy. +017715, $19.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Casa Silva Reserva Merlot 2004 Colchagua: excellent fruit tones, long finish, 13.5% ABV. +718650, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Navarro Correas Coleccion Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza: more juicy plums from Latin America. +028910, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Hidden Valley Shiraz 2004 Stellenbosch: Euro-styled syrah variety, yet some “juicy lucy” shows, 14% ABV. +015438. $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Domaine de l’Ameillaud 2004 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse: delicious and nice concentration. Probably the last of a dying breed at this price level. Buy what you can. +719286, $9.95, QPR: 91. 5. Cantina due Palme Primitivo 2003 Puglia: an off-dry quaffer from a hot vintage year. +658351, $13.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Torbreck Woodcutter’s Semillon 2005 Barossa (+927541, $25.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) shows that delicious honeyed buttery texture. 2. Lorentz Gewurztraminer Altenberg de Bergheim 2002 Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes (+021311, $29.94 retail, but on your wine card for $45?): it has been a long time since there has been a quality Alsatian white for under $30. This is it – your dream gewürztraminer, richly concentrated with depth and consistency, golden colour. 3. Domaine Caillot Mersault La Barre Dessus Clos Marguerite 2002 (+020545, $48.95, but on your wine card for $63?) is toasty, with an excellent nose and supple food finish. 4. Cuvaison Merlot 2003 Carneros Napa (+027508, $39.95 retail, on your wine card for $54?) juicy but tart enough in the finish for food. 5. Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Napa (+708842, $50.95 retail, on your wine card for $65?) is very dreamy with lots of choco-mocha tones yet enough finishing acid for food. 14.5% ABV. 6. Ridge Lytton Springs 2004 Dry Creek (+982413, $48.95 retail, on your wine card for $63?) has mainly zinfandel (79%) with petite sirah and carignan. 7. Seghesio Barolo La Villa 1999 (+020404, $49.95 retail, but on your card for $65?), nicely maturing value, now ready. 8. HALF BOTTLE ALERT – Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino 2001 (+033381, $24.95 retail for the half, on your wine card for $32?) is a good split for BYOW or restaurant offering, now maturing well. 9. Finca Valpiedra Reserva 2001 Rioja (+959049, $29.95 retail, on your wine card for $45?) is a delightful tempranillo-based wine, with NA style appeal. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 31, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine des Salices Viognier 2005 D’Oc (Lurton): some garrigue and greeness, typed as low acid and refreshing, value. +487272, $13.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Vineyard Shiraz 2002 Western Australia: nose jammy, some tomato paste, with acid, great finish form food, aged nicely but drink now. +021196, $22.95, QPR: 90. 2. Plantagenet Omrah Shiraz 2004 Western Australia: bacon, sweet fruit, jammy, twist top. Good value. +021360, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Ray’s Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Sonoma: 14% ABV, very tasty, black fruit, some vegetal tones, long long finish. +025510, $24.95, QPR: 92. 4. Chakana Malbec 2005 Mendoza: very well done wine, cheap enough. +003509, $11.95, QPR: 90. 5. Casa Silva Carmenere Reserva 2005 Colchagua Chile: 14% ABV, off-dry fruity finish, somewhat creamy in style and feel. +024679, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. De Martino Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Maipo: an affordable organic wine, 14.5%ABV, off-dry finish. +016048, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine de Salices Syrah 2004 D’Oc (Lurton): ripe and fruity, syrah character, LCBO has the version with a cork (not twist top). +926287, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Torres Mas Borras Pinot Noir 2004 Penedes: approachable, ready and ripe, very long length, good MVC for this price level. Smoky oak. Delicious. Buy a lot of it. +673483, $25.95, QPR: 93. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. A. Ligeret Puligny-Montrachet 2004 (+016873, $41.95 retail, but on your card for $55?) has hazelnuts and a delicious finish. 2. Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Auslese 1993 Rheingau (+029025, $29.95 retail, on your card for $44?) is a well-developed medium sweetie, a bargain. Try also their Riesling Spatlese 1999 ($25.95 retail, +029033), a bit younger and drier. 3. Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Alexander Valley (+675850, $12.95 for 375mL bottle retail, on your wine card for $19?) is a convenient half-bottle for one or two persons, for one or two courses. California MVC. 4. Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2004 Sonoma (+673798, $28.95 retail, on your wine card for $43?) is smoky, cherry, good long length, 14.5% ABV, and made from more than just one vine. 5. Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Alexander Valley (+943472, $82.95 retail, but on your wine card for $89?) should be a rare markup treat for your customers since it has integrated nicely and is approachable. 6. E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001 (+727503, $53.95 retail, on your wine card for $69?) well-aged and intense, game, strawbs, garrigue, tobacco leaf, et al. 7. Bodegas Lan Vina Lanciano Reserva 1999 Rioja (+955096, $37.95 retail, on your wine card for $53?) is ready now, MVC and depth all the way, some anise. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 17, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2005 Maipo: good balance of fruit-wood-acid, creamy finish. +342857, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Dowie Doole Chenin Blanc 2005 McLaren Vale: some grass, even some Riesling character (!), off-dry, useful for first course or sipper. +709246, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Jean-Paul Godinat Quincy 2005 Loire: sauvignon blanc grape wine, very herby, grassy and zesty. +017616, $17.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine des Aspes Merlot 2003 (D’Oc; Vig.Roger): good value sipper from atypical hot vintage. +951665, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Domaine de Berlande Merlot 2005 (D’Oc; Lurton): clean and lean, good fruit, longer length. +027979, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Apex II Merlot 2003 Yakima Valley (Washington State): come red fruit complexity, needs cellaring. +025239, $22.95, QPR: 90. 4. Weinert Merlot 2002 Mendoza: nicely aged, lively finish. +656371, $15.95, QPR: 91. 5. Stellenrust Merlot 2005 WO Stellenbosch: smoky oaky plus olives, dense body, great food wine. +020677, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Bajoz Tinto Crianza 2003 Toro (Spain): very dense and warm fruity (hot vintage year) tempranillo wine, emphasizes black spices and black fruit. +930438, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7. Gerard Bertrand Terroir Syrah/Carignan 2004 Minervois: delicious blend of black and red fruits, spices, leather, herbs, et al. +952804, $15.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Cantenac 2003 Saint Emilion Grand Cru (+024430, $31.95 retail, on your wine card for $47?) is merlot-based, and with the ripe fruit from the 2003 vintage, is read now. 2. Ferrari-Carano Merlot 2003 Sonoma (+325597, $39.95 retail, on your wine card for $55?) is a Bordeaux-like blend, but over 80% merlot, ready now, and yummy at this price level. 3. Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir 2005 Santa Barbara (+027417, $28.95 retail, on your wine card for $44?) is California fruit style, sip or food, red fruit pinot noir based. 4. Balgownie Estate Shiraz 2003 Victoria (+024646, $27.95 retail, on your wine card for $43?) is the smoky bacon side of syrah. 5. Mauro Molino Barolo 1998 (+579227, $44.95 retail, on your wine card for $59? is pruney ripe, and a bargain barolo now. 6. Marques de Caceres Tinto Reserva 2000 (+702761, $29.95 retail, on your wine card for $45?) is a definite black fruit, anise, leafy, firm food wine, good aging. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 3, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2004 Columbia Valley (Washington): standard US best seller, buttery, crisp, good oaking, 13.7% ABV. +232439, $17.95, QPR: 91. 2. Schlumberger Pinot Gris Les Princes Abbes 2003 Alsace: barely off- dry, depth of flavour, thick, unctuous, long finish. +021253, $20.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Venegazzu Della Casa 2003 (Veneto; Gasparini): lighter Bordeaux- styled entry, 60% cab sauv, 25% cab franc, 10% merlot, 5% malbec, but from the hot year, so expect fruit-forwardness. +027722, $20.95, QPR: 90. 2. Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2004 Niagara: eagerly awaited great job well-done, 14.5% ABV, needs time but all the PN MVC is there. +033894, $25, QPR: 90. 3. Finca Flichman Paisaje de Barrancas 2002 Mendoza: good depth in its development, three-quarters syrah smoke and meat. +017129, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Weinert Malbec 2000 Mendoza: good aging, but a bit acidic-tannic in the finish still. +556795, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. St.Augustine 2004 Western Cape SA: quality sipper, big seller in South Africa, blend of cab sauv, merlot, and shiraz. Meaty body. +652628, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau du Prieure des Mourgues 2003 Saint-Chinian: 13.5% ABV, very overpowering syrah component, hot, fruit-forward vintage, ready soon. Buy it all. +985598, $15.95, QPR: 93. 7. Quinta da Alcorna Castelao Vinho Tinto 2002 Ribatejo Portugal: 14% ABV, drying out nicely, a periquita wine. +021287, $16.95, QPR: 90. 8. Condesa de Laganza Reserva 1998 La Mancha: drying out but aging well, basic but price worthy for an eight year old wine. +658450, $13.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Clos Pegase Mitsukos Chardonnay 2005 Napa (+986737, $32.95 retail, on your wine card for $48?) has had one-third of the wine aged in new French oak, and it shows. 2. Hungerford Hill Chardonnay 2005 New South Wales (+015479, $22.95 retail, on your wine card for $37?) is a Burgundian-styled, prize winner in Ozland, and twist top friendly. 3. Dopff & Irion Gewurztraminer La Cuvee Rene Dopff 2004 Alsace (+021352, $25.95 retain, on your wine card for $42?) has good MVC, rich body, lingering bitterness. 1. Castellani I Castei Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2001 (+739979, $36.95 retail, on your wine card for $51?) was rich and pruney, just right for now. 2. Farina Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2003 (+995910, $38.95, on your wine card for $54?) has all six grape varieties allowed in Amarone. This one is from the monster fruit-forward 2003 vintage. 3. St.Francis Merlot 2002 Sonoma (+422014, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is another standard US restaurant bestseller, ripe and ready now. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR FEBRUARY 17, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It has always been available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits. Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2004 Okanagan BC: good dry character with plenty of complexity for a NA wine with Euro sensibility. +377770, $17.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2005 Sonoma: restaurant wines, delicious sipper, some chocolate, not harsh. +687970, $20.95, QPR: 90. 2. Domaine St. George Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Reserve 2004 Sonoma: intense fruit, ready sooner than ever. +026393, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. 3 Rings Shiraz 2005 Barossa: core of brilliance, excellent fruit and spices, good balance, food or sip. Classy. +015495, $21.95, QPT: 92. 4. Delheim Merlot 2004 Stellenbosch: Euro style, but dusty, great length and finish for food. +659987, $16.95, QPR: 91. 5. Frescobaldi Tenuta de Castiglioni 2005 Tuscany: one of your more affordable super Tuscan wines (cabernet and sangiovese blend), lots of fruit and wood, approachable, ripe. +974394, $22.95, QPR: 90. 6. Roquevale Tinto da Talha Grande Escolha Syrah/Touriga Nacional 2004 Alentejano Portugal: soft finish, definite NA style (US oak?), sip or food. +021519, $17.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup about $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau de Meursault Clos du Chateau Bourgogne Chardonnay 2003 (+947994, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is perfectly ready because of the warm vintage, an all-purpose wine at the restaurant. 2. Bernard Defaix Chablis Cote de Lechet 2004 1er Cru (+950667, $28.95, on your wine card for $43?) has more muscle as a chardonnay, more food- based. 3. Pommier Chablis Beauroy 2004 1er Cru (+023747, $32.95 retail, on your wine card for $48?) is my chablis pick of the month. 4. Joseph Drouhin Morey-Saint-Denis 2002 (+980201, $55.95 retail, on your wine card for $69?) has great energy and spice, beetroots. 5. Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Clos de la Mousse 2004 1er Cru (+014951, $45.95 retail, on your wine card at $59?) has some underbrush and anise. But it is ready to consume. 6. Michel Bouzereau et Fils Beaune Les Vignes Franches 2004 1er Cru (+027771, $63.95 retail, on your wine card at $79?) at 13% ABV and with loads of cherries. 7. Roger Belland Santenay-Commes 2004 1er Cru (+725549, $32.95 retail, on your wine card at $38?) is soft with spices, cherries, cranberries and ready to roll in a muted sense. 8. Bremerton Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 South Australia (+020271, $29.95 retail, on your wine card for $44?) has a long finish and is now four years old, ready to roll. 9. Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz/Viognier 2004 Victoria Australia (+018887, $26.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) is loaded with Euro styling, arriving as an inexpensive Hermitage. 10. Sandalford Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Margaret River (+022293, $24.95 retail, on your wine card for $39?) could be the buy of the month for the restaurant trade, with its twist top, gold medal heritage, sweet and mint tones. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR FEBRUARY 3, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing It is always available at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at . Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective or corked wines are not available for re-tasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2006 Cafayate Argentina: very fruity, well-pitched, slight bitter finish, great with food or as a sipper. +001834, $10.75, QPR: 91. 2. Seresin Chardonnay 2005 Marlborough NZ: twist top, long finish of spices and toast and cream, MVC. +019190, $20.95, QPR: 90. 3. Domaine Saint-Remy Pinot Gris Reserve 2004 Alsace: roasty fruit tones, dried tropicality, full and ripe, off-dry, and organic. +016410, $17.75, QPR: 90. 4. Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2004 Alsace: nicely trim and lean, excellent food wine, slightly bitter finish. +958462, $23.75, QPR: 90. 5. Konrad Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Marlborough NZ: twist top, great NZ MVC balance of fruit and acid and zest. +616243, $17.75, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Del Fin Del Mundo Malbec Reserva 2004 Patagonia: tight, cool climate Euro style, very concentrated fruit. +681197, $13.75, QPR: 90. 2. Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Mendoza: good aging behind it, definite Euro style depth, length for food. +656363, $15.75, QPR: 91. 3. Tabali Reserva Shiraz 2004 Limari Chile: exceedingly full, ripe and fruity, with the long lingering pepperish and smoked finish. Buy a lot of it at this price. +662692, $16.75, QPR: 93. 4. Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2005 Colchagua Chile: black fruit, definite Bordeaux-style but off-dry in the palate. Great price. +016071, $14.75, QPR: 90. 5. Terranoble Reserva Carmenere 2004 Maule Chile: earthy, gutsy, full, balanced toasty oak. +957050, $13.75, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Beaumont 2003 Haut-Medoc: long a favourite of mine, classic Bordeaux tones and MVC, approachability helped by the warmer vintage. Drink now or soon. +580548, $21.75, QPR: 94. 7. Castello di Neive Barbaresco 2003: faintly fruity from the vintage year, hot palate, soft wine, ready sooner than later. A bargain nebbiolo wine. +674044, $21.75, QPR: 92. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2004 (+701748, $47.75 retail, your wine card for 63?) is an elegant California chardonnay, 13.9% ABV, well- positioned for BYOW. 2. Lockwood Block 7 Pinot Noir 2005 (+025494, $24.75 retail, your wine card for $39?) is text-book California pinot with all its MVC. It engaged me. 3. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Blue Label Merlot 2004 California (+595686, $26.75, your wine card for $39?) is ready, and meant for the restaurant trade. 4. Plunkett Reserve Shiraz 2004 Victoria Australia (+630145, $32.75 retail, your wine card for $48?) at 14.5% ABV delivers heat, and is almost ready for strong gutsy food. 5. Marques de Murrieta Ygay Reserva 2001 Rioja (+014555, $31.75, on your wine card for $47?) is drying out nicely with all its anise and tobacco complexity. 6. Bodegas y Vinedos Alion 2002 Ribera del Duero (+707166, $65.75 retail, on your card for $79?) shows significant rich and ripe fruit, 14% ABV. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JANUARY 20, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES (1995+). Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. La Motte Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Western Cape: fresh vintage, value priced, good MVC in its typicity, refreshing. +018515, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Domaine des Aspes Viognier 2005 Vin de Pays d'Oc: dry, original MVC version of viognier, very expressive. +712638, $14.95, QPR: 91. 3. Adegas d'Altamira Seleccion Albarino 2004 Spain: kicks up a notch the Iberian peninsula's albarino sweepstakes. Sip or food, very aromatic, great party wine. When are we going to have an albarino shootout between Portugal and Spain? +015032, $17.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cathedral Cellars Shiraz 2002 Western Cape: deep and inky, meaty and oaky, not yet ready. 14% ABV. +561142, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Hill and Dale Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2003 Stellenbosch: basic red wine, nice aging up to this point, 14.5% ABV will knock your socks off. +595702, $12.95, QPR: 89. 3. Nepenthe Gum Bank Merlot 2004 Adelaide Hills: a full Ozzie merlot with soft fruit in the finish, 14.5% ABV is hot, but what a good price. Twist top. +020701, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Chateau de Chaintres Saumur-Champigny 2003: not for the faint of heart, great gameiness for those of us named Brett, and as the LCBO says: "smoky, black cherry, cassis". +014001, $17.95, QPR: 92. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2004 Napa (+026682, $44.95) is a classic Californian chardonnay, MVC right down the middle, 14.4% ABV, and if it's on your wine card for $59.99 they'll lap it up... 2. Joseph Drouhin Rully Blanc 2004 (+938712, $26.95) great burgundy hit of Euro chardonnay, balance of fruit-oak-acid. On your card for $41??? 1. Beaumont Shiraz 2003 Walker Bay South Africa (+714303, $25.95) is soft and fruity, forward and enjoyable now, on your wine card for $39.99??? 2. Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2004 Barossa (+987453, $29.95) is a killer bee wine (as the LCBO notes say, "big, bold, beautiful") and its restaurant ready now. On your wine card for $44.99??? 3. Chateau de la Riviere 2001 Fronsac (+653139, $30.95) is forward and ready-soon for food, Bordeaux complexity shines. On your wine card for $45.95??? 4. Domaine Courbis St.Joseph 2003 (+007914, $24.95) has hot fruit from a forward year, yet some syrah complexity. On your card for $39??? 5. Lento Federico II 2003 Calabria (+014522, $20.95) is a nicely knit cabernet. 12 months in new French oak. On your list for $35.99??? 6. Abadia Retuerta Seleccion Especial 2002 Castilla y Leon (+014571, $24.95) is 14% ABV, 3/4 tempranillo, balance Bordeaux varieties. A food wine for tonight, peppery. On your wine list for $39.99?? Try also one of my favourite sherries: Osborne Bailen Dry Oloroso (+746453, $15.95) -- it has been about three years since it was last in Ontario. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JANUARY 6, 2007 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES (1995+). Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Thirty Bench Riesling 2005 Beamsville VQA: this is a "bingo" wine. One taste, and you know it is definitely Riesling with a capital R, very Euro old style, and dry. Balanced. Twist top, 11.4% ABV. Underpriced. +024133, $17.95, QPR: 91. 2. Waimea Estates Chardonnay 2003 Nelson New Zealand: woodsy, some botrytis, thick body, toast. Twist top. +650242, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Morgenhof Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Stellenbosch: a great South African charmer, nice SB MVC and palate, herby but light body. +018507, $12.95, QPR: 91. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine de Lavaur Cahors 2000: full of rich malbec flavours with underbrush, still not ready. +0076625, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Finca Flichman Malbec Reserva 2005 Mendoza: very dark malbec, smokey, black chocolate, slightly bitter, great for BBQ. At this price buy it all! +746727, $12.95, QPR: 92. 3. Angove's Sarnia Farm Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Padthaway: good oaking, soft and ready now, low acid finish but with Euro complexity. 14% ABV. +012716, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Yering Station Shiraz/Viognier 2005 Victoria: twist top. Very Rhonish in its fruit, forward now. +597351, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Gladiator Primitivo di Manduria 2004: broad chocolate and cherries for a North American appeal, ready soon. +023119, $15.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine des Senechaux Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 (+677922, $35.95) is warm and very aromatic, hot and forward, ready now. 14.5% ABV. On your dinner's wine list for $49.99??? 2. Chateau Souverain Zinfandel 2002 Dry Creek Valley (+271056, $24.95) is ripe and restaurant-ready now. On your list for $39.99??? 3. Macrostie Merlot Carneros Napa (+012732, $29.95) is a nifty little wine that shines, juicy, black plums, black coffee, and on your dinner's wine list at $44.99??? 4. Concha y Toro Terrunyo Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Pirque Chile (+562918, $29.95) is delicious black fruit that keeps rebounding off the palate. Tidy, and on your dinner's wine list for $44.99??? 5. Kilikanoon Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (+926790, $29.95) is hot at 14.5% ABV. It is unfiltered and huge, if you like big cabbies. On your dinner's wine list for $44.99??? 6. Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco Riserva 2000 (+986513, $52.95) is softer than expected. You might want to have fun with calling this wine both a Barolo and a Barbaresco. On your wine card for $68?? 7. Fabiano Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2000 (+673566, $37.95) is a stylish intense Amarone, loaded with dark chocolate and body, and a great price. Treat your fave customers with a mark up of five bucks, as a sort of special: $42.95??? It'll move. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR DECEMBER 9, 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES (1995+). Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. St.Donatus Irsai Oliver 2004 Hungary: flower tones and muscat-like palate makes this appealing. Slightly off-dry. +012070, $11.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2004 Coastal Region South Africa: 13.5% ABV, good wood, tidy interpretation of fruit and acid. +328559, $14.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine Carneros Avant-Garde Pinot Noir 2004 Napa: quality French like consistency, fleshy Burgundy style. +011528, $25.95, QPR: 90. 2. Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Carmenere 2004 Rapel: berryish but also mocha tones, some leafiness and bell peppers. +640888, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Herencia Remondo La Montesa Rioja Crianza 2003: black fruitness plus some French oak tones. +674572, $21.95, QPR: 91. 4. Domaine de Saint-Just Saumur Champigny 2004: fulfilling MVC cabernet franc consistency, food wine, great price. +007146, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. St. Hallett Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Barossa: needs time but the fruit and integration are coming along. Twist top. +015164, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Cathedral Cellar Merlot 2004 Coastal Region South Africa: juicy goodness should follow me all the rest of the days of my life. +522219, $16.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. La Crema Chardonnay 2005 Sonoma (+962886, $26.95, on your list at $45) could be a great regular offering from California chardonnay. 2. Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2004 Sonoma (+275552, $24.95, on your list at $45) has less oaking than previous years. 3. Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 (+945196, $37.95, on your list for $52) is smooth and drying out nicely, long finish. 4. Ornellaia Le Volte 2004 Tuscany (+964221, $24.95, on your list for $39), a fruit-forward SuperTuscan, meant for restaurant consumption at this price-level. 5. Chateau Peyraabon 1996 Haut-Medoc (+010538, $27.95, on your list at $42) reflects the great values from Haut Medoc, a perfect restaurant wine that is now a decade old!! 6. Yangarra Shiraz 2004 McLaren Vale (+911974, $29.95, on your list at $45) Rhonish, heavy-heavy, juicy, 15% ABV. 7. Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2004 Marlborough (+734681, $24.95, on your list at $39) was the hit of this spring's New Zealand Wine Fair, reflective of a cool climate pinot. 8. Charles Allexant Premier Cru Beaune Bressandes 2003 (+006783, $56.95, on your list at $69) quality Burgundy from that hot vintage, appealing to North American palate. Ready now. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR NOVEMBER 25, 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES (1995+). Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. De Loach Chardonnay 2004 Russian River Valley: 15% ABC, off-dry on the mid-palate, thus succulent, French oak tones. +702985, $23.95, QPR: 89. 2. Rutherford Hill Chardonnay 2004 Napa: buttscotch, soft and fruity, 13.8% ABV, slightly smoky. +980433, $24.95, QPR: 89. 3. Richard Hamilton Almond Grove Chardonnay 2004 McLaren Vale: twist top, classic approach to chardonnay with balance for fruit, acid, and barrel tones. Great price. +741009, $16.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 California: full, rich and ripe, 13.5% ABV, French oak, ready to roll. +947887, $21.95, QPR: 91. 2. Cremasachi Furlotti Family Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon/ Syrah/Carmenere 2003 Maule Valley: minty with deep red fruit and Euro syrah component. +014183, $17.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Get ready for Christmas 2006 -- here come the blockbusters. Give your customers a treat and mark these up $5! (you'll make your profit on the pre-GST pre-tax price you pay). You will later reap what you sow...My top ten of READY wines from Nov 25 release: 1. Sonoma Cutrer Les Pierres Chardonnay 2003, $54.95, +608646, complex minerality, lemony Chablis style. On your list for $59.95?? 2. Chateau Belgrave 1996 Haut Medoc 5e Cru, $74.95, +712836, is ready to rock right now: a ten-year old value HM, juicy and with resolved tannins. On your list for $79.95??? 3. Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Stags Leap District Napa, $57.95, +731810, is a useful lush and plush icon wine, on your list for $62.95? 4. Masi Mazzano Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 1999, $89.95, +545129, single vineyard, a bit funky from its age, but a powerhouse nevertheless, 15% ABV. On your list for $94.95? 5. Thomas Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Margaret River and Coonawarra blend), $69.95, +464461, with red fruit and minty complexity, ready now of course. 13.5% ABV. On your list for $74.95?? 6. Ascheri Barolo Vigna dei Pola 2000, $39.95, +739920, approachable, ready soon. On your list for $44.95?? 7. Chateau des Charmes Equuleus 2002 Paul Bosc Estate VQA St. David's Bench, $34.95, +319525, like an approachable SuperTuscan, ready now, on your list for $39.95?? 8. Meerlust Rubicon 2001 WO Stellenbosch, $39.95, +983635, gold medalist ready now (Bordeux style blend), on your list for $44.95?? 9. Freemark Abbey Merlot 2002 Rutherford Napa, +001602, $53.95, deft, approachable with a bit of finishing acid for food. On your list at $40.95?? 10. Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive 2000 Herrenweg de Turckheim, $43.95, +016436, botrytis, unctuous, medium sweet, a delight with cheeses and acidic desserts. On your list for $48.95?? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR NOVEMBER 11, 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES (1995+). Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau St.Jean Chardonnay 2004 Sonoma: 13.4% ABV, good drinking California chardonnay, all the balance is there. +421644, $20.95, QPR: 90. 2. Novas Chardonnay 2005 Casablanca Valley: tasty, succulent, long lasting flavours. Chile leads the way in good tasting organic wines. +004515, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Quinta do Vallado White 2005 Douro: good lime-lemon complexity, aromatic in the extreme. +694968, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Cave de Tain Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2004: 100% marsanne, stone fruit and floral tones, nicely aromatic and affordable. +585646, $16.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Rapel: ripe and peppery, great value. +398800, $16.95, QPR: 91. 2. Casa Lapostolle Merlot 2005 Rapel: great character, some green pepper (very cabernet-like), not yet ready for prime time, but soon. +405712, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. La Motte Shiraz 2003 WO Western Cape: typical French style of syrah, Rhonish, ready soon. +652685, $22.95, QPR: 92. 4. Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005 Maipo: 14.5% ABV, soft, fruity, long finish. Quality wine for holiday sipping or eating. MAGNUM size. +9589, $29.95 1.5L, QPR: 92. 5. Tedeschi Valpolicella Classico Superiore Capitel dei Nicalo 2003: dried fruit complexity through the appassimento process. Also landed here as 375mL and 1500mL bottles. +984997, $16.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cave Spring CSV Chardonnay 2003 VQA (+529941, $30, on your list at $45), toasty and creamy, developing well. 2. Landmark Overlook Chardonnay 2004 (+356501, $38.95, on your list at $53), a quality chardonnay from all over California. 3. Devil's Lair Chardonnay 2004 Margaret River (+543447, $39.95, on your list at $55), Oz version of elegant Burgundy, lemony finish. 4. Domaine Mathieu Chateauneauf-du-Pape 2003 (+971564, $31.95, on your list at $45), ripe and fruity, aromatic, from the hot vintage. 5. Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 South Australia (+414987, $29.95, on your list at $44), 14.5% ABV, opulence ready soon. 6. J.Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Paso Robles (+016915, $39.95 MAGNUM, on your list at $60), 13.5% ABV, a ready-now cabernet for the holiday dining quartet. 7. Cattier Brut Premier Cru Champagne (+650978, $78.95 MAGNUM, on your list for $95) tasty, affordable real French bubbly for four diners. Or, the split (half-bottle) +919456, $19.95 for 375 mL, marked to $25 as a treat to your customers???? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR OCTOBER 14 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES (1995+). Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Familiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2005 Mendoza: off-dry, oaky, juicy sipper. Buy a lot of it....+001461, $13.95, QPR: 91. 2. Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Marlborough NZ: light aromatics, appley (think spy apples?), twist top, 13.5% alcohol. +686675, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Geil Gewurztraminer Spatlese Feinherb 2005 Rheinhessen: MVC gewurztraminer all the way, great body and aromatics. +010249, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Vampire Pinot Grigio 2004 Romania: good value, name loses some thrust for a white wine (anemia?). +582916, $10.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2005 WO Coastal South Africa: very Euro in syrah style, buy it all at this price. 14.5% alcohol. +595280, $14.95, QPR: 94. 2. Chateau Le Raz Cuvee Grand Chene 2000 Cotes de Bergerac: the standard Bordeaux blend from just south of that region, aged nicely, and agreeable at this price. +718932, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. The Wolftrap 2005 WO Western Cape South Africa: twist top quaffer with red rhone blends and viognier. +626333, $13.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Clos du Val Chardonnay 2004 (Carneros, Napa; $23.95, +297499) is certainly food friendly with a great cachet. On your list for $38?? 2. Leon Beyer Riesling Les Ecaillers 2001 (Alsace; $29.95, +955401) is another crackerjack wine to have in a resto, marked up to $45?? 3. Maison Champy Pernand-Vergelesses 2004 ($28.95, +008151) is yet another fine white for your dining experience, listed at $44??? 4. Domaine Chevalier Cote de Nuits-Villages 2002; ($29.95, +006817) is absolutely classic for the price, and ready now for consumption. On your list for $45?? 5. Capanna Brunello di Montalcino 1999 ($54.95, +651588) has aged terrifically well, ready anytime and at $69 on your list?? 6. Malenchini Bruzzico 2001 (Tuscany; $29.95, +658427) soft and off-dry with light fruity desserts, on your list at $44?? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR OCTOBER 28 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES (1995+). Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jackson-Triggs Chardonnay 2004 Delaine Vineyard Niagara: very well done in its light elegance and nice balance. +623454, $20.95, QPR: 90. 2. Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Marlborough NZ: deliciously hits all the right MVC high spots, even juicy and breezy. +677450, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Cave de Turckheim Gewurztraminer Reserve 2004 Alsace: 13.5% alc, lots of body and a good sipper, classic finish and MVC. +010397, $19.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Alta Vista Grande Reserve Malbec 2003 Mendoza: good balance between fruit-wood-acid, nicely expressed. +686626, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Colognole Chianti Rufina 2003: extra ripe fruitiness, sip or with food, MVC for the region. +974501, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Reserva 2001 Navarre: strong new wood on nose and palate, pleasing affordable blend of tempanillo, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Buy it all... +479014, $14.95, QPR: 91. 4. Vinas de Vero Syrah Las Coronas 2004 Somontano Spain: great syrah complexity, blackness all over the place (berries, tobacco, tea, pepper). +014670, $18.95, QPR: 91. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Saintsbury Chardonnay 2004 (Carneros, Sonoma; +359281, $25.95) is another easy, but unfiltered, white for restos everywhere, on a list for $39??? A great Bring Your Own Wine. 2. Kistler Chardonnay 2004 Sonoma (+642710, $77.95) is pricey but worth it on a BYOW basis, unless the marked up price is $82??? 3. Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Chardonnay 2005 (Casablanca, Chile; +947937, $33.95) is meaty with seductive tones, on your list for $48??? Another fab Bring Your Own Wine. 4. Macrostie Pinot Noir 2003 (Carneros, Sonoma; +674903 375 mL, $17.95) is a terrific PN in a half-bottle, marked up to $25??? 5. Tenuta Santedame Chianti Classico 2004 (+008342 375 mL, $11.95) is another gorgeous, ready half-bottle, marked up to $19?? 6. Faiveley Mercurey Les Mauvarennes 2003 (+959213, $23.95) is easily the best bargain thisd month, with its classic pinot noir MVC, and ready off-dry taste. On your wine card for $38??? 7. Lorinon Gran Reserva 1998 Rioja (+013383, $33.95) shows traditional depth in its readiness. On your wine list for $48??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR SEPTEMBER 30 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES (1995+). Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Finagra Esporao Reserva Branco 2005 Alentejo Portugal: melons and stone fruit, with a shot of oak (not very spicy). +500033, $17.85, QPR: 90. 2. La Fortuna Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Lontue Valley: organic wine with SB zest and aromas. +687772, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Elderton Unwooded Chardonnay 2006 Barossa: twist top, exceedingly fresh body, good balance. +906453, $14.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Roland La Garde Prestige 2000 Premieres Cotes de Blaye: nicely aged ripe black currants, MVC all the way. +695429, $23.95, QPR: 91. 2. Domaine de l'Ameillaud Cairanne Cotes-du-Rhone Villages 2004: mushrooms and underbrush dominate fruit and spice, but the balance is all there. +660605, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Christian Moueix Saint-Emilion 2003: hot year, soft fruit tones, almost North American style. +979955, $19.95, QPR: 91. 4. Chateau Fourcas Hosten 1999 Listrac-Medoc: very elegant, typical Bordeaux at a good price, almost ready. +002303, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. La Fortuna Merlot 2005 Lontue Chile: organic, hand harvested, MVC soft and fruity merlot. +687764, $12.95, QPR: 90. 6. Septima Malbec 2005 Mendoza: off-dry, early maturing malbec, wood tones. +686113, $13.95, QPR: 90 RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ironstone Obsession Symphony 2005 (+910919, 375 mL. $7.95) is perfect as an aperitif for two, on your list at $15? 2. Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer 2004 Alsace (+686220, $25.95) has concentrated everything: body, flavour, finish. On your card for $39? 3. Allende Unfiltered 2003 Rioja (+954560, $29.95) is dense but OK for now drinking, on your wine card for $45? 4. Fontanafredda Barbaresco Coste Rubin 2001 (+500827, $39.95) is yet another light nebbiolo wine, perfect for early consumption. On your list for $55? 5. Fontodi Chianti Classico 2003 (+933317, $27.95) is more jammy fruitiness, off-dry and smooth, from 2003. On your card for $42? 6. Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 (+512384, $34.95) has great image status for the label, on your card at $49? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR SEPTEMBER 16 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES (1995+). Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Reif Estate Gewurztraminer 2004 VQA Niagara: some orange marmalade with its lingering bitterness. +127985, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. KWV Cathedral Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2005 WO Western Cape: good value label, consistency, zesty SB. +662718, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Calatrasi Accademia Del Sole Viognier 2004 Sicily: lots of body and peaches, long food finish. +687921, $11.95, QPR: 91. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2002 VQA Niagara: 14% alcohol, lovely ripe red and black currants. +012617, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza Catena Zapata: ripe, anise shows, priced to go. +467944, $13.95, QPR: 91. 3. Chateau Fournas Bernadotte 1998 Haut Medoc: exceedingly good value for an eight year old Bordeaux. +584516, $20.95, QPR: 92. 4. Craneford Allyson Parsons Shiraz 2004 Barossa: twist top, rich and ripe fruit, a shade of edge on the finish. +682849, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. McPherson Reserve Shiraz 2003 Goulburn Victoria: hot finish of 14.5% alcohol, ready soon. +686279, $17.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine Vincent Sauvestre Santenay Blanc 2004 (+005744, $24.95) is round, pleasing, full enough as aperitif, on your list for $39? 2. Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Napa (+904532, $49.95) is a no-brainer for a balanced, ready now red at this price level, in a restaurant -- if you mark it at $65, and no more. 3. Bouchard Pere et Fils Monthelie 2003 (+661314, $33.95) is from the warm year, affordable and ready burgundy, on your card at $48? 4. Casetta Barolo 1999 (+004523, $33.95) is light and thus ready if you want an inexpensive nebbiolo wine. On your card at $48? 5. Torre Marchesi Torrigiani Guidaccio 2001 Tuscany (+674499, $43) is a velvety IGT ready now, concentrated. On your card at $58? 6. Cesari Il Bosco Amarone Della Valpolicella 2000 (+641795, $55.95) is deliciously off-dry and ready, on your wine list for $69? 7. Quinta do Crasto Tinto 2004 Douro (+010603, 375 mL, $9.95) is a very useful HALF bottle, a bit taut and tight now, on your card for $16. 8. Marques de Vitoria Gran Reserva 1996 Rioja (+699678, $31.95) is a great bargain for this decade old 100% tempranillo. On your wine list for $47? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR SEPTEMBER 2 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES (1995+). Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine des Aspes Viognier 2004 D'Oc: from 24 year old vines, done up properly in stainless steel, fresh fruit. +712638, $14.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Le Farnete Carmignano 2003 (Tuscany): shows hot vintage ripeness, ready now but with food. +1321, $22.95, QPR: 90. 2. Schoolhouse Recess Red 2002 Paso Robles Adelaide Cellars: eight grape varieties, but mainly pinot noir, zinfandel, and cab sauv. Lots of wood after 2.5 years aging. +686253, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Ring Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Margaret River: Oz with 14.5% kicker alcohol and plenty of chocolate. +606624, $19.95, QPR: 92. 4. Wakefield Shiraz 2004 Clare Valley: twist top, good US wood, 14.5% alcohol, won a ton of Silver medals thus showing its great consistency. Snap it up... +943787, $14.95, QPR: 91. 5. Graham Beck Gamekeeper's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 WO Robertson South Africa: deep, dark and delicious, long finish, but a cellar dweller for a time. +002519, $19.95, QPR: 92. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Napa (+707224, $36.95) has body and concentrated citric notes, on your card at $49? 2. Carpineto Vino Nobile Montepulciano Riserva 1999 (+368910, $29.95) is delicious in a North American style, and on your wine card for $43? 3. Luce La Vite Lucente 2003 (+747030, $39.95), impressive weight at 13.5% alcohol in a hot year, on your wine list at $54? 4. Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir 2004 Santa Lucia California (+642249, $32.95), 14.2% alcohol, a bargain price for a ripe showy pinot, and on your wine list for $48? 5. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Black Label Rubicon Estates (+521021, $28.95) shows full ripe flavours matching Mediterranean foods. On your card at $43? 6. Castellanu Campo Casalin Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2000 (+946558, $41.95) has good raisiny character with mild cocoa tones, and on your wine list for $55? 7. Muga Reserva Seleccion Especial 2001 Rioja (+921536, $38.95) ready now, great fruit in the bouquet, on your card for $54? APERITIF ALERT: One of my faves returns: Lustau Solera Reserva Dry Amontillado Los Arcos Sherry (+671115, $17.95) concentrated nuttiness. Well-worth a purchase. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR AUGUST 19 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Catena Chardonnay 2004 Mendoza (+918805, $19.95, QPR: 90) is loaded with personality, wood and length. Yummy. 2. W. Gisselbrecht Tokay Pinot Gris Reserve Special 2004 (+641597, $14.95, QPR: 90) is an MVC quality, off-dry sipper for summer. 3. Waterbrook Chardonnay 2004 Columbia Washington (+2154, $15.95, QPR: 89) is balance of tropical fruits and finishing acids, plus some body. 13.7% alcohol. 4. D'Arenberg The Stump Jump Riesling/Sauvignon Blanc/Marsanne 2005 McLaren Vale (+922203, $13.95, QPR: 89) also includes some rousanne. It is lean, making it better with the first course. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Camelot Merlot 2002 California (+658070, $13.95, QPR: 91) is ready now, perfect for summer with its dollop of toasty oak. 2. Rosenblum Vintner's Cuvee Syrah 2004 (+686535, $18.95, QPR: 90) is burnt, baked, but full of Rhonish texture and flavours. 15.3%. 3. Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (+985002, $19.95, QPR: 90) has a dense concentration of fruit and mocha, plus personality. 4. Vina La Rosa La Capitana Merlot 2004 Cachapoal Chile (+655209, $14.95, QPR: 91) 14.5% alcohol, and intense with extract and fruit to match. Cellar a year or two, but a good basic buy. 5. Cuvee de la Commanderie Du Bontemps Rouge 1998 Medoc (+687640, $15.95, QPR: 92) is bargain light MVC bordeaux for an eight year old wine. Buy a lot of it, and drink over the next year. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Katnook Estate Merlot 2001 Coonawarra (+718528, $29.95, and on your list at $44?) is ripe and ready, five years old now. 2. Joseph Mellot Sancerre La Chatellenie 2004 (+525154, $22.95, and on your list at $37?) has deeply intense MVC grass/lemon flavours. 3. Castello Monsanto Chianti Classico 2003 (+977421, $21.95, and on your list at $36?) is a wonderful bargain. "Castello" is the term used for many "Riserva" wines from Chianti, in an attempt to emulate bordeaux chateaux. Ready now, from the ripe and hot vintage of 2003. 4. Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco Ripasso 2004 (+003020, $11.95 for 375mL, and on your list at $19?) is a perfect friendly first course red with its appealing core of soft fruit density. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR AUGUST 5 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Aurora Boira Pinot Grigio 2005 Veneto (+004127, $12.95, QPR: 90) is a nice organic wine showing depth, and finishing acid for food. 2. Henry of Pelham Pinot Blanc 2005 VQA Short Hills Bench (+618827, $14.95, QPR: 90) is a good value, twist topped, aromatic developing white, both sip or with food. 3. Portal da Aguia Vinho Branco 2005 Ribatejo (+688846, $11.95, QPR: 90) ia an off-dry delicious sipper, friendly for aperitifs. 4. Bollini Chardonnay Barricato 40 2005 Trentino (+987503, $13.95, QPR: 90) is in the mid-Atlantic style, all-purpose food or sip. 5. Domaine Dereskos Chardonnay 2005 Messinia Greece (+642454, $13.95, QPR: 90) uses new French oak for a toasty-spicey wine, affordable. 6. Lake Chalice Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Marlborough NZ (+904110, $15.95, QPR: 90), twist top, bright MVC components. Affordable. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sensi Mantello Sangiovese/Syrah 2000 Tuscany (+683706, $25.95, QPR: 90) displays generous flavours of cherries and blackberries, as well as the aging component. 2. Chateau La Bouriette 2001 Cabardes France (Lurton, +654582, $15.95, QPR: 90), 13.5%, Oz styled with 40% syrah, but enough acid for the meal. 3. Taltarni Three Monks Cabernet/Merlot 2003 Victoria (+684183, $19.95, QPR: 90), good blend of pronounced fruit-soft tannins-toast. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Manual D. Pocas Colheita Port 1988 (+581140, $29.95) has just been bottled, full of dried fruits. Ready now, but drink it in a cool room. 2. Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Sonoma (+722686, $10.95 for 375mL, and on your list for $19?) is a great wine for an aperitif. 3. Biondi Santi Sassoalloro 2003 Tuscany (+981407, $29.95, on your list for $44?) shows enormous strength in the sangiovese profile. A hot vintage makes this one ripe and ready. APERITIF ALERT: Boulard Calvados Pommeau de Normandie has arrived! (+745505, $21.95). Put it on your list for a refreshing apple-based drink (calvados and unfermented apple juice). WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JULY 22 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Martin & Weyrich Chardonnay 2002 Edna Valley (+686097, $18.95, QPR: 91) is the chardonnay flavour of the month, with a long drawn out vanilla finish, 14.5% alcohol. 2. Bodega Lurton Chardonnay Reserva 2005 Mendoza (+591743, $12.95, QPR: 94) is terrific value for an immediate hit of BF cream and lees. 3. First Creek Durham Chardonnay 2004 Hunter New South Wales (+684118, $16.95, QPR: 93) has spicey oak, toasty, lengthy finish. 4. Nepenthe Pinot Gris 2004 Adelaide Hills ASustralia (+684266, $17.95, QPR: 90) is dusty, but floral with excellent long length. 5. Prince des Balmes Muscat 2004 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rhone (+525337, $12.95, QPR: 90) is aromatic but bone dry in mouthfeel, with a slightly bitter finish. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Beaumont 2003 AC Haut Medoc (+580548, $21.95) is a perennial favourite, this time from a ripe and warm vintage. Ready soon. 2. Marques de Valcarlos Gran Reserva Navarra (+687251, $21.95, QPR: 92) is ripe with drying fruit and plums, ready now. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Taupenot-Merme Chambolle Musigny 2002 (+1214, $53.95, on your list at $69?) is delicious now, MVC, underbrush, cherry-berry. 2. Albert Mann Pinot Noir 2004 (+686881, $24.95, on your list at $39?) has good earthiness at this price level. 3. Miguel Torres Mas Borras Pinot Noir 2004 (+673483, $25.95, on your list at $39?) is North American quality at a modest price. 4. White Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa (+684233, $34.95, on your list at $49?) is ready now, spicey and fruity, aged well. 5. Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee 2003 Santa Ynez (+687483, $25.95, on your list at $39?) is like an approachable Chateauneuf du Pape (spices, anise). 6. Taltarni Shiraz 2002 Pyrenees Victoria (+9737219, $25.95, on your list at $39?) is full and generous, ready now. 7. Chateau Bel Air 2003 Pomerol (+592808, $44.95, on your list at $59?) very bright and ready, good fruit from the vintage. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JUNE 10 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Flat Rock Chardonnay 2004 (Niagara Peninsula): restrained elegance dominated by toast, balance of wood and acid. +681247, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (California): actually a Gold Medalist and showing great complexity at this price level. Snap it up for summer. +340208, $15.95, QPR: 92. 3. Casa de Campo Cepas Privadas Chardonnay 2004 (Argentina): woodsy, creamy, 9 months French and US oak, fruity finish. At this price, buy all of it...+683946, $11.95, QPR: 92. 4. Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris Reserve 2004 (Alsace): good balance with fruit and acid, sip or food, off-dry. +983395, $17.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Juniper Crossing Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2003 (Margaret River): 12 months oak, 80% cab, a little bit of everything (oak, toast, vanilla, fruit, depth, etc.). +684019, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Chateau de Chambert Le Malbec 2004 (Cahors): good value BBQ wine, food or quaff. +681783, $11.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau Hospitalet La Reserve Rouge 2003 (Coteaux du Languedoc): full syrah hit from a hot vintage. Think cherry chocolates with coffee. +682492, $18.95, QPR: 91. 4 & 5. Clos Malverne Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2004 (Stellenbosch), +678433 (QPR=92, 14% alcohol, depth, food or sip), and Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2003, +678425 (QPR=91, 14.5% alcohol, more extract, food), $14.95 each, terrific bargains. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Flat Rock Gravity Pinot Noir 2004, +001560, $29.95, with twist cap, deep flavours, almost Burgundian, and on your wine list for only $44??? 2. Geyser Peak Block Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, +904490, $39.95, intense dense extract, thick fruit ready now, and on your list for $50??? 3. Poggio Cennina Borgo Cennina 2003 (IGT Tuscany), +687285, $37.95, woodsy and fruit on approach but needs food, ready soon, and on your list for $52??? 4. Chateau Clarke 2001, +733410, $38.95, brings name recognition and food friendliness to the table. On your list for $53??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JUNE 24 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Montgras Chardonnay Reserva 2005 (Chile): another plush chard for summer, 14% alcohol. +675272, $11.95, QPR: 92. 2. Ashbrook Chardonnay 2003 (Margaret River): 50% French BF, 6 months BA, twist cap, toasty, depth for food. +684076, $21.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Alianca Garrafeira Bairrada 1997 (Portugal): well-aged and well- priced, great food finish, snap it up. +950220, $12.95, QPR: 93. 2. Encostas de Estremoz Touriga Nacional 2003 (Portugal): from a ripe, warm vintage, dee-lishus wood tones. +684936, $17.95, QPR: 91. 3. Montgras Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc Reserva 2004 (Chile): excellent food wine, lots of tight cabernet franc tones. +675363, $12.95, QPR: 90. 4. Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Maipo): good fruit-forwardness and longer finish for under twenty bucks. +684597, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Domaine Magellan Syrah/Grenache Vieilles Vignes 2003 (Midi): a terrific 50-50 blend, strong on syrah aromatics and chewy character, excellent complexity at this price level. +683722, $15.95, QPR: 93. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2004 (Central Coast, California), +958975, $49.95, and worth the cachet for barrel fermentation. On your list for $65??? 2. Rodney Strong Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Alexander's Crown), +329961, $39.95, is an approachable red for today, on your list for $55??? 3. Drouhin Chorey-Les-Beaune 2003, +675793, $31.95, from that hot year, beetroot fruit forward, and on your list for $45??? 4. Chateau de Montmirail Gigondas Cuvee de Beauchamp 2003, +685198, $23.95, soft and fruity, early approachability from that hot vintage, grenache character is toned down. On your list for $38??? 5. Taltarni Brut Tache 2003 (Australia), +967398, $21.95, great summer refresher made from traditional grapes (pinot noir and meunier, chardonnay), rose complexity, and on your list for $35??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JULY 8 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Willm Gewurztraminer Reserve 2004 (Alsace): run out and buy this terrific wine RIGHT NOW, 13% alcohol, depth of gewurztraminer bitterness and flavours. +686303, $15.95, QPR: 94. 2. Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (Sonoma): another good all-round wine, slight herbs and zest, medium body, long finish. +971754, $16.95, QPR: 90 3. Margan Semillon 2003 (Hunter Valley): dynamite Oz Semillon, in twist cap, MVC nose and palate. +961516, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Dornier Donatus White 2004 (Stellenbosch): think Conundrum with wood tones. Smokey nose, good food wine, twist cap. +597278, $17.95, QPR: 92. 5. Chateau de Quantin Blanc 2004 (Pessac-Leognan): some anise, vinted in both wood and stainless, 10% semillon added, best with food. +525402, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Domaine des Cassagnoles 2005 (Gascony): this NZ-styled sauvignon blanc knockoff (but made from colombard) will be sold out before you even get to the store. Line up overnight and save a few bucks. +931212, $9.95, QPR: 91. 7. Miguel Torres Gran Vina Sol Chardonnay 2004 (Penedes): some light oaking, some added fruit from the 15% Parellada grape, a good value wine for summer. +64774, $14.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Wit's End The Procrastinator Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (McLaren): twist cap BBQ favourite, good value fruit. +684100, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Dornier Merlot 2003 (Stellenbosch): needs some time to resolve fruit and balance, not for this summer. +694224, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Quinta dos Roques Vinho Tinto 2003 (Dao): dry but port-like from a hot vintage year, not yet ready, but still worthy of your consideration. +986075, $14.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Herrenweg de Turckheim 2004 (Alsace), +680348, $38.95, expressive depth for your first few courses, and on your list for $53??? 2. Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore 1998, +986117, $71.95, ready now as a treat for your customers, on your list for $75? Be big hearted. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR MAY 27 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Drylands Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Marlborough NZ: zest with a long food finish. Youthful. +675405, $18.95, QPR: 91. 2.Jackson Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Marlborough NZ: screwcapped, rounded SB zesty version. +963124, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3.Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2004 Sonoma: a downhome wine, good all round chardonnay for sipping or food. +226936, $19.95, QPR: 92. 4.Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Rapel Chile: zesty, some bite, summer aperitif, most serviceable. +396994, $13.95, QPR: 90. 5.Marques de Riscal Limousin 2002 Rueda Spain: heavily oaked, this is one for the woodies. Be warned. +153742, $13.95, QPR: 91 (I like wood) RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1.Te Kairanga Pinot Noir 2004 Martinborough NZ: excellent expression of pinot noir, needs time, fab price. +744946, $22.95, QPR: 90. 2.Elderton “Friends” Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Barossa: soft, smooth, more merlot-like, friendly. +595389, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3.Sandalford Element Shiraz/Cabernet 2004 Western Australia: very minty, best with ANY lamb dish. +683904, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4.Chateau Pesquie Les Terrasses 2003 Cotes du Ventoux: from hot year, excellent knockoff of a sturdier Chateauneuf-du-Pape, snap it up soon. +652313, $13.95, QPR: 92. 5. Casa de Santar Tinto 2003 Dao: the hotties keep coming – will we ever see the end of the 2003s? rich, firm, ripe, tannins on finish, could need food. +682666, $13.95, QPR: 91. 6. Brigaldara Valpolicella Classico 2003: hot vintage again, 13.5%, more body than expected. +917864, $11.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Kistler Chardonnay 2004 Sonoma, magnificent expression of body and toast, 14.1%, +642710, $79.95, but on your list for $95??? 2.Rodney Strong Merlot 2002 Sonoma, lumber, mature now, +497933, $24.95, but this beauty is on your list for $39??? 3.Maison Champy Beaune Vieilles-Vignes 2002, good fruit, ready now, +726406, $29.95, but on your wine card for $45??? 4.Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003, hot and heavy vintage year, 14.5%, great wine for two people. +682476, $16.95 for 375mL bottle, and on your wine card for $24??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR MAY 13 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Firestone Vineyard Select Chardonnay 2004 Central Coast: lean finish but fabulous price, 13.5%. +651232,$14.95, QPR: 90. 2.Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Stellenbosch: zesty enough plus some floral elements, not lean, excellent body. +933424, $18.95, QPR: 91. 3.Salomon-Undhof “Sal”mon Groovey Gruner Veltliner 2005 Krems Austria: dry, but not austere GV, great for summer. +669606, $12.95, QPR: 90. 4.Chateau Haut Selve 2003 Graves: half-semillon, BF and BA makes for a riper, toasty wine. Hot vintage year, lots of body.+682369, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5.Les Jamelles Viognier 2004 Pays d’Oc: lean but aromatics in place, food wine, not a sipper. +682757, $11.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1.Firestone Vineyard Select Merlot 2003 Central Coast: dee-lishus, with a great food finish. +651190, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2.Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz 2003 Columbia Valley Washington: soft, Oz-style, off-dry, 13.5%. +672428, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3.Darling Black Granite Shiraz 2004 South Africa Coastal: good meaty syrah component. Snap it up. +674150, $12.95, QPR: 92. 4.Chateau du Prieure des Mourgues 2002 Grande Reserve St.Chinian: 14% powerhouse, off-dry, blending skills emphasized, black fruit. +993642, $17.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Sur Les Greves 2002 Premier Cru, ripe and ready now, +683690, $42.95, on your list for $57??? 2.Joseph Drouhin Savigny-Les-Beaune 2003, from a ripe year, ready now. +986406, $34.95, on your list for $49??? 3.Domaine Rossignol-Trapet Gevrey-Chambertin 2003, another welcome wine from the hot year, +682484, $43.95, on your list for $59??? 4.Chateau du Trignon Gigondas 2003 is a definite good value food wine, hot vintage year. +681817, $26.95, on your list at $41??? 5.Planeta Chardonnay 2004 Sicily, probably the hottest thick chardonnay on the planet, +979476, $37.95, but on your list at $53??? 6.Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon 1999, a SuperTuscan delight, ready now, +366062, $36.95, but on your list for $52??? 7.Taittinger Champagne Brut Reserve NV, good yeasty-toasty character, excellent value, +814723, $54.95, customer treat at SIXTY BUCKS !! WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR APRIL 29 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits at .Tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some "corked" wines are not available for retasting. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Craneford Viognier 2005 Adelaide: opulent long finish, high alcohol (14.5%), but not hot. Screwcap. +683805, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2.Neil Ellis Sauvignon Blanc Groenekloof South Africa: over-the-top zestiness, screwcapped. +673913, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3.Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2004 Alto Adige: good flavour and depth from this Italian. +954024, $15.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1.Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz 2004: ripe and meaty, black all the way. Great value sipping or food. +738567, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2.Pirramimma Shiraz 2002 McLaren Vale: dense enough for thoughtful food, ready now. +987784, $21.95, QPR: 90. 3.Southern Roo Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2002 South Australia: heavy switch hitter with a mocha finish. 14.5% alcohol. +653469, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4.Taurino Notarpanaro Ross 1999 Salento: a lively Puglian red, late harvest style, big-big Amarone style. +730937, $22.95, QPR: 91. 5.Foraci Galhasi Nero d’Avola 2002 Sicily: good flavours, balance, depth, extract, 13.5%. +682682, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6.Vallformosa Gran Reserva Tinto 1999 Penedes: good aging and depth, with cabernet and tempranillo, +959494, $19.95, QPR: 91. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot 2001 (Barossa), upfront fruit with roasted-toasted mocha. +976423, $39.95, but on your list for $55??? 2. Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Coonawarra: red fruit showing, and screwcap. Long finish and name recognition. +589945, $29.95 but on your list for $44??? 3. Olivier Laflaive Puligny-Montrachet 2002, rich and tasty, ready, name recognition, +932137, $49.95, on your list at $60??? 4. Joseph Balland-Chapuis Pouilly-Fume “Les Pieres Fines” 2004, great food wine, +922658, %23.95, on your list for $39??? 5. Chateau La Garde 2000 Pessac-Leognan, ready to roll “prestige” Bordeaux, +682617, $49.95, on your list for $65??? 6. Pommard Clos de la Platiere 2003, ripe, soft, smooth, elegant, +681841, $45.05, but on your list for $60??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR APRIL 15 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits: or .Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence are omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Ste.Michelle Chardonnay 2004 Columbia Valley: off-dry in mid-palate, wood tones, 13.5% alcohol. +232439, $17.95, QPR: 91 2. Morgenhof Chenin Blanc 2004 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: very fruity but bone-dry finish, closer to SB than CB.+978544, $13.95, QPR: 90 RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine Jean Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Mendoza: opulent red fruit but taut backbone. +678813, $12.95, QPR: 90. 2. Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz 2002 South Australia: long fruit finish, fine integration due to aging, 14.5% alcohol. +925453, $18.95, QPR: 91. 3. Rolling Cabernet Merlot 2004 New South Wales (Cumulus Wines): chocolate, an LCBO rolling release series?, screw-cap, off-dry 14% alcohol. +678490, $14.95, QPR: 91. 4. Prado Rey Roble 2003 Ribero del Duero: ripe year, four months in oak (NOT one month as LCBO notes say). +674465, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Finca Luzon Tinto 2004 Jumilla: loaded with Euro character and US smoothness, 14.5% alcohol, buy it all! +672915, $10.95, QPR: 95. 6. Taurino Salice Salentino Riserva Rosso 2001: well-aged, leathery, good food wine. +411892, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7. Chateau Saint Germain 2003 Coteaux du Languedoc: needs time to resolve tautness, but the taste is there. Organic wine. +718924, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. Rupert & Rothschild Classique 2003 Western Cape: can it be another Rolland micro-oxygenation product? 55% merlot and rest cabernet sauvignon, definite North American style. +717991, $18.95, QPR: 90 RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Anselmi Capitel Croce 2003 Veneto, +966655, $22.95, is an oaked and fruity Soave but only IGT, and on your wine card for $38??? 2. J.L.Chave Offerus Saint-Joseph 2003, +937474, $28.95, intensely aromatic for this region, and on your wine list for $44??? 3. Prince Florent de Merode Ladoix Les Chaillots 2003, +681825, $27.95, good ripe pinot fruit, the word "merode" close to merde in taste, ready now, and so on your list at $43??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR APRIL 1 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits: or .Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence are omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Montevina Pinot Grigio 2004 California: off-dry, pearish tones, full & lush. +678623, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Domaine de Regusse Viognier 2004 (Alpes de Haute Provence): floral accents, best for summer, value. +680637, $13.95, QPR: 92. 3. Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay 2001 St.Davids Bench: loaded with toast and smoke, some tropicality, 14.5% +430991, $19.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Hazendal Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Stellenbosch: now six ripe succulent years old, 51% shiraz. +673947, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Columbia Crest Grad Estates Merlot 2001 Washington: super-soft with rich roasted tones of mocha and cherries. +263418, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Calina Carmenere Reserva 2004 Maule (Chile): good tightness and structure, herby nose, lots of fruit. +951079, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Cremaschi Furlotti Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Maule: quaff some mocha smoothness, more like merlot. +974873, $12.95, QPR: 91. 5. Vina Pedrosa 2003 Ribera de Duero (H.P. Pascuas): tons of wood in a Bordeaux mode, over-the-top Crianza (though not stated on the bottle), lush and plush, buy it all!! +673517, $17.95, QPR: 94. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sterling Chardonnay 2003 Napa, +330233, $24.95, a no-brainer for a wine card, good stuffing and smoke. On your list for $39?? 2. Domaine Laleure-Piot Pernand-Vergelesses 2003, +681619, $27.95, well-made Burgundy, serious lengthy flavours, on your list for $39?? 3. Arrowood Merlot 2001 Sonoma, +964189, $54.95, a great tasting unfiltered California addition for your wine list at $69??? 4. Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, +301218, $36.95, another fine wine, restaurant-ready, 14.2%, and on your card for $49??? 5. Drouet Freres Sancerre Le Haut Mesnil 2004, +681585, $22.95, classic style MVC all the way, balanced, on your card for $36??? 6. Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2003, +704429, $51.95, gorgeous orange fruit, lovely food length, on your list for $66??? 7. Chateau de Carlmagnus Fronsac 2002, +920181, $31.95, ready now, good black fruit, on your list for $46??? 8. Clos Montirius Vacqueyras 2001, +728451, $25.95, 14.5% alcohol, half grenache and half syrah, and all bargain, on your card at $39??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR MARCH 18 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits: or .Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence are omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. St.Lucas Torrontes 2005 (Mendoza): slightly bitter on the mid- palate, 13% alcohol, refreshing fruity aperitif with bite. +694513, $11.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Roland-La-Garde Cuvee Speciale 2001 (Premieres Cotes de Blaye): smokey, toasty, fruity, almost ready, stylistically Bordeaux. Not made by Michel Rolland....+674234, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Castillo Perelada Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Emporda-Costa Brava, Spain): has aged nicely, good wood, mid-Atlantic style. +673467, $21.95, QPR: 91. 3. Bajoz Cano 2004 (Toro, Spain) has good body and flavours, more grenache in character, lively. +672253, $10.95, QPR: 90. 4. Luigi Riighetti Valpolicella Campolieti 2003: hard to get better value at this price, wood tones are excellently meshed. +695890, $16.95, QPR: 91. 5. Tognetti Val Della Vigne 2003 (Morellino di Scansano, Tuscany): well-rounded juicy fruit with structure, 13.5% alcohol. +672329, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Antonin Rodet Syrah 2003 (Pays d'Oc): a smoky, lardy, bacon wine that's been here before. Buy it all if you like North Rhone older wines! +745083, $12.95, QPR: 93. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Alexander Valley), 13.5% alcohol, ready to drink, appealing, and priced to go at $21.95, +343467, but on your wine card at $36? 2. Yannick Amirault La Mine 2003 (St.Nicolas Bourgeuil, Loire) is well worth the extra dollar over his Les Quartiers, $24.95, +663534, and on your wine card for $39.99? 3. Contino Reserva 2000 Single Vineyard (Rioja), showing intense flavours and just about ready, +672923, $32.95, and on your wine list for $48? 4. Arrowood Chardonnay 2003 (Sonoma) is a no-brainer, +270694, $39.95, and on your wine card for just over fifty bucks? 5. Simi Chardonnay 2004 (Sonoma) is more affordable, and is very juicy, +673806, $24.95, and on your wine list for $39.99? 6. Chartron & Trebuchet Saint-Aubin La Chateniere 2002 (Premier Cru), +681965, $31.95, but how does C & T get such good wine value, toast and spices and butter, out of an inexpensive Burgundy? It should be priced higher...On your wine card for $45? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR MARCH 4 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check my ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits: or .Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence are omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. La Motte Chardonnay 2004 (South Africa Coastal): good balance after wood and fruit integration. +663377, $16.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Laborie Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Paarl): the Bordeaux style blend is 60 merlot, 40 cabernet. 14% alcohol drives the Old world style. +663195, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Paarl): an aged-well good value wine, wood and fruit balanced.+328567, $16.95, QPR: 90 3. Coleraine Fire Engine Red 2004 (Paarl): another delight, half merlot and half syrah, good projection of flavours. Dynamite! +663237, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Santa Rita Shiraz Rieserva 2002 (Maipo): depth, intensity, and ripe age showing. 13.5% alcohol, buy it all at this price! +663070, $13.95, QPR: 93. 5. Chateau des Grands Moines 2000 (Lalande de Pomerol): ready to consume and enjoy right now. +674325, $23.95, QPR: 91. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Robert Talbott Logan Chardonnay 2003 Sleepy Hollow (Monterey) is a relaxed style, soft for your dining enjoyment. +716290, $33.95, but on your wine list at $49.99? 2. Morgan Syrah 2002 (Monterey) is another Monterey wine, a taste (affordable) of the North Rhone, +673764, $29.95, but on your wine card for $45? 3. Chateau de Marsannay Blanc 2003 has excellent balance of all its components, rare for an inexpenmsive burgundy. +681379, $26.95, but on your wine card for $39.99? 4. Ornellaia Le Volte 2003 (Tuscany): I have always enjoyed this 13.5% AFFORDABLE SuperTuscan, drinking well now, +964221, $24.95, and on your wine card for $39.99? 5. Niepoort Vertente Tinto 2001 (Douro) is one of the best "ready now" Portuguese reds on the market, +695023, $28.95, but on your wine list for $45? 6. Marques de Caceres Reserva 1998 (Rioja) is definitely ready now, with layers of tobacco and dried fruit ripeness, +702761. $29.95, and on your list for $45? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR FEBRUARY 18 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits: or .Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence are omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. "Oro de Castilla" Verdejo 2004 (Rueda, Spain): ripe but crisp fruit, lingering finish for food. +745562, $12.95, QPR: 90. 2. Goats do Roam White 2005 (Western Cape, South Africa): aromatic complexity (fresh and fruity) is great at this price level. Five grapes used (including riesling, chenin blanc, viognier). Screwcap. +943167, $11.95, QPR: 90. 3. "Comtes d'Isenbourg" Gewurztraminer 2004 (Alsace): great MVC and palate, dry, bitterish finish. +675736, $18.95, QPR: 91. 4. Lingenfelder Riesling Spatlese 2003 Grosskarlbacher Osterberg (Pfalz): complex helping of floral tones and fruit, good riesling MVC, and certainly affordable. +928192, $21.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Marques de Vitoria Crianza 2000 (Rioja): good aging and good price delivers the goods. Snap it up...+678045, $16.95, QPR: 92. 2. "La Vendimia" Tempranillo 2004 (Rioja; Palacios Remondo): a bit entry level, in North American style. Black fruit juice, extremely tasty. +674564, $15.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. R.Lopez de Heredia "Vina Gravonia" 1995 (Rioja), +910711, $26.95, shows extra-long oaking. Full bodied and concentrated in flavours. On your wine list at $39.99??? 2. Alvaro Palacios "Les Terrasses" 2003 (Priorat, Spain), +977843, $41.95, drinks well now with food. On your wine list for $55??? 3. Arrowood Pinot Blanc "Saralee's Vineyard" 2002 Russian River Valley, +694307, $34.95, done up in a fullish style. On your wine list for $49??? 4. Chateau Reynella Chardonnay 2002 McLaren Vale, +510610, $25.95, loaded with butter and body and fruit, winner of two gold medals, and on your wine list at $39??? 5. Annvers Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Langhorne Creek, South Australia, +626705, $29.95, solid California style mint and blackcurrant tones, ready now, and on your wine list for $39.99??? 6. Louis Jadot Meursault 2001, +678136, $42.95, drinking well now, on your wine list for $55??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR FEBRUARY 4 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits: or .Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine des Aspes Viognier 2004 (Pays D'Oc; Roger): very much flavour driven, strong aromatics, almost muscat. +712638, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Forestville Chardonnay Sonoma Reserve 2002 Russian River Valley: rich, juicy, and ripe, long oak finish, excellent price for this kind of quality. Buy it all !! +904599, $16.95, QPR: 92. 3. Cardinham Riesling 2003 Clare Valley (South Australia): excellent riesling nose and flower tones, fresh, long bone dry finish, value. Screwcapped, of course...+694562, $15.95, QPR: 92. 4. D'Arenberg "The Hermit Crab" Viognier/Marsanne 2004 McLaren Vale (South Australia): 30% marsanne provides good honeysuckle backbone. Aromatic, fruit-driven but tamed viognier.+662775,$15.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine des Aires Hautes "Les Combelles" 2003 (Minervois): 14.5% alcohol makes this a brawny one, still maintaining its fruit. Use with braises. +701706, $10.95, QPR: 89. 2. La Baume Selection Shiraz/Cabernet 2001 (Pays D'Oc): 14.5% alcohol in a deliberate North American style (jammy fruit) and price (modest). +730523, $15.95, QPR: 91. 3. Costa Bicocchi "Torri" Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva 2001: good value for a modest Chianti, from a non-classical area. +744243, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. "Lirica" Primitivo di Manduria 2003 (Puglia; Consorzio Manduria): great flavour profile, thick extract, appealing to North Americans. +669580, $13.95, QPR: 90. 5. Bon Courage Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2002 Robertson (South Africa): another good value food wine, fruity, spicy, and longer acid finish. 13.5% alcohol. +675983, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Castello di Neive Barbaresco 2002: lightweight entry-level wine, but good expression of the nebbiolo grape, ready in one year? +674044, $21.95, QPR: 91. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Liberty School Chardonnay 2003, +9960120, $19.95, shows lots of appropriate fruit and wood tones. On your wine list at $29.99??? 2. Doudet Naudin Saint-Romain "Sous Le Chateau" 2002, +672592, $29.95, showing some age in its mid-weight character, which makes it great for drinking now. On your wine list for $44??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JANUARY 21 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits: or .Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Angove's Long Row Chardonnay 2004 (South Australia): screwcapped, 14% alcohol, rich, long on finish. +641779, $13.95, QPR: 91. 2. Cuttaway Hill Estate Pinot Gris 2005 (New South Wales): 14% alcohol, screwcapped, slightly pink colour, full, ripe, good finish for food. +661983, $14.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ferngrove Shiraz 2003 (Frankland River, West Australia): gold medal winner full of lusty flavours, screwcapped. 14% alcohol. +694463, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Vina San Esteban In Situ Syrah 2003 (Aconcagua Valley, Chile): floral perfumed, delicious black flavours, great price. +662817, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. KWV Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2000 (Cape): like the chardonnay from last month, this is full and ripe and voluptuous, aging nicely. +561142, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2001 (Columbia Valley, Wash.): very warm wine, excellent mouth feel, fruit and wood integration, bargain price. +263418, $19.95, QPR: 91. 5. Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Reserva 1998 (Navarre): more spices and North American yumminess at affordable price and aged level. What can I say except "buy it all"?? +479014, $13.95, QPR: 93. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cave de Sarras Cuvee Champtenaud Saint-Joseph 2000 (+673145, $22.95) is a nicely matured all syrah wine ready for dinner. On your wine list for $36??? 2. Ridge Home Ranch 2002 Santa Cruz Mountains (+595512, $84.95) is mainly a cab-merlot aged in US oak, but it has gobs of extract and fruit, ready now. On your list, as a treat, for a mere $89.99???? 3. Raoul Clerget Gevrey-Chambertin 2002 (+670661, $28.95) has classic MVC, but it is a bit baked, move it now. On your list at $39.99??? 4. Schloss Schonborn Riesling Kabinett 1996 Rheingau (+710418, $15.95) superbly mature, with a dry finish. On your list at $28??? 5. Il Conventino Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 1998 (+677963, $20.95) was my bargain of the tasting, very deep mocha and leafy tones. I double-checked the price. Buy it all. On your list for $35?? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JANUARY 7 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits: or .Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Vina Calina Chardonnay Reserva 2003 (Casablanca): great balance and integration of its components. +640912, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Vina Ventisquero Yali Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2004 (Casablanca): herby, more body than many SBs, and certainly a longer finish. +663039, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Coyote's Run Unoaked Chardonnay 2004 (Niagara): good value in an Ontario unoaked chardonnay, very Chablis-like. +675082, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Sileni Estate Sauvignon Blanc Cellar Selection 2004 (Marlborough): sweet nose but herby on mid-palate, good balance. +662882, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Jardin Chardonnay 2003 (Stellenbosch): good integration of flavours and finishing acids from this medal winner. +663336, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2004 (Maipo): good intensity and oaking at this price level. +342857, $17.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. La Mission Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2004 (Maipo; Wm. Fevre): good smoky wood finish; you'll need to buy it all and sit on it for two years. +662742, $11.95, QPR: 92. 2. Evans & Tate Cabernet/Merlot 2002 (Margaret River): surprisingly quite good Bordeaux knockoff with initial fruit and then length, needing food. +721548, $17.95, QPR: 92. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (+322586, $22.95) from Chile is ready now. Euro-style, and on your list at $35??? 2. Faiveley Mercurey Les Mauvarennes 2002 (+987917, $25.95) is a well-blended, sophisticated chardonnay, and on your list for a mere $39??? 3. Chateau Loudenne 2000 Medoc (+131672, $32.95) is a comeback wine this century, initial fruit and then ready. On your wine list for $45??? 4. Chateau Senejac 1999 Haut-Medoc (+660498, $28.95) is ready but a bit tart, needs food, and on your list for $43??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR DECEMBER 10 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits: or .Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Calera Chardonnay 2001 Central Coast California: smooth body, crowd pleaser. +713313, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2003 (KWV, South Africa): balance of fruit-wood-body-acid, lingering toasty finish, goody buy. +328559, $13.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Quails' Gate Limited Release Merlot 2003 Okanagan: smokey spices and 15% alcohol, sip or food, but a heavy wine. Needs some cellaring. +639633, $19.95, QPR: 93. 2. Nepenthe The Rogue Cabernet/Merlot/Shiraz 2003 South Australia: screwcapped, fruit forward, sip or food, 14% alcohol. +998542, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Bushman's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2003 Western Cape: good intensity and extract at this price level. +659748, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Primitivo di Manduria di Ognissole 2003 (Feudi di San Giorgio, Puglia): a cutting edge Italian version of zinfandel, all citrus, soft fruit, smoke and richness. +658385, $17.95, QPR: 91. 5. Domaine Les Herbes Blanches 2003 Terre Vitis (L.Bernard, Cotes du Ventoux): hot, fruity, enjoyable party wine, "almost organic", so it must be good for you. +652305, $12.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Stratus Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2002 Niagara, +665182, $32: from a new state-of-the-art winery, rich fruit, oak and complexity. On your wine list for $45??? 2. Landmark Overlook Chardonnay 2003 California, +727891 for 375mL, $19.95: a perfect half-bottle of white wine for a restaurant, and on your wine list for $28??? 3. L'Ecole No. 41 Semillon 2004 Columbia Valley, Washington, +982157, $24.95: complex, some wood and floral tones, and on your wine list for $37??? 4. Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa, +189795, $74.95: dense extract but fruity finish, and on your wine list for $80??? (give your customers a treat!!). 5. Chateau Lafon-Rochet 1998 St.Estephe, +662007, $59.95: excellent mature rusticity ready now, and on your wine list for $75??? 6. Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro 2000, +353201, $44.95: almost mature, good price at this level, and on your wine list for a mere $59??? 7. Meerlust Rubicon 2000 Stellenbosch, +983635, $39.95: cedary and ready now, on your wine list for $55??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR NOVEMBER 26 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits: or .Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cilento Chardonnay Reserve 2003 Niagara: embraces a lot of fruit & wood & length of a classy chardonnay. Gold Medal at OWA. +593913, $24.95, QPR: 92. 2. Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Hawkes Bay: lots of promise on the entry, good body, longer finish, slightly fruity in length. +606830, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Uitkyk Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Stellenbosch: herby nose, full body, food or sip sip. +650317, $12.95, QPR: 91. 4. Kuentz-Bas Riesling Tradition 2003 Alsace: hot year gives it a bit of a fruity flab, but otherwise good value. +910984, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Les Gres Viognier 2004 Pays d'Oc: refreshing stone fruit and honeysuckle flavours. +669523, $12.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Norton Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003 Mendoza: juicy and ripe but probably best next year. +663120, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Marques de Casa Concha Merlot 2003 Rapel (Cancha y Toro): reserve level with some edge, needs cellaring. +939827, $18.95, QPR: 89. 3. Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2004 (Boekenhoutskloof, South Africa): Euro-mode (think Rhone) with leanish elegance. Best with food. +595280, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Chateau Roquetaillade La Grange 2001 Graves: classy Bordeaux at this level, ready anytime you are. +193102, $20.95, QPR: 90. 5. Moulin de Gassac Elise 2003 Pas de l'Herault Vieilles Vignes: merlot and syrah chocolate tones, good length and dryness for food. +662577, $14.95, QPR: 92. 6. Bodegas Ontanon Crianza 2001 Rioja: typical MVC for a Rioja, 90% tempranillo, old vines, classic wood aging. Remarkable price! +976910, $15.95, QPR: 92. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. St.Francis Chardonnay 2003 Sonoma, +317131, $22.95: 13.5%, fruit driven, on your wine list for $35??? 2. Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2001 Napa, +715979, $31.95: complex but hot, ready now, on your wine list at $45??? 3. St.Francis Merlot 2001 Sonoma, +422014, $29.95: soft fruit, some engaging length, and on your wine list at $43??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR NOVEMBER 12 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; my ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ca'Del Solo Big House White 2003 California: a clever blend of nine white grape varieties for that juicy fruit tone with a crisp finishing acidity. +661355, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Chateau Lamothe de Haux Blanc 2004 Bordeaux: delicious and fruity, delicate semillon and muscadelle flavours (plus the sauvignon blanc). +909341, $12.95, QPR: 89. 3. Joostenberg Chenin Blanc 2004 South Africa: like sauvignon blanc but without the excessive herbiness. +660589, $12.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rodney Strong Zinfandel Knotty Vines 2001 Sonoma: very well integrated wood and zinfandel MVC at a fabulous price. +363358, $19.95, QPR: 93. 2. Echeverria Carmenere 2004 Chile: gold medalist. Soft, fruity, patio sipper. +658559, $12.95, QPR: 91. 3. Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Colchagua Chile: 14.5% alcohol, oak aging shows, off-dry on palate, great price. +464479, $12.95, QPR: 90. 4. Mas de Bressades Cuvee Excellence 2003 Costieres de Nimes: fruit driven but still needs food, very enjoyable. +708750, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Altesino Rosso di Altesino 2002 Tuscany: supertuscan in style for your basement cellar at a bargain basement price. +658369, $18.95, QPR: 91. 6. Condesa de Leganza Reserva 1995 La Mancha: run for this one, an exceptional value for black fruit and spices in wood-aged tempranillo. +658450, $13.95, QPR: 95. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15, or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay 2002, +598144, $10.95 half-bottle, brings a woody elegance to the table, on your list at $17??? 2. MacRostie Chardonnay 2004 Carneros, +663054, $28.95, 14.8% alcohol contributes to long finish for food. On your list at $39???? 3. Malenchini Bruzzico 2001, +658427, $29.95, is an IGT from Tuscany worthy of your attention (black fruit, mocha tones) and on your list for $42??? 4. Masi Mazzano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 1999, +545129, $89.95, rich chocolate also defines what amarone is all about. 16% levels. A treat for your customers, on your list at $99??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR OCTOBER 29 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; my ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Zilzie Viognier 2004 Victoria/New South Wales: gold medalist, great viognier intensity, screwcapped, excellent value, buy it all...+660936, $15.95, QPR: 92. 2. Selaks Premium Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Marlborough: fresh screwcapped MVC with body and graceful finish. +566935, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2005 South Africa: another fresh and lively SB with MVC and body, but with a cork (why?). +948620, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Domaines Astruc DA Viognier 2004 Pays d'Oc: upfront fruit for a sipper but dry enough for food. Peach nose, apricot/pear palate. +656744, $13.95, QPR: 93. 5. Empson Bollini Chardonnay Barricato 40 2003 Trentino: good balance of fruit-acid-wood, nice length. +987503, $13.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Barossa Valley Estate Moculta Shiraz 2001: upfront fruit, body, and price suggest micro-oxygenation, but that's in our favour. +536383, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot 2002: browning colour but aging well, with excellent long depth finish and spices. +511600, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Rutherford Hill Merlot 2002 Napa: some smoke on the nose, upfront fruit, juicy palate, dry food finish. +959338, $28.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chilensis Carmenere Reserva 2003 San Rafael: bargain red of the month, combining ripeness, toast and bell peppers. +657981, $11.95, QPR: 92. 5. Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2004 Western Cape: a Euro-tasting blend of syrah, cinsault, and grenache under screwcap. +626333, $13.95, QPR: 89. 6. I Feudi di Romans Merlot 2002 Fruili: extremely ripe and fruity, softer on the palate, decent length for food, nice packaging. +658344, $15.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Petaluma Chardonnay 2002 Piccadilly Valley South Australia brings many different aspects to the balance of wine and food: herbs, citrus, tropicality, vanillin. +661082, $34.95, on your list for $49??? 2. Duckhorn Merlot 2002 Napa: loaded with gobs of fruit and enough depth to support food, ready now. +992529, $79.95, but on your list as a treat for your customers at $85???? 3. Chateau Caronne Ste-Gemme 1996 Haut-Medoc: great value for a restaurant, being a 9 year old Bordeaux at $31.95, +659912, but on your list for $45??? 4. Tenute Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2000 +512384 at $34.95 (on your list for $49???) should make a big splash for its name. Just after its peak, drink now. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR OCTOBER 15 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; my ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Morande Terrarum Reserve Chardonnay 2004 (Casablanca): this release's chardonnay value; balanced wood, fruit, acid, length, body. +660894, $13.95, QPR: 93. 2. St. Hallett Semillon 2002 (Barossa): ripe, oak aged, developing well after 4.5 years. 13.5%. +658005, $18.95, QPR: 91. 3. Fairhall Downs Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Marlborough): full bodied ripe SB from NZ, you know the drill. +990580, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Cave de Turckheim Riesling Herrenweg 2001 (Alsace): great riesling nose and aromas and palate, full and ripe, engaging. +660183, $17.95, QPR: 91. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Crios de Susana Balbo Syrah/Bonarda 2003 (Mendoza): soft, fruity tones from the early maturing bonarda; makes syrah seem like merlot. +657619, $13.95, QPR: 89. 2. Olsen Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Margaret River): with some chocolate, upfront fruit of berries. 14.2% alcohol. +689927, $19.95, QPR: 92. 3. Alpha Domus Pinot Noir 2002 (Hawkes Bay): great price for a Burgundy-styled wine. +659961, $21.95, QPR: 90. 4. Delheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (South Africa): Euro style of elegance, great wine and value. +981357, $19.95, QPR: 91. 5. Batasiolo Langhe Rosso 2003 (Piedmont): blend of dolcetto, barbera,and nebbiolo, fruit-forward, excellent length for food. +981019, $14.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Sonoma (+226944, $24.95) is the bargain of silky reds this release. Restaurant ready, of course, and on your list at $39??? 2. Domaine des Malandes Chablis Vau de Vey 2002 (+701219, $29.95) shows MVC and earth. On your list for $39.99??? 3. Jean-Claude Chatelaine Pouilly Fume Saint-Laurent-L'Abbaye 2004 (+958801, $23.95) shows a warm and fleshy sauvignon blanc style. On your wine list for $39??? 4. Chateau du Taillan 2000 Haut-Medoc (+984427, $23.95) appears almost ready. Good extract. On your list at $35??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR OCTOBER 1 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; my ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Vina Carmen Nativa Chardonnay (Maipo): full, ripe, toasty chard from Chile, yummy AND organic. +975219, $17.95, QPR: 91. 2. Hugel Gentil 2003 (Alsace): fruity and floral blend of top 5 Alsatian grape varieties, great price. +367284, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau Grand Pascaud 2003 (Entre-Deux-Mers): full bodied, toasted wood tones, a bit of initial grass. +656769, $13.95, QPR: 91. 4. Kurt Darting Gewurztraminer Kabinett 2002 (Pfalz): despite 10% alcohol, the wine packs a punch of spicy flavours. Rich and bodied. +944181, $15.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Sonoma): plush and lush, extra ripe, longer length. +990440, $24.95, QPR: 89. 2. Weinart Merlot 2000 (Mendoza): smooth, soft, full fruity body but with a tannic bite. +656371, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Vina Carmen Nativa Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Maipo): minty, nose of fruit, organic wine in a pretentiously heavy bottle. +975359, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Redbank Fighting Flat Shiraz 2001 (Victoria): an Oz wine with MVC, elegance, age, fruit, plumminess. +677492, $20.95, QPR: 92. 5. Darling Cellars Onyx Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (South Africa): lovely cab nose, Parker-style upfront jam. +657635, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Due Palme Primitivo 2002 (Puglia): off-dry, thick, chewy, hot finish, 13.5% alcohol. French oak? +658351, $13.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or for consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2000 (Napa, +393926, $39.95) is good value for a smoky/fruity white. On your wine list at $55? 2. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Napa, +222877, $94.95) is ready soon, with lots of juiciness and other Merlot-like characteristics. On your wine list for a mere $100??? 3. La Chablisienne Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2002 (+656835, $33.95) is an impressive wine to BYOW at a resto. Full bodied. On your wine list for $49??? 4. Ornellaia Le Volte 2002 (+964221, $24.95) is the lowest priced supertuscan you can find (sangiovese, cab. sauvignon, merlot). Food driven but an early developer. On your list for $39???? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR SEPTEMBER 17 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; my ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau des Charmes Riesling 2003 (VQA Niagara): an Ontario Wine Award 2005 for Riesling, their first vintage. Affordable. +277228, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Louis Sipp Riesling 2002 (Alsace): great name for a sipper, thick on palate, great riesling MVC. +656819, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Georges Duboeuf Chasan 2003 (Pays d'Oc): light, with definite palomino taste on mid-palate. +656843, $10.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California): soft and fruity, more in common with merlot than cab, 13.5% alcohol. +947887, $24.95, QPR: 92. 2. Chateau Etienne des Lauzes 2001 (Saint-Chinian): great Chat. du Pape blend, nicely aged and balanced. +652271, $12.95, QPR: 94. 3. Domaine de la Tuque 2000 (Buzet): a Bordeaux clone, again nicely aged, delicious, and affordable. +657957, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Cilento Cabernet Franc Reserve 2002 (VQA Niagara): green pepper and herbs, some softened by wood aging. +547414, $18.95, QPR: 89. 5. Cuvee Prestige du Chateau Canteloup 2000 (Prem.Cotes de Bordeaux): Bordeaux nose and depth, chocolate flavours, micro-oxygenation. +650580, $19.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Belle Gros Pinot Noir 2002 Sonoma (+925727, $38.95) shows a fine Burgundian structure with sour cherries, clay, underbrush, some strawberries. On your wine card for $53?? 2. Cuvaison Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Napa (+944827, $44.95) is an amazing value at this price level. On your wine card for $59?? 3. Rodney Strong Reserve Pinot Noir 2001 Janes Vineyard, Russian River (+677690, $44.95) is toasty California pinot with finish and depth. On your wine card at $59?? 4. D'Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2002 (McLaren Vale)v is their version of a Bordeaux garagiste wine with both cabernets, merlot and petit verdot (+907584, $26.95). Almost ready, on your wine card at $39?? 5. Louis Righetti Capitel De'Roari 2000 (Amarone) is a reserve bottling, and it doesn't get any better than this for the half- bottle (+652099, $15.95 for 375mL), on your wine card for $25?? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR SEPTEMBER 3 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; my ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Grant Burge Zerk Semillon 2004 (Barossa): ripe, great food finish, screwcapped value. +987768, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Seifried Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Nelson, NZ): screwcapped, full rich palate and body, sauvignon zest but also lush fruit on the finish. +957670, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Bouchard Finlayson Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (South Africa): long length, MVC shows, good quality, balance. +701540, $15.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Carmenere 2003 (Rapel; Chile): dense fruit, olives, rich structure, a keeper. +640888, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Guardian Peak Shiraz 2003 (Stellenbosch): juicy lucy, 14.5% alcohol, "take it away Leon". Buy it all. +652602, $12.95, QPR: 93. 3. Middelvlei Shiraz 2000 (Stellenbosch): already five years old, maturing nicely into a Rhone style. +652669, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Splendor Solis St.Chinian 2001: chocolate and cassis, definite NA style, 13% alochol. +652073, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Frescobaldi Castiglioni Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Tuscany): dense, toasty oak tones, a Parker fruit bomb but affordable. +974394, $19.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine A.F.Gros Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits 2002 is very fruit-forward with good Euro depth and balance. +713693, $29.95 but on your wine card at $44?? 2. Cloudy Bay Pelorus 2000 (New Zealand) has very French toasty notes for $37.95, +338459, on your wine list at $50?? 3. La Crema Chardonnay 2003 Sonoma Coast is a steal in the half- bottle, only $14.95 (+728352) and on your list for $20?? 4. Opus One 2001 Napa ($259.95, +677427) can be offered to your best customers for $265. Give it a try. 5. Conde de Valdemar Reserva Rioja 1998, +947309, $20.95, is not to be missed. Ready and mature NOW, on your wine card at $35?? 6. Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2003 (+359513, $33.95) on your card $45?? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR AUGUST 20 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the 2005 ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; my ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the Vintages release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and hence are omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Marlborough): good herbal consistency, and its lightness lets some tropical/citric fruit come through. Screwcap. +657221, $15.95, QPR: 88. 2. Jean-Luc Colombo Viognier La Violette 2004 (Pays d'Oc): floral excellence, lots of body, dry finish, succulence. Sip or with food. +680645, $14.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rodney Strong Pinot Noir 2001 (Russian River): good aging and pricepoint, most of the pinot noir fruit in style, but definitely from California. +954834, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Riddoch Cabernet/Shiraz 2001 (Coonawarra): generous fruit basket of flavours. +590489, $15.95, QPR: 88. 3. Villiera Estate Shiraz 2002 (Stellenbosch): good syrah hit in that Rhone style, excellent value. +652636, $15.95, QPR: 91. 4. Chateau Lamothe de Haux 2001 (Premieres Cotes du Bordeaux): a solid wine from the final Young Winemakers series in 2004. +641555, $17.95, QPR: 88. 5. Jacques Frelin Armen Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Pays d'Oc): another fruit basket, juicy depth. +937516, $12.50, QPR: 88. 6. Cucumano Syrah 2003 (Sicily): good syrah nose, plums, little oak, aged well. +597146, $13.95, QPR: 88. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sanford Chardonnay 2002 (Santa Barbara): fruit basket of ripe flavours, nicely aged, long long finish (+956003, $25.95 retail but on your wine list at $39.99??). 2. Kemblefield The Distinction Merlot 2002 (Hawkes Bay, NZ): very Euro in style, ready soon. Food friendly BYOW. +586057, $22.95, but on your wine list at $37??). 3. Domaine de Valmengaux 2002 (Bordeaux) shows ripeness and some Boedeaux flavours. Ready now, +918565, $29.95, but on your list at $45?? 4. Santa Brigida La Ripa Chianti Classico 2001 has that nice long food finish, ready now. +651596, $24.95, but on your list at $39?? 5. La Crema Pinot Noir 2003 (Sonoma) is an excellent trendy "Sideways" find. Ready now, +732040, $15.95 375mL, but on your list at $25?? ATTENTION SUBSCRIBERS: THIS IS THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE NEW BI-WEEKLY SCHEDULE. YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PERIOD REMAINS BASED ON THE CALENDAR YEAR, NO MATTER WHAT.... WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR AUGUST 6 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the 2005 ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the Vintages release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and are omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Stonehedge Chardonnay 2001 (California): excellent value, with some age showing, creaminess from the barrel fermentation, and upfront fruit. +544841, $12.95, QPR: 92. 2. J & F Lurton Terres Fumees Colombard 2003 (Vin de Pays du Comte Tolosan): good intensity of flavours, value priced version of grass plus fruit. +680603, $10.95, QPR: 89. 3. Social Birgi Grillo 2004 (Sicily): slightly orange character, good broad fruit on mid-palate with a light finish. +677351, $13.95, QPR: 88. 4. Max Ferd. Richter Riesling 2003 (Mosel): from a superripe year the wine has 10% alcohol which pushes the fruit a little more, gives it some body, and creates an off-dry finish. Great sipper. +924613, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Jackson Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Marlborough): over-the-top sauvignon blanc component with much grass and zest, screwcapped. +963124, $13.95, QPR: 89. 6. DC Bush Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (South Africa; Darling Cellars): hey, a "vin nouveau" from south of the equator. Be the first on your block to try a new 2005 wine! Refreshing and affordable. +652578, $10.95, QPR: 90. 7. Cave du Haut-Poitou Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Loire): probably the best value sauvignon blanc from Europe at this price. I've been drinking it ever since it came in years ago at $4 or so. Very zesty and grassy. +119222, $10.95, QPR: 89. 8. Cave de Vignerons de Frontignan Muscat Sec Terres Blances 2003 (Pays d'Oc): fruity palate, bone dry finish, just as I like my French muscat. +653188, $13.95, QPR: 88. 9. Santa Maria La Palma Vermentino di Sardegna 2004: very fruity and aromatic wine, also produced in the Rivieras (Liguria, France). +709782, $13.95, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Vina La Rosa La Capitana Merlot 2003 (Chile): soft, fruity, and luscious, with some wood. +655209, $14.95, QPR: 88. 2. Vina Montgras Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2003 (Colchagua Valley): very good expression of cabernet sauvignon, definite Euro style with tight fruit but warm finish. +432971, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Domaine de Beausejour Chinon 2003 (Loire): good suppleness in a BBQ wine, superripe year muted the cab franc herbs, more fruit than usual. +917732, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chiusa Grande Tommolo 2003 (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo): organic wine with good heft and balance. +594788, $13.95, QPR: 88. 5. Penha d'Aia Douro Tinto Reserva 1999 (Portugal): tight wine needs more cellaring even at this age, but it is organic. +974436, $14.95, QPR: 89. 6. Finca Antigua Tempranillo 2002 (La Mancha): definite North American style, lots of fruit, good length, great price. +597070, $12.95, QPR: 89. 7. Prado Rey Cuvee Primium Tinto Fino 2000 (Ribera del Duero): this wine has spent major time in both French and US oak, and it shows fabulous texture. 15% merlot added for softening. +566786, $18.95, QPR: 90. 8. Glen Carlou Tortoise Hill Red 2003 (Paarl): good fruity blend of cab sauvignon, syrah, zinfandel and some structure from the touriga nacional. +652594, $12.95, QPR: 88. 9. Leef op Hoop Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (Stellenbosch): good fruit with a cabby taste, aged very well (Euro style). +652644, $15.95, QPR: 89. 10. Septima Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Mendoza): soft, fruity, another good value at this price from Argentina. +604678, $10.95, QPR: 88. 11. Rocca della Macie Rubizzo 2002 (Tuscany): soft, fruity, very approachable food wine, with 5% merlot. +913780, $14.95, QPR: 90. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Domaine Jean-Pierre Seve Terroir Pouilly-Fuisse 2002 has good body, nicely aged, pretty full tones, great finish (+681056, $29.95 but on your wine list for $45??). 2. Rutherford Hill Merlot 2001 (Napa Valley) has exceptionally rich fruit and concentration. The half-bottle is a useful addition to your wine list (+948935, $15.95 for 375 mL but on your list at $25??). 3. Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2004 (Australia) is another useful white wine for summer. This one has a cork. +458885, $21.95, but on your list at $35??) 4. Charton et Trebuchet Pernand-Vergelesses 2002 (Burgundy) is an elegant and flavourful wine meant for early and easy consumption via restaurants. (+925099, $28.95, but on your list at $43??). 5. Clos du Calvaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001 (Maynard) is ready now. +728139, $35.95, but on your wine list at $49??). WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JULY 23 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the 2005 ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the Vintages release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and are omitted. Question: why are these Greek wines coming out in August *2005* rather than in August 2004, in time for the Athens Olympics?? What was the hold-up? Are Ontarians being held up? Best White Wine of the Release: * Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Marlborough, NZ): grassy tang, but off-dry floral complexity, with a long engaging finish. +677450, $19.95, QPR: 90. Best Red Wine of the Release: * Tumara Titan 2002 (Stellenbosch; Bellevue): ripe, rich fruit, almost an overheated bordeaux, using all five grape varieties. +922211, $16.95, QPR: 92. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Kir-Yianni Samaropetra 2003 (Greece): crisp floral blend of local roditis, sauvignon blanc and gewurztraminer. A bit of everything except sweetness. A refreshing sipper while watching re-runs of the 2004 Olympics...+653766, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Domaine Dereskos Chardonnay 2004 (Greece): nose suggests a red wine basket of fruit, but a toasty oak finish. +642454, $13.95, QPR: 88. 3. Baldivis Estate Chardonnay 2001 (Margaret River): off-dry but engaging tropicality. +651380, $14.95, QPR: 88. 4. Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Marlborough, NZ): grassy tang, but off-dry floral complexity, with a long engaging finish. +677450, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Devois des Agneaux d'Aumelas Blanc 2003 (Coteaux du Languedoc; Jeanjean): floral and ripe, long engaging finish with oak overtones (label says "eleve en futs de chene"). +653543, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Domaine des Cassagnoles 2004 (Vin de Pays Gascogne; Baumann): almost-grassy summer sipper, with that French cachet. Affordable. +931212, $8.95, QPR: 88. 7. Quinta de Santa Maria Vinho Verde 2004: delightful fruit for summer, a crown-capped wine in Portugal but under cork in Ontario. +704858, $12.95, QPR: 88. 8. Vina Bajoz Ovacion 2004 (Rueda, Spain): fresh and fruity, good long finish, aperitif wine or sipper. +909382, $12.95, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Tsantalis Naousa Reserve Epilegmenos 1999 (Greece): good aged nose, suggstive of tarriness. Great value. +653790, $12.95, QPR: 89. 2. Water Wheel Memsie Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec 2003 (Victoria): chocolate, mocha, black fruits, screwcap, 14.8% alcohol. +656637, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Oyster Bay Merlot 2004 (Hawkes Bay, NZ): tight and compact, good price, somewhat tart and tannic finish. +692343, $18.95, QPR: 88. 4. Tumara Titan 2002 (Stellenbosch; Bellevue): ripe, rich fruit, almost an overheated bordeaux, using all five grape varieties. +922211, $16.95, QPR: 92. 5. Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2003: rich, deep, beefy wine. +328997, $12.95, QPR: 88. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Vincent Sauvestre Savigny-Les-Beaune 2002 (+940932, $31.95 retail, but on your wine list at $38?) -- fresh and delicious beetroot with that French cachet. Ready now. WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JUNE 25/JULY 9 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the 2005 ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the Vintages release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some corked wines are not available for retasting, and must be omitted. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. June 25: Peninsula Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Niagara): their best SB to date. very citrusy, needs food. Despite the LCBO tasting note, this is not a sipper. +592303, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. June 25: Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (Sonoma): full-bodied, broad palate flavours, affordable sipper. More fruit than herbs. +255968, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. June 25: Montpellier Viognier 2004 (California): nice aromatic nose, plush but not lush ripe fruit or MVC, hot finish. +658138, $11.95, QPR: 89. 4. June 25: Alliment-Laugner Muscat 2003 (Alsace): yummy white fruit bomb, very grapey without the cloy. +930362, $17.95, QPR: 90 5. June 25: Chateau Laulerie Montravel Sec 2003 (Montravel): semillon based, crisp lemons and apples, like a subdued sauvignon blanc. Great price. +680595, $11.95, QPR: 90 6. June 25: Torlese Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Waipara, NZ): screwcapped and barrel fermented, tropical fruits, almost fume in style. +651695, $18.95, QPR: 88. 7. June 25: D'Arenberg "The Money Spider" Roussanne 2004 (McLaren Vale): a hot finish delivers the yellow stonepit fruit (peaches, apricots, nectarines) flavours. +656710, $18.95, QPR: 88. 8. June 25: Domaine La Grangette Picpoul de Pinet 2003 (South of France): fresh lemon-y zest, good finishing acid, decent price, but drink only one glass before dinner: save the rest for first course. +653196, $12.95, QPR: 88. 9. June 25: Marques de Caceres Blanco Seco 2004 (Rioja): crisp appetizer-styled wine, goes with just about everything except sipping. +103895, $10.95, QPR: 88. 10. July 9: Vineland Estates Pinot Blanc 2002 (Niagara): 12.3% alcohol, and less acid (and more fruit) than in previous years. Off-dry patio wine. +563478, $16.95, QPR: 88. 11. July 9: Alamos Chardonnay 2004 (Mendoza; Zapata); great price for a balanced chard with fruit and wood tones, and a length. 13.5% alcohol. +925743, $13.95, QPR: 90. 12. July 9: Yalumba Oxford Landing Chardonnay 2004 (South Australia): NOT the 2003, as the LCBO catalogue (and the subsequent Robert Parker note) specifies. This fresher wine has an excellent price for massive tropicality and some butteriness, screwcapped. At this price, buy several cases...+283671, $11.95, QPR: 93. 13. July 9: Domaine Lafage Chardonnay 2003 (Catalanes, France): New World approach with Euro acid finish. 80% barrel aged in French oak. They nailed the wine, and at a great price. Snap it up...what are you waiting for? +680611, $17.95, QPR: 91. 14. July 9: Muga Blanco 2003 (Rioja): a barrel fermented wine leads to a slight whiff of wood on the nose, great for summer with its refreshing tree fruit flavours, nice finish. Sip or food, mostly food. +958736, $15.95, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. June 25: Chateau de Champteloup Anjou Rouge 2003 (Loire): fleshy, inexpensive, with a good cabernet franc hit. +655530, $12.95, QPR: 88. 2. June 25: Domaine Terres Blances Rouge 2001 (Provence): ready now, off-dry palate, organic, gobs of fruit. +982587, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. July 9: Creekside Pinot Noir Reserve 2001 (Niagara): the LCBO neglected to add "Reserve" in their catalogue. Good PN MVC, ready to drink now. A 2005 Cuvee winner. +662239, $24.95, QPR: 88. 4. July 9: Cline Cellars Red Truck Red 2003 (California): summer fruit in a bottle (syrah, petite sirah, cabernet franc, merlot), black fruit and anise. +693903, $14.95, QPR: 88. 5. July 9: La Motte Shiraz (Western Cape, SA): soft, fruity, but a lingering acidity on the finish. This is "syrah", as in Northern Rhone style. +652685, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. July 9: Masseria Monaci Eloquenzia Copertino 2000 (Puglia): hey, what's summer without the traditional "heavy-heavy" wine? Smooth but full on the palate, depth, and ready now. +732610, $12.95, QPR: 90. 7. July 9: Raimat Merlot 2000 (Costers del Segre, Spain): with 5% cabernet sauvignon added, and 18 months barrel treatment, the wine is a bit woodsy, but some of us like it that way. Sip or food, your choice. +590406, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. July 9: Benoit & Valerie Calvet Rouge Nature 2002 (Bordeaux): stunning organic wine, brimming with Bordeaux sensibility and tones. +959064, $14.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. June 25: Conundrum 2003 (California), status wine for a BYOW impression on both your guests and your server. Multiple aromas and fruits from five grapes, including muscat canelli. $33.95, +929992, but on your wine list for $49???? 2. June 25: Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir La Bauge-au-Dessous 2001 (Santa Maria, California), complex but balanced, meaty and worth it. +677534, $44.95, but on your list at $59???? 3. July 9: Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Sonoma): tight, chewy, needs food and opening up for the relationship between fruit-wood- tannins. +990440, $24.95, but on your list at $39???? 4. July 9: Lungarotti Vino Santo 1998 (Umbria), a half-bottle dessert wine made more prominent by its price. Treat your customers with a low markup (+345256, $10.95, but on your wine list at $15????) WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR MAY 28/JUNE 11 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the 2005 ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the Vintages release for writers/product consultants. Also, some wines can be corked. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. May 28: Two Tone Farm Chardonnay 2002 (Napa): succulent, with definite oak and fruit tones, screwcapped, 13.5% alcohol. +586271, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. May 28: D'Arenberg Olive Grove Chardonnay 2003 (McLaren Vale): screwcap, ripe but yeasty, good character on the finish. +702845, $16.95, QPR: 88. 3. May 28: Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2003 (Stellenbosch): balanced fruit, wood, and acid, both delicious and affordable. +717090, $21.95, QPR: 91. 4. May 28: Cusumano Angimbe Insolia/Chardonnay 2003 (Sicilia): soft fruit, good body, bracing finish. +606350, $17.95, QPR: 88. 5. June 11: Hope Estate Chardonnay 2003 (Hunter Valley): 13% alcohol, French oak treatment, some core acidity for food. All-purpose chardonnay. +651331, $13.95, QPR: 92. 6. June 11: Connivence Chardonnay/Viognier 2004 (Vaucluse, Marrenon): good juicy flavours, summer fooder or sipper, quite pleasurable. +680629, $12.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. May 28: Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Alexander Valley): priced well for its fruit and length. +343467, $19.95, QPR: 88. 2. May 28: Angels Gate Cabernet Franc 2003 (Niagara): dense with frank flavours, should improve. +643395, $18.95, QPR: 88. 3. May 28: Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Siera Foothills): cabernet tones, wood and rich fruit format, ready soon, good value. +537597, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. May 28: D'Arenberg Footbolt Shiraz 2002 (McLaren Vale): a good syrah hit from an affordable, plummy wine. +984021, $19.95, QPR: 88. 5. May 28: Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2002 (Stellenbosch): despite a Bordeaux-blending of grapes, this wine is soft and fruit-forward. +922443, $20.95, QPR: 88. 6. May 28: Chateau Cesseras 2001 Minervois la Liviniere: a great price for a massive syrah hit, buy it all up. +590570, $18.95, QPR: 93. 7. May 28: Nera Sassella Riserva 1999 (Valtellina Superiore, Lombardy): an excellent value for nebbiolo lovers, ripe and ready, buy it all up. +707208, $19.95, QPR: 94. 8. June 11: Chateau de Montgueret Rouge Le Petit Saint Louis 2003 (Loire): one of the better cabernet francs from north France, ripe and plump with bracing food acidity. +655043, $14.95, QPR: 89. 9. June 11: Trinchero Family Selection Merlot 2003 (Napa): basic soft, fruity, plummy. +550566, $16.95, QPR: 88. 10. June 11: Beaumes de Venise Rouge 2000 (Cotes du Rhone-Villages, Vigneros de B-V): quality, intense fruit, 14.5% alcohol, aged well too. +652206, $19.95, QPR: 89. 11. June 11: Tedeschi Capitel dei Nicalo 2001 (Valpolicella Classico Superiore): from dried grapes, 13% alcohol, great value for its fruit and length. +984997, $16.95, QPR: 89. 12. June 11: Miguel Torres Nerola Syrah/Monastrell 2002 (Catalan): 13.5% alcohol, French oak, delicious in its syrah complexity, probably weighty. +680751, $19.95, QPR: 89. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. May 28: Sokol Blosser Evolution 8th edition (Oregon) uses 9 aromatic white grapes to create a stylish sipper and food matcher. +906438, $24.95, and on your wine list for $39??? 2. May 28: Jamieson Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (Napa, Kirkland) has lots of fruit but a tight grip for food, restaurant ready. +597609, $28.95, but on your wine list at $39??? 3. May 28: Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel Continente Vineyard 2003 is soft, fruity, with exceptional length, summer meats. +713453, $34.95, but on your wine list at $49??? 4. May 28: Chateau de la Riviere 2000 (Fronsac) is both ready and affordable, especially a bargain in the 375 mL half-bottle size for diners wishing just a glass or two. +653147, $39.95, but also +653089, $19.95 the half, and on your wine list at $26??? 5. May 28: Tenute Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2000 (Tuscany): oak tones and black fruit, ready now for diners to consume. +512384, $37.95, but on your wine list at $49??? 6. June 11: Chateau Fontaine-Audon Sancerre 2003 (Loire) is ripe but restrained (hot year), 13% alcohol, +745893, $27.95, but on your wine list at $39??? 7. June 11: Domaine Perrin Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2001 (Rhone) is full-bodied and delicious now, ripe and food accessible. +641548, $29.95, but on your wine liast at $44??? 8. June 11: Chateau Lanessan 1995 (Haut-Medoc) had a nicely aged nose bouquet, great with food too, +656603, $44.95, but on your wine list at $59??? 9. June 11: Rutherford Hill Chardonnay 2002 (Napa) is 14% alcohol, with toasty fruit and green notes, best with food. +980433, $25.95 but on your wine liost at $39??? Do something fun for your dining patrons: June 11, stock up on the fabulous Bollinger La Grande Annee Champagne Brut 1997 (+145169, $127) and offer it as a special on your wine list for $135. You won't regret it.... WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR APRIL 30/MAY 14 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at . Check the 2004 ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: The LCBO does NOT display all the wines of the Vintages release for writers/product consultants. Also, some wines can be "corked". WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 30: Shingle Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Marlborough NZ (Matua Valley Wines): screwcapped. Lively, zesty, citrusy value. Great finish for food. +309591, $16.95, QPR: 88. 2. April 30: Goldridge Premium Reserve Chardonnay 2003 Barrique Matured Marlborough NZ: good balance of fruit and wood, some toast on finish. Ready soon. +651836, $18.95, QPR: 88. 3. April 30: Newton Johnson Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Hermanus South Africa: good balance and finish, excellent price for lemon zest and a touch of wood from the added semillon wine. +714212, $13.95, QPR: 90 4. April 30: Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Constantia South Africa: very zesty, overthetop pyrazine tones. You've gotta love sauvignon blanc to love this wine. +590398, $16.95, QPR: 88. 5. April 30: Fairview Sauvignon Blanc 2004 South Africa: basic green and zest tones, rock bottom price, 12% alcohol. +655407, $11.95, QPR: 88. 6. April 30: Casillero del Diablo Viognier 2004 Casablanca Chile: lots of peaches in a fruit bomb of 14% alcohol. Rich, and not a light sipper. +592998, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. April 30: Nativa Chardonnay 2004 Maipo (Vina Carmen) Chile: wild yeast fermentation, organic, beautiful blend of fruit and oak tones. +975219, $17.95, QPR: 91. 8. April 30: Veramonte Chardonnay 2003 Casablanca Chile: voluptuous, succulent, and priced well. +494443, $14.95, QPR: 89. 9. April 30: Craneford Semillon 2002 Barossa Australia: screwcapped, tropical flavours. +651174, $14.95, QPR: 89. 10. April 30: Allimant-Laugner Pinot Blanc 2003 Alsace: juicy but food-related, also a good sipper. +926980, $14.95, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 30: Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2002 Estate Hawkes Bay NZ: more a food wine than a sipper, somewhat meaty. +586081, $17.95, QPR: 88. 2. April 30: Fairview Goat Roti 2003 South Africa: great hit of French syrah-style, could age a bit, 14.5% alcohol. Some viognier has been added. Buy it all!! +943175, $19.95, QPR: 94. 3. April 30: Fairview Shiraz 2001 Paarl South Africa: spicy style with fruit, a mix of shiraz-syrah styles, best with food. +626358, $15.95, QPR: 89. 4. April 30: Kilikanoon Killermans Run Shiraz 2002 Australia: smooth and vibrant fruit. +925453, $18.95, QPR: 89. 5. April 30: Penmara Reserve Shiraz 2002 Australia: intense, extract best with food, 13.5% alcohol. +912782, $18.95, QPR: 93. 6. April 30: Mission Hill Reserve Merlot 2001 Okanagan BC: soft, woody, sipper, intense black fruit. +553313, $19.95, QPR: 88. 7. April 30: Dufouleur Bourgogne Nautes Cotes-de-Nuits Rouge 2002: straightahead MVC for pinot noir in burgundy, drinking well now. +652404, $21.95, QPR: 88. 8. April 30: Chateau Saint Germain 2002 Coteaux du Languedoc: unfiltered, organic, 75% syrah (great fruit hit here), 20% grenache, 14% alcohol, tons of fruit. +718924, $16.95, QPR: 92. 9. May 14: Ascheri Barbera d'Alba Fontanelle 2003: good hefty fruit flavours in this French oaked wine, a bargain in price. +982462, $18.95, QPR: 91. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 30: Fairview Akkerbos Chardonnay 2002 South Africa, +655373, $26.95, fresh wood on the nose but ready for food. On your wine list at $39.99??? 2. April 30: Fairview Jakkals-Fontein Shiraz 2002 South Africa, +655357, $28.95, upfront fruit with mocha tones, ready now, on your wine list at $39.99??? 3. April 30: Kilikanoon Blockas Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Clare Australia, +926790, $31.95, impressive fruity and superripe, only 14.5% alcohol, and on your wine list at $48??? 4. April 30: Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2003 Barossa Australia, +927533, $26.95, fresh and fruity, wood tones and depth, and on your wine list at $39.99??? 5. April 30: Clos du Val Chardonnay 2001 Carberos Napa, +297499, $27.95, old enough to pick up marmalade tones, on your wine list for $39.99??? 6. April 30: Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2002 Barrel Fermented California, +958975, $49.95, a great rich and intense wine for BYOW program, but also on your wine list for $65??? 7. April 30: Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Napa, +325779, $38.95, cassis tones and ready now for a meal, on your wine list for $52??? 8. April 30: Bersano Barolo Nirvasco 1999 Piedmont, +713628, $32.95, drying out nicely now and ready now, on your wine list at $48??? 9. May 14: Dominus Napanook 2001, +703017, $46.95, chocolate Bordeaux- like fruit bomb, ready now, on your wine list for $65??? 10.May 14: CVNE Reserva 2000 Rioja, +652461, $25.95, an affordable bargain for a well-integrated wood and fruit and aged wine, on your wine list at $39.99??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR APRIL 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at Check the 2004 ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 2: Blackstone Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Monterey County: zest shows for MVC, good style, not really California, more cool climate. +586149, $18.95, QPR: 88. 2. April 2: Firestone Vineyard Select Chardonnay Central Coast (Cal.): unbelievably good at this price level (elegance, balance, tropicality, wood tones). +651232, $13.95, QPR: 94. 3. April 2: Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Marlborough NZ: young, vigrant, juicy, zesty finish, screwcap. +734095, $16.95, QPR: 88. 4. April 2: Dornier Donatus White 2003 Stellenbosch SA: 40% aged 4 months in French oak, great sipper or food. +597278, $18.95, QPR: 92. 5. April 2: Cono Sur Reserve Chardonnay 2003 Casablanca: overthetop pineapple, vanilla side of wood, voluptuous, but not with food. +590802, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. April 2: Ruffino Libaio Chardonnay 2003 Tuscany: soft, wooded, nice all-purpose chardonnay.+211441, $13.95, QPR: 88. 7. April 16: Martin Steimer Gewurztraminer 2002 Alsace: off-dry character, full and lush on palate, good gewurz. finish. +709790, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. April 16: Louis Bernard Saint-Peray 2002 Rhone: showing its age (the August 2004 LCBO tasting note no longer applies), very toasty and warm wine. I liked it. +680660, $17.95, QPR: 88. 9. April 16: Castello di Pomino Bianco 2003 Tuscany (Frescobaldi): ripe and distinguished palate, good blend of chardonnay and pinot blanc, excellent with seafood. +65086, $16.95, QPR: 89. 10. April 16: Heartland Viognier/Pinot Gris 2004 South Australia: a great blend, also done in Washington State. Upfront viognier fruit and finishing pinot gris acid. +651364, $17.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 2: Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2003 SEA: a soft sipper, ready to roll. +468629, $19.95, QPR: 88. 2. April 2: Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Mendoza (Catena Zapata): warm, basic sipper. +467944, $13.95, QPR: 89. 3. April 2: Albamar Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Colchagua (Chile): tannic, not yet ready but developing well. +595298, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. April 2: Chateau Merville 2001 Corbieres: peppery nose, good length for food, intense. +654574, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. April 2: Giacosa Bussia Barbera d'Alba 2001: first barbera I've liked in a long time. Fruit, age, slight bitter finish. +592618, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. April 2: Les Salyens Cairanne 2000 Cotes du Rhones Villages: ripe and juicy, almost New World style of G/S/M (grenache, syrah, mourvedre). +652230, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. April 16: Lindemans Reserve Cabernet/Merlot 2002 South Australia: juicy fruit forward but with enough stuffing and finishing acid for food. +584722, $14.95, QPR: 89. 8. April 16: Tinto Arroyo Crianza 1998 Ribera del Duero: a rare find, great value in a Rioja-style wine. Buy it all! +982298, $17.95, QPR: 93. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 2: Bonterra Chardonnay 2003 Mendocino: good length, juicy, succulent, organic. +342436, $19.95, on your list at $34.99??? 2. April 2: Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Napa: unfiltered, ready now, dense but fruit forward. +255513, $39.95, but on your wine list at $54.99??? 3. April 2: Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Napa: juicy, mocha too, ready now, +314575, $29.95, on your list at $44.99???? 4. April 2: Sterling Merlot 2001 Napa: bright and red fruity, drink now, +330241, $28.95, on your list at $43.99??? 5. April 2: Chateau des Erles 2002 Fitou: delicious black fruit (plums, cherries, chocolate), ready of course, +654590, $49.95, on your list at $64.99??? 6. April 2: Devil's Lair Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Margaret River: soft, fruity, minty, +543454, $44.95, on your list at $59.99??? 7. April 2: D'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings Grenache/Shiraz/ Mourvedre 2002 McLaren Vale: great G/S/M, the latest trendy blend in wines, +974816, $47.95, on your list at $59.99??? 8. April 16: Starvedog Lane Chardonnay 2001 South Australia: elegant burgundian style, finish good for food, +651356, $25.95, and on your list at $39.99??? 9. April 16: Leasingham Bin 56 Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Clare Valley: distinguished moouthfeel, balance of mocha and fruit, ready now, +595504, $24.95, and on your list at $39.99??? 10. April 16: Wither Hills Chardonnay 2002 Marlborough: dramatic wood aging but with lots of fruit. +925420, $24.95, on your list at $39.99??? 11. April 16: Domaine du Moulin Granger Sancerre 2002: good elegance, a bit restrained but Euro leader for food wine. +597906, $26.95, but on your list at $39.99??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR MARCH 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. March 5: Angove's Sarnia Farm Chardonnay 2003 Padthaway, South Australia: excellent character (tropicality, dense, wood, price). +469320, $17.95, QPR: 90 2. March 5: Tuatara Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Marlborough New Zealand (Saint Clair): good MVC, off-dry fruit, screwcapped. +713487, $17.95, QPR: 88. 3. March 5: Graham Beck Chardonnay 2003 Robertson South Africa: balanced and light, some cloves on finish. +593475, $15.95, QPR: 89. 4. March 5: Caliterra Arboleda Chardonnay 2003 Casablanca: another good value wine, brimming with tropicality. +606772, $17.95, QPR: 88. 5. March 5: Miguel Torres Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Curico: intense grass and herbs, lily family tones. +177444, $12.95, QPR: 89. 6. March 5: Tuk Tam Oaked Chardonnay 2002 (Bulgaria; Targovishte): no-nonsense, classy clovey fruitcake. +905760, $8.95, QPR: 90. 7. March 19: Heathfield Ridge Reserve Chardonnay 2000 South Aust.: tropical fruit, wood tones, has aged well, off-dry finish, good length. 13.6% alcohol. +961649, $17.95, QPR: 92. 8. March 19: Zonnebloem Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Western Cape: herby and developing well. +651455, $13.95, QPR: 90. 9. March 19: Les Iles Blanches Viognier 2003 Vins du Pays Gard: old world MVC fruit, finish. +594804, $13.95, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mandolin Pinot Noir 2001 California: basic MVC at this price, still plenty of fruit. +590596, $14.95, QPR: 88 2. March 5: Montevina Zinfandel 2000 California: more basic MVC, very enjoyable, aged well already, 14% alcohol. +553065, $12.95, QPR: 88. 3. March 5: Kumeu River Village Merlot 2001 (New Zealand; Brajkovich): screwcapped, some earthiness and leafy character suggests some cabernet franc. +640375, $15.95, QPR: 89. 4. March 5: De Meye Shiraz 2001 Stellenbosch: 14% alcohol, tautly wound flavours but strong and gutsy. +701334, $16.95, QPR: 89. 5. March 5: Errazuriz Estate Carmenere 2003 Aconcagua: dynamite fruit bomb, dense, plus and lush length. Merlot side of carmenere. Buy it all up....+905430, $16.95, QPR: 94. 6. March 5: Domaine du Vieux Manoir de Marasan 2003 Cotes du Rhone: lovely tones, off-dry finish. +744896, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. March 5: Vivaio dei Barbi Morellino di Scansano 2000 (Tuscany; Barbi): more fruity than many sangiovese wines, sweet cherries. +720177, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. March 5: Conte Loredan Gasparini Falconera Rosso 2001 Veneto: good cab family flavours, drink now. +608463, $16.95, QPR: 93 9. March 19: Bogle Petite Sirah 2002 California: fruit-forward tautness, ideal with food. +982504, $19.95, QPR: 89. 10. March 19: Delheim Shiraz 2002 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: very Rhonish, well-aged, ready. +959080, $18.95, QPR: 90. 11. March 19: Chilcas Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2002 Maule: dense, taut, ready soon, affordable. +590778, $12.95, QPR: 91. 12. March 19: Likan Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Maule (Concha y Toro): organic wine, good fruity flavours. +713909, $12.95, QPR: 91. 13. March 19: Vina Casa Rivas Merlot Reserva 2002 Maipo: off-dry, fruit bomb, soft, velvet sipper. +590786, $15.95, QPR: 90. 14. March 19: Boscaini Santo Stefano Vino Ripasso 1998 Veneto: ripe, dense, FINAL VINTAGE. Buy it all. +476127, $15.95, QPR: 91. RESTAURANT READY WINES: to markup $15 or consumers to BYOW! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. March 5: St.Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Sonoma (+421990, $29.95): generous flavours, well-balanced, value wine. 2. March 5: Villa Maria Cellar Selection Chardonnay 2003 (+651778, $21.95): screwcaped elegance, a great addition to your list. 3. March 5: Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2003 Marlborough New Zealand (+989772, $23.95): rich, firm, great intensity. 4. March 5: Graham Beck The William 2000 Western Cape (+593467, $22.95): spiffy blend of cabernets (70%) and pinotage (30%). 5. March 5: Chateau Du Cray Montagney 1er cru 2000 Buxy (+597765, $22.95): fruity, fragrant, but very French. Good depth, approachable. 6. March 5: Gianni Gagliardo Barolo 1998 (+713602, $56.95): mocha and cherries, obviously ready now. 7. March 5: Quinta de Roriz Reserva 2001 Douro (+652065, $35.95): fruit-forward, North American style, lots of body and warmth. 8. March 5: Montecillo Gran Reserva 1995 Rioja (+239277, $31.95): ripe fruit, ready now, great wine for restaurant dining. 9. March 19: Simi Merlot 2002 Sonoma (+678367, $28.95): voluptuous fruit bomb, quiet sipping in resto. 10. March 19: Belle Glos Pinot Noir 2002 Santa Maria Vly Caymus (+652883, $48.95): 14.4% alcohol, complex wine but ready now. 11. March 19: Rosenblum Oakley Vineyards Zinfandel 2002 Contra Costa (+747493, $24.95): 13.8% alcohol, off-dry, juicy, and suprisingly ready. 12. March 19: Katnook Estate Chardonnay 2001 Coonawarra (+734830, $24.95): brimming with butter and toast, sip at a resto. TO: MY CLIENTS, TRADE COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES, LCBO WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR FEBRUARY 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at Check the 2004 ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Feb 5: Saint-Romain 2002 (Verget): juicy, sip quality, less acid than expected, but useful. +652040, $29.95, QPR: 89. 2. Feb 5: Tokay Pinot Gris (Alsace; Geiler): full and voluptuous, with a feel of residual sweetness. +641605, $18.95, QPR: 88. 3. Feb 19: Chardonnay 2002 Monterey (Blackstone): basic California fruit and yummyness, good price. +994509, $16.95, QPR: 88. 4. Feb 19: Chardonnay 2002 Glazebrook (Hawkes Bay; Ngatarawa): tropical fruit, dense wood tones, charry finish. +966861, $19.95, QPR: 89. 5. Feb 19: Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Whitecliff (Hawkes Bay; Sacred Hill): fresh, clean, fruity, affordable screwcapped wine, with good balance of fruit and herbs. +651802, $14.95, QPR: 89. 6. Feb 19: Viognier 2003 Paarl (Fairview): full viognier MVC lush consistency, partially fermented in French oak for added complexity. +906487, $19.95, QPR: 91. 7. Feb 19: Muscat Ottonel 2003 Balaton (Hungary; St.Donatus): off- dry muscat MVC, best with food, value. +608497, $10.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Feb 5: Saumur Rouge 2002 (Chateau de Breze): affordable hit of both cabernets, light enough for lunches. +590554, $14.95, QPR: 88 2. Feb 5: Bourgogne 2002 (P.Rion): terrific value for basic burgundy with all the pinot noir MVC in place. +650630, $25.95, QPR: 89. 3. Feb 5: Domaine de L'Attilon 2003 Caladoc (VdP Bouches du Rhone): soft, fruity, sip or food, good organic wine quality, best at lunches. +964775, $11.95, QPR: 90. 4. Feb 5: Chateau de Gourgazaud Reserve 2001 (Minervois): another soft and fruity wine, with stiffer finishing acids for food. +986083, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Feb 5: Devois des Agneaux d'Aumelas 2000 (Coteaux du Languedoc): with a year in new oak, fruit-driven, mostly syrah. Another plush and lush wine. +979427, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Feb 5: Chateau de Cruscades 2000 (Corbieres): traditional style, plenty of underbrush and mushrooms. Food, +696021, $14.95, QPR: 88. 7. Feb 5: Mourvedre 2001 Les Jamelles (VdeP d'Oc): an okay soft sipper, taking on the New World markets. +738237, $11.95, QPR: 89. 8. Feb 19: Marechal Foch 2002 (Niagara; Thomas & Vaughan): rich black fruit shows, value priced. +585968, $14.95, QPR: 88. 9. Feb 19: Cabernet Franc 1999 (Niagara; Chateau des Charmes): good franc detail (leafy, a bit green, and/or vegetal in the finest sense), good tannic finish, needs time and food. +277236, $18.95, QPR: 93. 10. Feb 19: Zinfandel 2001 Old Vine (Amador; Ravenswood): 14.5% alcohol, full, ripe and delicious, needing food. +732503, $23.95, QPR: 91. 11. Feb 19: Laureat 2002 (Stellenbosch; Zonnebloem): label says made from cabernet sauvignon and merlot, 9 months French oak, still needs a bit of time and also some food. +651422, $14.95, QPR: 89. 12. Feb 19: Goats do Roam in Villages Red 2003 Paarl (Fairview): ripe, very juicy syrah, and new oak. +566851, $14.95, QPR: 90. 13. Feb 19: Trumpeter Malbec 2002 (Mendoza; Rutini): rural, rustic nose, good body and development, food. +711705, $13.95, QPR: 89. 14. Feb 19: Pinot Noir 2002 (Oregon; Firesteed): soft warm and very friendly, sorry it had to miss Valentine's Day! +361782, $18.95, QPR: 88. THE LOW OR TEN DOLLAR MARKUP: restaurant-ready wines and/or BYOW ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Feb 5: Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot-Clos Pitois 1er Cru 2002 (R.Belland, +694075, $39.95) is a blockbuster of fruit at this price. Plush and lush, and on your wine list at $49.95??? 2. Feb 5: Santenay 2002 (Drouhin, +592873, $27.95) is ready now, with great acid in the finish for food. On your wine list at $39.95??? 3. Feb 5: Chateau Yon-Tour-Figeac 1998 (St.Emilion Grand Cru Classe, +593715, $29.95) is light in texture but mature enough for current consumption. On your wine list at $39.95??? 4. Feb 5: Les Pagodes de Cos 2001 (St.Estephe, +643676, $44.95) is a rare opportunity to try a "second wine" that is currently drinking well, restaurant-friendly and all that. Excellent flesh and dense quality, but a softer finish. On your wine list at $59.95??? 5. Feb 5: Crozes-Hermitage 2001 Domaine de Thalbert (Jaboulet, +978593, $17.95 half bottle) is good value in a Northern Rhone at this bottle size. All syrah and all goodness, on your list at $25??? 6. Feb 19: Chardonnay 2002 (California; Hess, +986778, $19.95> has been carefully blended as an all-purpose sipping or food wine, ideal for restaurants. 13.5% alcohol. On your wine list at $29.95??? 7. Feb 19: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (Sonoma, Dry Creek Vyds, +642207, $24.95) soft and chocolate-y, more merlotish, but on your wine list at $35???? 8. Feb 19: Black Label Claret 2002 (California, Francis Coppola Diamond series, +521021, $29.95) is sure to be a winner, ripe fruit begs for consumption, ready now. On your wine list at $39??? 9. Feb 19: Merlot 2000 (Coonawarra, Katnook, +718528, $29.95) is another fast maturing, ripe, well-aged, and ready to drink wine. Needs food. On your wine list at $39??? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR JANUARY 2005 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at Check the 2004 ARCHIVES ! Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jan 8: Chardonnay 2003 Burrowing Owl Vyd (Okanagan; Sandhill): elegant, slightly burgundian style but ripe, quality sipper or food. +541193, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Jan 8: Tokay Pinot Gris 2002 (Alsace; W. Gisselbrecht): good fruitiness to the finish, splendid with food. +641597, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Jan 22: Sauvignon Blanc Rserva 2003 Casablanca (Chilensis): great depth and without the herby zest, 13% alcohol, good price. +590752, $11.95, QPR: 91. 4. Jan 22: Chardonnay 2000 St.David's Bench (Niagara; Chat.des Charmes): classic styling, with predominant balance of oak and fruit showing well, slight tropicality. +430991, $19.95, QPR: 88. 5. Jan 22: Chardonnay 2001 Grand Estates Columbia Valley (Washington Columbia Crest): fruit and oak driven, long finish, food or sip, quite good for a commercial wine. +366542, $19.95, QPR: 88. 6. Jan 22: Gruner Veltliner 2002 Ried Oberfeld Kremstal (Austria; Dr.Unger): more fruit driven than other gruners, zesty finish rather than acidic. +951756, $16.95, QPR: 88. 7. Jan 22: Gewurztraminer Halbtrocken 2003 (Rheinhessen; Rappenhof): typical MVC but minus the bitter finish, better as a sipper with its medium finish. Value priced. +597898, $13.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jan 8: Nativa Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Maipo (Vina Carmen): good length and development, lots of fruit, but weighty bottle defeats the spirit of its "organic wine" nature. +975359, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Jan 8: Escudo Rojo 2002 Maipo (Rothschild): 14% alcohol, good fruit and length in a bordeaux-styling, sip or food. Low yield cabernets and carmenere in the blend, 1 year French oak. Price has dropped since last entry in Ontario. +590331, $18.95, QPR: 92. 3. Jan 8: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2002 Colchagua (Chile; Mont Gras): definite Euro-style, tannins, cedar on finish, food needed. +432971, $13.95, QPR: 88 4. Jan 8: Shiraz 2001 Hunter Valley (Arrowfield): better as a food wine, and needs more time. +597583, $16.95, QPR: 88. 5. Jan 8: Campo Solin 2001 Valpolicella Ripasso (Corte Rosso): soft tones, dense richness, more a sipper than a fooder wine. Full, 13.5% alcohol. +650713, $11.95, QPR: 90. 6. Jan 22: Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 El Dorado (California; Jodar): where's this one been hiding? you should buy what you can at this price level and drink it up soon as it has been properly aged. Nice resolved fruit, and 13.9% alcohol. +652958, $14.95, QPR: 92. 7. Jan 22: Shiraz 2002 dB Riverina New South Wales (De Bortoli): bright flavours, 13.5% alcohol, value. +595314, $12.95, QPOR: 88. 8. Jan 22: Syrah Reserva 2003 San Rafael (Chilensis): another quality value wine, slight underbrush. +590745, $11.95, QPR: 91. 9. Jan 22: Syrah 2003 Porcupine Ridge (South Africa; Boekenhoutskloof): great syrah nose and palate, Euro-style in complexity, yet finishes off-dry with 14% alcohol. Snap it up. +595280, $12.95, QPR: 94. 10. Jan 22: Melnik 2002 Uniquato (Bulgaria; Damianitza): deep, dark and delicious, suprisingly good, even better with food. +608844, $11.95, QPR: 88. 11. Jan 22: Maiana 2001 Salice Salentino (Leone de Castris): dense, concentrated dried fruit, best with food, value. +717959, $12.95, QPR: 89. 12. Jan 22: Jose de Sousa 2000 Alentejano (Fonseca): mouth-filling fruit, mushrooms, fruity length. +396689, $13.95, QPR: 88. 13. Jan 22: Tinta Roriz/Merlot 2003 Estremadura (DJF Vinhos): 14% alcohol, a lot of chocolate and plums here (50/50 tempranillo and merlot). +725853, $14.95, QPR: 88. THE LOW OR TEN DOLLAR MARKUP: restaurant-ready wines or BYOW ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jan 8: Chablis 1er cru 2002 Montmains (Dom.J-M Brocard) was all mouthfilling on the palate, good quality at this price level. +983882, $31.95, and on your restaurant wine list at $42?? 2. Jan 8: Riesling Spatlese 1998 Bacharacher Wolfshohle (Mades) is well-aged, slightly honeyed, showing beautifully right now. +597484, $22.95, and on your restaurant wine list at $34?? 3. Jan 8: Chateau Le Menaudat 1998 Premieres Cotes de Blaye Cuvee Reservee (Cruse) is a hard value to beat at this price level, aging very well with tobbaco, cedar, and the other usual, although slightly muted, Bordeaux flavours. +950543, $17.95, and on your restaurant's wine list for a mere $28?? 4. Jan 8: Bourgogne Rouse 2001 Vieilles Vignes Maison Bieu (Potel) is another charming rich and ripe value, food-driven, and with a classic aged nose, fast-maturing. +692749, $25.95, but on your restaurant wine list at $36?? 5. Jan 22: Ornellaia 2001 (Tuscany) was one of the great SuperTuscans until it got its own DOC. Balance of overwhelming black fruit and oak, and over-priced for our market. +722470, $159.95, but give your diners a treat and list it only for Valentine's Day at $170?? 6. Jan 22: Sedara 2002 IGT Sicily (Donnafugata) is from nero d'avola grapes, terrific with hearty food. The half-bottle is especially recommended (+692483, $7.95) for ease of selling to diners; on your list at $13-15?? WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES EDITION) FOR DECEMBER 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or My tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Dec 4: Gewurztraminer 2003 Proprietors Reserve VQA (Okanagan, BC; Jackson-Triggs Okanagan): 13.7% alcohol, more an off-dry wine to sip, light gewurz tones...+678243, $11.95, QPR: 88. 2. Dec 4: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Marlborough (Grove Mill): tastes substantial on the palate, value. +677245, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Dec 4: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Marlborough (Kim Crawford): screw cap, more delicate than previous year. +975672, $19.95, QPR: 88. 4. Dec 4: Chardonnay 2002 (Paarl, SA; Glen Carlou): 14% alcohol, full, ripe, but with engaging finish. +589879, $18.95, QPR: 91. 5. Dec 4: Viognier 2002 Domaine des Aspes (D'Oc; Vignobles Roger): fragrant, fruity, good length for food. +712638, $16.95, QPR: 88. 6. Dec 4: Perrin Reserve Blanc 2003 (Cotes du Rhone): decently priced food white. +499509, $13.95, QPR: 88. 7. Dec 4: Bollini Chardonnay 2003 Barricato 40 (Trentino, Italy; Empson): a bit of everything on palate, all purpose food wine. +987503, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Dec 4: Gran Vina Sol Chardonnay 2002 (Penedes; Torres): 15% parellada added, very good wood tones, extremely fine value. +64774, $13.95, QPR: 92. 9. Dec 18: Special Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (Robertson, SA; Springfield): over-the-top MVC for sauvignon blanc, one for the diehard fans. +589689, $19.95, QPR: 92. 10. Dec 18: Riesling Kabinett 2002 Hattenheimer (Rheingau; Balthasar Ress): well-developed flavours of fruit and flowers, longish length for food. +735241, $16.95, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Dec 4: Cabernet/Merlot 1999 VQA (Niagara; Chat.des Charmes): depth and complexity, needing time. +222372, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Dec 4: Merlot Reserve 2001 Okanagan (Mission Hill): dominating wood on nose, feels more franc than merlot+553313, $14.95, QPR: 91 3. Dec 4: Zinfandel 2002 Ancient Vines (California; Cline): old style, clovey from wood? +719211, $24.95, QPR: 88. 4. Dec 4: Syrah 2001 Columbia Valley (Washington State; Chat.Ste. Michelle): yummy, but tannic finish needs food. +949651, $19.95, QPR: 88. 5. Dec 4: Scrubby Rise 2002 (South Australia; Wirra Wirra): 14.5% alcohol, tannic fruit monster, needs time.+677088, $16.95, QPR: 88 6. Dec 4: Shiraz 2001 Barossa (Yalumba): voluptuous, 14% alcohol, spices, dark fruit, great price. +524926, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. Dec 4: Chateau Moulin de Soubeyran 2000 Haut-Medoc: North Am. style with chocolate and black fruit. +689216, $29.95, QPR: 91. 8. Dec 4: Chateau Rozier 2000 St.Emilion Grand Cru (Saby): fruit- forward goodness, ready soon. +680116, $33.95, QPR: 90. 9. Dec 4: Chinon Les Morinieres 2003 (Loire; Mellot): full, rich flavours, low leafy franc levels. +693994, $14.95, QPR: 89. 10. Dec 4: Les Meysonniers 2001 Crozes-Hermitage (Chapoutier): generous wine, ready soon, good price. +972281, $23.95, QPR: 89. 11. Dec 4: Pinot Noir Reserve 1999 Pietroasa (Romania; Bachus): very good value for a New World style wine, vaguely reminiscent of pinot noir. +608869, $10.95, QPR: 90. 12. Dec 18: Don Nicanor 2001 Mendoza (Nieto Senetiner): soft, very forward and approachable, yr French oak. +640938, $16.95, QPR: 89. 13. Dec 18: Merlot Reserva 2001 Laura Hartwig (Chile; Santa Laura): 15% alcohol, French oak for a year, all the black fruit you can handle. "Tell Laura I love her". +640946, $15.95, QPR: 93. 14. Dec 18: Chateau Paul Mas 2002 Clos des Mures (D'Oc): ripe and rich syrah tones, ready now, affordable. +642546, $19.95, QPR: 89. THE LOW OR TEN DOLLAR MARKUP: restaurant-ready wines or BYOW ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Dec 4: Chardonnay 2002 Overlook (Sonoma/Monterey/Santa Barbara; Landmark, +356501, $37.95) showed intense chardonnay fruit and balanced wood. On your list at $48? 2. Dec 4: Conundrum 2002 California (Caymus, +929992, $36.95) is a fragrant, off-dry wine from SauvBl, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat Canelli, with name recognition. On your list at $48? 3. Dec 4: Pomino Benefizio 2002 (Frescobaldi, +332247, $29.95) is a heavily oaked chardonnay plus pinot bianco, great label, great producer, and on your list at $39? 4. Dec 4: Merlot 2000 Sonoma (Rodney Strong, +497933, $24.95) has over a year of US barrel aging, soft, fruity, integrated, and ready now. On your list at $35? 5. Dec 4: Chateau Duluc 1996 St.Julien (+620369, $47.95) is the second label of Chat.Branaire Ducru, and immediately commands your attention, ready now. On your list at $58? 6. Dec 4: Pomino Rosso 2001 (Tuscany; Frescobaldi, +939223, $29.95) is a value-driven "superTuscan" but DOC since it allows Bordeaux family grapes. Ready now, fruity. On your list at $39? 7. Dec 18: Chardonnay 2002 Napa (Chat.Montelena, +701748, $47.95) has crisp green apples, lemons galore, really long length, and on your list at $59? 8. Dec 18: Barbaresco 1996 (Prod. del Barbaresco, +708826, $29.95) has prematurely aged, but drying out nicely, ready now. On your list at $39? TO: MY CLIENTS, TRADE COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES, LCBO WORLD WINE WATCH FOR NOVEMBER 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing, Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Note: after two months of many good wines, offers from Vintages in November 2004 seem to have declined in overall quality; thus, fewer wines are reviewed. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov 6: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Nelson (New Zealand; Waimea): good grassy hit from nose to final palate, long zesty finish. +714295, $19.95, QPR: 88. 2. Nov 6: Riesling Spatlese 1997 Erbacher Marcobrunn (Rheingau; Schloss Schonborn): hard to beat this bargain in an off-sweet wine, with an emphasis on peaches, thick body, and engagingly long finish. +960500, $22.95, QPR: 89. 3. Nov 6: La Segreta Bianco 2003 (Sicily; Planeta): good blend of international varietals (chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier) with local grecanico. Food or sip, North American style of bright flavours, North American price. +581546, $16.95, QPR: 88. 4. Nov 20: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Stellenbosch (Uitkyk): hard to believe the price, but all the sauvignon blanc MVC is here plus some off-dry California tones. Trendy area, trendy grape... +650317, $11.95, QPR: 92. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov 6: Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Margaret River (Australia; Ring bolt): French oak, 14.5% alcohol, needs time, but fruit is showing well at this point. Mocha and oak need resolution. +606624, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Nov 6: Clos de Los Sete 2002 Mendoza (Monteviejo): soft and fruity, with a large chunk of merlot in it, definite North American style, almost Christmas cake. A designer wine: "by Michel Rolland" appears on the front label. +622571, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Nov 6: St-Emilion 2000 (J-P Moueix): a year older, a year better, as this one returns. +979955, $21.95, QPR: 89. 4. Nov 6: Les Grands Augustins 2003 (d'Oc; Tardieu-Laurent): mostly syrah grape in flavours, good MVC, North American chunkiness, somewhat tight finish. +971341, $18.95, QPR: 88. 5. Nov 6: Castiglioni 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Tuscany; Frescobaldi): more black fruit and floral tones, a bit stiff in the mid-palate, and puckers at the finish. Give it another year, maybe Christmas 2005....+974394, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Nov 6: Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2001 Ripassa (Zenato): another returnee, dense and chunky, good value for its cocoa and fruitcake dried fruit complexity. +479766, $23.95, QPR: 88. 7. Nov 6: Marques de Murrieta Riserva 1999 (Rioja): good balance and integration between vanilla and spices and tempranillo grapes. +982322, $27.95, QPR: 88. 8. Nov 6: Baco Noir Reserve 2002 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): very much a dynamite wine, explosive with flavours on the palate. Oak and fruit already in balance, long finish. A heavy wine. US oak. +461699, $24.95, QPR: 89. 9. Nov 20: Chianti Colli Fiorentini 2002 (Sam Michele a Torri): great flavours and aromas for an organic wine; otherwise a typical chianti albeit with some stuffing. +900258, $16.95, QPR: 88. 10. Nov 20: Casa de Santar Tinto Superior 2001 (Dao, Portugal): black fruit with some leafiness, a bit tight but should open with decanting, afforable pleasure, food wine. +608471, $15.95, QPR: 88. 11. Nov 20: Periquita Classico 1995 (Portugal; Fonseca): good price for an older wine, brimming with flavours, chosen from selected barrels, based on the cabernet franc grape. +726679, $26.95, QPR: 89. 12. Nov 20: Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Trifilia (Greece; Dom. Dereskos): ripe and chunky, some cherries and syrah tones in the cabernet. +608802, $14.95, QPR: 88. THE LOW OR TEN DOLLAR MARKUP: restaurant-ready wines or BYOW ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov 6: Meursault 2002 (Charton et Trebuchet) at $49.95 gives great toasty value (+350827). Suggested markup to $59.95. 2. Nov 6: Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001 Cuvee du Baron Chat. Fortia from Baron le Roy de Boiseaumarie offers tremendous value in a traditi- onal robust southern Rhone, especially the half-bottle at only $18.95 (+640482). Suggested markup to $25. 3. Nov 6: Mas La Plana 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Penedes from Torres has stuffing and black fruit and mocha tones. (+617456, $39.95). Suggested markup to $49.95. 4. Nov 20: Bourgogne Chardonnay (Jadot) is now available in half- bottles, at $10.95 (+598144). Suggested markup to $16.95. 5. Nov 20: San Vincenzo 2003 Veneto (Anselmi) is here in a half- bottle, at $8.95 (+705061). One of the fine food wines from the Veneto, suggested markup to $14.95. 6. Nov 20: Merlot 2001 Napa Valley (Rutherford) is also here in half-bottles, at $17.95 (+948935). Suggested markup to $25. 7. Nov 20: Chateau Lanessan 1995 from the Haut-Medoc is another restaurant-ready wine, looking good now. +598011, $36.95 but on your wine list at $46.95 ?? WORLD WINE WATCH FOR OCTOBER 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing, Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: My usual pithy comments are even more terse, because I have to cover 32 wines in two pages. No ISDs. This LCBO release is huge. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Oct. 9: Torre di Giano 2003 (Umbria; Lungarotti): full flavours, rich on palate, great value price point. +49205, $9.95, QPR: 89. 2. Oct. 9: Chardonnay Reserve 2000 (South Australia; Heathfield Ridge): one for the woodies, initially overwhelms the fruit until you get used to it. +961649, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Oct. 9: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (Marlborough, NZ; West Brook): nicely done, all the elements are there. +985994, $18.95, QPR: 88. 4. Oct. 9: Saint-Bris 2003 (La Chablisienne): latest AOC granted in Burgundy, but to sauvignon blanc production. Good tang and finish, zesty gooseberry style. +641753, $15.95, QPR: 88. 5. Oct. 9: Vouvray Sec 2001 (Brisebare): very good flavours of underbrush and forest smells (honey). +715185, $16.95, QPR: 88. 6. Oct. 9: Riesling 2002 Ockfener Bockstein (Mosel; St.Urbans-Hof): off-dry, good finish, excellent price. +945535, $16.95, QPR: 89. 7. Oct. 23: Chardonnay 2002 (Okanagan; Tinhorn Creek): 13.9%, zesty elegant, creamy, vanilla and spices. +677302, $16.75, QPR: 89. 8. Oct. 23: Chardonnay 2000 (Central Coast, Cal.; Calera): 14%, ripe and aging well, excellent price. +713313, $19.95, QPR: 90. 9. Oct. 23: Pinot Gris 2001 (Willamette; Eyrie): juicy, off-dry finish, goes by itself or with food. +717421, $21.95, QPR: 90. 10. Oct. 23: Chardonnay 2003 Reserva (Lontue, Chile; Castillo de Molina, Vina San Pedro): one of the best all-round chardonnays of this year (balance, MVC, integration). Buy it all, but do leave some for me, please. +391029, $13.95, QPR: 93. 11. Oct. 23: Muscat 2002 (Alsace; Dom. Martin Zahn): delicious, but without the body nor bitterness of gewurz. +695932, $16.95, QPR: 89. 12. Oct. 23: Casina Pinot Grigio 2003 IGT (Veneto; La Prendina): good dry finish, earthy tones, anise. +9944624, $12.95, QPR: 88. 13. Oct. 23: San Vincenzo 2003 (Veneto; Roberto Anselmi): excellent body, full, ripe, IGT designation. +948158, $15.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Oct. 9: Merlot 2003 Reserva (Rapel; Casa Lapostolle): vague flowers and spices, some dry dust. +405712, $15.95, QPR: 88. 2. Oct. 9: Toasted Head Merlot 2001 (California; R.H.Phillips): fairly aggressive for a merlot, hot alcohol finish (13.5%), needs time. But toasty, of course...+969816, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Oct. 9: Old Vine Shiraz 2002 (Australia; Normans): 14% alcohol, cross-country blend succeeds in balance. +678284, $19.95, QPR: 92. 4. Oct. 9: Shiraz 2002 (Barossa; Mountadam): dynamite fruit, explodes with pepper, US and French oak used. +597385, $21.95, QPR: 94. 5. Oct. 9: Shiraz/Viognier 2000 (Yarra, Vic.; Yering Station): delicious fragrant fruit, off-dry finish.+597351, $20.95, QPR: 88. 6. Oct. 9: Shiraz 2003 Organic Terroir (Western Cape, SA; Sonop): good, lively flavours. Organic. +999961, $14.95, QPR: 88. 7. Oct. 9: Shiraz 2001 (Paarl; Fairview): delicious shiraz component but need another year, 14% alcohol.+626358, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. Oct. 9: Cote de Nuits-Villages 2001 Le Vaucrain (Daniel Rion): traditionally made and tastes traditional. +715045,$31.95,QPR: 88 9. Oct. 9: Castillo Perelada Tinto Crianza 2001 (Emporda-Costa Brava, Spain): delicious fruit of grenache and carignan grapes, spices from US and French oak. +699686, $14.95, QPR: 88. 10. Oct. 9: Gran Feudo Reserva 1998 (Navarra; Bod. Chivite): oak and vanilla plus cabernet tones and feel, small Allier and US oaks used. Great long finish. Buy it all.+479014, $13.95, QPR: 94. 11. Oct. 23: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (Central Coast, Cal; Jekel): not Monterey this time, but more approachable and still dense and chunky. 13.6% alcohol.+967893, $19.95, QPR: 88. 12. Oct. 23: Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Riverland; Pennyfield): good balance, but not with fish, please. +641001, $17.95, QPR: 89. 13. Oct. 23: Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Black Label (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Esk Valley Estate): screwcapped, fruity but strong flavours, dense wine, long finish. +700617, $19.95, QPR: 89. 14. Oct. 23: Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Crios de Susana Balbo (Mendoza; Dominio del Plata): bacon tones, maybe some brett? more syrah in flavour than cabernet. +640979, $13.95, QPR: 88. 15. Oct. 23: Chateau Saint Bonnet 1996 (Medoc): nicely aged Medoc. Buy it all, for a modestly-priced treat. +692798, $19.95, QPR: 91. 16. Oct. 23: Cannonau di Sardegna 2002 Le Bombarde (Campania; Santa Maria La Palma): ripe, juicy, full, harmonious, decently priced food wine with a slight edge on finish. +712315, $14.95, QPR: 88. 17. Oct. 23: Rosso Piceno Superiore 2001 Le Torri (Marche; Tenuta Cocci Grifoni): 13% alcohol, nice sangiovese blend with some class (not coarse). Good value. +994863, $15.95, QPR: 89. 18. Oct. 23: Fortius Crianz 1999 (Navarra; Bod. Valcarlos): well- aged, good fruit and balance, buy it all. +994434, $13.95, QPR: 92. 19. Oct. 23: Marques de Grinon Coleccion Personal Reserva 1999 (Rioja): definite Bordeaux style (cedar, tobacco, cassis), good wood, and nicely aged. +711226, $24.95, QPR: 89. TO: MY CLIENTS, TRADE COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES, LCBO WORLD WINE WATCH FOR SEPTEMBER 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing, Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). NOTE: My usual pithy comments are even more terse, because I have to cover 31 wines in two pages. No ISDs. This LCBO release is huge. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sept. 4; Chardonnay 2002 Glass Mountain (California; Markham): classic basic California chardonnay. +533208, $15.95, QPR: 88. 2.Sept. 4: Chardonnay Reserve 2002 (Western Australia; Goundrey): wood and fruit tones, some succulence. +606889, $19.95, QPR: 88. 3. Sept. 4: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Pencarrow (Martinborough, NZ): screwcap, tamed NZ version. +738997, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4. Sept. 4: Chardonnay 2003 Trio (Casablanca, Chile; Concha y Toro): unwooded, fruity, long follow through. +433938, $12.95, QPR: 88. 5. Sept. 4: Touraine Azay-Le-Rideau 2002 (Loire; Pascal Pibaleau): fabulous fruit, long dry finish. +950766, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Sept. 4: Riesling Kabinett 2002 Johannisberg V (Rheingau; JohannishofJ. Eser): fruity palate, fresh, and substantial finish. +699926, $21.95, QPR: 88. 7. Sept. 4: Chardonnay 2002 Proprietor's Grand Reserve (Niagara; Jackson-Triggs): good oaking and balance of fruit for the price. +593996, $18.95, QPR: 88. 8. Sept. 4: Off-Dry Reserve Riesling 2003 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): delightful, floral and fresh, but why no screwtap? +557165, $14.95, QPR: 89. 9. Sept. 4: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (Niagara; Peninsula Ridge): one of the best in Ontario, intense zesty NZ style, herbs and bell peppers. Long finish. +592303, $18.95, QPR: 94. 10. Sept. 18: Colombar/Chardonnay 2003 Firefinch (South Africa; Springfield Estate): a quaffer or first course wine, best with food, priced to go. +704437, $10.95, QPR:88. 11. Sept. 18: Chat.de la Jaubertie (Bergerac): light wine for the patio, sauvignon blanc blend works well. +737957, $12.95, QPR: 88. 12. Sept. 18: Riesling Selection 2001 (Hungary; Dom.Szeremley): lacks concentration but strong finish. +692723, $10.95, QPR: 88. 13. Sept. 18: Tocai Friulano 2003 (Friuli; Cant.Prod.Cormons): refreshing, zesty, pick-me-up. +627018, $14.95, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sept. 4: Meritage 2001 Proprietors Reserve (Okanagan; Jackson- Triggs): best value of the month, loaded with sweet goodies of dark fruit and wood tones, chocolate. +643502, $17.95, QPR: 94. 2. Sept. 4: Old Vines Zinfandel 2000 Sonoma (Sebastiani): 13.8% alcohol, decent stuffing, very fruity. +599902, $23.95, QPR: 90. 3. Sept. 4: Stonemason Shiraz 2001 (South Australia; Ballast Stone): off-dry palate, lots of fruit, good finish +995621, $14.95,QPR: 88. 4. Sept. 4; Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Cathedral Cellars (South Africa; KWV): 13.5% alcohol, always a great wine at this pricepoint. +328567, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Sept. 4: Goats do Roam Red 2002 (Western Cape, SA; Fairview): suave, fruity, BBQ, priced to go. +718940, $11.95, QPR: 89. 6. Sept. 4: Shiraz 2002 (Central Coast, SA; Graham Beck): second best red wine this month, 15% alcohol, spicy nutty side of shiraz (plus fruit, of course). +607796, $17.95, QPR: 93. 7. Sept. 4: Merlot 2002 Trio (Rapel, Chile; Concha y Toro): full, ripe and ready now. 13.5% +433920, $13.95, QPR: 90. 8. Sept. 4: Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Reserva (Colchagua, Chile; Casa Silva): surprisingly soft, but with a French feel. 14% alcohol. Ready now, good value. +619734, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. Sept. 4: Crozes-Hermitage 2001 Les Launes (Delas Freres): lots of syrah flavours, and a finish. +701359, $22.95, QPR: 90. 10. Sept. 4: Domaine de Grangeneuve 2001 Vieilles Vignes (Coteaux du Tricastin; O & H Bour): smoky, toasty syrah tones, black fruit and the usual chocolate. +988451, $15.95, QPR: 88. 11. Sept. 4: Chateau Valcombe Signature Rouge 2001 (Cotes du Ventoux; Paul Jeune): jammy, lush and full on the palate. Good value for price. +620344, $16.95, QPR: 90. 12. Sept. 4: Taja Reserva 1998 (Jumilla, Spaine; Mahler-Besse): 13.5%, definite food wine, mature now. +243329, $12.95, QPR: 90. 13. Sept. 18: Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Grand Estates Columbia Valley (Washington State; Columbia Crest): soft fruit, lush and plush, staying power with finishing tannins. +240093, $19.95, QPR: 90. 14. Sept. 18: The Wolftrap 2003 (South Africa; Boekenhoutskloof): off-dry palate, good cab-pinotage blend. +626333, $13.95, QPR: 88. 15. Sept. 18: Malbec 2002 (Mendoza; Altos Las Hormigas): ripe and full, fruity, no taut finish, sipper. +640490, $13.95, QPR: 88. 16. Sept. 18: Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2002 (Maipo; Sur Andino): substantial wine, ripe fruit, not particularly syrah in flavour (75% syrah). +693895, $14.95, QPR: 88. 17. Sept. 18: Don Camillo Farnese 2002 Sangiovese IGT (Abruzzi; Vini Farnese): dense, chewy, fruit-forward but needs time, 13% alcohol. +643189, $14.95, QPR: 88. 18. Sept. 18: Lamanero 2000 Primitivo IGT (Puglia; Ten.Trefontane Nicola Castellaneta): loaded with dried fruit tones, 15% alcohol, good collection of cooked flavours. +996041, $17.95, QPR: 92. TO: MY CLIENTS, TRADE COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES, LCBO WORLD WINE WATCH FOR AUGUST 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing, Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Musque 2002 (Niagara; Ch.des Charmes): good value in a quality summer sipper plus food wine, long finish of melons and apples. +640516, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Pinot Gris 2003 Twenty Valley (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): nose of perfume but full body, plush and lush style, sipper. +640417, $14.95, QPR: 88. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): grassy but not as blowsy or zesty as NZ, full bodied sipper or first course wine. +430546, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Chardonnay 2001 Tintara (South Australia; Hardy): seems to have had its power diminished over the past two vintages, but still a broad balance of fruit-wood-acid. +985358, $20.95, QPR: 88. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Nelson (NZ; Seifried): screw cap, tasty herbs and grassiness. +957670, $18.95, QPR: 88. 6. Chardonnay 2001 Vision (Casablanca; Vina Cono Sur): toast and fruit are developing well, 13.5% alcohol. +928564, $16.95,QPR: 90. 7. Viognier 2002 Vision (Colchagua; Vina Cono Sur): rich, full, ripe and voluptuous, sipper or first course wine. Delicious. +671131, $16.95, QPR: 92. 8. Muskat Ottonel 2002 (Austria; Moorhof): like a gewurztraminer but without the bitter finish. +728667, $12.95, QPR: 89. 9. Saint-Bris 2002 Sauvignon (Fevre): very good length, earthy qualities, more body than Loire wines. +626523, $17.95, QPR: 89. 10. Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine 2002 Sur Lie (Vieux Chai): some spritz, long finish, softer than most muscadets. +671065, $13.95, QPR: 88. 11. Pouilly Fume 2002 Les Cocques (P.Coulbois): delicious, and a classic indeed. Useful as an aperitif or first course wine. +711325, $20.95, QPR: 89. 12. Gewurztraminer 2001 (Pfalz; F.Reh): an affordable dry gewurz, some fruit on the mid-palate, for sipping or food in first course. +927970, $10.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Zinfandel 2002 Coastal Vines (Lodi; Napa Ridge): off-dry, some toast on the finish, full supple body, affordable for the masses. +643320, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Shiraz 2000 Tintara (South Australia; Hardy): bright cherry flavours continuing to a sour cherry (tartish) finish. Barrel fermentation plus 15 months in French and US oak. +575704, $24.95, QPR: 88. 3. Shiraz 2001 Lodge Hill (Clare; Jim Barry): dense and chunky but full of earthy flavours combined with black fruit. A fine and elegant finish. +998476, $24.95, QPR: 90. 4. The Rogue 2002 (Adelaide Hills; Nepenthe): 60% cabernet, 30% merlot, 10% shiraz, and 100% great blend for summer, ready now. Full, ripe, off-dry finish with added toast. +998542, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Sonop (South Africa; Organic Terroir): juicy cabernet flavours, soft on palate, quality sipper, red fruit all the way, lingering finish. +606160, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2000 (Chile; Torreon de Paredes): another excellent fleshy cabernet with lots of fruit, classic NA style (black currant, mint, pepper, earth). Plenty of stuffing but goes down easily. +349878, $12.95, QPR: 93. 7. Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva 1998 (Puglia; Az.Vinic.Guagnano): stewed but pleasant cooked flavours, lots of it, with some dried fruit as well. Nicely aged, good value for the time it spent in storage. +724328, $13.95, QPR: 90. 8. Chianti Classico 2001 Peppoli (Antinori): hard to find anything at entry level from Antinori, especially at this price level. Here is fruit, extract, density, and ready soon, good value for affordability. +606541, $19.95, QPR: 89. 9. Garrafeira Tinto 1997 (Bairrada; Caves Alicanca): dried fruit shines, with spice and leather. It has been awhile since we've seen a garrafeira in Ontario. +950220, $14.95, QPR: 90. 10. Atrium Merlot 2002 Penedes (Torres): good intensity, some vegetal tones to counteract the jammy fruit, aged six months in Alliers oak. +742304, $15.95, QPR: 90. 11. Chateau Auzias 2001 Petitmessieurs (Cabardes, Midi; Nath. et Dom. Auzias): good blend of merlot, grenache, syrah and cabernet. Rich, dried fruit, affordable too. +626440, $15.95, QPR: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Fume Blanc 2001 (Sonoma, Ch.St.Jean, +537639, $26.95) combines name recognition with a spicy, almost smoke-like quality. It could be on your wine list at $39??? 2. Macon-Villages 2002 (Clos de Pise, +998104, $15.95) will bowl everybody over with its soft Burgundy complexity and longer finish. It could be on your wine list for a bargain $25??? 3. Pinot Noir 2002 (Sonoma,Ch.St.Jean, +939322, $26.95) combines name recognition with tart cran-cherry tones and earthiness. It could be on your wine list at $39??? 4. Chateau La Claymore 2000 (Lussac-St.Emilion, +699611, $23.95) is both fruity and priced to sell, ready now for just about any menu item you have. On your wine list at $35???? TO: MY CLIENTS, TRADE COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES, LCBO. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JULY 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing, Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. July 10: Chardonnay 2002 Toasted Head (California; R.H.Phillips): well-balanced, but all-round medium pleaser, intense fruit holds to back palate. +594341, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. July 10: Chardonnay 2001 Sonoma (Geyser Peak): heavy-heavy in Oz-style, good oaking, nicely aged, one for the woodies. +343475, $19.95, QPR: 91. 3. July 10: Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Margaret River (Cape Mentelle): a compelling equal blending of varietals, starts off sauvignon blanc and ends semillon. +458885, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. July 10: Gruner Veltliner 2003 Kremstal (Austria; Stadt Krems): new style, fresh and fruity summer relaxer, enough tang to go with most appetizers by the pool. +532440, $12.95, QPR: 88. 5. July 10: Pinot Blanc 2002 Rosenberg (Alsace; Aime Stentz): slightly off-dry mouthfeel, the way most inexpensive Alsatian wines are going these days. +701276, $16.95, QPR: 88. 6. July 10: Gran Vina Sol Chardonnay 2002 (Catalan; M.Torres): 15% parellada added, 13% alcohol, some elegance in a burgundian style, priced to go. +64774, $13.95, QPR: 89. 7. July 10: Rueda Verdejo 2003 (Spain; Cerrosol): soft, aromatic wine (totally unlike acidic viura or macabeo), summer patios beckon. +643171, $11.95, QPR: 88. 8. July 10: Chardonnay 2002 Limited Release Okanagan (Quails' Gate): lean but mellow finish, good balance and soft tones. All purpose chardonnay. +377770, $15.95, QPR: 90. 9. July 10: Chardonnay 2001 Proprietors Grand Reserve Okanagan (Jackson-Triggs): delicious, smooth, off-dry complexity, 13.9% alcohol. +643452, $19.95, QPR: 89. 10. July 24: Sauvignon 2003 Touraine (de Neuville): basic sauvignon blanc hit, not too grassy, modestly priced but with French cachet. Sip or food. +626556, $10.95, QPR: 88. 11. July 24: Gewurztraminer Kabinett 2001 (Pfalz; Kurt Darting): great with spicy and/or hot Asian food, some bitterness on the finish, good alternative to Alsatian. +944181, $16.95, QPR: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. July 10: Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Firestick (South Australia; Poole's Rock Wine): minty, juicy-lucy, you know what I mean (floral fruit, low tannins, palate).+962324, $15.95, QPR: 94. 2. July 10: Chateau Rousset Grande Reserve 2000 (Cotes de Bourg): a little of every Bordeaux complexity is here, distinguishable black currant, tobacco, wood, longish engaging finish. Fine price for a 2000. +731380, $19.95, QPR: 88. 3. July 10: Salice Salentino 2001 (Puglia; Due Palme): off-dry on the mid-palate, big full finish. +921999, $13.95, QPR: 88. 4. July 10: Barco Reale di Carmignano (Tuscany; Capezzana): the original SuperTuscan DOC, since cabernet sauvignon has always been allowed. Buy it all!! +508531, $17.95, QPR: 94. 5. July 24: Merlot 2000 Two Vines (Washington; Columbia Crest): soft, fruity, good heft to the length. French and US oak, but label says "cellared" by the firm. +699348, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. July 24: Chateau Maine Tigreau 2000 (Premieres Cotes de Blaye): ready now, light all round but summery version of Bordeaux can be useful in the heat of the day. +998302, $15.95, QPR: 88. 7. July 24: Chateau La Baronne 2000 Montagne d'Alaric (Corbieres; S.Lignenres): LCBO quoted an 18 month old description -- the wine has knitted much better since. +946871, $15.95, QPR: 88. 8. July 24: Merlot 2002 Lison Pramaggiore (Veneto; V.Paladin): my favourite kind of merlot from 25 years back (Pramaggiore allows 10% cabernet to be added, stiffening the structure). Good fruit, sip or food. +925644, $14.95, QPR: 88. 9. July 24: Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2001 Ripasso (R.Farina): nice value for summer, with some depth to the taste (amarone lees). +999946, $14.95, QPR: 89. 10. July 24: Tres Bagos 2001 Douro (Lav. Feitoria): a Douro rarity since it is soft and fruity within three years of harvest, sip or food. +603761, $17.95, QPR: 88. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. July 10: Be sure to try Jackson-Triggs Meritage 2001 from Okanagan (+643460, $24.95), a gold medal winner which is soft and smooth, with lots of black fruit. Ready now, and could be on your list at $39. 2. July 10: Another good deal is the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from Forestville in the Alexander Valley (+904474, $16.95), light but full of character. Ready now, and on your list at $29??? 3. July 10: The Old Vines Old Clones Zinfandel from Alderbrook (Dry Creek Valley, +603696, $29.95) is a steal for a compelling complex black fruit wine. Give your diners a break and price it at $39; it's ready now. Other terrific wine winners on July 10 that are "restaurant ready" and could be marked up minimally include The Futures Shiraz 2001 (Peter Lehmann, +606780, $29.95), the half bottle Cotes du Rhone 2001 from Delas Freres (+695668, $8.95), and the half bottle Gran Coronas 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon from Torres (+626721, $8.95). July 24: try the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2002 from Kenwood (+943225, $23.95) for its depth of pinot character or the Cygnus 2001, an IGT Sicily from Tasca d'Almerita (+617449, $28.95) with its 25% cabernet showing. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JUNE 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing, Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references and RSS feeds to wines, beers and spirits: or Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. June 12: Gewurztraminer 2002 St.David's Bench (Niagara; Chat. des Charmes): excellent, Alsatian-style, midweight on palate, good finishing bitterness. +453472, $16.95, QPR: 91. 2. June 12: Chardonnay 2002 Southeastern Australia (Milburn Park): affordable, straightforward, no pretensions, but enough of a bite for some food. 13.5% alcohol, though. +440321, $12.95, QPR: 88. 3. June 12: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (South Africa; Du Preez): one of the SB and SB-blends coming out this month from many countries: grassy, green, goosey, good price. +928259, $12.95, QPR: 88. 4. June 12: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Coastal Cellar (South Africa; G. Beck): better MVC and more ripeness puts this one a point up on the Du Preez. +948620, $12.95, QPR: 89. 5. June 12: Riesling 2002 Summus (Austria; Wohlmuth): good riesling character, full of fruit, developing flavours, and dry without the biting acid. +915587, $19.95, QPR: 88. 6. June 12: Gewurztraminer Reserve 2002 (Alsace; L.Albrecht): good Alsatian gewurztraminer MVC, off-dry finish with the bitter quality. +926931, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. June 12: Domaine de Maubet 2003 (Cotes de Gascogne; Fam.Fontan): about half colombard and some shrillness, but good value for its sauvignon blanc-like character. +704916, $9.95, QPR: 88. 8. June 26: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Retreat (South Africa; Robertson): light goosey-grassy MVC, works best as aperitif or first course wine. +933085, $11.95, QPR: 89. 9. June 26: Montagny 2001 Grandes Vignes (Charton et Trebuchet): not the 2002, as listed in the LCBO Vintages catalogue [although the panel notes ARE for the 2002]. A bargain chardonnay from Burgundy, in the apple-lemon category. +926907, $22.95, QPR: 90. 10. June 26: Domaine des Cassagnoles 2003 (Cotes de Gascogne; J & G Baumann): tasty and affordable for summer as a first course wine. Nice price earns it points. +931212, $8.95, QPR: 90. 11. June 26: Chardonnay 2000 Signature (Niagara; Creekside); toasty warm, citric finish, but plenty of fruit mellowing on the palate. +955179, $19.95, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. June 12: Shiraz 2001 Riddoch (Connawarra; Katnook): broad sweetness on the mid-palate, jammy, plummy, needs food. +940239, $17.95, QPR: 88. 2. June 12: Shiraz/Malbec 2002 (Mendoza; Vina Dona Paula): great French-like syrah hit, with soft fruit tones on the finish [i.e. ready now]. Fooder or sipper, your call. +998492, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. June 12: Colleja Reserva 2001 (Douro; Vinhos do Douro Superior): smooth, internationally styled sipper, good for patios or standup walkarounds. +627224, $16.95, QPR: 88. 4. June 26: Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Vintners Blend (California; Ravenswood): full, rich, ripe, well-crafted. Indeed, a cabernet for zinfandel lovers, with mocha and blackberry tones. +606632, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. June 26: Shiraz/Petit Verdot 2001 Nookamka (South Australia; Bonneyview): off-dry, fairly soft, a lot like the shiraz/malbec from Argentina. Is there a trend here? Sip. +998518, $16.95, QPR: 88. 6. June 26: Chateau Pontoise Cabarrus 2000 Haut-Medoc: warm, inviting, low tannins, engaging finish, ready soon, buy for New Year's holiday. +998633, $24.95, QPR: 90. 7. June 26: Chateau de Jau Rouge 2000 Cotes du Roussillon-Villages (J & B Daure): good rhonish-blend with syrah, mourvedre, carignan, and grenache. An all-round, general purpose red, great for hot summers. +955070, $14.95, QPR: 89. 8. June 26: Quinta do Encontro 2001 (Bairrada): soft and fruity, like the Colleja above, international style wine, off-dry ripe and round, great price. +995936, $10.95, QPR: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Some interesting -- and fairly priced -- halves are worth pursuing this month. The Meursault 2002 from Chartron et Trebuchet (June 12, +903450, $19.95 375 mL) is MVC for the area, and might move well on your list at $29.95. The Chianti Classico 2000 is from Castello d'Albola, and is a straight arrow MVC cherry-vanilla but only $12.95 (June 26, +927046, 375 mL). It could be on your list at $19.99 as a treat for your patrons. June 12: Saint-Joseph 2001 Offerus (J.L.Chave) needs to be snapped up at this price of $29.95 (+937474), and then re-offered to your diners for $39.99. Excellent syrah tones from an underappreciated area, although we all know Chave's work. June 26: Snap up the Sercial 10 Years Old Madeira from Henriques & Henriques, a bargain at $37.95 (+948810) and ignore the old tasting note that the LCBO put in the listing. Caramel and walnuts, okay, but the beauty of madeira is that you can keep an opened bottle a decade or so. This one is dryish mode, and it is fabulous. Try offering a special treat, at $4 a two-ounce pour. June 26: If you serve sparklers by the pour, try the Cuvee de L'Ecusson Brut from Luxembourg, a country which specializes in sparkling wines. This one is MC (re-fermented in the bottle) with a blend of riesling, pinot blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir. By the glass at $6 for five ounces? Or, $29 for the bottle. +970970, $17.95. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MAY 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing, Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of RSS feeds and references to wines, beers and spirits: or Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Character (MVC); prices are LCBO retail; ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. May 8: Viognier 2002 Servos Vineyard (Niagara; Inniskillin): an excellent, fruity quality sipper, with tons of vanilla throughout (barrel fermentation and aging) +626382, $19.95, QPR: 88. 2. May 8: Chardonnay 2001 Sonoma (Rodney Strong): one of the finest chardonnays brought to Ontario in some time, at this price point. Creamy, vanilla nose, off-dry palate of tropical butter supported by fruit tones. 13.8% alcohol. Buy it all.+226936, $19.95, QPR: 91 3. May 8: Chenin Blanc 2003 Walker Bay (South Africa; Beaumont): herby and dry, Loire-mode like a sauvignon blanc but with more extract, and priced to sell...+927491, $12.95, QPR: 88. 4. May 8: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Stellenbosch (South Africa; Ken Forrester): good value in its depth of flavours, plus a long, long finish demanding food...+971945, $13.95, QPR: 90. 5. May 8: Goats do Roam White 2003 Western Cape (South Africa; Charles Back): good patio drink to launch a discussion about the label, easy quaffer, fair price. +943167, $11.95, QPR: 87. 6. May 8: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Simonsberg (South Africa; Delheim): bone dry and citric finish, needs food. +927509, $12.95, QPR: 87. 7. May 8: Viognier 2002 Pays d'Oc (Ch.de Gourgazaud): succulent fruit, depth of finish requires food. +734533, $15.95, QPR: 88. 8. May 8: Chardonnay 2002 Bollini (Trentino; Empson): fruit-toast- acid all in balance, modest finish, all round all purpose useful chardonnay. +987503, $12.95, QPR: 88. 9. May 22: Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Western Cape (South Africa; Spier): very goosy and herby, longer finish than most, excellent value at this price level. +710962, $11.95, QPR: 90. 10. May 22: Rully Blanc 2001 (Drouhin): a fabulous wine, maturing nicely, great tree fruit tones, full bodied, has evolved more -- and better -- since the (unfortunately) now outofdate LCBO note from April 2003 (really!!) +938712, $29.95, QPR: 92. 11. May 22: Pinot Grigio 2003 Bollini (Trentino; Empson): well- rounded flavours, very attractive to North Americans who want a floral and fruity PG, good depth to the finish, not typically Italianate in style..+951319, $15.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. May 8: Merlot 2002 Oak Barrel (California; Forest Glen): soft, fruity, with some oak to be resolved, could be sipper or fooder. +969519, $18.95, QPR: 88. 2. May 8: Shiraz 1999 Limestone Coast (South Australia; Woodstock): gobs of fruit and extract, ready soon, Rhonish complexity. +985416, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. May 8: Merlot 2000 Cathedral Cellar (South Africa; KWV): balance of fruit and oak, long length, excellent price, MVC shows well, can be sipper or fooder...+522219, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. May 8: Les Garrigues 2001 (Coteaux du Languedoc; P.Clavel): good syrah hit, dense and chunky style, (50% syrah, 30% grenache). +748814, $16.95, QPR: 89. 5. May 8: Negroamaro 2001 Elo Veni (Puglia; Leone de Castris): deep dark and delicious, better than most cherry chocolates, superb finish. 14% alcohol needs food. +995696, $16.95, QPR: 88. 6. May 22: Royal Reserve Merlot 1998 (Bulgaria; Domaine Boyar): here is a great all purpose summer red, for patios, for parties, for dinners, for fun. Lots of MVC, in spades...+962720, $9.95, QPR: 91. 7. May 22: Les Hauts de Bouisset 2001 La Clape (Coteaux du Langudoc; Dom.Hortala): black all the way (jammy, olives, fruit, chocolates). Excellent, lay down for two more years. +961755, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. May 22: Herdade de Santa Marta 1999 (Alentejano; J.P.Vinhos): dried fruit and spices on the nose, fairly suave palate, long and penetrating finish. +995670, $13.95, QPR: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. May 8: Goat-Roti 2002 (Western Cape, South Africa, Charles Back) shows lots of coconut on the palate, plus bacon and intense syrah hits, for a modest $19.95 (+943175). On your list at $29.99??? 2. May 8: Cum Laude 2000 (Tuscany, Castello Banfi) is chock full of approachable flavours (cherry-berry), long finish, maturing okay, cabernet, merlot, sangiovese, and syrah in the blend. $29.95 (+723551) but on your list at $39.99???? 3. May 8: Rubesco Vigna Monticchio 1995 (Umbria, Lungarotti) is a reserve level DOCG, Chianti-type blend, excellent value for a well- aged, ready now wine. $39.95 (+941369), and on your list at $49.99??? Other values for restaurants include the May 8 Gran Sangre de Toro 2000 from Torres (a Rhone blend) for your half-bottle program ($7.95, +733584, marked to $16??), the May 22 Chardonnay 2001 Riddoch (Katnook) from Coonawarra, rich and ripe, again in halves, ($8.95, +709469, marked to $17??), the full bottle May 22 Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2000 Domaine Pontifical (Laget-Royer) ($31.95, +964049, marked to $45???), and the restaurant-ready May 22 Mas La Plana 1997 from Torres, his cabernet survignon reserve ($38.95, +315838, and marked to $49.99??). Equally good, but not yet ready, is the May 8 Chateau du Taillan 2000 Cuvee des Dames (Haut-Medoc, $22.95, +984427, marked to $35???) which needs two more years in the cellar. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR APRIL 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 3: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Limited Selection (Gainey Vyd, Australia) has been oak aged, showing an intense complexity of flavours. Useful for aperitif or first course. +994459, $22.95, QPR: 88. 2. April 3: Chardonnay 2002 Cathedral Cellar (South Africa; KWV): good integration of wood and fruit, with Euro elegance, somewhat like a Burgundy. +328559, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. April 3: Chardonnay Reserva 2001 1067 Metres (Mendoza; Terrazas de Los Andes): another powerhouse (13.6% alcohol) with tropical fruits and oak tones, a bit heavy on the finish. +996025, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. April 3: Sauvignon 2002 (Haut-Poitou): basic grass, with a good dry grip on the finish. Been around Ontario for decades as a worthy VDQS wine, always at a nifty price. +119222, $10.95, QPR: 89. 5. April 3: Vouvray Sec 1998 Domaine du Viking (Loire; Gauthier- Lhomme): off-dry on the mid-palate, but otherwise a first rate dry wine, full of smoke and fruit. Explosive. +711176, $18.95, QPR: 92. 6. April 3: Riesling Spatlese 1999 Niersteiner Paterberg (J & H.A.Strub): a Rheinhessen, probably the best of the German releases this month. It has aged well, with an off-sweet finish. +707117, $18.95, QPR: 88 7. April 17: Chardonnay 2000 Russian River (Sonoma; DeLoach): 13.5% alcohol, perfumed nose, ripe and dried fruits, great finish. +702985, $21.95, QPR: 89. 8. April 17: Crios de Susana Balbo 2003 (Cafayate, Arg.; Vintage S.A.): delicious, fruity, balanced, and affordable. Sipper for sure. +928416, $10.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 3: Merlot 2000 Black Sage Vyd (Okanagan; Sumac Ridge): good depth, smoke and bacon, ultra smooth finish. +593053, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. April 3: Pinot Noir 2002 (Okanagan; Nk'Mip Cellars): good price, but pinot noir is more Californian than Pacific Northwest. Lots of chocolate and vanilla tones. +626424, $13.95, QPR: 88. 3. April 3: Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Napa Valley (Rutherford Ranch): balanced fruit and wood, full grip, long finish, definitely needs food. +994483, $21.95, QPR: 90. 4. April 3: Classique 2000 (South Africa; Rupert & Rothschild): a Bordeaux blend (cab sauvignon, franc, merlot) with elegance, fruit flavours, a touch of oak, and best as a food wine. Value. +717991, $19.95, QPR: 93. 5. April 3: Shiraz 2000 Cathedral Cellar (South Africa; KWV): soft, fruity, shiraz style, summer patio quaffer. +561142, $16.95, QPR: 88. 6. April 3: Riparosso 2001 (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo; Dino Illumin- ati): firm, full, fruity, good solid food wine. Underbrush finish. +328997, $12.95, QPR: 89. 7. April 3: Mosen Cleto Crianza 1998 (Campo de Borja, Spain; Aragonesia): 75 garnacha/25 tempranillo, nicely aged for party foods. +368290, $10.95, QPR: 92. 8. April 3: Marques de Valcarlos Reserva 1998 (Navarra, Spain; Valcarlos): a 60/40 blend of cabernet and tempranillo, lingering blueberry taste, soft, not very thick, some chocolate on the finish, aged in Ohio and Indiana oak, which I spotted (my wife is from Indiana). +928853, $17.95, QPR: 91. 9. April 17: Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (South Africa; Delheim): the bargain of the release with tons of extract, black fruit, smokey meat,jam. For the fans of "heavy-heavy" +981357, $17.95, QPR: 94. 10. April 17: Onyx Shiraz 2000 (South Africa; Darling Cellars): warm, inviting Rhone style, and with a hot finish. Excellent price. +704486, $17.95, QPR: 91. 11. April 17: Terrasses de Guilhem 2002 (l'Herault; Moulin de Gassac): okay for food during summer, light to medium with a hint of new vine greeness. +910695, $11.95, QPR: 88. 12. April 17: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Capucho (Portugal; Quinta do Casal Branco): heavy, dense, good fruit and extract, with a great length to the finish. Needs food. +703645, $19.95, QPR: 88. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP RECOMMENDATIONS (for restaurant wine lists): ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 3: Chablis Premier Cru 2000 Beauroy Vieilles Vignes (Pascal Bouchard): it's about time this wine landed at Vintages -- for some time it has been a Consignment item. At this price, it is unbeatable for its dense, appetite-provoking, developing flavours. A very pleasant apple and wood finish.+994350,$34.95, but on your list for $49??? 2. April 3: Chateau La Croiz Fourney 1998 (Saint-Emilion Grand Cru) is well-aged, if a tad light. Great as a food wine, good presentation to the diner. +994194, $31.95, but on your list at $45???? 3. April 3: Santenay 1999 (Michel Colin-Deleger) is aging nicely, with its typical beetroot, cherry and undergrowth tones. Long, long finish puts it over the top.+995969,$32.95,but on your list at $45 4. April 3: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 1997 (Penedes; Jean Leon) has high name recognition. The winery is now owned by Torres. This wine has been matured in US oak for two years. Excellent price, still a little tannic. +994368, $25.95, but on your list at $35???? 5. April 17: Chateau Pech-Celeyran 1998 La Clape (Coteaux du Lang- uedoc) from J.de Saint-Exupery has 45 grenache and 35 syrah but the syrah dominates. Well-aged, and spectacular for the price. Buy as much as you can...+979757, $14.95, but on your list at $25????? TO: SUBSCRIBERS, TRADE COMMISSIONS, LCBO, AGENTS CONSULTATION RESTAURANTS WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MARCH 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mar 6: Pinot Blanc 2002 Okanagan Valley (Nk'Mip Cellars): great crisp fruit, excellent lemon component, good depth for aperitif or first course. +626432, $13.95, QPR: 88. 2. Mar 6: Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 1999 Comte de Saint- Hubert (Ch.du Coing de Saint-Facre): nicely aged, barely noticeable oxidative component gives it a certain roundness, less crisp than a newer vintage. Contemplative. +799924, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Mar 6: Riesling Kabinett 2002 Geschwister Simon Gutsabfullung (Mosel, Ayler Kupp): good aperitif wine, with a lingering finish of citrus. +919449, $13.95, QPR: 88. 4. Mar 20: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (W.Australia; Gloucester Ridge): well-rounded, lots of body, off-dry on midpalate, distinctive food tang to the finish. +919555, $18.95, QPR: 89. 5. Mar 20: Chardonnay 2002 Medalla Real (Casablanca; Santa Rita): 14.5% alcohol, hot blend of fruit, wood and acid (new French oak) but long length suggests food rather than sipping. +303628, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Mar 20: Ch.Roquetaillade La Grange Blanc 2002 (Graves): mildly herby with that sauvignon blanc punch, but with a great finish at this price level...+240374, $13.95, QPR: 89. 7. Mar 20: Chardonnay 2000 Morino (Langhe; Batasiolo): ripe and ready, touches of wood, great finish after the crisp and clean entry. Deep fruit, food wine. +913814, $14.95, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mar 6: Merlot 2001 Okanagan Valley (Nk'Mip Cellars): soft and fruity, but with some finishing acids for added stuffing. Good value for a Canadian merlot...+626416, $17.95, QPR: 88. 2. Mar 6: Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Tantara (S.Australia; Hardy's): a personal favourite of mine for years, rock solid fruit, best of the $25 cabernets from Oz in Ontario. Already nicely aged, five years old. +948893, $24.95, QPR: 92. 3. Mar 6: Fifth Leg Red 2001 (Margaret River; Devil's Lair): 44% cabernet sauv, 34% shiraz, 20% merlot, and 14.5% alcohol, with a finish of dynamite, explosive fruitiness on the palate, succulence on the length. +512103, $23.95, QPR: 92. 4. Mar 6: Shiraz 2001 Golden Triangle (Stellenbosch; Stellenzicht): overblown Oz-style of shiraz, gobs of fruit and exceedingly dense, with a long, long finish. +919597, $20.90, QPR: 90. 5. Mar 6: Malbec 2001 Alamos (Mendoza; Catena): simple but enjoyable food wine, neat fruit, good value...+467951, $12.95, QPR: 88. 6. Mar 6: Tannat de Reserva 2000 (Uruguay): simple but ageworthy, with a good bite on the finish. Needs food. +940387, $11.95, QPR: 89. 7. Mar 6: Ch.Le Barradis 2001 (Bergerac; S.Labasse-Gazzini): organic wine with affordable value, Bordeaux style tastes. +707273, $13.95, QPR: 88. 8. Mar 6: Ch.Le Raz 1999 Cuvee Grand Chene (Cotes de Bergerac; Barde): gorgeous punch to the Bordeaux blend, ready now to enjoy. Buy a lot of it...+718932, $16.95, QPR: 89. 9. Mar 6: Conde de Valdemar Reserva 1998 (Rioja; M.Bujanda): starting to dry out nicely in that typical Rioja style, very well priced. +947309, $20.95, QPR: 90. 10. Mar 6: Syrah/Carinena 2001 Terrasola (Spain; Jean Leon): an exceedingly rich and unctuous wine, useful for sipping or with food. +994384, $16.95, QPR: 90. 11. Mar 20: Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Cathedral Cellar (S. Africa; KWV): dense ripeness but still needs time, please cellar. Best with food (tartish finish)...+328567, $16.95, QPR: 89. 12. Mar 20: Condado de Haza 2001 Ribera del Duero: fullish, still needs time to resolve the blend but well-worth repaying a visit years from now. Good wood toast on finish. +963348, $21.95, QPR: 92. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP RECOMMENDATIONS (for restaurant wine lists): ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mar 6: Cabernet Merlot 2000 Prelude Vineyards (Margaret River; Leeuwin) is 85% cabernet and all elegant. 13.5% alcohol, and good value for your wine list. +624957, $29.95, but on your card at $39.99?? 2. Mar 6: Savigny-Les-Beaune 2001 (Patrice Rion) is suave on palate and on finish, with a few nippy tannins for food. +926691, $37.95, but on your card at $49.99???? 3. Mar 20: Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2001 (Paso Robles; Tablas Creek) is abasolutely brilliant in its floral complexity of roussane (44%), viognier (22%), grenache blanc (18%), and marsanne (16%). Only $39.95, +735506, but on your wine list for $49.99???? 4. Mar 20: Pernand-Vergelesses 2001 (Charton et Trebuchet) has full flavours and name recognition. An affordable Burgundy for your card, +925099, $30.95, but on your list at $39.99???? 5. Mar 20: The Laughing Magpie from d'Arenberg (McLaren Vale, +936971, $25.95, off-dry, slightly Rhonish and less an Oz shiraz) could be marked up to $39.99???? 6. Mar 20: Crearo Della Conca d'Oro 2000 from Tommasi (IGT Verona, +928226, $28.95, Valpolicella blend grapes plus cabernet franc, full of fruit and vanilla and toast on the finish, definite North American style), on your cards at under $40??? WORLD WINE WATCH FOR FEBRUARY 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Feb 7: Chardonnay 2001 (Marlborough; Grove Mill): fruit on entry, good acid grip in finish, best with food. 13.5% alcohol. +925792, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Feb 7: Gewruztraminer 2000 (Alsace; M.Steimer): straightforward but affordable, good body and concentration, bitterish hit on medium lengthy finish, sip or food. +709790, $15.95, QPR: 91. 3. Feb 7: Chateau de Roques 2002 (Bordeaux; Ch.Lezongars): tamed Loire style, but good sipper too. +920108, $14.95, QPR: 88. 4. Feb 7: Saumur 2001 Clos de l'Ardil (Dom.des Guyons): excellent fruit set but good dryness too. Long finish. All chenin blanc. +927996, $14.95, QPR: 88. 5. Feb 7: "Perantonie" Chardonnay 2001 (IGT Veneto; Fasoli Gino): organic, with excellent fruit, off-dry finish, rich and full and firm tones, a sipper. +912733, $14.95, QPR: 88. 6. Feb 21: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): good fruit on mid-palate, lots of herbs happening, use as a serious food wine. +430546, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Feb 21: Pinot Blanc 2002 Burrowing Owl (Okanagan; Sandhill): BF in new US oak leads to a touch of wood and some slight oxidation. 13% alcohol and 100% delicious. +541185, $14, QPR: 90. 8. Feb 21: Riesling Kabinett 2001 (Hattenheimer; Balthasar Ress): off-dry finish, sipper, good value. +735241, $16.95, QPR: 88. 9. Feb 21: Alvarinho/Chardonnay 2002 Estremadura (DFJ Vinhos): very aromatic sipper, but enough grip with the finishing acids to also be a food wine. +923789, $12.95, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Feb 7: "Passo Doble" Rosso 2000 La Arboleda (Mendoza; Masi Tupungato): dense textures, 13.5% alcohol, needs food. Great blend of malbec, corvina, and merlot. +996439, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Feb 7: Merlot Reserve 2001 (South Australia; Lindemans): off- dry fruitiness, with some mint on the finish, 13.5% alcohol. Crowd pleaser, +588715, $14.95, QPR: 88. 3. Feb 7: Shiraz Reserve 2001 (New South Wales; Penmara): the LCBO lists this wine under "Hunter Valley" but that appellation does not appear on the label. Tasty and developing wine, better with food. +912782, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4. Feb 7: Chateau Roquetaillade La Grange 2000 (Graves): ready sooner rather than later, great value for a food-oriented wine. +193102, $18.95, QPR: 89. 5. Feb 7: Domaine de Prada 2000 (Buzet): from just south of Bordeaux, this wine shows lots of baked fruit and jam, could be both sipper or foodwine. +925487, $14.95, QPR: 88. 6. Feb 7: Versato 2001 Merlot (IGT Veneto; Santa Margherita): bright and lively, full of merlot-like flavours, but best with food. +933333, $16.95, QPR: 89. 7. Feb 7: Majara Reserva 2000 (Douro; Arlindo da Coasta Pinto): full flavours, full tannic finish, best with food. Can take some further cellaring, being made from same grapes as Port. +923888, $13.95, QPR: 90 8. Feb 7: "Faithful Hound" 1999 Mulderbosch (Stellenbosch): excellent bordeaux blend of soft fruit, with a food finish. Ready now for your diners, 13.5% alcohol, +922443, $20.95, QPR: 90 9. Feb 21: Shiraz 2001 Connawarra (Wynns): full and ripe, but lingering acid makes it ideal as a food wine. Mounds of flavour and extracts. +433060, $17.85, QPR: 91. 10. Feb 21: Tumara 2000 Titan (Stellenbosch; Bellevue): classy packaging for diners, and with concentrated minty flavours in this cab/merlot/malbec blend. +922211, $18.95, QPR: 90. 11. Feb 21: Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Alamos (Mendoza; Catena): more than an entry level wine at this pricepoint, fruit on midpalate, medium finish, sip or food. +467944, $13.95, QPR: 89. 12. Feb 21: Nebbiolo 2001 Langhe (Batasiolo): a bit tart (made from young vines?), needs food, but a great price for a junior barbaresco. +908079, $17.95, QPR: 91. 13. Feb 21: Lorinon Crianza 1999 (Rioja; Bod.Breton): oak all over the wine, in typical Rioja style. Lots of fruit and spices. Good value, and will cellar well. +912691, $15.95, QPR: 92. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP RECOMMENDATIONS (for restaurant wine lists): ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Feb 7: Chardonnay 2000 Family Reserve Quail's Gate (Okanagan) is very well developed and correctly aged, broad sweetness on the mid palate. +559625, $25.95, on your wine list for $36?? Feb 7: Centine 2001 Banfi (IGT Tuscany) is a nifty food wine with sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot flavours. The half bottle (on a per ounce basis) costs less than a full bottle. +980649, $8.95 375mL, on your wine list for $15?? Buy as many as you can for it is ready now... Feb 21: El Dorado de Murrieta Reserva 1998 (Rioja) is a stunning aged and oxidized white - baked apple, toast, spices, long food finish. +914408, $16.95 (bargain), on your wine list at $29?? Also: Feb 7 sees Chateau St.Georges 2000 from St.Georges St Emilion at $41.95, +960310 (mark it up to $52?) and La Vite Lucente 2000 from Frescobaldi & Mondavi in Tuscany at $39.95, +747030 (mark it up to $49.99?). Both have great name recognition; buy what you can. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JANUARY 2004 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jan 10: Chardonnay 2001 Paso Robles (Eos Estate): since Harriet Waugh wrote her Decanter note for June 2003 (reproduced in the Vintages catalogue), this wine has evolved dramatically in just a few months into something totally different: have we sampled the same wine? It has now fleshed out with more opulence and just a hint of the lean-green apples. +955914, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2. Jan 10: Chardonnay 2000 Hawkes Bay (NZ; Morton Estate): 14% alcohol, BF/BA/Lees/MF -- the whole ball of wax, all fruit and wood, and still developing. How can they price it at this level? +718247, $17.95, QPR: 94. 3. Jan 10: Pouilly-Fume 2001 La Moynerie (M.Redde): fresh and crisp, and good smoke flavours. +729178, $20.95, QPR: 89. 4. Jan 10: Riesling Kabinet Feinherb 2001 (Hattenheimer; Karl Joh. Molitor): medium-bodied, off-dry (halbtrocken), phenomenal value for a Rheingau, a winter wine (not a searing finish). +919423, $13.95, QPR: 88. 5. Jan 24: Chardonnay 2001 Arboleda (Casablanca, Chile; Caliterra): typical of Casablanca, tropicality shines through the restrained European elegance. Delicious and creamy finish. +606772, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Jan 24: Macon-Villages 2001 (Dom des Deux Roches): bright fruit, good length, but needs food. Don't overchill. +907956, $19.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jan 10: Mamre Brook Shiraz 2000 (Barossa; Saltram): well-aged already, and developing that distinguished syrah-type flavour. Intense flavours (fruit, wood, spices). +906677, $19.95, QPR: 92. 2. Jan 10: Prima 1998 (Stellbosch; Le Bonheur): another nicely aged, affordable, rich food wine, restaurant ready NOW. 25% cabernet sauvignon added for astringency. Load up before it disappears. +906685, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Jan 10: Merlot 2002 Santa Digna (Chile; M.Torres): basic Chilean merlot, but with some dryness in the finish. Best with food. +983783, $13.95, QPR: 88. 4. Jan 10: Portal Red 1999 Douro (Portal): full and firm, food wine, great label (if you collect labels), made from port grapes (touriga nacional, roriz, franca). And, of course, barrel aged. +923755, $15.95,QPR: 89. 5. Jan 10: Tempanillo 1999 Penedes (Masia Bach): a nice wine for summer, fruity, light, loaded with American oak flavours. Perfect for the patio (or turn up the thermostat at home). +915116, $12.95, QPR: 89. 6. Jan 24: Taja Reserva 1998 (Jumilla, Spain; Mahler-Besse): mostly mourvedre, giving it that raisin-y complexity of Rhonish wines at a basic price, well-aged now. LCBO suggestion of this wine as "reception wine" is ludicrous...+243329, $12.95, QPR: 89. 7. Jan 24: Valdelosfrailes Vendimia Seleccionada 2000 (Cigales, Spain): 13.5% alcohol, lots of wood tones on the nose and palate, much like a Rioja crianza. Some spices too. +909457, $19.95, QPR: 89. 8. Jan 24: Merlot 2000 Paso Robles (Eos Estate): extremely ripe and oaky, should appeal to the fruity-ripe-dense extractive crowd. +922971, $22.95, QPR: 89. 9. Jan 24: OVR 2001 Brampton (Stellenbosch, SA; Rustenberge): Old Vines Red (cab.sauv/merlot/carignan/shiraz), dense and fruity, excellent for cellaring a few more years (needs time). +924332, $21.95, QPR: 89. 10. Jan 24: Merlot Reserva 2002 Maipo (Cousino-Macul): dense and chunky, old-style Chilean wine, demands food. +730382, $15.90, QPR: 89. 11. Jan 24: Anjou-Villages Rouge 2001 (Dom du Closel): basic cab franc, attractive body and length, best with food. +748228, $16.95, QPR: 89. 12. Jan 24: Les Matins d'Aurore 1999 Minervois (G.Bertrand): lots of herbs and citric peels, some black fruits, nicely aged already. Ready now. Thanks to the LCBO for holding it back so long ;-) +952804, $15.95, QPR: 90. 13. Jan 24: Palha-Canas 2000 Estremadura (Portugual; Santos Lima): excellent integration of fruit and wood, some fruitiness on the finish, but definitely needs a bit more time. +912667, $13.95, QPR: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Jan 10: Gewurztraminer 2000 (Trimbach) has lots of citric peel flavours, body, and stuffing (especially on the finish) for a gewurz hit. +958462, $23.95, but on your list at $36.95??? Jan 10: Amarone Della Valpolicella 1998 Falasco (Cant. Valpantena) is an old-style amarone but with plenty of toasty smoke and dried fruits, long finish. +922161, $48.95, and on your list at $59.95??? Jan 24: Chardonnay 2000 Ebenezer (Barossa Valley Estate) is rich, elegant, well-integrated, with a toothy long finish. +976324, $29.95, but on your list for $39.95??? Jan 24: Chateau Vignelaure 1999 Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence is very delicious, with some Provencal flavours and herbs, black fruits. Try selling it as a trendy "Provence" wine...+722215, $26.95, and on your list at $37.95??? Jan 24: Amarone Della Valpolicella 2000 (Cant. Montecchia) is another top-ranked Amarone this month, full and firm in NA-style flavours as a newer concept. +921957, $34.95, and on your list at $45.95??? WORLD WINE WATCH FOR DECEMBER 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 2001 (Niagara; Lailey): lots of aroma, full body on palate, and aging potential. Spices, creamy consistency. +591347, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Pinot Gris Reserve 2002 (Okanagan; Misson Hill): lots of apple- citric soft fruit tones, excellent body, sip or food swinger. +537076, $16.95, QPR: 88. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 2000 (Limestone Coast, Australia; Heathfield Ridge): not only typical MVC herbs but also lots of body as well. Great price...+954354, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Chardonnay 2001 (Franschhoek, South Africa; Chamonix): woody nose, good length but shy on body profile, fair price. Sipper. +906818, $14.95, QPR: 88. 5. Chardonnay 2001 Agrelo (Mendoza; Catena): layers and layers of fruit, mostly ripe, pull off before the undertones of toastiness appear. +918805, $22.95, QPR: 91. 6. Gruner Veltliner 2002 (Austria; Weingut Allram): tasty, with fruit on mid-palate, full bodied, a step up from many other GVs. +907097, $19.95, QPR: 88. 7. Tokay Pinot Gris Reserve 2001 (Alsace; L.Albrecht): firm but off-dry on the palate, could swing food or sip. Spices dominate, +904631, $17.95, QPR: 88. 8. Riesling Kabinett 1999 (Mosel; Weingut Studert-Prum): apricot- peach tones, great mouthfeel on palate, persistent finish. Fair price. +912741, $14.95, QPR: 88. 9. Riesling 2001 Bird Label (Pfalz; K.Lingenfelder): light but an enjoyable quaffer (11% alcohol), sipper for those Christmas parties. Decent price. +568634, $12.95, QPR: 89. 10. Chardonnay 2002 (Bekaa Valley, Lebanon; Dom. Wardy): more a curiosity than anything else, the wine is definitely New World styled, at an affordable price. +920124, $13.95, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Niagara; Vineland): generous fruit, with a finish suggesting that more time and food are needed. +422808, $18.95, QPR: 87. 2. Meritage 2001 Proprietor's Grand Reserve (Niagara; Jackson- Triggs): Restrained elegance, not commercial at all. The best thing about this wine is the Bordeaux kick I get on the finish (fennel, tar). +594002, $23.95, QPR: 88. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Proprietor's Reserve (Okanagan; Jackson -Triggs): soft and fruity, with that west coast upfront jamminess. Good tannic finish for food, excellent value at this price. Buy several cases...+997361, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot 2000 (Coonawarra; Wynns): 40% cabernet sauvignon/38% shiraz/22% merlot, and 100% excellent all round for elegant sipping over the holidays. Integration of fruit, wood, and acids. +511600, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Merlot 2000 (Stellenbosch; Hazendal): concentrated flavours leap out of the glass (both aroma and palate), ripe fruit tones with French oak complexity, and affordable. +906776, $18.95, QPR: 88. 6. St.Emilion 2000 (J.P.Moueix): 70% merlot makes the wine soft, pretty decent stuff, and name recognition is great for restaurant diners. +979955, $21.95, QPR: 89. 7. Jose de Sousa 1999 (Alentejano, Port; Fonseca): well-aged already, should continue to develop well, some baked tones but consistent and persistent flavours. Aged in French oak. +396689, $13.95, QPR: 89. 8. Syrah 2001 Bekaa (Lebanon; Dom.Wardy): now the baking Middle East sun kicks in with the hardy syrah grape, made in New World (Oz) style. +920157, $12.95, QPR: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Gewurztraminer 2001 Wintzenheim Alsace (Zind-Humbrecht) is still a bit tight on the opening palate, but it has full flavours and smoke. Citric, peppery, and well-worth exploring. +918078, $39.95, and on your list at $49.99??? Pouilly-Fume 2001 (Pascal Jolivet) made my head (my palate?) turn with its upfront juiciness, not really typical. Good price, and its name recognition should do well. +948356, $26.95, and on your list at $39??? Merlot 2000 Napa (Diamond Ridge) has been labeled "Exceptional Value". It is also a classy looking, expensive, heavy bottle. But the contents are excellent, with mounds of fruit and a bit of a bite (14.1% alcohol) on the length, plus some finishing acids for food. +913905, $16.95, and on your list at $29.99??? Chateau La Vieille Cure 2000 (Fronsac) is extremely ripe and fruity, drinkable now (but better later), and can swing between foodwine and sipwine. +947127, $39.95, and on your list at $49.99??? Barolo 1998 Bussia (G.Fenocchio) is medium all the way, but it expresses nicely the MVC of nebbiolo. Plus it is exceedingly rare to find a Barolo at this price level, and at this degree of readiness. +712273, $42.95, and on your list at $55??? Chianti Rufina Riserva 1995 Villa di Vetrice (F.lli Grati) has aged very well over the past 8 years, and you will not find a better chianti for this money. Riserva levels makes its fruit nicely dried. +909135, $25.95, and on your list at $39??? WORLD WINE WATCH FOR NOVEMBER 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov 1: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Marlborough (Forrest Estate): very aromatic and rich nose, concentrated flavours on thick body, good followthrough on the finish. +966820, $19.95, QPR: 91. 2. Nov 1: "Tuk Tam" 1999 Oaked Chardonnay (Bulgaria; Vinprom Targovishte): only a medium toast, and very stylish, a bargain. +905760, $8.55, QPR: 88. 3. Nov 1: Lugana "San Benedetto" 2002 (Lombardy; Zenato): clean, fresh, good body, with a citric-appley finish. +707158, $13.95, QPR: 87. 4. Nov 1: Chateau Chavrignac 2002 (Bordeaux): somewhat lacking in concentration on the mid-palate, otherwise a decent suavignon blanc exhibiting the usual herby characters. An ORGANIC wine. +912725, $12.95, QPR: 87. 5. Nov 15: Chardonnay 2002 Unoaked (Coastal Region, SA; Brampton): tropical fruit shows through, with some Chablis-like elegance. +914531, $13.95, QPR: 88. 6. Nov 15: Chenin Blanc 2003 (Stellenbosch; Kanu): crisp, clean, fresh and lingering finish. Versatile white needs food. +907089, $11.50, QPR: 89. 7. Nov 15: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Hacienda Araucano Casablanca (Chile; J&F Lurton): aromatic nose, full on palate, a bit off-dry and herby on the finish. Fine value. +909473, $12.70, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov 1: Cabernet Merlot 1999 Unfiltered (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): lots of black fruit showing, long lingering finish, needs food. Should be excellent in a few years...+395855, $24.95, QPR: 90. 2. Nov 1: Classic Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (South Australia; Angove's): party hearty, great wine for Christmas sipping. +110478, $12.95, QPR: 88. 3. Nov 1: Shiraz 2001 Mudgee (New South Wales; Andrew Harris): rich shiraz tones, elegant ripeness, finish. +906891, $15.95, QPR: 88. 4. Nov 1: Shiraz 2000 Riddoch (Coonawarra; Katnook): many red and black fruits on the mid-palate, lingering finish, enjoyable. +940239, $17.95, QPR: 88. 5. Nov 1: Shiraz 1999 Bin 61 (Clare Valley; Leasingham): elegant, rich and ripe tones, dense flavours but not chunky. Well-expressed. +906115, $26.55, QPR: 88. 6. Nov 1: "The Ridge" Syrah 2001 (Robertson, SA; Graham Beck): definitely Rhonish syrah, black fruit and spices, aged in French oak, and value priced. +607812, $19.95, QPR: 88. 7. Nov 1: Chateau La Tour de By 2000 (Medoc): a classy wine, with java-choco tones already showing, black fruit, softer tannins. Hot finish. +903104, $29.95, QPR: 89. 8. Nov 1: Naoussa Grand Reserve 1997 (Greece; Vaeni): deep, well- aged, delicious, great finish. Needs food, and the wine is ready now for the diner. +743658, $12.45, QPR: 89. 9. Nov 1: Chateau du Prieure des Mourgues 2000 Grande Reserve (Saint-Chinian; Roger): 80% syrah, 20% grenache, from 40-year old vines. Syrah shines through with spices and a bit of pepper. Terrific price...+993642, $17.95, QPR: 91. 10. Nov 1: Eloquenzia Copertino 2000 (Puglia; Monaci): another fabulous red fruit wine from the south of Italy, with enough depth and complexity for quality. +732610, $13, QPR: 88. 11. Nov 15: Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 McLaren Vale (Shottesbrooke): classic cabernet, also exhibiting some mint among the black currants. Great long finish, succulent but needs food. Buy at least several cases for your diners...+906719, $19.95, QPR: 92. 12. Nov 15: Merlot 1999 Cathedral Cellar (South Africa; KWV): soft, merlot-velvet, some chocolate. Affordable but elegant sipper. +522219, $16.95, QPR: 88. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov 1: Chablis 2001 (Domaine de Vauroux) is a good basic Chablis, with enough toast and butter to satisfy anyone. Extremely nice long finish, +908152, $23.50, and on your wine list at $36?? Also in diner friendly half-bottles +908426, $12.95... 2. Nov 1: Pouilly-Fume 2002 (Jean-Claude Chatelain) has a smoky nose, and all the sauvignon blanc grape points are covered, well-made, great finish. +958801, $24.95, and on your wine list at $35?? 3. Nov 1: Merlot 2000 Sonoma (Kenwood) has lightness but texture on the palate, black fruits, and a decent price. +717348, $28.95, and on your list at $42?? Also in diner friendly and well-priced halves, +717249, $14.95... 4. Nov 1: Chateau La Gasparde 2000 is only a Cotes de Castillon, but it is soft and fruity, approachable for restaurant clients, slightly in a North American style. +708594, $17.95, but on your liost at $30?? 5. Nov 1: Gigondas 2000 from Guigal is a sterling winner in the syrah sweepstakes, highly rated for 2000 by Parker, should keep evolving for a long time, +331900, $28.50, but on your list at $40?? 6. Nov 1: Lucilla 2000 is an IGT Tuscany from Farnetella, a sortof low-end "SuperTuscan" that is ruch and ripe, North American fruity style, ready for your diners NOW, sip or food. +992552, $25.55, and on your list for $39?? WORLD WINE WATCH FOR OCTOBER 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Oct 4: Chardonnay 2001 Delaine Vineyard (Niagara; Jackson-Triggs): all BF/ML, aged in French oak, great MVC for a Burgundian feel. +623454, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Oct 4: Riesling 2001 Delaine Vineyard (Niagara; Jackson-Triggs): riesling intensity in the nose and on the palate, definitely in the Alsatian style. +623462, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Oct 4: Chardonnay 2000 Triomphe (Niagara; Southbrook): wine is aging very nicely, BF, 13 months in French oak, very oaky finish. +533315, $18.35, QPR: 90. 4. Oct 4: Pinot Blanc 2001 (Niagara; Strewn): full, ripe, creamy, voluptuous. Like a tropical Chardonnay, but from Ontario. +522748, $12.95, QPR: 90. 5. Oct 4: Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Western Australia (Xanadu): delicious on the back palate, leaves you gasping for food and relief, great price. +952580, $16.85, QPR: 92. 6. Oct 4: Viognier 2002 Pays D'Oc (La Baume): lots of fruit flavours, engaging palate, and long, off-bitter finish. +723916, $14.85, QPR: 90. 7. Oct 4: Chardonnay 2002 Bollini Barricato 40 (Trentino; Empson): well-rounded (40% BF in new French oak), nicely priced. +987503, $12.95, QPR: 88. 8. Oct 18: Chardonnay 2002 Villa Angela IGT (Marche; Velenosi): made in a North American style, with that lingering 0ff-dry finish. 13.5% alcohol. +902924, $16.90, QPR: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Oct 4: Cabernet/Merlot 2001 (Niagara; Lailey): rich wine but needs cellaring to bring out assets...+591420, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Oct 4: Merlot 1999 Grand Estates Columbia River (Washington; Columbia Crest): soft, ready, elegant, and now a Vintages Essential +263418, $19.95, QPR: 88. 3. Oct 4: Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot 2000 Mawson's (Coonawarra; Yalumba): soft, approachable sipper, slight plum/chocolate tones. +607192, $19.95, QPR: 88. 4. Oct 4: Shiraz 2001 Coonawarra (Wynns): rich black fruit and extremely good flavours on finish. +433060, $17.90, QPR: 88. 5. Oct 4: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2001 Rapel (Casas del Bosque): delicious off-dry fruit on the mid-palate, some California mint showing. +746693, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Oct 4: Estate Carmenere 2002 Aconcagua (Errazuriz): 14% alcohol a bit in the Cab/Merlot style, but needs food to shine. Delicious. +905430, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7. Oct 4: Merlot Reserve 2001 Maule (Calina Ltda): eight months French oak, treatment like many Kendall-Jackson wines. +950998, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. Oct 4: Chateau Saint Germain 2000 Languedoc (Didier Cabanes): deep, delicious, and almost organic, with full flavours of black fruit, a bit baked. +718924, $15.95, QPR: 88. 9. Oct 4: Ramitello 1999 Biferno (Molise; Di Majo Norante): lively, good finish, sip or food. Some leather chewiness to match the aromas...+973214, $15.95, QPR: 89. 10. Oct 18: Shiraz 2000 Nagambie Lakes (Victoria; Tahbilk): good depth and intensity, softer than usual and ready sooner..+214742, $18.50, QPR: 89. 11. Oct 18: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (South Africa; Boschendal): oak treatment makes this wine a winner in the "needs food" category. +906529, $16.95, QPR: 89. 12. Oct 18: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2001 Albamar (Maipo; William Cole): 14.2% alcohol, "juicy lucy", ripe and ready with a good length...+744771, $13.50, QPR: 91. 13. Oct 18: Capitel San Rocco 1999 Ripasso IGT (Veneto; Tedeschi): adding pressed grapes from Amarone kicks this wine up a notch in both flavour and alcohol. This wine was well-received by consumers in 2002. +719294, $18.95, QPR: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Oct 4: Chateau Lamothe de Haux 2000 is only a Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux but it packs a lot of wallop in its Bordeaux nose, full bore fruit, and woodsy finish. Ready soon, and on your list at $35??? +902957, $22. 2. Oct 4: Chateau Semeillan Mazeau 1995 from Listrac is a 50/50 merlot and cabernet sauvignon blend, well-aged now, and restaurant ready. On your list at $45??? +902429, $32.55. 3. Oct 18: Chablis 2001 Vieilles Vignes (Dampt) has good length from the older vines, and typical MVC Chablis as it should be. Great price, and on your list at $39??? +908038, $24.95. 4. Other wines to consider for the $10 - $15 markup include * Evolution (non-vintage) from Sokal Blosser in Oregon -- going up against Conundrum -- +906438, $23.95, Oct 4, maybe at $35??? * Shiraz 2000 Hunter Valley from Hope estate, +740068, $21.50, October 4, and maybe at $35??? * Chardonnay Reserve Napa 1999 from Robert Mondavi, ripe and juicy on palate with a long engaging finish, +726562, $59.95, Oct 18 WORLD WINE WATCH FOR SEPTEMBER 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures, Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sept 6: Chardonnay 1999 Paul Bosc Estate (Niagara; Ch.des Charmes): with smoke and bite on the exceptionally long finish, this is a value-driven Ontario wine. +287268, $18.95, QPR: 90 2. Sept 6: Chardonnay 2002 Margaret River (Vasse Felix): 14% alcohol great toasty aromas, with a very good length and finish. Needs food...+903617, $24.50, QPR: 89. 3. Sept 6: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Marlborough (NZ; Lake Chalice): very fresh, a bit spritzy in my sample, good value if you like veggies and herbs...Screwtop...+904110, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Sept 6: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Marlborough (NZ; Sacred Hill): very herby, and a bit pricey but worth it for those who love the style...+993394, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Sept 6: Mas des Bressades 2002 Costieres de Nimes (Cyril Mares): good depth to the palate, soft finish, affordable. Useful wine: sip or food...+701094, $11.95, QPR: 88. 5. Sept 20: Chardonnay Reserve 2001 Heritage Road (Hunter Valley; Hermitage Road): elegant, long length, best with food. +905984, $18.90, QPR: 89. 6. Sept 20: Muscadet de Sevre et Maine 2002 Sur Lie (Chereau-Carre): basic, good muscadet, long refreshing length, affordable. +948182, $12.50 (or +946467, equally affordable $6.50 half-bottle), QPR: 89 RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sept 6: Cabernet/Merlot 2000 Marynissen Estate (Niagara; Marynissen): 13% alcohol, at a bargain price for yummy cab/merlot quality...+352682, $12.95, QPR: 89. 2. Sept 6: Meritage 2001 (Niagara; Magnotta): one of the few Magnotta table wines available through the LCBO, this gold medal winner has a 40-40-20 cabernet sauvignon-franc-merlot blend, very French in style. +915256, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Sept 6: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2000 Alexander Valley (ForestVille): extremely juicy on the palate, a quality sipper of 12.5% alcohol, ready now as a bargain..+904474, $16.95, QPR: 94. 4. Sept 6: Shiraz 2001 (SEAustralia; Yangarra Park): a soft and plush wine, fruit-driven, user-friendly for fans of owner Kendall- Jackson. Affordable. +625574, $16.95, QPR: 89. 5. Sept 6: Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Stellenbosch (De Meye): despite 14% alcohol, the wine is soft and fruity with a long palate. Food or sip. Good Value here. +905414, $15.95, QPR: 91. 6. Sept 6: Carmenere 2001 Reserve (Maule, Chile; Calina): upfront lush fruit and herbs, jammy and plummy on back palate. Soft sipper. Magnificent! +951079, $16.95, QPR: 93. 7. Sept 6: Pinot Noir 2000 (Burgundy; Ch.de Meursault): the name will sell it, but typical MVC of pinot noir, gives you everything you'd want in a simple wine...+739961, $23.90, QPR: 89. 8. Sept 6: Quinta do Crasto 2000 Douro: some raisins, but good value, lots of tannins. +499764, $13.75, QPR: 88. 9. Sept 6: Reserva Alentejo 2000 (Portugal; Sogrape): American style wine, plummy, dense, soft oaky finish. Good price too. +955245, $18.95, QPR: 89. 10. Sept 20: Cabernet Reserve 2001 Heritage Road (Barossa Valley; Hermitage Road): good MVC of cabernet, straightforward fruit and wood, some tannins on finish. +905976, $19.90, QPR: 88. 11. Sept 20: Shiraz Reserve 2001 Heritage Road (Limestone Coast, Australia; Herimtage Road): 14% alcohol, good intensity with MVC for shiraz, engaging finish...+905698, $19.90, QPR: 90. 12. Sept 20: Merlot Reserva 2002 Rapel (Casa Lapostelle): red fruit flavours, restrained elegance in the nose and palate but finishes strong and dense...+405712, $16.50, QPR: 89. 13. Sept 20: Rasteau 2000 Cotes du Rhone Villages (Cave de Rasteau): very good commercial wine, lots of syrah flavours, even if a bit coarse. But so what? +985929, $18.95, QPR: 89. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sept 6: Chardonnay 2001 Hill of Gold, from Rosemount Estate's New South Wales grapes, is Euro style, with balanced fruit-oak- acid, long length, 14% alcohol, best with food not as a sipper. +614792, $21.55, but on your wine list at $ 34.95??? 2. Sept 6: Chardonnay 2001 Show Reserve from Wyndham Estate in Australia ia another new-styled Euro version chardonnay for food, with understatement but clean balance of fruit-orak-acid. +583344, $19.95, but on your wine list for $29.95??? 3. Sept 6: Chateau Fontaine-Audon 2001 Sancerre is a quality wine with elegant sauvignon blanc herbaceousness, crisp citric tones, finishing with a lively zest for food. +745893, $24.95, but on your list at $39????? 4. Sept 6: Cabernet/Merlot 2001 Trinders, from Cape Mentelle of the Margaret River, is a multi-blend of both cabernets, merlot plus petit verdot, finished off in both French and US oak. Excellent blend produces excellent gobs of fruit flavours with finishing acids. Try to buy it all!!! +452508, $21.95, but on your list for $34???? TO: LCBO MANAGERS & PRODUCT CONSULTANTS, WINE AGENTS, VQA, TRADE COMMISSIONS, WINE WRITERS CIRCLE, CLIENT LIST, SUBSCRIBERS FROM: DEAN TUDOR, GOTHIC EPICURES/WINE WRITERS CIRCLE OF CANADA WORLD WINE WATCH FOR AUGUST 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures, 416-767-1340; Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Reserve 2000 Russian River (Sonoma; Bronco): good fruit, aging well, quality sipper of cloves and spices. Priced OK. Drink chilled....+904599, $15.80, QPR: 89. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Sonoma (Kenwood): fruity California nose, otherwise good MVC, longish invigorating finish. +971754, $18.95, QPR: 88. 3. Chardonnay 2001 SEA (Australia; Yangarra Park): excellent power all round, 13.5% alcohol, overlay of oak tones. One to buy by the case for sipping...+625608, $15.55, QPR: 89. 4. Sauvignon Blanc 2002 The Stones (Marlborough, NZ; Sacred Hill): more fruit driven than most NZ sauvignons, and with less acid on the finish. Could be sipper too. +702902, $19.95, QPR: 89. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (Marlborough, NZ; Clifford Bay): excellent price, but softer, more a sipper. +734095, $15.95, QPR: 88. 6. Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Private Collection (South Africa; Saxenburg): Brilliant, overthetop sauvignon, decent price, needs food. +724898, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7. Sauvignon Blanc 2002 La Baume Selection (D'Oc; Dom.Baume): simple herbs, a bit zesty, medium crisp finish for food rather than sip. +728600, $11.55, QPR: 88. I also enjoyed Pinot Blanc 2001 (Hugel: +86264, $16.50), Riesling 2001 (Kuhlmann-Platz: +744342, $15.50), Vouvray 2001 Le Marigny (Aubuisieres: +945527, $19.95)....Rated between 85 - 87... RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Pinot Noir 1999 Unfiltered (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): the 1999 (not the 2000) was tasted. Gutsy, heavy pinot, with a smallish MVC for the new world. +268391, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Syrah 2000 (California; Blackstone): firm, ripe and juicy, with a long finish. Slightly MVC...+740035, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Cabernet/Petit Verdot/Malbec 2000 (Australia; Ashwood Grove): 13.5% alcohol, tannic with an acid finish, needs food. Cabernet sauvignon comes through, but still a tight wine. Needs time. +903633, $15.50, QPR: 88. 4. Merlot 2002 Whitecliff Estate (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Sacred Hill): mounds of flavours, especially in the finish, 13%. Lots of fruit in this warm wine...+704189, $20.95, QPR: 88. 5. Carmenere Reserva 2000 Maule Valley (TerraNoble): 14% alcohol, soft and fruity with a tannic-acidic finish for food. +957050, $15.95, QPR: 88. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 1999 Maipo (Vina Casa Rivas): not the 2001 listed in the catalogue. Great fruit, long length, black fruit showing well, mouth-filling, crisp enough for food. +931139, $15.95, QPR: 91. 7. Periquita Classico 1995 Special Reserve (Portugual; de Fonseca): from Terras do Sado, juicy cherries and blackcurrants dominate, but some drying out is inevitable, with resulting underbrush tones and dried fruit. Good with a heavy course, later in the fall. +726679, $23.50, QPR: 88. 8. Cartaxo Reserva 1998 (Ribatejo, Portugal; Bright Brothers): plums, chocolate, lots of black fruit, heavy, tarrish, not a sipper. Try with a heavy course, along with the Periquita above. +930610, $12.95, QPR: 90. 9. Chateau Beaumont 2000 (Haut-Medoc): a sentimental favourite with me, ready now as a food wine with its slightly bitter- tannic finish. Value priced. +903526, $25.90, QPR: 88. 10. Chateau de Plassan 2000 (Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux): full of flavours but needs time to resolve, excellent price. +979567, $18.55, QPR: 88. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Napa (Markham) certainly delivers lots of flavours at $39.95....good guts and extract to go with your food matches. 13.5% alcohol. Heavy-heavy. Could be on your list for a mere $49.95...Snap it up...+989095. 2. Shiraz/Cabernet 1999 Coonawarra (Penley Estate) is great quality for the $29.95. 75% shiraz and 25% cabernet sauvignon, with tannins to carry through for food...+731893, but on your wine list for $39.95? 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Cathedral Cellars (South Africa; KWV) has mounds of flavours, extract, plus some aging tones -- the wine is now over six years old -- great Cabernet staying power, 13.5% alcohol. Great aged wine for your appropriate dishes...Buy all of it at this price ($16.95) and sell it at $29.95? +328567 WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JULY 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. July 12: Chardonnay Reserve 2001 (Okanagan; Mission Hill): very succulent, bags of fruit and flavour. +545004, $17.95, QPR: 88. 2. July 12: Pinot Gris Reserve 2001 (Okanagan; Mission Hill): zest with body, exciting, fair price. Needs food (appetizers on the patio) +537076, $16.60, QPR: 88. 3. July 12: Chardonnay 2000 Vintners Select (Niagara; Thomas & Vaughan): buttery, creamy, and smokey, with some body, great price for summer (sip or food). Buy it by the caseload..+723775, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. July 12: Chardonnay 2001 Rothesay (Auckland; Collards): great integration of fruit and wood, well-balanced heft, fruit and acid on finish, as well as some wood tones. +726901, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. July 12: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Las Mercedes (Maule Valley; J.Bouchon): bit of everything -- fruit, herbs, zesty citric length. sip or food. +993857, $9.95, QPR: 89. 6. July 12: Pinot Blanc Reserve 2001 (Alsace; P.Sparr): excellent dense body, and flavourful length. A worthy competitor to the Alsatian Pinot Gris....+134635, $12.95, QPR: 90. 7. July 12: Budai Irsai Oliver 2001 (Hungary; V.Borgazdasagi): delicious, intense, fresh, 11.5% alcohol, sip or food, good price. +718239, $9.95, QPR: 88. 8. July 26: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): very yummy wine, not overthetop like New Zealand, but not sweetish like California/Chile. Definitely Euro-style. +430546, $14.95, QPR: 88. 9. July 26: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (Hawkes Bay; Matua Valley): good crisp NZ style, but soft on mid-palate, medium finish. A sipper. +309575, $13.95, QPR: 88. 10. July 26: Riesling 2000 (Mosel; C.Le Moguen): typical riesling MVC, very off-dry, 10% alcohol, great sipping wine or maybe with a first course or appetizers. True patio wine...+993956, $10.95, QPR: 92. 11. July 26: Riesling Kabinette 2000 (Pfalz; K.Darting): some botrytis-affected fruit in the blend really gives this wine good character. Intense, off-dry, engaging, interesting. Sipper. +950212, $14.95, QPR: 91. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. July 12: Merlot Reserve 2000 (Okanagan; Mission Hill): good but tight wine, best with food. Generous fruit develops later. +553313, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. July 12: Firestick Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Langhorne Creek (South Australia; Pooles Rock): intense shiraz MVC with a long finish, great price for a red BBQ. +962324, $13.95, QPR: 90 3. July 12: Piancarda 1999 Marche Rosso Conero (G.Garofoli): good fruit set on nose, dense body, lots of extract and flavours through to the finish. +721811, $13.95, QPR: 88. 4. July 12: La Segreta 2002 (IGT Sicily; Planeta): 40% merlot makes this wine plumb the depths, excellent value. +936773, $14.95, QPR: 91. 5. July 12: El Albar 2000 Barricas (Toro; J&F Lurton): unfiltered heavy wine, but good fruit and body, lovely extractive. Cellar keeper...+725762, $21.95, QPR: 88. 6. July 26: Shiraz 2001 Miamba (Barossa; Grant Burge): mouthfilling flavours, almost unforgettable, full spices, long finish. +725127, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. July 26: Merlot 2001 (Paarl; Laborie Estate): delicious and affordable, good acid finish ideal with food. +739177, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. July 26: Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Likan (Maule; Concha y Toro): another superb food wine, with great finishing acid and a fabulous price. This affordable wine could repay more cellaring time. And it's organic too!! +713909, $11.95, QPR: 94. 9. July 26: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Laura Hartwig (Colchagua; Santa Laura): soft, fruity, but good finishing acids for food. Some chocolate and spices and dessert character. +727495, $15.95, QPR: 89. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ July 12: +966655, Capitel Croce 1999 (IGT Veneto; Roberto Anselmi): floral nose, ripe and fruity, slightly off-dry finish, long finish lingers of fruit. Excellent summer alternative, $22.95, and on your list at $32.95? July 12: +977173, Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Sonoma County (Chat. St.Jean): high name recognition, a consistent winner in restaurant approachability, a food wine with a long finish, $39.95, but on your list for $49.95? July 26: +394908, Chardonnay 2001 (South Australia; Wolf Blass): extremely high name recognition, even manipulative in that it pushes all the right chardonnay buttons, including high style, almost Burgundian character, $20.95, but on your list for $30? July 26: +717389, Chateau de Pez 1999 (Saint Estephe): medium all the way in body, fruit, and finish. But ready NOW for restaurants, in the Fall. Stock up at $43.95, on your list for $54.95? WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JUNE 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. June 7: Pinot Blanc 2002 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): good taste on palate but medium body, excellent length, engaging. +618827, $12.95, QPR Rated: 88. 2. June 7: Chardonnay 2001 Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Winery): 13.8% alcohol, off-dry character with medium body, but an appealing sipper...+989152, $21.45, QPR Rated: 88. 3. June 7: Chardonnay 2002 Classic Reserve (South Australia; Angove's): an excellent sipper, great value at this price, neat MVC...+165886, $12.95, QPR Rated: 91. 4. June 7: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Marlborough (NZ; Fairhall Downs Estate): 13% alcohol, full-blown MVC in style, delicious finish. +990580, $19.95, QPR Rated: 89. 5. June 7: Chardonnay 2002 Alamos Ridge Mendoza (Catena Zapata): my bottle had a different vintage year than the catalogue, and I assume it is much fresher than their notes indicated. Excellent value for those who appreciate woody-woody sippers. +801571, $14.95, QPR Rated: 91. 6. June 7: Cuvee Charles VIII 2001 Domaine de Coussegues (Pays d' Oc; de Bertier): great delicious fruity sipper (or even food) with a New World approach to fruit-forward blending (chardonnay, viognier, sauvignon blanc) +718072, $17.45, QPR Rated: 89. 7.June 7: Domaine des Cassagnoles 2002 (VP Cotes de Cascogne; Baumann): excellent sauvignon blanc knockoff, affordable, ready now for summer in the city. +931212, $8.95, QPR Rated: 88. 8. June 21: Chardonnay 2000 (Niagara; Creekside): aging nicely, but drink this summer. +904136, $12.95, QPR Rated: 88. 9. June 21: Chardonnay 2000 Coonawarra (Penley): rich and elegant, long length to the finish. Balanced, sip or food... +932699, $22.95, QPR Rated: 90. 10. June 21: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Paarl (Laborie): grassy style, good zest for food, priced to go. +727297, $12.95, QPR Rated: 88. 11. June 21: Bollini Chardonnay 2001 Barricato 40 (Trentino; Empson): food type chardonnay, balanced wood and fruit, engaging finish. Good mid-Atlantic MVC. +987503, $12.95, QPR Rated: 88. 12. June 21: Chardonnay 1999 Colchagua (Chile; Vina MontGras): some butterscotch tones make this a sipper, with a soft finish. +977637, $14.55, QPR Rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. June 7: Zinfandel 2000 Old Vine Lodi (Kenwood): best value zinfandel in the release. +717611, $21.95, QPR Rated: 89. 2. June 7: Zinfandel 1999 Dusi Vineyard Paso Robles (Meridian): ripe, fruit forward, some jam and wood tones. +953414, $19.95, QPR Rated: 88. 3. June 7: Cabernet/Merlot 1999 (Niagara; Ch.des Charmes): delicious but needs cellaring time and food. +222372, $19.25, QPR Rated: 88. 4. June 7: Ancient Vines Carignane 1999 Contra Costa (Cline): an excellent wine, as always. Extremely ripe, jam and herbs. +943142, $23.95, QPR Rated: 89. 5. June 7: Merlot 2000 (California; Bogle): plummy, total MVC but needs a bit of cellar time. +701466, $21.60, QPR Rated: 88. 6. June 7: David Wynn Shiraz 2001 Eden Valley (South Australia; Mountadam): full, firm food wine, engaging style, fruit in a jar, jammy too..+933929, $17.95, QPR Rated: 89. 7. June 7: Korae 2001 Corvina Veronese (Pasqua): deep and delicious, something different in food wines for summer...Too heavy for patios. +721100, $11.95, QPR Rated: 88. 8. June 21: Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2001 Western Cape (Ruitersvlei): great fruit and blend, 14% alcohol but stylish delivery, restaurant-ready...+955021, $13.95, QPR Rated: 89. 9. June 21: Merlot 2001 Trio (Rapel, Chile; Concha y Toro): a tad on the light side, but ideal for patio grazing this summer Priced to go. +433920, $12.95, QPR Rated: 88. 10. June 21: Condesa de Leganza Crianza 1999 (La Mancha; Leganza): a bit of raisins and dried fruit on nose and palate, oak tones, good aging, excellent value for the price. +977447, $11.95, QPR Rated: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ June 7: Chablis 1er Cru 2001 Vau de Vey (L&J-B Marchine) has an excellent nose and crisp length, full body, +701219, $27.95, but on your winelist at $39? June 7: Zinfandel 1999 Mendocino (Edmeades) is a delicious meld of fruit and wood tones, long finish, +936633, $35.95, but on your winelist at $49? June 7: Gevrey-Chambertin 2000 Vieilles Vignes (Dom.Tortochot) is quite tasty, full of burgundian pinot noirish MVC, balanced, +940049, $45.95, but on your winelist at $59? June 21: Shiraz 2001 Klauber Block (Barossa Valley; Kies) is a block buster of soft ripe fruit and spices, chocolate. Restaurant ready. Buy it all up NOW...+960823, $23.95, but on your wine list at $35? WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MAY 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. May 10: Viognier 2001 (California; Ironstone): off-dry fruit, good depth and value. 15% chardonnay added for complexity. +946665, $17.95, QPR: 88. 2. May 10: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Mirador (Casablanca Valley; William Cole): 13.2% alcohol, excellent body and mouthfeel, good NZ-style zest, herbs. Priced to go...+991299, $11.95, QPR: 90. 3. May 10: Riesling 2000 Cuvee Albert (Alsace; Alber Mann): full of flavour, good body and fruity consistency.+987073, $21.95, QPR: 88 4. May 10: Domaine Sainte-Anne 2001 Vieilles Vignes (Bordeaux; Boudon): great flavours from this organic wine, and a decent price...+930834, $12.95, QPR: 89 5. May 10: Saumur 2001 Cuvee de Petit Saint-Louis (Ch.de Montgueret): good blend (80-20 chenin blanc and chardonnay) leads to depth needed for a food wine, and MVC for chenin blanc grape. +933010, $13.90, QPR: 88. 6. May 24: Chenin Blanc 2002 (McLaren Vale; Dowie Doole): fresh and fruity, good chenin blanc MVC but dry, long engaging finish. +709246, $14.50, QPR: 88. 7. May 24: Chardonnay Reserva 2001 (Casablanca V.;Casa Lapostolle): barrel-fermented, aged in French oak, exciting, racy, full of flavour, balanced fruit and oakiness...+396986, $14.50, QPR: 89. 8. May 24: Gewurztraminer 1999 Cuvee Particuliere (Alsace; A.Hertz): excellent sipper, needs more finishing acid for food. +933168, $18.95, QPR: 90. 9. May 24: Claudia 2002 (Penedes; Masia Vallformosa): floral summer sipper, muscat plumps up the parellada. +982249, $13.50, QPR: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. May 10: Meritage 2000 (Niagara; Lakeview): 13% alcohol, soft, fruit-forward, affordable...+573212, $19.95, QPR: 88. 2. May 10: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Vision (Maipo; Vina Cono Sur): a bit lean on the finish, needs food. Made in European style... +976381, $17.85, QPR: 90. 3. May 10: Domaine Forca Real 2001 (Cotes de Roussillon-Villages; JP Henriques): full, tannic, needs time. Made with 60% grenache, 20% syrah, rest others...+738278, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. May 10: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Castiglioni (Tuscany; Frescobaldi): needs time, but excellent with food. Good floral/fruit aromas. Strong MVC...+974394, $19.95, QPR: 89. 5. May 10: El Zuiter Rosso 1999 (Veneto; Montelvini): SuperTuscan style? half merlot, one-third cabernet sauvignon, all of it enjoyable. Oaky body...+969741, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. May 10: Tinto Arroyo Crianza 1998 (Ribera del Duero; S.Arroyo): all tempranillo, all the time: great MVC flavours, hot finish, some wood tones...+982298, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. May 24: Merlot Reserve 2000 CEV (Lake Erie North Shore; Colio Estate): full, dense, coming around eventually, food wine, and a good price for terrific MVC....+500447, $19.95, QPR: 88. 8. May 24: Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Classic Dry Red (Margaret River; Sandalford): a crowd pleaser, high acid finish needs food. Euro- style...+975284, $15.50, QPR: 88. 9. May 24: Shiraz 2001 (Clare V.; Wakefield): needs a bit more time but good value, long finish, food wine. +943787, $16.95, QPR: 90. 10. May 24: Shiraz 1999 Cathedral Cellars (South Africa; KWV): crisp finish, tartish, but full MVC. +561142, $16.95, QPR: 89. 11. May 24: Seigneurs d'Aiguilhe 2000 (Cotes de Castillon; Comtes de Neipperg): sweet tones, should appeal to North American palate. Good price for this quality....+705756, $21.95, QPR: 88. 12. May 24: Valpolicella 2000 Falasco Valpantena Ripasso (Gruppo Coltiva): delicious grip with firm body, balance of fruit and acid, sip or food...+981449, $16.95, QPR: 89. 13. Vinha Grande 1999 Casa Ferreirinha (Douro;A.A. Ferreira): lots of nice leathery and plum flavours here, made from port grape varieties. Long length. +559526, $16.95, QPR: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Chardonnay 2001 (Sonoma; La Crema), not 2000 as in the catalogue, is brilliant as a very fruity and woody wine, showing good integ- ration. +962886, $28.95, but on your list at $39.99 ???? May 24 Riesling Spatlese 1990 Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg (Rheingau; Schloss Schonborn) is a fabulous purchase for restaurants. +955823, $20.95, but on your list for $29.99 or $34.99 ???? May 10 Shiraz 2001 (Simonsberg-Stellenbosch SA; Delheim) is extremely Rhonish (syrah, not shiraz), with great MVC and wood tones. Very affordable, get as much as you can. +959080, $17.95, but on your list at $29.99 ???? May 24 Syrah 2001 Prestigio (Mendoza; Bod.y Vinedos Gentile Collins) was another delicious French syrah-like complex wine, a bit more fruity than the Delheim (but with less oak). Buy it all up!! +977652, $15.40, but on your list at $29.99 ???? May 24 WORLD WINE WATCH FOR APRIL 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail; tastings based on Modal Varietal Character. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 5: Chardonnay 2001 Firestick (South Australia; Pooles Rock): despite French oak and 13% alcohol, this wine does not appear heavy. Balance of fruit and wood, with a lingering spicy finish. +713099, $13.95, QPR Rated: 90. 2. April 5: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (Marlborough; Jackson Estate): another fine New Zealand sauvignon, good detail to the aggressive but full finish...+963124, $19.95, QPR Rated: 89. 3. April 5: Pinot Gris 2001 QbA Villa Wolf (Pfalz; Wolf/Loosen): full-bodied, with a hot finish, engaging and aromatic, a good wine for either sipping or eating... +988592, $13.75, QPR Rated: 88. 4. April 5: Riesling Kabinett 2001 QmP Jean-Baptiste (Rhine; Gunderloch): another excellent wine from owner Fritz Hasselbach, ripe expressions with a fullish palate and a long finish. +480517, $14.95, QPR Rated: 90. 5. April 19: Chardonnay 1999 St.David's Bench (Niagara; Ch.des Charmes): apples and a long acid finish, buttery, off-dry on the mid-palate, toasty ending. +430991, $19.95, QPR Rated: 89. 6. April 19: Chardonnay 2000 (Stellenbosch; Mulderbosch): smoke- butter-fruit-acid all in balance, great finish, maturing wine with lots of detail...+717090, $23.95, QPR Rated: 90. 7. April 19: Viognier 2002 (Rapel Valley; Cono Sur): fruity beginning with a dry finish, sip or use with first course only. Great value at this price. +566836, $11.90, QPR Rated: 91. 8. April 19: Riesling Kabinett 2001 QmP Niersteiner (Rhine; Gund- erloch): even at 9.5% alcohol, this wine has excellent body, and it becomes a good sipper at a great price. +499822, $13.55, QPR Rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. April 5: D'Arry's Original 2000 Shiraz/Grenache (Australia; d'Arenberg): good French syrah-style hit, 14.5% alcohol, 50-50 blend, very aromatic....+942904, $18.95, QPR Rated: 89. 2. April 5: The FootBolt Shiraz 2000 (McLaren Vale; d'Arenberg): deep and delicious syrah tones, rich and brimming with flavour. +984021, $18.95, QPR Rated: 90. 3. April 5: Syrah 2000 Cafayate Valley (Chile; Torino): hits all the right notes and pushes all the right buttons, in a good value syrah. Hard to beat. +983718, $13.30, QPR Rated: 91. 4. April 5: Les Grands Augustins 2001 (Pays D'Oc; Tardieu-Laurent): unfiltered, 100% syrah in French style, needs time. Excellent body, depth, and development. +971341, $15.95, QPR Rated: 91. 5. April 5: Castas de Santar 2000 (Dao; Santar): fruity, with some depth, a good value wine. Available in half-bottles for $6.95. +981779, $12.95, QPR Rated: 89. 6. April 19: Meritage 2000 Dark Horse Vineyard (Okanagan; Inniskillin Okanagan): ripe and fruity (black), lots of oak notes, some length to the finish. Ready now. 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. +597039, $24.95, QPR Rated: 90. 7. April 19: Shiraz 2000 Cyril Back (Paarl; Fairview): good value in a well-made shiraz, 14.5% alcohol. Soft, fruity, but with some stuffing for a finish, capable of laying down for a time. Affordable. +937441, $21.95, QPR Rated: 91. 8. April 19: Valle do Riacho 2000 Alenquer (Portugal; Coop Labrugeira): full palate, ripe fruit on the firm finish. Dynamite price too...+931857, $10.50, QPR Rated: 90. 9. Tempranillo 2000 (Rioja; Bod.Beronia): richly detailed, fine oaked structure. Needs a year or two of aging to mellow more. +723643, $16.95, QPR Rated: 89. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ April 5: Chardonnay 2000 Napa Valley (Markham) comes on strong with coconut tones, being a ripe and fruity wine that is restaurant ready, sip or food or both...+747006, $24.60, but on your list for a mere $39? April 5: Cruino Rosso di Verona 1998 (Cantine Fra.Zeni) is an IGT from Corvina grapes, aged in French oak. Lots of dried fruit tones everywhere plus deep dark chocolate, 14% alcohol. Great now for your patrons, +969923, $37.75, but on your list at $49? April 19: Chardonnay 2001 20th Anniversary (Central Coast; Kendall- Jackson) serves up a great finish with total malolactic fermentation and seven months in oak. Great name recognition, +963835, $27.50, but on your list at $39? April 19: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1998 Sonoma County (Rodney Strong), reliable blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, rest franc, two years in new French and US oak. Full and firm, ready soon for restaurants (try the fall), +382325, $39.90, but on your lists at $49.95? April 19: Chateau Le Menaudat 1998 (Premieres Cotes de Blaye) is a no-brainer for your lists: affordable, Bordeaux, food friendly with smooth vanilla tones, +950543, $15.75, on your lists at $29? Buy it all up!! April 19: Le Volte 2000 is an IGT from Tuscany's Ornellaia, a sort of light bodied Supertuscan at an affordable price. 13.5% alcohol, with sangiovese, merlot and cabernet sauvignon in the blend. +964221, $23.45 but on your list for a mere $37? WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MARCH 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail. Tastings are based on Modal Varietal Characteristics (MVC). Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. March 8: Chardonnay 2000 Margaret River (Western Australia; Lenton Brae): well-made, classy wine with extremely long length. Good varietal character, value. +960930, $23.60, QPR Rated: 92 2. March 8: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Wide River Retreat Reserve (South Africa; Robertson): the label, but not the LCBO, says that this is a "reserve". Bursting on the palate, starts herby, broad fruit on the mid-palate, long decent finish. Great MVC, snap it all up! +933085, $11.70, QPR Rated: 94 3. March 8: Tokay Pinot Gris Reserve 2001 (Alsace; Dopff au Moulin): 13.5% alcohol, with masses of flavour, long length, rounded, good as sipper or with food. +357772, $16.90, QPR Rated: 90. 4. March 8: Chablis 2000 Domaine Sainte Claire (Jean-Marc Brocard): a bit smokey, slight off-dry finish suggests lack of acid but this might appeal to some. Great price for mineral-citrus-apple tones. +950527, $17.95, QPR Rated: 90. 5. March 22: Chardonnay 2001 Burrowing Owl Vineyard (Okanagan; Sandhill): Burgundy-style all the way, great value at this price. How did they do it? +541193, $15, QPR Rated: 92. 6. March 22: Pinot Blanc 2001 Burrowing Owl Vineyard (Okanagan; Sandhill): More value with good flavours, full body, longish length. Buttery oak tones from the barrel fermentation. Again, how did they do it? +541185, $14, QPR Rated: 93. 7. March 22: Chardonnay 2000 San Luis Obispo (Avila): stylish but light. Good MVC, 13% alcohol, lingering finish. +978254, $18.95, QPR Rated: 88. 8. March 22: Locorotondo 2001 (Puglia; Cant.del Locorotondo): aromatic, some character, useful as an ABC-type wine, moderate finish with lowish acid...+961078, $12.90, QPR Rated: 88. 9. March 22: Soave 2001 Classico Superiore (Veneto; Inama): broad fruit flavours on mid-palate, substantial body, fruity length, price is okay on this one. +949768, $15.95, QPR Rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. March 8: Shiraz 1999 Limestone Coast (South Australia; Heathfield Ridge): excellent red fruit and spice flavours, right from start to finish...+959767, $19.50, QPR Rated: 90. 2. March 8: Shiraz 1999 Tintara (South Australia; Thomas Hardy): tight but meaty. Needs time, one to cellar. Black fruits dominate. +575704, $22.95, QPR Rated: 89. 3. March 8: Rouge Nature 2000 Bordeaux (Benoit Calvet): fine basic Bordeaux, and organic. +959064, $13.70, QPR Rated: 88. 4. March 8: Chianti Classico 1999 (Dievole): mounds of flavour when opened awhile, needs some cellaring. Great Chianti MVC, just what you'd expect from Dievole. +444448, $20.95, QPR Rated: 89. 5. March 8: Brentino Rosso 2000 (Veneto; Maculan): 55%merlot/45% cabernet sauvignon, in a North American style, deep dark chocolate, plummy and jammy, new oak cream, affordable. +708297, $19.75, QPR Rated: 90. 6. March 8: Casa de Pancas 2000 (Estremadura, Portugal): a combo of cabernet sauvignon and touriga nacional, all done up well in used oak. Perfect food wine...+738807, $13.95, QPR Rated: 89. 7. March 22: Cabernet/Merlot 1999 Columbia Valley (Washington State; Snoqualmie): ripe chocolate, ready now, very approachable, extremely useful for restaurants... +930321, $16.95, QPR Rated: 90. 8. March 22: Shiraz 1999 T-Trellis (Padthaway; Browns of Padthaway): deep, dark, delicious, restaurant-ready, 14% alcohol. +965095, $17.85, QPR Rated: 91. 9. March 22: Pinot Noir 2000 Reserve Brancott (Marlborough, NZ; Montana): red fruit showing, with some anise. But balanced. Shows well now. Superior pinot noir. +746933, $22.75, QPR Rated: 90 10. March 22: Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2001 Brampton (South Africa; Rustenberg): 57%cabernet, 43%merlot, soft, sip or food, long finish. Excellent wine. +980771, $17.75, QPR Rated: 92. 11. March 22: Shiraz Reserva 2001 Colchagua (Chile; Vina L.F. Edwards): tight, taut, tense, but all syrah all the way. Good MVC, but wine needs food and some time. +974725, $15.95, QPR Rated: 92. 12. March 22: Vinya 2000 (Terras do Sado, Portugal; Fonseca) +737197, $14.90, and Penha d'Aia Reserva 2000 (Douro; Pinto e Cruz) +974436, $14.40, are quite similar: they are both organic, both at a fair price, both have an off-dry finish for quaffability. The Vinya has red fruit tones, while the Penha has black fruit. QPR Rated: 88 apiece. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. March 8: Sauvignon Blanc 2000 Napa, Stags Leap District (R.Mondavi) has all you want in the modal varietal character, plus more fruit and grass in the length. Unfiltered, 13.5% alcohol, +733105, $35.90. On your list at under $49... 2. March 22: Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Sonoma (Geyser Peak) is fleshy and has good value, lots of typical flavours and a long engaging finish for food. Ready now...+343467, $25.30. On your list at under $39..(also available in halves as +991208, $13.95). 3. March 22: Cote de Nuits-Villages 2000 Le Vaucrain (Daniel Rion) is a stunner from Burgundy, exhibiting the MVC of the terroir, with a long finish. Ideal for restaurants, +715045, $28.65. On your list at under $39. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR FEBRUARY 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures, Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail. Ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). ======================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Reserve 2000 Kew Vineyard (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): 13.5%, fruity ripe with lashes of sweet oak, but undertones of structure and finishing acid. +985911, $16.95, QPR Rated: 90. 2. Chardonnay 1999 Yarra Valley (Victoria; Ironbark): 13.5% alcohol, and opulent with fruity aromas full of spicy oak. Best with food, as it has some lemony length, not a sipper...+954859, $18.95, QPR Rated: 90. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (Stellenbosch; Vergelegen): a bit vegetal and peppery, hence good with food. A fruity and crisp length. +961375, $16.35, QPR Rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 2000 Laura Hartwig (Colchagua, Chile; Santa Laura): broad fruit in the mid-palate makes this a delightful sipper at a great price...+974592, $14.45, QPR Rated: 90. 5. Chardonnay 1999 Nativa (Maipo; Carmen): *not* 2000, as the book says...But still ORGANIC...It can go either way (food or sipper), but should be of value for those wishing something organic. Buy it up now, drink by end of summer. +975219, $13.95, QPR Rated: 91. 6. Gruner Veltliner 1999 Undhof Salomon (Austria; E. Salomon): of the two Gruners this month, this one is more approachable, fruit- forward, crisp finish, and costs $1.05 less!! +984732, $15.60, QPR Rated: 88. 7. Chardonnay 2001 (D'Oc; La Baume): oak on the finish, and some balanced fruit and acid on mid-palate, but not opulent. A switch hitter (food or sipper) at a good price. +705004, $12.40, QPR Rated: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Franc Reserve 1999 (Niagara; Cilento): food wine, and still needs time (a bit shrill right now) but good value for this quality...+547414, $12.95, QPR Rated: 89. 2. Pinot Noir 2000 (Carneros; Fleur de Carneros): an everyday bright wine, vaguely pinot noir-ish, but very drinkable and sippable. +317511, $21.65, QPR RAted: 89. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Three Steps (Victoria; Hope Estate): another food wine, a bit tart, and fruit shy. Nothing wrong with that, but best not sipped. +744367, $13.90, QPR Rated: 88. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (Victoria; Tahbilk): excellent broad sweetness on the secondary palate, good as a sipper with nibbles (maybe almonds? ). Lately, Tahbilk seems to have re-invented itself...+138818, $18, QPR Rated: 89. 5. "Omrah" Cabernet/Merlot 2000 (Western Australia; Plantagenet): another excellent value red from Australia: full, ripe, ready, approachable...Hey, it is a Valentine, isn't it?? +991257, $16.95, QPR Rated: 91. 6. Shiraz 1999 (Barossa; Yalumba): 14% alcohol, great fruit flavours, and a long lingering deep finish. +524926, $19.95, QPR Rated: 89. 7. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2000 (Maule; Cremaschi Furlotti): the Chilean wines keep coming, and this one is a real sipper (soft and fruity, and a bit of cooked woody chocolate). +974873, $12.95, QPR Rated: 90. 8. Carmenere 2001 Gran Reserva (Maipo; Vina Tarapaca): 13% alcohol, and with puzzling syrah components (e.g., gamey, blackberries). But no matter, it is an excellent food wine. +974493, $16.80, QPR Rated: 89. 9. Cuvee Mathilde 2000 (Minervois; Ch.de Gourgazaud): Gourgazaud seems to be the only Minervois selling well in Ontario. Perhaps there is a story here? Good syrah hit (80%, with 20% mourvedre), cheap enough, and some aging showing in the bottle I tasted. +958629, $12.60, QPR Rated: 88. 10. Cairanne 2000 (Cotes-du-Rhone Villages; Dom.Rocher): 14%, but some grenache fans (65% old vine here) may not appreciate the lack of papery quality. The syrah (30%) dominates, with blackberries, game notes, and density. Great price too. +937367, $19.90, QPR Rated: 91. 11. Muga Reserva 1998 (Rioja; Bod.Muga): unfiltered, 70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha, and totally delicious as a food wine. +177345, $22.85, QPR Rated: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. WHITE: Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 2000 (Champy Pere) was full, a bit barnyardy in my sample which was a warm bottle. With chilling, the flavours became more intense, beginning with spices and ending with a finishing acid for food. Dog's teeth, not dog's breath... Try it on your winelist at $55...+704155, $39.95. 2. Riesling Spatlese 1993 Erbacher Marcobrunn (Rheingau; Schloss Schonborn) was an excellent, all-round, full and hefty minerally complex wine, with medium sweetness. Note the vintage date: almost 10 years old, and still a winner at a bargain price. Even more of a bargain, should you list it at $29.95. 11.5% alcohol. Snap it all up...+960500, $19.95. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Bin 407 (South Australia; Penfolds) has a soft finish (lowish tannins) but fruit-forward and sweet oak makes this an ideal, approachable wine which is almost "restaurant- ready". Elegance on your winelist at $46.95...+414987, $32.95. 4. Bourgogne Rouge 2000 (Dom.Bachelet) is a fine example of post- wine crush winemaking in Burgundy. Treatment is most of this wine. It is also a "Becky Wasserman" selection, a cachet to reckon with, and to put on your wine list. Good depth and good food wine for your winelist at $39.95..Snap it up now...+979179, $28.95. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JANUARY 2003 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Always available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail. Ratings are QPR (quality/price ratio). ==================== WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jan 11: Gewurztraminer 2000 St.David's Bench (Niagara; Ch. des Charmes): excellent body, flavour and character, with typical but slight bitterness on the finish. A virtual steal at this price. +453472, $14.95, QPR Rated: 93. 2. Jan 11: Chardonnay 2000 Riddoch (Coonawarra; Katnook): typical and useful tropical fruit from Oz, also available in handy half- bottles (+709469, $8.45) +712794, $14.90, QPR Rated: 89. 3. Jan 11: Sauvignon Blanc 2000 (South Australia; Heathfield Ridge): a full, rich and creamy, almost California in style, a sipper with an alert finish...+954354, $15.95, QPR Rated: 89. 4. Jan 11: Torrontes 2001 (Argentina; H.Nesman): fruity, delicious yet bone dry on the mid-palate and finish. Great sipper at just under room temperature, fab price. +932723, $10.95, QPR Rated: 90. 5. Jan 11: Gruner Veltliner 2001 Strasser Wechselberg (B.Eichinger): very fresh, good body, not as high in acid as many other types. Fullish, rich and not austere. +950238, $15.80, QPR Rated: 88. 6. Jan 25: Chardonnay 2000 Estate (Okanagan, BC; Cedar Creek): good fruit, cream, and wood balance, but a bit heavy in the toast and butter component. +607200, $21.30, QPR Rated: 90. 7. Jan 25: Chardonnay 2000 (California; Grand Cru): your basic under $10US California Chard, with fruit and wood to satisfy any quaffer. +988519, $15.35, QPR Rated: 89. 8. Jan 25: Unwooded Chardonnay 2001 (Riverina,NSW, Australia; Westend): at an unbeatable price, this late harvested chardonnay exhibits lush and plush fruit, with a thick but not clumsy body. +989731, $11.95, QPR Rated: 91. 9. Jan 25: Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (Marlborough, NZ; West Brook): racy herbiness in its development, typical, but interesting all the same. Affordable. +985994, $13.95, QPR Rated: 89. 10. Jan 25: Chardonnay 2001 Sur Lie (Stellenbosch; Delheim): some crispness is emphasized here, but there is a balance with fruit and wood. 13.5% alcohol, and decent value. +956219, $14.65, QPR Rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jan 11: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Hut Block (McLaren Vale; Hamilton Wine Group): food friendly, with good value. Hits all the right notes, leanish finish. +5567917, $22.80, QPR Rated: 89. 2. Jan 11: Shiraz 1999 (Victoria; Tahbilk): dynamite stuff, the best vintage in some years of LCBO purchases. 13.5% alcohol, longish and engaging length. +214742, $18.35, QPR Rated: 89. 3. Jan 11: Shiraz 1999 TR16 (Eden Valley, SAustralia; Tollana): a very complex mixture of age (chocolate, tar, plummy, wood) with front palate fruit. Good stuff...+489021, $21.50, QPR Rated: 92. 4. Jan 11: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (Mendoza; Bod.Esmeralda): juicy and affordable sipper, wood can dominate, but finish is long. +467944, $13.95, QPR Rated: 90. 5. Jan 11: Malbec Reserva 2000 (Mendoza; F. Flichman): 13.5%, but centered very well, juicy fruit palate, a bit tart on the finish. +746727, $14.90, QPR Rated: 89. 6. Jan 11: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Reserve (Maipo; Vina Carmen): not 1999, as the catalogue states, but a fine fruity wine, good value for sipping, although the earlier year would probably have been better (more bottle age). +358309, $15.90, QPR Rated: 89. 7. Jan 11: Ch.Hanteillan 1999 (Haut-Medoc): ready soon for the restaurant trade, good purchase for that expanding red wine cellar. +945147, $18.85, QPR Rated: 89. 8. Jan 11: Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (Veneto; Maculan): another wine for current drinking, and good value to boot. Restaurants should snap it up at this price...+987701, $12.45, QPR Rated: 88. 9. Jan 25: Syrah 2001 (Lodi, California; Orleans Hill): a knockout organic wine (try with Beretta organic beef), excellent syrah component, long in the mouth. Food needed... +949677, $15.95, QPR Rated: 89. 10. Jan 25: Ariane 2001 (Walker Bay, South Africa; Beaumont): 14% alcohol dominates, but good flavours in this bordeaux-styled wine. Priced to sell... +955708, $17.60, QPR Rated: 89 11. Jan 25: Syrah 1999 Grande Reserve (D'Oc; C.Frederic): rich, ripe and full, continuing a stream of Vintage bargains from the south of France...+959288, $13.30, QPR Rated: 90. 12. Jan 25: Hecula 2000 (Yecla, Spain; Bod. Castano): this is one of my higher rated wines, because of the outstanding fruit. 14% alcohol, wooded nicely, unfiltered, lush and plush and thick without the chunkiness. 70% mourvedre, 20% tempranillo, 10% merlot. Oh, yes, and the price....+718999, $12.80, QPR Rated: 95. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jan 11: Zinfandel 2000 Sierra Series (California; Renwood Winery) shows excellent zinfandel character, with upfront fullness and juice. A heavily fruited wine, dense but not chunky. Wood seems to have disappeared, 14% alcohol, on your list for $39.99? +942581, $25.65. 2. Also Jan 11 for Carato Rosso 2000 (E.Banti), an IGT from Tuscany which is a blend of four grapes in various woods. Good long length, indicative of food wines. Lots of blended flavours, good for a blind tasting and the guessing game. On your list at $32? Try it.. +999359, $21...  WORLD WINE WATCH FOR DECEMBER 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures, Also available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail. Ratings are QPR (quality/price ratio). ==================== WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Pinot Blanc 1999 Barrel Aged (Niagara; Strewn): some candied nose, but it dissipates. Some oaking makes this a great sipper, with layers of vanilla and citrus. Sort of a mid-range wine for food....Excellent price. +522748, $12.50, QPR Rated: 90. 2. Chardonnay 1999 Vintner's Select (California; Haywood): oak- aged complexity, some cloves on the finish, great finish for a full wine. Christmas spices makes this a sipper for the holidays. +988576, $14.75, QPR Rated: 89. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 2000 (California; Buena Vista): not Loire/NZ, but a well-integrated sipper or food wine, some value for holiday entertaining...+956383, $15.40, QPR Rated: 89. 4. Chardonnay 2001 Windy Peak (Victoria; De Bortoli): light entry, fruity mid-palate, woodsy overall, full and long finish. Sounds typical? +989087, $16.95, QPR Rated: 89. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (Stellenbosch, SA; Spier): great value for a leafy-zesty-typical sauvignon blanc. Some petillant character, engaging length..+710962, $11.95, QPR Rated: 89. 6. Barrique Chardonnay 2001 (Shumen, Bulgaria; Boyar): despite a medium finish, this is great value for a sipping wine. Full flavours but not full body...+746305, $9.55, QPR Rated: 89. 7. Chablis 1999 Vieilles Vignes (La Chablisienne): mouth-filling with everything typical of a Chablis: texture, minerals, lemons, green apples. Decently long finish. Great price. +942243, $19.95, QPR Rated: 91. 8. Pouilly-Fuisse 2000 Vieilles Vignes Fussiacus (J-P Paquet): what sets this wine off is the thickish body, with good development through the mid-palate, like a Cote de Beaune, and not a Macon. +723007, $23.90, QPR Rated: 89. 9. Muscadet de Sevre & Maine 2001 Sur Lie La Griffe de B.Chereau: another strong value this month. Lively and fresh, good solid tang to a textured finish. Needs food, mainly hors d'oeuvre. +948182, $12.35, QPR Rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Marechal Foch 2000 Old Vine (Niagara; Thomas & Vaughan): meaty beaty, big and bouncy (from The Who) with underbrush, toast, ripe dark fruit tones...+969444, $12.95, QPR Rated: 87. 2. Shiraz 2000 Barossa Vines (Barossa; Grant Burge): another fruit forward, juicy wine with some finishing acid for food. +738567, $16.75, QPR Rated: 88. 3. Cabernet/Malbec 2000 Reserve (Mendoza, Arg.; Trivento Bod.): great flavours of chocolate and fruit, yet enough spine to cover food. Priced to go, buy it all!! +983403, $12.50, QPR Rated: 90. 4. Saint-Joseph 1999 Les Nobles Rives (Cave de Tain l'Hermitage): ridiculously low price for such quality. Medium bodied and medium texture all the way, through the finish. +988469, $18.70, QPR Rated: 90. 5. Chateau de Chambert 1999 Cahors: fullish wine, but ready soon. A blend of malbec, tannat, and merlot -- like a lot of wine from Argentina and Uruguay ! +720821, $18.45, QPR Rated: 89. 6. Langhe 2000 (Piedmont; Batasiolo): this wine is a mixture of local Piedmont varieties, such as dolcetto, barbera, and nebbiolo -- mostly young vines. Very upfront and fruity, almost in a North American style. Classy presentation and priced to go... +981019, $10.80, QPR Rated: 90. 7. Benuara 2000 (Sicily; Cusumano): despite 13.5% alcohol, this wine is soft and approachable, and exceptionally fruity in its full finish...+748855, $18.90, QPR Rated: 88. 8. Rosso di Montepulciano 2001 Sabazio La Braccesca (Antinori): the hits keep coming for the Marchesi. Here, with 80% prugnolo (sangiovese clone) and rest canaiolo, but no oak, we have a soft fruity wine with a backbite finish. +576504, $14.90,QPR Rated: 89. 9. Cabernet/Shiraz 2000 Sirocco Vieilles Vignes (Tunisia; Reine Didon): the values this month keep coming -- another ridiculously priced wine, a direct Oz copy, with a bit more substance and spine for food at this price level. +955120, $10.50, QPR Rated: 92. 10. Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (California; Silver Ridge): restaurant ready, fruit forward, good value sipper. An all-occasion red wine. +708222, $17.95, QPR Rated: 89. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Gewurztraminer 2000 Herrenweg de Turckheim (+993352, $39.95) has a good dry finish that will resonate with gewurz lovers. Lush and plush, it will also probably cellar for a while with its acidic spine. A Christmas treat for your diners, on your list at $49.95??? Chateau de Lamarque 1995 (+956185, $33.35) is an excellent Haut- Medoc, a softer, fruity version from the exceptional 1995 vintage. With notes of smoke, underbrush, cocoa. On your list at $44.95??? Barolo "Sorano" 1997 from Ascheri (+711077, $34.85) is underpriced, so snap it up. A full-bodied mid-palate, with typical barolo fruit tones and flavours. Ready soon, on your winter list for $44.95??? La Vite Lucente 1999, and IGT from Tuscany through Robert Mondavi and Frescobaldi, is an automatic no brainer for listing (+747030, $36.80). With sangiovese and merlot, it is full of fruit in a North American style. Get as much of it as you can. On your list at $49??? WORLD WINE WATCH FOR NOVEMBER 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Also available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail. Ratings are QPR (quality/price ratio). ==================== WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov. 2: Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2001 (Niagara; Cilento): New Zealand styled, lovely herbs/grass, full length. Good value. +593921, $18.95, QPR Rated: 88 2. Nov. 2: Chardonnay 2000 Barrel Fermented (Niagara; Featherstone): Oz style, rich, made with French oak, full on palate, lingering finish. Good as sipper or with food. +993345, $14.95,QPR Rated: 89 3. Nov. 2: Chardonnay 2001 Moore's Creek (Australia; Tyrrell's): Honest: basic sipper, great price. +518944, $12.95, QPR Rated: 87. 4. Nov. 2: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Marlborough (NZ; Forrest Estates): aromatic perfume-y nose, a bit off-dry, not so herby, almost US in style. Lovely value. +966820, $19.70, QPR Rated: 90. 5. Nov. 2: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Scholtzhenhof (Stellenbosch; Ken Forrester): solid herbaceousness and development, zesty, long, long length. Good value plus. +971945, $15.45, QPR Rated: 89. 6. Nov. 2: Riesling 2001 Dona Isidora (Maipo Valley; Cousino-Macul): straight ahead, Alsatian style, off-dry finish, 13.3% alcohol. Pricepoint is excellent. +731042, $10.10, QPR Rated: 89. 7. Nov. 2: Tokay Pinot Gris 2000 Cuvee Rabelais (Alsace; Pfaffenheim et Gueberschwihr): deeply fruity, full and delicious tones. Food or to sip. +999342, $16.95, QPR Rated: 88. 8. Nov. 16: Chardonnay 2000 Potts Family (Langhorne Creek; Bleasdale): classic Oz-style all the way, from aroma to finish: dried fruit, tropicality, wood. +953968, $18.25, QPR Rated: 91. 9. Nov. 16: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Marlborough (NZ; Wairau River): typical herbs plus citric tones, leading to a long juicy finish. +732024, $18.95, QPR Rated: 88. 10. Nov. 16: Gewurztraminer 2000 (Alsace; M. Steimer): intense, not as bitter as expected, engaging as a sipper. Texture makes it an excellent value. +709790, $15.80, QPR Rated: 89. 11. Nov. 16: Riesling Spatlese 1995 QmP Sonnenhofberger (Mosel; Dr.Zenzen): terrific riesling character, off-dry, only 7.5% alcohol, yet 7 years old. Excellent value...+960138, $13.80, QPR Rated: 95. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov. 2: Merlot 1999 Schuele Vyd (Niagara; Inniskillin): deep, concentrated flavours, long and engaging finish. A real winner. +586305, $24.95, QPR Rated: 88. 2. Nov. 2: Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2000 Hawkes Bay (NZ; Vidal): juicy, forward, approachable. Ready now for restaurants. +700617, $19.90, QPR Rated: 89. 3. Nov. 2: Chateau Suau 1999 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux: tight, tannic, long off-fruit finish. +945212, $18.65, QPR Rated: 88 4. Nov. 2: Domaine de Flines 1995 Vielli Sous Bois (Anjou; Motheron): good herby franc snap on the nose and on the palate. Oak aged, now 7 years old, very enjoyable. +939553, $16.75, QPR Rated: 90. 5. Nov. 2: Cuvee Anna 2000 Chateau Saint-Cyrgues (Costieres de Nimes; Mercurio): deep intense fruit, southern France flavours of leather, plums, chocolate. Shortish finish. +970640, $11.45, QPR Rated: 88. 6. Nov. 2: Primitivo di Manduria 2000 Santera (Puglia; de Castris): some anise and prunes, 14% alcohol, long length to the finish, very engaging at this price level. +730952, $12.55, QPR Rated: 88. 7. Nov. 16: Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Pyrenees (Victoria; Taltarni): softer than previous vintages, ready sooner than later, lots of forward fruit. Restaurant-ready...+940692, $21.75, QPR Rated: 90. 8. Nov. 16: Syrah 2000 (Languedoc; A. Rodet): the bargain of the release, with great syrah intensity at this price level. Soft enough for sipping, yet great body and acid on the mid-palate for food. +745083, $12.55, QPR Rated: 93. 9. Nov. 16: Taja Reserve 1996 (Jumilla, Spain; Mahler-Besse): made from mourvedre grapes by the owners of Chateau Palmer. Still dense and chunky after six years, needs a bit more time, but it should reward you for the wait. +243329, $12.60, QPR Rated: 89. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov. 2: Chardonnay 1998 Freixenet Vineyards, Sonoma (Gloria Ferrer) has good texture and elegance, a bit slight on the nose but good value for its length and mid-palate. +954693, $25.80, could be on your wine list for $39.95. 2. Nov. 2: Pouilly-Fume 2000 Grand Cuvee Fournier Vielles Vignes (Fournier Pere) is smokey, crisp, very elegant, no malolactic fermentation, 40 year old vines, very good length and zest. +942961, $31.40, could be on your wine list for $44.95. 3. Nov. 2: Chateau Baret 1995 (Pessac-Leognan) shows excellent aging, with dried fruit and underbrush, fruity finish. +936641, $32.85, could be on your wine list for $44.95. 4. Nov. 2: Barolo 1997 (Poderi Parussi) had a nice oak tang on the finish -- North American style? Sell on name value. +986604, $43.80, could be on your list for $54.95. 5. Nov. 16: Chardonnay 2000 Paragon (San Luis Obispo; Edna Valley) showed dramatic elegance on the finish, lingering flavours, an excellent wine with food. +984153, $27.85, on your list at $39.95? 6. Nov. 16: Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Napa (Stag's Leap Cellars) has a variety of complexities in aromas, palate, and long intense finish. Excellent value at $39.90, +242081, could be on your list at $49.95. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JANUARY 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures 416-767-1340; EMAIL Also available at website Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. ================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Riesling 1998 (Niagara; Cilento): Alsatian-style integration of peachy fruit, honey, fennel, maybe floral on the nose. Off-dry or lower acid in the finiah. +510362, $10.95, rated 89. 2. Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2000 (Niagara; Cilento): why bother with New Zealand when you can keep your bucks at home with this herbaceous-citric wonder?? +593921, $18.95, rated: 87. 3. Pinot Blanc 1999 (Okanagan Valley; Blue Mountain): bright, crisp acid finish, long length. Some body from the partial barrel fermentation. Well-made quality...+329441, $16.50, rated: 89. 4. Chardonnay 1999 Grand Estates (Columbia Valley;Columbia Crest): sweet vanilla nose, lots of oak that will tame with time, good evolution on the palate, some baked apple pie taste, soft finish. +366542, $18.95, rated: 89. 5. Chardonnay 1998 White Label (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Morton Estate): a good all-round chardonnay, useful as an aperitif or with the first course. Some cloves and sweetness.+718247,$14.55,rated: 88. 6. Colombar 2001 (Bonnievale, SA; Goedverwacht): a hit of sauvignon blanc without the herbiness. Excellent length, with fruit and crispness on the finish. Needs food. +984070, $8.45, rated: 87. 7. Chardonnay 2000 (Mendoza; J & F Lurton): easy sipper, but enough lingering acid for food. +426940, $10.45, rated: 87. 8. Riesling 2000 Tradition (Alsace; C. & D. Frey): An organic wine lighter than most Alsatian rieslings but better in structure than many German rieslings. +744987, $15, rated: 88. 9. Chardonnay 2000 Barrel Fermented Tormaresca (Puglia; Vign. del Sud): as Calvin Trillin would say, "heavy-heavy" with strong wood tones and thick body. But affordable. +968446, $10.95, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Baco Noir Reserve 1999 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): soft enough to be ready now, despite 13.5% alcohol. Deep, dark and delicious chocolates. +461699, $21.95, rated: 89. 2. Pinot Noir 1998 (Oregon; Firesteed): although light and berryish, some may say "soft and pretty", the wine is fruity and has enough age behind it to be exceptionally enjoyable at this price level. +361782, $19.95, rated: 87. 3. Grenache 1999 Picture Series (McLaren Vale, SAust.; Haselgrove): still tight in its structure, but already showing good Rhone character without the papery taste of French grenache. Excellent food wine, 14% alcohol, great price. +718098, $14.65, rated: 90. 4. Old Vine Shiraz 1998 (Barossa/McLaren, SAust.; Normans): juicy, dense, long length, 14% alcohol, ready soon. Sip or use with food. +938431, $18.65, rated: 87. 5. Merlot 2000 20 Barrels (Rapel; Vina Cono Sur): smokey nose, soft and velvety mouthfeel, a plush and lush wine. Sip. +720672, $22.50, rated: 88. 6. Carmenere 1999 Reserva Legado de Armida (Maipo; Tarapaca): fruit of plums and cassis, but a tannic grip means it needs time to shine. Good price. +528067, $14.95, rated: 89. 7. Chateau des Annereaux 1998 (Lalande de Pomerol; Milhade): 70% merlot, 30% cabernet franc, with solid black fruit and a long, long persistent finish. +716936, $22.55, rated: 91. 8. Chateau du Taillan 1998 (Haut-Medoc; Heritiers H-F Cruse): nicely aged, best with food, affordable. Remarkably solid and consistent with cru bourgeois wines. +143404, $17.75, rated: 87. 9. Chateau Vieux-Georget 1998 (Bordeaux; Jean da Fre): an organic wine, useful for your clients. Straightforward compelling Bordeaux with all the approachable elements. +948695. $14.70, rated: 87. 10. Reserve Les Griottes 1998 (Cotes du Luberon; Ch.Val Joanis): good syrah hit, but needs time to soften the backbone. Nice price; you'll be rewarded for laying it down +938282, $17.95, rated: 88. 11. Mazer Inferno 1997 (Valtellina Sup.; Nino Negri): it has been a long time since we've had a Lombardy nebbiolo wine at the LCBO. This one, at 13.5%, is excellent: all the grape's characteristics are here, albeit a shade light. But that means it is approachable and drinking now! Why wait? Restaurant wine... +715789, $22.95, rated: 91. 12. Il Sogno 1998 Barbera d'Asti (Piedmont; Scrimaglio): lovely tobacco and tar nose, long length, strong tasting wine, and affordable. +565234, $16.90, rated: 88. 13. Le Volte 1998 (Tuscany; Ornellaia): this is sort of like a junior version, in that the cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese are aged in small oak previously used for Ornellaia. Unfiltered, very restaurant ready now, $13.5%. +964221, $19.90, rated: 89. THE $10 - 15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chablis 1999 (Domaine Vincent Sauvestre): an affordable, pretty decent Chablis, emphasizing the lean and mineral character. I liked the long length, and you could price this to go at $35. Certainly Chablis has great name recognition. +973123, $19.60, rated: 87. Pesquera Tinto 1998 Crianza (Ribera del Duero), from Alejandro Fernandez, is a delicious black fruit cocktail, with jamminess and coconut tones from the US oak. 13% alcohol, long finish will smooth out over time, but the wine is ready now, for your wine list consideration at $40 or so. +341461, $26.95, rated 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR FEBRUARY 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Also available at website Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. ================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1998 Terroir (Niagara; Strewn): stylish - great balance, lots of identifiable real citric tones (limes, oranges, lemons) plus body and toast. The Cuvee vintage 1999 (200 cases, only at the winery) was also a knockout. +542415, $17.95, rated: 90. 2. Pinot Blanc 2000 Burrowing Owl Vineyard (Okanagan; Sandhill): a perfect example of what Wine X magazine called a Madonna-style of wine: bright, a bit blowsy, fresh melons. +541185, $13.95, rated: 89. 3. Verdelho 2000 (Padthaway; Browns of Padthaway): intense fruit that is nice and full, plush on the palate, with a long meaty finish. +727206, $13.90, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 2000 (Casablanca, Chile; Vina Casablanca): stylish and correct, with excellent harmonious balance. Great price too. +976233, $13.60, rated: 89. 5. Gewurztraminer 2000 (Curico, Chile; Aresti Family): 13.5% alcohol. Shows body and concentration on both nose and palate, but falls off a bit on the finish. Great price, though!! +726851, $8.75, rated: 90. 6. Riesling 1999 (Alsace; Dom. Allimant-Laugner): excellent text book Alsatian riesling, from start to finish, very typical, but a modest finish. Priced to go... +930420, $13.75, rated: 87. 7. Chateau de Rully 1998 (Rodet): fresh and fruity chardonnay and with a lingering finish, typical mid-priced white burgundy. It could sell for more. +712885, $24.75, rated: 89. 8. Lugana "San Benedetto" 2000 (Zenato): licorice on nose, some broad nuttiness, full on the palate, some vanilla and smoke can be detected, good length. Great value at this price. +707158, $12.80, rated: 88. 9. Fume Blanc 1999 (Washington State; Covey Run): firm and tense action in this svelte wine, good value too. More sauvignon blanc than fume blanc, in style. +715896, $15.70, rated: 86. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot 1998 (Connawarra; Wynns Coonawarra): 40% cabernet/38% shiraz/22% merlot. Chewy, minty, mountains of fruit. Can satisfy virtually everyone's taste, especially at this price level. +511600, $15.95, rated: 87. 2. Shiraz 1999 Filsell's Vineyard (Barossa; Grant Burge): from older vines -- and it shows on the palate. Excellent warmth (14.5% resolved alcohol) and loads of chocolate. +987453, $22.45, rated: 90. 3. Shiraz 1999 Reserve (Western Australia; Goundrey): delicious, restaurant-ready, approachable, forward wine. +738203, $18.85, rated: 88. 4. Merlot Reserva 1998 (Colchagua, Chile; Vina Casa Silva): with anise and plums, soft and deep in flavour. Concentrated on palate. But keep one more year to resolve the tannins. +718650, $16.80, rated: 87. 5. Tannat 1999 Castel Pujol (Uruguay; J. Carrau): lots of fruit, balanced with finishing acids and tannins. Sip, quaff or drink with food. +378067, $10.65, rated: 87. 6. Chateau de Rochemorin 1998 (Pessac-Leognan; A.Lurton): one of the nicest forward bordeaux in quite some time: underbrush tones, black fruits, priced for value. +716944, $24.50, rated: 87. 7. Gigondas 1998 Romane-Machotte (P.Amadieu): berry fruit (black) with a dollop of syrah hits. Medium nose, palate, and finish. +728733, $21.75, rated: 87. 8. Quinta de Camarate 1997 (Portugal; Fonseca): aromatic and gutsy, but could take more time in your cellar. Excellent value for such a powerful wine. +357962, $13.65, rated: 88. 9. Quaderna Via 1998 (Navarra; Vina Ebro): 70% merlot/15% cabernet sauvignon/15% tempranillo -- all with one year in French oak. Sort of a supertuscan-style but from Spain. Jammy but velvet soft on the finish. Great value for the price, and I would highly recommend it as one of the better tasting "organic" wines that I have had in quite some time. Load up, offer it on your wine list as your PC organic wine. It will sell... +725911, $14.35, rated: 88. THE $10 - 15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Chardonnay 1998 El Nino (California; Calera): a second-label type wine, clearly a winemaker-crafted effort: 100% barrel fermented from affordable Central grape growing areas in California. The aromas and full plush taste are all there, quite smokey. A bit lean on the finish. But the name recognition will also sell it. Try pricing on your list at $34.95, or even $29.95! +718270, $19.95, rated: 87 Puligny-Montrachet 1999 (Charton et Trebuchet) is done mainly in a North American taste profile. This is a very polished wine that delivers the flavours. Plus that name. Mark it at $59.95? +945741, $49.95, rated: 88. Hermitage 1998 Nobles Rives (Cave de Tain l'Hermitage), full- flavours of black fruits, smoke, undergrowth, leather, etc...it is all here, with a long finish and great harmonious balance. AND it is ready now, restaurant-friendly. This is WINTER, folks. Good time to sell the wine, without tying up capital in a cellar. List it at $49.95? +708677, $38.30, rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MARCH 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Also available at website Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. ================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gewurztraminer 1999 Late Harvest Dry (Niagara; Konzelmann): good balance, definitely Alsatian in style and character, but grapes seem young. +392357, $13.95, rated: 87. 2. Chardonnay/Viognier 2000 (California; Fetzer): 13.5% powerhouse of fruity flavours (floral and stone fruit). Affordable sipper. +960674, $14.95, rated: 87. 3. Semillon 2000 Hunter Valley (Margan Family): citric-herb nose, long full fleshy finish. Needs food. 13% alcohol. +961516, $12.95, rated: 87. 4. Chardonnay 2000 Marlborough (Fairhall Downs): 13.5% alcohol, lovely all round: balance of fruit, smoke, acid, with a long finish. +727057, $15.45, rated: 89. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Marlborough (West Brook): 13.5% alcohol, another excellent all round New Zealand wine, with good body and an enduring finish. Great with food. +985994, $13.95, rated: 89. 6. Riesling 1998 Les Princes Abbes (Alsace; Dom.Schlumberger): delicious, affordable, with intense riesling characteristics. Scoop it up!! +981662, $19.90, rated: 89. 7. Soave 1999 Classico Superiore (Az.Agr.Inama): plenty of melons, long finish, but really needs food. +949768, $15.90, rated: 86. 8. Blanc de Blancs 2000 Bekaa Valley (Lebanon; Ch.Ksara): fruit and oak, nicely done, good balance with a bit of everything. Some complexity from the chardonnay, semillon and sauvignon blanc grapes. +744805, $13.70, rated: 87. 9. Chardonnay 2000 Western Cape (Cathedral Cellars): lots of oak showing, but medium body. Good value. +328559, $12.80, rated: 88. 10. Chenin Blanc 2000 Stellenbosch (Eikendal): fruity, off-dry, nice value at this price. +975128, $10.50, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Baco Noir Reserve 1999 (Ontario; Hernder): deep and meaty, typical of the varietal. Lots of stuffing, definitely needs food to show it off. +551192, $15.95, rated: 88. 2. Syrah Reserva 1998 Mendoza (Finca Flichman): like something from the North Rhone, excellent value. +719005, $14.95,rated: 89. 3. Merlot 1999 Colchagua Valley (Chile; Vina L.F.Edwards): 13.5% alcohol, but soft and fruity, affordable, forward and ready for ease of sipping. +743955, $11.25, rated: 89. 4. Chateau Roc De Bernon 1998 Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion (Lenier): full French Bordeaux flavours at a great price, merlot dominates. +738773, $17.65, rated: 88. 5. Domaine des Jougla 1999 Saint-Chinian (Midi): full flavours, even complex, with an oak tang on the finish. +711192, $15.30, rated: 87. 6. Cuvee Excellence 1999 Mas des Bressades (Costieres de Nimes; C.Mares): medium body. but also much like a Crozes-Hermitage. Drink now or later, sip or with food. +708750, $14.75, rated: 88. 7. Syrah 1999 Domaine du Chene (Rhone; Rouviere): extremely strong syrah nose and palate, but a bit coarse. Food is necessary. +722058, $11.50, rated: 86. 8. Ch. de Bougigues 1998 Buzet: somewhat tart, and a few more years in bottle will help. Good value as a food wine. +712232, $11.60, rated: 87. 9. Nero d'Avola/Cabernet 2000 Sicily (Co.V.A.G.): 30% cabernet pumps up the flavour quotient, while the nero helps to contribute to the 14.5% (!) alcohol. Excellent value. +979971, $10.50, rated: 89. 10. Quinta dos Roques 1998 Dao: while full of flavours with some complexity, the wine had a tannic finish. Best with strong foods. +986075, $13.95, rated: 87. 11. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 1997 Navarra (Palacio de La Vega): 13% alcohol, good oak nuances being resolved by the fruit, ready now for sipping, approachable. +725887, $17.50, rated: 89. 12. Bajoz Crianza 1997 Tinta de Toro (Spain): warm and inviting, with a hit of oak, it has aged nicely, and the price is certainly attractive. +930438, $15.90, rated: 90. 13. Shiraz 2000 Stellenbosch (Delheim): 14% alcohol, showing excellent syrah character and big dense chunky body. Fleshy but approachable, and ready soon. Buy it for sale through next winter. +959080, $16.85, rated: 94. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Shiraz 1998 Bin 128 Coonawarra (Penfolds) is both dense and chunky with a long length that will pick up meats and cheeses. It will also be approachable and, hence, restaurant-ready soon, so you could place is on your list for $40 -- and watch it move! 13.8% alcohol. +509919, $29.95 retail, rated: 88. 2. Escudo Rojo 1999 Maipo Valley (Baron Philippe de Rothschild) will certainly trade in on its name recognition, but it is also a good complex wine, made in a French manner, with cabernet family varietals. You could list it at $35, and it could fly away.. +590331, $24.75 retail, rated: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR APRIL 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Also available at website Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. ================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sauvignon Blanc 2000 (Niagara; Vineland Estates): New Zealand style at a cheaper price, a bit full on the mid-palate, some fruit on the finish. Match with food or sip. +563361, $11.95, rated: 88. 2. Pinot Gris 1999 Reserve (Okanagan; Mission Hill): delicious honeyed tones, crisp lemon finish, barrel fermented in US oak. +537076, $15.95, rated: 88. 3. Fume Blanc 2000 (Sonoma; Dry Creek Vineyard): good length to the finish, fresh and zesty, 13.5%, and useful for restaurants since it is also available in halves ($10.95, +398743). +277715, $19.95, rated: 88 4. Chardonnay 1999 Coastal (Monterey; Villa Mt. Eden): wood, flowers, and length combine for consistent quality, ready now for restaurants. 13.5% alcohol. Price value. +569566, $17.35, rated: 91. 5. Viognier 2000 (California; Ironstone): lots of flavour and some development, good alcoholic hit (14.5%!), fruit and flowers shine. Well-made. +946665, $17.55, rated: 89. 6. Chardonnay 2000 (Martinborough, NZ; TeKairanga): 14% alcohol, good solid chardonnay (wood and fruit), and one of the better deals in New Zealand wines at this price level.+727024, $18.70,rated:88. 7. Chateau Jarr 2000 (Bordeaux; Bouron EARL): good price and it delivers a lot of flavours for an organic wine. +983726, $12.60, rated: 88. 8. Erbacher Hohenrain 1990 Riesling Spatlese (Rheingau; Weingut Schloss Reinhartshausen): drying out nicely, cork is okay, 10% alcohol, snap it all up for wonderful aged riesling flavours. +976803, $18.70, rated: 87. 9. Pinot Grigio 2000 "Bollini" (Trentino; Empson): well-developed fresh and fruity, good acid finish, good with food. +951319, $13.30, rated: 87. 10. Pomino Bianco 2000 (Tuscany; Frescobaldi): good long finish in this chardonnay blend, developing fairly well, price quality is very good. +65086, $12.90, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (Australia; Deakin): full of Victorian fruit and finish, priced to go...+588400, $11.95, rated: 87. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Limestone Coast (South Australia; Heathfield Ridge): many fleshy, full fruit tones as well as US oak gives this wine value. +738229, $17.80, rated: 86. 3. Cabernet/Merlot 1999 Riddoch (Connawarra; Katnook): 13.5% alcohol, yet soft and fruity, a good rich sipper. +713255, $17, rated: 88. 4. Estate Red Reserve 1998 (Victoria; Blue Pyrenees): excellent blend of 54% cabernet sauvignon, 34% shiraz, and 12% merlot. Soft but a long, long length. +711507, $23.80, rated: 90. 5. Malbec 2000 Reserva (Cafayate, Arg.; Bod.Etchart): 13.7% alcohol, sweet palate, good price for availability. +948224, $13.85, rated: 88. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2000 Albamar (Maipo; William Cole): good partnering of grapes, consistent flavours throughout, useful at this price level to sip or go with food (appetizers?). 13% alcohol. +744482, $12.50, rated: 87. 7. Baron de Boutisse 1998 (Saint Emilion Grand Cru): second label for Ch.Boutisse. A bit green, but with some coffee and chocolate tones. Useful at this price level (70% merlot; 30% cabernet sauvignon). +717629, $22.70, rated: 87. 8. Domaine de l'Auris 1998 (Cotes du Roussillon; Vign.de Tarerach): good syrah hit, with a juicy, upfront, almost sweet mid-palate. +722454, $14.30, rated: 88. 9. Chianti Classico Riserva 1997 (Poggio Basso): raisin fruit on the nose, soft already on mid-palate, long length with good grip for food. Great price! +943019, $17.40, rated: 89. 10. Reserve du Couvent 1999 (Bekaa, Lebanon; Ch.Ksara): blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and cinsault, with much syrah showing. Lots of fruit, jam, and excellent finish. +443721, $12.60, rated: 88. 11. Quinta de Abrigada 1998 (Alenquer, Portugal): soft, fruity, and approachable. Developing well, a good buy. Patience will be rewarded. +948083, $15.95, rated: 87. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Merlot 1999 (Sonoma; Kenwood) has some 8% cabernets sauvignon and franc for additional stuffing, plus plenty of aging in French and US oak. Still a tight finish, but ready soon, 13.5% alcohol. The half- bottle is a great buy for restaurants (+717249, 375mL, $16.95) and could be listed for $24.95 on your menu. Full-bottle is $32.95, and could be listed at $44.95 (+717348). Shiraz 1999 (Barossa; Yalumba) is a soft, fruity sipper with intensity in the nose and on the palate, some mints and herbs and vanilla, good with any meats. +524926, $19.95. Could be listed on your menu for $29.95 or so. Ladoix 1998 (Burgundy; J.Drouhin) is restaurant-ready with classic pinot noir nose, a bit light, but it has aged well. Very useful with food. +966200, $25.45. On your menu at $39.95? WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MAY 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Also available at website Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. ================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Pinot Grigio 2000 (California; Montevina): lots of body and development going on here, a warm climate wine with a fine finish that goes either way: sip or food. +747113, $14.75, rated: 88. 2. Chardonnay 2000 Tasman Bay (Marlborough, NZ; Spencer Hill): juicy but with a lean finish, aging well, 13.5% alcohol. +555730, $15.95, rated: 87. 3. Chardonnay 1999 Kaaimansgat (South Africa; Bouchard Finlayson): a cool climate wine, nice and crisp, but some oak showing. +977223, $18.20, rated: 88. 4. Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Curico (Chile; Torres): a bit austere, but not like previous years. Fairly priced, and well-crisped for the upcoming summer months. +177444, $10.95, rated: 87. 5. Gewurztraminer 1998 Ellerstadter Spatlese Trocken (Pfalz; Vollmer): great gewurztraminer snap and bitter late palate at this price range. +703785, $13.60, rated: 87. 6. Muskat Ottonel 2000 (Austria; Weinkellerei Moorhof): slightly off-dry but with lots of compensating acid, great value at this price level. +728667, $11.85, rated: 89. 7. May 18: Chardonnay 2000 (California; Round Hill): despite 13.5% alcohol, this is a wonderful summer quaffer (dryish, balanced, soft) but with a shortish finish. +311415, $14.60, rated: 88. 8. May 18: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 (Marlborough, NZ; Babich): herby, zippy, citrusy nose with delicious fruit untones. A long, long end to the finish suggests food. +560144, $15.55, rated: 87. 9. May 18: Pinot Gris 2000 (Alsace; Willm): excellent finish, body, and weight at this price!! Sip or food. +960559, $14.65, rated: 90. 10. May 18: Sauvignon Blanc Domaine de Tariquet (Gascony; P.Grassa): medium consistency all the way (nose, palate, finish) but at a good price. Classic. +484139, $12.55, rated: 88. 11. May 18: Riesling "RK" 2000 QbA (Mosel; Reichsgraf von Kessel statt): despite 10% alcohol, still fresh and fruity, and very generous for summer. +733295, $12.55, rated: 88. 12. May 18: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 (Rueda, Spain; Marques de Riscal): excellent price, under $10, for a medium-bodied sauvignon blanc wine priced well under the Gascony above. +976514, $9.95, rated: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Laura's Blend 1999 (Niagara; Creekside Estate): great value from the Oz winemaker at Creekside, named after the owner. A bordeaux blend showing enormous fruit at this price level, still needs time to resolve the French oak....+572180, $19.95, rated: 89. 2. Dogajolo 2000 (Tuscany; Carpineto): deep, dark and delicious chocolate -- an affordable SuperTuscan! +461897, $17.55, rated: 88. 3. May 18: Cabernet/Merlot 2000 Barrique 61 (Margaret River; Evans & Tate): 76% cabernet, rest merlot; soft, fruity, both sip and food wine, 14% alcohol, wood tones can dominate upfront. +721548, $17.55, rated: 90. 4. May 18: Trincadeira 2000 (Alentejano, Portugal; J.P.Ramos): one from a new breed of winemaking from Portugal, excellent all round wine with balance and harmony, gorgeous fruit, and a good length. +705517, $19.95, rated: 88. 5. May 18: Gran Feudo 1996 Reserva Vinas Viejas (Navarre; J.Chavite): made from older vines (40 years or more), and already aged six years. Good performer, with old and delicious underbrush counterpointed by new oak and chocolate/coffee tones. +948067, $17.95, rated: 88. 6. May 18: Cotes du Rhone 1999 Saint-Esprit (Delas Freres): lots of syrah (85%) complexity here. Great value at this price level, and ready now. +729962, $12.95, rated: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1997 Russian River (Sonoma; Rutz) is a delightful burgundy-style wine that has aged gracefully, actually growing more powerful, holding well at 14.2% alcohol. More complex -- and even more important -- restaurant ready NOW. Could be listed at $39 - 44 +744904, $29.90, rated: 90. 2. Crozes-Hermitage 1998 Les Hauts du Fief (Cave de Tain l' Hermitage): sort-of a baby Hermitage, with a great syrah nose that hits you in the face, long lengthy flavours of smoke, etc. Nice and mellow NOW, and ready for your current lists at $30 - 35. +958843, $19.90, rated: 91. 3. Zinfandel 1999 Eagle Point (Mendocino; Rosenblum): great name recognition here, but aging nicely with some petite sirah (15%) added. Deep, moist, chunky wine, not ready now, but will be a blockbuster within 18 months. Could be listed at $49. +746610, $36.65, rated: 89. 4. May 18: Shiraz 1999 Basket Pressed (McLaren Vale; Ch.Reynella): shows enormous ripe and forward fruit, full and oaky complex flavours, with a long long finish. Its great flavours will continue to develop but it can be consumed NOW. Could be at $39 on your list. +510628, $27.90, rated: 90. 5. May 18: Barolo 1997 Serralunga d'Alba (Fontanafredda): new style Barolo, forward and approachable, ready NOW. Most aromas and flavours are suggestive, not hidden, at this point (unlike old style Barolos) -- at least you have something to tell you there are tar notes, black fruit notes, and even anise. Midrange finish, with softer tannins. Could be on your list at $49 - 54. +943290, $39.90, rated: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JUNE 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures, 416-767-1340; Also available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. ================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Savagnin 1998 St.David's Bench (Niagara; Ch.des Charmes): shows great aging potential, long finish. +432955, $14.95, rated: 88. 2. Ebenezer Chardonnay 2000 Barossa Valley (Barossa Valley Estate): tropicality from the Mediterranean-style climate, good value. +976324, $19.95, rated: 91. 3. Gewurztraminer 1999 Bollenberg (Alsace; Clos Sainte-Apolline): textbook and classic at an excellent price, great off-dry finish with slight bitterness. +705459, $15.90, rated: 91. 4. Pouilly-Fume 2000 La Moynerie (M.Redde et Fils): some good and delicious fruit here, with only a trace of racy sauvignon blanc, medium finish. +729178, $19.95, rated: 89. 5. Cotes du Rhone 1999 (Guigal): good balance of fruit and acid, refreshing for summer, fairly priced, name recognition is useful. +290296, $15.95, rated: 89. 6. Vigna Solaria 2000 Falerio (Marche, Italy; Ercole Velenosi): great mouthfeel with an enduring persistence to the finish, value is excellent. +948588, $12.95, rated: 89. 7. June 15: Chardonnay 1998 Lailey Vyd (Niagara; Southbrook): one of my favourite Ontario chardonnays, great value at this price. Integrated wood and fruit and creaminess.+448316,$17.95, rated:91. 8. June 15: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 (Paarl, SA; Laborie): wakeup! a powerhouse with its crisp finish and a strong sauvignon blanc component. A racy one. +727297, $12.40, rated: 89. 9. June 15: Riesling Kabinett 1999 Marcobrun (Schloss Schonborn): dynamite riesling flavours keep exploding on the mouth, one of the finest I've had in a long time. +972364, $18.85, rated: 89. 10. June 15: Messias Selection White 2000 (Bairrada; Messias): a serviceable white for summer, with a lip-smacking finish. Useful with a cold first course. +746909, $8.30, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. CSM 1997 Barossa Valley (South Australia; Elderton): 60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% shiraz, 10% merlot, and 100% delicious (fruit forward, two years French and US oak, 14.5% alc +976423, $34.90, rated: 91. 2. Merlot/Malbec 2000 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch (South Africa; Morgenhof): red fruit and chocolate tones dominate, and you will never miss the cabernet. +743534, $9.95, rated: 89. 3. Salice Salentino Riserva 1998 (Puglia; Cos. Taurino): Italianate feel, well-aged so far, good value. +411892, $15.95, rated: 89. 4. Barco Reale di Carmignano 2000 (Tuscany; Capezzana): has the mouthfeel of cabernet sauvignon, with a tannic finish that needs cellaring. +508531, $16.70, rated: 88. 5. Muga Reserva 1997 (Rioja; Muga): hard to find good value at this price, but this is it: just about all you need in a modestly aged Rioja. May be cellared longer. +177345, $19.95, rated: 91. 6. June 15: Merlot 1999 Grand Estates (Columbia Vly, Wash.; Columbia Crest): affordable fruit, ready soon, some crispness on the finish. +263418, $19.95, rated: 89. 7. June 15: Cabernet/Carmenere Reserva 1999 Legado de Armida (Maipo; Santa Ines): black fruit, soft finish, sip or eat with hearty food. +954727, $14.60, rated: 90. 8. June 15: Malbec 1999 Rapel (Chile; Vina Santa Carolina): good fruit (black) with a solid finish. +737528, $10.50, rated: 89. 9. June 15: Shiraz 2000 Estate (Chile; Errazuriz): smokey side of shiraz, a delicious wine, enduring finish. +983171, $16.30, rated: 88. 10. Camarate 2000 (Estremadaura; Casa Santos Lima): tons of extract here, lots of mouthfeel, chocolate and vanilla, maybe ready by the fall. Excellent value. +704817, $13.95, rated: 91. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Auxey-Duresses 1998 (Joseph Drouhin): toasty North American flavours of oak and cream and ripeness, with a crisp, not soft, finish. Good name recognition, and could be offered at $39.95 on your white wine list. +966390, $29.95, rated: 90. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Napa Valley (Shafer): another hot value in a name, and it delivers very well with aged flavours, forward and restaurant-ready NOW (but should keep). Mark it at $89.95 on your list? +346270, $75, rated: 91. Chateau Mangot 1998 (+933382, $26.90, rated: 89) and Chateau Pipeau 1999 (+711101, $29.95, rated: 88) are both St.Emilion Grand Cru. Mangot is in a North American style, emphasizing soft fruit, long finish, and new wood tones. Pipeau is similar, but lacks the wood feel. It is forward, ready for restaurants now. Interesting to compare the two (it all depends on your wood preferences). Both could be marked up to standardize at $39.95. Barolo 1997 (Giribaldi), sweet on the mid-palate, some fruit forward new style atmosphere, affordable, open it now. Good value on your list at $49.95. +948976, +39.95, rated: 92. The hottest sherry category is the off-dry (dry oloroso, palo cortado, medium amontillado), and Osborne's Dry Oloroso Bailen fits the bill perfectly, right down to the modest price of $15.70. Snap up a few six pack cases and put it on your list for the summer (great tastes of orange marmalade with a succulent finish). +746453, June 15 release. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JULY 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures, 416-767-1340; Also available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. ================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 2000 (South Australia; Barossa Valley Estate): an easy sipper, good harmony and balance, hard to go wrong at this price level. Ripe fruit and creamy wood. +598136, $15.95, rated: 88 2. Sauvignon Blanc 2001 (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Glazebrook Ngatarawa): sort of standard New Zealand sauvignon blanc with typical minerals, citric tones, green veggies -- but priced to go ! +963165, $13.45, rated: 88. 3. Chardonnay 1999 (Stellenbosch, South Africa; Lanzerac): another restaurant-ready wine, not completely dry. Approachable, elegant and woody in burgundian style. +971929, $15.85, rated: 89. 4. Ch.La Rivalerie Blanc 2001 (Moulis): 60/40 sauvignon blanc/ semillon, full of summer brightness. A definite bargain, fresh and tangy, drink ASAP with food. +711903, $10.55, rated: 90. 5. "Sirio" 1999 (Veneto; Vignalta): an excellent summer aperitif, a dry muscat full of "orange" fruit and refreshing acids. Extremely aromatic. +737247, $14.95, rated: 89. 6. July 20: Sauvignon Blanc 2000 Monterey/Sonoma (Morgan): assertive with a backbone of fruit, 13% alcohol, barrel fermentation is evident in its creaminess. +411488, $19.95, rated: 88. 7. July 20: Gruner Veltliner 2000 Terrassen Thal Wachau (Austria; Wachau): fruity, mouth-filling palate, lovely crisp flavours, some lemons on the finish, excellent for summer. +933978, $13.55, rated: 88. 8. July 20: Mas des Bressades 2001 (Costieres de Nimes; C.Mares): with grenache blanc and roussanne in the blend, this killer aromatic muscat-y wine is lively for summer, and it is affordable. +701094, $11.45, rated: 88. 9. July 20: Domaine des Cassagnoles 2001 (Gascogne; J & G Baumann): sauvignon blanc in style, a real winner for a crowd pleasing house wine. Check out the price for this goosebery-lemon marvel. +931212, $8.50, rated: 89. 10. July 20: Mantinia 2001 (Greece; Dom. Spiropoulos): full body, good extract, fruity and citric, with an excellent finish. An organic wine from the moshofilero grape. +710970, $11.45, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Shiraz 2000 Lyndoch Hills, Klauber Block (Barossa; Kies): a rich wine, full of extract, mint, plum jam, clove-y oak, but off-dry in complexity. Ready by Christmas. +949206, $24.70, rated: 88. 2. Merlot Reserve 2000 (Casablanca, Chile; Casa del Bosque): terrific value, good packaging, rich and filling palate, with an excellent finish, some toastiness. +746651, $16.75, rated: 92. 3. Ch. Cruscades Hortala 1998 (Corbieres): dense but wood-free fruit; soft but a long finish from carignan, syrah and mourvedre. Great value in its price. +981118, $10.95, rated: 89. 4. Merlot 2000 Bollini (Trentino; Empson): full-bodied (unlike many Italian merlots), and a great buy. +717306, $11.55, rated: 89. 5. Chianti Classico 1997 Panzano (Castelli del Grevepesa): an excellent wine with a long finish from this dynamic vintage, and actually underpriced. Spices, red berry fruit, balanced tannins: they are all here...+972695, $23.95, rated: 90. 6. July 20: Meritage Reserve 1998 (Niagara; Inniskillin): time to snap it all up -- great value for this quality. Mounds of black fruit, long finish, but needs some time. +557272, $16.95, rated: 90. 7. July 20: Merlot 1999 Mount Barker/Swan Valley (Western Australia; Sandalford Wines): delicious fruit and aromas, particularly in the sweet oak and red fruit tones. +954735, $22, rated: 88. 8. July 20: Shiraz 1999 McLaren Vale (Coriole): delicious now, but this deep set plummy wine will need some time for its maturity. Probably well worth the wait. +931600, $21.65, rated: 89. 9. July 20: Ch.Le Barradis 1998 (Bergerac): an organic wine that is aging nicely, in the bordeaux style (same grape varieties). Lots of character in its spiciness and red fruit development. +707273, $12.75, rated: 88. 10. July 20: Castillo Perelada 1998 Reserva (Costa Brava, Spain): aged in 50% US oak and 50% Alliers oak (the latter for added complexity), mostly cabernet and merlot in that bordeaux-blend. Excellent quality and ageability for the price. +985093, $15.95, rated: 90. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1999 (Chateau La Nerthe), with lots of fruit still developing, great extract and a long finish of black thick fruit. +735407, $44.95, rated: 89. You could mark it at $55 on your list. July 20: Chardonnay 2000 Sonoma (St.Francis) is a real winner at this price level, with coconut and pineapple tones in a lightish body with a long finish. And it grows on you. +317131, $23.95, rated: 90. Easily marked to $39 on your list. July 20: Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 McLaren Vale (Dowie Doole) is a treasure from Down Under. An excellent, all round wine, balanced, and ready for food NOW. +732735, $21.65, rated: 91. You could list it at under $34. TO: LCBO MANAGERS & PRODUCT CONSULTANTS, BRAND MANAGERS, WINE AGENTS AND IMPORTERS, VQA TRADE COMMISSIONS, WINE WRITERS CIRCLE OF CANADA, CLIENT LIST, SUBSCRIBERS FROM: DEAN TUDOR, GOTHIC EPICURES/WINE WRITERS CIRCLE OF CANADA WORLD WINE WATCH FOR AUGUST 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures, 416-767-1340; Also available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. ================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gewurztraminer 1999 (Niagara; Cave Spring): juicy, intense, upfront flavours with a bitterish finish. +302059, $14.95, rated: 88. 2. Riesling Reserve 1999 (Niagara; Inniskillin): medium-thick body, ripe development, dense flavours of peaches, refreshing. And value-priced...+253278, $12.95, rated: 88. 3. Chardonnay 2001 Unwooded (South East Australia; Angove's): lovely tropicality, rich body, decent price. +971804, $10.60, rated: 87. 4. Chardonnay 2001 Medalla Real (Casablanca, Chile; Vina Santa Rita): oak and tropical friendliness, with a classicly good finish, worthy of your attention. Drink now. +303628, $14.95, rated: 89. 5. Picpoul de Pinet 2001 (Coteaux du Languedoc; A.Joseph): good value white, lovely citric finish to complement the palate fruit, refreshing. +711341, $10.80, rated: 87. 6. Ch.de la Jaubertie 2000 (Bergerac; Ryman): grassy semillon shows grape's youth, but comes with a soft finish. Affordable. +737957, $11.80, rated: 87. 7. Sauvignon Blanc 2000 Emerald (Sopron, Hungary; Hilltop Neszmely): clean, well-made, light wine, showing herbaceous leafiness of the grape. Useful and cheap enough. +972448, $10.90, rated: 88. 8. "Aramis" White 2000 (Gascony; Pierre Laplace): made from the colombard and gros manseng grape varieties, this wine is delicious with food. Very satisfying, full of green apples and some toast, but it is aging. Drink now. Priced to go. +742478, $9.45, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot 1999 Monterra (Monterey; Delicato): off-dry fruit, good switchhitter (food or quaff), 77% merlot, rest petit sirah and syrah, giving it added fruit and complexity. +612564, $22.80, rated: 88. 2. Syrah 2000 Butow (Redwood, CA; Frey Vineyards): light syrah complexity, but good balance between fruit-acid. One of the better organic wines I've had. +975854, $19.85, rated: 88. 3. Shiraz 2000 (Barossa; Amberton): another good value, dense and chunky Oz red -- black fruit, forwardly approachable, long full finish. +567933, $14.85, rated: 88. 4. Domaine du Closel 2000 (Anjou-Villages; Mesdames de Jessy): an organic wine from the Loire, with upfront leafy cabernet franc tones. Decent, well-made, drink this summer. +748228, $12.75, rated: 87. 5. Domaine de Cabrio 2000 (Saint-Chinian; Les Vins de Roquebrun): great syrah tasting value, yet only 20% syrah (with 30% grenache, 15% mourvedre, 35% carignan: chateauneuf-du-pape anyone??). Great with food. +727958, $11.65, rated: 90. 6. Cappellaccio 1998 Riserva (Puglia; Rivera): delicious Italianate flavours but with a hot finish, 13.5% alcohol. An aglianico reserve wine. +984120, $16.65, rated: 87. 7. La Segreta 2000 (Sicily; Planeta): good depth in an American style -- flash fruit and long finish (with wood tones). Forward, approachable, restaurant-ready now. But could also keep for two more years.... +936773, $14.65, rated: 90. 8. Syrah 2000 Nadaria (Sicily; Cusumano): good syrah hit in a North Rhone style, priced well. Classy label should encourage purchases. +730143, $12.95, rated: 90. 9. Grumello Valtellina Superiore 1998 (Lombardy; Fay): decent enough nebbiolo, a bit light (allowing the grape's fruit to shine through). Great price for this qualiy. +744284, $16.90, rated: 90. 10. Valpolicella Classico Superiore 1997 Ripasso (Veneto; M. Castellani): dense and chunky wine, redolent of cherries and leather. Good value for a ripasso. +972406, $19.85, rated: 88. 11. "Aramis" Red 2000 (Gascony; Pierre Laplace): made from tannat, cabernet, and gamay grape varieties. Plummy, and affordable for a summer quaffer. Good, if mild, fruit. A good companion to the white, above... +742510, $9.85, rated: 88. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1999 (Napa; Clos LaChance): richly flavoured, with a creamy backtexture, lots of oak tones without the toast (spices, vanilla, butter). Could mark it to $39. +721365, $29.75, rated: 89. 2. Chorey-Les-Beaune 1998 (Jadot): value in its good taste, fine length, developing well for a pinot noir. Could mark it at $39. +725804, $29.70, rated: 87. 3. Merlot 2000 Rapaura (Marlborough, NZ; Saint Clair): a trendy grape from a trendy area, with gentle and subtle oaking, lovely finish of crisp fruit. A definite food wine, and it is restaurant-ready now. Could mark it at $34.95, and you'd sell out in no time. +989046, $22.85, rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR NOVEMBER 2002 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Also available at Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of references to wines, beers and spirits: Prices are LCBO retail. Ratings are QPR (quality/price ratio). ==================== WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov. 2: Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2001 (Niagara; Cilento): New Zealand styled, lovely herbs/grass, full length. Good value. +593921, $18.95, QPR Rated: 88 2. Nov. 2: Chardonnay 2000 Barrel Fermented (Niagara; Featherstone): Oz style, rich, made with French oak, full on palate, lingering finish. Good as sipper or with food. +993345, $14.95,QPR Rated: 89 3. Nov. 2: Chardonnay 2001 Moore's Creek (Australia; Tyrrell's): Honest: basic sipper, great price. +518944, $12.95, QPR Rated: 87. 4. Nov. 2: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Marlborough (NZ; Forrest Estates): aromatic perfume-y nose, a bit off-dry, not so herby, almost US in style. Lovely value. +966820, $19.70, QPR Rated: 90. 5. Nov. 2: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Scholtzhenhof (Stellenbosch; Ken Forrester): solid herbaceousness and development, zesty, long, long length. Good value plus. +971945, $15.45, QPR Rated: 89. 6. Nov. 2: Riesling 2001 Dona Isidora (Maipo Valley; Cousino-Macul): straight ahead, Alsatian style, off-dry finish, 13.3% alcohol. Pricepoint is excellent. +731042, $10.10, QPR Rated: 89. 7. Nov. 2: Tokay Pinot Gris 2000 Cuvee Rabelais (Alsace; Pfaffenheim et Gueberschwihr): deeply fruity, full and delicious tones. Food or to sip. +999342, $16.95, QPR Rated: 88. 8. Nov. 16: Chardonnay 2000 Potts Family (Langhorne Creek; Bleasdale): classic Oz-style all the way, from aroma to finish: dried fruit, tropicality, wood. +953968, $18.25, QPR Rated: 91. 9. Nov. 16: Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Marlborough (NZ; Wairau River): typical herbs plus citric tones, leading to a long juicy finish. +732024, $18.95, QPR Rated: 88. 10. Nov. 16: Gewurztraminer 2000 (Alsace; M. Steimer): intense, not as bitter as expected, engaging as a sipper. Texture makes it an excellent value. +709790, $15.80, QPR Rated: 89. 11. Nov. 16: Riesling Spatlese 1995 QmP Sonnenhofberger (Mosel; Dr.Zenzen): terrific riesling character, off-dry, only 7.5% alcohol, yet 7 years old. Excellent value...+960138, $13.80, QPR Rated: 95. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov. 2: Merlot 1999 Schuele Vyd (Niagara; Inniskillin): deep, concentrated flavours, long and engaging finish. A real winner. +586305, $24.95, QPR Rated: 88. 2. Nov. 2: Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2000 Hawkes Bay (NZ; Vidal): juicy, forward, approachable. Ready now for restaurants. +700617, $19.90, QPR Rated: 89. 3. Nov. 2: Chateau Suau 1999 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux: tight, tannic, long off-fruit finish. +945212, $18.65, QPR Rated: 88 4. Nov. 2: Domaine de Flines 1995 Vielli Sous Bois (Anjou; Motheron): good herby franc snap on the nose and on the palate. Oak aged, now 7 years old, very enjoyable. +939553, $16.75, QPR Rated: 90. 5. Nov. 2: Cuvee Anna 2000 Chateau Saint-Cyrgues (Costieres de Nimes; Mercurio): deep intense fruit, southern France flavours of leather, plums, chocolate. Shortish finish. +970640, $11.45, QPR Rated: 88. 6. Nov. 2: Primitivo di Manduria 2000 Santera (Puglia; de Castris): some anise and prunes, 14% alcohol, long length to the finish, very engaging at this price level. +730952, $12.55, QPR Rated: 88. 7. Nov. 16: Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Pyrenees (Victoria; Taltarni): softer than previous vintages, ready sooner than later, lots of forward fruit. Restaurant-ready...+940692, $21.75, QPR Rated: 90. 8. Nov. 16: Syrah 2000 (Languedoc; A. Rodet): the bargain of the release, with great syrah intensity at this price level. Soft enough for sipping, yet great body and acid on the mid-palate for food. +745083, $12.55, QPR Rated: 93. 9. Nov. 16: Taja Reserve 1996 (Jumilla, Spain; Mahler-Besse): made from mourvedre grapes by the owners of Chateau Palmer. Still dense and chunky after six years, needs a bit more time, but it should reward you for the wait. +243329, $12.60, QPR Rated: 89. THE $10 - $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nov. 2: Chardonnay 1998 Freixenet Vineyards, Sonoma (Gloria Ferrer) has good texture and elegance, a bit slight on the nose but good value for its length and mid-palate. +954693, $25.80, could be on your wine list for $39.95. 2. Nov. 2: Pouilly-Fume 2000 Grand Cuvee Fournier Vielles Vignes (Fournier Pere) is smokey, crisp, very elegant, no malolactic fermentation, 40 year old vines, very good length and zest. +942961, $31.40, could be on your wine list for $44.95. 3. Nov. 2: Chateau Baret 1995 (Pessac-Leognan) shows excellent aging, with dried fruit and underbrush, fruity finish. +936641, $32.85, could be on your wine list for $44.95. 4. Nov. 2: Barolo 1997 (Poderi Parussi) had a nice oak tang on the finish -- North American style? Sell on name value. +986604, $43.80, could be on your list for $54.95. 5. Nov. 16: Chardonnay 2000 Paragon (San Luis Obispo; Edna Valley) showed dramatic elegance on the finish, lingering flavours, an excellent wine with food. +984153, $27.85, on your list at $39.95? 6. Nov. 16: Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Napa (Stag's Leap Cellars) has a variety of complexities in aromas, palate, and long intense finish. Excellent value at $39.90, +242081, could be on your list at $49.95.  WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JANUARY 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gewurztraminer 1998 Medium Dry (Niagara; Konzelmann): Late Harvest style, off-dry, affordable value. Good for Ontario. +200550, $13.95, rated: 88. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (California; R.H.Phillips): mouthfilling, tasty in a California off-dry mode, some lemons in the finish. +725309, $14.70, rated: 88. 3. Chardonnay 1998 (SE Australia; McWilliam's): thick concentrated body, ripe, butter flavours, complex, good value for this price. +708206, $14.60, rated: 89. 4. Semillon 1995 "Unwooded" (Hunter Valley; Wilderness Estates): succulent and ripe! but principally from aging. Fruity, figs. Restaurant-ready now. +721480, $15.95, rated: 92. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (New Zealand; Ngatarawa): fresh and clean, long length, typical of the style and hence of value at this price level. +963165, $12.95, rated: 88. 6. Chardonnay Reserve 1997 (Maipo; Carmen): lots of wood and fruit tones, superb value at this price. 13.5% alcohol, half of the wine was barrel-fermented. +961276, $12.80, rated: 90. 7. Muscat Sec 1999 (France - Catalan; Mosse): excellent aromas and flavours, oranges and peaches. Pretty good value at this price level as an Alsatian knockoff. +704569, $10.50, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Old Vines Foch 1998 (Niagara; Malivoire): good depth, maybe from the 8% cabernet franc and US oak. Lots of Rhone character, but it will be more of a winner as it ages. +551036, $18.95, rated: 88. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (Victoria; Ch.Tahbilk): good basic ripe and ready cabernet from Oz, well-known brand identification. +138818, $16.95, rated: 89. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Bin 4000 (Australia; McGuigan): full and useful flavours, probably well-received. +392506, $14.95, rated: 87. 4. Arnaldo B. Etchart 1997 Reserva (Argentina, Etchart): good depth, some raisins (drink it soon), good value for the 80% malbec and 20% cabernet sauvignon. +391508, $14.95, rated: 88. 5. Malbec Trivento 1999 (Mendoza, Vina Patagonia): a very smooth but medium-bodied wine, and only two-thirds the price of the Etchart (above). +492694, $9.55, rated: 88. 6. Carmenere Reserva 1997 (Maipo; Santa Rita): mellow and juicy, very much so. It is easy to see why this grape variety has been confused with merlot. +745216, $13.45, rated: 88. 7. Chateau Teyssier 1996 (Montagne Saint-Emilion): another juicy wine, with some value because of the depth to the finish. About two-thirds merlot. +712877, $24.50, rated: 88. 8. Cote des Nuits-Vilages 1997 Le Vaucrain (D.Rion): the value here lies in the price. This is an excellent Burgundy for the money. Note that the release is 1997, and not 1998 (as the catalogue states). +715045, $28.50, rated: 89. 9. Chinon 1996 L'Exceptionnel (Loire; P.Buisse): good cabernet franc, lighter than cab. sauvignon but similar to merlot, especially in the finish. Fifty year-old vines contribute structure and character. +748087, $18.60, rated: 89. 10. Syrah 1998 Vichon Mediterranean (D'Oc; Vichon-Mondavi): this wine has great value, based on the Mondavi name, its origin of D'Oc, and its strong syrah Rhone character. Not to mention the price... +520585, $10.95, rated: 90. 11. Regaleali Rosso 1998 (Sicily; Tasca d'Almerita): a full-bodied gutsy wine, based on three local varieties plus cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. This melange really works best with food. +482604, $12.30, rated: 89. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1998 (Margaret River, Australia; Voyager): an excellent wine, from aroma to finish, with a long, long length and that all-important balance between fruit-oak-spice-butter-acid. +708255, $23.75, rated: 91. 2. Chardonnay 1999 Overlook (California; Landmark): one of my very personal favourites for years, made from glorious fruit sourced in 18 different vineyards, mainly Sonoma. Very Burgundian in style, and restaurant fiendly. +356501, $39.95, rated: 91. 3. Zinfandel 1998 Sauret Vyd (Paso Robles; Rosenblum): 14.7% alcohol, extremely rich and unctious. Lots of black fruit and smoke, the alcohol carries through the long finish. +746958, $29.95,rated:93 4. Shiraz Show Reserve 1998 (New South Wales; Warburn Estate): six medals are indicated on the label! white pepper, tar, oak, plums, lots of age showing already (that makes it great for restaurants!) +985630, $23.80, rated: 90. SPARKLING ^^^^^^^^^ Lila Riesling Sekt (Germany; Deinhard): another of my personal favourites -- very aromatic, and it gets better with aging. Useful as aperitif, not as bone dry in feel as Champagne. Many women like its off-dry character. +746131, $13.60, rated: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR FEBRUARY 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Musque 1999 Cherry Hill (Niagara; Lakeview Cellars): floral aromas, apples and pears on the palate, off-dry feel (lower acid) in the clean finish. +535617, $12.95, rated: 89. 2. Chardonnay 1998 Sonoma (Sonoma Creek): great balance between wood, smoke, (fresh and dried) fruit, butter, acid. Delightfully long finish. A good buy, could be a featured wine. Snap it up at this price level. +955518, $21.85, rated: 90. 3. Chardonnay 1998 Hawkes Bay (New Zealand; Glazebrook Ngatarawa): 14% over the top alcohol, French oak, and lees promotes a certain healthy rancio nuttiness. Ready now, save it for food. +966861, $18.95, rated: 88. 4. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 Marlborough (New Zealand; Mount Riley): good sauvignon blanc hit (herbs and/or grass), with a medium finish and nice price. Well-worth buying more than one case. +981670, $13.45, rated: 89. 5. Chardonnay 1999 Stellenbosch (South Africa; L'Avenir Estate): very much in the Burgundian mode, lemons and fruit, wood and some restraint in the finish. A bargain wine, compare with no. 7 below. +733717, $17.30, rated: 89. 6. Chardonnay 1999 Mendoza (Bod. Trapiche): a bit of everything, nicely balanced, fair price. Can't go wrong for an everyday wine. Scoop it up at this price! +343335, $12.80, rated: 89. 7. Bourgogne Blanc 1998 Cuvee St.Vincent (V. Girardin): a bit light, but some rancio tones, sufficient finish and stuffing. Great price, can be a house wine. +723718, $21.95, rated: 88. 8. Viognier Reserve 1998 (D'Oc; Dom. des Molines): flowery, peachy tones, long clear fruit finish. Drink now (don't wait for spring!). A wine for every course on your menu... +721829, $11.20, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernets 1998 (Niagara; Strewn): 55 sauvignon and 45 franc, shows well as full, ripe, gutsy, with a tannic finish. Needs time to mature a bit more. +468900, $19.95, rated: 88. 2. Zinfandel 1998 Sierra Foothills (Ironstone): off-dry finish, sufficient to add character to the plumpness of the fruit. Good price. +980680, $16.70, rated: 87. 3. Cabernet/Merlot 1999 Barrique 61 (Margaret River; Evans & Tate): 70 cabernet and 30 merlot. Black fruit predominates in the mouthfeel, coats the back palate. Soft finish but fruity, with mixed wood tones. +721548, $15.85, rated: 92. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (SouthEast Australia; McWilliam's): Jammy black raspberries plus more typical syrah flavours of sweat and leather. Should improve. Good price for this kind of quality. +988295, $16.35, rated: 89 5. Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1999 (Maipo; Vina Carmen): soft and ripe, enjoyable on its own, lacking enough acid to brace against food. 55% syrah/45 cabernet. +983106, $13.55, rated: 88. 6. Chateau du Pavillon 1998 Canon-Fronsac: affordable, ripe and juicy in a mid-Atlantic style (appealing to North Americans? surely not!), slightly tannic finish. Try on its own as a sipper. +722546, $19.90, rated: 89. 7. Bourgueil 1999 Dom. Petit Clos (Loire; Remy Pannier): a red fruit earlybird drinker, soft and fruity, ready now of course. Good value, with a discreet franc herby snap to the finish. +748178, $13.80, rated: 89. 8. Domaine des Soulie 1999 Saint-Chinian: one of the few organic wines I actually like, principally because of the syrah's carbonic maceration lends fruitiness. +937532, $10.35, rated: 89. 9. Chateau St.Didier-Parnac 1998 Cahors: great tasting wine (75% malbec, 20% merlot) tempered by a full year in new French wood. Excellent value for the price. +303529, $12.55, rated: 89. 10. Primitivo 1998 (Puglia; Calatrasi): a dynamite wine for the price, 13.5% alcohol. Stewed plums, and that southern Italian flavour component. Cheap enough for a house wine. +989491, $8.85, rated: 90. 11. Salice Salentino Riserva 1997 (Puglia; C.Taurino): brick red, lots of Italianate flavours, but still a long way to go. One for the consumer to lay down. But great price now. Excellent wine. +411892, $13.45, rated: 90. 12. Dao Garrafeira 1995 Grao Vasco (Sogrape): a reserve bottling based on five local grape varieties (some also used in Ports), aging nicely. Tasty wine, makes you want more. Good value. +725291, $12.20, rated: 89. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot 1997 Napa (R.Mondavi): an unfiltered wine, 14.2% alcohol, with 4% cabernet sauvignon and 3% cabernet franc added. Excellent length and fruit, well-worth $55 in a restaurant. +953562, $39.95, rated: 87. 2. Ebenezer Shiraz 1997 Barossa Valley (Barossa Valley Estates): 14% alcohol, two full years in US oak, mounds of juicy flavours that break out into black fruit components on the back palate. Ready soon, well-worth $45 in a restaurant. +971705, $28.95, rated: 91. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MARCH 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Pinot Blanc 1998 (Okanagan; Sandhill): woody tones, from nose to finish, along with dried fruits. Longish but balanced finish, good value for price. +708503, $13.90, rated: 88. 2. Gewurztraminer Reserve 1998 (Okanagan; Gray Monk): aromatic nose, varietal character preserved from start to finish, good length at end, excellent price! +321596, $13.95, rated: 90. 3. Chardonnay Reserve 1999 (Niagara; Peninsula Ridge): well-shined wine, with everything there: apples, pears, tropicality, smoke, toast, modest body, beginning to be integrated. Could improve over time. +945659, $24.95, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 1999 (California; Stonehedge): powerhouse wine, at 13.7% alcohol, strong at everything. But the label says it is not Napa Valley, but rather just "California". Decent finish. +544841, $17.90, rated: 89. 5. Chardonnay 1999 (McLaren Vale; d'Arenberg): very fruity, appears to be unoaked, light but great value. A summer quaffer for the patio. +702845, $12.95, rated: 89. 6. Chardonnay Reserve 1999 (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Delegat's): tropical tones, but balanced with smoke. Fleshy, good length. Complexities will developed with time. +981563, $19.80, rated: 90. 7. Chateau Filhot 1996 (Sauternes 1er grand cru classe): excellent value for a half-bottle, fullish body and depth to the finish. Honeyed tones +961946, $26.35 for 375 mL, rated: 87. 8. Chateau Jarr 1999 (Bordeaux; Bouron Latour EARL): organic wine, mostly semillon with a bit of sauvignon blanc. Very fruity and floral, some anise. Great price. +983726, $12.45, rated: 89. 9. Chateau de la Jaubertie 1999 (Bergerac; H.Ryman): a grassy quaffer, with semillon, sauvignon blanc and muscadelle (the latter contributing some orange character). Better in summer. +737957, $11.80, rated: 88. 10. Riesling Trocken 1999 (QbA Rheingau; Prinz von Hessen): very fine riesling character, excellent dimensions for minerals and flowers, another summer quaffer. Restaurants should try to sell this wine to their customers. +737924, $12.70, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 1997 Toasted Head (California; R.H. Phillips): full plush and lush syrah flavours, emphasizing mint and chocolate, spices, some nuts (dessert anyone?). Finishes a bit off-dry. +950246, $24.90, rated: 90. 2. Syrah 1998 (California; Echelon): more juicy than the Phillips, showing oak and varietal character. Much like Rhone rather than Australia. +748319, $21.60, rated: 88. 3. Zinfandel 1997 Lopez Ranch (Cucamonga; Kempton Clark): 14.5% alcohol, a really hot zin: full, ripe and voluptuous, dark jammy fruit. Finish lingers. +746842, $21.65, rated: 88. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 "Hill of Gold" (New South Wales; Rosemount): another prolific gold medal winner, softer than most cabernets yet harder than most merlots. 14.5% alcohol. Most of what you would want is here: fruit, spices, chocolate, coffee. More wood on the nose than in the body. +748756, $23.95,rated: 90. 5. Merlot 1998 (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Kemblefield): fruity nose showing signs of age, good length on palate, finishes a bit soft. For current consumption. +746404, $16.80, rated: 88. 6. Gran Tradicion 1996 (Uruguay; Carrau Pujol): delicious flavours, well-aged, lots of cabernet herb tones. Backbone from tannat grapes, but some cabernet sauvignon and franc too. +439331, $16.95, rated: 89. 7. Chateau de la Dauphine 1997 (Fronsac): good intensity of flavours, fresh and delicious, a welcome addition to current drinking in restaurants, +937805, $21.40, rated: 90. 8. Chateau de Seguin 1996 (Bordeaux): some premature signs of aging from my tasting sample, approachable and ready for current consumption in restaurants. +721886, $18.95, rated: 87. 9. Chinon 1999 (Loire; J. Baudry): great cabernet franc hit of herbs. Some rancio-almonds and anise on the nose. Refreshingly clean with a crisp finish. Light, for current consumption. +747899, $14.95, rated: 89. 10. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 "Farnito" (Tuscany; Carpineto): my personal pick as best red wine of the month, with lots of intense aromas, tons of wood and fruit in the palate development, and a dynamite, explosive finish. But needs time to get even better. +366062, $32.40, rated: 91. THE $15 - $20 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE - Chardonnay 1997 Palombo Vineyard (Carneros Creek): a no- brainer recommendation this month. Excellent value with lots of complex aromas, subtle oaking, and a complicated finish that leaves a lot unanswered. Sell at $39.99. +933390, $26.75, rated: 90. RED - Vosne-Romanee 1998 Clos Frantin (A.Bichot): intense aromas of coffee, oak and dark fruit. Medium body and dryness suggests food acompaniment, ready now. Sell at $59.99. +733253, $45.85, rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR APRIL 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1999 Paragon Vineyard (San Luis Obisopo; Edna Valley): full, ripe and delicious, with apple and toffee spices and flavours. Plump, lush, thick. +984153, $29.65, rated: 88. 2. Chardonnay 1997 (California; Liberty School): partial barrel fermentation makes this a winemaker's wine, meant for the middle- of-the-road. Medium cream, fruit, oak. +960120, $19.75, rated: 88. 3. Chardonnay 1997 Carpy Ranch (Napa; Freemark Abbey): 13.4% alc. plus a long, lengthy finish makes this a good competitor for the buck. Wood smoke and toast but integrated. +970400, $29.85, rated: 90. 4. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Monterey; Ch.Julien): more an overthetop Fume, with lots of oak, "good for wood" style. Better with food than just sipping. +933580, $16.85, rated: 86. 5. Chardonnay 2000 (Barossa Valley; Grant Burge): good value, a "spot on" chardonnay with tropicality and vanilla. +712398, $13.95, rated: 87. 6. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Marlborough, NZ; West Brook): a teaser, with a light and lively crsip palate. Great price, limes showing. +985994, $12.45, rated: 88. 7. Gewurztraminer 1999 Furstentum Grand Cru (Alsace; A.Blanck): off-dry, with fruit aromas, rich and plump, meant for those who like "dry" wines. Nudge, nudge. +981852, $20.85, rated: 87. 8. Macon-Uchizy 1999 (Cave Talmard): pretty to hard to beat this bang for the buck, a pleasant good value, fruity wine with a long finish. Some wood indicated on the nose but not on the palate. +733956, $13.55, rated: 87. 9. Touraine 1999 Dom de la Charmoise (Loire; H.Marionnet): typical sauvignon blanc profiled tones, modest finish, priced to sell. +991612, $12.95, rated: 86. 10. Chardonnay 1999 (D'Oc; B.Delmas): an organic wine showing much fruit. Useful at this pricepoint for hand crafted wines. +930842, $10.95, rated: 88. 11. Riesling 1999 QbA (Pfalz; Lingenfelder): presumably made for the North American market -- an off-dry "dry" wine of good character with plenty of fruit and great finish. Excellent polish. +568634, $11.95, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Pinot Noir 1998 (Okanagan; Tinhorn Creek): light grip on the palate, but exceedingly useful at this price level. Medium bodied but good red fruit shows. +530709, $15.95, rated: 87. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (Stellenbosch; Delheim): plush and lush in its black fruit and new oak aromas, meltingly soft on the palate, suggestive of merlot. Ripe, needs more tannic acid to keep longer. +981357, $16.80, rated: 94. 3. Syrah 1999 (Mendoza; N. Senetiner): soft but approachable, good value in its density and extract. 30-year-old vines. +442327, $11.35, rated: 89. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Medalla Real (Maipo; Vina Santa Rita): cabernet character and Chilean ripeness, much depth to the finish. Good value. +275594, $17.80, rated: 88. 5. Ch.Cambon La Pelouse 1997 (Haut-Medoc): soft, approachable, ready now or soon. Merlot in the assemblage. Excellent price for this level of elegance. +712299, $22.95, rated: 88. 6. Ch.Hortevie 1997 (St.Julien): another soft, approachable wine. St.Juliens have traditionally been the favourite Medoc of North Americans. Mouthfilling, with cedar tones. +953182, $24.70, rated: 90. 7. Pinot Noir 1997 (D'Oc; C.de Beaulieu): good length, excellent mouthfeel, yummy fruit, like candy or jam. A quality sipper or with food. +748301, $13.85, rated: 89. 8. Salice Salentino 1996 (Puglia;Sta. Barbara): another good value wine from Southern Italy. But prices have been creeping up.... +992941, $10.70, rated: 87. 9. Rosso di Montepulciano 1999 Sabazio (Tuscany; Antinori): mid- Atlantic style, covering all the bases. Cherry-berry fruit, some anise and bitterness on finish. +576504, $14.80, rated: 87. 10. "Vegaval" Plata 1997 (Valdepenas, Spain; M.Calatyud): best wine of the month, for its price and quality. A bit stewed like Rioja, but also with Rioja sweet tones of spices and leather. Pretty good finish. +985036, $9.60, rated: 92. THE $15 VALUE MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Chablis 1998 Mont de Milieu 1er cru (La Chablisienne): terrific complexity for the price, wood integrated quite nicely in discreet tones. Sell at $44.95. +733535, $29.95, rated: 89. Vosne-Romanee 1998 Aux Reas (A.F.Gros): aged a bit in the past year, ready soon but enjoyable now. Sweet nose yet complex fresh fruit. Sell at $59.99. +948190, $46.85, rated: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MAY 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1999 (Niagara; Malivoire): creamy length in flavours throughout, great price for this quality. Drink all summer long... +573147, $21.95, rated: 89. 2. Chardonnay 1999 (Mendocino; Bonterra): a tasty organic wine, clean and crisp, citric tones. +342436, $19.95, rated: 89. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (Santa Ynez; Santa Barbara Winery): a bit of everything: honeyed, oaked, excellent flavours, and voluptuous. Long length. +933549, $19.80, rated: 90. 4. Chardonnay 1999 (Columbia Valley, Washington; Columbia Crest): lots of butterscotch without being heavy or oaky. Good value. +366542, $18.65, rated: 88. 5. Gewurztraminer 1999 Vieilles Vignes (Alsace; Ruhlmann): aromas certainly woke my nose up that Friday AM tasting! with a typical bitterish finish, but it won't keep. Current patio drinking. +982082, $16.55, rated: 93. 6. Riesling Grand Cru 1996 Kirchberg de Barr (Alsace; Willm): still tightly knit, but it will unwind with opening. Long length. +982843, $19.95, rated: 89. 7. Chateau de la Grave 1999 (Cotes de Bourg; Bassereau): new oak barrels cover the fruit: one for the woodies, but at a decent price. 70% semillon, 30% colombard. +984062, $12.95, rated: 87. 8. Chateau Roquetaillade La Grange 1999 (Graves): refreshing citric tones and fruits; an affordable sipper for the patio, could go with food (appetizers). +240374, $12.95, rated: 88. 9. Forstmeister Geltz 1998 Riesling QbA (Mosel; Zilliken): fresh good off-dry flavours, another sipper at a good price. +950873, $14.95, rated: 88. 10. Catarina 1998 (Portugal; J.P. Vinhos): half the wine was aged in Portuguese oak, and it shows: finishes with some length. Great value at this price (25% chardonnay). +702704, $12.60, rated: 89. 11. Pouilly-Fume 1999 (Loire; Fournier): approachable sauvignon blanc, with typical but muted herbs, grass, and citrus. Fruity finish. +951020, $21.75, rated: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Bourgueil 1997 (Loire; Buisse): all cabernet franc, but with a full Bordeaux aged nose. Light, ready now, ideal for restaurants this summer. +748137, $14.75, rated: 89. 2. Domaine de Beausejour 1997 L'Angelot (Chinon, Loire; Chauveau): oak-aging gives this Loire wine a decidedly different feel, smooth as in a North American sense (underbrush, berries, mint). Medium finish. +972901, $15.45, rated: 88. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Reserve (Niagara; Konzelmann): aged in French oak for more complexity, but already has a soft finish. Good body and great price. +582312, $16.95, rated: 89. 4. Merlot 1998 (Okanagan Valley; Tinhorn Creek): reticent nose, smokey, good body, soft finish. +530725, $18.85, rated: 88. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Wetmore Reserve (Livermore; Wente): very good quality at this price level, but needs some additional time to develop. +963397, $26.60, rated: 88. 6. Pinot Noir 1998 (Carneros; Fleur de Carneros): good value for a pinot noir hit. Summer sipper. +317511, $19.95, rated: 87. 7. Zinfandel 1999 (California; Beringer): ripe and fruity, solid wine for the price. Meant for now. +567453, $14.95, rated: 88. 8. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Estate (Columbia Valley; Columbia Crest): 13% alcohol but still youthful and juicy, aged in US oak (40% new). Good value, but lay it down. +240093, $26.60, rated: 90. 9. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (McLaren Vale; Hugo Wines): dark, 14% alcohol, heavy concentrated flavours, power may be tamed if aged a bit, serve at Christmas....+733394, $19.95, rated: 89. 10. Shiraz 1997 (Stellenbosch; Stellenzicht): excellent shiraz fruit and juice, meant for drinking now: spices and vanilla. +950782, $19.60, rated: 90. 11. Chateau La Croix-Canon (Canon-Fronsac): excellent value from the Moueix family (Chateau Petrus). +942185, $24.95, rated: 88. 12. Crozes-Hermitage 1998 Les Meysonniers (M.Chapoutier): chunky and dense, good syrah character which will repay laying down for a few years. +703090, $21.95, rated: 88. 13. Valpolicella Classico Superiore 1998 Ripaso (Farina): thick extract from the ripasso method, juicy fruit and a long robust finish. Great value. +737932, $18.50, rated: 89. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ White - Chablis 1er Cru 1999 Cote de Lechet (Defaix): lots of what you would expect from a Chablis (apples, nuts, some fennel) in a dry finish, long length. Offer it at $36.95. +950667, $23.55, rated: 88. Red - Nuits-Saint-Georges 1998 Clos Frantin (Bichot): rich and firm, slightly tannic, good fresh wood and excellent mouthfeel in the finish. Offer it at $59.95, +733337, $44.95, rated: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JUNE 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Niagara; Southbrook): delicious grass and gooseberry aromas and development, one of the best made sauvignon blancs in Ontario. +954800, $14.95, rated: 89. 2. Chardonnay 1998 Napa Valley (Van Asperen): balanced, but not showing any wood tones. Good, all round wine with an aftertaste that is full and distinctive. +240309, $19.95, rated: 89. 3. Semillon 1998 Columbia Valley (Washington; Ch.Ste.Michelle): pears, toast, and underbrush dominate, long and engaging finish Complex, beyond being just a sipping wine. Try with game birds. +389635, $13.85, rated: 89. 4. Chardonnay 1999 Barossa (Australia; Barossa Valley Estate): Great value for restaurants: ready and approachable now, showing oak and tropical fruits. +950949, $15.85, rated: 90. 5. Chardonnay 1998 Bin 37 Clare Valley (So.Aust.; Leasingham): Good oaking, lots of toast, finishes strong with crisp acid. +261966, $17.95, rated: 88. 6. Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 1999 Margaret River (West Aust.; Ch. Xanadu): good Bordeaux blend here, also combining fruit and barrel fermentation. Opinionated with some character at a great price. +952580, $11.40, rated: 91. 7. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 Marlborough (NZ; Coopers Creek): crisp citric tones, some tropical fruits. Tamed grassiness, okay as an aperitif in the Loire mode. +957407, $14.95, rated: 89. 8. Pinot Blanc 1999 Burgenland (Austria; A. Fischer): off-dry sipper, good fruit flavours, still spritzy leading to some bite to the finish. Well-priced. +946798, $11.95, rated: 89. 9. Gewurztraminer 1999 Clos Schwendi (Alsace; A. Blanck): typical all the way: plush aromas, good concentration of body, slightly bitter but persistent finish. OK price. +981928, $13.95, rated: 89 10. Tokay Pinot Gris 1998 Reserve (Alsace; J.-B. Adam): summer sipper with lower acid, excellent body and mouthfeel. +933341, $15.80, rated: 88. 11. Chardonnay 1999 Hugues de Beauvignac (Cotes des Thau, Midi; Costieres de Pomerol): for the North American palate with fruit and wood tones, off-dry finish succeeds very well. Remarkable price, buy it up quickly as a house special. +944926, $7.95, rated: 90. 12. Viognier 1999 Richemont (D'Oc; Hugh Ryman): exceptional floral tones at this price level, excellent finish for a barrel fermented wine. Full-bodied too. +944819, $11.35, rated: 90. 13. Chardonnay 1999 Barricato 40 Bollini (Trentino, Italy; Empson): great balance and integration between fruit-oak-acid, followed along by an excellent price. +987503, $11.85, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Franc 1998 CEV Reserve (Lake Erie North Shore; Colio): barrel aged, complex fruit flavours and wood finish, excellent value for half-bottle. +532481, $9.95 for half-bottle, rated: 90. 2. Pinot Noir 1998 Triomphe (Niagara; Southbrook): smokey, gamey, barnyard lover's dream come true! One for the traditionalists who like old style Burgundies. Affordable. +533281, $19.85, rated: 88. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Walker Bay (South Africa; Wildekrans): intense fruit on the nose, French oaky palate with a long dry finish. Exceptional value. +979740, $12.95, rated: 91. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Trio (Maipo, Chile; Concha y Toro): modest, warm, lingering sipper for patios and decks, with some typical cabby characteristics. +433912, $12.60, rated: 89. 5. Merlot 1999 Trio (Rapel, Chile; Concha y Toro): bit more modest than the Maipo Cabernet, but still good value for summer sipping. +433920, $12.60, rated: 88. 6. Domaine de la Garenne 1998 (Bandol, France; de Balincourt): delightful, full of fruit and sunshine. Plush Provencal character emphasizing herbs and (maybe) lavender.+747865, $16.95, rated: 88. 7. Gigondas 1995 Seigneurie de Fontange (Vignerons de Gigondas): from old vines, good depth to the finish, typical anise and leather components, fairly priced, maturing well and useful at this price for an older wine on your list. +956086, $22.85, rated: 89. 8. Brindisi Rosso 1997 (Apulia; Agr. Santa Barbara): off-dry, well- aged character already, fruity and useful with food. High acid middle palate. +725143, $9.90, rated: 89. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE: "Conundrum" 1999 (California; Caymus): interesting blend of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, semillon, viognier and muscat, with aspects of all varieties. Complex, with balanced integration. A great wine to "discuss", sell it for $50 - 55. +310979, $39.75, rated: 88. RED: Zinfandel 1997 Los Chamizal (Sonoma; Haywood): lots of red fruit on the ripe nose, and in the palate. Ready now, good oak integration, long length on the finish. Perfect for restaurants. 14.5% alcohol hit. Sell at $45. +949255, $29.95, rated: 90. Cabernet/Merlot 1997 Basket Pressed (McLaren Vale; Ch. Reynella): lots of jammy fruit from Bordeaux blend, ready now, 13.5% alcohol. Aged 14 months in US and French oak. Sell at $42. +931741, $27.45, rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JULY 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Pinot Blanc 1999 Vintner's Reserve (Okanagan Vly; St.Hubertus): slight salmon colour, aromatic floral nose, some coconut taste on the palate, good crisp finish. +344978, $12.95, rated: 89. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 Central Coast (Bargetto): mild grass tones, good body, persistent finish, well-made wine. +933689, $15.30, rated: 89. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 2000 Martinborough (NZ; Palliser Estate): grassy as a typical NZ wine, uncertified organic, long finish. +708602, $16.85, rated: 88. 3. Torrontes Riojana 1999 Santa Florentina (Argentina; La Riojana): lots of fruit on the nose, fruit on the palate, lemon crisp on the finish, excellent for summer. Very classy bottle for a wine priced under ten dollars. Great gift for BBQ/patio attendees. +983155, $9.95, rated: 90. 4. Riesling Reserve 1998 (Alsace; Pierre Sparr): excellent value at this price level: riesling fruit of peaches and apricots, and a long "reserve level" finish. +959361, $14.40, rated: 89. 5. Chablis 1999 (Dom.L.Michel et Fils): crisp, clean, upfront acid levels, good price. +933184, $21.50, rated: 88. 6. Saumur White 1999 (Loire; Ch.de Montgueret): Saumur wine? how about "summer wine"? excellent sipper, with a touch of vegetation on the palate, appetite provoking. +933010, $11.95, rated: 89. 7. Mas Meyrac 1998 (D'Oc; Ch.Capendu): with 100% new French oak used in the fermentation process, the wine seems overoaked but toasty. 50/50 blend of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. One for the lumber lovers. +944769, $12.75, rated: 89. 8. Pomino Benefizio 1997 (Tuscany; Frescobaldi): thick, big, North American style wine with pronounced chardonnay charm and some oak, a bit firmer than burgundian style. +332247, $23.85, rated: 90. 9. San Vincenzo 1999 (Veneto; Anselmi): many melons and apples here, value priced for a non-Soave, with some non-DOC grapes added for complexity. Even better value is the half-bottle (+705061, $7.40 for 375 mL), a mere pro-rated 15 cents more. Scoop up the halves for your clients/customers, as an aperitif before the main course. +948158, $14.50, rated: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 "Tintara" (South Australia; Hardy): excellent blend from different vineyards, lots of fruit, but still needing time. +948893, $22.50, rated: 90. 2. Chateau Brillette 1998 Moulis: dense, chunky, somewhat fruity on the palate. Excellent value for its solid core. +947366, $29.95, rated: 89. 3. Chateau Phelan-Segur 1997 Saint-Estephe: my sample was aging quickly, so drink it up by Christmas. Otherwise, an evolving, old- style Bordeaux, not a typical Saint-Estephe. +946277, $39.95, rated: 88. 4. Chateau Potensac 1997 Haut-Medoc: upfront and fruity (red), but with surprisingly good depth to the finish. +957233, $34.95, rated: 88. 5. Figaro Rouge 1999 (l'Herault; Moulin de Gassac): rosemary herby nose, off-dry, no papery quality from the old grenache vines, priced to move. Always sells out quickly at the LCBO. +735100, $8.65, rated: 89. 6. Negroamaro 1999 Promessa (Puglia; GI SpA): a bargain at this price level, using French barrels, a bit sour on finish, great with food. +962761, $10.95, rated: 90. 7. Maraia 1999 Barbera Monferrato (Marchesi di Barolo): 13.5% alcohol, dense and chunky, but affordable. Good aging quality, with a pronounced chocolate component. +748277, $12.75, rated: 87. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1998 Sonoma (Ch.St.Jean): the name recognition alone will sell the wine - ripe, round and firm, 13.4% and overthetop flavours of lemons, pears, apples, etc. Sell at $39.99 or so. Buy it all up....+421644, $24.35, rated: 89 2. Sarget de Gruaud-Larose 1997 Saint-Julien: name recognition again, this being the "second wine" of the chateau. Juicy, forward and developing style. Excellent value, mark it to $59. Again, buy it all up....+963017, $43.35, rated: 90 SUMMER APERITIFS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Manzanilla Sherry "La Cigarrera" (Pilar Ca de Velasco): an excellent bargain for the price. Clear, crisp, reminiscent of some kind of saltiness (derived from its seaside position?), bone dry on the palate. Only 15% alcohol -- for the patio. +954453, $11.95, rated: 92. 2. Pineau des Charentes Blanc Logis de la Montagne (Bonnin Pere): made from grape juice and cognac, served on the rocks or chilled neat. Patio location, with appetizers. Some bitter aftertaste makes it refreshing. 17.5% alcohol. +966523, $16.30, rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR AUGUST 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Reserve 1998 (Niagara; Cilento): Burgundian level of elegance and smoothness, very well-balanced, superb length. +510263, $23.95, rated: 89. 2. Gewurztraminer 1999 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): great gewurz finish, excellent value for price. Crisp enough for summer. +268359, $13.95, rated: 88. 3. Chardonnay 1998 Grand Reserve (Okanagan Valley; Mission Hill): bargain price for this kind of quality, with plenty of burgundian fruit and elegance. Top of the line from Mission Hill, well-worth keeping in your cellar for awhile. +545004, $17.85, rated: 90. 4. Fume Blanc 1999 (Columbia Valley, Wash. State; Hogue): excellent sauvignon blanc herby character with lifted aromas (lemons, apples) well-priced. +274829, $15.55, rated: 88. 5. Chardonnay 1999 Stoneleigh (Marlborough; Corbans): off-dry on mid-palate, good enough oak, light and refreshing, pleasant summer wine. +288795, $14.55, rated: 88. 6. Chardonnay Reserve 1999 Wide River (South Africa, Robertson): 13.5% alcohol, smoke and toast predominate especially on the finish. A big wine at a little price. +943241, $12.55, rated: 89. 7. Chardonnay 1998 Selection (Casablanca, Chile; Casa Lapostolle): great price for an off-dry (on the palate), with wood and toast tones, crisp fruit (apples, lemons). +396986, $13.95, rated: 90. 8. Chateau Larmevaille 1999 (Entre-Deux-Mers; Large): excellent price for a bordeaux blend (muscadelle, sauvignon blanc, semillon) showing zippy fruit and herbs. +983502, $10.55, rated: 88. 9. Roussanne 1999 (D'Oc; Dom.Marie des Fontaines): another great value wine for summer sipping: fragrant, fruity, finishes dry. +945121, $9.85, rated: 88. 10. Saint-Joseph Blanc 1999 Les Challeys (Delas): long long finish of crisp fruit and dried apricots (plus figs), Excellent price. +972927, $19.95, rated: 90. 11. Domaine des Cassagnoles 2000 (Cotes de Gascogne; Baumann): grassy nose, value-priced summer sipper.+931212, $7.95, rated: 89 RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot Reserve 1998 CEV (Lake Erie North Shore; Colio): herby, thus best with food, some oak on the finish.+500447, $23, rated:87. 2. Meritage 1998 (Okanagan; Hawthorne): one of the best wines of the release (deep, dense, fruit, leather, toast), but needs time to tame finishing acids and tannins. +440628, $23.90, rated: 89. 3. Syrah 1998 (Los Carneros, Sonoma; Cline): great Rhone spiciness complemented with sweet, soft oak finish. +955435, $26.50, rated: 87. 4. Zinfandel 1999 Vintners Blend (California; Ravenswood): standard, safe, good everyday zinfandel, probably available in Safeway (USA) at $9.99 plus local taxes. +359257, $19.95, rated: 87. 5. Shiraz 1998 (Victoria; Ch.Tahbilk): from Nagambie Lakes, a ripe wine with a tannic finish. One of my personal favourites, but of course it needs time. +214742, $16.95, rated: 88. 6. Shiraz 1998 Swan (Margaret River; Sandalford): Swan Valley wine, showing a good Rhonish syrah hit and a long, long syrah finish. +940122, $19.95, rated: 89. 7. Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Reserve (Maipo; Vina Carmen): excellent Bordeaux character, some plums and a bit of age showing. 55% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 15% carmenere. +962498, $17.65, rated: 88. 8. Domaine de l'Ameillaud 1999 (Rhone, Vaucluse; Doms. Rieu-Herail): excellent value at this price level, very upfront and forward, for summer drinking. +719286, $8.50, rated: 90. 9. Merlot 1999 Bollini (Trentino; Empson): some herby character, light enough for summer, great with cheese. +717306, $11.55, rated: 87. 10. Abadia 1998 (Costers del Segre, Spain; Raimat): I paid $5.10 for the 1980 version of this wine. I loved it then, and I love it now: delicious blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, and 15% tempranillo, aged in US oak (it shows). Ripe, forward fruit, balanced, strong vanilla tones, crisp enough for summer but will keep for some time. This wine has been away from Ontario for far too long...+935460, $15.50, rated: 88. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1999 Alexander Valley Reserve (Sonoma; Clos du Bois): excellent balance between tropical fruits and toast, with a persistent finish. Name recognition. Sell at $39.99? +479527, $27.90 consumer retail, rated: 89. 2. Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 1999 La Charmois (Ch.Chassagne-Montrachet): lots of "smoke on the water" here, needs only slight chilling to get to the other full fruit and nut flavours. Sell at $44.99? +967521, $32.85 consumer retail, rated: 88. 3. Chateau Mangot 1997 Grand Cru Saint-Emilion: 85% merlot, rest cabernets. Very upfront, restaurant friendly, approachable, good aromatics, long long finish. Sell at $35.99? +933382, $24.65 consumer retail, rated: 91. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR SEPTEMBER 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Barrique Chardonnay 1999 Vinedressers (Pelee Island; Pelee Island Winery): straight ahead typical chardonnay, with a longish length after the thickish body. +388355, $12.95, rated: 90. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 2000 Vinedressers (Pelee Island; Pelee Island Winery): grassy and herbaceous nose, with textbook body and finish Good price too. +511170, $11.95, rated: 88. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Niagara; Cave Spring): typical sauvignon blanc, but with tamed grass, a bit more body, good acid length. Refreshing to quaff, best with food. +529933, $12.95, rated: 89. 4. Chardonnay 2000 The Valleys (South Australia; Penfolds): good toasty tones and buttery, aged on lees after barrel fermentation. 13% alcohol. +510891, $14.95, rated: 89. 5. Unoaked Chardonnay 2000 (Marlborough, NZ; Kim Crawford): ripe, full and voluptuous, with an off-dry finish. Great value for fans of NOWOOD chards... +991950, $17.75, rated: 90. 6. Chardonnay 1999 (Stellenbosch, SA; Simonsig Estate): toast and limes come out, starting to get a bit rancio (one for the fans). Excellent price. +345389, $15.55, rated: 89. 7. Gewurztraminer 1999 (Alsace; A.Mann): good body and spicy tones, a great gewurztraminer at this price level. Scoop it all up! +980714, $18.95, rated: 91. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Syrah 1999 (California; Pepperwood Grove): good depth, some syrah character (French style), with a lingering finish. Great with grilled foods. +950816, $13.95, rated: 89. 2. Zinfandel 1998 (Amador; Montevina): from the Sierra Foothills. a hot and heavy wine (15.5% alcohol), with a hot finish. One for the fans of lush overthetop wines...+347609, $17.50, rated: 88. 3. Cabernet/Merlot 1999 (Western Australia; Goundrey): only one- third merlot (shows better than the cabernet component), 13.5% alcohol but off-dry finish, value as a sipper. Red fruit dominates. +957225, $14.80, rated: 88. 4. Merlot 1998 (Hawke's Bay, NZ; Linden): juicy, oak, long length with sufficient tannins to carry it all through. +967760, $18.30, rated: 87. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (Elgin, SA; WhaleHaven): coffee, spices, tobacco, fruit, length, French oak: great Bordeaux complexity at a nice price level. What more can you want? 13% alcohol. +972919, $15.65, rated: 88. 6. Merlot Reserve 1997 (Bulgaria; Vini Sliven): one of the better wines to come out of Bulgaria: good depth, some wood tones, ready now, affordable. +953901, $9.30, rated: 89. 7. Langhe Rosso 1999 (Piedmont; Batasiolo): cherries, some anise and some bitterness on the long long finish. Some dolcetto, barbera, and nebbiolo in the blend. Great price for this fine tasting wine. +981019, $10.50, rated: 90. 8. Castello di Rapale 1997 Chianti (Tuscany; G.Marengo): one of the better organic wines I've sampled lately. Pruney, dried fruit on the finish, great with food. Excellent value. +969683, $14.95, rated: 89. 9. Guelbenzu Tinto 1998 (Navarra): lots of wood and fruit tones from the blend of tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. Most useful with food. +976704, $14.70, rated: 87. 10. Vina Pomal 1996 Reserva (Rioja; Bilbainas): always nicely-made in the old style with a long, long persistent finish. The wine shots RIOJA. Well-priced. +960781, $19.75, rated: 90. 11. Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 1999 El Tranque (Maipo; Vina Tarapaca): lots of flavours and depth, with a lingering rich and ripe finish 14% alcohol. Affordable. +938308, $13.75, rated: 90. 12. Carmenere 1999 Gran Reserva (Maule, Chile; Terranoble): good depth but needs time. Excellent flavours of smoked black fruits. +746784, $21.40, rated: 89. 13. Syrah 2000 Pionero (Chile; Morande): light but good syrah fruit on the nose and on the palate. Do not age. Good with food, with lots of finishing acid. +980730, $10.80, rated: 89. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1999 Hess Select (California): second label wine, very pleasant at this affordable price, with fully integrated fruit-acid-wood-alcohol from both Coastal and Monterey properties. Mark it to $37.95. +986778, $22.95, rated: 88. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 2000 Napa (St.Supery) 375mL bottle: 13.5% alcohol, tamed herbs but full, off-dry body. A great price for a half-bottle; stock your cellar for the lunch crowds or the romantic duos. Mark it to $17.95. +712448, $11.50, rated: 88. 2. Mourvedre 1997 Ancient Vines (Contra Costa; Cline): deeply concentrated flavours, along with a snappy oak finish. 14% alcohol. Decent price. Mark it to $39.95. +704387, $26.50, rated: 90. 3. Tenute Marchese Antinori 1997 Chianti Classico Riserva: good name recognition here, plus the value of the wine: excellent plums, underbrush, lively Tuscan fruit. Mark it to $49.95. +512384, $38, rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR OCOBER 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1998 St.David's Bench (Niagara; Ch. des Charmes): some tropicality, vanilla (and coconut, toast, spices) from oaking. Long finish, toasty length. +430991, $19.95, rated: 88. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 2000 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): typical herby quality, a bit young at this point, but excellent quality at this price level. +430546, $12.95, rated: 90. 3. Pinot Blanc 1999 (Okanagan; Gray Monk): only 11% alcohol, but fresh and fruity, a possible sipper. Consume it now, with a turkey. Don't wait... +321612, $13.95, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 1998 (California; Haywood): a very well-made everday chardonnay, with some cloves and spices, and an acid-crisp toast finish. +988576, $14.35, rated: 92. 5. Chardonnay 1999 Mad Fish (Margaret River, WA; Howard Park): lovely tropical flavours, finishes toasty and dry, best with food. Or as an aperitif with appetizers. +942466, $16.75, rated: 90. 6. Marsanne 2000 Thomas Mitchell (SE Australia; Michelton): with flowers and honey upfront and a dry finish, this could be a great wine for Thanksgiving... and beyond. +937565, $13.40, rated: 90. 7. Chardonnay 1999 Walker Bay (South Africa; Hamilton Russell): good smoky flavours with a burgundian character, great price for this quality. +931006, $23.80, rated: 89. 8. Chenin Blanc 2000 Simonsberg (South Africa; Morgenhof): lovely wood aromas with cantaloupe, best served with food (very dry after taste). +978544, $13, rated: 88. 9. Perrin Reserve Blanc 2000 Cotes du Rhone (Perrin): aromatic floral nose, strong body, mouthfilling finish, great value for the price. +499509, $11.95, rated: 88. 10. Sauvignon 1999 (Tuscany; Fatt. Il Palagio): lightbodied but a full taste, decent price for this kind of wine from Italy. +947507, $13.45, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Nagambie Lakes (Victoria; Tahbilk): nicely aged already, at 13% alcohol. Dense, chunky body, long aftertaste to savour. +138818, $16.95, rated: 90. 2. Shiraz 1999 Omrah (Western Australia; Plantagenet): 13.5% alcohol demands strong food. Another dense wine at a good price. +977231, $16.95, rated: 89. 3. Cabernet/Merlot 1999 Paarl (South Africa; Seidelberg): a bit thin in body, with a tannic finish, needs time, but should reward patience. +959130, $16.60, rated: 88. 4. Chateau Haut-Castelot 1995 Saint-Emilion: aging very well at this point, red and black fruits begin to mingle with leather and tobacco, finishing with coffee. +943811, $28.85, rated: 88. 5. Merlot 1999 Domaine des Aspes (D'Oc; Vig.Roger): excellent wine: great as both a sipper (smooth) and with food (long finish). And it can be laid down for awhile. Terrific price, be sure to snap it all up... +951665, $11.75, rated: 91. 6. Chateau de l'Engarran 1999 St.Georges d'Orques (Languedoc): good depth to the hot smoky bacon component, with added notes of coffee. Medium-finish, but good price. Very competitive region of France.... +957282, $14.35, rated: 88. 7. Chateau St-Didier-Parnac 1999 (Cahors): excellent aromatics, will definitely improve in the bottle. Needs time, best for home purchase and cellaring... +303529, $12.95, rated: 90. 8. Chianti Classico Riserva 1997 (Villa Cerna): an agreeable and excellent price for this kind of quality at the Riserva level. +969477, $18.95, rated: 89. 9. Capitel dei Nicalo 1997 Valpolicella Classico Sup.(Tedeschi): with a fruity but also aged, older character. The wine has lasted quite well, with a persistent finish. +984997, $14.45, rated: 88. 10. Merlot 1998 Founders Estate (California; Beringer): good finishing acid for food, unlike other merlots. Full of fruit, a well-blended California wine. +534255, $19.95, rated: 91 11. Marques de Vargas 1997 (Rioja): estate-bottled wine with some quality (you can tell it in the nose). Good depth to the typical rioja components. And a fair price! Ready soon, will keep a long time... +968164, $28.50, rated: 91. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1998 Eileen Hardy (S.Australia; Th. Hardy): smokey nose, lots of toast, rich and plush fruit with overthetop flavours and development, lots of activity (you'll spend time picking out all the flavours). Could be on your menu at $42.95...+500991, $27.95, rated: 93. 2. Chateau Fort de Vauban 1985 Haut-Medoc: scoop this one up, a fine value at its price, and (of course) "restaurant ready". Aging qualities of dried fruit, underbrush, compost, long finish. Try pricing it at $49.95. +717926, $36.90, rated: 88. 3. Chambolle-Musigny 1999 (Dom.Bertagna): rich and fruity, deep complexity on the palate, long draw: well-made to appeal to the North American taste. Price it at $69.95. +712158, $54.75, rated: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR NOVEMBER 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (California; Meridian): fall fruits (apples and pears), long finish, NOT sauvignon blanc as we are used to tasting it but enjoyable nevertheless...+537621, $17.90, rated: 89. 2. Chardonnay 1999 Riddoch (Coonawarra; Katnook): restrained nose, forward fruit, light oaking, fennel tones. Price to sell. 13.5% alcohol...+712794, $16, rated: 88 3. Bourgogne 1999 Chardonnay Couvent des Jacobins (Jadot): light and polite, a bit earthy, long finish. Some value for the price. +933077, $17.95, rated: 89 4. Pouilly-Fume 2000 Les Chaumes (Loire; Chatelain): restrained elegance, long finish, some creaminess. Best with food. +727990, $21.25, rated: 88. 5. Sauvignon de Touraine 2000 (Loire; Caves de la Tourangelle): tamed grassiness, at an astounding price! Will keep through the winter...+944298, $11.5, rated: 87. 6. Domaine de Maubet 2000 Gros Manseng (Gascony; Fontan): aperitif style, for people who love bone-dry wines (or so they say!) +704593, $11.45, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Franc Reserve 1998 (Niagara; Inniskillin): tartish in the finish, but a fair price, spices and berries. +557264, $18.95, rated: 88. 2. Merlot 1999 (California; Cartlidge & Browne): soft, restrained, long length but plenty of fruit. Sipper. +973883, $19.85, rated: 87. 3. Merlot 1997 Sonoma Cask (Sebastiani): soft and beguiling, a super blend of merlot with 22% cabernets, all from Sonoma. This style, pioneered on a large scale by Guenoc, has been very successful over the years. +219162, $21.50, rated: 90. 4. Zinfandel 1997 Paso Robles (EOS Estate): nicely aged already, well-packed with zinfandel flavours, dense and chunky, could age a few years more. +959346, $23.95, rated: 90. 5. Shiraz 1999 Vat 8 (Yarra Valley, Australia; DeBortoli): 14% alcohol, ripe upfront forward and approachable flavours right now, dense and chunky, but a hot finish. +945295, $15.55, rated: 88. 6. Shiraz 1999 (Coonawarra; Wynns): off-dry in the mouth, but finishes full with tannins. Needs time but still good value. +433060, $15.95, rated: 88. 7. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch (Morgenhof): lush and plus, 14% alcohol, but a soft finish, great for the restaurant wine list. Snap it up...+988246, $19.95, rated: 89. 8. Pinotage Reserve 1999 Devon Valley (South Africa; SylvanVale): excellent "package" of spices, mint, density, black and red fruits. Made from old vines. +740969, $22.60, rated: 90. 9. Saint-Emilion 1998 Jean-Pierre Moueix: actually a good wine at this price level, but needs a year. The name recognition will sell the wine. +979955, $18, rated: 89. 10. Gigondas 1999 (Rhone; Chapoutier): again, name recognition will drive this wine, sweet and plush, with finishing acid that needs food in a restaurant. +708107, $28.85, rated: 88 11. Chateau Bouscasse 1998 (Madiran, France; Brumont): wood, spices and tannins drive this wine. Keep in cellar a year or two. +743385, $18, rated: 88. 12. Chateau d'Escabes 1999 (Gaillac, France; COVITARN): peppery and good value, ready now, excellent with food in your establishment. +939132, $13.95, rated: 90. 13. Primitivo di Manduria 1999 Nonno (Puglia; Savese): my grandfather's tradition? I'll say so!! Tastes prematurely aged, but there is massive fruit and alcohol showing: 16% alcohol! +718130, $19.95, rated: 89. 14. Valle Do Riacho 1999 (Portugual; Coop de Labrugeira): stewed and pruney, raisins too, good value for an aged-style wine made in traditional manner. +931857, $8.95, rated: 89 FORTIFIED: PORT ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Master of Port Special Reserve (Osborne), +738948, $17.95: a terrific tawny, probably at the ten-year level, and a personal favourite of mine. Pumpkin spicing with a walnut-style tannin on the finish. Great depth at this level. Serve it on your Christmas list!! THE $10 - 15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chablis Grand Cru 1998 Les Clos (Wm.Fevre): powerful chablis, full-bodied, excellent length and development. Massive. Could be on your wine list at $74.95. +962381, $59.75, rated: 90. 2. Chateau Citran 1996 Haut Medoc: lots of the male characteristics of mocha, coffee, tobacco, game. Full and complex, well-made. Could be on your list at $59.95. +717496, $48.60, rated: 90. 3. Chambolle-Musigny 1999 Les Charmes 1er Cru (Roux Pere): good Burgundy character, full and lush, dense red fruits and cedar. Ready soon, put it on your list at $64.95. +738690, $49.90, rated: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR DECEMBER 2001 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1999 Moira Vineyard (Niagara; Malivoire): dynamite, with full, ripe, voluptuous, lingering, integrated flavours. And affordable (what more could you ask for?)... +573154, $35.95, rated: 91 2. Chardonnay 1998 Triomphe (Niagara; Southbrook): quite a rich and buttery wine, with massive fruit, and exceptional at this price level...+533315, $17.95, rated: 91 3. Chardonnay 1999 Old Vines Lenko Vineyards French Oak (Niagara; Lenko): priced mid-way between the above. Restrained elegance, in a definite Burgundy cast..but young. Compare this to Lenko's American Oak Chardonnay, which has more butter and cream, for contrast. A Jim Warren wine. +737965, $24.95, rated: 92 There was a fourth Chardonnay (Cave Springs CSV Chardonnay 1998, $35) but it was not available for the press tasting. From my previous notes, I've liked the 1998, rated at 90. 4. Chardonnay 1999 Pinnacles (Monterey; Estancia): great warm climate flavours, along with name recognition. Long lingering finish, a bit manipulative...+322057, $23.50, rated: 89 5. Chenin Blanc 2000 Tintookie (McLaren Vale; Dowie Doole): 13.5% powerhouse of great fruity flavours, full body, long long finish, useful as a sipper or aperitif. +709246, $13.95, rated: 90 6. Pinot Gris 2000 (Marlborough, NZ; Babich): done in a spicy style, good body and length, off-dry by mid-palate. Sip or have with food...+742783, $13.60, rated: 88 7. Chardonnay 1999 (Costers del Segre, Spain; Raimat): inexpensive New World style of creamy aromas and full body, medium finish. One to sip...+712802, $16.75, rated: 88 8. Conde de Valdemar 1999 (Rioja; M. Bujanda): woody but lacks fruit character. Serve a chambre....+724138, $15.40, rated: 86 RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mistura 1997 Night Harvest (Central Coast, CA; R.H.Phillips): warm, soft, approachable, fruity, great price for a Rhone-style blend from California. +965350, $12.60, rated: 88 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Columbia Valley (Wash.State; Ch.St. Michelle): lots of fruit, medium body, long length, good value for this dense product. +232793, $23.95, rated: 88 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (SouthEastern Asutralia; Milburn Park): excellent price. Good development of cabby characteristics beyond the mid-palate, finishing tartish. Needs food. +431999, $11.95, rated: 90 4. Cabernet/Merlot 1999 Trinders (Margaret River; Cape Mentelle): this wine will sell itself, so load up now -- great cab and merlot flavours, could be a sipper or a fooder. Excellent value at this price. +452508, $17.80, rated: 92 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Laura Hartwig (Chile; Santa Laura): from the rising Colchagua Valley, at 13.5%, the vintage is 1999 not 1998 (as in the Catalogue). Not sure if the tasting note applies to 1998 or 1999. The 1999 has a harder finish. But still good value...+727495, $15.95, rated: 88 6. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1998 (Maipo; Vina Carmen): unfiltered, but soft, ready now. Lots of fruit and wood tones, good value at this price level. +358309, $15.50, rated: 89. 7. Merlot Reserva 1999 (Curico, Chile; Aresti): dense, but forward and approachable now, loaded with candy fruit. Great price. +726760, $13, rated: 88 8. Elise 1998 Viellies Vignes (L'Herault; Gassac): firm, full, some definite merlot velvet and syrah taste, should be great with food. Another great value wine at this price. +716803, $12.65, rated: 90 9. Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (Perigord; V.Barde): despite a claim of 22 year old vines, there was leafiness here. But dense and complex tastes make this good value. +711143, $12.45, rated: 89 10. Montecillo Gran Reserva 1994 (Rioja): typical Rioja, beginning to turn to underbrush and plums, but it is excellent value at this price. Buy it up, and then you'll have lots of time to drink it up and see what it becomes. +239277, $18.95, rated: 90 11. Quinta de Parrotes 1999 (Portugal; Vinhos De Quinta): blend of periquita, cabernet sauvignon plus some varieties used in the making of port. Some great integration of fruit flavours, lingering acidity, and length. Terrific with food. +949339, $11.90, rated: 88. THE $10 - 15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Santenay 1er Cru 1998 Clos de Beauregard (Dom.V.Giardin): over ripe fruit with bracing acidity, and good followthrough on the toasty finish. Could be on your list at $45.95. +938399, $35.45, rated: 89 2. Beaune Vignes Franches 1997 1er cru (Latour): from native root- stock, full of dense pinot noir notes, good heavy tones, excellent length, and noir mouthfeel. Should do well at this price, position it at $59.95, and it could sell out. +999672, $45.95, rated: 89. 3. Barolo Sorano 1996 (Ascheri): initially soft but floral flavours open up, and carry through to the finish. Traditional-style but ready sooner. A very good wine at this pricepoint, try it at $45. +711077, $34.85, rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JANUARY 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chenin Blanc 1997 (California; Beringer): somewhat sweet on the entry but with a dryish finish, sortof green apple-like. Good value here. +974097, $13.45, rated: 87. 2. Chardonnay 1997 (Finger Lakes; Anthony Road): green apple style but with a toasty finish. Lean, great with food, and priced okay. +710368, $18.75, rated: 88. 3. Chardonnay 1995 Reserve (Yakima Valley, Washington; Covey Run): excellent balance and aging, with a creamy consistency. Quality for the price. +725317, $19.95, rated: 90. 4. Chardonnay 1997 Moore's Creek (New South Wales; Tyrrell): lush, tropicality on the palate, buttery finish, full in the mouth. A super wine for the price: snap it up! +518944, $12.95, rated: 91. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (Marlborough, NZ; Forrest Estate): an upstart wine that refreshes -- very bright with a lot of non-herb flavours, but tangy fruit predominates. Excellent value. +966820, $17.85, rated: 90. 6. Chateau Tudin 1997 (Bordeaux; Ginestet): lots of wood and grass in this North American-styled wine (65 semillon/35 sauvignon blanc) Barrel fermentation shows in the creaminess. +974840, $14.95, rated: 89. 7. Chateau des Eyssards 1997 (Bergerac Sec; L.Cuisset): great oak flavours as well as fruit, showing a balance with food. Value in the length. +715557, $11.40, rated: 88. 8. Chardonnay 1998 (Navarra; Nekeas): barrel fermentation makes this seem richer than it is. Lots of wood on the nose and in the taste, but not toasted wood. +976779, $13.30, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Heritage Old Vines 1997 (California; Curtis): very much a Cotes du Rhone styled wine, with grenache papery tones dominating the cinsault, mourvedre and carignan. +710212, $10.60, rated: 89. 2. Zinfandel 1997 "Zinman" (Sierra Foothills; Perry Creek): at 14.3% alcohol, this is a very intense wine with lots of extract. Rich and peppery. +980896, $14.90, rated: 89. 3. Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot 1996 (Coonawarra; Wynn's): thick, plummy, full, ripe and juicy, with a long length. Excellent on the palate and on the wallet. +511600, $16.45, rated: 89. 4. Shiraz 1996 (Barossa; Peter Lehmann): dense flavours, mostly Port-like, with some off-dry character in the mid-palate. Value for the dollar. +709188, $15.95, rated: 90. 5. Carmenere 1998 (Chile; L.F.Edwards): smokey components in this older bordeaux variety, but may be a tough sell to a dining clientele expecting cab lushness. +993998, $12.30, rated: 88. 6. Chateau Charlemagne 1994 (Canon-Fronsac; Moueix): a lightweight, but aging well, ready now, great for current dining. Lots of forest tones (cedar, mushrooms, earth, forest floor stuff). +994079, $24.90, rated: 87. 7. Saint-Joseph 1996 Domaine du Chene (Rouviere): good syrah hit from this Rhone area bottling. Black pepper and strawberries. +940940, $19.80, rated: 88. 8. Merlot 1996 Cuvee Angeline (Perigord; Barde): vines average 25 years of age, warm black fruit on the nose and follows through on the palate, with medium tannins on the finish. A bargain at this price: snap it up...+706762, $12.65, rated: 92. 9. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (Somontano, Spain; C.V. Aragonesia): in the continuing search for value varietal wines from Spain, we have this nifty little number from the LCBO. Soft, fruity, more like a merlot. Smoke, cedar, black fruits dominate. Great value for restaurants. +710475, $11.75, rated: 90. OTHER LISTINGS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot 1997 Rio de Plata (Argentina; Etchart): fruity, violet nose, some acid in the balance. But soft and ripe tannins in the longish finish. +515890, $8.45, rated: 89. 2. Cafayate 1996 Arnaldo B. Reserva (Argentina; Etchart): a blend of 80% malbec and 20% cabernet sauvignon, French-oak matured. Well balanced, and deep in complexity of berries-chocolate-vanilla (ice cream, like Neapolitan?). +391508, $14.95, rated: 87. 3. Chardonnay 1996 Reserve F (D'Oc; Fortrant): spicy nose (ginger, hazelnuts, almonds, pears, peaches) with a body to match. Medium- toasted oak lends a certain butteryness. Good wine, fairly priced. +508382, $24.95, rated: 88. 4. Merlot 1996 Reserve F (D'Oc; Fortant): more forest floor notes on the nose, balanced with ripe red fruit like strawberries. Aged about 18 months in French oak, with toasty tobacco notes added to the soft finish. +508366, $29.95, rated: 88. 5. Oloroso Pelayo (Montilla; Alvear): a sherry-like wine, based on the pedro ximenez grape, not the palomino. Nicely dry, cask-aged. For immediate, winter enjoyment. +720540, $13.65, rated: 87. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR FEBRUARY 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gewurztraminer 1998 Moira Vineyard (Niagara; Malivoire): a bit Alsatian in character, but without the body. Somewhat papery on the finish. +542522, $22.95, rated: 88. 2. Chardonnay 1998 Central Coast (Echelon): from Chalone, a medium style wine great as aperitif or without food. Wood tones and burgundy construction. +982470, $19.80, rated: 90. 3. Chenin Blanc 1999 Paarl (South Africa; Ruitersvlei): extremely dry but fruity finish. Fresh, and needs food for mouthfeel. Priced wisely to sell. +935973, $8.35, rated: 88. 4. Riesling Medaille 1998 (Alsace; J.Weingand): no, the 1998 did not win the medal (an earlier vintage did), but the wine is typical. Thus, it has great value at this price. +993758, $14.55, rated: 92. 5. Chateau Cruzeau 1997 Pessac-Leognan (A.Lurton): excellent length, even peppery finish. Aged in new and old barrels, tastes like creamy baked dried fruit. +966010, $17.95, rated: 91. 6. Bourgogne Chardonnay 1998 (A.Geoffroy): good flavours from the musque clone, great price. +714444, $14.60, rated: 90. 7. Chardonnay 1997 (Colli Orientali del Friuli; Benincasa): close cropping ensures lots of intensity here, along with good wood notes and strong fruit aromatics. +956177, $14.40, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 Napa "Library Reserve" (Rutherford Hill): a superconcentrated wine for the mathematically challenged ("a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon along with 16% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc" -- Vintages Notes). A very well-aged wine, still young in its fruit development, and worth the price. Treat your customers and mark it up only five or ten bucks. +733527, $35.85, rated: 89. 2. Zinfandel 1996 Beautour (California; Beaulieu): light fruit with balancing wood on the length. +704478, $19.60, rated: 88. 3. Shiraz 1998 Western Cape (South Africa; Beaumont): rich, ripe Rhone flavours. Should age quickly. +714303, $15.95, rated: 89. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (Bulgaria; Vinprom Rousse): an "organic" wine, soft like Merlot, fresh and fruity, and good value for the price. +438804, $8.45, rated: 88. 5. Chateau de Villambis 1995 (Haut-Medoc): a real winner in the 1995 sweepstakes. Soft, lush and plush, plums. Ready now. +713834, $21.65, rated: 89. 6. Pinot Noir 1997 Bourgogne (O. Leflaive): delicious, typical, and ready to drink now. Buy as much as you can, at this price. Remarkable quality. Superb, even...+720219, $14.70, rated: 92. 7. Conde de Valdemar 1995 Reserva (Rioja; M.Bujanda): pruney but still needs time to open up. Aged two years in oak, and it shows, +947309, $19.95, rated: 90. 8. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Ebenezer (Barossa; Barossa Valley Estate): you probably won't get a better cab at this price all year long. Wood tones and fruit in balance now, yet still a wine for laying down. Excellent value. +707356, $24.95, rated: 92. GENERAL LISTINGS (AND OTHERS) TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Reserve F (D'Oc; Fortant de France): with yummy upfront flavours of mocha and black fruit, with some cedar and leather flavours. Somewhat candied on the palate, but it still needs time. +508374, $29.95, rated: 89. 2. Chardonnay 1998 Bin 222 (Australia; Wyndham Estate): full, fruity with oak complexity and tropicality on the finish, ripe peaches and melons. +93401, $10.85, rated: 87. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Bin 444 (Australia; Wyndham Estate): lots of berry fruit character, along with cassis, plums, chocolate complementing the US and French oak storage. +1100486, $14.40, rated: 89. 4. Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Longridge): half Merlot, 43% cab.sauv., with 7% franc. Long but soft flavours bordering on a ripe Bordeaux. Great price. +Dionysus Wines on General Release, $13.75, rated: 90. 5. Shiraz 1997 Bin 555 (Australia; Wyndham Estate): aromas of plums and pepper give way to oak tannins on the palate, but with a medium body. +189415, $12.95, rated: 87. 6. Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Privee (Cellier des Dauphins): mainly from 35 year-old syrah and grenache vines, aged in new oak for one year. Mature, and a step up from its regular Cotes. +384875, $11.65, rated: 87. And do try the newly listed "Prestige" Cotes du Rhone from Dauphins -- comes in a handy 250-ml bottle (it's the only one in this size at the LCBO). It's light and fruity, perfect for singles and seniors (my mother appreciates the screwtop). +464669, $3.20 each, also as a six pack for $19.20, equal to a magnum. 7. From Vintages: Kendall-Jackson's Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 1997 (+703710, $12.50 half-bottle) and Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (+706077, $12.95 half-bottle) can be easily sold to diners in your restaurant -- just offer them as a pair, totalling $34.99. You'll make ten bucks on the markup and a lot of friends. Buy it up, do it! WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MARCH 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. ================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Reserve 1997 Vinc Vineyard (Niagara; Lakeview): great long length, substantial body, lots of oaking which will dissipate with aging. +518043, $19.95, rated: 87. 2. Gewurztraminer 1998 (Niagara; Vineland Estates): off-dry aroma- tics work well with food and restaurants. +434779, $13, rated: 87. 3. Pinot Blanc 1997 (Niagara; Strewn): some barrel aging enhances the wine's potential, good smoke and price.+522748,$12.50,rated:89 4. Chardonnay 1998 "Toasted Head" (California; R.H.Phillips): with added complexity from the heavier oak charring, lots of caramel and vanilla. +939090, $19.95, rated: 88. 5. Johannisberg Riesling 1998 (Finger Lakes; Wiemer): semi-dry flavour profile, for summer consumption. +982579, $15.90, rated:86 6. Chardonnay 1997 (Columbia Valley, Wash.; Columbia Crest): thin but deceptive body since it has mounds of flavour. Excellent for the food of your restaurant clients. +366542, $18.65, rated: 89. 7. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (South Island, NZ; Kim Crawford): at 13.5% alcohol, this wine is quite hefty and lots of wood does come through. +960237, $16.95, rated: 87. 8. Chardonnay "Trivento" 1999 (Argentina; Vina Patagonia): this wine is *ALL* fruit -- intense, with a lemony finish. Great value too. +492876, $9.85, rated: 91. 9. Muskat Ottonel 1998 (Austria; A.Unger): a nice off-dry find, balanced and extremely useful with food.+728667, $8.70, rated: 88. 10. Quincy 1998 Le Rimonet (Loire; Mellot): a Sauvignon blanc wine close to Pouilly Fume and Sancerre, but at a lower price. Good Loire flavours, but not a keeper. +976563, $14.95, rated: 89. 11. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (Herault, France; Azan): good tasting complexity, organic to boot. +704585, $10.95, rated: 88. 12. Viognier 1998 (D'Oc; SARL Roger): long fruity finish, well- placed palate lush peach flavours. +712638, $13.65, rated: 87. 13. Viognier 1998 Domaine La Rosiere (Coteaux des Baronnies; Liotaud): from high altitude grapes. Exceptional fruit on the nose; thick concentration of lush flavours. +991802, $19.75, rated: 89. 14. "Reserva Limousin" 1996 (Rueda; Marques de Riscal): lemons, acid and oak knit well here. +153742, $11.85, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Carignan 1996 Ancient Vines (Contra Costa; Cline): some of these vines may be over 100 years old -- rosemary-herb tones, oak flavours, excellent aging. +943142, $22.40, rated: 90. 2. Cabernets 1997 (Coonawarra; Leconfield): a meritage of two cabs, merlot, and petit verdot -- excellent berry flavours, with depth and softness. +441501, $24.70, rated: 90. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (Stellenbosch; Delheim): a billing error at the winery results in an underpriced wine. Concentrated strong flavours that need time. Excellent value, of course. Buy it all! +981357, $12.65, rated: 93. 4. Chateau La Raz Caman 1995 Cotes de Blaye: okay wine for a 1995 vintage, priced well. +535120, $18.95, rated: 89. 5. Chateau Magence 1995 Graves: tastes more like an older Rhone, aging fast. Buy now and drink soon. Price is good, put it out on sale in your restaurant, mark it up low to $34.95. +972521, $23, rated: 89. 6. Merlot 1996 and Merlot 1997 (Bordeaux; Moueix): I tasted only 1996, the 1997 is coming soon (so this will be a mixed offering). Okay, and consistent. +961227, $13.95, rated: 88. 7. Domaine des Aires Hautes 1995 (Minervois; Chabbert): thick, unctuous wine, leathery smoke, Syrah based, good value wine. +707125, $16.95, rated: 88. 8. Chateau Saint-Germain 1995 (Languedoc; Cabanes): an unfiltered rich wine with plenty of black fruit notes, from beginning to end. +707919, $13.70, rated: 90. 9. Crozes Hermitage 1997 Les Meysonniers (Chapoutier): more typical of an Hermitage, with a jolt of Syrah. Full body, some rancidity. +703090, $21.95, rated: 88. 10. Tempranillo/Cabernet 1996 (Navarra; Nekeas): soft on palate, tannins in balance, older notes on finish. Excellent value. +961409, $12.70, rated: 89. 11. Bentivoglio 1996 (Tuscany; Farneta): here is great value in the "superTuscan" category, 100% sangiovese aged for 15 months in oak. Excellent rust component, great price. +716126, $21.45, rated: 89. 12. Baron De Ona 1995 Reserva (Rioja): now run by La Rioja Alta, aged in oak for two years. Typical vanilla flavours, with a long long finish/length. Fine price. +705210, $24.70, rated: 88. SHERRY -- Jarana Light Fino (15.5% alcohol) from Emilio Lustau is one of the last bargains! Serve it chilled, with appetizers (tapas) Comes in half-bottle for a swift pour. +721290, $8.90, rated: 91 WORLD WINE WATCH FOR APRIL 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1997 Lailey Vineyards (Niagara; Southbrook Farms): a very intense wine, with mounds of fruit flavours, oak, and a long finish. Great price! +448316, $17.95, rated: 93. 2. Pinot Gris 1998 (Niagara; Lakeview): good value in a white wine, crisp and fruity. +330464, $12, rated: 87. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 Rosomel Vineyard (Niagara; Vineland Estates): full, ripe, off-dry finish. All of the French style Sauvignon Blanc character. +551168, $14.95, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 1997 (California; Forest Glen): a big wine, with long length and value. Lots of wood, at a fair price. +953851, $22.95, rated: 89. 5. Chardonnay 1998 Air Strip Block (South Australia; Hill-Smith): it has been a long while since Hill-Smith was last in the market place. Three types of French oak were flown into the air strip. Tropical flavours, lots of toasty wood tones, unctuous. +361584, $18, rated: 89. 6. Chenin Blanc 1997 Hawkes Bay (New Zealand; Collard Brothers): good weight, long acid. Serve with collard greens, naturally. +397000, $13.95, rating: 88. 7. Chardonnay 1997 (Franche-Comte, France; Vig.Guillaume): excellent, with tropical fruit and long length. Almost Oz-like...+993709, $12.75, rated: 86. 8. Hochheimer Domdechaney 1993 Riesling Spatlese (Kl.Erberbach): one of the nicest Rheingaus I've had in some time, excellent riesling peach tones, more towards medium-dry. +701391, $21.90, rated: 89. 9. Jean-Baptiste 1997 Riesling Kabinett (Gunderloch): a good off- dry riesling from the Rheinhessen, long lingering finish, about 10% alcohol. +480517, $14.95, rated: 88. 10. Nierstein Pettenthal 1998 Riesling Kabinett (Balbach): fresh and young, good bracing fruit acidiy (oranges, not lemons), good as aperitif. 10.5% alcohol. +712786, %11.80, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 Raymond Burr Vineyard (Dry Creek Valley; J & J Winery): a nolo contendere wine -- it is what it is, good price, warm fruit, burly, and well aged. +985341, $24.80, rated: 88. 2. Merlot 1997 (California; Beringer): a soft, diverse wine with some wood tones on the finish. 14% alcohol. +534255, $19.95, rated: 89. 3. Syrah "EXP" 1997 (California; R.H.Philips): almost Rhonish in its flavours, with more wood than expected. Best syrah I've had from California in some time...+941781, $20.95, rated: 89. 4. Zinfandel 1997 Mother Clone (Dry Creek Valley; Pedroncelli): Bang on fruit at start. Good depth, long but tart finish. +473744, $18.95, rated: 89. 5. Zinfandel 1997 (Dry Creek Valley; Ch.Souverain): full, rich, ripe in a cabernet style, not as full of zinfandel fruit. Yet still powerful stuff (14.2% alcohol). +271056, $21.75, rated: 89. 6. Shiraz 1998 Gumprs Block (McLaren Vale; R.Hamilton): good value wine with every Oz syrah component in the mix. Balanced, and soon ready. Excellent price. +931121, $18.95, rated: 90. 7. Merlot 1996 (South Australia; Wolf Blass): like all Blass wines, this one is manipulative. It massages you till you like it -- oak tones, fruit, lengthy finish. It may all be overwhelming. Your call. 13.5% alcohol. +968495, $17.55, rated: 90 (although not typical "Merlot"). 8. Ch.Peychaud 1996 Vieilles Vignes (Cotes du Bourg): delicious, dense and forthcoming in delivery. Well-priced value, mainly from the merlot component. +713750, $17.70, rated: 89. 9. Bourgogne Pinto Noir 1998 (Daniel Rion): far and away the best value pinot noir from Burgundy for the price. It has fruit, body, and length in its personality. +715227, $19.90, rated: 89. 10. Domaine Chemin Neuf 1997 (Madiran, France; P.Dabadie): full, rich flavours from the tannat grape, somewhat tannic finish. Price is agreeable. +721076, $13.45, rated: 88. 11. Conde de Navasques 1997 (Navarra): a blend of garnacha, tempra- nillo, merlot, cabernet, okay for the style but a little light. +711242, $10.35, rated: 86 THE $15 - $20 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ A) Riesling Sekt Extra Trocken Furst von Metternich: the return of my favourite non-Champagne sparkling grape variety, riesling. Absolutely delicious on its own, at a fair price. Works well as aperitif or first course accompaniment. Price it at $34.95 +701581, $18.55, rated:89. B) "San Giorgio" 1990 (Umbria; Lungarotti): an affordable wine in the "SuperTuscan" style -- in this case, a SuperUmbrian. Sangiovese, canaiolo, and cabernet sauvignon are in the melange. Long bottle aging (9 years) gives this wine some maturity. A good deal in restaurants if the markup is kept down. I liked this better than the Rubesco Riserva 1990 offered at $33.90. Price it at $59.95. +941468, $44.80, rated: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MAY 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Auxerrois 1998 (Niagara; Cave Spring): good crisp flavours, no oak, modest length, light citric finish. Decent price. +500975, $10.95, rated: 85. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (Napa; Caymus): rich and ripe in the California style, not typical leanness. 10% chardonnay added. +946087, $28.80, rated: 89. 3. Chardonnay 1997 Seven Springs (Willamette; St.Innocent): a winemaker's wine, balanced all the way: fruit, toast, butter. +715268, $21.65, rated: 89. 4. Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Margaret River; Cape Mentelle): a fifty-fifty blend, with the semillon smoothing out the wildness of the sauvignon blanc. Excellent flavours. +458885, $17.95, rated: 91. 5. Chardonnay 1998 (Marlborough, NZ; Selaks, Drylands): mounds of flavours, but a hot finish (13.5% alcohol). Medium body and weight. Barrel fermentation in both US and French oak. +714485, $18.35, rated: 87. 6. Pinot Auxerrois 1998 Vieilles Vignes (Alsace; Albert Mann): a delicious, fruity aperitif, contrasted to the Cave Spring above. +740563, $14.85, rated: 89. 7. Montagny 1997 Les Joncs (J.Faiveley): "toasty tones", good balance, long crisp finish. Excellent value for the dollar. +726950, $22.90, rated: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Old Vines Foch 1998 (Ontario; Malivoire): soft, warm and fruity, from 23-year old vines (hardly that old), plus 8% cabernet franc, in new US oak. +551036, $18.95, rated: 87. 2. Pinot Noir 1997 Barrel Select (California; Fetzer): lots of oak and dried cherries come to mind, warm flavours. Great price. +383869, $18.80, rated: 91. 3. Zinfandel 1997 Vinter's Blend (California; Ravenswood): also a winemaker's wine, mastering the art of blending diverse lots of zinfandel. Warm fruit. +359257, $19.95, rated: 89. 4. Shiraz 1995 Show Reserve Basket Pressed (McLaren Vale; Wolf Blass): very well-oaked, lots odf black fruit and some black pepper. Value for the vintage. +970988, $24.95, rated: 89. 5. Pinotage/Cabernet Franc 1997 (Stellenbosch; Overgaauw Estate): dried fruit and tannic, but a useful blend for summer BBQ. +715250, $14.95, rated: 88. 6. Chateau Des Matards 1997 (Premieres Cotes de Blaye; Terrigeol): easy drinkability here, with good cabernet flavours and strength. finishes soft. Good bang for the buck. +477257, $14.95, rated: 89. 7. Bourgogne 1997 (Hautes Cotes de Nuits; Yves Chaley): typical Burgundy flavours, as suggested by the LCBO's notes. Great taste and value for the money. +725192, $22.60, rated: 89. 8. Meinjarre 1997 (Madiran, France; Ch.d'Alain Brumont): deep black fruits (black cherries, blackberries, even cassis) and leather. Longish finish, great value. +714089, $12.75, rated: 90. 9. Pomino Rosso 1996 Castello di Pomino (Tuscany; Frescobaldi): blend of sangiovese, canaiolo, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. It is full and rich, with the blend working out rather well. A junior level "supertuscan" ? Matured in wood for 15 months. Great price! Needs just a little more time. +939223, $18.75, rated: 90. 10. Amarone 1994 Della Valpolicella Classico (Bolla): one of the few amarones that are delicious and fruity without being slightly sweet or slightly pruney. Ripeness predominates (Gold medal winner at the Banco di Assaggio competition). +352757, $34.90, rated: 88. THE $15 - $20 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. "IO" 1996 (Santa Barbara County; Byron): with 64% Syrah and the rest from other Rhone varieties, this wine is a sure winner. Deep colours, black fruit, black pepper, black coffee, black chocolate. Useful now, with decanting, and a sure winner in your establishment if you only mark it up $15...+723973, $59.90, rated: 88. 2. Nuits-St-Georges 1997 Les Grandes Vignes (D.Rion): delicious spices and plums throughout, great extract in the body, ready now. Mark it up $15...+981548, $49, rated: 89. FORTIFIED WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Madeira Reserve "Broadbent" 5 years old (Henriques & Filhos): MIchael Broadbent and son Bart produce, age and bottle a line of Madeiras in Madeira. This particular mid-line priced wine shows regualr burnt character, some toast and caramel, and offsetting acid in the finish. Not particularly oversweet, and thus useful as an aperitif. +725077, $19.75, rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JUNE 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gewurztraminer 1998 (Niagara; Marynissen Estates): obviously not as full in body and length as Alsatian gewurtz, but it has a wonderful nose! +452953, $10.95, rated: 87. 2. Chardonnay 1998 (Napa; Sterling): lots of toast on the nose, and a full body, medium fruity length.+330233, $24.70, rated: 87. 3. Malvasia Bianca 1999 (Monterey; Ca'del Solo = Bonny Doon): dry finish makes you gasping for more. Excellent aromatic aperitif. +948737, $14.95, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 1998 Milburn Park (SE Australia; Alambie): tropical nose, good acid grip, long finish. Lots of style for a wine at this price level. Quaff at summer BBQ. +440321, $11.80, rated: 89. 5. Chardonnay 1998 Trio (Casablanca, Chile; Concha y Toro): yet another summer winner - no wood here. +433938, $11.90, 88. 6. Gruner Veltiner 1998 Terrassen Federspiel (Austria; Wachau): nice acid balance, in a light lemon style, but needs food. +729525, $11.55, rated: 86. 7. Chateau la Rose du Pin (Entre-deux-Mers; Ladaux): useful blend of sauvignon blanc, semillon, plus five other varietals. Good as an aperitif, slightly fruity and off-dry +733683, $11.85, rated:88. 8. Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune 1998 Vieilles Vignes (Chartron et Trebuchet): toasty nose, citric and appley finish, some smoke as it lingers. Great price! +732867, $20.95, rated: 89. 9. "Le Tuquet" 1999 (Montravel, France; Goubault de Brugiere): hey a cheap and cheerful wine from France! in the fruity white Bordeaux style (semillon and sauvignon blanc). +733790, $8.95, rated: 88. 10. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Rueda; Hermanos Lurton): the Flying French Winemakers score another easy victory for summer. Ideal white Bordeaux style is easy, but needs food. +742239, $12, rated: 88. 11. Muscat Sec 1999 Vin du Baron (Pays d'Oc; Dom.de la Coste): muscat nose, light and fruity aperitif, long finish. +734301, $12.50, rated: 89. 12. Viognier 1999 Les Salices (Pays d'Oc; Lurton): exceptionally well-made, clean and floral, great price for a summer house wine. +487272, $12.80, rated: 90. ROSE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ Gran Feudo Rose 1999 (Navarra; J.Chivite): bright and fruity for summer enjoyment.+256149, $10.95, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Shiraz 1998 (South Africa; Bellingham Estate): made in French style despite 60% US oak: black fruit and smoke, long finish. +738344, $14.95, rated: 88. 2. Merlot 1998 Trio (Rapel, Chile; Concha y Toro): best of the three "trio" wines, lots of dark colour, dark nose, dark flavours. Not an easy wine. +433920, $12.60, rated: 88. 3. Chateau Siaurac 1995 (Lalande de Pomerol): juicy, but still has tannins (75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc). Needs a bit more time for development. Great price. +700278, $24.95, rated: 89. 4. Brolo di Campofiorin 1995 (Veneto; Masi): an IGT from the heart of Valpolicella, using the rigoverno process (not the ripasso). Full, rich and fruity, long length. A success, not made every year. +976092, $24.80, rated: 87. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 1997 Vignes de Nicole (Pays d'Oc; Ch. de Conas): excellent value in a Rhone style at a decent price. It is aging nicely, ready now: thick purple, a hot wine. +975722, $12.25, rated: 90. THE $15 - $20 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Shiraz 1996 (Barossa; Elderton): very rich dark fruit, ready now. Lots of spices and development. Could sell it at $45 on your winelist in your establishment. +713024, $28.85, rated: 89. 2. Chateau de Beaucastel 1996 (Chateauneuf-du-Pape; Perrin): this might be a tough sell, but it is almost ready. A quality chateauneuf de pape at only $75 on your list...Why not? +711317, $57.95, rated: 89. MISCELLANEOUS FOR BAR STOCKING ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Be sure to acquire some Pastis Bellanis 45 for summer patio drinks (+741686, $13.50 for half-litre). The bottle size is handy. Should appeal to anyone on the streetside of patios. Also, for a different take: Kerisac Traditional Cider from France is available (+982793, $6.80 for 750mL), made from different varieties of apples in Brittany. Refreshing. Pineau des Charentes "OR" Chateau de Beaulon (+74633, $22.90) is a great aperitif for summer: juice plus Cognac, and this dependable brand (often reordered by the LCBO) has 10 years in oak. Serve on the rocks, or chilled straight up. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR AUGUST 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Riesling 1998 (Niagara; Willow Heights): fresh peaches and long acid finish, medium palate in body. +537506, $10.95, rated: 86 2. Chardonnay 1998 Barrel Cuvee (California; R.H.Phillips): with oak aging and batonage for 60% of the juice, this hefty rich wine is excellent value. +986745, $14.45, rated: 90 3. Chardonnay 1998 (Willamette, OR; Westrey): 13.5% alcohol, fresh fruit and earthiness, from new Dijon clones, with a long finish. Great value from Oregon. +740167, $23.75, rated: 89 4. Chardonnay 1998 (McLaren Vale; Hamilton): barrel fermentation leads to rich creamy textures. +741009, $12.75, rated: 89 5. Chenin Blanc 1998 (McLaren Vale; Hamilton): barrel fermentation again, gives this wine some body and aging potential. Dry style, and good price/value ratio. +712513, $11.40, rated: 89 6. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Marlborough, NZ; Kim Crawford): hard to come up with something new to say about Crawford's wines -- try: classic tones with long lingering finish. +975672, $16.90,rated:89 7. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Marlborough, NZ; Omaka Springs): lots of fruit in mid-palate, soft finish, not typical of New Zealand sauvignon blanc. +708610, $14.95, rated: 90 8. Pinot Gris 2000 (Mendoza, Arg.; Lurton): first Vintages wine of 2000! fresh and lively, modest finish, quaff by Labour Day!! +953976, $8.90, rated: 88 9. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Haut-Poitou; Coop Haut-Poitou): good price and value, but lots of acid. +119222, $8.95, rated: 86 10. Sauvignon de Touraine 1999 (Loire; Ch.Gaillard): fresh, crisp apples, and certainly one of the best "organic" wines I've sampled lately. +733568, $11.65, rated: 88 11. Chardonnay 1999 (D'Oc; SARL Vignobles Roger): half barrel fermentation plus 22 year old vines equal an Oz-style wine with a medium finish. Priced to sell. +705749, $12.95, rated: 88 12. Chateau La Brie (Bergerac): yeah, a nifty inexpensive sauvignon which needs brie and other cheeses (lingering finish). Made by a viticultural school, hence the modest price. Summertime drinking. +733618, $8.85, rated: 89 13. Calhandriz Muscat/Ariento (Estremadura; Alcantara): aromatic and perfume, from the 60% muscat. +938613, $10.40, rated: 88 RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gamay Noir 1998 (Niagara; Marynissen): deep and earthy flavours with lots of character. +327874, $11.95, rated: 87 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (Sierra Foothills; Ironstone): good blend with small amounts of malbec and cabernet franc. Currently drinkable, full flavours. +537597, $16.45, rated: 89 3. Pinot Noir 1997 (Carneros; Carneros Creek): lots of extracts and firm tannins, ready soon. Delicious! +964262, $24.95, rated: 90 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Dona Consuelo Reserve (Maule, Chile; Vina Segu): lots of raspberry tones here, along with richness and ripeness and oak flavours. Good value. +737668, $11.45, rated: 90 5. Merlot 1997 (Maipo; Santa Ema): off-sweet on the palate, soft and useful for summer. +737536, $10.60, rated: 86 6. Chateau de Gourgazaud 1997 Reserve (Minervois): more complexity than you would expect at this level, with both syrah and mourvedre getting new oak. Strongly Rhonish. +986083, $15.95, rated: 89 7. Merlot 1998 (D'Oc; SCEA de Gibalaux): some herbaceousness and character, worthy of tasting. Price OK. +738302, $9.45, rated: 89 8. Hermitage 1996 Les Nobles Rives (Tain): tight tannins might shed after awhile, so this is one to hold. Nose is older than the wine on the palate. +708677, $29.95, rated: 89 9. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (Lison Pramaggiore; S.Anna): a good buy for stocking the bar -- this is the half-bottle size at a fair price, medium body, with 10% merlot added. Mark it up to $13 or $14, and watch it disappear. +985028, $8.45, rated: 88 10. Don Miguel 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon (Penedes; Torres): with 15% tempranillo added, this wine has certainly aged very well. Good mouthfeel and oak, a heavier wine than required for summer BBQs, so keep it for Thanksgiving. +229112, $15.50, rated: 89 SPARKLERS ^^^^^^^^^ Deakin Brut NV (Australia; Wingara): from Chardonnay (two-thirds), Colombard, and Chenin Blanc, but vinted separately and blended later. Great for summer quaffing -- light and appealing and clean, with a hint of chardonnay fruit. +992487, $11.70, rated: 91 THE $15 - $20 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 "Show Reserve" (Coonawarra, Australia; Rosemount): very French in style, no plush fruit, but a wine to show off. Ride it on the back of the Shiraz, give it a low markup and you won't regret it. +226662, $28.75, rated: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH FOR SEPTEMBER 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): exciting, well made, zesty, rounded, one of the better sauvignons from Canada. Price value for Ontario wine. +430546, $12.95, rated: 90. 2. Chardonnay 1997 St.Davids Bench (Niagara; Ch.des Charmes): world class chardonnay, worth every penny at this price. Smoke, citrus, butter, peaches: balanced nicely. +430991, $19.95, rated: 88. 3. Chardonnay 1998 Nativa (Maipo; Vina Carmen): great organic wine with balanced French oak treatment, and long flavours of ripeness. Add it to the list, featuring "ORGANIC" +975219, $17.95, rated: 88. 4. Gewurztraminer 1998 (Alsace; Turckheim): bouquet and flavours in place, lacking intensity. Priced OK. +938779, $14.75, rated: 87. 5. Chateau de Malleprat 1998 (Pessac-Leognan): 45% semillon, 35% sauvignon blanc, 20% muscadelle, and careful treatment, makes this wine a smooth winner, good value for house white wine. +733576, $10.95, rated: 89. 6. Givry 1998 Champ Lalot (Faiveley): soft, on light side, but longer finish in place. Value priced. +980375, $19.90, rated: 88. 7. Chateau Fontaine-Audon 1998 (Sancerre): an over-the-top wine for the hay-crisp-flint lovers. +745893, $19.55, rated: 90. 8. Chardonnay 1997 Marquis de Pennautier (D'Oc): thick, lots of extract, holding well with more toast than is needed, but that's the style aimed for. +734335, $13.80, rated: 90. 9. Marsanne/Roussanne 1999 Reserve (D'Oc; Galetis): good heft and bright fruit, a sipper with fennel flavours. Excellent price, and a winner as a house white. +734848, $9, rated: 89. 10. Soave Classico 1999 (Tedeschi): off-dry finish, some extract, good value from Tedeschi at this price level. +734939, $9.95, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Malbec 1998 (Baja California, Mexico; L.A.Cetto): very clean, very bright young red. Quaff quality. +703306, $9.40, rated: 87. 2. Shiraz 1997 Brokenback (Hunter Valley; Tyrrell's): good depth, good concentration, close to French syrah in style. Extractive. +215665, $19.85, rated: 89. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (Mendoza; Lurton): an easy wine at an easy price, for Autumn consumption. +426957, $10.45, rated: 88. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (Valle Central, Chile; Calina): ripe style from the US-French oak combination, 13.7% alcohol, and a long, long persistent finish. +700625, $15.65, rated: 88. 5. Carignan 1997 (Curico, Chile; Morande): unfiltered, rich and ripe, but still tannic. +737510, $11.30, rated: 88. 6. Fixin 1996 (C. Vienot): good quality at this price level. Satisfactory pinot lover hit. +717280, $24.30, rated: 88. 7. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (l'Aude; Sacha Lichine): intense, well- priced value wine. from the emerging new style French cabs. +745943, $9.90, rated: 89. 8. Ch. Depaule 1998 (Cabardes AOC): a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah, leading to a smooth taste and value. +738310, $10.30, rated: 89. 9. Domaine de L'Auris 1997 (Roussillon): syrah-based, with good concentration of flavours. Priced OK. +722454, $11.70, rated: 89. 10. Ch. La Baronne 1998 Non Filtre (Corbieres): principally syrah and mourvedre, a dark brooding wine with black fruit tones. Value priced, but too heavy for a house wine.+946871, $12.45, rated: 90. 11. Mocsenyi Special Reserve 1998 (Hungary; Peters' Hill): a blend of cabernet and kekfrankos, this wine has good persistence in its depth. Great price for this Antinori-involved wine. But tough sell for a Hungarian wine. +706929, $10.35, rated: 89. 12. Valpolicella Classico Sup. 1997 Capitel dei Nicalo (Tedeschi): six grape varieties and some early partial-drying result in a juicy wine with great body, at a great price. +984997, $13.80, rated: 88. 13. Magna Carta 1983 Reserva (Douro; Cavipor): a great mature wine with plenty of stewed cooked goodness, and old flavours of underbrush and licorice. Dynamite at this price; licensees should load up...only 250 cases... +741074, $13.70, rated: 90. 14. Merlot 1998 Atrium (Penedes; Torres): light but tannic wine, full of enjoyable fruit, well-priced, and tasty, with some US and French oak tones. +742304, $13.95, rated: 89. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Fume Blanc 1998 La Petite Etoile (Russian River, Sonoma; Ch. St.Jean): creamy, not buttery, from the French oak, excellent for all menu items. +977512, $24.75, rated: 90. 2. Chardonnay 1997 Giants Creek (Hunter Valley; Rosemount Estates): tropicality is dominant, as well as the name recognition. Again, goes well with almost anything. +702951, $24, rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR OCTOBER 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Musque 1999 (Niagara; Cave Spring): very aromatic, with a crisp finish, some bitterness in the full of the mouth. Younger is better, so look for the 1999 vintage (not the 1998). +246579, $14.95, rated: 87. 2. Chardonnay Reserve 1998 Vinc Vineyard (Niagara; Lakeview Cellars): full-bodied nose, mouth and finish; delicious oak integration. +518043, $19.95, rated: 89. 3. Chenin Blanc 1999 Tintookie Vineyards (McLaren Vale; Dowie Doole): delicious dry mode for this fruity grape varietal -- aromatic nose, good sipper, great crisp acidic finish. +709246, $13.95, rated: 89. 4. Semillon 1998 (Margaret River; Vasse Felix): Oz oaky style, with caramel toffee nose, finishing with wood. +745778, $19.95, rated: 90. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 Pencarrow (Marlborough; Palliser Estates): herby but with broad sweetness on the palate, finishes strong with lots of oomph... +738997, $15.40, rated: 91. 6. Chardonnay Reserve 1999 Paarl WO (South Africa; de Villiers): tropical nose, full-body on mid-palate, higher acid levels on finish. +740480, $10.55, rated: 89. 7. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 Casillero del Diablo (Chile; Concha y Toro): herbaceous in the South Pacific style, dry finish. The 2000 vintage is even better; it'll be out next spring. +309674, $9.80, rated: 89. 8. Chardonnay 1999 (D'Oc; Dom. de Gourgazaud): good crispness in that European style, with a touch of oak. A real winner at this pricepoint. +734509, $10.65, rated: 92. 9. Marsanne/Viognier 1999 (D'Oc; Domaines Virginie): approachable with fresh but dried fruit. Body is firm, softer finish. +740761, $9.95, rated: 87. 10. Viura/Chardonnay 1999 Conca de Barbera (Spain; Bod.Concavins): great value for summer; too bad summer's gone. Try it *NOW* on your indoor patio. +719831, $7.95, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 1997 (Maipo; Caliterra): fruity nose, broad sweetness on the finish from US oak. Good value for the dollar. +427104, $15.50, rated: 88. 2. Cabernet Franc 1997 (Sonoma; Bouchaine): light body, but midpalate is sweet, finishes both herby and acidic. Fair price. +980706, $17.25, rated: 87. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (California; Grand Cru): light body, but ready now (with a somewhat older taste than 1997 warrants). Great for current dining! Good name recognition. +704668, $14.95, rated: 88. 4. Syrah 1997 (California; Fetzer): made in the Rhone style, with a variety of oak agings, and some strong fruit-driven character. Great value from a popular label. +744748, $16.95, rated: 90. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Classic Reserve (SE Australia; Angove): raisins, prunes, black fruit -- tastes a lot like zinfandel, but, at this price, still good value. +110478, $13.95, rated: 88. 6. Merlot/Cabernets 1997 (Connawarra; Rymill): a great blend of three grapes, using various French and US oak barrels, lots of vanilla tones. +700575, $16.95, rated: 90. 7. Shiraz 1996 Goulburn (Victoria; Mitchelton): chunky black fruit and spices, like syrah. Medium finish. +742064, $17.40, rated: 88. 8. Merlot 1998 Paarl WO (South Africa; Laborie): inky colour, very fruity merlot, soft finish. Priced ok. +739177, $17.75, rated: 88. 9. Ch.Trivier 1998 (Mendoza; Quintana): with malbec and barbera grape varietals, this wine has youthful black fruit tones. Off-dry finish, great price. +748095, $9.75, rated: 87. 10. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Nativa (Maipo; Vina Carmen): an organic wine, one of the better ones that I have tasted: great cab flavours and long, ripe finish. +975359, $18.95, rated: 89. 11. Tannat/Merlot 1998 Casilla Dorada (Uruguay; Lurton): some of the tight tannat fruit has been softened by merlot, leading to a crisp, but fruity finish. +742098, $12.80, rated: 88. 12. Merlot Reserva 1998 Don Maximiano (Aconcagua Valley, Chile; Errazuriz): fruit driven nose, good mouthfeel of oak and fruit in balance. Dynamite finish from this unfiltered wine. +701458, $24.90, rated: 90. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ * Chardonnay 1998 (Sonoma; Ch.Souverain): upfront fruit, oak lingers on palate. Baked components. +338111, $24.95, rated: 88. * Chateau Haut-Simard 1985 (Saint-Emilion): blend of merlot 70% cabernet sauvignon 15% and cabernet franc 15%. Well-aged and many complex flavours, at an excellent price for your dining cellar. Ready soon, if not now. +741710, $49.95, rated: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR NOVEMBER 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay "Sur Lie" 1997 (Niagara; Peller): coconut nose, off dry on palate but finishes dry. 8 months oaking shows well. One for the woodies out there...+354977, $17.95, rated: 88. 2. Chardonnay 1998 Mitsuko's Vineyard (Carneros; Clos Pegase): toasted nuts and full fruit flavours, butter too. 1998 was tasted (catalogue lists 1997) +986737, $29.95, rated: 89. 3. Chardonnay 1999 (Australia; Deakin Estate): ripe fruit, cream, apples and lemons, with an oak finish. Excellent buy at this price. Load up...+721019, $10.85, rated: 93. 4. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Marlborough, NZ; Fairhall Down): fair price for a long, long finish. Typical sauvignon blanc from New Zealand....+990580, $14.55, rated: 90. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Nelson, NZ; Seifried): typical but a light mouthfeel, not as engaging as Fairhill's (which is better value). +957670, $14.65, rated: 87 6. Colombar 2000 (Robertson Valley, South Africa; Goedverwacht): weedy, like sauvignon blanc, but has a long citric finish. Great price!! +984070, $8.45, rated: 89. 7. Chardonnay Reserve 1997 (Curico, Chile; Valdivieso): delicious all round sipper, fully aromatic, in an Australian style. +981621, $14.95, rated: 91. 8. Pyramus 1998 (Coteaux Varois; Ch.Routas): a thick wine, with a great floral finish, one of the best white wines to come out of Provence, lately...+715052, $9.55, rated: 88. 9. Pasmodos White 1998 (Portugal; Fonseca): the 25% chardonnay here goes a long way, together with the oak aging. Well-flavoured wine in a trendy bottle, good price too. Better than the Pasmodos red. +357954, $12.85, rated: 86. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernets 1998 (Niagara; Strewn): 55% cabernet sauvignon and 45% cabernet franc, good mix for delicate fruit and dry flavours although it needs time. +468900, $19.95, rated: 87. 2. Shiraz 1998 Faith (Barossa; St.Hallett): full, firm flavour of the syrah grape, typical of the French style. Excellent value. +980631, $19.95, rated: 92. 3. Cabernet/Shiraz 1998 Fiddlers Creek (South EAst Australia; Blue Pyrenees): matured for a year in used Ch.Haut-Brion oak barriques, 13.5% alcohol. Warm and inviting, great cabernet fruit, excellent value, ready now. +980664, $12.80, rated: 95. 4. Shiraz 1998 (Victoria; Water Wheel): soft, fruity with structure to hold, French syrah style. +700815, $19.45, rated: 89. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (Mendoza; Bod.Esmeralda): off-dry, good basic fruit, drinkable now. Soft. +981514, $14.40, rated: 86. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 1997 (Colchagua, Chile; Mont Gras): fruity but firm, long long finish, good quality can be felt on the palate. Ready now. +432971, $13.85, rated: 91. 7. Ch.Brisson 1998 (Cotes de Castillon): mouth-filling but light flavours, good value for price, one of the more affordable Bordeaux. +747287, $16.75, rated: 88. 8. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (D'Oc; Dom.Listel): good body, light cabernet flavours but enjoyable. Worth considering based on price alone from the D'Oc... +738252, $9.75, rated: 89. 9. Minervois 1997 La Liviniere (Co-op): soft, fruity, tannic length through to finish, great with food. +712240, $13.25, rated: 88. 10. Chateau le Raz 1998 (Bergerac; Barde): 75% merlot, rest caber- nets sauvigon, franc, malbec: a good bordeaux blend of unoaked and fruity characters. Some residual "herbiness" or green tones but ready now...+745885, $11.50, rated: 90. 11. Ferreirinha Vinha Grande 1996 (Douro; Ferreira): made from grapes associated with port-making. Lots of syrah character: tar, plum, raspberries. Maybe a bit tight and tannic, needs a year or twop to smooth out. Well-priced now. +559526, $15.80, rated: 89. 12. Cabernet/Merlot 1996 Sinclara (Spain; Ryman): less than half of this wine was barrel aged. Terrific juicy fruit hit on the nose, fleshy on the palate, finishes cleanly with some acid. +709030, $11.65, rated: 89. 13. Amarone della Valpolicella 1996 (L.Righetti): this wine seems to sell itself as the best value Amarone in Ontario. The 1996 is 15% alcohol, but it is not heavy, and can be consumed with most meat entrees. Excellent value. +964890, $23.75, rated: 91. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE: Chateau de Chamirey 1998 (Mercurey; Marquis de Jouennes d'Herville): a bit light in body on the palate, but a solid flavour and good length to the finish. Attractive on your wine list. +179556, $27.75, rated: 87. RED: Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998 Domaine Pontifical (Laget-Boyer): The Robert Parker score says it all (89-91). Excellent value, ready now (that's good for you restaurateurs, cut your storage bills). Be sure to load up on this. +964049, $27.90, rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR DECEMBER 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 Dollarhide (Napa; St.Supery): weedy, soft middle palate of jam and fruit, finishes dry. +339663, $20.95, rated: 89. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 1999 (Sonoma; Geyser Peak): much the same as the St.Supery, but with sharper acid in the finish. +340208, $19.90, rated: 88. 3. "Ebenezer" Chardonnay 1999 (Barossa; Barossa Valley Estates): lots of grip, good value in the chardonnay range, most of what you'd expect from Australia. +976324, $19.95, rated: 88. 4. "Langi" Chardonnay 1997 (Victoria; Mt. Langi): for three dollars less, try this extremely fruity, tropical, NO WOOD, with a long finish of good concentration. +702803, $17, rated: 90. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (SE Australia; Rothbury): my choice for great value, 13% alcohol, with all typical sauvignon blanc components working, at a fabulous price! +741132, $10.50, rated: 93. 6. Chardonnay Reserve 1999 (South Africa; Nederburg): lots of fruit and oak tones, finishes well (long lingering oak feel), good price for value. +541839, $15.60, rated: 89. 7. Chardonnay 1998 Selection (Casablanca; Casa Lapostolle): a firm delicious woody wine with a smooth finish. Priced to move. +396986, $13.95, rated: 91. 8. Tokay (Pinot Gris) 1997 (Alsace; L.Sipp): I cannot resist saying that this is a good sipping wine: off-dry floral flavours, with some body. +731471, $16.70, rated: 87. 9. Chateau Filhot 1990 (Sauternes): from the dynamic 1990 vintage, an aggressive but succulent wine. Needs time to cellar, to bring out additional and rewarding flavours. +747592, $64.85, rated: 89. 10. Chateau Belingard 1999 (Bergerac Blanc): a bordeaux-blend: fresh, fruity, lively, some zest to the finish. Great price. +733733, $10.35, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot 1997 Alexander Valley (Sonoma; Estancia): very soft, fruity, lots of California flavours (dark fruit, smoke, mint, vanilla). +491381, $24.45, rated: 89. 2. Cabernets 1998 (Coonawarra; Leconfield): a bordeaux-blend, emphasizing juiciness in the palate and some tannins in the finish. +441501, $24.70, rated: 87. 3. "Old Winery" Shiraz 1998 (Australia; Tyrrell's): lots of fruit and juice, a bit overwhelming at first, finishing with tannins and zip. +457093, $14.95, rated: 89. 4. Shiraz 1997 Goulburn Valley (Victoria; Ch.Tahbilk): bright and juicy, always good value. +214742, $17, rated: 87. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Reserve (South Africa; Nederburg): our bottle tasted older than it should be, indicating that it is ready soon. A restaurant, food-friendly wine. +541821, $19.95, rated: 89. 6. Syrah 1999 Reserva (Mendoza; Nieto y Senetiner): good syrah character, rare to find at this price level -- smoke, leather, even some hint of brett! +936609, $12.85, rated: 89. 7. Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 1998 Reserva (Colchagua Valley; Casa Silva): bright middle palate after an herby-olive beginning. Fruity of course, but a long finish makes this a wine of good price/value ratio. +936864, $14.90, rated: 88. 8. Merlot 1998 Reserve (Valle de Rapel; Vina Carmen): tons of fruit on the nose. Excellent aging potential for this unfiltered wine. +954008, $15.85, rated: 89. 9. Ch. Roland la Garde 1998 (Cotes de Blaye): beginning with an excellent bouquet, continuing with a merlot fruity palate, and finishing with a long cabernet ending. Not typical bordeaux, but a mid-Atlantic style. +739334, $24.60, rated: 89. 10. Primitivo "Canaletto" 1998 (Puglia; Girelli): given its price, this one has probably evaporated off the shelves. Can we call it a mid-Atlantic zinfandel: raisins on the nose but finishes soft? +969360, $11.45, rated: 89. 11. "Le Volte" 1997 (Tuscany; Ten. Dell'Ornellaia): a second wine from Ornellaia, and is much like any second wine: "some" character reflective of the original (like, "memories of ornellaia") but modest flavours, approachable, ready now. +964221, $18, rated: 88. 12. "Bajoz" Crianza 1996 (Toro, Spain; Vina Bajoz): stock up on this one, should you miss the primitivo above...terrific rioja-style nose (oak, tempranillo fruit, alcohol of 13.5%), similar flavours on the palate, with a long long length. Great price. +930438, $15.70, rated: 90. THE $15 MARKUP (for restaurant wine lists: give it a shot!) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Shiraz 1997 (Barossa; Elderton): from old vines, about 40 years old, still going strong: lots of upfront fruit, approachable on the palate (dark berries and smoke), many layers of low-acid complexity, finishes soft. Excellent for restaurants, and drinking well now. Parker number is "93" . +713024, $27.85, rated: 92. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JANUARY 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1997 "Charlotte's Chardonnay" (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): a leading candidate for ABO honours (Anything But Oak), unoaked and aged on its lees. Good complexity and fruit for this modestly priced wine. +497230, $11.95, rated: 89. 2. Vidal 1996 Lailey Vineyards (Niagara; Southbrook): some oak and age behind it, good value, with a lot of acid on the finish for palate refreshment. +448332, $9.95, rated: 87. 3. Chardonnay 1997 (Okanagan Valley; Sumac Ridge): barrel-fermen- tation is evident, excellent lush flavours of fullness and tropic fruit. A Pacific Rim wine? Great price +125583, $14.60, rated: 90 4. Chardonnay 1997 (California; Canyon Road): pretty basic, sells for under $10 US national retail (widely discounted at $7 or so). Priced to move. +939017, $13.75, rated: 88. 5. Chardonnay 1996 (California; Herzog): a kosher wine, very tasty toothy oak predominates but not the lushness. Great value. +939728, $18.75, rated: 89. 6. Chardonnay 1997 (Santa Barbara; Firestone): ripe but elegant, long lush finish, worthy of consumption. +730036, $21, rated: 89. 7. Chardonnay 1997 (Walker Bay, South Africa; Hamilton Russell): light, elegant, balanced. A together wine, very stylish for the price. +931006, $21.70, rated: 89. 8. Rhine Riesling 1997 (South Australia; Wolf Blass): deserving of wider notice, with lime and citrus tones, and a long dry finish. A General List wine!! +505370, $10.95, rated: 87. 9. Edelzwicker 1997 (Alsace; E.Meyer): fresh, clean, good price and value. Full taste. Organically produced.+957340, $14.75, rated:90 10. Gewurztraminer 1996 (Alsace; A.Hertz): a Medaille d'Or winner excellent value in price, long bitterish finish. Try to promote this one in your dining room by keeping the markup low. +955344, $16.90, rated: 91. 11. Pouilly-Fume 1996 (Loire; M.Redde): great quality for the price, it has mellowed a bit with bottle age. +729178, $20.80, rated: 88. 12. Pomino "Benefizio" 1995 (Tuscany; Frescobaldi): barrel-fermen tation does wonders for the pinot blanc/chardonnay mixture. Great aged complexity, excellent value. +332247, $21.75, rated: 89. 13. Sauvignon 1997 (Tuscany; Il Palagio): excellent character, in the full suavignon blanc herby-grassy style. Lively zest, and the price should be welcomed with the meal. +947507, $12.45, rated: 89 RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot 1996 (Okanagan Valley; Mission Hill): the trendy grape variety, excelling in BC, at decent affordable price. Great value with zest, black fruit tones, and good finish. +496109, $15, rated: 89 2. "Mistura" 1996 (Central Coast, California; R.H.Phillips): yet another "Night Harvest" wine (do they ever sleep in the Dunnigan Hills?). Excellent value: hot, lush, fruity, but little balance yet. Keep it a year more. +965350, $11.65, rated: 89. 3. Merlot 1996 (South Australia; Kingston Estate): another fine wine from the merlot grape, good price. Probably needs another year to knit together in balance. +734046, $12.55, rated: 87. 4. Merlot 1996 "Trumpeter" (Argentina; La Rural): lovely nose, with lots of merlot-type flavours, and a very decent price. But the trumpeter on the label is in the saxophone position. +931469, $11.45, rated: 89. 5. St.Joseph 1996 (M.Chapoutier): good value, aged well, ready soon, although there's a loss of weight.+972299, $19.70, rated: 88 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (France; V.Barde): much better than a Bordeaux at this price! Light, herby and enjoyable now. +711143, $12.35, rated: 88. 7. Cabernet Franc 1996 (Friuli; Ca'Bolani): exhibits typical cabernet franc herbaceousness, with black fruit tones. Great price for your clients. +725721, $12.30, rated: 87. 8. Santa Cristina 1997 (Tuscany; Antinori): this used to be a low end Chianti label, but now it is a soft and fruity (and enjoyable) vino da tavola, with sangiovese and merlot grapes. Ready now, off the General List. +76521, $9.80, rated: 86. 9. Dao 1996 Meia Encosta (Portugal; Borges & Irmao): always good value with this wine. It comes in from year to year, and it is one of the better Dao wines at this price. +985739, $9.60, rated: 87. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Iced Apple (Stoney Ridge): Mutsu apple juice is frozen, and then juice is extracted, just as icewine is made. Delicious, intense apple flavours. +396697, $19.95, rated: 93. Pineau des Charentes "Or" 10 ans en fut de chene (C.Thomas): this is always a terrifc aperitif (reduced grape juice with cognac), and with added wood complexity and aging, it should be consumed neat like a white port. Great nose, too. +74633, $21.90, rated: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR FEBRUARY 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Riesling Reserve 1997 Strewn Vineyard (Niagara; Strewn): great riesling aromas and typical flavours. +467613, $11.50, rated: 86. 2. Chardonnay 1996 Santa Barbara (Fess Parker): lovely fruit on the nose, terrific body, and engaging oak finish. Stylish, and can be meant for any serious wine drinker. +939520, $29.90, rated: 90. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Sonoma/Monterey; Morgan): more in a fume blanc mode, with French oak toastiness. 20% semillon contributes a candied finish. Value priced. +411488, $17.95, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 1996 (Idaho; Ste.Chapelle): baked apples and cloves on the nose with some vanilla flavours in the body. A food wine all over, great value too. +961417, $15.65, rated: 87. 5. Chardonnay 1995 Columbia Valley (Washington; Columbia Crest): heavy flavours of smoked oak rather than toasted oak, ready now. Excellent aging already. +366542, $21.85, rated: 89. 6. Chardonnay 1997 McLaren Vale (Richard Hamilton): with lovely ripe complexity, this wine is a winner for the dinner. Keep the mark up low...... +937813, $16.45, rated: 88. 7. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (South Australia; Bridgewater Mill): full, ripe, not grassy. Lots of fruit in this excellent version. +936161, $16.90, rated: 88. 8. Chardonnay 1997 Marlborough (New Zealand; Giesen): light in taste despite 13.5% alcohol, but has good balance and a bit of everything in the finish (fruit, acid, vanilla tones). +985390, $15.95, rated: 87. 9. Chardonnay Reserva 1997 Casablanca (Caliterra): bright, subtle affordable. Little oak aging (but there is barrel fermentation). 13.5 % alcohol. +404178, $13.75, rated: 89. 10. Chablis 1997 (J.Drouhin): 375 ml makes this a welcome winner, good value in a small bottle. Snap it all up, mark it up low, and promote it as a great starter bottle for two people's first course. +963215, $10.65, rated: 88. 11. Rully 1997 La Chaume (Charton & Trebuchet): broad flavours coat the palate, long length. Mid-Atlantic in style? No matter. Excellent value and winner of this month's Chardonnay sweeps. +711812, $23.90, rated: 91. 12. Vouvray Sec 1996 (Loire; S.A.Huet): remember when vouvray was sweet and cheap? Here it is dry and a bit pricey. But it is full of fruit flavours, with correct acid balance, and enough stuffing for an aperitif. Also, it's organic! +951186, $18.60, rated: 88. 13. Pinot Grigio 1997 Bollini (Italy; Faedo/Neil Empson): it has been awhile since I last tasted a pinot grigio from Italy which did not take a layer of enamel off my teeth. This one has a nice off-dry finish, quite enjoyable. +951319, $13.90, rated: 87. 14. Indian Summer Riesling (Niagara; Cave Springs): a "Select Late Harvest" wine of great value (presumably it could eventually have been icewine had there been an -8C freeze point, but the 1997/98 winter was extremely mild). So the consumer wins here: intensity approaching icewine, lots of pear and apple flavours, with typical racy acid length. +415901, $21.95 375ml, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Carignane 1996 Ancient Vines (Cline): with chunky extract (but not clumsy) and wood tones, this wine has value for those who like the heavy Rhone style. +943142, $23.85, rated: 89. 2. Pinot Noir 1997 (Monterey; Estancia): yummy, full, fat, fruity (black and red) does not make this a typical pinot noir. But it is a decent price, and it does drink well. +421586, $22.60, rated: 87 3. Meritage 1994 (Californmia; Boeger): 13.8% alcohol, three years French and US oak barrel aging, and all the principal Bordeaux varieties -- makes this a wine of good European character with a well-placed finish. +971515, $24.95, rated: 88. 4. Pinot Noir 1996 Three Vineyard (Willamette; Chehalem): some acid on the initial approach but otherwise lots of extract and depth, a good wine from a quality producer (high expectations are true), +949909, $26.80, rated: 88. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (Washington; Ste.Chapelle): solid and approachable cabernet. +961391, $17.65, rated: 87. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 (Baja; Pedro Domecq): the Spanish are still working with Mexican wine -- here, there is good intensity and flavours, but drink now. +986463, $9.60, rated: 88. 7. Shiraz 1996 Bankside (Padthaway; Hardy's): dark, extractive, youthful fruit, and real syrah flavour. +436022, $13.95, rated: 89 8. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (South Africa; Cathedral Cellar KWV): young and tight, but real value here. Needs time to open up a bit. +328567, $14.95, rated: 88. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Special Reserve Port "Master of Port" from Osborne is a young tawny, with an uplifted off-sweet finish. But you cannot beat the price. +953992, $14.95, rated: 88. Vintage Port 1995 Quinta do Infantado is a massive wine, but it is affordable at $35.70. Cellar it a long time. +979906,rated: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MARCH 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^` by DEAN TUDOR Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings reflect price/value ratio. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Reserve 1996 Butler's Grant (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): in many ways 1996 was a better year for whites than 1995. Here is a stunning example of a well-rounded chardonnay, excellent length. +280818, $ 18.95, rated: 88. 2. Pinot Gris 1997 (Okanagan, BC; Gehringer): good quality, not the shrillness of Italian pinot gris, but with smoke and spice. Enjoyable on its own. +347203, $14.70, rated: 86. 3. Chardonnay 1996 (Okanagan, BC; Inniskillin): intense aroma, lots of wood tones, good palate. Actually better than most Ontario chardonnays at this price. +468603, $16.70, rated: 87. 4. Chardonnay 1996 (Mendocino; Bonterra): good smoke component, and nicely priced as an elegant, integrated wine easily affordable on the wine list with a reduced markup. 13.5% alcohol, and organic grapes!! +342436, $20.95, rated: 89. 5. Chardonnay 1996 (Napa Valley; Sterling): an over-the-top wine, very ripe and smokey, best with non-smoked food. Long finish, and should develop. +330233, $20.95, rated: 89. 6. Marsanne 1997 (Victoria; Ch.Tahbilk): lots of floral tones in the nose, and packed with fruit in the taste. But not a keeper. Drink up in early summer. +117945, $13.40, rated: 88. 7. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 Lenswood (South Australia; Knappstein): an absolutely fantastic wine, in every way shape or form, with excellent body and long lingering fruit. Very little grass. +948257, $21.95, rated: 90. 8. Gewurztraminer 1997 Bollenberg (Alsace; Ch. d'Orschwihr): another excellent wine from an excellent vintage in Alsace, although prices do seem to be creeping up. Great body (check those legs!) and a bittersweet finish -- like most romances! Can we please see this one on somebody's wine list? +935452, $23.40, rated: 90. 9. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (D'Oc; Dom. de la Baume): easily the "best white of the month", with good sauvignon character from start to finish, and affordable. +728600, $11.65, rated: 90. 10. Chateau Tour des Gendres 1997 (Bergerac; de Conti): and just as easily "best French white of the month" -- oak aged and complex at a cheap price. +946210, $14.75, rated: 90. 11. Gewurztraminer 1997 Deer Leap (Hungary; Hilltop): a rounded version, less floral and more bitter than Chilean competitors. But fresh! Some petillance in my sample. Excellent value, +729483, $10, rated: 88. 12. Pinot Gris 1997 Deer Leap (Hungary; Hilltop): they are making a lot of fresher wines in Hungary these days, although the red are still nasty. Floral nose, no shrillness, good length, and quaffable at the price. +959072, $9.60, rated: 87. 13. Vina Esmeralda 1997 (Penedes; Torres): this muscat-gewurz blend has been around for years. It hasn't changed. Drink now, not a keeper, perfect aperitif, off-dry. +210351, $10.95, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (Napa Valley; Sterling): 13.5% alcohol and wood treatment makes this a shy wine, but give it time. Lots of fruit and deep, delicious length. Undervalued. +314575, $24.95, rated: 89. 2. Dao Tinto 1995 Duque de Viseu (Portugual; Sogrape): always good value for the price, deep texture, long finish, ready soon. +474874, $12.90, rated: 88. 3. Palmela Tinto 1992 (Portugal; Alianca): does not seem to have aged at all -- still fresh and fruity, with some way to go (the LCBO tasting panel notes that their July 1998 sample had dried figs, tobacco, cedar, mature etc. They must have had an oxidized sample; mine was fresher). +985747, $14.89, rated: 88. 4. Primum Tinto 1996 (Portugal; de Fonseca): from Setubal, but using varietals that go into Port wine -- what can I say? dark, dark, dark, but fruity and probably ready about 2006. Medium length. +501361, $15.80, rated: 89. 5. Syrah 1997 (Mendoza; Lurton): more affordable European knock offs -- deep and dark, but not very Rhonish, more like a petite syrah. +981605, $9.75, rated: 88. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Gran Reserva (Chile; Ch.La Joya): soft, ready now, great restaurant wine, affordable for a decent markup. +730408, $16.95, rated: 89. 7. Ch. La Cardonne 1995 (Medoc): tight, tannic, but great length. One to lay down for 2005. Affordable. +980417, $23.50, rated: 90. 8. Bourgeuil 1996 (Loire; Breton): great price and value for an organic wine. +939298, $15.85, rated: 88. 9. Cotes de Rhone 1996 (Alary): great syrah hit but soft and cheap, warm, ready now for your diners! +945600, $11.45, rated: 89 10. Gigondas 1995 (Cartier): tighter in fruit wrapped by tannins but should do okay in future (2003 ?). +722678, $24.45, rated: 88 11. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (Veneto; Maculan): fruit-shy despite no filtering nor fining. Austere, but some like it that way. Will not improve. Drink now. +987701, $11.70, rated: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR APRIL 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Riesling 1998 Marlborough (New Zealand; Stoneleigh): fresh, fruity, and upfront, in an off-dry mode, as a summer quaffer. The beginnings of a trendy grape from a trendy country.... General Listed +527713, $11.95, rated: 87. 2. Chardonnay 1997 Reserva (Chile; Santa Carolina): these Chilean Chardonnays just keep coming, and just keep getting better. This one is dynamite in flavours and complexity. One problem: the name recognition is better for home purchase. But for "buy the glass" programs, this is a useful mid-pricer. General List +304022, $10.55, rated: 88. 3. Chardonnay 1997 Padthaway (Hardy's): good integration of fruit and oak, with typical but indepth tropical nose, some oak on the palate, and a citrus-y finish. +454322, $16.90, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 1997 McLaren Vale (Chateau Reynella): for a few bucks more than the Hardy's, you get a solid dinner wine that has had 100% barrel fermentation. +510610, $19.55, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Lavischio 1995 (Tuscany; Villa Poggio Salvi): deep colours and lots of bordeaux-styled fruit. The grape is merlot, and it is stunning silk. +981431, $24.95, rated: 88. 2. Bairrada 1992 Director (Portugal; Cavipor): standard robustness but great value. It is also well-aged. +987636, $9.40, rated: 90. 3. Merlot 1996 Sierra Foothills (Kautz Ironstone): good value with acid, fruit, and wood in balance, but not much merlot "character"! +704353, $18.45, rated: 86. 4. Montepiano 1995 (California; Rabbit Ridge): an interesting wine with sangiovese, barbera, lambrusca, and cabernet franc in the mix. Good value in a gutsy wine with personality, emulating an Italian cepage. +958959, $18.75, rated: 86. 5. Pinot Noir 1996 Russian River (Sonoma; Rodney Strong): good oaking, rich and ripe, overthetop style. Not to everyone's pinot taste, but I liked it. +954834, $27.65, rated: 89. 6. Pinot Noir 1996 (California; Mountainvew): more normal, showing great fruit on the nose, a full, firm extract, and definitely underpriced. Buy it up!! +971390, $18.75, rated: 87. 7. Zinfandel 1997 (California; Cartlidge & Browne): jammy fruit all over this, fat and lush. +953802, $16.80, rated: 87. 8. Sovereign Shiraz 1997 (South Australia; Haselgrove): excellent flavours and development, good syrah hit in the French style. Lots of smoke. Great value. +937417, $11.80, rated: 89. 9. Carmenere Reserva 1997 (Colchagua, Chile; Mont Gras): another undervalued, unfiltered wine from Chile. Lots of citrus character but more like a Rhone than a Bordeaux (carmenere is an old Bordeaux varietal). +960542, $15.60, rated: 87. 10. Ch. D'Ardennes 1995 (Graves): deep, ripe, lush, woody -- great value for the vintage, especially with the long length of the finish. +271718, $26.80, rated: 89. 11. Ch. Canteloup 1995 (Medoc): another good value for the year's vintage. +950634, $19.60, rated: 89. 12. Ch. Jonqueyres 1996 (Bordeaux Superieur): with good length and vanilla, this one's priced to sell. Keep the markup low, and push it as an alternative to Pomerol's Ch.Clinet; you'll get lots of sales! +411371, $15.50, rated: 91. 13. Saumur-Champigny 1997 (Loire; M. Joseph): good quality flavours from the cabernet franc, and it is organic. Great price for a chunky French wine. +952713, $16.55, rated: 90. 14. Cuvee Mathilde 1996 (Minervois; Ch.de Gourgazaud): excellent flavours, but dense and young. Needs time, but finishes weak. +958629, $10.55, rated: 87. 15. Cairanne 1995 Cotes du Rhone Villages (Cave de Cairanne): brimming full of southern flavours, including citrus and peppers. This is one of the better Grenache-based wines I have tasted. +986059, $17, rated: 89. 16. Vereto 1995 (Puglia; Vallone): another excellent, affordable, chewy, baked wine from south Italy. Good fruit on the finish. +471730, $9.45, rated: 88. 17. Rocca Guicciarda 1994 Chianti Classico Riserva (Ricasoli): excellent length, typical chianti, good price, hideous label!! +943613, $19.95, rated: 87. 18. La Madonnina 1995 Chianti Classico Riserva (Triacca): lush black fruit aromas, medium palate smoothing out, longish finish from this late harvest Sangiovese pleaser. General Listed +418756, $14.90, rated: 89. 19. Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 1997 (South Eastern Australia; Hardy's): another pleasant wine, full of softness and fruit at a great BBQ price (is it summer already??) +525253, $11.50, rated: 86. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Sparkling Shiraz (Australia; Hardy's): follows on the stunning success of prior releases of this type of sparkling wine. Here is another label, at a lower price, with quality intact. Lots of ripe fruit and oak complexity, with an off-dry finish. Mouth-filling, and a great way to get your flavenoids. +478560, $24.90, rated: 91 WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MAY 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings reflect price/value ratio. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1997 Reserve (Niagara; Cilentro): some extremely ripe flavours (principally, melons) and a soft finish suggest that this wine would be excellent for summer sipping. A wine for the restaurant trade (don't store it). +510263, $18.95, rated: 87 2. Chardonnay 1997 (Santa Barbara; Meridian): very ripe, with an almost sweet finish. Luscious, but ready now, another summer sipper to compare with the Cilentro. +455949, $19.95, rated: 88. 3. Chardonnay 1996 Reserve (Sonoma; Kunde): a high end wine, worth recommending for its overall integration of toast, spices, apples, lemons. Structure is still tight: buy and keep a winner! +959478, $36.85, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 1997 (Barossa; Yalumba): bright, with a Burgundian style of butter in the finish. Plenty of body, too. +720318, $18.35, rated: 90. 5. Chardonnay 1996 (Padthaway; Lindeman's): balanced and integrated with a long finish. Open tropical and spice flavours. Ready now, the best of this month's ABCs (my joke: All Bottles Chardonnay !!) +415067, $19.75, rated: 91. 6. Semillon 1997 Zerk (Barossa; Grant Burge): one for the woodies. No grape takes to wood as well as semillon, expecially in Australia Can be confused with an overthetop chardonnay at a cheaper price. Citrus tones, lush fruit, American oak. +987768, $14.95, rated: 88 7. Gruner Veltliner 1997 (Rosenthal; Austria): a good mid-weight varietal, brought in for under $10. It does not have the searing acidic intensity usually found here. Another sipper. +953844, $9.95, rated: 86. 8. Riesling 1996 Reserve (Alsace; Kuhlmann-Platz): our sample had some initial spritz on the nose, but that just added to the intense tropical fruit aromas and citric finish. Although medium in body, the wine had great riesling presence. +955369, $14.95, rated: 88. 9. Sancerre 1996 (M. Girard): a silver medal winner in France, this wine has good sauvignon blanc intensity and length. Available in half-bottles, suitable for accompanying appetizers. +952143 $20.95 for 750ml; +952150 $11.55 for 375ml; rated: 87. 10. Domaine Markou 1997 (Greece): light and polite, clean and refreshing, some good bracing acid and fruit. Perfect to accompany heavy food. +971044, $10.90, rated: 85. 11. Debroi Harslevelu 1997 (Hungary; Ker Co-op): pleasant, off-dry finish. At this price, always useful. +956052, $7.50, rated: 86. 12. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 Rueda (Spain; Bod. A.Vegas): nice acidic finish, a bit grassy in the mid-palate. A new style Spanish white without either the oak or the searing acid. +956037, $13.75, rated: 86 RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Classic Reserve Shiraz 1996 (Australia; Angove's): I was very impressed with this wine's depth of fruit and long finish; one of the classier wines on the General List, and extremely useful for you "buy the glass" program. +311985, $12.30, rated: 88. 2. Merlot 1996 (Napa; Mondavi): unfiltered, as are Mondavi's best wines. 5% cabernet sauvignon added, 17 months in French oak, produced a stunning silky velvet mouthfeel with a long finish. For merlot lovers, but ready soon. +953562, $32, rated: 91. 3. Pinot Noir 1995 (Napa; Mondavi): another unfiltered wine, with gorgeous body and ready now. Always one of my favourite American pinot noirs. +438697, $27.95, rated: 90. 4. Zinfandel 1996 Pokerville (Amador; Karly): this light but fruity style also has black muscat, syrah and mourvedre in the mix. Good length from the young vines' acid. But a bit overpriced considering competitive wines. +972992, $18.70, rated: 85. 5. Cabernets 1997 Hut Block (McLaren Vale; Richard Hamilton): a mix of franc and sauvignon, with excellent Oz-type flavours right down through the long, lingering finish. Ready soon. +931063, $18, rated: 87. 6. Shiraz 1996 (Victoria; Taltarni): a full and gutsy wine, you can notice it from the start with the inky colour and the aromas. Taltarni Shirazes always give value, but you have to wait a bit. +937219, $17.90, rated: 88. 7. Cabernet/Shiraz 1998 Robertson (South Africa; Van Loveren): the LCBO's panel described this one as having aromas of "bacon bits". Nonsense. Bacon bits are synthetic, and this is a real wine full of broad sweetness and red fruit, albeit lacking acid in the finish. +985853, $16.30, rated: 85. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Davidoff Classic Cognac (Hennessey): I was extremely impressed with this cognac. Although I no longer smoke, the cognac actually evoked memories of my cigars!! There are fragrances of decay and compost (stillmaster says "old roses"), and the palate can seem to withstand quality tobacco smoke. Maybe even pipe smokers might get off on it. Not cheap, but a great addition to your bar -- especially if you encourage cigar smoking. +505602, $99.95. A reasonably good but inexpensive alternative to Icewine is a VQA "Select Late Harvest Riesling". Pillitteri has one from the 1996 vintage (+435701, $19.95, rated: 90) full of yummy peach and apple flavours, with a hint of pear (some acetone?). Good balance, and not cloying in the finish. Serve this one with a low markup! WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JUNE 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings reflect price/value ratio. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (South Africa; Hippo Creek): at 13.5% alcohol with full flavours, this is an exceptional wine at a good price. General List +385450, $8, rated: 88. 2. Pinot Blanc 1997 VQA (B.C.; Sumac Ridge): 12.6% alcohol makes the off-dry finish linger. General List +327882, $8.40, rated: 87. 3. Latitude Fifty 1997 VQA (B.C.; Gray Monk Estate): blended from riesling, gewurztraminer, and bacchus, to an off-dry citrus feel. Special Purchase +321646, $10.60, rated: 87. 4. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (D'Oc; Fortrant): probably the best wine value at the LCBO, in the latest vintage, at an inexpensive price. Great for summer drinking, patios, house wine: smooth sauvignon taste with lemon character in the finish. A bargain in the magnum format. +415448 (magnum), $14.90, rated: 93. 5. Vidal 1996 VQA (Niagara; Lakeview): another summer sipper, with a long off-sweet finish. +307199, $8.50, rated: 88. 6. Chardonnay 1997 Dunnigan Hills (California; R.H.Phillips): a lovely all-round chardonnay for the summer, balanced between floral and citric character. +986745, $14.70, rated: 90. 7. Secession 1998 (W.Australia; Ch.Xanadu): a blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon, but not for aperitif drinking. Needs food, with which it is terrific. +964536, $14.95, rated: 89. 8. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 Dog Point (Marlborough; Goldwater): balanced, some off-dry finish (not grassy). More floral and American in style. Great price for summer. +991737, $16, rated: 89. 9. Chardonnay Reserve 1996 (Maipo; Vina Carmen): good value for the price, some toastiness showing. +961276, $12.85, rated: 86. 10. Tokay Pinot Gris 1997 (Alsace; Kuentz-Bas): delicious body, excellent length and delivery. Great value and bang for the buck, slightly off-dry finish. +984328, $14.90, rated: 88. 11. Wood Cutter's White 1998 (Hungary; Hilltop): from the muscat family, this wine has good floral nose, fruity flavour, fresh from the 1998 vintage, and a good sauvignon blanc hit. +966986, $7.65, rated: 88. 12. Soave Classico 1997 San Vincenzo (Veneto; Anselmi): turning it up a notch, to produce a remarkably dense, fruity, low acid (but a sufficient finish) soave. +948158, $15.95, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Canada 1996 (Bordeaux; Quancard): time to be patriotic? only if the wine tastes good. This is a simple Bordeaux Superieur (which only means it is one percentage point higher in alcohol than regular Bordeaux). The wine tastes typically fresh and fruity for a young merlot-based Bordeaux. Competitively-priced, and can be used "buy the glass". +999805, $14.55, rated: 85. 2. Chateau des Matards 1996 (Cotes de Blaye): 50 - 50 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Much like the Ch. Canada, but with more cab -- and it shows better. You pay a buck-fifty more too. Good tang in finish. +477257, $15.95, rated: 85. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Dom. de Clauzone (D'Oc; R.Gassier): ripe but young grapes (creating an herby component) used to create a simple, inexpensive wine, at a decent price for a house wine. +950444, $9.70, rated: 86. 4. Domaine la Tour Boisee 1997 (Minervois; Poudou): over two-thirds carignan, with the balance grenache and syrah. Dusty nose, broad sweet palate, syrah comes in the finish. +951137, $14, rated: 88. 5. Cornas 1994 Les Nobles Rives (Cave de Tain L'Hermitage): meaty is the best word for this wine, chunky without being clumsy. Black fruit and pepper predominate. +972117, $25.75, rated: 89. 6. Domaine de Boissan 1997 (Cotes du Ventoux; C.Bonfils): broad sweetness on the palate, but little grenache flavour. Made with partial carbonic maceration (Beaujolais-style) and 80% grenache- 20% syrah in the mix. +985846, $11.95, rated: 86. 7. Rosso Piceno 1995 Marche (Italy; Garofoli): a heavy wine, almost as if from the south, with 60% sangiovese-40% montepulciano. Good tang on the finish. +724724, $12.40, rated: 86 8. Carmignano 1994 Riserva (Fatt. Artimino): great colour, deep nose, complex from the 65% sangiovese-15% canaiolo-15% cabernet sauvignon blend being aged for two years in oak. Tastes a lot better than comparably priced Chianti Classico Riservas! We hardly ever see this region here at the LCBO. +977462, $23.40, rated: 88 9. Gran Sangre de Toro 1994 (Penedes; Torres): a Cotes du Rhone style blend of garnacha (grenache) and carinena (carignan) with oak aging. A terrific wine, far better than many expensive south Rhones. Actually, an absolute bargain. But Spanish wines are always a tough sell in restaurants. Promote it as "Torres" and see what happens. +315648, $9.55, rated: 88. 10. Marechal Foch 1997 VQA (N.Shore, Lake Erie; D'Angelo): deep and dark, just in time for summer barbeques, matched by its slight sweetness of US toasted oak. +300632, $9.95, rated: 88. 11. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (Penedes; Masia Bach): light body, but a longer and enjoyable finish from US oak. +960518, $12.95, rated: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH JULY 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by Dean Tudor WHITE WINE ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1997 VQA (Niagara; Hernder): good lumber on the palate, tastey fruit and wood integration, longish length, 13.5% alcohol. Value. +332221, $12.25, rated: 89. 2. Viognier 1997 VQA (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): delicious fruit flavours, all upfront, very clean and balanced. Finishes dry. A real winner for promotion. +516278, $16.95, rated: 90. 3. Chardonnay 1997 Alexander Valley (Sonoma; Ch.Souverain): mouthfilling value, a great addition to the wine list, and afford- able if you list it at $29.95. +338111, $21.70, rated: 91. 4. Chardonnay 1996 Glazebrook (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Ngatarawa): off-dry finish, some aging showing (already 3.5 years old). Soft, dry fruit and wood integration. +966861, $19.95, rated: 88. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (Nelson, NZ: Seifried): a great price for typical New Zealand sauvignon blanc. All the components and taste are here. +957670, $14.65, rated: 89. 6. Marsanne 1997 (D'Oc; Dom. Virginie): good floral intensity, always interesting, and affordable for stocking on the summer list, and quaffing. +965962, $9.80, rated: 87. 7. Branco 1997 (Minho, Portugal; Quinta de Covela): floral overall right through to the finish. +710541, $11.95, rated: 88. 8. Sauvignon 1997 (Rueda, Spain; M.de Riscal): grassy nose, great intensity, and inexpensive alternative to others. +976514, $11.35, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (California; Napa Ridge): a great wine for restaurants (ready now, approachable with food). 13.3% alcohol. +240390, $18.55, rated: 88. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (Hawkes Bay, NZ; C.J.Pask): slight hard edge to the finish, but some massive French and US oak details. +700419, $19.80, rated: 88. 3. Shiraz 1996 Growers Series (Barossa; Yalumba): mouthfilling, with a long finish. Forward juices.+720250, $19.95, rated: 89. 4. Malbec 1995 (Mendoza; Trapiche): probably the bargain of the release: excellent all round, with fruit and wood in balance, and a heft to the body. +969766, $13.45, rated: 91. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (Maipo; Santa Ema): excellent bargain for a summer house wine -- extremely ripe, fruity and juicy! +700153, $10.90, rated: 91. 6. Chateau Belgrave 1996 (Haut Medoc): deep, dark, and delicious. Approachable; hency, ready soonish. Buy a case, try some, and drink the balance in 2000. +964882, $39.95, rated: 90. 7. Chateau La Croix Canon 1996 (Canon-Fronsac): another wine for the restaurant list, since it will be ready soon. Broad sweetness on the palate with a long acid finish. Merlot 70%/Cabernet Franc 25%. Ready soonish. +962936, $29.60, rated: 89. 8. Crozes-Hermitage 1996 Dom. de Thalabert (Jaboulet): long ripe finish already, major depth to the taste, with lots of sustainable acid. +720466, $28.95, rated: 88. 9. Gigondas 1995 (Guigal): peppery wine, better than the Parker score would indicate. Still, needs keeping. +331900, $28.80, rated: 88. 10. Cent'are 1996 (Sicily; Duca di Castelmonte): a great pruney nose and taste, so typical of southern Italy. Baked quality, for the BBQ. +980748, $12.80, rated: 89. 11. Gran Civet 1995 (Penedes; Cavas Hill): a light tempranillo blend for the summer. Definitely a food wine, at a satisfying price. +968412, $11.55, rated: 88. 12. Guelbenzu 1996 (Navarra): a cabernet sauvignon (41%) - tempra- nillo (35%) blend, showing lots of prunes and other dried fruit but in a soft, warm and approachable texture. +976704, $13.95, rated: 88. SPARKLERS ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Brut (Australia; Deakin Estate): with 40% chenin blanc, a winner in the lower acid and off dry finish sweepstakes. A good value wine for summer. +992487, $11.70, rated: 88. 2. Brut 1990 (Pol Roger): this champagne has an excellent lingering taste, and a full, rich mouthfeel. Great value for vintage wine, under $50. +989137, $47.85, rated: 88. 3. Hard Cider Select (Archibald Winery): good apple flavours and bubbles, a casual sipper for outside. +533091, $7.95, rated: 87. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR AUGUST 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Select 1997 (Niagara; Marynissen): long aromatics on the nose, bright upfront taste, good oaking, fair value. +530147, $13.50, rated: 88. 2. Colombard 1997 Puddicombe Vyd (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): some character and flavour despite the grape' blandness, but a bit of volatile acidity for raciness (this actually helps the wine). +292821, $10.95, rated: 87. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): barrel fermen- tation creates a mouthfilling body; excellent, soft grassy finish +430546, $12.95, rated: 90. 4. Riesling 1993 (Mendocino; Gabrielli): curiosity for the vintage but good body and complexity (sur lie). Excellent price and value. +989558, $16.50, rated: 88. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 Oxford Landing (Australia; Yalumba): fresh and crisp for summer, decent price. +343343, $11.25, rated: 86. 6. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Vidal): barrel fermentation contributes to its character, setting it off from the other sauvig non blancs. Much like Pelham's, above. +953695, $15, rated: 89. 7. Cafayate Torrontes 1998 (Argentina; Etchart): light but useful for its dry, aromatic muscat complexity. Well-priced summer wine. +283754, $8.85, rated: 88. 8. Macon-Villages 1997 Domaine de la Denante (R.Martin): ripe complexity, no lean-green finish. It has been awhile since I've liked a Macon! (they're usually too watery for me) +700054, $14.44, rated: 90. 9. Chardonnay 1998 (Loire; Remy Pannier): light and tart, lots of acid, fresh and clean finish. +966119, $10, rated: 88. 10. Muscadet de Sevre et Maine 1998 (Loire; Landron): lemons, fresh character, sur lie long finish. Caught my attention! great value. +982629, $10.60, rated: 89 11. Gascogne Blanc 1998 Cepage Colombard (Gascony; Dom.Cassagnoles): good value last year, good value again this year. Reminiscent of a good Sauvignon Blanc but at a rock bottom price. +931212, $7.95, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (Italy; Villa Sandi): a remarkable, mid-Atlantic style wine, very bright with the cabernet snap and juicy fruit. Value-priced on the General List too ! +529768, $11.35, rated: 86. 2. Gamay 1998 (Niagara; Henry of Pelham): nice and light, with a spicy finish. +291112, $11.95, rated: 85. 3. Zinfandel 1996 (Dry Creek Valley; Pedroncelli): a lumbering wine with good lashings of wood (small US oak) on the finish. Keep it awhile. +463026, $19.85, rated: 88. 4. Shiraz 1998 (Victoria; Deakin): lots of dark fruit flavours, hefty body and oak finish. Better by Christmas. Excellent value. +700955, $11.75, rated: 89. 5. Shiraz 1997 Bayview (South Africa; Longridge): done in the Rhone style, with depth in the development of the violet flavours +932756, $12.45, rated:89. 6. Ch.d'Escurac 1996 (Medoc): lots of lushness, definitely in an Oz style, great for a future tasting. Keep it awhile, past Christmas. +954875, $24.85, rated: 89. 7. Ch. Les Vieux Maurins 1994 (Saint-Emilion): with the soft fruit of merlot, this is an "OK" purchase for restaurants. Ready now. +992248, $23.80, rated: 88. 8. St.Nicolas de Bourgueuil 1997 Les Charmantes (Loire; J.P.David): excellent berry nose and flavours, warm and approachable with that cabernet franc herby snap on the finish. +980800,$16.95,rated: 89 9. Domaine de l'Hortus 1996 Classique (Coteaux de Languedoc): fruity but soft, some hints of syrah in the mid-palate. A good value Rhone-style wine. +936625, $14.95, rated: 89. 10. Les Matines 1997 (Coteaux d'Aix en Provence; Dom. des Beates): another good value wine from south France - fruit, acid, tannins, sugars are all in balance. Winery is now owned by M. Chapoutier. +934315, $12.80, rated: 89 11. Pesquera 1996 Crianza (Ribera del Duero; Bod. A.Fernandez): stunning depth and development, with ripe berries and lashings of US oak. Needs time, and it will change into something else too. +341461, $30.95, rated: 90. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brut Classic Champagne Deutz: full-bodied and mature, in the heavy style favoured by the Brits. A nice acquisition for the millennium celebrations, at an affordable price. +710038, $45.95, rated: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR SEPTEMBER 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR FAX 416-979-5216; PH 416-767-1340; EMAIL Also available at website Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to hundreds of references to wines, beers and spirits: To receive this newsletter by email, write Tasted are Vintages, Consignments, and General Listings. Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1997 "Charlotte" (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): the latest vintage, unoaked Chardonnay, aged sur lie. Good fruit, succulent, off-dry finish. Snap it up at this price.+497230,$11.95,rated: 88. 2. Chardonnay 1997 (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Coopers Creek), +704775 and Chardonnay 1997 Reserve (Gisborne, NZ; Corbans) +993543 are both priced at $19.95. The Coopers' was put into French oak, giving it a slight Burgundian quality and elegance. The Corbans' is ripe, full, and woody -- from US and French oak. Take your pick, both equally priced and rated at: 89. 3. Chateau Roquetaillade La Grange 1997 (Graves): with only 20% sauvignon blanc content, this ripe and rich wine has a great price point. Use as aperitif or with food. +240374, $12.95, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot 1995 (Stellenbosch; Meerlust): another in a long line of heavy colour, body, taste and finish. Berries, smoke, chocolate, and a soft finish. +340448, $23.90, rated: 90. 2. Le Cigare Volant 1996 (California; Bonny Doon): this attempt at a Chateauneuf du Pape now has a life of its own, and it can stand on its own. More Syrah than in previous years, so it can be a sturdy wine. Always buy some....+975847, $39.75, rated: 89. 3. Chateau de la Ramee 1986 (Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux): very mature, restaurant-ready, buy for use now. Exceptional price. +700500, $22.95, rated: 88. 4. Negroamaro Salento 1997 (Puglia; Pasqua): warm leather and dried plums typical of the region. +963835, $9.70, rated: 88. 5. Valpolicella 1995 Classico Ripasso (Veneto; Girardi): use of dried grape skins from Amarone production manages to increase the flavours and body of good valpolicella. A great price, too. +985499, $13.85, rated: 87. 6. Vina Mayor 1995 Crianza (Ribera del Duero; Barcelo): sort of a junior Pesquera, at an affordable price: good tempranillo and oak intensity, with jammy fruit on the finish. +343426, $13.95, rated: 88. SPARKLING WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brut Tache (Victoria/Tasmania; Taltarni): a mixture of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, emphasizing the fruits of strawberries and raspberries, done in MC style. Excellent rose colour and price. +967398, $17.90, rated: 89. WHITE GENERAL LISTINGS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Semillon-Chardonnay 1998 (Australia; Jacob's Creek): decent value for a sprightly, bright fruity wine from Oz-land; made in the new style blend of semillon and chardonnay grape varieties (fruit from the semillon and depth from the chardonnay). +219105, $9.35, rated: 87. 2. Macon-Villages 1998 Vieilles Vignes (Mommessin): 40-year old vines give this chardonnay wine some clay-lime soil depth, enjoy it cool not cold. +542613, $14.95, rated: 87. 3. Johannisberg Riesling 1998 (Finger Lakes; Salmon Run): a second wine from Dr.Konstantin Frank, off-dry with peaches on the nose, crisp and balanced. +540369, $14.95, rated: 85. 4. Verdicchio dei Castelli de Jesi Classico 1998 (Italy; Terre Cortesi): bouquet and taste of almonds, finishing with lemons. Good aperitif. +418293, $8.95, rated: 86. 5. Dry Muscat 1997 (Piedmont; Alasia): a Vino di Tavola, with an Oz winemaker producing great fruit, body and muscat development, fin- ishing dry. +442616, $9.95, rated: 88. 6. Chardonnay 1997 Dom.La Escultura (Casablanca, Chile; Errazuriz): a fabulously rich wine, at 13.5% alcohol. +318741,$10.95,rated:86. 7. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (Chile; Olviva): ripe, fresh and fruity at an unbeatable price. +529180, $7.95, rated: 88. RED GENERAL LISTINGS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Shiraz-Cabernet 1997 (Australia; Jacob's Creek): usually it's cabernet with some shiraz, but here the ratio is reversed. This means more upfront fruit with herbal undertones. +106377, $10.85, rated: 86. 2. Beaujolais-Villages 1998 Vieilles Vignes (Mommessin): floral wine made from 40-year old gamay grapevines (some going up to 80 years). Good depth and character. +538959, $13.95, rated: 86. 3. Pinot Noir 1996 Coastal (Central Coast; R.Mondavi): well, it certainly clears away the competition at this price! well worth it. +465435, $18.95, rated: 89. 4. Merlot 1997 (Argentina; Trumpeter): long flavours in this berry like drink, affordable. +467985, $12.95, rated: 85. 5. Merlot 1999 (Chile; Gato Negro): high on berry fruit, smooth tannins, ready soon. A good deal at this price. +272518, $7.80, rated: 86. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (Chile; Gato Negro): fresh and easy- drinking, a slight cut above the Merlot. +188193, $7.95, rated:87 WORLD WINE WATCH FOR OCTOBER 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR Also available at website Visit my "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to hundreds of references to wines, beers and spirits: Tasted are Vintages, Consignments, and General Listings. Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Viva Vignoles 1997 (Finger Lakes; Hunt Country): this is a one- off, available only at LCBO Bayview Village as a trial (you can get an interstore transfer). Spicy, semi-sweet, comparable to vidal and also used for New York icewines. +540450, $12.50, rated: 88. 2. Johannisberg Riesling 1997 (Finger Lakes; Dr.Frank): an award winner for past vintages. Fresh flavours of honey and peaches, ending lemon-crisp. +987099, $16.85, rated: 88. 3. Dry Riesling 1997 (Finger Lakes; Glenora): crisp acidity balanced with residual sweetness (thus, not really "dry"). Useful as an aperitif. Winner of Gold at Toronto Wine and Cheese Show earlier this year. +967331, $15.55, rated: 87. 4. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Niagara; Southbrook): yellowish, with a smokey nose and full herby character. Great with veggies and cream cheese sauces. +954800, $14.95, rated: 86. 5. Chardonnay 1997 (Connawarra; Wynns): stylish for the price, modest wood on the palate, finishes with lemons. Less tropicality than expected in an Oz wine. +468728, $16.55, rated: 87. 6. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 "35 Sur" (Lontue, Chile; Vina San Pedro): crisp, fresh, herby, and extremely useful at this price. Consume soon, with fowl. +427294, $9.75, rated: 88. 7. Chardonnay 1997 (Napa; Beaucanon): rich, forward wine, with the taste of smokey oak on the lips. Spices on the palate also make this a hard one to pair with food, so just sip it by itself as an aperitif. +987370, $19.95, rated: 90. 8. Tokay Pinot Gris 1995 (Alsace; Eblin): another sipper, with a full mid-palate of fruit with body that belies its "dry" status. Finishes dry. +992081, $17.85, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Petite Sirah 1996 (California; Concannon): mounds of extract, and black fruits predominate both the nose and the palate. Spicy. Cellar two more years. +942342, $17.55, rated: 87. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (Clare, South Australia; Jim Barry): juicy flavours leap out right at your nose and onto your palate. Long, long finish, ready now. +931691, $20.50, rated: 89. 3. Shiraz 1996 (Goulborn, Victoria; Ch.Tahbilk): although creeping up in price, this shiraz has always been a great wine, one of my personal favourites for its full-bodied sturdiness and opulence. +488320, $16.95, rated: 88. 4. Merlot 1998 (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Coopers Creek): one of the fuller red wines I've had from NZ, delicious while still being soft and approachable. +726638, $16.95, rated: 87. 5. Ruby Cabernet/Pinotage 1998 Bayview (South Africa; Longridge): BINGO! The 60 RC/40 P blend works well to produce a fruity wine full of berries, eliminating the hard edge of the pinotage. In the wine's parentage, count cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, carignan, and cinsault. +994038, $11.70, rated: 87. 6. Ch.La Valiere 1989 (Medoc): excellent value for a mature wine; restaurants need to snap this up and sell it for $35. Anise on the finish. +701326, $23.55, rated: 90. 7. Ch.du Grand Prebois 1995 (Cotes du Rhone; Perrin): unoaked, basically grenache but more concentrated than other cotes wines. Good flavours at this price level. +701102, $14.45, rated: 88. 8. Rosso Conero 1997 (Marche; Enzo Mecella): basically montepul- ciano with some sangiovese added, fresh and fruity. +983965, $12.95, rated: 86. 9. Merlot 1997 (Veneto; Monteliana e Asolani): more complex aromas than complex body, but very good value for a merlot. +971176, $11.50, rated: 87. 10. Vinha Grande 1995 (Douro; Ferreira): rich, ripe wine at an affordable price. Good length. A "second-label" for wines not used in Barca Velha. +974980, $15.65, rated: 88. GENERAL LISTINGS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1997 (Okanagan, BC; Sumac Ridge): from their own vineyards, a blend of oak aging and stainless steel fermentation. Lots of elegance, with subtle wood, apple and tropical tones. +125583, $13.95, rated: 86. 2. Pinot Blanc 1997 (Okanagan, BC; Sumac Ridge): a good wine, the grapes just right for the BC climate. Partially barrel fermented with malolactic fermentation to smooth the apple-acid palate taste. Refreshing, great with oily seafood. +327882, $11.95, rated: 86. 3. Okanagan Blush (Okanagan, BC; Sumac Ridge): a bouquet of fruit suggesting cherries, black currants, strawberries, & peaches makes this an all-purpose wine ideal for the approaching turkey season. Blended with pinot noir. +136994, $10.95, rated: 85. * Sherry: Gonzalez Byass Nutty Solera, +532796, 375mL for $5.75, is one of the bargains from Spain -- off-sweet, all-purpose, affordable, in a handy bottle size. Use with cheese, nuts, salads, and fruit desserts. One of the winners in a recent LCBO tasting, along with Burdon Pedro Ximenez (+531012, 750mL for $13.60) -- very British toffee and treacle, unctious as a dessert by itself. Both rated at 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR NOVEMBER 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR Prices quoted are LCBO retail. Ratings include a price/value ratio. ================= WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rully "La Chaume" 1998 (Charton-Trebuchet): probably the best white Burgundy buy of the year! clean tones, light oaking, blended well-together, some butter. Great value for the price, buy as much as you can. +711812, $25.85, rated: 91. 2. Chardonnay 1996 (Mendocino; Jepson): a winemaker's wine, with barrel fermentation, aging for 8 months in oak, and half the wine aged "sur lie" -- all French oak. Yummy, for the wood tones, which are not excessive since this is not US oak. +724500, $25.80, rated: 88. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 Dunnigan Hills (California; R.H.Phillips): light and juicy, value as a house wine. +725309, $12.35, rated: 87 4. Chardonnay 1997 Ebenezer (Barossa; Co-op): excellent, full-bodied lots of tropicality, length, oak tones. Just about all you'd want in an Oz Chard. +976324, $19.95, rated: 91. 5. Semillon/Sauvignon 1998 Koonunga Hill (South Australia; Penfold) soft, fruity, excellent price. +532317, $8.45, rated: 87. 6. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Kemblefield): buttery finish from using oak, tamed herbs on the nose, good value. +709378, $16.95, rated: 88. 7. Chardonnay 1997 "Porta Reserve" (Chile; Corpora): good value for a wine with lots of toast tones. +986018, $12.55, rated: 86. 8. Chateau La Jalgue 1997 (Entre-Deux-Mers; Ginestet): made in the herby New Zealand style, all upfront but affordable. Good length. +992115, $10.85, rated: 88. 9. Sancerre 1998 Les Baronnes (Bourgeois): long, long length with racy spicy character, but needs food. +542548, $19.95, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Zinfandel 1997 Cardinal Zin (California; Bonny Doon): a tight but very zin zinfandel, with great baked flavours. Wonderful with food. +950659, $22.95, rated: 88. 2. Zinfandel 1997 (California; Rabbit Ridge): lots of upfront fruit (nose, palate, finish) makes this wine ready now, with today's food. +954404, $16.90, rated: 88. 3. Shiraz 1997 (South Australia; Kingston Estates): very warm fruit slightly baked and plummy. +707935, $13.35, rated: 88. 4. Shiraz 1995 (Padthaway; Lindemans): dark and dense, with mint and oak predominating. Not ready for awhile, say five years. +482299, $18.90, rated: 88, 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (Victoria; Ch.Tahbilk): somewhat thin compared to recent years, yet still a powerful wine that will need some time. Sweet fruit beginning to come through. +138818, $16.95, rated: 86. GENERAL LISTINGS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE ===== 1. Chardonnay 1997 (California; Bonverre): produced by St.Supery, using an Oz winemaker. Lots of fruit and lemons, a sunny wine, delicate and vibrant, a "food" wine for restaurants. Unoaked, 13.7% alcohol. +538942, $13.45, rated: 87. 2. Torrontes 1999 (Mendoza; Santa Julia): with floral tones that leap out and tweak your nose. Aromas of lemons, too. Consumed at a lunch, and it went with every course! Fresh, full-bodied, medium finish. +535278, $8.45, rated: 87. RED === 1. Cotes du Ventoux 1997 (Rhone; La Vieille Ferme): from the makers of Beaucastel, thus quality is assured. Bright and cherry-cheery, long flavours in the finish. Actually, the magnum is better value as a house wine. +263640, $8.15, rated: 89. 2. Cotes du Rhone 1996 Heritage (Caves des Papes): lots of fruit despite oak aging, little of the grenache "paper" character. Value. +535849, $14.95, rated: 88. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (Cafayate, Argentina; Etchart): berryish nose, full of fruit on the palate, very ripe and ready. Not oaked. +362186, $10.95, rated: 86. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (Mendoza; Santa Julia): 13% alcohol, very European in style, tight on the palate because of its youth. Mild, unoaked. +535260, $9.95, rated: 85. 5. Amarone della Valpolicella 1994 (Casa Vinicola G. Cesari): a low rent amarone, with classic chocolate tones and a sweetish mid-palate. Excellent for the price. +426718, $24.95, rated: 88. 6. Zinfandel 1997 (California; Bonverre): produced by St.Supery using an Oz winemaker. 13.6% alcohol. Sweet, ripe plums, with some oak showing in the balance. Long length to the finish, good varietal character. +493759, $13.45, rated: 89. FORTIFIED (from Vintages) ========= Pineau des Charentes "Ruby" -- aged 10 years in oak. Great as an aperitif or with dessert. It is mainly grape juice and cognac. +93245, $22.90. Unrated, but I like it (and I buy it myself). WORLD WINE WATCH FOR DECEMBER 1999 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gewurztraminer/Riesling 1997 (Niagara; Strewn): a sortof Niagara version of edelzwicker. The gewurztraminer contributes fruit and spice, the riesling crispness and finish. +467662, $9.95, rated:88 2. Chardonnay 1997 (Carneros; Saintsbury): very burgundian in style, some leanness and green apple tones, with a really clean finish. Good price. +359281, $25.90, rated: 87. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 1998 (Marlborough; Cooper's Creek): standard New Zealand herbaceousness mixed with superb fruit. A steal at this price. +957407, $14.95, rated: 89. 4. Chablis 1997 (J.P.Filippi): a fruity chablis? why not? higher than expected levels of extract. +714527, $19.30, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Deakin Estate (Australia; Wingara): excellent length and development and fruit, 14% alcohol. At this price, it is already gone. +712232, $10.95, rated: 90. 2. Shiraz 1997 Long Paddock (Victoria; Redbank): a very bright, fruity wine, with powerful oak overtones. Excellent value for the price. +361600, $15.70, rated: 89. 3. Chateau Damase 1988 (Bordeaux Superieur): just in time for the holidays -- a very mature but affordable Bordeaux wine. It aged early because it is 100% merlot. Excellent price, but drink it soon. Buy as much as you can. +395327, $17.65, rated: 91. 4. Chateau Pey-Martin 1996 (Medoc): hard to believe that there could be this much value in the price! Juicy in a New World style needs time to open up, but firm tannins in the finish. Lay down. +704898, $14.95, rated: 88. 5. Crozes-Hermitage 1997 Les Launes (Delas): very much a syrah wine, with good fruit and fewer tannins. Ready sooner, rather than later. Good price. +701359, $19.95, rated: 88. 6. Reserva Tempranillo 1994 (Hoya Valley, Spain; Gandia): after a year in oak (10 months in new US oak), this wine has powerful fruit, conflicting with the wood only in the finish. Still, a value-driven wine. +526103, $10.80, rated: 88. STICKIES (mostly fortified) ^^^^^^^^ 1. Diamond Jubilee Cream Sherry, Gonzalez-Byass: rich caramel and treacle flavours prop up dried fruits. Long aftertaste. Great for the Holiday celebrations. +56614, $10.45, rated: 87. 2. Walnut Brown Oloroso Sherry, Williams & Humbert: a blend of palomino (oloroso), pedro ximinez, and moscatel sherries, resulting in a dark, flavourful sherry with no cloying sweetness. +437467, $10.85, rated: 88. 3. Bin 27 Reserve Port, Fonseca: vintage character port, but also a ruby port. It won't get any better in the bottle, but it is a good drink right now, and affordable. +156877, $14.95, rated: 86. 4. Commandaria "St.John", Keo: the ubiquitous "mavro" grape is used here, in this Cypriot wine. Suggestions of oranges, nuts and apricots (says the LCBO), with spicy oakiness. Easily affordable. +101451, $11.50, rated: 87. 5. Elisio 1981 (Burgenland, Austria; Hopler): excellent honeyed elegance, drying out nicely by age (18 years old!). Great for -- or even as -- dessert. Unfortified. +744854, $24.50, rated: 90. GENERAL LISTINGS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Caleo Biferno 1997 (Molise, Italy): an engaging inexpensive red wine from montepulciano and aglianico grapes, with a slightly off-dry, fruity finish. +542282, $8.60, rated: 86. 2. Macon-Villages 1998 "Vieilles Vignes" (Mommessin): a nifty white wine, chardonnay, with some character and depth from the older vines used in the superior "villages" area. Long finish. Certainly affordable Burgundy. +542613, $14.95, rated: 88. 3. Semillon Chardonnay 1998 Willowglen (Australia; DeBortoli): a bit lean and green, moving more towards apples, but with some wood nuances. +536912, $9.25, rated: 86. 4. Codorniu Cuvee Raventos (Spain): 70% chardonnay (and it shows), apples in the nose, elegant acid levels, a classy cava sparkler for the money. Enjoy. +521773, $12, rated: 89. 5. Codorniu Rondel Semi-Seco (Spain): off-dry sparkler, mostly macabeo, very fruity with tropical nuances of pineapple and banana. Great for those consumers who don't like the austerity of most sparklers used as aperitifs. +522862, $8.95, rated: 87. 6. Mumm Extra Dry (France): one of the few off-dry Champagnes marketed in Canada, extremely valuable for those who don't like austerity. Fresh and fruity, and affordable. +308064, $37.95, rated: 85. 7. Mumm Cordon Rouge (France): a Champagne worthy of bringing in the New Year, especially on name recognition. Ripe black grape character. +308056, $42.95, rated: 86. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JANUARY 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Musque 1995 Late Harvest (Niagara; Cave Spring): some nectarish quality, especially on the nose. Good body, and terrific length. Spice, honey: you name it. Great with later courses in the meal. 13.5% alc. +473447, $25 (ouch!), rated: 86. 2. Unwooded Chardonnay 1996 (Clare Valley; Jim Barry): they seem to want this UNWOODED prominently displayed ahead of the grape variety. So be it: flowers, apples and citrus. Light and decently priced. +704817, $12.95, rated: 87. 3. Chardonnay 1996 (Marlborough NZ; Oyster Bay): balanced and integrated flavours, wood and fruit combined with a long slight citrus aftertaste. Good value. +326728, $15.95, rated: 90. 4. Chardonnay "Catena" 1995 (Mendoza, Argentina; Esmeralda): lots of oak here for the woodies, made by a Californian in a North American style with a North American price. Why bother (unless there's a drastic shortage somewhere) ? +954149, $18.35, rated: 87. 5. Chardonnay 1996 (D'Oc; Saint Louis-Captier): a slight but fruity chardonnay: ripe flavours, medium length, some wood, great price. +965954, $11.20, rated: 87. 6. Pinot Gris 1995 B & V Vineyard (Niagara; Lakeview): my sample was slightly petillant, but it had lots of fruit (apples and citrus) as well as length. Note the price: a real winner for restaurants. +330464, $10.95, rated: 87. 7. Pinot Gris 1995 (Willamette; Oak Knoll): great body and a long long length. Definitely a winner with good bang for the buck, more than the Lakeview. +942102, $16.80, rated: 89. 8. Pinot Blanc Reserve 1996 (Alsace; Sparr): exceptional value for this wine, which should go with anything. Restraurants need to load up. +958991, $11.85, rated: 87. 9. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 Clockspring V'yard (Amador; Orleans Hill): thick body, lots of flavour (muted nose), some off dry character. 13.5% alcohol. One of the best organic white wines I've tasted! +971721, $13.45, rated: 88. 10. Sauvignon Blanc 1995 (Oregon; Eola Hills): fresh, herby, zesty and priced to sell. +948398, $14.95, rated: 90. 11. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 (Marlborough NZ; Oyster Bay): intense, and typical, useful for its price range. +316570, $14.95, rated: 90. 12. Riesling Kabinett 1994 Freinsheimer (Pfalz; Lingenfelder): lots of peaches on the nose; intense palate, long finish. Good price for the trade. +945386, $14.70, rated: 88 13. Mocsenyi Tramini 1996 (Hungary; Bataapati): this may be a hard sell, but don't overlook it as a carafe wine. The bottle I tasted was fresh, bone dry with a light gewurztraminer character. Priced to sell...+707927, $7.50, rated: 89. 14. Ellerstadter Sonnenberg 1992 Gewurztraminer Auslese (Pfalz; H. Vollmer): excellent medium sweet wine, a bargain for the price since it is a full bottle. +985663, $19.90, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot Reserve 1996 Rapel (Chile; Vina Carmen): bright fruit, intense flavour components, long length and firm finish. Ready soon, which is good news for the trade. +954008, $14.90, rated: 88. 2. Chateau de la Tour 1994 (Bordeaux): medium palate, good value for the vintage. +972554, $14.75, rated: 87. 3. Savigny-Les-Beaune 1993 Les Peuillets 1er cru (Ch.de Meursault): good balance of fruit and wood, intense, well-aged, and superb price. +979500, $28.95, rated: 90. 4. Domaine de la Bouletiere 1995 (Coteaux de Cabrerisse): organic wines need to be made this way. Heavy grenache component and fruit Affordable price for those allergic. +952531, $8.90, rated: 86 5. "Barbaglio" 1994 (Puglia; Santa Barbara): from the primitivo grape (related to zinfandel) in southern Italy. A chewy, leathery almost Rhone-like wine with good depth. Anise tones. +931030, $12.45, rated: 87. 6. Conde de Valdemar 1992 Reserva (Rioja; M. Bujanda): outstanding with lots of wood and berry flavours, long length, depth to both the palate and the finish. Excellent value for price. +947309, $14.95, rated: 89. 7. "Ygay" Reserva 1992 (Rioja; Murrieta): terrific value for the price, a bit on the light side but in a Bordeaux style. Lots of flavour from a great name. +930859, $18.95, rated: 88. 8. Carmignano 1995 (Tenuta di Capezzana): it has certainly been a long time since any Carmignano has been on Ontario shelves. This is a good representative, with an allowed 15% cabernet sauvignon in the blend. +981134, $23.90, rated: 89. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Iced Apple Puddicombe Farms (Stoney Ridge) has always struck me as an under-appreciated drink. It's made by cryogenic extraction of the concentrated juice and then made like icewine. If you like intense apple flavours, this is for you -- and it's affordable. +396697, $ 18.55 a half-bottle. Rated on its own as 90.... WORLD WINE WATCH FOR FEBRUARY 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1996 (McLaren Vale; A. Garrett): excellent price for the good wood finish. Lots of fruit here. +707745, $13.60, rated: 89. 2. Chardonnay 1995 Reserve (Hawke's Bay, NZ; Delgat's): some light but tasty flavours, a bit like chablis, with a citric acid hot finish (14% alcohol). +957654, $19.80, rated: 88. 3. Riesling 1996 Stoneleigh Vineyard (Marlborough, NZ; Corbans): good fruit character, dryish, at a fair price. +725515, $11.90, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay Trio 1996 (Casablanca, Chile; Concha y Toro): with an emphasis on fruit for the North American palate, there seems to be some residual sweetness (or a lack of acid?). 13.5% alcohol Good price here. +433938, $11.30, rated: 87. 5. Gewurztraminer 1996 (Alsace; Pierre Sparr): a straightforward wine that always delivers value. +958983, $15.50, rated: 86. 6. Chateau Brondelle 1995 (Graves): a 50-50 blend of sauvignon and semillon with barrel fermentation in new oak. Fresh yeast flavours from the lees, excellent wood tones. Good price. +965947, $19.90, rated: 89. 7. Pouilly-Fume 1996 Les Logeres (Saget): herbaceous flavours surround the central core of fruit and acid. Excellent price too. +946251, $18.45, rated: 90. 8. Marsanne 1996 (D'Oc; Dom. Virginie): a bit herby, in addition to the pronounced pear-yeasty fruit. Interesting to try, espec- ially based on the price. Young vines? +965962, $8.35, rated: 88 9. Graacher Himmelreich 1992 Riesling Kabinett (Mosel; Studert- Prum): broad sweetness across the palate, with exotic fruit components.Long finish. +945477, $11.95, rated: 87. 10. Egri Muskotaly 1996 (Hungary; K & K): light and off-dry muscat, with a fresh character. Cheap enough for a house wine. +954107, $7.25, rated: 89. 11. Pasmodos Branco 1995 (Portugal; Fonseca): fruity nose, modest wood, good body, long length. Good house wine. +357954, $11.80, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (California; Napa Ridge): round fruit, ready now for the restaurant trade's diners. Excellent price. +240390, $14.55, rated: 90. 2. Merlot 1994 (Napa; Mondavi): soft, ripe, unfiltered. Luscious fruit. Unbeatable at this price. +953562, $32, rated: 91. 3. Pinot Noir 1995 (Carneros; Carneros Creek): always a complex wine: good warm flavours, lots of body and stuffing for a pinot. +964262, $23.95, rated: 89. 4. Malbec Santa Julia 1995 (Mendoza; La agricola): a warm wine, suggestive of more than is there but a good price. 13.5% alcohol +969709, $8.50, rated: 88. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon Trio 1995 (Maipo; Concha y Toro): broad sweetness in the structure, ready soon. For restaurant trade. +433912, $12.55, rated: 88. 6. Merlot Trio 1996 (Rapel; Concha y Toro): the third of a great Concha y Toro series, each sourced from a different valley. Here there is a soft, vanillin, fruity finish. Light jam flavours. +433720, $12.55, rated: 88. 7. Chateau Puy-Castera 1995 (Haut-Medoc): tough to find value in the 1995 Bordeaux for under twenty bucks. Here is a gold medalist that fits: warm, inviting, good structure for the next half dozen years. +972463, $17.75, rated: 89. 8. Merlot 1995 Christian Moueix (Bordeaux; J.P. Moueix): the hands down winner of the month!! Excellent Merlot value at a giveaway price, from the Ch.Petrus Merlot experts. Ready now. for diners. Buy all you can at this price!!!! +961227, $12.30, rated: 95. 9. Crozes-Hermitage 1995 Dom. des Entrefaux (Gaec): excellent syrah character with that leathery, animalness, sweaty component. If you like that kind of wine....Great price for the quality. +940320, $14.75, rated: 89. 10. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 (Collines de la Moure: Midi): dark berry complexities, from the nose on. Finishes with non- fruit such as coffee and leather. Good value, better than many from the D'Oc (this wine is Midi). +958876, $10.35, rated: 90. 11. Villa Artimino 1993 Riserva (Carmignano): suddenly, after years of indifference, we have back to back Carmignano releases. Good cabernet hit here (about 15% of volume), along with some aging. +977462, $23.40, rated: 88. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Amontillado "Los Arcos" Lustau Solera Reserva sherry: good balance, nutty, longish length, an excellent buy for sherry lovers. But a tough sell in restaurents, especially since it should be kept fresh. +975557, $13.45, rated: 92. FROM: DEAN TUDOR, GOTHIC EPICURES/WINE WRITERS CIRCLE OF CANADA WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MARCH 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Estates Series 1995 Columbia Valley (Washington State; Columbia Crest): excellent, well-balanced wine with lots of everything. It should also get better as it ages more. Nice price point. +366542, $19.40, rated: 92. 2. Semillon 1996 Columbia Valley (Washington State; Hogue): good round tones, not grassy, with a quality, fruity finish worthy of a more expensive brand. A great match for food, an excellent choice for restaurants. +363317, $13.95, rated: 87. 3. Bankside White 1996 (South Australia; Hardy): with semillon and sauvignon blanc grapes sourced from McLaren Vale and Padthaway. Grassy, light flavours with a modest finish but worthy of its price. +454330, $10.95, rated: 86. 4. Chardonnay 1996 "Show Reserve" (Hunter Valley; Rosemount): intense but elegantly flavoured wine, with a lingering finish. A wine to talk about at a talked about price. It will be better later in the year, but buy now. +324772, $19.95, rated: 88. 5. Chardonnay 1996 "School Road" (South Island, NZ; Giesen): good value for the price, with a kiss of wood and integration of all flavours. +985390, $15.50, rated: 88. 6. Chardonnay 1997 (Cachapoal, Chile; Vina Porta): some tropical components on the nose, good balance and flavours throughout if a little weedy. Lots of firm wood complexities. Ready now for your diners. +986018, $11.30, rated: 88. 7. Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 1997 (Casablanca, Chile; Casablanca): grassy, off-dry finish, in the "gooseberry" mold. A less expensive version of New Zealand Sauvignons. +981118, $12.65, rated: 88. 8. Semillon/Chardonnay 1996 "Rawson's Retreat" (South Australia; Penfolds): good wood, and a bitterish finish. Citrus flavours, with some wood and tropicality. +419241, $9.95, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Zinfandel 1994 (North Coast; Beringer): an excellent wine with a strong oak finish. Dark fruit berry flavours. Affordable price. +281154, $19.95, rated: 90. 2. Zinfandel 1995 (Guenoc): a simple wine, heavy on the extract and the fruit with lashes of oak shavings, topped with a glorious finish. +942524, $18.75, rated: 87. 3. Pinot Noir 1995 (Morgan): always great, although the price is creeping up. Unfiltered. Excellent pinot noir gusto. +945089, $24.75, rated: 90. 4. Bankside Shiraz 1995 (South Australia; Hardy): with fruit from Clare Valley and Padthaway. Youthful, thick but not over-the-top. Spice-y and jamm-y, lots of figs. Good value, ready now for the trade to sell to diners. +436022, $12.95, rated: 88. 5. Shiraz 1995 "Domaine" (Clare Valley; Leasingham): terrific wood on the nose, finishes fruity. Deep deep extract: colour, body and flavour. Concentrated. +448241, $17.70, rated: 90. 6. Shiraz 1995 (Stellenbosch; Delheim): smokey quality, much in the Rhone vein rather than Oz. Terrific price: if you sell Shiraz then you must buy lots of this. +959080, $15.50, rated: 91. 7. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Reserva (Rapel; Vina La Rosa): sweet oak taste, medium body and finish. More like a merlot. +954073, $12.40, rated: 86. 8. Chateau Clarke 1995 (Listrac; Rothschild): a turned-around chateau, emphasizing good value. A knockout price for the quality of the wine from a great vintage. Lots of oak for the North American palate. +990598, $29.90, rated: 90. 9. Chateau des Matards 1995 (1ere Cotes de Blaye): from the nether reaches of Bordeaux: a 50-50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, soon to be accessible. A fragrant wine, with good fruit and tannins. And a steal at the price (even a better steal if you don't mark it up too much!!). +477257, $13.95, rated: 91. 10. Domaine des Feraud 1995 (Provence): typical southern Rhone varieties are punched up by a healthy dose of cabernet sauvignon. Good oak flavours, tight fruit and finish, excellent value. +977983, $11.65, rated: 87. 11. Colforte 1996 (Venezie; Bolla): one of the newly emerging lines of merlot wine from Italy. Good value: merlot character and fruitness, medium long length, ready now for the trade. Good value if you mark it up low. +986752, $13.80, rated: 86. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Passito di Pantelleria (Sicily; Pellegrino): lots of dried fruit on the nose, especially apricots. An aged Moscato, with fermentation stopped by adding pure alcohol. 15.5% alcohol; dry sweetening, like vin santo. Excellent price. +897264, $12.15 a half-bottle, rated: 89. 2. LemonCella from Italy -- with lemon peel from Sorrento and Amalfi. Served best when it is cold, and neat. +897645, $18.50. 3. Apricot Wine 1995 (Niagara; Sunnybrook Farm): uses local fruit and "Champagne" yeast. Excellent apricot flavours -- a poor man's vidal icewine (lacking the body). +427252, $14.95, rated: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR APRIL 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gewurztraminer 1996 (Niagara; Jackson-Triggs): good fruit, with some leafiness showing. Some aromatics on the nose, with a fairly long follow through. Every vintage of this wine has been very strong. +436428, $9.45, rated: 87. 2. Chardonnay 1995 Reserve Lenko (Niagara; Willow Heights): a full bodied wine, showing some maturity and even some overripeness. Great if you like the plush style. +487025, $22.75, rated: 88. 3. Chardonnay 1996 (Central Coast; Calera): good broad flavours with lots of depth and a delicious length.+727206,$24.65,rated:88 4. Chardonnay 1994 Reserve (Napa; R. Mondavi): a keeper of a wine with broad fruit flavours (initially citric, then tropical). Long long finish, and balanced oakiness. +704924, $44.45, rated: 90. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 (Marlborough, NZ; Thainstone): a good, tight wine, with enough body to carry through on the palate and many flavours of grassiness and herbs. +990655, $16.75, rated: 87. 6. Chenin Blanc 1997 (Mendoza; Lurton): great flavours, clean fruit, affordable price, medium finish with a dry component. Fresh. +967505, $7.75, rated: 88. 7. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 (Bordeaux; Bruno Prats): in the New Zealand style (exaggerated Loire), fresh and affordable. Ready now. +990044, $11.95, rated: 88. 8. Riesling Kabinett Wiltinger Schlangengraben 1990 (Mosel; Rheinart): classic riesling character, but with a hollow middle. Long fruity finish, slightly drying. Nice price for an old wine. Useful for restaurants. +706036, $11.55, rated: 89. 9. Jean Baptiste 1996 Riesling Kabinett Nackenheimer Rothenberg (Rheinhessen; Gunderloch): good length and fine quality on the palate, with a well-developed engaging finish. Excellent price/ quality ratio. +480517, $15.55, rated: 87. 10. Chardonnay 1996 Santara (Conca de Barbera, Spain; Concavins): made by flying winemaker Hugh Ryman, this is typical mid-Atlantic style, good length and finish, well-priced. Fruit a little dry. +978155, $9.70, rated: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Meritage 1995 (Niagara; Jackson-Triggs): this excellent 1995 vintage has 49% cab.sauvignon, 40% cab.franc, and 11% merlot.It may have needed some more merlot, since the wine has that zesty cab.franc character. But still a good deal for the price!! +449272, $12.95, rated: 86. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (California; Bogle): actually, this is a terrific wine of power and concentration, fruit and oak in balance -- yet it has a simple appellation. +704056, $14.95, rated: 88. 3. Mourvedre 1995 "Ancient Vines" (Contra Costa; Cline): excellent aromatics on the nose, with some oak. Well-structured, with a developing finish. Ready soon, but a keeper nonetheless. +704387, $20.90, rated: 90. 4. Zinfandel 1995 (Napa; Rosenblum): fruity, long length with soft tannins. Oak is a major component, but it all comes across well with black fruit balance. +701839, $29.90, rated: 88. 5. Shiraz 1994 Gold Reserve (Western Australia; Houghton): big and full wine, with lots of shiraz character, oaky and excellent length. +468793, $18.90, rated: 90. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 Oak Cask (Mendoza; Trapiche): smooth wine, with few tannins showing, excellent fruit component, and deserves restaurant consideration. But can you sell Argentine wine? Try it in a buy-the-glass program.+969717, $12.45, rated:88 7. Malbec 1994 Oak CAsk (Mendoza; Trapiche): plummy flavours, as a commercial product, with the same finish as the cabernet suavignon above. +969766, $12.45, rated: 88. 8. Chateau Loudenne 1995 (Medoc): classic Bordeaux wine from a year in which all products are great. A bit tight on the finish: cellar it awhile. +131672, $19.95, rated: 88. 9. Crozes-Hermitage 1995 (Rhone; Mornay-Sorelles): typical, but tight syrah. Full-bodied. +957001, $14.45, rated: 88 10. Merlot 1996 "Las Torres" (Penedes; Torres): soft, fruity, a real winner with the "M" letter wine. Smooth, and ready now for restaurant consumption. A winner!! +976688, +12.75, rated: 90. 11. Condado de Haza 1995 (Ribera del Duero): now owned by Pesquera this wine could be a clone at a cheaper price. Not yet ready, but developing nicely. Lone length. +963348, $20.95, rated: 88. 12. Rioja 1991 Reserva (Muga): an old-style winery produces a wine of good value, but it is fading. Ready now for restaurants, and a bargain for traditionally-made riojas. +966432, $15.50, rated: 88. 13. Pozuelo Crianza 1993 (Yecla, Spain; Castano): from Valencia, a quaffing wine of no pretensions, full of red berry fruit with oak and plump lush flavours. +948646, $10.75, rated: 89. ALSO: Moscatel Goya, extra sweet Spanish syrupy dessert wine, at $10.70, is worth it for itself alone!! Rated: 92. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JULY 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Musque 1996 (Niagara; Cave Spring): aromatic and delicious, full ripe range of muscat flavours with no oak. +246579, $15.40, rated: 89. 2. Malvasia Bianca 1997 (Monterey; Ca'del Solo Bonny Doon): tropical asiatic fruits predominate in this basically dry wine. Lots of body, bitterish in finish. 13.5% alcohol. +948737, $14.95, rated: 87. 3. Chenin Blanc 1997 (Columbia Valley; Hogue): intense and fruity yet dry finish. A quality sipper. +717041, $11.90, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 1996 "Corella Ridge" (Victoria; Seppelt): delicious elegance, with a good wood finish and some butteriness. A Corel WoodPerfect wine? Just kidding... +492827, $16.65, rated: 88. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Curico Chile; Torres): crisp and herby, as always (since 1980). Great value. +177444, $9, rated: 89. 6. Gruner Veltliner 1996 (Austria; Lenz Moser): dry, bracing with citrus notes, with a good finish. +706416, $9.85, rated: 88. 7. Schlumberger Reserve 1996 (Alsace): essentially a mixture, but with exceptional flavours from pinot gris, riesling and gewurztraminer But pricey for zwicker wine. +718676, $16.95, rated: 89. 8. Ch.Roquetaillade La Grange 1996 (Graves): more floral semillon than herby sauvignon blanc. A bit tame, but it grows on you, along with some wood on the finish. +240374, $13, rated: 89. 9. Ch.Deson 1996 (Bordeaux): almost three-quarters semillon, thus good body and flavour comparable to the Graves above. Excellent price. +716936, $9.95, rated: 88. 10. Ch.Tour de Mirambeau (Bordeaux): under three-quarters sauvignon blanc, with that valued herb complexity. Good price. Worth a visit. +716894, $11.85, rated: 87. 11. Saint Romain 1996 (Villamont): some pit notes on the nose such as nuts or pit fruit. Modest oaking, but certainly lingering on the finish. +716928, $21.65, rated: 86. 12. Montagny 1er cru 1996 La Grande Roche (Latour): light but good complexity, again, of pit aromas and nuts. +714949, $20.90, rated: 87. NOTE: both Saint Romain (+716902) and Montagny (+714931) are also available in half-bottles, $10.90 each (bargain of the month) 13. Cigala Blanc 1996 (Cotes Catalans; Chapoutier): unusual (for France) blend of macabeo and muscat, offering tropical fruits with a dry finish. Excellent price. +717314, $9.95, rated: 89. 14. Grand Prebois Blanc 1996 (D'Orange; Perrin): half marsanne and half viognier, floral aromas, no wood, fresh and fruity. A bottle from 1997 would have been fresher. +719542, $8.55, rated: 86. 15. La Boiseraie 1996 (Gascogne): a modest but aromatic wine with great acid balance for summer. +712372, $8.55, rated: 88. 16. La Croix D'Ague 1996 (Jurancon; Cave de Gan): very fragrant but off dry finish, useful for summer. +712414, $12.95, rated: 89. 17. Pinot Blanc Floreal 1997 (Rheinhessen; Balbach): crisp and tart for summer, with good balance and depth of flavours. Pears. +722496, $9.70, rated: 88. 18. Trajadura de Aveleda 1997 (Portugal): a vinho verde that seems made especially for our summer: fresh, fruity, good taste... +349779, $9.70, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (Sonoma; Clos du Bois): ripe, not yet ready, but here now for laying down. +181685, $23.50, rated: 88. 2. Merlot 1995 (Sonoma; Rodney Strong): for a couple more dollars, get a wine that's ready now: ripe - ripe - ripe. Lots of black fruit in the nose. +497933, $25.60, rated: 89. 3. Matarromera Crianza 1995 (Ribera del Duero; Vinedos y Bodegas): lots of blackness here, with tons of sweet oak on the long finish. +976795, $21.85, rated: 89. 4. Onix VI Negre 1996 (Priorat, Spain): more black fruits and pepper, with some rancio, some raisins. Harsh hot finish but extractive. +716829, $10.75, rated: 88. 5. Grand Prebois 1996 (D'Orange; Perrin): while almost three- quarters grenache, there is not a trace of that papery quality that ofttimes occurs. Lots of red fruit, extremely good value. +719203, $8.80, rated: 88. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 Bin 407 (South Australia; Penfolds): best value wine of the month, one that delivers a mouthfull. Rich Aging very well, ready soonish. Lots of black fruit and oak bal- ance, wonderful price!! +938167, $25.80, rated: 93. 7. Shiraz 1997 (SE Australia; Banrock Station): bright and cheery, no wood. Good value for the money. +455014, $10.95, rated: 87. 8. Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 1996 (Australia; Renmano): bright and fresh cab tones, with medium depth but good balance. Fair price +119750, $9.95, rated: 85. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR MAY 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1996 "Charlotte's" (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): aged "sur lie", good fruit intensity (no oak), and well-priced for the quality. +497230, $11.30, rated: 86. 2. Alluvium Blanc 1995 Knight's Valley (Sonoma; Beringer): great wood and fruit flavours, with a long finish, concentrated body of sauvignon blanc, semillon, chardonnay.+403188, $21.75, rated: 90. 3. Chardonnay 1996 Unfiltered (Carneros; Saintsbury): full, dense and well-defined. +359281, $24.35, rated: 89. 4. Fume Blanc 1995 La Petite Etoile (Sonoma; Ch.St Jean): great typical California fume flavours, lovely finish. Not particularly sauvignon blanc in character. +977512, $21.65, rated: 88 5. Chardonnay 1996 Milburn Park (Australia; Alambie): good back- bone and everything well-integrated in typical Oz style. Value priced. +440321, $11.95, rated: 89. 6. Chardonnay 1996 (McLaren Vale; Seaview): good oakiness, and a surprisingly young, ripe fresh flavour from a General Listing. +314278, $12.95, rated: 88. 7. Chardonnay 1996 (Barossa; Basedow): long, long length, with lots of fruit and some oak but not overpowering. Great for meals. +980813, $18.40, rated: 92. 8. Marsanne 1995 (Victoria; Ch.Tahbilk): lovely aromatic fruit on the nose, with a followthrough to the medium body. Lots of fun on the lengthy palate. +117945, $12.60, rated: 88. 9. Chardonnay 1996 Stoneleigh Vyds (Marlborough; Corbans): bright and cheerful, with a touch of oak on the lips. Ready now for the restaurant trade. +288795, $13.85, rated: 88. 10. Tramin Dry 1996 (Czech; Mikulov): based on gewurztraminer, this dry and fruity wine is excellent for the price. It has no bitter finish. +706440, $8.55, rated: 89. 11. Gewurztraminer 1995 Les Princes Abbes (Schlumberger): despite a lightish body, this is an excellent well-rounded wine with the typical bitter finish. +990671, $21.75, rated: 90. 12. Chardonnay 1996 (Navarras; Nekeas): barrel-fermented, with good intensity and fruit, longish length, in a mid-Atlantic mode for restaurant drinking. +976779, $12.75, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot 1995 (Sonoma; Clos du Bois): with 20% cabernet sauvignon added, this has always been an excellent value. I recently led a 1983-1993 vertical with purchased wines, and every bottle scored in the 90s. Price has crept up over time.+124883,$26.55,rated: 91 2. Zinfandel 1995 (North Coast; Parducci): good oaking and fruit in the bottle, a value product. +153601, $15.60, rated: 87. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 "Prelude" (Margaret River; Leeuwin): intense Oz flavours and oak, yet well-integrated with great aging already (five years old now). Superb buy at the price. +986133, $22.80, rated: 94. 4. Chateau de la Dauphine 1995 (Fronsac; Moueix): great value from the Moueix family, with all components in place for the 1995. +937359, $21, rated: 88. 5. Ch. Moulin St. George 1995 (St.Emilion): another delicious and accessible red, with great merlot character (soft, velvet, sweet finish). +988360, $34.70, rated: 94 6. Domaine Savignac 1996 (L'Herault; Clairac): an organic wine from south-western France, with lots of fruit and balance (no edgy acid). +707257, $8.70, rated: 90. 7. Valpolicella Classico 1994 "Le Poiane" Jago (Bolla): lots of fruit and -- surprise! -- body and a long finish; aged two years in wood. +990051, $14.90, rated: 87. 8. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 "Santara" (Spain; Concavins): dark cabernet tones, lots of black fruit on the nose, and some US-type dustiness. Approachable too! +978148, $13.55, rated: 89. 9. Coto de Imaz 1991 Reserva (Rioja; El Coto): aging nicely, ready about now for the trade to pour. Well-defined Rioja character, and it is affordable. +976811, $14.65, rated: 88. SPARKLERS ^^^^^^^^^ Deakin Estate Brut -- Australian Sparkling Wine from Wingara -- has about 64% chardonnay, with colombard and chenin blanc. Good value, with a soft, lingering finish. +999680, $10.70, rated: 90. Lila Brut Riesling Sekt (Deinhard) has always been my favourite aperitif wine. This time, the bottles have no A.P. number, so we do not know where the grapes actually came from. Still, with some intensity, good value. +68205, $12.40, rated: 89. Roederer Estate Brut (Mendocino) -- always my favourite US "trad- itional method" sparkler, the closest to French. But the price is climbing...+294181, $24.95, rated: 91. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JUNE 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Vidal 1995 (Niagara; Lakeview Cellars): an off-dry quaffer for summer patio drinking. Easy. +307199, $8.45, rated: 86. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Chile Valle Centrale; Caliterra): crisp and enjoyable, straight-forward summer wine.+275909,$8.95,rated:87 3. Chardonnay/Semillon 1995 Reserve (Chile; Vina Carmen): dense, mouth-filling, a bit off-dry in finish. +711234, $12.25, rated: 86 4. Sauvignon de Bordeaux 1997 (Lurton): typical sauvignon grassy character, excellent value for the price.+716803,$10.40, rated: 90 5. Rully 1996 "La Chaume" (Charton & Trebuchet): long length with North American warmness. Good value for the trade. Serve often, with a reduced markup. +711812, $23.50, rated: 90. 6. Nierstein Pettenthal 1996 Riesling Kabinett (Balbach): good fruit and length, with a tartish, refreshing finish. Excellent for the trade. +712786, $12.55, rated: 88. 7. Chardonnay 1996 (Trentino; Bollini - Empson): fresh, fruity a bit tart in the Italian mode, light for everyday consumption. +987503, $11.75, rated: 87. 8. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 (Rueda; Hermanos Lurton): competing with itself this month (see #4 above), this wine is quite similar, with a bit more tartness in the finish. Two points less and five cents cheaper...+705822, $10.35, rated: 88. 9. Chenin Blanc 1996 Hawks Bay; Esk Valley): wood aged; excellent tartness and length; some wood on the finish. Refreshing, and good value. +705954, $13.75, rated: 87. 10. Savennieres 1994 (Anjou; Baumard): dry, slightly aged but really intense flavours, long length and character. +703553, $19.95, rated: 87. 11. Moscato d'Asti 1997 (Bava): always my favourite summer drink, no matter who makes it. Look for the latest vintage. Peaches, melons, tropical fruit, off-sweet prickle. +712547, $14.70, rated: 90. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Zinfandel 1996 El Dorado (Madrona): sweet finish, 14.5% alcohol Try it for a new taste sensation. +704270, $18.50, rated: 88. 2. Zinfandel 1996 (Coast; Corbett Canyon): almost the same, for half the price: sweet finish, some length, not as heavy, lacking high alcohol. +704221, $9.95, rated: 86. 3. Shiraz 1994 (Victoria; Ch.Tahbilk): well-rounded, fully firm, could be enjoyed now. +214742, $14.95, rated: 88. 4. Ch. Charlemagne 1995 (Canon Fronsac; Moueix): an easy wine, ready now for restaurants. +934018, $26.90, rated: 89. 5. Bourgueil 1995 (Loire; Cave des Grands Vins): maybe made from older vines, as the weediness of the cabernet franc grape is missing. Ready now. +703116, $13, rated: 86. 6. Ch. de Grezels 1992 (Cahors): with 30% merlot. Some anise and chocolate tones. Bright and sweet flavours. Good buy for the trade +726612, $14.50, rated: 90. 7. Salice Salentino 1994 (Puglia; Vallone): good flavours through well-aging, typical hot jam, leather, earthiness, plus a great price. +471730, $9.45, rated: 88. 8. Pinot Noir 1996 (Santa Maria Valley; Byron): modestly priced wine from a hand crafted winery, bottled unfiltered. Long length, good value. +704643, $25.65, rated: 89. 9. Malbec 1995 (Argentina; Bosca): deep, dark, and for the North American palate. +705657, $13.40, rated: 87. 10. Ch. Fonroque 1995 (St.Emilion): mounds of extract, good intensity of flavours. +937839, $33.90, rated: 89. 11. Domaine de la Petit 1996 (Bergerac; Geneste): a good cabernet hit on the front palate, and cheap. Pleasing for the summer. +717306, $11.95, rated: 86. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon -- from the refurbished historical Labrot & Graham distillery, at 45.2% and six years barrel aging -- has unusual, slight coconut toast flavours, and a hot finish. Worth trying, and do save the bottle. +480624, $39.90. Ciders: I had a chance to do a comparative tasting, but unfortun- ately I had to omit the perry part. The overall winner -- apart from my own superb (no kidding) homemade cider -- was the EXTRA series, available in both 330ml and in two litre containers and highly recommended for light, summertime consumption. EXTRA Apple delivered ripe and crisp flavours, while the Raspberry and Glacier Berry provided a really good alternative to coolers. The EXTRA Mango (+429092) and the Peach (+352609) (both only in 330ml bottles) provide an exotic, overthetop ripe component -- even better for summer!! WORLD WINE WATCH FOR AUGUST 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay "Logan" 1996 (Monterey; Talbott): ripe, almost over ripe flavours, priced wisely to compete against the Aussies. +938043, $14.95, rated: 87. 2. Chardonnay "Riddoch" 1996 (Coonawarra; Wingara): straightfor- ward, enjoyable, commercial, useful for restaurant trade, with a lingering soft oak finish. +719351, $14.60, rated: 87. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Marlborough, NZ; Selaks): typical herbs but with some broad sweetness in the mid-palate. Good price. +725531, $14.90, rated: 88. 4. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (South Africa; Neil Ellis): excellent herbs and vegetables, a salad wine. +984781, $14.80, rated: 89. 5. Chardonnay 1997 Casillero del Diablo (Casablanca, Chile; Con- cha y Toro): great commercial crowd pleaser for the rest of summer at an excellent price: fruit, oak, butter bits, smooth off-dry finish. +270355, $10.55, rated: 87. 6. Gewurztraminer 1995 (Alsace; Trimbach): excellent long and bit- terish finish. +958462, $15.25, rated: 90. 7. Auxey-Duresses 1996 (H.Latour): lightly oaked, but with a long finish. Lots of hints; thus, the low-end price. +711879, $27.30, rated: 88. 8. Pouilly-Fume 1996 Domaine des Berthiers (Dagueneau): excellent length, firm citrus tones, a great Pouilly, ready now. Terrific with food: keep the markup low ! +704759, $19.95, rated: 90. 9. Sauvignon de Touraine 1996 Domaine de la Charmoise (Marionnet): another excellent wine, with appropriate fruit and herb components at a ridiculously low price. +705111, $12.70, rated: 90. 10. Chardonnay 1995 Grand Ardeche (L.Latour): great character for a French chardonnay: oak, fruit and acid, with a lingering finish. +947549, $18.50, rated: 88. 11. Mussbacher Eselshaut 1996 Riesling (Pfalz; A.Ziegler): long persistent finish, a halbtrocken with zestful character and refinement and price point. +721951, $12.40, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot 1995 (Sonoma; Ch.Souverain): with French oak aging, this wine does have a broad finish and correct complexity. A good contender in the Merlot sweepstakes. +343459, $24.95, rated: 89. 2. Petite Sirah 1995 (Baja,Mexico; Cetto): the thick monster does return, in time for the end of the BBQ season. Load up, and save it for the heavy winter of tar and smoke. +983742,$8.70,rated: 89 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (Margaret River; Fermoy): deep, dark, and full of stewed fruits, with an immediate forward palate of black berries. Excellent ripeness, with a long finish, and decent price. +931378, $19.65, rated: 90. 4. Malbec 1994 (Mendoza; Weinert): an excellent, well-aged red wine, full of bite and determination. +390757, $14.95, rated: 89. 5. Ch.Laroque 1994 (St.Emilion): another concentrated and thick wine, with one-third cabernet, to keep for the winter. Ready soon. +717074, $25.35, rated: 88. 6. Bourgogne Pinot Noir 1996 (Leflaive): light berries and cherries all round, but the price is unbeatable, especially if the restaurant markup is kept low. +720219, $14.95, rated: 86. 7. Cornas 1995 "Les Eygats" (Courbis): let me say it again: terrific syrah value. Depth, intensity, and length, at a ridiculously low price. +719385, $21.75, rated: 89. 8. Vaucluse 1996 (Dom. l'Ameillaud): light, but some bacon tones, making it ideal for summer BBQ fare at a rock bottom price. +719286, $7.90, rated: 89. 9. Lamezia 1991 Riserva (Calabria; Lento): a magnificent, well-aged jammy wine, full of tarry smoke and oak, longish finish. Nicely priced. +972208, $14.95, rated: 90. 10. Dolcetto d'Alba 1996 (Piemonte; Fenocchio): firm and tannic, not the usual sweet fruit. Keep it awhile, still good value. +708800, $15.95, rated: 88. 11. Rioja 1995 "El Portico" (Bod. Palacio): a purebred Tempranillo varietal wine, aged almost a year, with lots of smoke and fruit, and some coconut from the American oak barrels. Delicious now. +718726, $13.75, rated: 89. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Cidre Artisanal Brut by Les Celliers de la Ville D'Ys has mostly apples from Brittany, but it is all intense and delightful, being aided by a long fermentation period. +717108, $6.40 for 750ml. A great alternative to sparkling wine: be sure to snap it all up! Cremant de Bourgogne Brut (Labet) has much the same character as a champagne: some toast and bread, with a persistent beading. Good price too. +946517, $16.55, rated: 89. Blueberry Wine (Nova Scotia; Lunenburg County Winery): I was very impressed with this fruit when I brought it back from Nova Scotia last year. Intense, with a zesty finish. +422188, $14.60. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR SEPTEMBER 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Niagara VQA; Henry of Pelham): excellent value for an Ontario grassy/oaky Sauvignon, almost in the Fume blanc mode. Long length. +430546, $12.95, rated: 90. 2. Chardonnay 1996 (Hawkes Bay, NZ; Morton): ripe fruit tones all over the place, tremendous balance and integration. Good price. +718247, $19.95, rated: 88. 3. Valwiger Rosenhang 1996 Riesling Kabinette (Mosel; Dr.Zenzen): lovely peachy bouquet with typical Riesling character for 8% alcohol. Good balance, and affordable. +706101, $12, rated: 88. 4. Alzeyer Rotenfels 1996 Riesling (Rheinhessen; Meiser): another first-rate prize-winning Riesling, with a delicious tang on the finish. +974873, $11.90, rated: 88. 5. Chardonnay 1997 (Colchagua, Chile; Viu Manent): no oak and a cool fermentation unmasks a hot climate Chardonnay of tropical fruits. Full bodied for the price! +719088, $9.75, rated: 87. 6. Chardonnay 1996 (Casablanca, Chile; Villard): partly barrel fermented in French oak, revealing soft oak kisses, an integrated structure and balance, and long finish. +427047, $13.20,rated: 88 7. Chardonnay 1996 St.Davids Bench (Niagara VQA; Ch.des Charmes): lovely aromas and fruit, a big wine at a modest price. It will continue to evolve. Good oaking, balance.+430991,$20.95,rated: 88 8. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Bordeaux; Bruno Prats): a light finish but meant for the North American "taste" market. Solid venture, if commercial. +990044, $11.95, rated: 86. 9. Sancerre 1996 (Loire; Cherrier): broad finish, but less tart than other Sancerres. Still, a provoking wine. Good value for the diner (keep the markup low). +991281, $17.45, rated: 86. 10. Soave 1994 Classico Superiore (Inama): melons, thick body, lovely length, well-aged example. Useful at this price. +949768, $12.85, rated: 88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Bonarda 1997 (Mendoza; Santa Julia): rich, ripe, rewarding with extreme concentration of fruit flavours and extracts. A steal. +723726, $9.30, rated: 89. 2. Syrah/Malbec 1997 Trivento Reserve (Mendoza; Vina Patagonia): lush, full and ripe flavours, with French character and a long finish. +492702, $12.65, rated: 89. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 1996 (Chile; Vina Porta): old vines, unfiltered, 18 months in French oak -- what more can you ask for? Lovely wood tones, soft, approachable now.+726810,$16.65,rated: 87 4. Cabernet/Merlot 1996 (Niagara VQA; Marynissen): tight, tannic, evolving. Hold for awhile. Good value. +352682, $13.50, rated: 87. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (California; Napa Ridge): good fruit and a sweet finish. 13.3% alcohol. +240390, $16.35, rated: 87. 6. Zinfandel 1995 (Contra Costa; Cline): 80 - 100 year old vines yummy - yummy -- with fruit, wood, caramelized fruit, coffee. Lingering finish, well worth price. +719211, $22.70, rated: 90. 7. Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 "Koonunga Hill" (Australia; Penfolds): delicate and light, easy for dinner and dining out. Extreme value! +285544, $12.75, rated: 88. 8. Shiraz 1996 (Stellenbosch; Simonsig): very Rhone-like, lots of typical body and extract. Heavy colour, taste and finish. Guts, but soft tannins. +345462, $14.95, rated: 92. 9. Syrah 1996 Domaine du Chene (Rhone; Rouviere): good varietal character but lighter than most Rhones from Syrah grape (but not as light as the Pays D'Oc wines). +720235, $10.80, rated: 89. 10. Ch. Barrejat 1995 (France; Madiran): tannic, a keeper wine, but a great price with lots of bang for the buck. Made from Tannat and Cabernet Franc grapes. +711101, $12.80, rated: 89. 11. Primitivo di Manduria 1996 (Puglia; Pichierri): 16% alcohol, some semi-sweet tones from residual sugar. A kicker, try only with cheese. +718130, $17.65, rated: 87. 12. "Santo Stefano" 1994 Ripasso (Veneto; Boscaini): good body and flavour and age, a sterling example of an enhanced Valpolicella. Complex and warm. +476127, $14.30, rated: 89. 13. Dao 1995 Duque de Viseu (Portugal; Sogrape): excellent value for a robust, lusty, trustworthy wine. Very fruity and clean, needs a little more time. +474874, $12.90, rated: 89. 14. St. Nicholas de Bourgueil 1996 (Loire; Dom. Laurent Mabileau): good Cabernet Franc hit, some earth tones, balanced body, well- poised for drinking as is. +718957, $12.90, rated: 86. 15. Hecula 1996 (Yecla, Spain; Bod. Castano): even with only 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the berry flavours certainly jump out at you. Long fruit and wood tones, at a low price. +718999, $11.55, rated: 87. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR OCTOBER 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1996 (Sonoma; Ch.Souverain): oaky, typical wood finish, not subtle. But a brilliant example of fruit-wood integration. +338111, $21.70, rated: 89. 2. Chenin Blanc 1997 (California; Bogle): some depth and intensity even some floral character in this off-dry wine, at an excellent price. 11.5% alcohol. +704049, $13.50, rated: 88. 3. Marsanne 1996 (South Eastern Australia; Mitchelton): lots of great tropical fruit flavours and sweet honey from a medium- weight but dryish wine. +937565, $12.75, rated: 86. 4. Muscat 1997 (D'Oc; Reserve St. Martin): strong muscat nose actually gives this ordinary wine some Alsatian character, along with a mild but unconcentrated finish. +725150, $9.25, rated: 86. 5. Rivaner 1997 Oppenheimer Schloss (Rheinhessen; Bruder Dr. Becker): good depth and flavour from this muller-thurgau wine, slightly herby in the nose. Priced to sell. +722314, $12.95, rated: 87. 6. Pasmodos White 1996 (Portugal; Fonseca): a fresh wine, with obvious barrel-fermentation of the 25% chardonnay component. Good value: apples, limes, some wood. Could be marketed with the red in your dining area (see below). +357954, $11.75, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 "Terrain" Black Label (Australia; Seppelt): great sauvignon character, lots of red fruit upfront with a long, refreshing palate. And it's on General List ! +166629, $13.95, rated: 87. 2. Rosso Valpolicella 1995 (Veneto; S.Alghieri): another terrific value wine, now on the General List (two wines in one month!!). Lots of warm Italianate cherry flavours, but with some depth for a valpolicella (it is being marketed as "rosso"). +447326, $13.45, rated: 88. 3. Mistura 1996 Night Harvest (Central Coast; R.H.Phillips): a South Rhone blend (syrah, mourvedre, grenache, duriff), showing some tar, fruit, and a tight finish. +965350, $11.65, rated: 87. 4. Zinfandel 1995 Pedroni-Bushnell (+463026, $18.45) and Zinfandel 1995 Mother Clone (+473744, $18.45) from Pedroncelli in Dry Creek are excellent values in this tough grape area. The price is also reasonable for 14.3 and 14.4 % high extract reds -- both are good without being clumsy, a usual fault at this price level. Hard to tell which is "better". Both are at the same price, so try both. It might be fun to have a "competition night". Rated: 89. 5. Shiraz 1997 Bayview (South Africa; Longridge): every month the LCBO has been releasing one inexpensive shiraz after another from South Africa. This one is just as good as the others, in a mid- price range. Excellent Rhone character, something missing in most of the D'Oc versions at this price level! +932756, $12.45, rated: 90 6. Privada Red 1995 (Mendoza; Norton): 13.5% alcohol puts this "bordeaux" blend over the top, with plummy tones and black currants and wood. Powerful, full. +719567, $16.65, rated: 89. 7. Ch.L'Engarran 1996 (Coteaux du Languedoc): almost a North Rhone in complexity, with lots of syrah, carignane, and only 26% grenache. Dark fruits and potential tar. +720094,$12.40,rated: 86 8. Pasmodos Red 1995 (Portugal; Fonseca): vibrant fruit, ready soon, good with fall meats such as turkey. Good value, could be marketed along with the white (see above). +200188, $11.75, rated: 86. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Principally, some excellent fruit wines; these should be ordered now for the Holiday/Christmas seasons ahead -- Cranberry Wine 1997 (Niagara; Stoney Ridge) -- returns just in time for Thanksgiving. Cranberry flavours, slightly off-dry, with gripping acid in the finish. +392191, $12.95, rated: 89. Bosc Pear Wine 1996 (Niagara; Sunnybrook Farm): off-sweet wine, great for dessert later on in the meal. Could be sold by the glass (why don't restaurants do this with fruit wines? They keep longer than dry grape wines). +416925, $9.50, rated: 90 Raspberry Wine NV (Washington State; Hoodsport): one of my personal favourites in fruit wines. The refreshing acidity and the intense raspberry flavours make this wine more off-dry. Great as a n aperitif, carrying through the entire meal. +145078, $14.80, rated: 90. And you'll also need to lay in a supply of PORT -- try Feist Colheita 1988, bottled in 1998, matured as a tawny in wood. Lots of "drying out" character, ready to drink now: dried peels and fruit, walnuts. Perfect for the end of a meal. You should order lots of this stuff as it flies out the window very early one, especially at this price. +912881, $21.30, rated: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH FOR NOVEMBER 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ by DEAN TUDOR WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Malvasia Bianca 1995 (Napa; R.Mondavi): delicious, dessert-type Mouth-filling, and great with smoked meat and cream-based finishers. +939611, $18.45 for half-litre, rated: 89. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Livermore; Wente): basic, but from a specialized producer of sauvignon blanc, well-established, and a great price. +947598, $12.75, rated: 87. 3. Chardonnay 1997 Bin 37 (Clare; Leasingham): pleasant wine, with little oaking. Lots of spice hints makes this an evolving wine. Well-priced. +261966, $14, rated: 88. 4. Chardonnay 1996 (Victoria; Mitchelton): another good value wine with lots of tropicality and vanilla, elegance. Ready now for restaurants. +937300, $18.20, rated: 88. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (Marlborough; Wairau River): light and refreshing, long length of citrus and herby zest. +732024, $16.45, rated: 89. 6. Chateau Tudin 1996 (Bordeaux): 60% semillon plus new barrels makes this a terrific oak-soaked wine, much in the Oz semillon tradition. Delicious any number of times I've had it (too many to count!) +974840, $15.65, rated: 91. 7. Le Viognier 1997 (Chat. de Gourgazaud): great floral value, not thin like other French ones in this price range. Peach tones. +734533, $15.80, rated: 88. 8. Valwiger Herrenberg 1990 Riesling Kabinett (Mosel; Dr.Zenzen): off-dry finish, still pouring through at this late date, a well- aged Mosel wine. Excellent value. +970632, $13.90, rated: 89. 9. Gorgo Tondo 1996 (Sicily; Duca Castelmonte): good character and long length, full and rich on the finish. +947515, $14.95, rated: 87. 10. Chardonnay 1996 Toasted Head (California; R.H.Phillips): lightly oaked flavours, some burgundian elegance. +939090, $19.70, rated: 89. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Pinot Nero 1997 (Il Bosco): from the General List +505552. I was impressed with the enormous flavours and long length. $12.25, rated: 87. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Bonterra (California; Fetzer): made from organic grapes. One of the better-tasting "organic" wines I have had. +342428, $19.95, rated: 86. 3. Pinot Noir 1995 Unfiltered (Napa; R.Mondavi): black fruit predominates, excellent balance with tannins and wood aging, a great value compared to burgundies and Oregon wines in this price range. +438697, $26.95, rated: 91. 4. Zinfandel 1996 (California; Rosenblum): lots of flavour and fruit in this one, priced to sell. Buy as much as you can for your clients since it is ready now -- or soon. +284653, $13.80, rated: 90. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Bin 106 (Australia; Norman's): with mint, berries, lots of extract, this is a terrific commerical wine for the dining trade! +983312, $12.65, rated: 90. 6. Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot 1996 (Victoria; Woolshed): although this wine delivers value, it also needs time to cellar. Some tight fruit needs evolving. +931154, $13.40, rated: 87. 7. Syrah Reserva 1997 (Chile; Errazuriz): well, pricey as it is, the wine does deliver syrah flavours and value. An excellent product, with a (so far) tannic finish. One to lay down. +723296, $23.80, rated: 90. 8. Chateau Bellevue-Lagravette 1990 (Haut-Medoc): another great value wine, affordable, from that excellent vintage. Mark it up only slightly, let your diners enjoy it.+944215, $25.65, rated:90 9. Pinot Noir Bourgogne 1996 (Labet): cold maceration gives this wine a red berry flavour (contrast to Mondavi above), good value. +726380, $19.80, rated: 88. 10. Merlot 1995 (D'Oc; Dom. la Baume): the Oz influence is very evident here. This is a winemaker's wine, with all the fruit, acids, tannins, and wood very well-integrated at this young age. Excellent value: buy it all up!! Give your diners a treat... +477794, $12.95, rated: 94 ! 11. Syrah 1997 (D'Oc; Duboeuf): light syrah character but drinkable now (red fruit predominates).+960245, $9, rated: 88. 12. Crozes-Hermitage 1996 Les Meysonnieres (Rhone; M.Chapoutier): deep, rich intensity, lots of black fruit such as blackcurrants. Still needs some time. +972281, $18.55, rated: 89. 13. Copertino Ross 1996 (Puglia; L.de Castris): typical hard and rustic flavours from the negroamaro grape, but spicy and warm for winter. +732875, $9.50, rated: 88. 14. Douro Reserva Red 1995 (Sogrape): deep, dark red extract, with great flavours and a long finish. +335208, $15.75, rated: 89 15. Taja 1996 (Jumilla, Spain; Mahler-Besse): a mourvedre wine, alwys great value for its price, but here it is a bit tight and tannic, suggesting cellaring. +243329, $8.90, rated: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR DECEMBER 1998 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Piesporter Riesling 1997 (Moselle; Deinhard): light, crisp, refreshing with good 100% riesling balance, fruity off-dry finish, great price. +106328 General Listing, $9.95, rated: 88. 2. Chardonnay Reserve 1996 Butler's Grant (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): good length to the finish, with oak tones throughout. Well-made quality wine, for Ontario. +280818, $18.95, rated: 88. 3. Fume Blanc 1997 (California; Montevina): an over-the-top blanc - firm, full, lacking somewhat in fruit, but price is superb for this kind of sauvignon blanc. +347583, $14.50, rated: 89. 4. Chardonnay 1997 (McLaren Vale; Haselgrove): all round goodness here, with excellent length and balance (fruit, acid, sugars, oak) Fairly priced. +935676, $14.95, rated: 89. 5. Semillon "Lost Block" 1997 (Hunter Valley; Tyrrell's): long on flavour, with some softness, but a little fruit shy. +933200, $19.95, rated: 86. 6. Sauvignon Blanc 1997 (South Island, NZ; Seifried): not as herby as most, broad fruit in the middle, rich and firm in the finish. +957670, $13.50, rated: 89. 7. Chenin Blanc 1998 (Paarl; Ruitersvlei): sortof nouveau, from south of the equator -- dry version of chenin, with some fruit. A terrific quaff, and excellent value. +935973, $7.95, rated: 88. 8. Pinot Gris 1997 (Mendoza; Lurton): good decent value for the price, excellent pinot gris quality. +953976, $8.65, rated: 90. 9. Chardonnay 1997 (Casablanca, Chile; Casa Lapostolle): woody tones, but stylishly made. +396986, $14.40, rated: 86. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (Sonoma; Ch.Souverain): inky colour, high extract, voluptuous flavour from this keeper wine. Great price, as always. +301218, $25.65, rated: 91. 2. Merlot 1995 (Monterey; Monterra): a very "juicy lucy" type wine, ripe and ready now, pour it at your restaurant. It is, of course, very affordable. +981654, $19.85, rated: 90. 3. Zinfandel 1995 (Amador; Montevina): extremely rich wine, even too rich some might say. And it lacks the zinfandel component of fruit. But a fair price. +347609, $16.85, rated: 86. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 1995 (Barossa/Eden; Yalumba): good fruit and juice in this meld, a sort of off-the-wall bordeaux blend. +383208, $18.35, rated: 88. 5. Cabernet/Merlot 1996 (Clare; Knappstein): ripe, rich, firm, minty Oz, with a long finish. More a keeper, it may need some time. +976720, $19.95, rated: 90. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1996 (Maipo; Vina Carmen): tannic, a wine for laying down despite some current mellowness on the palate. +358309, $14.95, rated: 87. 7. Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (Bordeaux; B.Prats): light, but it evolves better now. Ready soon, at a bargain price for dining rooms. +705798, $12.30, rated: 87. 8. Biferno 1995 (Molise, Italy; Nanni): deep, dark and rich, and well-positioned. +971937, $9, rated: 87. 9. Brindisi Rosso 1995 (Puglia; Santa Barbara): excellent extract and fruit, affordable. +725143, $9.90, rated: 90. 10. Terra de Lobos 1996 (Portugal; Casal Branco): from the peri- quita grape, lots of spice flavours, and a long length. +425348, $9.25, rated: 87. 11. Condado de Haza 1995 (Ribera del Duero): from the House of Pesquera, this concentrated wine has excellent length and delivery -- at a reasonable price. Needs some cellaring. +963348, $21.60, rated: 89. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Krug Grande Cuvee NV champagne brut (+349688, $119.90): always. Do your clients a favour: give a tiny markup and sell it for $125 They'll love you... Fine Calvados "Sylvain" (+734723, $14.30 for 350ml) is the latest apple brandy to arrive here, and it is pretty good -- at that price level, for the smaller bottle... Fernet bitter (+216549, $17.95 for 375 ml): is another "always" in the bitters world... Lustau's Oloroso Viejo de Jerez (Almacenista Borrego) +999870, but pricey at $19.95 for 375 ml, is more for gifting: layers of smoke and nuts penetrate its dryness... Tawny 20 years old (plus gift box and decanter) from Real Comp. Velha is pricey, unfortunately, padded by the extras of the box and bottle (+986174, $49.65). Nevertheless, it is this season's tawney, and it is a beaut... WORLD WINE WATCH FOR DECEMBER 1997 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Prices quoted are LCBO retail; my ratings DO reflect the price. WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Riesling Reserve 1995 (Niagara;Strewn): reflects good Alsatian intensity and character from the Riesling grape, with a great big long finish. Excellent value. +467613, $11.50, rated: 86. 2. Gewurztraminer 1995 (Butler's Grant, Niagara; Stoney Ridge): more excellent Alsatian character of gewurztraminer, along with unctious body (rarely attained outside Alsace). Excellent length on the off-dry finish, with a slight bitter component typical of the variety. Fabulous price!!! Offer it on the menu, say at $18, and watch it fly out the window. The LCBO catalogue says "1994", but the label has "1995". +287300, $10.95, rated: 90. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 (California; Morgan): a barrel fermented wine, deep depths of flavours, and an interesting woody length on the finish reflecting a further six month oak aging. Not filtered. +411488, $14.95, rated: 88. 4. Riesling "Tradition" 1990 (Hugel): magnificent wine, lots of bouquet from bottle aging (check the date: seven years ago...) emphasizing the riesling characteristics of peaches and petrol. An excellent, all round wine at a bargain price for its age. +111211, $24.90, rated: 87. 5. Niersteiner Pettenthal Riesling 1996 Kabinett (Balbach): now owned by Gunderloch. Good floral intensity, long finish and crisp- ness on the length. +948752, $16, rated: 89 (also from HHD Imports, 1-519-746-8368) 6. Nackenheimer Rothenberg Riesling 1996 Auslese (Gunderloch): from the winemaker who can sell half-bottles of TBA at $275 -- terrific fruit flavours, RS at 78gm/l, 10% alcohol. Full body and development, nicely structured, explosive floral character. $35 a full bottle, rated: 94 (HHD Imports, 1-519-746-8368) RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Franc 1995 (California; Krautz Ironstone): a gutsy, fruity wine, worthy of development. Keep a couple of years. Good price, too. +941765, $15.20, rated: 87. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 Los Altos (California; Estancia): a plush wine, with velvety texture more suggestive of Merlot's soft tannins. Black berry fruits. +953059, $18.95, rated: 88. 3. "Mistura" 1995 (Central Coast; R.H.Phillips): a fresh and fruity wine, suggestive of cherries, at a decent price. The blend is Rhone-clone (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre). An excellent choice for restaurants. +965350, $11.45, rated: 86 4. Oakley Cuvee 1992 (Contra Costa; Cline): another Rhone-clone wine (mostly Mourvedre, with Carignane and Zinfandel), but not fresh and fruity as a "Cotes du Rhone". It is more in the line of a "Gigondas": dark flavours, long and gutsy length, smoothed out by the five years of aging. Excellent price for its age.. +941005, $15.85, rated: 90. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 "Catena" (Mendoza; Bod. Esmeralda): for its following -- good definition of cabby tastes, excellent depth and fruit on the finish. A good buy, but only for those in the know. Who else would pay this money for an Argentine wine? +954131, $18.50, rated: 87. 6. Cabernet Sauvingon 1996 (Rapel, Chile; Vina Porta): fleshy feel, very decent for its price. +953885, $11.40, rated: 86. 7. Merlot Reserve 1991 (Bulgaria; Vini Sliven): aged for two years in US oak. Marvelous fruit and wood tones, for a six year wine from this area. Great buy; try to overcome consumer resistance to Bulgaria. +953265, $7.55, rated: 88. 8. "Cuvee Mathilde" 1992 (Minervois; Ch.de Gourgazaud): mostly Mourvedre and Syrah -- deep colour, woody smoke toast, lots of typical Syrah character, deep finish. Excellent price too. +958629, $9.45, rated: 90. 9. St. Joseph 1994 (Rouviere): excellent Syrah flavours on the nose and the palate, right through to the finish. Great wine for the price. +940940, $19.20, rated: 90. 10. Salice Salentino 1994 (Puglia; Vallone): great Italianate flavours, lingers on the palate. Plums, leather, mushrooms -- need some food with this one! +471730, $9.50, rated: 88. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Sherry -- "East India" Solera from Emilio Lustau, $19.95, has to be one of the bargains of the December LCBO release. This is a dessert style, full bodied, long finish, suggestive of food after dessert (nuts, figs) and even some treacle. A lovely end. Rated: 90. LCBO Bulk wines -- well, all of these are tasty, it just depends on a price range. The least expensive is from Ontario (marked "Product of Canada"), and tastes a bit nervous. The California wines are pleasant, based on Ruby Cabernet and Chenin Blanc. But the best values, at $5.60 pro rated a bottle, are the wines from Chile: the white is 100% Sauvignon Blanc (albeit with some muted character) while the red is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (although the taste is distinctly hushed). Nevertheless, the Chilean wines are the best value, and appear to be a dynamite combination for those who wish bulk wines for parties and the like...

World Wine Watch Online, by Dean Tudor, January 1997

WHITE WINES

1. Chardonnay 1994 "Founder's Reserve" (Oregon; Willamette Valley Vyds): lots of body and flavours; long and lush follow through, at a great price. #941641V, $23.55. Rated: 90

2. Chardonnay 1992 "Redland" (Oregon; Sokol Blosser): lightly constructed, but with excellent age showing in the finish. Elegant and focused. #940965V, $24.90. Rated: 86

3. Sauvignon Blanc 1994 (Washington; Hoodsport): a bit thin in body but forward tones of herbs and grass cuttings, and well- priced. #941385V, $10.50. Rated: 83

4. Chardonnay 1994 (Sonoma; Arrowood): each vintage just keeps getting better, and this one has an excellent price too. Good oak with a finish of woody toast (or is that toasty wood?) #270694V, $29.75. Rated: 91

5. Fume Blanc 1995 (Sonoma; Murphy Goode): full, ripe, a bit herby long length, good value. #938746V, $15.75. Rated: 86

6. Singing Creek Colombard/Chardonnay 1995 (Australia; Alambie): good chardonnay flavour of tropical fruit and apples, some muted toast tones as well as a long acid finish. It allows for spread of chardonnay over many bottles without diluting the flavours. Great price. #710178V, $9.70. Rated: 85

7. Pouilly-Fume 1994 (Dom. Chatelain): good length and tones of sauvignon blanc herbs; approachable now. And fairly priced. #729186V, $19.85. Rated: 86

8. Castello di Brolio Torricella 1994 (Tuscany; Brolio): gold colour, rich fruit and oak on nose. A solid winner with nut and rancio tones. Only 1000 cases made. From Academy (905-844-5040) $28.45. Rated: 87

RED WINES

1. Pinot Noir 1992 "Winemaker's Reserve" (Oregon; Amity): some mint and herbs showing in the main attack, but good body and ripe fruit. #953554V, $29. Rated: 87

2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 (Sonoma; Kenwood): still tight but well-priced for laying down. #983361V, $24.80. Rated: 87

3. Merlot 1993 (Sonoma; Ch.St.Jean): it's amazing how this company has rebounded. Sweet tones, some cloves, tannic finish. Not the merlot velvet that you'd expect, but it has a definite character. #977785V, $22.70. Rated: 86

4. Zinfandel Old Vines 1993 (Sonoma; Rodney Strong): a real winner with long zinfandel flavours, lush extract, and pretty full in the mouth. Nice price. #363358V, $21. Rated: 91

5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 (Argentina; Etchart): a pretty good spectacular wine! youthful, well-rounded, lush black fruits -- and the price is amazing. #362186V, $9.25. Rated: 90

6. Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er cru 1993 "Les Lavieres" (Jadot): an enjoyable pinot experience, with a soft finish and a nice price. #979161V, $32.60. Rated: 86

7. Chateau Triguedina 1990 (Cahors; Baldes): soft, warm, inviting that is ready soon. Made from old style grapes (malbec, tannat) in new style process. #941104V, $16.80. Rated: 86

8. Barbera d'Alba 1993 (Piedmont; Pio Cesare): rich, ripe and full some tannins show, but also fruit. Great price for this wine. #938886V, $17.95. Rated: 88

9. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 (Penedes; Cavas Hill): soft, fruit flavours with wood tones, beginning to fade a bit. Great for drinking NOW in restaurants. #977249V, $14.80. Rated: 86

10. Muga Reserva 1991 (Rioja; Muga): another soft and affordable Spanish red, with 60% tempranillo. Excellent Rioja character. Long length and charming. #966432V, $15.50. Rated: 87

11. Castello di Brolio Casalfero 1993 (Tuscany; Brolio): made from sangiovese. Good wood integration and tannins showing, but not ready for awhile. From Academy 905-844-5040;$33.80 Rated: 87

OTHER ITEMS TASTED

1. Raspberry Patch Puddicombe Farms (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): an excellent fruit component, not with the depth of Hoodsport's Raspberry, but certainly more affordable. An aperitif/dinner wine in style. #396705V, $9.95. Rated: 88

2. Warre's Traditional LBV Port 1982 (bottled in 1986): some crust in evidence -- this extract gave it more body in its shorter bottling time. Good depth, and followthrough for an LBV port. #346015V, $19.95. Rated: 90

World Wine Watch Online, by Dean Tudor, February 1997

WHITE WINES

1. Colombard 1995 Puddicombe Vineyard (Niagara, Stoney Ridge): a delightful wine, floral, soft, good sipper, with a great finish. A welcome wine from the tremendous 1995 harvest. #292821, $10.65 Rated: 89.

2. Chardonnay Carneros 1993 Unfiltered (R.Mondavi): excellent mouthfeel and elegance, great body, and wonderful wood on the lips afterwards. #962258, $33.65. Rated: 88.

3. Sauvignon Blanc 1995 Amador (Orleans Hill): a bit spritzy, not unwelcome. No herbal complexity (which should seem strange in an organic wine!!), but great flavour nevertheless. One of the best organic whites I've had. #939538, $13.45. Rated: 86.

4. Sauvignon Blanc 1993 Northern Sonoma (R.Strong): tastes a lot like a bordeaux (some melons from semillon??), few herbs, some wood tones from oak. LCBO calls it XD, but my taste buds say it's off-dry, lacking some finishing acid or a conflict with vanillins from oak. #255968, $14.85. Rated: 86.

5. Chardonnay 1995 Hawke's Bay (NZ, Delegat's): good body and of course value. Finish of lemons and apples. 13.5% alcohol. #395079, $13.45. Rated: 87

6. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 (Delheim): good herbs, but light. Well- priced for competition in the category. #983999, $10.80.Rated:88

7. Bacharacher Posten 1993 Riesling Spatlese (Mades): very fruity in its concentration, and bracing acid. #990366, $17.95.Rated:87

8. Pinot Gris 1995 (Oregon, Willakenzie): peachy nose, late harvest style (heavy, off-dry mouthfeel), slightly spritzy but with buckets of flavour! $21.75,duChasse wines 469-3495,rated:85

RED WINE

1. Baco Noir 1995 Niagara (Lakeview): plummy, juicy, chunky with a lot of depth and dense extracts. Little wood. #307181, $10.45. Rated: 89

2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 (Sonoma; Arrowood): these are almost always sold out: complex, awesome, with a long length. #946640, $39.95. Rated: 90.

3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 (Napa; Caymus): another big wine, with over two years in oak. Enormous complexity. #946228, $34.25. Rated: 92.

4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 (Long Island; Paumanok): an excellent product for the price, with plenty of good wood on the finish carrying the fruit throughout. #941237, $15.95. Rated: 90

5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 (Coonawarra; Th. Hardy): a terrific assault on the nose for fresh fruit, rich body on the palate, and good value at the price. #976258, $16.95. Rated: 87

6. Shiraz Kalimna Bin 28 1993 (Penfolds): good character, with much depth and some complexity. Should be a keeper. #938555, $26.95. Rated: 87

7. Cabernet Sauvignon 1990 Franschhoek (S.Africa; La Motte): this has been described as being a t-h-i-c-k wine, not yet ready. Chocolate tones, good value. #950097, $14.95. Rated: 88.

8. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 Mendoza (La Agricola-Santa Julia): a soft, round smooth wine. Incredibly good value for the price: fruit, oak, acid all seem to be in balance. #973834, $10.90. Rated: 87.

9. Cote-de-Nuits-Villages 1993 (Dufouleur): not an intense wine, a bit light, but the pinot noir hit is there. Value? Okay in price. #979153, $19.95. Rated: 87.

10. Syrah 1994 (D'Oc; Caroline de Beaulieu): colour and flavour are suggestive of a less-intense syrah from North Rhone. However, the price is good, and appears to be a restaurant wine for food. #978171, $8.85. Rated: 84

11. Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1994 Domaine de Marcoux (Armenier): warm and inviting, generous flavours with a strong syrah component. #981043, $24.50. Rated: 87

12. Salice Salentino 1992 Riserva (Puglia; F.Candido): lots of tobacco leaf and chocolate, coffee: hey, a breakfast wine! Great price. #724971, $10.55. Rated: 88

13. Quinta de Parrotes 1994 (Portugal; V.de Quinta): periquita (85%) and cabernet sauvignon are the dominant grapes -- and it certainly shows in its good quality and aged character.Price good too. #945667, $10.60. Rated: 87

14. Chivite Reserva 1991 (Navarra): a blend of tempranillo and garnacha, with plenty of oak aging: intense fruit and extract, aged well. Price is super. #729368, $13.60. Rated: 89

15. Zinfandel 1992 Reserve (Mendocino; Lolonis): good value for the extra aging. Intense zin flavours. #952234, $21.60. Rated: 87

16. Zinfandel 1994 (California; Rabbit Ridge): off-dry, long length, the bargain zin of the month. #954404, $14.95. Rated: 87

17. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 Columbia Valley (Washington;Ch.Ste. Michelle): warm, ripe flavours at a great price.$16.75.rated: 90.

WORLD WINE WATCH Online, MARCH 1997, by DEAN TUDOR

WHITE WINES

1. Vignoles 1996 (Finger Lakes, Anthony Road): an easy going wine, but the grape variety is not covered in Robinson. You can also find the grape in Missouri. Intense fruit, lemon finish. Nice price for a fragrance! +388140, $10.95. Rated: 86.

2. Vignoles Late Harvest 1995 (Finger Lakes, Anthony Road): very well developed for a sweetie: much more intense fruit and length. +388157, $ 14.95. Rated: 88.

3. Chardonnay 1995 Inkameep Vineyard (Inniskillin Okanagan): low yield and young vines produce intense fruit: citrus, pear, melon, some green flavours. Balance with 6 months of oak aging and 100% malolactic fermentation. +399493, $15.95. Rated: 86.

4. Chenin Blanc 1995 Icewine (Inniskillin Okanagan): medium acid, not meant for keeping long. Fresh, pretty fruit: upfront and ripe like peaches and apricots. A Gold Winner at the All-Canada in January/97. +401133, $49.95. Rated: 91.

5. Chardonnay 1994 Barrel Select (California, Rutherford): bright fruit on the finish, some oak lingering, and terrific price. +930172, $14.35. Rated: 90.

6. Chardonnay 1994 (Central Coast, Calera): distinguished and elegant, yet rich and meaty. A mid-Atlantic cross between France and California? +945618, $24. Rated: 89.

7. Fume Blanc 1995 (Russian River, De Loach): herbaceous, of course, with a long length. Affordable too! +946368, $19.80. Rated: 88.

8. Gewruztraminer 1994 (Alsace, Dom. Schlumberger): excellent quality all round: body and bitterness on finish, lots of fruit on the nose. +941179, $19.80. Rated: 86.

9. Fernao Pires/Chardonnay 1995 (Ribatejo Portugal, Bright Bros): light chardonnay hit, no real wood in evidence, clean style. +728394, $9.20. Rated: 86.

10. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 Richmond Plains (Nelson, NZ; Holmes Brothers): this wine just lifted the stakes in the organic wine game. One of the few organics I've tasted without the mustiness that can be associated with chemical-free growing and production. Some typical gooseberry character and other medicinal herbs. Private stock through B & W International (416-724-3417),at about $23. Rated: 85.

RED WINES

1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 Beautour (Napa, Beaulieu): an extremely useful wine for the restaurant trade, especially if you can keep the price at $30: thick, heavy, sturdy but fruity --and the fruit holds through the finish. Soft tannins. +939553, $15.45. Rated:87

2. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1993 (Sonoma, Dry Creek Vyds): some bright character all round: colour, nose, palate, finish. Berry fruits, some herbs and vanillin. +979328, $28.80. Rated: 88.

3. Pinot Noir 1993 (Central Coast, Calera): just your basic pinot at a better than basic price. Deep, dark and dee-licious. +933044, $23.75. Rated: 90.

4. Cabernet/Merlot 1994 (Australia, St.Hubert's): typical ripe berry nose, lots of oak lashings, but ready now -- and useful for those restaurants keeping the price down to $35 (don't be greedy). +976381, $18.60. Rated: 90.

5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 (Stellenbosch SA, L'Avenir): gamey and chocolate-y already after only three years. A long followthrough, but it needs some time to resolve the tartness of the tannins and the new vines. +988725, $15.85. Rated: 88.

6. Cavas de Weinert 1990 (Mendoza, Weinert): blend of Cabernet, Malbec and Merlot, ready now for those restaurants who want to take a chance with some great Argentine wine (tip: keep the price under $30). Great flavours here, with seven years to integrate them. +973669, $ 14.95. Rated: 86.

7. Chateau Puygueraud 1989 (Bordeaux Cotes): typical Bordeaux but ready now, from a great vintage, at an affordable price for the half-bottle. +978064, $13.30 for 375ml. Rated: 86.

8. Chateaux Jonqueyres 1994 (Bordeaux): a well-made wine from an off year. +953968, $14.85. Rated: 85.

9. Cote de Nuits-Villages 1993 (Bachelet): rich, old age on the nose, best consumed by the end of the year. Another good wine for the diner (but keep the price under $45).+932582, $27.65. Rated: 87.

10. Breganze Cabernet 1992 (Veneto, Maculan): both Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon were used equally in this deeply coloured wine. Lots of vanillin from new oak, should age well. +940601, $32.50. Rated: 90.

11. Pinot Noir 1996 Richmond Plains (Nelson, NZ; Holmes Bros.): organically produced, to 12.5% alcohol, but much in an Oregon style of leanness. Some green showing, probably from new vines. Keep it awhile. (B & W Int., 416-724-3417). $23. Rated: 85.

12. Pasmodos 1991 (Fonseca): another restaurant-ready wine from Portugal at an affordable price -- full flavours of berries come right through to the finish. +200188, $11.80. Rated: 86. World Wine Watch Online, April, 1997 1. Chardonnay 1994 (Napa; W.Hill): a bit on the light side, with more fruit flavours than body. Lots of oak tones but without the overwhelming woodsy nature. Well-made, and a great price for the restaurant trade. +988840, $ 15.95, rated: 86.

2. Sauvignon Blanc 1995 (California; Arciero): bright, good acid, some grassiness (acid? grass? from California? -- surely not!) In time for summer. Excellent price. +389817, $ 8.35, rated: 87.

3. Chardonnay 1994 (Oregon; Eola Hills): toasty oak, with a long finish. Buttery and suggestive of complexity, but light enough for summer. +940957, $17.60, rated: 87.

4. Sauvignon Blanc 1995 (Marlborough, NZ; Oyster Bay): herby, good value, crisp and exciting. +316570, $14.60, rated: 86.

5. Vouvray 1995 (Loire; Guy Saget): from a top winemaker at a fantastically low price -- great value for an aperitif (off-dry chenin blanc character of peach, orange). Scoop up as much as you can, for the coming summer. +935759, $12, rated: 89.

6. Heerenblanc 1996 (Stellenbosch; Stellenzicht): a good blend of sauvignon blanc (63%), semillon (20) and chenin blanc (17). Grass tones, but off dry. Great for aperitifs. Good length and some character for the type. Private Order, at $12.25, rated: 86. [Hobbs & Co., 905-844-5671]

7. Chardonnay 1995 (Sonoma; Ch.Souverain): excellent fruit and oak flavours, well integrated at this point. Long finish. Private Order [Lifford, 440-4101], at $18.88, rated: 90. 8. Chardonnay 1994 Los Carneros (Napa; J. Phelps): another excellent chardonnay, in a higher price range. Toasty flavours. Private Order [Lifford, 440-4101], at $25.63, rated: 89.

9. I Sistri 1994 (Tuscany; Berardenga Fattoria di Felsina): a barrel fermented chardonnay, with excellent depth and a long finish of wood and butter. Private Order [Lifford, 440-4101], at $25.37, rated: 90.

RED WINES

1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 (Napa; Beaulieu): lively flavours, with some complexity. Suggestive of olives and typical Rutherford dust. Affordable elegance. +939603, $18.95, rated: 86.

2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 (Napa; W.Hill): partner to the chard above, again at a great price for its dusty complexity. +939454, $19.45, rated: 88.

3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 (Margaret River; Fermoy): this month's Australian Cabernet selection -- ripe, rich, gutsy, and intense, with some berry and herb flavours. Still needs some time. +931378, $18.60, rated: 89.

4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 (McLaren Vale; Ch.Reynella): another compelling vintage from an old favourite (I still have a case of the '82 -- drinking well after 15 years!); olives and cassis, and a longish draw on the finish. +976399, $17.45, rated: 88.

5. Pommard 1993 Chaponnieres 1er cru (Dom. Launay): excellent all round, from its spicy nose through its long length. Needs time in a cellar, but still good value for the price. +979617, $48.75, rated: 90.

6. Brunello di Montalcino 1991 Castelgiocondo (Frescobaldi): still tight but with a long finish that opened out. Needs some airing time. Good value/price ratio. +333989, $29.85, rated: 86.

7. Capitel San Rocco 1991 (Veneto; Tedeschi): a ripasso wine with good intensity, better than a ripasso's usual image of being a poor person's bulk amarone! +984880, $14.90, rated: 89.

8. Spanna 1993 Novaresi (Piedmont; G.Bianchi): great nebbiolo flavours and development on the palate, and an equally great price! +984922, $12.90, rated: 88.

9. Syrah 1994 (Amador; Karly): good value in California syrah: tight tones, old leather tasting. +947234, $21.45, rated: 86.

10. Shiraz/Cabernet 1993 (South Australia; Penley Estate): ripe and rich, delicious with food. Almost ready, but can be aged. 13.5% alcohol. +947366, $26.65, rated: 86.

11. Shiraz Reserve 1995 (South Africa; Simonsvlei): an excellent wine at an excellent price. Very Rhonish, with that intense syrah character. Spicy, warm, should last for a long time...Thus, I'd recommend you buy as many cases as you can afford for your restaurant or club! +931394, $10.95, rated: 94.

12. Cotes du Rhone 1994 D'Andezon (D'Estezargues): from old vines and not filtered. Rich, good syrah hit, but with some papery component suggestive of grenache. Full body, great price. +732339, $19, rated: 87.

World Wine Watch Online, by Dean Tudor, May 1997

WHITE WINES

1. Chardonnay "Eschol" 1994 (Napa; Trefethen): a bargain label for Trefethen, but the wine is certainly yummy like the higher priced spread: lingering wood on the lips, great fruit length. A winner for restaurants. +938241, $15.50, rated: 89.

2. Pinot Blanc 1994 (Monterey; Chalone): great integration and balance of fruit, alcohol, acid and wood. Full taste, long finish. Strong coconut tones from the American oak. +938027, $29.95 (sorry about that !), rated: 90.

3. Meritage White 1994 (Knight's Valley, Sonoma; Beringer): a good bordeaux-type blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc in equal proportions: lots of melons and honey qualities, with oak and herbs. A veritable meal of flavours!+937698, $15.45,rated:90

4. Chardonnay "OVB" 1994 Shea Vineyard (Oregon; Willamette): a big wine with a decent long finish, ripe flavours with some mellowing out of the fruit as it ages.+943100, $29.95, rated: 89

5. Gewurztraminer 1996 Cono Sur (Chile; Vina Tocornal): off-dry, good acid balance, gewurztraminer hit. The value is in the price. +940759, $9.85, rated: 86.

6. Tokay (Pinot Gris) 1994 (Alsace; Kuentz-Bas): lots of flavour and depth throughout, from nose to finish. Rich, ripe and delicious for summer's fish. +984328, $19.90, rated: 87.

7. Chateau Singleyrac 1995 (Bergerac; Bernard & Rival): from "sur lie" -- a leafy, herabaceous well-made wine, at a low price for restaurants. +730317, $9.65, rated: 87.

8. Tokaji Furmint 1994 (Hungary; Ch. Megyer): something light and easy for summer, with a full body but also some rancio-nuttiness suggesting the oxidative technique. 1995 or 1996 might be fresher, but this one is certainly affordable. +954826, $7.95, rated: 86.

9. Chardonnay 1995 Logan (California; Talbott): a good value chard, with lemons, apples and oak. $23.60+GST, rated: 88 (from Capricorn-EPNA, fax - 360-3862)

10. Gewurztraminer 1993 (Alsace; Mittnacht-Klack): offdry, slight bitter finish, excellent fruit, and value. $15.75+GST, rated: 90 (from Capricorn-EPNA, fax - 360-3862)

11. Chardonnay 1996 (Australia; Fermoy): excellent length and balance, with rich fruit integration. $17-19+GST, rated: 87 (from Capricorn-EPNA, fax - 360-3862)

12. Chardonnay 1994 Reserve (New Zealand; Te Kairanga): excellent body and balance, longish finish, full throughout. +978916 in Classics Catalogue, $27, rated: 90.

13. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 (Marlborough; Cloudy Bay): lots of wild herbs and greenness, with a great finish.+304469,$19.70,rated:92

14. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 (Marlborough; Highfield Estate): grassy with perceived sweet at the same time. +949933, $18.95, rated:89

15. Chardonnay 1994 "White Label" (Hawkes Bay; Morton Estate): complex melons, and vanilla tones from slight aging. A big wine, my notes conclude with "dynamite!" +941658, $18.95, rated: 90

16. Chardonnay 1996 (Marlborough; Oyster Bay): almost as success- ful as the SB above. Ripe, oaky, fruity, full length and stylish -- certainly. Priced okay for restaurants. +326728, $15.90, rated: 88.

17. Chardonnay 1994 Reserve (Hawkes Bay; Ngatarawa): excellent body and heft. The dry finish was a bit oxidized but toasty. Good fruit balance. +946376, $29.50, rated: 88.

RED WINES

1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 (Alexander Valley; Ch. Souverain): long aged in barrel -- rich, concentrated tones of cassis, with an excellent finish. Ready now, for restaurants!! +941070, $17.80, rated: 90.

2. Zinfandel 1994 Old Vines (Sonoma; Rosenblum): excellent -- typical wine, long length, slightly heavy for summer. +940650, $19.95, rated: 90.

3. Devil's River 1994 (Victoria; Delatite): a meritage-like blend of cabernets (sauvignon & franc), merlot, and malbec, aged for a year. Excellent fruit and wood, but with a medium finish. Ready. +979633, $16.90, rated: 88.

4. Merlot Reserve 1990 (Bulgaria; Vini Sliven): sweet oak and chocolate shows through, needs BBQ!! +984518, $7.85, rated: 89.

OTHER ITEMS TASTED

1. Icewine 1995 Riesling x Traminer (Niagara; Konzelman): getting up there in price, but still well worth it for the totally unique taste of this vinifera crossing. Good bracing acidity, with a slight gewurztraminer quality taste hit in the finish. +443697, $61.95, rated: 91.

2. Semillon Late Harvest 1994 Reserve (Maipo, Chile; Vina Carmen): in a sauternes style. 20% was barrel fermented, and this comes through in the flavour. Aged in oak for eight months, and this comes through in the finish. A great wine to buy for much later, especially at the price! +967083, $6.65 for 375ml, rated: 86.

World Wine Watch Online, by Dean Tudor, June 1997

WHITE WINES

1. Malvasia Bianca 1996 "Ca' del Solo" (Monterey, Bonny Doon): full, ripe fragrant nose, with citric fruit and some gewurz quality through to the finish. 13.5%. +948737, $14.90, rated: 87.

2. Vidal 1994 (Niagara, Lakeview): lots of fruit, best as a sip- ping wine and not with food. Great price, too, for an oldie! +307199, $8.20, rated: 86.

3. Chardonnay 1994 Chalk Hill Vyd (Sonoma, Rodney Strong): good balance between fruit, acid and wood tones, finishing offdry. +275552, $18.75, rated: 87.

4. Fume Blanc 1994 (California, Montevina): at 13.5%, a powerful wine. An excellent product for a commercial price, displaying citric and fruit tones. +347583, $10.95, rated: 87.

5. Viognier 1995 (Napa, Fetzer): fruity with floral nose, good concentration of flavours, soft finish (but dry). Good value in price. +935486, $14.80, rated: 89.

6. Chardonnay 1994 (Clare Valley, Leasingham): excellent wood for the money, still needs a few years to tame it. 13.5%. +975193, $14.75, rated: 89.

7. Pinot Blanc 1994 (Austria, Radetzky Weinhandel): full body, with rich flavours and a slightly sour lemon finish. No wood. Excellent price. +961623, $9.60, rated: 87.

8. Gewurztraminer 1994 Bollenberg (Alsace, Ch. d'Orschwihr- Hartmann): great flavour and lovely concentration of gewurz characteristics. Off dry in the finish, intense body. Excellent. +935452, $19.75, rated: 91.

9. Chablis 1er cru 1994 Vaillons (Robin): lots of character and flavours, but with 10 months oak aging not your typical lean and mean chablis. Great price from an off year, good for restaurants. +978130, $23.90, rated: 88.

10. "Gentil" 1995 (Alsace, Hugel): a quaffing wine for the summer being based on all the major grapes of Alsace: sylvaner, gewurz, muscat, pinot gris, and riesling. Decent price, good for the restaurant trade. +367284, $12.95, rated: 87.

RED WINES

1. "Dynamite Cabernet" 1994 (Sonoma, Carmenet): an approachable wine despite its name. Soft and supple, as described in the LCBO release. Ready now for restaurants, but please don't mark it up too high!! 13% alcohol. +939710, $26.70, rated: 89.

2. Pinot Noir Reserve 1993 (Napa, Mondavi): as always, one of the leaders in California pinots. And unfiltered too! Excellent, and holding well for the future. +727610, $39, 90.

3. Zinfandel 1994 (El Dorado county, Boeger): sweet wood is show- ing here, after 19 months in US oak. BIG, over the top style. +948224, $17.40, rated: 87.

4. Shiraz/Cabernet 1994 (South Australia, Korndorf): good value for the price, ready soon. More cabernet flavours showing despite its minority position. +974386, $12, rated: 87.

5. Syrah 1992 (D'Oc, Thelin): coming hard on the heels of the South African syrah is this beauty -- lots of good violet and typical syrah character. Medium body, and ready now (it's almost five years old), but with unusually intense flavours. Buy as much as you can!! +983379, $10.70, rated: 92.

6. Grumello 1991 Valtellina (Lombardy, Triacca): need a quick, inexpensive nebbiolo (barolo) hit? Try this bottle, at almost six years in age. Good old character, at a decent price for restaurant trade. +939744, $12.70, rated: 88.

7. "Casaleiro" Garrafeira 1985 (Estremadura, Teodosio): a full- bodied wine, with lots of flavour, and sure to impress everybody with its youthfulness (despite its age of 12 years!!). Excellent price too. +945980, $14.75, rated: 89.

8. Nebbiolo d'Alba "Sito Moresco" 1992 (Piedmont, Gaja): goodness gracious, a Gaja red wine for under thirty bucks!! Lots of flavour in the blend, which includes barbera, and some length. Ready soon. +770982, $29.95, rated: 88. (Consignment, Sainsbury 485-3000)

9. Amarone Monte Olmi "Capitel" 1993 (Tedeschi): thick and lush, with tones of wood and gobs of flavour, well-worth waiting for. Consignment, $32.95est., rated: 90. Noble Estates 398-0031

10. Amarone Classico 1991 (L.Righetti): a shade less opulent than the Tedeschi above, but ten bucks cheaper and two years older. +784874, consignment, $21est., rated: 90. Small Winemakers 463-7178

OTHER ITEMS TASTED

1. Muscat "Vin de Glaciere" 1995 (Bonny Doon): a freezer white sweetie, well-priced. Based on different muscat varieties of canelli, orange, and bianca. Brix of juice was 37.5, ice wine levels (but not the depth nor complexity). Good value for this kind of dessert wine. +950469, $24.25 for 375ml., rated: 89.

2. Pomino Vin Santo 1990 (Frescobaldi): quite dry with no forti- fication. The 14.5% alcohol carries through the flavour, with some rancio tones. +945915, $14.85 for 375ml., rated: 85. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR SEPTEMBER 1997 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Paragon Vineyard Meritage 1994 (S.Luis Obiso Cty; Edna Valley): With sauvignon blanc (71%) and semillon (29%) both contributing delicious melon and honey tones, plus some wood flavours from the barrel aging. Juicy fruit, good value. +948281, $21.65, rated: 90 2. Chardonnay 1995 (Victoria, Australia; Plunkett): lots of fruit, and oak flavours (from barrel fermentation and oak aging), but low acid. Fruity aromas. +931626, $19.80, rated: 88. 3. Rawson's Retreat Semillon/Chardonnay 1996 (South Australia; Penfolds): good value wine, with lots of chardonnay flavour show- ing in a 70/30 blend. Many bangs for the restaurant buck here, showing that character DOES evolves with partial barrel fermenta- tion and aging on the lees. +419242, $9.95, rated: 89. 4. Gewurztraminer 1994 Reserve Speciale (W. Gisselbrecht): body a bit thin, but the price is right. +938134, $15.50, rated: 87. 5. Niersteiner Paterberg 1994 Riesling kabinett halbtrocken (J.Strub); somewhat petillant in my sample, but long long finish, with an off-dry bite. 10% alcohol (on the nose, with some peaches as well in the aroma). +949974, $14.95, rated: 90. 6. Niersteiner Pettenthal 1994 Riesling kabinett (Gunderloch): straight ahead good balance and peaches throughout. Good price too, for the trade. +948752, $12.25, rated: 86. 7. Erbacher Schlossberg 1989 Riesling kabinett (Reinhartshausen): value in an older wine that has turned golden: lots of different fruit on the nose, full palate, medium finish (a bit shortish in view of all the fruit) which probably accounts for its decent price. +971994, $15.85, rated: 90. 8. Moscato del Piemonte 1996 (Giordano): from a wider demarcation than the Moscato d'Asti, but cheaper. 5.5% alcohol, great on the patio and terrific with late summer fruits. Buy it now and drink it now. +953117, $10.25, rated: 86. 9. Pinot Griglio 1996 Bollini Trentino (Empson): PG as it should be in Italy -- peaches, floral, and some bitterness on the finish Price is superb! Good value. +951319, $11.40, rated: 88. 10. Verdelho 1996 (Australia; Black Creek): a bit reticent on the nose, but otherwise excellent fruit on the soft palate, with a tropical-herbaceous finish. +789933, $12.25 on consignment from Prevedello Int. 416-979-9153 (otherwise known as the "Prevedello Verdelho" -- good thing it's NOT a "Novello"! ), rated: 88. 11. Bora White Sparkling 1995 (Puglia; Lomazzi & Sarli): light, refreshing, and tasty in off-dry mode. Fresh and creamy inner mouth feel. From Frenz (416-781-7182) on consignment, $9.50, rated:88. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Meritage Red 1992 (Monterey; Jekel): excellent cuvee, albeit lighter than Jekel's normal Cabernet Sauvignon. But then, this wine is ready sooner (and that's good for restaurants). Price is decent. +945220, $19.90, rated: 90. 2. Merlot 1994 (North Coast CA; Dunnewood): sweet on the palate with excellent fruit, good length and fine development. Okay price too. +292987, $14.60, rated: 88. 3. Petite Sirah 1994 (Baja Mexico; Cetto): a newer vintage, with lots of jamminess. Dense, chunky, smokey tones, spices. Great cheap wine for winter. +930289, $8.50, rated: 89. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 (South Australia; Wolf Blass): good oak knitting in this fruity cab from a well-known producer who makes wine for the marketplace. +321927, $19.95, rated: 88. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 (Margaret River; Ch. Xanadu): dense, chunky wine with a long, long finish. Worth just about every penny, but DON'T mark it up too high!! +951343, $32.50, rated: 89 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 (Paarl; Villiera): ready now for the hospitality trade: juicy and ripe, good balance, and a clean finish. +931527, $12.80, rated: 90. 7. Merlot 1993 Marques de Casa (Chile; Concha y Toro): soft as velvet, with fruity flavours. +939827, $12.65, rated: 88. 8. Bourgogne 1994 Hautes Cotes de Nuits (A. Gros): bright cherry on the nose, long length, pale body, not complex, but extremely enjoyable for the price. +971424, $19.80, rated: 88. 9. "Piancarda" 1994 (Marches; Garofoli): from Montepulciano grape rich, ripe, fruity, with a tannic finish that might need some time (or pre-opening). +942722, $10.90, rated: 88. 10. "Ibernoble" Crianza 1992 (Ribera del Duero; Cava Asuncion): prunes, long length, some wood tones, with lots of depth to the structure. Excellent value. +948588, $17.60, rated: 91. 11. Pinot Noir 1995 (Australia; Black Creek): light, some tar showing; lots of juice and fruit, alive and young feel, long length to the finish. +791467, $12.55 on consignment from Prevedello Int. 416-979-9153, rated: 87. 12. Nottage Hill Merlot 1995 (Australia; Hardy's): a dynamite wine on the General List for $9.90 -- fresh, fruity nose, 13.5% alcohol, intense flavours, low in tannins (for the trade, that means its ready for drinking now), excellent length. Rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR OCTOBER 1997 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay Reserve 1995 Butler's Grant Vyd (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): lots of French character (the wine is aged in French oak for 10 months), with smoke and vanilla blended into elegance. +280818, $17.00, rated: 88. 2. Trollinger X Riesling 1995 (Niagara; Reif): also known as Kerner, this grape produces a soft fruity wine, ideal as an Indian summer sipper. +201236, $8.30, rated: 85. 3. Chardonnay "Le Clos" 1993 (Napa; Clos du Val): a knockout wine for its price and its age -- vanilla, apple flavours, good body with bottle age. Still lively. +297499, $14.35, rated: 89. 4. Chardonnay 1995 (California; Forest Glen): over the top ripe wine, full body. Barrel fermented. +953851, $19.70, rated: 86. 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1995 (Napa; Beringer): light, little acid but with an alcohol kick (13.2%) in the finish. Decent sipper. +394353, $15.95, rated: 87. 6. Semillon 1994 (Sonoma; Cline): barrel fermentation produces an excellent wine in this case, developing nicely with a whiff of wood and honey tones.+959817, $13.30, rated: 87. 7. Sauvignon Blanc 1996 (Curico Chile; Canepa): grassy, green,but with an off-dry middle palate.+183087, $10.00, rated: 88. 8. Tokay Pinot Gris 1995 Reserve (Alsace; Caves de Bennwihr): excellent body and flavour, and well-priced. Suitable for a house wine. +937623, $14.60, rated: 87. 9. Chardonnay 1996 "Gran Vina Sol" (Penedes; Torres): a well-put wine, with plenty of apples and citrus tones for those who don't like or want oak. Longish, crisp finish. +64774, $11.75, rated: 87 10. Gewurztraminer 1995 (Niagara; Jackson Triggs): typical muscat nose, good acid balance, mouthfilling but a soft finish. Some alcohol helps the definition. General +436428, $8.95, rated: 87. 11. Ch.Gaudrelle 1995 "Sec Tendre" (Vouvray): dry chenin blanc flavours, good quality, lots of citrus/lemons, goes down quite smoothly. Private from Hobbs & Co, 905-844-5671, $17, rated: 87 RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Merlot 1996 (California; Forestville): sweet finish and ripe, great value for mouthfilling wine. +953190, $12.30, rated: 88. 2. Pinot Noir 1995 Classic (Willamette Valley; Flynn): flll flav- ours develop into terrific quality. +949925, $20.95, rated: 87. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 Kronendal (South Africa; Natural Corp): herbaceous and slightly off-dry, 13% alcohol. +931220, $11.20, rated: 86. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 Reserve (Maipo, Chile; Carmen): great price for this quality and ripeness from Chile. It's ready, and suitable as a house wine.+358309, $13.20, rated: 90. 5. Ch. Canon-Moueix 1985 (Canon Fronsac): great old and mature flavour tones, at a tremendous price. Ready now and for the next year: a good acquisition for your wine list, especially if you do a lower markup. (sell it at $49) +958819, $28.85, rated: 88. 6. Ch. de Jau 1994 (Cotes de Roussillon-Villages): full and ripe with a syrah hit. +955070, $12.30, rated: 86. 7. Merlot 1996 Domaine de L'Isthme (D'Oc; Coop Foncalieu): a long finish makes this a good wine, and the price makes it an excellent wine for the berry qualities. +984450, $9.50, rated: 88. 8. Costieres de Nimes 1995 Mas des Brassades (Rhone): lots of good flavours at a great price, with a terrific syrah hit. It's heavy, and with a tannic pucker (lay it down) +942847, $11.95, rated: 88 9. Airone 1994 (Piedmont; M. Chiarlo): an elegant Italianate wine as a blend of nebbiolo and barbera. Excellent value for the price. +726091, $15.90, rated: 86. 10. Chianti Classico 1990 (Fat. di Tregole): medium body, but a dried fruit finish. Well-aged. +913145, $16.80, rated: 87. 11. Cornas Les Eygats 1995 (Rhone; M & D Courbis): terrific syrah value: depth, intensity, length, at a ridiculous price. $21.45 via consignment, MCO Marketing 4126-233-0590. Rated: 90. Courbis also makes a value-driven Syrah 1996 as a VDP L'Ardeche, +809194 Consignment, $10.65 only, rated: 89. 12. Amarone Classico 1991 (Veneto; L.Righetti): a nice powerhouse at 15% alcohol. Some olives showing on the nose, long tarry length +784874 Consignment from Small Winemakers 416-463-7178, $18.73 + GST, rated: 90. 13. Velletri 1993 Riserva (Castelli Romani: Co.Pro.Vi): good body and fruit intensity, some vanilla on the nose. Excellent value for a General List wine, +175141, $10.60, rated: 87. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR JULY 1997 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1995 Beamsville Bench (Niagara; Willow Heights): good wood on palate, and price is fine, but a bit thin in the mouth. +383729, $15, rated: 86. 2. Chardonnay 1994 Monterey County (Estancia): full, richness predominates, smooth but crisp flavours. Always balanced and always great value, in a commercial sense (a safe wine). +938688, $16.60, rated: 89. 3. Chardonay 1995 Unfiltered Carneros (Saintsbury): another great wine from this area, with exceptional chardonnay fruit and flavours. The half-bottle comes at a great price for hospitality trade. +988667, $21.60, rated: 90. Half-bottles at $11.30. 4. Terra Chardonnay 1994 (Carneros; Inniskillin Napa): buttery nose, classic rich full style with long length and thick finish. Keep your money in Canada with this one. +249995,$21.80, rated:90 5. Chardonnay 1995 Hastings River (New South Wales; Cassegrain): good length to the finish: elegant and balanced, well-developed and ready now. Good value. +982017, $15.90, rated: 89. 6. Chardonnay 1995 Family Reserve (South Australia; Yalumba): from Barossa and Clare growers, another good value Oz wine with just enough wood to appeal. Lots of crispness and balance. +383117, $14.95, rated: 87. 7. Chardonnay 1996 Langeburg (South Africa; Ashton Koop): lemony and developing well for summer, just a kiss of wood from barrel- fermentation. Excellent price. +954321, $10.35, rated: 87. 8. Semillon 1996 Castillo de Molina (Chile; San Pedro): in case you thought this was turning out to be a Chardonnay newsletter, here's a cheap and cheerful wine guaranteed to please. Grassy elements make this more like a Sauvignon blanc, but the length is there to make it even more remarkable for the price. When did you last have an inexpensive wine that lingered in the length? +953349, $8.95, rated: 88. 9. Tokay (Pinot Gris) 1994 Beblenheim (Deiss): dense, chunky, lots of flavour and character, and a powerful length. Showing very well. +936807, $20.95, rated: 88. 10. Riesling 1995 Chevaliers de Malte (Alsace; Blanck): despite a high acid finish, the wine has good value for its price. +934059, $13.85, rated: 89. 11. Riesling Kabinett Graacher Himmelreich 1995 (F.Wilhem Gym.): peaches and apricots all over the place here in this Mosel wine, which at 8% and medium-sweetness, is excellent for the aperitif this season. +913020, $13.50, rated: 86. 12. Vernaccia di San Gimignano 1994 Riserva (Tuscany; Agri. del Geografico): a refreshing wine with excellent melon tones and a gorgeous mouth feel contributed by the barrel fermentation and four months "sur lies". +950329, $13.25, rated: 86. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 Alexander's Crown (Sonoma; Rodney Strong): excellent wood integration with the cassis nose and flavours. +329961, $24.95, rated: 90. 2. Zinfandel 1994 Rossi Ranch Unfined (Sonoma; Topolos): a strong and gutsy wine but without the alcoholic burn in the aftertaste. One of the few organic wines I've actually enjoyed. Rich, full flavours. +941252, $23.80, rated: 91. 3. Shiraz 1994 Mudgee (New South Wales; Miramar): excellent syrah character, with that intense finish (a bit too tart here: needs some more time). Patience will reward, beyond the deep and inky colour. +974121, $16.90, rated: 93. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1989 Swartland (South Africa; Allesverloren): a delicious older wine, with long length and development. Drink soon, keep it around restaurants. Excellent price for this kind of quality. +931311, $ 17.25, rated: 91. 5. Merlot Clos Centenaire 1996 (Chile; Salve): thick and juicy, very good with any kind of food rather than on its own. Excellent value. +943092, $10.35, rated: 89. 6. Tenute Sant' Alfonso 1993 Chianti Classico (Rocca delle Macie): broad flavours on the palate, long length, excellent food wine. And good price/quality ratio. +942094, $14.95, rated: 90. 7. Bairrada 1991 (Santo Lopes): lovely aging thus far, with a terrific length and structure. Buy it now, serve it next year. Affordable. +978338, $12.90, rated: 92. 8. Garrafeira RA 1987 Palmela (Fonseca): with a dried fruit and pruney nose, this is like a Chateauneuf de Pape, only at a third the price! Good old character that resolves itself in the finish. +357939, $13.50, rated: 93. OTHER ITEMS TASTED ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Riesling Late Harvest 1993 (Wente): back again, buy it all up quickly this time -- it won't last long at this price! +722280, $10.20 half-bottle, rated: 93. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR AUGUST 1997 (August 9/97 Vintages Release) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1995 No Oak VQA (Niagara; Marynissen): sharp market- ing here by prominently displaying "no oak" on the label. Crisp and fruity, good for sipping. Great depth to the finish, and a terrific price. +452946, $10.85, rated: 88. 2. Chardonnay "Bollini" 1995 Trentino (Neil Empson): almost as good a value as the Marynissen (despite 40% barrel fermentation, there are few wood tones). Mellow throughout, from aromas to finish. Excellent price/value ratio. +987503, $11.45, rated: 87. 3. Chardonnay 1994 Monterey County (Morgan): another winner from this specialist winery, producing top quality varietals at a low price: rich, ripe, full, long finish. Our sample was slightly oxidized, which nicely increased the caramel-buttery flavours. +988774, $23.70, rated: 89. 4. Chardonnay Selection 1995 Rapel Valley (Chile; Casa Lapostolle): creamy wood tones augment the extract -- full body and some over- blown wood on the finish. Well-priced for the concentration of flavours. +396986, $12.75, rated: 88. 5. Chardonnay 1996 "Casillero del Diablo" (Chile; Concha y Toro): the chardonnay hit parade continues, this time from the Casablanca Valley. Barrel fermentation gives it a bit of everything, giving fine balance to a young wine. Great value for under ten bucks... +270355, $9.80, rated: 90. 6. Fume Blanc 1995 Dry Creek (Pedroncelli): not much "fume" here (as in the original Mondavi style). Fruity, not smokey. Citrusy finish, great price. +322511, $11.50, rated: 88. 7. Semillon/Sauvignon 1996 Margaret River (Cape Mentelle): great herbaceousness, with some vegetables showing. Long tang on the finish, and well-priced for this sauvignon alternative in the Cape Mentelle line. +950642, $18.65, rated: 87. 8. Domaine des Cassagnoles 1996 (Gascogne; J & G Baumann): fresh grassy wine, with New Zealand sauvignon blanc intensity. Except the grape here is colombard. And the price is unbelievably low.. Buy as much as you can, but drink it now.+931212,$7.65, rated: 90 9. Riesling Federspiel 1995 (Austria; Erzg. Abf. Freie Weingart- ner Wachau): an interesting bone dry riesling in the Alsatian style, almost as concentrated, but with more character and less finishing acid than most Austrian riesling. +961532, $16.75, rated: 88. 10. Valwiger Herrenberg 1988 Riesling Kabinett (Dr. Zenzen): good value in a 7.5% alcohol, off-sweet, nine-year old riesling Mosel wine!! Honeyed tones, lasting acid but a shortish finish. However, excellent price. Snap it up...+945592, $10.95, rated: 87. 11. Viognier 1996 (D'Oc, France; Caves St.Pierre): a very fruity wine from a trendy grape, with a pleasant tang in the finish. Great price too...+948059, $11.30, rated: 87. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Altaire 1993 (North Coast California; Simi): good affordable wine, with no pretensions. It is now well-aged and drinking okay. Pinot noir, pinot meunier, and cabernet franc are in the blend. Goes with virtually everything. +938522, $12.25, rated: 88. 2. Pinot Noir 1994 Willamette Valley (Amity): good balance of flavours and spices, aging nicely. Give it some time for a great pinot hit in the future. +965756, $21.95, rated: 89. 3. Bourgogne 1993 Hautes Cotes de Nuits (M.Gros): great flavours on the back palate, lots of cherry notes, affordable quality. +979302, $22.65, rated: 88. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 (Sonoma; Clos du Bois): excellent fruit and development all round, with balance showing early. Still chunky but not clumsy. 14% Cabernet franc added, 13.6% alcohol. +181685, $20.65, rated: 90. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 Medalla Real (Maipo; Santa Rita): dense, chunky flavours, over-the-top concentration for those who have trouble tasting their wines. +275594, $14.60, rated: 88. 6. St. Nicolas de Bourgueil 1995 (Monmousseau): lots of herbs and fruit in the nose, raspberries on the palate. Excellent price. Drinking well now. Get some...+939355, $13.30, rated: 89. 7. Merlot 1996 (D'Oc; Georges Duboeuf): yeah, this one presells -- -- trendy grape, trendy region, well-known name, price well-under ten dollars. Good merlot intensity. Buy it and serve it in your establishment. +940817, $8.70, rated: 89. 8. Cotes du Rhone 1995 Parallele 45 (Jaboulet): a stylish south Rhone wine from a good producer, with more syrah intensity than one usually finds. Great value. +933440, $12.70, rated: 89. 9. Gigondas 1992 (Guigal): well-known producer makes a 13.5% alcohol wine with good fruit set and a long, long finish. +931584, $21.40, rated: 88. 10. Grosso Agontano 1993 (Marche,Italy; Garofoli): from the dense montepulciano grape. Dark colour and flavours, tar, prunes, jam, loaded with extracts. Needs food. +724955, $19.90, rated: 90. 11. Quinta da Alorna 1987 (Portugal): where do they find these older wines at this price level? Mostly periquita, with no wood storage. Bouquet from dried grape flavours. Some prunes. Broad palate, mouthfilling. +938712, $14.95, rated: 87. WORLD WINE WATCH FOR NOVEMBER 1997 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHITE WINES ^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chardonnay 1995 Eastman Vineyard (Niagara; Stoney Ridge): excellent wood and fruit components, with a long length next to New World style. +287326, $16, rated: 92. 2. Sauvignon Blanc 1995 (Lake County; Buena Vista): grassy body, some acid in the finish, decent price for restaurants. Ready now. +940783, $13.50, rated: 86. 3. Chardonnay "Starmont" 1995 (Napa; Merryvale): great chardonnay flavours, full with a well-rounded finish. Compelling fruit of apples, citrus, ripeness. +976001, $29.75, rated: 88. 4. Semillon/Chardonnay 1994 (Washington; Columbia): 75% semillon and 25% chardonnay produces a lot of melons, with some wood tones of vanilla and pie spices. Ripe. +946129, $13.50, rated: 86. 5. Veritas Trockenbeerenauslese 1995 (Burgenland, Austria; WKB): good acid and crisp finish, very intense concentration at an exceptional price. +963264, $19.80, rated: 89. 6. Gewurztraminer 1995 (Alsace; Willm): excellent typical gewurzt. character, long finish, and capable of more aging. Excellent for by-the-glass in bars. +58222, $17.30, rated: 90. 7. Gewurztraminer 1994 Mambourg Grand Cru (Sparr): excellent depth and fruit, a long spicy finish, lots of body to roll around on the palate. Consignment from du Chasse (469-3495), $28.35, rated: 89. 8. Riesling Herrenweg 1995 (Alsace; Zind-Humbrecht): I almost always recommend ZH wines, and this one is no exception: there is terrific body and a broad sweetness (but no sugar) on the mid- palate, finishing with a long dryness.+958413, $32.60, rated: 88. 9. Meursault 1995 (Burgundy; Chartron & Trebuchet): another easy recommendation for this purveyer of mid-Atlantic styled wines -- full body, some rancio on the unctuousness flavours, worthy of selling at fifty bucks (please!) +350827, $35.60, rated: 90. 10. Village Selections (Deidesheim, Bernkastel, Rudesheim) 1995 (Germany; Deinhard): a new line of sharply defined off-dry whites with village characteristics, at a decent price of $12.15 each. Private order from Authentic Wine and Spirits 905-702-0529. RED WINES ^^^^^^^^^ 1. Pinot Noir 1993 (California; Pepperwood Grove): excellent French style, with a smooth and mellow finish. Ready now for your diners, at a great price. +945956, $15.70, rated: 90. 2. Zinfandel 1995 (California; Cline): fresh and fruity with a smooth finish. Lush fruit. +942573, $15.70, rated: 87. 3. Zinfandel Reserve 1991 (Amador County; Sutter Home): a step up with more complex flavours, and a better length. A big wine from 100 year old vines. +361113, $17.90, rated: 88. 4. Merlot 1994 (Washington, Columbia Vly; Columbia Crest): some tartness in the tannins, but still plummy elegance in a well- crafted wine. Try in two years. +263418, $14.90, rated: 86. 5. Old Vine Red 1993 (Barossa; Penfolds): an exciting wine made from shiraz, grenache and mourvedre. Excellent depth of fruit and plums in a Rhone style. +987644, $25.90, rated: 91. 6. Cabernet/Merlot 1995 Trinder's Vineyard (West. Australia; Cape Mentelle): classic Bordeaux style, tight quality, true fruit and development, long palate. +452508, $19.95, rated: 87. 7. Shiraz "Filsell" 1994 (Barossa; Grant Burge): an over-the-top woody wine, balanced by some sweet fruit.+987453,$19.95,rated:87 8. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (Chile; Lapostolle): riding on the name of Grand Marnier, this is an excellent deep, fruity wine with lots of length. Ready now. +398800, $11.65, rated: 88. 9. Cote-de-Nuits Villages 1994 (Rion): a good value wine, a bit delicate (more like a Beaune), but excellent value for the restaurant trade. +939694, $22.70, rated: 90. 10.Chateau de Nages 1996 (Costieres de Nimes): with a hefty syrah component, this wine will need time. Ample warmth, some soft tannins. +427617, $10, rated: 87. 11. Chianti Classico Riserva 1990 Gold Label (Ruffino): a rich wine made richer with six months French barrel aging, soft finish and ready now for the trade. +353201, $28.25, rated: 93. 12. Quinta de Abrigada 1995 (Portugal): from periquita grapes, plus oak aging -- good value in its depth and length, at an affordable price. +948083, $13.25, rated: 90. 13. Pesquera Tinto 1993 Crianza (Ribera del Duero; Fernandez): super ripe flavours and concentration of attributes. Catalogue says 1994, but it's 1993 on the shelves. +341461,$22.75,rated:88. AND -- probably one of the better bargains at the LCBO is Taylor Port: the 10-Year Old (+121749) is spectacular, at $27.90, but for $44.85 you can get the dynamite 20-Year Old (+149047). This has all the length you'd ever need. World Wine Watch's Greatest Hits from August 1995 - December 1996 WHITE WINES 1. Gewurztraminer 1993, Bethel Heights, Oregon: fruity, with some depth and tang reminiscent of Alsatian gewurzt. 13% alcohol, CSPC #852418 from duChasse consignment at $12.80. Rated: 86 2. Chardonnay 1994 Woodburne Cuvee, Columbia Winery, Washington: lotsa oak in this one, well-rounded body and longish length. From Featherstone on consignment for about $16. Rated: 88 3. Chardonnay 1994 OVB, Willamette Valley Vyds, Oregon: lots of fruit and wood here, finishing off elegant. Consignment from Allegro, at $38. Rated: 86 4. Sauvignon Blanc 1994 "Coastal", R.Mondavi: a mid-point wine, at the high end of "fighting varietals" (under $10US), better than Woodbridge line but not as challenging as the Fume Blanc. You get what you pay for:$13.90,#405753,rated:83 5. Semillon/Chardonnay 1995 "Cawarra", Henry Lindeman: no, it is not Coonawarra, but then neither is its price: $15.95 for a magnum (surely the first magnums in Ontario from Australia). Fresh and fruity, longish length. A winner. Rated: 83 6. Chardonnay 1993, Quail's Gate, BC: toasty nose, toasty flavours, fruits of apple and honey (some botrytis?), succulent body and longish length. Good value. #373530 at Vintages, $15.45, rated: 89 7. Chardonnay Reserve 1993 Napa, R.Mondavi: medium weight, with persistent new oak on the finish. But pricey. #727602 at Vintages, $39.30, rated: 88 RED WINES: 1. Ch. La Dauphine 1993, Fronsac (Moueix): fresh and fruity, still developing its character, medium finish. #714725, $18.95, rated: 82 2. Ch. Magdelaine 1993, St.Emilion 1er GCC (Moueix): new wood on the nose, excellent palate, smoothness, long length and silky finish.#714790,$49,rated:86 3. Ch.Bonnet Reserve 1993, Bordeaux (A.Lurton): from the General List, some raisins on the nose, soft vanilla wood finish in a California style. #099044, $ 13.90, rated: 86 4. Syrah 1994 D'Oc (Mediteo): tannic syrah, but enjoyable, light enough for consumption now. #397158 consignment from Academy, $8.45, rated: 84 5. Velletri Riserva 1991 Lazio (CPV di Velletri): #175141 on the General List for $10.30, a veritable bargain for its Italianate and raisiny-pruneyness. Rated: 84 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 Sonoma (Seghesio): minty, deep delicious, and a good price at $13.95. #824797 on consignment with Pacific Wines, rated: 86 7. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 Sonoma (Kenwood): tasty, somewhat light but approachable now, good restaurants. High value at $24.25, on consignment from Rogers, rated: 88 8. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 La Crosse Napa (Beaucanon): minty, with depth, some tannins to keep it going for awhile, but also lots of fruit. $19.85 on consignment from Focus, rated: 88 9. Merlot 1994 Nottage Hill (Hardy): juicy and fruity, long length, wood and age tones showing well. Excellent value, #371260 on the General List, $9.25, rated: 90 10. Shiraz 1991 Mount Ida Victoria (Tisdall): firm shiraz, deep flavours, new wood tones,full finish. $20 approx.,on consignment from Carriage Trade,rated:89 11. Pinot Noir 1994 "Vieilles Vignes" (Rodet): excellent value Burgundy from older vines. Taste and tang are there. Note the use of the grape varietal instead of the region. #369025 on General List, $15.45, rated: 87 12. Pinot Noir Reserve 1992 Oregon (Oak Knoll): a big massive wine with broad wood flavours and long length. #860221 on consignment from du Chasse, $29.30, rated: 87 13. Pinot Noir Reserve 1992 Oregon (Yamhill Valley): another big, showy, and fleshy wine. du Chasse consignment, about $28, rated: 87 14. Pinot Noir 1993 OVB (Willamette Vally Vyd): well-restrained but good balance between wood and fruit. Allegro consignment, about $38, rated: 86 15. Zinfandel 1991 Paso Robles (Castoro): bright and berryish flavours, with a delicious finish. 14.3% alcohol. #715193 at Vintages, $ 13.40, rated: 88 16. "Infernet" 1993 Coteaux Varois (Rouviere): excellent Rhonish combination of grenache, syrah and cabernet sauvignon, with each varietal shining through at various times in tasting. Juicy and extractive, sweet and ripe on the palate #724237, $ 13.60, rated: 90 WHITE WINES 1. Riesling Reserve 1994, Niagara (Inniskillin, CSPC 253278): made in the searing Alsatian mode, but without all the depth. Floral nose and some assertiveness. $11.30, rated: 84. 2. Gentil 1994, Alsace (Hugel, CSPC 722181): a zwicker wine (sylvaner, muscat, gewurztraminer, pinot gris, riesling) with longish length and full body. $13.90, rated: 87. 3. Chateau LeRait 1994, Bordeaux (CSPC 726521): an organic wine, with a good finish at a good price. $11.55, rated: 87. 4. Chassagne-Montrachet 1993 "Les Morgeots 1er Cru" (Chartron & Trebuchet, CSPC 727487): a real winner, with lots of buttery aftertaste and some oak. $44.55, rated: 88. RED WINE 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993, California (Bel Arbor, CSPC 728139): fresh fruit with an off-dry finish, some oak. Good value, better than the D'Oc wines, for quaffing now. $9.65, rated: 88. 2. Zinfandel 1993 Pagani Ranch, Sonoma (Ridge, CSPC 723353): upfront berry nose, with some meatiness and guts. Off-dry character. $29.95, rated: 90. 3. Chianti Classico Riserva 1991 Tenuta Marchese Antinori (CSPC 723585): good taste all round, with a cabernet hit and an oaky finish. $21.90, rated: 89. 4. Masso Isolato 1993 Marche (Giogar Vini, CSPC 724724): some plummy-raisin quality, excellent price. $8.95, rated: 88. 5. Chateau La Lagune 1993 (CSPC 723742): tight still, of course, but with a lovely long finish. $31.90, rated: 90. 6. Chateau Mazeyres 1993 Pomerol (CSPC 723874): good knitting, ready soon, and hence worthy of purchase at this time and level. $25.70, rated: 88. 7.Chateau Mazeris 1993 Canon-Fronsac (CSPC 714790): don't confuse this with the Mazeyres above! A good price for this 90% merlot wine, ready sooner than you'd think. $18.95, rated: 89. 8. Chateau Pontet-Canet 1993 Pauillac (CSPC 723684): black ink, very extractive wine. Broad sweet cabernet flavours. Best Buy price: $29.70, rated: 93. 9. Chateau Vieux Clos St.Emilion 1990 (CSPC 723833): brilliant, with off-dry flavours. $27.65, rated: 86. 10. Chateau Destieux 1990 St.Emilion Grand Cru: berries in the nose, high in alcohol, mounds of flavours and some depth. Rated: 89 (Lorac, 783-2516) 11. Chateau Destieux 1989: lots of depth to the nose, heft to the mid-palate, and some flavours nicely drying out on the length. Rated: 89 (Lorac, 783-2516) WHITE WINE 1. Chardonnay 1993 Dry Creek Valley (Pedroncelli): weighs in at 13.5% alcohol, but it has good balance. The fruit, slight wood, and acid are well-integrated for the price of $11.95. Rated: 85 2. Chardonnay 1994 Long Paddock (Redbank, Australia): another heavy at 13.5%, and only a dollar more at $12.95. Stylish, with a bit of everything, even if somewhat flabby in the middle palate. Wood tones and tropical fruits predominate. It could be drunk now through the summer. Rated: 94 3. Chardonnay 1994 Windy Peak, Victoria (De Bertoli): very intense flavours, with a longish length. $14.60, rated: 88 4. Riesling 1994 Stoneleigh Vineyard, Marlborough (Corban's, NZ): comes through with a great acid-sweet fruit balance at an exceptional $10.95. Rated: 88 5. Tokay Pinot Gris 1993 Clos Schwendi (A.Blanck, Alsace): has excellent length and finish at a trendy price of $16.65. Rated: 86 6. Chablis 1er cru 1992 Montmain (Dom. de la Tour): broad flavours, some oak (not really butterscotch as Vintages' notes states), and some tropicality. Not a typical Chablis: it even has a New World style label. But why bother trying to get the New World audience? Priced reasonably at $24.70. Rated: 88 7. Montagny 1er 1992 La Grande Roche (Latour): excellent quality, with a medium finish at this price of $18.40. Rated: 86 8. Piesport 1989 QPA Mosel (Deinhard): great length and delivery, with some petrol and lemons on the finish. A remarkable year; a remarkable price at $11.80. Rated: 90 RED WINE 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 Napa (Caymus): a brilliant piece of work, with great gobs of fruit that smacks you in the nose. Well-integrated flavours on the palate. Ready soon: $33.90, rated - 92 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1990 Bates Ranch (Sta. Cruz Mountains): almost a Bordeaux-like age on the nose, although this cannot be attributed to the 7% Merlot content. Excellent value for the money, very European and stylish. $24.55, rated: 90 3. Zinfandel 1993 Contra Costa (Rosenblum): thickish body, in typical good Zindandel style. Some heft to the middle palate, with an integrated finish that makes you want more (good price too) $19.40, rated: 87 4. Petite Sirah 1991 Valle de Guadalupe (L.A. Cetto, Mexico): very berryish, tough and tannic, mouth-filling. It can stand more time in your cellar, but it will be out the Vintages door at this price: $7.95, rated: 90 5. Cabernet/Merlot Buxton 1992 McLaren Vale (Hillstowe, South Australia): soft, fruity, well-aged, with cabernet being 80% of the blend. Priced to go at $14.95, rated: 89 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 Medalla Real Maipo (Santa Rita, Chile): a great "California" type cabernet hit, with a medium length. Lots of juiciness in the body, but it lacks acid for staying power. Ready now (after all, it is four years after the vintage). $12.95, rated: 88 7. Merlot Reserve 1989 Sliven Region: from Bulgaria, with soft merlot tones and good wood on the finish. Great value at $ 7.90. Rated: 87 8. Chateau du Ruth 1994 Cote du Rhone: excellent quality and flavours at this price of $12.30. Rated: 88 9. Barbera dei Piemonte 1990 (Vallana): robust is hardly the word -- this ia a fine example of a well-aged barbera. Usually this varietal falls to pieces within a few years of the harvest. Not this one. An excellent food wine, and you should load up on it at ten bucks. Rated: 90 10. Chianti Classico Riserva 1990 (Castellare di Castellina): sweet broad palate with a slightly bitter finish. $18.85, rated: 86 11. Primitivo di Manduria 1991 (Savese): a portly wine, at 16% alcohol. Deep, murky, slightly sweet and heavy on the mid-palate. But a crowd pleaser. Keep it for the BBQ next summer, and let your guests hang out to dry on the hottest day with a very heavy red. Just kidding. $15.30, rated: 90 12. Dao Reserva 1988 (Sogrape): lots of flavour and depth to the finish, despite the meagre 12.5% alcohol. A solid, chunky wine. $14, rated: 87 13. Amarone Ca de Loi 1986 (Boscaini): good depth and pruney flavours to this old style wine. $18.75, rated: 88 (from Pacific Wine, 622-8000) 14. Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore 1985 and 1988 (Enotria, Calabria): full of rich Italianate flavours, mouth-grabbing with the need for food to accompany them. About $10, rated: 86 (R & R Import, 905-468-7044) WHITE WINES: 1. Terra 1993 Chardonnay Carneros Inniskillin, #724161, slated for July release, 13.4% alcohol: firm oak and lemon flavours, slightly long in the draw, and also a tad high in price for its value. $19.95, rated: 89 2. Chardonnay 1994 Niagara Beamsville Bench Cave Spring, #228551, with good lemony character and long length. $11.95, rated: 86. 3. Sauvignon Blanc 1991 "Innisfree" Napa Phelps, #716837, with long, dry crisp flavours that are remarkably fresh. Reminded me of what old white bordeaux used to be like. Great price -- $11.95, rated: 85 4. Gewurztraminer 1993 Select Harvest Long Island Palmer, #722355, begins with that gewurztraminer hit, but has a shorter length than the Alsatian model, and 11% alcohol. But fairly priced at $10.75 a half-bottle,rated: 86 5. Chardonnay 1992 Victoria Tahbilk, #713461, has excellent balance in its three years of aging. It could still use another six months or so, but otherwise it has harmonious tropical fruits, wood, citrus, and length. $14, rated: 90. 6. Sauvignon Blanc 1993 South Africa Bellingham, #718619, has excellent length, dryness, and is light in body. Perfect for summer at $9.65,rated:86 RED WINES: 1. Cabernet/Merlot 1993 Niagara Beamsville Bench Cave Spring, #316943, is certainly juicy and ready soon, with strong oak tones. But $17.95? A tough ticket, rated: 86. 2. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 1991 Cantina Tollo, #195826, is another rough and ready Italian wine priced to sell ($7.65). This one has a bit of an older nose, with currants and tar, and some good body. Rated: 86. 3. Zinfandel Reserve 1991 Calaveras Stevenot, #715201, 15.5% alcohol, will certainly floor your guests if you serve it this summer at the BBQ. Ripe, full flavours, hot body, with a sizzle on the tongue from the alcohol. Amarone anyone? 1991 was a great year, and it you like 'em hot and heavy, then buy as much of this as you can afford, which should be about six or seven cases, given the ridiculous price of $14.90!! Rated: 91. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 Clare Leasingham, #718585, a triple gold winner with oak on the nose and an overpowering flavour of fruit that cascades over your palate, cresting and then ending soft on the finish. $19.90, rated: 86 5. Brusco dei Barbi 1992 Tuscany,# 711341, is dynamite for $11.85.Rated:90 WHITE WINES: 1. Chardonnay 1993 (Lenko Vineyard), Stoney Ridge, Niagara: great, round flavours with lots of wood and fruit. Depth and a long finish. Terrific value, for $14.95. Rated: 89 2. Chardonnay 1993 (Margaret River, W Australia), Cape Mentelle: full, rich harmonious flavours, maybe not a keeper. Slightly sweet in midpalate. $21.75, rated: 85 (fairly priced but not as good a value as Stoney Ridge). 3. Ruppertsberger 1990 Riesling Kabinett, Burklin-Wolf: petrol nose, drying out quite nicely, and losing fruit over time. $14.50 is a good price. Rated: 86 currently. Drink soon. RED WINES: 4. Zinfandel 1993 (Sonoma County), Clos du Bois: hot, peppery, 14.5% alcohol, good body for those cold nights ahead. $17.90, rated: 86. 5. Pinot Noir 1993 (O'Connor Vineyard), St.Innocent, Willamette: 13.9% gives this a hot taste, but there is good wood on the finish. $24.90, rated: 86. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 Bin 407, S Australia, Penfold's: good broad flavours at an exceptional price; densely packed and requires time to open up. $19.95, rated: 90. 7. Ch. Marquis de Terme 1990, Margaux 4ieme Cru: excellent all round, full of life, maturing early. Good price. $34.95, rated: 90. 8. "Terrale" 1993, Calatrasi, Sicily: definitely Italianate, a useful blend at an everyday quaffer price. It has some Barbera, which freshens it up. Approachability is the key...$7.45, rated: 86. 9. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991, Napa Valley, Caymus: lovely integration of wood and fruit, with longish lengths. Should store well. $29.95, rated: 90. 10. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991, Sonoma County, Ferrari-Carano: focussed on voluptuous ripeness, with a medium fruity body. Not really a keeper, but should drink well over the next two years. $22.60, rated: 88. 11. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991, (Carmel Valley) Monterey County, Morgan: a very tight wine, with chewy cherries. One of the best Monterey reds in some time, although Jekel is pretty good at a cheaper price. $21.60, rated: 90. 12. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991, Napa Valley, Franciscan Oakville Estate: smooth and mellow, with some oak, perhaps a little commerical with soft acidity, maybe from the added 12% Cabernet franc? $19.85, rated: 88. 13. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991, Santa Cruz Mt. Vyds: good tasting wine, with classic features. $22.90, rated: 88. 14. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991, (Charles Wetmore), Wente, Livermore: hard nose and tannic features, well-developed and aged already in a French style. A very good price: $15.45, rated: 89. SWEETIES: Try the Taylor's 10 Year Tawny ($24.90) and J. Lohr's Riesling Late Harvest 1993 ($13.65 the half). WHITE WINES 1. Tokay Pinot Gris "Prestige" Tete de Cuvee 1992, Alsace, P.Sparr: extremely fruity but dry, with an exceptionally long finish. $30.45, rated: 89 (du Chasse, 469-3495) 2. Gewurztraminer "Maumbourg" Grand Cru 1993, Alsace, P.Sparr: a high class wine at (unfortunately) a high price. One of the best Gewurz I've had all year, full of intensity at all levels. $32.30, rated: 92. 3. Riesling "Altenbourg" 1990, Alsace, P.Sparr: rich and ripe, but without the depth expected. Disappointing for the price, $34.10, rated: 86. 4. Gewurztraminer Carte d'Or 1993, Alsace, P.Sparr: excellent bitterness at a fantastic price, (Vintages 722108, $14.30) rated 90. 5. Chardonay 1993 Paul Bosc Estate, Niagara, Ch.des Charmes: rich, ripe, buttery; a terrific wine that unfortunately lacks body. $18.50, rated: 87. 6. Johannisberg Riesling Late Harvest 1989, California, Ch.St.Jean: almost icewine quality at half the price. $26.75 for 375ml, rated: 90. 7. Clos Blanc de Vougeot 1992, Guyot: long length, with wood on the finish, at a good price. $33.95, rated: 86. RED WINE 1. Beaujolais 1994 Chenas Domaine Combe Remont, Duboeuf: juicy, full and developing well, longish length. $16.50, rated: 85. 2. Beaujolais 1994 Julienas Ch.des Poupets, Duboeuf: a good, characteristic gamay drink, with an aromatic nose and a medium finish. $15.95, rated: 84. 3. Beaujolais 1994 Morgon Jean Descombes, Duboeuf: heavy nose, good tannins, medium weight to the finish. $17.95, rated: 84. 4. Cabernet Sauvignon "Bonterra" 1992, Mendocino, Fetzer: an organic wine that gets better with each harvest. $14.95, rated: 84. 5. Merlot 1992 Alexander Valley, Hanna: dynamite character (i.e.,explosive) with much length in its development. Good fruit and minimal wood tones. $21.95, rated: 87. 6. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992, Coonawarra, Hardy: broad sweet flavours with lots of wood at a good price. $14.95, rated: 86. 7. Vosne Romanee 1992 Les Brulees, Engel: great depth to the finish, long lasting. Definite character, fine price. $34.95, rated: 88. 8. Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 Dom. de Thuronis d'Oc, Fortant: broad sweet flavours for that mid-Atlantic palate, with a medium finish. Older flavours predominate, so drink now. Check the price: $9.75, rated: 89. 9. Chianti Classico 1990 Castello di Querceto "Le Capanne", Francois: very good value for this very Italianate wine, lots of wood tones. $12.60, r=87. 10. Chateau Clarke 1989, Listrac: excellent wine, well-aged, long flavours, great price: $26.95, rated: 91. Buy it up now.... WHITE WINE 1. Vidal Select Late Harvest 1993 (Niagara, Konzelmann): excellent length for what is essentially a poor-man's icewine. Price is good, $16.55. Rated: 86. 2. Late Harvest Riesling 1993 Estate Reserve Arroyo Seco (Central Coast, Wente Brothers): intense flavours, with 4% gewurztraminer added, makes this an automatic purchase. Uplifting on the palate. $10.70, rated: 86. 3. Chardonnay 1993 (Clare Valley, Leasingham): another massive woody wine, dense oak and lemon tones, especially on the finish. It should hold for awhile. $12.95, rated: 90. 4. Chardonnay 1994 (Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, Esk Valley): ripe and buttery, full on the palate. A bargain at $15.70, puts burgundy to shame. Rated: 90. 5. Gewurztraminer Reserve 1990 (Alsace, Trimbach): excellent length and development, with body and typical varietal character. But pricey. $24.60, rated: 88. 6. Brut L.P. (Champagne, Laurent-Perrier): tight finish, but very elegant in its lightness. $37.55, rated: 86. 7. Cuvee Rose Brut (Champagne, Laurent-Perrier): made from 100% pinot noir, with the colour pressed out of the grapes. Rich and full in its development, pale rose petal tones, good with game/poultry at Christmas. A terrific price, at $48.90. Rated: 89. RED WINES 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 (California, Napa Ridge): tight, tannic, evolving, long finish, first-rate price. $11.90, rated: 87. 2. "Magnificat" 1990 (Napa, Franciscan Oakville Estate): a Meritiage blend, with lovely sweet oak complexity, still young and fresh, and certainly affordable at $19.60. Rated: 88. 3. Zinfandel 1993 Estate (Russian River, De Loach): oak, berries, fruit and body. A great hit of grapes...$19.95, rated: 89. 4. Bourgueil 1993 (De Neuville): excellent flavour, with a strong body for a cabernet franc. $13.45. Rated: 90. 5. Luc Sorin 1993 (Coteaux Varois, Ch. Routas): deep purple, soft but explosive on the palate, a great drinking wine. $13.70. Rated: 89. 6. Saint Joseph "Batie" 1990 (Rhone, Reine Pedauque): excellent but not chunky as a Cornas. The lighter style means that it is ready soon. $16.85, rated: 88. Good price. 7. Brunello di Montalcino 1990 "Castelgiocondo" (Frescobaldi): tight still, smokey flavours, somewhat firm in approach. But reasonable in price/value ratio. $25.50. Rated: 88. WHITE WINES 1. Riesling Traminer 1994 (Colio, Ontario): is a delightfully aromatic wine, with light, balanced, persistent flavours of gewurztraminer, and a satisfying acid crisp finish. A good quaffer. $ 9.65, rated: 90. 2. Gewurztraminer 1993 "Carte D'Or" (P. Sparr): is a typical gewurz, with a thick unctuous body but a slightly thin flavour. $13.70, rated: 84. 3. Erdener Treppchen 1988 Riesling Auslese (Dr.Zenzen): seems to have wonderful peachy flavours without the cloyingness one often finds in a cheaper auslese. It's also drying out nicely. $14.75, rated: 86. 4. Chardonnay Reserve 1992 (Morgan, Monterey): full of ripe and rich flavours of hazelnuts, butter, lemon fruit finish, andf some balance with the oak structure. $26.85, rated: 88. 5. Muscat Canelli 1994 "Vin de Glaciere" (Bonny Doon): cryogenic extraction -- nothing wrong with that! A muscat varietal version of icewine, at a decent price. $21.80 (half-bottle), rated: 88. RED WINES 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 (Ch.Souverain, Alexander Valley): is a reliable wine that always delivers the goods -- thick and brilliant berry flavours, good cabernet snap in a balanced finish. $17.70, rated: 89. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 1987 "Reserve Cask" (Inglewood, Napa): still lots of tannin on the finish, but intense blackcurrant aromas and taste. $30.75, rated: 90. 3. Merlot 1992 Dollarhide Ranch (St.Supery, Napa): brilliant and definitional to the merlot style, with body and heft. Somewhat smooth development in the middle palate, indicating that it is almost ready. Great price, too. $19.80, rated: 89. 4. Zinfandel 1993 "Vintner's Blend" (Ravenswood): pretty good materials in this bottle, smooth already, long length, high alcohol (13.8%). Overpriced at $18.90 (try $16), downrated to: 85. 5. "Muge" Garrafeira 1983 (Caves Vidigal): you cannot beat the price on this wine, based on the perequita grape. Robust, still not ready, and a great wine to impress people, considering the $9.95 price. Rated: 89. WHITE WINE 1. Chateau La Louviere 1992 (Pessac-Leognan, A.Lurton): lots of forward flavours suggesting herbs, tropical fruits and barrels (part of the treatment). Round but fresh. Useful, but pricey. Rated: 88, $29.95 2. Riesling Kabinett 1994 Ungsteiner Herrenberg (Pfalz, Kurt Darting): Another fresh and juicy riesling, at a great price. Rated: 89, $13.60 3. Chardonnay 1994 (Niagara, Southbrook): slight flavours, some toastiness, well-balanced blend of flavours. Some age showing. Rated: 84, $11.95 4. Riesling-Gewurztraminer 1994 (Niagara, Kittling Ridge): okay quaffer, showing the limitations of the 1994 harvest. Some sourness on the finish. Watch for the 1995, which should be better. Rated: 75, $8.95 5. Sauvignon Blanc 1995 (Languedoc, Dom. Baume): very fruity and floral, with a lot of style. Of course, the company is owned by Hardy's, so look to typical Australian winemaking techniques. Rated: 90, $10.20 6. Moscato d'Asti "La Spinetta" 1995 (Piedmont, Rivetti): Yummy. Need I say more? Perfume-y. Rated: 86, $15.75 7. Gewurztraminer 1993 (Alsace, Mittnacht-Klack): excellent flavours of gewurztraminer, from the floral nose to the bitterish finish. Lacks some bracing acid, thus it feels soft. Rated: 85, $16 (EPNA Wines, 586-4512) 8. Tokay Pinot Gris 1994 (Alsace, Mittnacht-Klack): House style here, a bit light, but that's how the M-K firm wants it. Forward (for the year) with a medium finish. Rated: 85, $16 (EPNA Wines, 586-4512) 9. Muscadet Sur Lie (Loire, Dom. Alouette): not as surly as some "sur lie" I've had, but fresh and commercially clean at $10.65 makes it a bargain among the French wines. Rated: 86. 10. Chardonnay Show Reserve 1994 (New South Wales, Rosemount): this is always an automatic buy. Tropical fruits, cloves, in a restrained style (not clumsy like some Oz stuff). Good length, excellent price. Buy it up NOW... Rated: 94, $19 11.Chardonnay Oak Cask 1994 (New South Wales, Wyndham Estate): what a contrast here among the two Hunter Valley wines! Lotsa oak and clumsiness, heavy-heavy as Calvin Trillin would say. But fine acid on the length, and the price is again a bargain. Rated: 90, $12.40 12. Chardonnay 1994 (New South Wales, Rothbury): limes, with some length and oak flavours. Good fruit set and longish length. Could I say it's halfway between Rosemount and Wyndham in style (and price)? Rated: 89, $15.50 13. Moscatel de Alejandria "Dona Consuelo" 1995 (Maule, Segu): mouthfilling, fresh flavours of limes and some tropical fruits. Aromatic. Rated:87, $7.35 14. Riesling 1995 (Niagara, Kittling-Ridge): amazing fruit and off-dry character; a great picnic wine. Rated: 85, $8.95 15. Chardonnay 1995 (Gisborne, Cooper's Creek): another excellent wine from a tough vintage. Tropical fruit, elegance of oak, longish length. Rated: 89, $14.75 16. Chardonnay 1993 Robert Young Vyd (Sonoma, Chateau St.Jean): muted nose, expended with time, warm flavours, broad integration and long length. Stylish, without the French "elegance". Rated: 89, $26.60 17. Chenin 1995 (Mendoza, Lurton): refreshing acid, bracing, fruit and softness of chenin blanc (as we know it) replaced by citrus. Can't beat the price. Rated: 83, $7.50 18. Gewurztraminer 1994 Carte d'Or (Sparr): full rich body, good balance of fruit and acid. Fair price. Rated: 86, $14.25 RED WINES 1. Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 1994 (New Zealand, Montana): the merlot is a good addition to the blend here, in an all-New Zealand wine that avoids typical herbaceousness (reminiscent of a Cabernet Franc). Rated: 83, $9.30 2. Taja 1994 (Valencia, Mahler-Besse): lots of plums and raisins in stewed fruit compote, similar to an older Cotes du Rhone or Amarone. Rated: 84,$7.95 3. Carmenet Red 1989 (Sonoma): excellent blend (two cabernets and merlot) almost like Bordeaux. Nifty nose, age predominates, longish length, and the price is superb. Rated: 90, $20.65 4. Chateau de Nages 1994 (Nimes, Gassier): excellent syrah character (70% of the components). Pepper and fruit set, longish length. Underpriced, so load up. Rated: 91, $9.95 5. 125 Aniversario 1988 Gran Riserva (Navarra, Chivite): great intense flavours, from tempranillo. Aged nicely, can keep for awhile. Rated: 86, $19.95 6. Pinot Noir 1993 (Carneros-Napa, Bouchaine): excellent depth and great pinot flavours, for the price. Rated: 86, $22.85 7. Chateau La Dominique 1993 (St.Emilion): I thought that this was one of the best of a sorry lot of 1993 releases (including the second labels). Excellent nose and development, tasted over a few hours. Rated: 92, $43.75 8. Shiraz 1994 (New South Wales, Trentham): good length, intense flavours of berries, some anise. Extract is magnificent. Rated: 90, $17.85 9. Castello Poggio Alle Mura 1986 (Tuscany, Banfi): a blend (45% sangiovese, 40% cabernet sauvignon, 15% pinot noir), a year and a half in oak, and you've got some pretty intense flavours. It's still young, and the price is ridiculous at $17.30 for a ten year old wine of this magnitude. Rated: 87. 10. Carignane 1993 (Contra Costa, Cline): long length, should be just great with food. Lots of cherries and youthful. Rated: 86, $13.90 11. Chateau La Croix 1993 (Pomerol): [a gold medal winner in Paris] good depth to the finish, and fairly priced. Rated: 89, $ 29.95 12. Domaine Terres Blanches 1992 Les Baux (Provence, Michelin): organic wine with a deep nose and some age already, strong syrah component, good warmth and flavours. Price okay. Rated:90, $14.50 13. Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1990 (Guigal): raisins on nose, and aging too well. Consume soon. Good for restaurants because of half-size and resulting price. Rated: 85, $15.50 OTHER ITEMS TASTED * Pineau des Charentes (Remy Martin) at $19.95: always an excel- lent aperitif. * Late Bottled Vintage Port 1982 (Smith Woodhouse) at $18.85 has been bottle matured for the past 10 years. Good aging, and will keep for awhile yet. Impressive to serve clients/customers, with an emphasis on 14 years since the harvest, and the price. WHITE WINES 1. Ch.Bonnet 1995 (Entre-Deux-Mers, Lurton): half sauvignon blanc and half semillon; grassy nose, with a medium crisp finish. Clean acid development, and good value. $12.15, rated: 84. 2. Gewurztraminer 1994 (Alsace, P.Sparr): excellent taste of the exotic, with intense concentration. Great value at $14.25 from Vintages (#976118), rated: 88. 3. Gewurztraminer Maumberg Grand Cru 1993 (Alsace, P.Sparr): highly unctious body, with depth to the flavours. High alcohol levels to carry through the development on the finish. $30.90, rated: 91 [consignment, DuChasse, 469-3495] Compare to Gewurztraminer Turckheim 1994, a lesser year, by Zind- Humbrecht (Vintages #977884 $28.95, rated: 91) 4. Sauvignon Blanc 1995 (Languedoc, Baron de Rothschild): fresh, clean, varietal character, good length and affordable with a good name. $8.80, rated: 79. 5. Chablis Champs Royaux 1994 (W.Fevre): a bit lacking in overall concentration, but good body and some butter on the finish. $18.25, rated: 85. Much better is his Chablis Bougros 1994 in Vintages #729616 ($34.95, rated: 92, with a peppery long finish). 6. Puligny-Montrachet 1er cru "Les Truffieres" 1992 (Latour): aromatic nose with some depth that proceeds through to the finish. One of the better Burgundies I've tasted this year. $45, rated: 89. 7. Rueda 1994 (Spain, Hermanos Lurton): fat middle, good length, but not your usual Spanish finish. A winner. $8.85, rated: 83. 8. Semillon/Chardonnay 1994 Columbia Valley (Wash.,Columbia Crest): body could use a hefty extract, but otherwise excellent oak on the finish. A good buy at $10.55 in Vintages #292698, rated: 90. 9. Chardonnay 1995 Oak Cask Mendoza (Trapiche): how do they do it so cheaply? Excellent oak and fruit, terrific value at $9.95 in Vintages #965897, rated: 91 10. Riesling Turckheim 1994 (Alsace, Zind-Humbrecht): excellent wine from this legendary, elusive producer. Great varietal character with a longish length, and dry finish. Vintages $24.95,rated: 91 RED WINES 1. Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau 1995 (Chapoutier): from one of the smallest crops in the past 60 years, evocative of blackberries, rosemary, and olives. 100% grenache, low yield from 40 year old vines. $11.95, rated: 86. 2. Cotes du Rhone Villages 1994 (Rasteau): a villages from the Rasteau co-op, deep nose, mouth-filling with some syrah component. $10.15, rated: 80 3. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (Languedoc,Baron de Rothschild): light but snappy and herbaceous nose and character. $8.80, rated: 79. 4. Pinot Noir "Fleur de Carneros" 1994 (Carneros Creek): a sort of second wine, made for the lighter style. But still lots of flavours, and good value for a pinot. $14.90 Vintages, rated: 87 5. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Unfiltered 1993 (Napa, Mondavi): but of course, now and again. Excellent, with soft tannin finish. $48.85 in Vintages, rated: 91. 6. Chateau Liversan 1993 (Haut Medoc): delivers a lot of value and punch for $16.65. Load up if you want some 1993s. This should keep until at least 2001. Vintages #960930, rated: 87. 7. Crozes Hermitage 1994 "La Petite Ruche" (Chapoutier): uses biodynamic techniques, with broad sweet flavours predominating. Syrah character is pronounced. Vinmtages #731323 $17.85,rated:87 8. Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 (Australia, David Wynn): deep cassis nose and flavours all round, soft tannins on finish. Good for a few more years. Vintages #976076 ~$17, rated: 87. 9. Cabernet Merlot 1993 (Australia, Ch. Reynella): deep colour and fruit, with some complexity derived from American oak. Great value at this price of $17.20. Vintages #931741, rated: 89 10. Cabernet Merlot 1993 (Australia, Tisdall): a heavy-heavy red full of all those wonderful aromatics and extracts such as cedar from the oak maturation. Extremely rich wine, affordable $14.25 from Carriage Trade (905-939-8330). Rated: 88. 11. Merlot Cabernets 1994 (Rymill, Australia): largely Cab Franc with that herbaceous snap. Excellent value from Capricorn,$17.50 362-5479, rated: 88. 12. Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River, Australia; Fermoy Estate): complex wine with layers of fruit, deep development, in a Bordeaux style. Could age well. EPNA (586-4512), $18. Rated: 87 WHITE WINES 1. Chateau Gaudrelle Reserve Molleux 1990 (Loire): all chenin blanc, from about 60% noble rot. Excellent flavours within a solid medium body, and a dryish-sweet length. $49.05 full bottle, rated: 87. From Hobbs (905-844-5671). 2. Puligny-Montrachet "Clos de la Pucelle" 1er cru 1995 (Chartron & Trebuchet): broad flavours in the mouth, good juice component, long length: toast, butter, lemons, apples. ~$60, rated: 87 (Tastevin Selections, 905-456-8287). 3. Chardonnay Reserva 1995 (Chile, Caliterra): deep yellow body, oak on the nose, well-integrated typical flavours including burnt toast. Slightly bitter finish not unwelcome. Elegant style along US and French lines. $13.95, rated: 87 (Dandurand) 4. Chardonnay Reserve 1993 (Napa, Mondavi): some light wood, but also elegant in burgundian style. Similar to the Caliterra, which is no surprise since Caliterra and Mondavi now have a working arrangement. Rated: 86 5. Semillon/Chardonnay 1994 (Australia, Wolf Blass): creamy and oaky, at a great price. #963959, $11.95. Rated: 86 RED WINES 1. Malbec Mendoza 1995 (Argentina, J & F Lurton): deep colour, rich bouquet and flavour. Fruity and full (most Argentine Malbecs are creaky and tart). Value. Vintages #966820 $8.25, rated: 84. 2. Saint Joseph "Anais" 1994 (Rhone, Dom.du Chene): the hands down winner in the syrah sweepstakes held at the Cotes du Rhone tasting (Sopexa). Rich, ripe, firm, with that syrah hit on the nose. More full body than many normal St.Josephs, exceptionally long length. Rated: 94 (EPNA Wines 586-4512). 3. Shiraz Eileen Hardy 1991 (Padthaway-McLaren-Clare, Hardy's): big, bold wine, with some roughness about the edges. Good use of sweet wood tones, albeit with a tartish finish. Still needs time. Rated: 86, about $28. (Academy Brands 905-844-5040) 4. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1993 (Napa, Mondavi): chewy, with lots of muscle and currants-cassis. Some elegance in the bordeaux style, but also a dropoff in the finish. Rated: 86. 5. Domaine Shiraz 1994 (Clare, Leasingham): tons of extractives -- berries, chocloate, vanilla, overall sweetness in the mouthfeel. Ready now. A steal at $14.90 CSPC# V-976373, rated: 92 6. Merlot Cabernets 1994 (Australia, Rymill): deep colours, rich flavours with that herbaceous snap from merlot and cabernet franc. Anise and wood tones near the finish, persistent too. Rated: 90, ~$17.50 (#768697, from Capricorn 362-5479). 7. Merlot 1994 (Santa Cruz, Bargetto): lots of American oak tones like vanilla and coconut dominate this soft grape, which seems to be very fruity in this context. Rated: 86, about $20 from Grape Expectations 763-1457 8. Chianti Classico Riserva 1988 (Castello di Verrazzano): great flavours for the price of $27 -- smooth, full, lush fruit, and softened tannins. Rated: 88 (Small Winemakers 463-7178) 9. Barolo 1992 (Pio Cesare): deep intense delivery, good weight, but needs a bit of time to soften. Made in the traditional old style. $ 37, rated: 86 (Small Winemakers 463-7178) 10. Cabernet Franc 1992 (Sonoma, Nelson Estates): a heavy but thoughtful wine, complete with delicious currant and berry fruit complexities. About 15% of it has Merlot and Cab. Sauvignon. #940866, $ 19.85, rated: 90 11. Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 (Victoria, Ch. Tahbilk): time for the annual visit. This is always an excellent wine, full of rich extracts, at a good price, but with signs of bottle age (great for food). #974436, $15.90, rated: 90 12. Bourgogne 1994 (Dom. Rion): great price for value, #978718, $18.70, rated: 87. 13. Chianti Classico Riserva 1988 "Ducale, eticheta oro" (Ruffino) excellent quality, not unlike the Verrazzano above, at a slightly cheaper price. #353201, $24.95, rated: 90 OTHER ITEMS TASTED 1. Icewine 1995 (London): a great wine for using in restaurants -- exhibiting heavy caramel, butterscotch, brown sugar, with lots of body. Flavours should carry through the cooking or syrup process. $49.95, rated: 88. 2. Riesling Icewine 1995 (Thirty Bench): peachy nose, deep char- acter, long length with bracing acid on the finish. A real winner for me, the best of the crop. $49.50, rated: 94 3. Vidal Icewine 1995 (Chateau des Charmes): good depth and finishing acid. Not the best of the vidals released, but it is the best VALUE at $35. Rated: 88. 4. East India Solera Sherry (E.Lustau): very sweet treacle but delightful for Christmas. Sweetened with Pedro Ximenez. #974139, $16.85, rated: 95 5. Pedro Ximenez Solera 1827 (Osborne): another yummy and sweet dessert sherry, if you like straight PX. #938100,$13.95,rated:94 WHITE WINES 1. Sauvignon Blanc 1994 (Napa Valley; William Hill): some wood tones, in a delightful core of fruity flavours and mild herbs. Well-balanced, and suited for now. Value for the dollar. #930180 V, $13.90, rated: 84 2. Chardonnay "Ebenezer" 1994 (Barossa Valley Estate): excellent tropical fruit, with much oak (in a rich sense, not woodsy). Huge structure, with a long finish. #976324 V, $22.35,rated: 86. 3. Riesling "Tradition" 1990 (Alsace; Hugel): and traditional it is in style and complexity, albeit somewhat overpriced (probably because of its age's storage). #111211 V, $24.95, rated: 85. 4. Chardonnay 1995 Beamsville Bench (Niagara; Cave Spring): great freshness and lively potential, background of toasty oak. Price is excellent. #228551 General, $11.95, rated: 87. 5. Chardonnay 1994 Reserve (Niagara; Cave Spring): again, more barrel aging helps Canadian chardonnays. The quality of this wine pushes it over $20. #256552 V, $21.95, rated: 86 RED WINES 1. Merlot 1994 Paul Bosc Estate (Niagara; Ch.des Charmes): like a Cabernet Franc, with its strong herby character, and with some paper on the finish. But overall, quite handsome. #319509, $18.95, rated: 84 2. Pinot Noir 1994 (Okanagan; Quails' Gate): dynamite wine, best characterized by softness, fruitiness, and some depth. Excellent character, not green at all for its age. And great value!! # 411330, $16.40, rated: 90. 3. Petite Sirah 1994 (Central Coast; Concannon): typical dense and chunky wine, with lots of extract and flavours suggestive of the south of Rhone. 1994 was an aggressive year for this grape. #941377, $14.45, rated: 85. 4. Cabernet/Shiraz 1993 Bin 389 (Penfold's): lots of flavours and development. Should keep well, with high acid and tannins. #938175, $26.40, rated: 89 5. Tria Corda 1989 (Stellenbosch W.O.; Overgaauw): a bordeaux blend of both cabernets and merlot (the latter about 25%). Lots of ripeness, and an excellent price for such an older wine from South Africa. Ready for restaurants now. #400937, $16.75, rated: 88 6. Chateau Beau-Sejour 1989 (St.Emilion 1er grand cru classe): almost an automatic purchase since the price is right for a wine of this quality. Excellent flavours, length and development. Of course it will progress more in the bottle. #957712 V, $59.95, rated: 89 7. Bourgogne Rouge 1990 (LeRoy): it has been some time since this "simple" red has been in Ontario...Get it while you can, since it represents the best value red wine for under $20 in Ontario. #734061, $19, rated: 91 8. Cabernet/Syrah 1994 (Pays de Gard; Mas des Bressades): a good value wine, but not the same as how the Aussies would do this blend. This one is soft, approachable, and with both cabernet and syrah hits. #938571, $13.70, rated: 89. 9. Crozes Hermitage 1994 "Les Meysonnieres" (Chapoutier): great syrah depth for this simple appellation. Made with biodynamic tender love and care. Excellent price.#731331,$18.65, rated: 87 10. Dao Tinto 1992 "Duque de Viseu" (Portugal; Sogrape): minty nose, raisin finish. Good ageworthiness, showing well. Character is sound. Plumminess and acid in length. #977363,$12.90,rated:88 11. Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 (Veneto; Fabiano): good, deep, delicious flavours from these two grapes, somewhat unusual in a wine priced this cheaply. From Focus Wines (905-851-2618), at $12.90 a bottle. 12. Sangre de Toro 1994 (Penedes, Torres): an old perennial, but tasted again recently -- heavy, oaky, lots of extract and fruit. Sensible price and great quality. #6585 General, $8.40, rated: 87. 13. Conde de Valdemar 1991 Reserva (Rioja; Bod. Martinez Bujanda): good flavours, long length, nicely developed, at a fair price. No hint of volatile acids. #977256 V, $15.80, rated: 86 OTHER ITEMS TASTED 1. Domaine Carneros Brut (Carneros/Taittinger): sparkling wine in the traditional method (MC). Some lemon-citric component, with great length. "Almost French"? #301655, $23.70, rated: 85 2. Pommeau "Ste.Anne" (Normandy; C.Drouin): similar to Pineau des Charentes, with mounds and mounds of apple flavours. A great aperitif, at 17% alcohol. Price is for the 750ml bottle. #276592, $16.95, rated: 90. [Vintages also has a pear aperitif from California, based on the same concept: a fruit syrup with fortification by its same fruit spirit] 3. Winter Pear (Niagara; Sunnybrook Farm): intense pear flavours, developing nicely. Rich and sumptious. #443580, $19.65 (375ml) 4. Moscato Pantelleria 94 (Italy; Pellegrino): delicious alternate to Muscat des Baumes de Venise. Priced sensibly at $19.75, from Focus Wines (905-851-2618), as is their Passito di Pantelleria 94