WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for DECEMBER 12, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these 100 or so biweekly released wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. Some Interesting New Wine Etc. Books for the Holidays!! -- --A YEAR OF GOOD BEER 2021 PAGE-A-DAY CALENDAR (Workman, 2020, 320 pages, $20.99 CAD) quenches the beer lover’s thirst: microbrewery recommendations, beer lore, trivia, history, labels, vocabulary, tasting notes, beer festivals, and more daily fun. Discover Bell's Porter whose smoky coffee notes lend an intriguing aroma profile; a hoppy Noble Prize Imperial Pilsner; and a perfect summer aperitif in the burgundy-hued Brombeere Blackberry Gose. Includes beer drinking games (like Buffalo Club, in which you must never be caught drinking with your right hand), recipes for refreshing beer cocktails, and “Hop Lookout” notes (like the smoothly bitter Cashmere, developed by Washington State University in 2013). Some of the beers appear as imports in Canada, but otherwise there are few Canadian brews included. Lights, wheat, lagers, ales, porters, stouts, seasonal beers, and lambrics – they’re all here, 165 or so craft beers. If you buy any of the PAD calendars, then you can go online to the website and pick up other, free stuff, at www.pageaday.com. Quality/Price Rating: 91 --WINES YOU SHOULD TRY; a guide for Canadians (Whitecap, 2019, 204 pages, $22.95 paperbound) largely supersedes the ninth annual edition (2016) of “The 500 Best-Value Wines In the LCBO 2017”. This new work by wine scribe Rod Phillips is now national, and has both international and domestic wines arranged by wine colour and then by region/country with an indication of a price range (under $12 to over $49). He tasted about 1000 wines, and chose about 500 wines that are available in at least two provinces. Each of the wines has some value, or else they would not be in this tool: they can be considered at least “better” if not “best” of what's around in Canada. Each has an indication of food pairings. A good guidebook which features only those wines available in Canada -- that you should try. Quality/Price Rating: 91 --THE GOODE GUIDE TO WINE; a manifesto of sorts (University of California Press, 2020, 233 pages, $24.95 USD hardbound) is by the renowned UK wine writer Jamie Goode, who visits a lot of wine regions. It's a collection of observations and opinions about wine absurdities, excitements, interests, and how things could be better in wine culture. Of late he has been doing and saying nice things about Ontario wines, but there 's nothing here about that. There is, however, an illuminating article on how to succeed at wine writing by writing boring articles. It's a great book for the knowledgeable wine lover who has almost everything. Quality/Price Rating: 91 --PINK GIN (Ryland Peters & Small, 2020, 64 pages, $14.95 USD hardbound) is a collection of some 30 or so pink-hued cocktails. Most of the preps come from Julia Charles, with some more from Laura Gladwin. It's an open-and-shut slender work, with the recipes scattered among three categories: cocktails, sparklers, and coolers. Most call for “pink gin” but you can use regular gin and add your own colouring, if need be (grenadine, cranberry juice, rose/red wine).Quality/Price Rating: 89 --GROWING YOUR OWN COCKTAILS, MOCKTAILS, TEAS & INFUSIONS (Fox Chapel Publishing, 2020, 152 pages, $18.99 USD soft covers) is by Jodi Helmer gardening author, who gives us gardening tips and how-to techniques for making artisanal beverages at home. Jeannette Hurt, author “Drink Like a Woman” works out the recipes. There are 64 plant profiles here for the best homegrown drink ingredients (rhubarb, lemon balm, kale, chamomile, ginger, etc.). The recipes range from a lavender mojito to a garden gin-and-tonic, to mint iced tea, and veggie juice. It is all arranged by plant part: leaves, flowers, fruits and vegetables, and roots, with other material about syrups, shrubs, and alcohol-free drinks. There are plant hardiness zone maps for Canada and the USA, plus a resources list for ordering through the internet. A perfect stay-at-home project. Preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric and avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of metric equivalents. Some interesting or unusual recipes: anise hyssop; fruit smoothie; citrus lift tea; French hibiscus 75; rhubarb gimlet; red sangria; garden margarita with strawberries and basil. Quality/Price Rating: 91 THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- +499152 ALVEAR PEDRO XIMENEZ DE AÑADA DOP Montilla-Moriles, Spain 2015 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89 +234161 JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT SPARKLING Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2016 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 +560367 INNISKILLIN SPARKLING VIDAL ICEWINE Charmat method, VQA Ontario 2018 $79.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Under $20 ========= W+734798 THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2019 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+341586 FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS VQA Niagara Peninsula 2019 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+277228 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES OLD VINES RIESLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+14667 CHÂTEAU HYOT RÉSERVE AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2015 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+18667 SPECK BROTHERS FAMILY TREE THE PADRÉ CABERNET/MERLOT Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 91 Over $20 ========= Sparkling+16602 ALBINO ARMANI EXTRA DRY CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE DOCG, Friuli, Italy $22.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+410712 MEIOMI CHARDONNAY Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Barbara Counties 2017 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+140525 DOMAINE BONNARD SANCERRE AC 2019 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+287367 PLUME CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $39.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+15667 NK'MIP CELLARS QWAM QWMT PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2018 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2016 $23.95 MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for NOVEMBER 28, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these 100 or so biweekly released wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight --- 1.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah Mourvedre Grenache 2017 Cotes du Roussillon Les Aspres, +413245, $19.95 Vintages Nov 28: G-S-M style all the way. One third of the wine is matured in barrels for 9 months and then blended with the other, vatted wines. Jammy, upfront black fruit coupled with both mocha and subtle spice cake tones. Sip or with food. Consistent from year to year.14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Jim Barry Shiraz 2017 Clare Valley, +16036 $19.95 Vintages Nov 28: The entire Clare Valley (well-known for its Riesling) produces just over 1% of Australia's entire wine flow. This is a typical Shiraz, 100% (from family vineyards), in the Oz mode, aged in some light French oak, with plummy red fruit tones – but with none of that sweaty-bretty leather saddles from the Rhone. Released in time for the beginning of the Christmas season. Fresh easy drinking. RS 1g/L,14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Alvear Palacio Quemado Vendimia Seleccionada 2018 Ribera del Guadiana Extremadura, +16588, $13.95 Vintages Nov 28: Palacio Quemado wines are New World in style with grapes like tempranillo, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, and with experimentation involving other local varieties such as garnacha tintorera. For the most part, oak aging takes place in 500 litre Fr barriques and less so in 225 litre US barrels. So here the blend is tempranillo with garnacha tintorera, and the aging is about 5 months before bottling. On the palate it is all cherry-berry with toasted smoke tones, a good balance, soft tannins, and some edgy but creamy length. Suitable accompaniment with Christmas poultry. 13% ABV. Good price. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catherine Estate Blanc de Blanc “Carte Blanche” 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, +315200, $49.95 Vintages Nov 28: quite possibly this is my favourite Ontario wine overall. I would gladly drink more of it, except I have to pay for it. But then, this is the type of wine that many wine writers would gladly pay for. Estate grown chardonnay is hand-picked, partially barrel-fermented (20%) and then aged 54 months in the bottle on lees before degorgement. I love the baked lemon curd and toasted buttery brioche tones. I love watching the endless stream of bubbles. Traditional Method, of course, and pairs best with the usual Champagne accompaniments (caviar, oysters, Brie and goat cheeses). 12.5%, RS 6.4g/L. Lay it down for another half-dozen years. Quality/Price rating is 95 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Bin 106 “Lost Boys” Limited Edition Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +13421 $29.95, Vintages Nov 28: Last year's Bin 106 was a 30th Vintage Limited Edition. This 2019 Bin 106 has been labeled “Lost Boys” in recognition of the three young Speck brothers who spent their summers maintaining the vines (planted by them in 1984). These grapes survived the cut, and represent the very best barrels. Low yields on 3.5 tonnes per acre, gravity movement, destemming, etc. Top barrels were selected. Aged in new and one year old US barriques followed by a year's aging in a Foudre. Single vineyard. As with their other baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy wood character and the lowish price – under $30. This bottle still needs another two years for proper aging, but with double decanting and prolonged exposure to air while under cork, it can be enjoyed now. One of the top bacos in Ontario, works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. Really old cheeses and blues as well. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Stel+Mar California Rose 2019, $16.95 LCBO March 2021: this is a multi-blended wine from central California and from a vintage that produced lowered grape sugars. Hence, the lack of typical off-dry California sunshine. Instead, the innovative Stel+Mar team (they produce wine in cans, Tetra paks, and bottles) came up with a drink that looks a lot like and tastes a lot like higher priced roses from southern France. The blend includes grapes such as barbera, petite sirah, and syrah, principally from the Central Coast. Sugar levels are at 7g/L and the acidity is up at 5.6g/L. The colour and palate is definitely food worthy. The mid-palate is attractive with overtones of stonefruit, with a slightly herby bitter finish which makes you want to eat something savoury: it was also my wine of choice for the Canadian Thanksgiving Turkey. They nailed it with this one, at that price. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2019 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +424507, $29.95 Vintages November 28: This Estate wine has had full MLF, 100% wild yeast, barrel fermentation, and French oak aging for 9 months (50% one fill, 50% neutral). Two different clones were used (95 and 96), and the results show a typical Westcott feature of orchard fruit with some tropicality concentrated notes contributed by the oak aging leading to a slight citric finish. Still too young, lay it down – or taste it (as I did) over a stretch of time. A good first course wine since the oak appears in the background as grace notes (it's lighter in toast tones than the 2018). Do not overchill. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Westcott Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2017 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +424500, $29.95 Vintages November 28: This Estate Pinot Noir (clones 115, 667, 777) has been barrel aqed in French oak (15% new) for 23 months. Overall it is harmoniously silky in a cool climate way, with red cherry-berry fruit and nuances of mocha. Good acid levels and soft tannins highlight an herbal consistency. Definitely a food wine that should appeal to all, especially with simply prepared meats and poultry. A slight chilling can enhance its performance with fish such as salmon or trout. It is still too young, so do a double decant or taste over several days as I did. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 11.Pencarrow Chardonnay Martinborough NZ, +16028 Vintages November 28, $23.95: one of the nicest balanced fresh chardonnays to come past my palate in quite some time, full of that old style oaking (not too toasty but at least noticeable). Golden hue and golden tastes, stressing a nuttiness from the French oak (20% new) and the wild yeast fermentation (50%). Aged on the stirred lees for 10 months. Plenty of stonefruit nuances. 13% ABV. The buttery finish lingers and nicely accompanies many complex first course dishes. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- +315200 HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANC Traditional method, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario 2015 $49.95 MVC/QPR: 95 +87205 MESSIAS 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT DOP, Portugal $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 +94110 HENRY OF PELHAM CABERNET, VIDAL & RIESLING ICEWINE TRIO Three-bottle gift set, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2017 $99.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Under $20 ========= Sparkling+53215 BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI EXTRA DRY PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE DOCG, Veneto, Italy $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+369850 KIM CRAWFORD PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AP 2019 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+15134 DESQUICIADO EL CORTE RED BLEND Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2018 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+131540 FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+16036 JIM BARRY BARRY BROS SHIRAZ Clare Valley, South Australia 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+413245 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LES ASPRES SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE/GRENACHE AP Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+300004 AMASTUOLA PRIMITIVO IGP Puglia 2016 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+16588 PALACIO QUEMADO VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA DO Ribera del Guadiana 2018 $13.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= W+14552 PALLISER PENCARROW CHARDONNAY Martinborough, North Island 2018 $23.95 MVC/QPR: 92 W+184549 LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $44.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+424507 WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Escarpment 2019 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 92 R+408393 SUNROCK RED MERITAGE BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+16563 TAROT NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 $49.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+912956 RUFFINO MODUS IGT Toscana 2017 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+184564 LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS PINOT NOIR VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $44.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+427500 WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2017 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+13421 HENRY OF PELHAM LOST BOYS LIMITED EDITION BIN 106 BACO NOIR Sustainable, VQA Ontario 2019 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 92. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for NOVEMBER 14, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these 100 or so biweekly released wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Month --- 1.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah Mourvedre Grenache 2017 Cotes du Roussillon Les Aspres, +413245, $19.95 Vintages Nov 28: G-S-M style all the way. One third of the wine is matured in barrels for 9 months and then blended with the other, vatted wines. Jammy, upfront black fruit coupled with both mocha and subtle spice cake tones. Sip or with food. Consistent from year to year.14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Languedoc Red 2017 +413237 Vintages Essential, $16.95: the last vintage here was 2015. It's a blend of syrah and grenache, promising both black fruit and red fruit tones at an affordable price. Local garrigue is apparent, complemented by some fennel. Part of the wine is transferred over to 225-litre oak barrels where it is aged for roughly 10 months. 14% ABV. Good price, especially if you buy before Oct 10 (LTO $2 off). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Jim Barry Shiraz 2017 Clare Valley, +16036 $19.95 Vintages Nov 28: The entire Clare Valley (well-known for its Riesling) produces just over 1% of Australia's entire wine flow. This is a typical Shiraz, 100% (from family vineyards), in the Oz mode, aged in some light French oak, with plummy red fruit tones – but with none of that sweaty-bretty leather saddles from the Rhone. Released in time for the beginning of the Christmas season. Fresh easy drinking. RS 1g/L,14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Alvear Palacio Quemado Vendimia Seleccionada 2018 Ribera del Guadiana Extremadura, +16588, $13.95 Vintages Nov 28: Palacio Quemado wines are New World in style with grapes like tempranillo, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, and with experimentation involving other local varieties such as garnacha tintorera. For the most part, oak aging takes place in 500 litre Fr barriques and less so in 225 litre US barrels. So here the blend is tempranillo with garnacha tintorera, and the aging is about 5 months before bottling. On the palate it is all cherry-berry with toasted smoke tones, a good balance, soft tannins, and some edgy but creamy length. Suitable accompaniment with Christmas poultry. 13% ABV. Good price. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2018 +16750, $21.95, Vintages Nov 14: basically a light wine with the dryness found in Santa Barbara reflected in tropicality and citric tones with a dose of apples and some toast (with butter?). No unnecessary sweetness as most ripe California chardonnays appear to be exhibiting. Some unctuousness can be felt and the finish lends itself to food. But it could go either way or both ways. An adaptable wine at 14.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catherine Estate Blanc de Blanc “Carte Blanche” 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, +315200, $49.95 Vintages Nov 28: quite possibly this is my favourite Ontario wine overall. I would gladly drink more of it, except I have to pay for it. But then, this is the type of wine that many wine writers would gladly pay for. Estate grown chardonnay is hand-picked, partially barrel-fermented (20%) and then aged 54 months in the bottle on lees before degorgement. I love the baked lemon curd and toasted buttery brioche tones. I love watching the endless stream of bubbles. Traditional Method, of course, and pairs best with the usual Champagne accompaniments (caviar, oysters, Brie and goat cheeses). 12.5%, RS 6.4g/L. Lay it down for another half-dozen years. Quality/Price rating is 95 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Henry of Pelham Bin 106 “Lost Boys” Limited Edition Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +13421 $29.95, Vintages Nov 28: Last year's Bin 106 was a 30th Vintage Limited Edition. This 2019 Bin 106 has been labeled “Lost Boys” in recognition of the three young Speck brothers who spent their summers maintaining the vines (planted by them in 1984). These grapes survived the cut, and represent the very best barrels. Low yields on 3.5 tonnes per acre, gravity movement, destemming, etc. Top barrels were selected. Aged in new and one year old US barriques followed by a year's aging in a Foudre. Single vineyard. As with their other baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy wood character and the lowish price – under $30. This bottle still needs another two years for proper aging, but with double decanting and prolonged exposure to air while under cork, it can be enjoyed now. One of the top bacos in Ontario, works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. Really old cheeses and blues as well. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- 430561 HENRY OF PELHAM RIESLING ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $49.95 558288 INNISKILLIN RIESLING ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2018 $79.95 301655 DOMAINE CARNEROS BRUT CUVÉE SPARKLING Traditional method, Napa Valley, California 2016 $49.95 Under $20 ========= W+398966 REDSTONE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+634162 J. BOOKWALTER READERS CHARDONNAY Columbia Valley 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 91 W+928580 SANTA CAROLINA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY Certified carbon neutral, DO Itata Valley 2018 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+11152 COUTADA VELHA SIGNATURE RED Vinho Regional Alentejano 2018 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= Sparkling +310334 FEATHERSTONE JOY PREMIUM CUVÉE SPARKLING Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2014 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 91 W+643361 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING Sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $27.95 MVC/QPR: 92 W+616466 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 91 W+16750 FESS PARKER SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CHARDONNAY Santa Barbara County 2018 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+594002 JACKSON-TRIGGS GRAND RESERVE MERITAGE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $25.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+585760 QUAILS' GATE PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2018 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 92 R+995910 REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2017 $43.95 MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for OCTOBER 31, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight --- 1.WineryArt Bodega DeMuerte Blanca Sobre Lias 2019 Yecla Spain $23 Majesticwine.ca consignment: this is a bi-varietal wine, a blend of two grapes (here, 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% verdejo). Europe and Latin America have a vast number of bi-varietal wines. Each grape complements the other. Here,the sauvignon is aromatic with citric tones and herbs, while the verdelho is fruity with sweet ripe orchard fruit (peach, apricot). More complexity is given as both wines are aged on their lees (“sobre lias”). Both grape varieties come from vineyards that are over 10-years old. Poultry would be a suggested food accompaniment. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Albino Armani 1607 Sequal Sauvignon DOC Fruili-Grave 2018 Friuli-Venezia-Giulia $20.95 Majesticwine.ca consignment: very intense aromas, fruity from green fruit and herby but with a medium-body and not like Kiwin Savvy. Citric finish, very useful as a first course white wine. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Biscardo Mabis Oropasso Originale Garganega Chardonnay Veneto IGT 2018 $18.95 Majesticwine.ca consignment: another bi-varietal, with 60% garganega and 40% chardonnay. Here the garganega appears to have undergone a partial passito (its unctuousness tastes peachy). Or, at the very least, it is Late Harvest in style. Garganega, of course, is the grape behind Soave, and in its passito form, it's also Recioto di Soave, a sweet dessert wine with apricot and bitter almond complexity. So any sweetness here has been muted by the chardonnay's green style. A good food accompaniment would be fish. 13% ABV. Really good quality wine. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Tavernello Pinot Bianco Famoso Rubicone IGT 2018 Emilia-Romagna LCBO +14060 $8.95 and 5.Tavernello Sangiovese Cabernet Rubicone IGT 2018 Emilia-Romagna LCBO +13602 $8.95: here we have entry level bi-varietals (the Argentine Fuzion Shiraz Malbec is a bi-varietal at this same price level). The sour cherry of the sangiovese has been tempered by the fruitiness of the cabernet, much like a SuperTuscan but minus the depth. Food: grilled vegetables or just patio parties. The white bi-varietal is interesting for its inclusion of the aromatic famoso grape, once a “lost” indigenous variety but since reclaimed. It deftly complements the blander pinot bianco. Good quaffing wines. 12% ABV Famoso; 13% ABV Sangiovese. Quality/Price rating is 88 points each by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Under $20 ========= R+15763 BON COURAGE ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Robertson 2015 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+913855 SELLA & MOSCA TERRE RARE RISERVA DOC Carignano del Sulcis 2015 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+16564 JOLIESSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2018 $17.00 MVC/QPR: 91 R+574780 DEMUERTE DO Yecla 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Over $20 ========= W+566026 CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+924555 KIM CRAWFORD SIGNATURE RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+326165 ROBERT MONDAVI TO KALON VINEYARD RESERVE FUMÉ BLANC Napa Valley 2015 $79.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+346304 GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2016 $69.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+395855 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 92 R+353201 RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $49.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+155408 MARCHESI DI BAROLO BARBARESCO DOCG 2016 $39.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+942508 MASTROJANNI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2015 $82.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+489708 HUFF RESERVE PINOT NOIR VQA Prince Edward County 2017 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for OCTOBER 3, 2020 NOTE: There is NO Vintages release on October 17, so the next World Wine Watch will be October 31. By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight --- 1.Henry of Pelham Classic Cabernet-Merlot 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula +504241 LCBO $15.95: this entry level wine is dependable and consistent from year to year. This time it has cabernet franc, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. The Bordeaux-themed blend comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux. It is still a young wine and could profit from a double-decant. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by barrel aging. It has been modestly aged in used oak. Great with foods cooked in the Mediterranean basin style. 12.8% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Baco Noir Classic 2019 VQA Ontario, +270926 LCBO $15.95: As with their previous baco noirs at all levels, HOP has maintained the rich jammy character. This entry level baco has also been re-titled “Baco Noir Classic” and I suspect other HOP entry level varietal wines will also be labeled “Classic”, probably with a price rise of a dollar or so. US barrels are used for more than six months aging. It is still too young for today [only seven months old], needs another year or two. 13% ABV. One of the top General List bacos in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Just Merlot 2019 Pays d'Oc, +17528 LCBO October $11.95: an easy drinking entry-level merlot from the warmer south of France (Languedoc, Rhone). Ripe, oak free, good mix of red and black berries, smooth. 13.5% ABV. Good unpretentious value for the price. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.LangeTwins Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Lodi, +572305 Vintages $24.95: “Certified Green” sustainable. A great wallop of cherries begins the aromatics and dominates right through to the finish in typical Cali-style. 18 months aging in mostly French oak barrels, long rich ending with toasty notes. But only 2.4 g/L residual sugar. 14% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Sacred Hill Pinot Noir 2018 Marlborough, +277665 Vintages Halloween $19.95: typical Kiwi pinot noir from the heart of New Zealand, one of their better values for under $20. While the colour is a bit light, the dynamics of the palate are red cherry-berry all the way, with underbrush notes. Soft tannins dominate the finish. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.J. Bookwalter Readers Chardonnay 2018 Columbia Valley Washington, +634162 Vintages Halloween $19.95: I enjoyed the Cab from Readers awhile back, and I am happy to say that I enjoyed the Chard from Readers as well. It's a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier (20%) which puts it on maybe the same level as a Chardonnay Musque. Certainly, you would want no oak here, and that is a given. It is all stainless and the wine blend is co-fermented. The Viognier contributes honeysuckle and peaches, of course. The Chardonnay dominates with other orchard fruits and compelling citric notes. The blend is aged (with stirring) four months on its lees, and then bottled after a further two months. 13.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Under $20 at Vintages Oct 3 ========= W+89011 FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2019 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 91 W+469593 THIERRY DELAUNAY LE GRAND BALLON SAUVIGNON BLANC IGP Val de Loire 2019 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+26146 CASETTA ROERO ARNEIS DOCG 2018 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+688259 BEST'S GREAT WESTERN RIESLING Great Western, Victoria 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+444703 MONTGRAS ANTU CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sustainable, DO Maipo Valley 2018 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+15095 CONDEMINAL PONCHO PAMPA PINOT NOIR Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2018 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+677476 JIM BARRY COVER DRIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Over $20 at Vintages Oct 3 ========= W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 92 W+441089 ROMBAUER CARNEROS CHARDONNAY Carneros 2018 $63.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+127324 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR CABERNET SAUVIGNON Partial appassimento, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $39.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+73817 RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2017 $39.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+638551 LE PARVIS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2017 $56.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+16909 PLANTAGENET SHIRAZ Great Southern, Western Australia 2013 $39.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Rose+451906 SAINT AIX ROSÉ AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence 2019 $25.95 MVC/QPR:91 Sparkling+15691 MEIOMI SPARKLING Traditional method, North Coast, California $35.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Sweet+47209 PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary 2013 $35.95 MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for SEPTEMBER 19, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight or so --- 1.Best's Great Western Riesling 2019 Victoria, +688259, $19.95 Vintages October 3, 2020: really good age-worthy (20 years or more) Riesling wines from plantings that began in the 1860s at Best's Nursery Block. According to the producer, here are some 41 and 75 year-old vines. Opens with fragrant blossoms on the nose, lemons and apples for entry (of course), some tropicality on the mid-palate, finishing with some austere-ness. A keeper. 11% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016, +959627, $53.95 Vintages September 19, 2020: its price is up eight bucks since last year's 2015 vintage release, but it is still too young to consume unless you double-decant and drink it over a few days. Half of the wine was made in barrels, the other half in vats. A selection of the better barrels is made with the vatted wine into a single blend, and after 18 months together they are bottled. It will be well-aged after another 10 years. Of the 13 permitted varieties, grenache, syrah, and mourvedre are dominant, with cinsault, counoise, muscardin, and vaccarese added. Still tight but plenty of black fruits and spices. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Chardonnay 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +291211 LCBO, $14.95: ripeness, pleasant balance of acid and fruit, integrated style in place, some freshness in the finish. Overall, terrific balance of fruit in the finish, with residual sugar at 6.1g/litre. 12.7% ABV, screw cap, gravity-driven, fermented in stainless with aging sur lie. Apple and citric tones, completely unwooded. Try with a light cream sauce (pasta, trout, veggies). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Estate Fume Sauvignon Blanc 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +444268 $19.95 winery only: Very aromatic with nuances of toastiness both in the nose and on the palate, somewhat in a fume style started by Robert Mondavi fifty years ago. Typical savvy zestiness is tamed by oaking and unctuous fruit tones. Medium finish accents lemon and vanillin character, melon, honeysuckle. Best as a classy sipper on its own, but also with a lightly aromatic first course. 50% BF in barriques, a half-year aging in oak barriques. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Campbell Kind Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Marlborough, $22.99 consignment through selectwines.ca: Steve Campbell, of www.campbellkindwines.com, has the world’s first international range of sustainable, carbon zero wines. International wineries and winemakers craft environmentally-friendly wines for their retail partners. Campbell Kind Wine currently has several varieties of wines in play, which include Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Syrah and Chenin Blanc from South Africa, Tempranillo blend from Ribera del Duero, Montepulciano blend from Abruzzo, and IgT Rosso Veronese from Verona, and others. I sampled the savvy: made by Steve Smith, New Zealand's first MW, of Smith and Sheth among the Marlborough riverbeds. It's a dynamic wine made from some 30-year old vines, with a medium-body and lower levels of MVC (Modal Varietal Character), especially tropicality and orchard fruit, but with more minerality and citric lemon tones, leading to a higher crisp finish. It's ideal with fried foods. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Saintly The Good Sparkling Rose Gold 2019 VQA Ontario, +16767 LCBO, $18.95: an all-purpose medium-body off-dry styled wine for patios, terraces, decks, etc. with nuances of strawberries and melons. Grapes include 46% Chardonnay, 46% Cab Franc, 4% Sauvignon Blanc, and 4% Syrah (the grapes and percentages could change from harvest to harvest). Very light-pink in colour, persistent mousse from the cuve close Charmat method. Extended lees contact leads to a creaminess in the body. In three words: fresh, fruity, dry. What more could you ask for in a very pleasant and consistent all-occasion celebratory drink? 3 g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Saintly The Good Sparkling [white] Gold 2019 VQA Ontario, Wine Rack only $18.95: another all-purpose medium-body off-dry styled wine for patio, terrace, deck, etc. with nuances of orchard fruit (apples, pears, peaches) and citric tones. Grapes include 82% Pinot Gris, 15% Muscat, and 3% Chardonnay (the grapes and percentages could change from harvest to harvest). Persistent mousse, Charmat method, extended lees contact – all contribute to a creamy style. What more could you ask for in a very pleasant and consistent all-occasion celebratory drink? 10g g/L residual sugar makes it “dry to off- dry”. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Under $20 ========= W+284588 WATERKLOOF CIRCLE OF LIFE WO Stellenbosch 2016 $19.95 MVC/QPR:90 W+146423 SUTHERLAND CHARDONNAY WO Elgin 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+523001 CAVE SPRING CABERNET FRANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+496463 PASSO DEL CARDINALE PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 R+461699 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE BACO NOIR VQA Ontario $24.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+14149 MORANDE GRAN RESERVA SYRAH/CABERNET SAUVIGNON Central Valley 2017 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+959627 CHÂTEAU MONT-REDON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2016 $54.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+13676 MICHELLE PHILIPON SANTENAY AC 2017 $42.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+466375 PODERE BRIZIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2015 $72.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Sparkling+405035 HUFF CUVÉE JANINE SPARKLING ROSÉ Traditional method, VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario 2016 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. SOME RECENT SPARKLING ROSE WINES TASTED -- Wines are either at the LCBO (CSPC given) or the winery. Wines are arranged randomly. **DEAN'S CHOICE “best sparkling wine” was Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Brut Rose Champagne NV $99.95 +158550 (personal rating of 93-94). **DEAN'S CHOICE “best sparkling wine value” was Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling Rosé NV $17.95 +536565 VQA Ontario (92) I did not rate Leitz Eins-Zwei-Zero NV Rheingau Pinot Noir Sparkling $12.95 LCBO +12549 as it has no alcohol, but it certainly tastes magnificent for 0% ABV, and of course it is in a category by itself. Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Laurent-Perrier Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Brut Rose NV $99.95 +158550 Champagne Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier 12% LCBO Vintage Essentials -Huff Estates Winery Cuvee Janine Rose 2017 $30 +405035 Canada PEC (VQA PEC) Pinot Noir 12.5% Winery/Online -Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling 2014 $34.95 Canada Niagara Pinot Noir & Chardonnay 12% Online, Winery -Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling Rosé N/A $17.95 +536565 Canada VQA Ontario 90% Riesling 10% Cabernet Franc 12% LCBO Year Round -Gruet Sparkling Brut Rose NV Method Champenoise New Mexico $26.95 +15686 pinot noir 12% Vintages -Flat Rock Cellars Crowned Sparkling Brut 2015 $45.00 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir 12% Winery Only New Release -Bottega Spa Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Brut Rose NV $14.95 +277202 Italy Veneto Pinot Nero 11.5% LCBO Under $20 ========= W+68015 FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED CHARDONNAY Certified sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2019 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+557165 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING Certified sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+225557 ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+15614 REMY PANNIER VOUVRAY AC 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+168708 FERRATON PÈRE & FILS SAMORËNS CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2018 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 92 R+323741 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Rose+117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ Sur lie, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2019 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 W+258186 ROBERT MONDAVI RESERVE CHARDONNAY Carneros, Napa Valley 2017 $61.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+520403 BACHELDER WISMER WINGFIELD OUEST VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $47.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+157347 ENRICO SERAFINO BARBARESCO DOCG 2016 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+15084 SARTORI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 120th anniversary bottling, DOC 2015 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+719211 CLINE ANCIENT VINES ZINFANDEL Contra Costa County 2017 $26.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+127712 FERRATON PÈRE & FILS LA MATINIÈRE CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2017 $26.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Sparkling+460865 CAVE DE LUGNY BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France $22.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Port+216424 POÇAS COLHEITA PORT DOP Douro, Portugal 2003 $45.95 MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for AUGUST 22, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. Some Great ROSE Wines Tasted Over Summer, still available --- These rose wines are either at the LCBO (CSPC given) or the winery or consignment/private order. Here are my personal faves; wines that I will actually buy. Scores are 91+ !! **DEAN'S CHOICE BEST VALUE - Bodega Argento Argento Rose 2019 $10.95 +13245 Mendoza 85% syrah/malbec/cabernet franc, 14% pinot grigio 12.5% LCBO Seasonal Rose (92+) **DEAN'S CHOICE BEST DOMESTIC – a tie! WITH The Foreign Affair Winery Amarosé 2019 $19.95 Vintages +388702 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir 12.2% July 25 (91) and Flat Rock Cellars Pink Twisted 2019 $17.95 +39974 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Gamay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer 11% LCBO (91) **DEAN'S CHOICE BEST IMPORT - Caves d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2019 $62.95 +491019 AOC COTES DE PROVENCE 13% LCBO Vintages 11-Jul-20 (93) **** BEST ROSE WINES -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): Producer Product Name Vintage Price LCBO # Country Region Grape Varieties Alc. % -Chateau d'Aqueria Tavel Rose 2019 $24.95 +319368 France Rhone Valley Grenache 13.5% LCBO Vintages -Caves d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2019 $62.95 +491019 France AOC COTES DE PROVENCE 13% LCBO Vintages 11-Jul-20 -Caves d'Esclans ROCK ANGEL 2019 $49.95 +491027 France AOC COTES DE PROVENCE 14% LCBO Vintages -When Pigs Fly Rose 2018 $19.95 Ontario VQA Vinemount Ridge pinot noir Vieni Vineyard 13% -Caves d'Esclans THE PALM BY WHISPERING ANGEL 2019 $24.95 +562595 France AOC COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE 13% LCBO Vintages -AIX Rosé 2019 $24.95 +451906 France Provence Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault 13% LCBO Vintages -Bieler Pere & Fils Sabine Rose 2018 $18.95 +867358 France Provence Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cab Sauv, Rolle 13% Consignment, always available P. Dandurand -Faulkner Wines Jules Rose 2018 $19.99 NA France Provence Cinsault, Carignan, Cabernet Sauv, 12.5% Consignment, Always available Noble Estates Wines & Spirits -Vignerons de Chusclan MAESTRAL ROSE 2019 $16.45 +15135 France IGP GARD Grenache,Syrah,Merlot 13.50% LCBO Vintages -Frescobaldi Alie 2018 $22.95 +865147 Tuscany Syrah with a touch of Vermentino 12.5% Consignment, Always available Dandurand -Sacred Hill Whitecliff Hawkes Bay Rose 2019 $14.95 +13297 New Zealand Hawkes Bay 12.5% LCBO -Kim Crawford Rose 2019 $18.95 +650325 New Zealand Hawke's Bay 67% Merlot, 29.5% Sauvignon Blanc, 1.3% Pinot Gris, 1.2% Malbec, 0.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.3% Cabernet Franc 13% LCBO -Bodega Argento Argento Rose 2019 $10.95 +13245 Mendoza 85% syrah/malbec/cabernet franc, 14% pinot grigio 12.5% LCBO Seasonal Rose -Charles Smith Wines Band of Roses 2018 $11 USD Washington State 12.5% -Saintly The Good Rose 2019 $17.95 Niagara 12.5% Wine Rack -Huff Estates Winery County Roads Rose 2019 $25 PEC (VQA PEC) Pinot Noir 12% Winery/Online -The Foreign Affair Winery Amarosé 2019 $18.95 Vintages +388702 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir 12.2% LCBO by July 25 -Flat Rock Cellars Pink Twisted 2019 $17.95 +39974 Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir, Gamay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer 11% LCBO -Gerard Bertrand Hampton Water 2019 $29.95 +667337 Languedoc syrah, cinsault, mourvedre,grenache 14% LCBO Vintages 2020-07-11 -UP Ultimate Provence Rose 2019 $27.95 +14833 Provence grenache, cinsault, syrah, rolle 12.5% Vintages Under $20 ========= W+328559 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY WO Western Cape KWV 2016 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 93 W+650275 JACKSON-TRIGGS RESERVE SPARKLING MOSCATO Charmat method, VQA Ontario 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+341586 FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS VQA Niagara Peninsula 2019 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+958736 MUGA BARREL FERMENTED WHITE DOCa Rioja 2018 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+328567 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Western Cape KWV $15.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+272575 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR TAUTAVEL AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+15977 PLANTAGENET LIONS' CIRCLE SHIRAZ Great Southern, Western Australia 2017 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= W+268342 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment $21.95 MVC/QPR: 92 R+382325 RODNEY STRONG RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2015 $69.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+297945 CHÂTEAU LAROSE-TRINTAUDON Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc 2009 $30.95 MVC/QPR: 92 W+378570 SPERLING VISION SERIES CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 92 R+976662 FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2008 $31.95 MVC/QPR: 91 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for AUGUST 8, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight --- 1.Henry of Pelham Old Vines Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +459966, $19.95 LCBO General List: Same price as the last vintage. Low yielding grapes come from 1984 and later plantings in the Short Hills Bench area. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $20. Both new and older (one/two year old) US barrels are used for initial aging before transfer to 5000L oak foudres. Total aging: 1 year. It is still needs another two years for proper aging, but with decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13.5% ABV. One of the top baco noirs at the LCBO for under $20. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork/boar, lamb, wild game – all either braised or grilled. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Sartori Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC 120th 2015, +15084, Vintages September $29.95: this is a limited release, to celebrate the company's 120th anniversary. The mix includes corvina veronese (55%), corvinone (25%), plus croatina and rondinells. It was done up in stainless steel fermentation to which malolactic fermentation was employed. And then the second fermentation of ripasso began on the unpressed skins of the Amarone leftover. It was all aged in medium and large oak casks for 24 months, and then blended with a cuvee selection. Red fruit dominates, especially ripe cherries and a twist of savouriness near the deep, deep finish. Great with red meats and older cheese. 14% ABV. If you're going to spend $39 on a better ripasso valpolicella, then this is the one to get. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Riesling Estate 2019 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165 Vintages, $19.95 Vintages September: intense riesling in a Rhine style of cool fermentation, with very off-dry palate but dry finish (good acid levels on the finish) – broad grapefruit and lemons on the mid-palate, sip (mainly) or food. 9.8% ABV, 19.5 g/L RS, twist top, from HOP's oldest Estate riesling vineyards (planted 1984). Should also age well. Try with fish that live in water but die in wine. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Ferraton Pere & Fils Samorens Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge 2018 AOC +168708, $16.95 Vintages September: a very good bargain wine (it costs a lot more in the USA), especially for its depth and intensity. Very meaty on the approach and full of saturated flavours on the mid-palate. Grenache is the main grape (85%), with syrah (10%) and cinsault (5%). Yet it does not have that papery taste of most French grenache .. it is more like Cannonau di Sardegna. Red fruit dominates. 14.5% ABV. There is also a very aromatic Blanc wine, not yet available in Ontario. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. SPECIAL FINDS FOR AUGUST 8, 2020 -- Sparkling+438200 WESTCOTT VIOLETTE SPARKLING Charmat method, VQA Ontario 2019 $25.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Rose+557611 MEIOMI ROSÉ Monterey/Sonoma/Santa Barbara counties 2018 $27.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Rose+493171 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ Marlborough, South Island 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Rose+490904 SAINT AIX ROSÉ AP Coteaux-d'Aix-en-Provence 2019 $48.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Rose+556274 MARQUIS D'AQUERIA TAVEL AP 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 91 Under $20 ========= W+ 80234 FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2019 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+519025 FEATHERSTONE PHOENIX VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2019 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+315119 JEAN GEILER PINOT GRIS AC Alsace 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AP 2019 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+484139 DOMAINE DU TARIQUET SAUVIGNON BLANC Vegan, IGP Côtes de Gascogne 2019 $13.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+13000 GÉRARD BERTRAND TERROIR PICPOUL DE PINET AC 2019 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+15716 SWARTLAND TERRE NOIR CHENIN BLANC WO Swartland 2018 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+479303 IVORY & BURT ZINFANDEL Lodi 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+12281 CHÂTEAU DE RIBEBON AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= W+10421 ASTROLABE SAUVIGNON BLANC Sustainable, AMW, Marlborough, South Island 2019 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+14880 DOMAINE DE LA PLAIGNE MOULIN-À-VENT AC 2016 $20.95 MVC/QPR:89 R+14584 SARTORI 120TH ANNIVERSARY VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2016 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+568899 LUIGI BOSCA TERROIR LOS MIRADORES MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JULY 25, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight ---  1.Stel + Mar Premium Red California +14775 LCBO, $4.95 for 250 mL can: is actually a pretty decent 100% zinfandel from Lodi, vintage 2018 (not listed on the can), with cherry-berry all the way, accented with notes of mocha-vanillin tones. Typically California. The package holds about two glasses, perfect for one or two people on a picnic or back yard, and is the equivalent value of a 750mL bottle selling at $15. 13.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Stel + Mar Premium White California +14776 LCBO, $4.95 for 250 mL can: is actually a very good 100% unoaked chardonnay from The North Coast, also 2018 vintage (not listed on the can). By properly making cuvees of the many chardonnay vineyards available, it was possible to get the most out of the wine. It shows some vanilla minerality with some lingering toffee tones, so it goes well with food. Typical ripe orchard fruit on the main palate. Chills really fast. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Stel + Mar Rose Tetra California, +15515 LCBO, 3 Litres (6 x 500mL in tetra, $45.95): Simple, easy to drink Californian smooth rose, good with picnics of course. The size is right – two-thirds of a bottle, 17 ounces (four drinks). A good idea for a picnic. Pretty basic wine with proper (and quick) chilling. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Stel + Mar Sparkling Rose California 250 mL can (not yet available at LCBO): The Sparkling Rose (12.5% ABV) is off-dry, but the bubbles are an added attraction. Apparently it is their basic rose (see above, the Tetra) but with bubbles. Bubbles make it so much better. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Toro Centenario Malbec 2019 Mendoza, +12452, $9.60 LCBO: newly arrived with its twist top access. There is only one word needed to describe this wine: plump. It comes from FeCoVitA, one of the largest co-ops in the Argentine (over 5000 winegrowers and producers). In producing a low-cost entry level wine, the co-op got it right with plum, blackberry and black cherry flavours. Nothing fancy, just pure plumpness at 12.5% ABV and a modest sugar level of 7 g/L finishing dry on the palate. Great for today's summery patios. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Sparkling+515254 VILARNAU BARCELONA RESERVA BRUT CAVA Traditional method, DO, Spain $15.95 MVC/QPR: 90 ROSE for the Summer -- Rose+388702 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR AMAROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 91 Rose+15273 ST HALLETT DRY ROSÉ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Rose+491019 CHÂTEAU D'ESCLANS WHISPERING ANGEL ROSÉ AC Côtes de Provence 2019 $62.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Rose+15135 MAESTRAL ROSÉ IGP Gard 2019 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 91 Under $20 ========= W+80234 FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula ESSENTIAL $18.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+707158 ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA DOC 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+389767 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR CONSPIRACY BIANCO VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+520668 CREW FLAGSHIP CHARDONNAY VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+247882 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY TREE RED VQA Ontario 2017 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+24117 ST HALLETT GAMEKEEPER'S SHIRAZ/GRENACHE/TOURIGA Barossa, South Australia 2018 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+434373 CANTINE DUE PALME ETTAMIANO PRIMITIVO IGP Salento 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Over $20 ========= W+425322 WESTCOTT LILLIAS CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Escarpment 2019 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JULY 11, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. SPECIAL FINDS IN THE JULY 11, 2020 RELEASE -- Sparkling +571661 CHARTRON ET TRÉBUCHET BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY Traditional method, AP, Burgundy, France 2017 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 92 Rose +15139 TROUPIS FTERI AGIORGITIKO/MOSCHOFILERO ROSÉ IGP Peloponnese 2018 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Under $20 W+542365 SANTA EMA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY Sustainable, DO Leyda Valley 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+13926 MICHELE CHIARLO PALÁS MOSCATO D'ASTI DOC, Piedmont, Italy 2018 $13.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+117945 TAHBILK MARSANNE Certified carbon neutral, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria 2019 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+377721 BARON DE HOEN RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 91 W+15358 JESUITENHOF FUNDAMENT RIESLING TROCKEN Qualitätswein 2018 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+15595 WATERKLOOF SERIOUSLY COOL CINSAULT WO Stellenbosch 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+698175 WATERKLOOF CIRCLE OF LIFE RED WO Stellenbosch 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+995704 ZENATO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2017 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 W+10380 MOILLARD COQUILLAGE CHABLIS AP François Martenot 2018 $25.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+184549 LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $44.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+462093 LIGHTFOOT & WOLFVILLE ANCIENNE WILD FERMENTED CHARDONNAY Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia 2017 $37.00 MVC/QPR: 89 W+958975 MER SOLEIL RESERVE CHARDONNAY Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+572305 LANGE TWINS ESTATE GROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sustainable, Lodi 2016 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+638445 MORANDÉ ADVENTURE VIGNO VIGNADORES OLD VINES DRY-FARMED CARIGNAN Maule Valley 2016 $26.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+912956 RUFFINO MODUS IGT Toscana 2017 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+47118 CARPINETO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JUNE 27, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER,  the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight --- 1.Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2018 IGP Pays d'Oc, +147975, $14.95 Vintages July: [This a re-order]....aromatic but on the dry side, perfect as a social wine or for first course. Expect peachy and orange character, but of course no oak. Youthful and useful with nuances of orchard fruit and spicy nuts. No malolactic fermentation. Could go either way with or without food, hence versatile. 13.5% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Henry of Pelham Pinot Grigio Classic 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +250217 LCBO, $14.95: a wine made in the pinot gris style (Oregon, Alsace) but labeled pinot GRIGIO should sell well for those looking at a pinot grigio with some kick. Grigio has a reputation of being the vodka of wine, but here it is done up as a fairly complicated off-dry wine with layers being revealed as the wine chills down or warms up. One time it has tropicality then it becomes more citrus with more chilling. That makes it a sipper and a food wine, suitable for pre-prandial in the winter or spring. Of note is its slight tinge of orange colour (aha, another “orange” wine!!) from the grape – it is “gris” after all. Some part of the juice was from warmer regions in Niagara, other parts came from a cooler regions. There is some Ontario cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, with some pear notes. Stainless steel all the way. 12% ABV, twist top. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Henry of Pelham Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +430546 LCBO. $14.95: good balanced fruit, citric tones, zest, MVC typicity of savvy zestiness. Fresh, 12.2% ABV. Very aromatic with nuances of grassiness both in the nose and on the palate. Medium finish accents of lemon character, melon tones. Best with a lightly aromatic first course of seafood or dairy. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 Vintages, $24.95: both cabernets franc and sauvignon are used in this Bordeaux-styled blend with merlot, which comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux New World and Old World. It is still in its youth at 4 years of age, and it would be a shame to consume it this young. You could do what I did: open it and drink it over a couple of weeks, exposing it to air gently or speeding up the process by double-triple decanting. You will get several different wines out of one bottle over the course of time. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by French and US oak (30% new) for 10 months. Match it with grilled meats. 13.5% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Lazzara Bianco Secco Charmat Method NV VQA Ontario, +16789, LCBO $17.95: this is the latest entry in the domestic “prosecco” sweepstakes in Ontario. The wine is named after Julia Lazzara, the Speck brothers' great grandmother. It comes in at a respectable 11.5% ABV. With RS 20.4/gL. Off-dry but with aromatic grape varieties in the mix (and they could change from harvest to harvest). Tried with smoked BBQ ribs. Bubbles really play around via Charmat method. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Ivory & Burt Old Vine Zinfandel 2017 Lodi, +479303, Vintages August $19.95: very plush style with plum jam, oak lashings, and some herbs on the long engaging finish. Concentrated dark berry fruit tones (black cherry, blackberry), propped up by new US oak for 15% of the production. Sustainable certificate. Best with grilled meats. 15% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Sartori Valpolicella Superiore DOC 120th 2016, +14584, Vintages August $24.95: this is a limited release for the company's 120th anniversary. The mix includes corvina veronese (50%), corvinone (35%), plus croatina and rondinells. About 20% of the must was drawn off to concentrate flavours and tannins; the rest was done up in stainless steel fermentation to which malolactic fermentation was employed. It was all aged in small oak casks for 18 months, and then blended with a cuvee selection. Red fruit dominates, especially ripe cherries and a twist of savouriness near the finish. Great with red meats and older cheese. 13% ABV. If you're going to spend $25 on a better valpolicella, then this is the one to get. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 8.Henry of Pelham Family Tree The Goat Lady Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +16792 LCBO $16.95: in the highly competitive market of chardonnays between $14.95 and $19.95, this one – at a mid-point in that price range – works well. It is part of a new “Family Tree” addition, beyond the current Red and the White. The whole series is under cork, and not screw-cap. Here the Chardonnay has been in US oak for 7 months, and some of it underwent malolactic fermentation. Very much a creamy mouthfeel, almost Californian in style with some coconut tones. 8.79 g/L residual sugar. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 9.Henry of Pelham Family Tree The Padre Cabernet-Merlot 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, available only at the HOP winery or online, $21.95: a classic blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot, done up in French style with barrel aging for 16 months in both new and older oak (60% French oak, 40% US oak). 13% ABV. Gobs of fruit and vanillin tones, good entry level. But needs more time – do a double decant or taste over several days. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Henry of Pelham Family Tree The Bootlegger Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +16791, LCBO $17.95: all baco noir, which is the deft signature wine of Henry of Pelham. Twenty percent of it has been barrel aged in all US oak, and 80% done up in stainless steel. This one definitely needs time, and exposure is recommended beyond a double decant. It gets more plummy as it opens up. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- +224766 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING Traditional method, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $25.95 MVC/QPR: 90 +179275 DRAPPIER BRUT NATURE PINOT NOIR CHAMPAGNE AC, France André et Michel Drappier $62.95 MVC/QPR: 91 +423111 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BLANC DE BLANCS SPARKLING Traditional method, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 2015 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 92 +264721 SÁNCHEZ ROMATE AMONTILLADO SHERRY DO, Spain $16.95 MVC/QPR: 91 Roses - +275842 QUAILS' GATE ROSÉ BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2019 $20.95 MVC/QPR: 90 +491027 CAVES D'ESCLANS ROCK ANGEL ROSÉ AC Côtes de Provence Sacha Lichine 2018 $51.95 MVC/QPR: 91 Under $20 ========= W+231282 KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2019 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 92 W+527630 LA FORTEZZA TABURNO FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO DOC Enzo Rillo 2018 MVC/QPR: 89 W+734798 THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2019 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+82305 DOMAINE BELLEVUE TOURAINE SAUVIGNON AC Vauvy, vitic. 2018 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= W+11948 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR VIOGNIER VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $23.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+616466 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 92 R+213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO DOCG 2016 $41.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+995910 REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $42.95 MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JUNE 13, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER,  the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling.  Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight: 16.Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 +149302 Vintages May: one of my faves, and occasionally an LTO at under $20. Over the years it has simply gotten better as the grapevines have matured. Wild indigenous yeast is used. Good mid-tone oaky component (it is very easy to say it is mid-way between French and US oak) from the use of nearby Canadian oak trees. 10% new oak, 90% 1 to 5 year old. Terrific ripe orchard fruit aromas and palate. Plus vanillin and cream after the mid-palate leading to citric food-friendly finish. Needs more time for balancing, but then at that time it will be awesome. 13.2% ABV. Only 0.26 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.     17.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 August 22 and Dec 12: a summer social sipper or quaffer, combining 50% riesling and 40% chardonnay with 8% sauvignon blanc and 2% gewurztraminer – all highly aromatic grapes. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. 12.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.     18.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 +80234 Vintages Essential: more in the Mosel mode than Rhine wine, this delicious sipper is loaded with a nose of citrus highlights (lemon, lime, grapefruit) evolving to orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long lean-ish finish which also makes it nifty food wine for Asiatic dishes of all sorts. Medium body but not dry. Suitable for aging, to get that “petrol” character. 10.1% ABV. RS 20 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.   19.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a blend  of 86% cabernet franc and 14% merlot. 100% US oak was used – 25% new, balance in 1 to 4 year old barrels. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of berries, plums and cherries. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving acid balances. Should go well with BBQ or other fatty meats. Keep for another few years (I tasted it daily) or do a double-decant. 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.     20.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +131540 Vintages May: Merlot is still recovering from its dissing by Pinot Noir in the movie “Sideways”. But a lot of wineries are still making it. David Johnson the winemaker has here produced a delightfully fruity but dryish (RS 1.4 g/L) drop that is also affordable. Aged 10 months in French oak, 100% malolactic fermentation. Expect black fruit cherry-berry complexity, headed by black currant. Both a patio sipper and a food wine, and ready now for current drinking and accompanying any kind of comfort food. 12.4% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.   Some interesting rose wines and fortified wine from the June 13 release include -- Sherry+15390 HIDALGO PASTRANA PASADA MANZANILLA SHERRY DO Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain $21.95 MVC/QPR: 92 Rose+451906 SAINT AIX ROSÉ AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence 2019 $25.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Rose+319368 CHÂTEAU D'AQUÉRIA TAVEL AC 2019 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Rose+14833 UP ULTIMATE PROVENCE ROSÉ AP Côtes de Provence 2019 $27.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Under $20 W+398966 REDSTONE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+928580 SANTA CAROLINA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY Certified carbon neutral, DO Itata Valley 2017 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+370262 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LA CLAPE SYRAH/CARIGNAN/MOURVÈDRE AP 2016 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+63537 CHÂTEAU HYOT AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2016 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+161398 LANDER-JENKINS CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 92 Over $20 ========= W+341792 CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula 2019 $22 MVC/QPR: 89 R+643361 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING Certified sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $27.95 MVC/QPR: 92 W+13315 WATERBROOK RESERVE CHARDONNAY Columbia Valley 2017 $26.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+974527 VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC Certified sustainable, Marlborough, South Island 2019 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+127290 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $23.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2016 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+353201 RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $47.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+395855 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+426833 COLCHESTER RIDGE CREW MERITAGE VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2016 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+14739 CHÂTEAU DE LA BOTTIÈRE JULIÉNAS AC 2017 $20.95 MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for MAY 30, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on until at least the June 13 release. HOWEVER,  the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling. I'm in the midst of conducting the annual rose tasting held by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. Here are some nifty ROSES from this May 30 release for your enjoyment -- Still Rose -- +552497 PELEE ISLAND LOLA CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ VQA South Islands, Lake Erie North Shore 2018 $15.95 W+461640 MVC/QPR: 89 +552562 HENRY OF PELHAM THREE OF HEARTS ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2019 $19.95 Now a Vintages Essential. MVC/QPR: 90 +177840 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2019 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 89 +562595 THE PALM BY WHISPERING ANGEL [rose] AC Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence 2019 $22.95 MVC/QPR: 89 and for those big, big lawn parties, in the 1500 mL magnum bottle: +490912 GÉRARD BERTRAND CÔTE DES ROSES ROSÉ AP Languedoc 2018 $37.95 1500mL MVC/QPR: 90 Sparkling Rose -- +15686 GRUET BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ Traditional method, New Mexico $26.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Under $20 ========= W+413757 LA CAVE DU COUDRAY RÉSERVE DU CHIRON MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE Sur lie, AC 2018 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+394288 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE AP Corbières 2016 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+538041 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE EMBRACE [gamay] VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+131540 FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 750 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+166512 VALDEMAR INSPIRACIÓN SELECCIÓN DOCa Rioja 2015 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+ 545772 BUENA VISTA THE LEGENDARY BADGE PETITE SIRAH California 2018 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+516765 JEAN-PIERRE MOUEIX BORDEAUX AC 2016 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+630103 CHÂTEAU LES PETITS ARNAUDS TRADITION AC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2016 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+574087 I BALZI GOVERNO ALL'USO IGT Rosso Toscana 2017 $16.95 MVC/QPR:89 R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2018 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= Sparkling+400432 MOUTARD PÈRE & FILS GRANDE CUVÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC, France $52.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Sparkling+234161 JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT SPARKLING Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2016 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+461640 WILLIAM FÈVRE CHAMPS ROYAUX CHABLIS 2018 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+393686 NUGAN ESTATE ALCIRA VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2016 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+489922 TAHBILK GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria 2017 $22.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+ 11986 QUEENSTON MILE RED VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $25 MVC/QPR: 89 R+73817 RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 $39.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+533711 PENDULUM CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2017 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+129353 THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK WO Swartland 2018 $39.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+251645 LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP 2018 $20.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+704908 E. GUIGAL CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2017 $35.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+14002 BISCARDO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2015 $43.95 MVC/QPR: 90 9.Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Escarpment $29.99 winery, licensee: much like Lillias but with oak overtones. This Estate wine has had full MLF, 100% wild yeast, barrel fermentation, and French oak aging for 9 months (20% new, 40% one fill). Two different clones were used (95, 96), and the results show a typical Westcott feature of orchard fruit with some tropicality concentrated notes contributed by the oak aging' leading to a slight citric finish. Still too young, lay it down – or taste it (as I did) over a stretch of time. A good first course wine since the oak appears in the background as grace notes. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 10.Westcott Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2018 VQA Vinemount Ridge $44.99 winery: 11.Westcott Vineyards Block 76 Chardonnay 2018 VQA Vinemount Ridge $44.99 Wine Club: this is a great exercise in comparative horizontal values. The Block 76 is new this year, made for the first time as an exclusive for the Westcott Wine Club. Differences are notable but subtle. Both labels are elegant Burgundian-styled wines, with virtually the same winemaking of full malolactic fermentation and wild yeast, but Block 76 has limited lees stirring. Both are barrel fermented and aged for 10 months in French oak, but Block 76 has more new oak than the Reserve. Block 76 is 12.8% ABV; Reserve is 12.5% ABV. Block 76 has slightly higher total acidity. Chardonnay clones 95 and 96 were used in the Reserve; Chardonnay clone 76 was used in, well, Block 76. But both had strong whiffs of pineapple and butter on the nose. The proof is in the pudding: a tasting over several days showed a more “complex basket” of medium-toned flavours for the Block 76, which was ultimately (and given that it is the same price) my choice of the two. The wines got better as they were exposed to more air over a week; new bottles should really be laid down for a few more years. Soft elegance and incipient balance are keystones here in the long, lingering finish. Also, do not overchill: it just mutes the flavours of layers of fruit and wood. Quality/Price rating for the Westcott Reserve is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Quality/Price rating for the Westcott Block 76 is 93+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 12.Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reserve 2018 VQA Short Hills Bench +616466, $29.95 Vintages June 27: Grapes come from their oldest estate vineyards (beginning 1988), hand-picked. Barrel fermented in French oak with a portion in 3000L foudres, and then barrel aged for 8 – 10 months in a mix of new and older barrels. This continues the tradition of Burgundian elegance. Expect some ripeness, balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place. Wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. 13% ABV, cork closure. Definitely needs another year – or more – in bottle in order to bring out the nuances. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 13.Baron de Hoen Gewurztraminer Reserve 2017 Alsace, +377721 Vintages $19.95 July 11: from around Beblenheim area, cool fermentation with typical gewurz tones of spices, lychee, roses. 13.5% ABV. Best as aperitif, or with fragrant cheeses, spicy foods. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 14.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Picpoul de Pinet 2019 AOP Picpoul de Pinet Languedoc, +13000, $17.95 Vintages July 25: from between Narbonne and Montpellier, just north of the Mediterranean. Affordable tastiness from the piquepoul grape, 13% ABV, twist top. Expect white floral and mineral tones, with medium acidity, some citrus notes and honey on the finish. One to go up against pinot grigio (but it is better than). Best with shellfish or eels rather than sipping. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 15.McPink Blended Scotch Whisky and Port Cask Finish, $59.95 700 ml bottle. Vintages +12248: McPink is so-called because it has been matured in a Port-wood cask giving it a pink tinge. The tech sheet says it is a blend of 16 single malts (60%) and Edinburgh grain whisky (40%). It's a sweeter and fruitier spirit, made to compete with rums and gins in the “neat” and “soda” market. There's a nose of stewed red fruit such as strawberry plus some mocha elements, and the redness persists on the palate and on the finish. Some herbal complexity makes this a real treat: why mix it? Of course, as a blended whisky, you can, but why bother? Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for MAY 16, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on until at least the June 13 release. HOWEVER,  the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on prior sampling. Under $20 ========= Sparkling+369074 BERNARD-MASSARD CUVÉE DE L'ÉCUSSON P INOT NOIR BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ Traditional method, Luxembourg $19.95 MVC/QPR: 88 Rose+219840 CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE LA FORÊT ROSÉ AP Fronton 2019 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+106831 ANNE DE LAWEISS COLLECTION PINOT GRIS AC Alsace 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+369850 KIM CRAWFORD PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+548867 CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA Vinho Regional Lisboa 2016 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+536532 CANTINE DUE PALME SANGAETANO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2018 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+11454 CHÂTEAU LABESSE AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2016 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+91660 NUGAN ESTATE COOKOOTHAMA DARLINGTON POINT CABERNET/MERLOT New South Wales, Australia 2016 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+444703 MONTGRAS ANTU CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sustainable, DO Maipo Valley 2017 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+161141 PASO CREEK CABERNET SAUVIGNON Paso Robles 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= Sparkling+227009 ANGELS GATE ARCHANGEL BRUT SPARKLING CHARDONNAY Traditional method, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2014 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+566026 CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+418319 DUCKHORN CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2017 $49.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+922054 TENUTE SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $46.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+12630 MUD HOUSE PINOT NOIR Certified sustainable, Central Otago, South Island 2018 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 88 R+959338 RUTHERFORD HILL MERLOT Napa Valley 2015 $39.95 MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for MAY 2, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on until mid-May. HOWEVER,  the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on prior sampling. Under $20 ========= Sparkling+370361 TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE ORGANIC SPARKLING RIESLING Traditional method, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario NV $19.95 MVC/QPR: 92 W+43281 FLAT ROCK RIESLING 20?? VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+ 446427 BARON DE HOEN RÉSERVE RIESLING AC Alsace 2018 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+12174 CHÂTEAU HAUT-RIAN AC Entre-deux-Mers 2018 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+82461 PIERRE-LUC BOUCHAUD SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE AC 2018 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Rose+117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2019 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Rose+493171 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ Marlborough, South Island 2019 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+434464 CHÂTEAU SAINT-ANTOINE RÉSERVE DU CHÂTEAU AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ======== Sparkling+421032 CHARLES MIGNON PREMIUM RÉSERVE BRUT CHAMPAGNE NV AC $48.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Sparkling+78055 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES SPARKLING ROSÉ Traditional method, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 2014 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+181289 DOMAINE LE VERGER CHABLIS AC 2018 $26.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+209148 MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA FINCA YGAY RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2015 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+171587 FARINA LE PEZZE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $36.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+172692 VINOSIA SANTANDREA TAURASI DOCG 2014 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING THIS MONTH – 1.Henry of Pelham Riesling Speck Family Reserve 2018 VQA Short Hills Bench, +643361 Vintages June, $24.95 [now available online and at winery]: absolutely delicious MVC intense riesling in a Rhine style, with an off-dry palate but a dry finish (good acid levels on the finish); broad fruity strokes of peaches and flowers on the mid-palate; quite a blazing riesling with intense pleasure, sip or food. 10.5% ABV, cork closure, from HOP's oldest Estate vineyards (35+ year old riesling vines, handpicked). Try with rich bivalve dishes or porchetta. Should improve in the bottle over the years. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir La Clape Syrah/Carignan/Mourvedre 2016 AOP Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape, +370262, $19.95 Vintages June: the South of France bargains continue at the LCBO with this southern Rhone clone emphasizing aromatic red fruit (with some black) and garrigue. Nice long finish for that heavy meat dish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 3.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Corbieres 2016 $17.95 +394288 Vintages: In this Terroir Corbieres (from the Narbonne), Bertrand uses traditional fermentation for the syrah, grenache and mourvedre. It is an appealing Rhonish G-S-M, with one-third of the blended wine aging in wood for nine months before bottling. Very firm with some very dark fruit on the very full finish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 4.Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2018 BCVQA Okanagan Valley +377770 $24.95 Vintages Essential: from one of the leading producers of Chardonnay in BC. Soft orchard fruit (pear, apple, peach), some citrus tones. Soft and versatile, with a medium balance good to accompany any foods. 13% ABV, Residual Sugar 1.0 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 5.Westcott Vineyards Temperance 2018 VQA Vinemount Ridge $19.99 winery [and SAQ +14209964]: this is a passtoutgrain-styled wine (as found in Burgundy) which is very popular in France, made from 50% Gamay Noir and 50% Pinot Noir grapes. There is a 30-day maceration, with a stainless steel all wild and malo-lactic fermentation. Very soft, fleshy, fruity (despite a low residual sugar of only 1 g/L), good for the patio and deck. It would be excellent with all kinds of soups. 12% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 6.Westcott Vineyards Brilliant Traditional Sparkling 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge $39.99 winery, licensees: this is a still-fresh terrific sparkler done up in the traditional style of long lees contact (75 months here), hand riddling, and disgorgement for a secondary fermentation in the bottle. 667 cases were produced of this pinot noir (66%) and chardonnay (33%) blend from their own estate in Vinemount Ridge. It's got a complex basket of flavours, ranging from orchard fruit through to citrus, with the lightness of the chardonnay being balanced off against the heavier tones of the pinot noir. It stays this way right from the entry through to the long finish, and the latter makes this a pretty good food wine too. You'll need to put some down for 2025. 12.9% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 7.Westcott Vineyards Lillias Chardonnay 2019 VQA Niagara Escarpment $24.99 +425322 Vintages: a bright and fresh Chardonnay reflective of the vintage. Tank fermentation and storage with full MLF to soften, and six months lees contact. No oak. Slightly off-dry feel despite 1.8 g/L residual sugar, but a rounded mid-palate. Very stylish with a light lingering finish, great as a non-appetite-provoking aperitif, which makes it a fab cocktail party white wine. Emphasis is on fresh orchard fruit (apples, pears, peaches): it could change over the next two years, which would make it more versatile in being also a first course wine. 12.9% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for APRIL 18, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on until mid-May. HOWEVER,  the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on prior sampling. Under $20 ========= W+557165 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING Certified sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+968537 TERRE BIANCHE ALGHERO TORBATO DOC 2018 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+173336 CUSUMANO INSOLIA IGT Terre Siciliane 2018 $12.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+14420 LYRARAKIS VÓILA ASSYRTIKO Vegan, PGI Crete 2018 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+14058 ESCUDO ROJO RESERVA CARMENÈRE Colchagua Valley 2018 $17 MVC/QPR: 89 R+216309 CASTELLO DI GABBIANO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+523639 CAIS DA RIBEIRA RESERVA DOC Douro 2016 $13.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+39925 CVNE CUNE CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2016 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= W+346304 GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY Made with organic grapes, Napa Valley 2016 $67.95 MVC/QPR: 92 R+539106 BUENA VISTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 $59.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+165662 MONTE DEL FRÀ LENA DI MEZZO VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2017 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 88 R+13745 MAIUS ASSEMBLAGE DOQ Priorat 2017 $23.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+709980 MICHELE SATTA PIASTRAIA DOC Bolgheri Superiore 2016 $41.95 MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for APRIL 4, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. As of this release, April 4, 2020, the wine media will no longer have access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on until mid-May. HOWEVER, the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on prior sampling. Under $20: Rose+556209 France -- Languedoc GÉRARD BERTRAND PERLES DE GRENACHE ROSÉ IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+14189 Austria -- Kamptal ALLRAM STRASS GRÜNER VELTLINER Vegan, certified sustainable, DAC Kamptal 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+391847 France -- Loire THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AP Joël Delaunay 2018 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+128629 Argentina -- Mendoza LUIGI BOSCA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza Familia Arizu 2017 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Over $20: Sparkler+11985 Canada -- Ontario JACKSON TRIGGS ENTOURAGE Icewine dosage, traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2016 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+82255 France -- Loire ROGER & DIDIER RAIMBAULT SANCERRE AC 2018 $32.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+238642 Canada -- Ontario INNISKILLIN MONTAGUE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $25.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+28845 France -- Bordeaux CLARENCE DILLON CLARENDELLE BLANC AC Bordeaux 2018 $25.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+364380 Canada -- Ontario THE FOREIGN AFFAIR DREAM VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+12908 Australia -- New South Wales NUGAN MANUKA GROVE VINEYARD DURIF Riverina, New South Wales 2016 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+13642 France -- Rhône DOMAINE ANDRÉ MATHIEU CUVÉE TRADITION CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE Certified sustainable, AC 2016 $52.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+332411 Italy -- Tuscany RUFFINO LODOLA NUOVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG 2015 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 MARCH 21, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- Under $20 ========= W+147975 GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+471284 CURVOS LOUREIRO DOC Vinho Verde 2019 $12.95 12 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+11236 ADAMO FOXCROFT RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $19.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+536219 MOHUA SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+10632 LACHETEAU HAUT POITOU SAUVIGNON BLANC AP 2018 $15.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+14186 MEGA SPILEO CUVÉE III WHITE PGI Achaia 2018 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+46268 TERRA NOBLE GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Colchagua Valley 2016 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+12993 DOMAINE DE LA BAUME LES THERMES CABERNET SAUVIGNON IGP Vin de Pays d'Oc 2017 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+200030 DOMAINE AUTRAND CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2017 $15.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+12987 XAVIER VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11151 GUARDA RIOS SIGNATURE RED Vinho Regional Alentejano 2017 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13624 EL VIVERO DE USALDÓN COLECCIÓN ORIGEN GARNACHA Finca Casa Balaguer, DO Alicante 2018 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+403683 GÉRARD BERTRAND FITOU GRENACHE/CARIGNAN AP 2018 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Over $20 ========= W+ 360297 JACKSON-TRIGGS GRAND RESERVE WHITE MERITAGE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $25.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+10955 MONTEMAJOR GRECO DI TUFO DOCG 2018 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+10871 Z. ALEXANDER BROWN UNCAGED CHARDONNAY Santa Lucia Highlands 2017 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+10722 RUHLMANN COTEAU DU BLETTIG VIEILLES VIGNES RIESLING AC Alsace 2016 $21.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+112227 CHEVALLIER CHABLIS AP 2018 $25.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+10626 GUY SAGET SANCERRE AC 2018 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+85183 BALBÁS RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2006 $23.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+11670 GORGHI TONDI COSTE A PREOLA GRILLO DOC Sicilia 2018 $15.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11961 FOGOLAR PICONE VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2015 $43.95 13.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12688 ERASMUS SHIRAZ WO Swartland 2017 $32.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+585737 BURROWING OWL MERLOT BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+626325 OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $52.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+550327 CHÂTEAU LE TEMPLE AC Médoc 2015 $26.95 RARE EARTH WINES 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11831 CHÂTEAU VIEUX CHAIGNEAU AC Lalande-de-Pomerol 2015 $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+12288 LES DEMOISELLES TATIN LA COMMANDERIE Certified sustainable, AC Reuilly 2017 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12125 MUSTILLI CESCO DI NECE AGLIANICO DOC Sannio Sant'Agata dei Goti 2015 $25.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13744 REGIA MAESTÀ PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOC 2016 $28.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+12093 MARCHESI MAZZEI BELGUARDO TIRRENICO DOC Maremma Toscana Rosso 2016 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE FAMIGLIA ZINGARELLI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+14146 TRECCIANO I CAMPACCI IGT Rosso Toscana 2016 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+13627 VALDELACIERVA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agency name -- 469478 THIRTY BENCH SPARKLING RIESLING Steel Post dosage, Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $38.95 ANDREW PELLER LIMITED 483008 CHARME D'ALIENOR CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX Traditional method, AC, Bordeaux, France $17.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 168559 CONDE DE HARO BRUT CAVA Traditional method, DO, Spain 2016 $19.95 VINEXX 515221 STARS BRUT NATURE RESERVA CAVA Traditional method, DO, Spain 2016 $16.95 HANNA NEAL WINE MERCHANTS INC 546812 CASA-DEA RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA Prince Edward County 2016 $26.95 STELLAR WINE & SPIRITS INC. 707224 CAKEBREAD CELLARS SAUVIGNON BLANC Napa Valley 2018 $49.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 171272 J. LOHR ARROYO VISTA CHARDONNAY Arroyo Seco, Monterey County 2017 $35.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 311563 CANNONBALL CHARDONNAY California 2017 $19.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 32060 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC DO Leyda Valley 2018 $14.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 711556 WAKEFIELD CLARE VALLEY ESTATE CHARDONNAY Clare Valley, South Australia 2018 $16.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 677450 DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $27.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 328559 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY WO Western Cape 2016 $17.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 41780 SIMONNET-FEBVRE CHABLIS AC 2018 $32.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 249466 KELLEREI BOZEN PINOT GRIGIO DOC Südtirol - Alto Adige 2018 $19.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 73205 COTNARI GRASA DE COTNARI DOC Cotnari 2017 $13.95 CARTO ENTERPRISE 488973 ALBA VEGA ALBARIÑO DO Rias Baixas 2018 $15.95 VINOLUNA 646521 CREEKSIDE GAMAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $19.00 HOBBS & COMPANY 686584 J. LOHR HILLTOP CABERNET SAUVIGNON Paso Robles 2017 $49.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 38059 RAYMOND RESERVE MERLOT Napa Valley 2015 $38.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 951889 IRONSTONE OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Lodi 2017 $17.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 652883 BELLE GLOS CLARK & TELEPHONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County 2018 $59.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 936039 SILVER OAK NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2014 $207.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 421198 UNDERWOOD PINOT NOIR Oregon 2018 $22.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 209874 COLUMBIA CREST H3 MERLOT Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2016 $19.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 114066 L.A. CETTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Guadalupe Valley, Baja California 2017 $12.95 JOSEPH CIPELLI WINES & SPIRITS 183905 ZOLO MALBEC Mendoza 2017 $16.95 DB WINE & SPIRITS INC. 144014 CUVELIER LOS ANDES COLECCIÓN Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $32.95 MARCHANDS DES AMERIQUES INC 63891 EMILIANA COYAM Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley 2016 $29.95 PMA CANADA LTD. 143230 MONTES ALPHA CARMENÈRE Estate bottled, DO Colchagua Valley 2017 $19.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 84996 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2014 $44.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 48470 TEUSNER THE RIEBKE SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2017 $23.95 ALTO VINO 280883 YALUMBA ORGANIC SHIRAZ South Australia 2018 $17.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 675223 KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Clare Valley, South Australia 2017 $19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 178897 INNOCENT BYSTANDER PINOT NOIR Yarra Valley, Victoria 2018 $22.95 VON TERRA ENTERPRISES LTD. 489658 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES GSM McLaren Vale, South Australia 2018 $19.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS INC. 130278 PIRATHON BY KALLESKE SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2013 $29.95 ALTO VINO 590414 OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2018 $20.95 DELEGAT CANADA LIMITED 68767 NEDERBURG THE MANOR HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Western Cape 2016 $16.95 PMA CANADA LTD. 455667 CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR POURRET AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2012 $46.95 TASTEVIN SELECTIONS 343517 TESSELLAE OLD VINES GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE AP Côtes du Roussillon 2017 $19.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 473678 DOMAINE DE PIGNAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2016 $42.95 TERROIR WINE IMPORTS 295618 CAVINO NEMEA GRANDE RESERVE PDO Nemea 2012 $18.95 VINETER 225086 UMBERTO CESARI LIANO SANGIOVESE/CABERNET SAUVIGNON IGT Rubicone 2016 $27.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 366955 MASSERIA ALTEMURA SASSEO PRIMITIVO IGT Salento 2017 $16.95 IMPRESE INC. 411389 SAN FABIANO CALCINAIA CELLOLE GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $42.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 650754 CASTELLO DI QUERCETO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $28.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 515460 TENUTA DI BURCHINO IL BURCHINO IGT Toscana 2015 $24.95 RUBAIYAT WINE AND SPIRIT MERCH. 342394 VILLA MORA MONTEFALCO SAGRANTINO DOCG 2010 $26.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 976092 MASI BROLO CAMPOFIORIN ORO IGT Rosso Verona 2015 $26.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 960427 CONDE DE VALDEMAR GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2010 $29.95 WINE GURU SELECTION INC 438713 VALDELACIERVA CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2015 $16.95 VINOLUNA 540070 EL PEDROSAL CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2014 $17.95 TRADESA CORP. 361758 UNION FORTÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2012 $17.95 VON TERRA ENTERPRISES LTD. 203703 THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT CHARDONNAY VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $34.95 ANDREW PELLER LIMITED 11926 SOUTHBROOK SAUNDER'S VINEYARD ORGANIC CHARDONNAY VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $34.95 VINEXX 12117 GUSTAVE LORENTZ ÉVIDENCE GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2017 $27.95 AMETHYST WINE AGENCY INC. 12203 CHÂTEAU DERESZLA 5 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ Tokaj-Hegyalja 2013 $48.95 ANGYAL AGENCY 15519 TERLATO PINOT GRIGIO DOC Colli Oriental del Friuli 2017 $29.95 GLAZER'S OF CANADA 11959 LOS HELECHOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $24.95 UNIQUE WINES & SPIRITS 545798 BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS SAVIGNY-LÈS-BEAUNE AC 2017 $39.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 78857 LA FERME DU MONT CÔTES CAPELAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE Unfiltered, AP 2016 $97.95 EUROVINTAGE INTERNATIONAL INC 541383 TENUTA SAN LEONARDO TERRE DI SAN LEONARDO IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2015 $22.95 WINEWORLD IMPORTERS & EXPORTERS LTD 928721 PRUNOTTO BAROLO DOCG 2015 $45.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for MARCH 7, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- W+728352 LA CREMA SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2017 $16.95 for 375mL (half-bottle) Under $20 ========= W+246579 CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+673806 SIMI CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2018 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+10965 ABRAS TORRONTÉS Cafayate Valley, Salta 2017 $15.95 15.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+12116 KUENTZ BAS L'ALSACE MOSAIK AC Alsace 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+12026 CHARLES MONTSERAT BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ AC 2018 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+12735 MASSO ANTICO FIANO DEL SALENTO IGT 2018 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12714 PENINSULA RIDGE ESTATES FALCON'S NEST PINOT NOIR VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+13186 SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+13430 MARCHIGUE QUILINA GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE Estate bottled, Colchagua Valley 2018 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12629 BLACK COTTAGE PINOT NOIR Certified sustainable, Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+11901 CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR AC 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+13629 BOLLINA ZENAS PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia 2018 $17.00 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13453 CASTELLO DI GABBIANO CAVALIERE D'ORO IGT Toscana 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13620 SANTA MARGHERITA LISON PRAMAGGIORE CABERNET SAUVIGNON DOC 2018 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12712 CAMPELO TERRAS DE VIRIATO RESERVA DO Dão 2014 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+11150 QUINTA DAS CARVALHAS RED BLEND DOC Douro 2015 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+13621 GORU GOLD MONASTRELL/CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SYRAH DOP Jumilla 2017 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= W+172338 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CHARDONNAY Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+11900 LA CHABLISIENNE VAILLONS CHABLIS 1ER CRU AC 2016 $27.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+13818 MASTRONARDI ESTATE MERLOT VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2016 $24.95 13.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+456723 RODNEY STRONG KNIGHTS VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Knights Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+435099 STONESTREET CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $59.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+12090 CHÂTEAU SIMARD AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 $49.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11328 TERRASSON CUVÉE PREVENCHE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Castillon 2016 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+967208 DI MAJO NORANTE CONTADO RISERVA AGLIANICO DEL MOLISE DOC 2014 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12295 RIOJA BORDÓN GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 1999 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agency name -- 664680 TARLANT BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE Disgorged Feb. 2, 2017, AC, France $53.95 B AND W WINES 168948 CAVE DE BEBLENHEIM BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT D'ALSACE Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France $19.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 48801 LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D'IVOIRE BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France $19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 483016 FIORINI CORTE DEGLI ATTIMI LAMBRUSCO DI SORBARA DOC, Emilia-Romagna, Italy 2018 $20.95 TRADESA CORP. 548214 RECHSTEINER BRUT PROSECCO Charmat method, DOC, Italy 2018 $12.95 WINE CELLARS INTERNATIONAL LTD. 356873 FLAT ROCK GOOD KHARMA CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $16.95 FLAT ROCK CELLARS 392126 KEW OLD VINE RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $15.95 KEW VINEYARDS ESTATE WINERY LTD 644583 STRATUS TOLLGATE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2018 $24.95 STRATUS VINEYARDS 609347 BURROWING OWL SAUVIGNON BLANC Estate bottled, BC VQA Similkameen Valley 2018 $34.95 WYSE WINE AGENCY 13429 SIEGEL SPECIAL RESERVE VIOGNIER DO Colchagua Valley 2018 $17.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 47621 SKUTTLEBUTT SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON Margaret River, Western Australia 2018 $18.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 411603 TWR SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $24.95 GARAGE WINE COMPANY 18705 STRANDVELD FIRST SIGHTING SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Cape South Coast 2019 $14.95 WINE GURU SELECTION INC 377457 RABL LANGENLOIS GRÜNER VELTLINER Certified sustainable, DAC Kamptal 2018 $16.95 THOMPSON VINTAGE TRADE LTD 168906 ANDRÉ BLANCK & FILS ALTENBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2018 $21.95 B.B. MARKETING 387787 CHÂTEAU LES HAUTS DE LAGARDE BLANC AC Bordeaux 2018 $16.95 RARE EARTH WINES 370098 PAUL MAS SINGLE VINEYARD COLLECTION RESERVE VIOGNIER Nicole Vineyard, IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 $13.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 117093 JERMANN PINOT GRIGIO DOC Friuli 2018 $37.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 12728 RIOLITE CASTEL DEL LAGO SOAVE DOC 2018 $15.95 FRONTIER WINE MERCHANTS 543785 HACIENDA LOPEZ DE HARO BLANCO DOCa Rioja 2018 $14.95 WINEONLINE MARKETING COMPANY LTD 346742 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ST. DAVID'S BENCH VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR DROIT VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 $19.95 CHATEAU DES CHARMES 159970 CLOUDLINE PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2018 $26.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 402081 BURIED CANE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2017 $19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 568907 EL ESTECO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Calchaquí Valley 2016 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 50849 KAIKEN ULTRA LAS ROCAS MALBEC Mendoza 2017 $19.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 275164 DURIGUTTI BONARDA Mendoza 2017 $18.95 LOYAL IMPORTS 213538 TABALÍ VETAS BLANCAS SYRAH Viñedo Espinal, DO Limarí Valley 2016 $19.95 ALEGRIA FOOD AND DRINK INC. 541151 ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA COSTA PINOT NOIR DO Aconcagua Costa 2017 $24.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 453209 ROCKCLIFFE THIRD REEF SHIRAZ Great Southern, Western Australia 2017 $19.95 JOHN GIBSON AGENCIES 142398 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra & Clare Valley, South Australia 2016 $24.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 327395 DOMAINE TOURNON MATHILDA CHAPOUTIER SHIRAZ Victoria 2017 $18.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 186114 JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ/CABERNET Padthaway, South Australia 2017 $16.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 921239 WITS END LUNA CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $17.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 296681 GUARDIAN PEAK SMG WO Western Cape 2016 $19.95 THOMPSON VINTAGE TRADE LTD 967844 CHÂTEAU BEAU-SITE AC Saint-Estèphe 2014 $44.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 556480 DOMAINE DES ROSIERS MOULIN-À-VENT AP 2017 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 298620 VILLA SYMPOSIA L'EQUILIBRE AP Languedoc 2016 $17.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 286484 CHÂTEAU D'ANGLÈS CLASSIQUE LA CLAPE SYRAH/GRENACHE/MOURVÈDRE AC 2017 $17.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 526731 PAUL JABOULET AÎNÉ PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2017 $23.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 222596 LOUIS BERNARD GIGONDAS AC 2016 $33.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 12992 PIERRE-HENRI MOREL SIGNARGUES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2017 $19.95 ROUGE ET BLANC LTD 297317 XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP 2018 $17.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 195107 SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Côtes du Roussillon 2017 $16.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 278150 NIRO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2016 $16.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 475269 CAMPOMORO BARBERA PIEMONTE DOC 2018 $16.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 576785 PASQUALE PELISSERO CASCINA CROSA BARBARESCO DOCG 2016 $32.95 WINEONLINE MARKETING COMPANY LTD 539379 ELVIO COGNO CASCINA NUOVA BAROLO DOCG 2015 $54.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 270306 MASSERIE PISARI PRIMITIVO IGT Salento Rosso 2017 $13.95 LOGNOL FINE WINES & SPIRITS 388645 ORESTIADI LUDOVICO IGT Rosso Terre Siciliane 2012 $19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 440792 FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO VERSACE NERO D'AVOLA IGT Terre Siciliane 2015 $29.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 681262 BANFI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO DOC 2018 $23.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 716266 SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $29.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 368910 CARPINETO VINO RISERVA NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG 2015 $34.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 399907 SAN VINCENTI CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2017 $19.95 DB WINE & SPIRITS INC. 483446 GAJA PIEVE SANTA RESTITUTA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOP 2014 $100.95 STEM WINE GROUP 29850 TENUTA SANT'ANTONIO MONTI GARBI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2017 $20.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 713669 SANTA SOFIA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $53.95 LIBERTY WINES INC. 548560 ALICE VIEIRA DE SOUSA RESERVE RED DOC Douro 2017 $16.95 LAMPRECHT INTERNATIONAL 377481 HACIENDA LÓPEZ DE HARO CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2016 $16.95 WINEONLINE MARKETING COMPANY LTD 538983 CROFT RESERVE TAWNY PORT DOP, Portugal $18.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 542852 GUERRA ROJO VERMOUTH Spain $15.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 73452 CROFT ORIGINAL FINE PALE CREAM SHERRY DO, Spain $15.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for February 22, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Sherry+542746 SÁNCHEZ ROMATE FINO PERDIDO SHERRY DO, Spain $18.95 R+12984 PERRIN RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2017 $8.95 375mL 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Under $20 ========= W+627067 LA CALA VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA DOC 2018 $16.95 12 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+190454 MUD HOUSE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+392712 CUVÉE JOSEPH TALMARD MÂCON CHARDONNAY AC 2018 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+11140 FONTEVECCHIA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2017 $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+13447 CASTEL DEL LAGO LUGANA DOC 2018 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12281 CHÂTEAU DE RIBEBON AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+704353 IRONSTONE MERLOT Lodi 2018 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+13428 LAURA HARTWIG SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Colchagua Valley 2017 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+481549 SEÑORÍO DE LA ANTIGUA FINCA CABANELA MENCÍA Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 2015 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+291989 ABAD DOM BUENO MENCÍA DO Bierzo 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13448 CASTELFORTE VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO DOC 2016 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13454 SCARANTO CHIANTI DOCG 2017 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+13398 V 3 SANS SULFITES AJOUTÉS Vegan, AC Buzet 2018 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+224592 CHÂTEAU LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2017 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+119354 CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2017 $19.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+269464 SISTER'S RUN EPIPHANY SHIRAZ Epiphany Vineyard, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Over $20 ========= W+520627 CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $22.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+68817 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+12653 XANADU DJL CHARDONNAY Margaret River, Western Australia 2018 $24.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+12621 WHITEHAVEN CHARDONNAY Certified sustainable, Marlborough, South Island 2018 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+12736 ENRICO SERAFINO PICOTENER NEBBIOLO DOC Langhe 2017 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+450510 RENWOOD PREMIER OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Amador County 2017 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13625 FINCA NUEVA GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2005 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+164954 TOLAINI AL PASSO IGT Toscana 2015 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+12843 TEUSNER THE GENTLEMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Barossa, South Australia 2017 $23.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R418830 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE MERLOT Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $24.95 13.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agency name -- 547869 TRAPICHE MEDALLA MALBEC Mendoza 2015 $19.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 662536 RUINART BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE AC $123.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 183434 DELAMOTTE BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC $65.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 239806 RUINART BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE AC $73.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 694653 CONUNDRUM WHITE California 2016 $18.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 708305 FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND COLLECTION GOLD LABEL CHARDONNAY Monterey County 2017 $23.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 395699 BERINGER LUMINUS CHARDONNAY Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley 2017 $49.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 262097 ZUCCARDI SERIE A CHARDONNAY/VIOGNIER Uco Valley, Mendoza 2018 $16.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 164228 GREYWACKE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $24.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 484055 BELLINGHAM HOMESTEAD SERIES THE OLD ORCHARDS CHENIN BLANC WO Paarl 2018 $17.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 398164 WOLFBERGER SIGNATURE RIESLING AC Alsace 2018 $18.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 512582 JOSEPH DROUHIN BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY AC 2018 $24.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 271940 JUSTIN MONMOUSSEAU VOUVRAY AC 2017 $19.95 IAN J CAMPBELL & ASSOC. 189126 JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE GENÈSE SANCERRE AC 2018 $30.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 637868 CHÂTEAU DE LA GRANGE VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DE GRAND LIEU MUSCADET Sur lie, AP 2017 $13.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 160846 DR. LOOSEN BLUE SLATE RIESLING KABINETT Prädikatswein 2018 $24.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 401232 LUNA NUDA PINOT GRIGIO IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2018 $15.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS INC. 556787 JANARE SENETE FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO DOP 2017 $19.95 THE VINE AGENCY 610295 AVELEDA ALVARINHO Vinho Regional Minho 2018 $14.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 706077 KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2017 $16.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 104703 CLOS LACHANCE ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Estate vineyards, Santa Clara Valley 2017 $29.95 THE VINE AGENCY 199802 COOPER MOUNTAIN PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2015 $37.95 THE LIVING VINE INC. 57513 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE Maipo Valley 2017 $17.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 54239 ROLF BINDER HALES SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2015 $21.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 383547 AVONDALE JONTY'S DUCKS PEKIN RED WO Paarl 2014 $16.95 RARE EARTH WINES 419382 MARANI SAPERAVI Kakheti 2018 $15.95 GLOBAL CELLARS 705699 BRICCO ROSSO DOGLIANI DOCG 2016 $15.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 477968 VIGNETI ZABÙ IMPARI NERO D'AVOLA IGT Sicilia 2013 $32.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 429415 MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI CAMPO AI SASSI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO DOC 2017 $23.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 13455 PICCINI IMPAZZIMENTO GOVERNO ALL'USO IGT Toscano 2017 $14.95 WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC. 496414 CASTELFORTE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2015 $32.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 442210 MONDECO RED DOC Dão 2015 $13.95 TERROIR WINE IMPORTS 450734 TORRES SALMOS DOCa Priorat 2015 $39.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 507889 VEUVE CLICQUOT EXTRA BRUT EXTRA OLD CHAMPAGNE AC $99.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 12994 DENIS ALARY LA BRUNOTE CAIRANNE AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2017 $23.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 218719 RESALTE CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2015 $34.95 TERROIR WINE IMPorts WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for FEBRUARY 8, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Rose+552562 THREE OF HEARTS ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $19.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Orange+12119 DOMINIO DE PUNCTUM POMELADOS ORANGE WINE Spain 2018 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 Under $20 ========= W+12431 LE RICHE CHARDONNAY WO Stellenbosch 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+310532 CREW MERLOT VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2017 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+411298 SUR DE LOS ANDES PREMIUM BLEND MALBEC/CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+132365 VIÑA COBOS FELINO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2017 $19.95 14.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10806 CASA SILVA LOLOL GRAN TERROIR DE LA COSTA SYRAH DO Colchagua Valley 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+13434 ESCUDO ROJO RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2018 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+446716 CHAPEL HILL THE PARSON CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale, South Australia 2018 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+387522 CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR GRANDS LANDES AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+348292 CHÂTEAU VRAI CAILLOU AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12029 DOMAIN FOND MOIROUX MOULIN-À-VENT AC 2011 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+12981 DOMAINE DES VALS CORBIÈRES AC 2017 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+13513 DOMAINE COUDOULIS EVIDENCE LIRAC AP 2016 $19.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13034 TENUTA IUZZOLINI CIRÒ ROSSO CLASSICO DOC 2017 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13519 BERNARDESCHI GOVERNO ALL'USO ROSSO IGT Toscana 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+11632 CABRAL RESERVA DOC Douro 2016 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11149 CASCA MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS 1808 RESERVA DOC Douro 2016 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10692 CASTAÑO ALCARIA OLD VINES DO Yecla 2017 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+11877 LAURENT PERRACHON ET FILS TERRES ROSES MOULIN-À-VENT AC 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 Over $20 ========= W+158683 LA CREMA MONTEREY CHARDONNAY Monterey 2017 $26.95 13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+11913 FRANÇOIS MARTENOT LES MAROUETTES CHABLIS AC 2018 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11818 BLACK SAGE VINEYARD SHIRAZ BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $31.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13238 BOOKWALTER READERS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2016 $35.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12845 TRENTHAM ESTATE RESERVE PINOT NOIR Tasmania 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+968693 PIERRE AMADIEU DOMAINE GRAND ROMANE CUVÉE PRESTIGE VIEILLES VIGNES GIGONDAS AC 2017 $33.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+262956 DONNACHIARA IRPINIA AGLIANICO DOC 2017 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+487090 TORNATORE NERELLO MASCALESE/NERELLO CAPPUCCIO DOC Etna Rosso 2017 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+47118 CARPINETO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $28.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12421 RICKETY BRIDGE SHIRAZ WO Western Cape 2015 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+12094 PETRA HEBO SUVERETO IGT Toscana 2016 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agency name -- 65110 VILMART & CIE GRAND CELLIER 1ER CRU BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC $92.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 405555 CHANDON SPARKLING ROSÉ Traditional method, California $34.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 51565 LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D'OR BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France 2012 $24.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 515288 RIVAROSE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ IGP Méditérranée, Provence, France $18.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 352153 FERRARI BRUT SPARKLING Traditional method, DOC Trento, Italy $24.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 515254 VILARNAU BRUT RESERVA CAVA Traditional method, DO, Spain $15.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 265983 MCMANIS CHARDONNAY Estate grown, River Junction 2018 $19.95 THE VINE AGENCY 10851 SCHEID CRAFTWORK ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Monterey County 2017 $19.95 WINEONLINE MARKETING COMPANY LTD 685651 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE RIESLING Columbia Valley 2018 $16.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 389262 ZUCCARDI SERIE A TORRONTÉS IP Salta 2019 $16.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 536169 SOHO WHITE COLLECTION PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 225557 ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2019 $17.95 THE KOLONAKI GROUP INC 196956 JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT GRIS AC Alsace 2018 $15.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 446369 ROUX PÈRE & FILS BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY AC 2017 $19.95 VINEXX 521997 DOMAINE DE LA BAUME LES MARIÉS SAUVIGNON BLANC IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 $16.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 289553 UMANI RONCHI VELLODORO PECORINO IGT Terre di Chieti 2018 $16.95 PERUGINI 95802 PETER ZEMMER PINOT GRIGIO DOC Alto Adige 2017 $17.95 30 50 IMPORTS 204768 SAN RAFFAELE PINOT GRIGIO Vegan friendly, DOC delle Venezie 2018 $15.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 89003 RIDGEPOINT PINOT NOIR VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2012 $24.95 BASSOALTO INC. 245613 FROGPOND FARM GAMAY NOIR VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 $16.95 FROGPOND FARM WINERY 718759 CAYMUS NAPA VALLEY ZINFANDEL Napa Valley 2017 $59.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 460642 DECOY MERLOT Sonoma County 2017 $34.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 342824 CANNONBALL MERLOT California 2017 $22.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 59113 KLINKER BRICK OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Mokelumne River, Lodi 2015 $23.95 CARPE VINUM INTERNATIONAL 547695 PIKE ROAD PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2015 $26.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 421149 ACROBAT PINOT NOIR Oregon 2016 $29.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 568865 TRAPICHE MEDALLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2016 $16.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 404137 TINTONEGRO LIMESTONE BLOCK MALBEC Mendoza 2015 $19.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 37937 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR DO Aconcagua Costa 2017 $14.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 632620 DON'T TELL GARY SHIRAZ Grampians, Victoria 2017 $21.95 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE AGENCY 12429 ALVI'S DRIFT SIGNATURE SHIRAZ WO Western Cape 2018 $13.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 53124 CATHEDRAL CELLAR TRIPTYCH WO Western Cape 2015 $17.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 463273 CHÂTEAU LANGLAIS AC Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion 2009 $39.95 VINETER 448829 CHÂTEAU TOUR DE SARRAIL AC Bordeaux 2010 $19.95 VINOLUNA 363101 CHÂTEAU DES LANDES CUVÉE PRESTIGE AC Lussac-Saint-Émilion 2015 $27.95 VINETER 527937 MATHIEU PAQUET BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR AP Bourgogne 2018 $22.95 TRADESA CORP. 102954 CHÂTEAU LA CAMINADE AP Cahors 2018 $19.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 636613 ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia 2015 $19.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 674135 GUADO AL TASSO IL BRUCIATO DOC Bolgheri 2017 $25.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 491985 LORNANO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2012 $45.95 FRONTIER WINE MERCHANTS 568022 VILLA POGGIO SALVI CASPAGNOLO CHIANTI COLLI SENESI DOCG 2018 $15.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 451724 ZENATO ALANERA IGT Rosso Veronese 2016 $19.95 JOSEPH CIPELLI WINES & SPIRITS 958868 BARÓN DE LEY RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $21.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 723452 ONDARRE RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2015 $19.95 MACDONALD AND COMPANY WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JANUARY 25, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- Under $20: note – this tasting was very similar to the “cheap and cheerful” Jan 11 release, but with different wines. Most “perfect pairings” are also (apparently) “cheap and cheerful”.... ========= W+9167 MOMO ORGANIC SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+10631 DOMAINE DE SÉRAME VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2017 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+745349 DOMAINE JACKY MARTEAU SAUVIGNON TOURAINE AC 2018 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+577734 DE ANGELIS OFFIDA PECORINO DOCG 2018 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+10969 CUATRO RAYAS 4R VERDEJO DO Rueda Castellana 2018 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+10952 COLOMBA BIANCA RESILIENCE INSOLIA DOC Sicilia 2018 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+451328 NOMAD WANDERLUST VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara-on-the-Lake Hinterbrook 2016 $19.95 14.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+12844 QUARISA MRS. Q CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+13316 GLENELLY THE GLASS COLLECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Stellenbosch 2017 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+12990 CHÂTEAU CAMPLONG GRANDE RÉSERVE CORBIÈRES AP 2018 $13.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12978 FRANÇOIS VILLARD L'APPEL DES SEREINES SYRAH France 2016 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+56267 REMO FARINA MONTECORNA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2017 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+446054 PROVA CEGA DOC Douro Quinta de Curvos 2017 $12.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+10341 BRUSSET LAURENT B. AC Côtes du Rhône 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+494039 LAFAGE CAYROL VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN IGP Côtes Catalanes 2016 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+473132 CANTINA SAN PAOLO AGLIANICO IGP Campania 2017 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10689 JUAN GIL HONORO VERA ORGANIC MONASTRELL DOP Jumilla 2017 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10963 BARBANERA SPECIAL SELECTION DA UVE LEGGERMENTE APPASSITE IGT Toscana Rosso 2017 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+12092 MASSO ANTICO DA UVE LEGGERMENTE APPASSITE PRIMITIVO SALENTO IGT 2017 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+426247 CHÂTEAU LES TOURELLES AC Bordeaux Jean Darriet, prop.-vitic. 2015 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+10699 ALVIDES TINTO ROBLE TEMPRANILLO DO Ribera del Duero 2016 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 Over $20 ========= W+360495 CHÂTEAU VITALLIS VIEILLES VIGNES POUILLY-FUISSÉ AC Denis Dutron, prop.-récolt. 2017 $31.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+663286 AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC Certified sustainable, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island 2019 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+11827 CHÂTEAU BEAUSEJOUR CUVÉE PRESTIGE FRONSAC AP 2016 $22.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+12028 GERARD BRISSON LES CHARMES LA LOUVE MORGON AC 2018 $20.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10822 SONSIERRA GRAN RESERVA Rioja Alta, DOCa Rioja 2012 $20.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+134809 PICCINI SASSO AL POGGIO IGT Toscana 2015 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+318352 LAZZERETTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $46.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+85027 CASTELLANI CAMPOMAGGIO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $20.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agency name -- 262881 PREVEDELLO ASOLO SUPERIORE EXTRA DRY PROSECCO DOCG, Veneto, Italy 2018 $16.95 PREVEDELLO AND MATHEWS 485326 ROCKWAY FERGIE JENKINS LIMITED EDITION RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $16.95 ROCKWAY GLEN ESTATE WINERY INC. 27409 IRONY CHARDONNAY Monterey County C. Indelicato & J. Indelicato 2017 $24.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 158790 KENWOOD CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2018 $18.95 CORBY SPIRIT AND WINE LIMITED 269258 A TO Z WINEWORKS CHARDONNAY Oregon 2017 $22.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 295626 STADT KREMS GRÜNER VELTLINER Certified sustainable, DAC Kremstal 2018 $18.95 B. COJOCARU AGENCIES INC. 367284 HUGEL GENTIL AC Alsace 2017 $17.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 140624 CHÂTEAU DE VALMER VOUVRAY AC 2017 $17.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 73072 BURROWING OWL SYRAH BC VQA Okanagan Valley Wyse Family Wines 2017 $43.95 WYSE WINE AGENCY 350454 RODNEY STRONG ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $32.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 537597 IRONSTONE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Lodi 2018 $17.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 279810 PASO CREEK ZINFANDEL Paso Robles 2017 $19.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 366013 BELLE GLOS DAIRYMAN VINEYARD PINOT NOIR Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2017 $59.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 420695 LONE BIRCH SYRAH Estate grown, Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley 2016 $20.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 387753 MERCER HORSE HEAVEN HILLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2016 $24.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 261586 LA POSTA ESTELA ARMANDO BONARDA Mendoza Laura Catena 2017 $15.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 618348 NORTON D.O.C. MALBEC Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2016 $15.95 PMA CANADA LTD. 400150 EL ENEMIGO MALBEC Mendoza Adrianna Catena, Alejandro Vigil, Puerto Ancona 2015 $23.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 295873 YALUMBA THE STRAPPER GSM Vegan friendly, Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $19.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 538900 VIDAL RESERVE PINOT NOIR Certified sustainable, Marlborough, South Island 2017 $24.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 717991 RUPERT & ROTHSCHILD CLASSIQUE WO Western Cape 2016 $24.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 630046 CHÂTEAU L'ESCADRE GRANDE RÉSERVE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2016 $19.95 ROUGE ET BLANC LTD 478263 DOMAINE LES PINS CUVÉE LES ROCHETTES BOURGUEIL AP Pitault-Landry 2017 $17.95 VINOLUNA 995548 J.L. CHAVE SÉLECTION MON COEUR CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2017 $22.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 539916 ROC DES TEMPLIERS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2017 $14.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 11630 BLACK FOREST T/312 PINOT NOIR Qualitätswein Badischer Winzerkeller 2015 $19.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 981399 TERRA D'ALIGI MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2016 $13.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 474437 MICHELE CHIARLO PALÁS BAROLO DOCG 2015 $37.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 638312 FONTANAFREDDA LANGHE NEBBIOLO DOC 2018 $19.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 574137 CORTE MEDICEA CLETUS IGT Toscana Bollina 2016 $17.95 TRADESA CORP. 247973 CABRIZ COLHEITA SELECIONADA DOC Dão 2016 $14.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 578807 WAYNE GRETZKY NO. 99 VIDAL ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2017 $72.95 ANDREW PELLER LIMITED 471813 LAKEVIEW CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2017 $39.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 387357 J.L. CHAVE SÉLECTION BLANCHE HERMITAGE BLANC AC 2015 $75.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 635136 MOUNT PEAK SENTINEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2016 $79.95 E&J GALLO WINERY CANADA LTD. 12177 DOMAINE GILBERT & PHILIPPE GERMAIN EN L'ORME BEAUNE 1ER CRU AC 2016 $57.95 MARCHANDS DES AMERIQUES INC 359109 J. L. CHAVE SÉLECTION OFFERUS SAINT-JOSEPH AC 2016 $38.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JANUARY 11, 2020 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: My recommendations are based on a sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for media purposes. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- Sherry+745448 HIDALGO LA GITANA MANZANILLA $17.95 DO Manzanilla - Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 Under $20 ========= W+458687 NOBLE VINES COLLECTION 446 CHARDONNAY 2017 $18.95 San Bernabe, Monterey County 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+514927 VINO ROSSO 2016 $17.95 Washington State 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+226530 NOBLE VINES COLLECTION 181 MERLOT 2016 $19.95 Lodi 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+378869 BARAHONDA BARRICA MONASTRELL/SYRAH 2016 $16.95 DO Yecla 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10548 MARQUES DE LA CONCORDIA VIÑA ALARDE RESERVA 2013 $17.95 DOCa Rioja 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+480764 TUSSOCK JUMPER CHENIN BLANC 2019 $12.95 WO Western Cape 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13512 SOLAR DOS LOBOS REGIONAL TINTO 2017 $12.95 DO Alentejo 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+12606 MATAHIWI ESTATE ME PINOT NOIR 2018 $19.95 Wairarapa, North Island 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.5 R+12124 BROTHERS IN WINE PRIMITIVO 2016 $15.95 IGT Salento 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.5 W+10950 RIOLITE IL POGGIO GUERRIERO FALANGHINA BENEVENTANO 2017 $15.95 IGP 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+670505 CHÂTEAU DE TRÉVIAC CORBIÈRES 2017 $17.95 AP 14.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+368167 CHÂTEAU RECOUGNE 2016 $15.95 AC Bordeaux Supérieur 14.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11355 DOMAINE TANO PÉCHARD LES BRUYÈRES RÉGNIÉ 2017 $16.95 AC 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W+10927 DOMAINE DE JOx ENVIE 2017 $14.95 IGP Côtes de Gascogne MVC/QPR: 89 W+10697 LACHETEAU MUSCADET 2018 $13.95 AP 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+10683 PIERRE SPARR SOL CALCAIRE RIESLING 2015 $18.95 AC Alsace 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+10514 CHÂTEAU SAINT-LOUIS LA PERDRIX L'ENVOL 2018 $12.95 AP Costières de Nîmes 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10006 CAMILLE CAYRAN CAVE DE CAIRANNE LE CHÊNE NOIR 2017 $15.95 AP Côtes du Rhône-Villages 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+11953 FOGOLAR RIESLING 2016 16.95 VQA Niagara Peninsula 9.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10968 PIATTELLI RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 $16.95 Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+203158 THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 $17.95 Barossa, South Australia 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= W+226936 RODNEY STRONG SONOMA COUNTY CHARDONNAY 2017 $23.95 Sonoma County 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+013246 BOGLE VINEYARDS OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2016 $22.95 California 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+12407 LUCIANO ARDUINI CLASSICO SUPERIORE VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO 2017 $20.95 DOC 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+461699 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE BACO NOIR 2017 VQA Ontario $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+12675 CLOS DE LUZ MASSAL 1945 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 $21.95 Almahue, DO Rapel Valley 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+164715 BRANCAIA TRE 2016 $24.95 IGT Toscana 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+273334 BACHELDER MINERALITÉ DE L'OREGON CHARDONNAY 2015 $24.95 Willamette Valley 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for December 7, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Fizz+53215 BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI EXTRA DRY PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE DOCG, Veneto, Italy $19.95 QPR: 90 Fizz+315200 HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANC Traditional method, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario 2014 $49.95 QPR: 92 Under $20 ========= W+224428 JULES TAYLOR SAUVIGNON BLANC Certified sustainable, Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+734798 THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+231282 KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2018 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+617738 WAYNE GRETZKY WHISKY OAK AGED RED VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $19.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10970 WAPISA CABERNET SAUVIGNON San Javier, Río Negro, Patagonia 2016 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+66738 THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER South Australia 2017 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+396481 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+273672 STORIA ANTICA SUPERIORE VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO DOC 2017 $17.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+421388 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+477075 I BALZI ROSSO IGT Veneto 2017 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10951 TENUTA SANTA MARIA ALLA PIEVE VERONA PRÀGAL IGT Veronese Rosso 2017 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+11277 QUINTA DO CASAL MONTEIRO TOURIGA NACIONAL/MERLOT/SYRAH Estate bottled, DOC Tejo 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+10700 BODEM LES MARGAS GARNACHA DO Cariñena 2017 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+357335 HACIENDA LÓPEZ DE HARO RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+80374 MURALHAS DE MONÇÃO VINHO VERDE Monção e Melgaço, DOC Vinho Verde 2018 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+31534 DOMÄNE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER DAC Wachau 2018 $17.95 2.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 Over $20 ========= W+302083 BACHELDER NIAGARA CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+395855 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2012 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+67231 LA CREMA RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2017 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+10539 THE LANE GATHERING SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON/SEMILLON Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2016 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+478628 Z. ALEXANDER BROWN UNCAGED CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2016 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+55764 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE INDIAN WELLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2016 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+12331 PETER LEHMANN THE BAROSSAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Barossa Valley, South Australia 2018 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+590414 OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2017 $20.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+709303 MORGENSTER LOURENS RIVER VALLEY WO Stellenbosch 2011 $33.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 R+157347 ENRICO SERAFINO BARBARESCO DOCG 2015 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO DOCG 2015 $38.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+438572 CASALE DEL BOSCO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2014 $43.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+597237 BENZIGER CABERNET SAUVIGNON Certified sustainable, Sonoma County 2016 $27.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+196667 JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE MARNES ET CAILLOTTES SANCERRE AC 2018 $31.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11835 CHÂTEAU TOUR COUTELIN AC Saint-Estèphe 2016 $27.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+204792 BOLLA LE ORIGINI RISERVA CLASSICO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2012 $51.95 16% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+453548 LEALTANZA GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2010 $31.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+976662 FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2006 $31.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agency name -- 148866 CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA Prince Edward County 2017 $29.95 CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARDS INC. 85100 WILDASS WHITE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $19.95 STRATUS VINEYARDS 421362 2027 CELLARS WISMER VINEYARD FOX CROFT BLOCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $22.95 2027 CELLARS LTD. 1552 FLAT ROCK THE RUSTY SHED CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $26.95 FLAT ROCK CELLARS 225375 J. LOHR OCTOBER NIGHT CHARDONNAY Arroyo Seco, Monterey County 2017 $34.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 458810 TOM GORE CHARDONNAY California 2017 $19.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 199810 FIRST PRESS NAPA CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2017 $24.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 508770 PAUMANOK DRY RIESLING North Fork of Long Island 2017 $24.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 918805 CATENA CHARDONNAY Mendoza 2018 $19.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 928580 SANTA CAROLINA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY Certified carbon neutral, DO Itata Valley 2017 $18.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 609321 DOMAINE NATURALISTE DISCOVERY CHARDONNAY Margaret River, Western Australia 2018 $24.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 518357 SIDEWOOD SAUVIGNON BLANC Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2018 $17.95 VINOLUNA 388363 HÃHÃ SAUVIGNON BLANC $19.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 747600 PIERRE SPARR GRANDE RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2017 $18.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 299867 MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY AC 2017 $22.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 948182 LA GRIFFE BERNARD CHÉREAU MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE Sur lie, AP 2018 $17.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 85134 MEGALOMANIAC SONOFABITCH PINOT NOIR VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $27.95 JOHN HOWARD CELLARS 205021 MEGALOMANIAC FRANK CABERNET VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $29.95 JOHN HOWARD CELLARS 550608 VIENI PINOT NOIR VQA Vinemount Ridge 2017 $16.95 VIENI ESTATES INC. 396267 THE ORGANIZED CRIME BREAK-IN PINOT NOIR VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $21.95 JAN TARASEWICZ 347377 CASA-DEA GAMAY VQA Prince Edward County 2017 $16.95 CASA-DEA307686 TAWSE QUARRY ROAD PINOT NOIR VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2016 $35.95 TAWSE WINERY INC. 86363 WILDASS RED VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $21.95 STRATUS VINEYARDS 60152 SIGNORELLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Unfiltered, Napa Valley 2015 $124.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 362400 BERINGER QUANTUM Napa Valley 2015 $79.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 632133 CAYMUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2017 $54.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 213017 MICHAEL DAVID PETITE PETIT Lodi 2016 $28.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 46300 PENDULUM RED Columbia Valley 2016 $24.95 GLAZER'S OF CANADA 622571 CLOS DE LOS SIETE Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $23.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 455774 ZUCCARDI CONCRETO MALBEC Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 $39.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 322800 ALAMOS SELECCIÓN MALBEC La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $16.95 E&J GALLO WINERY CANADA LTD. 205872 CASAS DEL BOSQUE RESERVA CARMENÈRE DO Rapel Valley 2017 $15.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 10767 MONTGRAS ANTU LIMITED SYRAH DO Colchagua Valley 2013 $24.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS INC. 12027 TARAPACÁ ETIQUETA NEGRA GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Maipo Valley 2017 $26.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 59477 CASA SILVA GRAN TERROIR DE LOS ANDES LOS LINGUES CARMENÈRE Estate grown and bottled, Colchagua Valley 2017 $19.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 311720 MAQUIS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Colchagua Valley 2015 $20.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 636407 TWO HANDS BELLA'S GARDEN SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2017 $59.95 B AND W WINES 135996 THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK WO Swartland 2017 $79.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 518977 TERRA TANGRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT/MAVRUD PGI Thracian Valley 2016 $14.95 RARE EARTH WINES 123489 CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT AC Fronsac 2016 $17.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 258772 CHÂTEAU LALANDE-BORIE AC Saint-Julien 2015 $62.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. Y 276956 HALOS DE JUPITER CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2017 $17.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 10513 CLOS ST. ANTONIN AC Côtes du Rhône 2016 $19.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 286344 DOMAINE LES GRANDS BOIS CUVÉE PHILIPPINE SAINTE-CÉCILE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AP 2017 $22.95 LIQUID ASSETS 366732 CASTORANI AMORINO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2013 $24.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 216457 PIETRA PURA MANDUS PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2017 $18.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 477190 PLANETA CONTRODANZA DOC Sicilia Noto 2016 $27.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 353201 RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $47.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 113316 CASTELLO DI BOSSI BERARDO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $38.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 25601 ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO IGT Toscana 2016 $256.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 56671 STRATUS RIESLING ICEWINE VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 2017 $44.95 STRATUS VINEYARDS 337436 BARONE PIZZINI BRUT NATURE FRANCIACORTA $54.95 BONTA TRADING 568204 CULMINA DILEMMA CHARDONNAY Margaret's Bench, BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $39.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 629121 ARGOT SIMPATICO RANCH CHARDONNAY Bennett Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $69.95 GREAT NORTH IMPORTS 12489 MARIENBURG FAHRLAY RESERVE TROCKEN RIESLING Qualitätswein 2015 $87.95 THE LIVING VINE INC. 11876 HOLDVÖLGY ELOQUENCE TOKAJI SZAMORODNI PDO Tokaj 2007 $39.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 570788 SHAFER TD-9 $99.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 472159 SILVERADO MT. GEORGE VINEYARD MERLOT Coombsville, Napa Valley 2014 $54.95 KYLIX WINES 735654 TABLAS CREEK ESPRIT DE TABLAS Paso Robles 2016 $74.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 46920 MASTROJANNI VIGNA SCHIENA D'ASINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $193.95 MAJESTIC WINE CELLARS 499889 CAVE DI PRUN RISERVA CLASSICO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA $62.95 VINOLUNA 10604 LA NIT DE LES GARNATXES DO Montsant 2016 $24.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 161893 VIÑA ALBERDI RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2013 $33.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for NOVEMBER 23, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication. Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Fortified+70193 BLANDY'S 5-YEAR-OLD MALMSEY RICH MADEIRA DOC $31.95 QPR: 93 Fizz+438994 KEW BARREL AGED BLANC DE BLANC Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2011 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 92 Under $20 ========= W+144386 SOHO WHITE COLLECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+259788 JOSEPH CATTIN RIESLING AC Alsace 2017 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+156943 DOMAINE DE ROCHEBIN CHARDONNAY MÂCON-AZÉ AC 2017 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+147975 GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2017 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+65086 FRESCOBALDI CASTELLO DI POMINO POMINO BIANCO DOC 2017 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+11138 CA' D'OR BIANCO PAGUS SOAVE CLASSICO DOC 2017 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+488981 FOLLAS NOVAS ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2018 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+R+606764 ARBOLEDA SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Aconcagua Valley 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+18721 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2017 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+15495 3 RINGS SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $17.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+343517 TESSELLAE OLD VINES GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE AP Côtes du Roussillon 2017 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+10676 SIERRA NORTE EQUILIBRIO 9 MONASTRELL DOP Jumilla 2016 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+276030 MURIEL FINCAS DE LA VILLA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+11195 COLINAS DE ANÇÃ BAGA RESERVA DOC Bairrada 2014 $16.95 13.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+11152 COUTADA VELHA SIGNATURE RED Vingo Regional Alentejano 2017 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+40964 CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES AP 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 +========= W+184549 LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $44.95 MVC/QPR: 92 W+208694 BURROWING OWL ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $33.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+346304 GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2014 $67.95 MVC/QPR: 93 W+677450 DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $26.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+13421 HENRY OF PELHAM BIN 106 BACO NOIR 30th anniversary limited edition, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+505610 HIDDEN BENCH TERROIR CACHÉ Unfiltered, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $44.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+184564 LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $44.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+392738 QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $31.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+312058 STRATUS RED VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $49.20 13.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+320986 THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND RED VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $24.95 13.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+11819 JACKSON-TRIGGS OKANAGAN GRAND RESERVE RED MERITAGE BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $25.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+143784 SUMAC RIDGE BLACK SAGE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $28.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+906404 LA CREMA RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+466938 UNÁNIME GRAN VINO TINTO Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+129353 THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK WO Swartland 2017 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+167700 ARDAL SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2006 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2015 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+63891 EMILIANA COYAM Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley 2016 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+568774 QUINTA DO SAGRADO RESERVA DOC Douro 2016 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agency names -- 294041 2027 FALLS VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2017 $18.95 2027 CELLARS LTD. 578625 FLAT ROCK NADJA'S VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $24.95 FLAT ROCK CELLARS 581231 TZAFONA CELLARS NAVA BLANC KPM VQA Ontario 2016 $19.95 NORTHERN WINE CORP 485276 TZAFONA CELLARS COLD CLIMATE UNOAKED CHARDONNAY KP Vegan friendly, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $22.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 566026 CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $29.95 CAVE SPRING CELLARS LTD., 469023 CUDDY BY TAWSE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 $25.95 TAWSE WINERY INC. 94375 DUCKHORN SAUVIGNON BLANC Napa Valley 2017 $37.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 288555 WILLIAM HILL NORTH COAST CHARDONNAY North Coast 2017 $19.95 E&J GALLO WINERY CANADA LTD. 125310 NORMAN HARDIE COUNTY UNFILTERED PINOT NOIR VQA Prince Edward County 2017 $45.20 HARDIE WINES 284570 TAWSE GROWER'S BLEND CABERNET FRANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $28.95 TAWSE WINERY INC. 246918 J. LOHR CAROL'S VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON St. Helena, Napa Valley 2014 $89.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 723478 ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $19.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 166298 LA POSTA PIZZELLA MALBEC Mendoza 2017 $15.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 256685 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CARMENÈRE DO Colchagua Valley 2016 $14.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 546424 ERRAZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CARMENÈRE DO Valle de Aconcagua 2017 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 357475 DANDELION VINEYARDS LIONESS OF MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $20.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 684753 PORCA DE MURÇA RESERVA TINTO DOC Douro 2014 $17.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 371518 BORSAO BEROLA DO Campo de Borja 2015 $18.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 927 SOMMAVITE SANTOVINO VINO LIQUOROSO Italy $10.95 RUBAIYAT WINE AND SPIRIT MERCH. DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 437319 ROSEWOOD MEAD ROYALE HONEY WINE Barrel aged, Canada 2017 $19.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 709717 CAKEBREAD CELLARS CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2017 $69.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 21303 CAVE DE TURCKHEIM BRAND RIESLING AC Alsace Grand Cru 2013 $38.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 10468 STAGS' LEAP THE INVESTOR RED BLEND Napa Valley 2015 $64.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 11166 YOUNGBERG HILL J BLOCK PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2016 $67.95 LOYAL IMPORTS 309625 PENFOLDS BIN 389 CABERNET/SHIRAZ South Australia 2017 $99.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 11082 AURORE DEZAT SANCERRE ROUGE AC Sancerre 2016 $31.95 TOCADE 466110 DOMAIN MEGA SPILEO GRAND CAVE DRY RED PGI Achaia 2013 $29.95 THE KOLONAKI GROUP INC 568857 JOÃO BRITO E CUNHA QUINTA DE S. JOSÉ TOURIGA NACIONAL DOC Douro 2016 $39.95 NATURAL VINES 368373 VIÑA ARANA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2011 $49.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 10493 CELESTE RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2014 $34.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 10901 TORO ALBALÁ DON PX DO Montilla-Moriles 2017 $21.95 LE SOMMELIER INC. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for NOVEMBER 9, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. This presentation for Nov 9 release is 111 different labels out of about 153 released. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) and the ISDs. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 111 category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. For the most part, these particular wines come from the New World. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Fizz+234161 JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT SPARKLING Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2015 $29.95 Fizz+546762 CUDDY BY TAWSE SPARKLING Traditional method, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario $25.95 Dessert+341024 SOUTHBROOK FRAMBOISE Ontario $19.95 375mL Under $20 ========= W+ 330407 KAIKEN TERROIR SERIES TORRONTÉS Cafayate Valley, Salta 2018 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+10765 IN SITU RESERVA CHARDONNAY Aconcagua Valley 2018 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+662775 D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+148429 PENCARROW SAUVIGNON BLANC Martinborough, North Island 2017 $18.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+10104 CHRISTINA THE HERITAGE COLLECTION CHARDONNAY WO Robertson 2017 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+10473 DISTRICT 7 CABERNET SAUVIGNON Monterey County, Central Coast 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+421198 UNDERWOOD PINOT NOIR Oregon 2017 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+249201 SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CARMENÈRE DO Maule Valley 2017 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+11141 VUELO GRAND RESERVA MERLOT Cachapoal Valley 2016 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10762 WILLIAM COLE GRAND RESERVE PINOT NOIR Casablanca Valley 2017 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+446146 SIDEWOOD SHIRAZ Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+983742 L.A. CETTO PETITE SIRAH Guadalupe Valley, Baja California 2016 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+68767 NEDERBURG THE MANOR HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Western Cape 2016 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+403683 GÉRARD BERTRAND FITOU GRENACHE/CARIGNAN AP 2017 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+ 452789 CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA Vinho Regional Lisboa 2014 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+ 489963 DOMAINE DE LA RENNE TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AC 2018 $16.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 Over $20 ========= W+643361 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $24.95 10.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+483875 THE TRAGICALLY HIP AHEAD BY A CENTURY CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+424507 WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2017 $27.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+326165 ROBERT MONDAVI TO KALON VINEYARD RESERVE FUMÉ BLANC Napa Valley 2015 $59.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+45583 SHAFER RED SHOULDER RANCH CHARDONNAY Carneros, Napa Valley 2016 $84.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.5 W+359513 CLOUDY BAY CHARDONNAY Marlborough, South Island 2016 $38.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+924555 KIM CRAWFORD RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $24.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+556613 BURROWING OWL PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+238261 FAUST CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 $59.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+350454 RODNEY STRONG ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $32.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+12217 TURLEY JUVENILE ZINFANDEL California 2017 $49.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+316984 VERSADO RESERVA ANCIENT MALBEC Mendoza 2013 $59.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+123729 VIÑA COBOS BRAMARE MALBEC Unfined and unfiltered, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $44.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+115311 VIÑALBA GRAN RESERVA MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+222323 BEST'S BIN NO. 1 SHIRAZ Great Western, Victoria 2016 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.5 R+9175 ELDERTON CABERNET SAUVIGNON Barossa, South Australia 2016 $24.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+329706 THORNBURY PINOT NOIR Central Otago, South Island 2017 $27.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10497 DE MORGENZON MAESTRO BLUE WO Stellenbosch 2015 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+203364 ERRAZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Aconcagua Valley 2017 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agents -- 13961 UNITED STARS KINDZMARAULI PDO Kindzmarauli, Kakheti 2017 $17.95 THE DOCHAS COMPANY INC. 23408 SAN FABIANO CALCINAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $21.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 244228 PETRA ZINGARI IGT Toscana 2015 $19.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 288530 MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $24.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 342444 MASI TOAR VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2015 $23.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 408138 QUINTA DO QUETZAL GUADALUPE WINEMAKER'S SELECTION RED Vinho Regional Alentejano 2016 $16.95 VINYA 443945 EL GORÚ MONASTRELL/SYRAH/PETIT VERDOT DOP Jumilla 2018 $13.95 THE KOLONAKI GROUP INC 166579 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA GARNACHA/TEMPRANILLO/CARIÑENA DOP Cariñena 2014 $14.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 53397 LAKEVIEW CELLARS CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2017 $29.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $15.95 FEATHERSTONE WINERY 368415 LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE AC 2013 $104.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 1537 NEWTON UNFILTERED CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2017 $73.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 11255 CARABELLA ESTATE PINOT GRIS Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley 2017 $27.95 DB WINE & SPIRITS INC. 556217 MATURANA NARANJO ORANGE WINE TORONTEL Maule Valley 2018 $24.95 WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC. 10956 MONTEMAJOR FIANO DI AVELINO DOCG 2017 $23.95 CARTO ENTERPRISE 130997 TAWSE LAUNDRY VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula 2014 $34.95 TAWSE WINERY INC. 163725 JOSÉ ZUCCARDI MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $44.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 986133 LEEUWIN PRELUDE VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2014 $31.95 TERRA FIRMA WINES 156828 BABICH WINEMAKERS' RESERVE MERLOT Hawke's Bay, North Island 2015 $29.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 11963 VILLA MARIA RESERVE GIMBLETT GRAVELS SYRAH Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay, North Island 2016 $49.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 195255 CHÂTEAU PIPEAU AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 $86.95 PARADIGM FINE WINE AGENCY 51458 LE VOLTE DELL'ORNELLAIA IGT Toscana 2017 $64.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 10407 MASI MAZZANO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2012 $321.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 265710 TORRES COS PERPETUAL DOCa Priorat 2015 $59.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 748798 LUSTAU PALO CORTADO PENINSULA SOLERA FAMILIAR DRY SHERRY DO $35.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for OCTOBER 26, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Fizz+48801 LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D'IVOIRE BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France $19.95 Under $20 ========= W+ 547877 THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $19.95 13.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+10770 NOVAS GRAN RESERVA PINOT GRIS Bío Bío Valley 2018 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+149328 RUSSIAN JACK SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+667774 WILLM RÉSERVE PINOT BLANC AC Alsace 2017 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+12009 DOMAINE LA BAZILLÈRE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE AC 2018 $13.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AP 2018 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+570457 KELLEREI BOZEN BOLZANO CHARDONNAY DOC Südtirol-Alto Adige 2018 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+10945 BALBÁS VERDEJO DO Rueda 2018 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+648915 CHÂTEAU DUBRAUD AP Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2015 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10315 CHÂTEAU LAMARTINE PRESTIGE DU MALBEC AP Cahors 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10816 PARADISO DARIONE PODERE BELMANTELLO PRIMITIVO IGP Puglia 2017 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10402 VELARINO SUSUMANIELLO SALENTO IGT 2017 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+10682 POTENTE DO Montsant 2016 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+297317 XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP 2017 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10340 LA COURONNE DE PRINCE AC Côtes du Rhône 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+247882 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY TREE RED VQA Ontario 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10688 LINAJES CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Over $20 ========= W+10338 ROPITEAU CHABLIS AC 2017 $25.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+231712 GIRARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+330704 BENI DI BATASIOLO RISERVA BAROLO DOCG 2010 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+522235 PETER LEHMANN THE BAROSSAN SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2017 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+420760 ELOUAN PINOT NOIR Oregon 2016 $29.95 13.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10443 TINTO NEGRO FINCA LA ESCUELA LA PIEDRA MALBEC Mendoza 2016 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+11834 CHÂTEAU DE SAINT-PEY AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+416735 CHÂTEAU LE DOYENNÉ AC Côtes de Bordeaux 2014 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+994608 CASTELLO DI BOSSI C. BERARDENGA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+438580 QUERCECCHIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2014 $34.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+995910 REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $42.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+10829 ÁLVAREZ DE TOLEDO COLECCIÓN DE FAMILIA MENCÍA DO Bierzo 2015 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+239277 MONTECILLO GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2009 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+646075 CRASTO SUPERIOR DOC Douro 2015 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+671164 ST. FRANCIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2016 $34.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+616433 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+332858 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES PAUL BOSC ESTATE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $39.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agents -- 274761 G. MARQUIS SILVER LINE BLANC DE NOIRS ICE ROSÉ SPARKLING Traditional method, Icewine dosage, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario $29.95 MAGNOTTA WINERY 37499 JANSZ PREMIUM SPARKLING ROSÉ Traditional method, Tasmania $28.95 B AND W WINES 558825 SEGURA VIUDAS HEREDAD RESERVA BRUT CAVA Traditional method, DO, Spain $32.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 511428 REDSTONE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $25.70 TAWSE WINERY INC. 431593 TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE-NORTH ESTATE BOTTLED RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $25.95 TAWSE WINERY INC. 302059 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GEWÜRZTRAMINER Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $18.95 CAVE SPRING CELLARS LTD., 68015 FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $17.95 FLAT ROCK CELLARS 537076 MISSION HILL RESERVE PINOT GRIS BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2018 $22.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 317131 ST. FRANCIS CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2017 $22.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 541557 LAKE SONOMA CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2017 $26.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 235945 CROSSBARN CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2017 $34.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 713552 FROG'S LEAP CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2017 $44.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 232702 ZUCCARDI Q CHARDONNAY Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 $19.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 332494 STAETE LANDT JOSEPHINE CHARDONNAY Marlborough, South Island 2016 $27.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 328559 CELLAR CHARDONNAY WO Western Cape 2016 $17.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 732917 LOUIS JADOT POUILLY-FUISSÉ AC 2017 $38.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 322628 HENRI BOURGEOIS LA CHAPELLE DES AUGUSTINS SANCERRE AC 2016 $39.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 599274 LOOSEN BROS. DR. L RIESLING Qualitätswein 2017 $14.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 512376 CASTELLO DELLA SALA CERVARO DELLA SALA IGT Umbria 2017 $74.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 707158 ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA DOC 2018 $19.95 JOSEPH CIPELLI WINES & SPIRITS 408146 MARIA PAPOILA LOUREIRO/ALVARINHO DOC Vinho Verde 2018 $16.95 THE VINE AGENCY 427500 WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2015 $29.95 WESTCOTT VINEYARDS 522938 CROSSBARN PINOT NOIR Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2016 $49.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 590356 STAGS' LEAP WINERY PETITE SIRAH Napa Valley 2016 $58.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 16915 J. LOHR SEVEN OAKS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Paso Robles 2016 $47.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 328377 EASTON ZINFANDEL Amador County, Sierra Foothills 2015 $29.95 VINEXX 260919 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 $20.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 118067 VIÑA COBOS FELINO MALBEC Mendoza 2017 $19.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 712463 PRIMUS THE BLEND DO Colchagua Valley 2015 $19.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 562918 CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Las Terrazas Block, Pirque Vineyard, DO Pirque, Maipo Valley 2016 $34.95 ESCALADE WINE & SPIRITS 387910 VIÑA ERRAZURIZ SYRAH Aconcagua Costa 2017 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 59899 CHAIN OF PONDS THE LEDGE SHIRAZ Single vineyard, Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2016 $24.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 219469 TWO HANDS SEXY BEAST CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale, South Australia 2018 $26.95 B AND W WINES 478271 SISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2017 $17.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 446609 SIDEWOOD MAPPINGA SHIRAZ Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2015 $49.95 VINOLUNA 327387 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $19.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS INC. 520528 PEPPER TREE MERLOT Estate grown, Wrattonbully, South Australia 2016 $22.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 90241 TURKEY FLAT BUTCHERS BLOCK SHIRAZ/GRENACHE/MOURVÈDRE Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $19.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 538918 ASTROLABE PROVINCE MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2015 $29.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 666586 BEL ORMEAU LES CLOS AP Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2015 $16.95 TERRA FIRMA WINES 534339 VAUCHER PÈRE & FILS FLEURIE AC 2016 $16.95 VINOLUNA 448464 LES DARONS AP Languedoc 2017 $16.95 ROUGE ET BLANC LTD 381020 DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT L'ESQUERDA AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Lesquerde 2017 $27.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 17400 PIERRE AMADIEU ROMANE-MACHOTTE GIGONDAS AC 2016 $28.95 MACDONALD AND COMPANY 494674 LES CASSAGNES DE LA NERTHE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AP 2016 $24.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 354191 DOMAINE LAFAGE CUVÉE NICOLAS VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE NOIR IGP Côtes Catalanes 2017 $18.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 140111 BOUTARI GRANDE RESERVE XINOMAVRO PDO Naoussa 2013 $22.95 THE KOLONAKI GROUP INC 216309 CASTELLO DI GABBIANO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $22.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 384552 ANTINORI BADIA A PASSIGNANO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $49.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 480533 SASSICAIA DOC Bolgheri-Sassicaia 2016 $229.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 747030 LA VITE LUCENTE IGT Toscana 2017 $34.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 13755 TOMMASI POGGIO AL TUFO ROMPICOLLO IGT Toscana 2016 $18.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 147876 TENUTA SAN GUIDO LE DIFESE IGT Toscana 2017 $35.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 72439 TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO IGT Toscana 2017 $62.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 995704 ZENATO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2016 $18.95 JOSEPH CIPELLI WINES & SPIRITS 976092 MASI BROLO CAMPOFIORIN ORO IGT Rosso Verona 2015 $26.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 440305 QUADRUS RED DOC Douro 2014 $22.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 67843 BUIL & GINÉ GINÉ GINÉ DOCa Priorat 2016 $29.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 398925 ALCEÑO 12 MESES MONASTRELL DO Jumilla 2014 $15.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 533364 DOW'S LBV PORT DOP 2012 $24.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 87577 GONZALEZ BYASS NECTAR PEDRO XIMÉNEZ DULCE SHERRY DO $24.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 515817 EMILIO LUSTAU ALMACENISTA FINO DEL PUERTO OBREGÓN SHERRY DO $24.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 347401 GEORGIAN HILLS BARTLETT FROZEN TO THE CORE Blue Mountains, Ontario 2015 $21.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 987263 MONIACK MEAD United Kingdom $18.95 MARCHANDS DES AMERIQUES INC 422584 DOM PÉRIGNON LUMINOUS BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC 2008 $285.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 429365 DOM PÉRIGNON LUMINOUS ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE AC 2006 $373.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 520403 BACHELDER WISMER VINEYARD #1 WINGFIELD BLOCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $47.95 S. SCHIRALLI AGENCIES LTD., 10873 COPAIN DUPRATT CHARDONNAY Anderson Valley, Mendocino 2016 $64.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 931006 HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay 2018 $47.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 361816 BACHELDER LOWREY VINEYARD OLD VINES PINOT NOIR VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $47.95 S. SCHIRALLI AGENCIES LTD., 11847 CULMINA MERLOT BC VQA Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley 2014 $43.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 10962 MASI BROLO CAMPOFIORIN ORO IGT Rosso Verona 2015 $56.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 452102 MIGUEL TORRES PURGATORI DO Costers del Segre 2014 $44.9 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for OCTOBER 12, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Fizz+648618 GÉRARD BERTRAND THOMAS JEFFERSON BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX Traditonal method, AP, Languedoc, France 2017 $22.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+359810 SÉGLA Second wine of Château Rauzan-Ségla, AC Margaux 2010 $68.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 Under $20 ========= W+165670 MONTE DEL FRÁ CA' DEL MAGRO DOC Custoza Superiore 2016 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+518985 MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES ANTEA DOCa Rioja 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+677476 JIM BARRY COVER DRIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2016 $19.95 14.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+413237 GÉRARD BERTRAND SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Languedoc 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2017 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+557165 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $19.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+ 37911 SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Maipo Valley 2017 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 R+11837 CHÂTEAU LA CROIX ST-PIERRE GRANDE RÉSERVE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+434464 CHÂTEAU SAINT-ANTOINE RÉSERVE DU CHÂTEAU AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+10623 CALMEL & JOSEPH SAINT CHINIAN AP 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+328831 M. CHAPOUTIER BELLERUCHE CÔTES DU RHÔNE GRENACHE/SYRAH AC 2017 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10359 FEUDO ARANCIO CABERNET SAUVIGNON DOC Sicilia 2016 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+646893 BERGAMOTA PRIVATE SELECTION DOC Dão 2015 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+194753 RIOJA BORDÓN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.5 R+471854 RIOJA VEGA CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 Over $20 ========= W+11721 KARL ERBES ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE Qualitätswein 2016 $26.95 7.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+616466 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+647917 CHÂTEAU LILIAN LADOUYS Cru Bourgeois, AC Saint-Estèphe 2014 $49.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+74922 LUIGI BOSCA D.O.C. MALBEC Single vineyard, DOC Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2016 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+ 469031 CUDDY BY TAWSE CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $27.95 13.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+11581 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CABERNET FRANC VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula 2016 $27.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+73098 BURROWING OWL ESTATE BOTTLED CABERNET SAUVIGNON BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+10463 CLINE SONOMA COAST SYRAH Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2017 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+10465 KLINKER BRICK BRICKMASON RED BLEND Mokelumne River, Lodi 2016 $21.95 14.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+59683 TRUCHARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Carneros, Napa Valley 2015 $41.95 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+963397 WENTE WETMORE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Single vineyard, Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay 2016 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+131888 DOUBLE CANYON HORSE HEAVEN HILLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2015 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+980334 BODEGA PIEDRA NEGRA GRAN LURTON SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Uco Valley, Mendoza 2013 $24.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+437954 CHÂTEAU PIERRE DE MONTIGNAC Cru Bourgeois, AP Médoc 2014 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+539924 DOMAIN MEGA SPILEO GRAND CAVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON PGI Achaia 2011 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10129 FONTANABIANCA BORDINI BARBARESCO DOCG 2015 $49.95 SELECT WINE 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11595 TERRA COSTANTINO ETNA ROSSO DOC 2016 $31.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+378257 BANFI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2014 $56.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+642496 BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+923748 DON JACOBO GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2005 $38.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for media sampling by LCBO] with agents -- 667295 MANDOIS ORIGINE BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC $48.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS INC. 256289 BENJAMIN BRIDGE NOVA 7 SPARKLING Nova Scotia 2018 $24.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 4085 GRAHAM BECK BRUT ROSÉ Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa 2013 $24.95 VINEXX 89011 FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $17.95 FEATHERSTONE WINERY 417774 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $27.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $19.95 CAVE SPRING CELLARS LTD., 392357 KONZELMANN LAKEFRONT SERIES LATE HARVEST GEWÜRZTRAMINER VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $15.95 KONZELMANN ESTATE WINERY 458778 JOEL GOTT CHARDONNAY California 2017 $23.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 171272 J. LOHR ARROYO VISTA CHARDONNAY Arroyo Seco, Monterey County 2017 $34.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 339689 BLACK STALLION CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2017 $29.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 443507 SANTA EMA GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC DO Leyda Valley 2018 $16.95 RUSSIAN STANDARD VODKA CANADA LTD 458760 ELDERTON E SERIES CHARDONNAY Barossa, South Australia 2017 $16.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 924704 RAPAURA SPRINGS WAIRAU CLASSIC SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $21.95 VINEXX 369850 KIM CRAWFORD PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2019 $19.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 260240 JOSEPH CATTIN HATSCHBOURG PINOT GRIS AC Alsace Grand Cru 2016 $23.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 461640 WILLIAM FÈVRE CHAMPS ROYAUX CHABLIS AC 2017 $28.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 16725 TERRES SECRÈTES LES PRÉLUDES SAINT-VÉRAN AC 2017 $19.95 VINEXX 363150 LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE SUR LIE AC 2017 $15.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 485532 CHÂTEAU SAINT-NABOR CÔTES DU RHONE BLANC AC 2018 $14.95 DB WINE & SPIRITS INC. 517375 ROYAL TOKAJI LATE HARVEST TOKAJI PDO 2017 $21.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 169169 CRITONE BIANCO VAL DI NETO IGT 2017 $17.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. SIGNATURE WINES & SPIRITS 246413 THE MAGICIAN SHIRAZ/PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $29.95 REIF ESTATE WINERY 997353 INNISKILLIN MONTAGUE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR Single vineyard, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $30.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 546473 REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2013 $21.95 TAWSE WINERY INC. 275958 SOUTHBROOK SAUNDERS FAMILY VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC Vegan friendly, single vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $34.95 VINEXX 59717 EARTHQUAKE ZINFANDEL Lodi 2015 $42.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 732040 LA CREMA SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2016 $18.95 B AND W WINES 442459 VIÑALBA RESERVA MALBEC/TOURIGA NACIONAL Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 $18.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 255760 KOYLE ROYALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Los Lingues Vineyard, DO Colchagua Valley 2016 $24.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 62364 MONTES PURPLE ANGEL DO Colchagua Valley 2016 $62.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 108183 SCHILD ESTATE GRENACHE/MOURVÈDRE/SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $19.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 931600 CORIOLE ESTATE GROWN SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $24.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 311258 WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $17.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 156869 RAPAURA SPRINGS PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2017 $22.95 VINEXX 10877 LOVICO GAMZA AOC Suhindol 2015 $13.95 DEMETRA VP 196121 DOMAINE DU PEGAU CUVÉE RÉSERVÉE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2013 $78.95 WINEONLINE MARKETING COMPANY LTD 667451 OGIER LES PAILLANCHES CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2017 $24.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 437079 XAVIER VIGNON 100% CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP 2016 $19.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 251637 CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN ROCHES NOIRES AC Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2016 $22.95 EUROVINTAGE INTERNATIONAL INC 286393 CHÂTEAU PAUL MAS CLOS DES MÛRES AP Languedoc 2017 $19.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 562587 DOMAINE D'ALBAS ROUGE AP Minervois 2016 $15.95 BONTA TRADING 682781 MILDIANI KINDZMARAULI SEMI-SWEET RED Kakheti 2016 $18.95 THE DOCHAS COMPANY INC. 550350 EUGEN ALTSCHUH PINOT NOIR Qualitätswein 2017 $19.95 LOUIS CHARLES AGENCY 286708 LANTIDES NEMÉA AGIORGITIKO PDO Neméa 2016 $19.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 399907 SAN VINCENTI CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $19.95 DB WINE & SPIRITS INC. 943613 BARONE RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $24.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 403477 SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $48.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 324137 MASI RISERVA DI COSTASERA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $69.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 552497 PELEE ISLAND LOLA CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ VQA South Islands, Lake Erie North Shore 2018 $15.95 PELEE ISLAND WINERY 588475 VEUVE CLICQUOT PONSARDIN VINTAGE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE With gift box, AC 2008 $111.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 36616 TABLAS CREEK CÔTES DE TABLAS BLANC Adelaida District, Paso Robles 2017 $37.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 701748 CHATEAU MONTELENA CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2016 $74.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 11644 DR. SIEMENS SERRIGER WÜRTZBERG RIESLING AUSLESE Qualitätswein 2010 $19.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 667154 CONDE DE LOS ANDES BLANCO DOCa Rioja 2015 $38.95 WINEWORLD IMPORTERS & EXPORTERS LTD 646885 SOUTHBROOK LAUNDRY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula 2016 $34.95 VINEXX 393827 MORAINE PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $34.95 STEM WINE GROUP 107367 CERES COMPOSITION PINOT NOIR Bannockburn, Central Otago, South Island 2016 $36.95 VINOLUNA 539973 DOMAINE SAINT-PRÉFERT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2016 $67.95 DBINO INC. 279083 LA MANNELLA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $69.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 236356 CASTELLO ROMITORIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $63.95 WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC. 245225 FULIGNI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $99.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 348037 MASI RISERVA DI COSTASERA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $156.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 442160 DOMAINE DES BERNARDINS MUSCAT BEAUMES DE VENISE Vin doux naturel, AC 2017 $22.95 TERRA FIRMA WINES WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Fizz+301655 DOMAINE CARNEROS BRUT CUVÉE SPARKLING Traditional method, Napa Valley, California 2013 $41.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Sherry+10813 ALVEAR CAPATAZ SOLERA DE LA CASA FINO VIEJISI FINO DO Montilla-Moriles $26.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Under $20 ========= W+345389 SIMONSIG CHARDONNAY WO Stellenbosch 2017 $19.95 13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+295709 RABL LÖSS GRÜNER VELTLINER Langenlois, DAC Kamptal 2017 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+667535 JULIEN SCHAAL KALEIDOSCOPE RIESLING AC Alsace 2017 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+667493 CHÂTEAU DE PONT TOURAINE AC 2018 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+40642 DEU LA DEU ALVARINHO Monção e Melgaço, DOC Vinho Verde 2018 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+488734 CASTELO DO MAR ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2018 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10337 SOBILANE GRENACHE/SYRAH IGP Côtes Catalanes 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10316 SAINT MONT LES VIEILLES VIGNES AC 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+583260 MICHELE CHIARLO REYNA BARBARESCO DOCG 2015 $36.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+646059 MONTE CASCAS COLHEITA DOC Douro 2016 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+642421 VALPANTENA TORRE DEL FALASCO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA DOC 2016 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Over $20 ========= W+58651 WINE BY JOE PINOT GRIS Oregon 2017 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+10342 CHARTRON ET TRÉBUCHET MÂCON-VILLAGES AC 2017 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+648659 DOMAINE BÉRANGER POUILLY-FUISSÉ AC 2016 $37.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+577767 NATIV SUADENS BIANCO IGT Campania 2017 $27.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+155382 MARCHESI DI BAROLO GAVI DEL COMUNE DI GAVI DOCG 2018 $22.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11244 ADAMO ESTATE PARKE VINEYARD GROWER'S SERIES PINOT NOIR VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $28.95 12.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+131201 ANGELS GATE MOUNTAINVIEW PINOT NOIR VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $29.95 12.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+1560 FLAT ROCK GRAVITY PINOT NOIR VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+268391 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+73817 RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 $39.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+159970 CLOUDLINE PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2017 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+10915 MOUNTADAM VINEYARDS EDEN VALLEY SHIRAZ Eden Valley, South Australia 2017 $24.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+649731 CHÂTEAU ROUSSELLE AC Côtes de Bourg 2015 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+647966 CLARENDELLE AC Médoc 2014 $27.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+928028 FATTORIA DEI BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $54.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE FAMIGLIA ZINGARELLI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+568675 VILLA MATTIELLI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2013 $49.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+208223 LEALTANZA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agents -- 175588 GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT ROSÉ Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa $19.95 VINEXX 281329 JOSEPH CATTIN BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France $19.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 39016 PIERRE SPARR BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT D'ALSACE Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France $19.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 352856 CYGNUS ORGANIC BRUT NATURE CAVA Traditional method, DO Penedès, Spain $17.95 GARAGE WINE COMPANY 183491 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $24.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 68817 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $29.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $21.95 FEATHERSTONE WINERY 356873 FLAT ROCK GOOD KHARMA CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $16.95 FLAT ROCK CELLARS 347203 GEHRINGER BROTHERS PRIVATE RESERVE PINOT GRIS BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $19.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 673756 PINE RIDGE CHENIN BLANC/VIOGNIER California 2017 $19.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 311555 DECOY SONOMA COUNTY CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2017 $34.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 396291 COPPOLA DIRECTOR'S CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2017 $29.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 515114 TOM GORE SAUVIGNON BLANC California 2017 $19.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 144717 ZOLO UNOAKED CHARDONNAY Mendoza 2017 $14.95 DB WINE & SPIRITS INC. 556118 ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA COSTA CHARDONNAY Aconcagua Costa 2018 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 410225 DE BORTOLI VILLAGES CHARDONNAY Yarra Valley, Victoria 2017 $22.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 686675 SPY VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $21.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 447516 WHITEHAVEN PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2017 $19.95 E&J GALLO WINERY CANADA LTD. 225557 ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 THE KOLONAKI GROUP INC 456020 RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2018 $14.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 519074 KUTJEVO GRASEVINA Danube-Kutjevo Vineyard, Slavonia 2018 $15.95 SAAM IMPORTS 387563 MURÉ SIGNATURE GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2016 $21.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 10655 LIONS DE SUDUIRAUT AC Sauternes 2013 $22.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 200063 DOMAINE DE RIAUX POUILLY-FUMÉ AC 2017 $28.95 OLD CELLAR COLLECTION 169730 F. TINEL-BLONDELET L'ARRÊT BUFFATTE POUILLY-FUMÉ AC 2017 $29.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 577999 RUFFINO IL DUCALE PINOT GRIGIO DOC Friuli 2018 $18.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 585760 QUAILS' GATE PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $34.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 998666 LAFOND SRH PINOT NOIR Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County 2015 $37.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 655399 STAGS' LEAP WINERY MERLOT Napa Valley 2015 $48.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 453647 WILLIAM HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON North Coast 2017 $23.95 E&J GALLO WINERY CANADA LTD. 708289 FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND COLLECTION RED LABEL ZINFANDEL California 2017 $21.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 29207 ROBERT MONDAVI OAKVILLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 $59.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 420711 SEVEN FALLS CELLARS MERLOT Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley 2014 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 402081 BURIED CANE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2017 $19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 568915 ZUCCARDI POLÍGONOS MALBEC San Pablo, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $29.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 415034 FINCA FLICHMAN PAISAJE DE TUPUNGATO Mendoza 2016 $19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 443333 MASCOTA VINEYARDS GRAN MASCOTA MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $24.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 50849 KAIKEN ULTRA LAS ROCAS MALBEC Mendoza 2016 $19.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 10817 CALCU RESERVA ESPECIAL CABERNET FRANC DO Colchagua Valley 2016 $15.95 DON ACKERMAN'S WINES & SPIRITS 439364 CONO SUR SINGLE VINEYARD EL RECURSO BLOCK 18 CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2018 $21.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 10771 WILLIAM COLE GRAND RESERVE CARMÈNERE Colchagua Valley 2017 $17.95 ABCON INTERNATIONAL WINE MERCHANTS 10542 ALPHA CRUCIS TITAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $29.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 24091 THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE QUARTAGE Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $22.95 S. SCHIRALLI AGENCIES LTD., 906255 MOUNTADAM VINEYARDS PATRIARCH SHIRAZ High Eden, Eden Valley, South Australia 2015 $29.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 744235 WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Clare Valley, South Australia 2017 $19.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 357491 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES PINOT NOIR Yarra Valley, Victoria 2018 $19.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS INC. 329805 JULES TAYLOR PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2017 $24.95 VINEXX 647941 CLOS LES LUNELLES AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Castillon 2008 $48.95 TASTEVIN SELECTIONS 666636 CHÂTEAU DE LESTIAC CUVÉE PRESTIGE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Cadillac 2015 $21.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 470963 DOMAINE GOURON CHINON AC 2018 $17.95 VINOLUNA 958843 CAVE DE TAIN LES HAUTS DU FIEF CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2015 $41.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 224592 CHÂTEAU LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2016 $15.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 483313 FAMILLE LAFAGE LIEU DIT NARASSA AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2016 $24.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 971689 D'ANGELO AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE DOC 2015 $18.95 LA CANTINA IMPORTS 10612 GRAN MAESTOSO IGT Puglia 2017 $15.95 DON ACKERMAN'S WINES & SPIRITS 986380 ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO DOC Bolgheri Superiore 2016 $134.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 645002 VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE DOCG 2013 $40.95 LE SOMMELIER INC. 722470 ORNELLAIA La Tensione label, DOC Bolgheri Superiore 2016 $239.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 211599 LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $18.95 FRONTIER WINE MERCHANTS 178095 CHÂTEAU KSARA LE PRIEURÉ Bekaa Valley 2016 $15.95 TOCADE 546226 TIKVES SPECIAL SELECTION VRANEC Republic of North Macedonia 2015 $15.95 BOZVEN IMPORTS INC. 268003 CONCEITO CONTRASTE DOC Douro 2016 $19.95 TERROIR WINE IMPORTS 646026 ADEGA DE REDONDO COLHEITA SPECIALE PORTA DA RAVESSA DOC Alentejo 2017 $12.95 UNIQUE WINES & SPIRITS 168856 CABEÇA DE TOIRO RESERVA DOC Tejo 2014 $17.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 432005 CHIVITE FINCA DE VILLATUERTA SYRAH DO Navarra 2015 $19.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 490011 LA TREMENDA MONASTRELL DO Alicante 2016 $16.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 73452 CROFT ORIGINAL FINE PALE CREAM SHERRY DO $15.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 672402 HENRY OF PELHAM CABERNET ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2017 $39.95 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY EST. WINERY 71712 STRATUS WILDASS ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $18.95 STRATUS VINEYARDS 950576 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION ROSÉ AP Costières-de-Nîmes 2018 $16.95 VINEXX 699934 CARPINETO DOGAJOLO ROSATO IGT Toscano 2018 $14.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 359380 GEORGIAN HILLS IDA RED FROZEN TO THE CORE Beaver Valley, Blue Mountains, Grey County, Ontario 2016 $21.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 100503 BOLLINGER BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE AC $113.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 10097 BRIMONCOURT BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE AC $72.95 WILSON GROUP WINES AND SPIRITS 457556 MAYACAMAS CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2016 $81.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 119073 PAUL HOBBS RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $69.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 10695 EL ESTECO 1945 OLD VINES TORRONTÉS Calchaquí Valley 2018 $25.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 10696 GHOST CORNER WILD FERMENT SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Elim, Western Cape 2017 $29.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 10310 E. GUIGAL SAINTES PIERRES DE NALYS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC AC 2017 $64.95 VINEXX 523183 LEANING POST PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $29.95 LEANING POST WINES 457564 MAYACAMAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2014 $196.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 10472 LANCASTER ESTATE WINEMAKER'S CUVÉE Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $99.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 129098 CHÂTEAU D'ARSAC AC 2014 $45.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 129676 TORRES MAS LA PLANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Penedès 2013 $69.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 378968 ALDEASOÑA Viño de la Tierra de Castilla y León 2006 $28.95 TRADESA CORP. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for SEPTEMBER 14, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- Port+11087 MAYNARD'S 10-YEAR-OLD AGED TAWNY PORT DOP $24.95 20%ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 Under $20 ========= W+246579 CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+644716 FEROX PHANTOM RIESLING VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 $19.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+148437 MARISCO VINEYARDS LEEFIELD STATION PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2017 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+688440 CHÂTEAU DE LA VIEILLE TOUR BORDEAUX BLANC AC 2017 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+10349 CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY AC 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+286278 FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+371112 MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE Single vineyard, Maipo Valley 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+492561 FARINA VALPOLICELLA DOC 2018 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+545772 BUENA VISTA THE LEGENDARY BADGE PETITE SIRAH California 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+370247 GÉRARD BERTRAND SAINT CHINIAN SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE AP 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+303800 TRIUS RED 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 13.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+64618 FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+11851 CREEKSIDE RED TRACTOR CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+10593 PUENTE AUSTRAL GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Colchagua Valley 2015 14 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+667246 CHÂTEAU DU BALLANDREAU CUVÉE EXCELLENCE AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2015 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+667147 CHÂTEAU DE LA PIERRE LEVÉE RÉVÉLATIONS D'HUBERT DE BOÜARD AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Castillon 2016 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+546069 CHÂTEAU HAUT-LALANDE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+698985 CAZAL VIEL VIEILLES VIGNES SAINT CHINIAN AC 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10657 CAVE DE TAIN KING IN THE NORTH Rhône 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+10605 UGGIANO ROCCIALTA CHIANTI RISERVA DOCG 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+646042 FIUZA EMINENTE RESERVA TINTO Vinho Regional Tejo 2015 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+336719 LUIS CAÑAS CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= W+648576 MARCHAND-TAWSE VIRÉ-CLESSÉ AC 2016 $31.95 13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+198853 TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula $23.95 10.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+ 426833 COLCHESTER RIDGE CREW MERITAGE VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2016 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+461699 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE BACO NOIR 2016 VQA Ontario $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+11681 ICELLARS ESTATE CABERNET FRANC Wismer Foxcroft Vineyard, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $29.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10138 QUEENSTON MILE PINOT NOIR Estate bottled, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 $39.95 12.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+11263 DOMAINE DROUHIN OREGON PINOT NOIR Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley 2016 $38.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+648931 CHÂTEAU CARIGNAN PRIMA AC Côtes de Bordeaux – Cadillac 2015 $33.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+177295 RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA CASTEL DEL MONTE DOCG 2013 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agents -- 55830 CHÂTEAU DE LAUBADE XO ARMAGNAC In gift box, AC Bas Armagnac $114.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 442343 CHARLES COLLIN BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC $42.95 RUBY WINES & SPIRITS 593483 GRAHAM BECK BRUT SPARKLING Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa $19.95 VINEXX 207936 CHÂTEAU MONCONTOUR TÊTE DE CUVÉE BRUT VOUVRAY Traditional method, AC, Loire, France $19.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 311563 CANNONBALL CHARDONNAY California 2017 $19.95 ROGERS & CO. 960120 LIBERTY SCHOOL CHARDONNAY Central Coast 2017 $19.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 606772 ARBOLEDA SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY DO Aconcagua Costa 2017 $19.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 117945 TAHBILK MARSANNE Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria 2018 $17.95 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE AGENCY 441394 KONO SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $18.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 429308 SPY VALLEY ENVOY SAUVIGNON BLANC Johnson Vineyard, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2015 $29.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 372334 NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Western Cape 2018 $16.95 PMA CANADA LTD. 469734 PFAFF SPECIAL AC Alsace 2018 $14.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 983395 PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS AC Alsace 2017 $18.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 466144 J. MOREAU & FILS CHABLIS AC 2017 $25.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 412163 CHÂTEAU DE LA BRETESCHE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE AC 2017 $14.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 556555 MARCEL MARTIN LE DROISSY VOUVRAY AP 2017 $17.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 667782 CLOS DE LA MOTTE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE AC 2017 $16.95 LEXCELLENT WINES 525295 LES COSTIÈRES DE POMEROLS BEAUVIGNAC VIOGNIER Vins de Pays d'Oc 2018 $14.95 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE AGENCY 376350 LEITZ EINS-ZWEI-DRY RIESLING Qualitätswein 2017 $19.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 722413 DOMDECHANT WERNER HOCHHEIMER RIESLING KABINETT Prädikatswein 2017 $20.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 442178 SKOURAS MOSCOFILERO PGI Peloponnese 2018 $17.95 THE KOLONAKI GROUP INC 577676 TORNATORE ETNA BIANCO DOC 2018 $24.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 994012 FALCHINI VIGNA A SOLATIO VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO DOCG 2017 $19.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 734921 MACULAN PINOT GRIGIO DOC Breganze 2017 $15.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 350041 PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2018 $19.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 425405 CAVES ORSAT TREIZE ÉTOILES FENDANT AC Valais 2018 $23.95 M.C.O. 495333 ANGELS & COWBOYS PROPRIETARY RED Sonoma County 2017 $34.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 642207 DRY CREEK VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $37.95 WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC. 327502 DECOY ZINFANDEL Sonoma County 2017 $34.95 ROGERS & CO. 524223 PURPLE COWBOY TRAIL BOSS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Paso Robles 2017 $24.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 708842 MOUNT VEEDER WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 $49.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 951889 IRONSTONE OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Lodi 2017 $17.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 521567 CLOS PEGASE MERLOT Mitsuko's Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley 2016 $39.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 459933 ROBERT MONDAVI MAESTRO Napa Valley 2014 $59.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 246900 FRANK FAMILY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 $89.95 DA CAPO WINES INC. 570739 MCMANIS PINOT NOIR California 2018 $21.95 THE VINE AGENCY 462721 SIMI LANDSLIDE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $39.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 456764 RIVER'S EDGE BARREL SELECT PINOT NOIR Elkton, Umpqua Valley 2015 $32.95 VINOLUNA 167312 LUCA OLD VINE MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $34.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 452029 PIATTELLI RESERVE MALBEC Cafayate Valley, Salta 2016 $16.95 IMPRESE INC. 261891 FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2016 $18.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 79095 MASI TUPUNGATO CORBEC APPASSIMENTO CORVINA/MALBEC Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $24.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 57513 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE Maipo Valley 2017 $17.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 10627 VUELO GRAND RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Estate bottled, DO Colchagua Valley 2016 $16.95 PV W&S 541177 MATETIC CORRALILLO WINEMAKER'S BLEND DO San Antonio Valley 2015 $23.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 514182 RITUAL PINOT NOIR Casablanca Valley 2016 $21.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 186114 JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ/CABERNET Padthaway, South Australia 2017 $16.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 9480 TWO HANDS ANGELS' SHARE SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2018 $23.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 269464 SISTER'S RUN EPIPHANY SHIRAZ Epiphany Vineyard, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $17.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 163972 MOMO PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2017 $19.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 561142 CATHEDRAL CELLAR SHIRAZ WO Western Cape 2016 $17.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 114611 GALIUS AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 $44.95 SIGNATURE WINES & SPIRITS 143099 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION AP Costières de Nîmes 2017 $16.95 VINEXX 906073 FAMILLE PERRIN LA GILLE GIGONDAS AC 2016 $29.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 292722 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE TÉLÉGRAMME CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2016 $55.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 10573 MISSION DE PICPUS MALBEC AC Cahors 2016 $17.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 354134 CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE LA FORÊT AP Fronton 2016 $14.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 466474 THYMIOPOULOS YOUNG VINES XINOMAVRO Unfiltered, PDO Naoussa 2016 $17.95 VICTORY WINE & SPIRITS INC. 948976 GIRIBALDI BAROLO DOCG 2014 $48.95 THE GOLDEN VALLEY ESTATE LTD 237263 CORTE PAVONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2012 $57.95 EMPORIO WINES AND SPIRITS 988055 POLIZIANO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG 2015 $31.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 643205 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $23.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 418822 BARONE RICASOLI BROLIO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA DOCG 2015 $34.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 651141 PIAN DELLE VIGNE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2014 $63.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 175091 BANFI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2014 $29.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 83964 CORTE GIARA LA GROLETTA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA DOC 2016 $21.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 462812 MASI SEREGO ALIGHIERI VAIO ARMARON AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $89.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 447888 MONTE ZOVO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2013 $45.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 976670 MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2011 $29.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 85183 BALBÁS RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2006 $23.95 TRADESA CORP. 718999 CASTAÑO HÉCULA MONASTRELL DO Yecla 2017 $14.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 417675 CHAPILLON SIENDRA DO Catalayud 2016 $16.95 RUBY WINES & SPIRITS 58974 ALFRED SCHLADERER HIMBEERGEIST BLACK FOREST RASPBERRY EAU-DE-VIE Germany $39.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 10812 LUSTAU VERMUT BLANCO $28.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 482869 EMILIO LUSTAU VERMUT DE JEREZ DO $28.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 667444 MAISON SALEYA ROSÉ AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence 2018 $19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 680801 FAMILLE PERRIN TAVEL AC 2018 $19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 556274 MARQUIS D'AQUERIA TAVEL ROSÉ AP 2018 $19.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 219840 CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE LA FORÊT ROSÉ AP Fronton 2018 $14.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 663427 GLENFARCLAS 30-YEAR-OLD HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY Speyside $794.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 613786 RAMEY CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2016 $19.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 910711 R. LOPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA VIÑA GRAVONIA CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2010 $38.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 10464 ARGOT ESTATE PINOT NOIR Estate vineyard, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County 2014 $66.95 GREAT NORTH IMPORTS 160481 SPICE ROUTE CHAKALAKA WO Swartland 2015 $34.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 440180 CHÂTEAU TRONQUOY-LALANDE AC Saint-Estèphe 2014 $65.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 644807 CHÂTEAU LA GAFFELIÈRE CLOS LA GAFFELIÈRE AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2014 $58.95 RIZZI WINES 437277 CHÂTEAU HAUT FAUGÈRES Second wine of Château Faugères, AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 $58.95 DBINO INC. 440263 MARCHAND-TAWSE CÔTE DE NUITS-VILLAGES AC 2016 $43.95 BURGUNDY DIRECT LTD. 648667 CHÂTEAU DE SANTENAY LA COMME 1ER CRU SANTENAY AC 2016 $68.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 558007 CHÂTEAU ROMASSAN DOMAINES OTT BANDOL AC 2016 $58.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 39230 LOU COUCARDIÉ ROUGE AC Costierès de Nîmes 2014 $34.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 41921 DOMAINE BELLE LES PIERRELLES CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2016 $29.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 953828 VOLPAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $28.95 ROGERS & CO. 378885 OLARRA ERUDITO RESERVA ESPECIAL DOCa Rioja 2015 $39.95 MACDONALD AND COMPANY 397752 ALONSO DEL YERRO PAYDOS DO Toro 2014 $29.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for AUGUST 31, 2019 -- IT'S THE BLUE MOON RELEASE !! By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. And as we edge closer to the “double sawbuck” wine, I've segregated them in honour of the BLUE MOON!! -- R+10591 PÉREZ CRUZ LIMITED EDITION CABERNET FRANC Fundo Liguai de Huelquén, DO Maipo Valley 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+323741 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+666628 CHÂTEAU TANESSE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Cadillac 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+698175 WATERKLOOF CIRCLE OF LIFE RED WO Stellenbosch 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Sherry+10648 TÍO PEPE FINO EN RAMA DO 2019 $22.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 HALF-BOTTLE ALERT -- W+10866 J. LOHR ESTATES RIVERSTONE CHARDONNAY Arroyo Seco, Monterey County 2017 $12.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Under $20 ========= W+80234 FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $17.95 10 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+ 519025 FEATHERSTONE PHOENIX VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+149336 THORNBURY CHARDONNAY Gisborne, North Island 2017 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.5 W+914390 RASCALLION 33 1/3 RPM WHITE BLEND WO Western Cape 2017 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+610907 SIMONSIG CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2018 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+646091 DALVA BRANCO DOC Douro 2017 $12.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+64618 FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+646844 H J. FABRE RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGON Mendoza 2016 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+10591 PÉREZ CRUZ LIMITED EDITION CABERNET FRANC Fundo Liguai de Huelquén, DO Maipo Valley 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+323741 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+648550 HENRY FESSY GAMAY NOIR France 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+550293 CHÂTEAU LOUMELAT CUVÉE J.J. LESGOURGUES AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2015 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+666628 CHÂTEAU TANESSE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Cadillac 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+526632 COURTOIS LA GRANGE VINSOBRES AC 2015 $17 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: % ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+699025 RHONEA ROAIX CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2016 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+380741 GUILLAUME AURÈLE VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+698175 WATERKLOOF CIRCLE OF LIFE RED WO Stellenbosch 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+10621 GÉRARD BERTRAND CÔTE DES ROSES WHITE AP 2018 $18.95 13%ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+10121 DUCA DI SARAGNANO SIR PASSO IGT Toscano Rosso 2017 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+488007 PERIQUITA RESERVA Vinho Regional Península de Setúbal 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Over $20 ========= W+488825 DEUX ROCHES VIEILLES VIGNES POUILLY-FUISSÉ AP 2016 $41.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+927186 CLOS HENRI PETIT CLOS SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $21.95 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+660597 FESS PARKER PINOT NOIR Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County 2016 $32.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+171587 FARINA LE PEZZE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $37.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+667501 DOMAINE DE CONGY POUILLY-FUMÉ AC 2017 $32.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+142125 LES VIGNERONS DU CASTELAS CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC AC 2017 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+108076 COCO RÔTIE SYRAH/VIOGNIER South Australia 2017 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+648063 CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR PEYRABON AC Pauillac 2014 $48.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+644799 CHÂTEAU LA PIROUETTE AC Médoc 2016 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+10143 DULUC DE BRANAIRE-DUCRU 4e cru, AC Saint-Julien 2015 $55.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+981787 DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D'OR GIGONDAS AC 2016 $34.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+644567 CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH ROUBIALS IGP Côtes Catalanes 2016 $24.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+534909 ANZIVINO GATTINARA DOCG 2012 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+702761 MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $24.95 16% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10720 PUELLES RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2009 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agents -- 435784 VIENI MOMENTI SPARKLING WINE Charmat method, VQA Ontario $13.95 VIENI ESTATES INC. 168948 CAVE DE BEBLENHEIM BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT D'ALSACE Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France $19.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS 636704 BAGRATIONI 1882 CLASSIC DRY SPARKLING Charmat method, Georgia $14.95 MATVIL 708305 FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND COLLECTION GOLD LABEL CHARDONNAY Monterey County 2017 $23.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS 658112 MCMANIS FAMILY VINEYARDS VIOGNIER River Junction 2017 $19.95 THE VINE AGENCY 655381 STAGS' LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2017 $41.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 191593 JOEL GOTT SAUVIGNON BLANC California 2017 $19.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 258145 A TO Z PINOT GRIS Oregon 2017 $19.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 389262 ZUCCARDI SERIE A TORRONTÉS IP Salta 2017 $16.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 928580 SANTA CAROLINA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY Certified carbon neutral, DO Itata Valley 2017 $18.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 271387 TAHBILK VIOGNIER Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria 2018 $18.95 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE AGENCY 285882 WITS END LUNA CHARDONNAY Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2018 $19.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 9167 MOMO ORGANIC SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 259770 JOSEPH CATTIN HATSCHBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace Grand Cru 2016 $26.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 438796 DOMAINE DE LA BAUME ELISABETH VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 $16.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 409706 VILLA WOLF GEWÜRZTRAMINER Qualitätswein 2017 $14.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 395756 NALS MARGREID PUNGGL PINOT GRIGIO DOC Südtirol - Alto Adige 2016 $29.95 MONDO VINO 37648 ZENATO PINOT GRIGIO IGT delle Venezie 2018 $17.95 JOSEPH CIPELLI WINES & SPIRITS 12088 COTNARI FETEASCA ALBA DOC Cotnari 2016 $13.95 CARTO ENTERPRISE 131540 FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $19.95 FEATHERSTONE WINERY 145888 CLOSSON CHASE CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA Prince Edward County 2016 $34.95 CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARDS INC. 381327 CASA-DEA RESERVE CABERNET FRANC VQA Prince Edward County 2015 $26.95 STELLAR WINE & SPIRITS INC. 553321 MISSION HILL RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $29.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 1602 FREEMARK ABBEY MERLOT Napa Valley 2014 $44.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 281758 FREI BROTHERS RESERVE ZINFANDEL Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $26.95 E&J GALLO WINERY CANADA LTD. 369959 EDNA VALLEY VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Central Coast 2017 $22.95 E&J GALLO WINERY CANADA LTD. 652883 BELLE GLOS CLARK & TELEPHONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County 2017 $59.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 95752 TREFETHEN FAMILY VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley 2015 $79.95 VINEXX 704353 IRONSTONE MERLOT Lodi 2017 $17.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 25080 HESS SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON North Coast 2016 $24.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 508184 LEESE-FITCH ZINFANDEL California 2016 $21.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 209874 COLUMBIA CREST H3 MERLOT Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2016 $19.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 70573 14 HANDS WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2016 $17.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 29280 TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC Mendoza 2017 $19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 512202 LOS HAROLDOS ESTATE BLEND Mendoza 2017 $14.95 M.ANDREW FINE WINES,BEERS&SPIRITS 166298 LA POSTA PIZZELLA MALBEC Mendoza 2017 $15.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 542183 RAVANAL GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Colchagua Valley 2016 $15.95 LAMPRECHT INTERNATIONAL 469270 INDÓMITA DUETTE PREMIUM CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE Maipo Costa 2016 $19.95 RARE EARTH WINES 661 CHATEAU LOS BOLDOS VIEILLES VIGNES CABERNET SAUVIGNON Cachapoal Andes 2017 $20.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 138818 TAHBILK CABERNET SAUVIGNON Certified carbon neutral, Nagambie Lakes, Victoria 2016 $22.95 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE AGENCY 525931 CHÂTEAUX VIEUX CHEVROL AC Lalande de Pomerol 2015 $29.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 557660 CHÂTEAU LE PUY EMILIEN AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Francs 2015 $31.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 320499 BASTIDE MIRAFLORS SYRAH/VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE AP Côtes du Roussillon 2017 $19.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 143578 TELIANI VALLEY MEDIUM-SWEET RED Alazani Valley, Kakheti 2017 $15.95 BLACK SEA WINE 262956 DONNACHIARA IRPINIA AGLIANICO DOC 2015 $24.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 639799 ROBERTO SAROTTO RISERVA BARBARESCO DOCG 2013 $33.95 GARAGE WINE COMPANY 508630 JERZU MARGHIA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA DOC 2017 $17.95 FRONTIER WINE MERCHANTS 487090 TORNATORE NERELLO MASCALESE/NERELLO CAPPUCCIO DOC Etna Rosso 2017 $24.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 85209 IL MOLINO DI GRACE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $19.95 FRONTIER WINE MERCHANTS 353201 RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $47.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 473116 PIETRANERA RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2012 $80.95 FRONTIER WINE MERCHANTS 993360 VICCHIOMAGGIO AGOSTINO PETRI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $29.95 SIGNATURE WINES & SPIRITS 23259 TOMMASI RAFAÈL VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2016 $19.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 159400 DUE TORRI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2016 $20.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 379883 HERDADE GRANDE GERAÇÕES COLHEITA SELECCIONADA Vinho Regional Alentejano 2013 $22.95 VINYA 574426 SEÑORÍO DE BARAHONDA CARRO DO Yecla 2017 $14.95 WINEONLINE MARKETING COMPANY LTD 692780 R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA CUBILLO CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2010 $31.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 312140 VILLACRECES PRUNO DO Ribera del Duero 2016 $22.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 100164 ANDREW PELLER SIGNATURE SERIES VIDAL ICEWINE Oak aged, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2017 $45.95 ANDREW PELLER LIMITED 652149 ANDREW PELLER SIGNATURE SERIES RIESLING ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2016 $49.95 ANDREW PELLER LIMITED 343020 BELLE GLOS OEIL DE PERDRIX PINOT NOIR BLANC ROSÉ Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2018 $29.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 74617 DOMAINES OTT CHÂTEAU DE SELLE ROSÉ Cru classé, AP Côtes de Provence 2018 $51.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 981027 LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC 2012 $104.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 440891 LOUIS ROEDERER ET PHILIPPE STARCK BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE AC 2009 $117.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 695577 IONA SAUVIGNON BLANC Elgin Valley 2018 $29.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 10576 LEYDA LOT PINOT NOIR Leyda Valley 2015 $29.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 648501 MARATRAY-DUBREUIL VIEILLES VIGNES LADOIX AC 2017 $38.95 WINE SOLUTIONS 973719 DOMAINE COURBIS LES ROYES SAINT-JOSEPH AC 2017 $52.95 M.C.O. 688119 POGGIO IL CASTELLARE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $72.95 NATURAL VINES WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for AUGUST 17, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” wines of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- Fizz+644773 COOPER'S HAWK NORTH BLOCK SPARKLING Charmat method, VQA Ontario 2016 $23.95. 12%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 Under $20 ========= W+277228 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES OLD VINES RIESLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+483958 LAKEVIEW CELLARS SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $18.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+115329 CINCO SENTIDOS RESERVA TORRONTÉS Mendoza 2017 $16.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+ 10411 MOUNTADAM EDEN VALLEY CHARDONNAY Eden Valley, South Australia 2017 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+647735 WINZER KREMS GRÜNER VELTLINER DAC Kremstal 2017 $15.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+667766 MARQUIS DE GOULAINE VOUVRAY AP 2017 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+665992 DR. SIEMENS HERRENBERG RIESLING SPÄTLESE FEINHERB Prädikatswein 2009 $19.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+562454 INDOMITO FALANGHINA DEL BENEVENTANO IGT 2018 $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+105908 EDETÀRIA VIA TERRA GARNATXA BLANCA DO Terra Alta 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10704 WESTMOUNT PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2015 $19.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+107102 SAGELANDS MERLOT Columbia Valley 2016 $19.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+272575 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR TAUTAVEL AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+591974 DI MAJO NORANTE SANGIOVESE IGT Terre degli Osci 2017 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+232637 BENMARCO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Los Árboles, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+492736 FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA CABERNET FRANC Mendoza 2016 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+114983 H J. FABRE BARREL SELECTION MALBEC Patagonia 2016 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+271205 MANOS NEGRAS MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 $17.95 14 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+10435 EMILIANA SIGNOS DE ORIGEN LA CANTERA GARNACHA/MOURVÈDRE/SYRAH DO Colchagua Valley 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+638791 JUAN CARRAU TANNAT Las Violetas, Canelones 2017 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+121731 LUCIANO ARDUINI FONTANA DEL FONGO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOC 2017 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+122002 PROVOLO TENUTA CA'NOVE VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE DOC 2014 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+646083 CARMIM TERRA LENTA PREMIUM REGUENGOS DOC Alentejo 2016 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10638 BARAHONDA ORGANIC MONASTRELL/MERLOT DO Yecla 2017 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+10635 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS SPECIAL SELECTION OLD VINE GARNACHA DOP Cariñena 2016 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Over $20 ========= W+644740 LEANING POST WISMER-FOXCROFT VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $24.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+644732 LUNDY MANOR CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $25.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+688077 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY Finca Dominio Gualta, Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $20.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+649855 JEAN BOUCHARD PETIT-CHABLIS AC Petit Chablis 2017 $23.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+113191 EL ESTECO MALBEC Calchaquí Valley 2015 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+10042 VALLEY OF THE MOON CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2015 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+ 668749 TRAPICHE COSTA & PAMPA PINOT NOIR Chapadmalal, Buenos Aires 2017 $23.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+477315 COLOMÉ ESTATE MALBEC Calchaquí Valley, Salta 2016 $24.95 14.9%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+647974 CHÂTEAU PONTET-FUMET AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 $34.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+645200 DOMAINE BELLE CUVÉE LOUIS BELLE CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2015 $43.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+646901 DESTINO FIFTH EMPIRE RED BLEND DOC Douro 2015 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+648204 HAZAÑA VIÑAS VIEJAS DOCa Rioja 2014 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] with agents -- 485656 LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC AC 2017 $15.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 366948 FONTANAFREDDA GAVI DI GAVI DOCG 2017 $19.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 316968 QUINTA DA LIXA POUCO COMUM ALVARINHO Vinho Regional Minho 2017 $14.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 645119 PACO & LOLA PRIME ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2016 $27.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 117960 CREEKSIDE LAURA'S RED VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $24.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 86363 WILDASS RED VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $19.95 STRATUS VINEYARDS 613059 EASTDELL PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $15.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 942599 RAVENSWOOD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Lodi 2016 $21.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 186171 DECOY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2016 $37.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 10098 CHOP SHOP CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2017 $19.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 380188 LAKE SONOMA WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2016 $34.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 486043 PRIMUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2015 $19.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 89599 MAXWELL SILVER HAMMER SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $19.95 ALTO VINO 295873 YALUMBA THE STRAPPER GSM Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $19.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 327106 MOLLYDOOKER TWO LEFT FEET South Australia 2016 $31.95 B AND W WINES 142398 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra & Clare Valley, South Australia 2016 $24.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 522342 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP HILLS ARE ALIVE SHIRAZ Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2017 $23.95 CRU WINE MERCHANTS 743989 CHAPEL HILL SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $28.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 590414 OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2017 $20.95 DELEGAT CANADA LIMITED 349308 CHÂTEAU PEY LA TOUR RÉSERVE DU CHÂTEAU AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 647933 CHÂTEAU BEAU-SITE AC Saint-Estèphe 2015 $51.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 404285 CHÂTEAU PLAISANCE AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2006 $19.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 123489 CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT AC Fronsac 2016 $17.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 368134 STÉPHANE AVIRON VIEILLES VIGNES MOULIN-À-VENT AC 2016 $23.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 65995 DOMAINE BONNARD SANCERRE RED AC 2016 $26.95 M.C.O. 370254 CHÂTEAU DE SÉGURE VIEILLES VIGNES FITOU AP 2017 $17.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 276956 HALOS DE JUPITER CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2017 $17.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 224915 DOMAINES ANDRÉ AUBERT VISAN AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2016 $15.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 493403 DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2016 $41.95 LAMPRECHT INTERNATIONAL 102954 CHÂTEAU LA CAMINADE MALBEC/MERLOT AC Cahors 2017 $19.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 142109 TBILVINO ALAZANI VALLEY RED Kakheti 2018 $15.95 BANQPAY INTERNATIONAL 908079 BENI DI BATASIOLO NEBBIOLO DOC Langhe 2017 $17.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 181396 PECCHENINO SAN GIUSEPPE BAROLO DOCG 2014 $66.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 569954 ROMIO PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia 2017 $13.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 730804 LAMOLE GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2012 $34.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 644997 BANFI POGGIO ALLE MURA ROSSO DI MONTALCINO DOC 2016 $28.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 713719 VAL DI SUGA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $54.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 735597 ORENO IGT Toscana 2016 $86.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 121160 VILLA TRASQUA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $18.95 FRONTIER WINE MERCHANTS 517029 IL PALAGIO MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE IGT Toscana 2016 $24.95 LE SOMMELIER INC. 487074 TENUTA DI GRACCIANO DELLA SETA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG 2015 $29.95 NEWGENWINES 356089 CONDE VALDEMAR CRIANZA TEMPRANILLO DOCa Rioja 2015 $16.95 WINE GURU SELECTION INC 368720 SUE-ANN STAFF VIDAL ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2016 $24.95 SUE-ANN STAFF ESTATE WINERY 498758 GAME CHANGER THE MEMORY ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $14.95 VINELAND ESTATE WINES LTD., 409771 DOMAINE DE TRIENNES ROSÉ IGP Méditerranée 2018 $19.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 450908 XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROSÉ AP 2018 $16.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 496919 CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES ROSÉ AC Costières de Nîmes 2018 $19.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 451146 DUCA CATEMARIO COLLEZIONE PRIVATA PINOT GRIGIO ROSÉ IGT delle Venezie 2018 $14.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 747386 LOUIS ROEDERER PREMIER BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC $485.00 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 994939 GREYWACKE MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2016 $28.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 636753 CHÂTEAU D'ARCHE 2e cru, AC Sauternes 2010 $40.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 665950 SELBACH OSTER RIESLING KABINETT Qualitätswein 2017 $29.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 336644 LUNAE VERMENTINO DOC Colli di Luni 2017 $36.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 252304 MATETIC VINEYARDS EQ SYRAH DO Casablanca 2014 $34.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for AUGUST 3, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” of a reduced tasting based on -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Sherry+645267 HIDALGO FINO SECO SHERRY DO Jerez $21.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 Under $20 ========= W+645770 VITESE GRILLO DOC Sicilia 2017 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+149542 DELTA ESTATE CHARDONNAY Marlborough, South Island 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+536276 HUNTAWAY RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+651711 CEDERBERG CHENIN BLANC WO Cederberg 2018 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+355438 DE WETSHOF LESCA ESTATE CHARDONNAY WO Robertson 2018 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+668848 CHÂTEAU VERMONT PRESTIGE BLANC AC Entre-Deux-Mers 2017 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+648451 BLASON DE BOURGOGNE AC Mâcon-Villages 2016 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+644831 CANTI ESTATE MOSCATO D'ASTI DOCG 2018 $14.95 5.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+668335 ARGENTO RESERVA CABERNET FRANC Mendoza 2015 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+ 652693 STRANDVELD FIRST SIGHTING SHIRAZ WO Cape South Coast 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+667238 CHÂTEAU NODEAU AC Côtes de Bourg 2016 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+168716 M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES AC 2017 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+277079 LE CIRQUE GRENACHE NOIR/CARIGNAN/SYRAH IGP Côtes Catalanes 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+300004 AMASTUOLA PRIMITIVO IGP Puglia 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+464412 ESPINO RESERVA ESPECIAL CARMENÈRE DO Central Valley 2017 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+646919 ALMEIDA GARRETT ENTRE SERRAS DOC Beira Interior 2015 $12.95 13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+70730 HERDADE SÃO MIGUEL COLHEITA SELECCIONADA TINTO Vinho Regional Alentejano 2017 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+391896 SEIN DO Alicante 2011 $16.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92.5 Over $20 ========= W+441089 ROMBAUER CARNEROS CHARDONNAY Carneros 2017 $64.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.5 W+220343 MER SOLEIL SILVER UNOAKED CHARDONNAY Monterey County $24.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+665919 BOEDECKER CELLARS FINNIGAN HILL VINEYARD CHARDONNAY Chehalem Mountain, Willamette Valley 2015 $29.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10044 MARTIN RAY NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 $44.95 14.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+651810 SPIER 21 GABLES CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Stellenbosch 2014 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+644708 CHÂTEAU BEAUSÉJOUR AC Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion 2015 $37.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+666602 CHÂTEAU LA PICHERIE AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion 2016 $26.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+922054 SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $50.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+377986 SAN SILVESTRO PATRES BAROLO DOCG 2014 $35.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+964221 LE VOLTE DELL'ORNELLAIA IGT Toscana 2017 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+630947 INSURGENTE VINHO TINTO DOC Dão 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] -- 414896 SEYRINGER HIMBEER RASPBERRY LIQUEUR Austria $23.95 B. COJOCARU AGENCIES INC. 148866 CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA Prince Edward County 2017 $29.95 CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARDS INC. 341792 CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula 2017 $24.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 302083 BACHELDER NIAGARA CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 $24.95 S. SCHIRALLI AGENCIES LTD., 213173 ORGANIZED CRIME RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $19.95 JAN TARASEWICZ 265983 MCMANIS CHARDONNAY River Junction 2018 $19.95 THE VINE AGENCY 418228 J. LOHR FLUME CROSSING SAUVIGNON BLANC Arroyo Seco, Monterey County 2018 $23.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 119099 VIÑA COBOS FELINO CHARDONNAY Mendoza 2017 $19.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 375212 SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC DO Leyda Valley 2018 $18.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 406967 TABALÍ PEDREGOSO GRAN RESERVA VIOGNIER DO Limarí Valley 2018 $13.95 ALEGRIA FOOD AND DRINK INC. 483495 OLD COACH ROAD SAUVIGNON BLANC Nelson, South Island 2018 $21.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 435073 HENRI EHRHART RÉSERVE PARTICULIÈRE RIESLING AC Alsace 2017 $19.95 RUBY WINES & SPIRITS 356956 JOSEPH DROUHIN MÂCON-VILLAGES AC 2017 $22.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 733501 ALAIN GEOFFROY BEAUROY CHABLIS 1ER CRU AC 2017 $39.95 EX-CELLARS WINE SERVICES 264945 PASCAL JOLIVET SANCERRE AC 2018 $31.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 484139 DOMAINE DU TARIQUET SAUVIGNON BLANC IGP Côtes de Gascogne 2017 $13.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS INC. 74203 BROTTE LES HAUTS DE BARVILLE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC AP 2017 $36.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 437004 TENUTA ROVEGLIA VIGNE DI CATULLO RISERVA LUGANA VQPRD, DOC 2014 $26.95 CARPE VINUM INTERNATIONAL 461327 BERONIA RUEDA VERDEJO DO Rueda 2017 $15.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 320986 THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND RED VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $24.95 ANDREW PELLER LIMITED 626325 OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $53.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 330241 STERLING MERLOT Napa Valley 2016 $36.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 537597 IRONSTONE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Lodi 2017 $17.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 25106 IRONY CABERNET SAUVIGNON North Coast 2016 $24.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 269357 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2016 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 144352 ALTA VISTA ATEMPORAL Albaneve Vineyard, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $22.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 66837 SOPHENIA ESTATE MALBEC Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 $19.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 569699 TABALÍ PEDREGOSO GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Maipo Valley 2016 $15.95 ALEGRIA FOOD AND DRINK INC. 143214 MONTES ALPHA PINOT NOIR DO Aconcagua Coast 2016 $19.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 15495 3 RINGS SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $17.95 VINOLUNA 627844 GEMTREE UNCUT SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $24.95 GARAGE WINE COMPANY 360636 SISTER'S RUN BETHLEHEM BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON Barossa, South Australia 2017 $19.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 66555 SCHILD ESTATE SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $19.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 493163 GRASSHOPPER ROCK EARNSCLEUGH VINEYARD PINOT NOIR Central Otago, South Island 2016 $44.95 PARADIGM FINE WINE AGENCY 388330 CHÂTEAU LE GRAND VERDUS RÉSERVE AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 $19.95 M.C.O. 487165 LAURENT PERRACHON ROCHE BLEUE JULIÉNAS AC 2016 $20.95 HERITAGE CELLARS 526640 COURTOIS LA SOURCE CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2017 $14.95 VINOLUNA 78790 LE GRAVILLAS SABLET CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2016 $15.95 TERRA FIRMA WINES 736876 CHÂTEAU DE NAGES JT COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES AP 2015 $26.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 460410 KÖNIGSCHAFFHAUSER STEINGRÜBLE TROCKEN PINOT NOIR Qualitätswein 2016 $18.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 225086 UMBERTO CESARI LIANO SANGIOVESE/CABERNET SAUVIGNON IGT Rubicone 2015 $27.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 260802 BRANCAIA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $38.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 275867 CANONICA A CERRETO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $24.95 FRONTIER WINE MERCHANTS 631614 MONTE ZOVO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2017 $17.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 23390 VILLA SANDI MERLOT DOC Venezia 2016 $16.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 161844 VILLA GIRARDI BURE ALTO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2016 $19.95 LIBERTY WINES INC. 338939 TOMMASI GRATICCIO APPASSIONATO Italy 2017 $15.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 976662 FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2006 $35.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 547208 MURIEL FINCAS DE LA VILLA CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2015 $15.95 WINEWORLD IMPORTERS & EXPORTERS LTD 132597 ESCONDIDO TEMPRANILLO DO Ribera del Duero 2016 $16.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 388702 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR AMAROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $18.95 CORBY SPIRIT AND WINE LIMITED 707281 CHÂTEAU VAL-JOANIS TRADITION ROSÉ AP Luberon 2018 $16.95 THE VINE AGENCY 556266 RICASOLI ALBIA ROSÉ IGT Toscana 2018 $16.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 667279 CHARLES SPARR GRAND CRU SCHOENENBOURG RIESLING AC Alsace Grand Cru 2012 $24.95 WINEWORLD IMPORTERS & EXPORTERS LTD 285866 MARCHAND-TAWSE MEURSAULT AC 2016 $76.95 BURGUNDY DIRECT LTD. 903237 GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN ZINFANDEL Napa Valley 2014 $49.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 541128 VALDIVIESO ÉCLAT VIGNADORES DE CARIGNAN Dry farmed, old vines, DO Maule Valley 2011 $32.95 WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC. 10142 CHÂTEAU FONTESTEAU Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc 2015 $32.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 490888 DOMAINES OTT CHÂTEAU DE SELLE ROSÉ Cru classé, AP Côtes de Provence 2018 $112.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 10481 OTT BY OTT ROSÉ AC Côtes de Provence 2018 $64.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JULY 20, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” of a reduced tasting based on -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Fizz+647883 FAMÍLIA OLIVEDA JOVE BRUT CAVA Traditional method, DO, Spain $15.95. MVC/QPR: 90 Fortified+96834 ALVEAR 3 MIRADAS SIERRA DE MONTILLA VINO DE PUEBLO DOP Montilla-Moriles 2017 $22.95. MVC/QPR: 91 Rose+450775 HACIENDA LOPEZ DE HARO ROSADO DOCa Rioja 2018 $13.95. MVC/QPR:90 Under $20 ========= W+644765 COLIO BRICKLAYER'S REWARD RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $18.95 10.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+ 734798 THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+698274 RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2018 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AP 2018 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+573683 CITRA FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE DOP 2017 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+528786 JANARE FIANO DOP Sannio 2017 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 91 W+631739 LAVA GRECO DI TUFO DOCG 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+646067 QUINTA DA AVELEDA COLHEITA SELECIONADA LOUREIRO DOC Vinho Verde 2017 $13.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+666057 FOR A SONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2015 $19.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+468280 CHÂTEAU ROC DE LEVRAUT AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2017 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+413245 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LES ASPRES SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE/GRENACHE AP Côtes du Roussillon 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+952804 GÉRARD BERTRAND MINERVOIS SYRAH/CARIGNAN AC Minervois 2016 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R548867 CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA Vinho Regional Lisboa 2016 $15.95 14%ABV/MVC/QPR: 91 R+349274 CHÂTEAU LA VERRIÈRE AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+116574 HEARTLAND STICKLEBACK RED South Australia 2015 $14.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+927723 THOMAS GOSS SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+413211 XAVIER VIGNON VENTOUX AP 2017 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+994616 TERRA D'ALIGI TATONE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2014 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+540930 VILLA PUCCINI TOSCANA IGT Toscana 2014 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+ 543710 BALBÁS BARRICA 5 MESES OLD VINES TEMPRANILLO DO Ribera del Duero 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+646836 CIMAL GARNACHA DO La Mancha 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+648196 FINCA BACARA TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE MONASTRELL DOP Jumilla 2017 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 ========= W+646182 RUTHERFORD RANCH SAUVIGNON BLANC Napa Valley 2017 $26.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+665943 FORIS CHARDONNAY Rogue Valley, Oregon 2017 $23.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+928218 SERGIO ZENATO RISERVA LUGANA DOC 2016 $39.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+597237 BENZIGER CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2016 $27.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+10204 FLAVS AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2015 $39.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] -- 261586 LA POSTA ESTELA ARMANDO BONARDA Mendoza 2017 $15.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 63891 EMILIANA COYAM Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley 2015 $29.95 PMA CANADA LTD. 943456 D'ARENBERG THE HIGH TRELLIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $19.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 558692 SONS OF EDEN KENNEDY GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $24.95 VINOLUNA 534750 ANGOVE FAMILY CREST GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $21.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 5199 THE LACKEY SHIRAZ Australia 2017 $17.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 444455 SHINGLEBACK DAVEY ESTATE SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $22.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 738120 CHÂTEAU HAUT SELVE AC Graves 2015 $24.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 7112 CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR DES ROUZES AC Pomerol 2015 $41.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 463273 CHÂTEAU LANGLAIS AC Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion 2015 $36.95 VINETER 299859 ROCHE DE BELLENE CUVÉE RÉSERVE BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR AC 2017 $22.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 297317 XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP 2017 $17.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 998716 ORTAS TRADITION RASTEAU AC 2017 $17.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 295410 MICHEL GASSIER NOSTRE PAÏS AC Costières-de-Nîmes 2016 $22.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 445742 KONCHO SEMI-SWEET RED Alazanis Valley, Kakheti 2016 $15.95 GLOBAL CELLARS 4523 CASETTA BAROLO DOCG 2013 $34.95 SIGNATURE WINES & SPIRITS 356048 CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $19.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 991984 LE RAGOSE RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2014 $21.95 CARPE VINUM INTERNATIONAL 293431 VIVANCO RESERVA Selección de Familia, DOCa Rioja 2012 $29.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 552711 G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE PINK PINOT ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $17.95 MAGNOTTA WINERY 119453 LA CADIÉRENNE CUVÉE GRANDE TRADITION BANDOL ROSÉ AC 2018 $22.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 719062 FAMILLE PERRIN RÉSERVE ROSÉ AC Côtes du Rhône 2018 $15.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 168237 KÖNIGSCHAFFHAUSER VULKANFELSEN TROCKEN PINOT NOIR ROSÉ Qualitätswein 2018 $14.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 111856 PLANETA ROSÉ DOC Sicilia 2018 $17.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 422584 DOM PÉRIGNON LUMINOUS BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC 2008 $286.00 CHARTON HOBBS INC 215210 FLOWERS CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2017 $59.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 696518 GLEN CARLOU CURATOR'S COLLECTION CHENIN BLANC WO Swartland 2018 $29.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 232967 ATARAXIA CHARDONNAY WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge 2016 $39.95 M.C.O. 485854 MICHEL GASSIER CHÂTEAU DE NAGES JT WHITE AC Costières de Nîmes 2015 $26.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 645762 PORMENOR RESERVA BRANCO DOC Douro 2016 $37.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 283986 BOEDECKER CELLARS ATHENA PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2014 $49.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 911974 YANGARRA SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $34.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 329672 DOG POINT PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2016 $49.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 480426 GLENELLY LADY MAY WO Stellenbosch 2012 $34.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 527986 DOMAINE ROUX PÈRE & FILS SAINT-AUBIN LES FRIONNES 1ER CRU AC 2016 $48.95 VINEXX 116079 DOMAINE MONTIRIUS TERRE DES AÎNÉS GIGONDAS AC 2016 $51.95 THE LIVING VINE INC. 10167 CONTUCCI MULINVECCHIO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG 2014 $44.95 KYLIX WINES 544726 LAS QUEBRADAS MONASTRELL DO Alicante 2015 $45.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 378919 VALDESPINO INOCENTE SINGLE VINEYARD FINO DRY SHERRY DO $29.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JULY 6, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the table wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new” -- wines that the LCBO has ordered in sufficient quantities for the Ontario marketplace. Not put out for us are the re-orders (even though they may be of a different vintage) , ISDs, or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of their price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” of a reduced tasting based on -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Rose+667337 GÉRARD BERTRAND HAMPTON WATER ROSÉ AP Languedoc 2018 $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89 Fizz+423111 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BLANC DE BLANCS Traditional method, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 2015 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 90 RedHalf-Bottle +191700 RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 375 mL $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 If you've got it, flaunt it +927731 SECRET INDULGENCE SECRET BLEND Napa Valley 2015 $95.95 15% ABV. Under $20 W+471284 CURVOS LOUREIRO DOC Vinho Verde 2018 $12.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+644757 COLIO BRICKLAYER'S REWARD SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+ 536185 SNAPPER ROCK MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2017 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+698324 DEMORGENZON DMZ SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2018 $17.95 714% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+63537 CHÂTEAU HYOT AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Castillon 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+648527 BEL-AIR CLOCHERS SAINT-AMOUR AP 2017 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+644443 VILLA NORIA GRAND PRESTIGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON IGP Pays d'Oc 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+344416 CASTELGREVE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.9 R+10126 LUCIANO ARDUINI BACAN ROSSO VERONESE IGT 2015 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+398933 ALCEÑO PREMIUM 50 BARRICAS DO Jumilla 2016 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+668285 BODEGA FIN DEL MUNDO NEUQUÉN GRAN RESERVA Patagonia, Argentina 2015 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 Over $20 ========= W+236745 13TH STREET JUNE'S VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula 2017 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+578864 LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 W+10137 QUEENSTON MILE CHARDONNAY Estate bottled, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $34.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+677450 DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $26.95 MVC/QPR: 88 W+570952 PAUL CLUVER ESTATE CHARDONNAY WO Elgin 2017 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+648469 LAROCHE LES BEAUROYS CHABLIS 1ER CRU AC 2017 $39.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+10083 MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIRÉ-CLESSÉ AP 2017 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+648907 PERSEUS MERLOT BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $29.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+684019 JUNIPER CROSSING CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT Margaret River, Western Australia 2016 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+492728 SUMMERHOUSE PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2015 $27.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO DOCG 2015 $39.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+648923 LES HAUTS DE LA GAFFELIÈRE AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 $26.95 713.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+648543 SAINT-GERMAIN VIEILLES VIGNES PINOT NOIR AC Bourgogne 2015 $22.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+644948 FATTORIA LE PUPILLE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO RISERVA DOCG 2015 $26.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+96750 7CADIS AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2015 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+121723 DOMAINE CHANTE-PERDRIX CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2016 $45.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] -- 340141 HBH 1ER CRU BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC 2005 $71.95 B. COJOCARU AGENCIES INC. 30593 DOMAINE ALLIMANT-LAUGNER BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France $23.95 TRADESA CORP. 422857 GIUSTI BRUT ASOLO PROSECCO SUPERIORE DOCG, Italy $18.95 THOMPSON VINTAGE TRADE LTD 27409 IRONY CHARDONNAY Monterey County 2017 $24.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 496125 FRANCISCAN CHARDONNAY Monterey County/Napa County 2016 $19.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 468546 14 HANDS CHARDONNAY Washington 2016 $16.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 558734 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE WHITE BLEND Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 $20.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 646802 BODEGA GARZÓN RESERVA ALBARIÑO Maldonado 2018 $21.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 484956 MARKUS HUBER TERRASSEN GRÜNER VELTLINER DAC Traisental 2018 $18.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 21253 DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER LES PRINCES ABBÉS PINOT GRIS AC Alsace 2016 $23.95 VINEXX 733956 MALLORY & BENJAMIN TALMARD MÂCON-UCHIZY AC 2017 $17.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 82461 PIERRE-LUC BOUCHAUD SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE AC 2017 $15.95 EX-CELLARS WINE SERVICES 488890 GUY SAGET POUILLY-FUMÉ AC 2017 $29.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 390781 NOVELLUM CHARDONNAY France 2017 $18.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 391649 DUQUESA DE VALLADOLID VERDEJO DO Rueda 2017 $13.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 396267 THE ORGANIZED CRIME BREAK-IN PINOT NOIR VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $21.95 JAN TARASEWICZ 478628 Z. ALEXANDER BROWN UNCAGED CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2016 $21.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 342824 CANNONBALL MERLOT California 2016 $24.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 942151 SEGHESIO SONOMA ZINFANDEL Sonoma County 2017 $29.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 111880 SILVERADO VINEYARDS ESTATE GROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 $64.95 KYLIX WINES 291666 CANNONBALL CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2017 $25.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 445486 PORTLANDIA PINOT NOIR Oregon 2015 $28.95 VON TERRA ENTERPRISES LTD. 488510 JOEL GOTT WASHINGTON RED Columbia Valley 2016 $24.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 135202 KAIKEN LEYENDA ULTRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Vistalba Vineyard, Mendoza 2017 $19.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 723478 ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $19.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 640854 SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 $17.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 203364 ERRAZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Aconcagua Valley 2016 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 514166 LAPOSTOLLE GRAN SELECCIÓN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Certified carbon neutral, Rapel Valley 2015 $16.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 558916 BODEGA GARZON RESERVA TANNAT Uruguay 2016 $21.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 377036 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ Clare Valley/McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $24.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 552158 QUARISA TREASURES COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2015 $17.95 GARAGE WINE COMPANY 287961 OSCAR'S ESTATE VINEYARD SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $19.95 KYLIX WINES 148205 LEOPARD'S LEAP PINOTAGE/SHIRAZ WO Western Cape 2016 $14.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 368159 CHÂTEAU LAMARTINE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Castillon 2016 $15.95 GLOBAL CELLARS 286484 CHÂTEAU D'ANGLÈS CLASSIQUE LA CLAPE SYRAH/GRENACHE/MOURVÈDRE AC 2016 $18.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 973453 FAMILLE PERRIN LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS AC 2016 $24.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 645325 CHÂTEAU D'AGEL CAUDIOS MINERVOIS AC 2014 $25.95 APPELLATION WINES 181271 TELIANI VALLEY MUKUZANI Kakheti 2017 $18.95 BLACK SEA WINE CELLARS 576819 FONTANABIANCA BARBARESCO DOCG 2015 $39.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 455220 SAN MARZANO TALÒ PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2016 $16.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 339101 FEUDO MACCARI NOTO NERO D'AVOLA IGP Terre Siciliane 2016 $17.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 282996 SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 483800 TOMMASI CASISANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $49.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 146522 GLORIA RESERVA DOC Douro 2016 $16.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 143628 PRAHOVA VALLEY SPECIAL RESERVE FETEASCA NEAGRA Dealurile Munteniei 2017 $14.95 CARTO ENTERPRISE 417659 CUNE RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $22.95 VON TERRA ENTERPRISES LTD. 82156 SEÑORÍO DE P. PECIÑA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2011 $32.95 LE SOMMELIER INC. 471839 LAKEVIEW CELLARS RIESLING ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2016 $34.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 279117 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $19.95 VINEXX 575316 ASHLEY MARY LIMITED EDITION M DE MINUTY ROSÉ AP Côtes de Provence 2018 $26.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 562728 FIGUIÈRE LE SAINT ANDRE ROSÉ IGP Méditérranée 2018 $18.95 THE LIVING VINE INC. 739474 DOMAINE DES CARTERESSES TAVEL ROSÉ AC 2018 $18.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 71050 KIR-YIANNI AKAKIES XINOMAVRO ROSÉ PDO Macedonia 2018 $13.95 THE KOLONAKI GROUP INC 556142 PASQUA 11 MINUTES ROSÉ IGT Rosé Trevenezie 2018 $18.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 574178 TANTALUS JUVENILES CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $29.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 1644 SILVERADO VINEYARDS MILLER RANCH SAUVIGNON BLANC Yountville, Napa Valley 2017 $34.95 KYLIX WINES 667196 CAPE OF GOOD HOPE SERRURIA CHARDONNAY WO Overberg 2015 $28.95 VINEXX 633990 CARMES DE RIEUSSEC SAUTERNES Second wine, AC Sauternes 2013 $32.95 TASTEVIN SELECTIONS 499657 CHÂTEAU DE LAVERNETTE VERS CHÂNE POUILLY FUISSÉ AC 2016 $44.95 NATURAL VINES 197186 DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE Pradikätswein 2016 $30.95 CLASSIQUE IMPORTS 133793 TANTALUS MAIJA PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $34.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 10392 CLOS DE LA TECH SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS ESTATES PINOT NOIR Santa Cruz Mountains 2012 $59.95 LOYAL IMPORTS 467696 RÉSONANCE PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2015 $54.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 635797 DOMAINE DU POURPRE AC Moulin-à-Vent 2016 $22.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 122556 DOMAINE L'OR DE LINE CUVÉE PAULE COURTIL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2016 $65.95 JOSEPH CIPELLI WINES & SPIRITS 10135 ROBERTO SAROTTO ELENA LA LUNA BARBERA D'ALBA DOC 2016 $39.95 GARAGE WINE COMPANY 432781 VALDEMAR FINCAS VALDEMACUCO CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2014 $39.95 WINE GURU SELECTION INC WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under $20 and over $20 for June 22, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first portion is based on my sampling of the wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. These wines are basically those that fit the categories of any of the Featured Themes, Wines of the Month, Local Talent, and “new”. Not put out for us are the reorders (even though they may be of a different vintage) or the expensive wines. Thus, my report comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of these 50+ category wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value in terms of price. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Fortified+655084 COMTE LOUIS DE LAURISTON POMMEAU DE NORMANDIE AC France $39.95 MVC/QPR: 93 Rose+451138 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRIS BLANC ROSÉ IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 $32.95 [for the size convenience of a large crowd: 1500 mL magnum] MVC/QPR: 91 Under $20 ========= W+649970 MCMICHAEL COLLECTION TOM THOMSON BARREL-AGED CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+646174 FRANCISCAN SAUVIGNON BLANC California 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+688259 BEST'S GREAT WESTERN RIESLING Great Western, Victoria 2017 $19.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W+231282 KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2017 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92.5 W+635813 LA VIGNE DES SABLONS VOUVRAY AC 2017 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+645333 DOMAINE DE L'IDYLLE JACQUÈRE SAVOIE AC 2017 $16.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+645390 PAGOS DE GALIR GODELLO DO Valdeorras 2017 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+631622 COLLAVINI T FRIULANO DOC Collio 2017 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+646612 LOS HAROLDOS RESERVA MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $17.00 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+635961 SECRETO PATAGÓNICO MALBEC Patagonia 2017 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+639575 PENLEY ESTATE PHOENIX CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2016 $19.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+919324 RYMILL COONAWARRA MC2 Coonawarra, South Australia 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+920959 THOMAS GOSS MERLOT McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+921239 WITS END LUNA CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+630012 CHÂTEAU DU VIEUX PUIT AC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+370262 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LA CLAPE SYRAH/CARIGNAN/MOURVÈDRE AP 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+208256 TORREVENTO CASTEL DEL MONTE VIGNA PEDALE RISERVA DOCG 2014 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+397422 PARCELAS DOP Douro 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+74229 FERRATON PÈRE & FILS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2017 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+638726 FEDERICI ROMA ROSSO DOC 2017 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+645010 VIÑEDOS Y BODEGAS PABLO ALGAIREN DO Cariñena 2015 $13.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 Over $20 ========= W+688242 OAKRIDGE VINEYARD SERIES HENK CHARDONNAY Henk Vineyard, Yarra Valley, Victoria 2017 $29.95 13.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+688291 SIDEWOOD MAPPINGA CHARDONNAY Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2016 $24.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+ 483065 SAINT CLAIR PIONEER BLOCK 20 CASH BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC Single vineyard, Dillons Point, Marlborough, South Island 2017 $28.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+666701 DOMAINE PASSY LE CLOU CHABLIS AP 2017 $28.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+65573 JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE LES CAILLOTTES SANCERRE AC 2017 $30.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+486936 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE MERLOT Columbia Valley 2015 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+ 920967 PERTARINGA UNDERCOVER SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2015 $20.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+7179 DOMAINE LANGLOIS-CHÂTEAU SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY AP 2016 $21.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+644963 RIDOLFI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $49.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+526376 FERRATON PÈRE & FILS CALENDES CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2016 $31.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+157347 ENRICO SERAFINO BARBARESCO DOCG 2015 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] -- 234104 BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC $49.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 384529 BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC $84.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 256289 BENJAMIN BRIDGE NOVA 7 SPARKLING Charmat method, Nova Scotia 2017 $24.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 991562 BAILLY LAPIERRE RÉSERVE BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France $19.95 VINEXX 641423 BAILLY LAPIERRE RÉSERVE BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France $12.95 VINEXX 89011 FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $17.95 FEATHERSTONE WINERY 241182 CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2016 $36.95 STRATUS VINEYARDS 57430 MISSION HILL RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2018 $22.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 989152 SANTA BARBARA WINERY CHARDONNAY Santa Barbara County 2017 $24.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 210039 RODNEY STRONG RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY RESERVE CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $49.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 225375 J. LOHR OCTOBER NIGHT CHARDONNAY Arroyo Seco, Monterey County 2017 $34.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 461137 HOGUE GEWÜRZTRAMINER Columbia Valley 2017 $14.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 309609 BEL ECHO SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $23.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 669606 SALOMON GROOVY GRÜNER VELTLINER Niederösterreich 2018 $15.95 LAMPRECHT INTERNATIONAL 747600 PIERRE SPARR GRANDE RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2017 $18.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 224642 JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT BLANC AC Alsace 2017 $15.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 626523 WILLIAM FÈVRE SAINT-BRIS AC 2017 $24.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 382879 VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY AC 2015 $19.95 VINEXX 147975 GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2017 $14.95 FWM CANADA 320473 RUPPERTSBERGER GEWÜRZTRAMINER LINSENBUSCH SPÄTLESE Prädikatswein 2017 $18.95 CARTO ENTERPRISE 474742 TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT GRIGIO IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2018 $19.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 485201 PORCONERO FIANO IGP Campania 2017 $17.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 176792 CASTELLO DELLA SALA BRAMÌTO CHARDONNAY IGT Umbria 2017 $22.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 411595 THE TRAGICALLY HIP FULLY COMPLETELY GRAND RESERVE RED VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $24.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS INC. 38075 FREI BROTHERS SONOMA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $34.95 E&J GALLO WINERY CANADA LTD. 962217 KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE MERLOT Sonoma County 2015 $29.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 213017 MICHAEL DAVID PETITE PETIT Lodi 2016 $28.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 628230 SUBMISSION CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2016 $19.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 633719 TERRITORIAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2014 $31.95 LOYAL IMPORTS 443135 HOGUE GENESIS MERITAGE Columbia Valley 2015 $21.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 680967 KIM CRAWFORD MERLOT Hawke's Bay, North Island 2016 $19.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 512897 MAN FAMILY WINES OU KALANT CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Coastal Region 2017 $14.95 VON TERRA ENTERPRISES LTD. 561142 CATHEDRAL CELLAR SHIRAZ WO Western Cape 2016 $16.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 588830 KATARZYNA MEZZEK CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MAVRUD PGI Thracian Valley 2016 $15.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 349910 CHÂTEAU FONTAINE DE GENIN AC Bordeaux 2015 $15.95 FRONTIER WINE MERCHANTS 348755 CHÂTEAU DES DEMOISELLES AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2014 $18.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 295857 CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERTINERIE ELEGANCE MERLOT/CABERNET AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2015 $21.95 RUBY WINES & SPIRITS 946186 JEAN-ERNEST DESCOMBES MORGON AC 2016 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 512574 JOSEPH DROUHIN BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR AC Bourgogne 2017 $28.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 645457 A RENA D'ORU DI CASANOVA AP Corsica 2016 $19.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS INC. 571778 M XX270 SYRAH Aléria, Corsica 2015 $25.95 VINOLUNA 711317 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2016 $93.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 678086 MICHEL GASSIER LES PILIERS SYRAH AC Costières de Nîmes 2016 $17.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 234997 CHÂTEAU PEYROS VIEILLES VIGNES MADIRAN AC 2015 $20.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 343509 TESSELLAE VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN IGP Côtes Catalanes 2017 $18.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 724831 COSTA LAZARIDI AMETHYSTOS RED PGI Drama 2015 $26.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 493742 BEL COLLE SIMPOSIO BAROLO DOCG 2013 $54.95 MONDO VINO 176776 CAFAGGIO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $21.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 727636 TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO IGT Toscana 2016 $34.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 280651 LAMOLE DI LAMOLE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $29.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 673160 BARBI BRUSCO DEI BARBI IGT Toscana 2016 $17.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 180059 FATTORIA DEL CERRO RISERVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG 2013 $37.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 165662 MONTE DEL FRÀ LENA DI MEZZO VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2016 $24.95 SIGNATURE WINES & SPIRITS 482505 CR GOLD 5 MONASTRELL/SYRAH DOP Jumilla 2013 $17.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 431973 LÓPEZ DE HARO GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2010 $29.95 WINEONLINE MARKETING COMPANY LTD 471565 BORSAO BOLE GARNACHA/SYRAH DO Campo de Borja 2015 $16.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 206409 CONVENTO SAN FRANCISCO CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2012 $21.95 TRADESA CORP. 68833 HIDDEN BENCH LOCUST LANE ROSÉ VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $23.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 469338 SUE-ANN STAFF FANCY FARM GIRL FOXY PINK VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $15.95 SUE-ANN STAFF ESTATE WINERY 558510 MCMANIS PINOT NOIR ROSÉ Estate grown, Lodi 2018 $18.95 THE VINE AGENCY 408476 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP SCARLET LADYBIRD ROSÉ Fleurieu, South Australia 2018 $15.95 CRU WINE MERCHANTS FWM CANADA 33621 GASSIER SABLES D'AZUR ROSÉ AP Côtes de Provence 2018 $17.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 450825 HENRI GAILLARD ROSÉ AP Côtes de Provence 2018 $17.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 575282 LÉOUBE LOVE ROSÉ AP Côtes de Provence 2018 $24.95 THE LIVING VINE INC. 490987 SCAIA ROSATO IGT Veneto 2018 $17.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 377267 MASI ROSA DEI MASI IGT Rosato delle Venezie 2018 $15.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 451385 MEDEIROS ROSÉ Vinho Regional Alentejano 2018 $13.95 TRADESA CORP. 440883 LOUIS ROEDERER PREMIER BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC $159.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 93054 LOUIS ROEDERER PREMIER BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC $41.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 258269 MISSION HILL RESERVE LIMITED EDITION VIOGNIER BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $23.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 667253 CHÂTEAU DE MANISSY LIRAC AP 2016 $29.95 RARE EARTH WINE 437681 12 LINAJES RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2012 $33.95 VINOLUNA WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under $20 and over $20 for JUNE 8, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first part is based on my sampling of the wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. Thus, my report will not be as voluminous as in the past and comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of the 50+ wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value. NOTE: The second part (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” of a reduced tasting based on -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Rose+552562 HENRY OF PELHAM THREE OF HEARTS ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $19.95 Rated: 90 Rose+333260 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES CUVÉE D'ANDRÉE ROSÉ VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2018 $16.95 Rated: 89 Fizz+213983 CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING Traditional method, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario $29.95. Rated: 91 Under $20 ========= W+634162 J. BOOKWALTER READERS CHARDONNAY Columbia Valley 2016 $19.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+635896 LANGLOIS-CHÂTEAU SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE AP 2017 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+647388 TROUPIS FTERI MOSCHOFILERO PGI Arcadia 2017 $16.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+246579 CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+302059 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GEWÜRZTRAMINER Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+648899 ST. HUBERTUS PINOT BLANC BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $16.95 12.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+389726 BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC DO Leyda Valley 2017 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+909283 PRODUTTORI VINI MANDURIA ZÌN FIANO IGT Salento 2017 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+635953 TANGUERO RESERVA MALBEC Estate bottled, Mendoza 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+668822 CARMEN GRAN RESERVA CARIGNAN El Secano Vineyard, Maule Valley 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+431098 IN SITU SIGNATURE WINES SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE/VIOGNIER Aconcagua Valley 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+18721 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2017 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+644468 MATHILDE CHAPOUTIER SÉLECTION AP Languedoc 2017 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+354191 DOMAINE LAFAGE CUVÉE NICOLAS VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE NOIR IGP Côtes Catalanes 2017 $19.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+900274 DONNAFUGATA SEDÀRA DOC Sicilia 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+646117 ALTANO ORGANIC DOP Douro 2017 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+645036 GORU ORGANIC MONASTRELL DO Jumilla 2017 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+276030 MURIEL FINCAS DE LA VILLA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+389254 MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Single vineyard, DO Maipo Valley 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+638338 MARZIANO ABBONA I DUE RICU DOCG Langhe Rosso 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+557165 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $19.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Over $20 W+644583 TOLLGATE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $24.95 12.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+136382 RUTHERFORD RANCH CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2016 $25.95 MVC/QPR:89 R+668327 LOS CLOP RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+633669 LES FIEFS DE LAGRANGE Second wine of Château Lagrange, AP Saint-Julien 2010 $47.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+96792 BORGODANGELO TAURASI DOCG 2011 $25.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+62364 MONTES PURPLE ANGEL DO Colchagua Valley 2015 $62.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+541169 MIGUEL TORRES CORDILLERA DE LOS ANDES CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2015 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+645044 ALVEAR PALACIO QUEMADO LA ZARCITA Single estate vineyard, Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura 2016 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+616433 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] -- 398628 CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BUBBLY SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2017 24.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 515288 RIVAROSE BRUT Salon de Provence, IGP Mediterranean, France 18.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 314757 SEGURA VIUDAS HEREDAD RESERVA BRUT ROSÉ CAVA Traditional method, DO, Spain 39.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 68015 FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 17.95 FLAT ROCK CELLARS 446088 NOMAD SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula 2017 16.95 STELLAR WINE & SPIRITS INC. 713313 CALERA CHARDONNAY Central Coast 2016 32.95 VINEXX 385773 SEVEN FALLS CHARDONNAY Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley 2016 21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 384339 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE BARREL FERMENTED TORRONTÉS Uco Valley 2017 19.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 331652 NAUTILUS CHARDONNAY Marlborough, South Island 2017 27.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 919514 WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 19.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 328559 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY WO Western Cape 2016 16.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 141226 ANNE DE LAWEISS COLLECTION GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2017 21.95 RUBY WINES & SPIRITS 991893 DOMAINE LAROCHE VIEILLES VIGNES LES VAILLONS CHABLIS 1ER CRU AC 2017 39.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 958801 CHATELAIN LES VIGNES DE SAINT-LAURENT L'ABBAYE POUILLY-FUMÉ AC 2017 26.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 499509 FAMILLE PERRIN RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC AC 2017 14.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 669531 MICHEL GASSIER LES PILIERS VIOGNIER France 2018 18.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 380824 BEYRA VINHOS DE ALTITUDE DOC Beira Interior 2017 12.95 VINYA 543801 EL COTO BLANCO DOCa Rioja 2018 14.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 617738 WAYNE GRETZKY WHISKY OAK AGED RED VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 19.95 ANDREW PELLER LIMITED 56598 13TH STREET CABERNET/MERLOT Lakeshore Farm Vineyard, VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula 2017 19.95 THE THIRTEENTH STREET WINE CORP. 652875 RIDGE THREE VALLEYS Sonoma County 2016 49.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 711663 CAYMUS SPECIAL SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 199.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 432211 NAPA CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 45.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 256735 MCMANIS ZINFANDEL Certified Green, Lodi 2017 21.95 THE VINE AGENCY 280107 CHATEAU SMITH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2016 24.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 29280 TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC Mendoza 2016 19.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 635979 DON RODOLFO ART OF THE ANDES MALBEC Mendoza 2017 16.95 LEXCELLENT WINES 90324 PILLAR BOX RESERVE SHIRAZ Padthaway, South Australia 2015 19.95 CHRISTOPHER STEWART WINE & SPIRITS 66738 THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER McLaren Vale/Padthaway, South Australia 2017 18.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 744235 WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Clare Valley, South Australia 2016 19.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 490052 PERTARINGA OVER THE TOP SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2015 28.95 LOYAL IMPORTS 707323 RUSTENBERG JOHN X MERRIMAN WO Stellenbosch 2015 24.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 405688 CHÂTEAU DE PITRAY AC Côtes de Castillon 2015 22.95 RARE EARTH WINES 729962 DELAS SAINT-ESPRIT CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2016 17.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 494690 DEMAZET RÉSERVE DES ARMOIRIES TRADITION CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP 2016 14.95 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE AGENCY 419382 MARANI SAPERAVI Kakheti 2017 15.95 GLOBAL CELLARS 466458 SAPERAVI Kindzmarauli, Kakheti 2016 12.95 THE DOCHAS COMPANY INC. 496851 ASCHERI BAROLO DOCG 2013 49.95 PREVEDELLO AND MATHEWS 722470 ORNELLAIA "La Tensione" label, DOC Bolgheri Superiore 2016 239.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 121905 LA LECCIAIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 67.95 TWC IMPORTS 475574 BOLLA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2016 19.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 134544 MONTE DEL FRÁ BARDOLINO DOC 2017 15.95 SIGNATURE WINES & SPIRITS 178459 ANTICHE TERRE VENETE RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA DOC 2016 18.95 LIBERTY WINES INC. 371518 BORSAO BEROLA DO Campo de Borja 2015 18.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 236927 VIÑA HERMINIA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 28.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 364679 ALFRED SCHLADERER SCHWARZENWALDER KIRSCHWASSER BLACK FOREST CHERRY BRANDY Product of Germany 40.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 491712 LA COPA VERMOUTH Jerez, Spain 22.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 71712 WILDASS ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 18.95 STRATUS VINEYARDS 552497 PELEE ISLAND LOLA CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ VQA South Islands, Lake Erie North Shore 2017 15.95 PELEE ISLAND WINERY 53421 FIELDING ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 15.95 FIELDING ESTATE WINERY 557595 CONUNDRUM ROSÉ California 2018 21.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 524967 LAPOSTOLLE LE ROSÉ Apalta, Colchagua Valley 2018 19.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 319368 CHÂTEAU D'AQUÉRIA TAVEL AC 2018 24.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 96727 ERNEST RAPENEAU LIMITED EDITION EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC 54.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 639666 GALERIE NAISSANCE SAUVIGNON BLANC Napa Valley 2016 39.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 665935 ILLAHE VIOGNIER Willamette Valley 2017 29.95 DB WINE & SPIRITS INC. 282806 GREYWACKE WILD SAUVIGNON Marlborough, South Island 2015 39.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 694083 LA CREMA FOG VEIL PINOT NOIR Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2015 69.95 B AND W WINES 395566 POMUM SHYA RED CABERNET SAUVIGNON Yakima Valley 2014 30.95 TRADESA CORP. 688564 BALDUZZI B CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maule Valley 2013 32.95 LOYAL IMPORTS 668293 CUCHA CUCHA CINSAULT Itata Valley 2017 18.95 WILSON GROUP WINES AND SPIRITS 632695 BLEASDALE GENERATIONS MALBEC Langhorne Creek, South Australia 2016 34.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 648345 MARCHAND-TAWSE MARSANNAY AC 2014 41.95 BURGUNDY DIRECT LTD. 499624 CHÂTEAU DE CHAMIREY MERCUREY AC 2016 38.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 648535 MALDANT-PAUVELOT CLASSIQUE ALOXE-CORTON AC 2015 68.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 283499 BORGOGNO BAROLO DOCG 2014 54.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 987586 SOLAIA IGT Toscana 2015 316.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under $20 and over $20 for MAY 25, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first report is based on my sampling of the wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50+ different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. Thus, my report will not be as voluminous as in the past and comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of the 50+ wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value. NOTE: The second report (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to the media, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency, in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” of a reduced tasting based on 57 wines available to sample -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Rose+409870 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRIS BLANC ROSÉ IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 $16.95 Rated: 90pt Fruit+341024 SOUTHBROOK FRAMBOISE Ontario $19.95 375 mL Rated: 92pts Fizz+528752 BENAJMIN BRIDGE MÉTHODE CLASSIQUE BRUT NV Traditional method, Nova Scotia $32.95 Rated: 93pts Under $20 W+520627 CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SÉMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $22.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+284588 WATERKLOOF CIRCLE OF LIFE WO Stellenbosch 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+918805 CATENA CHARDONNAY Mendoza 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+429233 THE LANE VINEYARD BLOCK 1A CHARDONNAY Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+644518 MOULIN DE GASSAC CLASSIC IGP Pays d'Hérault 2018 $12.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+644930 FEUDO ANTICO BIOLOGICO PECORINO IGP Terre di Chieti 2017 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+629824 CASA MONTE PÍO ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2016 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+645127 MURIEL FINCAS DE LA VILLA BLANCO DOCa Rioja 2018 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+367318 KEW SOLDIER'S GRANT VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+632943 MONTGRAS LIMITED EDITION 25TH ANNIVERSARY RED DO Colchagua Valley 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+91488 TYRRELL'S RUFUS STONE SHIRAZ Heathcote, Victoria 2016 $19.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+403683 GÉRARD BERTRAND FITOU GRENACHE/CARIGNAN AP 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+247882 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY TREE RED VQA Ontario 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+452789 CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA Vinho Regional Lisboa 2014 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+634014 CHÂTEAU GAUMARAN AC Médoc 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+647479 ZACHARIAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON PDO Peloponnese 2016 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+631606 NATIV RUE DELL'INCHIOSTRO AGLIANICO IGT Campania 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+644989 LORNANO RISERVA CHIANTI COLLI SENESI DOCG 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+39925 CVNE CUNE CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 Over $20 W+155382 MARCHESI DI BAROLO GAVI DEL COMUNE DI GAVI DOCG 2017 $22.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+650135 SOUTHBROOK HEATHER'S HOME VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2017 $22.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+425322 WESTCOTT LILLIAS UNOAKED CHARDONNAY VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2018 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+ 416511 VASSE FELIX FILIUS CHARDONNAY Margaret River, Western Australia 2018 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+ 374553 MARIE-PIERRE MANCIAT LES PETITES BRUYÈRES POUILLY-FUISSÉ AC 2017 $34.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+635847 DOMAINE DE LA GAVERIE SEC VOUVRAY AC 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+168179 MARCHESI DI BAROLO LA TRADIZIONE BAROLO DOCG $42.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+471797 CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SYRAH VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+698142 COSENTINO CIGAR CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2016 $24.95 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+665976 HEDGES THE BOURGEOISIE Columbia Valley 2016 $24.95 13.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+492413 CATENA PARAJE ALTAMIRA MALBEC Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+638650 BEAUMIRAIL VACQUEYRAS AP 2016 $21.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+559872 VASSE FELIX FILIUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2016 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+651471 WATERKLOOF CIRCUMSTANCE CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Stellenbosch 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+424804 STÉPHANE AVIRON VIEILLES VIGNES MORGON CÔTE DU PY AC 2014 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+634055 L'ÉCLAT DE TOUR DE PEZ AC Saint-Estèphe 2014 $35.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+636746 PRIMO DU CHÂTEAU LA CLIDE AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2010 $57.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+636688 MICHELE CHIARLO PALÁS BARBARESCO DOCG 2014 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+276584 MARZIANO ABBONA PRESSENDA BAROLO DOCG 2012 $53.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+995910 REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $42.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+ 668491 CA' DE' ROCCHI MONTERÈ VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE DOP 2015 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+424390 CVNE IMPERIAL RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered for sampling by media] -- 368415 LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE AC 2013 $102.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 302752 SANTA MARGHERITA BRUT ROSÉ Italy $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 519009 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR UNOAKED CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $23.95 CORBY SPIRIT AND WINE LIMITED 251223 KISTLER LES NOISETIERS CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast 2017 $99.95 THE VINE AGENCY 181453 MCMANIS PINOT GRIGIO River Junction, California 2018 $18.95 THE VINE AGENCY 662775 D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $17.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 974527 VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2018 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 734517 TRIMBACH RIESLING AC Alsace 2016 $25.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 366419 DOMAINE DU COLOMBIER CHABLIS AC 2017 $28.95 C & E WORLDFINDS 350124 BEAUVIGNAC PICPOUL DE PINET AP 2018 $14.95 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE AGENCY 645168 BALTHASAR RESS HALLGARTEN TROCKEN RIESLING Prädikatswein 2016 $18.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 707158 ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA DOC 2018 $19.95 JOSEPH CIPELLI WINES & SPIRITS 647487 H. KENDERMANN CUPO LA NOTTE TENTAZIONE Romania 2018 $16.95 PMA CANADA LTD. 12617 LAKEVIEW CABERNET SAUVIGNON VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $29.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 126763 MISSION HILL RESERVE SHIRAZ BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $29.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 315002 CA' MOMI HEARTCRAFT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 $34.95 KYLIX WINES 633966 SKYFALL MERLOT Columbia Valley 2016 $21.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 687822 HOGUE GENESIS SYRAH Columbia Valley 2015 $18.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 656363 WEINERT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2008 $27.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 260919 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $19.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 590380 THE BONSAI VINE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $29.95 CHURCHILL CELLARS LTD. 522235 PETER LEHMANN THE BAROSSAN SHIRAZ Barossa, South Australia 2017 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 327403 PAXTON MV SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $19.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 660332 KATNOOK FOUNDER'S BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2015 $19.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 632646 ROCKCLIFFE THIRD REEF PINOT NOIR Great Southern, Western Australia 2017 $18.95 JOHN GIBSON AGENCIES 682005 JIM JIM THE DOWN-UNDERDOG SHIRAZ South Australia 2017 $16.95 VINEXX 129353 THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK WO Swartland 2017 $39.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 419390 BULGARIANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Thracian Valley 2015 $15.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 10538 CHÂTEAU PEYRABON AC Haut-Médoc 2015 $28.95 RARE EARTH WINES NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 572230 CAVE DE TAIN GRAND CLASSIQUE CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2015 $24.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 566844 FAMILLE PERRIN LES CORNUDS VINSOBRES AC 2016 $17.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 681668 CHÂTEAU CROZE DE PYS PRESTIGE MALBEC CAHORS AP 2015 $19.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 120907 VESEVO BENEVENTANO AGLIANICO IGT Beneventano 2015 $16.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 5405 UMBERTO CESARI MOMA ROSSO IGT Rubicone 2016 $15.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 339937 CASTELLO DI ALBOLA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $19.95 IMPRESE INC. 378257 BANFI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $56.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 91694 SANTA MARGHERITA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $22.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 483818 LEONARDO ROSSO IGT Toscana 2016 $14.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 470351 ODISSEIA RESERVA TINTO DOC Douro 2015 $19.95 VINYA 443804 PATA NEGRA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $18.95 CHRISTOPHER STEWART WINE & SPIRITS 114306 CERRO AÑON RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $20.95 MACDONALD AND COMPANY 210872 TORRES CELESTE CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2015 $21.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 545939 MARQUÉS DE TORO FINCA LA MOURA Single vineyard, DO Mencía 2012 $13.95 TERRA FINE WINES 644906 W. & J. GRAHAM'S THE TAWNY MATURE RESERVE TAWNY PORT DOP $24.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 547703 LAKEVIEW CELLARS GEWÜRZTRAMINER ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2017 $34.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 614842 PALATINE HILLS VIDAL ICEWINE VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 2012 $19.95 VINTAGES 48819 CREEKSIDE ROSÉ VQA Ontario 2018 $15.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 468652 CHARLES SMITH VINO SANGIOVESE ROSÉ Washington 2018 $17.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 556233 CHÂTEAU VAL JOANIS CUVÉE JOSÉPHINE ROSÉ AP Luberon 2018 $25.95 THE VINE AGENCY 636787 JEEPER BRUT GRAND ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE AC $93.95 DBINO INC. 409326 PIPER-HEIDSIECK BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC 2006 $79.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 632034 TYRRELL'S HUNTER VALLEY SERIES SEMILLON Hunter Valley, New South Wales 2017 $28.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 557710 DENIS RACE MONTMAINS 1ER CRU CHABLIS AC 2016 $38.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 940809 REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTATT KASELER NIES'CHEN RIESLING KABINETT VDP Grosse Lage 2016 $27.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 992354 POGGIO ALLE GAZZE DELL'ORNELLAIA IGT Toscana 2016 $69.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 14217 CLIFF LEDE STAGS LEAP DISTRICT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Stags Leap District, Napa Valley 2016 $119.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 379313 SAURUS BARREL FERMENTED MALBEC Patagonia 2017 $34.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 630731 VIÑA LEYDA LOT 8 SYRAH Leyda Valley 2013 $29.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 668681 SERAFINO CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale, South Australia 2015 $29.95 LOYAL IMPORTS 636233 CHÂTEAU CAMILLE GAUCHERAUD AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2010 $20.95 AMV - WHIZ TRADING LRD 109876 PLANETA BURDESE IGT Sicilia 2013 $43.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under $20 and over $20 for May 11, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first report is based on my sampling of the wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50 - 60 different labels out of about 125- 150 released every two weeks. Thus, my report will not be as voluminous as in the past and comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of the 50 – 60 different wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value. NOTE: The second report (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to me, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” of a reduced tasting – 64 wines were offered to sample... THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Rose +556209 GÉRARD BERTRAND PERLES DE GRENACHE ROSÉ IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.5 Rose +490961 IZADI LARROSA ROSÉ DOCa Rioja 2018 $16.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Rose +493130 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE ROSÉ Uco Valley, Mendoza 2018 $21.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 Rose +30445 CABRIZ ROSÉ DOC Dão 2018 $13.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Rose +39974 FLAT ROCK PINK TWISTED ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Sparkling +122846 QUEENSTON MILE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR ROSÉ PÉT-NAT SPARKLING Unfiltered, ancestral method, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2018 $39.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 [an acquired taste for many but a good example of the style] Under $20 ========= W+251116 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY TREE WHITE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+Y 636019 EDGEBASTON CHARDONNAY WO Stellenbosch 2017 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+469023 CUDDY BY TAWSE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $25.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+9167 MOMO ORGANIC SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+635854 OHH POITOU SAUVIGNON BLANC AP Haut-Poitou 2017 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+631697 LATIUM MORINI SOAVE DOC 2017 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+606764 ARBOLEDA SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Aconcagua Valley 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+311258 WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+273672 STORIA ANTICA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2016 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2017 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+646521 CREEKSIDE GAMAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+981175 DOMAINE DE LA MADONE LE PERRÉON BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES AC 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+540831 CHÂTEAU DU GRAND CAUMONT CUVÉE TRADITION CORBIÈRES AP 2016 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+647230 CAVINO PANDORA PGI Peloponnese 2017 $12.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+640201 PODERE LA CORTE LE DUE LUNE MONFERRATO ROSSO DOC 2016 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+366955 MASSERIA ALTEMURA SASSEO PRIMITIVO IGT Salento 2016 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+632877 MINA VELHA RESERVA Vinho Regional Lisboa 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+168815 BURGO VIEJO CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2014 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+ 167684 HONORO VERA MONASTRELL DOP Jumilla 2017 $13.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+ 166579 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA GARNACHA/TEMPRANILLO /CARIÑENA DOP Cariñena 2014 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+645028 TRES REYES TEMPRANILLO/SYRAH Vino de la Tierra de Castilla 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 Over $20 W+643361 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2018 $24.95 10.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+630632 LOVEBLOCK LOVE LETTER ESTATE BLEND SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2017 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+507517 PADDY BORTHWICK CHARDONNAY Wairarapa, North Island 2017 $25.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+648519 VIGNERONS DE BEL AIR BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR AC 2017 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+186171 DECOY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2016 $37.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+645184 RAPAURA SPRINGS RESERVE PINOT NOIR Central Otago, South Island 2017 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+645242 TOHU SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2016 $34.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+676692 ALLÉE BLEUE SHIRAZ WO Franschhoek 2015 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+680496 CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+645069 AVENTINO 200 BARRELS Ribera del Douro 2011 $29.9514.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+638551 LE PARVIS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2016 $53.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+73817 RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 $39.95 14%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 PART TWO: The “rest” of the release [not offered to media] -- 13961 UNITED STARS KINDZMARAULI PDO Kindzmarauli, Kakheti 2017 17.95 THE DOCHAS COMPANY INC. 698027 ADAMO LEGACY PÉT-NAT SPARKLING Ancestral method, VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 2018 20.95 ADAMO ESTATE WINERY 523845 CHARLES BAKER B-SIDE RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 21.95 STRATUS VINEYARDS 147512 13TH STREET JUNE'S VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula 2018 19.95 THE THIRTEENTH STREET WINE CORP. 716928 RAYMOND RESERVE SELECTION CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2016 27.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 333286 DUCK POND FRIES FAMILY CELLARS PINOT GRIS Willamette Valley 2016 19.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 414144 ESSAY CHENIN BLANC/VIOGNIER/ROUSSANNE WO Coastal Region 2018 14.95 VON TERRA ENTERPRISES LTD. 445239 CHÂTEAU DE CHAINTRÉ POUILLY-FUISSÉ AC 2016 34.95 OLD CELLAR COLLECTION 477877 FEUDO MACCARI OLLI GRILLO DOC Sicilia 2017 15.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 489583 CVNE MONOPOLE CLÁSICO DOCa Rioja 2015 31.95 VON TERRA ENTERPRISES LTD. 315945 CREW CABERNET FRANC VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2016 22.95 EPIC WINES AND SPIRITS INC. 256644 HITCHING POST HOMETOWN PINOT NOIR Central Coast 2016 32.95 GLEN-WARD WINES INC. 183186 IRONY SMALL LOT RESERVE MERLOT Napa Valley 2014 24.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 943472 SILVER OAK ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2014 124.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 657940 KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE PINOT NOIR California 2017 24.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 974287 WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS ESTATE PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2016 39.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 220376 DUSTED VALLEY BOOMTOWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2017 23.95 GLEN-WARD WINES INC. 983742 L.A. CETTO PETITE SIRAH Guadalupe Valley, Baja California 2016 13.95 JOSEPH CIPELLI WINES & SPIRITS 34942 SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CARMENÈRE DO Rapel Valley 2015 22.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 214742 TAHBILK ESTATE SHIRAZ Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria 2016 22.95 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE AGENCY 68767 NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Western Cape 2015 16.95 PMA CANADA LTD. 486761 CAP ROYAL ROUGE AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2015 18.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 546119 CHÂTEAU DE RIBEBON AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2015 15.95 TRADESA CORP. 374264 CHÂTEAU VIEILLE DYNASTIE AC Lalande-de-Pomerol 2016 28.95 EX-CELLARS WINE SERVICES 512509 CHÂTEAU CHAPELLE D'ALIÉNOR AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2015 21.95 TRADESA CORP. 511204 MARCEL CABELIER VIEILLES VIGNES PINOT NOIR AP Côtes du Jura 2016 19.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 295618 CAVINO NEMEA GRANDE RESERVE PDO Nemea 2012 18.95 VINETER 454488 DAMILANO LECINQUEVIGNE BAROLO DOCG 2013 45.95 VINOLUNA 747030 LA VITE LUCENTE IGT Toscana 2016 34.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 35295 CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 27.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 540914 SCARANTO GOVERNO ALL'USO IGT Toscana 2016 18.95 FRONTIER WINE MERCHANTS 535336 GUICCIARDINI STROZZI MOMI DOP Maremma Toscana 2016 21.95 LE SOMMELIER INC. 496794 BOTTER AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2015 44.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 431262 REDE RESERVA DOC Douro 2011 14.95 VINYA 313270 DON JACOBO RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2011 23.95 SAINT GERMAIN LTD. 223958 BURMESTER 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT DOP 28.95 EUROVINTAGE INTERNATIONAL INC 390351 PONDVIEW GOLD SERIES VIDAL ICEWINE VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2015 19.95 PONDVIEW ESTATE WINERY FLAT ROCK CELLARS 490870 MIRAVAL ROSÉ AP Côtes de Provence 2018 48.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 654871 LIQUEUR DU 9E CENTENAIRE CHARTREUSE France $81.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 610527 FAILLA SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2015 $56.95 ALL THE RIGHT GRAPES INC. 247023 TRIMBACH RÉSERVE RIESLING AC Alsace 2016 $34.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 636563 LES VIEUX MURS POUILLY-FUISSÉ AC 2015 $43.95 B AND W WINES 635821 DOMAINE DU LANDREAU LE PETIT CLOS AC Coteaux du Layon 2015 $24.95 CLASSIQUE IMPORTS 610501 SEBASTIANI GRAVEL BED RED Sonoma County 2016 $44.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 646190 JOEL GOTT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2014 $97.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 648378 ABREMUNDOS OCTAVA BASSA MALBEC Argentina 2014 $32.95 WINEONLINE MARKETING COMPANY LTD 633875 CHÂTEAU MALESCASSE Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc 2008 $36.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 647008 CHÂTEAU D'AGASSAC AC Haut-Médoc 2010 $49.95 LUNAE WINES & SPIRITS LTD 635805 LE GRIOTTIER AC Morgon 2015 $24.95 HEXAGON WINES 638346 QUINTA NOVA UNOAKED RED BLEND DOC Douro 2017 $24.95 LE SOMMELIER INC. 359927 FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $31.95 30 50 IMPORTS 644922 ARNAUD DE VILLENEUVE RIVESALTES AMBRÉ TRADITION 5 YEARS Vin doux naturel, AP, Languedoc, France $22.95 BANQPAY INTERNATIONAL 48132 LUSTAU CAPATAZ ANDRÉS DELUXE CREAM SWEET SHERRY DO $15.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 648089 CHÂTEAU D'ESCLANS GARRUS ROSÉ AP Côtes de Provence 2017 $179.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 648071 CHÂTEAU D'ESLANS LES CLANS ROSÉ AP Côtes de Provence, France 2017 $79.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under $20 and over $20 for April 27 , 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first report is based on my sampling of the wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50 different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. Thus, my report will not be as voluminous as in the past and comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of the 50 wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value. NOTE: The second report (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to me, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency in fairness to all. PART ONE: The “best” of a reduced tasting -- THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS (out of 64 products) -- Rose +451906 SAINT AIX ROSÉ AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence 2018 $22.95 MVC/QPR: 90 Fizz+624759 CALVET BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX ROSÉ Traditional method, AC Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Under $20 ========= W+ 341586 FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+381251 REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD SOUTH RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $19.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+413237 GÉRARD BERTRAND SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Languedoc 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+ 441998 COLUMBIA CREST H3 CHARDONNAY Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2014 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+629410 TAPIZ ALTA COLLECTION CHARDONNAY Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+402677 MATAHIWI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Wairarapa, North Island 2018 $17.00 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+636027 BELLINGHAM HOMESTEAD SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Cape Town 2017 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+644385 BORD ELEGANCE LAUDUN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AP 2017 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+631705 SANPAOLO FIANO DI AVELLINO DOCG 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+364372 HINTERBROOK NOMAD PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+648758 LONE BIRCH RED BLEND Yakima Valley 2016 $19.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+478271 SISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2017 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+648477 CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DE CHÉNAS MOULIN-À-VENT AC 2016 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+644435 CHÂTEAU PARADIS ESSENCIEL RED AP Côtes de Provence 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+494682 CAVE DE VISAN GRANDE RÉSERVE VISAN AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+33852 GROSSET CRÉATION CAIRANNE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2016 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+421388 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+638494 TORRESSELLA REFOSCO DAL PEDUNCOLO ROSSO IGT 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+645804 O. FOURNEIR URBAN RIBERA TINTA DEL PAÍS DO Ribera del Duero 2015 $19.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+276162 SOLANERA VIÑAS VIEJAS DO Yecla 2015 $17.00 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 Over $20 ========= W+616466 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $29.95 13.3 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+537076 MISSION HILL RESERVE PINOT GRIS BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88kunde W+639716 KUNDE CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2016 $24.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+563197 JACKSON-TRIGGS GRAND RESERVE MERLOT VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $25.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+585737 BURROWING OWL MERLOT BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+748434 SOKOL BLOSSER PINOT NOIR Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley 2015 $37.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+254458 BUENA VISTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON North Coast 2016 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+998476 JIM BARRY THE LODGE HILL SHIRAZ Clare Valley, South Australia 2016 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+419770 WINES OF SUBSTANCE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2016 $23.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+947929 LAPOSTOLLE CUVÉE ALEXANDRE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley 2015 $27.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+649160 MONTES ALPHA SPECIAL CUVÉE CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Cachapoal Valley 2015 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+594382 CHÂTEAU SOCIANDO-MALLET AC Haut-Médoc 2012 $67.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+633065 MOULINS DE CITRAN Second wine of Château Citran, AC Haut-Médoc 2009 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+636670 UMBERTO FIORE BARBARESCO DOCG 2015 $27.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+943613 BARONE RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+631630 CASTEL DEL LAGO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2015 $39.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 PART TWO: The wines that were not presented to us .. 401018 LABOURÉ-GONTARD BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE Traditional method, AP, Burgundy, France $21.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 727438 CARPENÈ MALVOLTI 1868 BRUT CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE DOCG, Veneto, Italy $18.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 225342 NAPA CELLARS CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2016 $29.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 361949 FREEMARK ABBEY CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2016 $39.95 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE CANADA INC. 418368 WILLOW BRIDGE DRAGONFLY SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON Geographe, Western Australia 2017 $15.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 280206 INNOCENT BYSTANDER CHARDONNAY Yarra Valley, Victoria 2017 $21.95 VON TERRA ENTERPRISES LTD. 369850 KIM CRAWFORD PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 ARTERRA WINES CANADA INC. 512582 JOSEPH DROUHIN BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY AC 2016 $23.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 524934 GUEGUEN CHABLIS AC 2017 $27.95 BURGUNDY DIRECT LTD. 196667 JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE MARNES ET CAILLOTTES SANCERRE AC 2017 $31.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 390625 DOMAINE LA HAUTE FÉVRIE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE AC 2017 $15.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 339150 DR. HEIDEMANNS-BERGWEILER GRAACHER HIMMELREICH RIESLING SPÄTLESE Prädikatswein 2016 $28.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 910497 TOMMASI LE ROSSE PINOT GRIGIO IGT delle Venezie 2017 $16.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 428326 CASAL DE VENTOZELA BRANCO VINHO VERDE DOC 2017 $13.95 LE SOMMELIER INC. 350041 PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2017 $19.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 422014 ST. FRANCIS MERLOT Sonoma County 2015 $29.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 640573 SEBASTIANI SONOMA COUNTY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2015 $29.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 708289 FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND COLLECTION RED LABEL ZINFANDEL California 2016 $21.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 498766 LAKE SONOMA ZINFANDEL Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $28.95 HOBBS & COMPANY 708982 STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS ARTEMIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 $84.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 973503 ZUCCARDI Q TEMPRANILLO Santa Rosa, Mendoza 2014 $19.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 219261 CHAKANA ESTATE SELECTION MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $19.95 CONNEXION OENOPHILIA 541151 ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA COSTA PINOT NOIR DO Aconcagua Costa 2017 $24.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 90035 MAYU GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE DO Elquí Valley 2015 $17.95 SIGNATURE WINES & SPIRITS 683201 WAKEFIELD MERLOT Clare Valley, South Australia 2017 $19.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 358127 DANDELION VINEYARDS LIONHEART OF THE BAROSSA SHIRAZ Barossa, South Australia 2017 $12.95 DU CHASSE WINES & SPIRITS 246629 MOLLYDOOKER THE MAÎTRE D' CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale, South Australia 2017 $33.95 B AND W WINES 278390 RUSTENBERG RM NICHOLSON WO Stellenbosch 2017 $16.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 440198 CHÂTEAU DE LAMARQUE AP Haut-Médoc 2012 $39.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 527960 MALDANT PAUVELOT CHOREY-LÈS-BEAUNE AP 2016 $39.95 ANDREW PELLER IMPORT AGENCY 208249 CHÂTEAU PEYROS TANNAT/CABERNET FRANC AC Madiran 2014 $17.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 508655 PLANETA FRAPPATO DI VITTORIA DOC 2016 $25.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 20750 CAPARZO LA CASA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $79.95 THE CASE FOR WINE 68163 BASCIANO CHIANTI RUFINA DOCG 2016 $16.95 JOSEPH CIPELLI WINES & SPIRITS 429415 MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI CAMPO AI SASSI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO DOC 2016 $22.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 713669 SANTA SOFIA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2012 $53.95 LIBERTY WINES INC. 26492 MASSAYA LE COLOMBIER Bekaa Valley 2017 $18.95 JOHN HANNA & SONS LIMITED 445122 SÃO MIGUEL ESCOLHA DOS ENOLOGOS Vinho Regional Alentejano 2016 $21.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 192476 ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA LA GRANJA Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 2011 $21.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 493155 ANGELS & COWBOYS ROSÉ Sonoma County 2018 $24.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 493171 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ Marlborough, South Island 2018 $19.95 DELEGAT CANADA LIMITED 451773 RUSTENBERG PETIT VERDOT ROSÉ WO Stellenbosch 2018 $13.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 613174 FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA DIRECTOR'S CUT ZINFANDEL Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $39.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 470872 SEBASTIANI ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $39.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 261719 BLACKBIRD ARISE RED Napa Valley 2014 $69.95 PARADIGM FINE WINE AGENCY 578005 AUSTIN HOPE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Paso Robles 2016 $69.95 MARK ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS 553693 QED AXIOM OF CHOICE CABERNET FRANC Columbia Valley 2015 $66.95 BRAND NEW DAY WINES & SPIRITS 143529 GARCÉS SILVA AMAYNA SYRAH DO Leyda Valley 2015 $28.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 481861 CLONAKILLA HILLTOPS SHIRAZ Canberra District 2016 $34.95 ALTO VINO 647107 CONFIDENCES DE PRIEURÉ-LICHINE Second wine of Château Prieuré-Lichine, AC Margaux 2015 $49.95 PARADIGM FINE WINE AGENCY 967620 CHÂTEAU DES JACQUES MOULIN-À-VENT AC 2015 $32.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 295071 CHÂTEAU DE SANTENAY LES PUILLETS MERCUREY 1ER CRU AC 2015 $49.95 GLENCAIRN WINE MERCHANTS 508127 CAGLIERO RAVERA BAROLO DOCG 2009 $67.95 GLOBAL CELLARS WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under $20 and over $20 for April 13, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for good wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). NOTE: The first report is based on my sampling of the wines chosen by the LCBO from this release for tasting. That presentation is about 50 different labels out of about 125 released every two weeks. Thus, my report will not be as voluminous as in the past and comes from a restricted database. I did not taste every one of the 50 wines, nor did I rate several of the wines I did sample because they did not seem to be of particularly good value. NOTE: The second report (at the end) is a simple listing of those wines that were NOT presented to me, and are given here simply as a record of what sampling I could not do. I have left in the name of the agency in fairness to all. Under $20 Rose+552562 THREE OF HEARTS ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018 $19.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Fizz+171785 CAVE DE HOEN MAUSBERG BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France $18.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 Fizz+645309 KEW VINEYARDS ORGANIC RIESLING SPARKLING VQA Ontario 2017 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 Fizz+536607 EMILIANA ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING Traditional method, DO Casablanca Valley, Chile $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+356873 FLAT ROCK GOOD KHARMA CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+232694 SANTA JULIA ORGANIC TORRONTÉS Mendoza, Argentina 2018 $13.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+203547 FROGPOND FARM ORGANIC CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 W+288217 YALUMBA ORGANIC VIOGNIER South Australia 2017 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+387787 CHÂTEAU LES HAUTS DE LAGARDE BLANC AC Bordeaux, France 2018 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 87 W+646794 ABBOTTS & DELAUNAY LES FLEURS SAUVAGES VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 W+628867 PG ZAUMAU TEMPRANILLO BLANCO DOCa Rioja 2017 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 87 R+161398 LANDER-JENKINS CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+644393 GÉRARD BERTRAND NATURAE CABERNET SAUVIGNON IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France 2018 $19.95 13%ABV,MVC/QPR: 89 R+646513 VIENI FOUNDER'S BLEND RESERVE VQA Ontario 2016 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+632638 FERNGROVE FRANKLAND RIVER CABERNET/MERLOT Frankland River, Western Australia 2016 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+163972 MOMO PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+652289 GLENELLY ESTATE RESERVE RED BLEND WO Stellenbosch 2011 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+649582 DOMAINE PARDON CUVÉE DE L'ERMITAGE BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES AC 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+645317 MAS DES TANNES ROUGE IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France 2017 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+638312 FONTANAFREDDA LANGHE NEBBIOLO DOC 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+644849 TERRE NATUZZI ROSSO IGT Toscana $13.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+631499 CALEM CURVA TINTO DOC Douro 2016 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+645788 L'OCA CIUCA CHIANTI DOCG 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 R+638692 DOMAINE ST-JACQUES CÔTES DU RHONE AC, Rhône, France 2017 $17.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 Over $20 W+638437 SANTA EMA AMPLUS CHARDONNAY DO Leyda Valley 2017 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+735043 SERESIN SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand 2016 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 88 W+633750 LAMOREAUX LANDING DRY RIESLING Estate bottled, Finger Lakes 2016 $24.95 12.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+941757 CAMIGLIANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $60.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+1560 FLAT ROCK GRAVITY PINOT NOIR VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $34.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+644872 PRIETO PARIENTE LA PROVINCIA Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 2015 $24.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+297945 CHÂTEAU LAROSE-TRINTAUDON Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc 2009 $29.95 13.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+636761 CHÂTEAU MAGONDEAU AC Fronsac 2015 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+437954 CHÂTEAU PIERRE DE MONTIGNAC Cru Bourgeois, AC Médoc 2014 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+647065 CHÂTEAU SAINT HUBERT AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2010 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+643239 M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Latour-de-France 2016 $26.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+382945 IL MOLINO DI GRACE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89 ===================================================================== REPORT #2: The rest (i.e. NOT presented for the media tasting ) 43281 Canada -- Ontario FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 750 $15.95 FLAT ROCK CELLARS FLAT ROCK CELLARS 1578 Canada -- Ontario FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 750 $17.95 FLAT ROCK CELLARS FLAT ROCK CELLARS 342436 USA -- California BONTERRA CHARDONNAY Mendocino County, California 750 ESCALADE WINE & SPIRITS 342428 USA -- California BONTERRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 750 ESCALADE WINE & SPIRITS 327452 United Kingdom -- Scotland GLENMORANGIE SIGNET HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY 750 $339.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 415901 Canada -- Ontario CAVE SPRING INDIAN SUMMER RIESLING Select Late Harvest, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario 2016 375 $24.95 CAVE SPRING CELLARS LTD., 438200 Canada -- Ontario WESTCOTT VIOLETTE SPARKLING VQA Ontario 2017 750 $25.95 WESTCOTT VINEYARDS 369074 Luxembourg BERNARD-MASSARD CUVÉE DE L'ÉCUSSON PINOT NOIR BRUT ROSÉ Traditional method, Luxembourg 750 $19.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 485276 Canada -- Ontario TZAFONA CELLARS COLD CLIMATE UNOAKED CHARDONNAY KP VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 750 $22.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 539130 USA -- California FAR NIENTE CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2017 750 $99.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 556365 South Africa -- Stellenbosch L'AVENIR FAR & NEAR CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2018 750 $15.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 382200 South Africa -- Stellenbosch GLENELLY ESTATE RESERVE CHARDONNAY WO Stellenbosch 2016 750 $18.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 315119 France -- Alsace JEAN GEILER PINOT GRIS AC Alsace 2016 750 $19.95 LAMPRECHT INTERNATIONAL 91371 France -- Bordeaux CHÂTEAU DE ROCHEMORIN BLANC AC Pessac-Léognan André Lurton 2015 750 $31.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 468751 France -- Burgundy LOUIS JADOT CHABLIS AC 2016 750 $31.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 299867 France -- Burgundy MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY AC 2016 750 $23.95 NICHOLAS PEARCE WINES INC 525154 France -- Loire JOSEPH MELLOT LA CHATELLENIE SANCERRE AC 2017 750 $29.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 254375 France -- Midi JEAN PERRIER & FILS CUVÉE GASTRONOMIE ROUSSETTE DE SAVOIE AP 2017 750 $21.95 DACIA FELIX 370098 France -- Midi PAUL MAS ESTATE VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2017 750 $13.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 672345 France HENRI BOURGEOIS PETIT BOURGEOIS SAUVIGNON BLANC Vin de France 2017 750 $16.95 CHARTON HOBBS INC 200097 Italy -- Veneto S. CRISTINA MASSONI LUGANA DOC Azienda Zenato 2017 750 $23.95 JOSEPH CIPELLI WINES & SPIRITS 413039 Italy -- Venezie CORTE GIACOBBE PINOT GRIGIO DOC delle Venezie Dal Cero 2017 750 $17.95 THE DOCHAS COMPANY INC. 127332 Canada -- Ontario THE FOREIGN AFFAIR PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 750 $34.95 CORBY SPIRIT AND WINE LIMITED 515270 Canada -- Ontario KEW BARREL AGED GAMAY NOIR VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 750 $17.95 KEW VINEYARDS ESTATE WINERY LTD 493981 Canada -- Ontario TZAFONA CELLARS COLD CLIMATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON KP VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 750 $29.95 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 266551 USA -- California ANTICA MOUNTAIN SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Atlas Peak, Napa Valley Antinori 2016 750 $68.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 906420 USA -- California HESS COLLECTION ALLOMI CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 750 $39.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 483321 USA -- California NOBLE VINES 337 CABERNET SAUVIGNON Lodi 2016 750 $19.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 238261 USA -- California FAUST CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 750 $59.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 548297 USA -- California PICKETT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley Araujo Estate Wines 2015 750 $97.95 HALPERN ENTERPRISES 473744 USA -- California PEDRONCELLI MOTHER CLONE ZINFANDEL Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2015 750 $26.95 JOHN GIBSON AGENCIES 982413 USA -- California RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2016 750 $74.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 909499 USA -- Oregon ARGYLE PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2016 750 $34.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 494518 Argentina -- Mendoza MANOS NEGRAS ATREVIDA MALBEC Mendoza Manos Negras 2016 750 $17.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 439166 Chile -- Colchagua Valley CARMEN GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE El Peñasco Vineyard, Apalta, DO Colchagua Valley 2017 750 $16.95 SELECT WINE MERCHANTS INC. 439356 Chile -- Colchagua Valley PRIMUS CARMENÈRE Apalta, Colchagua Valley 2017 750 $19.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 146407 Chile -- San Antonio Valley MATETIC CORRALILLO SYRAH DO San Antonio Valley 2015 750 $26.95 H.H.D. IMPORTS 389221 Chile -- Central Valley ECHEVERRIA LIMITED EDITION CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Central Valley 2014 750 $29.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 396481 Australia -- South Australia ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 750 $18.95 CRU WINE MERCHANTS 251165 South Africa -- Stellenbosch THE BEAN COFFEE PINOTAGE WO Western Cape Roos Family Vineyards 2017 750 $15.95 VERGINA IMPORT INTERNATIONAL INC. 276477 France -- Beaujolais GEORGES DUBOEUF DOMAINE MONT CHAVY MORGON AC 2016 750 $20.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 408153 France -- Burgundy MAISON CHANZY BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR AC 2017 750 $25.95 TASTEVIN SELECTIONS 283184 France -- Rhône DOMAINE ROCHE CAIRANNE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AP 2015 750 $22.95 SIGNATURE WINES & SPIRITS 717900 France -- Southwest CHÂTEAU D'AYDIE ODÉ D'AYDIE MADIRAN AP Pierre Laplace 2015 750 $23.95 ROUGE ET BLANC LTD 548719 Italy -- Piedmont GIANNI GAGLIARDO BAROLO DOCG 2014 750 $58.95 WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC. 713628 Italy -- Piedmont BERSANO NIRVASCO BAROLO DOCG 2014 750 $34.95 BARRIQUE WINE IMPORTS LTD. 177295 Italy -- Puglia RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA CASTEL DEL MONTE DOCG 2012 750 $24.95 S. SCHIRALLI AGENCIES LTD., 969428 Italy -- Tuscany ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CAMPO MACCIONE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO DOCG 2017 750 $17.95 VIN VINO WINE MERCHANTS INC. 429142 Italy -- Umbria SIGNAE SAGRANTINO DI MONTEFALCO DOCG 2011 750 $28.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 324137 Italy -- Veneto MASI RISERVA DI COSTASERA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2013 750 $69.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 527077 Italy -- Venezie TOMMASI PALANCA IGT Rosso delle Venezie 2016 750 $16.95 UNIVINS AND SPIRITS CANADA INC. 606921 Italy -- Venezie MASI GRANDARELLA REFOSCO IGT Refosco delle Venezie 2014 750 $28.95 AUTHENTIC WINE & SPIRITS MERCHANTS 439729 Spain -- Castilla y León LAGAR DE ROBLA PREMIUM Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León Viños de Arganza 2012 750 $14.85 TERRA FINE WINES 674564 Spain -- Rioja PALACIOS REMONDO LA VENDIMIA DOCa Rioja 2017 750 $18.95 WOODMAN WINES & SPIRITS 642496 Spain -- Rioja BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 750 $29.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 471854 Spain -- Rioja RIOJA VEGA CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2015 750 $16.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 461913 Italy -- Piedmont GIULIO COCCHI STORICO VERMOUTH DI TORINO Italy 750 $27.95 AZUREAU WINE AGENCY 197202 Portugal -- Douro WARRE'S WARRIOR FINEST RESERVE PORT DOP 750 $19.95 DIONYSUS WINES & SPIRITS LTD. 437467 Spain -- Jerez WILLIAMS & HUMBERT WALNUT BROWN MEDIUM SWEET SHERRY DO 750 $14.95 PHILIPPE DANDURAND WINES LTD. 581942 Greece KECHRIS KECHRIBARI RETSINA Greece 500 $8.95 THE KOLONAKI GROUP INC 635516 Chile -- Bío Bío Valley CABALLO LOCO GRAND CRU BRUT NATURE SPARKLING Traditional method, Bío Bío Valley Viña Valdivieso 2014 750 $44.95 WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC. WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC. 635516 Chile -- Bío Bío Valley CABALLO LOCO GRAND CRU BRUT NATURE SPARKLING Traditional method, Bío Bío Valley Viña Valdivieso 2014 750 $44.95 WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC. 613729 USA -- California THE CALLING DUTTON RANCH CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2016 750 $45.00 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 613786 USA -- California RAMEY CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2014 750 $51.00 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 482984 Argentina -- Mendoza EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY Mendoza 2016 750 $29.95 TRIALTO WINE GROUP LTD. 633859 France -- Bordeaux CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT LIONS DE SUDUIRAUT AC Sauternes 2014 375 $23.95 SYLVESTRE WINES & SPIRITS INC. 628479 Italy -- Tuscany CA' MARCANDA VISTAMARE IGP Toscana Gaja 2017 750 $68.95 STEM WINE GROUP 966655 Italy -- Veneto ANSELMI CAPITEL CROCE IGT Veneto 2015 750 $26.95 NOBLE ESTATES WINES & SPIRITS INC. 629485 Spain -- Rias Baixas LA TRUCHA ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2017 750 $29.95 PHILIP MIRABELLI FINE WINES 613661 USA -- California THE CALLING PINOT NOIR Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2016 750 $61.00 TRAJECTORY BEVERAGE PARTNERS 377242 USA -- California FAUST CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2016 1500 $139.95 ROGERS & COMPANY 633933 USA -- Washington CLOUDLIFT HALCYON CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2013 750 $34.95 LOYAL IMPORTS 633073 France -- Bordeaux MARQUIS DE MONS AC Margaux 2014 750 $39.95 LIFFORD WINE & SPIRITS 700922 France -- Rhône LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2016 750 $67.95 MIH SELECTIONS 638320 Italy -- Piedmont GIANNI GAGLIARDO DA BATIE NEBBIOLO DOC Langhe 2017 750 $24.95 WINE LOVERS AGENCY INC. END =========================== WORLD WINE WATCH -- special March 16 2019 hiatus edition... Below I have posted two sets of notes. The first is a collection of my tasting notes from bottles I have been sent. These bottles tend to rate a bit higher than my LCBO lab notes because I've more time to taste and re-taste what I have opened in the nice relaxed atmosphere of my home. My lab notes are one-shot sips of 100 or more table red and white wines, perfect for ADHD quick assessments. Yeah, it is a hard life. The second set of notes come from my speculation on the value of the wines I would have tasted in the lab, such speculation being derived from tasting earlier vintages and knowing that the wine is reliable. Thus, I have NOT tasted the latest LCBO offering of this product. But I can be reasonably sure that it would be GOOD, BETTER or BEST, and so I have rated the wines that way within those broad categories. I would expect them to be consistent and within one or two points of an actual tasting of that harvest year. See all of my notes at www.deantudor.com I should be back in action for the April 13 release. 1.SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH – Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015, +959627, $45.95 Vintages: a bargain wine for its price (up only two bucks since the 2011 vintage), but still too young to consume unless you double-decant and drink it over a few days. Half of the wine was made in barrels, the other half in vats. A selection of the better barrels is made into a single blend after 18 months, and stored for four to six months before release. It will be well-aged after another 10 years. Of the 13 permitted varieties, grenache, syrah, and mourvedre are dominant, with cinsault, counoise, muscardin, and vaccarese added. Still tight but plenty of black fruits and spices. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2015 Mendoza, +128629, $19.95 Vintages March 2019: black fruit dominates this substantial wine. Made from older vines (many are 50 years old). Ageing in French and US oak barrels for 14 months, still needs time to resolve despite 4 years of age. 14.2% ABV, a hefty thick wine that dominates. Best for carnivores? You decide. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Bonnet & Associates Chateau Vrai Caillou 2016 Bordeaux Superieur, +348292, $15.95 March 16 Vintages: Mostly merlot (55%) from the “Entre deux Mers” region which excels in quantities of value Bordeaux. Aged a year in both tanks and barrels, and could age a bit more in your cellar (or do a double-decant and wait an hour). Red fruit dominates, edged by some plumminess. Food ideas basically suggest lamb roast and cheeses. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Corbieres 2015 $18.95 +394288 Vintages: In this Terroir Corbieres, Bertrand uses carbonic maceration for the syrah and traditional fermentation for the grenache and mourvedre. It is an appealing Rhonish G-S-M, with the blended wine aging in wood for eight months before bottling. Very firm with some fruit on the full finish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Baron de Hoen Cremant d'Alsace Brut Mausberg Blanc de Blancs NV, +171785 Vintages, $17.95: Limestone pebbles are responsible for the higher acid of the pinot auxerrois and pinot blanc grapes used in the blend here. Traditional Method is used, of course, without any ML. It is a pretty wine, with a bit of fruit, but is better as an aperitif or with first courses. My wife and I enjoyed this bottle with popcorn and a movie at home. It's sustainable agriculture in the region, and with a huge production of some 600,000 bottles (50K cases), there is an opportunity to keep the price down. This is a re-order by Vintages. 12.5% ABV, 3.8 g/L TA and 10 g/L RS. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 Vintages, $24.95: both cabernets franc (4%) and sauvignon (50%) are used in this Bordeaux-styled blend which comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux New World and Old World. It is still in its youth at 3 years of age, and it would be a shame to consume it this young. You could do what I did: open it and drink it over a couple of weeks, exposing it to air gently or speeding up the process by double-triple decanting. You will get several different wines out of one bottle over the course of time. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by French and US oak (40% new) for 18 months. Currently, you could match it with heavy meats. 13.5% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Baron de Hoen Gewurztraminer Reserve 2017 Alsace, +377721 Vintages $19.95: from around Beblenheim area, cool fermentation with typical gewurz tones of spices, lychee, roses. 12.5% ABV, and RS of 15 g/L (off-dry). Best as aperitif, or with fragrant cheeses, spicy foods. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2017 Estate Grown & Bottled VQA NOTL, +454967, $16.95 LCBO: A lovely young wine, with some forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red fruit (strawberries are hinted by the winemaker). Estate grown and bottled. Good written notes on the back label are spot on. Just under subtle oaking, with a moderate intensity of medium flavours. Ready to drink now. Cork closure, 12.5% ABV. Try with lamb burgers. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2016 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard VQA St.David's Bench, +332858, $38.95 at winery, online, boutiques: Quite a powerful wine, lots of stylish Burgundian forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red berry fruit. It was last produced in 2014 (some years were declassified). Needs some time, maybe three more years. 13% ABV. It will also show better with food such as an Asian salmon preps or veal or lamb. Cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Sartori di Verona “Corte Bra” Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011 DOCG, $49.95, +225540 Vintages March: this wine has aged nicely (7 years now; initially 4 years in small oak) and becomes more of a bargain at this price level. 15.5% ABV puts it in the bigger leagues. Black fruit dominates the nose and palate, lots of body, lush and luscious in a Juicy Lucy style, and a long finish. Unfiltered. We had it with aged sheep and water buffalo cheeses from Monforte (Ontario). Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Buena Vista Winery Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Napa Valley, $59.95 +539106 Vintages March 16: a top of the line Napa cab with its richness, denseness and opulence from Oak Knoll and St. Helena vineyards. After 28 months in French oak (35% new) it was racked and bottled unfiltered. Tons of black fruit and mocha tones with spices suggestive of cardamom – and a long, long finish. Still needs time, a cellar keeper. Do a double decant or leave it open for a week to get a taste of its potential. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Berger-Rive Manoir de Mercey Rully En Rosey Red 2015 #635623, $32.95 Vintages: From the Cote Chalonnaise, this is an old vines pinot noir Burgundy that is pretty consistent from year to year (and they've kept the price down too). After fermentation it goes into wood (about a quarter of the volume is put into new oak) for a year's aging. Typical ripe red fruit with vanilla wood, but also soft which appeals to many North American tastes. Should be cellared another year. Smart buy at this price. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reserve 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench +616466 Vintages April $29.95: Grapes come from their oldest estate vineyards (1984 onward), hand-picked. Barrel fermented in French oak with a portion in 3000L foudres, and then barrel aged for 8 – 10 months in a mix of new and older barrels. This continues the tradition of Burgundian elegance. Expect some ripeness, balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place. Wood integration produces some creaminess in the finish. 13.3% ABV, cork closure. Definitely needs another year – or more – in bottle in order to bring out the nuances. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Estate 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268391 Vintages, $24.95: Here is a deft Burgundian-character pinot noir wine, with cherry-berry tones, some toast, mildly opulent style, not totally cool climate at all. Fermented in stainless and aged in “European” oak (30% new) for 10 months. Ready in a year or two. Dependable. And also available in Denmark, Hungary, Japan and USA. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Obalo Rioja 2017, +644856 Vintages March 30, $17.95: here is a fresh and fruity 100% tempranillo that has only been aged (with ML fermentation) for 3 months in diverse cooperage of French oak (50% new) – so it is not a Crianza. The company (founded in 2006) does make a Crianza and a Reserva, plus a Rose. And the small vineyards are about 40 – 90 years old, showing some depth through age and grace. It's a spicy cherry-berry complex of aromatics with some finish inviting pasta and rice dishes, tapas and cheeses. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Champagne Drappier Brut Nature Pinot Noir Zero Dosage NV, +179275 Vintages March 30: $59.95: Uses first-pressed juice, malolactic fermentation, no filtering, and then aged 30 months or more sur lattes. The highlight of course: there is no dosage. Aromas of citric fruit, tartness at first but mellowing out on the mid-palate with some herbal green complexity. Finish is structurally tight but brisk and refreshing. Good as a preprandial aperitif or with a first course. A Champagne to age in your cellar: it will only get better as it matures. Very affordable. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Gerard Bertrand Naturae – Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 IGP Pays d'Oc +644393 April 13 Vintages $19.95: This one leads off the introduction of organic and vegan wines in Ontario by Gerard Bertrand. It is exceedingly fresh, with no oaking (it's the 2018 vintage). The new range is “naturae”, and as little manipulation as possible is employed. The wine has been racked before malo begins, and then racked again. The acid/sweetness/tannin balance is loaded with dense black fruits (cassis, blueberry, black raspberry). It'll need some more time bottle, so try it at Christmas. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino 2014 +941757 April 13 Vintages $62.95: The 2014 I tasted was 100% sangiovese grosso, aged two years in French and Slavonian oak barrels. Fresh black fruit dominates (blueberry, black cherry), forest floor showing, but tannins still need resolution. A cellar keeper, or try if over several days after exposure to air. Best with cheese and game. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures. 2.The BEST, BETTER, and GOOD notes for March 16 release... **** BEST -- Four Stars (90+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): +373985 GÉRARD BERTRAND CÔTE DES ROSES ROSÉ AP Languedoc $18.95 +499152 ALVEAR "PEDRO XIMENEZ DE ANADA 2015 Montilla Morilles $24.95 375 ml +68239 ANTECH EXPRESSION BRUT CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX Traditional method, AC, Languedoc, France Georges & Roger Antech. 2015 $19.95 +566026 CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $29.95 +142398 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra/Clare Valley, South Australia 2015 $24.95 +297317 XAVIER CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP 2016 $17.95 +976662 FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja Bodegas Faustino Martinez 2005 $35.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): +552562 HENRY OF PELHAM THREE OF HEARTS ROSE 2018 VQA $19.95 +243592 LADIES WHO SHOOT THEIR LUNCH WILD FERMENT SHIRAZ Victoria Fowles Wine 2016 $34.95 +731620 BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E&E BLACK PEPPER SHIRAZ Limited release, Barossa Valley, South Australia 2014 $89.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): +350900 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES CHARDONNAY Margaret River, Western Australia 2016 $19.95 +353086 CASAS DEL BOSQUE GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2017 $24.95 +642173 TORRES FLORALIS MOSCATEL ORO Spain 500 mL $16.95 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for March 2, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). 20 under $20 ========= W+377721 BARON DE HOEN RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2017 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+480764 TUSSOCK JUMPER CHENIN BLANC WO Western Cape 2017 $12.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+631523 SWARTLAND WINEMAKER'S COLLECTION CHENIN BLANC WO Swartland 2018 $12.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+485334 KEW MARSANNE VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.5 W+636167 CHÂTEAU CAMILLE GAUCHERAUD SAUVIGNON BLANC AC Côtes de Bordeaux--Blaye 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+392357 KONZELMANN LATE HARVEST GEWÜRZTRAMINER VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 88 W+579961 LUNDY MANOR PROPRIETOR'S BLEND WHITE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $18.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+632323 SIEGEL SPECIAL RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC Leyda Valley 2018 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 W+630558 BABICH BLACK LABEL ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY Hawke's Bay, North Island 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+14340 WAIRAU RIVER SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+630061 SCHIEFER STEILLAGE FEINHERB RIESLING Qualitätswein 2017 $16.95 10.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+289538 VESEVO BENEVENTANO FALANGHINA IGT Beneventano 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+586396 IZADI BLANCO DOCa Rioja 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+629436 TRAPICHE MEDALLA CHARDONNAY Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+390203 MONTES ALPHA CHARDONNAY DO Aconcagua Valley 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 % ABV, MVC/QPR: R+128629 LUIGI BOSCA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2015 $18.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+591313 MALIVOIRE GAMAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+22228 MONTES ALPHA MERLOT DO Colchagua Valley 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+377481 LÓPEZ DE HARO CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+490011 LA TREMENDA MONASTRELL DO Alicante 2016 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+631846 FIUZA PREMIUM ALICANTE BOUSCHET DO Tejo 2015 $17.95 14%ABV, MVC/QPR:89 R+530543 LA PRUA APPASSIMENTO IGT Rosso Veneto 2016 $15.95 13.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+644484 CAMPOS DE ENANZO BASIANO TEMPRANILLO DO Navarra 2017 $11.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+443945 EL GORÚ MONASTRELL/SYRAH/PETIT VERDOT DOP Jumilla 2017 $13.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 20 over $20 ========= W+ 276675 GIRARD RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $39.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+310409 ROBERT MONDAVI NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2015 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+295717 DOMAINE DU CHALET POUILLY POUILLY-FUISSÉ AP 2016 $33.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+155408 MARCHESI DI BAROLO BARBARESCO DOCG 2014 $37.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+225540 SARTORI CORTE BRÀ AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOC 2011 $53.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+395855 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+959627 CHÂTEAU MONT-REDON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2015 $49.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+288530 MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+639484 FLORA SPRINGS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 $64.95 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+39388 FRANCISCAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+409151 JOSEPH CARR CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+163022 JOSEF CHROMY PINOT NOIR Tasmania 2017 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+333229 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE THE SIDING CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2016 $23.95 13.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+48066 CHÂTEAU DE BARBE BLANCHE AC Lussac-Saint-Émilion 2015 $29.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+17400 PIERRE AMADIEU ROMANE-MACHOTTE GIGONDAS AC 2015 $28.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+334094 LUIS CAÑAS RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for February 16, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- W+630004 WERNER ANSELMANN GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT PFALZ Prädikatswein 2017 $15.95 10.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+557165 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $19.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+406991 SANTA ALICIA GRAN RESERVA DE LOS ANDES CHARDONNAY DO Maipo Valley 2017 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+632349 TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC DO Leyda Valley 2017 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+518357 SIDEWOOD SAUVIGNON BLANC Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2017 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+631085 LA GUARDIENSE JANARE DEL SANNIO GRECO DOC 2017 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+391987 MIDDLE-EARTH SAUVIGNON BLANC Nelson, South Island 2017 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+18705 STRANDVELD FIRST SIGHTING SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Cape Agulhas 2017 $13.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+637868 CHÂTEAU DE LA GRANGE VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DE GRAND LIEU MUSCADET Sur lie, AC 2016 $13.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+550608 VIENI PINOT NOIR VQA Vinemount Ridge 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+633362 MERF CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.5 R+632703 VIÑA LEYDA CANELO SINGLE VINEYARD SYRAH DO Leyda Valley 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+631556 PLAISIR DE MERLE PETIT PLAISIR WO Western Cape 2016 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+632984 PIERRE LURTON BORDEAUX AC 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+644286 CAMILLE CAYRAN LA RÉSERVE PLAN DE DIEU AP Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2017 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+588723 CAVINO NEMEA AGIORGITIKO PDO Nemea 2015 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+270306 MASSERIE PISARI PRIMITIVO IGT Salento Rosso 2017 $13.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+480665 LA TORRE GUINZANO SAN GIMIGNANO ROSSO DOC 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+455659 LE PUPILLE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO DOCG 2016 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+969469 RENZO MASI RISERVA CHIANTI DOCG 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+258673 G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $16.95 13.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 20 over $20 ========= W+395699 BERINGER LUMINUS CHARDONNAY Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley 2016 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+981316 VALPANTENA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2015 $38.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+24430 CHÂTEAU CANTENAC AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2014 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+60525 RUTHERFORD RANCH RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2013 $49.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+479527 CLOS DU BOIS SONOMA RESERVE CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+632851 PRESQU'ILE WINERY CHARDONNAY Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County 2014 $32.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+189126 JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE GENÈSE SANCERRE AC 2017 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+631051 MONTE DEL FRÀ LUGANA DOC 2017 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+578864 LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY VQA Ontario 2016 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+525048 CHAVET & FILS LA DAME DE JACQUES COEUR MENETOU-SALON BLANC AC 2017 $20.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+632604 DOMAINE NATURALISTE REBUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2015 $33.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+470591 THE LANE SINGLE VINEYARD BLOCK 14 BASKET PRESS SHIRAZ Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2016 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+633032 CHÂTEAU BLAIGNAN Cru Bourgeois, AC Médoc 2014 $23.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+637306 DOMAINE BARON DE L'ÉCLUSE AP Côte de Brouilly 2017 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+420653 LA REGOLA IGT Toscana 2011 $28.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.5 R+461269 IZADI RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+638783 RIOJA VEGA CRIANZA EDICIÓN LIMITADA DOCa Rioja 2015 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+630939 BARONE RICASOLI BROLIO BETTINO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+589242 PIANO DEI DIANI DOC Etna Rosso 2015 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for February 2, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- R+639823 NAVAJAS TINTO CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2015 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+251439 FIELDING ESTATE BOTTLED RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $19.95 10.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+458687 NOBLE VINES COLLECTION 446 CHARDONNAY San Bernabe, Monterey 2016 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+629428 FAMILIA SCHROEDER ALPATACO CHARDONNAY Patagonia 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+536672 PIATTELLI RESERVE TORRONTÉS Cafayate Valley, Salta 2017 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+632331 LA JOYA GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC DO Colchagua Valley 2018 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+635698 CHÂTEAU LAMOTHE DE HAUX AC Bordeaux 2017 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W+290049 JEAN-MARC BROCARD KIMMERIDGIEN CHARDONNAY AC Bourgogne 2017 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+448563 CHARLES BOVE VOUVRAY AC 2017 $19.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: % ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+632547 VILA NOVA LOUREIRO DOC Vinho Verde 2016 $13.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+625962 GORU EL BLANCO DO Jumilla 2017 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.5 W+707950 ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO DOC Friuli 2017 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+642421 VALPANTENA TORRE DEL FALASCO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA DOC 2016 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+514802 JOVINO PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+632083 PARINGA SHIRAZ South Australia 2015 $15.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+631515 THE RACONTEUR SYRAH WO Swartland 2017 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+190694 EVEL TINTO DOC Douro 2014 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+488007 PERIQUITA RESERVA Vinho Regional Península de Setúbal 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+431742 QUINTA DA REDE RESERVA DOC Douro 2013 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+631010 PORTA DA RAVESSA RESERVA TINTO Vinho Regional Alentejano 2015 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+621482 GOLDSCHILD ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE Prädikatswein 2015 $16.95 8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 20 over $20 ========= W+511428 REDSTONE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $25.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+226936 RODNEY STRONG SONOMA COUNTY CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2016 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+482158 URBINA SELECCIÓN CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 1999 $31.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+172692 VINOSIA TAURASI SANTANDREA DOCG 2013 $27.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+539213 CLINE CASHMERE BLACK MAGIC RED California 2016 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R+412320 JOSH CELLARS PASO ROBLES RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Paso Robles 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+959965 CATENA ALTA HISTORIC ROWS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2015 $48.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+55442 FAMILIA SCHROEDER SAURUS SELECT PINOT NOIR Patagonia 2016 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+632109 IRVINE SPRING HILL MERLOT Australia 2016 $18.95 14.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+257741 CHÂTEAU BERNADOTTE AC Haut-Médoc 2010 $44.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+455667 CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR POURRET AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2010 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+48884 COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2016 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+631077 FONTANAFREDDA BARBARESCO DOCG 2014 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+943290 FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO DOCG 2014 $49.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+672337 ABBADIA ARDENGA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $50.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+72439 TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO IGT Toscana 2016 $60.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+167700 ARDAL SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2006 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+38059 RAYMOND RESERVE MERLOT Napa Valley 2014 $38.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for January 19, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). 20 under $20 ========= W+644609 BRICKLAYER'S REWARD 20 BARRELS CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+147975 GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2016 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+225557 ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2017 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+443473 JARDIN INSPECTOR PÉRINGUEY CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2016 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+568543 ESTERHÁZY ESTORAS GRÜNER VELTLINER Burgenland 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+392712 CUVÉE JOSEPH TALMARD MÂCON CHARDONNAY AC 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+159012 JEAN-MARC BROCARD VAU DE VAY CHABLIS 1ER CRU AC 2015 $39.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+247882 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY TREE RED VQA Ontario 2017 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+575266 LENTO DRAGONE ROSSO IGT Calabria 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+632869 S. SEBASTIÃO TINTA RORIZ/SYRAH Vinho Regional Lisboa 2015 $12.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.5 R+609958 ALVIDES CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2012 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.5 R+629519 SINERGIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Valencia 2014 $14.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+629139 GABARDA SELECCIÓN DO Cariñena 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+653535 SCHLOSS SCHÖNBORN ESTATE RIESLING Qualitätswein 2012 $18.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+640854 SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+673897 JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ Padthaway, South Australia 2017 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+327767 MOJO SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2017 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+R+276030 MURIEL FINCAS DE LA VILLA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2013 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+574145 RENDOLA ROSSO MAREMMA DOC 2016 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+195107 SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Côtes du Roussillon 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+530121 JOHNNY Q CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2014 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 20 over $20 ========= W+268342 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+171587 FARINA LE PEZZE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $36.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+64329 MEERLUST RUBICON WO Stellenbosch 2015 $46.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+461699 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE BACO NOIR VQA Ontario $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+657585 ARTESA LOS CARNEROS CHARDONNAY Carneros 2015 $29.95 14.3% MVC/QPR: 88 W+141499 BLIND RIVER SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2017 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+403675 DE WETSHOF BON VALLON UNWOODED CHARDONNAY WO Robertson 2017 $22.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+556597 MULLINEUX OLD VINES WHITE WO Swartland 2017 $37.95 MVC/QPR: 88 W+289371 DOMAINE SÉGUINOT-BORDET CHABLIS AC 2017 $25.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+223966 DOMAINE D'ORFEUILLES VOUVRAY AC 2015 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+633628 MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE RESERVE MERITAGE BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $29.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+694356 KLINKER BRICK MARISA VINEYARD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Lodi 2015 $49.95 15.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+633537 OUTLOT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $29.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+539163 SEAGLASS PINOT NOIR Santa Barbara County 2016 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+55764 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE INDIAN WELLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2015 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+155713 CICCHITTI GRAN RESERVA MALBEC Mendoza 2012 $27.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.5 R+632976 CHÂTEAU L'ARGENTEYRE Cru Bourgeois, AC Médoc 2015 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+575027 LA LOGGIA UVARIO ROSSO TOSCANO IGT 2016 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.5 R+630020 CHÂTEAU CORBIN AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2015 $26.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.5 R+568493 DOMAINE LERYS PUR SCHISTES FITOU AP 2015 $20.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for JANUARY 5, 2019 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone should taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). 20 under $20 ========= W+402172 HOGUE CHARDONNAY Columbia Valley 2016 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+32060 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC DO Leyda Valley 2017 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+630202 MATAHIWI PINOT GRIS Wairarapa, North Island 2018 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+694737 SPINYBACK SAUVIGNON BLANC Nelson, South Island 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+377457 RABL LANGENLOIS GRÜNER VELTLINER DAC Kamptal 2017 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+621581 BLASON DE BOURGOGNE SAINT-VÉRAN 2016 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+745349 DOMAINE JACKY MARTEAU SAUVIGNON TOURAINE AC 2017 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+577734 DE ANGELIS OFFIDA PECORINO DOCG 2016 $15.95 13.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+471284 CURVOS LOUREIRO DOC Vinho Verde 2017 $12.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+629832 HEREDAD DE URUEÑA SANTO TERROIR TEMPRANILLO Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 2012 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+310151 TARIMA MONASTRELL DO Alicante Bodegas Volver 2016 $14.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+636258 SOLÀ FRED DO Montsant Celler Masroig 2017 $17.00 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+551473 DRUMHELLER CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+497354 ARANWA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2013 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+205567 CALITERRA TRIBUTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Single vineyard, DO Colchagua Valley 2016 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+632059 JIM BARRY THE BARRY BROS SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON Clare Valley, South Australia Tom & Sam Barry 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+632117 NORFOLK RISE VINEYARD SHIRAZ Mount Benson, Limestone Coast, South Australia 2017 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+630103 CHÂTEAU LES PETITS ARNAUDS TRADITION AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+168716 M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES AC 2017 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+380675 DOMAINE AUTRAND CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2016 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+574137 CORTE MEDICEA CLETUS IGT Toscana Bollina 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+452797 BARCO NEGRO DOC Douro 2015 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+631002 ODISSEIA TINTO DOC Douro 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+477075 I BALZI ROSSO IGT Veneto Verga 2016 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+577726 CECCHI LA CAMPANA MONTEFALCO ROSSO DOC 2014 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+540922 CECCHI STORIA DI FAMIGLIA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+395053 12 E MEZZO PRIMITIVO DEL SALENTO IGP Varvaglione 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+431783 JOST TIDAL BAY Nova Scotia 2017 $20.95 11 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+481523 TREANA CHARDONNAY Central Coast 2015 $24.95 14.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+447193 DOMAINE MILLET CHABLIS AC 2017 $27.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+54080 CLOS DU BOIS SONOMA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+629972 ZAHA EL CORTE Toko Vineyard, Paraje Altamira, Mendoza 2014 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+633081 CHÂTEAU DU BREUIL Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc 2014 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+368175 CHÂTEAU BOUTISSE AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 $41.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+62711 DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AP Earl Michel Maret & Filles 2015 $48.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO DOCG 2014 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+33498 FATTOI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $46.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+574269 PAOLO CONTERNO ANFORTI IGT Toscana 2015 $24.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+618330 MELIPAL ESTATE BOTTLED BLEND Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2014 $27.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+942599 RAVENSWOOD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Lodi 2016 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for December 8, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- +662726 POLI VACA MORA AMARO 700 mL Veneto, Italy $39.95 +315200 HENRY OF PELHAM CUVEE CATHERINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANC 2013 $44.95 20 under $20 ========= W+147512 13TH STREET JUNE'S VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula 2016 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+341586 FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+43281 FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $17.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+483875 THE TRAGICALLY HIP AHEAD BY A CENTURY CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula Stoney Ridge Estate Winery 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+919514 WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+618280 LA CELIA RESERVA MALBEC/CABERNET FRANC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+132365 VIÑA COBOS FELINO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza Paul Hobbs 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+723478 ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $19.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+486043 PRIMUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Maipo Valley 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+66738 THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER McLaren Vale/Padthaway, South Australia 2016 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+485839 MARCEL CABELIER VIEILLES VIGNES CHARDONNAY AP Côtes du Jura 2014 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AP 2017 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+175232 SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON AP 2017 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+562546 TERRANERA GRECO IGT Campania 2017 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+518977 TERRA TANGRA ORGANIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT/MAVRUD PGI Thracian Valley 2016 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+560771 CHÂTEAU DE FAUZAN MINERVOIS AP 2016 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+413237 GÉRARD BERTRAND SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Languedoc 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+561340 LES HAUTS DE VENTABREN CAIRANNE AP 1752 Signature Wines 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+452789 CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA Vinho Regional Lisboa Casa Santos Lima 2014 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+582882 BISCARDO NEROPASSO IGT Rosso del Veronese 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+408138 QUINTA DO QUETZAL GUADALUPE WINEMAKER'S SELECTION RED Vinho Regional Alentejano 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 20 over $20 ========= W+127290 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $23.95 12.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+377770 QUAILS' GATE CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+39271 YALUMBA SAMUEL'S GARDEN COLLECTION WILD FERMENT CHARDONNAY Eden Valley, South Australia 2016 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+359513 CLOUDY BAY CHARDONNAY Marlborough, South Island 2015 $37.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+343038 BURROWING OWL MERITAGE BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $57.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+56879 SEGHESIO OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Sonoma County 2014 $54.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+421149 ACROBAT PINOT NOIR Oregon 2015 $28.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+63891 EMILIANA COYAM Los Robles Estate, DO Colchagua Valley 2014 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+76307 SANTA EMA AMPLUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Alto, DO Maipo Valley 2016 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+377036 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ Clare Valley/McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+402685 GIESEN THE BROTHERS PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2016 $32.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+557694 MAISON OLIVIER TRICON MONTMAINS CHABLIS 1ER CRU AC 2014 $39.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+487868 CHÂTEAU L'ESPÉRANCE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2010 $20.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+349308 CHÂTEAU PEY LA TOUR RÉSERVE DU CHÂTEAU AC Bordeaux Supérieur Vignobles Dourthe 2015 $21.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+671289 CROIX CANON Second wine of Château Canon, AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2012 $66.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+959627 CHÂTEAU MONT-REDON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC Abeille-Fabre 2015 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+583039 NODO D'AMORE ROSSO IGT Trevenezie Remo Farina 2016 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+568691 GUERRIERI RIZZARDI 3E CRU AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2012 $53.95 16% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+147876 TENUTA SAN GUIDO LE DIFESE IGT Toscana 2016 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 24, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- +745901 Italy PO' DI POLI MORBIDA SMOOTH MOSCATO GRAPPA Italy 700ml $67.95 +471094 Hidalgo Napoleon Amontillado Sherry 500 mL $23.95 Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Villages Nouveau 2018 LCBO Vintages, $17.95 MVC/QPR: 88 20 under $20 ========= W+673806 SIMI CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2017 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+360636 SISTER'S RUN BETHLEHEM BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON Barossa, South Australia 2016 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+287979 SMALL GULLY MR. BLACK'S LITTLE BOOK SHIRAZ South Australia 2015 $19.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+287425 COLUMBIA CREST H3 LES CHEVAUX RED BLEND Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2014 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+446971 LONE BIRCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley 2016 $19.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+18721 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Maipo Valley 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+673913 NEIL ELLIS GROENEKLOOF SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Groenekloof 2017 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R++610303 POÇAS VALE DE CAVALOS RED DOC Douro 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+259788 JOSEPH CATTIN RIESLING AC Alsace 2016 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+516765 JEAN-PIERRE MOUEIX BORDEAUX 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+343509 TESSELLAE VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN IGP Côtes Catalanes 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+247973 QUINTA DE CABRIZ COLHEITA SELECIONADA DOC Dão 2015 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+166579 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA GARNACHA/TEMPRANILLO/CARIÑENA DOP Cariñena 2012 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+168716 M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES AC 2017 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 88 R+438796 DOMAINE DE LA BAUME ELISABETH VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+599274 LOOSEN BROS. DR. L RIESLING Qualitätswein 2017 $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+707158 ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA DOC 2017 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 20 over $20 ========= W+57430 MISSION HILL RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2017 $22.95 12.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+241182 CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $36.95 11.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+643361 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $24.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+581603 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $22.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+149211 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $26.95 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+677450 DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $26.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+324228 STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+505610 HIDDEN BENCH TERROIR CACHÉ Unfiltered, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $44.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+392738 QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+582056 VINELAND ESTATES RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $49.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+129353 THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK WO Swartland 2016 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+433060 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ Coonawarra, South Australia 2016 $23.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+186171 DECOY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2016 $37.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+577494 RODNEY STRONG UPSHOT RED BLEND Sonoma County 2016 $29.95 14.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+961284 DOMAINE DROUHIN OREGON PINOT NOIR Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley 2015 $49.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+458240 SONVIDA RESERVE MALBEC Paraje Altmira, Mendoza 2015 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+317008 VERSADO MALBEC Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2014 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+995910 REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $42.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+397448 FONTANAFREDDA EBBIO NEBBIOLO DOC Langhe 2014 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+189761 PIETRANERA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $45.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+577742 PALATINE HILLS NEUFELD VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $24.95 14.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+727636 TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO IGT Toscana 2015 $32.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+437673 BALBÁS CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2013 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+423509 HACIENDA VALVARÉS DOCa Rioja 2015 $20.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 10, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+355743 URBINA GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 1996 $54.95 If you are celebrating a 22nd birthday, try this on... 20 under $20 ========= W+246579 CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+286278 FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+734798 THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+231282 KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2017 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+542365 SANTA EMA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY DO Leyda Valley 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+959080 DELHEIM SHIRAZ WO Stellenbosch 2015 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+578179 SALENTEIN RESERVE PINOT NOIR Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+574780 DEMUERTE DO Yecla Winery On 2015 $18.95 14.5BV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+461657 BARON DE HOEN RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS AC Alsace 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+557801 WILLY GISSELBRECHT TRADITION PINOT BLANC AC Alsace 2016 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+444406 GADAIS VIEILLES VIGNES MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE Sur lie, AC 2015 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+414011 TENUTE MESSIERI VISIONI PECORINO DOCG Offida 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+437707 VETIVER VIURA DOCa Rioja 2014 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+559898 CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DE CHÉNAS CRU CHÉNAS AC 2016 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+624973 CHÂTEAU CÔNE-TAILLASSON SABOURIN AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+119354 CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2016 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+413245 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LES ASPRES SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE/GRENACHE AP Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+437079 XAVIER VIGNON 100% CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP 2015 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+332114 CASTELLO DI MELETO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+184986 DOGA DELLE CLAVULE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO DOCG Caparzo 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+338939 TOMMASI GRATICCIO APPASSIONATO Product of Italy 2016 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90+ R+462515 THE LANE VINEYARD BLOCK 5 SHIRAZ Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91+ 20 over $20 ========= W+378570 SPERLING VISION SERIES CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $32.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+302083 BACHELDER NIAGARA CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $24.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+183921 KISTLER SONOMA MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County 2016 $107.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+629477 ABACELA ALBARIÑO Umpqua Valley 2017 $29.95 13.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+609321 DOMAINE NATURALISTE DISCOVERY CHARDONNAY Margaret River, Western Australia Bruce Dukes 2016 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+626325 OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2014 $47.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+332858 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES PAUL BOSC ESTATE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $38.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+657874 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE PINOT NOIR VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+130997 TAWSE LAUNDRY VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Escarpment 2013 $32.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+629162 FOXEN JOHN SEBASTIANO VINEYARD PINOT NOIR Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County 2015 $55.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+606533 NEWTON UNFILTERED CABERNET SAUVIGNON Unfiltered, Napa Valley 2014 $88.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+45476 SHAFER ONE POINT FIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Stags Leap District, Napa Valley 2015 $149.95 15.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+950295 GORDON COLUMBIA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2015 $29.95 13.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+203364 ERRAZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Aconcagua Valley 2016 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+84996 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2014 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+573451 CAPRAIA EFFE 55 GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+435156 LOUIS LATOUR MARSANNAY BLANC AC 2014 $32.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+356774 DUFOULEUR RULLY AC 2016 $26.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+560987 DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC Pierre Lançon 2015 $41.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+643205 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $23.95 14%ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+725895 ONTAÑÓN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2010 $25.95 12.5%ABV, MVC/QPE: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for October 27, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- +1297788 Offley 10-year old Tawny Port $26.95 +553990 Vito Curatolo Arini Superiore Dolce Marsala $18.95 20 under $20 ========= W+398966 REDSTONE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+575969 FINCA SOPHENIA ALTOSUR TORRONTÉS Tupungato, Mendoza 2017 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+389726 BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC DO Leyda Valley 2017 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+186346 SIDEWOOD CHARDONNAY Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2016 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+328559 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY WO Western Cape 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+747600 PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+250696 BANFI PRINCIPESSA GAVIA GAVI DOCG 2017 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+128595 LA CHAMIZA POLO PROFESSIONAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2017 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+494609 PASCUAL TOSO BARRANCAS TOSO Mendoza 2016 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+37911 SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Maipo Valley 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+617217 REYNEKE ORGANIC RED WO Western Cape 2017 [90% shiraz] $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+143099 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION AP Costières de Nîmes Cyril Marès, prop.-vign. 2016 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+282996 SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+523639 CAIS DA RIBEIRA RESERVA DOC Douro 2015 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+417675 CHAPILLON SIENDRA Calatayud Bodegas Langa Hnos 2015 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+547950 RAMON BILBAO LIMITED EDITION TEMPRANILLO DOCa Rioja 2014 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+47621 SKUTTLEBUTT SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON Margaret River, Western Australia Stella Bella 2017 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+538496 CUVÉE SABRINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES AC Domaine André Brunel 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+566026 CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $29.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+287268 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES PAUL BOSC ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+68817 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $24.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+67231 LA CREMA RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2016 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+557488 COMPLICES DE LOIRE TERRES DE CAILOTTES POUILLY-FUMÉ AC 2016 $31.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+117960 CREEKSIDE LAURA'S RED VQA Niagara 2016 $20 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+616433 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2012 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+719211 CLINE ANCIENT VINES ZINFANDEL Contra Costa County 2016 $24.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+456723 RODNEY STRONG KNIGHTS VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Knights Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+949651 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE SYRAH Columbia Valley 2016 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+980334 BODEGA PIEDRA NEGRA GRAN LURTON SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Uco Valley, Mendoza J & F Lurton 2013 $24.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+568899 LUIGI BOSCA TERROIR LOS MIRADORES MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $32.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+550509 CHÂTEAU SAINT-PIERRE DE CORBIAN AC Saint Estèphe 2014 $44.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+282459 CHÂTEAU DE L'AUMÉRADE CRU CLASSÉ CUVÉE MARIE CHRISTINE ROUGE AC Côtes de Provence 2015 $20.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+576793 DAMILANO MARGHE LANGHE NEBBIOLO DOC 2015 $23.95 14%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2015 $23.95 14.5ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+996553 CARPINETO FARNITO CABERNET SAUVIGNON IGT Toscana 2012 $28.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+747030 LA VITE LUCENTE IGT Toscana 2016 $34.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+353201 RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $47.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+47506 MONTE DEL FRÁ LENA DI MEZZO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOC 2013 $49.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+928622 LAN GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2010 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+194753 RIOJA BORDÓN RESERVA DOCa Rioja Bodegas Francos-Espanolas 2011 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for October 13, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Fizz - +48801 Louis Bouillot Perle d'Ivoire Brut Blanc de Blancs Cremant de Bourgogne $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 Brandy – +271726 G.E. Massenez Vieux Calvados 700mL $52.95 41% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Port – +264259 Calem Colheita Single Harvest Tawny Port 2000 $46.95 20% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+68015 FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 485326 ROCKWAY FERGIE JENKINS LIMITED EDITION RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $16.95 10.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+557165 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2017 $19.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+575985 LUIGI BOSCA CHARDONNAY Mendoza 2017 $18.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+450668 TE PA SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+948182 LA GRIFFE BERNARD CHÉREAU SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE Sur lie, AP Chéreau-Carré 2017 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+453639 SERIOUSLY COOL RED VQA Ontario Southbrook Winery 2016 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+568873 KADABRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza Bodega Estancia 2016 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+269464 SISTER'S RUN EPIPHANY SHIRAZ Epiphany vineyard, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+744235 WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Clare Valley, South Australia 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+278564 WIRRA WIRRA CATAPULT SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+227983 VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER PINOT NOIR AC Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise 2015 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+478263 DOMAINE LES PINS CUVÉE LES ROCHETTES BOURGUEIL AP 2015 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+168690 THUNEVIN-CALVET CUVÉE CONSTANCE AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2015 $18.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+413211 XAVIER VENTOUX AP 2016 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+370262 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LA CLAPE SYRAH/CARIGNAN/MOURVÈDRE AP La Clape 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+568220 TEROLDEGO VIGNETI DELLE DOLOMITI IGT Cantina Lavis 2016 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+434373 CANTINE DUE PALME ETTAMIANO PRIMITIVO IGP Salento 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+399907 SAN VINCENTI CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+398933 ALCEÑO PREMIUM 50 BARRICAS SYRAH DO Jumilla 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+132597 ESCONDIDO TEMPRANILLO DO Ribera del Duero Bodega La Milagrosa 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+575571 LOMA GORDA VINO DE PARCELA CERVERA DE LA CAÑADA DOP Catalunya Bodega San Gregorio 2013 $16.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+723452 ONDARRE RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+336719 LUIS CAÑAS CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 20 over $20 ========= W+609297 SOUMAH HEXHAM SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY Yarra Valley, Victoria 2017 $34.95 12.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+205815 DAVIS BYNUM RIVER WEST VINEYARD CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+681056 DOMAINE JEAN-PIERRE SÈVE TERROIR POUILLY-FUISSÉ AC 2016 $30.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+556373 HENRI DE VILLAMONT BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY AC Bourgogne 2014 $22.95 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+593053 BLACK SAGE VINEYARD MERLOT BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+393827 MORAINE PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $31.95 13.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+673798 RAVENSWOOD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Sonoma County 2014 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+416172 CHÂTEAU BEL AIR Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc 2011 $27.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+550327 CHÂTEAU LE TEMPLE AC Médoc Denis Bergey, prop. 2010 $27.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+961847 CHÂTEAU PUY-BLANQUET AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2009 $42.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+438580 QUERCECCHIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $35.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+173211 ALTO MONCAYO VERATON GARNACHA DO Campo de Borja 2015 $36.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+246728 TARÓN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2008 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+520783 16 MILE CELLAR REBEL PINOT NOIR Unfiltered, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+622571 CLOS DE LOS SIETE Uco Valley, Mendoza Michel Rolland 2014 $23.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for September 29, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Rose +71712 Wildass Rose 2017 VQA Niagara $18.95 12.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 Sparkling +460832 Wolfberger Brut Cremant d'Alsace $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 Port +583013 Sandeman Vau Vintage Port 1999 [375mL] $12.95 20%% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+590760 CASAS DEL BOSQUE RESERVA CHARDONNAY DO Casablanca Valley 2016 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+714295 WAIMEA SAUVIGNON BLANC Nelson, South Island 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+539965 DOMAINE DE LA BAUME ELITE D'OR CHARDONNAY IGP Pays d'Oc 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+573683 CITRA FERZO ABRUZZO SUPERIORE PECORINO DOP 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+370247 GÉRARD BERTRAND SAINT CHINIAN SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE AP 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+493643 CHÂTEAU DE SÉRAME MINERVOIS 2011 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+948059 PERRIN NATURE CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+297317 XAVIER CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2016 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+278150 NIRO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+421388 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+574251 FANTI POGGIO TORTO ROSSO IGT Toscana 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+574616 CLOS DE TAFALL DO Priorat Clos Berenguer 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+43281 FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $17.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+361220 BORTHWICK VINEYARD PADDY BORTHWICK SAUVIGNON BLANC Wairarapa, North Island 2017 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+577213 LA VINICOLA DEL TITERNO PIEDIROSSO DOC Sannio 2012 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+126847 MAN FREE-RUN STEEN CHENIN BLANC WO Coastal Region 2017 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+469775 DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE CURE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE AC Nelly Marzelleau 2016 $12.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+485656 LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC AC M. Chapoutier 2016 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+443721 CHÂTEAU KSARA RÉSERVE DU COUVENT Bekaa Valley 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+561282 FERRATON LA TOURNÉE ROUGE IGP Pays d'Oc 2016 $13.95 13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+421362 2027 WISMER VINEYARD FOX CROFT BLOCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $22.95 12.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+979344 WENTE RIVA RANCH SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY Arroyo Seco, Monterey County 2016 $27.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+61176 DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER KESSLER RIESLING AC Alsace Grand Cru 2015 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+324103 Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 VQA Beamsville Bench 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+609123 Sixto Uncovered Chardonnay 2015 Washington 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+406314 Pascal Bouchard Les Clos Chablis Grand Cru 2011 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+129676 Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Penedes 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+73098 BURROWING OWL ESTATE BOTTLED CABERNET SAUVIGNON BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+222323 BEST'S BIN NO. 1 SHIRAZ Great Western, Victoria 2015 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+469536 CHÂTEAU CLOS DU LOUP CUVÉE PRESTIGE AC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2010 $23.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+404285 CHÂTEAU PLAISANCE AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2006 $20.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+330704 BENI DI BATASIOLO RISERVA BAROLO DOCG 2008 $39.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+515460 TENUTA DI BURCHINO IL BURCHINO IGT Toscana 2010 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+317131 ST. FRANCIS CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2016 $22.95 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+276576 POGGIOTONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2013 $44.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+441279 CAFAGGIO BASILICA SOLATÌO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2010 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for September 15, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- -Grgich Hills Fume Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Napa +346296 $47.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 -Argot Estate Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma Mountain +588277 $52.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 -Chateau des Charmes Brut Sparkling VQA +224766 $25.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 under $20 ========= W+711556 WAKEFIELD CLARE VALLEY ESTATE CHARDONNAY Clare Valley, South Australia 2016 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+402677 MATAHIWI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Wairarapa, North Island 2016 $18.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+439554 AVONDALE JONTY'S DUCKS PEKIN WHITE WO Paarl 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+469734 PFAFF SPECIAL AC Alsace Vignerons de Pfaffenheim 2016 $13.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+82461 PIERRE-LUC BOUCHAUD SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2016 $15.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+310532 CREW MERLOT VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2016 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+617738 WAYNE GRETZKY WHISKY OAK AGED RED VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $19.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+282517 WILD THING OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Mendocino County Carol Shelton Wines 2015 $26.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+402081 BURIED CANE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2015 $19.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+575712 ANAKENA TAMA VINEYARD SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON Cachapoal Valley 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+550426 CHÂTEAU MOULIN DE CLOTTE AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Françoise et Philippe Lannoye 2010 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+414615 BRUMONT TOUR BOUSCASSÉ Madiran 2012 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+184937 CASTELLANI FILICHETO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG 2013 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+573519 VILLA PUCCINI RISERVA CHIANTI DOCG Michele Puccini 2014 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+268805 PAGO DE VALDONEJE MENCÍA DO Bierzo 2016 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+438713 VALDELACIERVA CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2013 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+356873 FLAT ROCK GOOD KHARMA CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+38117 VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION ST. URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Niagara Escarpment 2016 $19.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+158790 KENWOOD CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+430991 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ST. DAVID'S BENCH VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 $23.95 15.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+28845 CLARENCE DILLON CLARENDELLE BLANC AC Bordeaux 2016 $24.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+928218 SERGIO ZENATO RISERVA LUGANA DOC Zenato 2015 $39.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+268391 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+581223 MASTRONARDI SYRAH VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2016 $24.95 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+226944 RODNEY STRONG SONOMA COUNTY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2015 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+671164 ST. FRANCIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2015 $34.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+444802 XANADU DJL CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2014 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+568550 CAVE DE SAINT-DÉSIRAT CUVÉE CÔTE-DIANE SAINT-JOSEPH AP 2015 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+560979 LOUIS BERNARD CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+568741 BERTANI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA VALPANTENA DOCG 2015 $39.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+443945 EL GORÚ MONASTRELL/SYRAH/PETIT VERDOT DOP Jumilla Bodegas Ego 2016 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+142646 MEGALOMANIAC MY WAY CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $24.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+590414 OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2016 $20.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+734855 TSANTALI RESERVE RAPSANI PDO Rapsani 2014 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+445262 NATIV TAURASI DOCG 2012 $36.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+286070 SOBRERO CIABOT TANASIO BAROLO DOCG 2013 $54.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+395186 NIPOZZANO VECCHIE VITI RISERVA CHIANTI RÚFINA DOCG Frescobaldi 2014 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+702761 MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+556514 DE MANCEY LES CADOLES PINOT NOIR AC Bourgogne 2015 $22.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for September 1, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). 20 under $20 ========= W+640516 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 $16.95 13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+341586 FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+446088 NOMAD SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2017 $16.95 12.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+458638 RYDER CHARDONNAY Central Coast 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+499855 INVIVO CHARDONNAY Gisborne, North Island 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+560284 INVIVO GRAHAM NORTON'S OWN SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+484055 BELLINGHAM HOMESTEAD SERIES THE OLD ORCHARDS CHENIN BLANC WO Paarl 2016 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+548859 CASA DA PASSARELLA DÃO BRANCO DO Dão 2016 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+357335 HACIENDA LÓPEZ DE HARO RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+574624 FLAVIUM SELECCIÓN MENCÍA DO Bierzo 2014 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+215699 DUORUM TINTO DOP Douro 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+548867 CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA Vinho Regional Lisboa 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+558759 ALBINO ARMANI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+573485 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CASTELGREVE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+270272 ANTICHI PODERI JERZU CHUÈRRA RISERVA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA DOC 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+575225 RIOLITE IL POGGIO SANNIO AGLIANICO DOC 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+561217 BASTIDE SOBIRANA LIEU DIT LA COLOMINE AP Côtes du Roussillon 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+224592 CHÂTEAU LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AC 2015 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+448464 LES DARONS AP Languedoc 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+403683 GÉRARD BERTRAND FITOU GRENACHE/CARIGNAN AP 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+222018 SISTER'S RUN CALVARY HILL SHIRAZ Lyndoch, Barossa, South Australia 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+56598 13TH STREET CABERNET/MERLOT Lakeshore Farm Vineyard, VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+616466 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $29.95 13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+568279 ENROUTE BRUMAIRE CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $37.95 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+458216 RIDOLFI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2012 $49.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+408195 GUSTAVE LORENTZ RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2016 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+106773 CHÂTEAU DE TRACY MADEMOISELLE DE T POUILLY-FUMÉ AP 2016 $27.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+140525 DOMAINE BONNARD SANCERRE AC 2016 $27.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+160671 LOUIS GUNTRUM NIERSTEIN BERGKIRCHE RIESLING KABINETT Prädikatswein 2015 $20.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+444034 CREEKSIDE CABERNET FRANC Serluca Vineyard, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2014 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+556613 BURROWING OWL PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+73817 RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+577239 TEIRA DRY CREEK VALLEY MERLOT Woods Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $28.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+208223 LEALTANZA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+85183 BALBÁS RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2006 $23.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+288530 MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+539676 TENUTA CUCCO SERRALUNGA BAROLO DOCG 2012 $41.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+550475 DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE SAINT-JULIEN AC Saint-Julien 2006 $38.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+297945 CHÂTEAU LAROSE-TRINTAUDON AC Haut-Médoc 2009 $26.95 13.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+550319 CHÂTEAU BALESTARD LA TONNELLE AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2008 $68.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+426833 COLCHESTER RIDGE CREW MERITAGE VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2016 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+581132 NOMAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2013 $23.95 12.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for August 18, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Rose+552562 Henry of Pelham Three Hearts Rose 2017 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 Rose+409870 Gerard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rose 2017 $16.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 under $20 ========= W+277228 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES OLD VINES RIESLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 $18.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+577775 VALLEY OF THE MOON PINOT BLANC/VIOGNIER Sonoma County 2015 $19.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+678656 CONCHA Y TORO TRIO PREMIUM BLEND RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC Casablanca/Rapel, DO Chile 2017 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+554576 MOKOBLACK SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+598631 RUSTENBERG CHARDONNAY WO Stellenbosch 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+568501 ESTERHÁZY GALÁNTHA GRÜNER VELTLINER Qualitätswein, Burgenland 2017 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+196741 KUHLMANN-PLATZ VIEILLES VIGNES RIESLING AC Alsace 2016 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+557207 FLEURON DE LA REBOURGÈRE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE AC 2016 $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+548222 ZACHARIAS MOSCHOFILERO PGI Peloponnese 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+541854 VILLA SPARINA GAVI DI GAVI DOCG 2016 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+161398 LANDER-JENKINS CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+209874 COLUMBIA CREST H3 MERLOT Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+166298 LA POSTA PIZZELLA MALBEC Mendoza 2016 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+389254 MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Single vineyard, DO Maipo Valley 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+515767 MANCURA GRAN RESERVA SYRAH/CABERNET FRANC/MERLOT Casablanca Costa Valley 2014 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+R+308452 CHÂTEAU LANGOIRAN PRESTIGE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Cadillac 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+194894 MAS LAS CABES ROUGE AP Côtes du Roussillon 2016 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+295618 CAVINO NEMEA GRANDE RESERVE PDO Nemea 2010 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+R+251645 LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP 2016 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+548560 ALICE VIEIRA DE SOUSA RESERVE RED DOC Douro 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+548842 MONTE DA RAVASQUEIRA CLÁSSICO Vinho Regional Alentejano 2016 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+573444 COLI CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+224188 TOMMASI ARELE IGT delle Venezie 2015 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 20 over $20 ========= W+377770 QUAILS' GATE CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+980490 CAMBRIA KATHERINE'S VINEYARD CHARDONNAY Katherine's Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara 2015 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+171272 J. LOHR ARROYO VISTA CHARDONNAY Arroyo Seco, Monterey County 2016 $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+416123 HENRI DE VILLAMONT PRESTIGE BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY AC 2015 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+145888 CLOSSON CHASE CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA Prince Edward County 2016 $34.95 12.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+373415 KEINT-HE PORTAGE PINOT NOIR VQA Prince Edward County 2014 $24.95 12.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+572305 LANGE TWINS ESTATE GROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Lodi 2014 $24.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+316984 VERSADO RESERVA ANCIENT MALBEC Mendoza 2013 $59.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+927533 TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2016 $29.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+142398 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra/Clare Valley, South Australia 2015 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+512442 ELGIN VINTNERS PINOT NOIR WO Elgin 2015 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+568840 MIRE L'ÉTANG CUVÉE DES DUCS DE FLEURY RÉSERVE AP La Clape 2015 $21.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+560946 DIFFONTY CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2015 $38.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+940965 BERONIA GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2009 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+232447 GEMMA COLAREJ BAROLO DOCG 2013 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+395152 LANCIOLA LE MASSE DI GREVE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $23.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+312140 VILLACRECES PRUNO Ribera del Duero 2016 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for August 4, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- White +443382 WATERKLOOF SERIOUSLY COOL CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2017 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 Rose +680801 Famille Perrin Tavel 2017 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 under $20 ========= W+918805 CATENA HIGH MOUNTAIN VINES CHARDONNAY Mendoza 2016 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+569665 BOYA CHARDONNAY DO Leyda Valley Viña Garcés Silva 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+465989 DASHWOOD SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+483495 OLD COACH ROAD SAUVIGNON BLANC Nelson, South Island Seifried Estate 2017 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+387787 CHÂTEAU HAUTS DE LAGARDE BLANC AC Bordeaux 2017 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+556340 LA CHABLISIENNE LE FINAGE CHABLIS 2014 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+161828 PAUL ANHEUSER SCHLOSSBÖCKELHEIMER KÖNIGSFELS RIESLING KABINETT Estate bottled, Prädikatswein 2016 $17.95 9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+417667 PAZO DAS BRUXAS ALBARIÑO DO Rîas Baixas Familia Torres 2016 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+267146 OAK BAY PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley Gebert Family, St. Hubertus Estate Winery) 2014 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+612 MONTES ALPHA SYRAH DO Colchagua Valley 2015 $19.95 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+569673 VIU MANENT GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Colchagua Valley 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+550384 CHÂTEAU TOUR GRAND MAYNE AC Puisseguin Saint-Émilion La Guyennoise 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+952804 GÉRARD BERTRAND MINERVOIS SYRAH/CARIGNAN AP 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+492561 FARINA VALPOLICELLA DOC 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+84053 TEZZA MA ROAT RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+451724 ZENATO ALANERA IGT Rosso Veronese 2014 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+574368 FINCA MONICA TEMPRANILLO DOCa Rioja 2016 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+574467 PABLO CLARO BIODYNAMIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON/GRACIANO Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla Dominio de Punctum 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+86363 WILDASS RED VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake Stratus Vineyards 2014 $19.95 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+172338 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+655381 STAGS' LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2016 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+16725 TERRES SECRÈTES SAINT-VÉRAN CHARDONNAY AC 2016 $20.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+562454 INDOMITO FALANGHINA DEL BENEVENTANO IGT Francesco Minini 2016 $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+396267 THE ORGANIZED CRIME BREAK-IN PINOT NOIR VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $21.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+46003 BONTERRA THE MCNAB Single vineyard, McNab Ranch, Mendocino County 2013 $59.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+135152 PAUL DOLAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendocino County 2015 $31.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+503904 CHÂTEAU CLARKE AC Listrac-Médoc Baron Edmond de Rothschild, prop. 2010 $42.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+286336 DOMAINE LES GRANDS BOIS CUVÉE MAXIMILIEN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES CAIRANNE Farjon Besnardeau, vign.-récolt. 2015 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+570077 MASSERIA PASSAMANTE NEGROAMARO IGP Salento 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+334300 LATIUM MORINI CAMPO LEÒN AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2012 $48.95 16.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+976662 FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja Bodegas Faustino Martinez 2005 $35.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+939736 ONTAÑÓN GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2005 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+578864 LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY VQA Ontario 2015 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+947309 CONDE VALDEMAR RESERVA Rioja 2011 $21.9513.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+663286 AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island 2017 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+93112 MASTROBERARDINO AGLIANICO IGT Campania 2015 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+138818 TAHBILK CABERNET SAUVIGNON Nagambie Lakes, Victoria 2015 $23.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+344416 CASTELGREVE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for July 21, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- +991562 Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne NV $19.95. 93 points +360248 Giuseppe B. Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth 375 mL $16.95. 94 points 20 under $20 ========= W+246579 CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $17.95 13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+258806 ROSEWOOD SÜSSRESERVE RIESLING VQA Niagara Escarpment 2016 $15.95 11.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+443507 SANTA EMA GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC DO Leyda Valley 2017 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+456020 RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2017 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+169474 HUNAWIHR KUHLMANN-PLATZ VIEILLES VIGNES GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2016 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+363150 LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE SUR LIE AC Claude Branger, vign.-récolt. 2016 $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+562231 CLAUDIO QUARTA SANPAOLO FIANO IGP Campania 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+366948 FONTANAFREDDA GAVI DI GAVI DOCG 2016 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+543785 HACIENDA LOPEZ DE HARO BLANCO DOCa Rioja Bodega Classica 2016 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+606764 ARBOLEDA SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Aconcagua Valley 2015 $19.95 14%ABV,MVC/QPR: 89 R+569699 TABALÍ PEDREGOSO GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON DO Maipo Valley 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+682005 JIM JIM THE DOWN-UNDERDOG SHIRAZ South Australia Hugh Hamilton 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+24034 WIRRA WIRRA CHURCH BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ/MERLOT McLaren Vale, South Australia 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+550293 CHÂTEAU LOUMELAT CUVÉE J.J. LESGOURGUES AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2015 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+487173 GEORGES DUBOEUF BELLES GRIVES MORGON AC 2014 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+103705 LAPLACE MADIRAN AP 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+684753 PORCA DE MURÇA RESERVA TINTO DOC Douro Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+488015 QUINTA DO ESPÍRITO SANTO Vinho Regional Lisboa Casa Santos Lima 2015 $12.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+39925 CUNE CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2014 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+461269 IZADI RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2013 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 over $20 ========= W+465724 RODNEY STRONG SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast 2015 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+558684 BREMERTON BATONNAGE SHIRAZ/MALBEC Langhorne Creek, South Australia 2015 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 88 R+553008 CHÂTEAU TRONQUOY-LALANDE AC Saint-Estèphe 2012 $57.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+167338 LUCA G LOT CHARDONNAY Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza Laura Catena, prop. 2016 $32.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+265090 LA CHABLISIENNE MONTMAINS CHABLIS 1ER CRU AC 2015 $34.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+653154 GÉNETIN POUILLY-FUMÉ Tinel-Blondelet 2015 $28.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+561035 2027 CELLARS EDGEROCK VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula 2016 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+555813 PYROS BARREL SELECTED MALBEC Pedernal Valley, San Juan 2015 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+63891 EMILIANA COYAM Los Robles Estate, DO Colchagua Valley 2014 $29.95 PMA 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+410019 HOWARD PARK MIAMUP CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2015 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+692301 PENCARROW PINOT NOIR Martinborough, North Island Palliser Estate 2016 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+550459 CHÂTEAU TOURANS AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2014 $34.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+550442 CHÂTEAU NOAILLAC Cru Bourgeois, AC Médoc 2014 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+556381 HENRI DE VILLAMONT PINOT NOIR Bourgogne 2014 $22.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+556407 MOILLARD CUVÉE PRESTIGE RULLY 2015 $28.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 T+539403 SILVIO GRASSO BAROLO DOCG 2012 $47.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+247262 ALEJANDRO PESQUERA CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2014 $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+482158 URBINA SELECCIÓN CRIANZA Rioja 1999 $32.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for July 7, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). 20 under $20 ========= W+557165 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara Escarpment 2016 $19.95 11.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+273672 STORIA ANTICA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2016 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+570085 ADEGAMÃE DORY RED Vinho Regional Lisboa 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+394288 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE CORBIÈRES 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+265983 MCMANIS CHARDONNAY River Junction 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AC 2017 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+701094 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION BLANC AP Costières de Nîmes 2017 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+599274 LOOSEN BROS. DR. L RIESLING Qualitätswein 2016 $14.95 8.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+541805 POGGIOARGENTIERA VERMENTINO IGT Toscana 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+292029 ARCA NOVA VINHO VERDE DOC Quinta das Arcas 2016 $13.95 10.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+534362 CHÂTEAU DE CRANNE 6ÈME GÉNÉRATION AC Côtes de Bordeaux 2014 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+416701 CHÂTEAU LA ROCHE BAZIN AC Côtes de Bordeaux Blaye 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+426247 CHÂTEAU LES TOURELLES Bordeaux 2015 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+391896 SEIN DO Alicante 2011 $17.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+310151 TARIMA MONASTRELL DO Alicante Bodegas Volver 2015 $14.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+569806 CASALE DEL GIGLIO SATRICO IGT Lazio Bianco 2017 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+ 485839 MARCEL CABELIER VIEILLES VIGNES CHARDONNAY AP Côtes du Jura 2014 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+183897 PASCUAL TOSO RESERVE MALBEC Barrancas Vineyards Mendoza 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+557603 MCBAINS OF COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra South Australia 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+556449 BAPTISTE & LAURENT LE MEILLEUR DES 2 MONDES SAINT-AMOUR AP 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+562587 DOMAINE D'ALBAS ROUGE AP Minervois 2015 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+566059 JULES CÔTES DE PROVENCE AP 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= R+82180 VIÑA VILANO CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2013 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO DOCG 2013 $36.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+570838 VALLEY OF THE MOON BLEND 41 Sonoma County Madrone Vineyards Estate 2013 $26.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+986133 LEEUWIN PRELUDE VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT Margaret River Western Australia 2013 $32.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+158683 LA CREMA MONTEREY CHARDONNAY Monterey 2016 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+148866 CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2016 $29.95 13.3 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W+1552 FLAT ROCK THE RUSTY SHED CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara Escarpment 2016 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+424507 WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara Peninsula 2016 $27.95 13.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+251223 KISTLER LES NOISETIERS CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast 2016 $99.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+378604 KIM CRAWFORD WILD GRACE SMALL PARCELS CHARDONNAY Hawkes Bay North Island 2016 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+931006 HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Walker Bay 2017 $44.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R+316083 SCHOLA SARMENTI CUBARDI PRIMITIVO IGT Salento 2012 $20.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+473124 SOPRASASSO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2014 $34.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+958868 BARÓN DE LEY RESERVA Estate bottled DOCa Rioja 2013 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+677450 DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough South Island 2017 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+570465 CHARTON ET TRÉBUCHET POUILLY-FUISSÉ AC 2016 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+303511 LEGÓN RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero Valtostao 2012 $35.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+515486 CARPINETO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2012 $64.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+985929 ORTAS PRESTIGE RASTEAU AC Cave de Rasteau 2013 $20.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 23, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- +542746 Sanchez Romate Fino Perdido Xeres 8 year old $16.95, MVC/QPR: 94+ 20 under $20 ========= W+256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $18.95 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90+ W+89011 FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+510339 ARBOLEDA SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC DO Aconcagua Costa 2016 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+126797 PORCUPINE RIDGE SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Western Cape 2017 $15.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+747600 PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+557199 ROSTRE DE BÉLEMNITE BEAUJOLAIS BLANC AP Beaujolais 2014 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+466052 MOSELLAND GOLDSCHILD SINGLE VINEYARD RIESLING KABINETT Prädikatswein 2016 $16.95 9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88+ W+542811 MONTEMISIO OFFIDA PECORINO DOCG Cantine di Castignano 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+478271 SISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2016 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88+ R+278390 RUSTENBERG RM NICHOLSON WO Stellenbosch 2016 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+155804 CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN LA GRANGE DES COMBES SAINT-CHINIAN-ROQUEBRUN AC 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+168716 M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES AC 2016 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+540914 SCARANTO GOVERNO ALL'USO IGT Toscana 2016 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+168542 LA JOYA GRAN RESERVA VIOGNIER DO Colchagua Valley Bisquertt Family Vineyards 2017 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+551549 HOPE ESTATE SÉMILLON Hunter Valley, New South Wales 2016 $17.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+326827 DOMAINE DE LA GRENAUDIÈRE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE AC 2016 $15.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+80374 MURALHAS DE MONÇÃO VINHO VERDE DOC Adega Coop 2016 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+511519 CAMPO ARRIBA OLD VINES MONASTRELL/SYRAH/TINTORERA DO Yecla Señorío de Barahonda 2014 $17 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+549782 TERRA GRANDE RESERVA Vinho Regional Alentejano 2015 $12.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+241182 CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $36.95 11.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+560904 STRATUS WEATHER REPORT CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake Stratus Vineyards 2016 $27.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+556118 ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA COSTA CHARDONNAY Aconcagua Costa 2016 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W_324228 STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+461699 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE BACO NOIR VQA Ontario 2016 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89+ R+616433 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2012 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+585737 BURROWING OWL MERLOT BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2014 $39.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+330241 STERLING MERLOT Napa Valley 2014 $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+737 ECHEVERRÍA FAMILY RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Molina, DO Curicó Valley 2015 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+404459 CHÂTEAU MARJOSSE AC Bordeaux Pierre Lurton 2015 $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+508002 MANOIR DE MERCEY CHÂTEAUBEAU MERCUREY AC Berger Rive 2015 $31.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+539379 ELVIO COGNO CASCINA NUOVA BAROLO DOCG 2013 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+716266 SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA DOCG 2014 $28.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+393553 CUNE GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2011 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+570267 FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2009 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+414243 CULMINA HYPOTHESIS Golden Mile Bench, BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2013 $47.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+568204 CULMINA DILEMMA CHARDONNAY Margaret's Bench, BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $47.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+974899 LAURÈNE PINOT NOIR Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley Domaine Drouhin Oregon 2014 $79.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+446401 ROGER & DIDIER RAIMBAULT SANCERRE ROUGE AC 2015 $31.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+558700 FIVE GEESE GANDERS BLEND OLD VINE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2013 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+643361 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $24.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 9, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- R+63537 CHÂTEAU HYOT AC Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+89029 TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $18.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+558734 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE WHITE BLEND Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+117945 TAHBILK MARSANNE Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria 2017 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+734798 THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+556365 L'AVENIR FAR & NEAR CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2017 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+488908 DOMAINE DE POIX TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AC 2017 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+271940 JUSTIN MONMOUSSEAU VOUVRAY AC 2016 $19.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 W+147975 GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2015 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+556787 JANARE SENETE FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO DOP 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+261586 LA POSTA ESTELA ARMANDO BONARDA Mendoza Laura Catena 2016 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+66738 THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER McLaren Vale/Padthaway, South Australia 2016 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+11072 THE GOATFATHER WO Coastal Region Fairview 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+140012 CHÂTEAU DE LAFAURIE-MONBADON AC Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon Baron de Montfort 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+539957 CHATEAU HAUT SOCIONDO AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+272575 GÉRARD BERTRAND TAUTAVEL GRENACHE/SYRAH/CARIGNAN GRAND TERROIR AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+981175 DOMAINE DE LA MADONE LE PERRÉON BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES AC Jean Bererd et Fils, vigns. 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+561803 LES GRANDES SERRES LES PORTES DU CASTELAS AP Côtes du Rhône 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+276055 CHÂTEAU NOZIÈRES CUVÉE AMBROISE DE L'HER MALBEC CAHORS AC 2014 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+366955 MASSERIA ALTEMURA SASSEO PRIMITIVO IGT Salento 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+515494 BANFI STILNOVO GOVERNO ALL'USO TOSCANO IGT Toscana 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+553743 GANCEDO XESTAL MENCÍA DO Bierzo 2010 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+976910 ONTAÑÓN CRIANZA TEMPRANILLO/GARNACHA DOCa Rioja 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+556100 CHÂTEAU LOS BOLDOS GRAND RÉSERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Andes Viña Los Boldos 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+350108 BLUE MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2016 $28.95 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+63941 MAHI SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2015 $20.95 MVC/QPR: 90 W+155382 MARCHESI DI BAROLO GAVI DI GAVI DOCG 2016 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+392738 QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+276741 OSOYOOS LAROSE PÉTALES D'OSOYOOS RED BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2014 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+708982 STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS ARTEMIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 $84.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+269357 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2015 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+323741 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2016 $20.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+526863 CHÂTEAU MARSAC-SÉGUINEAU AC Margaux 2014 $42.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+444448 DIEVOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+995910 REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $42.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+69518 DOMAINE POULLEAU PÈRE & FILS LES MONDES RONDES AC Côtes de Beaune 2013 $38.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5 R+943613 BARONE RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+652438 CASTELLO DI GABBIANO BELLEZZA GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+346304 GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2014 $67.95 MVC/QPR: 91 R+545764 DOMAINE BESANCENOT CENT VIGNES BEAUNE 1ER CRU AP 2014 $55.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for May 26, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). 20 under $20 ========= W+207340 13TH STREET WHITE PALETTE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $15.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+431262 REDE RESERVA Douro Quinta da Rede 2011 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+718999 CASTAÑO HÉCULA MONASTRELL DO Yecla 2015 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+461301 EL GUARDIÁN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2011 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+552901 LORCA MONASTRELL DO Bullas Bodegas del Rosario 2009 $15.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+546184 MARQUÉS DE VALPARAÍSO CRIANZA TEMPRANILLO DO Ribera del Duero 2014 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+283630 LOMA LARGA SAUVIGNON BLANC Casablanca Valley 2017 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+446419 BARON DE HOEN RÉSERVE PINOT BLANC AC Alsace 2016 $13.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+541516 NURAGICO JUSTU VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA DOC Cantina Sociale di Dolianova 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+549832 ALMA AUSTRAL BARREL SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+37937 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR Casablanca Valley 2015 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+18721 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+556092 VIU MANENT VIBO VIÑEDO CENTENARIO Colchagua Valley 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+269464 SISTER'S RUN EPIPHANY SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+546242 QUANTUM SYRAH/CABERNET SAUVIGNON Regional Wine of the Thracian Lowlands 2015 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+343509 TESSELLAE VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN IGP Cotes Catalanes Lafage 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+475251 LUNAROSSA CAMPOREALE AGLIANICO IGP Campania 2016 $13.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+538140 PELLEGRINO GAZZEROTTA NERO D'AVOLA IGT Terre Siciliane Carlo Pellegrino 2014 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+540898 CASTELLO DI GABBIANO DARK KNIGHT IGT Toscana 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+220830 ZENI MAROGNE SUPERIORE VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO DOC 2014 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+68015 FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+552042 VERUM CHARDONNAY Alto Valle Del Rio Negro, Patagonia 2016 $16.95 13.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+282731 TAR & ROSES SHIRAZ Heathcote, Victoria 2016 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+537969 MARRENON VERSANT NORD LUBERON AC 2015 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+127753 DOMAINE MOURÉOU MADIRAN AP Famille Laplace 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 20 over $20 ========= W+275552 RODNEY STRONG CHALK HILL CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2015 $26.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+337048 MARCHESI DI BAROLO SARMASSA BAROLO DOCG 2013 $77.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+268391 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+360222 SEVEN FALLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley 2015 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+559872 VASSE FELIX FILIUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2015 $26.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+527002 LES BRULIÈRES DE BEYCHEVELLE AC Haut-Médoc Château Beychevelle 2014 $37.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+474643 GIACOSA SCARRONE VIGNA MANDORLO BAROLO DOCG 2010 $57.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+542688 LUIGI BAUDANA DRAGON LANGHE ROSSO DOC 2015 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+51771 LUNGAROTTI MONTICCHIO RUBESCO TORGIANO ROSSO RISERVA DOCG 2010 $46.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+672931 ALLEGRINI PALAZZO DELLA TORRE IGT Veronese 2014 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+552133 FRANKLAND ESTATE SHIRAZ Frankland River, Western Australia 2015 $26.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+540971 VILLA ANTINORI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG Marchesi Antinori 2013 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+415463 KIM CRAWFORD SMALL PARCELS FAVOURITE HOMESTEAD PINOT GRIS Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2016 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+974527 VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2017 $21.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for May 12, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- [atypically, a lot] R+526939 CHÂTEAU PLAISANCE LES PALUES AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2009 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 W+551739 ROCKBURN SAUVIGNON BLANC Central Otago, South Island 2015 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+328559 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY WO Western Cape 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+936971 D'ARENBERG THE LAUGHING MAGPIE SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER McLaren Vale, South Australia 2012 $29.95 14.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+547299 BACHELDER WISMER-FOXCROFT N. 2 CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $44.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+547943 SURF SWIM CHARDONNAY California 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W+551556 SHOOFLY CHARDONNAY Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+163535 MOMO ORGANIC PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island Seresin Estate 2017 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+981167 SIMONSIG CHENIN BLANC Stellenbosch 2017 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+474742 TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT GRIGIO IGT Vignetti delle Dolomiti 2016 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+540930 VILLA PUCCINI IGT Toscana 2012 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+338939 TOMMASI GRATICCIO APPASSIONATO Italy 2015 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+547125 CAMPARRÓN CRIANZA DO Toro 2014 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+166579 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA GARNACHA/TEMPRANILLO/CARIÑENA DO Cariñena 2012 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+551473 DRUMHELLER CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+37911 SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+445510 CHÂTEAU FLEUR HAUT GAUSSENS AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2010 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+426049 CHÂTEAU GODARD BELLEVUE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Francs 2010 $14.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+550418 CHÂTEAU LA BRANDE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Castillon 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+413237 GÉRARD BERTRAND SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Languedoc 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+538009 RÉMY FERBRAS TERRE DE MISTRAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU AC 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+547836 NORTH 43 SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Lakeshore 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+551374 SPERLING MARKET WHITE BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $18.95 11.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+560748 NORMAN HARDIE CUVÉE PARADOXE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $29.20 9.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+225375 J. LOHR OCTOBER NIGHT CHARDONNAY Arroyo Seco, Monterey County 2015 $34.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+282806 GREYWACKE WILD SAUVIGNON Marlborough, South Island 2014 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+318139 SYLVAIN MOSNIER CÔTE DE LÉCHET CHABLIS 1ER CRU AC 2015 $35.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+70615 DUSTED VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2013 $40.95 14.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+414557 MARCHAND-TAWSE BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY AC 2015 $32.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+551846 ZORZAL EGGO BLANC DE CAL SAUVIGNON BLANC Tupungato, Mendoza 2016 $29.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+552067 CHÂTEAU LA LOUVIÈRE BLANC AC Pessac-Léognan André Lurton 2012 $47.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+331652 NAUTILUS CHARDONNAY Marlborough, South Island 2016 $27.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+498766 LAKE SONOMA ZINFANDEL Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $26.95 15.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+73817 RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2015 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+317008 VERSADO MALBEC Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2014 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+707323 RUSTENBERG JOHN X MERRIMAN WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2014 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+550368 CHÂTEAU BUSQUET AC Lussac-Saint-Émilion 2015 $26.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+437954 CHÂTEAU PIERRE DE MONTIGNAC Cru Bourgeois, AC Médoc 2010 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+304105 BUENA VISTA PINOT NOIR Carneros 2013 $28.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+984187 MURIEL GRAN RESERVA Rioja 2005 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+527960 DOMAINE MALDANT PAUVELOT CHOREY-LÈS-BEAUNE AP Chorey-lès-Beaune 2015 $32.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+521187 OREGON TRAILS PINOT NOIR Willamette Vly.2015 $24.95 13.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+309583 ELEPHANT HILL PINOT NOIR Central Otago, South Island 2013 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for April 28, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+543710 BALBAS BARRICA 5 MESES OLD VINES TEMPRANILLO DO Ribera del Duero 2015 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+552158 QUARISA TREASURES COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2014 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+964221 LE VOLTE DELL'ORNELLAIA IGT Toscana Tenuta dell'Ornellaia 2015 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+286278 FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+544213 INDOMITA GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC Casablanca Valley 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+108522 CHÂTEAU VIGNOL BLANC AC Entre-Deux-Mers Famille Doublet 2016 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+46508 PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI SEMI-SWEET YELLOW MUSCAT PDO Tokaji 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+247882 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY TREE RED VQA Ontario 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+463000 14 HANDS MERLOT Columbia Valley, Washington 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+220376 DUSTED VALLEY BOOMTOWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley, Washington 2015 $19.95 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+546515 BISQUERT ECOS DE RULO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Single vineyard, Colchagua Valley 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+453209 ROCKCLIFFE THIRD REEF SHIRAZ Great Southern, Western Australia 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+434464 CHÂTEAU SAINT-ANTOINE RÉSERVE DU CHÂTEAU AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2014 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+538504 DOMAINE D'EN SÉGUR CUVÉE GERMAIN IGP Côtes du Tarn 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+538561 CANTINA DI VENOSA VERBO AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE DOP 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+541441 MESSIERI VISIONI RISERVA ROSSO PICENO SUPERIORE DOC Cocci Grifoni 2010 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+540922 CECCHI STORIA DI FAMIGLIA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+548834 ALIANÇA DÃO DOC Dão Caves Aliança 2014 $12.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+209650 ELIAS MORA DO Toro 2014 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+383018 RAMIREZ DE LA PISCINA CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2013 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+547950 RAMON BILBAO LIMITED EDITION TEMPRANILLO DOCa Rioja 2013 $17.00 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+203901 BRAMPTON SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Western Cape 2016 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+396275 ORGANIZED CRIME SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+571422 DOMAINE GUY ALLION SAUVIGNON BLANC AC Touraine 2016 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+556134 TRITTENHEIMER ALTÄRCHEN RIESLING KABINETT HALBTROCKEN Prädikatswein Familie Steffen 2017 $15.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+546200 SEMÉLI OREINOS HELIOS AGIORGITIKO/SYRAH PGI Peloponnese 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+529941 CAVE SPRING CSV CHARDONNAY VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+556084 VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY 1ER CRU AC 2016 $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+626325 OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2014 $47.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+944843 KENWOOD JACK LONDON VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma Mountain 2014 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+497933 RODNEY STRONG MERLOT Sonoma County 2014 $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+526905 CHÂTEAU GODEAU DUCARPE AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Famille Florisoone 2014 $31.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+526871 GRAND VIN DE MARGAUX AP Margaux Maison Ginestet 2015 $38.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+232439 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CHARDONNAY Columbia Valley 2016 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+402180 PRIMARIUS PINOT NOIR Oregon 2015 $29.95 13.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE ZINGARELLI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+27888 XANADU CHARDONNAY Margaret River, Western Australia 2014 $39.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+524959 DOMAINE BÈGUE-MATHIOT VAILLONS CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2014 $37.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+999730 BREZZA SARMASSA BAROLO DOCG 2013 $87.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+540849 TENUTA DI RENIERI CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+356220 TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $49.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+216291 ÁLVARO PALACIOS CAMINS DEL PRIORAT DOQ Priorat 2016 $30.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for April 14, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+270645 LEGÓN PREMIUM DO Ribera del Duero 2014 $32.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+443945 EL GORÚ MONASTRELL/SYRAH/PETIT VERDOT DOP Jumilla 2015 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+616466 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+80234 FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $16.95 10 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+483875 THE TRAGICALLY HIP AHEAD BY A CENTURY CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+376814 WILDASS SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $18.95 12.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+128421 CLINE VIOGNIER North Coast 2016 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+231282 KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2016 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+722413 DOMDECHANT WERNER HOCHHEIMER RIESLING KABINETT Prädikatswein 2015 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+707158 ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA DOC 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+673236 LAURENT MIQUEL NORD SUD VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2015 $14.95 13.5% % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+546432 VINA CONO SUR RESERVA ESPECIAL PINOT NOIR San Antonio Valley 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+15495 3 RINGS SHIRAZ Barossa Valley, South Australia 2015 $19.95 14.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+540286 ENCHANTED TREE SHIRAZ South Australia 2014 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+548495 FLEUR DU CAP UNFILTERED CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Stellenbosch 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+299917 VILLA PONCIAGO LA RÉSERVE FLEURIE AC 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+528000 BERTRAND AMBROISE LETTRE D'ÉLOÏSE AC Coteaux Bourguignons 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+537993 FRANÇOIS LURTON MJ MAS JANEIL LE PETIT PAS AP Côtes du Roussillon 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+538017 MAISON VENTENAC LES HAUTS DE VENTENAC CUVÉE JULES AP Cabardès 2014 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+678086 MICHEL GASSIER LES PILIERS SYRAH AC Costières de Nîmes 2015 $17.95 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+539916 ROC DES TEMPLIERS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES AC 2016 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+541524 BARTALI RISERVA CHIANTI DOCG 2013 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+536250 ANTICA VIGNA APPASSIONATO IGP Veneto Rosso 2011 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+532283 FONTE DA LOBA VINHO TINTO DOC Douro 2015 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+488007 PERIQUITA RESERVA Vinho Regional Península de Setúbal 2015 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 over $20 ========= R+477620 BOSCARELLI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOC 2013 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+511568 URBINA RESERVA ESPECIAL DOCa Rioja 2001 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+962886 LA CREMA SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast 2016 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+661322 DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS LES CLOUS MEURSAULT AC 2015 $62.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+548529 KWV THE MENTORS ORCHESTRA WO Western Cape 2014 $24.95 14.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+527994 ROUX PÈRE & FILS BEAUREPAIRE SANTENAY 1ER CRU AC Côte de Beaune 2015 $54.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+743385 CHÂTEAU BOUSCASSÉ AP Madiran 2013 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+539387 VITE COLTE SPEZIE RISERVA BARBARESCO DOCG 2008 $42.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+541078 CANTALICI BARUFFO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2012 $35.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+306852 COL D'ORCIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2012 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+234898 NOVAIA CORTE VAONA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2012 $49.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+445122 SÃO MIGUEL ESCOLHA DOS ENOLOGOS Vinho Regional Alentejano 2015 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+642496 BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2010 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+424390 CVNE IMPERIAL RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for March 31, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). YES, IT IS THE BLUE MOON RELEASE!!!! THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- W+129700 WILDASS RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $17.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+161398 LANDER-JENKINS CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+286393 CHÂTEAU PAUL MAS CLOS DES MÛRES AC Côteaux du Languedoc 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+552570 ROSEWOOD LOCKED & LOADED WHITE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+119099 VIÑA COBOS FELINO CHARDONNAY Mendoza 2016 $19.95 14.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+711556 WAKEFIELD CLARE VALLEY ESTATE CHARDONNAY Clare Valley, South Australia 2016 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+435412 ILOCKI PODRUMI TRAMINAC Danube 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+906016 PIERRE SPARR ALTENBOURG RIESLING AC Alsace 2015 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+523928 SELBACH INCLINE RIESLING Qualitätswein 2016 $17.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+477877 FEUDO MACCARI GRILLO IGP Terre Siciliane 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+523621 CASAL DE VENTOZELA ALVARINHO DOC Vinho Verde 2016 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+261941 DON CRISTÓBAL 1492 BONARDA Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2016 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+169847 LUIS FELIPE EDWARDS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Colchagua Valley 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+542118 TERRA NOBLE GRAN RESERVA CARIGNAN Maule Valley 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+546069 CHÂTEAU HAUT LALANDE AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+245787 CAVINO NEMEA RESERVE PDO Nemea 2011 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+541474 IL FEUDUCCIO FONTE VENNA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2014 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+538132 MESSER DEL FAUNO NERO D'AVOLA IGT Terre Siciliane 2016 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+282996 SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+471565 BORSAO BOLE DO Campo de Borja 2014 $16.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+546085 CASTAÑO ECOLÓGICO BARRICA MONASTRELL DO Yecla 2016 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+546556 ROCKWAY BLOCK BLEND RED VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+541557 LAKE SONOMA CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $26.95 14.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+995746 ST. URBANS-HOF OLD VINES RIESLING Qualitätswein 2016 $22.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+280578 QUINTA DO PORTAL RESERVA DOC Douro 2014 $25.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+542191 GORETTI SAGRANTINO DI MONTEFALCO DOCG 2009 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+378885 OLARRA ERUDITO RESERVA ESPECIAL DOCa Rioja 2009 $44.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+460642 DECOY MERLOT Sonoma County 2015 $35.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+719435 LA CREMA SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County 2015 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+226944 RODNEY STRONG SONOMA COUNTY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+209874 COLUMBIA CREST H3 MERLOT Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2015 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+534388 DOMAINE NINOT VIEILLES VIGNES MERCUREY AC 2015 $38.95 13% R+549659 MADONNA DELL'UVA COLLINE NOVARESI NEBBIOLO DOC 2010 $21.95 13%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2014 $23.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+643205 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+192476 ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA LA GRANJA Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 2008 $20.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+85183 BALBÁS RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2005 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+656363 WEINERT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2006 $25.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+960310 CHÂTEAU ST. GEORGES AC Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion 2014 $43.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+527101 CHÂTEAU VERDIGNAN AC Haut-Médoc 2005 $49.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+681262 BANFI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO DOC 2015 $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for March 17, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+545772 BUENA VISTA THE LEGENDARY BADGE PETITE SIRAH California 2016 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 R+545913 TEMPERAMENTO BOBAL DO Utiel-Requena 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 Rose+333260 CHATEAU DES CHARMES CUVEE D'ANDREE ROSE 2016 12.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 20 under $20 ========= W+164491 FIELDING UNOAKED CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+557165 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $17.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+287995 CONCHA Y TORO SERIE RIBERAS GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY Colchagua Valley 2016 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+350900 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES CHARDONNAY Margaret River, Western Australia 2016 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+461004 MAN FAMILY WARRELWIND SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Western Cape 2016 $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+469734 PFAFF SPECIAL AC Alsace 2015 $13.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+488734 CASTELO DO MAR ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+376822 WILDASS MERLOT VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+673897 JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ Padthaway, South Australia 2016 $16.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+548503 SUTHERLAND CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Elgin 2013 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+40964 CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES AC 2015 $19.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+454041 FONTANAFREDDA EREMO LANGHE ROSSO DOC 2014 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+452789 CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA Vinho Regional Lisboa 2014 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+485276 TZAFONA CELLARS COLD CLIMATE UNOAKED CHARDONNAY KP VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+550608 VIENI PINOT NOIR VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+707950 ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO IGT Venezia Giulia 2016 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+13755 TOMMASI POGGIO AL TUFO ROMPICOLLO IGT Toscana 2015 $17.95 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+377770 QUAILS' GATE CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $23.95 14 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+119073 PAUL HOBBS RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $67.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+424903 DOMAINE DE ROTISSON LES CHERES BOURGOGNE 2016 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+928218 SERGIO ZENATO RISERVA LUGANA DOC 2015 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+546473 REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2012 $21.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+542647 LUIGI BOSCA GALA 2 Mendoza 2014 $36.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+123729 VIÑA COBOS BRAMARE MALBEC Unfined and Unfiltered, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $44.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+545954 CALITERRA EDICIÓN LIMITADA M Colchagua Valley 2015 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+731620 BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E&E BLACK PEPPER SHIRAZ Limited release, Barossa Valley, South Australia 2014 $89.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+469783 CHÂTEAU GRIVIÈRE Cru Bourgeois, AC Médoc 2011 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+129965 CHÂTEAU PECH REDON L'ÉPERVIER LA CLAPE AC Coteaux du Languedoc 2014 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+67918 MARZIANO ABBONA TERLO RAVERA BAROLO DOCG 2011 $59.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+922054 SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2012 $44.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+73072 BURROWING OWL SYRAH BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+544940 OBSIDIAN RIDGE ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Obsidian Ridge Vineyard, Red Hills Lake County 2014 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+529107 DOMAINE DROUHIN ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley 2014 $40.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+433045 XANADU CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2013 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+414151 RUSTENBERG BUZZARD KLOOF SYRAH WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2014 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+285601 MARCHAND-TAWSE BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR AC 2014 $30.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+75127 MICHELE CASTELLANI CINQUE STELLE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO Collezione Ca' del Pipa, DOCG 2013 $55.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+237933 WAKEFIELD ST. ANDREWS CHARDONNAY Single Vineyard Release, Clare Valley, South Australia 2015 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for March 3, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+542183 RAVANAL GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Colchagua Valley 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+545939 MARQUÉS DE TORO FINCA LA MOURA Single vineyard, DO Mencia 2012 $12.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+412247 CASETTA BARBARESCO DOCG 2008 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 20 under $20 ========= W+251116 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY TREE WHITE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $17.95 13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+538371 SABOT DE VÉNUS APREMONT SAVOIE AC 2016 $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+540732 MULLERI SOFFIO VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA DOC 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+523555 CASA FERREIRINHA VINHA GRANDE BRANCO DOC Douro 2015 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+350041 PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2016 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+682005 JIM JIM (THE DOWN-UNDERDOG) SHIRAZ South Australia 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+68775 NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE SHIRAZ WO Western Cape 2014 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+276477 GEORGES DUBOEUF DOMAINE MONT CHAVY MORGON AC 2014 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+320499 BASTIDE MIRAFLORS SYRAH/VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE AP Côtes du Roussillon 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+356048 CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+230649 CASTELFORTE CORVINA IGT Veronese 2014 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+377481 LÓPEZ DE HARO CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2013 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+293464 NACIDO DEL QUÓRUM SELECCIÓN MONASTRELL DO Jumilla 2011 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+518969 WEINGUT NADLER GRÜNER VELTLINER Carnuntum 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+224246 DOMAINE DU BOIS-MALINGE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE AP 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+546119 CHÂTEAU DE RIBEBON AC Bordeaux Supérieur 2015 $17 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+146522 GLORIA RESERVA DOC Douro 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+143214 MONTES ALPHA PINOT NOIR Aconcagua Coast 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+68817 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $29.95 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+441998 COLUMBIA CREST H3 CHARDONNAY Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2014 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+455618 SPIER VINTAGE SELECTION CHENIN BLANC WO Swartland 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+185736 HERVÉ AZO CHABLIS AC 2015 $27.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+538454 DOMAINE SYLVAIN LANGOUREAU SAINT-AUBIN AC 2015 $41.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+213926 DIEVOLE NOVECENTO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $37.95 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+485904 MARCHESI DI BAROLO PEIRAGAL BARBERA D'ALBA DOC 2015 $34.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+529081 EVOLUTION PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2015 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+63891 EMILIANA COYAM Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley 2013 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+333229 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE THE SIDING CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2012 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+480426 GLENELLY LADY MAY CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Stellenbosch 2011 $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+192906 CHÂTEAU CAPBERN GASQUETON AC Saint-Estèphe 2012 $41.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+527069 CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBRUN AC Lalande-de-Pomerol 2008 $49.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+527911 CHANSON PÈRE & FILS SANTENAY AC 2015 $43.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+86207 ZONIN AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2013 $41.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+103473 ATTECA OLD VINES GARNACHA DO Calatayud 2015 $24.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+976662 FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2005 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+594002 JACKSON-TRIGGS GRAND RESERVE MERITAGE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+461566 THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT PINOT NOIR VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula 2015 $34.95 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for FEB 17, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+82024 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS GRAN RESERVA DOP Cariñena 2010 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+652446 CERBAIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2007 $43.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 20 under $20 ========= W+89029 TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $18.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+536532 CANTINE DUE PALME SANGAETANO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+536672 PIATTELLI RESERVE TORRONTÉS Cafayate Valley, Salta 2016 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+542365 SANTA EMA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY Leyda Valley 2016 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+673053 DOMAINE DES ASPES CHARDONNAY/VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2016 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+177824 13TH STREET GAMAY NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+542696 TORMENTOSO CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Coastal Region MAN Vintners 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+230391 CHÂTEAU LAGRANGE AC Lussac-Saint-Émilion Famille Courrech, Exploitante 2013 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+469627 CHÂTEAU GRANGE COCHARD VIEILLES VIGNES MORGON AP 2014 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+482455 S. DELAFONT MOSAIQUE AP Languedoc 2016 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+526665 GABRIEL MEFFRE ST. VINCENT CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+354134 CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE LA FORÊT AP Fronton Philip Grant, prop. 2014 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+536326 FEUDI SALENTINI 125 PRIMITIVO DEL SALENTO IGP 2015 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+56267 REMO FARINA MONTECORNA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+251439 FIELDING ESTATE BOTTLED RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $19.95 10.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+374819 KEINT-HE PORTAGE CHARDONNAY VQA Prince Edward County 2014 $25.00 12.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+656710 D'ARENBERG THE MONEY SPIDER ROUSSANNE McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $19.95 12.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+336958 FOWLES STONE DWELLERS CHARDONNAY Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+591313 MALIVOIRE GAMAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+511428 REDSTONE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $25.70 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+395699 BERINGER LUMINUS CHARDONNAY Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley 2015 $44.95 14.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+146951 FOLIE À DEUX CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $24.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+461699 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE BACO NOIR VQA Ontario 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+256768 BLACK STALLION CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2014 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+382267 BUENA VISTA THE COUNT FOUNDER'S RED Sonoma County Boisset Family Estates Collection 2014 $26.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+942599 RAVENSWOOD LODI OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Lodi 2015 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+29207 ROBERT MONDAVI OAKVILLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2013 $47.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+167189 DANDELION VINEYARDS LIONHEART OF THE BAROSSA SHIRAZ Barossa, South Australia 2016 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+927657 JOHN'S BLEND MARGARETE'S SHIRAZ Langhorne Creek, South Australia 2013 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+962977 CHÂTEAU SÉNÉJAC AC Haut-Médoc 2015 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+527986 DOMAINE ROUX PÈRE & FILS SAINT-AUBIN LES FRIONNES 1ER CRU AC 2015 $46.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+981787 DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D'OR GIGONDAS AC Céline et Bernard Chauvet, Prop. 2015 $32.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+941740 LA CRAU DE MA MÈRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AP Famille Mayard 2015 $41.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+530485 SORDO GABUTTI BAROLO DOCG 2012 $68.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+225540 SARTORI CORTE BRÀ AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOC 2010 $39.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+537852 CANTINE DI MARZO GRECO DI TUFO DOCG 2015 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+48710 REDHAWK GRATEFUL RED PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2015 $21.95 13.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+543728 OTAZU RESERVA CLÁSICO DO Navarra 2009 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for February 3, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- W+439554 AVONDALE JONTY'S DUCKS PEKIN WHITE WO Paarl 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. R+382283 SPERLING VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $28.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+ 686600 PEWSEY VALE SINGLE VINEYARD ESTATE RIESLING Eden Valley, South Australia 2016 $19.95 12.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+391987 MIDDLE-EARTH SAUVIGNON BLANC Nelson, South Island Winelord Ltd. 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+390781 NOVELLUM CHARDONNAY Sud de France Lafage 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+346007 RABL KITTMANSBERG GRÜNER VELTLINER DAC Kamptal 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+532259 CANTINA DEL CASTELLO SOAVE CLASSICO DOC 2015 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+546036 ROCKWAY VINEYARDS FERGIE JENKINS LIMITED EDITION RED VQA Ontario 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+712463 PRIMUS THE BLEND Colchagua Valley 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+478271 SISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+535856 MOUNT RILEY SYRAH Marlborough, South Island 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+542704 STELLENBOSCH HILLS CAPE RED WO Stellenbosch 2016 $14.95 14%ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+527051 JEAN-PAUL DUBOST BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES CLIMAT LE TRACOT AC 2015 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+526848 CHÂTEAU SAINTE MARIE ALIOS AC Côtes de Bordeaux 2014 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+331900 E. GUIGAL GIGONDAS AC 2014 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+378026 CASA AL VENTO ARIA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+318352 LAZZERETTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2012 $53.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+492561 FARINA VALPOLICELLA DOC 2016 $14.95 MAJESTIC WINE 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+160374 SARTORI VALDIMEZZO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE Unfiltered, DOC 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+490011 LA TREMENDA MONASTRELL DO Alicante Enrique Mendoza 2014 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+266882 LUA CHEIA OLD VINES RED DOC Douro Wines & Winemakers by Saven 2015 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $21.95 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+529735 JACKSON ESTATE CHARDONNAY Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara Kendall-Jackson 2015 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+226936 RODNEY STRONG CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2016 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+466144 J. MOREAU & FILS CHABLIS AC 2015 $22.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+249623 DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER KESSLER PINOT GRIS AC Alsace Grand Cru 2012 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+539106 BUENA VISTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2013 $59.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+55764 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE INDIAN WELLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2014 $26.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+433060 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ Coonawarra, South Australia 2015 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+484253 CHÂTEAU LA VIEILLE CURE AC Fronsac 2008 $41.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+534289 CHÂTEAU LANESSAN AC Haut-Médoc Delbos-Bouteiller 2000 $69.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 R+539825 MACHARD DE GRAMONT VIEILLES VIGNES NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES AC 2015 $59.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+538462 ROCCA DEL DRAGONE AGLIANICO IGP Campania Orion Wines 2013 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+536318 FELLINE PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2016 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+483412 LE MACCHIOLE BOLGHERI ROSSO DOC 2015 $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+709980 MICHELE SATTA PIASTRAIA DOC Bolgheri Superiore 2013 $38.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+239707 POGGIO VERRANO CHANCE IGT Maremma Toscana 2007 $38.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+681692 CA'LINVERNO VERONESE ROSSO IGT Rosso Veronese Monte Zovo 2013 $23.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+313270 DON JACOBO RESERVA DOCa Rioja Bodegas Corral 2010 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+546283 NORTH 42 DEGREES CABERNET FRANC VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2016 $21.95 14.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for January 20, 2018 By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). 20 under $20 ========= W+486993 POWERS VIOGNIER Columbia Valley 2016 $18.95 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+535765 ANNA'S WAY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+414144 ESSAY CHENIN BLANC/VIOGNIER/ROUSSANNE WO Western Cape 2017 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+528869 MASTROBERARDINO MASTRO GRECO IGT Campania 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+536797 STOLEN IDENTITY PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2014 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+533687 WASHINGTON HILLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Washington State 2014 $18.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+541169 MIGUEL TORRES CORDILLERA DE LOS ANDES CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2013 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+146894 PORCUPINE RIDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Coastal Region Boekenhoutskloof 2016 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+526889 MOULIN DE GRENET AC Lussac Saint-Émilion Château Cantenac 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+480665 LA TORRE GUINZANO SAN GIMIGNANO ROSSO DOC 2013 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+190694 EVEL TINTO DOC Douro Real Companhia Velha 2014 $14.95 H.H.D. 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+336313 GUADALUPE RED Vinho Regional Alentejano Quinta do Quetzal 2015 $12.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 536342 MAR DE LISBOA Vinho Regional Lisboa Quinta de Chocapalha 2014 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+39925 CUNE CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2014 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+57869 CLAYHOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Red Cedar Vineyard, Paso Robles 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+524868 COVELA EDIÇÃO NACIONAL AVESSO Vinho Verde Lima & Smith 2015 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+540781 SAN PEDRO 1865 SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY Elquí Valley 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+485656 LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC M. Chapoutier 2015 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+536813 PIATTELLI RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Cafayate Valley, Salta 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+205567 CALITERRA TRIBUTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Single vineyard, Colchagua Valley 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+371161 SANTA EMA GRAN RESERVA SYRAH Leyda Valley 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+530121 JOHNNY Q CABERNET SAUVIGNON South Australia Quarisa 2014 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+523845 CHARLES BAKER B-SIDE RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula Stratus Vineyards 2016 $22.20 11 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+522227 JEAN CLAUDE BOISSET MARSANNAY BLANC AC 2015 $42.95 12.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+409292 DOMAINE DES CÔTES BLANCHES SANCERRE AC François Millet 2016 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+361782 FIRESTEED PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2014 $20.95 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+455915 ANTHONIJ RUPERT OPTIMA WO Western Cape 2013 $27.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+527044 CHÂTEAU FOMBRAUGE AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2006 $62.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+966382 CHÂTEAU PUYGUERAUD AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Francs 2015 $28.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+526921 CHÂTEAU BELLEGRAVE DU POUJEAU AC Haut-Médoc 2008 $38.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+527945 DOMAINE MOILLARD CÔTES DE NUITS-VILLAGES AC 2015 $26.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+735407 CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2004 $52.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO DOCG 2013 $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+538033 CORTE ADAMI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2013 $46.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+378968 ALDEASOÑA Viño de la Tierra de Castilla y León Convento San Francisco 2006 $26.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+745745 MINER CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2014 $42.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+431809 LUIS FELIPE EDWARDS LFE 900 SINGLE VINEYARD BLEND Colchagua Valley 2014 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+541136 MONTES OUTER LIMITS WILD SLOPES RED Colchagua Valley 2016 $27.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 99 R+541177 MATETIC CORRALILLO WINEMAKER'S BLEND San Antonio Valley 2014 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+334094 LUIS CAÑAS RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $27.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 10 over $20 for January 6, 2018. By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS – Well, it is Christmas Deju Vu with Epiphany on Jan 6 and for followers of the Julian Calendar, on Jan 7. Paucity of top notch wines over $20, but some interesting “holiday” values on this “Smart Buys” release include -- 538983 Croft Reserve Tawny Port $18.95. Score: 90 515791 Alvear Cream Sherry DO Montilla-Moriles. $16.95. Score: 89 400432 Moutard Grande Cuvee Brut Champagne NV $39.95. Score: 90 207936 Chateau Moncontour Tete de Cuvee Brut NV Vouvray TM Loire $17.95. Score: 91 524827 DR. SIEMENS SERRIGER WÜRZBURG RIESLING KABINETT FEINHERB Prädikatswein 2008 $17.95 Score: 93 20 under $20 ========= W+544072 ST. HUBERTUS RIESLING BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2014 $17.95 11.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+43281 FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $17.95 9.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+265983 MCMANIS CHARDONNAY River Junction 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+711556 WAKEFIELD CLARE VALLEY ESTATE CHARDONNAY Clare Valley, South Australia 2016 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+981670 MOUNT RILEY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+480764 TUSSOCK JUMPER CHENIN BLANC WO Western Cape 2017 $12.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+224642 JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT BLANC AC Alsace 2016 $15.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+344929 CHÂTEAU MONCONTOUR SEC VOUVRAY AC 2015 $19.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+745349 DOMAINE JACKY MARTEAU SAUVIGNON TOURAINE AC 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+346742 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ST. DAVID'S BENCH VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR DROIT VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+424960 CANTINA DI VERONA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2014 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+528737FEUDI SAN PIO PASSATEMPO IGT Rosso Veneto 2016 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+540070 EL PEDROSAL CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2014 $17.00 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+455659 FATTORIA LE PUPILLE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO DOCG Elisabetta Geppetti 2015 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+657601 BENMARCO MALBEC Unfined and unfiltered, Uco Valley, Mendoza Dominio del Plata 2014 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+530618 GAPSTED TOBACCO ROAD PINOT NOIR King Valley, Victoria 2016 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+744235 WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Clare Valley, South Australia 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+348672 CHÂTEAU BRÉHAT AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Castillon 2012 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+403683 GÉRARD BERTRAND FITOU AP 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+270306 MASSERIE PISARI PRIMITIVO IGT Salento Rosso 2014 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+512640 GIOVANU CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA DOC 2014 $14.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+484014 CALAMUS ESTATE WINERY WHITE NIGHT VQA Ontario 2014 $13.95 12.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+121160 VILLA TRASQUA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+159111 CHÂTEAU D'ARGADENS BLANC AC Bordeaux Famille Sichel 2016 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+527259 DOMAINE DES QUINTS SAUMUR AC 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+528786 JANARE FIANO DOP Sannio La Guardiense 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+536631 LEEUWENKUIL SHIRAZ WO Swartland 2016 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 10 over $20 ========= W+421941 CLOS DU BOIS CALCAIRE CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $29.95 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+186163 FOLIE À DEUX CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2013 $27.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+309831 CHÂTEAU SIAURAC AC Lalande de Pomerol Baronne Guichard 2010 $43.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+530048 CHÂTEAU TOUR DE PEZ AC Saint-Estèphe 2008 $44.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+526376 FERRATON LES CALENDES CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2015 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+470187 CA' MOMI MERLOT Napa Valley 2015 $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+10538 CHÂTEAU PEYRABON AC Haut-Médoc 2015 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+76349 ALAIN JAUME CLOS DE SIXTE LIRAC AC 2015 $25.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+994608 CASTELLO DI BOSSI C. BERARDENGA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for December 9, 2017. By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- W+527630 LA FORTESSA TABURNO FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO DOC 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 R+452136 MONTGÓ OLD VINES MONASTRELL DOP Jumilla Hammeken Cellars 2015 $14.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+511568 URBINA RESERVA ESPECIAL DOCa Rioja Bodegas Benito Urbina 2001 $36.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 94 R+356220 TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $49.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+26682 BERINGER PRIVATE RESERVE CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2015 $59.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+677450 DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+511485 CANTINA GALLURA PIRAS VERMENTINO DI GALLURA DOCG 2015 $15.95 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+300004 AMASTUOLA PRIMITIVO IGP Puglia 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+394288 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE CORBIÈRES AP 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+281147 DOMAINE LES GRANDS BOIS CUVÉE LES TROIS SOEURS CÔTES DU RHÔNE AP Farjon Besnardeau, vigns.-récolts. 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+410704 GRAN PASSIONE ROSSO IGT Veneto Botter 2016 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+314930 ANETO RED DOC Douro 2011 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+523589 DAC TINTO DO Dão Quinta da Pellada 2014 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+273748 BORSAO TRES PICOS GARNACHA DO Campo de Borja 2015 $19.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+336719 LUIS CAÑAS CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2014 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+276162 SOLANERA VIÑAS VIEJAS DO Yecla Castaño 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+80234 FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $16.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+86363 WILDASS RED VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake Stratus Vineyards 2014 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+166298 LA POSTA PIZZELLA MALBEC Mendoza Laura Catena 2016 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+37937 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR Casablanca Valley 2015 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+222018 SISTER'S RUN CALVARY HILL SHIRAZ Lyndoch, Barossa, South Australia 2015 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R+66738 THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER McLaren Vale/Padthaway, South Australia 2016 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 over $20 ========= R+206409 CONVENTO SAN FRANCISCO DO Ribera del Duero 2010 $20.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+522185 MAISON AMBROISE SAINT-ROMAIN AC 2013 $44.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+299867 MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY AC 2015 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+518019 VALTEA ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2016 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+524199 CHÂTEAU DE LANDIRAS AC Graves 2014 $22.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+973453 FAMILLE PERRIN LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS AC 2014 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+496851 ASCHERI BAROLO DOCG 2012 $49.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+713602 GIANNI GAGLIARDO BAROLO DOCG 2012 $54.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+418897 CASTELLO DI AMA SAN LORENZO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $50.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+512384 MARCHESE ANTINORI TENUTA TIGNANELLO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $42.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+3962 RICASOLI BROLIO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2015 $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+72439 TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO IGT Toscana 2015 $59.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+672931 ALLEGRINI PALAZZO DELLA TORRE IGT Veronese 2014 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+92007 IZADI SELECCIÓN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+377770 QUAILS' GATE CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+520247 VIENI PRIVATE RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2012 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+962886 LA CREMA SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast 2015 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+343038 BURROWING OWL MERITAGE BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2014 $58.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+427500 WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment 2013 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+458240 SONVIDA MALBEC Mendoza 2013 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 25, 2017. By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+538090 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Special 50th anniversary bottling, Columbia Valley 2015 MAGNUM 1500mL $44.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+461277 VIÑA OLABARRI CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2013 $10.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= R+18721 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2014 $17.95 14 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+89029 TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $18.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+268342 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+522342 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP HILLS ARE ALIVE SHIRAZ Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+524892 LAPOSTOLLE RED BLEND Rapel Valley 2013 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+662775 D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE McLaren Vale, South Australia 2016 $17.95 13.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+81588 CRASTO VINHO TINTO DOC Douro 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+167684 HONORO VERA MONASTRELL Jumilla 2016 $13.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+171371 LA FERME DU MONT LE PONNANT CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES Unfiltered, AP 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+251645 LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE Unfiltered, AP 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+268136 PODERI ANGELINI PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOC 2012 $18.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+280552 BARÓN DE MAGAÑA DO Navarra 2011 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+380238 LORCA SELECCIÓN MONASTRELL DO Bullas 2008 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+452540 DOMAINE DE LA CHAISE TOURAINE SAUVIGNON AC Christophe Davault, vign. 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+508630 JERZU MARGHIA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA DOC 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+527853 CHÂTEAU JOININ AC Bordeaux 2015 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+534602 ICARIO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG 2011 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+526533 DOMAINE DE NUGUES BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES AC 2014 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+164491 FIELDING UNOAKED CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= R+18879 THE HESS COLLECTION 19 BLOCK MOUNTAIN CUVÉE Mount Veeder/Napa Valley 2013 $54.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+68817 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+209858 FESS PARKER BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD PINOT NOIR Santa Barbara County 2014 $64.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+210039 RODNEY STRONG RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY RESERVE CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+241182 CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment Stratus 2014 $34.95 10.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+392738 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+410019 HOWARD PARK MIAMUP CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2014 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+566026 CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $29.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+906404 LA CREMA RUSSIAN RIVER PINOT NOIR Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $45.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+961284 DOMAINE DROUHIN OREGON PINOT NOIR Dundee Hills 2014 $49.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+995910 REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $39.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+61176 DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER KESSLER RIESLING AC Alsace Grand Cru 2014 $27.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+155408 MARCHESI DI BAROLO BARBARESCO DOCG 2013 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+216309 CASTELLO DI GABBIANO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+216408 VALLE REALE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2007 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+259770 JOSEPH CATTIN HATSCHBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace Grand Cru 2015 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+437954 CHÂTEAU PIERRE DE MONTIGNAC Cru Bourgeois, AP Médoc 2009 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+525931 CHÂTEAUX VIEUX CHEVROL AC Lalande-de-Pomerol 2010 $28.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+572230 CAVE DE TAIN GRAND CLASSIQUE CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2015 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+682492 CHÂTEAU L'HOSPITALET LA RÉSERVE ROUGE La Clape, AC Coteaux du Languedoc 2014 $28.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 11, 2017. By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). 20 under $20 ========= R+17400 PIERRE AMADIEU ROMANE-MACHOTTE GIGONDAS AC 2014 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+140889 DONATIEN BAHUAUD LES GRANDS MORTIERS VOUVRAY AC 2016 $19.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+273672 STORIA ANTICA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+310219 LUZÓN SELECCIÓN 12 MESES CRIANZA DO Jumilla 2013 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+370247 GÉRARD BERTRAND SAINT CHINIAN SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE AP 2014 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+388645 ORESTIADI LUDOVICO IGT Rosso Sicilia 2009 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+423509 HACIENDA VALVARÉS DOCa Rioja 2012 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+482505 CR GOLD 5 MONASTRELL/SYRAH DO Jumilla 2013 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+672345 HENRI BOURGEOIS PETIT BOURGEOIS SAUVIGNON BLANC IGP Vin de Pays du Val de Loire 2016 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+984997 TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALO IGT Rosso delle Venezie 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+5199 THE LACKEY SHIRAZ Australia 2016 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+128629 LUIGI BOSCA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2013 $19.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+277665 SACRED HILL MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2014 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+278325 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHENIN BLANC WO Western Cape 2014 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+561142 CATHEDRAL CELLAR SHIRAZ WO Western Cape 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+291989 ABAD DOM BUENO MENCÍA DO Bierzo 2013 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+258806 ROSEWOOD SÜSSRESERVE RIESLING VQA Niagara Escarpment 2016 $15.95 11.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+464537 DÜRNBERG L & T FALKENSTEIN GRÜNER VELTLINER Niederösterreich 2015 $15.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+494682 CAVE DE RASTEAU GRANDE RÉSERVE VISAN AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+523639 CAIS DA RIBEIRA RESERVA DOC Douro 2014 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= R+62711 DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AP 2013 $44.95 15 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+92361 ALPHA ESTATE S.M.X. RED Unfiltered, PGI Florina 2013 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+132415 CHÂTEAU BOUSCASSÉ VIEILLES VIGNES MADIRAN AC 2006 $38.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+167700 ARDAL RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2006 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+283499 BORGOGNO BAROLO DOCG 2012 $45.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+471540 LE DOMAINE SAGET POUILLY-FUMÉ AC 2014 $21.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+475996 CORTE MEDICEA ATHOS IGT Toscana 2014 $28.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+685263 LUCE IGT Toscana 2014 $114.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+67231 LA CREMA RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2015 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+78089 PATRICK LESEC GALETS BLONDS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2015 $54.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+148866 CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA Prince Edward County 2014 $28.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+209148 MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA FINCA YGAY RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2013 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+287268 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES PAUL BOSC ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2013 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+450510 RENWOOD PREMIER OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Amador County 2014 $26.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W+454587 HAVENS CARNEROS NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY Carneros, Napa Valley 2015 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+578625 FLAT ROCK NADJA'S VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $24.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+622571 CLOS DE LOS SIETE Uco Valley 2013 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+639641 QUAILS' GATE STEWART FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $43.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+982413 RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $64.95 14.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+385757 LA CREMA WILLAMETTE VALLEY PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2015 $38.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for October 28, 2017. By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+391896 SEIN DO Alicante 2011 $16.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+598631 RUSTENBERG CHARDONNAY WO Stellenbosch 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= R+168716 M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES AC 2016 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+308312 QUAILS' GATE DRY RIESLING BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+320473 RUPPERTSBERGER GEWÜRZTRAMINER HOFSTÜCK SPÄTLESE Prädikatswein 2016 $17.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+357335 HACIENDA LÓPEZ DE HARO RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2010 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AP 2016 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+512210 ROERO ARNEIS DOCG 2015 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+395053 12 E MEZZO PRIMITIVO DEL SALENTO IGP Primitivo del Salento Varvaglione 2015 $13.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+515767 MANCURA GRAN RESERVA SYRAH/CABERNET FRANC/MERLOT Casablanca Valley 2013 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+516765 JEAN-PIERRE MOUEIX AC Bordeaux 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+520262 ROSEWOOD ORIGIN MIMA'S BLOCK RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2014 $15.95 10.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+520767 MILES FROM NOWHERE CABERNET/MERLOT Margaret River, Western Australia 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+599274 LOOSEN BROS. DR. L RIESLING Qualitätswein 2016 $14.95 8.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+640854 SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+747600 PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+974527 VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+129700 WILDASS RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula Stratus Vineyards 2016 $16.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+512897 MAN FAMILY WINES OU KALANT CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Coastal Region 2015 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+526699 CUVÉE MÉLINAND CHIROUBLES 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= R+85183 BALBÁS RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2005 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+172338 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $24.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+268391 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2012 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+268425 FINCA NUEVA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2010 $20.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+359810 SÉGLA Second wine of Château Rauzan-Ségla, AC Margaux 2010 $69.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+394726 CANOE RIDGE THE EXPEDITION CABERNET SAUVIGNON Horse Heaven Hills 2015 $27.95 14.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+512806 HAMILTON RUSSELL ASHBOURNE WO Hemel en Aarde Valley, Walker Bay 2009 $25.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+85274 NIKOLAIHOF WACHAU TERRASSEN GRÜNER VELTLINER DAC Wachau 2014 $20.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+208702 NORMAN HARDIE UNFILTERED NIAGARA PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $44.95 11.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+215202 FLOWERS PINOT NOIR Sonoma Coast 2015 $69.95 13.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+344721 GIACOSA BUSSIA BAROLO DOCG 2011 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+725895 ONTAÑÓN RESERVA TEMPRANILLO/GRACIANO DOCa Rioja 2005 $27.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE ZINGARELLI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+421370 2027 CELLARS QUEENSTON ROAD VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2013 $27.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+461699 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE BACO NOIR VQA Ontario 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+497081 CHÂTEAU CLOS DE SARPE AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 1996 $55.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+499947 VIENI PRIVATE RESERVE CABERNET FRANC VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2012 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+650754 CASTELLO DI QUERCETO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $28.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for October 14, 2017. By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- ** W+324103 BACHELDER SAUNDERS VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2013 $44.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 **W+377721 BARON DE HOEN RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER Alsace 2015 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 **R+511576 ARTESA ORGANIC DOCa Rioja Boutinot 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 20 under $20 ========= W+999979 BERSANO GAVI DI GAVI DOCG 2015 $16.95 12.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+981019 BENI DI BATASIOLO LANGHE ROSSO DOC 2014 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+971689 D'ANGELO AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE DOC 2012 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W+286278 FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+286484 CHÂTEAU D'ANGLÈS CLASSIQUE LA CLAPE MOURVÈDRE/SYRAH/GRENACHE AC 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+302059 CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED GEWURZTRAMINER Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2013 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+370254 CHÂTEAU DE SÉGURE VIEILLES VIGNES FITOU Élevé en fût de chêne, AP Mont Tauch 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+452789 CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA Vinho Regional Lisboa Casa Santos Lima 2013 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+514828 BIG DEVINE RED BLEND Columbia Valley 2014 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+515478 LOSI QUERCIAVALLE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2011 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+521245 BELLVALE ATHENA'S VINEYARD CHARDONNAY Gippsland, Victoria 2014 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+734798 THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+79798 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+207340 13TH STREET WHITE PALETTE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $15.95 12.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+251439 FIELDING ESTATE BOTTLED RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $19.95 10.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+512707 ORIGIN STELLENBOSCH DRIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT WO Stellenbosch 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+514760 CISPLATINO TANNAT Progreso Cesar Pisano Uruguay 2014 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+520205 STREWN TERROIR PINOT BLANC Strewn Vineyard, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 $18.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+657411 VIÑA REAL CRIANZA DOCa Rioja CVNE 2014 $18.95 VON TERRA 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+944181 DARTING DÜRKHEIMER NONNENGARTEN GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT Prädikatswein 2015 $19.95 105% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+642421 VALPANTENA TORRE DEL FALASCO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA DOC 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 over $20 ========= R+976662 FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA Rioja 2004 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+20966 VILLA CAFAGGIO CORTACCIO IGT Toscana 2008 $48.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+63891 EMILIANA COYAM Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley 2013 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+130252 TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Niagara Peninsula 2012 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+161893 LA RIOJA ALTA VIÑA ALBERDI RESERVA DOCa Rioja Henri Gualco, récolt. 2010 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+265710 TORRES PERPETUAL DOCa Priorat 2014 $49.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+356634 JEAN-MARC BROCARD DOMAINE SAINTE CLAIRE CHABLIS AC 2015 $25.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+364786 CHÂTEAU DE GAUDOU RENAISSANCE CAHORS AC 2013 $25.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+393827 MORAINE PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $29.95 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+395186 NIPOZZANO VECCHIE VITI RISERVA CHIANTI RÚFINA DOCG Marchesi de' Frescobaldi 2013 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+496794 BOTTER AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2013 $34.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+516161 CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGEY AC Pessac-Léognan 2004 $42.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+657874 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE PINOT NOIR VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2010 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+748434 SOKOL BLOSSER PINOT NOIR Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley 2012 $35.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+39388 FRANCISCAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2014 $29.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+446971 LONE BIRCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Yakima Valley 2015 $23.95 14.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+514182 RITUAL PINOT NOIR Casablanca Valley Alto de Casablanca 2015 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+522037 CHÂTEAU DES BARDES AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2014 $25.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for September 30, 2017. THIS IS THE BLUE MOON RELEASE!! (third release of the month) By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price). 20 under $20 ========= R+71332 MAN FAMILY SKAAPVELD SHIRAZ WO Coastal Region 2015 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+166512 VALDEMAR INSPIRACIÓN SELECCIÓN DOCa Rioja 2012 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+177444 MIGUEL TORRES SANTA DIGNA RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC Fair trade certified, Central Valley 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+310151 TARIMA MONASTRELL DO Alicante 2015 $14.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+343509 TESSELLAE VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN IGP Cotes Catalanes 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+438796 DOMAINE DE LA BAUME ELISABETH VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2016 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+444703 MONTGRAS ANTU CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2015 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+494930 ST. MARY'S SHIRAZ Limestone Coast, South Australia 2012 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+511527 TORRES HABITAT GARNACHA/SYRAH ORGANIC DO Catalunya 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+514067 G7 RESERVA SYRAH Estate bottled, Loncomilla Valley, Maule Valley 2015 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+520197 TIE MERLOT VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+232744 COFFIN RIDGE BONE DRY RIESLING VQA Ontario 2015 $17.40 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+246579 CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+294041 2027 FALLS VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula 2016 $18.95 2027 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+739995 VINUM AFRICA CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2016 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+963124 JACKSON ESTATE STICH SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2015 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+729962 DELAS SAINT-ESPRIT CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+519884 TE PA PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+517177 CUNE RUEDA VERDEJO DO Rueda 2016 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+23325 BORGO SCOPETO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2014 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+68825 HIDDEN BENCH FUMÉ BLANC Rosomel Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $29.45 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+82180 VIÑA VILANO CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2012 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+82255 ROGER & DIDIER RAIMBAULT SANCERRE AC 2016 $28.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+129676 TORRES MAS LA PLANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 40th vintage, DO Penedès 2010 $59.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+159970 CLOUDLINE PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2015 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+208694 BURROWING OWL ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $33.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+247023 TRIMBACH RÉSERVE RIESLING AC Alsace 2013 $30.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+331603 KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2014 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+384248 FINCA DEL MARQUESADO GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2009 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+395855 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula 2012 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+488825 DEUX ROCHES VIEILLES VIGNES POUILLY-FUISSÉ AP 2014 $31.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+512517 CHÂTEAU RIVES-BLANQUES OCCITANIA AP Limoux 2015 $25.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+520403 BACHELDER WISMER VINEYARD #1 WINGFIELD BLOCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula 2013 $44.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+959627 CHÂTEAU MONT-REDON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2012 $45.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+931006 HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay 2016 $43.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+226944 RODNEY STRONG SONOMA COUNTY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2014 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+348839 KWV THE MENTORS CANVAS WO Coastal Region 2014 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+360222 SEVEN FALLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley 2014 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+421370 2027 CELLARS QUEENSTON ROAD VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2013 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+515510 TREROSE SANTA CATERINA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG 2013 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for September 16, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This wine letter for the Ontario market (wines available through the LCBO Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+171587 FARINA LE PEZZE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $34.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+458638 RYDER CHARDONNAY Central Coast 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 20 under $20 ========= R+167601 ARDAL CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2013 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+341586 FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+359299 VIEWPOINTE CABERNET FRANC VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2010 $17.10 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+413237 GÉRARD BERTRAND SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Languedoc 2013 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+454785 TOI TOI SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+493973 THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND DOUBLE NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+496828 BRUNILDE DI MENZIONE AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE DOC 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+518977 TERRA TANGRA ORGANIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT/MAVRUD PGI Thracian Valley 2015 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+707158 ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA DOC 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+186668 TRAPICHE FINCA LAS PALMAS GRAN RESERVA MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+246736 PALACIO DE SADA CRIANZA DO Navarra 2013 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+311258 WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2015 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+343491 DOMAINE LAFAGE CUVÉE CENTENAIRE AP Côtes du Roussillon 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+370221 FONT DU VENT NOTRE PASSION CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES SIGNARGUES AP 2015 $17.95 13.73% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+398933 ALCEÑO PREMIUM 50 BARRICAS SYRAH DO Jumilla 2014 $14.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+536581 MIOLO CHARDONNAY Serra Gaúcha BRAZIL 2015 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+520668 COLCHESTER RIDGE CREW FLAGSHIP CHARDONNAY VQA Lake Erie North Shore 2016 $19.95 13.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+496133 TWO TAILS PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+445817 THÖRLE ESTATE DRY RIESLING Qualitätswein 2015 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+1552 FLAT ROCK THE RUSTY SHED CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2014 $26.95 MVC/QPR: 89+ W+269258 A TO Z WINEWORKS CHARDONNAY Oregon 2015 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+332247 BENEFIZIO CASTELLO DI POMINO RISERVA DOC Pomino Bianco 2015 $36.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+333211 MOUNTADAM HIGH EDEN ESTATE CHARDONNAY High Eden, Eden Valley, South Australia 2015 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+372458 SCACCIADIAVOLI MONTEFALCO ROSSO DOC 2012 $20.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+461269 IZADI RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+463000 14 HANDS MERLOT Columbia Valley 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+492900 LOUIS MAX BEAUCHARME CHARDONNAY BOURGOGNE 2014 $21.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+503904 CHÂTEAU CLARKE Listrac-Médoc 2010 $42.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+523183 LEANING POST PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $30.20 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+616466 HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+719435 LA CREMA SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR Sonoma Coast 2015 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+9480 TWO HANDS ANGELS' SHARE SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2015 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+363028 VILLA POGGIO SALVI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2011 $49.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+364828 TOBÍA SELECCIÓN CRIANZA Rioja 2013 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+443572 CREEKSIDE MARIANNE HILL RIESLING Marianne Hill Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $20.90 10.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+707323 RUSTENBERG JOHN X MERRIMAN WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2013 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+515460 TENUTA DI BURCHINO IL BURCHINO IGT Toscana 2010 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+356501 LANDMARK VINEYARDS OVERLOOK CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2014 $34.95 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for September 2, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- W+405530 STREWN TERROIR AMERICAN OAK CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 $23.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. R+487447 MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTE DE NUITS-VILLAGES 2007 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 20 under $20 ========= R+194886 RÉSERVE DES ARMOIRIES CÔTES DU RHÔNE Élevé en fût de chêne AC 2013 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+208223 LEALTANZA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2011 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+208322 SUR DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC Mendoza 2012 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+211904 VENTISQUERO RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC Casablanca Valley 2016 $12.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+213538 TABALÍ VETAS BLANCAS RESERVA ESPECIAL SYRAH Limarí Valley 2013 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+238071 DE BORTOLI GULF STATION CHARDONNAY Yarra Valley, Victoria 2016 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+247882 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY TREE RED VQA Ontario 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+323808 FIRESTEED OREGON PINOT GRIS Oregon 2014 $19.95 13.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R+338939 TOMMASI GRATICCIO APPASSIONATO Product of Italy 2014 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R+354191 DOMAINE LAFAGE CUVÉE NICOLAS VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE NOIR IGP Côtes Catalanes 2015 $16.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+371518 BORSAO BEROLA DO Campo de Borja 2013 $18.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+380741 GUILLAUME AURÈLE VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2015 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+398966 REDSTONE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+421396 BORGO SCOPETO BORGONERO IGT Toscana 2014 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+429928 VALPANTENA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA DOC 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+446245 CHÂTEAU DE MARSAN AC Côtes de Bordeaux Cadillac 2014 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+486209 THE GRINDER SHIRAZ WO Coastal Region 2014 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+495630 VIENI ESTATES MERLOT VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment 2013 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+514166 CASA LAPOSTOLLE GRAND SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON Rapel Valley 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+517201 M. CHAPOUTIER RASTEAU AC 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+949651 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE SYRAH Columbia Valley 2013 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+969469 RENZO MASI RISERVA CHIANTI DOCG 2013 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+443945 EL GORÚ MONASTRELL/SYRAH/PETIT VERDOT DOP Jumilla 2015 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+141226 ANNE DE LAWEISS COLLECTION GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= R+73817 RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2014 $39.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R+167189 DANDELION VINEYARDS LIONHEART OF THE BAROSSA SHIRAZ Barossa, South Australia 2015 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R+313726 SEÑORÍO DE P. PECIÑA CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2012 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. R+440610 CHÂTEAU DE L'OU INFINIMENT SYRAH IGP Côtes Catalanes 2015 $26.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+446609 SIDEWOOD MAPPINGA SHIRAZ Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2013 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+463273 CHÂTEAU LANGLAIS AC Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion 2000 $38.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+497065 CHÂTEAU DE LANDIRAS AC Graves 2014 $24.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+508002 MANOIR DE MERCEY CHÂTEAUBEAU MERCUREY AC 2014 $29.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+942136 FESS PARKER SYRAH Santa Barbara County 2013 $34.95 16% ABV,MVC/QPR: 89 W+421362 2027 WISMER VINEYARD FOX CROFT BLOCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2014 $22.95 MVC/QPR: 88 R+429829 ZENI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $39.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+471797 CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SYRAH VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2014 $24.95 12.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+487371 MARCHAND-TAWSE SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE LES LAVIÈRES 1ER CRU AC 2014 $61.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+512764 THE WHITE KNIGHT VIOGNIER Clarksburg 2015 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+492983 CELLIER DES PRINCES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2014 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W+492272 AWATERE RIVER BY LOUIS VAVASOUR SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2015 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 88. W+490110 LA CHABLISIENNE CHABLIS BEAUROY 1ER CRU AC 2014 $34.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+489443 PAUL JABOULET AÎNÉ LES JALETS CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2014 $26.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+163584 CRAGGY RANGE TE KAHU SINGLE VINEYARD GIMBLETT GRAVELS Hawkes Bay, North Island 2013 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for August 19, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========= W+147512 13TH STREET JUNE'S VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula 2015 $19.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+247825 REIF ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2016 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+370262 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LA CLAPE SYRAH/ CARIGNAN/ MOURVÈDRE Coteaux de Languedoc La Clape 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+375212 SAN PEDRO 1865 SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC Leyda Valley 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+419010 CONO SUR VIENTO MAR BLOCK 21 SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR San Antonio Valley 2015 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+434456 POWERS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2014 $16.95 15.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+438309 DOMAINE SALMON GRANDE RÉSERVE MUSCADET SÈVRE & MAINE SUR LIE AP 2015 $16.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+480889 CHÂTEAU DE SÉRAME MINERVOIS 2010 $16.95 4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+489930 FRANKLIN TATE CABERNET/MERLOT Margaret River, Western Australia 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+519025 FEATHERSTONE PHOENIX [gewurztraminer] VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+970707 CASTELLANI RISERVA CHIANTI DOCG 2014 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+486076 TERRE STREGATE SVELATO FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO DOP 2015 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+80234 FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $16.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+908079 BENI DI BATASIOLO NEBBIOLO DOC Langhe 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+718999 FAMILIA CASTAÑO HÉCULA MONASTRELL DO Yecla 2013 $13.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+112151 ROSEWOOD UNOAKED CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+143099 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION AP Costières de Nîmes 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+156299 LE SECRET DES CAPITELLES SAINT-CHINIAN AP 2014 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+222323 BEST'S BIN NO. 1 SHIRAZ Great Western,Victoria 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+511519 CAMPO ARRIBA DO Yecla 2014 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+494609 PASCUAL TOSO BARRANCAS TOSO Mendoza 2014 $13.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+512442 ELGIN VINTNERS PINOT NOIR WO Elgin 2013 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 R+192476 ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA LA GRANJA Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 2008 $20.95 14 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+314401 CA' DEL MONTE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOC 2009 $49.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+397174 LECCO CRIANZA DO Ribera del Duero 2012 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+452102 MIGUEL TORRES PURGATORI DO Costers del Segre 2013 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+488866 DOMAINE BERTHENET TÊTE DE CUVÉE MONTAGNY AC 2015 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+677450 DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $26.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+962886 LA CREMA SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast 2015 $29.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+734681 SPY VALLEY PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2013 $24.95 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+935957 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ST. DAVIDS BENCH VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2014 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+225490 2027 CELLARS WISMER VINEYARD FOX CROFT BLOCK RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2016 $22.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+175570 LUCA G LOT PINOT NOIR Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $32.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+437004 TENUTA ROVEGLIA VIGNE DI CATULLO LUGANA RISERVA DOC 2013 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+440198 CHÂTEAU DE LAMARQUE Haut-Médoc 2010 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+494914 MAS OLIVIER EXPRESSION Faugères 2014 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+496489 SIEGBERT BIMMERLE RIESLING KABINETT TROCKEN Prädikatswein 2015 $24.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+499624 CHÂTEAU DE CHAMIREY MERCUREY 2014 $39.95 13.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+512277 SOUTHERN RIGHT SAUVIGNON BLANC Walker Bay, WO Western Cape 2016 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+514810 THE ORIGINALS CHARDONNAY Columbia Valley 2015 $21.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for August 5, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+66738 THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER McLaren Vale/Padthaway, South Australia 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+448829 CHÂTEAU TOUR DE SARRAIL AC Bordeaux 2010 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+514794 STONECAP RIESLING Columbia Valley Goose Ridge Vineyards 2013 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= R+86363 WILDASS RED VQA Niagara-on-the-lake, Niagara Peninsula 2013 $19.95 13.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+93948 WILLIAM COLE MIRADOR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC Casablanca Valley 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+140889 DONATIEN BAHUAUD LES GRANDS MORTIERS VOUVRAY AC 2015 $18.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+277707 TWO RIVERS CONVERGENCE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+350090 FINCA SOPHENIA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Tupungato, Mendoza 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+350900 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES CHARDONNAY Margaret River, Western Australia 2015 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+381251 REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD SOUTH RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula 2013 $19.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+402172 HOGUE CHARDONNAY Columbia Valley 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+431742 QUINTA DA REDE RESERVA DOC Douro 2013 $17.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+439729 VIÑOS DE ARGANZA LAGAR DE ROBLA PREMIUM Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 2012 $12.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+442210 MONDECO RED Dão Fontes da Cunha 2011 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+448472 DOMAINE LAFAGE CADIRETA BLANC IGP Côtes Catalanes 2015 $16.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+471284 CURVOS LOUREIRO DOC Vinho Verde 2015 $12.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+492652 FINCA DEL MARQUESADO RESERVA DOCa Rioja Bodegas Valdemar 2009 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+508267 MURPHY GOODE RED BLEND California 2012 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+512434 CREDO NUMERUS QUATTUOR CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+950204 FALESCO VITIANO IGP Umbria 2014 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+498790 ROCKWAY PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+26682 BERINGER PRIVATE RESERVE CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2015 $47.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+392118 HENRI EHRHART GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2015 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+490318 TE MATA ESTATE CAPE CREST SAUVIGNON BLANC Hawkes Bay, North Island 2014 $30.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+508242 PREDATOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON California Round Hill Cellars 2014 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+946640 ARGYLE CHARDONNAY Willamette Valley 2015 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+954644 YALUMBA VIOGNIER Eden Valley, South Australia 2015 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+329102 VIÑA OLABARRI GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2007 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+221887 ROBERT MONDAVI FUMÉ BLANC Napa Valley 2014 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+276741 OSOYOOS LAROSE PÉTALES D'OSOYOOS RED BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2013 $28.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+363358 RODNEY STRONG KNOTTY VINES ZINFANDEL Northern Sonoma, Sonoma County 2014 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+395103 ROCCA BAROLO DOCG 2012 $38.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+466144 J. MOREAU & FILS CHABLIS AC 2015 $22.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+487421 DOMAINE ADÉLIE CHAMPS MARTIN MERCUREY 1ER CRU AC 2014 $42.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+487439 DOMAINE GUY DUFOULEUR SANTENAY VILLAGE AC 2014 $31.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+493551 BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Barossa Valley, South Australia 2015 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+508184 LEESE-FITCH ZINFANDEL California 2014 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+511048 ROTLLAN TORRA PRIORAT RESERVA DOQ Priorat 2011 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+394395 MICHAEL DAVID 6TH SENSE SYRAH Lodi 2014 $25.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for July 22, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Sparkling+296426 CATHEDRAL CELLAR BRUT SPARKLING 2010 Methode Cap Classique WO Western Cape $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+328559 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY WO Western Cape 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+496422 CHÂTEAU HAUT ROZIER CUVÉE SAINT VINCENT AC Côtes de Bordeaux 2010 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91+ 20 under $20 ========= W+82461 PIERRE-LUC BOUCHAUD MUSCADET SÈVRE & MAINE Sur lie, AC 2015 $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+190546 ANSELMO MENDES PASSAROS VINHO VERDE DOC 2015 $13.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+267146 OAK BAY PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley Gebert Family, St. Hubertus 2013 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+330241 STERLING MERLOT Napa Valley 2012 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+387647 JANARE FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO DOP La Guardiense 2015 $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+483404 LAS CEPAS COSTALARBROL DOCa Rioja 2013 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+485656 LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC AC M. Chapoutier 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+492546 SARTORI REFOSCO DAL PEDUNCOLO ROSSO IGT Delle Venezie 2015 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+494112 ALTA VISTA CLASSIC MALBEC Mendoza 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+498915 MADAME CLAUDE PARMENTIER FITOU 2015 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+510339 ARBOLEDA SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC Aconcagua Costa 2015 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+515270 KEW BARREL AGED GAMAY NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+595306 THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ Barossa, South Australia 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+928390 WILLY GISSELBRECHT TRADITION GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+89011 FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA Niagara Escarpment 2016 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 88 R+134585 UMANI RONCHI MONTIPAGANO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2015 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+166579 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS SAN JOSÉ DE AGUARÓN RESERVA DO Cariñena 2012 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+447292 NORTH 43° CABERNET FRANC VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2013 $12.95 12.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+295709 RABL GRÜNER VELTLINER DAC Kamptal 2015 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP 2014 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+377770 QUAILS' GATE CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2014 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+455667 CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR POURRET AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2009 $38.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+86603 DOMAINE VOARICK CLOS PARADIS MERCUREY 1ER CRU AP 2014 $36.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+167312 LUCA MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $35.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+241182 CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment 2013 $35.20 MVC/QPR: 90 R244814 XAVIER CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2012 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+295808 CHÂTEAU LA GRAVETTE LACOMBE AC Médoc 2012 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+357475 DANDELION LIONESS OF MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ Single vineyard, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2015 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+410761 BREMERTON COULTHARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Langhorne Creek, South Australia 2014 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+420711 SEVEN FALLS MERLOT Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley 2012 $20.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+447433 KIM CRAWFORD SMALL PARCELS CORNER 50 VINEYARD MERLOT/CABERNET Hawkes Bay, North Island 2013 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+487462 THEULOT JUILLOT VIEILLES VIGNES MERCUREY AC Natalie Juillot et Jean-Claude Theulot 2015 $31.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+488817 SYLVAIN MOSNIER BEAUROY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2014 $34.95 MVC/QPR: 88 R+489450 YANNICK ALLÉNO & MICHEL CHAPOUTIER GUER-VAN CROZES-HERMITAGE AC 2014 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+489468 BERNARD FOUQUET LE PETIT CLOS DRY VOUVRAY Domaine des Aubuisières, AC 2015 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+496414 CASTELFORTE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG 2013 $29.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+708826 PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO BARBARESCO DOCG 2012 $46.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for July 8, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- R+356089 CONDE DE VALDEMAR CRIANZA TEMPRANILLO DOCa Rioja 2012 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 20 under $20 ========= R+171025 DOMAINE PUIG-PARAHY CUVÉE GEORGES AC Côtes du Roussillon 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+194753 RIOJA BORDÓN RESERVA DOCa Rioja, Spain Bodega Francos-Espanolas 2011 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+268805 PAGO DE VALDONEJE MENCIA DO Bierzo Vinos Valtuille 2015 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+313791 LUDOVICUS TINTO DO Terra Alta 2013 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+320499 BASTIDE MIRAFLORS SYRAH/VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE Côtes de Roussillon Domaine Lefage 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+439398 EMILIANA NATURA UNOAKED CHARDONNAY Casablanca Valley 2016 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+481093 OCHOA CRIANZA TEMPRANILLO DO Navarra 2012 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+486043 PRIMUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2013 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+499855 INVIVO CHARDONNAY Gisborne, North Island 2016 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+675421 MULDERBOSCH CHENIN BLANC WO Western Cape 2016 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+951889 IRONSTONE OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Lodi 2014 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+561142 CATHEDRAL CELLAR SHIRAZ WO Western Cape KWV 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+155804 CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN LA GRANGE DES COMBES SAINT-CHINIAN-ROQUEBRUN AC 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+161398 LANDER-JENKINS CABERNET SAUVIGNON California 2014 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+376822 WILDASS MERLOT VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake Stratus Vineyards 2015 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+383547 AVONDALE JONTY'S DUCKS PEKIN RED WO Paarl 2013 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+488882 HERSANDIERE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE Sur lie, AC 2015 $15.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+492561 FARINA VALPOLICELLA DOC 2015 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+173252 VELENOSI VILLA ANGELA PECORINO DOCG Offida 2015 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+413948 CHÂTEAU HAUT PEYRAUD AC Côtes de Bordeaux – Blaye 2012 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+68817 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2014 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+74781 DOMAINE SIGALAS ASSYRTIKO/ATHIRI AP Santorini 2015 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+172338 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $24.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+269357 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2015 $20.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+312140 FINCA VILLACRECES PRUNO DO Ribera del Duero 2015 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+396440 BUENA VISTA CHARDONNAY North Coast Boisset Collection 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+414219 FOXEN TINAQUAIC VINEYARD ESTATE CHARDONNAY Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara 2014 $52.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+429142 SIGNAE MONTEFALCO SAGRANTINO DOCG 2009 $27.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+446484 DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS DO Bierzo 2015 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+446682 VASSE FELIX FILIUS CABERNET/MERLOT Margaret River, Western Australia 2015 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+450734 TORRES SALMOS DOCa Priorat Miguel Torres 2014 $31.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+465724 RODNEY STRONG SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast 2014 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+512178 BACHELDER WISMER VINEYARD FOXCROFT BLOCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2013 $44.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+652875 RIDGE THREE VALLEYS Sonoma County 2014 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+928622 LAN GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2008 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+499558 DARK HORSE ONE HORSE TOWN PINOT NOIR VQA Ontario 2013 $24.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+219725 GIANT STEPS PINOT NOIR Yarra Valley, Victoria Innocent Bystander 2015 $30.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+493379 INTRINSIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley, Washington 2014 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+184432 NORMAN HARDIE UNFILTERED CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $39.20 11.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 24, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- +360248 FRATELLI BRANCA CARPANO ANTICA FORMULA VERMOUTH $16.95 375 mL 16.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 94 W+302059 CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED GEWÜRZTRAMINER Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2013 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+99309 LEYDA GARUMA SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC Leyda Valley 2015 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+147975 GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER IGP Pays d'Oc 2015 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+246579 CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+251785 SASSOREGALE SANGIOVESE DOC Maremma Toscana 2014 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+295618 CAVINO GRANDE RESERVE PDO Nemea 2009 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+377481 LÓPEZ DE HARO CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2010 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+382879 VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY AC 2014 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+441394 KONO SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2015 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+445122 SÃO MIGUEL ESCOLHA DOS ENOLOGOS Vinho Regional Alentejano Nuno Franco & Alexandre Relvas 2014 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+487553 CHÂTEAU TERRE BLANQUE AC 2015 $12.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+489963 DOMAINE DE LA RENNE TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+599274 LOOSEN BROS. DR. L RIESLING Qualitätswein 2015 $13.95 8.5% AB,MVC/QPR: 90 R+724674 COPPI PEUCETICO PRIMITIVO IGP Puglia 2012 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+983395 PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS Alsace 2015 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+984997 TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALO IGT Rosso delle Venezie 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+195107 SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Côtes de Roussillon 2014 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+396481 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+58683 LA CREMA MONTEREY CHARDONNAY Monterey 2015 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+232439 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CHARDONNAY Columbia Valley 2015 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+244087 CHÂTEAU TOUR BALADOZ AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2009 $42.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+275958 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET FRANC VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $21.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+316984 VERSADO RESERVA ANCIENT MALBEC Mendoza Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble 2012 $59.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+367896 LA CREMA MONTEREY PINOT NOIR Monterey 2014 $26.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+389254 MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2013 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+445536 DOMAINE BESSON CHABLIS AC Adrien Besson 2014 $26.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+493403 DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC 2014 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+585760 QUAILS' GATE PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $30.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+626325 OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2013 $48.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+655381 STAGS' LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY Napa 2015 $34.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+661330 BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN AC 2014 $59.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+63941 MAHI SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2015 $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+142778 DOMAINE SERVIN VAILLONS CHABLIS PREMIER CRU AC 2015 $34.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+262956 DONNACHIARA IRPINIA AGLIANICO DOC 2013 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+322628 HENRI BOURGEOIS LA CHAPELLE DES AUGUSTINS SANCERRE 2014 $37.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+434787 RUPERT & ROTHSCHILD CLASSIQUE WO Western Cape 2012 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+486746 CHÂTEAU MAUCAMPS Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc 2010 $34.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 10, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- W+224626 JOSEPH CATTIN GEWURZTRAMINER AC Alsace 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+333211 MOUNTADAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY High Eden, Eden Valley, South Australia 2015 $24.95 MVC/QPR: 92 W+496497 SCHLOSS SCHOENBURN HATTENHEIMER NUSBRUNNEN RIESLING KABINETT QmP 2008 $19.95 8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 20 under $20 ========= R+168716 M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DE ROUSSILLON AC 2015 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+360636 SISTER'S RUN BETHLEHEM BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON Gomersal, Barossa, South Australia 2014 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+366245 Klein Constantia KC CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT WO Western Cape 2013 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+487868 CHÂTEAU L'ESPÉRANCE AC Côtes de Bordeaux – Blaye 2010 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+488395 CHÂTEAU DE LIONNE AC Graves 2015 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+489252 LES BOIS DE VAUX SEC VOUVRAYAC 2015 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:89 R+489757 OVIDIO GARCÍA ESENCIA CRIANZA DO Cigales 2009 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+489773 MONTE HINIESTA DO Toro Allegro Con Spirito 2011 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+489914 BYRON & HAROLD SECRET VINEYARD CABERNET/MERLOT Western Australia 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+493635 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR GRÈS DE MONTPELLIER SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Languedoc Grès de Montpellier 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+734798 THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+224188 TOMMASI ARELE PARZIALE APPASSIMENTO IGT Verona 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+247544 LIONEL OSMIN & CIE CAHORS MALBEC AP Cahors 2012 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+313346 CHÂTEAU ROQUEFORT BLANC AC Bordeaux 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+368134 STÉPHANE AVIRON VIEILLES VIGNES MOULIN-À-VENT AC 2013 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+424176 ROCKWAY VINEYARDS SMALL LOT BLOCK 150-183 RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2014 $19.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+484956 MARKUS HUBER TERRASSEN GRÜNER VELTLINER DAC Traisent 2015 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+489948 FRANKLIN TATE ESTATES SHIRAZ Margaret River, Western Australia 2015 $19.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 99 W+268342 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 over $20 ========= R+57901 INTRIGA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley Viña Montgras 2013 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+209148 MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA FINCA YGAY RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2012 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+353201 RUFFINO DUCALE ORO RISERVA GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2011 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R+392449 MEYER PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+466003 ERADUS PINOT NOIR Single vineyard, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2014 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+483750 GHOST CORNER SAUVIGNON BLANC Elim, Cape Agulhas David Nieuwoudt 2015 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+487777 STELLA BELLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2012 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+392738 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+264168 CREEKSIDE RESERVE VIOGNIER Queenston Road Vineyard, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2014 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+334300 LATIUM MORINI CAMPO LEÒN AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOC 2011 $46.95 16.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+337642 JOURNEY'S END SHIRAZ Barrel Selection, WO Stellenbosch Gabb Family Winery 2012 $20.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+354217 PIERRE AMADIEU LE PAS DE L'AIGLE GIGONDAS AC 2013 $36.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+365288 CASAJÚS ANTIGUOS VIÑEDOS DO Ribera del Duero 2012 $38.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+432211 NAPA CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2014 $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+487017 UNDERWOOD PINOT GRIS Oregon 2015 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+488536 HMC MCWATTERS COLLECTION CHARDONNAY TIME Estate Winery 2014 BC Okanagan $30.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+489906 DOMAINE NATURALISTE DISCOVERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia By Bruce Dukes 2014 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+493536 DOMAINE LES BUGADELLES IGP Pays d'Oc 2014 $25.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+959999 CHÂTEAU FORTIA CUVÉE DU BARON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE Propriété du Baron Le Roy de Boiseaumarié 2013 $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for May 27, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- W+653535 SCHLOSS SCHÖNBORN ESTATE RIESLING Qualitätswein 2011 $16.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 20 under $20 ========= W+65086 FRESCOBALDI CASTELLO DI POMINO POMINO BIANCO DOC 2015 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+425488 SELLA & MOSCA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA RISERVA DOC 2012 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+439364 CONO SUR SINGLE VINEYARD EL RECURSO BLOCK 18 CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2015 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+478057 BROCCATELLI GALLI MONTEFALCO ROSSO DOC 2014 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+480863 DOMAINE GUISSET AP Côtes du Roussillon 2014 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+488874 DOMAINE SAINT GERMAIN MÂCON AZÉ CHARDONNAY AC 2015 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+489955 CLOS DE BEAUREGARD VIEILLES VIGNES MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE Sur Lie, AC Guilbaud Frères 2015 $16.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+492595 ALMADI CORVINA I GT Veronese 2014 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+493197 MAGNIFICAT GRECO DI TUFO DOCG Vigna Maurisi 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+642421 VALPANTENA TORRE DEL FALASCO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA DOC 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+673590 CHÂTEAU HAUT-MONPLAISIR MALBEC AC Cahors Cathy et Daniel Fournié, prop.-récolt. 2014 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+974527 VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+66126 J.M. SOHLER HEISSENBERG RIESLING AC Alsace 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+350124 BEAUVIGNAC PICPOUL DE PINET AP Les Costières Pomerols 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+404418 PORTAS DA HERDADE RESERVA Vinho Regional Alentejano Das Quintas 2014 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+486050 CHILCAS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Lolol, Colchagua Valley 2014 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+488353 CARDONE ARCHITA GIOIA DEL COLLE PRIMITIVO DOP 2014 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+143768 MAYCAS DEL LIMARÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL CHARDONNAY Limarí Valley 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 W+146217 LUIS CAÑAS FERMENTADO EN BARRICA BLANCO DOCa Rioja 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 20 over $20 ========= R+63891 EMILIANA COYAM Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley 2013 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R+85183 BALBAS RESERVA DOC Ribera del Duero 2005 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+112227 DOMAINE CHEVALLIER CHABLIS AP 2015 $24.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+147454 PAHLMEYER CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2014 $123.95 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+329805 JULES TAYLOR PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2014 $25.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+354118 LA FERME DU MONT CÔTES JUGUNDA GIGONDAS Unfiltered, AP 2015 $32.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+384552 ANTINORI BADIA A PASSIGNANO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2011 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+416727 CHÂTEAU BLAIGNAN Cru Bourgeois, AC Médoc 2010 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+496091 FATTORIA DEI BARBI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2007 $76.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+497073 CHÂTEAU CLOS DE SARPE AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 1995 $53.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+503904 CHÂTEAU CLARKE AC Listrac-Médoc Baron Edmond de Rothschild 2010 $41.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+709980 MICHELE SATTA PIASTRAIA DOC Bolgheri Superiore 2012 $38.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+718452 CHATEAU MONTELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Calistoga, Napa Valley 2013 $74.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+983650 DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AC Jérôme Quiot 2013 $39.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+183491 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $23.95 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+357228 BACHELDER LA PETITE CHARMOTTE NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES AC 2011 $49.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+388348 CHÂTEAU TOUR BAYARD AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion 2012 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+429415 MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI CAMPO AI SASSI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO DOC 2014 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+483032 ATAMISQUE ASSEMBLAGE Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2012 $45.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+493312 FLYING FISH COVE WILDBERRY RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Margaret River, Western Australia 2013 $37.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for May 13, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- R+995910 REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $39.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 RESTAURANT $10 MARK-UP OF THE MONTH!! -- +987586 SOLAIA IGT Toscana Marchesi Antinori 2013 $254.95 .. sell for $265. 20 under $20 ========= R+18721 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2013 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+230367 CHÂTEAU DE PANIGON Cru Bourgeois, AC Médoc 2013 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+286344 DOMAINE LES GRANDS BOIS CUVÉE PHILIPPINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES AP 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+343517 TESSELLAE OLD VINES GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON Domaine Lafage 2014 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+484139 DOMAINE DU TARIQUET SAUVIGNON BLANC IGP Côtes de Gascogne 2015 $13.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+669606 SALOMON UNDHOF GROOVEY GRÜNER VELTLINER Austria 2016 $14.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+683201 WAKEFIELD MERLOT Clare Valley, South Australia 2015 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+947309 CONDE DE VALDEMAR RESERVA DOCa Rioja Bodegas Valdemar 2009 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+234997 CHÂTEAU PEYROS VIEILLES VIGNES MADIRAN AC 2012 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+360339 GRAND VIN DE GLENELLY RED WO Stellenbosch 2010 $19.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+392357 KONZELMANN LATE HARVEST GEWÜRZTRAMINER VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+398925 ALCEÑO 12 MESES MONASTRELL DO Jumilla 2011 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+481317 DOMAINE DU MINISTRE SAINT-CHINIAN AC Domaine François Lurton 2013 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+485516 MONTES SPRING HARVEST SAUVIGNON BLANC Leyda Valley 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+486324 NORTH 43° MERLOT VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula 2014 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+488908 DOMAINE DE POIX TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC AC Anne et Denis Bourdin 2015 $13.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+674564 PALACIOS REMONDO LA VENDIMIA DOCa Rioja 2015 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+487173 GEORGES DUBOEUF BELLES GRIVES MORGON AC 2014 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+492736 FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA CABERNET FRANC Mendoza 2014 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+101543 SANTA DUC LES VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU RHÔNE AC 2012 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= R+216309 CASTELLO DI GABBIANO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+393355 MICHELE CHIARLO CEREQUIO BAROLO DOCG 2011 $46.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+456723 RODNEY STRONG KNIGHTS VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Knights Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+566026 CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $29.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+663336 JARDIN BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY WO Stellenbosch Jordan Winery 2015 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+672931 ALLEGRINI PALAZZO DELLA TORRE IGT Veronese 2013 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+928218 SERGIO ZENATO RISERVA LUGANA DOC 2014 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+331652 NAUTILUS CHARDONNAY Marlborough, South Island 2015 $27.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+481499 STONEHEDGE GRAND RESERVE CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2014 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+483917 NUMERO OTTO CANAIOLO IGT Toscana Castelvecchio 2013 $33.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+494807 ERRAZURIZ PINOT NOIR Aconcagua Costa 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+692301 PENCARROW PINOT NOIR Martinborough, North Island Palliser Estate 2015 $25.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+976092 MASI BROLO CAMPOFIORIN ORO IGT Rosso Verona 2012 $26.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+489849 ALPHA BOX & DICE KIT & KABOODLE Langhorne Creek/McLaren Vale, South Australia Viottolo 2014 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+497933 RODNEY STRONG MERLOT Sonoma County 2013 $23.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for April 29, 2017 – The Blue Moon Release!! ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- W+18705 STRANDVELD FIRST SIGHTING SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Cape Agulhas 2015 $12.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+291989 ABAD DOM BUENO MENCÍA DO Bierzo 2008 $15.95 13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 W+441998 COLUMBIA CREST H3 CHARDONNAY Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2014 $20.95 MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= R+86363 WILDASS RED VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake Stratus Vineyards 2013 $19.95 13.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+271791 PINYOLET GARNACHA DO Montsant CVA 2013 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+286278 FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+305912 DIOS ARES CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2012 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+336271 EIDOSELA ALBARIÑO DO Rias Baixas 2015 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+336719 LUIS CAÑAS CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2014 $17.00 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+336966 TOURNON MATHILDA CHAPOUTIER SHIRAZ Victoria M. Chapoutier 2013 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+341586 FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+342725 DOMAINE DES HOUDIÈRES FLEURIE AC 2015 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+354134 CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE LA FORÊT AP Fronton 2013 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+455907 ERNIE ELS SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Western Cape 2016 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+477406 LIVIA FETEASCA REGALA CMD Cotesti 2014 $13.95 13.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+477927 LA PETTEGOLA VERMENTINO IGT Toscana Banfi 2015 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 W+478024 BIBI GRAETZ CASAMATTA BIANCO IGT Toscana $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+478271 SISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra, South Australia 2014 $17.00 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+488007 PERIQUITA RESERVA Vinho Regional Península de Setúbal Jose Maria Da Fonseca 2014 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+657411 VIÑA REAL CRIANZA DOCa Rioja 2012 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 20 over $20 ========= R+159970 CLOUDLINE PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley Drouhin 2014 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+181289 DOMAINE LE VERGER CHABLIS Alain Geoffroy 2015 $22.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+210872 TORRES CELESTE CRIANZA Ribera del Duero 2012 $20.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+282475 DOMAINE DE VIAUD Lalande-de-Pomerol Marius Bielle 2009 $31.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+327379 MOLLYDOOKER BLUE EYED BOY SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia Sarah & Sparky Marquis 2014 $54.95 16.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+412627 FATTORIA DI BASCIANO I PINI IGT Rosso dei Colli della Toscana Centrale 2013 $33.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+417386 SIMI SONOMA COUNTY MERLOT 2013 $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+421081 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE INDIAN WELLS RED BLEND Columbia Valley 2013 $25.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+421198 UNDERWOOD PINOT NOIR Oregon Union Wine Co. 2015 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+475913 RENATO RATTI OCHETTI LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2015 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+485540 NATIVA COMMUNITY BLEND RED [organic] Maule Valley Viña Carmen 2012 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+491738 DOMAINE DE LA DENANTE LES MAILLETTES SAINT-VÉRAN 2014 $26.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+492785 DOMAINE CRISTIA CUVÉE TRADITION CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 $32.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+493866 ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA INOPIA AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2014 $34.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+673129 MITCHELL SEVENHILL VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Clare Valley, South Australia 2008 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+719211 CLINE ANCIENT VINES ZINFANDEL Contra Costa County, Central Coast 2015 $23.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+909499 ARGYLE PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley 2014 $33.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO Famiglia Zingarelli 2013 $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+940809 REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTATT KASELER NIES'CHEN RIESLING KABINETT VDP Grosse Lage Mosel 2014 $24.95 8.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+976670 MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2009 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for April 15, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA DOP Varvaglione 2013 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+401398 M. CHAPOUTIER TOURNON MATHILDA Victoria 2014 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. 20 under $20 ========= R+2378 Georges Duboeuf DOMAINE DES QUATRE VENTS FLEURIE 2014 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+349274 CHÂTEAU LA VERRIÈRE Bordeaux Supérieur 2014 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+348292 CHÂTEAU VRAI CAILLOU BordeauxSupérieur 2014 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+370346 ROCKWAY VINEYARDS CABERNET/MERLOT VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2013 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+380238 LORCA SELECCIÓN MONASTRELL DO Bullas 2008 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+385302 ANIMUS DOC Douro Vicente Faria 2014 $12.95 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+389262 ZUCCARDI SERIE A TORRONTÉS IP Salta 2015 $16.95 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+428383 ALKOOMI WHITE LABEL SÉMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC Frankland River, Western Australia 2016 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+469742 JEAN GEILER RIESLING AC Alsace 2014 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+479683 CHATEAU D'AIGUEVILLE CÔTE DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2015 $14.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+479808 LÉGENDE BORDEAUX BLANC AC Bordeaux Domaine Barons de Rothschild 2015 $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+481085 JASPI NEGRE DO Montsant Coca I Fito 2013 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+485284 ECHEVERRIA GRAN RESERVA PINOT NOIR Leyda Valley 2014 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+485300 JUNTA MOMENTOS RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Curicó Valley 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+995704 ZENATO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2014 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+80234 FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 $16.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+484840 LIVIA FETEASCA ALBA DOC-CMD Cotesti 2015 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+670505 CHÂTEAU DE TRÉVIAC AP Corbières Arnaud Sié 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+681668 CHÂTEAU CROZE DE PYS PRESTIGE MALBEC CAHORS Domaines Roche, récolt. 2012 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+948182 LA GRIFFE BERNARD CHÉREAU MUSCADET SÈVRE & MAINE Sur Lie, AP Chéreau-Carré 2015 $16.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= R+70607 WATERBROOK SYRAH Columbia Valley 2013 $24.95 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+200063 DOMAINE DE RIAUX POUILLY-FUMÉ 2015 $25.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+356220 TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOCG 2012 $49.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+363101 CHÂTEAU DES LANDES CUVÉE PRESTIGE AC Lussac-Saint-Émilion 2012 $24.95 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+395186 NIPOZZANO VECCHIE VITI RISERVA CHIANTI RÚFINA DOCG Marchesi De' Frescobaldi 2012 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 R+439836 MURUA RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2008 $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+441113 MADISON'S RANCH CHARDONNAY Napa Valley 2014 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 W+485318 CHANSON PÈRE ET FILS MONTMAINS CHABLIS 1ER CRU AC 2013 $44.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+485854 CHÂTEAU DE NAGES JT WHITE Costières de Nîmes Michel Gassier 2013 $25.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+487090 TORNATORE NERELLO MASCALESE/NERELLO CAPPUCCIO DOC Etna Rosso 2014 $21.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+489666 COCKFIGHTER'S GHOST SEMILLON Hunter Valley, New South Wales 2014 $22.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+489823 DOMAINE SÉBASTIEN MAGNIEN VIEILLES VIGNES HAUTES-CÔTES DE BEAUNE 2014 $23.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+490326 SACRED HILL RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $21.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+719435 LA CREMA SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR Sonoma Coast 2014 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+743310 MUGA PRADO ENEA GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2009 $57.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+993279 CLOS DE L'ORATOIRE DES PAPES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2014 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+145888 CLOSSON CHASE CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA Prince Edward County 2014 $29.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+299180 PENINSULA RIDGE RESERVE MERITAGE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+933317 FONTODI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 $36.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+480202 ROCKCLIFFE THIRD REEF CHARDONNAY Great Southern, Western Australia 2015 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for April 1, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS FOR RELEASE ON APRIL FIRST– (please enjoy responsibly) W-Pandemic Winery Pinot More 2017 VQA Viagara Falls, +171717, $15.95, QPR: 93 R-Erewhon Winery Cabernet Stupendous 2014 Napasnooze, +929495, $19.95, QPR: 94 20 under $20 ========= W+9167 MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+37952 IN SITU RESERVA CARMENÈRE Aconcagua Vly 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+276956 LES HALOS DE JUPITER CÔTES DU RHÔNE Michel Gassier 2014 $17.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+480988 DOMAINE PUIG-PARAHY CARIGNANE DE LA PERPIGNANE AC Cotes du Roussillon 2013 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+481457 SILVER PALM ZINFANDEL North Coast 2012 $19.95 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+481549 SENORIO DE LA ANTIGUA MENCÍA IGP Castilla y Léon Alvarez de Toledo 2012 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+485532 CHÂTEAU SAINT NABOR CÔTES DU RHONE WHITE 2015 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W+129700 STRATUS WILDASS RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula Stratus Vineyards 2015 $16.95 11.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+231282 KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2016 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 88 R+269464 SISTER'S RUN EPIPHANY SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2014 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+355610 TRAPICHE FINCA LAS PALMAS GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+413211 XAVIER VENTOUX AP 2015 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+414615 BRUMONT TOUR BOUSCASSÉ Madiran 2011 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+451419 LEONARDO DA VINCI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO DOC 2011 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+91694 SANTA MARGHERITA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2013 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 R+482083 TRAPICHE PERFILES CALCAREOUS MALBEC Mendoza 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 W+489807 CHATEAU GRAND MOUËYS 2015 Bordeaux Blanc $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 R+712463 PRIMUS THE BLEND Colchagua Valley 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 20 over $20 ========= W+21253 DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER LES PRINCES ABBÉS PINOT GRIS AC Alsace 2014 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. W+106161 LOUIS MOREAU DOMAINE DE BIÉVILLE CHABLIS AC 2015 $27.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+167700 ARDAL RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero 2006 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+183772 DOMAINE BESANCENOT BEAUNE CLOS DU ROI 1ER CRU 2013 $44.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+226035 CHÂTEAU TEYSSIER Montagne-Saint-Émilion 2012 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+241307 LA LECCIAIA RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2010 $73.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+373548 DOMAINE BILLAUD-SIMON MONT DE MILIEU CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2012 $49.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+373688 CHÂTEAU BELGRAVE Haut-Médoc 2010 $67.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+378604 KIM CRAWFORD WILD GRACE SMALL PARCELS CHARDONNAY Hawkes Bay, North Island 2015 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+381079 DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO ET FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2013 $47.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+389221 ECHEVERRIA LIMITED EDITION CABERNET SAUVIGNON Central Valley 2011 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+479071 BARACCHI O'LILLO IGT Toscana 2014 $20.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+483313 DOMAINE LAFAGE NARASSA LIEU DIT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON 2014 $24.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+483800 TOMMASI CASISANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2011 $49.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+484303 CATENA APPELLATION AGRELO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Agrelo, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 W+677450 DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2016 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+745638 GAJA CA'MARCANDA PROMIS IGT Toscana 2014 $54.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+951210 MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI MORMORETO IGT Toscana Castello di Nipozzano 2012 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 W+962886 LA CREMA SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast 2014 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+976811 COTO DE IMAZ GRAN RESERVA El Coto de Rioja 2010 $36.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+981787 DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D'OR GIGONDAS AC Céline et Bernard Chauvet, Prop. 2014 $32.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for March 18, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- W+456020 RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2015 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+469700 BOECKEL GEWURZTRAMINER Alsace 2015 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+480889 CHATEAU DE SÉRAME MINERVOIS 2010 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 under $20 ========= W+946848 PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO DOC 2015 $18.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+13755 TOMMASI POGGIO AL TUFO ROMPICOLLO IGT Toscana 2014 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+23325 BORGO SCOPETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+38117 VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION ST. URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING St. Urban Vineyard, VQA Niagara Escarpment 2015 $19.95 9.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+46508 PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI SEMI-SWEET YELLOW MUSCAT 2015 Tokaj-Hegyalja $16.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+70573 14 HANDS WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2014 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+92536 CHÂTEAU LARROQUE Bordeaux 2012 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+148577 ADRO DA SÉ RESERVA DOC Dão Udaca 2012 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+203364 ERRAZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Aconcagua Valley 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+225557 ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+251116 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY TREE WHITE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+256834 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ESTATE BOTTLED “OLD VINES” PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara-on-the-lake 2012 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+273672 STORIA ANTICA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2014 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+488015 QUINTA DO ESPÍRITO SANTO Vinho Regional Lisboa Casa Santos Lima 2014 $12.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+343509 TESSELLAE VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN IGP Côtes Catalanes Domaine Lafage, vignobles d'altitude 2014 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+363150 LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE SUR LIE AC 2015 $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+379768 SCHOLA SARMENTI ROCCAMORA NARDO' NEGROAMARO DOC Nardò 2013 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+380683 CHÂTEAU DU PORT CUVÉE PRESTIGE MALBEC AC Cahors 2012 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+413237 GÉRARD BERTRAND SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Languedoc 2013 $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+481416 FAUSTINO RIVERO ULECIA SILVER LABEL RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2009 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 20 over $20 ========= R+958868 BARÓN DE LEY RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2011 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+931600 CORIOLE ESTATE GROWN SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2014 $28.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+109116 BOASSO SERRALUNGA BAROLO DEL COMUNE DI SERRALUNGA D'ALBA DOCG 2011 $41.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+112607 FANTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2011 $62.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+206409 CONVENTO SAN FRANCISCO DO Ribera del Duero 2010 $20.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+236927 VIÑA HERMINIA RESERVA DOCa Rioja Bodegas Vina Herminia 2010 $27.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+279059 LAURENT GAUTHIER GRAND CRAS VIEILLES VIGNES MORGO 2014 $21.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+353086 CASAS DEL BOSQUE GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2014 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+421362 2027 WISMER VINEYARD FOX CROFT BLOCK CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2014 $22.95 12.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+429308 SPY VALLEY ENVOY SAUVIGNON BLANC Johnson Vineyard, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2014 $29.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+107383 POGGIO VERRANO DRÒMOS IGT Maremma Toscana 2007 $39.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+189126 JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE GENÈSE SANCERRE 2015 $27.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+340513 BRANDLIN ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mount Veeder, Napa Valley 2013 $59.95 15.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+374454 ASTROLABE VALLEYS PINOT NOIR Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island 2014 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+472480 STONEY RIDGE EXCELLENCE MERITAGE VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+472811 VIÑA HERMINIA EXCELSUS DOCa Rioja 2012 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+481044 JUNIPER ESTATE CHARDONNAY Margaret River, Western Australia 2014 $34.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+485219 ROLAND LAVANTUREUX VAUPRIN CHABLIS 2014 $36.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 R+660597 FESS PARKER PINOT NOIR Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara 2013 $34.95 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+488585 LE G DE CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD Bordeaux Blanc Sec 2015 $27.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+655399 STAGS' LEAP WINERY MERLOT Napa Valley 2013 $39.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for March 4, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R+209874 COLUMBIA CREST H3 MERLOT Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley 2014 $20.95 14.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+472720 VIÑA BUJANDA GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2009 $27.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+480020 LA GARNACHA SALVAJE DEL MONCAYO DO Navarra Proyecto Garnachas de España 2014 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= W+246140 DIRTY LAUNDRY WOO WOO VINES GEWÜRZTRAMINER BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015 $18.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+388363 HÃHÃ SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough, South Island 2015 $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+408443 PIETRO MARINI TORRONTÉS Salta 2015 $13.95 MVC/QPR: 89 W+464495 DOMAINE BOYAR QUANTUM TRAMINER 2015 $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+470955 DOMAINE A DEUX SAUVIGNON BLANC IGP Val de Loire 2015 $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+477737 LUNGAROTTI CABERNET SAUVIGNON IGT Umbria 2014 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+480996 MAYU RESERVA CARMENÈRE/SYRAH Elquí Valley 2014 $15.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+481002 CONCHA Y TORO CASILLERO DEL DIABLO PRIVADA RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2015 $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+694737 SPINYBACK SAUVIGNON BLANC Nelson, South Island Waimea Estates 2015 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+739995 VINUM AFRICA CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch The Winery of Good Hope 2015 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+973271 CHÂTEAU LAMARTINE PRESTIGE DU MALBEC AC Cahors Alain Gayraud, Prop., Vign. 2013 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+86106 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES SAUVIGNON BLANC Margaret River 2016 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+265983 MCMANIS CHARDONNAY River Junction 2015 $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+65997 DASHWOOD PINOT GRIS Marlborough, South Island 2015 $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+485326 FERGIE JENKINS LIMITED EDITION RIESLING VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment Rockway Vineyards 2014 $15.95 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+350041 PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO DO Rías Baixas 2015 $17.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+353177 SALENTEIN RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+467290 ANTON BAUER GMÖRK GRÜNER VELTLINER Wagram/Osterreich 2014 $18.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+477976 BARONE MONTALTO COLLEZIONE DI FAMIGLIA PASSIVENTO NERO D'AVOLA IGT Terre Siciliane 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+482455 S. DELAFONT LANGUEDOC 2015 $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+483909 PIEDRA NEGRA RESERVA MALBEC Uco Valley, Mendoza François Lurton 2015 $17.00 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= R2+4430 CHÂTEAU CANTENAC AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2012 $34.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+64329 MEERLUST RUBICON WO Western Cape 2010 $43.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+74922 LUIGI BOSCA D.O.C MALBEC Single vineyard, DOC Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2013 $29.95 14 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+140525 DOMAINE BONNARD SANCERRE AC 2015 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+142240 LOIMER LANGENLOIS GRÜNER VELTLINER DAC Kamptal 2015 $21.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 R+142398 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Clare Valley/Coonawarra, South Australia 2014 $24.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+204792 BOLLA LE ORIGINI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOC 2009 $47.95 16.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+229781 A TO Z WINEWORKS PINOT NOIR Oregon 2014 $25.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+275552 RODNEY STRONG CHALK HILL CHARDONNAY Sonoma County 2014 $26.95 14.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+377770 QUAILS' GATE CHARDONNAY BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2014 $23.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+382945 IL MOLINO DI GRACE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2009 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+437681 12 LINAJES RESERVA DO Ribera del Duero Bodegas Gormaz 2009 $32.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+438580 QUERCECCHIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2011 $33.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+472977 VALDEMAR INSPIRACION LAS CANTERAS DOCa Rioja 2012 $34.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+480061 VIÑA OLABARRI RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2011 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+485342 CHÂTEAU DE LAVERNETTE CUVÉE JEAN JACQUES DE BOISSIEU POUILLY FUISSE 2013 $37.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+585737 BURROWING OWL MERLOT BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2013 $40.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+642496 BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA DOC Rioja 2010 $29.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+344416 CASTELGREVE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG Castelli del Grevepesa 2011 $21.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W+461640 WILLIAM FÈVRE CHAMPS ROYAUX CHABLIS 2015 $23.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for February 18, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS – (all under $20) R+383018 RAMIREZ DE LA PISCINA CRIANZA Rioja 2012 $15.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+485243 16 Mile Cellar REBEL CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2012 $19.95, MVC/QPR: 91 R+481184 CASTELSINA CHIANTI RISERVA 2010 $14.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= R+17111 FINCA FLICHMAN EXPRESIONES RESERVE SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2014 $15.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+60244 SANTA ALICIA GRAN RESERVA DE LOS ANDES CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2013 $15.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+89029 TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 $18.95, MVC/QPR: 91 W+162651 LANDER-JENKINS CHARDONNAY California 2014 $18.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+194753 Bodegas Franco-Españolas RIOJA BORDÓN RESERVA 2009 $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+244699 ABAD DOM BUENO CRIANZA DO Bierzo 2006 $15.95, 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+246579 CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ Cave Spring vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2014 $16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+251439 FIELDING ESTATE BOTTLED RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2015 $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89 R+265967 FOWLES STONE DWELLERS SHIRAZ Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria 2013 $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+287961 Small Gully Wines OSCAR'S ESTATE VINEYARD SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER Barossa Valley, South Australia 2013 $18.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+295626 STADT KREMS GRÜNER VELTLINER Kremstal 2015 $16.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+317008 VERSADO MALBEC Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza 2013 $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+350900 ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES CHARDONNAY Margaret River, Western Australia 2015 $18.95, MVC/QPR: 89 R+397422 Quinta de Porrais PARCELAS DOC Douro 2013 $14.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+413245 GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LES ASPRES SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE/ GRENACHE Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres 2013 $18.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+474031 PENMARA THE WHITE RIBBON SÉMILLON Hunter Valley, New South Wales 2016 $14.95, MVC/QPR: 88 R+476390 AIA VECCHIA LAGONE TOSCANA IGT Toscana 2013 $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+477752 VALLE REALE SENTIERI PECORINO DOC 2015 $15.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+479659 Michel Gassier CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2014 $19.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+480673 XENYSEL PIE FRANCO MONASTRELL DOP Jumilla 2015 $13.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+482497 EMBOCADERO DO Ribera del Duero San Pedro Regalado 2012 $15.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+675223 KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN CABERNET SAUVIGNON Clare Valley, South Australia 2014 $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+973214 DI MAJO NORANTE BIFERNO ROSSO RAMITELLO DOC 2012 $18.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= R+28837 CLARENCE DILLON CLARENDELLE RED AC Bordeaux 2012 $23.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R+32508 PININO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 $54.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+90365 WATERBROOK CABERNET SAUVIGNON Columbia Valley 2013 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+204750 GIUSEPPE CAMPAGNOLA AMARONE DELLA CLASSICO 2012 $43.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+219469 TWO HANDS SEXY BEAST CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale, South Australia 2015 $29.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+225052 MAISON NICOLAS PERRIN SAINT-JOSEPH 2013 $39.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+268391 HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2012 $24.95, 13.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+293431 VIVANCO RESERVA Selección de Familia Rioja 2010 $24.95. 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+357475 DANDELION LIONESS OF MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia 2014 $21.95, 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+479709 CHÂTEAU ROMBEAU CUVÉE PIERRE DE LA FABRÈGUE Côtes de Roussillon 2012 $22.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+484626 ROCKWAY WILD FERMENT CHARDONNAY VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2014 $22.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+485102 PLANETA CHARDONNAY DOC Sicilia 2014 $45.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+684530 CONO SUR 20 BARRELS LIMITED EDITION PINOT NOIR Casablanca Valley 2014 $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+695908 Jean Pabiot et Fils DOMAINE DES FINES CAILLOTTES POUILLY-FUMÉ 2015 $26.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+699454 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA DI FIZZANO SINGLE VINEYARD GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 $33.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+740639 CHÂTEAU SIXTINE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2013 $47.95, 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+998476 JIM BARRY THE LODGE HILL SHIRAZ Clare Valley, South Australia 2013 $24.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for February 4, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com FIND OF THE MONTH -- R+89003 RIDGEPOINT PINOT NOIR VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2011 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 20 under $20 ========= R+143206 TRAPICHE FINCA LAS PALMAS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2014 $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R+190520 SIERRA CANTABRIA SELECCIÓN Rioja 2014 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+268136 PODERI ANGELINI PRIMITIVO DI MANDURI 2012 $18.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+278390 RUSTENBERG RM NICHOLSON WO Stellenbosch 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+350066 SANTA EMA BARREL RESERVE 60/40 CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT Maipo Valley 2014 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+391581 Bodega Del Abad GOTIN DEL RISC MENCIA Bierzo 2010 $15.95 14.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+468215 SCHÖNLAUB PINOT BLANC Qualitätswein 2015 $12.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+471284 CURVOS LOUREIRO Vinho Verde 2015 $12.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+475988 DAINERO IGT Toscana Castiglion Del Bosco 2013 $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+479774 VALPIDIO Ribera del Duero Calvo Casajús 2013 $18.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+80764 TUSSOCK JUMPER CHENIN BLANC WO Western Cape 2015 $12.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+480822 Bodega Volcanes TECTONIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2013 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+480905 Miguel Torres SANTA DIGNA RESERVA SYRAH Central Valley 2013 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+745349 DOMAINE JACKY MARTEAU SAUVIGNON TOURAINE 2015 $14.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+195107 CHATEAU SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES SYRAH/GRENACHE Côtes de Roussillon 2014 $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+347740 MATETIC CORRALILLO SAUVIGNON BLANC San Antonio Valley 2015 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+435479 BARONE MONTALTO COLLEZIONE DI FAMIGLIA VIOGNIER IGT Terre Siciliane 2015 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 88 W+439554 AVONDALE JONTY'S DUCKS PEKIN WHITE WO Paarl 2015 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 88 W+479667 SIMONNET-FEBVRE BOURGOGNE CHITRY AC Bourgogne 2014 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 ========= R+276030 MURIEL RESERVA VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA Rioja 2011 $20.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+286492 CHÂTEAU D'ANGLÉS GRAND VIN LA CLAPE AC 2012 $28.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+360016 PIER RIO SORDO BARBARESCO 2009 $30.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+366815 ELIAS MORA CRIANZA Toro 2012 $21.95 15 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+392738 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula 2013 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+395699 BERINGER LUMINUS CHARDONNAY Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley 2014 $39.95 14.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+418178 OCHOA RESERVA Single vineyard, DO Navarra 2009 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+465864 TWO RIVERS TRIBUTARY PINOT NOIR Marlborough, South Island 2014 $28.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+469767 JEAN BIECHER & FILS SCHOENENBOURG RIESLING AC Alsace Grand Cru 2014 $23.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R+484022 CASTELL DE RAIMAT TEMPRANILLO Costers del Segre 2012 $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+489591 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2014 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+512384 MARCHESE ANTINORI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2013 $42.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W+685222 LA CHABLISIENNE GRANDE CUVÉE CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2014 $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+708842 MOUNT VEEDER WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa 2013 $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+320507 PIPOLI AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE 2013 $15.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+70797 TOMMASI POGGIO AL TUFO ALICANTE IGT Toscana 2013 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+324137 MASI COSTASERA RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2011 $69.95 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+403618 THE MENTORS SHIRAZ WO Paarl KWV 2012 $29.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+468314 CHÂTEAU LES CHARMES GODARD AC Côtes de Franc 2012 $22.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for January 21, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========= W+119099 VIÑA COBOS FELINO CHARDONNAY Mendoza 2015 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 90 R+31005 ROCCA DI MONTEMASSI LE FOCAIE Maremma Toscana 2014 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+66738 THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER McLaren Vale/Padthaway, South Australia 2015 $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+68163 BASCIANO CHIANTI RUFINA DOCG 2013 $15.95 13/5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+168708 FERRATON PÈRE & FILS SAMORËNS CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2014 $15.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+167684 HONORO VERA MONASTRELL Jumilla 2015 $13.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 +205807 CAVE VINICOLE DU VIEIL ARMAND RIESLING Alsace 2015 $19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+228528 MICHELE CHIARLO LE MARNE GAVI 2015 $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89+ R+260919 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Uco Valley, Mendoza 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+357913 COLOMÉ TORRONTÉS Calchaquí Valley, Salta Arg. 2015 $15.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+383539 MOJO CABERNET SAUVIGNON Coonawarra 2013 $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+404194 RUSTENBERG MERLOT WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2014 $19.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+410704 GRAN PASSIONE ROSSO IGT Veneto 2015 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89+ R+477711 ALBUM RESERVA RED VR Alentejano 2013 $14.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+599274 LOOSEN BROS DR. L RIESLING Qualitätswein 2015 $13.95 8.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+208249 CHÂTEAU PEYROS TANNAT/CABERNET FRANC Madiran 2011 $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+470377 CASA DE CAMBRES RESERVA RED Douro 2009 $13.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90+ R+346742 CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ST. DAVID'S BENCH VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR DROIT VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+408120 BEYRA VINHOS DE ALTITUDE RED Beira Interior Portugal 2014 $12.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+172726 GUICCIARDINI STROZZI VILLA CUSONA VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO 2015 $14.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 20 over $20 ========= W+57737 SPY VALLEY CHARDONNAY Marlborough, South Island 2014 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W+414557 MARCHAND-TAWSE BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2014 $28.95 12.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+90191 THE HEDONIST SHIRAZ McLaren Vale South Australia 2013 $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+168286 BIBBIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 $23.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+263517 BENMARCO EXPRESIVO UcoValley, Mendoza 2014 $39.95 14.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR:88 R+651141 ANTINORI PIAN DELLE VIGNE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2011 $62.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+424390 CVNE IMPERIAL RESERVA Rioja 2010 $38.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+465963 BABICH BLACK LABEL PINOT NOIR Marlborough 2014 $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+469288 SANTA ALICIA MILLANTU Maipo Valley 2012 $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+477968 VIGNETI ZABU IMPARI NERO D'AVOLA IGT Sicilia 2011 $36.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+681262 BANFI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2014 $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+297945 CHÂTEAU LAROSE-TRINTAUDON Haut-Médoc 2012 $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+320168 DOMAINE DURIEU CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2014 $41.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+73817 RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2014 $26.95 MVC/QPR: 89 R+313270 DON JACOBO RESERVA Rioja 2009 $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+480152 FORESTER CABERNET/MERLOT Margaret River, Western Australia 2013 $27.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+959965 CATENA ALTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Mendoza 2013 $47.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 R+104927 LAVAU VACQUEYRAS AC 2014 $25.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 W+196667 JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE C.M. SANCERRE BLANC 2014 $27.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+468249 CHÂTEAU PITRAY Côtes de Castillon 2012 $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for January 7, 2017. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS – (This is the smart money & good value release, just after your Christmas spending. So there are NOT many wines in the release at over $20. Consequently, there are THIRTY wines in my newsletter under $20 worthy of your consideration, and only TEN from the “over $20” list.) R+0391896,SEIN,2011,$17 Alicante, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R+0420810,SAGELANDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON,2014,$18.95,Columbia Valley 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R+0436949,COLI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA,2009,$16.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W+0470427,GÉRALD TALMARD MÂCON-UCHIZY,2015,$15.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+0467787,ANTINORI PIAN DELLE VIGNE ROSSO DI MONTALCINO,2014 $31 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. 30 under $20 ----------------- W+0389726,BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC,2016,$15.95,Leyda Valley, MVC/QPR: 89. R+0394973,QUERCECCHIO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO,2014,$15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W+0462481,SAVEUR VERTE BY JEFF CARREL,2014,$19.95,IGP Côtes Catalanes, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+0470351,ODISSEIA TINTO RESERVA,2012,$19.95,DOC Douro 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W+0470393,ALAIN GEOFFROY PETIT CHABLIS,2015,$19.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+0473132,CANTINA SAN PAOLO AGLIANICO,2015,$13.95,IGP Campania, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+0474171,AD LIB CRUEL MISTRESS PINOT NOIR,2014,$14.95,Pemberton, Western Australia, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89+ R+0475624,CA' DEL MONTE VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE,2011,$19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+0477075,I BALZI ROSSO,2013,$15.95,IGT Veneto, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+0480574,SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA ESTATE PINOT NOIR,2015,$12.95,Leyda Valley, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+0483321,NOBLE VINES 337 CABERNET SAUVIGNON,2013,$17,Lodi, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+0673236,LAURENT MIQUEL NORD SUD VIOGNIER,2014,$14.95,IGP Pays d'Oc, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+0673897,JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ,2014,$16.95,Padthaway, So Austral 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R+0704353,IRONSTONE LODI MERLOT,2015,$17.95,Lodi, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W+0907683,MARYNISSEN CHARDONNAY,2013,$15,VQA Niagara Peninsula, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+0005199,KILIKANOON THE LACKEY SHIRAZ,2015,$17.95,South Australia, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+0011072,THE GOATFATHER,2014,$14.95,WO Coastal Region 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+0025718,ROCCA DI FRASSINELLO POGGIO ALLA GUARDIA,2013,$18.95,DOC Maremma Toscana, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+0037036,TRIVENTO AMADO SUR MALBEC/BONARDA/SYRAH,2014,$16.95,Mendoza, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+0116574,HEARTLAND STICKLEBACK RED,2013,$14.95,Langhorne Creek, South Australia, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W+0126847,MAN FREE-RUN STEEN CHENIN BLANC,2015,$13.95,WO Coastal Region, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+0134577,UMANI RONCHI JORIO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO,2013,$16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W+0175752,JIP JIP ROCKS CHARDONNAY,2015,$16.95,Padthaway, So Australia, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+0230391,CHÂTEAU LAGRANGE,2012,$19.95,AC Lussac Saint-Émilion, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R+0272575,GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR TAUTAVEL GRENACHE /SYRAH/ CARIGNAN,2013,$18.95,AP Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W+0330613,CALAMUS BARREL KISSED CHARDONNAY,2013,$16.95,VQA Niagara Peninsula, 12.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R+0354753,RIO MADRE GRACIANO,2014,$14.95,DOCa Rioja, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W+0461400,MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES VERDEJO,2015 DO Rueda $14.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W+0981670,MOUNT RILEY SAUVIGNON BLANC,2015,Marlborough, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R+0163154,OLIVARES ALTOS DE LA HOYA MONASTRELL,2014,DO Jumilla, $13.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 10+ over $20 ----------------- R+0469536,CHÂTEAU CLOS DU LOUP CUVÉE PRESTIGE,2010 $ Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux $22.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R+0473124,SOPRASASSO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA,2012 $34.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+0468272,CHÂTEAU LA CROIX D'ARMENS,2012,$24.95,AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+0437277,CHÂTEAU HAUT FAUGÈRES,2010,$47.95, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru [Second wine of Château Faugères] 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R+0164707,LEONARDO CHIANTI RISERVA,2012,$20.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W+0085274,NIKOLAIHOF HEFEABZUG GRÜNER VELTLINER,2014,$20.95,Wachau 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+0123927,DOMAINE DU MEIX-FOULOT CLOS DU CHÂTEAU DE MONTAIGU MERCUREY 1ER CRU,2013,$38.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R+0479691,GABRIEL MEFFRE SAINT-BARTHÉLÉMY VACQUEYRAS,2014,$25.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W+0479824,BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET,2014,$66.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W+0146951,FOLIE À DEUX CHARDONNAY,2014,$24.95 Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R+0470443,MARQUIS DE MONTFERRAT SAINT-JOSEPH,2012,$29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R+0743385,CHÂTEAU BOUSCASSÉ,2009,$21.95,AP Madiran 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for December 10, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R-Primus The Blend Colchagua Valley 2014, $19.95, +712463, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. R-Joseph Drouhin Macon-Bussieres Les Clos 2014 $20.95 +470179 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. R-Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII Chianti Classico Riserva 2011 $21.95 +643205 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. 20 under $20 ========= R-Maquis Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Rapel Valley 2013, $18.95, +311720, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Amaral Sauvignon Blanc Leyda Valley 2015, $14.95, +367292, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Pinot Noir Leyda Valley 2015, $17.95, +404210, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W-14 Hands Chardonnay Washington State 2014, $18.95 +468546, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Wakefield Estate Chardonnay Clare Valley/Padthaway 2015 $15.95, +711556, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R-Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley 2014 $18.95 +14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R-Domaine Jean Bousquet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Tupungato Mendoza 2013 $19.95 +678813, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Quinta das Setencostas Alenquer 2012 Portugal $13.95 +50930, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R-Chateau Hyot Cotes de Castillon 2012 $17.95 +63537, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling VQA Niagara 2015 $16.95 +802234, 9.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W-Pierre-Luc Bouchaud Muscadet Sevre & Maine Sur Lie 2015 $14.95 +82461 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Ardal Crianza Ribera del Duero 2010 $19.95 +167601 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Castellanu Filicheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2012 $18.95 +184937 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Ruppertsberger Linsenbusch Gewurztraminer Spatlese Germany 2015 $17.95 +320473 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Louis Latour Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir IGP Var +714451 $19.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer Alsace 2012 $18.95 +747030 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Donnafugata Sedara Sicilia 2014 $16.95 +900274, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay IGP 2014 $19.95 +947549 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Zenato San Benedetto Lugana 2015 $17.95 +707158 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= W-Creekside Reserve Sauvignon Blanc VQA Creek Shores 2013, 26.95, +53371, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Emiliana Coyam Colchagua Valley 2012 $29.95, +63891 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2013 $69,95 +118695, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W-Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Russian River Valley Sonoma County 2014 $64.95, +119073 14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R-Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir VQA Niagara Peninsula 2011 $25.25 +130989, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R-Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Cabernet/Merlot VQA NOTL 2012 $21.95 +222372 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R-J. Lohr October Night Chardonnay Arroyo Seco Monterey County 2014 $34.95 +225375, 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Henry of Pelham Estate Cabernet/Merlot VQA Short Hills Bench 2012 $24.95 +395855, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90, W-Tawse Limestone Ridge North Riesling VQA Twenty Mile Bench 2014 $23.95 +431593, 9.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2012 $42.95 +468520, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Stratus White VQA NOTL 2013 $38.20 +660704, 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W-La Crema Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2014 $29.95 +962886, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Clarence Dillon Clarendelle Blanc 2014 Bordeaux $23.95 +28845 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Sartori Corte Bra Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2009 $49.95 +225540 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Domus Vitae Brunello di Montalcino 2007 $69.95 +330746 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni IGT Toscana 2013 $47.95 MAGNUM +474759 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Devise D'Ardilley Haut-Medoc 2012 $29.95 +642512 MVC/QPR: 89 R-Travaglini Gattinara 2010 $29.95 +713354 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Louis Moreau La Vigne Blanche Chablis 2015 $21.95 +474932 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 26, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- UNDER $20 -- Chateau Roc de Levraut 2014 Bordeaux Superieur, +468280, $13.95, 13.% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. Cathedral Cellars Chardonnay 2014 WO Western Cape, +328559, $16.95,13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. OVER $20 -- Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Mendoza, +656363, $25.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 94 Balbas Reserva 2005 Ribera del Duero, +85183, $22.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 20 under $20 ========= R-Montebuena Cuvee KPF 2014 Rioja, +211029, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Koyle Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Colchagua Valley, +256073, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Rotllan Torra 2011 Priorat, +267989, $19.95, 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas 2013 Yecla, +276162, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90+ R-Robert Oatley Signature Series Shiraz 2014, +327387, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Colle Vecchio Offida Pecorino 2013, +414011, $16.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Xavier 100% Cotes du Rhone 2012, +437079, $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Famille Ternynck Sur Calcaire Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay 2015, +470930, $17.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Quinta de Curvos Afectus Alvarinho 2015 Vinho Verde,+471276, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R-Borsao Bole 2013 Campo de Borja, +471565, $15.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Pinot Gris 2014 Alsace, $17.95, +641597, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89+ R-Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir La Clape Syrah/Carignan/Mourvedre 2013, +370262, $18.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2014 VQA Beamsville Bench, +256552, $18.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Peninsula Ridge Beal Vineyard reserve Merlot 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +257311, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Columbia CrestH3 Les Chevaux Red Blend 2012, +287425, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Santa Julia Magna 2014 Mendoza, +93799, $15.95, 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88+ R-Chateau Peyros Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2011, +234997, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= R-Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2013, +24190, $84.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Stag's Leap District Napa, +45476, $139.95, 15.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Domaines Schlumberger Kessler Riesling Alsace, +61176, $27.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 BCVQA Okanagan, +73098, $44.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Griviere 2011 Medoc, +469783, $23.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Bodegas LAN Crianza 2012 Rioja, +424531, $29.95 MAGNUM, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2012, +433060, $22.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Rodney Strong Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014, +465724, $29.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Cotes de Lechet Chablis 1er Cru 2003, +470435, $51.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-M. Chapoutier Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2014 MAGNUM, +474957, $55.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Baron de Ley Reserva 2010 Rioja, +958868, $21.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89+ R-Ruffino Modus 2013 IGT Toscana, +412379, $69.95 MAGNUM, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Michele Castellani CinqueStelle Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012, +75127, $56.95, 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Donna Olimpia 1898 2013 Bolgheri, +163857, $32.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012, +356220, $49.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Ceppaiano Violetta 2010 IGT Toscana, +474627, $22.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino 2009, +474734, $49.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Muriel Gran Reserva 2007 Rioja, +984187, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2010 VQA Short hills Bench, +616433m 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W-Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Riesling 2013 VQA Short Hills Bench, +643361, $24.95, 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Stratus Petit Verdot 2012 VAQ Niagara-On-The-Lake, +142638, $38.20, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R-Versado Reserva Ancient Malbec 2012 Mendoza, $59.95, 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-2027 Cellars Aberdeen Road Vineyard Chardonnay 2013, +472241, $30, % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Tawse Estate Chardonnay 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +344804, $38.40, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 12, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL SPARKLERS -- -Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Blanc de Blanc 2011 Meth Trad VQA Short Hills Bench, +315200, $44.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 94. -Cathedral Cellar Brut Sparkling 2010 Meth Trad WO Western Cape, +296426, $17.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. 20 under $20 ========= W-Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2014 VQA Short Hills Bench, +268342, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Stratus Wildass Sauvignon Blanc 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +376814, $18.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Middle Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Nelson NZ, +391987, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Deetlefs Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Breedekloof, +465443, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Stratus Wildass Merlot 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +376822, $18.95. 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2013 Uco Valley Mendoza, +79798, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Bisquertt La Joya Gran Reserva Syrah 2014 Colchagua Valley, +325407, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Maycas de Limari Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2014 Limari, +469213, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Vina Canepa Finisimo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Marchigue Colchagua, +211920, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Parker Coonawarra Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, +467571, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Gerard Bertrand Cap Insula 2013 Languedoc, +474973, $17, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Pillitteri Gewurztraminer 2013 VQA NOTL, +471771, $17.95, 12.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Chateau Vignol Blanc 2015 Entre-Deux-Mers, +108522, $14.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Thierry Delaunay Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2015, +391847, $14.95,12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Macquin 2012 Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion, +468371, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R-Tedeschi Capitel dei Nicalo 2014 IGT Rosso delle Venezie, +984997, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2009 Rioja m +947309, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Otazu Premium Cuvee 2012 Navarra, +313809, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Small Gully Mr. Black's Little Book Shiraz 2014 Barossa Valley, +287979, $18.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= R-Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Meritage 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench, +505610, $38, 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +241182, $35.20, 10.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, +959627, $45.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. W-Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +677450, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Bodega Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Uco Valley Mendoza, +980334, $24.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Shiraz 2008, +731620, $89.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. W-Le Domaine Saget Pouilly-Fume 2013, +471540, $27.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Foxen Block 43 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 Santa Maria Valley California, +462770, $54.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Laura Catena Luca Malbec 2014 Uco Valley Mendoza, +167312, $33.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R-Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2013 South Australia, +309625, $69.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau Larose Perganson 2009 Haut0Medoc, +365783, $36.95, 14.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90+ R-Fontanafredda Serralunga D'Alba Barolo 2011, +943290, $44.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Rivera Il Falcone Riserva Castel del Monte 2009 Puglia, +177295, $23.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R-Antinori Badia a Passignano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +384552, $44.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90+ R-Le Volte Dell'Ornellaia 2014 IGT Toscana, +964221, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2014 IGT Toscana, +72439, $51.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2014 VQA Beamsville Bench, +566026, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Evans & Tate Metricup Road Chardonnay 2014 Margaret River, +311449, $22.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Louis Moreau Vaulignot Chablis 1er Cru 2014, +525386, $36.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Quintarelli Primofiore 2012 IGT Veneto, +20867, $66.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for October 29, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- R-El Guardian Reserva 2010 Rioja, +461301, $15.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 W-Marynissen Platinum Chardonnay 2013 VQA Four Mile Creek, +471532, $25, 13.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. 20 under $20 ========= W-Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +80234, $16.95, 9.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W-Scheid Vineyards District 7 Chardonnay 2013 Monterey County, +458844, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Andre Blanck & Fils Altenburg Gewurztraminer 2015 Alsace, +168906, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Macon-Uchizy 2015, +733956, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Les Trois Versants Vieilles Vignes Sur Lie Muscadet Sevre & Maine 2014, +470989, $15.95, 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Peter & Peter Zeller Feinherb Riesling 2015 QmP Mosel, +466078, $14.95, 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Cave Spring Cabernet Franc 2013 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +391995, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Marynissen Cabernet Franc 2014 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +472274, $18, 12.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Vina Errazuriz Syrah 2013 Aconcagua Costa, +387910, $18.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +18721, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Rustenberg Stellenbosch Shiraz 2013 WO, +399246, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Haut-Canteloup 2010 Medoc, +466565, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Chateau La Caussade 2010 Medoc, +177014, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Lamartine Merlot 2014 Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux, +368159, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau de Gourgazaud Reserve 2013 Minervois La Liviniere, +986083, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau de Nages Vieilles Vignes Costieres de Nimes 2013, +40964, $19.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Lornano Chianti Classico 2011, +211599, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Sassoregale Sabgiovese 2014 Maremma Toscana, +251785, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Niepoort Dao Rotulo Red 2013, +452722, $18.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Bodegas Olarra Anares Reserva 2010 Rioja, +244723, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Borsao Berola 2012 Campo de Borja, +371518, $18.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. 20 over $20 ========= W-Kendall-Jackson Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2013 Santa Maria Valley, +59139, $45.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Jean-Max Roger Cuvee Les Caillottes Sancerre 2015, +65573, $26.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Creekside Iconoclast Syrah 2013 Queenston Road Vineyard VQA St. David's Bench, +471797, $22.95, 12.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Queylus Reserve Du Domaine Pinot Noir 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +392886, $44.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014, +385757, $38.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +469353, $39.95 1500mL, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Siaurac 2010 Lalande-de-Pomerol, +309831, $43.95, 15(!!)% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Domaine de Pignan Chateauneuf Du Pape 2013, +473678, $36.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Fattoria de Felsina Rancia Riserva Chianti Classico 2011, +82362, $69.96, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Mezzei Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico 2012, +288530, $23.95, 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-I Castei Amarone della Volpolicella Classico 2012, +739979, $44.95, 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Heredad de Baroja Gran Reserva 2002, +276113, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93. R-Barons de Rothschild Legende Pauillac 2012, +468397, $43.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Teyssier 2012 Montagne-Saint-Emilion, +226035, $24.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Herve-Laroque 2010 Fronsac, +446393, $26.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Dufort-Vivens 2010 Margaux Grand Cru Classe, +466540, $54.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2014 Mendoza, +219261, $21.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +324228, $21.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno 2013 IGT Toscana, +735597, $79.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for October 15, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========= W-Fielding Estate Bottled Riesling 2015 VQA, +251439, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Mike Weir Limited Edition Riesling 2014 VQA, +229286, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Tawse Redstone Chardonnay 2013, +398966, $19.20, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Catena Chardonnay 2015 Argentina, +918805, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Lapostolle Gran Selection Chardonnay 2015 Chile, +396986, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2015 New Zealand, +465880, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Domaine Pre Baron Sauvignon Touraine 2015, +107128, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Paul Anheuser Schlossbockelheimer Konigsfels Riesling Kabinett 2015 Nahe, +161828, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna 2015, +627067, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Creekside Laura's Red 2012 VQA, +117960, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Rockway Vineyards Reserve Red Assemblage 2013 VQA, +321893, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Torres Altos Ibericos Crianza 2013 Spain, +381046, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Palacio de Sada Crianza 2011 Spain, +246736, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2014 Spain, +273748, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Lua Cheia Old Vines Red 2014 Portugal, +266882, $13.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-D'Antiche Terre Coriliano Aglianico 2012 Campania, +456137, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Domaine Galaman Fitou 2013, +395467, 14.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau Carpena 2009 Bordeaux, +466599, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Chile, +389213, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Argentina, +128629, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89. 20 over $20 ========= W- Grgrich Hills Fume Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Napa, +346296, $47.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Anthonij Rupert Optima 2012 WO Western Cape, +455915, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau Haut Faugeres 2010 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +461517, $43.95, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Jean-Marc Brocard Butteaux Chablis 1er Cru 2014, +294165, $46.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Vina Real Gran Reserva 2008 Rioja, +280545, $36.95, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2014 NZ, +694752, $23.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2015 SA, +931006, $42.95, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Maison Chanzy Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015, +470468, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett 2015 Mosel, +160846, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Flat Rock Gravity Pinot Noir 2013 VQA, +1560, $30.25 MVC/QPR: 89. R-Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 VQA, +657874, $34.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2013, +275958, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Australia, +677476, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau La Rose Perriere 2008 Bordeaux, +461590, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-M.Chapoutier de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidum 2014, +643239, $25.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Villa Trasqua Nerento Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +459685, $39.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Depadre 2012 Spain, +379917, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89, R-Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva 2009, +976670, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Dominus Napanook 2012 Napa, +212357, $95.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Segla 2010 Bordeaux, +359810, $64.95, MVC/QPR: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for October 1, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND -- La Guita Manzanilla Sherry (Spain), 750 mL, +337022, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 92. 20 under $20 ========= W-Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2013 VQA, +557165, $17.95, 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Stoney Ridge Excellence Chardonnay 2011 VQA, +254243, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Craftwork Chardonnay 2014 (California), +458646, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (Chile), +663062, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Willow Bridge Estate Dragonfly Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2015 (Oz), +418368, $16.95, 12.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (NZ), +9167, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Novellum Chardonnay 2014 (France Midi), +390781, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi 2015, +250696, +250696, $19.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Teanum Alta Falanghina 2014 Puglia, +161653, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-San Raffaele Monte Tabor Soave 2015, +277392, $14.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 R-Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2013 (South Africa), +278382, $16.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Guadalupe Red Portugal 2013, +336313, $11.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Marques de Marialva Reserva Baga 2011, +245605, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Barahonda Barrica Monastrell/Syrah 2012m +378869, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2014, +674564, $15.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Tawse Redstone Cabernet 2013 VQA Niagara, +415885, $20.20, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Lenz Moser Prestige Gruner Veltliner 2015 (Austria), +71233, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Kourtakis Kouros Red 2013 Nemea, +465906, $12.95, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano dÀbruzzo 2013, +204016, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 87. Sparkling – Pierre Sparr Brut Rose Cremant dÀlsace NV, +39016, $18.95, 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. 20 over $20 ========= W-Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay VQA 2014, +172338, $22.95, 13.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Ca`Momi Chardonnay 2014 (California), +361972, $23.95, 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. W-Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2014, +59576, $29.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. W-Herve Azo Chablis 2014, +185736, $23.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Maison Roche de Bellene Montagny 2014, +470476, $26.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Cordero di Montezemolo Arneis Langhe 2015, +455162, $21.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. W-Sergio Zenato Riserva Lugana 2013, +928218, $34.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2010, +268391, $24.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R-La Crema Pinot Noir 2014 (California) , +719435, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Wildewood Pinot Noir 2013 (Oregon), +462994, $23.95, 13.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Unanime Gran Vin Tinto 2011 (Argentine), +466938, $29.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2015(South Africa), +999516, $57.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Waterkloof Circumstance Syrah 2012 (South Africa), +455782, $22.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Bel Air 2011, 416172, $25.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva 2007 Rioja, +114504, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Breca Old Vines Garnacha 2013 (Spain), +329086, $22.95, 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Villa Cafaggio Cortaccio 2007 IGT Toscana, +20966, $24.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Ruffino Ducale Oro Riserva Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011, +353201, $47.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Baron de Ley Gran Reserva 2010 Rioja, +642496, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Rioja Vega Reserva 2011, +423517, $22.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for SEPTEMBER 17, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS -- Cider-Ciderie St-Nicolas Glace du Verger Iced Orchard Cider PQ, +465856, $19.95 for 375mL, 7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. Manzanilla – Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla Sanlucar de Barrameda, +745448, $16.95 for 500 mL, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. 20 under $20 ========= W-Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Awatere Valley Marlborough, +225557, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Noel Bougrier Domaine Toussaint Vouvray 2015, +408260, $15.95, 11.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Siegel Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Colchagua Valley, +464438, $16.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau de Marsan 2010 Cotes de Bordeaux – Cadillac, +446245, $16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Fontareche Vieilles Vignes Selection 2014 Corbieres, +150540, $13.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Jeff Carrel Les Darons 2014 Languedoc, +448464, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Falesco Tellus Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Umbria, +454504, $15.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Monasterio de Las Vinas San Jose de Aguaron Reserva 2008 Carinena, +166579, $14.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2014 California, +191593, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Westcott Temperance Red 2014 VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara, +469189, $19.95, 13.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-McManis Zinfandel 2014 Lodi, +256735, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Carmenere 2013 Maipo Valley, +57513, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Robert Oatley Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Margaret River, +323741, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Saint-Antoine Reserve du Chateau 2012 Bordeaux, +434464, $14.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Paul Jaboulet Aine Secret de Famille Cotes du Rhone 2013, +40033, $16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Xavier Cotes du Rhone 2012, +297317, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Fontanafredda Eremo Langhe Rosso 2012, +454041, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Scala Negroamarao Appassimento 2013 IGT Salento, +455212, $16.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Estay Prieto Picudo 2012 Vine de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon, +393140, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Bod. Ilurce Rio Madre Graciano 2014 Rioja, +354753, $14.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Bod. Bilbainas Vina Zaco Tempranillo 2914 Rioja, +146209, $14.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= W- Cuddy by Tawse Chardonnay 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +469023, $24.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +149302, $21.95, 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Hidden Bench Chardonnay 2013 VQA Beamsville Bench, +68817, $28.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W-La Crema Los Carneros Chardonnay 2014, +184929, $39.95, 14.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Simonnet-Febvre & Fils Cote de Lechet Chablis 1er Cru 2013, +462549, $42.95, 12.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Bernard Reverdy & Fils Sancerre 2015, +200055, $26.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Noble Vines The One red Blend 2013 North Coast CA, +460725, $23.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Two Hands Angels' Share Shiraz 2014 McLaren Vale, +9480, $24.95, 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Pierre de Montignac 2009 Medoc, +437954, $23.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Pierre Amadieu Domaine Grand Romane Cuvee Prestige Gigondas 2013 Vieilles Vignes, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Langlais 2000 Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion, +463273, $39.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Giacosa Vigna Mandorlo Barolo 2009, +352088, $49.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Finca Villacreces Pruno 2013 Ribera del Duero, +312140, $21.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-LAN Reserva 2009 Rioja, +42929, $24.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Bernard Magrez Herencia del Padri 2012 Priorat, +461426, $22.95, 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. W-Emile Beyer L'Hostellerie Gewurztraminer 2012 Alsace, +462556, $39.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. W-Antinori Castello Della Sala Cervaro Della Sala 2014 Umbria, +512376, $57.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Magpie Estate The Sack Shiraz 2015 Barossa, +94078, $21.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Kim Crawford Small Parcels Rise & Shine Pinot Noir 2013 Central Otago, +35337, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Podere La Vigna Brunello di Montalcino 2010, +390807, $42.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89, R-Selvapiana Chianti Rufina 2013, +456152, $21.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for September 3, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com BUY OF THE MONTH: Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewurztraminer 2013 CSV VQA Beamsville Bench, +302059, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93. 20 under $20 ========= R-Arboleda Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Las Vertientes Vineyard Aconcagua Valley, +606764, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Sauvignon Blanc 2015, +462614, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Junta Momentos Reserve Syrah/Carmenere 2014 Curico Valley, +464396, $16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Frogpond Farm Organic Vidal 2014 VQA Ontario, +469429, $14, 11.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau des Charmes St.David's Bench Vineyard Gamay Noir Droit 2014 VQA St.David's Bench, +346742, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2015 IGP Vins de Pays du Val de Loire, +672345, $15.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Bod. Coral Duero Rompesedas 2006 Toro, +425868, $19.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Vinos Sin Ley M Old Vine Monastrell 2011 Yecla, +344226, $17, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Emiliana Signos de Origen La Vinilla Chardonnay/Viognier/Marsanne/Roussanne 2015 Casablanca Valley, +63909, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Maycas del Limari Sumaq Reserva Chardonnay 2014 Limari, +378471, $14.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-De Martino Legado Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +205674, $18.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Escudo Rojo 2013 Maipo, +464354, $18.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Vina San Esteban In Situ Reserva Syrah 2014 Aconcagua, +662817, $15.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Vignerons de Buxy Buissonnier Montagny 2014, +382879, $19.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2014 VQA Short Hills Bench, +268342, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-De Wetshof Limestone Hill Unwooded Chardonnay 2015 WO Robertson, +419622, $16.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Domaine du Vieux Chai Sur Lie Muscadet de Sevre & Maine 2014, +200048, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Godard Bellevue 2011 Cotes de Bordeaux, +426049, $14.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Domaine Lafage Tessellae Old Vines Grenache/Sytah/Mourvedre Cotes du Roussilon 2014, +343517, $18.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Cesari Justo 2013 IGT Leggero Appasimento Veneto, +451732, $14.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Montgo Monastrell 2012 Alicante, +452136, $13.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= W-J. Moreau & Fils Chablis 2015, +466144, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Louis Max Cote de Nuits-Villages 2014, +445312, $29.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2014 BC VQA Okanagan, +208694, $33.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Inniskillin Montague Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 VQA Four Mile Creek, +997353, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2014 BC VQA Okanagan, +585760, $28.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Kistler Les Noisetiers Chardonnay 2014 Sonoma Coast, +251223, $99.95, 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Columbia Crest H3 Chardonnay 2014 Horse Heaven Hills, +441998, $20.05, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-J.Johr Los Osos Merlot 2014 Paso Robles, +27516, $21.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-La Crema Pinot Noir 2014 Monterey County, +367896, $26.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Rodney Strong Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Knights Valley Sonoma, +456723, $35.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Walter Clappis The Hedonist Shiraz 2013 McLaren Vale, +90191, $21.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:90 W-Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +912337, $24.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-E. Guigal Saint-Joseph 2012, +30031, $36.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2011, +651141, $61.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:90 R-Convento San Francisco 2010 Ribera del Duero, +206409, $20.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-CVNE Cune Gran Reserva 2009 Rioja, +393553, $39.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos 2013 Bierzo, +446484, $24.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Vina Real Reserva 2010 Rioja, +94896, $21.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Dandelion Vineyards Menagerie of the Barossa Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro 2014, +399899, $20.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Auntsfield Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 Southern Valleys South Island NZ, +361246, $31.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for August 20, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com WINE VALUE OF THE MONTH: RED-Vina Olabarri Crianza 2011 Rioja, +461277, $14.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. 20 under $20 ========= W-Calamus Steely Chardonnay 2013 VQA Niagara, +210062, $14.95, 12.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musque 2014 CSV VQA Beamsville Bench, +246589, $16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2014 VQA Niagara, +89029, $18.30, 10% ABV, MVC/QPR:88 W-Trail Estate Riesling 2014 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, +468082, $19.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +734798, $18.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Spier Vintage Selection Chenin Blanc 2015 WO Swartland, +455618, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2014 Alsace, +224626, $19.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Schloss Schonborn Riesling 2011 Rheingau, +653535, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Contini Pariglia Vermentino di Sardegna 2014, +455238, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Val de Vid Verdejo 2015 Rueda, +452086, $14.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Agostino Inicio Malbec 2014 Mendoza, +330670, $14.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Gouguenheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Mendoza, +194290, $14.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Robert Oatley Signature Series Shiraz 2014 Barossa, +460907, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Lamothe-Vincent Intense 2014 Bordeaux, +458588, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau La Bastide Optimee Corbieres 2011, +448662, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Domaine de l'Arnesque Cotes du Rhone 2014, +223487, $14.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Velenosi Brecciarolo Rosso Piceno Superiore 2013 Marche, +732560, $13.95, 13.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Jose Maria da Fonseca Domini 2012 Douro, +452730, $13.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Alceno Premium 50 Barricas Syrah 2012 Jumilla, +398933, $14.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Alidis Tinto 6 Messes en Barrica 2011 Ribera del Duero, +461335, $15.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 over $20 ========= W-Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 VQA Prince Edward County, +148866, $29, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Diamond Ridge Chardonnay 2014 Napa, +458794, $22.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-La Crema Chardonnay 2014 Sonoma Coast , +962886, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Andre Goichot Les Guignottes Montagny 2014, +455139, $26.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Jean Collet & Fils Montee de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru 2014, +405720, $37.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Jean-Marc Brocard Domaine Saint Claire Chablis 2014, +356634, $23.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Les Charmelles Sancerre 2014, +448571, $27.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Mario Schiopetto Bianco 2011 UGT Venezia Giulia, +382374, $42.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2014 VQA Prince Edward County, +125310, $45.20, 10.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Duckhorn Goldeneye Pinot Noir 2012 Anderson Valley, +659854, $69.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2014, +942599, $21.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Don Sebastiani Sivas-Sonoma Old Vine Zinfandel 2013 Sonoma County, +291096, $24.95, 15% ABV. MVC/QPR: 88. R-Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2013 Dundee Hills Oregon, +961284, $52.95, 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-L'Expression de Margaux 2010 Margaux, +431734, $33.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Monterinaldi Campopazzo Chianti Classico 2012, +454512, $20.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Losi Millennium Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +459735, $39.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012, +356220, $49.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Bod. Balbas Ritus Special Selection 2010 Ribera del Duero, +461236, $21.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Calandro Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 IGT Toscana, +455519, $22.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulcano 2012, +685180, $33.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for August 6, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com ** My wine bargain of the month: Cathedral Cellar Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine 2010 WO Western Cape South Africa, +462762, $16.95. MVC/QPR – 92 points ** 20 under $20 ========= W- Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +80234, $16.95, 9.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R-Best's Bin No. 1 Shiraz 2013 Great Western Victoria, +222323, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W-Thelema Mountain Vineyards Sutherland Chardonnay 2012 WO Elgin South Africa, +146423, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R-Chateau Tour de Sarrail 2010 Bordeaux, +448829, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-B & V Marchesseau Vignoble des Robinieres L'Alouette Bourgueil 2014, +450494, $19.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Grenache/Mourvedre/Syrah 2013 Cotes du Roussillon, +413245, $18.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Tenuta Ulisse Unico Pecorino 2014 IGP Terre di Chieti Abruzzo, +249128, $19.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Casa Santos Lima Confidencial Reserva 2012 Vinho Regional Lisboa, +452789, $14.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89, R-Bod. Classica Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva 2009 Rioja, +357335, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2014 Edra's Vineyard VQA Niagara, +67587, $17.95, 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Fielding Red Conception 2013 VQA Niagara, +189183, $18.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. W-Cline Viognier 2014 North Coast, +128421, $18.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Troupis Moschofilero 2015 PDO Mantinia Greece, +463422, $16.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Tsantali Naoussa Reserve 2011 Greece, +209627, $15.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Columbia Crest H3 Merlot 2013 Horse Heaven Hills Columbia Valley, +209874, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec 2012 San Juan Argentina, +162149, $17.95, 14.5ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Casas Del Bosque Reserva Pinot Noir 2014 Casablanca Valley, +995068, $15.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Mitolo The Nessus Shiraz 2013 McLaren Vale, +457291, $16.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Framingham Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +606848, $18.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Pietra Pura Mandu Primitivo di Manduria 2013, +216457, $16.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Gordo Tinto 2012 Yecla, +432435, $18.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 W-Inniskillin Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2013 VQA Four Mile Creek Niagara, +586347, $24.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Sanford Chardonnay 2012 Santa Rita Hills Santa Barbara County, +956003, $30.95, 14.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Torres Cos Perpetual 2013 Priorat Spain, +265710, $49.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Marimar Estate Acero Chardonnay 2014 Don Miguel Vineyard Russian River Valley Sonoma County, +383943, $34.95, 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay 2014 Monterey County, +220343, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Alpha Estate Turtles Vineyard Syrah 2011 Florina Greece, +115295, $21.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Davis Bynum Jane's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Russian River Valley Sonoma County, +458893, $39.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Sonoma County, +226944, $24.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau La Fleur Pourret 2009 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +455667, $38.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Estate Papaioannou Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko 2010, +47944, $20.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R-J & J Kekfrankos 2011 Eger Hungary, +446591, $24.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR:88. R-Umberto Fiore Barolo 2012, +454470, $32.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino 2008, +318352, $46.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Villa Cerna Riserva Chianti Classico 2012, +349407, $28.95, 13.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Bod. Balbas Ardal Reserva 2006 Ribera del Duero, +167700, $21.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Luis Canas Reserva 2010 Rioja, +334094, $26.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo 2011, +454488, $46.95, MVC/QPR: 89. Champagne – Gardet Cuvee Saiunt Flavy Brut Tradition, +924654, $42.95, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Buena Vista Chardonnay 2014 Sonoma County, +396440, $24.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Josef Chromy Pepik Pinot Noir 2014 Tasmania, +162990, $21.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for July 23, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========= R-Atalaya Laya 2014 Almansa Spain, +132605, $15.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Bod Piqueras Castillo de Almansa Old Vines Seleccion 2010 Almasa, +586719, $16.95, 14.5%ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. R-Gonzalez Byass Finca Constancia Seleccion 2013 Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, +376384, $16.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. W-Maetierra Atlantis Albarino 2015 Rias Baixas, +452078, $16.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Gil Family Entresuelos Tempranillo 2013 Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon, +462440, $16.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013 VQA Niagara, +367797, $19.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Redstone Limestone Vineyard South Riesling 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +381251, $19.20, 9.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Watchdog Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Columbia Valley, +461178, $17.95, 13.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 La Consulta/Tupungato Valleys Mendoza, +140855, $19.95, 14%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2014 Uco Valley Mendoza, +167619, $16.95, 14%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Indomita Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Maipo, +434191, $15.95, 14%ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Santa Carolina Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo, +461202, $16.95, 14%ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Rockbare Mojo Shiraz 2013 Barossa Valley, +327767, $18.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Domaine Autrand Cotes du Rhone 2014, +380675, $13.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-M.Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes du Rhone 2014, +328831, $16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna 2015, +52068, $15.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Abad dom Bueno Mencia 2008 Bierzo, +291989, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Garces Dilva Boya Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Leyda Valley, +389726, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Santa Rita Medalla Real Syrah 2012 Limari, +443523, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-St.Hallett Gamekeeper's Shiraz 2014 Baross, +166991, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= W-Markham Chardonnay 2014 Napa, +418277, $23.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Yacochuya 2006 Cafayate Calchaqui Valley Salta, +35964, $57.95, 16.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +324228, $21.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Roger & Didier Raimbault Sancerre 2014, +82255, $26.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Bachelder Hautes Cotes Cotes de Beaune 2013, +445247, $27.95, 13%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Beni di Batasiolo Riserva Barolo 2006, +330704, $39.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Le Arche Amarone della Valipolicella 2012, +95836, $34.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Flowers Chardonnay 2014 Sonoma Coast, +215210, $68.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Emmolo Merlot 2013 Napa, +96024, $69.95, 15.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Creation Pinot Noir 2014 WO Walker Bay So. Africa, +455279, $26.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Anselmi Capitel Croce 2014 IGT Veneto, +966655, $26.95, 13%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-16 Mile Cellar Rebel Pinot Noir 2011 VQA Niagara, +461731, $22.95, 13.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chareau des Charmes St.David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2012 VQA St David's Bench NOTL, +434415, $27.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Silver Oak Twomey Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Napa/Sonoma, +458695, $44.95, 13.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Kim Crawford Small Parcels Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +38240, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Blaignan 2010 Cru Bourgeois Medoc, +416727, $25.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Caiarossa Pergolaia 2009 IGT Toscana, +460097, $31.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Querciabella Chianti Classico 2013, +728816, $37.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2012 VQA Niagara, +33894, $30, MVC/QPR: 87. W-William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis 2014, +461640, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for July 9, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com FAVE UNDER $20 – Olarra Laztana Reserva 2010 Rioja, 14% ABV, +433649, $19.95, MVC/QPR:92 20 under $20 ========= W-Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2014 IGP Pays d'Oc, +147975, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 88 W-Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2013 VQA Short Hills Bench, 11% ABV, +557165, $17.96, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Barahonda Sin Madera Monastrell 2014 Yecla, 14.5% ABV, +366823, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2010 Giola del Colle Puglia, 13.5% ABV, +724674, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Viewpoint Estate Fine Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Lake Erie North Shore, 13% ABV, +443812, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Chateau des Charmes St. David's Bench Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 VQA St.David's Bench, +430991, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2014 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, 14% ABV, +378489, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Stratus Kabang Gewurztraminer 2013 VQA NOTL, 13.4$ ABV, +442012, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Tilimuqui Single Vineyard Torrontes 2015 Famatina Valley La Rioja Argentina, +450486, $13.95, MVC/QPR: 91 [organic AND Fair Trade cert.] R-Finca El Origen Reserva Estate Malbec 2015 Uco Valley, 14.1%, +65664, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Kaiken Terroir Series Corte Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Mendoza, 14% ABV, +384305, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Casas del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Casablanca Valley, 14% ABV, +974717, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Santa Carolina Gran Reserva Petit Verdot 2013 Rapel, 14.5% ABV, +7484, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Waimea Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Nelson South Island, +694737, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Toi Toi Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, 13% ABV, +454785, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Brampton Old Vine Red Blend 2013 WO Western Cape South Africa, 14% ABV, +455303, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Domaine de la Chaise Touraine Sauvignon 2014, 13% ABV, +452540, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Senorio de Los Baldios Crianza 2009 Ribera del Duero, 14%, +366393, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Vicchiomaggio Ripa Delle Mandorle 2014 IGT Toscana, 13% ABV, +677930, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 90 R-Lafage Tessellae Vieilles Vignes Carignan 2014 IGP Cotes Catalanes, 14.5% ABV, +343509, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 89. 20 over $20 ========= W-Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2013 VQA Short Hills Bench, +616466, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +1552, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Artesa Chardonnay 2013 Carneros, +657585, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Bachelder Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay 2013 Burgundy, 13% ABV, +416602, $28.95, MVC/QPR:94. R-Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Meritage 2012 VQA Niagara, 13.5% ABV, +594002, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Delicato Irony Small Lot Reserve Chardonnay 2013 Napa Valley, 14.5% ABV, +27409, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 91. W-La Crema Chardonnay 2014 Monterey, 13.5% ABV, +158683, $26.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Mahi Pinot Noir 2013 Marlborough, 13.5% ABV, +447532, $20.95, MVC/QPR: 92. R-Chateau Haut Rocher 2008 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 13.5% ABV, +446252, $34.95, MVC/QPR:89 R-Chateau Haut-Bellvue 2010 Haut-Medoc, 13.5%, +444307, $26.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Sivas-Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Sonoma County, +451377, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Xavier Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2011, 14.5% ABV, +244814, $39.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Castello di Gabbiano Gran Selezione Bellezza Chianti Classico 2012, 14.5% ABV, +652438, $39.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino 2010, 14.5% ABV, +642561, $63.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Piazzano Blend 2 2013 IGT Toscana, 14% ABV, +455493, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Lone Birch Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Yakima Valley, 13.9% ABV, +446971, $20.95, MVC/QPR:88 W-Chatelain Les Charmes Pouilly-Fume 2013, 12.5% ABV, +727990, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2013 IGT Toscana, 13.5% ABV, +727636, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Georges Duboeuf Domaine Mont Chavy Morgon 2013, 12.5% ABV, +276477, $21.95, MVC/QPR:87. R-Chateau Bernadotte 2012 Haut-Medoc, 13.5% ABV, +970178, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 87. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 25, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at http://www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at http://www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========= W-Domaine de la Baume Elisabeth Viognier 2014 IGP Pays d'Oc, +438796, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2013 IGP Pays d'Oc, 13.5% ABV, +177584, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 93 – ** FAVE OF THE MONTH ** R-Domaine des Terrisses Grande Tradition Gaillac 2012, 13% ABV, +451922, $17.95, MVC/QPR:90 R-Chateau Saint-Roch Chimeres 2014 AP Cotes du Roussillon -Villages, 15% ABV, +119354, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Domaine de L'Alba E'Ermite 2013 AC Corbieres, 13% ABV, +446138, $17, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewurztraminer 2013 CSV VQA Beamsville Bench, 13.5% ABV, +302059, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Zuccardi Serie A Torrontes 2014 Salta, 14.5% ABV, +389262, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec 2013 Mendoza, 14.2% ABV, +450155, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Santa Carolina Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2013 Casablanca, 14% ABV, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Santa Ema Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Leyda Valley, 13.5% ABV, +443507, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Cousino-Macul Don Matias Reserva Syrah 2014 Maipo, 14% ABV, +443515, $14.95, MVC/QPR:89 W-Jardin Inspector Peringury Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Stellenbosch, 13.5% ABV, +443473, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Corte Medicea Aros 2014 IGT Toscana, 13.5% ABV, +456947, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Vega Moragona La Duna Single Vineyard Tempranillo 2011 DO Ribera del Jucar, 14% ABV, +378877, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Vina Eguia Reserva 2010 Rioja, 13.5% ABV< +325845, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 91. W-Morgadio da Torre Alvarinho Vinho Verde 2014, 12.5% ABV, +960955, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Qu Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, 13.5% ABV, +443531, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Featherstone Four Feathers 2015 VQA Niagara, 12.5% ABV, +341586, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Michele Castellani San Michele Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2013, 14% ABV, +410688, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= R-Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2013 VQA Ontario, 14% ABV, +461699, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Manus dei du Chateau Sixtine Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, 15% ABV, +719120, $38.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir 2014 BC VQA Okanagan, 14%ABV, +556613, $40.95, MVC/QPR: 88 W-Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Chardonnay 2014 Sonoma Coast, 14.1% ABV, +235945, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2013 Russian River Valley Sonoma, 14.5% ABV, +210039, $45.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Napa Cellars Merlot 2013 Napa, 14.2% ABV, +447300, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Columbia Valley, 13.5% ABV, +269357, $20.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2013 Victoria, 14.5% ABV, +935890, $23.95, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 2014, 12.8% ABV, +41780, $25.95, MVC/QPR: 89 R-M Rolland Chateau Fontenil 2008 Fronsac, 14% ABV, +567404, $45.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-St.Urbans-Hof Old Vines Riesling 2014 Mosel, 9.5% ABV, +995746, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Domdechant Werner Hochheimer Riesling Kabinett 2012 Rheingau, 10% ABV, +722413, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Gemma Giblin Riserva Barolo 2007, 14% ABV, +185025, $38.95, MVC/QPR: 91 R-Arpa Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 IGT Toscana, 14% ABV, +455527, $20.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2013, 13.5% ABV, +216309, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Ridolfi Brunello di Montalcino 2010, 14.5% ABV, +458216, $48.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011, 15.5% ABV, +47506, $53.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Marques de Vitoria Gran Reserva 2005 Rioja, 14% ABV, +699678, $30.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Podere La Cappella Querciolo Chianti Classico Riserva 2011 Unfiltered, 14.5% ABV, +95893, $38.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Domaine Bott-Geyl Schoenenbourg Grand Cru Riesling 2012 Alsace, 13.5% ABV, +456970, $50.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2012 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, 14% ABV, +130997, $31.95, MVC/QPR: 88 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 11, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com BONUS: La Guita Manzanilla Sherry, 15% ABV, +337022, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 93. 20 under $20 ========= R-Rosenblum Zinfandel 2012 Paso Robles, 14.1% ABV, +450544, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2013 CSV VQA Beamsville Bench, 13% ABV, +256552, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 90 W-Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2014 VQA Niagara, 10% ABV, +89029, $17.95, MVC/QPR:91 R-Chateau des Charmes Estate Bottled Old Vines Pinot Noir 2011 VQA NOTL, 13% ABV, +256834, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 91 R-Rainier Wine Diversion Majestic Red 2013 Washington, 13.6%, +446997, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Zonte's Footstep Baron Von Nemesis Whiraz 2013 Barossa, 14.5% ABV, +212936, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Jardin Sauvignon Blanc 2014 WO Stellenbosch, 13% ABV, +663302, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Cave de Beblenheim Heimberger Reserve Sylvaner 2014, 12% ABV, +446443, $13.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Sourdais Chinon 2014 Loire, 13% ABV, +451898, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Grand Moulin Vieilles Vignes 2012 Corbieres, 13.5% ABV, +440842, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Domaine Les Verrieres Les Sept Fonraines 2009 Langedoc, 13.5% ABV, +362913, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Loose Bros. Dr. L Riesling 2014 Mosel, 8.5% ABV, +599274, $13.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Lopez de Haro Crianza 2010 Rioja, 13.5% ABV, +377481, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Fielding Estate Riesling 2014 VQA Beamsville Bh, 10.5% ABV, +251439, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Creekside Estate Laura's Red 2012 VQA Niagara, 13.5% ABV, +117960, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Seven Falls Merlot 2011 Wahluke Slope Columbia Vly, 14% ABV, +420711, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Balbo Crios Pinot Noir 2014 Uco Vly, 14% ABV, +450098, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-San Felice Chianti Classico 2013, 13% ABV, +282996, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Ribera del Tinguiririca Machigue Central Valley Chile, 14% ABV, +256693, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Byron & Harold Rose & Thorns Shiraz 2013, 14% ABV, +453183, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= R-Ca' Momi Zinfandel 2014 Napa, 13.9% ABV, +396168, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Paul Dolan Zinfandel 2013 Mendocino, 15% ABV, +46342, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Candor Lot 7 Zinfandel Lodi, 14.5% ABV, +133389, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2014 BC VQA Okanagan Vly, 13% ABV, +585760, $27.95, MVC/QPR:88 W-Casa Lapostelle Cuvee Alexandre 2013 Atalaysa Vyd Casablanca, 14.5% ABV,+947937, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Forest Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Great Southern Western Australia, 14% ABV, +380840, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 89 W-Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +735043, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Alain Geoffroy Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2014, 13% ABV, +733501, $31.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Chaumeau-Balland & Fils Domaine La Grande Maison Sancerre 2014, 13% ABV, +452532, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiller Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese 2013 Mosel, 8.5% ABV, +339150, $26.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Cafaggio Basilica Solatio Riserva Chianti Class 2010, 14.5% ABV, +441279, $39.95, MVC/QPR:88. R-Poggio Stella Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2011, 13.5% ABV, +444810, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Tenuta La Fuga Brunello di Montalcino 2010, 15% ABV, +212837, $42.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Brunelli Amarone dell Valpolicella Classico 2012, 15% ABV, +439745, $51.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino 2013, 13% ABV, +333575, $20.95, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Olivier & Lafont Gigondas 2013, 14.4% ABV, +452300, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Domaine Belle Les Pierrelles Crozes-Hermitage 2012, 13% ABV, +451880, $27.95. MVC/QPR: 87. R-Chateau Maurac 2013 Cru Bourgeois Haut-Medoc, 13.5% ABV, +365817, $26.95, MVC/QPR: 87. W-Paquet Chateau de Chaintre Pouilly-Fouisse 2014, 13.5% ABV, +445239, $27.95, MVC/QPR: 87. W-Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling 2015 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, 9.5% ABV, +578625, $24.95, MV WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for MAY 28, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis, can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========= W-Pieropan Soave Classico 2014, +946848, $17.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Dry Furmint 2014 Hungary, 12% ABV, +445718, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Provolo Camptorbian Ripass Valpolicella Superiore 2011, 14% A, +974402, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Fielding Red Conception 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 13% A, +189183, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Finca El Origen Estate Reserva Torrontes 2015 Salta, 14.3% A, +262089, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Montgras Antu Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, 14.5%ABV, +444703, $17.95, +MVC/QPR: 89. W-Rustenberg Chardonnay 2014 WO Stellenbosch, 14%ABV, +598631, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Domaine de Rocherin Vieille Vignes Bourgogne Chardonnay 2014, 12.5% ABV, +445254, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90 W-Charles Bove Vouvray 2014, 11.5% ABV, +448563, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Chateau du Donjon Grande Tradition Minervois 2012, 14% ABV, +275578, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Santa Duc Les Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone 2009, 14% ABV, +101543, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 92. W-Muga Barrel Fermented White Rioja 2015, 13.5% ABV, +958736, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2014 Campo de Borja, 15% ABV, +273748, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Baron de Magana 2010 Navarra, 14.5% ABV, +280552, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Masserie Pisari Primitivo 2013 IGT Salento Rosso, 14% ABV, +270306, $13.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Cant. Tollo Aldiano Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2011, 14% , +51706, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88 W-Fratelli Povero Terre del Conte Roero Arneis 2014, 13% ABV, +436915, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Peyros Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2010, 14% ABV, +234997, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Benmarco Malbec 2013 Uco Mendoza, 14% ABV, +657601, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Familia Garces Silva Boya Pinot Noir 2013 Leyda, 13% ABV, +444711, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= Sparkling – Jackson-Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve Brut 2011 MT VQA Niagara Peninsula, 12% ABV, +234161, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2012 IGT Veronese, 13.5%ABV, +672931, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Cantine di Ora Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2013, 14.5% ABV, +451666, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2013 Napa, 14.1% ABV, +346304, $67.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 13% ABV, +130989, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-La Crema Chardonnay 2014 Russian River Sonoma, 13.5% A, $39.95, +67231, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2013 Columbia Valley, 13.5%A,+232439, $20.95, MVC/QPR:88 W-Kim Crawford Wild Grace Small Parcels Chardonnay 2013, 13% ,+378604, $24.95, MVC/QPR:92 R-Domaine Mathieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, 15% ABV, +971564, $41.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2010, 14% ABV, +378257, $54.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Ruffino Ducale Oro Riserva Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, 14.5% ABV, +353201, $47.95, MVC/QPR: 90 R-La Tercera Reserva 2010 Rioja, 13.5% ABV, +432443, $27.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Lopez de Haro Gran Reserva 2008 Rioja, 14% ABV< +431973, $27.95, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Tobia Seleccion Crianza 2010 Rioja, 14% ABV, +364828, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2010, 13.5% A, +368910, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Pascal Bouchard Les Champs Blancs Chablis 2014, 12.5% ABV, +445338, $26.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet/Merlot 2013 Margaret River, 14.5% A, +446682, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88 R-John Glaetzer John's Blend No. 38 Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Langhorne Creek, 14.5% ABV, +927640, $39.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Monte Bello Santa Cruz, 13.5% ABV, +89284, $74.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Bachelder La Petite Charmotte Nuits Saint Georges 2013, 13% A, +357228, $58.95,MVC/QPR: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for MAY 14, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========= W-Te Pa Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +450668, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Rosewood Sussreserve Riesling 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +258806, $14.95, 10.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Famiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2015 Mendoza, +1461, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +37911, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmenere 2012 Maule, +957050, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2013 Langhorne Creek, +72975, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau de Panigon 2010 Cru Bourgeois Medoc, +348250, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau du Chatelard Cuvee Les Vieilles Vignes Beaujolais-Villages 2014, +445320, $17.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-D'Angelo Sacravite 2013 IGT Basilicata, +440834, $15.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Rendola Rosso de Montalcino 2009, +438564, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-San Leonino Chianti Classico 2012, +412387, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Oro de Castilla Verdejo 2014 Rueda Spain, +745562, $15.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Bod. Balbas Ardal Crianza 2010 Ribera del Duero, +167601, $18.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Marin Old Vine Garnacha 2010 Carinena, +214205, $14.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Monterebro Seleccion 2013 Jumilla, +443929, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2014 Lodi, +460659, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Liberty School Syrah 2013 Central Coast, +942383, $18.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Graham Beck Game Reserve Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Paarl, +443366, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Rabl Kittmansberg Gruner Veltliner 2014 Kamptal, +346007, $15.95, 12.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 88. R-Gerard Bertrand Syrah/Grenache 2013 Languedoc, +413237, $16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= W-Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +677450, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Ernest Meurgey-Perron Pouilly-Fuisse 2012, +448852, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Pierre Amadieu Romane-Machotte Gigondas 2013, +17400, $24.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Val di Suga Brunello di Monmtalcino 2010, +713719, $48.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Latium Morini Campo Leon Amarone della Valpolicella 2010, +334300, $47.95, MVC/QPR: 92. R-Bod. Altanza Lealtanza Gran Reserva Rioja 2008, +453548, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-La Regola Vallino 2008 IGT Rosso Toscano, +440602, $26.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88, R-Casetta Barolo 2011, +4523, $29.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Cave de Rasteau Ortas Prestige Rasteau 2011, +985929, $21.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Nuiton-Beaunoy Beaune 2012, +447573, $37.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Brande-Bergere Cuvee O'Byrne 2009 Bordeaux Superieur, +446674, $25.95, 13.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Tawse Sketches of Niagara Cabernet/Merlot 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +130252, $20.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Nyarai Cellars Cadence 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +451781, $21.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R-Domaine Queylus Tradition Pinot Noir 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +392738, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Southern Valleys Marlborough, +663286, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Thornbury Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago, +329706, $24.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87. R-Elephant Hill Le Phant 2014 Hawkes Bay, +447367, $22.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Pascual Toso Alta Cabernet 2013 Barrancas Vineyards Mendoza, +441907, $32.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Viewpointe Focal Point Cabernet Franc 2010 VQA Lake Erie North Shore, +450916, $24.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2013 Sonoma County, +275552, $24.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for April 30, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. Hey – it's the Blue Moon release – three Vintages releases in April! The next Blue Moon release will be in October... The BAD NEWS: Five wines presented to the wine media were corked!!! And there were not that many wines with a cork closure since just about everything is screwcap or twist top these days. FIVE wines – a record!! (I've been keeping tabs since 1987). Only the astute will go down to the Product Consultants tasting on Tuesdays to catch up with the “non-corked” wines. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========= W- Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay 2013 Columbia Valley, +366542, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Hogue Genesis Meritage 2012 Columbia Valley, +443135, $18.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Puklus Pinceszet Szamorodni Sweet Tokaji 2009 Hungary, 500 mL, +179374, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +80234, $16.95, 9.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Marisco Vineyards The King's Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Waihopai Marlborough, +374165, $19.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau Les Tourelles 2011 Bordeaux, +426247, $16.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Tommasi Poggio Al Tufo Rompicollo 2012 IGT Maremma Toscana, +13755, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Pata Negra Reserva 2010 Rioja, +443804, $17, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Joel Gott Riesling 2012 Columbia Valley, +443143, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Seven Falls Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Wahluke Slope Columbia Valley, +360222, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards Stonecap Syrah 2013 Columbia Valley, +443150, $16.95, 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Yalumba Organic Viognier 2015 South Australia, +288217, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Wildass Red 2012 VQA NOTL, +86363, $19.95, 13.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Souverain Chardonnay 2013 North Coast, +158600, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Ryder Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Central Coast [Cal.], +450528, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Montes Outer Limits Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Zapallar Aconcagua Valley, +389643, $19.95, 13# ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Juan Gil 4 Meses Monastrell 2014 Jumilla, +13656, $16.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Errazuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, +203364, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Lamadrid Single Vineyard Reserva Malbec 2012 Agrelo Mendoza, +234492, $17, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. Rose – Gassier Sables d'Azur Rose 2015 Cotes de Provence, +33621, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 88. 20 over $20 ========= W-Nk'mip Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay 2013 BC VQA Okanagan, 13.5 ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Cloudline Pinot Gris 2014 Willamette Valley, +159988, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Clare Valley/Coonawara, +142398, $24.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Rombeau Cuvee Elise 2011 Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Roussillon-Villages, +439695, $22.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Lornano Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, +208447, $26.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Castelli del Grevepesa Panzano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011, +972695, $37.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Rendola Brunello de Montalcino 2004, +181412, $39.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Quinta de Couselo O Rosal 2014 Rias Baixas, +440362, $23.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Norman Hardie Unfiltered Chardonnay 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +184432, $39, 12.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Sugar Loaf Pinot Noir 2014 Marlborough, +447359, $24.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Grillesino Ceccante Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maremma Toscana, +440768, $24.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Italo Cescon Pinot Noir 2014 Veneto, +439737, $21.95, 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau de Gaudou Renaissance Cahors 2012 Cuvee Boisee, +364786, $25.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Brumont Chateau Bouscasse Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2006, +132415, $38.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Domaine Michel Caillot Beaune Les Avaux 1er Cru 2012, +446344, $49.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau Cap Leon Veyrin 2010 Listrac-Medoc, +351957, $31.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Fielding Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2014 VQA Beamsville Bench, +355842, $21.95, MVC/QPR:88. R-Coyote's Run Black Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 VQA Four Mile Creek, +116442, $32.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Meiomi Chardonnay 2014 Monterey/Sonoma/Santa Barbara, +410712, $26.95, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Vignerons de Buxy Les Chaniots Montagny 1er Cru 2013, +159020, $24.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for April 16, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. This wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis, can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. 20 under $20 ========= W-Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2014 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268342, $19.95. 13.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 90 R-Ironstone Petite Sirah 2014 Lodi, +361915, $17.95. 14.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 88. W-Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2013 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +277228, $16.95. 12% ABV. MVC/QPR: 91. W-Flat Rock Chardonnay 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +286278, $18.95. 13% ABV. MVC/QPR: 91 R-Alamos Syrah 2014 Mendoza, +183848, $14.95. 13.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 88. R-Vinalba Reserva Malbec/Touriga Nacional 2013 Uco Valley Mendoza, +442459, $18.95. 14.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. R-L F Edwards Claro Magnolio Reserve Malbec 2014 Colchagua, +365932, $13.95. 14% ABV MVC/QPR: 88. W-Highfield Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough NZ, +444380, $19.95. 13% ABV. MVC/QPR: 90. W-Chateau Sainte-Marie Vieilles Vignes Entre-Deux-Mers 2014, +447565, $14.95. 12.5%. ABV MVC/QPR: 90. W-Cuvee Joseph Talmard Macon Chardonnay 2014, +392712, $16.95. 13% ABV MVC/QPR: 89 W-J Perrier & Fils Apremont Cuvee Gastronomie Savoie 2014, +320093, $18.95. 11.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 88. R-Chateau La Rose Vieilles Vignes 2010 Cotes de Bordeaux – Castillon, +444349, $16.95. 13% ABV. MVC/QPR: 90 R-Couly-Dutheil Les Gravieres d'Amador Abbe de Turpenay Chinon 2014, +446328, $19.95. MVC/QPR: 89. R-Carpineto Chianti Classico 2013, +356048, $19.95. 13% ABV. MVC/QPR: 91. R-Rede Reserva 2010 Douro, +431262, $14.95. 13.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 88. R-CUNE Vina Real Crianza 2012 Rioja, +657411, $18.95. 13.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. R-Bodega del Abad Gotin del Risc Mencia 2010 Bierzo, +391581, $15.95. 14% ABV. MVC/QPR: 90. W-Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2013 Limari, +342857, $19.95. 13.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 88. R-William Fevre Chile Espino Gran Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo Valley, +444430, $19.95. 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Nozieres Cuvee Ambroise de L'Her Malbec Cahors 2012, +276055, $17.95. 13.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. 20 over $20 ========= R-Edmeades Zinfandel 2013 Mendocino County, +105924, $23.95. 15% ABV. MVC/QPR: 88. W-J.Lohr October Night Chardonnay 2014 Arroyo Seco Monterey, +225375, $34.95. MVC/QPR: 88 R-Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268391 $24.95. 13.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. R-Kacaba Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +326496, $24.95. 13.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 90. R-Culmina R&D Red Blend 2014 BC VQA Golden Mile Bench Okanagan, +445494, $25.95. 14% ABV MVC/QPR: 88. R-Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Barossa Valley, +39537, $39.95. 14.5% MVC/QPR: 90. R-Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2014 Barossa, +167189, $21.95. 14.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 90. R-Shingleback Davey Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 McLaren Vale, +444455, $23.95. 14.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 90. R-Miguel Torres Cordillera de los Andes Special Reserva Carmenere 2009 Curico Valley, +301432, $21.95. 14.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 87. W-Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2014 Margaret River, +416511, $24.95. 12.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. R-Pirathon by Kalleske Shiraz 2012 Barossa Valley, +130278, $29.95. 14.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 88. W-Two Rivers Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +277707, $23.95. 13% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. W-F.Tinel-Blondelet L'Arret Buffatte Pouilly-Fume 2014, +169730, $24.95. MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau Clarke 2009 Listrac Medoc, +503904, $42.95. 14% ABV. MVC/QPR: 91. W-Darting Durkheimer Nonnengarten Gewurztraminer Kabinett 2013 Pfalz, +944181, $20.95. 10% ABV. MVC/QPR: 92. R-Patrizi Barolo 2011, +653527, $34.95. 14% ABV. MVC/QPR: 92. R-Antinori Guado Al Tasso Il Bruciato 2013 Bolgheri, +674135, $25.95. 14% ABV. MVC/QPR: 90. R-Cune Reserva 2011 Rioja, +417659, $24.95. 13.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. R-La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino 2010, +121905, $57.95. 14.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. R-San Felice Il Grigio Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011, +403477, $46.95. 14.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. R-Domaine de Viaud 2004 Lalande-de-Pomerol, +282475, $31.95. 13% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89 WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for APRIL 2, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 My BEST BUY is Mas des Bressades Cuvee Tradition 2014 Costieres de Nimes, +143099, $16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W - Baron de Hoen Riesling Reserve 2014 Alsace, +446427, $14.95, 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W - Chateau Haut Philippon 2014 Entre-Deux-Mers, +445171, $14.95, 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W- Waterkloof Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Stellenbosch, +443382, $16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R - Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir La Clape Syrah/Carignan/Mourvedre 2011 Coteaux du Languedoc, +370262, $18.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W- Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2012 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +557165, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R – Ca' Momi Rosso di Napa 2014 Napa Valley, +449744, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R – Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2014 Lodi, +942599, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R – Hogue Genesis Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Columbia Valley, +275123, $18.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R – Norton Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Mendoza, +663120, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W – Aresti Trisquel Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Leyda Valley, +443341, $18.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R – Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo Valley, +18721, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R – Zonte's Footstep Avalon Tree Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Fleurieu Peninsula South Australia, +353193, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R – Stellenrust Timeless 2011 WO Stellenbosch, +443325, $19.95, 14% ABV, Bordeaux-style blend, MVC/QPR: 89. R – Chateau Brehat 2008 Cotes de Bordeaux – Castillon, +348672, $18.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R – Mas des Bressades Cuvee Tradition 2014 Costieres de Nimes, +143099, $16.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W – Dr. Hermann From The Slate Riesling 2013 Mosel, +446617, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W – Rocca di Montemassi Calasole Vermentino 2014 Maremma Toscana, +435446, $14.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R – Farina Solers Le Bocce 2011 IGT Toscana, +309393, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R – Aroa Jauna Crianza 2011 Navarra, +353524, $14.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R – Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria 2013 Puglia, +261784, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 20 over $20 My BEST BUY is Coto de Imaz Reserva 2010 Rioja, +23762, $22.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 ========= R – Coyote's Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 VQA Four Mile Creek Niagara, +79228, $24.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R - Torres Salmos 2012 Priorat, +450734, $30.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R- G. Marquis The Silver Line Epic 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +310367, $29.95, 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W – Chateau St. Jean Robert Young Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 Alexander Valley Sonoma County, +990499, $39.95, 14.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. W – Iris Pinot Gris 2013 Oregon, +445726, $23.95, 12.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R – Napa Cellars Zinfandel 2013 Napa Valley, +126607, $29.95, 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R – Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Sonoma Coast, +226944, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R – Emiliana Coyam 2012 Colchagua Valley, +63891, $29.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R – Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz 2013 Barossa, +18796, $21.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R – Xanadu DJL Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Margaret River Western Australia, +444802, $22.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W- Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +324228, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W – Loimer Langenlois Gruner Veltliner 2014 Kamptal Austria, +142240, $21.95, 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W – Henri de Villamont La Canee Auxey-Duresses 2012, +445270, $39.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R – Chateau de Lisennes Cuvee Prestige 2009 Bordeaux Superieur, +444364, $21.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R – Tsantali Reserve Rapsani 2011 Thessalia Greece, +734855, $20.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R – Ruffino Modus 2012 IGT Toscana, +912956, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R – Bodegas Langa Pi-3.1415 Concejon 2012 Aragon Catalayud, +313841, $21.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R – Coto de Imaz Reserva 2010 Rioja, +23762, $22.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R – Vina Vilano Crianza 2011 Rivera del Duero, +82180, $21.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R – Rocca delle Macie Riserva Chianti Classico 2012, +930966, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for March 19, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========== Fruit - Georgian Hills Bartlett Frozen to the Core 2014 Blue Mountains Ontario, +347401, $19.95 375 mL, sweet pear, MVC/QPR: 92. R-Zaccagnini dal Tralcetto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2013, +396382, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Antichi Poderi Jerzu Chuerra Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna 2011 Sardinia, +270272, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva 2011 Tuscany, +324160, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Frascole Chianti Rufina 2012 Tuscany, +85167, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Renzo Masi Erta e China 2012 IGT Rosso di Toscana, +132308, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Konzelmann Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +392357, $14.75, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +89029, $17.95, 10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Indelible Wines Vintage Ink Sauvignon Blanc 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +391953, $16.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Uco Valley Mendoza, +260919, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Vina Montgras Antu Syrah 2014 Colchagua Valley, +675371, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Alto Casablanca Primus The Blend 2013 Colchagua Valley, +712463, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Ad Lib Hen & Chicken Chardonnay 2014 Pemberton Western Australia, +297697, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Winery of Good Hope Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2013 WO Stellenbosch, +739955, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Cedre Heritage Malbec 2012 Cahors, +148635, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau Bellevue La Foret 2011 Fronton, +354134, $13.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Fontes de Cunha Mondeco Red 2010 Dao, +442210, $13.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-San Jose de Aguaron Monasterio de las Vinas Reserva 2006 Carinena, +166579, $14.95, 13% ABV. MVC/QPR: 91. R-Arroyo Senorio de Sotillo Crianza 2011 Ribera del Duero, +438648, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Vinicola Real Vina Los Valles Tempranillo/Graciano Crianza 2010 Rioja, +438721, $19.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. 20 over $20 ========= R-Villa Mora Montefalco Sagrantino 2009 Umbria, +342394, $25.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-A & G Natale Fantino Cascina Dardi Bussia Barolo 2010 Piedmont, +268515, $49.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico 2012, +943613, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Il Molino di Grace Il Margone Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +435115, $39.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2012, +566216, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2012, +241182, $35.20, 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 94. W-Culmina Decora Riesling 2014 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +444836, $24.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Henry of Pelham Estate Cabernet/Merlot 2012, +395855, $24.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2011 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +626325, $44.95, 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-L.F. Edwards Merea Chardonnay 2014 Leyda Valley Chile, +439349, $22.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo, +57901, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Burch Family Howard Park Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Margaret River, +410019, $22.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2013 WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley South Africa, +999516, $57.95, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Michel Picard Les Chalumeaux Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 2008, +446237, $64.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Marnier-Lapostelle Chateau de Sancerre Sancerre 2014, +340893, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Chateau Coufran 2005 Haut-Medoc, +446666, $56.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Cheateau de L'Ou Infiniment Syrah 2012 IGP Cotes Catalanes, +440610, $26.95, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2011, +959627, $46.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R-Quinta Vale do Armo Vila Jardim Special Selection 2011 VR Tejo, +277624, $22.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Muga Seleccion Especial 2010 Rioja, +712067, $39.95, MVC/QPR: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for MARCH 5, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========= Gonzalez Byass Cristina Oloroso Abocado Sherry, +196808, $18.95. MVC/QPR: 92. Vietti Moscato d'Asti 2014 Piedmont, +441253, $19.95. 5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Fielding Gewurztraminer 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +146753, $18.95. 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W- Flat Rock Riesling 2014 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +043281, $16.95. 9.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W-Henry of Pelham Family Tree White 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +251116, $17.95, 13%ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2013 VQA Ontario, +247882, $18.95. 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Kew Vineyards Old Vine Chardonnay 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench, +438374, $18.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. W-Peninsula Ridge Barrel Aged Chardonnay 2014 VQA Beamsville Bench, +211490, $15.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Joseph Carr Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 California, +412320, $17, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Columbia Valley, +240093, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Finca El Origen Gran Reserva Malbec 2013 Uco Valley Mendoza, +65425, $19.95, 14.6%, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Falernia Reserva Syrah 2013 Elqui Valley Chile, +208371, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92. R-Nativa Single Vineyard Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo, +456921, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. W-Excelsior Sauvignon Blanc 2014 WO Robertson, +382085, $13.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2014 Alsace, +747600, $18.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Foucher-Lebrun Le Petit Mont Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Loire, +443127, $14.95, 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Chateau La Roche Doree 2010 Medoc, +165381, $17.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Syrousse 2012 Cotes du Roussillon Villages, +357343, $16.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-I Sodi Chianti Classico 2011, +435123, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Vizcarra Senda del Oro Roble 2012 Ribera del Duero, +331249, $18.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. 20 over $20 ========= Forbidden Fruit Pearsuasion 2013 Similkameen Valley BC, +447151, $20.95. 13% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. Henriot Souverain Brut Champagne, +959643, $62.95. MVC/QPR: 92 R-J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Paso Robles, +686584, $46.95. 14.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Casa Rojo Alexander vs. The Ham Factory 2012 Ribera del Duero 2012, +439687, $36.95. MVC/QPR: 91. R-Nk'Mip Qwam Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +303719, $28.95.MVC/QPR: 88. R-Sperling Vineyards Pinot Noir 2013 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +382283, $27.95. 13.3% ABV. MVC/QPR: 89. W-Macrostie Chardonnay 2013 Sonoma Coast, +244467, $35.95. 14.5% ABV. MVC/QPR: 88. W-Elk Cove Pinot Gris 2014 Willamette Valley, +955906, $24.95. 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Laura Catena Luca G Lot Chardonnay 2013 Tupungata Mendoza, +167338, $34.95. 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. R-Clos de Los Siete 2012 Uco Valley Mendoza, +622571, $23.95. 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-Claymore Walk on the Wild Side Shiraz 2013 Clare Valley, +166983, $21.95. 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Rustenberg John X Merriman 2013 WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, +707323, $24.95. 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Domaine Le Verger Chablis 2014, +181289, $22.95. 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. W-Jean-Max Roger Cuvee Les Caillottes Sancerre 2014, +065573, $27.95. 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-Faiveley Mercurey 2014, +341925, $29.95. 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88. R-La Celestiere Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010, +247999, $47.95. 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. W-Tenuta Roveglia Vigne di Catullo Lugana Riserva 2012, 437004, $23.95. 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Luca Bosio Barbaresco 2011, +437046, $29.95. 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89. R-La Mannella Brunello di Montalcino 2010, +279083, $47.95. 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R-Quercecchio Brunello di Montalcino 2010, +438580, $29.95. 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91. WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for February 20, 2016. ======================================================================= By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines. This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com 20 under $20 ========= W- See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Gris 2014 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +263699, $17.95: twist top, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 W- Creekside Estate Marianne Hill Riesling 2014 VQA Beamsville Bench, +443572, $19.95: twist top, 10.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 W- Flat Rock Unplugged Chardonnay 2014 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +68015, $16.95: twist top, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 W- Rosehall Run Righteous Dude Riesling 2014 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +426486, $19.95: twsit top, 9.5% ABV, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 89 W- Delicato Irony Small Lot Reserve Chardonnay 2013 Napa, +27409, $19.95: MVC/QPR: 90 W- Mountadam Riesling 2013 Eden Valley South Australia, +288266, $19.95: MVC/QPR: 90 W- Kono Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +441394, $19.95: twist top, $13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W- Hugel Gentil 2014 Alsace, +367284, $16.95: cork closure, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 87 W- Gadais Pere & Fils Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sevre & Maine 2013 Sur Lie, +444406, $15.95: MVC/QPR: 89 R- Niagara College Teaching Winery Dean's List Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Four Mile Creek, +445759, $18.95: 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R- Trapiche Fincas La Palmas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Mendoza, +143206, $16.95: 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R- Caliterra Tributo Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Single Vineyard Colchagua, +205567, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89 R- Undurraga Sibaris Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo, +301200, $15.95: MVC/QPR: 89 R- 3 Rings Shiraz 2013 Barossa, +15495, $18.85: 15.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R- Jip Jip Rockas Shiraz 2013 Padthaway South Australia, +673897, $16.95: 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R- Donnafugata Sedara Rosso 2013 Sicily, +900274, $15.95: 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88 R- Montefino Tinto Reserva 2007 Vinho Regional Alentejano Portugal, +165159, $16.95: 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R- Juan Gil Honoro Vera Monastrell 2014 Jumilla Spain, +167684, $13.95: MVC/QPR: 88 R- Bod. Arzuaga Navarro La Planta 2014 Ribera del Duero, +439588, $17.95: MVC/QPR: 89 R- Valdelacierva Crianza 2011 Rioja, +438713, $19.95: 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 20 over $20 W- Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +56929, $40: cork closure, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 W- J.Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2013 Arroyo Seco Monterey County, +171272, $34.95: MVC/QPR: 92 W- Mr. Riggs Cold Chalk Chardonnay 2014 Adelaide Hills South Australia, +438242, $20.95: MVC/QPR: 91 W- Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +164228, $23.95: twist top, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 W- Trimbach Reserve Pinot Gris 2012 Alsace, +971762, $23.95: cork closure, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 W- Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils Les Clous Meursault 2013, +661322, $44.95: MVC/QPR: 89 W- Bertrand Jeannot & Fils Domaine de Riaux Pouilly-Fume 2014, +200063, $25.95: cork closure, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 R- Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2013 VQA Ontario, +461699, $24.95: MVC/QPR: 93 R- Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +33951, $36: MVC/QPR: 88 R- Sanctuary Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 Santa Maria Valley, +157248, $34.95: MVC/QPR: 90 R- Desert Wind Merlot 2013 Wahluke Slope Columbia Washington, +465559, $25.95: cork closure, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R- Cicchitti Gran Reserva Malbec 2008 Mendoza, +155713, $25.95: cork closure, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90 R- Katnook Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Coonawarra South Australia, +590471, $29.95: MVC/QPR: 90 R- Muriel Gran Reserva 2005 Rioja, +984187, $28.95: 13.5% ABV, cork closure, MVC/QPR: 91 R- Marques de Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2010 Rioja, +209148, $27.95: cork closure, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93 R- Luigi Righetti Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2012, +575787, MVC/QPR: 89 R- Cantina di Monteforte Clivus Amarone della Valpolicella 2011, +438499, $39.95: 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89 R- Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2010, +579094, $44.95: 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91 R- Domaine Pavelot Aux Gravains Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er cru 2013, +206136, $59.95: 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90. R- Raymond Usseglo Cuvee Imperiale Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012 Unfiltered, +22319, $57.95: 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2016 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants, and “corked” wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is more difficult to endorse wines under $20 because the LCBO does not release many of them into Vintages, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values but no notes. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Tinhorn Creek Gewurztraminer 2014 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +904185, $18.85: very good off-dry feel, rich gewurz MVC tones, 13.5% ABV, twist top. Slightly bitter finish, great price for Alsatian style in Canada. QPR: 89. 2.Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin White 2014 WO Paarl, +439554, $14.95: off-dry on palate due to its floral nature, biodynamic wine with chenin blanc, roussanne, viognier, muscat. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 88. 3.Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2015 WO Stellenbosch, +231282, $17.95: rich, deep tones of CB, off-dry in mouthfeel despite (XD) rating, lovely finish from the old vine character. QPR: 89. 4.Les Costieres de Pomerols Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2014 Coteaux du Languedoc, +350124, $14.95: a great price for dynamic florals and herbs, gold medalist. 12.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88. 5.Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2014 IGP Pays d'Oc, +141975, $14.95: aromatic but on the dry side, perfect as a social wine or for first course, peachy and orange character, but of course no oak. Youthful and useful with nuances of orchard fruit and spicy nuts. Could go either way with or without food. Versatile. 13% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Merlot 2013 Maule Valley, +939827, $19.95: 14% ABV, a bit herby amongst the florals and soft fruit. Strong whiff of mocha. QPR: 88. 2.Sister's Run Calvary Hill Shiraz 2013 Lyndoch Barossa, +222018, $15.95: good syrah hits, MVC generosity, twist top, 14.5% ABV packs a wallop. Nice buy. QPR: 88. 3.Graham Beck The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 WO Robertson, +2519, $18.95: 14% ABV, starts off soft but ends with strong muscular feel. Typical Cabernet in a Euro style. QPR: 88. 4.Cave de Roquebrun La Grange des Combes Saint0-Chinian-Roquebrun 2013, +155804: very dense and toasty, much concentration on mid-palate, great with food (stews). 14% ABV. QPR: 88. 5.Chateau Pech Redon L'Epervier La Clape 2012 Coteaux du Languedoc, +129965, $24.95. QPR: 90. 6.Pasion de Bibal 2012 Utiel-Requena, +439679, $16.95: hard to beat this fruity value for Valentine's Day, 13.5% ABV. Some sweetness on mid-palate, sure to please. QPR: 88. 7.Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII Chiant Classico Riserva 2010, +643205, $20.95. QPR: 89. 8.Pipoli Aglianico del Vulture 2013, +320507, $15.95: very approachable new style Aglianico del Vulture, with chocolate and cherries. Cork closure, 13% ABV. QPR: 88. 9.Domaine de la Colline St.Jean Vqcqueyras 2012, +38661, $24.95. QPR: 89. 10.Gayda Syrah 2013 IGP Pays d'Oc, +392977, $14.95: great syrah hit makes this wine a winner, twist top, 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 11.Domaine Puig-Parahy Cuvee Georges 2011 Cotes de Roussillon, +171025, $17.95: one third each of syrah, carignan, and grenache, no oak, but loaded with nuts and berries and herbs. Good food wine. 13% ABV. QPR: 88. HALF-BOTTLE ALERT!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Chateau Fortia Cuvee du Baron Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, +640482, $24.95. QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Taittinger Brut Champagne 2008, +989905, $97.95 retail. 2.Giesen The August 1888 Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +438382, $35.95 3.Domaine Laroche Vieilles Vignes Les Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2012, +991893, $36.95. 4.Segla 2006 Margaux, +359810, $55.95. 5.Planeta Chardonnay 2013 Sicilia, +109652, $44.95. 6.Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco 2012, +155408, $29.95. 7.Bod. Gormaz Doce Linajes Reserva 2007 Ribera del Duero, +437681, $34.95. 8.Rocca Delle Macie Riserva di Fizzano Single Vineyard Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011, +699454, $32.95. 9.Chateau de l”ou Secret de Schistes 2011 IGP Cotes Catalanes, +440669, $41.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 23, 2016 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants, and “corked” wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is more difficult to endorse wines under $20 because the LCBO does not release many of them into Vintages, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values but no notes. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Paul Hobbs Vina Cobos Felino Chardonnay 2014 Mendoza, +119099, $19.95: very good balanced and lightly wooded (creamy side) chardonnay. Worth pursuing. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Flat Rock Twisted White 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +1578, $16.95: a fresher vintage in the VE collection, 11.5% ABV, twist top (of course), with riesling dominating the blend of riesling/gewurztraminer/chardonnay. QPR: 88. 2.Donatien Bahuaud Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray 2014 Loire, +140889, $17.95: delicious chenin blanc character, more dry than the (M) would suggest, due to higher acid levels. Perfect chicken wine. QPR: 88. 3.Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2015 WO Western Cape, +126797, $13.95: very zesty savvy in the Kiwi mode but at a great price. Twist top. QPR: 88. 4.Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Gewurztraminer 2013 Alsace, +928390, $18.95: soft MVC flavours for the gewurz, some marmalade. Less bitter than other gewurzs. QPR: 88. 5.Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Macon-Uchizy 2014, +733956, $16.95: one of the least expensive white burgundies at the LCBO, well-balanced entry level chardonnay but useful for showing off. Well-priced. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Chateau Larose-Trintaudon 2012 Haut-Medoc, +297945, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.H. Pecina Senorio De P.Pecina Crianza 2011 Rioja, +313726, $22.95. QPR: 90. 3.Ste. Chapelle Gem State Red 2012 Snake River Valley Iowa, +441931, $17.95: with a merlot/syrah blend of 60/40, the wine is loaded with black fruit (plums, berries, cherries) and wood tones. 13.9% ABV. QPR: 88. 4.Cono Sur Single Vineyard El Recurso Block 18 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Maipo, +439364, $18.95: delicious with its extractive qualities, approachable now with its juiciness. QPR: 88. 5.Fowles Stone Dwellers Shiraz 2013 Strathbogie Ranges Victoria, +265967, $19.95: a powerhouse of syrah style flavours (dark fruits, some fennel, oak tones and wood) rather than shiraz. 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88. 6.Basciano Chianti Rufina 2012, +68163, $15.95: another bargain chianti for the price, very Italianate and fulfilling, from pre-prandial through dinner. QPR: 88. 7.Sogevinus Burmester Vinho Tinto 2012 Douro, +114413, $16.95: another high quality Portuguese wine at a modest price, featuring the Oporto grapes and depth behind the spicy wood flavours. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 88 VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Nautilus Chardonnay 2013 Marlborough, +331662, $26.95 retail. 2.Marchand-Tawse Saint Romain 2011, +440206, $31.95. 3.Atamisque Malbec 2011 La Consulta Uco Valley Mendoza, +415208, $29.95. 4.Huntaway Reserve Pinot Noir 2013, +438424, $29.95. 5.Marchand-Tawse Cotes de Nuits Villages 2011, +440263, $31.95. 6.Vincent Girardin Vieilles Vignes Santenay 2013, +435552, $37.95. 7.Tenuta Carretta Cascina Ferrero Barolo 2009, +429779, $45.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 9, 2016 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza 2011 Rioja, +383018, $15.95: a very well priced woodsy crianza, full of tempranillo fruit. In oak for 15 months (more than the required six). QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Studert-Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2011 Mosel, +912659, $24.95. QPR: 89. 2.Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +80234, $16.95: lovely complex wine, crisp lemon acidity with body but off-dry on the finish, twist top, overwhelming but underpriced. Not as (M) as indicated in LCBO catalogue. 9.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Catena Alamos Torrontes 2015 Salta, +81539, $14.95: the wine of Toronto, useful around the fireplace to evoke memories of summer. 13.5% ABV, off-dry mode, twist top. QPR: 88. 4.Middle-Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Nelson, +391987, $17.95: very good consistent MVC kiwi savvy, well-priced for value. Twist top. QPR: 88. 5.Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc 2015, +675421, $14.95: nice chenin floral flavours, backed up by orchard fruit with a lemony finish. QPR: 88. 6.Saint-Roch Vieilles Vignes Grenache Blanc/Rousanne Cotes du Roussillon 2014, +175232, $16.95: nifty and compact white Rhone with low yields, longer finish with older vines, very goof price. 13% ABV. QPR: 88. 7.Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2013 Pfalz, +568634, +$14.95: very popularly priced Germaan riesling, consistent with light and soft tones yet 11.5% ABV and twist top. Not (M) in taste. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Foris Pinot Noir 2012 Rogue Valley Oregon, +937128, $24.95. QPR: 89. 2.Chateau Blaignan 2010 Medoc, +400606, $23.95. QPR: 90. 3.Bod. Ateca Honoro Vera Garnacha 2013, +432997, $15.95: “Garnacha of the month at the LCBO”. QPR: 89. 4.Valpantena Valpolicela Ripasso 2013, +429928, $15.95: “Ripasso of the month at the LCBO”. QPR: 89. 5.Matane Primitivo 2013 IGT Puglia, +434290, $14.95: “Primitivo of the month at the LCBO”. QPR: 88. 6.Chateau d'Aydie L'origine Madiran 2012, +343566, $14.95: charming black fruit on the mid-palate, but the tannat grape gives it some substance and longer length for food. QPR: 88. 7.Chateau des Aladeres Selection Vieilles Vignes 2012 Corbieres, +431726, $14.95: leather notes and a charmer for dark and concentrated flavours. QPR: 88. 8.Indomita Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +434191, $15.95: loaded with cabby flavours, very tasty, cassis and mint, wood tones of toast. 14% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. 9.Zuccardi Santa Julia Magna 2013 Mendoza, +93799, $14.95: great blend of cabernet sauvignon (50%), malbec (40%) and syrah (10%), twist top, 14% ABV. Emphasis on red fruit. QPR: 88. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Te Kairanga Pinot Noir 2013 Martinborough, +744946, $26.95 retail. 2.Caiarossa Pergolaia 2008 IGT Toscana, +424333, $34.95. 3.Allende 2007 Rioja, +954560, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 12, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo, +18721, $17.95: rich and savoury, aged a year in both French and US oak, Euro styled with lean finish, 14.5% ABV, needs food. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2013 VQA Niagara, +149302, $21.95. QPR: 90. 2.Concha y Toro Trio Premium Blend Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Casablanca/Rapel/Limari, +678656, $14.95: an extremely useful savvy with a sauvignon blanc kick of zest broadened by some fruit on the mid-palate, finishing as both a sipper or food wine. QPR: 88. 3.Domaine Chatelain Les Chailloux Silex Pouilly-Fume 2014, +428367, $21.95. QPR: 89. 4.Ruppertsberger Linsenbusch Gewurztraminer Spatlese 2014 Pfalz, +320473, $17.95: a fairly robust off-sweet MVC gewurz that needs your attention, possibly best with sourish soups and cheeses. 11% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 5.Zenato San Benedetto Lugana 2014 Veneto, +707158, $16.95: taste this blindfolded at room temperature and its like an engaging red wine brimming with all kinds of full and creamy overtones. Chilled, its floral marmalade nature is revealed. Concentrated. 12.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 90. 6.Ontanon Vetiver Viura 2013 Rioja, +437707, $15.95: some wood tones lend interest to this dryish white rioja with an off-dry mid-palate. Well worth trying. 13% ABV. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Stratus Evergreen Red 2008 VQA NOTL, +437434, $24.95. QPR: 89. 2.Sur de Los Andes Premium Blend Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Mendoza, +411298 $16.95: despite the note from Wine Enthusiast, the label says that it is a 50-50 split; merlot was not added. Aged well, juicy but some tannins to preserve it in your cellar, 14% ABV. QPR: 88. 3.Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2013 Maipo, +437947, $15.95: an organic blend, cherry-mocha style with cassis, cork closure, 14.5%, value priced. QPR: 89. 4.Bod. Bilbainas Vina Pomal Reserva 2010 Rioja, +960781, $21.95. QPR: 91. 5.Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2013 Clare Valley/McLaren Vale, +377036, $24.95. QPR: 90. 6.Balbas Crianza 2011 Ribera del Duero, +437673, $18.95: a bargain Ribera, juicy and good stuffing on the mid-palate for under twenty bucks. Exceptionally pleasing finish, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Baron de Ley Varietales Graciano 2011, +397166, $21.95. QPR: 90. 8.Bodegas Olarra Cerro Anon Reserva 2009 Rioja, +114306, $21.95. QPR: 90. 9.Murua Reserva 2007 Rioja, +439836, $21.95. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Hidden Bench Fume Blanc 2013 Rosomel Vineyard VQA Beamsville Bench Niagara, +68825, $27.95 retail. 2.Domaine de Chalet Pouilly Pouilly-Fuisse 2013, +295717, $34.95. 3.Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend 2012, +421081, $25.95 4.Versado Malbec 2013 Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza, +317008, $25.95 5.Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2008, +971705, $39.95 6.Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2012 South Australia, +309625, $59.95 [baby grange] 7.Chateau La Croix du Casse 2010 Pomerol, +436097, $59.95 8.Chateau L'Hermitage 2003 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +431692, $39.95. 9.Ruffino Ducale Oro Riserva Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +353201, $46.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 28, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Stefano Farina Le Brume Langhe Rosso 2010, +360073, $16.95: good dark tones, aging well, 14.5% ABV, concentrated and smoky, excellent price. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Coyote's Run Rare Vintage Chardonnay 2013 VQA Four Mile Creek, +426437, $24.95. QPR: 89. 2.Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +80234, $16.95: lovely complex wine, crisp lemon acidity with body but off-dry on the finish, twist top, overwhelming but underpriced. QPR: 89. 3.Domaine Ehrhart Rosenberg Gewurztraminer 2014 Alsace, +315705, $21.95. QPR: 89. 4.Domaine des Malandes Chablis 2014, +111658, $24.95. QPR: 89. 5.Cruzados Titular Vinho Branco Coheita 2013 Dao, +429985, $13.95: a bit of Christmas here with some pine tones, but otherwise floral character in a useful wine at this pricepoint. 12.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. 6.Secreto Patagonico Chardonnay 2012 Patagonia Argentina, +380055, $18.95: with all the US oak here expect some CalArg yumminess. 14% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. 7.Casas del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Casablanca Valley, +974717, $13.95: twist top, 13.5% ABV, citrus and grass, typical savvy herbaceousness for MVC quality. QPR: 88. 8.Delheim Family Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Stellenbosch, +429720, $17.95: off-dry orchard fruit and citric tones, good finish that's a bit off-dry at the end. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2012 Columbia Valley, +263418, $17.95: packs a merlot punch, everything you'd expect (mocha, cherry-berry, soft), but a longer and food-friendly finish. 13.5% ABV, well-priced juice. QPR: 89. 2.San Esteban In Situ Signature Wines Hillside Blend 2012 Aconcagua Valley, +431098, $19.95: lush and full with a tannic finish for food, 14.5% ABV. Concentrated Euro tones of garrigue. Syrah55/mourvedre40,viognier5 blend offers a kick. QPR: 88. 3.Robert Oatley Shiraz 2013 McLaren Vale, +327387, $19.95: 14.5% ABV kicks in with some sweet mid-palate tones of mocha and black fruit. Swings either way (sip or food). QPR: 88. 4.Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 WO Western Cape, +68767, $16.95: a straight ahead and affordable MVC cab, now almost four years old and aging well. 14.5% ABV, cork closure, tight and could use more time in the bottle. QPR: 88. 5.M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2014, +168716, $15.95: a refreshingly disarming Midi blend of grenache-syrah-carignan, berries and garrigue. QPR: 88. 6.Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas 2013 Yecla, +276162, $16.95: 70% monastrell with equal cabernet and grenache filling the rest. Nice and juicy, lots of berries and great black fruit over a layer of oak vanilla. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Spy Valley Envoy Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Waihopai Valley Marlborough, +429308, $29.95 retail. 2.Huchet & Mourat Gorges Muscadet Sevre & Maine 2009, +429084, $25.95. 3.Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G.C. Sancerre 2014, +189126, $28.95. 4.Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Napa, +936039, $159.95. 5.Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Shiraz 2008 Barossa Valley, +731620, $89.95. 6.Chateau Bernadotte 2005 Haut-Medoc, +431775, $32.95. 7.Chateau Clarke 2009 Listrac-Medoc, +503904, $39.95. 8.Chateau Maris Las Combes Minervois La Liviniere 2011, +341958, $25.95. 9.Masi Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2008, +462812, $69.95. 10.Alto Moncayo Veraton Garnacha 2012 Campo de Borja, +173211, $33.95. 11.Faustino I Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +976662, $35.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Gerard Bertrand Fitou 2011, +403683, $16.95: a nice chewy wine, made all the more enjoyable by the lack of grenach paper-y taste. Juicy and dense. 14% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Dog point Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +677450, $24.95. QPR: 91. 2.Reif Estate Reserve Gewurztraminer 2013 VQA Niagara River, +360255, $18.95: lovely gewurztraminer nose and flavours, longer finish, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Thierry Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2014, +391847, $14.95: the savvy of the month, they keep coming from the Touraine at this price level. QPR: 89. 4.Terredora Falanghina 2014 IGT Campania, +642074, $16.95: good fruit tones, dense concentration of flavours, try with petites fritures. 12.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Clare Valley/Coonawarra, +142398, $24.95. QPR: 92. 2.Il Molino di Grace Riserva Chianti Classico 2008, +382945, $23.95. QPR: 90. 3.Castello d'Alba Vinhas Velhas Grande Reserva 2012 Douro, +427880, $22.95. QPR: 89. 4.Alejandro Fernandez Dehesa La Granja 2008 Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon, +192476, $21.95. QPR: 89. 5.Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir 2013 Limari, +301424, $19.95: very Burgundian in style, with toasty oak tones, a lively finish, very food oriented. Cork closure. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 88. 6.Koyle Royale Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Los Lingues Vineyard Colchagua, +255760, $24.95. QPR: 91. 7.Grand Vin de Glenelly Red 2009 WO Stellenbosch, +360339, $19.95: good syrah hit but blended well with the international bordeaux varieties, good depth, great as sipper or with food. 14.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. 8.Chateau Hauchat 2011 Fronsac, +123489, $15.95: well-made entry level Bordeaux, with some oak tones and some tannic finish over the fruit. 13$ ABV. QPR: 88. 9.Torres Altos Ibericos Crianza 2012 Rioja, +381046, $16.95: a better than expected Rioja venture for Torres, with sandal accents and spices from the tempranillo. Aged a year in oak. QPR: 88. 10.Chateau de Nages Vieilles Vignes Costieres de Nimes 2012, +40964, $19.95: good syrah component, and none of that grenache paper. Dark fruit, garrigue, 15% ABV. QPR: 89. 11.Boutari Grande Reserve Xinomavro 2008 PDO Naoussa, +140111, $18.95: good aging, slightly dried out fruit but nice oak component. 13.%% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench, +324103, $44.95 retail. 2.Closson Chase CC Vineyard Chardonnay 2013 VQA Prince Edward County, +148866, $27.95. 3.Stratus White 2012 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +660704, $44.20. 4.Versado Reserva Ancient Malbec 2011 Mendoza, +316984, $59.95. 5.Emiliana Coyam 2011 Colchagua Valley, +63891, $29.95. 6.Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Maipo Valley, +430728, $37.95 magnum 1500mL. 7.Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2013 Marlborough, +598813, $44.95. 8.Chateau Haut Corbin 2000 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +425439, $58.95. 9.B & G Chateau Magnol 2010 Haut Medoc, +424598, $47.95 magnum 1500mL 10.Poggio Verrano Dromos 2005 IGT Maremma Toscana, +107383, $39.95. 11.Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011, +356220, $49.95. 12.Bodegas LAN Crianza 2011 Rioja, +424531, $29.95 magnum 1500mL 13.Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva 2008 Rioja, +976670, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 31, 2015 (Hallowe'en) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Muriel Reserva Vendimia Seleccionada 2008 Rioja, +276030, $18.95: first rate quality from a Rioja at this level, 13.5% ABV, one to snap up at this price. Classic. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Dauny Les Caillottes Sancerre 2014, +429340, $21.95. QPR: 89. 2.Inniskillin Reserve Series Chardonnay 2013 VQA Niagara, +383562, $18.95: very well put together, balanced. 13% ABV, MVC for Ontario chardonnay. Aged in oak, QPR: 89. 3.Pascual Toso Chardonnay 2014 Mendoza, +162636, $15.95: lean on the palate and on the finish, but good tropicality on the mid-palate, ripe acids, balanced. Twist top. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 4.Demorgenzon DMZ Chenin Blanc 2015 WO Western Cape, +429522, $14.95: softly floral, more Euro style, 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88. 5.Domaine Bellevue Touraine Sauvignon 2014, +82305, $14.95: this is the go-to region for modestly priced savvy in the zesty kiwi style. 13%. cork closure. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Cicchitti Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Mendoza, +301465, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Chateau de Panigon 2011 Medoc, +348250, $22.95. QPR: 89. 3.Borgo Scopeto Borgonero 2011 IGT Toscana, +421396, $19.95: an easy to assimilate North American appeal superTuscan for under $20. Off-dry as a Cal-Ital, dark fruit tones, 13.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. 4.Cafaggio Cortaccio 2008 IGT Toscana, +20966, $24.95. QPR: 89. 5.Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Campo al Sassi Rosso di Montalcino 2013, +429415, $21.95. QPR: 89. 6.Cono Sur Single Vineyard Block No. 21 Viento Mar Pinot Noir 2013 San Antonio Valley, +419010, $18.95: Burgundian berries revealed, delicious, toasty and nicely aged. QPR: 88. 7.Montes Alpha Syrah 2012 Colchagua Valley, +612, $19.95: rich and ripe, plush even. 14.5% ABV, cork closure. Mid-Atlantic tones. QPR: 89. 8.San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +37911, $19.95: tremendously juicy and ripe but with French oak, 14.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. 9.Slowine Shiraz 2013 WO Western Cape, +96503, $13.95: good hit of syrah despite the label designation (same grape, different winemaking). Affordable for the Euro style, 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88. 10.Arnaud Aucoeur Cuvee Le Chagny Vieilles Vignes Morgon 2013, +430652, $18.95: a great deal from the old vines of Morgon, stuffing despite only 12.5% ABV. Great gamay tones. QPR: 88. 11.Umani Ronchi Vigor Sangiovese/Merlot 2013 IGT Marche, +428078, +428078, $16.95: very good blend of grapes at this price level, red and black fruit excel. 13% ABV. QPR: 88. 12.Piazzano Chianti 2013, +393199, $14.95: simple but rustic. It is definitely chianti, very easy to identify. QPR: 88. 13.Quinta do Quetzal Guadalupe Red 2012 VR Alentejano, +336313, $13.95: juicy, North American appeal, 13.5% ABV, affordable quality. QPR: 88. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Domaine Les Vieux Murs Pouilly-Fuisse 2013, +241117, $27.95 retail. 2.Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench, +268391, $24.95. 3.Morande Edicion Limitada Carignan 2011 Maule, +427971, $27.95. 4.Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2012 South Australia, +422782, $34.95. 5.J.L.Chave Selection Offerus Saint-Joseph 2012, +359109, $33.95. 6.Domaine de Meix-Foulot Les Veleys Mercurey 1er Cru 2011, +148874, $35.95. 7.Socre Barbaresco 2011, +305284, $29.95. 8.Il Grigio da Dan Felice Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +403477, $46.95. 9.Allegrini La Grola 2011 IGT Veronese, +476598, $29.95. 10.I Castei Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011, +739979, $41.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 17, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 San Jose de Aguaron Monasterio de Las Vinas Reserva 2006 Carinena, +166579, $14.95: while the components of this wine have moved on since the Wine Advocate's 2011 description, this wine is still a great bargain for a co-op under $15. After a year in barrel, time has made it a bit more woodsy and spicy with the black fruit drying out nicely. Perfect for drinking now through New Year's. QPR: 92+ TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Trimbach Riesling 2012 Alsace, +734517, $21.95. QPR: 90. 2.Dirty Laundry Madam's Vines Gewurztraminer 2013 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +423228, $19.95: excellent Al;saian style right down to the mild bitterness on the finish. More off-dry in style and feel than the (M) in the LCBO listing. Food or sip, 13.7% ABV. QPR: 90. 3.Zolo Torrontes 2014 Mendoza, +355552, $14.95: the wine of Toronto keeps coming and coming. This version is unctuous, bright, zesty, floral, off-dry, peaches and sweet herbs. Twist top, 13.8% ABV. QPR: 89. 4.Salomon Undhof Groovey Gruner Veltliner 2014 Austria, +669606, $14.95: fine value for a GV with basic MVC, twist top, 11.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2013 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +557165, $17.95: absolutely delicious MVC riesling Rhine style, 11.5% ABV, with an off-dry palate but dry (higher acid) finish. QPR: 89. 6.Tresors de Loire Vouvray 2014, +427427, $17.95: it has been awhile since we've had a straightforward Vouvray at the (M) level. Off-dry, good chenin blanc intensity, serve with cheese or as a sipper, 11.5% ABV. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +275958, $21.95. QPR: 89. 2.Bod. Palacios Remondo La Montessa Crianza 2012 Rioja, +674572, $21.95. QPR: 90. 3.Rioja Vega Reserva 2008 Rioja, +423517, $21.95. QPR: 91. 4.Catena Alamos Seleccion Malbec 2012 Mendoza, +322800, $16.95: fleshy malbec wine, slight bitterness, great for food rather than just sipping. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 88. 5.3 Rings Shiraz 2013 Barossa Valley, +15495, $18.95: a sweet herb fruity wine, screw-capped, emphasis on the front palate, 15.2% ABV but not a hot finish. QPR: 88. 6.Georges Duboeuf Morgon Cote de Py 2011, +424887, $17.95: great price for an ageable (and well-aged) Morgon, 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Chateau Lamartine 2011 Cahors, +973271, $18.95: off-dry nose and palate, but finishes food friendly. 90% malbec, 10% merlot, 13.5% ABV. A good deal at this price. QPR: 89. 8.Domaine Lafage Cuvee Nicolas Vieilles Vignes Grenache Noir 2013, +354191, $18.95: juicy North American appeal, with some barrel aging and unfiltered bottling. 15% ABV but not really detectable. QPR: 89. 9.Fontanafredda Ebbio Nebbiolo 2013 Langhe, +397448, $19.55: a soft basic nebbiolo with all of the character, sort of a poor man's Barolo. So well-priced. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 88. 10.Sassoregale Sangiovese 2013 Maremma Toscana, +251785, $15.95: a good value Tuscan wine in the chianti style, all sangiovese, 13.5% ABV, ready now, cork finish. QPR: 88. 11.Pilheiros Red 2011 Douro, +427856, $19.95: Euro-styled wine, has aged nicely, made from the three major port grapes (franca, roriz, touriga nacional). 14.5% ABV, Ready soon, maybe next spring. QPR: 88. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Creekside Reserve Viognier 2013 Queenston Road Vineyard VQA St.David's Bench Niagara, +264168, $26.95 retail. 2.Domaine Jaeger-Defaix Rabource Rully 1er Cru 2012, +200139, $35.95. 3.Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +657874, $34.95. 4.Couvent des Jacobins 2002 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, +429423, $45.95 5.Domaines Perrin Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone 2013, +48884, $29.95. 6.Fontanafredda Serralunga d'Alba Barolo 2010, +943290, $44.95. 7.Adanti Sagrantino di Montefalco 2007, +424762, $35.95 8.CVNE Imperial Reserva 2009 Rioja, +424390, $38.95. 9.Piccini Villa al Cortile Brunello di Montalcino 2009, +164855, $36.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 3, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Angels Gate Mountainview Chardonnay 2010 VQA Beamsville Niagara, +116384, $19.95: great value for a chardonnay while under $20 in price, 13.5% ABV, barrel fermentation, eight months in new and used French oak. Nicely aged to richness, “subtle” oak is now more strongly nuanced but the fruit remains vivid. Gold Medal winner. QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Domaine Seguinot-Bordet Chablis 2014, +289371, $22.95. QPR: 89. 2.Doudeau-Leger Sancerre 2014, +426866, $21.95. QPR: 90. 3.Santa Alicia Gran Reserva de Los Andres Chardonnay 2013 Maipo, +406991, $18.95: delightfully fresh, but still needs time to open up. Very well-presented butterscotch with US oak component (coconut and toast). QPR: 89. 4.Chateau de l'Orangerie 2013 Entre-deux-Mers, +425520, $14.95: soft, not too zesty, just 85% sauvignon blanc. Sip or food. Gold medal winner. QPR: 89. 5.Gorgo San Michelin Custoza 2014 Veneto, +428045, $14.95: dry blend of four indigenous grapes really works, 12.5% ABV, fresh fruit on the nose. Sip or first course. QPR: 89. 6.Quinta da Murta White 2013 Bucelas Portugal, +380279, $14.95: another aromatic white with plenty of delicious fruit tones. It also comes with a finish suitable for food. 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2012 VQA Ontario, +461699, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Marques de Caceres Reserva 2009 Rioja, +702761, $24.95. QPR: 89. 3.Escorihuela Gascon 1884 Estate Grown Malbec 2013 Mendoza, +375444, $16.95: exceedingly great value, toasty mocha nose with red and black fruit in its plumminess. Cork closure. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 4.Vina San Esteban In Situ Reserva Carmenere 2012 Aconcagua Valley, +37952, $15.95: deliciously herby, dense plums, mocha, balanced now but ready soon. 14.5% ABV. Gold Medal winner. QPR: 89. 5.Tabali Reserva Syrah 2012 Limari Valley, +662692, $14.95: intense syrah component, with blackberries and French oak tones, very Euro in style and feel. Good wine. QPR: 89. 6.Chateau de Lisennes Cuvee Tradition 2010 Bordeaux Superieur: very tasty, ready soon, good barrel aging showing (elevee en barrique), 12.5% ABV, 78% merlot/20% cabernet sauvignon/2% cabernet franc. Typical MVC for Bordeaux at a great price. QPR: 89. 7.Chateau Les Tourelles 2010 Bordeaux, +426247, $14.95: another typical MVC Bordeaux with black fruit all over it, cigar box (of course) in mute tones. 13% ABV. Gold Medal winner. Decent price. QPR: 89. 8.Rivera Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico 2008 Castel de Monte Puglia, +305276, $17.95: a firm wine with good depth, lots of smoke and development, now 7 years old – enough to tame down the aglianico. Well-priced for a wine that has been in storage by somebody else. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 9.Tommasi Graticcio Appassionato 2013 “Product of Italy”, +338939, $15.95: air-dried concentrated grape flavours in the Amarone style are all the rage, and at this price level, you can get a decent copy, with value for its density. Who knows where the grapes are from, but they have been air-dried and Tommasi is a major company in the graticcio business. Some oak treatment, 13% ABV. If you want to know what all the excitement is about, you cannot go wrong with this tasting sample at $15.95. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Nicolas Potel Montagny 1er Cru 2010, +127431, $28.95 retail. 2.Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2013 Mosel, +336396, $28.95 3.Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +616433, $39.95. 4.Vineland Estates Kevin O'Leary Trevor Family Reserve Red 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +421347, $29. 5.Pahlmeyer Merlot 2012 Napa, +978023, $133.95. This month's $10 mark-up special! 6.Dobbes Family Estate Grande Assemblage Cuvee Pinot Noir 2012 Willamette Valley, +70565, $42.95. 7.Chateau Tourbadon 2008 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +425470, $27.95. 8.Vieux Chateau Gachet 2000 Lalande-de-Pomerol, +191023, $29.95. 9.Roche Costamagna Rocche dell'Annunziata Barolo 2010, +413484, $44.95. 10.Tenuta San Vincenti Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011, +414417, $54.95. 11.Baron de Ley Gran Reserva 2008 Rioja, +642496, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPT 19, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Bodegas Balbas Ardal Reserva 2006 Ribera del Duero, +167700, $21.95. QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Calamus Barrel Kissed Chardonnay 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +330613, $16.95: in French oak for 18 months, exhibits vanillins, apple, lemons, and some butter. QPR: 88. 2.Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +80234, $16.95: very riesling, very Mosel, off-dry, twist top, lowered alcohol. Excellent value. +80234, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3.Thirty Bench Riesling 2013 VQA Beamsville Bench, +24133, $18.95: very good quality, consistent over the years. 10.6% ABV, dryish mode, MVC riesling. Twist top. QPR: 89. 4.Tabali Rserva Viognier 2013 Limari, +406967, $13.95: exceptionally floral, value priced and value packed, good length for first course, otherwise a sipper. 13.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 5.Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +734798, $18.95: a very lively savvy, zesty with lots of citric and green tones (herbs, grass, gooseberry, beans, typical low ripeness). Very much a Kiwi Savvy, best at lunch. 13% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 6.Pella the Vanilla Chenin Blanc 2013 WO Stellenbosch, +389619, $14.95: with its vanilla accents and cream (US oak BF dominates), this is the perfect match with coffee pinotage. Make your own latte...who needs food? 13% ABV. QPR: 88. 7.Argyros Atlantis Dry White 2014 PGI Cyclades Santorini, +371658, $17.95: very good value in the under $20 santorini market, 13% ABV. QPR: 88. 8.Dominio de Punctum Viento Aliseo Viognier 2014 La Mancha, +424713, $15.95: biodynamic Demeter certified, exceedingly floral and stone fruit tones. 13% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Strewn Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +426502, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Napa, +73817, $24.95. QPR: 89. 3.Astrolabe Valleys Pinot Noir 2013 Wairau Valley Marlborough, +374454, $23.95. QPR: 89. 4.Chateau Fleur La Mothe 2009 Medoc, +424614, $24.95. QPR: 89. 5.Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Rosso 2011 Umbria, $20.95. QPR: 89. 6.Kent-He Voyageur Pinot Noir 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +373407, $19: elegant, typical MVC pinot earthiness tempered with dried red fruits. 12.5% ABV. QPR: 88. 7.Rockway Meritage 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara Peninsula, +388264, $19.95: very ripe but also a bit tight, from a hot vintage, 13.8% ABV. Useful bordeaux-styled wine. QPR: 88. 8.Bodega Paiman Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Valle de Chanarmuyo La Rioja Argentina, +423186, $19.95: impressive fruit, depth and length. 14.5% ABV powerhouse of blackness. QPR: 88. 9.Don Cristobal 1492 Barrel Selection Shiraz 2012 Mendoza, +236133, $15.95: definite Euro style in its syrah expression, black fruits and elegant long finish. 14% ABV, cork closure. 10.Basilica Cafaggio Chianti Classico 2010, +421107, $16.95: a nicely aged beauty, MVC chianti all the way, excellent price. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 11.Quinta dos Roques Vinho Tinto 2012 Dao, +986075, $18.95: another deep dark and delicious Portuguese wine, black fruits all the way. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 88. 12.Coral Duero Rompesedas 2006 Toro, +425868, $19.95: here's value for 9 years aging, new oak for a year and a half. Lovely elegant wine, underpriced. 15% ABV. QPR: 89. 13.Valdemar Inspiracion Seleccion 2010 Rioja, +166512, $19.95: showing some raisins but toasty too, good Rioja value. 14% ABV. QPR: 88. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Westcott Estate Chardonnay 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara, +427484, $26 retail. 2.Alain Geoffroy Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2013, +744501, $29.95. 3.Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2013 VQA Prince Edward County, +125310, $39. 4.Paillere de Pied-Gu Gigondas 2012, +425413, $34.95. 5.Aurelio Settimo Rocche Dell'Annunziata Barolo 2010, +293761, $57.95. 6.Prinsi Gaia Principe Barbaresco 2007, +334516, $27.95. 7.Capanna Brunello di Montalcino 2009, +378513, $44.95. 8.Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2009, +368910, $29.95. 9.Castello Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2011, +719864, $34.95. 10.Masi Brolo Campofiorin Oro 2010 IGT Rosso del Veronese, +976092, $26.95. 11.Convento San Francisco Seleccion Especial 2005 Ribera del Duero, +185751, $32.95, WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 5, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Alceno Premium 50 Barricas Syrah 2012 Jumilla, +398933, $13.95: a selection of 50 barrels from Jumilla wine stock, and tastes like a breezy herby syrah from the deep south of France, with plenty of black fruit and that MVC syrah flavour in spades. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 92. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis 2014, +424820, $21.95. QPR: 89. 2.Studert-Prum Graacher Himmelreich Spatlese Riesling 2009 Model, +409680, $21.95. QPR: 89. 3.G. Silva Boya Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Leyda Valley, +389726, $14.95: good intense verve in the grassiness, with a nice long crisp citric finish. Food all the way. 12.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 4.D'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier/Marsanne 2013 McLaren Vale, +662775, $19.95: tasty, with a small percentage of the viognier BF and BA in US and French oak. 13% ABV, twist top. Fruity sipper and/or first course wine. QPR: 89. 5.Domaine La Haute Fevrie Sur Lie Muscadet Sevre & Maine 2014, +390625, $13.95: Muscadet prices are holding well with this “LCBO Muscadet Release of the Month”, 12% ABV, cork closure. Apple-lemon minerality. QPR: 89. 6.Vila Real Old Vines in Young Hands White 2013 Portugal, +424374, $12.95: the winery claims that this wine is from the Douro but putting that word on the label would make the wine more expensive. Really? How so? Where more expensive? LCBO is an export market, so who cares?...Nevertheless, the wine is decent entry level at 12.5% ABV with a longer fruity finish than expected, proving its “old vine” provenance. One wit said that this was a cougar wine great for sipping at parties. There is a Tinto as well, but not in Ontario yet. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Vignamaggio Gherardino Chianti Classico 2012, +963512, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Olarra Clasico Reserva 2009 Rioja, +423541, $18.95: damn good price for a six year old MVC Rioja at this level, 14% ABV. Decanter Gold. QPR: 90. 3.Casa Cadaval Vinha Padre Pedro 2010 Tejo Portugal, +425256, $13.95: well-developed red fruit notes, use of 80% indigenous varieties plus 15% cabernet sauvignon and 5% merlot. 13.5% ABV. At this price a definite best buy. QPR: 89. 4.Abad Dom Bueno Mencia 2008 Bierzo, +291989, $15.95: from older vines, somewhat like a wine from Cahors with its still impenetrable stylings. Good value for its age, showing age complexity, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 90. 5.Terrulenta Schola Sarmenti Roccamora Nardo Negroamaro 2006, +379768, $16.95: robust rusticity, dense and spicy, developing nicely from hot Puglia. Very tasty, and mature (9 years old). 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Domaine Lafage Tessellae Cotes du Roussillon Old Vines Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre 2013, +343517, $17: the label includes “grenache gris” in the listing of grapes used, I assume that would be part of the 40% grenache total content. Good tasting but dense, value priced. From old vines, 14.5% ABV. QPR: 88. 7.Sagelands Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Columbia Valley, +420810, $18.95: PNW cabbies continue to best other West Coast cabbies at this price level. Exceedingly tasty, with cabernet sauvignon as it should be (or once was?). Some muted berries and chocolate give it a Euro feel, but perhaps it may come around better at Christmas. 13.3% ABV. QPR: 89. 8.Montgras Antu Syrah 2012 Colchagua Valley, +425900, $17: almost there as a good syrah, needs more bottle age. 14.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 89. 9.Swartland Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2013 WO Swartland, +419648, $12.95: as a basic Euro-style bordeaux clone, this is terrific value. 14% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Hidden Bench Chardonnay 2013 VQA Beamsville Bench, +68817, $28.95 retail. 2.Domaine Laroche Les Vaudevey Chablis 1er Cru 2012, +416057, $38.95. 3.Paul Prieur et Fils Sancerre 2014, +350421, $26.95. 4.Chateau Haut-Logat 2010 Cru Bourgeois Haut-Medoc, +424556, $27.95. 5.Le Ferme du Mont Cotes Capelan Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2011, +78857, $80. 6.Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2011, +650754, $29.95. 7.Verbena Brunello di Montalcino 2009, +165126, $39.95. 8.Santa Sofia Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2008, +713669, $49.95. 9.Inspiracion Valdemar Graciano 2005 Rioja, +423525, $34.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 22, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Chateau des Moines Menodin 2010 Bordeaux Superieur, +424259, $14.95: showing some oak tones (eleve en futs de chene), this is an extremely flexible all-purpose Bordeaux showing some yum and MVC flavours. 13.5% ABV. Gold medalist. Bargain price. Well worth buying a case. QPR: 92. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2013 VQA Niagara, +172338, $22.95. QPR: 90. 2.Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2013 Napa Valley, +136382, $22.95. QPR: 90. 3.Man Vintners Free-Run Steen Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Coastal Region SA, +126847, $13.95: some off-dry texture on the mid-palate suggests fruitiness, great summer sipper at this price, may be useful for salty apps. Twist top. Great price. QPR: 89. 4.Lenz Moser Prestige Gruner Veltliner 2013 Niederosterreich, +71233, $13.95: another awesome value, Gvs seem to have come down in price over the past year. The source's TN comes from over a year ago, and the wine has moved on as it is a bit older and tamer, no longer “93” points, but still well-priced. QPR: 89. 5.Rex Riesling 2013 Nahe, +409714, $13.95: another nice rich riesling but without the sweetness as the catalogue indicates. 9.5% ABV is great for a fading summer. Twist top. QPR: 88. 6.Paco & Lola Albarino 2013 DO Rias Baixas, +350041, $18.95: concentrated tropical fruit flavours, longer finish, 12.5 % ABV, twist top. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Black Sage Vineyard Merlot 2012 VQA BC Okanagan Valley, +593053, $22.95. QPR: 90. 2.Charles Smith Boom Boom! Syrah 2013 Columbia Valley Washington State, +301499, $24.95. QPR: 89. 3.Vina Maipo Gran Devocion Carmenere/Syrah 2012 Maule Valley, +274100, $17.95: a Chilean wine all the way in style and texture, tobacco, red and black fruit, and properly aged. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 90. 4.Tahbilk the Tower Shiraz 2013 Central Victoria, +412205, $19.95: the wine (formerly known as Chateau Tahbilk) is off-dry with spices and peppers, well-developed smoothness. 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88. 5.La Ferme du Mont Le Ponnant Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2012, +171371, $18.95: showing some brilliant CdR liveliness, it is GSM (80-10-10) says the back label (not the same grapes nor proportion as the quoted Parker TN states). Unfiltered. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Chateau Vincens Origine Cahors 2012, +343400, $17.95: the black wine of Cahors is malbec, as everybody now knows. Plummy beyond belief, and intense with mocha tones. Gold medalist. QPR: 89. 7.Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2013 IGT Salento, +366955, $17.95: this month's LCBO primitivo release is 14.5% ABV, and is juicy enough to be confused with zinfandel. QPR: 88. 8.Borgo Salcetino Possole 2012 IFT Rosso Toscana, +412619, $16.95: good value for the price, mellowed after opening a while before. 13% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. 9.Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2011, +184937, $18.95: great price for a vino nobile. 13.5% ABV, complex mix of fragrances and wood. Cork closure. QPR: 88. 10.Michele Satta Bolgheri Rosso 2012, +39834, $22.95. QPR: 90. 11.Sogrape Carvalhais Duque de Viseu Red 2012 Dao, +546309, $13.95: showing lots of dried fruit, 13% ABV, definitely a food wine. QPR: 88. 12.Balbas Reserva 2005 Ribera del Duero, +85183, $20.95. QPR: 90. 13.Celler Cercavins Lo Virol 2014 Costers del Segre, +425702, $14.95: juicy value, with earthy qualities, 14% ABV, taste Spanish. QPR: 88. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2012 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +241182, $35.20 retail. 2.Vidal Fleury Condrieu 2012, +414516, $49.95. 3.King Estate Signature Collection Pinot Noir 2013 Oregon, +984005, $34.95. 4.Castello di Gabbiano Bellezza Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2011, +652438, $39.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 8, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. For instance, in this release, there are 25 or so wines priced at $19.95, about ¼ of the release. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WHITE WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 -Domaine Jacky Marteau Sauvignon Touraine 2014, +745349, $13.95: a wonderfully grassy savvy at a rock bottom price, cork closure. First course and/or cheese. QPR: 91. ====?>>> ** BEST RED WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 -Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Columbia Valley, +240093, $17.95: excellent red verging on Napa Valley style (due to climate change?), lots of black fruit showing, spices and vanilla tones with butteriness. QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Herve Azo Chablis 2014, +185736, $21.95. QPR: 90. 2.Chateau Favray Pouilly-Fume 2014, +323642, $21.95. QPR: 90. 3.Rosewood Sussreserve Riesling 2014 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +258806, $14.95: a great summery wine at 9.9% ABV, a sipper for the patio or for indoor entertaining. Twist top, could be valuable with spicy/salty food. QPR: 89. 4.Chateau Martinon Blanc 2013 Entre-deux-Mers, +421230, $14.95: another good value wine based on sauvignon blanc, and hence some sharp grassiness. Best with food, light first course. QPR: 89. 5.Clos les Montys Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sevre & Maine Sur Lie 2013, +297911, $13.95: the older vines lend some depth and concentration here, 12% ABV, first course wine. Cork closure. QPR: 89. 6.Domaine Lafage Cote Est 2013 IGP Cotes Catalanes, +179838, $14.95: a nifty unoaked blend of grenache blanc, chardonnay and marsanne, showing the expressiveness of the south of France. There's enough succulence here for sipping as well as food. Twist top. QPR: 89. 7.Santa Tresa Rina Lanca Grillo/Viognier 2013 IGT Terre Siciliane, +412650, $13.95: good value here in this 50/50 blend. It is off-dry, patio or first course, and the blend is indigenous (grillo) and international (viogner). 13% ABV, organic, twist top. Gold medal winner. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Inniskillin Reserve Shiraz/Cabernet 2012 VQA Niagara, +225482, $24.95. QPR: 89. 2.Chateau Chantelys 2010 Cru Bourgeois Medoc, +421214, $21.95. QPR: 89. 3.Chateau Maurac 2010 Haut-Medoc, +365817, $23.95. QPR: 88. 4.Domaine Bonnard Sancerre Rouge 2013, +65995, $23.95. QPR: 91. 5.Cosme Palacio Reserva 2009 Rioja, +14662, $22.95. QPR: 89. 6.Viewpointe Cabernet Franc 2008 VQA Lake Erie North Shore, +359299, $18.95: nicely aged with dried fruit tones, some herbaceousness, and some wood. 14% ABV, and excellent value for its Euro style. QPR: 89. 7.N. Potel Maison Roche de Bellene Cuvee Reserve Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2012, +299859, $19.95: another tasty and top-notch general pinot from Burgundy for under $20. Malolactic fermentation, no filtering, 13% ABV, and lots of ruby goodness in its food wine acidic character. QPR: 89. 8.Chateau de Lancyre Esprit de Garrigue 2013 Languedoc, +415695, $15.95: off-dry in tone, herbs and spices but also fruity. 14% ABV. QPR: 88. 9.Chateau de Treviac 2012 Corbieres, +670505, $16.95: another off-dry syrah/grenache blend from the Midi, and good value too at 14.5% ABV. Gold Medal winner. QPR: 88. 10.Ortas Cave de Rasteau La Domeliere Rasteau 2013, +222917, $15.95: cedary, leafy, some fennel tones, black fruit. Old vines of grenache/syrah/mourvedre, typical 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 11.Vinhas da Ciderma Donzel 2007 Douro, +408104, $15.95: excellent fruit with wood aging, some dried raisinated qualities, tempranillo adds luster to the blend. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 90. 12.Espelt Viticultors Old Vines Garnacha 2013 Emporda Spain, +422469, $14.95: a massive 15% ABV but an exceedingly small typeface on the label for the vintage year. Still, with some barrel aging the old vines grenache show very well. Welcome back to the LCBO's Garnacha of the Month!! QPR: 90. 13.Osborne Vina Cumbrero Tempranillo Crianza 2010 Rioja, +422097, $14.95: old style Rioja, very well priced, one year in oak, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir 2011 Dundee Hills Willamette Valley, +748434, $34.95 retail. 2.Belnaves Shiraz 2009 Coonawarra, +45237, $33.95. 3.Paolo Conterno Riva del Bric Barolo 2010 Unfiltered, +172783, $39.95. 4.Villa Mangiacane Riserva Chianti Classico 2009, +413773, $48.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 24, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Henri de Villamont Prestige Bourgogne Chardonnay 2007, +416123, $19.95: creaminess and caramel suggests both age and barrel-fermentation. 13% ABV. Drink up within an hour after opening, may collapse in the glass after that. Excellent value for that first hour. QPR: 92. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2012 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165, $17.95: deliciously off-dry, perfect for summer patios or spicy dishes. Twist top. QPR: 89. 2.Pietro Marini Torrontes 2013 Salta, +408443, $12.95: christened “the wine of Toronto during PanAm games”, arrives one release too late. 13.2% ABV, fruity florals but with a cork closure. QPR: 88. 3.Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Wairau Valley Marlborough, +919514, $19.95: top rated kiwi savvy, green pepper and lemon zestiness, still under $20 in Ontario. QPR:89. 4.Protheau Domaine Saint Paul Viognier 2013 IGP Pats d'Oc, +414490, $13.95: very good persistence of peach and orange tones, subtle acid, best as sipper or first course wine. 13% ABV. Cork closure. QPR: 89. 5.Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Schutzenhaus Riesling Kabinett 2013 Rheingau, +735241, $17.95: at 9.5% ABV, this medium 0ff-dry quaffer will reward you with plenty of orchard fruit riesling. Twist top. QPR: 88. 6.Tommasi Adorato Appassionato Bianco 2014 Veneto, +320721, $15.95: a “double love” wine showing good concentration of garganega flavours at a favourable price. Twist top, 13% ABV, Highly extractive and viscous. QPR: 90. 7.Beronia Fermentado en Barrica Viura 2014 Rioja, +422055, $18.95: a youngster in time, needs further development. BF gives it a slight creaminess but it all needs to be resolved. Maybe next year. 13% ABV. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Coyote's Run Cabernet/Merlot 2012 VQA Niagara, +26757, $19.95: quality first rate job, twist top, 13% ABV. Bordeaux in style. QPR: 88. 2.Pascual Toso Reserve Malbec 2012 Barrancas Vineyards Mendoza, +183897, $19.95: quality Malbec at below $25. Long length, good wood tones, 14% ABV. QPR: 88. 3.Casa Silva Los Lingues Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Colchagua Valley, +640870, $15.95: value-priced at a GR level, mocha tones dominate. 14$ ABV. Cork closure. QPR: 89. 4.Delas Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage 2012, +701359, $24.95. QPR: 90. 5.Plaimont 1907 Madiran 2010, +417550, $18.95: deep, dark and delicious, but needs time. 14% ABV. QPR: 88. 6.Dom. Lafage Tessellae Vieilles Vignes Carignan 2013 IGP Cotes Catalanes, +343509, $17.95: from 70-year-old vines, expect dark fruit tones and some mocha. One to lay down or savour now. 14% ABV. Cork closure. QPR: 90. 7.F. Falcao Pegos Claros 2010 Palmela Portugal, +385252, $15.95: value priced with good aging, worth a shot for its older vines and concentration. 14% ABV. QPR: 88. 8.Bod. Altanza Lealtanza Reserva 2009 Rioja, +208223, $19.95: lots of new wood, mainly French, very toasty and warm. QPR: 89. 10.Lopez de Haro Crianza 2008 Rioja, +377481, $14.95: another value-driven Spanish beauty, now almost 7 years old. If it indeed has 18 months in oak (according to the review re-published in the Vintages catalogue), then it has more oaking than a Reserva has! Crianza USED to refer to six months in wood plus time in bottle. Now it has a minimum 12 months in oak. Nevertheless, price is the main consideration. And do drink up. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Chardonnay 2013 Sonoma Coast, +235945, $32.95 retail. 2.Dog Point Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 Marlborough, +238568, $42.95. 3.Roux Pere & Fils Les Chaumes Chassagne-Montrachet 23013, +208512, $64.95 4.Jean-Max Roger Cuvee Les Cailottes Sancerre 2013, +65573, $26.95. 5.Les Halos of Jupiter Adrastee Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2011, $64,95. 6.Capezzana Carmignano 2010, +344762, $32.95. 7.Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 IGT Toscana, +996553, $27.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 11, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Maetierra Dominum Quatro Pagos Reserva 2007 Rioja, +246660, $19.95: an upstart of a wine, from older vines sourced in four vineyards, 16 months in French oak (no US), 14% ABV. Excellent price for an older Rioja. QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +1552, $24.95.QPR:90. 2.Norman Hardie Riesling 2013 VQA Ontario, +131169, $21. QPR: 90. 3.Strewn Terroir Sauvignon Blanc 2013 VQA NOTL, +343897, $19.95: from a single vineyard, weighing in at 12.9% ABV, twist top, good zesty character and balanced for an Ontario savvy. QPR: 88. 4.Williy Gisselbrecht Tradition Gewurztraminer 2012 Alsace, +928390, $17.95: while it lacks the typical bitter finish, this gewurz is loaded with spices in the length. 13% ABV, does not taste at (M) level. QPR: 88. 5.Pierre-Luc Bouchaud Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2013,+82461, $14.95: a dignified crisp and lemony value, good with oysters or first course seafood apps. Cork enclosure. 12% ABV. QPR: 88. 6.Alpha Extate Axia Malagouzia 2014 Florina Greece, +371666, $16.95: youthful aromas with some citric tones, another seafood/fish first course white wine. 12.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88. 7.Pansa Blanca 2014 Catalunya Privat, +417949, $14.95: good value engaging white, good for either patio or apps with its supple apple-citric orchard fruit tones. 12% ABV. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2012 VQA Ontario, +461699, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Bremerton Coulthard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Langhorne Creek, +410761, $21.95. QPR: 89. 3.Nugan Estate McLaren Parish Vineyard Shiraz 2013 McLaren Vale, +72602, $24.95. QPR: 89. 4.Bodegas Ochoa Reserva 2007 Navarra, +418178, $24.95. QPR: 91. 5.Tarapaca Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2013 Leyda Valley, +404210, $17.95: amazing value for a pinot noir, 14.5% ABV, excellent packaging and cork closure. Balance of red-black-spice fruit plus an old world feel. QPR: 89. 6.Barbi Brusco dei Barbi 2013 Toscana, +673160, $15.95: another reasonable price for an entry level to the tasting spectrum of “Brunello”, same sangiovese grape. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Falesco Vitiano 2013 Umbria, +950204, $15.95: delicious blend, almost superUmbrian, or superTuscan, 13%. QPR: 88 8.Finca Nueva Crianza 2009 Rioja, +292763, $16.95: impressive for its age, 13.5% ABV, MVC Rioja all the way. QPR: 88. 9.Heretat Mont-Rubi Durona Tinto 2004 Vino de Mesa, +143255, $19.95: for something that's really old, richly aged, at 13.5% ABV, with lots of French oak, try this number. QPR: 88. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Russian River Valley, +283705, $59 retail. 2.Champy Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin 2011, +264507, $59.95. 3.Chaston Domaine de Saint Siffrein Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, +169771, $44.95. 4.La Velona Brunello di Montalcino 2009, +181321, $39.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 27, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Michel Gassier Les Piliers Syrah 2012 Costiere de Nimes, +678086, $18.95: a traditionally-made wine, with cork closure and 13.5% ABV. Great hit of syrah black and blue berries, plus a hint of brett and a nuance of leather. Buy lots. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Sperling Gewurztraminer 2013 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +242958, $21.95. QPR: 89. 2.Colome Torrontes 2013 Calchaqui Valley Argentina, +357913, $13.95: another version of the “wine of Toronto” comes here in time for the Pan-Am games. This one is exceedingly aromatic, a beauty for summer, 13.5% ABV, twist top. Long finish. QPR: 89. 3.Casa del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014, +974717, $13.95: for savvy lovers with added zest components. 13.5% ABV, twist top, typical character. QPR: 89. 4.Swings & Roundabouts Chardonnay 2013 Margaret River, +408732, $21.95. QPR: 90. 5.Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Stellenbosch, +231282, $17.95: this is a very good price for an “old vines” offering (some 37 years old) for chenin blanc. BF and BA as well, nicely structured. QPR: 89. 6.Bestheim Classic Gewurztraminer 2013 Alsace, +656801, $18.95: MVC but not off-dry as recent gewurzs have been. Also not as bitter a finish. Gold Medalist, and a candidate for “label of the year” (large black/blue print on white label). QPR: 89. 7.Monte del Fra Ca' del Magro 2012 Veneto, +165670, $17.95:a lovely entrance to summer, with Garganega floral aromas and orchard fruit tastes. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2013 VQA Niagara, +275958, $21.95. QPR: 90. 2.Zonte's Footstep Baron von Nemesis Single Site Shiraz 2012 Barossa Valley, +212936, $17.95: rich, ripe tones, double Gold winner, should be aged more. Buy a case. 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 3.Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2013 Hawke's Bay, +586081, $19.95: very good New World merlot, MVC, off-dry in the finish taste, 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88. 4.Chateau La Verriere 2012 Bordeaux Superieur, +349274, $15.95: MVC all the way for Bordeaux, good price for a Gold Medal. Youthful tones. QPR: 89. 5.Brumont Tour Bouscasse 2009 Madiran, +414615, $17.95: good aging for about 6 years. Dense smoke and dried fruit. Real character. QPR: 89. 6.Bricco Rosso Suagna 2009 Langhe Piedmont, +417022, $14.95: nifty price for a baby barolo, mostly nebbiolo with some dolcetto to freshen it up (it is almost 6 years old). Good for a modest priced BBQ wine. QPR: 89. 7.Varvaglione Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria 2012 Puglia, +261784, $20.95. QPR: 89. 8.Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2012, +295964, $23.95. QPR: 90. 9.Bod. Balbas Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero, +167601, $16.95: a real find and a bargain to boot, ready now, 14% ABV. QPR: 90. 10.Borsao Berola 2011 Campo de Borja, +371518, $17: it has been awhile since the last Spanish garnacha went through the system. This one, at 15% ABV, is a powerhouse of North American appeal through its zinfandel-like fleshiness and flashiness. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Culmina Hypothesis 2012 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +414243, $39.95 retail. 2.Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux La Tour Sarrasine Gigondas 2012, +279562, $28.95. 3.Il Molino di Grace Il Margone Riserva Chianti Classico 2007, +122895, $34.95. 4.Bodegas Vizcarra JC Vizcarra 2011, +214650, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 13, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Rockway Vineyards Small Lot Block 150-183 Riesling 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +424176, $19.95: easily outshines many Australian rieslings that were $50 a pop. 10% ABV, twist top. Look for succulence and lushness, not quite the (M) the catalogue says. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Flat Rock Chardonnay 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +286278, $18.95: tasty, from older vines, with some new wood. Twist top. 13% ABV, nicely aged. QPR: 89. 2.Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Chardonnay 2012, +942482, $23.95. QPR: 89. 3.Les Anges Sauvignon Blanc 2013 IGP Val de Loire, +408203, $13.95: value driven for its grassiness. 11.5% ABV, first course wine. QPR: 89. 4.Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2014, +499509, $14.95: another nifty sipper wine from the south of France, with lots of flavour from white grenache. Flowers and citrus. QPR: 89. 5.St.Urbans-Hof Riesling 2013 Old Vines Mosel, +995746, $19.95: very good, long length, 9.5% ABV, sipper or first course white. QPR: 88. 6.Villanova Traminer Aromatico 2014 Fruili Isonza, +411314, $13.95: enough acid to make it off-dry, certainly more dry than the (M) given to it. QPR: 88. 7.Finca Nueva Blanco 2013 Rioja, +280560, $16.95: barrel-fermentation gives creamy wood tones without the spiciness. 13% ABV. Solid wine, mixing citric tastes with cream. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Ste. Michelle Snoqualmie Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Columbia Valley Washington, +414771, $16.95: Strong cabernet sauvignon nose and MVC taste, 14% ABV, delivering good value for an American wine not from California. QPR: 89. 2.Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo Valley, +18721, $17.95: 14.5% ABV feels hot on the finish but lush-plus cabby tones dominate, long length. QPR: 89. 3.Ballast Stone Windjammer Shiraz 2012 McLaren Vale, +167064, $21.95. QPR: 90. 4.Stella Bella Isca Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Margaret River, +47639, $22.95. QPR: 90. 5.Casetta Barbaresco 2009, +412247, $22.95. QPR: 90. 6.Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino 2011, +333575, $19.95: a baby brunello, one of the better ones, still a tannic finish so needs more time in the cellar or a double decant. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Quercia al Poggio Chianti Classico 2009, +83998, $21.95. QPR: 89. 8.Catapereiro Escholha 2012 Tejo Portugal, +380808, $15.95: from a single vineyard, a tasty North American approach to wine, 14% ABV. Touriga nacional and Syrah blend. Cork closure. QPR: 89. 9.Quinta da Fronteira Seleccao do Enologo 2011 Douro, +408088, $22.95. QPR: 89. 10.Heredad de Baroja Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +276113, $24.05. QPR: 90. 11.Langa Tradicion Centenaria Garnacha 2012 Calatayud, +194795, $14.95: the Garnacha of the Month is back, after too long an absence. Layered tones of fruit and smoke. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Bachey-Legros et Fils Les Grands Charrons Meursault 2011, +410647, $51.95 retail. 2.Sergio Zenato Riserva Lugana 2012 Veneto, +928218, $30.95. 3.Burning Kiln M-1 Merlot 2013 VQA Ontario, +406470, $34.95. 4.Perrin Coudoulet De Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone 2012, +48884, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 30, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay 2012 Columbia Valley Washington, +366542, $17.95: creamy oak, soft tannins, cork closure, 13.5% ABV, well-framed and lingers. Yum. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: [not many this time] ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2013 VQA Beamsville Bench, +183491, $23.95. QPR: 90. 2.Maison Roche de Bellene Vieilles Vignes Bourgogne Chardonnay 2012, +299867, $20.95. QPR: 90 3.Marnier-Lapostolle Chateau de Sancerre Sancerre 2013, +340893, $24.95. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Seven Falls Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Wahluke Slope Washington, +360222, $19.95: excellently positioned, very good and big wine with typical cabby MVC cassis and some wood. Cork closure, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Laura Hartwig Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Colchagua Valley, +727495, $17.95: another cabby, but in Euro style. Complexity needs more time. Barrel-aged French oak for one year. 14% ABV 3.Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2012 Casablanca Valley, +37937, $14.95: it is not too often you see an under-valued wine at the LCBO, but here is one the mark-up guys overlooked. Massive cherries and wood, 14% ABV. Twist top. Yum. QPR: 89. 4.O'Leary Walker Pinot Noir 2012 Adelaide Hills Australia, +408419, $24.95. QPR: 90. 5.Rustenberg Merlot 2010 WO Stellenbosch, +404194, $19.95: mint, mocha, black currants, 14% ABV, twist top. Good aging. QPR: 89. 6.Famille Perrin Les Christins Vacqueyras 2012, +973453, $23.95. QPR: 90. 7.Domaine Bellavista La Cuvee d'Ava Cotes du Roussillon 2011, +383398, $15.95: this wine does not need a dose of MSG, it already has it in its mourvedre/syrah/grenache frame. Good depth and well-priced. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 8.San Michele a Torri Chianti Colli Fiorentini 2013, +900258, $16.95: from one of the rarer regions in Chianti, a svelte light and polite Chianti at a decent price. 13% ABV. QPT: 88. 9.Mula Velha Premium Tinto 2012 Lisboa, +409250, $15.95: juicy, North American appeal, very aromatic. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 10.VSL G Garnacha 2011 Madrid, +132266, $18.95: this “garnacha of the month” is organic but also 15% ABV. Very nice expression of the G spot: a sweet and spicy song. QPR: 89. 11.Bodegas Campina Sabor Real Vinas Centenarias Tempranillo 2009 Toro, +244772, $15.95: good value for an aged robust wine, made from vines planted in 1895. QPR: 89. 12.P Dardenne Vina Mayor Reserva 2009 Ribera del Duero, +209155, $24.95. QPR: 89 VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Oldenburg Chardonnay 2012 WO Stellenbosch, +374645, $26.95 retail. 2.Domaines Schlumberger Kessler Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace Grand Cru, +307694, $33.95. 3.Lucien Muzard & Fils Les Meix Chavaux Meursault 2013, +407072, $58.95. 4.Segla 2006 Margaux, +359810, $53.95. 5.Pierre Amadieu Romane-Machotte Gigondas 2012, +17400, $27.95. 6.Badia a Coltibuono Riserva Chianti Classico 2009, +683474, $38.95. 7.Marchesi Torrigiani Guidaccio 2008 IGT Toscana, +674499, $48.95. 8.Poggio Bonelli Poggiassai 2010, +85365, $32.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 16, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2008 Gioa del Colle Puglia, +724674, $13.95: best value of the release at this price, great aged wine (seven years or so). Dried fruit, sun-dried veggies, plummy. QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Cave Spring Pinot Gris 2013 VQA Niagara, +621086, $17.95: nifty off-dry on plate, juicy entry with lush concentration, reminiscent of Alsace. Sip, quaff or first course wine. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Finca El Origen Reserva Torrontes 2014 Salta Argentina, +262089, $15.95: deep fruit and high alcohol, 14.3% – the wine of Toronto! Twist top, fresh taste of exotic fruits. QPR: 89. 3.Howard Park Flint Rock Chardonnay 2012 Western Australia, +410027, $22.95. QPR: 90. 4.Tahbilk Marsanne 2013 Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, +117945, $17.95: I've consumed many vintages over the years, and this is one of the best, albeit very juicy. Twist top. 12.5% ABV. QPR: 88. 5.Yalumba Viognier 2013 Eden Valley South Australia, +954644, $24.95. QPR: 90. 6.Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Awatere Valley Marlborough, +225557, $18.95: yes, it's time for the Eradus annual swing through Ontario, with its zesty over-the-top green notes, 13.5% ABV, twist top. No price change since last year. QPR: 89. 7.Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +324228, $21.95. QPR: 90. 8.Rustenberg Chardonnay 2013 WO Stellenbosch, +598631, $19.95: tastes we;; aged, good forest floor complexity in a Euro toasty mode. QPR: 89. 9.William Fevre Saint-Bris 2013 Burgundy, +626523, $20.95. QPR: 90. 10.La Cave du Coudray Reserve du Chron Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2013 Sur Lie, +413757, $13.95: the Muscadet release of the month, 12% ABV, green and lean food wine. Perfect for summer dining. QPR: 89. 11.Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles de Colombo Cotes du Rhone 2013, +413187, $17.95: mouthfeel of sunshine, 13% ABV, summer beckons. Patio or first course wine for succulence. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.De Bortoli Gulf Station Shiraz/Viognier 2010, +408328, $19.95: good Rhone quality and nicely aged for five years, 13% ABV, twist top. Euro all the way. QPR: 89. 2.De Morgenzon DMZ Syrah 2012 QO Western Cape: another Rhone-like beauty, although I thought the label referred to DeMilitarized Zone. 14%. QPR: 88. 3.Chateau Haut Peyraud 2010 Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux, +413948, $16.95: very decent Bordeaux at a rock bottom price, hard to avoid. 14% ABV. MVC all the way, mostly Merlot grapes. QPR: 89. 4.Chateau de Gourgazaud Cuvee Mathilde Minervois 2013, +958629, $14.95: gutsy syrah dominates, very good value, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2013 IGT Terra degli Osci Molise, +591974, $13.95: good basic sangiovese hits, MVC for the grape, 13% ABV. Needs food. QPR: 88. 6.Tommais Graticcio Appassionato 2013 “Product of Italy”, +338939, $15.95: normally I see this designation on olive oil bottles, but here who knows? Aged in oak, 13% ABV, twist top, very dense with appassionato texture, and bargain priced. QP: 88. 7.Ondarre Reserva 2009 Rioja, +723452, $18.95: another affordable Rioja at the reserve level with six years of aging. Oaked consistency, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 8.Convento San Francisco 2005 Ribera del Duero, +206409, $23.95. QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Bergstrom Old Stones Chardonnay 2011 Willamette Oregon, +419753, $41.95 retail. 2.Domaine Berthenet Montagny 1er Cru 2013, +405993, $27.95. 3.D'Arenberg The Love Grass Shiraz 2011 McLaren Vale, +48785, $25.95. 4.Viticcio Beatrice Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011, +404244, $47.95. 5.E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009, +727503, $58.95. 6.Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +976662, $36.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 2, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Famiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2014 IP Mendoza, +1461, $16.95: up a buck (what else is new?) over the 2013 release of last year, but more wood expression from the barrel fermentation. 14% ABV. I'm buying two cases, so save me some...QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Mahi Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +63941, $19.95: good citric character, particularly lime, with herbs. Balanced savvy, concentrated tones. Best with mahi mahi? Just sayin' 13.5% ABV. QPR:89. 2.Kaimira Estate Brightwater Chardonnay 2012 Nelson, +408641, $19.95: well-priced aged chardonnay with whiff of wood cream due to barrel fermentation and barrel aging for 12 months and integration for another two years. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2012 Mosel, +411249, $22.95. QPR: 90. 4.Ruppertsberger Linsenbusch Gewurztraminer Spatlese 2014 Pfalz, +320473, $17.95: dense gewurztraminer character, a reasonable alternative to Alsatian gewurztraminer (many of which are over-the-top in density and sugars). MVC all the way for concentrated flavours. 11% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Calamus Riesling 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +158642, $16.95: not as sweet in the mouth as (M) indicates in the catalogue, but bearing in at 11.6% ABV. Good minerality. QPR: 89. 6.Gustave Lorentz Reserve Gewurztraminer 2013 Alsace, +408195, $21.95. QPR: 90. 7.Beringer Chardonnay 2012 Napa, +84988, $22.95. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Colio Bricklayer's Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012 VQA Lake Erie North Shore, +395277, $19.95: a concentrated delight from older vines, fruity, peppery, some savoury herbs. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2012 Columbia Valley, +263418, $17.95: consistently underpriced and consistently delicious for MVC merlot, with nuances of all of the rich stuff (e.g. cherries, mocha). 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Brick Kiln Shiraz 2011 McLaren Vale, +329979, $24.95. QPR: 90. 4.Chateau de Serame Reserve du Chateau Corbieres 2010, +175216, $16.95: juicy dark fruits, some game. Best for North American appeal. Gold Medalist. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Xavier Cotes du Rhone 2011, +297317, $16.95: off-dry or lower acid finish, 14.5% ABV, 65% grenache. Old vines. MVC of south Rhone. QPR: 89. 6.Baron de Magana 2009 Navarra, +280552, $19.95: quite detailed with 35% merlot and 35% cabernet sauvignon. Quite Bordeaux in style but not in price. QPR: 89. 7.Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva 2005 Rioja, +357335, $18.95: now almost 10 years old and still inexpensive, this has the MVC of a Rioja Reserva with that sandalwood complexity. QPR: 89. 8.Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas 2012 Yecla, +276162, $16.95: hard to pass up an inexpensive Spanish wine that garnered a “94” from the man himself, Robert Parker. 70% mourvedre, black fruit all the way, oak treatment. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 2013 Napa Valley, +147454, $116.95 retail. Surprise your clients by listing this at $125 - $130. 2.Bachelder Pinot Noir 2012 Willamette Valley, +333278, $34.95. 3.Tapiz Seleccion de Barricas 2008 Mendoza, +403253, $29.95. 4.Chateau Plaisance Cuvee Alix 2005 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, +348789, $26.95. 5.Bosquet des Papes Cuvee Tradition Chateauneuf du Pape 2012, +726687, $49.95. 6.E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2011, +704908, $28.95. 7.La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino 2009, +642561, $49.95. 8.Rocca Delle Macie Vino Nobile di Montalcino 2011, +232488, $25.95. 9.Igino Accordini Le Bessole Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2007, +651570, $49.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 18, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 M.Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2013, +168716, $15.95: great value for a blend of Grencahe and Syrah, done up in the southern Rhone style, good syrah hits of blackberries and some saddles. Extremely nice price. QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Rapaura Springs Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +388421, $21.95. QPR: 90. 2.Roland Lavantureux Chablis 2013, +328807, $23.95. QPR: 90. 3.Featherstone Gewurztraminer 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +64592, $19.95: good intense Alsatian-style gewurz flavours are nailed here. Food or sip, 13% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 4.Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2012 VQA Short Hills Bench, +557165, $17.95: a delicious hit of Riesling intensity, good acid levels on the finish, broad fruity strokes on mid-palate. 11.5% ABV, not as sweet as (M) indicates. QPR; 89 5.Hugel Gentil 2013 Alsace, +367284, $15.95: at one time on the LCBO general list, this wine is a reasonably costed patio/deck/first course sipper/food wine. A good zwicker field blend. QPR: 89. 6.Cheateau de la Bretesche Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2013, +412163, $12.95: the LCBO Muscadet of the month. QPR: 88. 7.Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling 2013 Mosel, +599274, $13.95: a beginner's Mosel riesling, affordable summer sipper, sure to fly off the shelves at this price. 8.5% ABV. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Airfield Estates Runway Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Yakima Valley, +408351, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Condado de Haza Crianza 2010 Ribera del Duero, +963348, $24.95. QPR: 91. 3.Torres Celeste Crianza 2011 Ribera del Duero, +210872, $20.95. QPR: 90. 4.Falernia Reserva Syrah 2010 Elqui Valley Chile, +208371, $18.95: done up in French magic style, but still juicy syrah. Great value, 14% ABV. QPR: 90. 5.Alto Casablanca Primus The Blend 2012 Colchagua Valley, +712463, $19.95: s decent blend of cab sauv(25%), carmenere (25), syrah (25), and balance of merlot, cab franc, and petit verdot, coming in at 14.5% ABV. Lots of dense black fruit and some fennel. QPR: 89. 6.Sister's Run Epiphany Shiraz 2012 McLaren Vale, +269464, $15.95: a lovely hit of the syrah style of making wine from this grape, disclosing its Euro roots. 14.5% ABV, twist top. Nice price. QPR: 89. 7.Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2013 Marlborough, +590414, $19.95: a serious contender in the pinot noir “love 'em and leave 'em” sweepstakes, delicious French style, 13.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 8.Domaine Le Grand Retour Pla de Dieu Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2012, +224592, $14.95: more traditional in style with less flair but more game. 14.5% ABV. 75% grenache, 15 syrah, and 10 mourvedre. QPR: 89. 9.Abad Dom Bueno Crianza 2006 Bierzo, +244699, $15.95: the latest affordable wine from the trending Bierzo region in Spain, value in the blackness of the grapes, but still some unresolved tannins in the finish (needs food). 13.6% ABV. QPR: 89. 10.Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2007 Rioja, +947309, $19.95: another well-aged but undervalued Rioja wine, needs your attention for its aged components and will not disappoint. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench, +566026, $29.95 retail. 2.Norman Hardie Niagara Unfiltered Chardonnay 2013 VQA Niagara, +184432, $39 3.Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay 2013 Santa Lucia Highlands Monterey, +958975, $34.95 4.Trimbach Reserve Riesling 2011 Alsace, +995316, $29.95 5.Domaine Latour-Giraud-Cuvee Charles Maxime Meursault 2013, +299784, $55.95 6.Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2013 VQA Okanagan Valley, +585760, $26.95 7.Chateau Dassault 2011 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, +299149, $49.85 8.Umberto Cesari Liano Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 IGT Rubicone Emilia-Romagna, +225086, $27.95. 9.Antinori Badia a Passignano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2009, +384552, $44.95 10.Montemercurio Messaggero Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2008, +385393, $29.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 4, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2013 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268342, $19.95: voluptuous ripeness, pleasant balance of oaking and fruit, integrated style in place. Lovely wood on the finish. 13.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +677450, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Domaine Bonnard Sancerre 2013, +140525, $23.95. QPR: 90. 3.Cousino-Macul Antiguas Reserva Chardonnay 2013 Maipo, +730044, $15.95: at 13.5% ABV, this powerhouse chardonnay shows some mild oaking, with everything in moderation. QPR: 89. 4.Terre de Vignerons Famille Excellor Sauvignon 2012 Bordeaux, +403915, $14.95: a very useful savvy at this price. QPR: 88. 5.Domaine Vincent Sauvestre Bourgogne Chardonnay 2013, +365056, $19.95: the parade of decent white burgundies for under $20 continues – some nuttiness here, but mainly stainless steel for crispness. Well-rounded. QPR: 89. 6.Zenato San Benedetto Lugana 2013 Veneto, +707158, $16.95: good value, with some dry orange-peach muscat tones. 13%, cork closure. QPR: 89. 7.Eidosela Albarino 2013 DO Rias Baixas, +336271, $14.95: fleshy, longer finish, aromatic with orange-peach nuances. Value driven wine. 13% ABV. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2011 IGT Veronese, +672931, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Columbia Valley Washington, +240093, $17.95: delicious fruitiness plus mocha tones, ready now. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Feudi San Pio Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, +181446, $17.95: the LCBO “ripasso of the month”? QPR: 89. 4.Quinta Do Portal Frontaria 2009 Douro, +324533, $13.95. black fruit berries, mocha, and extract from using Port grape varieties. One-quarter aged in French oak. QPR: 90. 5.Muriel Reserva Vendimia Seleccionada 2008 Rioja, +276030, $18.95: still lively and fruity, 13.5% ABV, MVC Rioja, good price. QPR: 90. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Clos Pegase Hommage Mitsuko's Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 Carneros Napa Valley, +408385, $49.95 retail. 2.Domaine Jean Collet & Fils Montmains Chablis 1er Cru 2011, +405704, $31.95. 3.Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, +39537, $39.95. 4.Tscharke Marananga Gnadenfrei Shiraz 2011 Barossa Valley, +303370, $26.95. 5.Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino 2008, +245225, $49.95. 6.Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2011, +704346, $31.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 21, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Chateau Haut du Puy 2010 Haut-Medoc, +404988, $15.95: this month's bargoon red at Vintages, already well-aged for 4 years with MVC Bordeaux tones. Hard to beat. QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musque 2013 VQA Beamsville Bench, +246579, $15.95: delightful peachy tones in that orange-muscat mode, good off-dry character but finishes dry. Best with food, such as a first course, but could be a pre-prandial sipper. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Fielding Estate Riesling 2014 VQA Beamsville Bench, +251439, $18.85: off-dry 10.5% ABV but finishes with higher acid. Good for sipping, loaded with riesling character. QPR: 89. 3.Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +578625, $19.95: a dramatic uptick with one dollar more than the Fielding, but still 10.5% ABV. Twist top, less acidic taste but still refreshing with riesling MVC. QPR: 89. 4.Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2013 WO Cape Point, +285221, $15.95: classy presentation in bottle and on label, 13.5% ABV, good savvy value at this price (especially with the 5% added semillon). QPR: 89. 5.Trimbach Riesling 2012 Alsace, +734517, $21.95. QPR: 89. 6.Domaine Le Verger Chablis 2013, +181289, $22.95. QPR: 90. 7.Le Fils des Gras Moutons Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie 2013, +363150, $14.95: the LCBO's Muscadet of the month. QPR: 89. 8.Marques de Caceres Antea 2013 Barrel Fermented Rioja, +518985, $15.95: lightly elegant with nuances of French wood seasoning plus a tang on the finish. 12.5% ABV, from viura and malvasia grapes. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Schild Estate Shiraz 2012 Barossa, +66555, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Yalumba The Guardian Shiraz/Viognier 2010 Eden Valley, +396499, $21.95. QPR: 90. 3.Chateau Lanbersac 2010 Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, +177006, $22.95. QPR: 90. 4.Chateau Bellevue La Foret 2011 Fronton, +354134, $13.95: once on the LCBO General List about five agents back, this wine has been a fave for the past 40 years in Ontario. The main grape is the Negrette, with cab franc and cab sauv and some syrah in the blend. This unusual blend works, great price, and 14.5% ABV of kick. QPR: 90. 5.Chateau Peyros Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2009, +234997, $18.95: nicely aged, now over 5 years old. 80% tannat/20% cab franc. 13.5% ABV. Here is some value in an older tasting wine. QPR: 89. 6.Chateau Vincens Origine Cahors 2011, +343400, $17.95: voluptuous in a North American palate sense, gold medal winner. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Domaine Sergent Oak Aged Madiran 2011, +251561, $21.95. QPR: 90. 8.Boutari Grand Reserve 2008 Naoussa Greece, +140111, $17.95: always a well-aged wine with those ripe mature tones, from the xinomavro grape. QPR: 89. 9.Bodegas Volver Tarima Hill Monastrell 2011 Old Vines Alicante, +310169, $19.95: aged almost two years in French oak, augmenting the black fruit with nuances of floral sweetness. Whopping 15% ABV. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red 2012 Napa Valley, +329375, $162.95 retail. 2.Chateau Pineraie L'Authentique Cahors 2011, +408294, $39.95. 3.Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2009, +651141, $59.95. 4.Villa Cerna Riserva Chianti Classico 2010, +349407, $28.95. 5.Remo Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2011, $36.95. 6.Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2010 Ribera del Duero, +323345, $44.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 7, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. FIND OF THE MONTH!! Le Pere Jules Pommeau de Normandie AOC, +402131, $39.95 for 700mL: Formerly known as Pommeau Ste. Anne, this AOC has apple cider syrup blended with Calvados. Le Pere Jules is aged in oak barrels for more than 5 years. There is a strong “cider apple” aroma that follows through on the palate, a sort of intensified cider taste. The finish is smooth, suggesting that the one-year old Calvados has been aged smoothly. Aperitif or with dessert or post-dinner. QPR: 93. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Tinhorn Creek Gewurztraminer 2013 BC VQA Okanagan, +904185: this hits all the right gewurz buttons, especially for those seeking an older style Alsatian style (dryish, bitterish finish). Very good expression from before global warming. 13.3% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 2.M.Chapoutier Tournon Mathilda 2013 Victoria, +401398, $19.95: very aromatic, almost all viognier, twist top, but a very dry finish makes it better with food than as social wine. QPR: 89. 3. 3 Stones Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, +207159, $16.95: zesty tasty kiwi savvy. Twist top but only 12.5% ABV, making it less dry and more social wine too. QPR: 89. 4.Cave des Grands Crus Blancs Macon-Vinzelles 2013, +405795, $17.95: the latest in a continuing LCBO stream of good value burgundy Chardonnays, in the Chablis mould, 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Tokaji Yellow Muscat 2013 Puklus Cellars Hungary, $15.95, +46508: Yellow Muscat is related to Muscat Blanc. Made from older vines, done up in Late Harvest style, with that peachy complexity, medium-bodied, but with lemons and pineapple acidity on the longer finish. Floral aromatics. 13.5% ABV. Serve with later courses (fruity mains, salads, cheeses, off-dry desserts). QPR: 89 6.Featherstone Four Feathers 2012 VQA Niagara, +341586, $14.95: off-dry blend of savvy, riesling, gewurz, and chardonnay, very good social wine coming in at 11% ABV and twist top. Still fresh. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Jules Taylor Pinot Noir 2013 Marlborough, +329805, $24.95. QPR: 91. 2.Chateau Tour Salvet 2009 Haut-Medoc, +403766, $23.95. QPR: 90. 3.Castelli dei Grevepesa Panzano Chianti Classico 2008, +972695, $23.95. QPR: 90. 4.Churchill's Estates Vinho Tinto 2011 Douro, +166561, $21.95. QPR: 90. 5.Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Syrah/Mourvedre 2012 Colchagua Valley, +399360, $15.95: good value in an organic wine. Lots of black fruit, 14.5% ABV. Cork closure. Nicely aged food wine. QPR: 89. 6.Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz Viognier 2012, +72975, $17: done up in traditional North Rhone style with added viognier. Twist top, 14.5% ABV, dense and somewhat clunky at this stage. Try again in six months. QPR: 89. 7.Notte Rossa Primitivo di Manduria 2012, +395095, $17.95: delicious off-dry zin knockoff with complexity of black fruit, 14% ABV. Winner of two Gold Medals. QPR: 89. 8.Castellani Chianti Riserva 2010, +970707, $14.95: now over four years old but rustic and vibrant in life with typical MVC of sangiovese from approved Chianti regions. Deftly done and affordable. 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 9.Tenuta di Trecciano Chianti Colli Senesi 2013, +86314, $15.95: packed with sangiovese flavours but needs more time if you are willing to wait. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 10.Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell 2012 Jumilla, +163154, $13.95: full-bore toastiness, dark fruit, six months in French oak, mocha tones. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +345819, $44.95 retail. 2.Chateau de Cruzeau Blanc 2009 Pessac-Leognan, +966010, $31.95. 3.Ropiteau Meursault 2013, +405159, $59.95. 4.Burrowing Owl Athene 2011 BC VQA Okanagan, +371336, $44.95. 5.Nk'Mip Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 BC VQA Okanagan, +303719, $27.95 6.Il Grigio da San Felice Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +403477, $46.95. 7.Frescobaldi Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Riserva Chianti Rufina 2011, +395186, $29.95. 8.Beronia Gran Reserva 2007 Rioja, +940965, $39.95. 9.Finca La Emperatriz Reserva 2008 Rioja, +359927, $32.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 21, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2012 Estate Bottled, +277228, $16.95: Made from vines largely planted in 1978, now a mature vineyard. 12.5% ABV. Succulence like you would not believe at this price level, but off-dry Alsatian character (citric tones, spices), with now two years plus of aging. A beaut. Twist top. Gold Medalist in Ontario Wine Awards and National Wine Awards in 2014. QPR: 92. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Ridge Road Riesling 2013 VQA Niagara, +346858, $15.95: an interesting and intense Mosel style Riesling wine at 10% ABV, off-dry, refreshing, twist top. QPR: 89. 2.Wither Hills Rarangi Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +288134, $21.95. QPR: 90. 3.Tabali reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Limari, +662999, $14.95: Limari is turning into my fave source for savvy wines. This one is nifty and zesty, 13.5% ABV. Best with food. QPR: 89. 4.Jean Biecher & Fils Reserve Riesling 2012 Alsace, +403105, $14.95: hard to find a reserve level Alsatian riesling at this price point, 12% ABV, and twist top too. It's an affordable “classic” style pre-climate change wine. QPR: 90. 5.Gayda Viognier 2013 IGP Pays d'Oc, +395129, $13.95: youthful and useful with nuances of orchard fruit and spicy nuts. Could go either way with or without food. Versatile. 12.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Vistalba Corte C Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza, +398818, $14.95: Very useful red fruit and chocolate inspired wine at this price point, 14% ABV, cork finish. QPR: 88. 2.Bleasdale Mulberry Tree Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Langhorne Creek, +661892, $17.95: very much a cabby, MVC all the way, twist top, 13.5% ABV. Well-developed and fruity. QPR: 88. 3.Gerard Bertrand Saint Chinian Syrah/Mourvedre 2011, +370247, $18.95: good fruity flavours, with oak, anise, smoke tones. 13.5% ABV, cork finish. QPR: 89. 4.Remo Farina Montecorna Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, +56267, $19.95: the LCBO Ripasso of the the Month. QPR: 89. 5.Quinta de Porrais Parcelas 2010 Douro, +397422, $14.95: quite a bargain, well-priced overwhelming easy-to-drink, 13% ABV. It's got just about everything, and can be enhanced by aging. Give it a longevity shot. QPR: 89. 6.Quinta do Mondego 2009 Dao, +399766, $19.95: powerhouse delivery, nicely aged but still needs time. Based on four grapes: the TN/TR/Jaen and Afro. 13.5% ABV. Impressive for its fruity depth and lingering character. QPR: 89. **** HALF-BOTTLE ALERT: Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Napa, +191700, $13.95 for 375mL. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 RETAIL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Thirty Bench Small Lot Chardonnay 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench Niagara, +203703, $30. 2.Cave des Grands Crus Blancs Pouilly-Fuisse 2013, +404582, $26.95. 3.Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Alexander Valley Sonoma County, +285098, $52.95. 4.Leasingham Winemakers Selection Bin 61 Shiraz 2012 Clare Valley, +448241, $25.95. 5.Yangarra Shiraz 2012 McLaren Vale, +911974, $32.95. 6.Chateau Peyrabon 2010 Haut-Medoc, +336925, $29.95. 7.Aurelio Settimo Barolo 2010, +291559, $49.95. 8.Giribaldi Barbaresco 2006, +101147, $32.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 7, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Domaine de Rochebin Chardonnay Macon-Aze 2013, +156943, $16.95: very well-priced for a basic French chardonnay from 40 year old vines. Typical orchard fruit and citric tones, with enough finishing acid for first course foods rather than as a sipper. 12.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2014 Uco Valley Mendoza, +384339, $17.95: this is an interesting spin on torrontes. Not only is there 3 months in medium toast French oak for BF, but the sweetness level has been dropped. There are many baking and meringue notes here for complexity. QPR: 89. 2.Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Awatere Valley Marlborough, +225557, $18.95: yes, it's time for the Eradus annual swing through Ontario, with its zesty over-the-top green notes, 13.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 3.Stephane Berg Gewurztraminer 2012 Alsace, +390674, $16.95: delicious typicity for gewurz, 13% ABV, cork closure, Gold Medalist, and useful price. QPR: 89. 4.Wolfberger Signature Riesling 2013 Alsace, +398164, $16.95: solid riesling complexity that is bone dry (almost a rarity in Alsace these days), 12.5% ABV, cork closure. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 5.Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt RK Riesling 2008 Mosel, +733295, $15.95: another well-priced wine with typical Mosel softness, acidity, orchard fruit and some Euro complexity. Drier than expected from the LCBO's rating of (M), which to me indicates a higher acid level, great for a first course or as a sipper. Twist top, 9.5% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Porcupine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 WO Coastal Region, +146894, $16.95: good cabby flavours of black fruit, twist top, 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Chateau des Antonins 2010 Bordeaux Superieur, +404269, $14.95: hard to believe the price on this wine, so that promotes it as great value for its toast and roast tones, black fruit, and more. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Resta Salice Salentino 2011 Puglia, +324731, $15.95: another good value winner from the negroamaro grape, 13.5% ABV. Pruney and black fruit notes, mushroom and forest floor. Best with food, long length and enjoyable. QPR: 89. 4.Lacrimus Crianza 2009 Rioja, +359968, $17.95: appears to have had dynamite ratings from Decanter magazine. Indeed, a rustic-rural style with fennel tones and red fruit, smoke from 14 months in new oak barrels. From high vineyards, 85% tempranillo. QPR: 89. 5.Vinas Elias Mora Tinta de Toro 2011 Toro, +209650, $17.95: comes in at a whopping 15% ABV and unfiltered. Serve at the end of the mains/cheeses as a palate cleanser. Both red and dark fruit in evidence. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Simonsig Chenin Avec Chene Chenin Blanc 2012 WO Stellenbosch, +282772, $25.95 retail. 2.Domaine Jean-Marc Morey Chassagne-Montrachet Les Caillerets 1er Cru 2011, +205955, $85.95. 3.Concha y Toro Terrunyo Peumo Vineyard Block 27 Carmenere 2011 Cachapoal Valley, +562892, $29.95. 4.Chateau La Bienfaisance 2008 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +403451, $31.95. 5.Les Grandes Serres La Cour des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2011, $651661, $44.95. 6.Beni di Batasiolo Riserva Barolo 2006, +330704, $39.95 7.Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco 2011, +155408, $29.95. 8.Pinyolet Seleccion 2010 DO Montsant Spain, +338897, $26.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 24, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Strewn Terroir American Oak Chardonnay 2012 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +405530, $24.95. QPR: 91. 2.Domaine Chatelaine Les Vignes de Saint-Laurent-L'Abbaye Poully Fume 2013, +958801, $21.95. QPR: 90. 3.Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2013 VQA Niagara, +80234, $16.95: juicy orchard fruit, an annual winner, off-dry, 9.5% ABV, twist top, sip or food. QPR: 89. 4.Middle-Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Nelson, +391987, $17.95: the name alone for this Kiwi Savvy should be enough for it to sell out in Ontario. Zesty, mouth-lingering flavours on the end palate. Don't serve too cold. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Henri Ehrhart Reserve Particuliere Pinot Gris 2013 Alsace, +392092, $18.95: golden tones of honey and orchards, long finish, very off-dry. The acid level conceals a lot of the LCBO-tested sweetness (M), which is still there if you are concerned about sugar. It is not (M) in taste. 13% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 6.JeanJean Ormarine Carte Noire Picpoul de Pinet 2013 Coteaux du Languedoc, +525287, $12.95: affordable tastiness from the piquepoul grape, 12.5% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 7.Riondo Castelforte Garganega 2013 IGT Veronese, +230656, $13.95: another interesting white with some wood aging, and a long finish that is good enough for food as well as soft tones for the patio/deck/balcony. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Casa del Bosque Gran Reserva Syrah 2012 Casablanca Valley, +995092, $22.95. QPR: 92. 2.Nugan Estate Alcira Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Coonawarra, +393686, $24.95. QPR: 90. 3.Chateau Blaignan 2010 Medoc, +400606, $23.95. QPR: 90 4.Tenuta Rocca Ornati Langhe 2009, +309369, $21.95. QPR: 91. 5.Abelis Carthago William Selection Crianza 2011 Toro, +399105, $23.95. QPR: 90. 6.Buro de Penalosa Crianza 2009 Ribera del Duero, +398685, $23.95. QPR: 90. 7.Lecco Cianza 2007 Ribera del Duero, +397174, $23.95. QPR: 90. 8.Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin Red 2011 WO Paarl, +383547, $14.95: dusty with mushrooms, nicely aged, twist top, organic, 14% ABV. Good deal. QPR: 89. 9.Alceno 12 Meses Monastrell 2011 Jumilla, +398925, $14.95: loaded with fruit tempered by both French and US oak, 14.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 89. 10.Alceno Premium 50 Barricas Syrah 2012 Jumilla, +398933, $13.95: good syrah hit, 14.5% ABV, cork closure. Value priced. QPR: 89. 11.Vina Mambrilla Alidis Tinto 6 Meses en Barrica 2012 Rivera del Duero, +398487, $17.95: biodynamic wine, 14% ABV, cork closure, with lots of mocha tones and some red fruit augmented by spices. QPR: 90. 12.Finca Los Alijares Graciano 2009 Vino de la Terra de Castilla, +392522, $17.95: nicely aged (now six years) with rounded black fruit, some jamminess, 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Domaines Schlumberger Saering Riesling 2011 Alsace Grand Cru, +627950, $33.95 retail. 2.Bachelder Bourgogne Chardonnay 2012, +272005, $35.95. 3.Chateau Fortia Cuvee du Baron Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, +959999, $39.95. 4.Gemma Barolo 2010, +285502, $29.95. 5.Podere La Vigna Brunello di Montalcino 2008, +390807, $49.95. 6.Bikandi Vendimia Seleccionada Reserva 2001 Rioja, +391599, $26.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 10, 2015 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2012 Alsace, +224626, $17.95: excellent typicity for Alsatian gewurz, touch of finishing bitterness but enough acid for food. 13.5% ABV. Gold Medal winner. QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Keint-He Winery Voyageur Chardonnay 2012 VQA Niagara, +389544, $16: a good solid Ontario MVC chardonnay with some lemons, some botrytis and some finishing acid. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Crios de Susana Balbo Chardonnay 2013 Mendoza, +243196, $13.95: tropical fruit and vanilla, mid-length finish. 14% ABV. Twist top. QPR: 88. 3.Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc 2012 WO Western Cape, +675421, $14.95: very compelling slightly off-dry flavours without physically being off-dry, lower acid than most. 13.5% ABV. Twist top. QPR: 89. 4.Mallory & Benamin Talmard Macon-Uchizy 2013, +733956, $16.95: very useful value for a lovely mid-palate of sweet fruit, with enough stuffing for food. 13% ABV. Cork closure. QPR: 90. 5.Domaine Bois-Malinge Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2013, +224246, $13.95: crisp, refreshing, light enough at 12% ABV. For sip or first course. Twist top. QPR: 89. 6.Edesheimer Rosengarten Riesling Auslese 2012 Pfalz, +391052, $19.95: full of lifted aromas and peaches/apricots, much quality in a medium-sweet wine. But do cellar for awhile. 10% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2012 VQA Okanagan, +126912, $19.95: a lumbering giant in more ways than one. Wood and fruit just in balance, one for the woodies. QPR: 89. 8.Zuccardi Serie A Torrontes 2013 Salta, +389262, $15.95: memories of summer, exotic tropical perfumes, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Driftwood The Collection Cabernet Merlot 2012 Margaret River, +399857, $19.95: very juicy and oaky, 14.4% ABV, good blend. QP: 88. 2.Man Vintners Shiraz 2013 WO Coast Region South Africa, +71332, $13.95: affordable soft chocolate tones. 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88. 3.Chateau Beausejour Hostens 2010 Haut-Medoc, +388298, $22.95. QPR: 90. 4.San Silvestro Cantine Brumo Nebbiolo d'Alba, +101444, $15.95: an excellent nebbiolo from Piedmont, full-bodied, affordable price, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Castello di Bibbione Riserva Chianti Classico 2009, +390377, $22.95. QPR: 90. 6.Villa Mora Montefalco Rosso Riserva 2008, +357079, $16.95: aged quality shines, mature berries and black fruit, maybe some leather. 14.5% ABV. Great price. QPR: 89. 7.Monasterio de las Vinas Reserva 2006 Carinena, +166579, $14.95: once away from Rioja, the prices tumble. This eight year old wine, barreled for a year, is a good garnacha/tempranillo mix of chunky fruit and vanilla with a light aging. Remarkable. 13% ABV. The Gran Reserva 2005 came out before Christmas, and at $16.95 is comparable value. QPR: 89. 8.Columbia Crest H3 Horse Heaven Hills Merlot 2012 Washington State, +209874, $19.95: underpriced dee-lishus intensity, soft fruit, 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 9.La Posta Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda 2013 Mendoza, +261586, $14.95: good food friendly wine, ever useful as an aperitif, 13.5% ABV, twist top. Best wine label ever! QPR: 89. 10.Rupert & Rothschild Classique 2011 WO Western Cape, +717991, $22.95. QPR: 90. 11.Vina Real Plata Crianza 2010 Rioja, +657411, $18.95: from an old style winery which coddles with care, about 90% tempranillo. 14 months in French and US oak. QP: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2012 Russian River Valley Sonoma, +210039, $44.95 retail. 2.Domaine du Prieure Vieilles Vignes Savigny-Les-Beaune 2011, +392001, $29.95. 3.Saint-Saturnin de Vergy Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Beaune 2012, +390542, $24.95. 4.Abbona di Abbona La Pieve Barolo 2010, +213132, $31.95. 5.Tony Sasa Martina Brunello di Montalcino 2008, +382762, $37.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 6, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2012 Pays d'Oc, +177584, $15.95: it’s back, but another vintage, just as good as ever – even better. Value priced, great syrah hit of pepper, smoked meat, black fruit, garrigue, blackberries. Perfect accompaniment to horse meat. I’ve said virtually the same things about the last five times this wine has turned up in Vintages (the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and now 2012). 13.5% ABV. Up a dollar, but then so is everything else in life. Twist top. Buy all of it! QPR: 94. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2012 VQA Niagara, +149302, $21.95. QPR: 90. 2.Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2013 VQA NOTL, +172338, $22.95. QPR: 90. 3.Ashbrook Chardonnay 2011 Margaret River, +684076, $24.95. QPR: 91. 4.Mountadam Estate Chardonnay 2009 High Eden South Australia, +333211, $21.95. QPR: 90. 5.Domaine Chauveau Pouilly-Fume 2013, +390641, $23.95. QPR: 90. 6.Kew Vineyards Old Vine Riesling 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench, +392126, $18.95: old vines are from 30 years back, in 1975. Good aged riesling character, 11.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Vineland Estates Elevation St.Urban Vineyard Riesling 2012 VQA Niagara, +38117, $19.95: if there were VV standards, this one, planted in 1979, could qualify. Nicely off-dry rather than “medium”, 9% ABV. Intense and fresh. QPT: 90. 8.Thierry Delauney Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2013, +391847, $14.95: another price-buster savvy from the Loire, tangy kiwi style zest, 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 9.Monasterio de las Vinas Gran Reserva 2005 Carinena, +82024, $16.95: once away from Rioja, the prices tumble. This nine year old wine, barreled for two years, is a great tempranillo/garancha mix of chunky fruit and vanilla with alight aging. Remarkable. 13% ABV. QPR: 91. 10.Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Colchagua, +169847, $17.95: another valued wine, tasty with long length, 14% ABV. Gold medalist. Ready now. QPR: 89. 11.Vina Chocalan Reserva Syrah 2012 Maipo, +38513, $15.95: dark mocha tones, exceptionally focused, 14.5% ABV, excellent price. Ready soon. QPR: 89. 12.Volcanes de Chile Tectonia Pinot Noir 2012 Bio Bio, +389676, $17.95: fruity but with lean finishing acid, great food wine. MVC pinot tones are nailed. 14% ABV. Twist top. QPR: 89. 13.Sao Miguel Dos Descobridores Seleccionada Colheita 2012 Vinho Regional Alentejano, +146092, $17.95: a fair price for a good blend of fruit and vanilla, somewhat North American in style and in appeal. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 14.Bodegas Balbas Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero, +167601, $16.95: it is difficult to find any Ribera under $20, and this one is even from 2005, showing us how well it can age even at the Crianza (minimum 6 months in barrel) level. Berry fruit has been resolved, 90% tempranillo, balance cabernet sauv, all juicy. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Napa, +73817, $22.95. QPR: 90. 2.Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz/Viognier 2012, +18887, $23.95. QPR: 90. 3.Pepperjack Red 2012 Barossa Valley, +393801, $24.95. QPR: 90. 4.Red Hill Estate Pinot Noir 2012 Mornington Peninsula Victoria, +58073, $21.95. QPR: 90. 5.Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Clare Valley/Coonawarra, +142398, $24.95. QPR: 91. 6.Il Molino di Grace Riserva Chianti Classico 2006, +382945, $23.95. QPR: 90. 7.Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2012 Cotes de Roussillon-Villages, +643239, $24.95. QPR: 90. 8.Monastir S.XII Cluny 2006, +391557, $19.95: loaded with a collection of animal qualities of leather, meat, smoke, softened by normal oak barreling and vanilla. Blend of tempranillo, cab sauv, and merlot. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 9.Ondarre Reserva 2008 Rioja, +732452, $18.95: fairly typical of a six year old reserve Rioja, but its price promotes its value. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Domaines Schlumberger Spegel Grand Cru Pinot Gris 2010, +723379, $34.95 retail. 2.Chateau Le Thil Comte Clary Blanc 2010 Pessac-Leognan, +258038, $31.85. 3.Pierre Andre Meursault 2011, +732792, $49.95. 4.Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2012, +336396, $29.95. 5.Juan Gil 18 Meses 2011 Jumilla, +392571, $40.95. 6.Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino 2008, +237263, $49.94. 7.Pombal do Vesuvio 2009 Douro, +392365, $30.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 22, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 WHITE -McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2007 Hunter Valley NSW, +724492, $19.95: a bargain at this price level, 11% ABV, aged nicely for 7.5 years, twist top, gold medalist. It is that Hunter Valley Semillon with bone dryness. Snap it up, the company's Lovedale 2007 was in Classics at $59 a bottle. RED -Darling Cellars Kroon Premium Shiraz 2008 WO Darling South Africa, +704486, $16.95: lots of Rhone syrah flavours, not shiraz at all, with an emphasis on brett components of leather and game. Dense with a finish for food here. 7 years old, 14.5% ABV. Cork closure. QPR: 91. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Brezza Sarmassa Barolo 2009, +999730, $49.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Pondview Bella Terra Chardonnay 2011 Barrel Fermented VQA Four Mile Creek Niagara, +347922, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Casa del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Casablanca Valley, +974717, $13.95: there are a bunch of Chilean savvies at this pricepoint. Here, though, there is good passion in the grip. Twist top. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Lagoon Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Martinborough NZ, +388389, $18.95: a kiwi savvy worthy of consideration, concentrated in California style, 13.5% ABV. Twist top. QPR: 88. 4.Gerald Talmard Cuvee Joseph Talmard Macon Chardonnay 2012, +392712, $16.95: pretty basic MVC chardonnay at a great price. Cork closure, some evidence of aging. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Saint-Roch Vieille Vignes Cotes du Roussillon Blanc 2013, +175232, $15.95: another concentrated floral and pretty wine, good balance on palate, 13% ABV, twist top, modest character but longer length. Hand picked and low yield. QPR: 88. 6.Frescobaldi Castello di Pomino Bianco 2013 Tuscany, +65086, $19.95: makes its annual appearance as a blend of chardonnay and pinot bianco. Orchard fruit all the way, and offered with zest. QPR: 89. 7.Paco & Lola Albarino 2013 DO Rias Baixas, +350041, $18.95: light but fragrant, unoaked floral character, refreshing acidity on finish for food. 12.5%ABV. Twist top. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Chateau Rahoul 2010 Graves, +226043, $31.95. QPR: 90. 2.Nostre Pais Costieres de Nimes 2012, +295410, $21.95. QPR: 90. 3.M.Chapoutier Petite Ruche Crozes-Hermitage 2012, +264655, $24.95. QPR: 90. 4.Cusumano Noa 2011 IGT Sicilia, +109512, $22.95, QPR: 90. 5.Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2010, +930966, $21.95. QPR: 90. 6.Villa Mora Montefalco Sagrantino 2008, +342394, $21.95. QPR: 90. 7.Tilenus Crianza Mencia 2006 Bierzo, +383992, $23.95. 8.Seven Falls Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Wahluke Slope Washington State, +360222, $19.95: juicy enough to be Cali style, lots of black fruit, 14% ABV, with a tart enough finish for food. Cork closure. QPR: 89. 9.Bodega Volcanes de Chile Tectonia Red 2011 Central Valley, +389668, $17.95: very succulent, mocha vanilla tones, made from grenache (45%), petite sirah (38%) and mourvedre (17%). 14.5% ABV power. QPR: 89. 10.Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Maipo, +275594, $17.95: very much in the bordeaux-style of lean flesh with leaves, cedar, black fruit showing. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 11.Chateau de Segure Fitou 2012 Eleve en Futs de Chene, +370254, $16.95: very decent little blended number, full bore heavy duty red, 14% ABV done up in oak with lashings of fruits. QPR: 89. 12.Domaine de la Croisette Cotes du Rhone 2011, +155465, $15.95: a blend of grenache, syrah and carignan, reflecting a papery grenache Rhone taste. Good price value. Twist top, 13.5% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 13.Santa Duc Les Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone 2009, +101543, $14.95: good value for a vieilles vignes wine from the Rhone, now 5 years old in the bottle. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 14.Tenuta Stefano Farina Le Brume Langhe 2009, +360073, $16.95: priced okay for tasty nebbiolo, reflecting some sour cherries and age-worthy tar components. Food wine despite 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 15.Tenuta Sant'Antonio Monti Garbi Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2011, +29850, $17.95: apparently this is the LCBO Ripasso of the Month (I say). QPR: 89. 16.Barahonda Sin Madera Monastrell 2011 Yecla, +366823, $15.95: ripe and fruity, no oaking, dense and intense, long finish. Whopping 15% ABV. QPR: 89. 17.Finca el Encinal Crianza 2010 Ribera del Duero, +355081, $17.95: voluptuous fruit, oak, and 14% ABV. Complex black fruit tones. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +33936, $30 retail. 2.Tawse Lenko Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 VQA Beamsville Bench Niagara, +344796, $44.95. 3.Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 2012 Napa, +147454, $96.95. 4.Domaine de Fussiacus Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2012, +276444, $27.95. 5.Versado Reserva Old Vine Malbec 2010 Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza, +316984, $60.95. 6.Chateau Fombrauge 2010 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +258020, $45.85. 7.La Vite Lucente 2012 IGT Toscana, +747030, $34.95 8.Marques de Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2008 Rioja, +209148, $27.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Chateau Fongaban 2008 Cotes de Castillon, +165720, $17.95: ready for that nice, ripe, matured Bordeaux with the typical MVC of cedar and cassis? This is it, at six years old, 14% ABV, medium finish. QPR: 92. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 M.Chapoutier Domaine Tournon Shay's Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2012 Pyranees Victoria, +311480, $37.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2013 VQA Niagara, +80234, $16.95: longer length, 9.5% ABV, great MVC. Vintage over vintage, this is one of the best Rieslings in Ontario at this price. QPR: 90. 2.Rene Mure Signature Gewurztraminer 2012 Alsace, +387563, $21.95. QPR: 90. 3.Jean-Marc Brocard Sainte Claire Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2013, +329995, $24.95. QPR: 90. 4.La Casa Del Rey Alta Vista Premium Chardonnay 2013 Mendoza, +166504, $16.95: value priced, balanced MVC lemons, apples, old oak wood for mute tones. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Garces Silva Boya Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Leyda Valley, +389726, $14.95: 12.5% ABV, twist top, fresh and almost startling, from an upcoming sauvignon blanc region in Chile. QPR: 89. 6.Boeckel Brandluft Riesling 2012 Alsace, +392928, $17.95: tropical fruits, good balance and heft, long food length, 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.G. Mardon Domaine Pre Baron Sauvignon Touraine 2013, +107128, $16.95: the parade of Touraine savvies continue. This month's release is a Gold Medal winner; it certainly delivers Sauvignon Blanc to your palate, fresh, 12% ABV. QPR: 89. 8.Lafage Novellum Chardonnay 2013 IGP Pays d'Oc, +390781, $17.95: I'm not sure if this is a IGP or VDP Cotes Catalanes. I suspect the appellation changed between lot bottlings, and so did the label. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable Oc chardonnay produced by a negociant-shipper-importer, and worthy of your attention for its density and rich character. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Emina Crianza Ribera del Duero, +993220, $24.95. QPR: 89 2.Mazzei Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2011, +977629, $24.95. QPR:89 3.Rivera Il Falcone Riserva Castel del Monte 2008 Puglia, +177295, $22.95. QPR: 90. 4.Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2012 Barossa Valley, +468629, $21.95. QPR: 90. 5.Roger Champault Les Pierris Sancerre Rouge 2013, +392084, $23.95. QPR: 90 6.Cave Spring Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2012 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +391995, $19.95: shows red fruit but also muted savoury tones because of hot 2012.14% ABV. Value. QPR: 89. 7.Vidal-Fleury Domaine de Vieille Fontaine Cotes du Rhone Villages 2012, +393215, $17.95: a well-priced complex wine with forest floor, leather, back fruit, and long length. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 90. 8.Di Majo Norante Ramitello 2011 Biferno Rosso Molise, +973214, $17.95: another cuties with North American off-dry appeal on the mid-palate, plumminess, Cal-Ital derived flavours, even some forest floor. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 9.Orestiadi Ludovico 2008 IGT Rosso Sicilia, +388645, $19.95: a powerful smokey wine, some brett or animal tones, rough and ready but the power is there. Maybe lay down a year more? Already six years old, 14.5%. Packaged in a heavy bottle. QPR: 90. 10. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Hidden Bench Chardonnay 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench Niagara, +68817, $28.95 retail. 2.Louis Latour Caradeux Pernand Vergelesses 1er Cru 2011, +390500, $44.95. 3.Dr.Heidemanns-Bergweiler Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese 2012, +391045, $25.95. 4.Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2009 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +626325, $44.95/ 5.Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2012 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +585760, $26.95. 6.Flat Rock Gravity Pinot Noir 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +1560, $29.95. 7.Ontanon Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +939736, $39.95. 8.Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2004, +986117, $96.95. 9.Domaine Michel Magnien Cote de Nuits Villages 2011, +392688, $36.95. 10.Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2009, +708826, $41.95. 11.Meerlust Pinot Noir 2012 WO Stellenbosch, +377226, $27.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 25, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2012 Single Vineyard Casablanca Chile, +389213, $15.95: exceptionally well-developed in age (could be cork?), 13.5% ABV, nice funky tones which I like, good solid MVC for pinot, and the price is unbeatable. No second bottle to try. QPR for this bottle: 92. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Gunderloch Jean-Baptiste Riesling Kabinett 2013 Rheinhessen, +480517, $21.95. QPR: 89. 2.Montes Outer Limits Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Zapallar Vineyard Aconcagua Valley, +389643, $19.95: very zesty, very much like kiwi or Loire Valley with some higher class minerality. Long, long finish. QPR: 89. 3.Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2013 South Australia, +624502, $16.95: spices and tree orchard fruit dominate, good notes on the mid-palate, medium finish, off-dry texture. Not as fruity as in previous years, but still viognier. 14.1% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 4.Glenelly Cellars Grand Vin Chardonnay 2012 WO Coastal Region, +382200, $19.95: light smoke, balanced fruit, strong on mid-palate through to finish, but there also seems to be a price creep here. 13% ABV. QPR: 88. 5.Trenel Bourgogne Blanc 2012, +391094, $16.95: in the cheap and cheerful category, memories of chardonnay, 12.5% ABV, juicy enough to develop some value. QPR: 88. 6.Domaine La Haute Fevre Sevre & Maine Sue Lie Muscadet 2013, +390625, $13.95: refreshing wine, crisp citric and green apple tones, seafood all the way, from old vines (LCBO says in excess of 35 years), 12% ABV. A bargain. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Mendoza Vineyards Gran Reserva Malbec 2010, +379123, $23.95. QPR: 89 2.Famille Perrin Les Christins Vacqueyras 2012, +973453, $24.95. QPR: 89. 3.Arrocal Passion 2010 Ribera del Duero, +383968, $23.95. QPR: 90. 4.Vega Escal 2008 Priorat Reserva de la Tierra, +210997, $21.95. QPR: 90. 5.False Bay Vineyards Peacock Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 WO Western Cape, +382226, $15.95: another bargain with good depth at 14.5% ABV, off-dry on mid-palate, but with a concentrated finish. QPR: 89. 6.Chateau La Fleur Grands Landes 2009 Montagne Saint-Emilion, +387522, $18.95: a value wine for Bordeaux under $20. Merlot based fruitiness, MVC Bordeaux of black currants, spices, cedar, and of course plums. 13.5% ABV from climate change. All components in place. QPR: 89. 7.Chateau de Ciffre Terroirs d'Altitude Saint-Chinian 2011: a Gold Medalist from the Midi, 14.5% ABV, dense texture but tastes soft and fruity, many syrah tones, plush finish. QPR: 89+. 8.Chateau Rigaud AP Faugeres, +393561, $17.95: anise does not dominate the emerging black fruit. A French GSM. 14% ABV. Needs decanting and/or breathing. QPR: 89. 9.Chateau Peyros Tannat/Cabernet 2009, +208249, $14.95: a big wine for this price level, nicely aged, needs one more year, tannic now but developing more fruit attributes. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 10.Roggiano Morellino di Scansano 2012, +946954, $16.95: brimming with ripe dark fruit and barrel complexity, 13.5% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 11.Alente Premium Trincadeira/Aragonez 2011 Alentejo, +21527, $16.95: another wine from a newly emerging region in Portugal – a dynamic red blend of indigenous grapes (three or more). 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 12.Raminez de la Piscina Crianza 2009 Rioja, +383018, $15.95: the supply of modestly priced older Rioja, even at Crianza level, never seems to run out. A hidden treasure at this price level. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Domaines Schlumberger Saering Riesling 2010 Alsace Grand Cru, +627950, $30.95 retail. 2.Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru, +391805, $29.95. 3.Emiliana Coyam 2011 Colchagua Valley, +63891, $29.95. 4.Chateau Magnol 2010 Haut-Medoc, +384271, $25.95. 5.Giacosa Bussia Barolo 2009, +344721, $39.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 11, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Pella the Vanilla Chenin Blanc 2012 WO Stellenbosch, +389619, $14.95: remarkable price for oak inflected chenin blanc (previously, steen) with some viognier. Rancio tones start to dominate because of the oaky component. 12.5% ABV, cork closure, very well balanced. QPR: 90+ TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Vincent Mothe Chablis 2012, +390468, $22.95. QPR: 89. 2.Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewurztraminer 2012 CSV VQA Beamsville, +302059, $17.95: good MVC, close to Alsatian spiciness but with medium body. Nicely attained bitterish aftertaste. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +686675, $18.95: tasty savvy minerality with greens, MVC leans more to salads as accompaniment. Twist top. 13% ABV. QPR: 88. 4.Argyros Assyrtiko 2013 PDO Santorini Greece, +387365, $19.95: very good citric acidity, volcanic soil and chalky. Pushing Chablis for dominance in the seafood market. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2012 VQA Ontario, +461699, $24.95. QPR: 91. 2.Rustenberg John X Merriman 2011 WO Stellenbosch, +707323, $24.95. QPR: 92. 3.Christian Moueix Saint-Emilion 2010, +979955, $23.95. QPR: 89. 4.Torrevento Vigna Redale Castel del Monte Riserva 2009 Puglia, +208256, $22.95. QPR: 91. 5.Giuseppe Campagnola Ripasso della Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, +313486, $16.95: this month's candidate for the LCBO Ripasso of the Month value. QPR: 89. 6.Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2012 DO Campo de Borja, +273748, $19.95: old vines are used here, along with an ABV of 15% to plump up the juice. Red and black fruit, some chalk. QPR: 89. 7.Langa Tradicion Centenaria Garnacha 2011 DO Catalayud, +194795, $14.95: this month's candidate for the LCBO Garnacha of the Month. QPR: 90. 8.Lealtanza Reserva 2009 Rioja, +208223, $20.95. QPR: 90. 9.Muriel Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +984187, $24.95. QPR: 89. 10.Kaiken Terroir Series Corte Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Mendoza, +384305, $15.95: off-dry, expansive but soft cabby flavours, 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 11.Elderton Friends Shiraz 2011 Vineyard Series Barossa, +660480, $17.95: good body and depth, lots of Barossa power at 13.5% ABV. Some saddle leather and black fruit. Twist top. QPR: 89. 12.Chateau Peynaud 2009 Bordeaux Superieure, +391979, $16.95: bargain price for a Gold Medalist, now five years old and at its peak. Tannins are balanced and resolved. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 13.Chateau Croze de Pys Prestige Malbec Cahors 2010, +681668, $17.95: off-dry finish of caramel and vanilla suitable for North American market in the newer style of Cahors. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 14.Terrulenta Schola Sarmenti Roccamora Nardo Negroamaro 2006 Puglia, +379768, $17.95: another fine bargain in an older Italian wine. 13.5% ABV. Keeping well but do drink up this year. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 LCJ Vineyard VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +33910, $40 retail. QPR: 92. 2.Jean-Max Roger Cuvee Les Caillottes Sancere 2012, +65573, $25.95. QPR: 89. 3.Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +382325, $59.95. QPR: 91. 4.Bodega Noemia a Lisa 2012 Patagonia, +385765, $25.95. QPR: 90. 5.Chateau Barde-Haut 2010 AC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Class, +262154, $56.95. QPR: 89. 6.Chateau Clarke 2009 AC Listrac-Medoc, +503904, $37.95. QPR: 92. 7.A e G Fantino Cascina Dardi Bussia Barolo 2007, +268516, $35.95. QPR: 89. 8.Gaja Sito Moresco 2012 Langhe, +976043, $61.95. QPR: 90. 9.Negro Cascinotta Barbaresco 2010, +268953, $26.95. QPR: 89. 10.Travaglini Gattinara 2008, +713354, $29.95. QPR: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 ZHenry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2012 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +557165, $17.95: quite a blazing riesling with intense pleasure, twist top, 11.5% ABV. Much like Rhine, off-dry finish of course, sip or food. QPR: 90. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2012 VQA Okanagan, +377770, $21.95, QPR: 90. 2.Chateau des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Chardonnay 2012 VQA NOTL, +287268, $21.95, QPR: 91. 3.Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2012 Casablanca, +738393, $22.95, QPR: 90. 4.Whitehaven Greg Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +325944, $24.95. QPR: 90. 5.Perrin & Fils Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2013, +499509, $14.95: excellent value recognition for restaurants, fruity, dry stone fruit finish, begs for food. QPR: 89. 6.Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +2144460, $18.95: softer vanilla expression of savvy because of some BF in used French oak (but not Fume Blanc style), 13.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 7.Bestheim Reserve Pinot Gris 2012 Alsace, +315143, $15.95: good body, off-sweet, complex in a floral sense, nice crisp finish, serve not too cold. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 8.Monmousseau Clos Le Vigneau Vouvray 2012, +318840, $19.95: off-dry, complex finish with great body of chenin blanc fruit – without the sweetness. 12.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2010, +295964, $24.95. QPR: 90. 2.Balbas Reserva 2001 DO Ribera del Duero, +85183, $20.95. QPR: 91. 3.Rancourt Meritage 2009 VQA Niagara, +394106, $20: excellent production of a bordeaux-styled blend, 13% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 89. 4.Chateau Vrai Caillou 2009 Bordeaux Superieur, +348292, $15.95: I tasted this bottle 5 hours after it had been opened and the contents aerated by others as they poured an ounce or so for tasting. It had promising value at such a price level, so you will need to decant it and let it breathe for a while. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, +695890, $17.95: perhaps the LCBO ripasso of the month...QPR: 89. 6.Leite de Faria Animus 2012 Douro, +385302, $13.95: delicious fruit-driven wine with Rhone-like complexity, priced to go. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Quinta de Pancas Seleccao do Enologo 2010 Lisboa, +380931, $18.95: lots of activity going on here, being under French oak for 12 months and 13.5% ABV. A very good organic wine, with touriga nacional, merlot, cab sauv, and alicante bouschet. QPR: 89. 8.Peter Bright Terra d'Alter Reserva 2011 Vinhos Regional Alentejano, +266916, $17.95: decent wood aged wine (22 months in barrel) and 15% wallop ABV. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +304469, $31.95 retail. QPR: 91. 2.Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2010, +512384, $29.95. QPR: 90. 3.Bouchard Pere & Fils Montagny 1er Cru 2011, +653683, $29.95. QPR: 90. 4.Jean-Marc Brocard Vau de Vay Chablis 1er Cru 2012, +159012, $29.95. QPR: 91. 5.Versado Malbec 2013 Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza, +317008, $25.95. QPR: 91. 6.Holm Oak Pinot Noir 2012 Tasmania, +376863, $28.95. QPR: 91. 7.Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2012 Clare Vally, +998476, $26.95. QPR: 90. 8.Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2012 WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valey Walker Bay South Africa, +999516, $44.95. QPR: 91. 9.Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 WO Stellenbosch, +283390, $29.95. QPR: 91. 10.Chateau Fonreaud 2010 Listrac-Medoc, +243311, $30.95. QPR: 90. 11.Domaine Jean Deydier & Fils Les Clefs d'Or Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010 Vieilles Vignes, +384370, $44.95. QPR: 91. 12.San Biagio Barolo 2009, +378000, $36.95. QPR: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Stellenrust Wild Yeast Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2011 WO Stellenbosch, +382218, $17.95: wonderfully complex, better than many chardonnays at twice this price. 13% ABV, cork closure, oaky and nutty tones which follow through right on the mid-palate and the length. Could be aged two more years. QPR: 93. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Rosehall Run Cuvee County Chardonnay 2011 VQA PEC, +132928, $21.95. QPR: 90. 2.Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Southern Valleys Marlborough, +663286, $20.95, QPR: 89. 3.Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musque 2012 CSV VQA Beamsville Bench, +246579: vibrant, ripe and affordable, off-dry on the palate, in the peach mode of viognier-albarino-riesling, No oak, but dry finish. QPR: 89. 4.Flat Rock Riesling 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +43281, $16.95: another succulent riesling from Ontario, twist top, 11% ABV, but dynamite bursts on the palate. Off-dry. QPR: 91. 5.Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2012, +112227, $19.95: this now seems to be the LCBO chablis of the month, particularly for under $20. Expect orchard fruit, minerals, stony finish and lemons. QPR: 89. 6.Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Macon-Uchizy 2012, +733956, $16.95: a good basic burgundy chardonnay, affordable. Green tones (apples, peppers, lemon finish). Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 7.Michel Gassier Les Piliers Viognier 2013, +669531, $18.95: richly aromatic, ripe orchard fruit (peaches), citric finish, better with food, good price. QPR: 89. 8.Bischofliche Weinguter Trier Dom Riesling Kabinett 2011 Mosel, +378828, $18.95: off-dry Mosel Riesling wine with mounds of flavour, 9% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2012 VQA NOTL, +275958, $21.95. QPR: 90. 2.Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Walla Walla Valley Washington, +387027, $21.95. QPR: 89. 3.Cederberg Shiraz 2010 WO Cederberg South Africa, +374199, $24.95. QPR: 89. 4.Piccini Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +134791, $20.95. QPR: 89. 5.Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2012 Anconcagua Coast Chile, +143214, $19.95: good quality pinot MVC in the New World style at an affordable price-- red fruit, mocha, some licorice, lovely finish. Cork closure. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Cantine Ferri Oblivio Nero di Troia 2008 IGT Puglia, +380600, $19.95: very good complexity for the price, red fruit and leather dominate, plus other signs of being aged. 14.5% QPR: 89. 7.Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2007 DOC Gioia del Colle Puglia, +724674, $13.95: amazing value for a Euro Zinfandel, 13.5% ABV, and well-aged too. A real winner. QPR: 90. 8.Quinta de Pancas Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Vinho Regional Lisboa, +380568, $18.95: nicely developed and aged cabby, like Bordeaux, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 9.Luzon Seleccion 12 Meses Crianza 2008 DO Jumilla, +310219, $17.95: noteworthy blend of black fruit flavours from the monastrell, tempranillo, and cabby grapes. Full of the spirit and palates of Spain, tremendous value for the toastiness. QPR: 90, VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Stratus Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2011 VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara, +241182, $35.20 retail. 2.Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse 2012, +732917, $35.95. 3.Chateau des Charmes Merlot 2012 St David's Bench VQA St David's Bench, +453431, $29.95. 4.Lailey Vineyard Syrah 2012 VQA Niagara River, +184523, $27.20. 5.Seglas 2006 AC Margaux, +359810, $53.95. 6.Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2008, +368910, $29.95. 7.Quintarelli Primofiore 2009 IGT Veneto, +20867, $59.95. 8.La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva 2004 Rioja, +315531, $39.95. 9.Dominio de Tares Cepas Viejas Mencia 2009 DO Bierzo Spain, +379891, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 30, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah/Viognier 2012 WO Swartland, +79442, $16.95: smokey syrah with guts and fruit, twist top, 14% ABV, great price. QPR: 92. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2012 Okanagan Valley, +350108, $23.95, QPR: 90. 2.Elk Cove Pinot Gris 2013 Willamette Valley, +955906, $24.95, QPR: 90. 3.Schloss Reinhartshausen Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen Riesling Kabinett 2012 Rheingau, +114801, $20.95, QPR: 91. 4.Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +80234, $16.95: typically Mosel-like, nicely soft but with stuffing for a finish. 9.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 5.Chateau Ste.Michelle Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Columbia Valley, +385740, $15.95: fruity west coast style, zestiness played down, good value, 13% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 89. 6.Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2013 WO Stellenbosch, +981167, $13.95: good alternative to savvy wine, lively fruit, longer finish with mid-palate fruitiness and finishing acid, twist top, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Joseph Cattin Pinot Gris 2012 Alsace, +196956, $16.95: lovely ripe pear tones and stone fruit, great body, 13% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 8.Vieil Armand Medaille Riesling 2010 Alsace, +377754, $15.95: loaded with minerality and orchard fruit, but lacks petrol character. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 9.Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2013 IGP Vins de Pays du Val de Loire, +672345, $15.95: a light tight savvy, along the lines of Touraine, 12% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir 2012 Yarra Valley, +178897, $21.95, QPR: 90. 2.Longview Yakka Shiraz 2010 Adelaide Hills South Australia, +378539, $22.95, QPR: 90. 3.Domaine des Amouriers Signature Vacqueyras 2011, +381038, $24.95, QPR: 89. 4.Brancaia Tre 2011 IGT Toscana, +164715, $23.95, QPR: 89. 5.Bodegas San Prudencio Depadre 2009 Rioja, +379917, $22.95, QPR: 90. 6.Chateau des Charmes Estate Bottled Old Vines Pinot Noir 2010 VQA NOTL, +256834, $18.95: delightful aged character from older vines, some forest floor to support the fruit. QPR: 89. 7.Domaine Jean Bousquet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Tupungato Mendoza, +678813, $14.95: organic grapes, MVC for cabby savvy, black fruit and black mushrooms, value priced, 15% (!) ABV. QPR: 89. 8.Maipe Reserve Malbec 2012 Mendoza, +247320, $14.95: aged a year in French oak, showing dark plums and chocolate, value priced at 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 9.Sister's Run Cow's Corner Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro 2011 Barossa, +346510, $15.95: has BBQ written all over it, stamped on your palate. 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 10.Maison Sichel Chateau Argadens 2011 Bordeaux Superieur, +681643, $17.95: reasonably-priced entry level Bordeaux, typical but instantly recognizable as Bordeaux. QPR: 89. 11.San Marzano Falo Negroamaro 2012 IGT Salento Puglia, +380212, $14.95: ripe, firm, fruity, North American soft tannins appeal, 13.5% ABV, good price point. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 12.Quinto do Quetzal Guadalupe Red 2011 Vinho Regional Alentejano, +336313, $13.95: lots of character, red fruit-driven, bright, longer length through dryness. QPR: 89. 13.Barahonda Barrica Monastrell/Syrah 2011 DO Yecla, +378869, $17.95: in French oak for six months, fruit from 45-year old vines, 15% ABV, very good dark fruit and underbrush. QPR: 89. 14.Bodegas Campina Sabor Real Vinas Centenarias Tempranillo 2007 DO Toro, +244772, $15.95: another nicely aged Spanish wonder, longer length, some wood tones among the raisinated flavours. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Adelsheim Chardonnay 2013 Willamette Valley, +332833, $25.95 retail. 2.Bernard Reverdy & Fils Sancerre 2012, +200055, $25.95. 3.Sperling Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012 Okanagan Valley, +382283, $27.95. 4.Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Napa Valley, +642124, $79.95. 5.La Crema Pinot Noir 2012 Willamette Valley, +385757, $34.95. 6.Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2012 Coonawarra, +509919, $34.95. 10.Chateau Fourcas-Borie 2010 Listrac, +361048, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 16, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them (in the Vintages program) that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Gerard Bertrand Saint Chinian Syrah/Mourvedre 2009, +370247, $17.95: this month;s candidate for a nicely aged syrah from the south of France. MVC all the way, with some movvie tones. 14.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 92. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Dr.Hermann Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese 2005 Mosel, +376368, $23.95. QPR: 92. 2.Tawse Redstone Limestone Vineyard South Riesling 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +381251, $18.95: off-dry and delicious, 9.5% ABV, twist top. Perfect for summer sipping, lovely fruity flavours. QPR: 89. 3.Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 2012 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +38117, $19.95: one of the finest traditional-styled Rieslings in Ontario, distinguished, age-worthy, 9% ABV. Good Mosel character. QPR: 89. 4.Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2012 Casablanca, +390203, $19.95: well-priced treasure chest of chardonnay aromas and bouquets, balanced, toasty wood-finish, 14%, cork closure. QPR: 91. 5.Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +734798, $18.95: some good character, tamed grass, tropical fruit peeps out, long finish, twist top, 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Excelsior Sauvignon Blanc 2013 WO Robertson South Africa, +382085, $12.95: nice price-point for a balanced savvy that is delicious and not overly zesty. QPR: 89. 7.Guillaume Aurele Viognier 2013 IGP Pay d'Oc, +380741, $13.95: layers of fruit, longish finish, good south of France MVC feel, affordable twist top. QPR: 89. 8.Durbacher Klingelberger Riesling Trocken 2012 Baden, +378331, $16.95: close to Alsace in style (it is made not far away, same climate), very good Riesling character, 11.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Decero Remolinos Vineyard Malbec 2011 Agrelo Mendoza, +247304, $22.95. QPR: 90. 2.Chateau de Lastours Grande Reserve Corbieres 2008, +383067, $22.95. QPR: 90. 3.Ninin de Antonio Izquierdo 2009 Ribera del Duero, +380766, $23.95. QPR: 91 4.Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec 2012 Uco Valley Mendoza, +55244, $15.95: very bright fruit driven wine, 15% ABV, organic grapes, malbec to a T. QPR: 89. 5.Chateau de Gourgazaud Cuvee Mathilde Minervois 2011, +958629, $14.95: good blend of syrah and mourvedre, not at the level of Bertrand (above) but still very syrah-dominated. 13.5% ABV. Cork closure, QPR: 89. 6.Apollonio Copertino Rosso 2007 Puglia, +23226, $18.95: plummy, good depth to the aging (now seven years old), 14% ABV, a bargain. QPR: 89. 7.Zeni Marogne Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2011, +220830, $17.95: this month's LCBO ripasso. QPR: 89. 8.Lopez de Haro Crianza 2008 Rioja, +377481, $15.95: a nicely aged wine, 18 months in French and American oak – which is three times the norm for a Crianza. Expect tobacco and dried fruit tones, excellent for the next year. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. VALUE: “RESTAURANT READY” or “BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE” over $25 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10 markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Norman Hardie Niagara Unfiltered Chardonnay 2012 VQA Niagara, +184432, $39.20 retail 2.Chateau Les Cruzelle 2010 Lalande-de-Pomerol, +257907, $39.95 3.Patrizi Barolo 2008, +653527, $28.95 4.Villa Annaberta Amarone della Valpolicella 2010, +338921, $39.95 5.Prats & Symington Post Scriptum de Chryseia 2011 Douro, +67538, $29.95 6.Bodegas Olarra Erudito Reserva Especial 2008 Rioja, +378885, $36.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 2, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them (in the Vintages program) that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions from my BYOB section, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Tanunda Creek Vineyards Loan Wines Special Reserve Semillon 2005 Unoaked Barossa, +301127, $16.95: delicious over-the-top waxy “Hunter Valley” style MVC semillon, 13.5% ABV, twist top. Even better as a mid-course BBQ wine. QPR: 92. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Angels Gate Old Vines Chardonnay 2011 VQA Beamsville Bench, +116350, $23.95. QPR: 93 2.Nyarai Cellars Viognier 2012 VQA Niagara, +378414, $21.95. QPR: 90 3.Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +164228, $24.95. QPR: 90 4.Chateau Thieuley Cuvee Francis Courselle Blanc 2010 Bordeaux, +2170, $22.95. QPR: 90 5.Domaine du Chardonnay Chablis 2012, +183574, $21.95. QPR: 90 6.Henry of Pelham Family Tree White 2010 VQA Niagara, +251116, $17.95: meant to accompany the highly rated Red reviewed a few issues ago. This one is quality through mostly chardonnay (including musque), with gewurztraminer (29%) and viognier (14%). Try alone as a sipper. QPR: 89. 7.Fincas Patagonicas Zolo Torrontes 2013 Mendoza, +183913, $13.95: this is a dryish version, sip or food, with the lingering aromatic floral tones. Long finish promotes this wine to first-course food. QPR: 90. 8.Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Casablanca Valley, +211904, $13.95: terrific MVC savvy from Chile, 12.5% ABV, affordable. QPR: 89. 9.Chateau de la Bigotiere Sevre & Maine Sur Lie Muscadet 2012, +377739, $15.95: definite accompaniment to the catch of the day, straight down the middle MVC muscadet, 12% ABV. QPR: 89. 10.Domaine de Millet Colombard/Ugni Blanc 2012 IGP Cotes de Gascogne, +380733, $14.95: a good value summer food wine, lemons and herbs (garrigue) abound, nicely light at 11.5% ABV. Twist top. QPR: 89. 11.Camp Romain Laudun Cotes du Rhone-Villages Blanc 2013, +380725, $17.95: loaded with floral notes but better with seafood with its grenache blanc, clairette, viognier, and roussanne blend. 13% ABV, cork finish. QPR: 89. 12.Darting Durkheimer Michelsberg Riesling Kabinett 2012 Pfalz, +950212, $18.95: delicious exotic fruit tones, with citric backbite that also makes it useful with a first course, in addition to just sipping as an off-dry wine. 9.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 13.Boutari Santorini 2013 Greece, +47985, $18.95: extremely fresh and youthful Santorini, the current darling white from Greece. Good acid and green fruit balance, lemon-fresh finish. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Evans & Tate Metricup Road Cabernet/Merlot 2011 Margaret River, +376848, $22.95. QPR: 90. 2.Teusner The Riebke Shiraz 2012 Barossa, +48470, $24.95. QPR: 90. 3.Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 WO Western Cape, +68767, $16.95: classic cabby, cork finish, 14.5% ABV. Will please everyone. QPR: 89. 4.Collefrisio Zero Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2011, +379040, $16.95: made in a modern North American appeal style with some finishing acid. Organic. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Piccini Sasso Al Poggio 2008 IGT Toscana, +134809, $19.95: affordable supertuscan blend, 14% ABV, red and black fruit, some raisins, drying out nicely after six years. QPR: 89. 6.Tommasi Poggio Al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 IGT Toscana, +203927, $17.95: soft and fruity in North American style, 1 year in oak and should improve. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Arrocal 2012 Ribera del Duero, +67868, $17.95: All tempranillo, with depth, flavours, and oaking – all are here. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Angels Gate Old Vines Chardonnay 2011 VQA Beamsville Bench, +116350, $23.95 retail. 2.Nyarai Cellars Viognier 2012 VQA Niagara, +378414, $21.95. 3.Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +164228, $24.95. 4.Chateau Thieuley Cuvee Francis Courselle Blanc 2010 Bordeaux, +2170, $22.95. 5.Domaine du Chardonnay Chablis 2012, +183574, $21.95. 6.Jean-Max Roger Cuvee C.M. Sancerre Blanc 2012, +196667, $27.95. 7.Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2011 VQA Niagara, +33894, $30. 8.St. Helena Road Winery Maier Family Meritage 2007 Sonoma County, +377135, $27.95. 9.Evans & Tate Metricup Road Cabernet/Merlot 2011 Margaret River, +376848, $22.95. 10.Teusner The Riebke Shiraz 2012 Barossa, +48470, $24.95. 11.Clos Marsalette 2010 Pessac-Leognan, +257691, $43.85. 12.Alpha Estate Red 2008 Unfiltered PGI Florina Greece, +92361, $31.95. 13.Molino del Piano Brunello di Montalcino 2008, +378422, $37.95. 14.Feudi San Pio Nero di Lupo Amarone della Valpolicella 2010, +375527, $36.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 19, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some “under $25” suggestions from my BYOB section, along with point values. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Campo di Sasso Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +694752, $21.95, 90 points. 2.Steve Bird Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +178319, $18.95: distinctive good quality savvy, with fruit and acid balance in play, 13.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 3.Domaine Bellevue Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2012, +82305, $13.95: good value in savvy MVC, cork finish, 12.5% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 4.Code Inspiration Viognier 2013 IGP Pays d'Oc, +380758, $14.95: affordable tropical and plush aromatics with some savouriness on the palate, 13.5% ABV, from a co-op of 167 winemakers. QPR: 89. 5.Dr.Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling 2012 Mosel, +596601, $13.95: another treasure with intense, delicious orchard fruit, twist top, 10% ABV, finishing dry. QPR: 89. 6.Le Monde Pinot Bianco 2012 Fruili Grave, +372417, $17.95: good depth, minerals, orchard fruit, finishes dry but with a kick. Better with food. QPR: 89. 7.Miguel Torres Gran Vina Sol Chardonnay 2012 Penedes, +171660, $15.95: made since late 1960s, amazing value for a barrel fermented chardonnay coming in at 13.5% ABV. Now in twist top. QPR: 89. 8.Paco & Lola Albarino 2012 Rias Baixas, +350041, $18.95: aromatic beginnings, mid-palate check on fruit, lovely lemon and mineral finish. Twist top, 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, +216309, $22.95, 89 points. 2.Convento San Francisco 2005 Ribera del Duero, +206409, $21.95, 90 points. 3.Paul Hobbs Vina Cobos Felino Malbec 2012 Mendoza, +118067, $19.95: good whiff of California sunshine here, with plummy black fruit. Unfiltered. QPR: 88. 4.Small Gully Mr. Black's Little Book Shiraz 2011 Barossa, +287979, $17.95: tight aromatics with some mint, smoky on the finish, lots of fruit on the mid-palate. Twist top. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Chateau Haut-Dina 2010 Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux, +374389, $15.95: underpriced compelling red wine with Bordeaux character in spades. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Vallone Vereto Salice Salentino 2010 Puglia, +379255, $17.95: overwhelming BBQ wine, delicious, 13.5% ABV, Very smooth. QPR: 89. 7.Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva 2009, +969469, $15.95: excellent price for a nicely aged Chianti from anywhere in the region made to the Riserva level. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 8.Abad dom Bueno Crianza 2006 Bierzo, +244699, $14.95: another interesting and valued wine from outside the Rioja area, North American appeal. From mencia grapes. QPR: 89. 9.CVNE Vina Real Plata Crianza 2009 Rioja, +657411, $18.95: it looks as if Spain has the last values in wines under $20. Here is another one, an MVC Rioja at a bargain price, aged 5 years already. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2011 VQA Beamsville Bench Niagara, +566026, $29.95 retail. 2.Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +33936, $30. 3.Campo di Sasso Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +694752, $21.95 4.Champy Pernand-Vergelesses en Caradeux 1er Cru 2011, +344143, $49.95 5.Chateau Lalande-Borie 2010 AC Saint-Julien, +258772, $39.95 6.Icardi Parej Barolo 2008, +269696, $40.95 7.Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, +216309, $22.95. 8.Convento San Francisco 2005 Ribera del Duero, +206409, $21.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 5, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Santa Ema Reserve Chardonnay 2012 Casablanca Valley, +369462, $15.95: if this price holds, then this is great value in a wooded chardonnay – toasty and warm, rich and ripe butter tones, tropicality too. But it may overwhelm subtle food. Long length lingers. 13.5% ABV. Snap it up, the deal of the summer, only 369 cases for the whole province...but leave some for me. QPR: 93. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Vina Olabarri Gran Reserva 2005 Rioja, +329102, $24.95 TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Cave Spring Estate Chardonnay 2012 Cave Spring Vineyard VQA Beamsville Bench, +256552, $18.95: loaded with charm, 13% ABV, smoky and Ontario apple, some citrus, fruit on the mid-palate. QPR: 89. 2.Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +89029, $17.95: orchard fruit shines here (apples, pears, peaches) with off-dryness supported by a modest 10.5% ABV. Excellent sipper or with food, maybe a spritzer. QPR: 89. 3.Jean Bousquet Cameleon Torrontes/Chardonnay 2013 Tupungato Valley Mendoza, +375469, $13.95: a nifty torrontes, coupled with chardonnay (I suspect new vines, for more intense acid), to produce a dryish but highly fruity sipper or food wine. 13.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 4.San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Leyda Valley, +375212, $18.95: an excellent savvy hit, 13.5% ABV, twist top, very fresh, very food oriented on the finish. QPR: 89. 5.Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2011 Marlborough, +60129, $19.95: good gewurz with typical refreshing bitterness on the finish, twist top, 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Chateau Salmoniere Vieilles Vignes Muscat Sevre & Maine 2012 Sur Lie, +142380, $13.95: good depth from the vieilles vignes. The LCBO should be expanding this VV category of Loire wines. Twist top, 12% ABV, gold medalist. QPR: 89. 7.Alpha Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2012 PGI Florina Greece, +368464, $19.95: another excellent savvy, this time from Greece. Gold medalist, 13.5% ABV, cork finish. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Vizcarra Senda del Oro Roble 2011 DO Ribera del Duero, +331249, $19.95: rare to find value from Ribera under twenty bucks. Here it is dense and chunky with North American jammy appeal, 14.5% ABV, organic tempranillo grapes. QPR: 89. 2.Muruve Roble 2011 DO Toro, +280404, $13.95: a fruity and juicy joy with nine months of oak, and a blast at 16% ABV. BBQ definitely. QPR: 89. 3.Peique Tinto Mencia 2012 DO Bierzo, +219204, $15.95: with no oak, the delicious fruit stands out with some licorice tones. 14% ABV, affordable. QPR: 89. 4.Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Mendoza, +143206, $16.95: a delicious Euro-style fruity wine, with “gran reserva” on the label but not spelled out in the catalogue. 14.5% ABV, cork finish. QPR: 89. 5.Chateau Los Boldos Vieilles Vignes Syrah 2011 Single Vineyard Cachapoal Andes Chile: good Rhonish syrah hit from the older vines, 14.5% ABV, lovely finish for BBQ. QPR: 89. 6.De Martino Organic Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2011 Maipo, +371096, $14.95: an excellent blend for the BBQ with the cab sauv being filled out by the malbec. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Barossa, +203158, $16.95: tops out at 15%, good cabby from Australia, twist top. MVC all the way. QPR: 89. 8.D'Alfonso del Sordo Guado San Leo Uva di Troia 2006 IGT Daunia Puglia: tasty, off-dry with dissolving tannins, one year in barrel, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 9.Coltibuono Cancelli Rosso 2011 IGT Toscana, +920173, $15.95: a good value quaffer to stock up with, 14% ABV. Sangiovese and syrah tones shine through. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Faustino V Reserva 2008 Rioja, +22798, $22.95 retail. 2.Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench, +268391, $24.95 3.Red Rooster Reserve Meritage 2011 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +366187, $24.95 4.Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Meritage 2010 VQA Beamsville Bench, +505610, $38.20 5.Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2007 Barossa Valley, +971705, $39.95 6.Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2012 WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, +931006, $34.95 7.Cave des Vignerons de Buxy Montagny Les Chaniots 1er cru 2010, +159020, $24.95 8.Canonica a Cerreto Sandiavolo 2006 IGT Toscana, +270256, $27.95 9.Masi Grandarella 2010 Appassimento IGT Refosco dell Venezie, +606921, $25.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 21, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Dr.Hermann Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2007 Pradikatswein Moselle, +313528, $18.95: a bargain at this price, twist top, 8% ABV, perfectly Mosel and perfect for summer, mid-weight off-sweet. Framed best with cheese and fruit desserts, or as a sipper. It has aged very well with intense Riesling tones. QPR: 91. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Schloss Schonborn Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett 2008 Rheingau, +928861, $21.95 9.5%ABV TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Eau Vivre Chardonnay 2010 VQA Similkameen Valley BC, +367656, $18.95: good integration of woody toast and fruit, this bottle also shows aging patterns. Ready now. 12.7% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Angels Gate Mountainview Riesling 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench, +373175, $16.95: dry mode for the most part, aged well since the Star tasting note. Twist top. QPR: 89. 3.Peninsula Ridge Beal Vineyards Inox Reserve Chardonnay 2010 VQA Beamsville Bench, +7328, $18.95: a nifty stainless steel aged chardonnay from a single vineyard, purity of expression with no oak. 13.4% ABV. QPR: 89. 4.Tar & Roses Pinot Grigio 2013 Central Victoria, +282723, $19.95: pinot grigio shows its true colours here (as in pink-Gris), lots of orchard fruit and body. Twist top, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Yalumba Organic Viognier 2012 South Australia, +288217, $18.95: affordable flowers and concentrated fruit, organic, twist top, 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2012 WO Cape Point South Africa, +285221, $15.95: done up mostly in Cali style with tamed citric and herb tones. Cork finish, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Pondview Cabernet/Merlot Reserve 2011 VQA Niagara, +307561, $18.95: quality toast notes and smoke, BBQ wine, depth at 14.3% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 2.Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah 2011 Columbia Valley, +949651, $17: plenty of black fruit showing in this restaurant-wine, 13.5% ABV, smooth quality. QPR: 89. 3.Laura Catena La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2011 Ugarteche Mendoza, +75515, $15.95: hard to beat this quality for the price. Very ripe and delicious, intense flavours. Twist top, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 4.Brampton Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 WO Coastal Region, +315903, $15.95: another nifty little pocket wine that is soft and fruity in the Cali style, 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 5.Chateau de Gaudou Grand Lignee Malbec/Merlot 2010 Cahors, +370239, $18.95: 85% malbec, 14% ABV, 14 months in oak. Needs time, but affordable now. Dark tones. QPR: 89. 6.La Guardiense Santramondi Janare Guardiolo Rosso Riserva 2008 Campania, +375501, $16.95: good value for an aged wine, but it still needs time. Smokey, dark fruit, will come around in a couple more years. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Bodegas Muriel Reserva 2008 Rioja, +276030, $19.95: another nicely aged wine, all tempranillo, 13.5% ABV, well-priced. QPR: 89. 8.Mas Que Vinos Ercavio Tempranillo Roble 2011 Vino de La Tierra de Castillia, +67504, $16.95: uses both French and US oak barrels, 14.5%. Dark fruit shows, plummy, long finish, all tempranillo. Value. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 VQA Beamsville Bench, +324103, $44.95 retail. 2.Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +912337, $25.95. 3.Eric Forest L'Ame Forest Pouilly-Fuisse 2011, +301911, $31.95. 4.La Grille Pouilly-Fume 2012, +374470, $24.95 5.Tamaya Gran Reserva Syrah 2011 Limari Valley, +374306, $21.95. 6.Dog Point Pinot Noir 2011 Marlborough, +329672, $49.95. 7.Chateau Boutisse 2010 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +368175, $39.95. 8.Pascal Marchand Gevrey-Chambertin 2010, +286450, $67.95. 9.Paolo Conterno Riva del Bric Barolo 2009, +172783, $42.95. 10.Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Rosso 2009 Umbria, +372458, $21.95. 11.Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva 2009 Rioja, +921536, $39.95. 12.Vina Herminia Excelsus 2009 Rioja, +50567, $21.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 7, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Lanzerac Chardonnay 2011 WO Stellenbosch, +971929, $16.95: yummy BF chardonnay with 11 months French oak BA, cork finish, 14% ABV. Butterscotch and wood tones, naturally. QPT: 91+. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Chateau Roc St-Michel 2009 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, +366639, $28.95 TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Torino Estate Don David Reserve Torrontes 2012 Cafayate, +727677, $13.95: good depth and long finish, 14% ABV, firm and fruity, the wine of Toronto! Gold Medalist, cork finish. QPR: 89. 2.Nugan King Valley Frasca's Lane Chardonnay 2012 Victoria, +288191, $19.95: personable wooded chardonnay for those who like concentrated flavours. Twist top. QPR: 89. 3.Pierre Lieubeau La Grille Single Estate Muscadet 2012, +377051, $15.95: good bracing acidity, try with oysters. 12% ABV, twist top. From a delimited area. QPR: 89. 4.E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2012, +290296, $18.95: people have lined up for this modestly-priced wine. 13.5%, cork finish, good value. 65% viognier, lotsa peaches and flowers, and succulence. QPR: 89. 5.La Cappuccina Soave 2013, +81489, $15.95: while some have said “you don't go to Italy for white wine”, this one is surprisingly fresh with melons and citric tones. First course wine. 12% ABV, cork finish. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Creekside Laura's Red 2010 VQA Niagara, +117960, $19.95: over the years, people have beaten a path to Creekside for this wine: a cab sauv/merlot/syrah/malbec blend. It is over-the-top dense, with concentrated jammy black fruit, mocha and toast (hmmm, sounds like breakfast). Twist top, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 90. 2.Palo Alto Winemaker's Selection 2010 Maule, +376236, $18.95: this tight tasting Chilean expression of wine is a good price for something to lay down a bit. Components are shiraz/cabsauv/carmenere/merlot/petite sirah, wrapped in 14.5% ABV with a cork finish. Good price. QPR: 89. 3.Chapoutier Domaine Tournon Mathilda Shiraz 2011 Victoria, +327395, $19.95: very syrah-like, Northern Rhone-ish, 13% ABV, and value-driven. Twist top. QPR: 90. 4.The Winner's Tank Shiraz 2012 Langhorne Creek, +374348, $17.95: another very intense syrah wine with MVC flavours of black fruit and spices. 14.8% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 5.Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2012 Langhorne Creek, +72975, $16.95: highly acclaimed medal winner, affordable value, some viognier added (small print on back label), twist top, 14.5% ABV. Ripe, rich, red juiciness. QPR: 89. 6.Boyer Domergue Carignanissime de Centeilles 2010 Minervois, +41913, $18.95: concentrated garrigue on the nose and palate, resolving on finish with toast. Very good wine with length, substance for sipping. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Feudi San Pio Valpolicella Classico Ripasso Superiore 2012, +181446, $17.95: the LCBO “ripasso of the month”. QPR: 89. 8.Maria Manuela Quinta do Roncao Reserva 2011 Douro, +147942, $15.95: with soft and fruity tones, this high performance wine has strong North American appeal. Made from the Port grapes of T.franca, T.roriz and T.nacional, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 9.Breca Old Vines Garnacha 2010 Catalayud, +329086, $19.95: vines are almost 90 years old. The LCBO “garnacha of the month”. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +366310, $29.95 retail. 2.Domaine Chenevieres Chablis 2012, +365031, $22.95. 3.Terredora di Paola Loggia della Serra Greco di Tufo 2012, +983197, $20.95. 4.Thirty Bench Red 2011 VQA Beamsville Bench, +320986, $24. 5.I Latina Syrah 2010 Cachapoal Valley Chile, +371120, $22.95. 6.Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu di Malakoff Shiraz 2011 Pyrennes Victoria, +290874,$55.95. 7.Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre 2010 Barossa, +236257, $29.95. 8.Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, +84996, $27.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 24, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. **** HALF-BOTTLE ALERT !! – Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +160085, $9.95 375 mL: an herbal savvy, just perfect for two glasses (two people) as a starter course wine, and well-priced. QPR: 90. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2011 Pays d'Oc, +177584, $14.95: it’s back, but another vintage, just as good as ever – even better. Value priced, great syrah hit of pepper, smoked meat, black fruit, garrigue, blackberries. Perfect accompaniment to horse meat. I’ve said virtually the same things about the last four times this has turned up in Vintages (the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and now 2011). 13.5% ABV. Up a dollar, but then so is everything else in life. QPR: 93. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 E.Guigal Chateau d'Ampuis Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +727503, $59.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Mission Hill Family Reserve Pinot Gris 2012 VQA Okanagan, +537076, $17.95: lively, lots of flavour for a pinot gris but very good MVC for that Alsatian-styled consistency. Cork finish, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Calamus Riesling 2012 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +158642, $16.95: immediate riesling hit on the nose, serve cool, so Mosel-like. Twist top, 11% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Vineland Estates Chardonnay Musque 2011 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +996793, $17.95: flavourful, slightly grapey muskiness from the clonal character, floral for summer!! Cork finish. QPR: 89. 4.Yamhill Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011 Willamette Valley Oregon, +366294, $17.95: a refreshing change, depth and flavour, twist top, quality wine with cooler climate orchard fruit and lemon drops. QPR: 89. 5.Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2013 Coteaux du Languedoc, +350124, $13.95: fresh from last year's vintage, much like an upscale soave but less expensive, more expansive. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2012 VQA Niagara, +247882, $18.95: quite a lot of character for a blend of Bordeaux varieties and shiraz, lots of flavour, great BBQ wine. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89 2.La Casa del Rey Alta Vista Premium Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Mendoza, +129957, $15.95: quality in spades here, juicy, 14.5% ABV, North American appeal, but taut enough for food. QPR: 89. 3.Fabre Montmayou Reserva Malbec 2012 Mendoza, +261867, $15.95: another plummy, delicious fruit tones to go with food. 14.9% ABV. QPR: 89. 4.Luis Felipe Edwards Claro Magnolio Reserve Malbec 2011 Colchagua, +365932, $13.95: the Chileans are taking a crack at Malbec, this one has typical plummy value, 14% ABV, cork finish. QPR: 89. 5.Audacia Shiraz 2011 WO Stellenbosch, +366211, $13.95: a pretty good syrah in Euro mode, not in the shiraz style despite the label. Off-dry on palate, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Chateau Saint Esteve D'Uchaux Massif d'Uchaux Cotes du Rhone Villages 2010, +370189, $18.95: impressive southern Rhone, with a lot of syrah and aging behind it. Dark fruit, long length. QPR: 89. 7.Domaine Martin Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages 2011, +370197, $19.95: very intense syrah component, 15% ABV. The best of the CdR Villages out today. Unfiltered smoke, with tar and all those other bad things like some brett. More savoury than fruity. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Mike Weir Limited Edition Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2012, +367813, $24.95 retail. 2.Jean Pabiot & Fils Domaine des Fines Caillottes Pouilly-Fume 2012, +695908, $26.95. 3.Roger & Didier Raimbault Sancerre 2012, +82255, $27.95. 4.Albert Morot Beaune Les Teurons 1er Cru 2011, +902833, $59.95. 5.Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino 2007, +318352, $42.95. 6.F. Olazabal Meandro Do Vale Meao 2011 Douro, +244731, $24.95. 7.Cosme Palacio Reserva 2007 Rioja, +14662, $23.95. 8.Heredad de Baroja Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +276113, $24.95. 9.Jean Olivier Chateau d'Aqueria Tavel 2013, +319368, $21.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 10, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Hinterbrook Barrel Fermented Reserve Chardonnay 2011 VAQ Niagara Lakeshore, +292375, $19.95: a good quality scoop if you can find it at the stores. Twist top, 13.8%, good mix of oaking (20% new French oak). Fruity, baked goods, caramel finish. QPR: 91. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +677450, $23.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2012 VQA Niagara, +80234, $16.95: intense Mosel-like Riesling MVC flavours, 10.5% ABV, twist top. Very long finish. More off-dry than medium. Sip or with food. QPR: 89. 2.Hermanos de Domingo Molia Torrontes 2012 Cafayate Salta, +303685, $16.95: the summer wine of Toronto? Perhaps, with the similar name. Typically light and fruity, with sustain on the finish of 13.9% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.San Esteban In Situ Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Aconcagua Valley, +369470, $15.95: refreshingly tart for summer with fruit (melon) and acid (citrus) in balance. Twist top, 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 4.Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2010 Limari, +162040, $19.95: with a cork finish and 14% ABV, this substantial chard shows good wood tones from aging in French oak, and a long length. QPR: 89. 5.Marisco The Ned Pinot Gris 2013 Marlborough, +267138, $16.95: very tasty, slight grey-rose colour, depth in the style of “gris”, 13% ABV. Emphasizes florals and spices, good sipper, long length with food. QPR: 89. 6.Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2012 WO Western Cape, +328559, $15.95: this brand has been at Vintages since the 2005 vintage (but not every vintage), and its price has remained stable. It is a personal fave of mine, showing good oaking. But as the vintages go by, there is less oak than before. This one has more citric fruit finish than earlier editions. QPR: 89. 7.Paul Mas Nicole Vineyard Viognier 2012 IGP Pays d'Oc, +370098, $17.95: brilliant old world style, nicely aged, 13.5%, good value for orchard fruit. QPR: 89. 8.Konigschaffhausen Vulkanfelsen Trocken Pinot Gris 2012 Baden, +597500, $15.95: yet another substantial “gris”, more off-dry, and good value from Germany. 13% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Ridgepoint Wines Cabernet/Merlot 2011 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +101519, $14.95: compelling, great oaking presence (over 18 months), 13% ABV, twist top. Smokey BBQ tones. You know what that means...QPR: 89. 2.Aconacagua Roble Oak Malbec 2007 Mendoza, +369603, $15.95: good value red, with over-the-top fruit and the usually well-developed toast and animal tones. 13.4% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Chateau Ferran Classique 2012 Fronton, +370114, $16.95: good blend of local varieties with cab franc, dark tones, good tastes, 14% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 4.Lirica Primitivo di Manduria 2007 Puglia, +326710, $18.95: this month's underpriced zinfandel. 14%. QPR: 89. 5.Bod Franco Espanolas Rioja Bordon Reserva 2008, +194753, $19.95: excellent Rioja MVC, in US oak for two years, tempranillo tempered with garnacha and mazuelo in a classic blend. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Valdemar Inspiraco Seleccion 2010 Rioja, +166512, $17: scooped up by the LCBO in a timely fashion, 14% ABV, 90% tempranillo and 10% graciano. Better with food. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2011 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +1552, $24.95 retail. 2.Remo Farina Le Pezze Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011, +171587, $37.95. 3.Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G.C. Sancerre 2013, +189126, $28.95. 4.Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2007 Prad. Mosel, +998120, $20.95. 5.Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Meritage 2011 VQA Niagara, +594002, $24.95. 6.Tabali Reserva Especial 2009 Limari Valley, +107540, $22.95. 7.Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Barossa, +48579, $26.95. 8.Torbreck The Steading 2009 Barossa, +97220, $53.95. 9.Gerard Bertrand Grand Teroir La Clape Sytah/Carignan/Mourvedre 2009, +370262, $20.95. 10.Domaine du Clos Gautier Cuvee Emile 2008 Cotes de Provence, +374330, $24.95. 11.Delas Freres Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage 2011, +701359, $22.95. 12.Banfi Regali La Lus Albarossa 2009 Piedmont, +291575, $24.95. 13.Opus One 2006 Napa, 1500 mL, +14324, $1075.00. There's a great temptation to list this one here; I encourage restaurateurs to buy some and mark it up $24 or so. You can also get some profit from the HST rebate. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 26, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Catena Alamos Syrah 2012 Mendoza, +183848, $13.95: exceptional value in a Euro-styled syrah with fruit forward character, very rich on the palate, twist top, 13.5% ABV. Expect dark fruit tones. QPR: 91. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +976662, $32.95 TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Malivoire Riesling 2012 VQA Niagara Escarpment, +277483, $15.95: Mosel-like, excellent off-dry textures, but finises a bit citric. 10.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Keint-He Voyageur Pinot Noir 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +373407, $17.95: great classic MVC for pinot noir, long, long finish, cork finish, 12.5% ABV. Expect cherries, plums,beets, underbrush. QPR: 89. 2.Casarena Ramanegra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Mendoza, +366138, $18.95: yummy lushness, good acid levels for food. Sip or eat. 14.9% ABV. From 82 year old vines. QPR: 89. 3.Sister's Run Epiphany Shiraz 2011 McLaren Vale, +269464, $15.95: deep, dark, definitely in the shiraz style for Oz. Classic MVC. 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 4.Pepin Conde Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 WO Coastal Region, +365981, $15.95: very well- made cabby in Euro style, cork finish, in small oak for 12 months. 14% ABV. Expect classic tones of leafiness and black fruit. QPR: 89. 5.Chateau Donissan 2010 Listrac-Medoc, +365874, $17.95: soft tones, classic fruit patterns of oak-spice-red and black fruits. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Chateau Le Bourdillot Seduction 2009 Graves, +365908, $18.95: an affordable Graves to write home about, not yet ready, but good to lay down. Classic merlot blend, 13.5% ABV, good price. QPR: 89. 7.Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico 2010, +176776, $19.95: 13.5% ABV, rich and lively on palate, sangiovese cherries, and a longer finish. QPR: 89. 8.Valpantena Torre del Falasco Ripasso Valpolicella 2011, +642421, $17.95: the LCBO “ripasso of the month”. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Yalumba Viognier 2012 Eden Valley, +954644, $24.95 retail 2.Oldenburg Chardonnay 2011 WO Stellenbosch, +374645, $22.95. 3.Maison Roche be Bellene Montagny 1er Cru 2011, +233593, $26.95 4.Jeannot Pere & Fils Domaine de Riaux Poully-Fume 2012, +200063, $25.95. 5.Galli Camelback Shiraz 2008 Sunbury Victoria, +665125, $24.95. 6.Chateau de Maison Neuve 2010 Montagne Saint-Emilion, +365791, $23.95. 7.Chateau Le Bourdieu 2010 Medoc, +85084, $20.95. 8.Elias Mora Crianza 2009 DO Toro, +366815, $22.95. 9.Maetierra Dominum QP 2006 Rioja, +246660, $22.95. 10.La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Reserva 2005 Rioja, +368373, $39.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 12, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Bertani Villa Novare Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2010, +95810, $19.95: one of the finest appassimentos to come along from Valpolicella region in quite some time, absolutely delicious in its fruitiness and diminished dried black fruit. Smokey. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 92. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Bollig-Lehnert Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spatlese 2005, +368787, $22.95 ISD. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Lailey Chardonnay 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +193482, $19.95: very good quality in the balance of fruit and oak wood, from older vines, Mid-palate shines with orchard fruit. QPR: 89. 2.Seresin Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +9167, $17.95: another kiwi over-the-top savvy, for the savvy, lots of green tones with a citric-like finish. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2013 WO Western Cape, +126797, $13.95: excellent value in a Capricorn all-purpose savvy (sip, party, patio, first course wine). Warm, inviting, fresh: green tones but some ertswhile fruit for balance. Great price. QPR: 90. 4.Loosen Brothers Dr. L Riesling 2012 QbA Mosel, +599274, $13.95: probably the best value German riesling wine in the LCBO at this price, twist top, 8.5% ABV. It screams summer...QPR: 89. 5.Finca Nueva Blanco 2013 Fermentado en Barrica Rioja, +280560, $16.95: lightly oaked from barrel fermentation, just enough to ooze fruit tones and spices. Good mid-weight sipper or food. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Trivento Amado Sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah 2012 Mendoza, +37036, $16.95: another good value blend from Argentina. Mostly Malbec, but the other two support it with black fruits and some spicing. QPR: 89. 2.Valle Las Acequias Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: this wine had me with “oak” on the front label – 10 months worth of French oak, full, oaky, value priced, 13.5%. Almost Euro with its currants and spices. QPR: 89. 3.Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Shiraz/Cabernet 2009 Margaret River, +58131, $19.95: almost everything from the Margaret River at the LCBO costs a buck more than something comparable from other Oz regions at the under $20 level. But it is worth it, here for its great syrah flavours and 14% ABV. Trust me. QPR: 89. 4.Zonte's Footstep Baron von Nemesis Single Site Shiraz 2010 Barossa, +212936, $17.95: loaded with character from the old vines used, bitterish character on the finish, well-developed now. 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 5.Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2011 IGT Salento, +366955, $16.95: bright, North American appeal (choco-cherry), off-dry on the palate. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 6.Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino 2011, +333575, $19.95: one of the last Montalcino bargains, affordable, better than a lot of comparable chianti, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Quinta do Portal Frontaria 2009 Douro, +324533, $14.95: smooth, silky, oak-inflected (is there such a phrase?), 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Bachelder Oregon Chardonnay 2011 Willamette Valley, +273334, $29.95 retail. 2.Sylvain Mosnier Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2010, +357152, $26.95. 3.Terres de Vidalba Tocs Grenache Blend 2006 Priorat, +268904, $37.95 ISD Flagship 4.Julicher 99 Rows Pinot Noir 2010 Te Muna Road Martinborough, +367979, $24.95. 5.Chateau La Croix de Gay 2010 Pomerol, +259150, $49.85. 6.Domaine des Marinelles Hermitage 2009, +112268, $54.95. 7.Michele Castellani Colle Cristi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2008, +222109, $45.95. 8.Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2009, +433417, $39.95 VE 9.Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2010, +479766, $25.95 VE 10.Club Lealtanza Reserva 2005 Rioja, +293852, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 29 2014 – BLUE MOON RELEASE ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 WHITE – Coopers Creek Select Vineyards Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +66092, $19.95: a kiwi savvy with a great gusto on the finish, terrific tartish flavours on the mid-palate. Twist top. QPR: 90. RED – Arturo Garcia Solar de Sael Crianza Mencia 2007 Bierzo, +311902, $16.95: well-aged beauty, 14% ABV, made from older vines (80 years old or more), some raisins showing. QPR: 90. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Maison Roche de Bellene Vieilles Vignes Chassagne-Montrachet 2011, +241158, $49.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Featherstone Four Feathers 2011 VQA Niagara, +341586, $14.95: an engaging blend of riesling, with sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and gewurztraminer. Orchard fruit all the way, twist top, 12% ABV. A summery wine. QPR: 89. 2.Casa Silva Cuvee Colchagua Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013, +24216, $14.95: savvy green tones (apples, grass, herbs, gooseberries) are fresh, good with food. Twist top. QPR: 89. 3.Cave du Haut-Poitou Vallee Loire Sauvignon Blanc 2012, +357293, $16.95: the last time I had Haut-Poitou the region was VDQS. Now it is AC, and still represents good value in a savvy. 13% ABV. Tangy and long citric finish with diminished grass tones. It must be savvy month at the LCBO: summer is upon us!!! QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Maipo, +18721, $17.95: lots of black fruit here, juicy blackberry and cassis. Aged in French and US oak for a year. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Clare Valley, +744235, $17.95: a multiple gold winner and Decanter fave. 14% ABV, twist top, and leaning to the savoury side, a good match with food. QPR: 89. 3.Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2009 WO Western Cape, +561142, $15.95: an undervalued mid-priced wine series from KWV, here with 14.5% ABV, already five years old. Many ripe tones, and can keep even more in your cellar. 4.Chateau Argadens 2009 Bordeaux Superieur, +681643, $17.95: from Sichel (since 2002), a pleasant blend of 63merlot/32cabernetsauvignon/5cabernetfranc. 14% ABV. Very fruity and capable of further aging. QPR: 89. 5.Sogrape Quinta Dos Carvalhais Colheita 2010 Dao, +13474, $17.95: great length and finish, fruity food wine. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Kim Crawford SP Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +38240, $24.95 retail. 2.Planeta Chardonnay 2010 IGT Sicilia, +109652, $38.95 ISD. 3.Fries Family Duck Pond Pinot Noir 2010 Willamette Valley, +427872, $25.95. 4.Ringbolt 21 Barriques Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Margaret River, +367870, $44.95. 5.Yangarra Shiraz 2010 McLaren Vale, +911974, $29.95 6.Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2012 Marlborough, +598813, $39.95. 7.Chateau Fleur de Jean Gue 2010 Lalande-de-Pomerol, +729137, $24.95. 8.Clos Lunelles 2010 Cotes de Bordeaux-Castillon, +258053, $49.85. 9.Gemma Giblin Riserva Barolo 2006, +185025, $40.95. 10.Tenuta Vitanza Andretta Brunello di Montalcino 2007, +367367, $53.95. 11.Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2010, +356220, $49.95. 12.Beronia Gran Reserva 2006 Rioja, +940965, $34.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 15, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Charles & Charles Chardonnay 2012 Columbia Valley Washington State, +367888, $15.95: a good basic and affordable all-round chardonnay for all occasions (sipping, partying, drinking, with food)- balanced, buttery, vanilla, long finish, 13.3% ABV, twist top. QPR: 90. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Finca La Emperatriz Reserva 2007 Old Vines Rioja, +359927, $29.95 TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musque 2012 CSV VQA Beamsville, +246579, $15.95: a delightful, well-balanced muscat inflected chardonnay, great sipper, 14% ABV, good for first course or salads. QPR: 89. 2.Joffre Pasion 4 Torrontes 2013, +361063, $14.95: the wine of Toronto!, twist top, 13.5%, to remind us of sunnier times during summer – intense fragrance, citric finish, good body, nice with Asiatic food. QPT: 89. 3.Moulin Camus Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2012, +358630, $16.95: lovely full flavours, one of the best concentrated Muscadets I've tasted in years. Crisp, mineral flavours, 12% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Yalumba Shiraz 2012 South Australia, +280883, $19.95: Euro style in leanness, bone dry, organic, black fruit in the syrah mode. QPR: 89. 2.Chateau Le Vieux Serestin 2009 Medoc, +138719, $17.95: typical MVC for Bordeaux, with four grape varieties, and value for the dollar. QPT: 89. 3.Les Grandes Serres Patrick Lesec Cuvee Suzon Beaumes-de-Venise Cotes du Rhone Villages 2011, +357053, $19.95: syrah dominates the long, long finish, quite an accomplishment. 15% ABV. QPR: 89. 4.Alpha Estate Axia Syrah/Xinomavro 2009 PGI Florina Greece, +239897, $17.95: a ballbuster, tasty heavily dominated syrah, 14% ABV. Wow – syrah style made three wines on my list this month! QPR: 89. 5.Tenuta Stefano Farina Le Brume Langhe 2009, +360073, $17.95: a good combo of barbera, nebbiolo, and merlot. The nebbiolo complexity shines through this North American appeal wine (toasty oak, black fruit, off-dry tones). 14.5% ABV, long finish. QPR: 89. 6.Giordano Collection Primitivo di Manduria 2011, +51797, $17.95: CalItal in style, off-dry finish, 14.5% ABV, toasty, fair price. QPR: 89. 7.Rodriguez Sanzo Lacrimus Crianza 2009 Rioja, +359968, $18.95: plush and lush rioja, farm-based tastes, great with food. Gold Medalist. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 8.R. Reverte Odipus Old Vines Grenache 2008 Unfiltered Navarra, +366401, $15.95: the LCBO garnacha of the month, rich, motherly. Old vines and well-aged too. QPR: 89. 9.Garcia de Aranda Senorio de los Baldos 2009 Ribera del Duero, +366393, $19.95: delicious, well-aged, plummy, vanilla tones, tempranillo at crianza level, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2012 VQA Okanagan, +377770, $21.95 retail. 2.Elephant Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Hawkes Bay, +361238, $23.95. 3.Domaine Bernard Millot Les Petits Charrons Meursault 2011, +130922, $53.95. 4.Bourillon-Dorleans La Bourdonnerie Demi-Sec Vouvray 2012, +357244, $21.95. 5.Domaine Masson-Blondelet Pouilly Fume 2012, +367029, $26.95. 6.Burning Kiln Strip Room Merlot/Cabernet Franc 2012 VQA Ontario, +327700, $24.95. 7.Ara Single Estate Pinot Noir 2011 Marlborough, +361279, $23.95. 8.Chateau L'Avocat 2010 Graves, +365650, $26.95. 9.Bachelder La Petite Charmotte Nuits-Saint-Georges 2011, +357228, $49.95. 10.Paitin Serra Barbaresco 2009, +360057, $32.95. 11.Rocca Delle Macie Tenuta Sant'Alfonso Chianti Classico 2011, +942094, $22.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 1, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Bodegas Alitus Balbas Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero, +167601, $17.95: and here we are 8.5 years later, with a Ribera drinking well, augmented by forest floor tones, fresh wood tones of vanilla and cream, and terrific black fruit. 14% ABV. Buy it all...QPR: 92. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 VQA NOTL, +1935723, $22.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Maison Roche de Bellene Vieilles Vignes Bourgogne Chardonnay 2011, +299867, $18.95: remarkable value if the label is correct: 65-year old vines, handpicked, 10% new oak. Astounding. QPR: 90. 2.Berthet-Rayne Tradition Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages 2011, +354100, $17.95: 14% ABV, bright, juicy, fruity, good depth and length but still best with food. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2012 VQA Niagara, +64618, $17.95: dark fruit and loaded with food-friendly tannins, twist top, 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Rockway Vineyards Small Lot Cabernet Merlot 2011 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +370346, $15.95: value packed, 13% ABV, twist top, engaging with a slight tartish finish, best with food. 3.Finca Sophrenia Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Mendoza Tupongato, +350090, $17: 14.5% ABV, needs time, but otherwise a smart purchase for its bright fruit and crafty designed toasty finish. QPR: 89. 4.Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2012 WO Western Cape: twist top, 14% ABV, California style of fruitiness, soft, approachable. Mocha, cherries, cream. QPR: 89. 5.Chateau La Gravette Lacombe 2010 Medoc, +295808, $19.95: good tasting Bordeaux for the price, 13.5% ABV, ready any day now. 6.Roux Pere & Fils La Moutonniere Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2012, +365064, $19.95: a classy Burgundy, 12.5% ABV, priced for Ontario. All-purpose pinot. QPR: 89. 7.Chateau Fontenelles Cuvee Renaissance 2010 Corbieres, +148692, $18.95: juicy in the North American appeal style, 14% ABV, largely syrah. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 8.Santa Duc Les Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone 2009, +101543, $15.95: pretty good depth (old vines) and smokey toast. One to keep for awhile. QPR: 89. 9.Apollonio Squinzano 2008 Puglia, +362475, $17.95: Gold Medalist, 14% ABV, heavy-heavy density of ripe plums, mocha and darker fruit. “CalItal” comes to mind. QPR: 89. 10.Morgante Nero d'Avola 2011 IGT Sicilia, +40816, $16.95: deep and delicious, off-dry fruit feel, but best with food. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 11.Bodegas Olarra Anares Reserva 2006 Rioja, +244723, $19.95: hard to beat this price point for a Rioja Reserva that is now 7.5 years old, and remains MVC delicious (mocha, smoke, plums) at 14% ABV. QPR: 90. 12.Lan Crianza 2010 Rioja, +166538, $15.95: the procession of valued Spanish reds continue with this notable traditional Rioja, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +33936, $30 retail. 2.Domaine du Chardonnay Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2010, +365106, $29.95. 3.Pascal Marchand Tawse Meursault 2011, +285866, $66.95. 4.Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre 2012, +297879, $26.95. 5.Farina Gran Colegiata Roble Frances Crianza 2008, +358796, $24.95. 6.Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2004 Clare Valley So Australia, +278572, $44.95. 7.Domaine Vincent Prunier Volnay Les Mitans 1er Cru 2010, +356949, $57.95. 8.G.D.Vajra Albe Barolo 2008, +179879, $39.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 15, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. *** PLEASE BE AWARE THAT SOME LCBO STORES STOCK NEW RELEASES ON THE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY BEFORE RELEASE DATES...THAT FAVE VALENTINE WINE CAN MOST LIKELY BE PICKED UP BEFORE OR ON FEBRUARY 14... ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Mountadam Vineyards Cabernet/Merlot 2009 Barossa, +641860: outstanding value at this price level, 14.6% ABV, twist top, already aged five years. War, approachable, intense, reminiscent of a Bordeaux with more sweet fruit. QPR: 90. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 [HALF-BOTTLE ALERT] – Muga Reserva 2009 Rioja, +976928, $13.95 for 375 mL TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Colome Torrontes 2012 Calchaqui Valley Argentina, +357913, $13.95: lip smacking delicious, off-dry, great for a Valentine's Day in Toronto, the natural home of torrontes!! Indeed, it reminds me of summer, which is needed after the wretched winter thus far. Twist top. QPR: 89. 3.Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +214460, $17.95: very grassy savvy, Gold Medalist, more full body than most, good price. QPR: 89. 4.Paul Zinck Portrait Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace, +367433, $19.95: twist top, with some more pronounced gewurz flavours minus the slight bitterness at the end. Off-dry. QPR: 89. 5.Joseph Drouhin Macon-Villages 2012, +356956, $17.95: this month's value white burgundy, attractive style for food with lovely finish. QPR: 89. 6.Terres Blanches Muscat Sec 2012 Pays d'Oc, +653188, $13.95: how do I say it? “gewurz without zee edge”. QPR: 89. 7.Boutari Santorini 2012 Greece, +47985, $17.95: grassy, herby, good price for an acid spine meant for food. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, +240093, $17.95: more than a match for their wonderful Merlot, 13.5% and juicy. QPR: 89. 2.Willow Bridge Dragonfly Shiraz 2011 Geographe Western Australia, +289249, $18.95: good intensity of Shiraz fruit, twist top, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Domaine des Ouches Igoranda Bourgueil 2011, +283424, $16.95: very useful food wine, slightly weedy and savoury, only 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 4.Poderi Angelini Primitivo di Manduria 2008 Puglia, +268136, $18.95: already five years old, still alive and kicking at 15% ABV. It's also a very heavy bottle, so it must be serious: only those with a six-pack can hoist it. QPR: 89. 5.Torre Saracena Riserva Salice Salentino 2009 Puglia, +362442, $16.95: deep dark chocolate tones, 13.5% ABV, check rated. QPR: 89. 6.Tasca d'Almerita Cygnus Nero d'Avola/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 IGT Sicilia, +909911, $19.95: mint dominates, pull it out as a surprise mystery wine and let everybody think it is from California. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Tenuta Sant'Antonio Monti Garbi Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2010, +165126, $17.95: the Ripasso of the Month at the LCBO. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Chardonnay 2012 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +172338, $22.95 retail. 2.Mud House The Woolshed Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough, +312744, $20.95. 3.Waterkloof Circle of Life White 2011 WO Stellenbosch, +284588, $24.95. 4.Chateau des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 VQA St.David's Bench Niagara, +332858, $35. 5.Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Nagambie Lakes Victoria, +138818, $21.95. 6.Daniel Rion & Fils Vieilles Vignes Nuits-Saint-Georges 2011, +356600, $53.95. 7.Chateau de Gaudou Renaissance Cahors 2010 Cuvee Boisee, +364786, $22.95. 8.Verbena Brunello di Montalcino 2008, +165126, $39.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 1, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. My LCBO tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2006 Hunter Valley, +724492, $19.95: we've all been waiting for some older Hunter Valley semillons – here is what could be the first of many. A bit light in texture but redolent with beeswax and candied peel. Nicely aged, twist top, delightful sipper or food wine. Multiple Gold medalist. QPR: 92. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Mountadam Estate Chardonnay 2009 High Eden Valley, +333211, $24.95 retail. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2012 VQA Niagara, +80234, $16.95: a delight, with a long, long finish and Riesling MVC, 10% ABV, twist top. Food or sip. QPR: 89. 2.Tabali Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Limari, +662999, $14.95: very grassy, goose-y, and herbaceous, 13.5% ABV, great first course wine. QPR: 89. 3.Roux Pere & Fils Les Murelles Chardonnay Bourgogne 2012, +156455, $17.95: another fine mid-priced value chardonnay at that tender price point. Typical MVC flavours, more on the apple/lemon side but longer length. QPR: 89. 4.Beni di Batasiolo Granee Gavi del Commune di Gavi 2012, +75168, $16.95: fresh, appealing food wine, with citric acid and green fruit, some depth and nuttiness, concentrated tones. 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.S. Balbo Crios Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Unfined and Unfiltered Mendoza, +640979, $13.95: more on the herby side than on the jammy side, pretty good food wine. 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 2.Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, +357517, $19.95: packs a lot of value as a delicious Bordeaux-styled wine. 14% ABV, one of the few Oz wines still left under cork. Delicious flavours. QPR: 89. 3.Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2011 Unfined and Unfiltered, +358127, $10.95 for 375 mL: Platinum medalist. Strong overt French tones, good value in a half-bottle, 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 90. 4.Schild Estate Old Bush Vine GMS Grenache/Mourvedre/Shiraz 2011 Barossa, +108183, $19.95: old vine complexity shines through, good depth. 55% grenache, some jammy fruit. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5.Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2011 WO Western Cape, +53124, $16.95: good food wine with savouriness, longer finish, some oak tones from new French oak, 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Chateau de Lafaurie-Monbadon 2010 Cotes de Bordeaux Castillon, +140012, $15.95: ripe, floral, sip or food. Harmonious balance. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 7.Chateau Haut Methee 2009 Bordeaux, +356592, $15.95: another well-priced wine, brimming with textured fruit with the MVC Bordeaux tones. 13% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 90. 8.Cave de Roquebrun La Grange des Combes Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2011, +155804, $15.95: 50 percent Sarah, 30 grenache, 20 mourvedre. Gold medalist. 14% ABV, good solid food wine. QPR: 89. 9.Montiverdi Atila Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +344465, $19.95: excellent quality Chianti, valued for its MVC tones. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 10.Villa Mora Montefalco Rosso Riserva 2006 Umbria, +357079, $19.95: intense fruit and tannins revealed under a whopping 15.5% ABV. Certainly a hidden gem, but not part of the current LCBO program. QPR: 89. 11.Ribota 2010 Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, +280628, $15.95: ripe and round, blueberries come to mind, fruity, long length, delicious at 14.5% ABV. Check it out. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 2.Roland Tissier & Fils Sancerre 2012, +108514, $21.95. 3.Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Coonawarra, +590471, $29.95. 4.Chateau Tour Saint Bonnet 2009 Medoc, +349282, $29.95. 5.Luca Bosio Barolo 2009, +365197, $33.95. 6.Folonari Nozzole La Forra Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, +362731, $23.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 18, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 1.St-Nicolas Brut Crackling Cider Quebec, +277442, $17.95: at 8.5% ABV, it is no slouch in the buzz category. Excellent apple mouthfeel, and a great alternative to sparkling grape wine. So why was it released AFTER New Year's? Ok, moving on to Valentine's Day...QPR: 91. 2.Corral Don Jacobo Reserva 2004 Rioja, +313270, $18.95: oaky all the way, well-aged, now 9 years old but showing lots of life, old style Rioja. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 92. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2012, +433060, $22.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Calamus Unoaked Chardonnay 2012 VQA Niagara, +210062, $14.95: ripe, creamy, full luscious, no need for wood. QPR: 89. 2.Christobal 1492 Chardonnay 2012 Mendoza, +144402, $13.95: deftly made wine, emphasizing the brightness of stone fruit at the entry and the vanilla-wood tones at the finish. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +957407, $18.95: well-determined MVC classic kiwi savvy at a spot-on price. 13% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 4.Chateau Lamothe-Vincent Heritage 2011 Bordeaux, +362996, $15.95: another affordable Gold Medalist, 13% ABV, with woodsy complexity, all Sauvignon blanc. QPR: 89. 5.Domaine Langlois-Chateau St.Florent 2011 Saumur, +357251, $15.95: delightful Loire wine, all dry chenin blanc, great with first course emphasizing minerals. QPR: 89. 6.Mas des Bressades Cuvee Tradition Blanc 2012 Costieres de Nimes, +701094, $15.95: from grenache blanc, roussanne, marsanne, and viognier. Fresh and lively, off-dry on mid-p[palate, 13.5% ABV. Sip or food. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.L.A.Cetto Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Guadalupe Valley Baja California Mexico: it has been awhile since L.A.Cetto had this cab around in Ontario. Great value for the upfront jam ripeness and fruit. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Emiliana Natura Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Rapel Valley, +61069, $14.95: good consistent MVC, round and fruity, value and balanced. 13.5% ABV. Twist top. Organic. QPR: 89. 3.Sister's Run Bethlehem Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Barossa, +360636, $16.95: another Gold Medalist, and another fine cabby for value. 14.5% ABV is a whopper, twist top. QPR: 89. 4.Chateau des Landes Cuvee Tradition 2009 Lussac-Saint-Emilion, +363101, $19.95: shows good aging, 14% ABV, and well-priced quality for a Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 5.Chateau Trillol Grenache/Syrah 2008 Corbieres, +354126, $17.95: an excellent blend, suggested of south Rhone, tons of black fruit and 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 6.Cave Les Coteaux du Rhone Panicaut Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages 2012, +354076, $15.95: the Gold Medal wines keep coming (is there a category for these at the LCBO?). Here is off-dry fruit in a distinct Californian sunny style. QPR: 89. 7.Chateau Peyros Tannat/Cabernet 2008 Madiran, +208249, $14.95: the French have done well in blends. This one is 40% Cabernet franc. Both grapes make it taut and tight, so it still needs more time. 13.5% ABV, the quality is there, but it's not yet ready. QPR: 89. 8.Boutari Grand Reserve 2007 Naoussa, +140111, $16.95: this is usually my go-to wine when people want an older wine under $20. Mounds of aged flavor, well-oaked and well-aged. 13.5% ABV. 9.Saladini Pilastri Rosso Piceno 2011 Marche, +964866, $14.95: organic wine, excellent mocha and fruity and full (cherries with a hit of French oak). 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 10.Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva 2009 Puglia, +724328, $14.95: 13% ABV, still a bit tight, lay down for another year or so. Highly rated wine in Italy. QPR: 89. 11.Finca El Encinal Crianza 2010 Ribera del Duero, +355081, $17.95: toasted oak tones on the finish, 14% ABV, strongly-placed fruit for the palate. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Herve Azo Vau de Vey Chablis 1er Cru 2011, +240655, $28.95 retail. 2.Resalte de Penafiel Pena Roble Reserva 2004 Ribera del Duero, +355107, $31.95. 3.Chateau Laes Grand Chenes 2009 Medoc, +194019, $33.85. 4.Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco 2010, +155408, $26.95. 5.Fattoria La Ripa Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, +984401, $26.95. 6.Palazzo Brunello di Montalcino 2006, +660746, $59.95. 7.Recchia Musua di Jago Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2010, +362921, $37.95. 8.Baron de Ley Gran Reserva 2007 Rioja, +642496, $31.95. 9.Ebano Crianza 2008 Ribera del Duero, +355099, $21.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 4, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 San Jose de Aguaron Monasterio de la Vinas Reserva 2006 Carinena, +166579, $14.95: another Spanish garnacha (blended with tempanillo and carinena), aged in barrel for a year. Absolutely delicious with tons of spices. QPR: 90. ====?>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Chateau Vitallis Vieilles Vignes Pouilly Fuisse 2010, +360495, $27.95 retail. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Flat Rock Riesling 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +43281, $16.95: a good basic Ontario Riesling at an affordable price point, 11% ABV, twist top. Finishes dry. QPR: 89. 2.Casa del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Casablanca Valley,+974717, $13.95: good MVC savvy intensity with herbs and greeness, 13.5% ABV, great price. QPR: 89. 3.Rabl Kittmansberg Gruner Veltliner 2011 Kamptal, +346007, $14.95: basic off-dry groovy, fruity palate, sip or food. 12.5% ABV. Another good price. QPR: 89. 4.Domaine Jacky Marteau Sauvignon Touraine 2012, +745349, $13.95: another good value savvy from the Loire region, typical MVC and certainly affordable. QPR: 89. 5.Torres Vina Esmeralda 2012 Catalunya, +113696: a personal fave of mine for about 40 years, now twist top, 11.5% ABV, 85muscat/15gewurztraminer and 100% delicious as a sipper. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.13th Street Merlot 2012 VQA Creek Shores, +270504, $17.95: a great little wine for food, a Merlot with some guts, not really for sipping. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 2.Bodega el Esteco Don David Finca La Urquiza #8 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Cafayate Valley Salta, +357459, $15.95: [you could finish the wine before you finish reading the label]. Plush and lush, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 3.Estampa Assemblage Reserve Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2010 Colchagua Valley, +350082, $14.95: another good value wine, 14.5% ABV, 82syrah/10cab/8merlot blend, in oak for 10 months. QPR: 89. 4.Santa Alicia Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Maipo, +350074, $14.95: black fruit of plums and blackberries, flavours touch all the bases, twist top, 14% ABV. Gold medalist. QPR: 89. 5.Chapoutier Domaine Tournon Mathilda Shiraz 2011 Victoria, +327395, $19.95: very Rhonish in style and tone, MVC for Syrah, 13% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 6.Chateau Pouyanne 2009 Graves, +349332, $19.95: delicious Bordeaux, ready now, 13% ABV. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89. 7.N. Potel Maison Roche de Bellene Cuvee Reserve Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011, +299859, $17.95: decent MVC burgundy from Pinot noir, light but has value. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 8.Domaine des Fees Cotes du Rhone 2012, +272450, $15.95: this unfiltered organic wine has a lot going for it. Very intense flavours, 15% ABV, should age well, great price. QPR: 89. 9.Chateau Nozieres Cuvee Ambroise de l'her Malbec Cahors 2010, +276055, $16.95: dense blend of malbec with 10% Merlot added, 14.5% ABV, muscular as are most Cahors. QPR: 89. 10.Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2007 Goia del Colle Puglia, +724674, $13.95: chocolate and black fruit all the way, gutsy, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 11.Tenute Piccini Valiano Chianti Classico 2008, +354019, $17: nicely aged now at five years, 13.5% ABV, long finish. QPR: 89. 12.Aguia Moura em Vinhas Reserva Tinto 2008 Douro, +354738, $16.95: black fruit, good aging for past five years, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 13.Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell 2011 Jumilla, +163154, $13.95: powerhouse of black, dark fruits, some vanilla from oak, good acidic finish. QPR: 90. 14.Ilurce Rio Madre 2011 Rioja, +354753, $14.95: another affordable power wine at 14.5% ABV, ready to fuel another meal. 100% graciano, aged in French oak. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Geografico Montegiachi Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, +962142, $24.95. 2.Domaine Bonnard Sancerre 2012, +140525, $22.95. 3.La Pieve Barolo 2009, +213132, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 7, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. Since Labour Day, I have tasted several hundred sparkling wines, including repeats. Here are my best value CHAMPAGNES from today’s release of FIZZ, all rated 90 points or better -Henriot Souverain Brut Champagne NV, +959643, $59.95. 90 points. -Lanson Gold Medal Brut Champagne 2001, +722520, $79.95. 91 points. -Moet & Chandron Grand Vintage Brut Champagne 2004, +69773, $83.95. 92 points. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 WHITE Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace, +224626, $17.95: killer Gewurz, Gold Medalist, 13.5% ABV, MVC all the way, succulent, concentrated, slight bitterness on finish. QPR: 91. RED Small Gully The Formula Robert’s Shiraz 2009 South Australia, +142935, $18.95: deep, dark and mocha delicious, older vines at 40 years old, aged almost five years already, drink soonish. 15.9% ABV will blow you away. QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 White Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, +357723, $49.95 magnum TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Trapiche Finca La Palmas Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2011 Uco Valley Mendoza, +355610, $16.95: “Gran Reserva” appeared on the label, not on the website. Very good tropicality, light oaking for creaminess, off- dry palate, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 2. Bollig-Lehnert Piesporter Riesling Kabinett 2011 Mosel, +345736, $16.95: a riesling beauty with lots of fruit, off-dry, soft and engaging. 10% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Veramonte Primus The Blend 2011 Colchagua Valley, +712463, $19.95: very Euro in style (30% carmenere, 30 syrah, 20 cabernet sauv, rest cab franc and Malbec and petit verdot. Complex enough for a long, long finish. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 2. Clos Malverne Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2011 Basket Pressed WO Stellenbosch, +678433, $13.95: 60 cab/40 merlot blend, French and US oak, but Bordeaux-like. 14% ABV, value in price. QPR: 89. 3. Chateau Bertinerie Merlot/Cabernet 2009 Cotes de Bordeaux-Blaye, +244640, $18.95: good stuffing, ready now, merlot based (60%) with cab sauv (30) and cab franc (10). 13.5% ABV satisfied. QPR: 89. 4. Thevenet & Fils Byssieres Les Clos Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2011, +356733, $17.95: value-packed, very compact red burgundy, affordable, 13% ABV. Bronze medal – but just about every wine is bronze, so why the sticker? QPR: 89. 5. Cave de Roquebrun Les Fiefs d’Aupenac 2011 Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun, +354183, $19.95: Gold Medalist, has aged nicely in two years, 14% ABV, garrigue and oak dominate but tempered by fruit. QPR: 89. 6. Villa Medoro Rosso del Duca Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009, +357160, $18.95: very warm, very North American appeal, 14% ABV. Concentrated cherries, slight mocha. QPR: 89. 7. Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2011, +695890, $17.95: the LCBO’s “Ripasso of the month”, QPR: 89. 8. Quinta dos Carvalhais Duque de Viseu Red 2009 Dao, +546309, $13.95: a nifty little red that flies under the radar, using the grape varieties used for Port to create a dry wine. Affordable, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 9. Beronia Reserva 2008 Rioja, +50203, $18.95: 18 months in both US and French oak for fine crafting and storage of a really good Rioja, albeit in a slightly new style (French oak and fruit). Good aging, great price. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Sperling Vineyards Old Vines Riesling 2011 VQA Okanagan, +361204, $34 retail. 2. Jonathan Didier Pabiot Pouilly Fume 2012, +358697, $26.95. 3. Cave Spring Estate Bottled Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench, +246561, $34.95. 4. Cave Spring Estate CSV Cabernet Franc 2008, VQA Beamsville Bench, +72751, $24.95. 5. KWV The Mentors Canvas WO Coastal Region, +348839, $24.95. 6. Firesteed Cellars Citation Pinot Noir 2003 Oregon, +677146, $59.95. 7. Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz 2010 Barossa, +32227, $26.95. 8. Chateau Barde-Haut 2009 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, +197244, $57.85. 9. Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2011, +700922, $57.95. 10. Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2007, +928028, $49.95. 11. Luce della Vite La Vite Lucente 2011 IGT Toscana, +747030, $34.95. 12. Pietranera Brunello di Montalcino 2007, +189761, $37.95. 13. Bod. Franco-Espanolas Rioja Bordon Gran Reserva 2004, +114454, $24.95. 14. Valsacro Dioro 2005 Rioja, +345694, $32.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 23, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Ruhlmann Vieilles Vignes Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace, +982082, $19.95: complex concentration, another heavy in the current LCBO gewurztraminer sweepstakes in the under $20 market (third in a row). 13% ABV, Gold Medalist. QPR: 93. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Domaine de Viaud 2001 Lalande de Pomerol, +282475, $28.95 TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Santa Carolina Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2010 Casablanca Valley, +928580, $14.95: terrific value, concentrated French oak and toast tones, almost 4 years old now, aged nicely, 14.5% ABV. QPR: 90. 2. Chateau Moncontour Demi-Sec Vouvray 2011, +16709, $17.95: off-dry chenin blanc as it should be, 11.5% ABV, smokey, elegant with some rancio and bitterness, twist top. Perfect as an aperitif wine. QPR: 89. 3. Pierre Luneau-Papin Clos des Allees Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2012, +357327, $18.95: normally light and crisp, but here with some substance due to the vieilles vignes. Complex if you ruminate on it. QPR: 89. 4. Ocone Giano Greco 2011 DOP Taburno Sannio Campania, +354449, $18.95: another rare find from Italy, a bit jammy in the marmalade-peach area, but mysterious enough in its complexity to reward thinking about it. 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2011 Casablanca, +274159, $14.95: another full value wine packed with concentration in the old style of Burgundy, cherry fruit, toast, and more dark fruit. 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 90. 2. Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Carmenere 2011 Maipo, +57513, $17.95: some weediness puts it more into the Euro mode, but concentrated flavours abound. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 3. Domaine Lafage Cuvee Nicolas Vieilles Vignes Grenache Noir 2010 IGP Cotes Catalanes, +354191, $18.95: welcome to vieilles vignes month at the LCBO. More concentrated and delicious flavours of the grenache kind, minus the usual papery flavour. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 4. A. Poderi Jerzu Chuerra Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna 2008, +270272, $16.95: Italianate nose and entry, dense and chunky flavours, still tight so you’ll need to lay it down a bit (maybe two years?), great price, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Stratus White 2010 VQA NOTL, +660704, $44.20 retail. 2. Hauller Muenchberg Riesling 2011 Alsace Grand Cru, +360370, $21.95. 3. Domaine Rijckaert Puligny-Montrachet Les Champgains 1er Cru 2010, +355909, $69.95 4. Bachelder Lowrey Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011 VQA St. David’s Bench Niagara, +361816, $44.95. 5. Daniel Lenko Old Vines Merlot 2010 VQA Niagara, +75622, $34.95. 6. Versado Malbec 2012 Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza, +317008, $25.95. 7. Vergenoegd Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 WO Stellenbosch, +68445, $24.95. 8. Domaine Cros de Romet Cairanne Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2011, +42986, $23.95. 9. Giacosa Fratelli Vigna Mandorlo Barolo 2006, +352088, $49.95 10. Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2010, +3962, $23.95 11. La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva Especial 2004 Rioja, +315531, $38.95. 12. Urbina Gran Reserva Especial 1994 Rioja, +355743, $46.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 9, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Antinori Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, +512384, $29.95 retail. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Hinterbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2011 VQA Niagara Lakeshore, +359372: more Californian in style with tamed herbaceousness, first course wine or sipper, 12.9% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 2. Fincas Patagonicas Zolo Reserve Chardonnay 2012 Mendoza, +347764, $16.95: good balanced but oaky character from French oak aging, cork finished, 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 3. Undurraga Aliwen Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Chile, +347948, $13.95: very herby in the Kiwi style, 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 4. Herve Azo Chablis 2011, +185736, $19.95: well-priced, great tasting zesty lemon-citric finish. 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Zuccardi Organica Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Mendoza, +68452, $13.95: organic wine with an easy-breezy smooth style, closer to merlot softness. 13.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 2. Chilensis Lazuli 2010 Maule Valley, +348128, $17.95: intriguing blend with pronounced mocha and black fruit, oak aging, 14% ABV. Organic. QPR: 89. 3. Banfi Natura Carmenere 2012 Colchagua Valley, +56887, $14.95: another organic red wine from Chile, here emphasizing the herby/mocha tones of carmenere. 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 4. Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Clare Valley, +744235, $17.95: good intensity and development, cabby all the way with mint and herbs. 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 5. Chateau Brehat 2004 Cotes de Castillon, +348672, $16.95: there is value in an older Bordeaux wine at this price level. It is decaying well with earth and mushroom and some underbrush. 13% ABV, ready now. QPT: 89. 6. Reserve des Vignerons Saumur-Champigny 2010 Loire, +103879, $17.95: great cabernet franc complexity from the Old World, as it should be done. Mid-weight concentration but also 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 7. Jasci & Marchesani Nerube Riserva Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2010, +353599, $16.95: chocolate and leather, the modern tones of the 21st century. Organic. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 8. San Cassiano Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2010, +354431, $17.95: the LCBO’s “Ripasso of the month”. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Marques de Vitoria Reserva 2005 Rioja, +40428, $24.95 retail. 2. Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2010 Marlborough, +359513, $29.95 3. Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2012 WO Coastal Region, +12724, $22.95. 4. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Calcaire Pinot Gris 2011 Alsace, +190413, $27.95. 5. G. Marquis The Silver Line Epic 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +310367, $29.95 6. Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2009 South Australia, +309625, $44.95. 7. Chateau Tour Saint-Vincent 2005 Medoc, +348763, $22.95. 8. Domaine Michelas Saint-Jemms Signature Crozes-Hermitage 2010, +354092, $24.95. 9. Rivera Il Falcone Riserva 2007 Castel del Monte Puglia, +177295, $22.95. 10. Castello d’Albola Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, +315150, $22.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 26, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WHITE WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace Grand Cru, +259770, $19.95: it is difficult to explain why the LCBO priced this under $20, but what value!! 13% ABV, over-the-top MVC for Gewurztraminer, lush tropicality with that zesty off-bitter finish. Wow! But it all!! QPR: 93. ======>>>> ** BEST RED WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Chateau de Maison Neuve 2010 Montaigne Saint-Emilion, +351965, $19.95: best value of the under $20 2010 Bordeaux released today. Lots of merlot softness and juiciness, noticeably wood-aged, 14.5% ABV, double- decanting suggested. QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Mountadam Patriarch High Eden Shiraz 2009 Eden Valley South Australia, +906255, $24.95 retail. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +9167, $17.95: herbaceous green quality, lemony zest finish, first course wine, 13% ABV, twist top, QPR: 89. 2. Morgenhof Estate Chardonnay 2012 WO Stellenbosch, +337519, $17.95: wooded chardonnay lovers will enjoy this one, rounded and toasty, 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 90. 3. Domane Wachau Terraces Gruner Veltliner 2012 Wachau, +155812, $17.95: lovely stone fruit and lemons flavours, twist top, 13% ABV. QPR: 88. 4. Cleebourg Riesling 2010 Alsace, +341891, $19.95: slightly austere at this point, should round out later. 12.5% ABV, Gold Medalist. QPR: 88. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Featherstone Red Tail Merlot 2011 VQA Niagara, +131540, $19.95: full, ripe and juicy, small lot production (590 cases in all), 12.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 2. Bouchon Las Mercedes Ensamblaje 2009 Maule Chile, +325357, $20.95: excellent blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and Malbec, expressive of red fruit and mocha tones, great finish. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 3. Small Gully Mr. Black’s Little Book Shiraz 2010 Barossa, +287979, $17.95: ah, the power of smoked meat!! 15.2% ABV to sizzle the flames! Twist top. QPR: 89. 4. Chateau Lacombe Noaillac 2010 Medoc, +199091, $18.95: a wine-to- cellar recommendation, still tight but noticeably prominent in that all the Medoc components are there. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5. Chateau Robin 2010 Lussac-Saint-Emilion, +171249, $17.95: mostly merlot (70%) with balance cabernet franc. Approachable and ready now. QPR: 89. 6. Domaine Montmartel Cotes du Rhone 2011, +355925, $15.95: organic, 14% ABV, grenache-syrah-carignan blend of a third each, nicely developed spices, value priced. QPR: 88. 7. Monte Zovo Sa’Solin Ripasso Valpolicella 2011, +650713, $17.95: the “Ripasso of the Month” from the LCBO. QPR: 88. 8. Coto de Imaz Reserva 2005 Rioja, +23762, $20.95: traditional styled Rioja, 13.5% ABV, red fruit, US oak tones for MVC complexity. QPR: 89. 9. Vinos Sin Ley “M” Old Vine Monastrell 2011 Yecla Spain, +344226, $18.95: organic mourvedre with North American taste appeal of ripeness and 14.5% ABV. QPR: 88. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Domaine de Fussiacus Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2011, +276444, $26.95 retail. 2. Jean-Marc Brocard Montmains Chablis 1er cru 2011, +983882, $29.95. 3. William Fevre Chablis 2011, +124578, $24.95. 4. Chateau Haut Barrail 2010 Medoc, +350876, $23.95. 5. La Fleur Chazal 2010 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +348573, $28.95. 6. Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau Volnay 2011, +354332, $48.95. 7. Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010, +983650, $35.95. 8. Saint-Desirat Saint-Joseph 2010, +342980, $23.95. 9. Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2008, +685180, $27.95. 10. Remo Farina Le Pezze Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2010, +171587, $34.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 12, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Vins de Pays du Val de Loire, +672345, $14.95: tons of green notes here (grass, herbs, gooseberries) plus lemons, 12.5% ABV, twist top. Great value. QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +677450, $22.95 retail. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Angels Gate Riesling 2010 VQA Beamsville Bench, +160523, $13.95: stunningly good intensity at this price level, riesling MVC all the way. QPR: 90. 2. Graham Beck The Game Reserve Chardonnay 2010 WO Robertson, +337592, $16.95: very stylish with a bit of everything (sympathetic vanilla, spices, fruit, length). 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 3. Pierre Sparr Reserve Muscat 2011 Alsace, +641654, $15.95: affordable muscat with typical floral quality, 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 4. Grand Classique du Chateau de l’Orangerie 2011 Bordeaux Blanc, +348276, $13.95: rarely seen colombard (for spine) is used in this blend, along with muscadelle and sauvignon blanc. 12.5% ABV, QPR: 89. 5. Domaine Lafage Cuvee Centenaire 2011 Cotes du Roussillon, +343491, $17.95: winner of “the longest tasting note ever reprinted in a Vintages magazine” award. I can only add -- heavy dead leaf green bottle, a punt, long finish, cork finish, 13.5% ABV, and Lot # LA513169. QPR: 89. 6. Columna Albarino 2011 Rias Baixas, +339929, $18.95: one of the drier albarinos to turn up in Ontario, good acid finish for first course and more. 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Maipo, +685792, $15.95: good quality at this price level, especially for an organic wine. 14% ABV. Juicy. QPR: 89. 2. Chateau du Petit Thouars Reserve Cabernet Franc 2010 Touraine, +350439, $14.95: good herbal character, still a lightweight from Europe. 13.2% ABV. QPR: 89. 3. Domaine Lafage Tessellae Carignan Old Vines Cotes du Roussillon 2011, +343517, $18.95: still a weighty and lengthy Parker note, but definitive North Rhone style from somewhere else, 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Domaine Tournon Shay’s Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2011, +311480, $35.95 retail. 2. Schild Estate Shiraz 2010 Barossa, +66555, $24.95 3. Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, +84996, $27.95. 4. Chateau Haut Daugay 2006 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +348268, $22.95 [second label of Ch Tertre Daugay] 5. Giacosa Bussia Baroli 2008, +344721, $39.95. 6. San Lorenzo Bramante Brunello di Montalcino 2007, +350264, $47.95. 7. Felix Callejo Finca Valdelroble 2009 Ribera del Duero, +344291, $20.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Cave de Beblenheim Heimberger Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace, +196642, $19.95: excellent value for a Vieilles Vignes wines (over 30 years old), delicious concentrated gewurz flavours, 13% ABV. QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2009 New Zealand, +167072, $41.95 TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2012 VQA Niagara, +89029, $17.95: nice crisp detail of apples, minerals, apricots, good balance. QPR: 89. 2. Vintage Ink Rite of Passage Chardonnay 2011 VQA Niagara, +245712, $16.95: pretty good knockoff of west coast style, soft, fruity, light oaking, 13.5% ABV. QP: 89. 3. Matetic Corralillo Sauvignon Blanc 2012 San Antonio Chile: the four gees of gooseberries-grass-grapefruit-green, but affordable, 13.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 4. Domaine Le Verger Chablis 2011, +181289, $19.95: nose shows some chalkiness, but very tasty, long length. Good value. First course wine, not patio sipper. QPR: 89 5. Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2012 Pfalz, +568634, $13.95: good price for an MVC very Germanic riesling at this level, 11.5%. More off- dry than medium as indicated in the catalogue, acidic balance. QPR: 89. 6. Paco & Lola Albarino 2011 Rias Baixas, +350041, $17.95: peaches, green fruit, dry finish, first course. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Juana de Sol Reserva Malbec 2010 Single Vineyard Mendoza, +288381, $15.95: value-priced, 14% ABV, plumy, vanilla, strawberries. QPR: 89. 2. Sister’s Run Cow’s Corner Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro 2011 Barossa, +346510, $15.95: a pretty good GSM blend (85% Grenache, 10 Shiraz, 5 Mataro), berries and earth, 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 3, Momo Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010, +163972, $19.95: one of the nicest inexpensive kiwi pinots in quite some time, delivers PN tones, full- flavours, French oak, some stuffing. 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89. 4. Guardian Peak Frontier Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot 2011 WO Western Cape, +337543, $15.95: jammy and savoury, 14.5%, twist top, patio or food. QPR: 89. 5. Chateau Les Hauts de Palette 2010 Cotes de Bordeaux, +297267, $18.95: oak treatment, 13% ABV, fruity and expressive of Bordeaux with added vanilla tones, still needs some time. QPR: 89. 6. L. Sourdon Domaine des Lauribert Tradition Cotes du Rhone 2011, +343442, $15.95: very fruity with plenty of garrigue, traditional style, black fruit, 14% ABV. 7. Dom. Lafage Tessellae Vieilles Vignes Carignan 2011 IGP Cotes Catalanes, +343509, $16.95: from the Pyrenees and sea, flavours of underbrush and mushroom, berries, good price. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 8. Capezzana Barco Reale de Carmignano 2010, +508531, $16.95: this Tuscan steal has expressive cherries, earth, traditional leather, spices. QPR: 89. 9. Piccini Sasso al Poggio 2007 IGT Toscana, +134809, $19.95: a supertuscan blend with 40% Bordeaux varieties. A bit tart, red berries, some savouriness, 14% ABV. But needs time, appropriate to its heavy- heavy bottle. QPR: 89. 10. Beronia Elaboracion Especial Tempranillo 2010 Rioja, +723643, $17.95: a stunning example of new style Rioja, all Tempranillo, coconut and wood as typical, but plush and lush, 14% ABV. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2008 Mosel, +282343, $20.95 retail. 2. Domaine Chanson Beaune Teurons 1er Cru 2010, +84426, $51.95 3. Chateau Maris Las Combes Minervois Cru La Liviniere 2009, +341958, $25.95 4. Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 IGT Toscana, +996553, $29.95. 5. Palazzo Vechio Vin Nobile di Montepulciano 2007, +348532, $23.95. 6. San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, +716266, $26.95. 7. Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +244715, $27.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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. This time, there were ** 13 red wines and ** 13 white wines missing. Corked wines are not normally available for a re- tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Mas d’Auzieres Les Eclats 2007 Coteaux du Languedoc, +271742, $17.95: smoke and tar like you wouldn’t believe, some light brett too. Already aged for you and ready to go at a decent price, 13.5% ABV. Time to snap it all up…QPR: 93. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Lan Gran Reserva 2005 Rioja, +928622, $27.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Flat Rock Riesling 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +43281, $16.95: good MVC off-dry material, 11% ABV, ripe tones, twist top. QPR: 89. 2. Pfaffenheim Pinot Gris 2011 Alsace, +341883, $14.95: a steal at this price, loaded with concentrated body much more than you would expect a pinot gris at under $15. 13.5% ABV, twist top too. QPR: 90. 3. Domaine Raphael Sallet Macon Uchizy 2011, +130450, $15.95: hits all the right chardonnay notes for an MVC regular burgundy, but with dynamic price value and a cork finish for under $16. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 4. Ciu Ciu Merlettaie Pecorino Offida 2011, +245670, $16.95: well, if this isn’t a worthy label – choo choo cha boogie, people waiting under a building that could be a choo choo train terminal. Good marketing for North America. Off-dry on the mid-palate, good flavour but a heavy bottle and an ambiguous label. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sue-Ann Staff Merlot 2010 VQA Niagara, +358416, $17.95: a “winemaker of the year” at the Ontario Wine Awards, Sue-Ann has crafted a fruity yet soft merlot in an Euro style. Needs more time, but ok right now. QPR: 89. 2. Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2011 Uco Valley Mendoza, +167619, $15.95: a serious wine at this price level, plumy complexity, long length, and a big (but not hot) 14.5% ABV resonating on the finish. QPR: 89. 3. RockBare Mojo Shiraz 2011 Barossa Valley, +327767, $18.95: the winemaker’s mojo is working here, involving a good smoky syrah feel to the shiraz name. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 4. Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2011 Marlborough/Nelson, +60137, $19.95: very well-made delicious pinot noir, intense burgundian style, twist top, and 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5. Chateau La Croix Saint-Pierre 2010 Cotes de Bordeaux, Blaye, +336875, $15.95: decent price for a typical Bordeaux that displays the MVC for the region, 14% ABV. Age it a bit. QPR: 89. 6. Clavesana Il Clou Dogliani Superiore 2010 Piedmont, +344747, $16.95: great Italianate complexity at this price level, 13.5% ABV. As the Vintages panel says, “spicy leather”, “sour cherry”, and pepper. QPR: 89. 7. Resta Squinzano Rosso 2009 Puglia, +338996, $15.95: a hot wine, tasty, well-aged and well-priced for red jam and underbrush. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 8. Celler Lagravera Onra Negre 2009 Costers del Segre, +343079, $16.95: organic wine, heavily laden with garnacha complexity, enough to make it the LCBO’s “garnacha of the month” wine. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2011 VQA, +392083, $29.95 retail. 2. Cattail Creek Barrel Fermented Small Lot Chardonnay 2010 VQA Four Mile Creek, +348987, $24.95. 3. Domaine Bernard Defaix Cote de Lechet Reserve Chablis 1er Cru 2010 Vieilles Vignes, +17541, $33.95. 4. Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Niagara, +33894, $30. 5. Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Columbia Valley, +209866, $44.95. 6. Chateau Clauzet 2009 Saint-Estephe, +192047, $29.95. 7. Chateau Preuillac 2009 Medoc, +713925, $32.95. 8. Maison Roche Bellene Savigny-Les-Beaune Vielles Vignes 2010 Unfined, +344283, $22.95. 9. Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2011, +216291, $22.95. 10. Bodegas Vizcarra JC Vizcarra 2010 Ribera del Duero, +214650, $28.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 31, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ THE “BLUE MOON” RELEASE!! By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Rivera Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico 2006 Castel del Monte Puglia: top notch aglianico at a fantastic price, still needs time. Depth and character and age. Dark fruit tones all the way. 13.5% ABV. +305276, $17.95, QPR: 90. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Zind Humbrecht Turkheim Riesling 2010 Alsace, +31039, $26.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Calamus Riesling 2011 VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara: detailed riesling as it should be, MVC flavours, twist top, 12% ABV. +158642, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Creekside Laura’s White 2011 VQA Niagara: quality blend of six grapes (two kinds of chardonnays, savvy, grigio, gewurzt, and viognier), 12% ABV, twist top. +121764, $18.95, QPR: 89. 3. Domaine de L’Echelette Macon Cruzille 2010: lightly and politely close to burgundian character at an affordable price, 12.5% ABV, excellent finish. +336982, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Finca La Emperatriz Viura 2011 Rioja Alta: slight fruity finish, off-dry, patio sipper or first course wine with a spicy app. +342766, $15.95, QPR: 89. 5. Moncigale Mineral Rose Bandol 2012: possibly the finest rose I’ve tasted this season. Colour checks out, taste and finish are evocative of the garrigue and citrus-berries, 13.5% ABV. +226670, $18.85, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. 13th Street Red Palette 2011 VQA Niagara: interesting and affordable red blend, patio and first course dishes. Low chocolate character. 12.5% ABV. +249458, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2011 Marlborough: intense burgundian style character and taste on nose and mid-palate. 13.5% ABV, twist top. +590414, $17, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau Hyot 2010 Cotes de Bordeaux Castillon: ripe and ready, gold medalist, 13.5% ABV. Delicious at this price. +63537, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2011 Cotes du Rhone-Villages: tasty but basic hot Rhone, affordable price, 15% ABV (but a soft finish). Gold Medalist. +224592, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Casetta Rivere Nebbiolo d’Alba 2007: well-aged, complex enough to pass off as a Barbaresco, 13%, keep another year. +344085, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Palazzo Maffei Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2010: the LCBO Ripasso of the Month, 14.5% ABV. +338913, $17.95, QPR: 89. 7. Quinta do Quetzal Guadalupe Red 2010 Vinho Regional Alentejano: off- dry mouth feel, black fruit from t5hree grapes (trincadeira, aragonez, alfocheito). First course red or patio sipper. +336313, $13.95, QP: 89. 8. Barco de Piedra Tinto 2011 Ribera del Duero: quality Ribera at a low price is difficult to find, but this is one of them. 13.5% ABV, delicious combo of French and US used oak. +336289, $17, QPR: 89. 9. Bodegas del Abad Dom Bueno Mencia 2008 Bierzo: more good wine from an up and coming region in Spain – good depth, French and US oak, nicely aged, value priced, 13.5% ABV. +291989, $15.95, QPR: 89. 10. Breca Old Vines Garnacha 2010 Calatayud: the LCBO Garnacha of the Month, going head to head with the Ripasso (above). +329086, $19.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench, +566026, $29.95 retail. 2. Luis Canas Reserva 2005 Rioja, +334094, $22.95. 3. Champy Pernand-Vergelesses en Caradeux 1er Cru 2010, +344143, $49.95. 4. Jean-Marc Brocard Sainte Claire Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2011, +329995, $24.95. 5. Marnier-Lapostolle Chateau de Sancerre 2011, +340893, $23.95. 6. Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +268391, $24.95. 7. Terra Rossa Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva 2009, +344127, $20.95. 8. Farina Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2009, +995910, $35.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 17, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Walimea Estates Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Nelson: lively aromas, more herbs than grass, 14% ABV, great finish. Twist top. Value for its body. +694737, $18.95, QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Daniel Lenko Old Vines Chardonnay 2010 VQA Niagara, American Oak, +352328, $22.95 retail. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2012 South Australia: good blowsy aromatic wine with guts and substance, value priced as well. +624502, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Eidosela Albarino 2011 DO Rias Baixas: least expensive albarino at the LCBO, 13% ABV, floral, orchard fruit, citric finish. Great summer wine. +336271, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Cheval Quancard Reserve Sauvignon/Semillon 2011 Bordeaux: with 10% added muscadelle for more aroma, and some aging in new oak, brings it around to a real “fume blanc” style. 12% ABV. +336842, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Domaine de la Gitonniere Touraine 2011: medium-bodied but accessible in kiwi style of grass and veggies, 12.5% ABV, gold medalist. +168914, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Terredora Loggia Della Serra Greco di Tufo 2011 Campania: some wood, smoke and stones. Best with a first course with flesh. +983197, $17.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2010 VQA Niagara: delicious fruit, cork finish but could use a twist top instead. 58% shiraz, 17% cab sauv, 15% cab franc, 10% merlot. Juicy at 13.5% ABV, for entertainment. +247882, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec 2010 Mendoza: great integrated flavours, dark fruit, long length, powerhouse at 15% ABV. Gold medalist in Argentina. +279802, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau Haut-Colombier 2009 Cotes de Bordeaux – Blaye: distinguished flavours, long finish, 14.5% ABV. Gold medalist. +336891, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chateau Prieure Canteloup 2009 Cotes de Bordeaux: typical MVC, smooth and lingering. 13.5% ABV. +194415, $18.85, QPR: 89. 5. Boutari Naoussa 2008 Greece: with some aging, this has become great value for the price. Aged in older French oak barrels. Fruity, and has been compared to Barbaresco/nebbiolo wines. After five years, the tannins have resolved to a warm lingering and soft finish. +23218, $12.95, QPR: 90. 6. Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2008: chocolate tones, nice aging and character, 13.5% ABV. Old oak of “spices, leather and tobacco”. +204016, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Cantine Volpetti Le Piantate 2011 IGT Cesanese Lazio: delicious, fine velvet leather, black fruit, long length, 13% ABV. +344242, $15.95, QPR: 89. 8. Argiolas Perdera 2010 Monica di Sardegna: I once dated an Italian girl named Monica, but other than that, this is a wine with long length, red and black fruit, a tasty 13.5% ABV. +297556, $17.95, QPR: 89. 9. Cantine Riondo Appassimento 2010 IGT Rosso Veneto: LCBO ripasso style of the month. +326595, $13.95, QPR: 89. 10. Beronia Reserva 2008 Rioja: warm, inviting juicy model of new style Rioja, from 40- 60 year old vines. 14% ABV, 90% Tempranillo. +50203, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Carabella Dijon 76 Clone Chardonnay 2009 Chehalem Mountains Oregon, +180133, $27.95 retail. 2. Domaine de la Croix Senaillet Saint-Veran 2010 [organic] +337832, $22.95. 3. Haha Pinot Noir 2011 Marlborough, +331116, $21.95. 4. Chateau Fortia Cuvee du Baron Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010, +959999, $38.95. 5. El Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +976811, $30.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 3, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 +72975 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP LAKE DOCTOR SHIRAZ Langhorne Creek, South Australia 2010 $16.95: excellent syrah flavours, much better than the five chosen for the mini-release. Buy it up! QPR: 90. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 +535104 ST. HALLETT BLACKWELL SHIRAZ Barossa, South Australia 2009 $34.95 TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. +336883 DOURTHE TERROIRS D'EXCEPTION CROIX DES BOUQUETS Graves 2011 $16.95: nice example of oak aged white Bordeaux, complex, finishes w=ell with citric tones. 12% ABV. QPR: 89. 2. +328617 DOMAINE CAPMARTIN PACHERENC DU VIC-BILH AC Guy Capmartin, Vign.-Récolt. 2011 $15.95: very aromatic with garrigue notes, citric finish, value priced. 14% ABV. QPR: 89 3. +231282 KEN FORRESTER RESERVE CHENIN BLANC WO Stellenbosch 2011 $17.95: some oaking enhances the concentrated chenin flavours, leaning to an herbal note. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 4. +336073 LUA CHEIA EM VINHAS VELHAS DOC Douro, Old Vines Wines & Winemakers by Saven 2011 $15.95: orchard fruit and a pronounced length from this “old vines” value wine. 13% ABV. QPR: 89. 5. +112227 DOMAINE CHEVALLIER CHABLIS AC Claude & Jean-Louis Chevallier, Prop.-Récolt. 2010 $19.95: excellent MVC Chablis texture and tones, for under $20. Some concentration. 12.5% ABV. QPR; 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. +346759 HINTERBROOK DEEPLY RED CABERNET MERLOT VQA Niagara Lakeshore 2011 $15.95: plenty of smoke for such a modestly-priced wine, along with black fruit tones. $13.95. QPR: 89. 2. +684597 SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Maipo Valley 2009 $17.95: a robust wine, loaded with toast-mocha-black fruit and other Bordeaux-like complexities. 14.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 3. +325449 Q PINOT NOIR Casablanca Valley Quintay 2011 $16.95: mushrooms and underbrush tend to dominate this oaky pinot, definitely meant for food. 14% ABV. QPR: 89. 4. +341180 L'HÉRITAGE DU MARQUIS DE GREYSSAC RÉSERVE AP, Élevé en Fût de Chêne 2009 $15.95: long a standard Bordeaux in the US, this now re- configured wine shows stunning oak treatment and lushness. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 5. +264549 DOMAINE DE ROCHEBIN CLOS ST. GERMAIN VIEILLES VIGNES BOURGOGNE AC 2011 $18.95: nothing beats an “old vines” burgundy, and to have one at this price level is amazing. Buttery spices and a long finish. 12.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 6. +330761 LANCIOLA CHIANTI COLLI FIORENTINI DOCG 2010 $15.95: tastes older than the label indicates, but an MVC chianti based on the older style. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89. 7. +723452 ONDARRE RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2006 $17.95: some of these Spanish Riojas seem to have “clearout” prices – time to snap them up. Ondarre is one of the best for the old style, with Tempranillo blend and both US and French oaks. Lush and plush. 12.8% ABV. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. +351486 GREENLANE OLD VINES RIESLING VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula 2011 $22.95 retail. 2. +328898 ROLLY GASSMANN RIESLING AC Alsace 2009 $20.95 3. +695908 DOMAINE DES FINES CAILLOTTES POUILLY-FUMÉ AC Jean Pabiot & Fils 2011 750 $22.95 4. +339861 BRUNEL DE LA GARDINE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2010 $22.95 5. +330001 CHANSON PÈRE & FILS BEAUNE CLOS DU ROI 1ER CRU AC 2010 $48.95 6. +927913 LEALTANZA GRAN RESERVA DOC Rioja Bodegas Altanza 2005 $29.95 7. +159970 CLOUDLINE PINOT NOIR Oregon 2009 $22.95 8. +334458 CASSINI CELLARS GEWÜRZTRAMINER/MUSCAT 2011 VQA BC $21.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 20, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 **** Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay Musque 2010 VQA Niagara-on-the- Lake: uses chardonnay clone 809 (16-year old vines), an almost in-your- face aromatic honeysuckle with some “muscat” quality. Gold Medal at OWA for Unoaked Chardonnays. 13.5%, useful for social sipping or with lighter white meats. Twist top. +640516, $16.95, QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 **** Fantino Cascina Dardi Bussia Barolo Riserva 2004, +268524, $39.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Angel’s Gate Mountainview Chardonnay 2010 VQA Beamsville Bench: excellent wood and toast, with alluring fruit, right through to the finish. +116384, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Caliterra Tributo Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 Casablanca: very charming chardonnay in a bottle – 13.5% ABV, twist top. Cream dominates orchard fruit. +144709, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Southern Valleys Marlborough: textbook kiwi savvy herbs, but assertive in style, in- your-face aromatics. One of the real winners I found at the NZ trade show in May (I had seconds). Twist top. +663286, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2012 WO Stellenbosch: a very pleasant (and affordable) cross between chenin blanc and sauvignon blanc, 13.5% ABV. Twist top. Gold Medalist. +981167, $12.95, QPR: 89. 5. Cave de Saumur Secrets de Chai Saumur Blanc 2011: all chenin, and very close to savvy (as the Simonsig above), but more floral. Gold Medalist. +322677, $13.95, QPR: 89. 6. La Ferme du Mont La Truffiere 2011 Cotes du Rhone: very rounded blend of Rhone white grape fruit (grenache blanc, viognier, clairette), good spine for first course foods. 13% ABV. +234716, $15.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Vizcarra Senda Del Oro Roble 2011 Ribera del Duero: textbook style but early evolving wine of French and US oak tones (vanilla, coconut) along with some berries. Organic. 14.5%, +331249, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Tamaya Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Limari: another textbook example of Latin American cabernet sauvignon destined for the North American market – rich dark black currants with milk chocolate overtones. BBQ anyone? +292367, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Small Gully The Formula Robert’s Shiraz 2008 South Australia: points given for well-aging (five years old now) and a whopping 15.9% ABV. Twist top. The wine? Overthetop shiraz ripeness to stand up to BBQ. +142935, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chateau de La Grave Caractere 2009 Cotes de Bourg: Graves character? Close, but no gravel. Atypical Bordeaux. Rich and full as the Yanks like it, 14% ABV. BBQ all the way. +224683, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau de Fontenelles Cuvee Notre Dame Corbieres 2009: good price, spices and black plumy fruits. Some smoke, 14% ABV. Another BBQ wine. +269522, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Olarra Cerro Anon Reserva 2006 Rioja: good oaking, with coconut tones, aged now almost 7 years (two in US oak). Bargain price. 14% ABV. Excellent example of a wood-aged Rioja. +114306, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Monasterio de Las Vinas Gran Reserva 2005 Carinena: at 60% garnacha, this is the LCBO’s “Almost Garnacha of the Month”. 13% ABV. +82024, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. Vina Berceo Crianza 2008 Rioja: nicely aged mid-weight Rioja with good oak tones of spicings and vanilla. 13.5% ABV. +672824, $16.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +345819, $44.95 retail. 2. Charles Baker Piccone Vineyard Riesling 2010 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +241182, $35.20. 3. Tollgate Fume Blanc 2009 VQA Niagara, +335711, $24.95. 4. Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2011 WO Hemel-en-Aarde, +931006, $32.95 5. Chateau Genot-Boulanger Clos du Cromin Meursault 2010, +330043, $49.95. 6. Gann Family Cellars Pinot Noir 2009 Russian River Valley Sonoma, +327510, $44.95. 7. Domus Vitae Brunello di Montalcino 2007, +330746, $45.95. 8. Fontalpino Chianti Classico 2010, +275859, $23.95. 9. Castello di Bossi Renieri Invetro 2010 IFT Toscana, +330696, $20.95 10. Bolla Le Origini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2007, +204792, $39.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 6, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 **** Wildass White 2009 VQA Niagara: blend of savvy, Semillon, gewurztraminer, riesling, ripe orchard fruit and oak tones of coconut, thick body of concentration. Dee-licious. +85100, $19.95, QPR: 90. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 **** Vina Olabarri Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +329102, $24.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Strewn Terroir Sauvignon Blanc 2011 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake: excellent savvy from Ontario, twist top, 12.9% ABV, best with food (not a sipper), Minerals and herbs. +343897, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Philippe Portier Quincy 2011: good sipper with fruit or aperitif wine, mineral spine, more aromatics on nose than on palate, 12.5% ABV. From sauvignon blanc, although there could be some sauvignon gris as well. +326876, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Catena Alamos Torrontes 2012 Salta: long finish with this dry white, full body, aromatic with citric tones, 13.5% ABV, good value, appetizer or first course, twist top. +81539, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Steve Bird Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough: an over-the-top kiwi savvy, twist top, 13.5%. +178319, $18.95, QPR: 89. 5. Dopff & Irion Domaines du Chateau de Riquewihr Les Murailles Riesling 2008 Alsace: definite petrol on the nose and the palate, long finish, dry mode, 13$ ABV. Stones, fennel, citric embodiment. +933069, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Joseph Cattin Muscat 2011 Alsace: gewurztraminer-like, thus delicious. Dry mouthfeel (higher acid), 12.5% ABV, slight bitterness on finish but otherwise a gracious wine at a gracious price. Gold Medalist. +224634, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Le Cidre St. Nicolas Rose NV: a sparkling hard cider from Quebec that has added strawberry and raspberry juices to creat a "rose" colour and some berryish aromas. Old fashioned style apple cider tones, the way they make them in France. Gold Medalist. 275362, $19.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. William Cole Winemaker’s Special Reserve 2010 Casablanca: very good, consistent, bordeaux-style blend at 13.9% ABV, cork finish, food wine. +325431, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Vavasour Redwood Pass Pinot Noir 2011 Marlborough: tasty dry red fruit, balanced, MVC pinot noir via textbook, twist top, but 14% ABV. +326041, $18.95, QPR: 89. 3. Villiersdorp Slowine Red 2010 WO Western Cape: North Rhonish in texture with a large syrah component (leather, black fruit, smoked meat). 14.5% ABV. Take your time getting up from the chair. +96503, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Marchesi di Barolo Maraia Barbera Monferrato 2011 Piedmont: dense, fruity, worthy of your attention, well-made food wine, 13% ABV. 5. San Michele a Torri Chianti Colli Fiorentini 2011: North American style wine, heavy on mocha/cherry/smoke, 14.5% ABV…but organic. +900258, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Taluau & Foltzenlogel Passion Bourgueil 2010: loaded with Euro herbal tangs, cabernet franc all the way, savoury wine, 13% ABV. +326884, $14.95, QPR: 89. 7. Chateau de Jau 2011 Cotes de Roussillon Villages: fruity (red & black), hottish finish at 13% ABV, but pretty good tastes overall. Cork finish. Try with BBQ, cheeses, and the like. +955070, $14.95, QPR: 89. 8. CVA Pinyolet Garnacha 2011 Montsant Spain: LCBO’s garnacha of the month, +271791, $17.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2011 VQA Beamsville Bench, +183491, $23.95 retail. 2. Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +178319, $18.95 3. Jean-Max Roger Cuvee Les Caillottes Sancerre 2011, +65573, $24.95. 4. Chateau Moulinat Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2009 Haut-Medoc, +198978, $22.95. 5. Champy Signature Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2010, +1149, $23.95. 6. Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, +288530, $24.95. 7. Montepeloso A Quo 2010 IGT Toscana, +330886, $29.95. 8. Latium Morini Campo Leon Amarone Della Valpolicella 2008, +334300, $46.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 22, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Graham Beck Brut Sparkling Wine NV: a 54/46 blend of PN and Chardonnay, great yeastiness due to bottle re-fermentation, long lingering finish. Drink all summer long. +593483, $18.95, QPR: 90+ ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2010 VQA Niagara, +33936, $30 retail. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. 13th Street White Palette 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula: lovely blend of five aromatic grapes (including sauvignon blanc for some spine), grapefruit, herbs, some lychee. Enough acid for first course, but it is mainly as an aperitif. 12.5% ABV. Twist top. +207340, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2. Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench: juicy, but with mostly a dry finish, peaches and flowers, value. Twist top, 11% ABV. +557165, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Lone Birch Pinot Gris 2012 Yakima Valley: zesty, full flavours on the mid-palate, some overripe tones from melon family, pear drops. Twist top, 13.5% ABV. +324905, $15.96, QPR: 89. 4. Familia Bianchi Chardonnay 2012 San Rafael Mendoza: new US oak, sur lie treatment, malolactic, coconut and cloves. 14% ABV. +1461, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Montes Kaiken Terroir Series Torrontes 2012 Salta: wonderful aftertaste and crispness, lip-smacking flavours, muscat-like peach and orange tones, 13.5% ABV, twist top. +330407, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2011 WO Stellenbosch: more on the savvy zesty side, but with more fruit than savvy. Very credible. +739995, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Macon-Uchizy 2011: another mouth-filling value snapped up the by the LCBO. Softly fruited, tastes unoaked, 13% ABV, cork finish. +733956, $14.95, QPR: 89. 8. Domaine de la Gravelle Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sur Lie Sevre et Maine 2011: textbook style Muscadet, great price for older vines. Gold Medalist. +322610, $12.95, QPR: 89. 9. Barnier Fontaine du Clos Muscat Petits Grains 2011 IGP Vaucluse: stylish, no oak, aperitif or cheese wine, even first course with a crisp finish. Great muscat tones. +329078, $16.95, QPR: 90. 10. Villa Tonino Grillo 2010 IGT Sicilia: very aromatic, off-dry, a crowd-pleaser, peaches and tropicality, 13% ABV. Slight refreshing cleansing bitter on mid-palate. +289579, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Vineland Pinot Meunier 2011 VQA Niagara Escarpment: delicious earthiness, great tang of red fruit, 12% ABV. Cork finish. The back label needs to give more hype to the grape variety. +225508, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Juan Benegas Malbec 2010 Cuyo Mendoza: textbook style Malbec, 14.5% ABV, dark fruit and mocha tones, +222273, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Syrah 2009 Maipo: nicely aged black fruit and plums, 14.5%, cork finished, some anise and smoke lingers. Intense. +19042, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Peyres & Fils Chateau Correnson Reserve Speciale Cotes du Rhone 2011: delicious integration of three grapes, plummy flavours, blackberries, long, long finish. Gold Medalist. 14.5% ABV. +334482, $16.95, QPR: 89. 5. Maria Manuela Quinta do Roncao Reserva 2011 Douro: thick and unctuous, 14% ABV, cork finish, meaty wine. +147942, $14.95, QPR: 89. 6. Vina Eguia Reserva 2007 Rioja: coconut nose, well-wooded, well- rounded and well-evolved. 13.5% ABV. 30 year old vines, 2 years in US barrels. Grab it…all you can…will not last long…but save some for me!! +325845, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Marques de Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2006 Rioja, +209148, $24.95 retail. 2. Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough, +324228, $21.95. 3. Domaines Schlumberger Kessler Pinot Gris 2008 Alsace Grand Cru, +249623, $25.95. 4. Stoneleigh Latitude Pinot Noir 2011 Marlborough, +32564, $24.95. 5. Louis Jadot Beaune Theurons 1er Cru 2010, +42838, $45.95. 6. Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009, +959627, $36.95. 7. Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2007, +378257, $59.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 8, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 WO Coastal Region: twist top, over the top, ripe, full, 14.5% ABV. You’ll have fun with this powerhouse. +146894, $16.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE WHITE AND ROSE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 VQA Four Mile Creek: nice developing flavours, almost in balance, give it six more months. Terrific smoke here. +336115, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Fielding Gewurztraminer 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula: very close to Alsatian in style, nice long length, summer sipper. 12.5% ABV. +146753, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes 2012 Mendoza: some slight spritz, lovely floral tones, summer engagement. Patio or deck. +1834, $13.95, QPR: 89. 4. Louis Hauller Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace: nicely laid out MVC tones of lychee, honeyed spices, some citrus on the finish. Sip or first course. 12.5% ABV. +141754, $19.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau Moulin de Vignolle 2011 Bordeaux Blanc: balance of zest, lemons and honey. 13% ABV. Gold Medalist. +321364, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Donatien Bahuaud Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray 2012: off-dry chenin blanc, great as sipper or first course white. 11% ABV. Refreshing stone tones, including minerals and stone fruit. +140889, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2011: good balance of a variety of fruit, plus some depth and body not usually seen in soaves at this price level. 13% ABV. +134551, $13.95, QPR: 89. 8. Gassier Sables D’Azur Rose 2012 Cotes de Provence: pale colour, affordable garrigue, sip or first course, but drink soonish. +33621, $13.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Urraca Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: a good tasting cabby, 14.8% ABV, about a year in new oak. Typical black fruit tones, has aged well. +271080, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. J. Bouchon Las Mercedes Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Maule: with 13.5% ABV, the wine has some substance beyond the usual MVC Chilean cabby. Chocolate, coffee, dusty, pepper. Priced to sell! +208348, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2010 Hawkes Bay: at 14% ABV, this charming merlot is ready to go. Twist top. Spicy plums, good concentration for the patio/deck. +586081, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009 Veneto: LCBO Ripasso of the Month. +165662, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Cru du Paradis Tradition Madiran 2009: excellent plums, 13% ABV, for the BBQ food. +324871, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Estate Papaioannou Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko 2007 Nemea: another wine bargain from Greece, red fruit with oak dustiness and vanilla. Nicely aged. +47977, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. Leone de Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2009: a top rated Puglian wine from Negroamaro and Malvasia near grapes, 13% ABV, at a bargain price. Try it with “older” food such as aged cheeses or the stinkies or the blues. +597534, $18.95, QPR: 89. 8. Villa Mora Montfalco Rosso 2006 Umbria: deep, dark, well-aged mainly sangiovese and sagrantino (almost a field blend). 14.5% ABV. +331785, $15.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G.C. Sancerre 2011, +189126, $24.95 retail. 2. Laurent Miquel Bardou Saint Chinian 2007, +328583, $24.95. 3. Paitin Sori Paitin Barbaresco 2008, +106591, $32.95. 4. Marchesi de Frescobaldi Vigneto Montesodi Riserva Chianti Rufina 2009, +304501, $49.95. 5. Casado Morales Seleccion Privada 2005 Rioja, +323857, $28.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 25, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbes Pinot Gris 2010 Alsace: excellent typicity, PG as it used to be in Alsace, with tropical fruit, soft but long finish, nothing cloying. 13.5% ABV. +21253, $19.95, QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Santa Sofia Arleo Rosso 2003 IGT Rosso del Veronese, +320846, $25.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. G. Marquis The Silver Line Chardonnay 2011 Single Vineyard Niagara Stone Road VQA NOTL: lightly oaked six months, elegant orchard fruit, slightly off-dry, creamy. +258681, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Domaine Le Comte Quincy 2011 Loire: great elegance, smooth, not at all racy. Perfect as aperitif. +172528, $18.95, QPR: 89. 3. Henri Poiron Fief Giraud Muscadet Sevre & Maine Sue Lie 2011: light and crisp, great with seafood or first course, 12% ABV. +327726, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Miopasso Fiano 2011 IGT Sicilia: well-rounded, thickly concentrated, aromatic, 14.5% ABV. Orchard fruit and minerals in the finish. +326793, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Don Cristobal 1492 Oak Reserve Shiraz 2010 Mendoza: in new French oak for one year, more in shiraz style as labeled. +236133, $13.95, QPR: 89. 2. Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Clare Valley South Australia: a juicy big wine, lots of cherries and vanilla. +744235, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau Belair-Coubet 2010 Cotes de Bourg: a typical Bordeaux, and affordable. Ripeness and fruit on the front palate from merlot, spice from cabernet sauvignon. 13.5% ABV. Gold medalist. +321414, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Château La Grange de Bessan 2009 Medoc: another Gold Medalist, 13.5% ABV. Delicious modern NA style, upfront juiciness of red and black berries, mocha, vanilla, wood. +321331, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Pipoli Aglianico del Vulture 2010 Basilicata: slightly off-dry, made in modern style (older vultures were heavy-styled). 13.5% ABV. +320507, $14.95, QPR: 89. 6. Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2011: the LCBO Ripasso of the month, 14.5% ABV. +719294, $18.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Saint-Clair Pioneer Block 10 Chardonnay 2010 Marlborough NZ, +317651, $25.95 retail. 2. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Calcaire Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace, +320481, $29.95 3. Dr. Hermann Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese 2005, +324285, $21.95. 4.Siglas Santorini Assyrtiko 2011 Greece, +74781, $21.95. 5. Domaine Bousquet Grande Reserve Malbec 2010 Mendoza, +303701, $21.95. 6. Chateau Philippe-le-Hardi Hautes Cotes de Beaune 2010, +330852, $22.95. 7. Piccini Vila al Cortile Brunello di Montalcino 2006, +164855, $36.95. 8. Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +353201, $44.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 11, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 San Jose de Aguaron Monasterio de las Vinas Reserva 2006 DO Carinena: good value from an aged Spanish garnacha (70%) that is not Cali in style. 13% ABV. +166579, $14.95, QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Balbas Reserva 2001 DP Ribera del Duero, +85183, $20.95. Rated: 92+ TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. La Consulta San Polo Auka Torrontes 2012 Mendoza: the latest sunshine in a bottle to arrive from Argentina, a value sipper for its summer aromatics. At 13.5% ABV, not a light wine, but good for a demanding crowd. +322842, $13.95, QPR: 89. 2. Bodegas Vetus Flor de Vetus Verdejo 2012 DO Rueda: light and crisp, 12.5% ABV, more a first course or appetizer wine, not a solo sipper. +320259, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2008 Columbia Valley Washington State: nicely aged wine commonly found in many US restaurants. With strong MVC Merlot tones, some herbs and crisp-dryness for food. 13.5% ABV. +263418, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Robert Oatley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Margaret River: a good value MVC cabernet sauvignon done up in Euro style, twist top, 14.5% ABV. 3. Chateau Saint-Nicolas 2009 Cotes de Bordeaux Cadillac: North American fruity style but definitely Bordeaux in quality and taste. 14% ABV. +138602, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Tenimenti Baroque Primitivo 2011 IGP Salento: great name for a primitivo, but this is a food one, not the fleshy-flashy style for North American appeal. Detailed spicing and a super long dry finish. 13.5% ABV. 5. Manuel Martinez Vinos Sin Ley Puerta Bonita Garnacha 2009 DO Vinos de Madrid: not as off-dry as other garnacha that come through the LCBO system. This one is made from 120-year-old vines, 14.5% ABV, more to regular Euro tastes. +132266, $18.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2011 VQA Okanagan Valley, +350108, $23.95 retail. Rated: 89. 2. Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2010 Mosel, +678011, $29.95. Rated: 88. 3. Colchester Ridge Crew Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 VQA Lake Erie North Shore, +328385, $25. Rated: 89. 4. Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz/Viognier 2011 Victoria Australia, +18887, $24.95. Rated: 90. 5. Chateau Vieux Sarpe 2010 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +943662, $39.95. Rated: 89. 6. San Silvestro Riserva Barbaresco 2007, +317123, $29.95. Rated: 90 7. Canonica a Cerreto Sandiavolo 2006 IGT Toscana, +270256, $24.95. Rated: 91. 8. Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino 2006, +318352, $37.95. Rated: 89. 9. La Marquesa Valserrano Reserva 2007 Rioja, +314963, $25.95. Rated: 90. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 27, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 J. Geiler Medaille Pinot Gris Alsace: good body and balance, orchard fruit, long length, sip or food, 13.5% ABV, gold medalist. +315119, $18.95, QPR: 90. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2010 WO Swartland, +225458, $21.95 retail TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Angels Gate Sauvignon Blanc 2011 VQA Niagara: a basic savvy, not overly zested, may appeal to new wine drinkers. 13% ABV, slight hot finish, twist top. +277590, $13.95, QPR: 89. 2. Loan Wines Unwooded Special Reserve Semillon 2004 Barossa: rustic, nicely aged, a minor gem at this price; old Hunter style Semillon. Twist top, 12.5% ABV. Organic. +301127, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Awatere Marlborough: a kiwi savvy that pleases year in and year out, many lemons and zest, more body than most on the mid-palate, twist top, 13.5%, good price. +225557, $17, QPR: 89. 4. Durnberg Gruner Veltliner 2011 Alte Reben Austria: 25-year old vines, grapefruit and minerals, twist top, 12% ABV, good price. +320374, $15.95, QPR: 89. 5. Tommasi Adorato Parziale Appassimento Bianco 2011 Veneto: partially dried grapes make this wine worth a shot in only for its fruity intensity and concentration. Very good value. +320721, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Domaine des Aspes Viognier 2011 IGP Pays d’Oc: 31-year old vines, on the dry side of viognier but with good fruit and honey, a lift on the finish. 13% ABV, twist top. +712638, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. La Cappuccina Soave 2012 Veneto: good body, nicely shaped with melons and plums, organic wine, 12% ABV. +81489, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Wildass Red 2011 VQA NOTL: smooth, chocolate tones, 14% ABV. +86363, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Familia Zuccardi Organica Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Mendoza: organic, full and fruity in the Cali style, 13.5% ABV. Twist top. +68452, $13.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chilcas Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Colchagua: good intensity, black fruit, aged a year in new French oak, 14.5% ABV. +309757, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chateau Haut-Plaisance 2010 Montagne Saint-Emilion: good flavours for that BBQ Cali appeal (juiced up merlot with a cab franc spine), 15% ABV. Gold Medalist. +326587, $17, QPR: 89. 5. Mocali Morellino di Scansano 2010: trendy regional wine, evolving cherries and mocha, affordable, 14% ABV. +317115, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Le Arche Atesio Appassimento Rosso 2010 IGT Veneto: delicious Italianate wine, full of stuffing concentration, 14% ABV. +320747, $16.95, QPR: 89. 7. Langa Tradicion Centenaria Garnacha 2008 DO Calatayud: there seems to be a centenaria garnacha every month now. Here is the latest: North American Cali appeal of sweetness, but firm, dry finish. Spicy mocha and cherries. +194795, $14.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Miguel Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Penedes, +129676, $54.95 retail 2. Jean-Marc Brocard Mont de Millieu Chablis 1er Cru 2010, +265348, $27.95. 3. Henri Bourgeois La Chapelle Des Augustins Sancerre 2010, +322628, $29.95 4. Quails’ Gate Merlot 2010 VQA Okanagan, +169961, $25.95 5. Burning Kiln Strip Room Merlot/Cabernet Franc 2011 VQA Ontario, +327700, $24.95 6. Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2011 VQA NOTL, +275958, $21.95 7. Morgenster Lourens River Valley 2005 WO Stellenbosch, +709303, $25.95. 8. Clos du Roy 2010 Fronsac, +321307, $22.95 9. Domaine de Saint Siffrein Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010, +169771, $41.95. 10. Masi Grandarella 2009 IGT Rosso delle Venezie Appassimento, +606921, $25.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 13, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 La Velona Brunello de Montalcino 2007, +181321, $38.95 retail. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Greenlane Estate Riesling 2011 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore Niagara: another new aromatic and outstanding Ontario riesling, showing citrus plus orchard fruit plus some flowers. +327247, $15.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau de Clotte 2010 Cotes de Bordeaux – Castillon: a straight- forward affordable Bordeaux with a whopping 14.5% ABV. Good evidence of climate change. +307215, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Chateau La Croix de Queynac 2009 Bordeaux Superieur: winner of a Gold Medal in Bordeaux. Black fruit and MVC for the region, may need some time to come around. +138636, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Le Circque Carignan/Mourvedre/Syrah 2011 Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes: overflowing the rich ripe fruit along the black lines, and herbes and short pepper notes. No oak. Twist top, 14.5% ABV. +277079, $15.95, QPR: 89. 4. Resta Salice Salentino 2009 Puglia: very Italiante nose, deep flavours, black fruit throughout, underbrush and forest floor, 13 % ABV. +324731, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Cusumano Nova 2008 IGT Sicilia: another well-developed blockbuster at 14.5%, again with black fruit driven by the one-third cabernet sauvignon in the blend. +109512, $18.95, QPR: 89. 6. Adriano Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas 2010 Douro: dense and chunky, with a blend of five grapes including Touriga nacional, t. franca, tinto roriz and tinto da barca. 13.5%. Spicy. +359893, $16.95, QPR: 89. 7. Quinta do Portal Frontaria 2009 Douro: another heavy-heavy, but with one-quarter aged in French oak. 13.5% ABV, made from tinto roriz, Touriga nacional and t. franca. +324533, $13.95, QPR: 89. 8. Le Ragose Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008: the LCBO’s “ripasso of the month”. +991984, $19.95, QPR: 88. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Huff Estates South Bay Chardonnay 2009 VQA Ontario, +88955, $29.95 retail. 2. Rosehall Run Cuvee County Chardonnay 2010 VQA Prince Edward County, +132928, $21.95. 3. Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough, +84897, $47.95. 4. Rustenberg Chardonnay 2011 WO Stellenbosch, +598631, $24.95. 5. Bachelder Bourgogne Chardonnay 2010, +272005, $29.95. 6. Chateau Favray Pouilly-Fume 2011, +323642, $21.95. 7. Merry Edwards Pinot Noir 2009 Sonoma Coast, +656850, $54.95 8. Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010, +320168, $35.95. 9. E. Guigal Gigondas 2009, +331900, $31.95. 10. Rocca delle Macie Ser Gioveto 2008 IGT Toscana, +974964, $39.95. 11. Marques de Caceres Tinto Reserva 2005 Rioja, +702761, $24.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 30, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2010 IGP Pays d’Oc: it’s back, but another vintage, just as good as ever – even better. Value priced, great syrah hit of pepper, smoked meat, black fruit, garrigue, black berries. Perfect accompaniment to horsemeat. I’ve said virtually the same things about the last three times this has turned up in Vintages: the 2007, 2008, 2009, and now the 2010. 13.5% ABV. +177584, $13.95, QPR: 93. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 VQA Beamsville Bench, +324103, $44.95 retail. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2010 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake: sharply defined Riesling character, one of the best in Ontario, intense flavours and body, modest finish. +277228, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2011 IGP Pays d’Oc: not as aromatic as expected but palate flavours suggest food (first course) rather than patio. +147975, $15.95, QPR: 89. 4. JeanJean Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet 2011 Coteaux du Languedoc: an OK price, with nice crisp green apples and tart lemons. First course food. Twist top. +525287, $12.95, QPR: 89. 5. I Campi Campo Vulcano Soave Classico 2010: delicious intensity for a soave, full flavours and body for that apple-lemon orchard=type fruit. 12.5% ABV, needs food. +269969, $18.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Lander-Jenkins Spirit Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 California: juicy, affordable, food or sip. Not clumsy. 13.5% ABV. +161398, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Château Agnel Cuvee Philippe Minervois 2009: North American appeal, 14.5% ABV, big, brawny, oak tones dominate the flowers. +309195, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Mon Tauch Les Garrigues Grande Reserve Marselen 2011 IGP Valle du Torgan: well, it does call a spade a spade, using the word “garrigues” in its name. But these herbs, at 13.5% ABV, do need another year in bottle. 4. Librandi Duca Sanfelice Ciro Riserva Rosso 2009 Calabria: I seem to think that it has been some time since we’ve seen a Ciro Reserva in Ontario. The last vintage I recommended was 1988! All from the gaglioppo grapes: more, sir! Delicious flavours, aging well. +695874, $15.95, QPR: 89. 5. Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2010: the LCBO’s “Ripasso of the month”. +695890, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Quinta do Penedo 2009 Dao: North American style, ready now, approachable fruit. 70% Touriga nacional and 30% alfrocheiro. +313676, $18.95, QPR: 89. 7. Hermanos Pecina Senorio de P. Pecina Crianza 2007 Rioja: very good oaky complexity, ripe fruit, 13% ABV. Toasty tasty. +313726, $19.95, QPR: 89. 8. Otazu Premium Cuvee 2007 Navarra: extremely ripe fruit and over-the- top flavours, dense abstractions and extractions, 14.5% ABV. Some butteriness. Gold Medalist. +313809, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.The Foreign Affair Riesling 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +127290, $24.95 retail. 2.Calera Chardonnay 2011 Central Coast, +713313, $24.95. 3.Vieil Armand Grand Cru Ollwiller Riesling 2009 Alsace, +315135, $20.95. 4.Domaine Fouassier Les Grands Groux Sancerre 2010, +267948, $24.95. 5. Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 2009 Napa, +50393, $59.95. 6. Versado Reserva Malbec 2009 Mendoza Luan de Cuyo, +316984, $59.95. 7. Caliboro Erasmo 2008 Maule Valley, +311837, $21.95. 8. Château Tauzinat L’Hermitage 2009 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +309955, $29.95. 9. Brigaldara Case Vecie Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, +247502, $58.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 16, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Malivoire Riesling 2011 VQA Niagara Escarpment: Riesling as it should be, including an affordable price. 10.5% ABV, +277483, $15.95, QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Stoney Ridge Excellence Chardonnay 2010 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, +254243, $24.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Vintage Ink Rite of Passage Chardonnay 2011 VQA Niagara: all the oaky components are in place, 13.5% ABV, twist top, voluptuous. +245712, $16.94, QPR: 89. 2. Babich Gimblett Gravels Gewurztraminer 2011 Hawkes Bay: delicious MVC Alsatian style, with the bitterish finish. Some softness makes it more a party wine than food wine. +309617, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Stellar Running Duck Fair-trade Organic Chardonnay 2012 WO Western Cape: good overall balance between wood and fruit and finishing acid, 13.5% ABV, twist top. +149856, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Anne Boecklin Lieu-Dit Altenbourg Old Vines Pinot Gris 2010 Alsace: off-sweet, gold medalist, 13% ABV. Yummy orchard fruit tones, balanced. +315085, $19.95, QPR: 89. 5. Domaine Ehrhart Rosenberg Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace: an over-the- top organic sweetie, better as a late dinner course such as cheese and pepper. 13.5% ABV. +315705, $18.95, QPR: 89. 6. Mas de Rey Oh de Muscat 2011 ISP Cotes Catalanes: dry, muscat complexity of flowers, grapes and peaches. Finishes well with food. 12.5% ABV. +314377, $13.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rockway Vineyards Small Lot Reserve Red Assemblage 2010 VQA Niagara: good blend of cabernet franc (38%), cabernet sauvignon and merlot (both 31%). Nicely done black fruit, close to Bordeaux. +321893, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Familia Mayol Malbec 2009 Mendoza: 15% ABV powerhouse, unfiltered, time in new French oak – a huge, huge wine emphasizing the mocha side of Malbec. +301234, $18.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau La Gorce 2008 Medoc: overwhelming bargain in its value, good Bordeaux consistency and MVC, gold medalist. +91397, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chateau Les Armes de Brandeau Cuvee de la Trilogie 2009 Castillon- Cotes de Bordeaux: another fruity, affordable MVC Bordeaux, gold medalist. +308445, $16.95, QPR: 89. 5. Pierre Henri Morel Signargues Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2010: ready, affordable, smoke and black fruit. 14% ABV. +277038, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Torre Quarto Bottaccia Uva di Troia 2009 IGT Puglia: dense, tight, licorice and red fruit (no, not “red licorice”), 13.5% ABV. +161737, $14.95, QPR: 89. 7. Valdemar Inspiracion Valdemar 2008 Rioja: meaty beaty big and bouncy, 13.5% ABV. Smoke and spices, what more could you want? +166512, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Tendil & Lombardi Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne, +314096, $42.95 retail. 2. Tenuta di Ghizzano Veneroso 2009 IGT Toscana, +103218, $29.95. 3. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 2009 Napa, +54585, $37.95. 4. F. Tinel-Blondelet L’Arret Buffatte Pouilly-Fume 2010, +169730, $22.95. 5. Arlewood Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Margaret River, +313239, $34.95. 6. Chateau Pierre de Montignac 2009 Medoc, +307041, $21.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 2, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Finca Nueva Reserva 2005 Rioja: great expression of aged Rioja, two years in French oak, black fruit showing, longer finish. +268425, $18.95, QPR: 90. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +976670, $29.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Vina Robles White 4 2010 Paso Robles: aromatic blend of viognier, vermentino, verdelho, and savvy (gotta keep that “v” going), emphasizing stone fruit and citric tones. +313460, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Finca Agostino Inicio Torrontes 2011 Mendoza: another wine with floral goodness, some marmalade in the finish. 13% ABV. +303669, $14.95, QPT: 89. 3. Te Awa Chardonnay 2010 Hawkes Bay: very rich, buttery, but elegantly expressed. Let’s keep my note shorter than the LCBO’s. 13.5% ABV. +301135, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4. Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2011 WO Western Cape: pumped up grassiness, overlayered with herbs. 13.5% ABV. +96255, $15.95, QPR: 89. 5. Fina Taif Zibibbo 2011 IGP Sicilia: affordable, muscat-like but dry grapiness. +310102, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Jean Geiler Medaille Muscat d’Alsace 2011: rich, ripe, off-dry mouthfeel but bone-dry finish. Great muscat. Gold Medalist. +315093, $16.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sebastiani Merlot 2007 Sonoma County: classic wine often found in US restaurants, cork finish, aged nicely – now over 5 years. 13.5% ABV. +219162, $17, QPR: 89. 2. Nieto Senetiner Gran Reserva Malbec/Petit Verdot 2010 Mendoza: 60% Malbec, 14.5% ABV, black fruit and terrific food finish. +295170, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Undurraga Sibaris Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Maipo: well-made balanced blend of black fruit and oak, tempered with mocha tones. Gold Medalist. 14% ABV. +301200, $15.95, QPR: 89. 4. Vina Chocalan Reserva Syrah 2010 Maipo: great syrah complexity, 14.5% ABV. Gold Medalist. +38513, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau Moulin de la Roquille Cuvee Speciale L’Esperance 2010 Cotes de Bordeaux: quickly maturing but all the right Bordeaux elements are there now. 14% ABV. A better wine in six months. Gold Medalist. +307249, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Cantina Tollo Aldiano Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2008: lots of fruit in that North American style of appeal. 14% ABV. +51706, $17.95, QPR: 89. 7. Vina Olabarri Bikani Crianza 2008 Rioja: delicious, above entry level Rioja, with all the elements in place. Gold Medalist. 13.5% ABV. +315689, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. Tarima Monastrell 2010 Alicante: explosive long flavours follow an aromatic nose, lots of red fruit and spices. +310151, $12.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Fielding Viognier 2011 VQA Niagara, +142323, $25.95 retail. 2. Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Chardonnay 2011 VQA NOTL, +172338, $21.95. 3. Chalone Estate Chardonnay 2010 Monterey County Central Coast, +80226, $29.95. 4. Pascal Renaud Cuvee Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2011, +303651, $26.95. 5. Yangarra Shiraz 2008 McLaren Vale, +911974, $22.95. 6. Château Siaurac 2006 Lalande de Pomerol, +309831, $24.95. 7. Carema Riserva 2007 Piedmont, +317289, $27.95. 8. San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello di Montalcino 2006, +212431, $47.95. 9. Ca’ del Monte Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2003, +314401, $41.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 16, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Rutherford Ranch Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Napa: wow, with a 16% ABV, you’d expect a hot finish. Not here. But just don’t stand up too soon. Bold power, old vines. +279828, $19.95, QPR: 90. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Castello d’Albola Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +315150, $22.95 retail. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Fielding Estate Riesling 2011 VQA Niagara: off-dry on mid-palate, tons of aromas and fruits, 10% ABV, twist top. +251439, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Chateau Roquefort Blanc 2011 Bordeaux: a savvy Semillon blend, quite tasty with lemons and herbs, long finish. +313346, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Domaine de la Tourlaudiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2011: MVC, high acid but useful for food, fresh, fresh, fresh. +171694, $13.95, QPR: 89. 4. Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2011 Veneto: quite tasty and delicious tones, melons, stone fruit, fresh, fresh, fresh. +707158, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Boutari Grand Reserve 2007 Naoussa: from the distinguished xinomavro grape, terrifically aged well, dried fruit but long finish. 13.5% ABV. +140111, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Trapiche Fincas La Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: 14% ABV, definite North American fresh and fruity fleshy appeal, best as sipper. Gold Medalist. +143206, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Sol de Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 Colchagua: definitely Rhonish in attitude and style, with smoke, game and leather, plus Provence/Rhone garrigue (how did that get there?). 13% ABV. +274159, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Penmara Reserve Shiraz 2009 Orange New South Wales: juicy beyond belief, with some spices moving into a long dry finish. 13.5% ABV. +912782, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Château Le Grand Moulin 2009 Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux: very attractive MVC oaky Bordeaux at affordable price. Gold Medalist. 13% ABV. +307363, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Mas des Bressades Les Vignes de Mon Pere Cabernet/Syrah 2009 Vin de Pays du Gard: done up in oak, very tasty with Bordeaux-like overtones. A perennial winner. 14.5% ABV. +712174, $19.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 2010 Napa Valley, +147454, $89.95 retail. 2. Tangley Oaks Chardonnay 2010 Sonoma Coast, +311589, $21.95. 3. Cicchitti Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Mendoza, +301465, $21.95. 4. Château Teyssier 2009 Montagne Saint Emilion, +226035, $23.95 5. Gemma Colarej Barolo 2007, +232447, $34.95. 6. Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, +650754, $27.95 7. Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino 2006, +208462, $34.95. 8. Clos Floridene Blanc 2009 Graves, +189357, $31.85. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 2, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Chateau de Poce Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2011: MVC but a softer finish, more herbal than most. +313569, $13.95, QPR : 92 ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Quintarelli Primofiore 2008 IGT Veneto, +20867, $56.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010 VQA Niagara: succulent, off- dry character, 10% ABV, enjoyable, twist top. +89029, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Familia Zuccardi Organica Torrontes 2011 Mendoza: 13% ABV for this organic wine that exhibits some spritz, twist top, good long citric finish, needs food. +232694, $13.95, QPR: 89. 3. Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough: MVC grass and herbs, or, as one wine writer notes for just about all the MVC savvies reviewed, “rev your lawnmowers; this is pure grassy goodness” NM +957407, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Man Vintners Chardonnay 2011 WO Coastal Region South Africa: useful, balanced but with some marmalade and butterscotch moments, fruit and oak, 13.5% ABV. +295329, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau de Carolle Blanc 2010 Graves: uses all three grapes (sauvignon, semillon, muscadelle) for a balanced blend without the savvy hit. 12.5% ABV. +307256, $16.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Colchagua Valley: soft, fruit, engaging, a mouthful of flavour, organic, 14% ABV. +66746, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2. Remhoogte Estate Wine 2006 WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: plush and lush, micro-oxygenated fruit, merlot 40%, cab sauv at 23, shiraz at 22, pinotage at 15. 15% ABV. Gold Medalist. +694539, $18.95, QPR: 89. 3. Domaine Roumagnac Rencontres 2010 Fronton: nicely aged, 12.5% ABV, spices and fed fruit. Gold Medalist. +311472, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Poderi Angelini Primitivo di Manduria 2008 Puglia: older style, some raisins showing, 15% ABV. +268136, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Sampietrana 1952 Riserva Brindisi 2008 Puglia: combo of Negroamaro and montepulciano grapes. 13.5% ABV. Gold Medalist. +310086, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Beronia Reserva 2008 Rioja: fleshy, woody, palate filling, 18 months in French and US oak. 14% ABV. +50203, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. R. Pouillon & Fils 1er Cru Brut Rose Champagne, +314518, $44.95 retail. 2. Peller Estates Ice Cuvee Rose VQA Niagara MC, +113035, $34.95 3. La Crema Chardonnay 2010 Russian River Valley, +67231, $37.95 4. Arlewood Marsanne/Roussanne 2010 Margaret River, +313247, $22.95 5. Rodney Strong Merlot 2008 Sonoma County, +497933, $21.95. 6. Treana Red 2009 Paso Robles, +11221, $39.95. 7. Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2007, +971705, $40.95. 6. Best’s Great Western Bin No. 1 Shiraz 2010, +222323, $24.95. 7. Cirrus Syrah 2007 WO Stellenbosch, +54338, $33.95. 8. Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, +930966, $21.95. 9. Villa Girardi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2008, +159913, $41.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 19, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Jordin The Prospector Syrah 2008 WO Stellenbosch: [Jordan in South Africa, but they cannot use that name in North America because of a trademark] delicious syrah, well-aged and North Rhone-dominant. Twist top. 14.5% ABV. +296673, $19.95, QPR: 92. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara: good riesling intensity, and enough finishing acid so that it does not taste M. 11% ABV. +557165, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Siete Fincas Chardonnay 2011 Mendoza: woody but balanced with tropical tones and creamy vanilla. +222752, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Zonte’s Footstep Excalibur Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Adelaide Hills South Australia: done up in a Kiwi Savvy style, 13% ABV, twist top. +311456, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Anne Boecklin Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: thick, unctuous, long finish, reduced bitterness. Gold Medalist. 12.5% ABV. +141226, $18.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel 2011 Lodi: full, plumy plush, chocolate toast on the finish. Black fruit. Full bore at 14.5% ABV. +951889, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Lamadrid Single Vineyard Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Argentina: excellent winemaking to nail down the cabby MVC, 14.8% ABV. +223206, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau de Puisseguin Curat 2010 Puisseguin St-Emilion: Gold Medalist in Paris, 14.5% ABV from the ripe merlot. Fruit, wood tones, spices, some vague smokiness. +307140, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Masserie Pisari Primitivo 2010 IGT Salento Ross Puglia: the LCBO Primitivo of the month, 14% ABV, still a bit tannic. +270306, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2011 Camo de Borja Spain: a Chat Pape knockoff all the way, from old vines, made at 14.5%. Plums, blackberries, strawberries, leather, vanilla. +273748, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Corral Don Jacobo Reserva 2004 Rioja: terrific expression of an affordable reserve Rioja, drying out nicely but lively, long food finish. 13.5% ABV. +313270, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Luzon Seleccion 12 Meses Crianza 2008 Jumilla: done up in French oak (80%) and US oak (20%), all toasted. Smoke and density prevail. +310219, $15.95, QPR: 89. 8. Solar de Sael Crianza Mencia 2007 Bierzo: black fruit and substance, delicious intensity from the mencia grape. 14% ABV. +311902, $15.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2011 VQA Okanagan, +377770, $20.95 retail. 2. Gann Chardonnay 2007 Russian River, +311571, $29.95. 3. C.H. Berres Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2010 Mosel, +301952, $24.95. 4. Pascual Toso Alta Reserve Malbec 2009 Barrancas Vyd Mendoza, +261958, $32.95. 5. Chain of Ponds The Ledge Shiraz 2008 Adelaide Hills South Australia, +59899, $29.95. 6. Mount Langi Ghiran Kneebones Shiraz 2007, +295527, $21.95. 7. Fattoria de Piazzano Rio Camerata Chianti Riserva 2006, +301929, $24.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 5, 2013 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Jackson-Triggs Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2011 VQA Niagara: good expressive use of wood to reflect cream and off-dry vanilla tones, definitely Californian in style. +593996, $17.95, QPR: 92. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Rousanne 2010 Colchagua Valley: off-dry honeyed fruit, some creaminess from barrel aging and sur lie. 14% ABV. Twist top. +309740, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Miguel Torres Santa Digna Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Curico: a Fair Traded wine, MVC savvy in the New Zealand style, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +177444, $13.95, QPR: 89. 3. Bellingham Chardonnay with Splash Viognier 2010 WO Wellington South Africa: some barrel fermentation with lees contact, off-dry feel contributed by viognier (5 – 10% added?), 14% ABV. +295345, $13.95, QPR: 89. 4. Torres Vina Esmeralda 2011 Catalunya Spain: one of my fave aromatic wines for over 30 years, made with muscat and gewurztraminer. But it is a summer-y wine… 11.5% ABV. +113696, $13.95, QPR: 91. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Don Sebastiani and Sons Sivas-Sonoma Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Sonoma County: a good enough sausage wine, 14.9% ABV, good intensity. +291096, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Tabali Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Maipo Valley: juicy ripe fruit and long length, ready now with decanting. +58446, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Small Gully Mr. Black’s Little Book Shiraz 2008 Barossa: delivers off-dry complexity in a well-oaked mode, Christmas pudding tones. 15.2% ABV. +287979, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Terres d’Avignon Reserve des Armoires 2010 Cotes du Rhone: smoked meat complexity, slab fat, leather galore, 14% ABV. Grenache fruit and paperiness. +194886, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2007 Puglia: bright, juicy, North American style and appeal, 13.5% ABV. +724674, $13.95, QPR: 89. 6. Terra d’Alter Arg Aragones 2009 VR Alentejano Portugal: good aged compomnent of leather and tar, 14.5% ABV, red fruit tones. +292045, $14.95, QPR: 89 7. El Molet Tinto 2009 Valencia: 14.5% ABV, black fruits dominate, mocha tones. +305904, $14.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Domaine de Fussiacus Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2010, +276444, $23.95 retail. 2. Roger & Didier Raimbault Sancerre 2011, +82255, $22.95. 3. Colchester Ridge CREW Cabernet Franc 2008 VQA Lake Erie North Shore, +315945, $21.95. 4. MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2009 Central Coast, +303990, $21.95. 5. Chateau de Monturon 2010 St.Emilion Grand Cru, +171017, $23.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 8, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Charles Wantz Excellence Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: very good fruit set, concentrated MVC tones, longish bitterish finish. 13% ABV. +298539, $17.95, QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Vincent Girardin Les Vieilles Vignes Puligny-Montrachet 2009, +300293, $52.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cave Spring Chenin Blanc 2009 VQA Beamsville: excellent representation of chenin blanc, 12% ABV, tastes dry, good bottle aging. +627315, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Lailey Unoaked Chardonnay 2011 VQA Ontario: classic unoaked MVC, more like a Chablis, does not taste like an Ontario wine. +299776, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough: fresh herbs (cut just yesterday), twist top, 13% MVC. Lovely food finish. +981670, $16.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Mendoza: 31 year old vines, 60% shiraz, 40% cab, 15% ABV. Good value for all of its MVC. +17111, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir 2011 Limari: with 14 months in French oak barrels, this is a powerhouse wine with black and red fruit tones. 14% ABV. +301424, $19.5, QPR: 89. 3. Ninquen Antu Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah 2010 Colchagua Valley: dense and dark, quite a mouthful and mouthfeel of spices. Solid packaging too, 14.5% ABV. +675371, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Terra Noble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Colchagua: well- aged, long length, lotsa mocha, 14% ABV. +46268, $16.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau L’Argenteyre 2010 Medoc: unassuming but developing well with a Bordeaux MVC. Good price for the flavours. +306530, $18.95, QPR: 89. 6. Foncalieu Reserve du Crouzau St. Gervais Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2010: tight, needs a year, but 15% ABV will hold it well. Great price for a Gold Medalist. +142943, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Chateau Eugenie Cuvee Reserve de L’Aieul Cahors 2008: not your granpappy’s cahors, but nicely done and aged in modern style with Malbec grapes. 13.5% ABV. +295949, $19.95, QPR: 89. 8. Leone de Castris Maiana Salice Salentino 2009: god food wine, long length, certainly Italianate, old vines, 13% ABV. +717959, $13.95, PR: 89. 9. Quinta das Camelias Reserva 2009 Dao: soft, evolving, mocha tones, 14% ABV. +305334, $13.5, QPR: 89. 10. Castell del Remei Gotim Bru 2009 DO Costers del Segre Spain: good mix of tempranillo and garnacha, plus merlot and cabernet, forest floor aromas, 14% ABV. +982736, $17.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc 2009, +221887, $22.95 retail. 2. Herve Azo Vau Vey Chablis 1er Cru 2010, +240655, $26.95. 3. Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +244715, 26.95. 4. Antinori Castello della Sala Cervaro Della Sala 2010 IGT Umbria, +512376, $55.95. 5. Rosehall Run Rosehall Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 VQA Prince Edward County, +149062, $37.95. 6. Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, +84996, $24.95. 7. Louis Jadot Domaine Gagey Clos du Roi Marsannay 2009, +124826, 34.95. 8. Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du Pape 2009, +983650, $34.95. 9. E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2009, +704908, $24.95. 10. Pietranera Brunello di Montalcino 2006, +189761. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Lomond Syrah 2008 WO Cape Agulhas South Africa: delicious North Rhone affordable flavours, great syrah hit (blackberries, leather, violets), 14% ABV. +146464, $18.95, QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2006 Barossa, +39073, $48.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. First Press Chardonnay 2010 Napa: a wooded chardonnay, like an elegant Burgundian, not tiresome after a glass or two. 14% ABV, cork finish. +199810, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Nugan King Valley Frasca’s Lane Chardonnay 2009 King Valley Victoria: a mid-weight chardonnay with spice box complexity. 13.5% ABV, basic MVC. +288191, $18.95, QPR: 89. 3. Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough: a Kiwi savvy, good regional zest, 13.5% ABV, twist top, MVC all the way. +734798, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4. Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace: off-dry, delicious spicy complexity, concentrated grapefruit and lychee MVC, 13.5% ABV. +747600, $17.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Howling Moon Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Lodi: soft and fruity, but long length, aged well, MVC for zinfandel, 13.5% ABV. +57356, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Santa Carolina Specialties Dry Farming Carignan 209 Cauquenes Valley Chile: intense dark frit tones, modest price, 15% ABV, an 80 year old vineyard. +213520, $15.95 3. Chateau Haut-Bertinerie Elegance Merlot/Cabernet 2009 Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux: good modest wine to lay down for a few years, from the fabled 2009 vintage. +295857, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. N. Potel Maison Roche de Bellene Cuvee Reserve Bourgogne 2010: quality at this price level? Yes, we all tried bottle #7889 of 24,500 bottles. It was value at entry level, with great notes on the back label. Open it up to air but serve it on the next day (or double decant). +299859, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Domaine Langlois-Chateau Saumur-Champigny 2010: delicate cabernet franc tones, MVC, 13.5% ABV. +7179, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Mas Estela Quindals 2007 Emporda Spain: organic wine with a hit of fruit flavours, bursting in fact. 15% ABV, hot finish. +133033, $17.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Stratus White 2009 VQA NOTL, +660704, $44.20 retail. 2. Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Napa, +707224, 39.95 3. Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2009 Russian River Valley Sonoma, +210039, $34.95 4. Philippe Colin Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumes 1er Cru 2008, +299933, $69.95 5. Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +34553, $75 6. Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Napa, +118695, $38.95. 7. Santa Helena Vemus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Colchagua Valley, $24.95 8. Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2006, +287235, $28.95 9. Rust en Vrede Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 WO Stellenbosch, +921767, $24.95 10. Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006, +685180, $24.95. 11. Senorio de P. Pecina Reserva 2001 Rioja, +82156, $29.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Montgras Quatro 2011 Colchagua Valley: a big wine for sipping or food, terrific syrah component shines through, menthol, woody, fab price. 14% ABV, cork finish. +50641, $14.95, QPR: 92. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2010 Pyrenees Victoria, +290874, 51.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Henry of Pelham Family Tree White 2010 VQA Niagara: excellent aromatic blend of chardonnay, chard musque, Gewurz, viognier. No wonder I picked it as Gold when I judged in the OWA 2012. 13% ABV, cork finish. +251116, $17.95, QPR: 91. 2. Vieil Armand Medaille Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: Gold Medal quality, rich, tantalizingly spicy, evolving with some incipient marmalade tones, finishes off-dry. 13% ABV. +260158, $17.95, QPR: 91. 3. Cave de la Vigne Blanche Macon-Villages 2010: it is possible to get quality white burgundy, albeit with some sort of French lightness, at this low price. Bargain wine. +284034, 15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Awatere Valley Marlborough: classic MVC from nose to tail, 13.5% ABV. +225557, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Julian Schaal Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2011 WO Elgin: delicious chardonnay tones (vanillin, peaches, tropical fruit), longer finish, 13% ABV. +295402, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Schloss Schonborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett 2010 Rheingau: young but good petrol feel already, 9% ABV, intense but crisp finish. +70946, $18.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2010 VQA Niagara: another excellent red blend, with shiraz-style dominating both in volume and in flavours. 13.5% ABV, cork finish. +247882, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2010 Mendoza: intense black tones (fruit, mocha, colour) with power to spare. 13% ABV, twist top. +075515, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Del Quorum Nacido del Quorum Seleccion 2007 DO Jumilla: good blend of mainly monastrell plus three international grape varieties, 14% ABV. +29346, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chateau Roques Mauriac 2010 Bordeaux Superieur: consistent MVC quality, ready soon, bargain price. +295782, 15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2008: a great party wine in that North American appeal style, with fruit and chocolate. Sip and play, no spaghetti and meatballs here (who wrote that at the LCBO???). +204016, $15.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2009 DO Ribera del Duero, +341461, $26.95 retail. 2. La Chablisienne Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cru 2010, +656835, $29.95. 3. Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2009 VQA Okanagan, +208694, $35.95. 4. Jonata Todos Red 200 Santa Ynez Valley Santa Barbara, +218941, $59.95. 5. Baron de Ley Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +642496, $29.95. 6. Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block 2010 WO Western Cape, +129353, 39.95. 7. Tertulia Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Washington State, +292276, $33.95. 8. Vasse Felix Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Margaret River, +947879, $24.95. 9. Hartenberg Shiraz 2007 WO Stellenbosch, +906289, $34.95. 10. Domaine de Riaux Pouilly-Fume 2011, +200063, $21.95. 11. Markus Molitor Edition No. 3 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese 2003 Mosel, +298000, $29.95. 12. Quinta dos Quatros Ventos Colheita 2008 Douro, +902742, $24.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 27, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Preiss-Zimmer Vieilles Vignes Riesling 2008 Alsace: excellent riesling complexity, nicely dry with concentrated MVC flavours, long finish. +292193, $18.85, QPR: 92. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 WO Stellenbosch, +283390, $28.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mike Weir Sauvignon Blanc 2010 VQA Niagara: zesty, tasty, finishes citric, best with food. 12.5% ABV. +686972, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2. Jean-Marc Brocard Kimmeridgian Chardonnay 2008 Bourgogne: at 12.5% ABV and some aging, this is good value, good concentration. +290049, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Mas des Bressades Cuvee Tradition 2011 Costieres de Nimes: a lovely blend of Rhone varietals, slight tang of interest on the finish, 13.5% ABV. +701094, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Angels Gate Mountainview Merlot 2010 VQA Beamsville Bench: complex stuffing, 13.5%. Mocha, plums, the whole lot. +299172, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Peninsula Ridge A.J. Lepp Vineyards Reserve Merlot 2010 VQA Niagara Lakeshore: another merlot, 13.4% BV, showing depth and some aging. Smoke and red fruit. +299222, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Brazin (B)Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Lodi: a dynamite wine with wood smoke, 15% ABV, lots of flavour, the whole nine yards. +256750, $19.95, QPR: 91. 4. Bonterra Zinfandel 2010 Mendocino: a little tamer zinfandel, 14.5% ABV, but organic and three dollars less than No. 3. +530139, $17, QPR: 89. 5. Canepa Finisimo Gran Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Colchagua: delicious delivery, off-dry texture, 14.5% ABV. +211920, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Oveja Negra Single Vineyard Carmenere 2011 Maule: intense herbaceous overtones, 13.5% ABV, best with food. +302646, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Maipo: chunky and dense. Needs a bit more time, best with food, 14.5% ABV. Lingers. +684597, $17.95, QPR: 89. 8. Chateau Lalande Mausse 2009 Fronsac: early maturing, gold medalist, dense and concentrated, best with food. +303859, $16.95, QPR: 89. 9. Delas Freres Saint-Esprit Cotes du Rhone 2010: consistent throughout the years, now at 14% ABV, dense, chunky, needs some time but sweet syrah leather/violets is there. +729962, $15.95, QPR: 89. 10. Solantico Riserva Salice Salentino 2009: pruney, dried fruit but substantial. 13% ABV. +289694, $14.5, QPR: 89. 11. Lornano Chianti Classico 2007: all sangiovese and all MVC chianti flavours at a great price. +211599, $15.95, QPR: 89. 12. Bodegas Pablo Menguante Vidadillo 2007 Carinena: indigenous grape varieties always strike a sympathetic note. Good aging, good fruit and density, 14% ABV. French oak treatment. +293407, $17.95, QPR: 89. 13. Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2011 Rioja: ripe and fruity, can use more cellaring, but 14.5% ABV and modest price. +674564, $14.95, QPR: 89. 14. Senda 66 Tempranllo 2008 Spain: widely-sourced grapes, bright North American fruit appeal, new French oak lingers on, 14% ABV, sip or food, nice price for spice! +296475, $13.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Vine Cliff Los Carneros Chardonnay 2009 Napa Valley, +289132, $44.95 retail. 2. Seresin Chardonnay 2009 Marlborough, +19190, $24.95. 3. Tierhoek Chenin Blanc 2009 WO Piekenierskloof, +288175, $25.95. 4. PB Hein Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa Valley, $46.95. 5. Chehalem 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 Willamette Valley, +949909, $31.95. 6. Alpha Domus The Barnstormer Syrah 2010 Hawks Bay, +303396, $22.95. 7. Chateau Teyssier 2009 St-Emilion Grand Cru, +303784, $39.95. 8. Antinori Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, +512384, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 13, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Domaine Capmartin Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2009: a very nicely aged, compact wine, 13.5% ABV. Lots of well-defined oak and smoke, best with food. Lasting finish makes it. +290106, $15.95, QPR: 90. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Chateau de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc 2011 Cotes du Rhone, +48892, $33.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010 VQA Niagara: winner of an LG Award for 2012, this wine shows good fruit and freshness, best as a first course wine or as a sipper. Twist top. +89029, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Leyda Chile: intense fruit-driven savvy, with many zesty herby overtones of leaves. +663062, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Domaine Viticole de la Ville de Colmar Pinot Gris 2010 Alsace: intense fruit, ripe, off-dry, concentrated PG flavours from Alsace for MVC. Gold Medalist. 13.5% ABV. +295634, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: another intense, off-dry Alsatian wine, another gold medalist, 13% ABV. Great Gewurztraminer quality and taste. +928390, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2011 Coteaux de Languedoc Sud de France: good exciting lively citrus finish, best with food. Orchard fruit tones. +350124, $12.95, QPR: 89. 6. Terredora Falanghina 2010 IGT Campania: a pretty wine from an indigenous grape variety, useful for sipping or food, 13.5%. Lots of body here. +642074, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 North Coast: a juicy California cabernet, restaurant wine, MVC all the way, 13.5% ABV. What’s not to like? +181685, $19.95, PR: 89. 2. Korta Barrel Selection Reserve Petit Verdot 2010 Lontue Valley Chile: a party wine or a dinner wine, 14% ABV, with some jamminess and both red and black berries. Nicely balanced. +296608, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau Bonnin Pichon 2008 Lussac St-Emilion: nicely aged Bordeaux, 13.5%, Gold Medalist – and affordable. +280008, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Mondo Castelforte Vinea Corvina 2009 IGT Veronese: berry-cherry, feel-good food wine, nicely aged, 13.5% ABV. Value. +230649, $12.95, QPR: 89. 5. Palacio de Sada Crianza 2008 Navarra: explosive garnacha tones of plummy fruit, aged well already. +246736, $13.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Hidden Bench Felseck Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench, +276261, $38 retail. 2. Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 Mornington Peninsula Victoria, +138628, $39.95. 3. Prinz von Hessen Johannisberger Klaus Riesling Spatlese 2001, +295659, $21.95. 4. Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Sonoma County, +943472, $85.95. 5. Fraser Gallop Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Margaret River, +283077, $29.95. 6. Bouchard Pere & Fils Cote de Beaune-Villages 2010, +714998, $24.95. 7. E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006, +727503, $51.95. 8. Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +288530, $24.95. 9. Masi Grandarella 2008 IGT Rosso delle Venezie Appaxximento, +606921, $24.95. 10. Lan Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +928622, $27.95. 11. A. Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2008 Ribera del Duero, +323345, $39.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 29, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Casa Castillo Monastrell 2010 DO Jumilla: dynamite power and length, 14% ABV. All kinds of chewable fruit and smoke, plus spices, for a ridiculously low price. +165621, $13.95, QPR: 92. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Dinastia Vivanco Reserva 2005 Rioja, +293431, 24.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay 2010 Santa Barbara County: concentrated MVC quality tones, with some baked fruits and coconut. Long length. 13.8% ABV. +989152, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Aconcagua Valley: very herby, long finish, with some citric acid. +510339, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough: =quality but tame, with some tropicality minus the bizarre herb tones. 13% ABV. Sip or food. +9142, $17.95, PR: 89. 4. Rudolf Rabl Loss Gruner Veltliner 2011 Kamptal: a great price for a typical groovy wine, twist top, 12.5% ABV. +295709, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Champy Signature Chardonnay Bourgogne 2009: well-made and balanced, some wood tones, MVC Burgundy all the way, more upscale than price indicates, 13% ABV. With food. +43455, $18.95, QPR: 91. 6. Domaine de Fussiacus Macon-Fuisse 2009: decent French chardonnay MVC, with some burgundian overtones, 13.5% ABV. +279000, $16.95, QPR: 89. 7. Perdriaux Domaine de Vaugondy Dry Vouvray 2010: made with older vines, very good consistency, and a dynamic chenin finish. +189142, $14.95, QPR: 89. 8. Markus Molitor Riesling 2011 Mosel: delightfully slightly off-dry, peach complexity, MVC but with higher alcohol. 11% ABV. +295956, $18.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Pelee Island Vinedressers [Red} 2010 VQA Ontario: fresh fruit and berries (both black and red), but needs time to shed some acid. Lay down, since it is affordable. 13% ABV. Good presentation. +299198, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2010 California: there are no regulations for using “old vines”, so some zinfandel producers are using “ancient vines” to indicate 80 to 100 years or more. This is value priced for 15% ABV and black cherries with mocha, and a long balanced length. +719211, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. First Press Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2009 and 2010: I had the opportunity through the LCBO Press Tasting Lab to try both vintages – I thought the 2010 was better, if a bit more tannic, moving it into the “food” arena. It might be interesting, if you were to have a party/dinner, to sip the 2009 but pour the 2010 with food. 14.5% ABV for each. +188110 each, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Hogue Genesis Merlot 2008 Columbia Valley Washington State: great value for US oak tones, menthol, black fruit and mocha. +349415, $20.95, QPR: 89. 5. Luis Segundo Valle Las Acequias Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: how do they do this wine so inexpensively? Well-rounded and aged, ready, oak, deep length, 3.5% ABV. +287516, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2009 Victoria: tasty aging, ripe fruit and some leather-sandalwood, 14% ABV. +935890, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. La Giraudiere Clos des Meuniers Saumur-Champigny 2010: top stuff for cabernet franc, with its Euro complexity. Ignore the Bronze medal decal (why did they bother?) – It’s better than that. +290122, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. Colli Ripani Castellano Rosso Piceno Superiore 2007: great blend of montepulciano and sangiovese, long finish, definitely needs food, 14% ABV. +174086, $16.95, QPR: 89. 9. Produttori Vini Manduria Riserva Salice Salentino 2008 IGT Puglia: delicious, with underbrush, mushrooms, berry fruit, leather, 13.5% ABV. 10. Rocca Delle Macie Chinati Riserva 2008: good value MVC Chianti wine, 13.5% ABV. +111641, $15.95, QPR: 89. 11. Triacca Spadino 2010 IGT Maremma: herby, food-driven wine, 13.5% ABV. A sentimental fave. +288001, $15.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough, +677450, $21.95 retail. 2. Kim Crawford SP Moteo Vineyard Viognier 2008 Hawkes Bay, +191759, $24.95. 3. Hoffmann-Simon Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese 2011 Mosel, +216499, $21.95. 4. Peninsula Ridge Reserve Meritage 2010 VQA Niagara, +299180, $22.95. 5. Polkura Syrah 2009 Marchigue Colchagua, +283978, $23.95. 6. Chateau St. Georges 2009 St. Georges St.Emilion, +960310, $34.95. 7. Domaine Chanson Beaune-Bastion 1er Cru 2009, +279067, $39.95. 8. Domaine Les Grands Bois Cuvee Maximilien Cairanne 2010 Cotes du Rhone Villages, +286336, $21.95. 9. Gianni Gagliardo Barolo 2006, +713602, $44.95. 10. Masi Brolo Campofiorin Appaxximento 2008 IGT Rosso del Veronese, +976092, $24.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 White – Domaine Jacky Marteau Sauvignon Touraine 2011, a bargain savvy with herbs galore. +745349, $12.95, QPR: 91. Red – Chateau d’Angles Grand Vin 2007 Languedoc La Clape: very good mid-palate notes, long length, well-aged, 14.5% ABV. South of France herbs and spices all the way. +286492, $19.95, QPR: 91. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Estate Vineyards Napa, +291914, $37.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. 2017 Falls Vineyard Riesling 2011 VQA Vinemount Ridge: typical Riesling MVC at a sterling pricepoint. Expect grapefruit, minerals, some peaches. +294041, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Coffin Ridge Bone Dry Riesling 2011 VQA Ontario: from Bruce-Grey, very good quality, an extra dry riesling with a bit of a bite. Needs food. 11.9% ABV. +232744, $17, QPR: 89. 3. Lailey Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 VQA Niagara: honestly made well- balanced, plush Chardonnay with kisses of oak and a lemony custard finish. +193482, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Lakeview Cellars Reserve Riesling 2011 Roller Vineyards VQA Lincoln Lakeshore: refreshing, extremely useful Riesling, 12.5% ABV, with all the MVC. +294074, $16.95, QPR: 89. 5. Sebastiani Chardonnay 2010 Sonoma County: a very good in-your-face California chardonnay, toasty finish, 13.5% ABV. +30791, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Domaine Seguinot-Bordet Chablis 2010: good definitive Chablis character at this price point, 12.5% ABV, with minerality, fruity flint, and unoaked. +289371, $19.95, QR: 89. 7. Martin Codax Burgans Albarino 2010 Rias Baixas: Burgans must be Spanish for “bargains”, as this is easily one of the better affordable Albarinos around, with its peachy aromatic fruit forwardness. 12.5% ABV. Twist top. +945063, $17.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2010 VQA Niagara: tannic finish, tight, but herby nonetheless, 13% ABV. Could be juicier after cellaring. +6468, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Wildass Red 2009 VQA Niagara: juicy sipper or with food from Stratus, good mix of fruit and wood, a winemaker’s treasure and delight. Twist top, 13% ABV. +86363, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chakana Maipe Reserve Malbec 2010 Mendoza: delicious balanced fruit, 14% ABV, matured in French oak. +247320, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Koyle Reserva Syrah 2009 Colchagua Valley Chile: very North Rhonish with plump upfront syrah tones. 14% ABV. +273961, $15.95, QPR: 89. 5. The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier 2010 McLaren Vale: surefire winner of Parker points at 90 or over since 2003, great track record, twist top, 14.5% ABV. What’s not to like? +66738, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Chateau de Millegrand Minervois 2010: Gold Medalist, very good balance, North American appeal of sweet oak. +288944, $16.95, QPR: 89. 7. Ferraton Pere & Fils Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2009: very good consistency, 214.5% ABV, BBQ wine, simple North Rhone style. +74229, $15.95, QPR: 89. 8. Azul Portugal Vinho Tinto 2007 Bairrada: modestly priced dense wine, well-aged, delicious fruit, 13% ABV. +292060, $12.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2010 VQA Niagara, +302083, $29.95 retail. 2. Closson Chase Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 VQA PEC, +148866, $29.95. 3.Rolly Gassmann Stegreben de Rorschwihr Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace, +289439, $27.95. 4. Domaine Michel Caillot Meursault 2009, +281139, $42.95. 5. Roland Tessier & Fils Sancerre 2011, +10851, $20.95. 6. Henry of Pelham Reserve Pinot Noir 2007 VQA Niagara, +268391, $24.95. 7. Bodegas LAN Reserva 2007 Rioja, +42929, $21.95. 8. Thomas Fogarty Lexington Meritage 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains, +83352, $49.95. 9. Charles Cimicky The Autograph Shiraz 2008 Barossa, +27326, $34.95. 10. Gemma Barolo 2007, +285502, $29.95. 11. Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +353201, $43.95. 12. Michele Castellani Colle Cristi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2007, +222109, $44.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Monasterio de las Vinas Reserva 2006 Carinena Spain: like a southern Rhone, but a blend of Tempranillo, carignan and grenache (GTC?). Barrel aging emphasizes spices. Black fruit dominates. Bargain priced. +166579, $13.95, QPR: 90. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir 2009 Russian River Valley Meredith Vineyard, +656868, $64.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mike Weir Riesling 2010 VQA Niagara: off-dry taste and tones, very nicely made, well-rounded, 12% ABV, MVC. +229286, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2. Andre Blanck & Ses Fils Rosenbourg Pinot Blanc 2011 Alsace: affordable summery wine (only a few weeks left!), minerals and some lean and green tones. 12.5% ABV. +626606, $13.95, QPR: 89. 3. Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: lots of Gewurz MVC playing around, with flowers, spices, and that famous finish. Gold Medalist. +224626, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Antonin Rodet Chateau de Mercey Chardonnay Bourgogne 2009: basic and affordable white burgundy for under a double sawbuck, MVC, 13% ABV. +278978, $19.95, QPR: 89. 5. Donatien Bahuaud Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray 2011: a medium off-dry chenin blanc from the Loire, 12% ABV, with some forest floor complexity and orchard notes. +140889, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Pedro Escudero Fuente Elvira Verdejo 2010 Rueda: a quality summer sipper, 13.5% ABV, orchard fruit and citrus tones. Sip or with first course food. +218313, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 California: juicy Cal feel, BBQ, good depth to the finish, 13.5% ABV. +212126, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Vina Maipo Gran Devocion Carmenere/Syrah 2009 Maule Valley: absolutely delicious fresh fruity wine, with many berry tones. 14.5% ABV. +274100, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Carmenere 2010 Maipo: many herbs in this big wine, 14$ ABV. +57513, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. John Hancock Trinity Hill Syrah 2010 Hawkes Bay: excellent North Rhone style wine, with a whiff of brett, plus, chocolate, black fruit, 14% ABV. Gold medalist. 194274, $20.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau La Gorce 2008 Medoc: excellent MVC example of a quality Bordeaux at a decent price, 13.5% ABV. Gold Medalist. +280057, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Chateau Cesseras Rouge 2008 Minervois la Liviniere: cabernet franc with a long herby finish, 13% ABV. Lip-smacking. +690570, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. Jean-Luc Baldes Triguedina La Chapelle du Clos Malbec Cahors 2008: good depth to the long finish, lots of ed fruit and mocha tones. 13.5% ABV. +27653, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. Giordano Maestri Italiani Nebbiolo d’Alba 2009: great nebbiolo MVC, lay down for a year or two, 13.5% ABV. Like a lighter Barolo. +159483, $16.95, QPR: 89. 9. Sampietrana Vigna della Monache Riserva Salice Salentino 2006 Puglia: fruity, plummy, mocha, 13.5% ABV. Concentrated tones. +247908, $15.95, QPR: 89. 10. Legon Crianza 2008 Ribera del Duero: MVC delicious, with great North American appeal. Strongly wooded, 13.5% ABV. +276089, $15.95, QPR: 89. 11. Bod. Patrocinio Senorio de Unuela Reserva 2007 Rioja: a good price for a nicely aged Rioja at the reserve level. 14.5% ABV. +172536, $17.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Marimar Estate La Masia Don Miguel Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Russian River Valley, +270090, $25.95 retail. 2. Treana Marsanne/Viognier 2009 Central Coast, +11247, $29.95 3. Seguinot-Bordet Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2010, +289389, $29.95. 4. Jean Pabiot Domaine des Fines Caillottes Pouilly-Fume 2010, +695908, $21.5. 5. Lailey Pinot Noir 2010 Niagara VQA, +591404, $24.95 6. Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2008, +995910, $34.95. 7. Starry Night Old Vine Zinfandel 2007 Russian River Valley, +293332, $32.95. 8. Masi Bossi Fedrigotti Fojaneghe Rosso 2008 IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti Alto Adige, +279109, $29.95. 9. Rivera Il Falcone Riserva 2007 Castel del Monte Puglia, +177295, $22.95. 10. Castello di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2009, +994608, $22.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 18, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Zonte’s Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2009 Langhorne Creek: delicious soft texture, brimming with fruit and spices, BBQ or sipper, gold medalist, 14.5% ABV, twist top. +72975, $16.95, QPR: 90. P. Cambie Les Halos De Jupiter Cotes du Rhone 2010: despite only 15% content, syrah tones are overwhelmingly present (black fruit, smoke). 15% ABV helps the domination. Excellent, ready now, first class all the way. +276956, $17.95, QPR: 90. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Sbragia Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Sonoma, +291054, $54.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Lakeview Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Roller Vyd VQA Lincoln Lakeshore: a good Ontario savvy, fruity on the mid-palate with a longer finish than most. 12% ABV. +226027, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Pinot Gris 2010 Alsace: summery, gold medalist, 13% ABV, more dry than sweet, longer finish. +641597, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2009: well-rounded and developed, mature, some encrusted flavours. +112227, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Domaine du Haut Bourg Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu 2010 Sur Lie: 12% ABV, LCBO Muscadet of the month. +289363, $15.95, QPR: 89. 5. Guy Saget Sancerre Blanc 2010: decent savvy at this price level for a Sancerre. 12.5% ABV. +287078, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Tedeschi Capitel Tenda Soave Classico 2011: honeydews, tasty, fruity for summer, 12.5%. +730903, $13.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Horse Heaven Hills Washington State: an always impressive, elegant cabby, with exceptional cabernet sauvignon tones. 14.5% ABV. +210047, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Chakana Reserve Malbec 2010 Mendoza: gold medalist, MVC for Malbec, denser than most, 14% ABV. +18671, $15.5, QPR: 89. 3. Bellingham Shiraz With a Dash of Viognier 2009 WO Coastal Region: NA style and appeal, with a touch of Euro old world in the finish. 14% ABV, good price. +278739, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chateau Clement St-Jean 2009 Haut-Medoc: delicious, MVC Bordeaux with merlot dominating, 13.5% ABV. Ready now. +199208, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Roux Pere & Fils Cote de Nuits-Villages 2010: lightish pinot noir, but MVC for tones and fruit, 13% ABV, won’t be in stock long at this price. +279075, $18.95, QPR: 89. 6. Chateau Lorgeril Collection D’Altitude 2009 Cabardes: gold medalist, 14% ABV, delicious black fruit flavours, forest floor complexity, cedary. +286781, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Famille Perrin Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2010: deep, dark and delicious, syrah overrides the grenache, 14.5% ABV, classy bottle presentation too. +566844, $17.95, QPR: 89. 8. Caldora Colle Dei Venti Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009: dynamic flavours, fulsome North American appeal, 13% ABV. +289629, $15.95, QPR: 89. 9. Di Majo Norante Contado Riserva Aglianico del Molise 2009: BBQ wine, 13.5% ABV, dense and heavy, smoke, rustic. +967208, $15.95, QPR: 89. 10. Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva 2008: good value for an aged simple no region specified) chianti but done up at “Riserva” level. 13.5% ABV, dynamic MVC tones. +969469, $15.95, QPR: 89. 11. Ribota 2009 Tierra da Castilla: North American broad sweetness, oak, vanilla, soft and fruity, sip or food, 14.5% ABV. +280628, $15.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2010 VQA Okanagan, +377770, $21.95 retail 2. Mer Soleil Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009 Santa Lucia Monterey, +958975, $34.95. 3. Geyser Peak Block Collection Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +161323, $28.95 4. Summers Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Knights Valley Sonoma, +279398, $29.95. 5. Small Gully Mr. Black’s Concoction Shiraz 2008 Barossa, +222059, $24.95. 6. Gonnet Selection L’Olivia Gigondas 2010, +289306, $23.95 7. Terra da Vino La Casa in Collina Barbaresco 2008, +968974, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 4, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20 Ciderie St-Nicolas Pom’Or Tradition Crackling Cider Quebec: once again it is cider time in the blazing Ontario summer of 2012. Off-dry or off- sweet (medium?) apple tones, with spritz. Sipper for BBQ, 7% ABV, and affordable. +179473, $13.95, QPR: 91. RED: Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2009 IGP Pays d’Oc: rich, smoky, garrigue, blackberries, like a North Rhone but less expensive. 13.5% ABV. +177584, 13.95, QPR: 92. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20 Burgo Viejo Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +190611, $21.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 VQA Four Mile Creek: balanced components (buttery, apple-y, vanilla, cloves) at 13.9% ABV. Gold Medalist at Ontario Wine Awards. +58647, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Edna Valley Paragon Chardonnay 2009 San Luis Obispo County: aromatic tones with a longer, compelling finish, 14% ABV. +984153, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Waimea Estates Spinyback Pinot Gris 2010 Nelson NZ: tasty orchard fruit, slightly off-dry in finish, 14% ABV, sip or food. +214569, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Tormentoso Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2011 WO Paarl: like a sauvignon blanc without the kiwi component of excessive herbaceousness. Partial Barrel Fermentation, 13.5% ABV. 30 year old vines. +278366, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Steininger Gruner Veltliner 2010 Kamptal: exceptional summery orchard fruit, 12.5%, nice price. +280842, $14.95, QPR: 89. 6. Andre Blanck Altenbourg Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace: delicious off- sweet dessert style, 13.5% ABV, god body, characteristic aftertaste. +168906, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Schwarzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2006: summery delight, off-dry, food or sip, 8% ABV. +282343, $7.95, QPR: 89. 8. Abad Dom Bueno Godello 2010 DO Bierzo Spain: another nice, pleasant summery aromatic minerally wine, chill well, 12.5% ABV. +154302, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ksana Malbec 2009 Mendoza: MVC plumminess, 1% ABV, BBQ all the way. Old vines. +287441, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Bosman Family Adama Red 2009 WO Wellington SA: blend of syrah (81%), mourvedre, primitivo, cinsault, viognier (2%). Heavy-heavy dense BBQ wine with oak component. 14% AV. +279844, $18.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau Lamothe de Haux 2009 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux: basic MVC, affordable value. 13% ABV> +641555, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chateau D’Angles La Clape Classique Syrah/Grenache/Mourvedre 2007 Languedoc: blend of 50% syrah, 30% grenache, 20% mourvedre (according to the label), good aging and development. +286484, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Due Torri Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2009: LCBO Ripasso of the Month, 13.5% ABV. +159400, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Aviva Filon Garnacha 2010 DO Calatayud Spain: delicious, done up with North American appeal of oaky vanilla tones, fruit, and aging. 14.5% ABV. +280602, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Jean-Marc Brocard Vaucopin Chablis 1er Cru 2010, +288019, $29.95 retail. 2. Bollig-Lehnert Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese 2009, +284422, $21.95. 3. Sandhill Small Lots One 2008 VQA Okanagan Phantom Creek, +186536, $36.95. 4. Barlow Barrouge Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa Unfiltered, +147603, $47.95. 5. Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 2008 Napa, +50393, $34.95. 6. Markham Merlot 2009 Napa, +738740, $31.95. 7. Rocca delle Macie Riserva di Fizzano Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +699454, $26.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 21, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE MONTH *UNDER* $20 WHITE -- Chateau Brondelle Classic Sauvignon/Semillon 2010 Graves: some of everything (vanilla from wood, MVC savvy character, Semillon fruit, figs, great finish and length. Good appeal for North Americans. +626507, $15.95, QPR: 90. RED – Five Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Victoria: matured wine, full of stuffing (old everything – meat, bacon, leather, dried fruit, game, forest floor, mushrooms). Not for the faint of heart. Twist top, 12.7% ABV. +280214, $19.95, QPR: 94. ======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE MONTH *OVER* $20 RED –- Kooyong Massale Pinot Noir 2011 Victoria, +281055, $39.95. WHITE -- De Loach OFS Chardonnay 2009 Russian River Valley Sonoma, +729343, $37.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2011 WO Western Cape: refreshing, with some body and style in the California vein. 13.5% ABV. +662718, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2. Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2010 WO Stellenbosch: dry, delicious MVC Chenin Blanc at an excellent price, 14.5% ABV. +231282, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Domaine de la Colline Sauvignon Touraine 2010: great savvy flavours ands development, body and concentration. Not too zesty. +169656, $12.95, QPR: 89. 4. Vincent Raimbault Les Terrages Dem-Sec Vouvray 2010: off-dry, summery wine for sip or first course. 13% ABV. +271973, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Martin Codax Albarino 2010 DO Rias Baixas: aromatic, floral, some tropicality, finishes dry. Sip or food. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. C.J.Pask Gimblett Road Cabernet/Merlot/Malbec 2008 Hawkes Bay New Zealand: elements of forest floor, good Bordeaux-style, excellent with food, ready now. +279869, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Chateau Perenne 2005 1er Cotes de Blaye: nicely made, ready-to-roll, MVC Bordeaux, instantly recognizable. +283150, $18.95, QPR: 89. 3. Le Circque Carignan/Mourvedre/Syrah 2010 Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes: full and generous, North American styled off-dry fruitiness, 14.5% ABV. +277079, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Pasquale Petrera Fatalone Primitivo 2006 Puglia: nicely aged, organic wine, dryish finish, 15% ABV. +279729, $16.95. 5. Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2009: the Ripasso of the month at the LCBO. +719294, $18.95, QPR: 89. 6. Terras de Alter Fado 2009 VR Alentejano: juicy, delicious tones from six months in French oak. 13.5% ABV. +283135, $13.95, QPR: 89. 7. Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2005 Rioja: extremely good value at the price, ready now, MVC Rioja. +947309, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Fielding Viognier 2010 VQA Niagara, +142323, $25.95 retail. 2. Senorio De Laredo Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +218347, $24.95. 3. Caledonia Australis Reserve Chardonnay 2008 Victoria, +284935, $39.95. 4. Tahbilk Museum Release Marsanne 2007 Central Victoria, +276980, $22.95. 5. Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2011, +912337, $24.95. 6. Domaine Latour-Giraud Les Narvaux Meursault 2009, +12369, $45.95. 7. Bernard Reverdy & Fils Sancerre 2010, +200055, $22.95. 8. Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2009 Northern Sonoma, +363358, $22.95. 9. Clos de los Siete 2009 Mendoza, +622571, $21.95. 10. Camelback Shiraz 2008 Victoria, +665125, $27.95 11, Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz 2009 Victoria, +243592, 35.95. 12. Chateau Lamothe-Cissac 2005 Haut Medoc, +206755, $23.95 12. Domaine de Viaud 2001 Lalande-de-Pomerol, +282475, $26.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 7, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ======>>>> ** BEST VALUE WINE OF THE MONTH *UNDER* $20 WHITE: Bon Courage Prestige Cuvee Chardonnay 2011 WO Robertson South Africa: ripe, ripe, toasty orchard fruit, brimming with character, good balance and finish. Some tropicality. +278333, $15.95, QPTR: 92. RED: Quinta da Rigodeira Baga 2005 Bairrada: unfiltered, so a heavy- heavy wine, chewy for BBQ, nicely aged at this price. 13.5% ABV. +219121, $13.95, QPR: 90. ======>>>> ** BEST VALUE WINE OF THE MONTH *OVER* $20 WHITE: Closson Chase S. Kocsis Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 VQA Beamsville, +184291, $34.95. RED: Marques de Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2005 Rioja, +209148, $24.95. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Malivoire Musque Spritz 2011 VQA Beamsville Bench: good dry finish to this MS fizzy wine, 9% ABV. Sip or first course food, perhaps even dessert and cheese. +189670, $19.95, PR: 89. 2. Winery of Good Hope Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2010 WO Stellenbosch: extremely rich, some marmalade finish, good structure, sip or food. +739995, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Joseph Cattin Muscat 2010 Alsace: good value off-dry, grapey tones MVC muscat all the way. Gold Medalist. +224634, 14.5, QPR: 89. 4. Alain Geoffroy Domaine Le Verger Chablis 2010: typical MVC for a modest Chablis at a great price. Better than most simple Bourgogne or unoaked chardonnays. 12.5% ABV. +18129, $18.5, QPR: 89. 5. Sella & Mosca Monteoro Vermentino di Gallura Superiore 2011 Sardinia: aromatic, slightly floral off-dry finish, sip or food. Not a hot wine despite 14% ABV. More elegant vermentinos come from Liguria, but this one will be good for summer BBQs. +203422, $15.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nashwauk Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale: very dense, French oak employed, 15% ABV but nicely aged. +221788, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2009 Maipo: typical Chilean red flavours evidenced at the start. Organic wine that melts in your mouth. 14% ABV. +685792, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau du Donjon Grande Tradition Minervois 2009: plums and cherries dominate, good oak, vanilla and spices on finish. 14.5% ABV. +275578, $12.95, QPR: 90. 4. Cave de Rasteau La Domeliere Rasteau 2009: solid commercial Cotes du Rhone, crowd pleaser, sip or food, 14.5% ABV. +222927, $15, QPR: 89. 5. Bucaro Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2010: black frit, vanilla, barrel aged, finishing acid for food. Organic. 14% ABV. +277491, $14.95. 6. Real de Aragon Centenaria Garnacha 2008 DO Calatayud: another Spanish bargain, black fruits, North American appeal, US oak. 14% ABV> +281113, $14.85, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2009 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +241182, $35.20 retail. 2. Domaine Gille Cotes de Nuits-Villages 2009, +210864, $28.95. 3. Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Russian River Valley Sonoma, +283705, $47.95. 4. Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2010 Sonoma, +27555, $24.95. 5. Sbragia Home Ranch Chardonnay 2009 Dry Creek Valley Sonoma, +52720, $34.95. 6. Churton Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough, +159244, 23.95. 7. Sterhuis Barrel Selection Chardonnay 2009 WO Bottelary, +285213, $25.95. 8. Two Paddocks Picnic Pinot Noir 2008 New Zealand, +14548, $25.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 23, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. BEST BUYS OF THE MONTH!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Valle Andino Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 Colchagua: intense, gamey almost brett-y, black fruit, smokey, syrah in the North Rhone style, snap it all up at this price. +272682, $13.95, QPR: 93. 1. St-Nicolas Brut Crackling Strong Cider Quebec: very apple-y, very strong intense flavours, 8.5% ABV, well-priced and should be well- received this summer. +277442, $16.95, QPR: 91. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Nessa Albarino 2010 DO Rias Baixas: higher acid, best with food instead of sipping. Exotic spicing and fruit, some eucalyptus. +282558, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Lucien Albrecht Reserve Pinot Gris 2010 Alsace: engaging, off-dry tones of pear and citric, long finish, sip or with food. 13% ABV. +281394, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Domaine de la Tourlaudiere Muscadet Sevre & Maine Sur Lie 2010 Loire: an affordable wine for fish, concentrated MVC for the melon grape, stony tones, 12% ABV. +171694, $13.95, QPR: 89. 4. Terredora Loggia Della Serra Greco di Tufo 2010 Campania: mounds of flavours, concentrated tropical tones, 13% ABV. +983197, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Michele Chiarlo Le Marne Gavi 2011 Piedmont: wonderful mouthfilling, fruity, with finishing acid and stuffing for food, 12% ABV. +228528, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Alta Vista Premium Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Mendoza: juicy, North American appeal, 15% ABV makes it big for summer and BBQ. +129957, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Santa Emma Reserve Merlot 2009 Maipo: again, juicy, North American appeal, 13.5% ABV. +642538, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Le Gravillas Sablet 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages: great price for a Gold medalist, lots of mocha, 14.5% ABV, longer length than most. +78790, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Umberto Cesari Sangiovese di Romagna Riserva 2008: another wine for North American markets (juicy, mocha, fruit, smoke, oak). 13% ABV. +33399, $18.95, QPR: 89. 5. Monte Zovo Sa'Solin Ripasso Valpolicella 2009: ripasso of the month. +650713, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Serrado Colheita 2008 Dao: value-priced, entry level, needs food. 13.5% ABV. +283192, $11.95, QPR: 89. 7. Langa Tradicion Centenaria Garnacha 2008 DO Calatayud Spain: lots of oak, great dense flavours, mocha and plums, but not very garancha-like, 14% ABV. +194795, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2010 VQA NOTL Biodynamic, $21.95 retail. 2. Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Santa Maria Valley Santa Barbara, +980490, $29.95. 3. Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2009 Santa Barbara/Monterey, +59576, $27.95. 4. Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough, +10421, $21.95. 5. Chateau Haut Bertinerie 2009 Cotes de Bordeaux Blaye Old Vines, +422220, $23.95. 6. Maison Foucher La Vigne Aux Sandres Pouilly Fume 2010, +277350, $20.95 7. Mahle Wind Gap Syrah 2007 Castelli Knight Ranch Russian River Sonoma, +242776, $59. 8. Simi Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +25221, $24.95. 9. Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2009 Hawkes Bay, +280263, $35.95. 10. Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande 2004 St-Estephe, +27984, $29.95. 11. Gemma Giblin Riserva Barolo 2005, +185025, $36.95. 12. Lamole di Lamole Vignetto di Campolungo Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +231241, $36.95. 13. Mastrojanni San Pio 2008 IGT Toscana, +944603, $30.95. 14. Bodegas Olarra Cerro Anon Gran Reserva 2004, +190827, $24.5. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 9, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. ** BEST WINE OF THE MONTH *UNDER* $20 --Emiliana Signos de Origen La Vinilla Chardonnay/Viognier/Marsanne/Roussanne 2010 Casablanca: succulent, delicious, drinking well, toasty oak, rounded fruit, sip or with food. Gold Medalist. 14.5% ABV. Organic. +63909, $19.95, QPR: 92. ** BEST WINE OF THE MONTH *OVER* $20 --Domaine de Fussiacus Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2009, +276444, $23.95 – oak-aged! TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mike Weir Sauvignon Blanc 2010 VQA Niagara: a kiwi-styled savvy, brimming with herbal zest and lemons. +686972, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Alamos Chardonnay 2001 Mendoza: MVC oak, citrus, apples, vanilla, long finish. Good value at this price. 13.5% ABV. +801571, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Concha y Toro Trio Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Chile: zesty finish, citrus tones, lingering finish. +678656, $13.95, QPR: 89. 4. D’Arenberg The Hermit Cab Viognier/Marsanne 2010 McLaren Vale: nutty, spicy, long finish, viognier MVC. 13.1% ABV. Gold Medalist. +662775, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Jean Geiler Reserve Particuliere Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: lovely typical spicy tones, off-dry in taste, some lingering bitterness. 13%. +106864, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Les Piliers Viognier 2010 [Midi]: pretty fair viognier style with orchard fruit plus some condensed milk tones. +669531, $15.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Foncalieu Reserve du Sud Languedoc 2009: great nose, lots of garrigue from the region, BBQ all the way. 14% ABV. +272443, 15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Columbia Valley: excellent MVC for cabernet, ripe fruit off-set by administrative spinal structure. +269357, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Casas Patronales Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Maule: plumy, Bordeaux-style, needs food. Gold Medalist. 14.5%. +274134, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 Limari Chile: brilliant North Rhone-style syrah. Upfront spiciness with black berries. 14.5% ABV. +269423, $19.95, QPR: 89. 5. Bellingham Merlot With A Dash of Malbec 2009 WO Coastal Region South Africa: excellent body and structure, food wine, long finish. 14% ABV. +129718, $14.95, QPR: 89. 6. Chateau Fourcas-Dumont 2001 Listrac-Medoc: not yet ready but a great price for a ten-year old plus wine. 13% ABV. +280016, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. Henri de Villamont Prestige Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2009: light but MVC is there, approachable and value. 12.5% ABV. +084616, $17.95, QPR: 89. 8. Valpantena Torre del Falasco Ripasso Valpolicella 2009: “LCBO Ripasso of the month”. +642421, $16.95, QPR: 89. 9. Finca Antigua Crianza 2008 La Mancha: a very good blend that is developing well, 14$ ABV. +981613, $15.95, QPR: 89. 10. Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero: good food wine from the region, well-aged, 14% ABV, and well-priced. +167601, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Coyote’s Run Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 VQA Four Mile Creek, +49775, $21.95 retail. 2. Grgich Hills Fume Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Napa, +346296, $29.95. 3. Simi Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay 2009, +200881, $31.95. 4. Van Ruiten Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Lodi, +58685, $23.95. 5. Cono Sur Limited Edition 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2008 Casablanca, +127498, $24.95. 6. Altair Sideral 2007 Rapel, +660837, $26.95. 7. Oveja Negra The Lost Barrel Maule, +273979, $24.95. 8. Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2010 WO Elgin South Africa, +277939, $21.95. 9. Fernandez de Pierola Reserva 2004 Rioja, +270579, $25.95 10. Chateau Le Conseiller 2008 [Bordeaux], +135731, $25. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 26 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Finca Sophenia Reserve Viognier 2011 Mendoza: more citric and appley than most viognier, 12% ABV, better with seafood and fish. +278267, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Chateau Vignol Blanc 2010 Entre-Deux-Mers: satisfyingly friendly food wine in zesty savvy mode, 12.5% ABV. +108522, $13.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 California: good value in a California cabby, ready now, 13.5% ABV. +537597, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. La Posta Pizzella Family Vineyard Malbec 2009 Uco Mendoza: god Malbec intensity and MVC, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +166298, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Trivento Coleccion Fincas No. 2 Syrah 2007 Mendoza: juicy lucy, sip or food, 14% ABV. Value. +269217, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Urraca Malbec 2008 Mendoza: good aging, 14.8% ABV blockbuster, plumy, a big wine. +214379, $19.5, QPR: 89. 5. Small Gully Formula Robert’s Shiraz 2006 South Australia: deep, dark and delicious, well-aged, 15.9% over-the-top, but not a hot finish. +142935, $19.95, PR: 90. 6. Les Hauts de Montfort Les Megalithes 2009 Minervois Unfiltered a hidden gem, old grenache vines, ark fruit, 14.5% ABV needs food. +279554, 13.95, QPR: 91. 7. Mas D’Auzieres Sympathie Pour Les Stones 2009 Coteaux du Languedoc: I could make a crack about “Sympathy for the Devil” by the Rolling Stones, since the Stones own a piece of South of France around the corner. But I won’t. It’s 14% ABV syrah, with mocha and dark fruit tones, long finish. +277046, $19.95, QPR: 90. 8. Umani Ronchi Montipagano Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2010: dark fruit, light tang on the finish, 13% ABV, organic. +134585, $13.95, QPR: 89. 9. Di Majo Norante Ramitello 2009 Biferno Rosso Molise: 13.5% ABV, a whopper of a wine that needs time. +973214, $15.95, QPR: 89. 10. Travaglini Nebbiolo 2010 Coste della Sesia Piedmont: juicy nebbiolo flavours, aged 10 months in oak, 13% ABV. Value for nebbiolo lovers. +30353, $17.95, QPR: 89. 11. Baglio di Pianetto Nero d’Avola 2009 IGT Sicilia: rich, ripe, over- the-top dark fruit, 13.5% ABV. Sipper or food. +207423, $14.95, QPR: 89. 12. Vicchiomaggio Agostino Petri Chianti Classico Riserva 2008: good value but needs more time. Fruit and finishing acid are there. 14% ABV. +993360, $19.5, QPR: 89. 13. Azul Portugal Reserva 2007 VR Alentejano: off-dry on the palate, North American appeal, 13.5% ABV. +276238, $15.95, QPR: 89. 14. Cunha Martins Reserva 2008 Dao: fatty + smokey = BBQ. 13% ABV. +276188, $14.95, QPR: 89. 15. Monte Vilar Reserva 2008 VR Alentejano: soft. 14% ABV, North American appeal like the Azul above. +276105, $15.95, QPR: 89. 16. Bod. Altanza Lealtanza Reserva 2005 Rioja: well-priced, MVC for a Rioja, 13.5% BV, but still needs another year or so. +276097, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2008 VQA Beamsville Bench, +566026, $29.95 retail. 2. Closson Chase K.J.Watson Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 VQA Niagara River Unfiltered, +230912, $34.95. 3. Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay 2009 Edna Valley, +17988, $25.95. 4. Robert Mondavi To Kalon Estate Reserve Fume Blanc 2009 Napa, +147488, $44.95. 5. Domaine Pabiot Les Vieilles Terres Pouilly-Fume 2010, +65979, $21.95. 6. Folie a Deux Zinfandel 2008 Amador, +147231, $24.95. 7. Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Rutherford Napa, +29553, $74.95. 8. Chateau Pipeau 2008 St-Emilion Grand Cru, +138131, $29. 9. Chateau Tire Pe La Cote 2008 Bordeaux, +137364, $25. 10. Domaine des Tilleuls Clos Village Gevrey-Chambertin 2009, +264994, $49.95. 11. Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2006, +651141, $59.95. 12. Castello di Ama Chianti Classico 2007, +39768, $33.95. 13. Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +353201, $43.95. 14. Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +976811, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 12, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Angels Gate Mountainview Chardonnay 2010 VQA Beamsville Bench: rich ripe fruit flavours, good balance with wood tones and longer length for food. +116384, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Catena Alamos Torrontes 2011 Salta: fresh aromas and lively finish, more a food wine (first course) than a social wine. 13.5% ABV, twist top. +81539, $13.95, QPR: 89. 3. Wither Hills Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough: typical Kiwi Savvy in MVC style but with a lighter finish. 13.5% ABV, twist top. +919514, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Helfrich Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: great aromatics, good on palate, slightly bitterish finish. 12.5% ABV, twist top. +169748, $18.95, QPR: 89. 5. Domaine Chenevieres Chablis 2010 La Chapelle Vaupeteigne: more fruity than minerally, should appeal to a wider range of consumers. Elegant, good body and finish. Classy labels too. +277913, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Monmousseau Vouvray 2010: peachy, peachy, peachy, off dry, some lanolin. 12% ABV, twist top. +271940, $14.95, QPR: 89. 7. Sols & Sens Laudon Cotes du Rhones-Villages Blanc 2010: refreshing, the viognier dominates (hot and jammy), appetizer or social wine. 13.5% ABV. +272435, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Geil Bechtheimer Rosengarten Riesling Kabinett 2011 Prad.: sunshine in a bottle with finishing acid, 10% ABV. Social or first course wine. +994764, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec 2008 Pedernal Valley Argentina: excellent character, jammy, plumy, black fruit, MVC all the way. 14.5% ABV. +162149, $16.95, PR: 89. 2. Heartland Stickleback Red 2009 South Australia: good drinking blend of four varieties, twist top, 14.5% ABV. 3. San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2008: needs a bit of time, but the set is there. Good MVC, just under the Mendoza line. +23408, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Arduini Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009: “Ripasso of the Month”. +267898, $18.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chapillon Cuvee Remy 2007 Priorat: deep and delicious flavours and tones of grenache, carignan, and cabernet sauvignon. 15.4% ABV leads to a hot finish. +271114, $18.95, QPR: 89. 6. Juan Gil White Label De Cepas Viejas Monastrell 2010 Jumilla: red fruit, delicious vanilla and coconut (US oak), affordable, 14.5% ABV. Buy it all!! +13656, $12.95, QPR: 92. 7. Muriel Reserva 2005 Rioja: juicy but a reserved finish of some depth. 13% ABV, great price. +276030, $15.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Casa Marin Laurel Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 San Antonio Valley Chile, +274050, $24.95 retail. 2. Domaine Herve Azo Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2010, +276451, $27.95 retail. 3. Roger & Didier Raimbault Sancerre 2010, +82255, $22.95. 4. Clos de Gat Chardonnay 2009 Judean Hills Israel, +280321, $47.95. 5. Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Sonoma County, +673798, $23.95. 6. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Sonoma County, +226944, $21.95. 7. Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Vin 2006 Mendoza, +149831, $39.95. 8. Plaisir de Siaurac 2009 Lalande de Pomerol, +245886, $21.95. 9. Campo di Sasso Insoglio del Cinghiale 2010 Toscana, +277012, $29.95. 10. Heredad de Baroja Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +276113, $21.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 28, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Flat Rock Cellars Riesling 2010 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara: sipper, off-dry, but enough finishing acid for first course foods. 10.5% ABV. +43281, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2.Malivoire Riesling 2010 VQA Niagara: very good, true to MVC, dry mode, traditional. +277483, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3.Calina Chardonnay 2010 Aconcagua Valley Chile: buttery and rich, modest finish, better as sipper. 13.5% ABV. +640912, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4.Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2009 Marlborough: gorgeous interpretation of New World Gewurz, great MVC with finishing bitterness. +60129, $17.95, QPR: 91. 5.Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Riesling 2010 Alsace: another great Riesling food wine, orchard drops and minerals, 12% ABV. +169011, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6.Chateau de Navarro Blanc 2010 Graves: ab fab price, zest but fruity enough for sipping. Typical Graves minerality and earth. +264739, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7.Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Vins de Pays du Jardin de la France: basic entry level wine from a master, very zesty, good price, 12.5% ABV. 8.Vinea Garganega 2010 IGT Veronese: half of this is briefly wood aged, 13% ABV. Quality character, some slight creaminess. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red 2010 California: good wine for a wine tasting ringer. BBQ all the way, something for everybody. 13.5% ABV. +665158, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2.Los Haroldos Reserva de Familia Malbec 2008 Mendoza: plummy soft fruit, some mocha tones, BBQ, North American appeal, finishes with toasted oak. +269068, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3.Niquen Antu Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2010 Colchagua Valley Chile: another full-flavoured exception BBQ wine, 14% ABV. +59329, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4.Escapade Southern Cross Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 WO Bottelary- Stellenbosch: full body, black fruit, long finish, BBQ, maturing nicely now (5 years old). +26721, $17.95, QPR: 92. 5.Domaine de Rochebin Clos St. Germain Vieilles Vignes Bourgogne 2009: overripe red fruit, good for North American market, good depth, 12.5% ABV. +264549, $17.5, QPR: 89. 6.Chateau des Aladeres Corbieres 2008: black fruit, depth, some caramel from toasty wood, BBQ, 3.5 years old already, 14.5% ABV. +276063, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7.Canonica a Ceretto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007: wood aging shows vale. +275867, $17, QPR: 89. 8.Stefano Accordini Acinatico Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009: “Ripasso of the Month”, +85159, $19.95, PR: 89. 9.Bodegas Olarra Anares Reserva 2005 Rioja: exacting quality of the basics (Tempranillo, US oak, traditional style), yet 13.5% ABV and under $20. There’s value here. +244723, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Le Clos Jordanne Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 Twenty Mile bench VQA Niagara, +33910, $40 retail. 2.Cuvaison Chardonnay 2009 Carneros Napa Valley, +988261, $29.95. 3.Two Rivers of Marlborough Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2011, +277707, $29.95. 3.Domaine Bachey-Legros Vieilles Vignes Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot 1er Cru 2009, +268508, $53.95. 4.Summers Andriana’s Cuvee 2007 Knights Valley Napa, +275719, $26.95. 5.Chateau des Moines 2009 Lalande de Pomerol, +206789 $21.95. 6.Marziano Abbona Terlo Ravera Barolo 2006, +67918, $42.95. 7.Brancaia Tre 2009 IGT Toscana, +164715, $22.95. 8.Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2008, +356220, $49.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 14 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Two Vineyards Riesling 2010 VQA Niagara: excellent Alsatian-styled typicity at a modest 11.5% ABV. +105387, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Crios Torrontes 2011 Argentina: brightly aromatic like poplar blended wines from all over, value lies in its price. +1834, $12.95, QPR: 89. 3. Michel Picard Chardonnay Bourgogne 2009: classy packaging at this price level, typicity is stressed with good MVC. +264440, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Michel del Hommeau Cuvee Harmonie Muscadet de Sevre et Maine 2010: sip or food, crowd pleaser, not as acidic as other muscadets. 12% ABV. Gold medalist. +164624, 12.95, QPR: 89. 5. Saget La Perriere Marie de Beauregard Vouvray 2009: off-dry, ripe mouthfeel, pear and other orchard fruit. +276691, $17.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Mastronardi Merlot/Cabernet 2008 VQA Lake Erie North Shore: delicious intensity, plummy with depth. Berries, well-made, ready now. +273730, $19.95, QP: 89. 2. Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Padthaway: juicy, long length, mint and some herbs. 199745, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau Beausejour 2009 Fronsac: excellent all-round MVC Bordeaux, tasted some four hours after opening. Do the same. +26467, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. La Corte Old Vines Primitivo di Manduria 2010 Puglia: even the primitivo wine makers are getting into the “old vines” labeling, as do many of the zinfandel winemakers in California. No indication of how old these vines are, so proceed at your own risk (the phrase is not regulated anywhere). Good value for mocha-inflected black berry fruit materials at 14% ABV. +269019, $15.95, QPR: 89. 5. Torre Quarto Bottaccia Uva di Troia 2008 IGT Puglia: delicious Italianate wine, nicely aged. 13.5$ ABV. +161737, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. L’Antico di Burchino Vigna Casanova Chianti 2010: Demeter approved biodynamic wine, ridiculously underpriced. 12.5% ABV. +160457, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009: “LCBO Ripassso of the Month” for April. +695890, $15.95, QPR: 89. 8. Astrolabium Reserva Vinho Tinto 2008 Dao: good deep blend, 13% ABV, some mushrooms and underbrush. +276121, 15.95, PR: 89. 9. Coto de Imaz Reserva 2005 Rioja: coconut tones, definitely US oak, vanilla and some dried fruit. 13.% ABV. Nicely aged. +23762, $19.95, QPR: 90. 10. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2010 VQA Niagara, +149302, $21.95 retail. 2. Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough, +677450, $20.95 3. Hoopenburg Integrer Chardonnay 2007 WO Stellenbosch, +174672, $21.95 4. Domaine Chauveau La Charmette Pouilly Fume 2010, +274357, $21.95 5. Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Stags Leap District Napa, +731810, $57.95. 6. Cyrus Cabernet Bled 2007 Alexander Valley Sonoma County, +269233, 59.95. 7. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Alexander Valley Sonoma County, +50427, $27.95. 8. Luis Segundo Correas Vale La Acequias Rosedal Malbec 2006 Mendoza, +261750, $29.95. 9. Brokenwood Shiraz 2009 McLaren Vale/Beechworth, +265975, $29.95. 10. Angelo Negro Cascinotta Barbaresco 2007, +268953, $32.95. 11. Ruffino Lodola Nuova Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2008, +332411, $23.95. 12. Bod. Franco-Espanolas Rioja Bordon Gran Reserva 2004, +114454, $22.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 31, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. THIS IS THE BLUE MOON RELEASE !! Recommended for the Blue Moon (drink it tonight) is: Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel Rose 2011, delicious flavours and FRESH like you wouldn’t believe (only 7 months old). Perfect colour, 13.5% ABV. +729947, $17.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewurztraminer 2010 VQA Beamsville Bench: good MVC for the grape, but also with a perfumed finish. +302059, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. First Press Chardonnay 2010 Napa: standard but well developed California Napa Chardonnay, 14.5% ABV. +199810, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Zuccardi Serie A Chardonnay/Viognier 2010 Mendoza: a sipper, off-dry fruity chardonnay, apples, peaches and lemons dominate. +262097, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Auntsfield Long Cow Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough: delicious, with plenty of MVC zest skewed to the green green grass of home. +663286, $19.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau Roquetaillade La Grange Blanc 2010 Graves: youthful and useful, sip or food, good body, fab price. +240374, $14.95, QPR: 89 6. Velenosi Villa Angela Pecorino 2010 Offida Marche: good orchard fruit in tone, slight nuttiness, long finish, body, 13% ABV, much better than pinot grigio at this price level. +173252, 13.95, PR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cosentino Cigarzin Zinfandel 2008 California: time for a stogy? This is thick, juicy and ready, with good aging. 15.4% ABV, chocolate and mocha overlays. +269340, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Rodney Strong Merlot 2008 Sonoma County: minty bacon-y, plumy, not your typical merlot. +497933, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Tyrrell’s Rufus Stone Shiraz 2009 Victoria: deep, ready now, much like an Hermitage. +91488, $19.95, QP: 90. 4. Flagstone Music Room Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 WO Western Cape: heavy- heavy rap music, twist top, 15% ABV heat. Black fruit and eucalyptus. +205245, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau La Fleur Terrien 2009 Lussac Saint-Emilion: easy drinking merlot-based Bordeaux, affordable. +199059, $14.95, QPR: 89. 6. Gerard Bertrand Minervois Syrah/Grenache 2009: fresh, syrah component dominates, black fruit throughout, finishes with some acid for food. Gold Medalist. 14% ABV. +95284, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino 2008 Puglia: nicely aged, with some earthiness and Italianate complexity, 14% ABV. +177527, $14.95, QPR: 89. 8. Albino Armani Egle Ripassso Valpolicella Superiore 2008: the Blue Moon Armani-suited Ripasso of the Month. +247916, 5.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 2009 Napa, +54585, $37.95 retail. 2. Amayna Chardonnay 2008 Leyda Chile, +76265, $25.95. 3. Yalumba Viognier 2010 Eden Valley, +954644, $24.95 4. Corte Riva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa/Sonoma, +89318, $39.95. 5. Sodaro Felicity Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, +272641, $43.95. 6. The Paring Red 2007 California, +218909, $33.95. 7. Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian ells Merlot 2008 Columbia Valley, +408864, $25.95. 8. Chateau Larrivet Haut Brion 200 Pessac Leognan, +264283, $48.95. 9. Guy Farge Terre de Granit St Joseph 2009, +270215, 26.95. 10. Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino 2006, +208462, $35.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 17, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Henry of Pelham Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench: rich and ripe, wood integration produces creaminess in finish, a great Ontario chardonnay, 13.5% ABV. +268343, $19.95, QPR: 91. 2. Simi Chardonnay 2009 Sonoma County: deep concentrated flavours of butterscotch and toast, a restaurant wine in the US. 13.5% ABV. +673806, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Las Perdices Torrontes 2010 Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza: classic aromatic and off-dry flavours, MVC all the way, affordable. +267823, $12.95, QP: 89. 4 Lawson’s Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough: typical kiwi savvy, but with a slightly different tang of fruit on the finish. +214460, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Oak Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 WO Elgin South Africa: no oak here, but textbook style kiwi-like savvy, affordable, twist top, 13% ABV. +263947, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Domaine Christophe Camu Chablis 2009: orchard frit, long finish, best unoaked chardonnays are usually from Chablis, 12% ABV. Affordable. +268532, $18.95. 7. Leira Albarino 2010 DO Rias Baixas: good price for such an aromatic wine from the albarino variety. +115816, $16.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Villa Mt. Eden Antique Vines Grande Reserve Zinfandel 2007: with no standards for the words “Old Vines”, Villa Mt. Eden has moved on to “Antique Vines”, with pre-Columbian plantings. Lots of mocha and smoke, good development. 14.5% ABV. +256719, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Manos Negras Malbec 2007 Uco Valley Mendoza: fruit driven style, plenty of cherries, longer length. +271205, $14.5, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau Le Peyrat 200 Cotes de Bordeaux Castillon: very pleasing, soft merlot tones, spices, longer engaging finish. 14.5% ABV. +171090, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Maz d’Auzieres Les Eclats 2009 Coteaux du Languedoc: well-worth tasting with a complex finish, about 70% syrah, 13.5% ABV. +271742, $16.95, QPR: 89. 5. Valle Reale Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007: good character, palate is mouth filling, long Italianate finish. 13.5% ABV. +216408, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Piccini Chianti Classico Riserva 2007: a hidden treasure of dried fruit and figs. +134791, $18.95, QPR: 90. 7. Campolargo Vinha do Putto 2009 Barraida: North American appeal, juicy, off-dry but with a lingering finish. +267971, $13.95, QPR: 89. 8. Quinta Nova Pomares 2009 Douro: juicy and surprisingly ready now, good tannins for food. +214007, $16.95, QPR: 89. 9. Bodega del Abad Dom Bueno Crianza 2001 Bierzo: aging very nicely, thank you, well-respected wine at 14% ABV, and a fab price. +244699, $14.95, QPR: 89. 10. Bod. Olarra Cerro Anon Reserva 2005 Rioja: outstanding wine at an outstanding price. 14% ABV. +114306, $18.95, QPR: 91. 11. Senorio del Aguila Gran Reserva 2001 Carinena: another 2001 wine for your consideration, delicious complexity, still needs time to open up and flower. Some oak resolved vanilla. 13.5% ABV. +269530, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2010 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +1552, $24.95 retail. 2. Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2009 Sonoma County, +226936, $20.95. 3. Domaine Chanson Savigny-Les-Beaune Hauts Marconnets 1er Cru 2009, +265033, $32.95. 4. Domaine Rodet Chateau de Mercey Mercurey 2009, +265058, $22.95. 5. Hidden Bench Estate Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench, +274753, $38.20. 6. Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Alexander Valley Sonoma County, +343467, $21.95. 7. Treana Red 2008 Paso Robles, +11221, $39.95. 8. Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier 2008 Eden Valley South Australia, +524926, $21.95. 9. Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Coonawarra, +473645, $53.95. 10. Chateau Tour Baladoz 2006 St. Emilion Grand Cru, +244087, $28.95. 11, Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +512384, $29.95. 12. Mocali Brunello di Montalcino 2006, +64956, $43.95. 13. Baron d Ley Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +642496, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 3, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Stoney Ridge Warren Classic Chardonnay 2009 VQA Niagara: generous spicy tones, dried fruit, balanced tropicality. 13% ABV. +224113, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Arboleda Chardonnay 2010 Aconcagua Costa: Midweight Euro style, balanced, MVC character, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +606772, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2011 South Australia: delicious floral and apricots, aperitif or first course wine, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +624502, $15.95, QPR: 89. 4. Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough: a tasty savvy with NZ MVC. +734095, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau Peron Blanc 2009 Graves: excellent price and value for a white Graves, less minerally extracted than expected, needs a fish course, 12% ABV. +26126, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chereau-Carre La Griffe Bernard Chereau Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2010 Sur Lie: bright, orchard fruit, minerals, long length for food. Needs bivalves, +948182, $14.95, QPR: 89. 7. Sartori di Verona Marani Bianco 2009 IGT Veneto: nicely concentrated, with partial BF and all lees aging. 13.5% ABV. +265405, $16.95, PR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2010 Lodi: juicy and delectable, good ol’ brambleberry character, 14.5% ABV. Old vines’ power. +678698, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. The Watcher Shiraz 2008 Barossa: dense and chunky, must decant first. 14.5% ABV. +219196, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau de Parenchere 2009 Bordeaux Superiore: North American appeal in softness and fruit, 14% ABV. For what it is, it needed a twist top, not a cork. +268698, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Domaine La Montagnette Signargues Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2009: good syrah component, 14.5% ABV. Gold Medalist, ready soon. +235002, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau La Brie Prestige 2009 Bergerac: another good value wine, using the same varieties as its neighbour north of it (Bordeaux), slightly higher acid, 13.5% ABV. Go all the way and have it with a brie! Gold Medalist. +61994, $13.5, QPR: 90. 6. Casa Emma Chianti Classico 2009: if Jane Austen was in Tuscany with other Brits…MVC, ready now, 14% ABV, affordable. +56952, $18.95, QPR: 89. 7. Storia Antica Ripasso Valpolicella 2009: Vintages’ “ripasso of the month”. +273672, $15, QPR: 89. 8. Ciconia Vinho Tinto 2010 VR Alentejano: needs some time to open up, but all the juicy components are there. +266742, $15.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Hartford Court Four Hearts Vineyards Chardonnay 2009 Russian River Valley, +95919, $47.95 retail. 2. Seresin Chardonnay 2008 Marlborough, +19190, $24.95. 3. La Chablisienne Montmains Chablis 1er Cru 2009, +265090, $24.95. 4. Paul Garaudet Vieille Vignes Meursault 2009, +26563, $47.95. 5. Pascal Jolivet Sancerre 2010, +264945, $24.95. 6. Hawkes Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Alexander Valley, +146878, $39.95. 7. Paraduxx 2008 Napa, +919662, $54.95. 8. Chateau La Fleur d’Arthus 2008 St. Emilion, +251702, $37.95. 9. Domaine Poulleau Pere & Fils Oak Aged Volnay 2009, +265025, $39.95. 10. Angelini San Leonino Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +232413, $25.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Creekside Laura’s White 2009 VQA Niagara: InterVin Silver medal, the blend has a little smoke in it, adds complexity. +121764, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay 2009 VQA: well-developed Ontario wine, better than a second label. 13% ABV, twist top. +89037, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Lander-Jenkins Spirit Hawk Chardonnay 2009 California: very good balance of sweeter side of oak (vanilla, cloves) plus the muscat enhancer. Sip before a meal. 13.5% ABV. +162651, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough South Island: really a grassy and herby savvy, great for food. Fresh. 13% ABV. +981670, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Morgenhof Sauvignon Blanc 2010 WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: just a step below the Mount Riley, not as grassy, more full bodied. 13.5% ABV. +18507, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Domaine Francois Schwach Muscat 2008 Alsace: dry finish, higher acid, 12.5% ABV. +261644, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Maison Francois Martenot Cuvee Prestige Chardonnay Bourgogne 2009: MVC but medium body, a bit of everything (vague memories of burgundy, etc.). 12.5% ABV. +159095, $15.95, QPR: 89. 8. Valminor Albarino 2010 Rias Baixas: delicious, aromatic orchard fruit and longer length, twist top, 12.5% ABV. +266924, $15.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. F. Lurton Hacienda Araucano Reserva Syrah 2009 Lolol Valley: very good syrah tones, pure, twist top, 14% ABV. +269209, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2. Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Maipo: lots of black fruit showing, aged in new French oak for over 14 months, 14.5% ABV. Hard to believe that it is selling here under $20. +275594, $19.95, QPR: 92. 3. Saronsberg Art Space Shiraz/Mourvedre 2009 WO Coastal Region South Africa: off-dry mouth-feel, 14.5% ABV. Good MVC. +263590, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chateau de Montmal Fitou 2009: red fruit driven, spices, long length, some anise, 13.5% ABV. +265447, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau Saint-Roch Chimeres 2009 Cotes du Roussillon-Villages: dark fruit, lovely texture on mid-palate, long lingering finish. 14.5% ABV, Gold Medal. +119354, 18.95, PR: 90. 6. Poderi Chuerra Jerzu Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna 2007: nicely aged, affordable, good depth, black fruit, thick flavours, mouth coating, food wine. 13.5% ABV. +270272, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7. Azul Portugal 2008 Ribatejo: dark fruit, North American appeal, 14% ABV. +266890, $13.95, QPR: 89. 8. Terra d’Alter Reserva 2008 VR Alentejano: good oakiness, very continental but with smoke and coconut, 14.5% ABV. +266916, $14.95, QPR: 89. 9. Beronia Reserva 2006 Rioja: woody, well-aged complexity, delicious with food, 14% ABV. +50203, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. 13th Street Old Vines Riesling 2010 VQA Creek Shores, +272617, $23.95 retail. 2. La Crema Chardonnay 2009 Sonoma Coast, +962886, $28.95. 3. Bachelder Oregon Chardonnay 2009 Willamette Valley, +273334, $36.95. 4. Signorello Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2008 Napa Valley BF, +742692, $51.95. 5. 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Lodi, +59311, $24.95. 6. Clos du Val Zinfandel 2009 Napa, +590216, $23.95. 7. Champy Beaune Vieilles-Vignes 2008, +726406, $28.95. 8. Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009, +719120, $37.95. 9. Rocca delle Macie Tenuta Sant’Alfonso Chianti Classico 2007, +942094, $21.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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 normally available for a re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gran Lurton Corte Friulano 2010 Uco Valley Mendoza: wonderful aromatic complexity, partial BF for Sauvignon Vert, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Torrontes varieties. +66829, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Vieil Armand Medaille Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace: 13% ABV, dynamite MVC, whirling world of lychee, peach, citrus, and some bittering. +260158, $16.95, QPR: 91. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Albino Armani Egle Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2008: “Ripasso of the month”. +247916, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Maculan Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 IGT Veneto: a lighter Bordeaux-like style, good value at this price. +987701, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Maetierra Dominum Quatro Pagos Reserva 2005 Rioja: delicious, albeit sweet tones, not drying out, 14% ABV, “Reserva” not noted on front label. +246660, $19.95, QPR: 89 4. Columbia Crest Grand states Merlot 2007 Columbia Valley Washington State: smoke and toast dominate, fruit after mid-palate. Yummy. 13.5% ABV. +263418, $15.95, QPR: 91. 5. Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec 2010 Mendoza: dense, 13.5% BV, but good finishing acid for food pairing. +162529, $13.5, QPR: 89. 6. La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2008 Mendoza: ripe and juicy, long finish, food or sipper. 13.9% BV. +75515, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz/Cabernet 2009 Padthaway: dense and chunky, some mint showing, 14.5% BV. +186114, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. Tapestry BG & V Shiraz 2009 McLaren Vale: twist top, rich and fruit, 14% ABV. +247155, $17.95, QPR: 89. 9. Chateau Haut-Canteloup 2009 Blaye: dynamite MVC Bordeaux, 13% ABV, delivers flavour and value, ready now. +64747, $13.95, QPR: 93. 10. Chateau Piron 2008 Montagne St-Emilion: juicy, affordable, 12.5% ABV. +176982, $16.95, QPR: 89. 11. Perrin Nature Cotes du Rhone 2010: very good finish and development for this organic wine. +948059, 16.95, QPR: 90. 12. L’Excellence du Chateau Bladinieres 2008 Cahors: delicious wood aging, 13% ABV. Gold Medal. +264671, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Antolini Moropio Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, +247957, $34.95 retail. 2. Stratus Chardonnay 2008 VQA NOTL, +267856, $42.20. 3. Landmark Damaris Reserve Chardonnay 2008 Flocchini & Sangiacomo Vyds, Sonoma, +356519, $45.95. 4. Domaine Jean Collet & Fils Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 008, +650804, $28.95. 5. Domaine Fouassier Les Grands Groux Sancere 2009, +267948, $24.95. 6. Mission Hill Reserve Merlot 2008 VQA Okanagan, +553313, $25.95 7. Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, +80218, $89.95. 8. Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Sonoma, +642207, $24.95. 9. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Blue Label Merlot 2008 California, +595686, 24.95. 10. Kilikanoon Testament Shiraz 2007 Barossa, +50047, $39.95. 11. Loacker Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino 2005, +237263, $49.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 21, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 normally available for re-tasting from another bottle. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Kunde Magnolia Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Sonoma Valley: zesty, citric, good savvy MVC, not your typical Californian sauv blanc. 13.8% ABV. +67363, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Wolf Blass Premium Selection Chardonnay 2007 South Australia: rich, ripe, unctuous, 13.5% ABV, twist top. +394908, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. I Campi Campo Vulcano Soave Classico 2009: rich melons, citric finish, good lasting body. 12.5% ABV. +269969, $19.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. 13th Street Merlot 2010 VQA Niagara: loaded with flavour, no oak, robust finish. 12.5% ABV. +270504, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Ridgepoint Merlot 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench: complex, chocolate, good savoury finish. +270488, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 California: a good example of a US restaurant-ready wine, 13.8% ABV, sip or with food. +38034, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Marchigue: delicious – it hits all the right and the high notes of blackness (fruit, coffee, chocolate, fungi). At this price, buy it all. No regrets, +256693, $14.95, QPR: 93. 5. Yabby Lake Cooralook Shiraz 2008 Heathcote Victoria: delicious Rhonish complexity, affordable, 14.5% ABV. +262451, $18.95, QPR: 89. 6. Chateau de Treviac 2008 Corbieres: North American appeal, stylish fruit of GSM-like, 14.5% ABV. With food or sip. +670505, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Spadina Una Viola Signature Syrah 2008 IGT Sicilia: god Rhonish style wine, with North American fruit bomb appeal, 13.5% ABV. +17162, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. Sassoregale Sangiovese 2009 IGT Maremma Toscana: tasty cherries, baked aromas, jammy middle, to a savoured finish. 13.5% ABV. +251785, $15.95, QPR: 89. 9. Bodegas Castano Reserva Pozuelo 2006 Yecia: very good blend, mostly monastrell, 13.5% ABV, nicely aged. Ripe and juicy, although tones of the 30% of the international blended grapes seem to dominate. +35485, $14.95, QPR: 89. 10. Ignacio Marin Old Vine Garnacha 2008 Carinena: old vines dominate the jammy flavours, nicely oaked, underbrush and forest floor. Gold medalist. 13% ABV. +214205, $15.95, QPR: 90. 11. Menhir Salento Primitivo di Manduria 2007 Puglia: juicy, North American appeal, especially for zinfandel lovers. 15=4% ABV. +268086, $15.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Mer Soleil Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009 Santa Lucia Highlands, +958975, $34.95 retail. 2. Faiveley Puligny Montrachet 2008, +241125, $51.95. 3. Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles 2009 Barossa, +723940, $29.95. 4. Chateau Le Castelot 2006 St. Emilion Grand Cru, +245472, $34.95. 5. Chateau Haut Selve Reserve 2006 Graves, +235424, $29.95. 6. Fontanafredda Reserva Barolo 2005, +967141, $49.95. 7. Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos 2009 Bierzo, +675207, $21.95. 8. Vina Herminia Reserva Tinto 2004 Rioja, +236927, $25.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 7, 2012 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 normally available for re-tasting from another bottle. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Calamus Cosmic White 2009 VQA Niagara: here is the latest Ontario white blend, with riesling, chardonnay, and gewurztraminer. Off-dry and balanced. 12.4% ABV. +255893, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2. Hinterbrook Riesling 2010 VQA Niagara Lakeshore: semi-dry, very rich tropicality, better as a sipper. 12.4% ABV. Gold Medal All Canadian Wine Championship. +270512, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Konzelmann Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009 VQA Niagara: more a sipper, aged nicely. California style, with body, grass, some veggie tones. 13.5% BV. +257790, $12.95, QPR: 89. 4. Sue-Ann Staff Semi-Dry Riesling 2008 VQA Niagara: German mode, more of-dry than semi-dry with balancing acid, 10% ABV. +258632, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Stellar Running Duck Fair Trade Organic Chardonnay 2010 WO Western Cape: rounded, oak tones, vanilla. Good body, long food finish. 13% ABV. Great price. +149856, $12.95, QPR: 91. 6. Mont’Abano Pinot Grigio 2010 Friuli Grave: tasty, some body, citric and flowers in finish. +249532, $16.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Coyote’s Run Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Niagara: strong burgundian character, m & m’s (mocha and mushrooms), some underbrush. 13% ABV. +53090, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009 Padthaway: delicious shiraz components, oaky black fruit, 14.5% ABV. Top medalist winner. +673897, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Small Gully The Formula Robert’s Shiraz 2006 South Australia: the juicy mocha sings here, tasty, depth, 15.9% ABV. Twist top. +142935, 17.95, QPR: 90 4. Chateau Tour Bicheau 2008 Graves: very god presence and value, cassis and tones of age, good price. +226092, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Perrin & Fils Peyre Blanche Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages 2009: a stylish southern Rhone, lots of black fruit, length and depth, 14% ABV. +650960, $7.95, QPR: 89. 6. Rivera Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico 2005 Castel del Monte Puglia: deliciously well-aged, meaty, herby, and with great fruit showing. +984120, $18.95, QPR: 90. 7. Conte Contini Bonacossi Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano 2008: chianti-style with allowable cabernet sauvignon, an affordable food wine, 13.5% ABV. +508531, $15.95, QPR: 89. 8. Campina de Toro Sabor Real 2008 Toro: a delicious food wine, crafted from 70 year old Tempranillo vines. 14.5% ABV. +172932, $15.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Laguna Ranch Chardonnay 2008 Russian River Valley, +544981, $32.95 retail. 2. Domaine Carrette Chardonnay Pouilly-Fuisse 2009, +264481, $21.95. 3. Domaine Bonard Sancerre 2009, +140525, $21.95. 4. Red Mountain Fall Line Artz Vineyard Red 2007 Washington State, +237735, $36.95. 5. Chateau de Lamarque 2006 Haut-Medoc, +194159, $29.95. 6. Domaine du Grand Montmirail Vacqueyras 2009, +251579, $24.95. 7. La Pieve Barolo 2007, +213132, $28.95. 9. Domaine Machard de Gramont Pommard Clos Blanc 1er Cru 2008, +189779, $43.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 10, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 normally available for re-tasting from another bottle. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gray Monk Gewurztraminer 2009 VQA Okanagan: viscous, good body and mouthfeel, tropical and orchard fruits, no Alsatian bitterness on finish. +321588, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2008 VQA Niagara-On-The-Lake: classic sophisticated LHR, first course aperitif, Gold Medal at OWA. +277228, $16.95, QPR: 91. 3. Konrad Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough: savvy of the month, MVC, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +616243, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Anne Boecklin Pinot Gris Reserve 2008 Alsace: voluptuous gris, smooth on palate, mouthfilling fruity succulence. Gold Medalist. +106831, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. I Stefanini Il Selese Soave 2010: citric tones and pear drops, 12.5% ABV. +247932, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Maipe Reserve Malbec 2009 Mendoza: a big wine, 14% ABV – with fruit, mocha, dense mouthfeel, long length. +247320, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Apalta Vineyard Colchagua: a bit hard now but very useful after another 6 months, 14.5% ABV. +322586, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Maison Audebert & Fils Domaine du Grand Clos Bourgueil 2007: wonderful herby cab franc, tasty and long finish, 12.5% ABV. Best with food. +664789, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chateau Rochecolombe Cotes du Rhone 2009: off-dry feel, 14.5% ABV chunky that is 60% grenache and 40% syrah (which actually dominates), fruity North American appeal. If you love this wine, call the agent – his phone number is writ large on the back label. Tell him Dino sent you. +255034, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Katogi & Strofilia Xinomavro 2005 Naoussa: another little gem from the Naoussa region, pick it up while you can (ripe and rich, longer fruit, mature red, value, 13 % ABV). +249615, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Campigli Vallone Pierina Terre Nere Rosso di Montalcino 2007: light but nicely aged, 12.5% ABV, off-dry cherries, toast, underbrush and strawbs. +249524, $17.95, QPR: 89. 7. Quinta da Veiga Casa das Mouras Reserva 2005 Douro: very nicely aged, new style fruity and oak kissed, 14% ABV. Gold Medal. +244756, $18.95, QPR: 90. 8. Inurrieta Cuatrocientos 131 Crianza 2007 Navarra: gutsy, full body and depth, some NA appeal but more earthy than fleshy. 14.5% ABV. +246710, $15.95, QPR: 90. 9. Ramon Ramos Monte Toro Roble 2008 Toro: juicy, Tempranillo character shines through, 14.9% ABV. +247783, $14.95, QPR: 90. 10. Taron Reserva 2004 Rioja: hard to beat value – a mature Reserva Rioja (14 months in US oak) – for under twenty dollars. 13.5% ABV. Delicious for a seven year old Rioja. +246728, $19.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Robert Young Chardonnay 2007 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +670430, $49.95 retail. 2. Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2009 Carneros Napa, +45583, $59.95. 3. Cave de Turckheim Brand Riesling 2008 Alsace Grand Cru, +21303, $24.95. 4. Maison Roche de Bellene Montagny 1er cru 2009, +233593, $24.95. 5. Roux Pere et Fils Meursault Blagny 1er cru 2009, +241141, $56.95. 6. Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2008 QmP Mosel, +249706, $24.95. 7. Le Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +143545, $40. 8. Beringer Napa Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, +91058, $39.95. 9. Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Mendoza, +260919, $22.95. 10. Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block 2009 Western Cape, +129353, $39.95. 11. Chateau Lyonnat Emotion 2008 Lussac Saint-Emilion, +243774, $21.95. 12. Chateau Rousseau de Sipian 2006 Medoc, +246637, $22.95. 13. Dom. Chanson Beaune Teurons 1er cru 2008, +84426, $43.95. 14. Mayard Clos du Calvaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009, +728139, $34.95. 15. San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +716266, $26.95 16. San Guido Le Difese 2009 IGT Toscana, +147876, $26.95 17. Tenuta Sette Ponti Grognolo 2008 IGT Toscana, +717636, $33.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 26, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 normally available for re-tasting from another bottle. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Camino del Inca Torrontes 2010 Cafayate: aromatics plus, spicy berries, twist top, hot finish at 13.5% ABV. +82404, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Momo Pinot Gris 2010 Marlborough: lively off-dry character, concentrated flavours, delightful full finish, 14.5% ABV. +163535, $18.95, QPR: 89. 3. Lucien Albrecht Reserve Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace: delicious, full and ripe with only slight bitterness on finish, 13.5% ABV. +926931, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Amani Chardonnay 2009 WO Stellenbosch: good balance of orchard fruit and wood (new oak), 14% ABV. +687442, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Kurt Darting Riesling Spatlese 2008 QmP Ungsteiner Harrenberg: rich and still evolving, still developing. 10% ABV. +963207, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Istituto Agrario San Michelle All’Adige Pinot Grigio 2010 Trentino: Midweight but concentrated flavours, 13% ABV. +249540, $18.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Benmarco Malbec 2009 Mendoza: some value here with French and US oak used, 14% ABV. Whopping big flavours, smoothed by some added bonarda. +657601, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Concha y Toro Winemaker’s Lot 115 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Palo Santo Vineyard Rapel: terrific composition, very Euro in style and mode (black fruit and smoke, underbrush). +30965, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau Canteloup 2004 Medoc: rare to find an older simple Medoc. My sample had been nicely matured, 13% ABV. Buy it all. +243923, $14.95, QPR: 91. 4. Valiano Poggio Teo Chianti Classico 2006: low price, modest finish but rich flavours on mid-palate, 13.5% ABV. Gold Medal. +250563, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Donzel Tinto Reserva 2005 Douro: ripe and voluptuous wine for North American tastes. Juicy. 13% ABV. +244707, $18.95, QPR: 89. 6. Palacio de Sada Crianza 2006 Navarra: good fruit, mix of French and US oak, over 40-year old vines, 13.5% ABV. Another wine with a great price, to go. Maturing nicely. Snap it up. +246736, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Las Moras Black Label Bonarda 2008 San Juan Argentina: cherries and underbrush dominate, new French oak for 18 months, roasted and toasted flavours, 14% ABV. +260901, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. Cave de Roquebrun La Grange des Combes Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2009: 50syrah/30grenache/20mourvedre ratio, plumy, shows garrigue, long finish for food, 13.5% ABV. +155804, $16.95, QPR: 90. 9. Du Cropio Don Giuva Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore 2005: delicious herbs and aging component, baking well. 13.5% ABV. +250829, $17.95, QPR: 89. 10. Feudi San Pio Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2008: Ripasso of the month, 14% ABV. +181446, $15.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2009 VQA Niagara Twenty Mile Bench, +34561, $65 retail. 2. Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2009, +183921, $72.95 3. Scott Family Estate Dijon Clone Chardonnay 2010 Arroyo Seco Monterey, +99051, $23.95. 4. Henschke Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz 2005 Eden Valley South Australia, +718601, $99.95. 5. Domaine Louis Jadot Beaune Theurons 1er Cru 2006, +42838, $45.95 6. Gaja Dagromis Barolo 2005, +92742, $64.95 7. La Vite Lucente 2009 IGT Tuscany, +747030, $39.95 8. Quintarelli Rosso Ca’ del Merlo 2002 IGT Veneto, +958595, $84.95 9. Domaine Vincent Delaporte Chavignol Sancerre 2010, +251488, $23.95. 10. Milbrandt The Estates Syrah 2007 Wahluke Slope Columbia Valley, +242487, $29.95. 11. Kim Crawford Small Parcel Corner 50 Merlot 2008 Hawkes Bay North Island, +252320, $29.95. 12. Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2005, +922054, $41.95. 13. Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +976670, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 12, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 normally available for re-tasting from another bottle. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2009 Napa: restaurant-ready wine, balanced, lots of fruit, lightly wooded cream-like texture. +136382, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Kuhlmann Platz Pinot Gris 2008 Alsace: rich, ripe, yet dry finish, Concentrated flavours on the mid-palpate, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 90. 3. Casa del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Casablanca: good MVC, intense character but modest body. 12.5% ABV. +974717m $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2009 WO Western Cape: tasty, dry chenin like savvy but bellowed by some BF wine. 13.5% ABV, +739995, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Chateau Lafon Cuvee Classic 2006 Listrac: juicy, new style but some mushrooms too. 12.5%, good value (already 5 years old). +165399, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Sampietrana Vigna delle Monache Riserva Salice Salentino 2006: delivers the delicious goods, very North American appeal for a fat, fleshy, fruity wine. 13.5% ABV. +247908, $15.94, QPR: 90. 3. Bod. I Marin Duque de Medina Gran Reserva 2000 DO Carinena: great maturing complexity in this decade old wine, 12.5% ABV, black fruit and wood. +148494, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Vina Requingua Toro de Piedra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2008 Curico: delicious cabby feel, black all the way, long rich finish. 14% ABV. +39362, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Red 2008 Padthaway: despite 14.5% ABV, a modest finish, but still a decent Oz shiraz. +685941, $14.95, QPR: 89. 6. Chateau La Cheze 2005 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux: basic MVC for a six year old Bordeaux, enjoyable. +244038, $18.95, QPR: 89. 7. Villa Girardi Bure Alto Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009: Ripasso of the month at the LCBO, 13.5% ABV. +161844, $17.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Hidden Bench Chardonnay 2009 Beamsville Bench Niagara, +68817, $32 retail. 2. Closson Chase Beamsville Bench Chardonnay 2008 Niagara, +230904, $39.95 3. Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2009 Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +33936, $30. 4. Domaines Schlumberger Kessler Riesling 2007 Alsace Grand Cru, +61176, $25.95 5. Maison Roche de Bellene Vieilles Vignes Chassagne-Montrachet 2008, +241158, $49.95 6. Flat Rock Gravity Pinot Noir 2009 Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +1560, $29.95 7. Unum Wine Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Napa, +236075, $34.95. 8. Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2008, +47639, $28.95 9. Two Hands Zippy’s Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2008 Barossa, +89516, $59. 10. Chateau Beau-Site 2004 Saint-Estephe, +967844, $37.95. 11. Chateau Le Caillou 1998 Pomerol, +45682, $49.95. 12. Rene Bouvier La Justice Gevrey-Chambertin 2008, +241075, $44.95. 13. Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +650754, $27.95. 14. Ruffino Modus 2007 IGT Toscana, +912956, $28.95. 15. Senior de P. Pecina Reserva 2001, +82156, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 29, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 normally available for re-tasting from another bottle. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.Stoney Ridge Kasper Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Niagara: with only 11.6% ABV, this is a sensible MVC savvy with good value attached. Full of orchard fruit, citric tones, and that tart finish for food. +513705, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2.Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010 Niagara: 10% ABV and the off- dry mode makes this Germanic in style, lot of precise fruit, citrus and minerals. Hand harvested. +89029, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3.Trius Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009 Niagara: overwhelming sense of oak from the BF and BA, best with food. One for the woodies. +251470, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4.Emiliana Natura Chardonnay 2011 Casablanca Valley: unoaked but very good balance of fruit and acid, concentrated body and flavours, 14% ABV. Organic. +61895, $15.95, QPR: 89. 5.Sol de Andes Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2009 Casablanca: wow, unbeatable at this price, excellent, exceptionally long finish. Nicely wooded. Buy it all!! +254326, $16.95, QPR: 93. 6.Mas des Bressades Cuvee Tradition Blanc 2010 Costieres de Nimes: concentrated, deep fruit, lovely floral and spicy finish, 13.5% ABV. Also has a dollop of Viognier and Marsanne as well. +701094, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7.Inama Vin Soave Classico 2009: more concentrated fruit and citrus flavours, delicious, 12% ABV. +949768, $17.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1.13th Street Red Palette 2010 Niagara: good red blend, with fruity depth and a nice finish. +249458, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2.Concha y Toro Winemaker’s Lot 54 Syrah 2008 Los Brujos Maule: very good Rhone taste-alike, 14.5% ABV, exceptional quality that is both delicious and affordable. +227496, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3.Haras de Pirque Character Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2007 Maipo: deep, dark and delicious, great MVC for a near-bordeaux, 15% ABV. +54502, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4.Domaine Rene Couly Chinon 2009: very cabby franky, 13% ABV, Gold Medalist. +7286, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5.Lento Lamezia Riserva 2006 Calabria: much like a Bordeaux but using local grapes magliocco, Greco nero, and nerello. Cedar and chocolate. +972208, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6.Angelini Negroamaro Del Salento 2007 IGT Puglia: nicely aged, sharp flavours on the finish good for food. Spices and dark fruit dominate. 14.5% ABV. +233874, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7.Salchetto Rosso di Montepulciano 2008: unoaked, fruity, ready sooner than later in “new” style Rosso. 13.5% ABV. +165357, $17.95, QPR: 89. 8.Sabor Real Vinas Centenarias Tempranillo 2007 Toro: from older vines, affordable, but tight, don’t drink yet, needs time to become a great wine. 14.5% ABV. +244772, $15, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1.Hoopenburg Integer Chardonnay 2007 WO Stellenbosch, +174672, $21.95 retail. 2.Jean-Luc & Paul Aegerter Meursault 2009 Reserve Personelle, +244418, $49.95. 3.Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G. C. Sancerre 2010, +189126, $25.95. 4.Zenato Sergio Zenato Lugana 2008, +928218, $26.95. 5.Chateau Vieux Sarpe 2006 St.Emilion Grand Cru, +943662, $34.95. 6.Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico 2008, +680496, $21.95. 7.Ornellaia Le Volte 2009 IGT Toscana, +964221, $29.95 8.Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007, +356220, $349.95. 9.Miguel Torres Mas Borras Pinot Noir 2008 Penedes, +673483, $29.95. 10.Rioja Bordon Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +114454, $23.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 15, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 normally available for re-tasting from another bottle. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Sunrock Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 VQA: has the usual suspects (vanilla, toast, caramel, undertones of peach), a knockout wine with a lovely persistent aftertaste. +249516, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Morande Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Casablanca: juicy but balanced fruit, good quaffer at this price (good with food too), 13.5% ABV. +252346, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Kumeu River Village Chardonnay 2008 New Zealand: elegant, value, tastes like an expensive Burgundy. +247171, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4. Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2010 WO Coastal Region: another value wine, herby but bold finish. +948620, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace: good price for a terrific MVC wine, classic all the way. +747600, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Case Ibidini Insolia 2010 IGT Sicilia: good balance and concentration, modest alcohol of 12%, thickly coast the palate, citric finish for food. +211839, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. Maculan Pinot Grigio 2010 IGT Veneto: another useful, slightly thick winner, 12.5% ABV. +734921, $13.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Korta Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Lontue Valley: cabby MVC from Chile, good finish, 14.5% ABV. +236034, $13.95, QPR: 89. 2. Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2010 Apalta Vineyard Colchagua Valley: absolutely delicious with 30% tamed carmenere, 14.5% ABV. +16071, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. SXS Step Two Shiraz 2008 South Australia: a crafty juicy blend with Euro-style flavours, 13.9% ABV. +246645, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Cathedral Cellar Merlot 2008 WO Western Cape: an excellent value wine – ripe, red, rosy fruit, some small herbs on the nose, best with food. +522219, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Girolamo Vendemmia Tardiva Primitivo 2008 IGT Salento: late harvested Primitivo produced in a rich, NA style of zinfandel. 15% ABV and priced to go! +224667, $14.95, QPR: 91. 6. Scopetani Chianti Riserva 2007: fine value for an aged Chianti, done up in typical style. +164814, $14.95, QPR: 89. 7. Vinea Corvina 2007 IGT Veronese: another Italian dye-no-mite priced value wine! 13.5% ABV. Corvina is the most exciting of the three grape varieties used in Valpolicella production. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Catena Alta Chardonnay 2009 Estate Lots Mendoza, +959973, $39.95 retail. 2. Andre & Edmond Figeat Les Chaumiennes Pouilly-Fume 2010, +196659, $21.95. 3. Le Clos Jordanne Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +33902, $45. 4. Peju Merlot 2006 Napa Valley, +147322, $44.95. 5. Durigutti Reserva Malbec 2006 Mendoza, +246082, $26.95. 6. Riglos Gran Corte 2007 Mendoza, +243501, $37.95. 7. Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2007 McLaren Vale, +986752, $26.95. 8. Tenuta di Nozzole La Forra Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +177279, $29.95. 9. Farina Le Pezze Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2007, +171587, $32.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 1, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 normally available for re-tasting from another bottle. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinto Gris 2009 Four Mile Creek Niagara: succulent and rich, 12.5% ABV, twist top, good finish. +116582, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Cicchitti Torrontes 2010 Mendoza: another best value aromatic Argentine wine, useful if there is a heat wave in October. 13% ABV, succulence. +243204, $11.95, QPR: 89. 3. Valdivieso Reserva Chardonnay 2010 Leyda Valley: balanced wood flavours after nine months in French oak barrels, lovely chardonnay charmer, smooth despite 14% ABV. +981621, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough: good lingering complexity, full of body and elegance. 14% ABV. +9142, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Gris 2008 East Coast NZ: ripe and richer tones, more succulence., 13.5% ABV. +727255, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Dourthe La Grande Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Bordeaux: not an intense savvy but a useful representation of white Bordeaux at its finest. Crisp finish. +159640, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Perez Cruz Limited Edition Syrah 2009 Maipo: a major Rhone-type blockbuster, 14.5% ABV, lots of spices and earth. +589812, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2008 Vin de Pays d’Oc: an even better wine, delicious Rhone MVC, yet some aromatics too. +177584, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Central Coast: juicy, traditional MVC for California cab mainly from Monterey. 14.5% ABV. +57877, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Lamadrid Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Mendoza: great cab presence, MVC, cassis all round, 13.7% ABV. +234518, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Zolo Malbec 2010 Mendoza: delivers value MVC for Argentine Malbec, useful at Fall BBQs, 13.8% ABV. +183905, $12.95, QPR: 89. 6. Hickinbotham Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 South Australia: unfiltered, 14.5% ABV, thick, unctuous deep red wine full of flavours. +159632, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Wild Rock Gravel Pit Red 2008 Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Nay: great tasting blend of merlot, malbec and cab franc, 14% ABV, twist top. +163600, $17.95, QPR: 89. 8. Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009: not the 2008 as stated in the Vintages catalogue, so it is not as well-aged. At 13.5% ABV, it's the "Ripasso of the Month" at the LCBO. +999946, $16.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Le Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 Vinemount Ridge Niagara, +143974, $40 retail. 2. Yalumba FDW 7C Chardonnay 2008 Adelaide Hills, +244384, $23.95. 3. Domaine Les Vieux Murs Poully-Fuisse 2008, +241117, $23.95. 4. Henri Bourgeois La Porte du Caillou Sancerre 2009, +244806, $23.95. 5.Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2005, +579094, $38.95 6. Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Coonawarra, +606939, $27.95. 7. E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2007, +704908, $24.95 retail. 8. Rosehall Run Cold Creek Cabernet Franc 2008 Prince Edward County, +149039, $22.95. 9. Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, +246900, $46.95. 10. Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir 2008 Carneros Napa, +438697, $29.95. 11. Chateau Moulin de Sales 2003 Lalande de Pomerol, +245845, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 normally not available for re-tasting. TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. EOS Chardonnay 2008 Central Coast: expect some elegance, burgundian style. Notes of vanilla and cream although the back label does not mention use of oak. 13.5% ABV. +955914, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Santa Ana La Mascota Chardonnay 2010 Mendoza: rich, ripe and full, somewhat fleshy, some barrel aging. 14% ABV. +126870, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough: straight-forward NZ savvy, good zesty finish, 13.5% ABV. +981670, $15.95, QPR: 89. 4. Spice Route Sauvignon Blanc 2010 WO Darling South Africa: impressive body and concentration and zest for the price, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +235895, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace: off-dry in texture, significant mouthfeel, nicely bitterish, Gold Medal winner. Phenomenal price. +224626, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Terra d’Alter Reserva White 2010 Alentejano: partially fermented and aged in oak, indigenous grapes plus viognier, all combine for a creamy, vanilla tone. 13.5% ABV. +219212, $13.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. A by Acacia Pinot Noir 2008 California: basic MVC but delicious – with body, substance and flavours. 13.5% ABV. +118927, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Michel Torino Don David Reserve Malbec 2009 Cafayate Valley Argentina: black juicy fruits, some tightness that needs opening up, long food finish. +64998, $12.95, QPR: 89. 3. Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009 Padthaway: full black flavours, minty, several gold medals. +673897, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz/Cabernet/Petit Verdot 2008 Barossa: a powerful hit at 15% ABV, creamy oak, blessed by a high Parker number. +684357, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Slowine Shiraz 2009 WO Overberg South Africa: engaging wine hits all the notes of smoke, pepper, fruit, twist top, 14.5% ABV, and priced to move. +96503, $13.95, QPR: 89. 6. Chateau Landonnet 2008 Bordeaux: one of your more modestly priced Bordeaux, delicious fruit, long finish, 13% ABV. +243931, $13.95, QPR: 89. 7. Chateau Le Grand Moulin Cuvee Collection 2008 Premieres Cotes de Blaye: needs time for tannins to resolve but it is all there, great price, 13% ABV, Gold Medalist, great MVC. +245357, $15.95, QPR: 89. 8. Rivera Violante Nero di Troia 2008 Puglia: tasty, earthy and dark cherries, good finish, 13.5% ABV. +583435, $15.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. J. Lohr October Night Chardonnay 2007 Arroyo Seco, +225375, $24.95 retail. 2. Kistler Les Noisetiers Chardonnay 2009 Sonoma Coast, +251223, $64.95. 3. Clairaut Estate Chardonnay 2008 Margaret River, +246892, $39.95 4. Wolf Blass Premium Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 South Australia, +321927, $22.95 5. Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, +84996, $24.95 6. Chateau Lacoste Borie 2008 Pauillac, +249011, $39.95 7. Chateau Pontet Chappaz 2008 Margaux, +243956, $39.95 8. Domaine Du Haut des Terres Blanches Chateauneuf du Pape 2007, +177618, $37.95 9. LAN Gran Reserva 2003 Rioja, +928622, $26.95 SPECIAL ONTARIO WINES RELEASE: some notes WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Cave Spring Estate Chardonnay 2009 CS Vineyard VQA Beamsville: one of the nicest under $20 chards in Ontario, expressive of orchard fruit, toasty finish, capable of aging. +256552, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Featherstone Gewurztraminer 2010 VQA Twenty Mile Bench: dynamite, just like an Alsatian with true bitterness bite in the finish. +64592, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Flat Rock Chardonnay 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench: prize-winning chard with tropicality, lightly oaked and nicely integrated. +681247, $16.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. 13th Street Premier Cuvee [MC] VQA Niagara, +142679, $29.95 retail. 2. Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Four Mile Creek, +79228, $24.95. 3. Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Niagara, +33894, $30. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 3, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Inniskillin Barrel Aged Pinot Gris 2009 VQA Niagara: bold flavours, concentrated body and textures, long finish. Creamy from BA but not toasty. 14% ABV. +177766, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Napa Ridge Chardonnay 2009 Napa: a restaurant wine, good MVC intensity for a Cali chard. +213678, 89, $18.95. 3. Sebastiani Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma: a restaurant wine, good MVC intensity for a Cali chard. +30791, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Zolo Torrontes 2010 Mendoza: dryish mode, food or sip, summer wine. +183913, $12.95, QPR: 89. 5. Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Casablanca: good value for a MVC savvy, 13% ABV. +211904, $12.95, QPR: 89. 6. Seresin Momo Chardonnay 2009 Marlborough: lightly toasted for a different taste, 14% ABV, affordable. +247247, $18.95, QPR: 89. 7. Les Fosses d’Hareng Vouvray 2008: off-dry complexity is revealed, great for summer and chenin blanc lovers. Gold Medal winner. +224287, $17.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cline Ancient Vines Carignane 2009 Contra Costa County: plums, chocolates, cloves – back to school!! 14.5% ABV +32177, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Napa: a restaurant-ready wine, MVC cab from Napa, 13.5% ABV. +73817, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. St. Supery Merlot 2007 Napa: delicious, fruit-driven, off-dry on mid-palate, milk chocolate too (not mocha), 14.5% ABV. Great value for a good merlot. +398214, $18.95, QPR: 91. 4. Chemin de Terre 2006 Oregon: a field blend type of wine (seven varieties), 13.5% ABV. +234724, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. Tierra Alta Reserva Carmenere 2007 Maule: good value, substantial fruit upfront, some herbaceousness like a cab franc. 14% ABV. +236067, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Gotham Shiraz 2009 Langhorne Creek South Australia: juicy with terrific Oz shiraz MVC. Twist top. $14.5% ABV. +243048, $18.95, QPR: 89. 7. Maison Roche de Bellene Cotes du Nuits-Villages 2009 Vieilles Vignes: candied, off-dry on the mid-palate, but very decent value. 13.5% ABV. Affordable pinot noir. +240473, $19.95, QPR: 89. 8. Tocchi Sagrantino di Montfalco 2004 Tuscany: blueberry assault but aging well, with depth and full expression of the grape. Needs food. 14.5% ABV. +174664, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Benziger Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 Carneros, +172205, $28.95 retail. 2. Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +45906, $44.95. 3. Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2006 Barossa, +528356, $51.95. 4. Lammershoek Roulette 2006 WO Swartland SA, +58164, $25.95. 5. Rust en Vrede Estate Red 2007 WO Stellenbosch SA, +997742, $37.95. 6. Corte Majoli Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, +81943, $33.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 20, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Chalone Monterey County Chardonnay 2009: woodsy, affordable, not as elegant as their regular chardonnay, nut priced to sell. 13.5% ABV. +80226, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Gold Ring Chardonnay 2009 Mendocino: crisp, slight hint of vanilla and wood tones, easy drinking. Organic. +239442, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Lafond SRH Chardonnay 2007 Santa Rita Hills Santa Barbara: nicely aged and matured, ripe and ready, well-integrated tropical fruit and wood tones. Finishes dry. +998641, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Brooks Amycas 2008 Oregon: decent priced aromatic white wine blend, crisp and floral from pinot gris and blanc, gewurz, chardonnay, muscat and riesling. 13.1% ABV. +239079, $16.95, QPR: 89. 5. Mil Piedras Viognier 2010 Mendoza: lightly aromatic, 13% ABV, lemons on crisp finish. +240168, $11.95, QPR: 89. 6. Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: 13.5% ABV. A rich, concentrated and lingering savvy. +990580, $17.95, QPR: 89. 7. Cave de Hoen Vieilles Vignes Pinot Gris 2009 Alsace: spicy, full-bodied, lingering finish. 12.5% ABV. Medium-dry. +224261, $17.95, QPR: 89. 8. Joseph Cattin pinot Blanc 2009 Alsace: Gold Medalist, orchard fruit, long lifted finish. 12% ABV. +224642, $13.95, QPR: 89. 9. Rene Mure Signature Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace: off-dry on mid-palate, long lingering finish, whopping 14% ABV. +61218, $17.95, QPR: 90. 10. Muga Barrel Fermented White 2010 Rioja: rich, buttery without the toast, driven by new French oak barrels. Food wine. 13% ABV. +958736, $15.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cristobal 1492 Oak Reserve Shiraz 2008 Mendoza: intense Euro style of syrah, 14% ABV, great price. +236133, $13.95, QPR: 89. 2. Chateau de Panigon Medoc: says “Bordeaux” to me, that hard-grained mix of cassis, plums and wood on the mid-palate. +230367, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau Toumilon 2003 Graves: nicely aged, at its peak (prunes not plums), value lies in its age. +177030, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Domaine La Croix Belle Syrah 2009 IGT Cotes de Thongue: the south of France is discovering that you can make good wines OUTSIDE of AC rules. This wine has a great syrah hit, modest price, 13.5% ABV. A real winner, buy it all soonest. +160150, $12.95, QPR: 92+ 5. Les Celettes 2009 Cotes du Rhone: great blend of mocha, red fruit, smoke, some caramel. Fab price for 13.5% ABV. +235010, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Villa Medoro Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2008: NA style and appeal of fleshy fruit. But a long finish for food. 13.5% ABV. +242321, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Cantine Cipressi Rumen Molise Rosso 2007: blend of Monte d’Abruzzo and merlot, black fruit and herbs all the way, a bargain wine, 14% ABV, food or sip. +222646, $14.95, QPR: 89. 8. Mas Foraster Josep Foraster Crianca 2006 Conca de Barbera Spain: a nifty wine from the nether regions of Spain, NA style, nicely aged, very fruity and enjoyable, 13.5% ABV. +218321, $13.95. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Eberle Estate Chardonnay 2009 Paso Robles, +115964, $22.95 retail. 2. Jean Pabiot et Fils Domaine des Fines Caillottes Pouilly-Fume 2009, +695908, $22.95. 3. Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet/Merlot 2007 Niagara-on-the-Lake, +172080, $22.95. 4. Star Lane Astral Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Santa Ynez Valley Santa Barbara, +239509, $49.95. 5. Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 McLaren Vale, +730374, $24.95. 6. Hegarty Chamans No. 1 Syrah/Carignan 2005 Minervois, +250605, $24.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 6, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. 13th Street White Palette 2010 Niagara: nicely priced white blend wine, 12% ABV. Almost a field blend of gewurztraminer, riesling, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. +207340, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2. Peninsula Ridge McNally Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Beamsville Bench: California style succulence, a tame savvy with some body and fair price, 13.5% ABV. Food or sip. +243147, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Bien Nacido Chardonnay 2007 Santa Maria Valley: a deft California chardonnay, toasty, good finish, restaurant wine. 14.3% ABV. 4. Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2010 Argentina: best value summer sipper, although 13.5% ABV. A Toronto wine, so drink up! +1834, $11.95, QPR: 89. 5. Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2009 Margaret River: classic burgundian excellence and elegance. 13% ABV, with wild yeast fermentation and French oak. +903617, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough: intense grapefruit and grass quality, some lemons and green peppers. +677450, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2008 WO Paarl: well-rounded chardonnay, 14% ABV, wood lingers on the finish, but sip or food. +915231, $17.95, QPR: 90. 8. Domaine de Rochebin Clos Saint-Germain Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay Bourgogne 2009: MVC entry-level burgundy, but medium-bodied with 12.5% ABV, some depth due to older vines. +243873, $17.95, QPR: 89. 9. Domaine Bois-Malinge Muscadet Sur Lie Sevre et Maine 2009: lemon, crisp, MVC with seafood. Good price. +224246, $13.95, QPR: 89. 10. Hoffman-Simon Riesling Spatlese 2009 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Mosel: just in time for summer sipping, 8% ABV, delivers a lot of fruit and MD sweetness. +216499, $19.95, QPR: 89. 11. Aveleda Follies Alvarinho 2010 Minho Portugal: very fruity and refreshing, sip or with food, 12.5% ABV. +59048, $15.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Bogle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 California: juicy, tasty, the Vintages note correctly says it “really over-delivers”. +904565, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. California Karma Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Paso Robles: commercial cabernet sauvignon, very rich tasting, 14.2% ABV. +213637, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Canepa Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Maipo: off-dry, fruit fresh, needs a bit more time, still approachable. +412031, $13.95, QPR: 89. 4. Emiliana Adobe Reserva Syrah 2009 Rapel: tasty but lusty Euro-style syrah, needs a bit of time, but pick some up at this modest price. 14% ABV. Organic. +213553, $12.95, QPR: 90. 5. Peter Lehmann Layers Red 2008 Barossa: red wine blend (G-S-M plus Tempranillo and carignane), 14.5% ABV, overheated Mediterranean style. +138883, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Seigneurs d’Aiguilhe 2009 Castillon: intense fruit from a modestly- priced second wine (Ch. D’Aiguilhe), 14% ABV. +195172, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. Les Vignerons de Visan Visan 2007 Cotes du Rhone Villages: Gold Medal winner, MVC all the way, excellent price. +179234, $12.95, QPR: 89. 8. Burgo Viejo Reserva 2004 Rioja: excellent value for an MVC Rioja. All the points are there, 13.5% ABV. +168823, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2009 Okanagan, +208694, $32.95 retail. 2. Fielding Pinot Gris 2010 Niagara, +251108, $21.95. 3. Talbott Logan Chardonnay 2008 Santa Lucia California, +716290, $26.95. 4. William Fevre Chablis 1er Cru 2008, +169805, $29.95. 5. Freemark Abbey Merlot 2008 Napa, +1602, $29.95 6. Chateau Monbrison 2001 Margaux, +235440, $43.95 7. Cave de Rasteau Ortas Les Hauts du Village Rasteau 2006 Cotes du Rhone-Villages, +581785, $22.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 23, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc 2009: a fine tast9ing savvy, full of grassy character, longer finish, 12.5% ABV. With food or as sipper. +694737, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Kurt Darting Gewurztraminer Kabinett 2009 Durkheimer Nonnengarten Pfalz: delicious summer sipper, very flavourful, only slight bitter tang on finish. 11% ABV. +944181, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Vinea Garganega 2009 IGT Verona: golden colour, thickish body, concentrated tasty and ripe flavours with some botrytis. +230656, $12.95, QPR: 89. 4. Domaine Trotereau Quincy 2009: quality savvy, good balance, long finish. +225185, $17.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Columbia Winery Merlot 2007 Columbia Valley: a restaurant wine, ready now with MVC plumy fruit and wood tones. +715870, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Tabali Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 Limari: very North Rhonish, 14.5% ABV, spicy components. +213538, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Small Gully The Formula Robert’s Shiraz 2006 Adelaide Plains: very intense, good chocolate-mocha flavours, 15.9% ABV. +142935, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4. Tokara Shiraz 2007 Stellenbosch: another quality North Rhone MVC knock-off wine, 14.5% ABV. +240242, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Pindefleurs 2007 St. Emilion Grand Cru: excellent tones on the mid-palate, intense and great soft flavours, ready now. +102764, $20, QPR: 91. 6. Castello di Volpaia Prelius Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 IGT Maremma Tuscany: a delicious food-driven cabby, 13.5% ABV. Ready now. +224022, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Coyote’s Run Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 VQA Four Mile Creek, $21.95 retail, +49775 2. Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, $40, +56929 3. Macrostie Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma Coast, $30.95, +244467 4. Josef Chromy Chardonnay 2009 Tasmania, $29.95, +162982 5. Jean Fery et Fils Les Nosroyes Puligny-Montrachet 2008, $52.95, +243568 6. La Chablisienne Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cry 2008, $28.95, +656835 7. La Crema Pinot Noir 2008 Los Carneros, $44.95, +58025 8. Mount Eden Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains, $49.95, +31831 9. Chateau Diane de Belgrave 2006 Haut-Medoc, $24.95, +226050 10. Franco Molino Barolo 2006, $29.95, +232967 11. Vignamaggio Gherardino Chianti Classico 2008, $23.95, +963512 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 9, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Agustinos Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Bio Bio Chile: your basic MVC savvy, affordable for summer consumption. +213595, $12.95, QPR: 89. 2. Summerhouse Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: delicious intensity for a NZ savvy without the blatant grass. 13.5% ABV. +218305, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling 2009 QbA Mosel: great summer sipper at 8.5% ABV. Medium-dry, long finish of peaches. +596601, $12.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Lodi: Juicy Lucy, 14.5% ABV. +678698, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Lamadrid Single Vineyard Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: soft enough to be a merlot? 14.5% ABV. Ready now. +223206, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Syrah 2008 Maipo: another juicy specimen, 14.5% ABV, +19042, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Dandelion Sister’s Run God’s Hill Shiraz 2008 Barossa: another full ripe red wine, another 14.5% ABV, price slightly lower than above three wines. +222018, $15.95, QPR: 89. 5. Lomond Syrah 2008 Cape Aguihas South Africa: heady, bright, in-your- face with red fruits, yet in definite Euro-mode. 14% ABV. +146464, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Aubert Visan Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2009: juicy and delicious but with domination by syrah flavours even though syrah comprises only 20% of total (grenache is the other 80%). 14.5% ABV compares well with New World wines, yet it is priced to go. Load up! +224915, $12.95, QPR: 91. 7. Paolo Leo Riserva Salice Salentino 2006: nicely and richly aged, 13.5% ABV, black and red fruits and barrel tones. Fabulous finish. +214700, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Zenato Cormi 2007 IGT Veneto: blend of corvina and merlot. A definite BBQ wine, lighter than most, ready now for summer. 13.5% ABV. +108282, $17.95, QPR: 89. 9. Lan Reserva 2005 Rioja: good MVC detail. Only one year in mainly US oak, 13.5% ABV, smoky, ripe, with an appreciable finish. +42929, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Flat Rock Cellars Seriously Twisted 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +877783, $22.95 retail. 2. Far Niente Estate Chardonnay 2009 Napa, +539130, $57.95. 3. Ironstone Estate Grown Reserve Chardonnay 2009 Sierra Foothills, +158774, $25.95. 4. R de Rieussec 2007 Bordeaux Blanc, +100891, $22. 5. Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Meritage 2008, +505610, $35.20. 6. Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz 2008 Barossa, +32227, $24.95. 7. Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz 2008 Barossa, +18796, $21.95. 8. Chateau Hourbanon 2003 Medoc, +125922, $21.95. 9. Terre del Barolo Monvigliero Barolo 2004, +97535, $33.95. 10. Tenuta di Ghizzano Veneroso 2007 IGT Toscana, +103218, $29.95. 11. Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas Reserva 2007 Douro, +951301, $21.95. 12. La Rioja Alta Fina Alberdi Reserva 2003 Rioja, +161893, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 25 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ But first: Ciderie St. Nicolas Pom’or Tradition Crackling Cider: great for summer, with its 7% ABV and cider apple component. +179473, $12.95, QPR: 90. 1. Alamos 2010 Chardonnay Mendoza: MVC Chardonnay but with a summer sipper-like finish. +801571, $13.95, QPR: 89. 2. Familia Zuccardi Organica Torrontes 2010 Mendoza: fruity, a bit on the orange side with low bitterness, great for patios. Organic. +232694, $13.95. 3. Pfaffenheim 2009 Cuvee Bacchus Gewurztraminer Alsace: rose petals on the nose, slightly bitter finish, very definitive MVC. Spiciness, a touch of sweetness. +996017, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. Don Sebastiani SKN Chardonnay 2007 Napa: one for the woodies, 13.5% ABV, lots of caramel and toast. +225367, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Balthasar Ress Riesling Spatlese 1998 Hattenheim Nussbrunnen Rheingau: a modest 8.5% ABV, but very well-aged and exceptionally priced. Expect honeyed tones plus the usual aged petrol component. +160762, $20.95, QPR: 91. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Casa Silva Los Lingues Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Colchagua: wonderful bouquet of flavours and aromas, right through to the finish and beyond: florals, smokes, minerals, red and black berries, really complicated. 14.5% ABV. +640870, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Howling Moon 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi: smokey wood tones linger, 13.5% ABV, rich, full, off-dry, BBQ necessary. +57356, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Marquis Philips 2008 Shiraz McLaren Vale: loaded with character and 16% ABV. Smoked bacon, blackberries, mocha, etc. +17475, $15, QPR: 91. 4. Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz: very Rhonish, 14% ABV, a keeper or drink now. +433060, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Amani Pendana Shiraz 2007 Stellenbosch: again, very gamey Rhonish, perhaps some brett on the finish. 14.5% ABV. +220079, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Rupert & Rothschild Classique 2008 Western Cape: another fine Bordeaux-style blend (cabernet sauvignon – merlot) at 13.5% ABV, very Euro in mode. +717991, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. Herdade dos Ourives 2006 Colheita Seleccionada Alentejano: very upfront juicy in NA appeal, plummy, smokey, red currants and chocolate finish. +240663, $18.95, QPR: 89. 8. Pago de San Gabriel Zubiola 2007 Navarra: mocha, oaked, 14% ABV, boredeaux-blend and some of the style (pencils, smokey toast, black fruits). +242438, $20.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. De Loach 2008 OFS Chardonnay Russian River, $37.95 retail, +0729343 2. Chateau Fonteneil 2006 Fronsac, $49.95, +567404 3. Carlos Serres 2001 Gran Reserva Rioja, $27.95, +221945) 4. Closson Chase 2008 KJ Watson Vineyard Chardonnay Niagara River, $39.95, +230912 5. Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir 2008 Okanagan, $24.95, +585760 6. Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Napa, $49.95, +932400 7. Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, $69.95, +71407 8. Antucura Calvulcura 2008 Uco Valley Mendoza, $23.95, +233973 9. Pikes 2008 Eastside Shiraz Clare Valley, $23.95, +77891 10. Kim Crawford SP Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, $24.95, +38240 11. Suoi Barolo 2006 Piedmont, $33.95, +212522 12. Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione 2007 IGT Alta Valle Tuscany, $58.95, +719872 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 11, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Lakeview Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Niagara: great MVC (greens such as grass, asparagus, gooseberry) for an Ontario savvy. Gold Medal winner. +226027, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Vineland Estates Chenin Blanc 2008 Niagara Escarpment: spices and aromatics reminiscent of the Loire, terrific value with an off-dry finish, 11.7% ABV. Sipper. +227033, $17, QPR: 90 3. Napa Ridge Chardonnay 2009 Napa: MVC California chardonnay (slightly off-dry, ripe orchard fruit, more toast than smoke, bracing tropicality). +213678, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Famiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2010 Mendoza: light body but 14.5% ABV, easy finish, great price, MVC for a barrel-fermented chardonnay. +1461, $12.95, QPR: 90. 5. Braided River Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough: herby NZ MVC savvy with body and finishing acid, 13% ABV. +214585, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Domaine des Malandes Chablis 2009: classic and easy, simple, uncomplicated Chablis with MVC (minerality, apple, and lemon). +111658, $18.95, QPR: 89. 7. Godo Bianco 2009 IGT Bianco Veronese: interesting, caught my palate’s attention, slightly off-dry, useful with food or sipping. +214353, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2008 Maipo: incredible value for an organic wine, with alcohol (14.5%), finishing acid on the length, ripe and fruity style of cabby MVC, some plumminess from the merry merlot. With food or sipping. Load up at this price – buy it all!! +685792, $14.95, QPR: 93. 2. Thelema Shiraz 2006 WO Stellenbosch: good balance, Rhonish MVC tones (black fruit, mocha). +146431, $19.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chateau Begadanet 2005 Medoc: maturing nicely, lots of underbrush and wood, fruit on the mid-palate. +138875, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Clos de Verdots Merlot 2009 Bergerac: slight Bordeaux complexity, affordable, Gold Medal winner, 14% ABV. +219436, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Apollonio Terragnolo Negroamaro 2004 IGT Salento Rosso: MVC Salento (deep brooding flavours, some olives and smoked meat), long length, ready to roll with 14.5% ABV. +211821, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Zeni Costalago 2008 IGT Rosso Veronese: North American appeal of cherries and chocolate, becoming mocha on the finish. 14% ABV, useful sipper as well as with food. +220848, $14.95, QPR: 89. 7. Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2004 Rioja: MVC for Rioja, some coconut from the US oak, age and price is great. 13.5% ABV. +947309, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Dutton Estate Dutton Palms Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Russian River Valley, +234856, $54.95 retail. 2. Jacques Bourguignon Chablis 1er Cru 2009, +208033, $25.95. 3. Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa, +149955, $99.55. 4. Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Volant 2006 California, +975847, $39.95. 5. La Crema Pinot Noir 2009 Russian River, +906404, $44.95 6. Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Howell Mountain Napa, +234005, $79.95 7. Domaine du Haut des Terres Blanches Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +177618, $37.95. 8. Pasquale Pelissero Bricco San Giuliano Barbaresco 2007, +214551, $27.95. 9. Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +216309, $22.95. 10. Giacomo Montresor Amarone della Valpolicella 2006, +204826, $53.95. 11. Remo Farina Monte Fante Riserva Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2004, +63636, $62.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 28, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Mike Weir Riesling 2008 VQA NOTL: very Euro in mode, great Riesling MVC. Softer finish than expected, not shrill like many Ontario Rieslings. +229286, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Margaret River/Pemberton: body and soul of savvy, but the bizarre zest. Good finish. Sip or food. +186106, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. The Winery of Good Hope Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2009 Stellenbosch: lots more complexity here than expected at this modest price level. Orchard fruit and long length. +158121, $11.95, QPR: 89. 4. Faller Geisberg Riesling 2007 Alsace Grand Cru: excellent Riesling MVC, dry intense flavours, slightly honeyed. +225169, $20.95, QPR: 90. 5. Joseph Cattin Muscat 2009 Alsace: good peachy flavours from the muscat grape, intense grape flavours at times, floral and fragrant. +224634, $14.95, QPR: 89. 6. Domaine Roux Pere et Fils Montagny 1er Cru 2009: very well made for the price level, and indeed it is a complex burgundian chardonnay. Butter and fruit, good length. +208017, $18.95, QPR: 91. 7. Domaine de la Grange Vieilles Vignes Muscat Sevre & Maine 2009 Sur Lie: body and flavour are emphasized, great price for an experienced melon de Bourgogne. Longer length. +682625, $13.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Bommarito Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa: 14.5% ABV makes this a heavy chocolate-smokey modern wine with some berries. +213918, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Emiliana Winemaker’s Selection Syrah 2009 La Quebrada Casablanca: old world Rhone syrah, complexity and long length, 14.5% ABV, plus it is organic as well. +212407, $18.95, QPR: 92. 3. Chateau La Tour de L’Eveque Vendanges Manuelles 2005 Cotes de Provence: mouthfilling mix of syrah and cabernet sauvignon, good maturity. +440123, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Domaine Mercouri Red 2006 Letrinon Greece: a fairly complex, mature wine of 13% ABV, long length to the finish, mature berry flavours. +652974, $18.95, QPR: 89. 5. Drei Dona Tenuta La Palazza Notturno Sangiovese 2008 IGT Forli Emilia-Romagna: some complex cherries and spices, with its North American appeal it has a bit of fruitcake. +39958, $17.95, QPR: 89. 6. Bod. Alitus Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero: nicely aged and affordable blend of Tempranillo and cab sauvignon. 14% ABV. Sweet vanilla and coconut on the finish from US oak. 7. Antiche Terre Ripasso Valpolicella 2008: the LCBO’s “Ripasso of the month”. +178459, $14.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2008 Russian River Valley, +479527, $22.95 retail. 2. Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough, +912337, $24.95 3. Domaine Latour-Giraud Les Narvaux Meursault 2008, +12369, $44.95 4. Domaine Sylvain Bailly Terroirs Sancerre 2009, +223859, $24.95 5. 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 Lodi, +59311, $24.95 6. Fess Parker Rodney’s Vineyard Syrah 2007 Santa Barbara, +232546, $39.95 7. Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa, +238758, $29.95 8. Gamble Family Vineyards Paramount 2005 Napa, +221143, $59.95 9. Brothers in Arms Sixth Generation Reserve Shiraz 2003 Langhorne Creek, +222000, $27.95 10. La Castellina Squarcialupi Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +214627, $27.95 11. Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2008, +216291, $22.95 12. Leza Garcia Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +681601, $27.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 14, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Konzelmann Winemaster’s Collection Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2008 VQA Niagara: heavy-heavy Gewurz taste and body, off-dry, solid wine for cheese, fruit or Asiatic food. +392357, $17.20, QPR: 90. 2. Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2008 VQA Okanagan: nice blend of BF and SS wines, oak in back ground, but terrific with food. 14% ABV. +377770, $19.95. 3. Wynn’s Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2009: 13.5% ABV, juicy, good oak-fruit balance, could improve. Food wine or sip, +468728, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Michel Delhommeau Cuvee Harmonie Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine 2009 Sur Lie: minerals suggest fish, good price for tart food wine. +164624, $12.95, QPR: 89. 5. Sols & Sens Cotes du Rhone-Villages Laudin 2009: 60% grenache blanc, 30% viognier, 10% rousanne. 13.5% ABV. Rich and ripe orchard fruit, good weight. +223438, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Fillaboa Albarino 2009 Rias Baixas: orchard fruit plus tropicality lading to a citric finish. Food wine. +214171, $15.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rutherford Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Napa: delicious delivery of black fruit, juicy and ripeness begins with the fabulous nose. 12.5% ABV. +213777, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Elementos Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: very much an Argentine cabernet, MVC, 14% ABV. Value at this price level. +218974, $12.95, QPR: 89. 3. Jolien Schaal Syrah 2008 WO Elgin/Walker Bay South Africa: 13.5% ABV, Euro-Rhone wine mode for syrah. +206581, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages: 85% grenache, 10% mourvedre, 5% syrah, 14.5% ABV. Gold medalist, action-value packed with fruit and grassiness. +224592, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Domaine Martin Cairanne 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages: unfiltered, 14% ABV, developing black fruit, dense body. +223461, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Tor del Colle Riserva Brindisi 2006: fruity, engaging, intense vanilla, well-priced, 13% ABV. +211847, $12.95, QPR: 89. 7. Marchesi Torrigiani Torre de Ciardo 2006 IGT Toscana: delicious Italianate flavours, some barn, chianti-style. 14% ABV. +212084, $19.95, QPR: 90. 8. Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008: Ripasso-of-the-month. +695890, $16.95, QPR: 89. 9. Dehesa Gago 2009 Toro: 14.5% ABV, heavy-heavy laden with flavours on the back palate, long tannin finish, could lay down for a while. +173120, $14.95, QPR: 89. 10. Vega Escal 2006 Priorat: full of flavours (smoke, black fruit, some Rhone tones, long finish). 14.5% ABV. +210997, $18.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Boony Doon Beeswax Vineyard Le Cigare Blanc 2008 Arroyo Seco Central Coast, +95331, $29.95 retail. 2. Mer Soleil Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2008 Santa Lucia Highlands California, +958975, $34.95. 3. Truchard Chardonnay 2008 Carneros Napa, +60459, $34.95. 4. Henry Darnat Puligny-Montrachet 2007, +21080, $49.95. 5. Vincent Girardin Les Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2008, +207894, $24.95. 6. Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2009, +247411, $43.95. 7. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Sonoma County, +226944, $22.95. 8. Norton Privada 2007 Mendoza, +148155, $21.95. 9. Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2007 South Australia, +309625, $37.95. 10. Chateau Cherchy-Desqueyroux 2005 Graves, +125518, $21.95. 11. Massucco Barbaresco 2006, +214528, $27.95. 12. Palazzo Brunello di Montalcino 2004, +660746, $49.95. 13. Lar de Paula Reserva 2004 Rioja, +208207, $21.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 30, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Mendocino County: soft with some rancio tones, typical California savvy with muted herbs. Organic. 13.5% ABV. +46334, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc 2010 San Antonio Valley Chile: hits the spot with the lovely fruit side of gooseberry and sweet fresh grapefruit. Intense, 13.5% ABV, organic. +213587, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Tahbilk Marsanne 2009 Nagambie Lakes Victoria: label has not been seen here in many years, it was a fave of mine. Always with great fruit and body. Delicious succulence. +117945, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Cave de Hoen Pinot Gris 2009 Alsace: not as off-dry in the mouth as indicated by the Vintages’ descriptor. Gold Medalist. 12.5% ABV. +196790, $16.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Finca Flichman Gestos Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: juicy cabby, 14.5% ABV, fleshy, slightly off-dry, ready now. A mix from two vineyards (one at 1100 meters, the other at 700 meters). +199711, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. La Posta Cocina Blend 2008 Mendoza: from the Catena family, 13.5% ABV, excellent composition from this almost-field blend. Affordable! +199513, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Nativa Single Vineyard Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Maipo: deep, juicy cabby MVC, lots of blackcurrants, mint, earth and mocha. 14.5% ABV, organic grapes. +975359, $19.75, QPR: 90. 4. Chateau de Fontenelles Cuvee Renaissance 2007 Corbieres: delicious mocha, black fruit, dense structure. Gold Medal in 2009 plus additional years of aging. 14% ABV. +148692, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Cave Saint Desirat Saint-Joseph 2007: all-syrah juiciness, light oaking, lighter in alcohol (12.5%), more a food wine. Some great value at this price level. +219378, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Macarico Rosso del Vulcano 2007 Basilicata: ripe, complex, mouth- filling, food wine, good long finish. 13% ABV. +205880, $14.95, QPR: 89. 7. Leone de Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2006 50th Vintage: tight and chewy, developing nicely, but ready next year. Worth laying down at this price. +597534, $16.95, QPR: 90. 8. Giordano Promessi Sposi Vespero Rosso 2008 IGT Toscana: North American approachability for the NA style of quaffing. Fruity sangiovese flavour. Sip or food. 14$ ABV. +72421, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. Casa Gualda Plus Ultra 2006 Ribera del Jucar Spain: juicy, tarry fruit, ready soon. Mostly petit verdot. +211011, $13.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2008 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +126433, $35.20 2. Malivoire Mottiar Chardonnay 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench, +146985, $29.95 3. Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +258186, $44.95 4. Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma, +275552, $22.95 5. Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Gold Series Red Meritage 2008 VQA Niagara, +224675, $24.95 6. Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2008 VQA NOTL biodynamic, +237065, $22.95 7. Sarasina Atrea Old Soul Red 2006 Mendocino, +214825, $27.95 8. Bacio Divino Janzen Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, +232355, $47.95 9. Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, +232371, $29.95 10. Campbells Bobbie Burns Shiraz 2008 Rutherglen Victoria, +225433, $22.95 11. Henschke Johann’s Garden 2007 Barossa, +946061, $54.95 12. Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Margaret River, +923565, $29.95 13. Rustenberg John X Merriman 2007 WO Stellenbosch, +707323, $27.95 14. Rocca di Castagnoli Poggio A’frati Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +23358, $29.95 15. Don Jacobo Gran Reserva 1995 Rioja, +923748, $27.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 16, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma: delicious California chardonnay with fruit, light wood but heavier cream. A restaurant wine. 13.8% ABV. +226936, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cumulus Wines Rolling Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2009 New South Wales: 12% ABV, screwcap, “Miss Marple” on the label, MVC wine. Consistent, winning FIVE major Bronze Awards. +678821, $14.95, QPR: Bronze. 3. Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Awatere Valley Marlborough: excellent savvy component set, lovely long finish of fruit. +225557, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: 13.5%, MVC for the grape, intense fruit flavours plus some concentrate on the palate. +747600, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Domaine Cordaillat Reuilly 2009: another lovely savvy, not to be confused with Burgundy’s Rully (chardonnay). Not too grassy, not too fruity, but still better with food. +202432, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Triade Bianco 2009 IGT Campania: made from indigenous grapes, crisp and lovely flavours of orchard fruit. Food wine only. +214718, $12.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Palatine Hills Proprietors Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 VQA Niagara Lakeshore: 12.8% ABV, but expect California-like (not Bordeaux- like) flavours. Tasty, off-dry fruit, some oak, vibrant and juicy. +121699, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Grove Street Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Sonoma: lovely high potency dynamite cabby from sunny Cali, lots of forward flavours, 15.4% ABV (!). Priced to move. +161190, $15, QPR: 90. 3. V. Bianchi Passion Reserve Malbec 2008 San Rafael Mendoza: plumy, ripe, over-the-top berries, soft finish, sip. But 14.5% ABV. +191775, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Delheim Shiraz 2007 WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: every time this label comes here, it is time to load up. Some years are better than others, but this one is terrific if you like the “Rhone tones” of Northern Rhone syrah (NOT like Oz shiraz, despite the name). Excellent. 14.5% ABV. Buy it all! In fact, start buying on Thursday or Friday at those stores that release early. +959080, $17.95, QPR: 93. 5. Apollonio Valle Cupa 2004 IGT Salento Rosso Puglia: some raisins from aging, very nicely placed on the palate, unfiltered, one year wood, one year bottle, 14.5% ABV. Gold Medal. +84046, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Quinta da Ponte Pedrinha 2006 Dao: juicy but also 14.5% ABV, longer finish, sip or food. From 100% jaen grapes (mencia in Spain). +219188, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Vina Mayor Crianza 2006 Ribera del Duero: affordable price for MVC Ribera, with touches of wood and juicy fruit, longer depth than expected. +343426, $17.95, QPR: 89. 8. Vinas Elias Mora 2008 Toro: 14.5% ABV, will be better next year but compelling now. Tempranillo that was aged a half-year in new US oak, bottled unfiltered. +209650, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2007, +128926, $22.95. 2. Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2009 Biodynamic Napa, +346296, $29.95 3. Andre & Edmond Figeat Les Chaumiennes Pouilly-Fume 2009, +196659, $21.95. 4. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Napa, +222877, $69.95. 5. Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, +214817, $32.95. 6. Josef Chromy Pinot Noir 2009 Tasmania, +163022, $27.95. 7. Carrick Pinot Noir 2007 Central Otago, +919837, $34.95. 8. Chateau Chantemerle 2006 Medoc, +198986, $21.95. 9. Chateau Saint-Andre Corbin 2008 St-Georges-St-Emilion, +43810, $21.95. 10. Fattoria La Ripa Chianti Classico Riserva 2006 Organic, +984401, $26.95. 11. Allegrini La Grola 2006 IGT Veronese, +476598, $27.95. 12. Ontanon Reserva 2004 Rioja, +725895, $24.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 2, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Pelee Island Winery Vendange Tardive Pinot Gris 2008 VQA Pelee Island: dynamite focused almond and apricot flavours, late picked for that off-dry character, concentrated body, unctuous. Well-priced, buy it all. +0224196, $16.95, QPR: 92. 2. St. Lucas Torrontes 2010 Mendoza: the aromatic grape of Toronto! Modest price for great fruit value. Where pinot gris should be, but isn’t. +694513, $11.95, QPR: 90. 2. Arboleda Chardonnay 2008 Casablanca: good balance of fruit-oak-acid. Long finish, full bodied. +606772, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau La Grave D’Arzac Blanc 2009 Graves: all Semillon, fabulous texture and body, great fruit on palate, some sizzle on the finish for food. +206714, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. San Felice Perolla Vermentino 2009 IGT Maremma Toscana: soft, forward, melons and citrus tones, thick body. I drank a lot of vermentino during my three months on the Riviera. +222802, $15.95, QPR: 91. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: juicy and chewy, Euro flavours are all there. +143248, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Errazuriz Single Vineyard Syrah 2008 Don Maximiano Estate Aconacagua Valley: dynamite, full blown syrah component of character complementary flavours. +211938, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau Bellevue 2006 1er Cotes de Blaye: almost ready, MVC good Bordeaux, lay down one year (will get better if you wait). +206649, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Chateau La Verriere 2008 Bordeaux Superieur: fabulous price for a Gold Medal winner, give it two years more, good investment. +199000, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Roux Pere et Fils Cote de Beaune-Villages 2009: MVC for the region, needs a bit of time (not before Christmas 2011) but all the burgundian pinot tones are there. 13% ABV. +208520, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Barba Vignafranca Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2006: flavours galore from this occasionally pussy-wussy grape variety. 13.5% ABV. +203984, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Tommasi Arele Appassimento 2008 IGT Veronese: the Ripasso-style wine flavour of the month from the LCBO. +224188, $17.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Freestone Vineyards Ovation Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma Coast, +210302, $39.95 retail. 2. Domaine Roux Pere et Fils Les Chaumes Chassagne-Montrachet 2009, +208512, $38.95. 3. Michael David Petite Petit 2008 Lodi, +213017, $24.95. 4. Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, +118695, $34.95. 5. Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Barossa, +48579, $24.95. 6. Domaine Daniel Rion Les Lavieres Nuits-Saint-Georges 2008, +208454, $47.95. 7. Domaine Gille Cotes de Nuits-Villages 2008, +210864, $24.95. 8. Maison Roche de Bellene Beaune-Bressandes 1er Cru 2008, +208504, $47.95. 9. San Cassiano Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, +210799, $38.95. 10. Chateau Musar 2002 Bekaa Valley, +109413, $51.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 19, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Clos du Bois Chardonnay 2009 North Coast: a steady restaurant wine, balanced with flavours of tropicality, wood and citric finish. Sipper of food wine. +124867, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Lone Kauri Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: great expression, both ripe and unripe fruit, underbrush, herbs, and finish. +138974, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Caves de la Tourangelle Grande Reserve Touraine 2009: Savvy value, good depth and fine finish. +196733, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Studert-Prum Riesling Kabinett 2009 Mosel: good body, depth, well- made off-dry. +970129, $18.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Kacaba Proprietor’s Blend Cabernet 2005 VQA Niagara Escarpment: good blend of both cabernets, merlot and syrah, 13% ABV. Well-tuned and nicely aged. +223974, $143.95, QPR: 89. 2. Gnarly Head Gnarlier Head Sommer Vineyard Old Vine Zin 2006 Dry Creek Valley: sweet on mid-palate, dry on finish. Loaded with character. Whopping 15.5% ABV. +212795, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2006 Columbia Valley: a restaurant wine, finely aged, ripe 13.5% ABV. +263418, $15.95, QPR: 89. 4. Chateau Bel Air 2008 Haut-Medoc: MVC decent Bordeaux with a dollop of chocolate. Keep a year more. +199042, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Alfiere Rosso Merlot 2007 Friuli: tasty but tart finish needs food, merlot complexity. 12.5% ABV. +204024, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Banfi Centine 2008 IGT Toscana: smooth, ready now, 13.5%. Affordable SuperTuscan blend of sangiovese, cab sauv and merlot. +947440, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7. Spiaggiole Morellino di Scansano 2008 Tuscany: very Italianate in taste, affordable black and blue berries, long, long length after a fruity palate. +203398, $15.95, QPR: 91. 8. Lealtanza Reserva Seleccion 2004 Rioja: and older treat, nicely stewed fruit, 13.5% ABV. +208223, $17.95, QPR: 90. 9. Bod. Abanico Eternum Viti 2008 Toro: full and ripe, lots of vinous activity on the palate, with complexity to be resolved on the finish. +210963, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2008 Napa, +26682, $44.95 retail 2. Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2009 WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley South Africa, +931006, $29.95. 3. Domaine de Riaux Pouilly-Fume 2009, +200063, $22.95. 4. Beringer Bancroft Ranch Single Vineyard Merlot 2005 Howell Mountain Napa, +340497, $69.95. 5. Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, +670463, $134.95. 5. The Foundry Syrah 2005 WO Coastal Region South Africa, +613331, $29.95. 6. La Crau de ma Mere Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +941740, $46.95. 7. Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino 2005, +208462, $34.95. 8. Sartori Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, +85217, $37.95. 9. Arroyo Reserva 2005 Ribera del Duero, +215715, $20.95. 10. Vina Mayor Reserva 2004 Ribera del Duero, +209155, $25.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 5, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Fog Head Highlands Reserve Chardonnay 2009 Monterey County Highland Series: a restaurant-styled wine, initially floral then fruity, toasty and vanilla finish. Off-dry on the mid-palate. More a sipper. 13.5% ABV. +158568, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Amaral Cool Climate Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Leyda Valley Chile: minerality and citric tones (mainly lime, maybe rangpur as well) along with modal character of grass and herbs, long long finish, fairly young vines. 14.5% ABV. Gold Medalist. +48025, $14.95, QPR: 91. 3. Thelema Sutherland Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Elgin South Africa: some floral quality, along with minerals and food-length finish. 13% ABV. +203877, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Pinot Gris 2008 Alsace: off-dry palate, spicy body, dense, finishes dry. +641597, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau de la Greffiere Macon-La Roche Vineuse 2009: ripe, dense, mandarin orange flavours. 13% ABV. Gold Medalist. Bargain price. +205898, $14.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Beringer Zinfandel 2006 Lake County: impressive for under $20. Ready next year, deep, dark and delicious. Unctuous, even. 14.5% ABV. +953596, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cline Los Carneros Syrah 2006 Sonoma County: very spicy and reminiscent of Northern Rhone, some age behind it at this point. +955435, $17.95, QPR: 90 3. Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Maipo: concentrated flavours of chocolate, pepper. A year in French oak. First class cabernet sauvignon. 14.5% ABV. +684597, $15, QPR: 91. 4. Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Reserve Shiraz 2008 Padthaway South Australia: tight, lean, concentrated black fruit. Peppery and herby. 15% ABV. +90324, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Haut-Cantiroy 2008 Graves: good development, maturing nicely, earthy, smooth finish. +205559, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Hyot 2006 Cotes de Castillon: red fruit, merlot-driven, great price, 12.5% ABV, gold medalist. +63537, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Mas des Bressades Cuvee Tradition 2009 Costieres de Nimes: syrah really comes through, tarry, anise, mocha, good price. 13.5% ABV. +143099, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Vecchia Cantina Terre di Rubinoro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006: nicely aged, nicely done. It has been awhile since the LCBO has had a modestly priced VNM. +206862, $17.95, QPR: 89. 7. Tabali Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Limari Valley: concentrated flavours, lovely development, great price. +58446, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2008 VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara, +126433, $35.20 retail. 2. Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Russian River Sonoma County, +210039, $34.95. 3. Astrolabe Voyage Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough, +10421, $21.95. 4. Gautheron Chablis 2008, +207902, $22.95. 5. Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Spatlese 2008 QmP Wehlener Sonnenuhr, +197186, $21.95. 6. Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Estate 2006, +89284, $44.95. 7. Rodney Strong Merlot 2006 Sonoma County, +497933, $22.95. 8. Calera Pinot Noir 2008 Central Coast, +933044, $32.95. 9. Two Hands Lily’s Garden Shiraz 2008 McLaren Vale South Australia, +683086, $54.95. 10. Selection Laurence Feraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +211474, $42.95. 11. Marques de Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2005 Rioja, +209148, $24.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Calamus Unoaked Chardonnay 2008 Niagara: juicy, ripe, long finish. Twist top. +210062, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Alamos Viognier 2010 Mendoza: plenty of orchard fruit and flowers here, long fruity finish. +507830, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Emiliana Adobe Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Casablanca Valley: ripe peachy flavours come across with the citrus-herby zest. Sipper? Organic wine. +211912, $12.95, QPR: 89. 4. Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: zesty, balanced, long finish, enjoyable Loire-ish wine. Sip or with food. Gold Medalist. +686675, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Domaine Saint-Remy reserve Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: a climate- change wine, with more off-dry MVC for the variety. Slight bitterish finish, but dense and concentrated flavours and body. +61150, $18.95, QPR: 91. 6. Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbes Riesling 2007 Alsace: long riesling finish with good MVC. Delightful. Best with food. +981662, $18.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 California: a rock-steady value wine, hitting all the California cabby notes. +537597, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Michel Torino Don David Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Cafayate Valley Mendoza: high quality cab sauvignon (black currants, vanilla, pepper) at this price. +974428, $12.95, QPR: 89. 3. Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2007 WO Coast Region South Africa: a value blend of Bordeaux varieties with syrah, aged in new oak (on the nose), mocha, cassis, and eucalyptus. +53124, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Chateau Saint-Roch Chimeres 2008 Cotes du Roussillon-Villages: 65 grenache/30 syrah/5 carignane blend, 14.5% ABV, off-dry finish. Late winter BBQs? 5. Chateau Goudray Cuvee Excellence Rasteau 2009 Cotes du Rhone- Villages: lovely black fruit from syrah and grenache, plums, smoke, and the like. 14.5% ABV. Gold Medalist. +195032, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Louis Bernard Reserve de Bonpas Cotes du Rhone 2009: a G-S-M but heavy syrah-inflected in flavours, 14% ABV. +194969, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo 2008 IGT Maremma Toscana: lots of black and dark flavours from berries and fruits, delicious length and complexity. Italianate. +13755, $17.95, QPR: 90. 8. Herdade Paco do Conde 2007 Alentejano: lots of mocha but not off-dry on mid-palate. Sip or food this treasure. +131821, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Lailey Vineyard Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2009 Niagara River, +225474, $24.95 retail. 2. Davis Bynum Chardonnay 2007 Russian River Valley, +205815, $24.95. 3. Domaine Masson-Blondelet Villa Paulus Pouilly-Fume 2008, +702878, $24.95. 4. Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Shiraz 2006, +33241, $24.95. 5. Candor Lot 2 Zinfandel California, +133389, $21.95. 6. Christian Moueix Napanook 2007 Napa, +212357, $53.95. 7. Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2005, +528356, $51.95. 8. Abbazia Barolo 2005, +189787, $28.95. 9. Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, +413179, $47.95. 10. Jean Leon Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Penedes, +401596, $28.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Calina Chardonnay Reserva 2009 Casablanca/Limari Valleys: tropical fruit and lumber for the woodies, nice balance, great sipper. +640912, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Zilzie Murray Darling Regional Collection Chardonnay 2009 Victoria: loaded with goodness, oak, whiff of tropicality, toast-butter-vanilla. Decent price. +186411, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. La Cave de Sigolsheim Reserve Particuliere Muscat 2008 Alsace: dry muscat tones, excellent body, flowers and orchard fruit. Gold Medalist. +202408, $15.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Diamond Ridge Zinfandel 2007 Howell Mountain Napa: balanced and well-integrated MVC zinfandel complexity, good price. +205781, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Our Daily Red 2009 California: very good basic blended red wine, reminiscent of the South of France. Fully Organic. +203851, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Columbia Crest H3 Merlot 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Columbia Valley: hefty, chunky merlot featuring both red and black berries, drying out nicely on the finish. 14.5% ABV. +209874, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. R.J. Vinedos Pasion 4 Merlot 2008 Uco Valley Mendoza: North American styled merlot, with mocha and smoke, black currants, long finish. +59287, $12.95, QPR: 90. 5. Wyndham Estate George Wyndham Founder’s Reserve Shiraz 2007 Langhorne Creek: deliciously black (mocha, berries, eucalyptus), wood on finish. Needs food. 14% ABV. +107904, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Le Grand Moulin 2008 Premieres Cotes de Blaye: an MVC Bordeaux bargain for a Gold Medalist. Smoke, toast, black fruit, complex finish. +198994, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine de Peyanne 2009 Saumur: good cab franc MVC, nice and tart for food, some berries on the nose. +197038, $13.95, QPR: 89. 8. Domaine Gardies Mas Las Cabes Rouge 2009 Cotes de Roussillon: rich, developing, balance of fruit, hot 14% ABV, lots of dense body. +194894, $15.95, QPR: 89. 9. Diego Conterno Baluma Nebbiolo d’Alba 2008: poor man’s Barolo, but see also below at $26.95. Evolving nicely. +189829, $18.95, QPR: 89. 10. Tenuta Moraia Pietracupa Bolgheri 2007: cabernet makes this a Bordeaux-styled wine, extremely beneficial price, long finish. +211458, $18.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Jean-Max Roger Cuvee C.M. Sancerre Blanc 2008, +196667, $24.95 retail. 2. Maison Kerlann Chablis 2008, +158964, $21.95. 3. Frog’s Leap Merlot 2007 Rutherford Napa, +707489, $44.95. 4. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Sonoma, +226944, $22.95. 5. Elderton Shiraz 2007 Barossa, +713024, $32.95. 6. Chateau Reysson 2005 Haut-Medoc, +199083, $21.95. 7. Abbona La Pieve Barolo 2005, +213132, $26.95. 8. Brancaia Tre 2007 IGT Toscana, +164715, $24.95. 9. Icario Vino Nobile di Monepulciano 2007, +203430, $31.95. 10. Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2007, +704346, $26.95. 11. I Casteil Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006, +739979, $34.95 12. Vina Vilano Reserva 2004 Ribera del Duero, +190736, $22.95. 13. Bodegas Lan Vina Lanciano Reserva 2004, +955096, $28.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 22, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Clos du Bois Sauvignon Blanc 2009 North Coast California: warm Cal style, inviting, toned down grassiness, restaurant wine. +146258, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Chardonnay 2008 California: rich Cal style, finishes a bit clove-y, vanilla and butter side of oak. +158592, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Vina Casablanca El Bosque Chardonnay 2008 Casablanca: baked apple nose, some caramel, Burgundian, food-driven lemon taste, long finish. +208389, $14.95, QPR: 91. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Trentadue Old Patch Red 2006 North Coast California: 46% zinfandel, 35% petite sirah, 12% carignan, 5% sangiovese, 2% syrah. Best for BBQ on your frozen patio/balcony. +686709, $15.95, QPR: 89. 2. Staccato Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Mendoza: organic, 60% Malbec, dark fruit and spices, finishes best with food. +19660, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Morande Reserva Pinot Noir 2008 Casablanca Valley: good pinot snap and tartness, old world style MVC Burgundian. +59428, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Winery of Good Hope Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2009 WO Stellenbosch: 14% ABV. Mounds of fruit with sufficient finishing acid makes this a swinger between sip and food. Great value. +8748, $11.95, QPR: 91. 5. Chateau de Nages Reserve 2009 Costieres de Nimes: gutsy and spicy, red fruit, enlivened finish. Some garrigue. +427617, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Domaine de la Bastide Cuvee Les Figues Cotes du Rhone 2009: great blend of syrah-grenache-carignan, North American appeal with juiciness, but some refreshing tartness. +194852, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Cantine Nicosia Fondo Filara Nero d’Avola 2008 IGT Sicilia: berries and mocha, plus herbs. Oaky with a lighter but sufficient acidic finish. +207811, $15.95, QPR: 89. 8. Sartori L’Appassito Rosso 2008 IGT Veneto: wonderful intensity of dried fruit and spices, good backbone for food. +193607, $18.95, QPR: 90. 9. Casa de Santar Red 2007 Dao: dark fruit, cedary, leafy, unfiltered, long finish, 13.5% ABV. +190710, $14.95, QPR: 89. 10. Casa de Illana Tresdecinco 2004 Ribera del Jucar: North American style blend of syrah, cab sauv ands merlot, fresh lumber notes, off-dry on the palate, fruity finish. +190702, $15.95, QPR: 89. 11. Vinos Sin-Ley Traza Gra 2 2008 Rioja: 100% Graciano. Berry flavours, spices which persist on the finish, good adequate body. Unoaked. Where is Gra 1 (the cooler climate version)? +190819, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Cedrick Bardin Pouilly-Fume 2009, +202416, $21.95 retail. 2. Markus Molitor Riesling Spatlese 2008 QmP Haus Klostergerg, +189613, $22.95. 3. Mission Hill SLC Merlot 2005 Okanagan, +68353, $34.95. 4. Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +54080, $24.95. 5. M and D Phillips Earthquake Zinfandel 2007 Lodi, +59717, $39.95. 6. Clos du Calvaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +728139, $36.95. 7. Perrin & Fils La Gille Gigondas 2007, +906073, $26.95. 8. Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +930966, $21.95, QPR: 90. 9. Burgo Viejo Gran Reserva 2000 Rioja, +190611, $21.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 8, 2011 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Peninsula Ridge Barrel Aged Chardonnay 2009 VQA Niagara: very good consistency, MVC for Ontario chard, nice price for an oaked toasty wine. +211490, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cline Viognier 2009 North Coast California: dry version, with plenty of honeysuckle perfume, 13.5% ABV. +128421, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Dominio del Plata Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2009 Calchaquiles Valley: good aromatic sipper, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +1834, $11.95, QPR: 89. 4. Cave Vinicole Kientzheim-Keyserberg Anne Boecklin Pinot Gris Reserve 2007 Alsace: off-dry in mid-palate, intense fruit, Gold Medalist (Paris). +106831, $18.95, QPR: 90. 5. Cave Vinicole du Vieil Armand Riesling 2007 Alsace: Gold Medalist in Alsace, extremely rip and unctuous, MVC. +205807, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau Les Bertrands Cuvee Tradition 2009 Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux: Gold Medal (Paris), slightly off-dry citric complexity, good herbs too, 15% muscadelle for aromatics. +190967, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2009: the Loire Savvy wines keep coming, very good SB complexity, grass, stone fruit, citrus, needs food. +82305, $12.95, QPR: 90. 8. Les Costieres de Pomerols Beauvignac Viognier 2009 VdP d’Oc: aromatic, food or sip, priced to sell. MVC. +525295, $12.95, QPR: 89. 9. Pfeffingen Gewurztraminer Spatlese 2008 Pfalz: off-dry food wine for heavy cabbage-based and fatty foods, 11.5% ABV. +211417, $19.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sumptuary Zinfandel 2007 Amador County: very good quality (oak, black fruit, mocha). Load up!! +203869, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. La Posta Pizzella Family Vineyard Malbec 2008 Uco Mendoza: associated with the Catenas. Fine value for berries and fig jam. +166298, $15, QPR: 90. 3. Majella The Musician Cabernet/Shiraz 2008 Coonawarra: delicious balance of fruit and wood, 14.5% ABV. +142018, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Fairview Shiraz 2008 WO Coastal Region South Africa: delicious, good backbone for black fruit and mocha and underbrush. Affordable to load up. +626358, $14.95, QPR: 91. 5. Chateau La Fleur Terrien 2008 Lussac-Saint-Emilion: North American style of bright fruit, merlot-based (70%). Enjoy now. +199059, $15, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau de Gourgazaud Cuvee Mathilde 2008 Minervois: garrigue, mocha, black currants. +958629, $14.95, QPR: 89. 7. Tolloy Pinot Noir 2008 IGT Alto Adige: one of the best modestly priced pinots I’ve had. Open in advance, decant once. +193441, $15.95, QPR: 90. 8. Produttori di Govone Barbaresco 2006: light but okay nebbiolo wine, MVC for the region, great price. +119503, $19.95, QPR: 91. 9. Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Crianza 2006 Rioja: Gold Medalist at Bruxelles. Hard to find a more excellent MVC Rioja value at this price level. +340844, $15.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Chateau St. Jean Belle Terre Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +987131, $34.95 retail. 2. Dante Rivetti Bric co Riserva Barbaresco 2004, +208264, $46.95. 3. Neirano Barolo 2005, +994327, $25.95. 4. Renzo Masi Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2006, +209478, $25.95. 5. Piccini Villa al Cortile Riserva Brunello di Montalcino 2004, +205724, $42.95. 6. Corte Majoli Amarone della Valpolicella 2006, +56267, $32.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR DECEMBER 11, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Anne Boecklin Reserve Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: Gold medalist shows some good dynamics, off-dry, solid contender, 13.5% ABV. +141226, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Vincent Lacombe Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2009: a good basic MVC from burgundy, 13% ABV, well-worth the money. +185645, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Bougrier Signature Vouvray 2009: an original aromatic wine from Chenin Blanc grapes, shows both orchard and stone fruit. +106880, $13.95, QPR: 89. 4. McManis Family Vineyards Viognier 2009 California: very juicy, upfront but developing still, stainless steel. 13.5% ABV. +658112, $19.95, QPR: 89. 5. Cooper Creek SV The Limeworks Chardonnay 2008 Hawkes Bay: one for the woodies, needs balancing. +179804, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Eikendal Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2008 WO Stellenbosch: 14% ABV, MVC, and wood in balance, vanilla. Expressive. +984773, $18.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Château de Gourgazaud Reserve 2006 Minervois: needs more time to evolve, but the potential is there as a sort-of combo Bordeaux and Rhone wine (with the fruit, anyway). Value. +986083, $17.95, QPR; 90. 2. De Martino Legado Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Maipo: good varietal character, wood tones. The three Cs: complicated, concentrated, and currently drinking. +205674, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Domenico Filippino Nebbiolo 2007 Langhe: great version of a light Barolo, aged nicely, 13.5% ABV. Long finish. +184952, $15.95, QPR: 91. 4. Juan Gil White Label de Cepas Viejas Monastrell 2009 Jumilla: some undergrowth, fungal quality shines, toasty, full and warm. +13656, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Bodegas Terras Gauda Pittacum Barrica 2006 Bierzo: black fruit, some Spanish garrigue tones, soft finish. 60 year old vines. 14.5% ABV. +190751, $18.95, QPT: 90. 6. Vina Vilanco Crianza 2006 Ribero del Duero: the highlight of the month, great price, buy it! Delicious, toasty wood, jump-up fruit of Tempranillo at MVC consistency. +190777, $14.95, QPR: 93. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Napa, +675025, $29.95 retail. 2. Fog Crest Chardonnay 2006 Russian River Valley, +211292, $47.95. 3. Domaine Marteket de Cherisey Meursault-Blagny La Genelotte 1er Cru 2007, +206250, $74.95 4. Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Montmains 1er cru 2008, +983882, $33.95. 5. Domaine Besancenot Beaune Clos du Roi 1er Cru 2006, +183772, $32.95. 6. Domaine Chante Cigale Tradition Chateauneuf du Pape 2007, +194993, $37.95. 7. Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa, +149955, $119.95. 8. Corte Riva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa/Sonoma County blend, +89318, $77.95. 9. Trapiche Fausto Orellana de Escobar Single Vineyard Malbec 2007 Mendoza, +178145, $39.95. 10. Gemma Giblin Riserva Barolo 2001, +185025, $37.95. 11. Il Poggione Riserva Vigna Paganelli Brunello di Montalcino 2003, +198416, $59.95. 12. Baron de Ley Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +642496, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 27, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Santa Rita Medalla Real Chardonnay 2008 Limari: ripe, balanced flavours, a bit of a clove finish. +303628, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Charton & Trebuchet Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Beaune 2009 Les Grandes Vignes: from 30-year old vines, quality production, lots of flavour and finish. Best with food. At this price, load up. +183673, $18.95, QPR: 91. 3. Zenato Lugana 2009 San Benedetto Lombardia: quality aperitif wine – aromatic beginning, body on the palate, citrus finish. +707158, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Feudi Della Medusa Albithia Vermentino di Sardegna 2006: very dense and spectacular concentration for a white. Lush palate, finishes slightly bitter (stone pits). +199224, $17.95, QPR: 91. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Louis Martini Ghost Pines Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa/Sonoma: delicious California explosive intensity, 59% from Napa, balance Sonoma. Delivers value. +135376, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Winesmith Planet Pluto Meritage 2006 California: another delicious California restaurant wine, hits all the right buttons (45% cab sauv, 44% cab franc, 11% merlot). +205195, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Domaine La Bouscade Old Vine Carignan 2007: good depth of flavours of black fruit, best with food. +78758, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Fattoria Dei Barbi Brusco dei Barbi 2007 IGT Toscana: wine left on lees for two months, 13.5% ABV, full and demanding palate, heavy foods needed to deal with tannins. +673160, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Monte Zovo Palazzo Mafei Ripasso 2007 Veneto: thick flavours, MVC for the style, good fruit, berry character, value-priced. +183426, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Valpantena Torre del Falasco Ripasso Valpolicella 2008: full, ripe, off-dry plumminess. +642421, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Del Jalon Altos Las Pizarras 2005 Catalunya: delicious grenache old vine stock, 14% ABV, all new French oak. +194746, $18.95, QPR: 89. 8. Mahler-Besse Taja Gran Reserva 2003 Jumilla: richly aged like a Bordeaux (tobacco leaf, mocha, cherries, long length). +539148, $18.95, QPR: 90. 9. Shottesbrooke Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 McLaren Vale: fruit is Californian, and at 14.5% ABV packs a punch. Firm and dense. +198275, $19.95, QPR: 89. 10. Jean-Claude Fromont Bourgogne 2009: bargain-priced pinot noir, MVC for the region, fits profile. +199521, $17.95. QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2007 Beamsville VQA, +68817, $35.20 retail. 2. Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2008 VQA Niagara, +33936, $25. 3. Peninsula Ridge Fume Blanc 2008 VQA Niagara, +8102, $24.95 4. Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Riesling Spatlese 2003 Scharzhofberger, +712471, $21.95. 5. Malivoire Pinot Noir 2007 Beamsville Organic, +996777, $39.95. 6. Beringer Merlot 2006 Napa, +919647, $29.95 7. Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa, +936039, $119.95 8. Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal 2003 Pauillac, +190355, $54.95 9. Chateau Reignac 2008 Bordeaux Superieur, +192682, $24.95 10. Domaine Fleurot Nuits-St-Georges 2007, +185728, $44.95 11. Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2007 IGT Toscana, +727636, $31.95 12. Quintarelli Rosso Ca’del Merlo 2001 IGT Veneto, +958595, $83.95 13. Castillo de Sajazarra Solar de Libano Reserva 2004 DOCa Rioja, +190587, $22.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 13, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay Musque 2008 VQA NOTL: floral supper laced with orange and peach grapey muscat tones, clone 809, use with white meats\. 13% ABV. +640516, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Flat Rock Cellars Nadia’s Vineyard Riesling 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara: gold medalist, great Germanic MVC of lime, peach, minerals. +578625, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Sonoma: uplifting mix of grass and fresh floral fruit, longer finish for food. +971754, $16.95, QPR: 89. 4. Tabali Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2008 Limari: Burgundian MVC at a lower level, good intense nuttiness and longer finish. +663005, $18.95, QPR: 89. 5. Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: a personal fave of mine, concentrated MVC for the sauvignon blanc grape. Buy it. +677450, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Schoenheitz Linsenberg Riesling 2007 Alsace: made from what the LCBO labeled as RIELSING in their catalogue, but we know it as Riesling – and a damn good one to. +196618, $17.95, QPR: 89. 7. Collefrisio Zero Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2008: an organic fruity wine, with pineapple (and its acid), peaches and apricots. +181164, $13.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cantina Terre del Barolo Vinum Vita Est Nebbiolo d’Alba 2007: bargain knock-off of a lighter Barolo (same grape), plums and roses. We need more of these in Ontario. +181461, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Chateau Signac Cuvee Combe D’Enfer Cotes du Rhone-Villages Chusclan 2007: smoke, minerals, and garrigue – what more do you want? +184226, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Vinas Viejas Reserva 2005 Navarra: lovely black fruit of cassis, plums, and oaky vanilla. +948067, $19.95, QPR: 89. 4. Raimat Abadia Crianza 2007 Costers del Segre: I used to buy this by the case about 20 years ago when it was $6.20. The price has doubled over time but the cab-merlot flavours (tempered by tempranillo, of course) aged in US oak remains unbeatable. +935460, $14.95, QPR: 92. 5. First Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa: aromatic youth, chocolate and black fruit, drink with food, or lay down a year or more. +188110, $19.95, QPR: 89. 6. Joffre e Hijas Grand Malbec Uco Mendoza: more oak, plums, blackberries and chocolate. +183889, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Maipo: minty menthol, but smooth finish with black fruit. +275594, $19.95, QPR: 89. 8. Café Culture Pinotage 2009 WO Western Cape: roasted coffee beans dominate aromas and taste. Useful. +72710, $13.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Stratus White 2007 VQA NOTL, +660704, $44.20 retail. 2. Mission Hill SLC Chardonnay 2006 VQA Okanagan, +144170, $24.95. 3. Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Rutherford Napa Valley, 966036, $27.95. 4. Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, +718452, $51.95. 5. Brooks Pinot Noir 2009 Willamette [organic], +186882, $44.95. 6. Bodegas Callia Winemaker’s Reserve Grand Callia 2006, +175661, $34.95. 7. Montes Purple Angel 2007 Colchagua, +62364, $49.95. 8. Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, +39537, $39.95. 9. Remoissenet Meursault 2007 Cuvee Maurice Chevalier, +36079, $54.95. 10. E. Guigal Gigondas 2006, +331900, $27.95. 11. Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2005, +650432, $49.95. 12. Luce Della Vite Luce 2007 IGT Toscana, +685263, $99.95. 13. Ornellaia Le Volte 2008 IGT Toscana, +964221, $28.95. 14. Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2007 Ribera del Duero, +341461, $27.95. 15. Miguel Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Penedes, +129676, $44.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 30, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Strewn Terroir SV French Oak Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara Lakeshore: broad oak-based flavours (spices, toast, vanilla), some tropicality. Finishes soft and fruity. +189589, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: partly softened by barrel fermentation of a portion, complex, crisp, rich. +9142, $17.95. 3. Jean Geiler Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace: off-dry mouthfeel, delightful balance of MVC, good bitterness on the finish. +106864, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. P. Perdriaux Domaine de Vaugondy Vouvray Sec 2007: appley, soft finish, best with food. Well-made chenin blanc. +189142, $14.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Hedges Cellars CMS 2008 Columbia Valley Washington State: finely textured, ready now, black berries and long length. +948992, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Blend 2007 Mendoza: described by one reviewer as a Mendocino blend (whatever that is), juicy, long length, black fruit. 13.5% ABV. +640938, $17.95, QPR: 89. 3. Fincas Patagonicas Zolo Classic Malbec 2009 Mendoza: juicy lucy style wine, long but hot finish. 13.8% ABV. +183905, $12.95, QPR: 89. 4. Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Colchagua: delicious black fruit, wood tones, good finish. 14% ABV. Buy a lot of it. +169847, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Teillery Reserve Shiraz 2006 Maipo: very intense, dry and duty fruit, best with fatty foods. +171454, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Angove’s Nine Vines Shiraz/Viognier 2009 South Australia: juicy, up front fruit really leaps out at you. +191668, $15.95, QPR: 89. 7. Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Red 2007 Padthaway: delivers a lot of complex flavours at an affordable price. Twist top, 15% ABV! +685941, $15, QPR: 90. 8. Domaine Zumbaum Tomasi Clos Maginiai Pic Saint-Loup 2007 Coteaux du Languedoc: magnanimous wine, dark fruit and dark berries, coming around soon, maybe after Christmas. +185868, $18.95, QPR: 89. 9. Feudi San Pio Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2007: very good Ripasso with MVC, very aromatic, plush and fruity. 14% ABV. +181446, $15.95, QPR: 90. 10. Mahler-Besse Taja Reserva 2005 Jumilla: delicious sipper or food wine, balanced blend of oak and fruit from Monastrell, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. +243329, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +346304, $53.95 retail. 2. Vine Cliff Proprietress Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Los Carneros Napa, +198903, $34.95 3. Alain Geoffroy Beauroy Chablis 2007 1er Cru, +733501, $24.95. 4. Austin Hope Winery Hope Family Vineyard Syrah 2008 Paso Robles, +686121, $39.95. 5. Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 Santa Barbara, +652883, $48.95. 6. Luca Pinot Noir 2008 Mendoza, +175570, $28.95. 7. Chateau Divon 2006 Saint-Georges Saint-Emilion, +190926, $23.95. 8. Christian Moueix Pomerol 2007, +903013, $24.95. 9. Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +512384, $29.95. 10. Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 2005, +353201, $43.95, 11. Bottega Il Vino Degli Dei Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, +181537, $41.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 16, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Zolo Torrontes 2009 Mendoza: aromatic, racy, good finish, either with food or on its own. +183913, $12.95, QPR: 89. 2. The Black Chook VMR 2008 McLaren Vale: delicious aromatic and floral blend of viognier with marsanne and roussanne. A fruity pleaser with a nice lemony finish. +186338, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Millton Riverpoint Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Gisborne NZ: balanced, oak-vanilla-apples-lemons, 12.5% ABV, twist top. +92486, $17.95, QPR: 89. 4. Tokara Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Western Cape: very good MVC consistency and development, balanced, zest and fruit. +183954, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau de Quincay Selection Tradition Sauvignon 2009 Touraine: fabulous light and crisp character, but more for summer. Why released now? +66183, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2008 Okanagan: lots of aromas and tropicality, oaked with a lean finish. 14% ABV. +126912, $19.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cabernet de los Andes Tizac Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Fiambala Argentina: good value as an organic wine, red fruit just jumps right out. 13.9% ABV, +173369, $12.95, QPR: 91. 2. Estampa Estate Malbec/Petite Sirah 2009 Colchagua Chile: good blend gives a different take on Malbec, value-driven, 14% ABV. +169938, $12.95, QPR: 89. 3. Santa Alicia Gran Reserva de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Maipo: juicy, in French oak for a year, but heavy bottle. 14.5% ABV. +60244, $18.95, QPR: 89. 4. Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah/Viognier 2007 Coastal Region South Africa: smoked meat and bacon galore, a real winner at this price, 14.5%. Buy a case. +79442, $17.95, QPR: 91. 5. Chateau Grand-Maison Cuvee Speciale 2006 Cotes de Bourg: smooth and ready to flow, Merlot-based. Good price. +194217, $16.95, QPR: 89. 6. Chateau Moulin de Canhaut 2005 Medoc: very North American appeal, black fruit grabs you, almost Rhonish. +190983, $19.95, QPR: 89. 7. Christian Moueix Saint-Emilion 2006: well-made, commercial complexity, useful tones and flavours at this price. +979955, $19.95, QPR: 90. 8. Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2007: delicious because my tasting sample was well-aged, a bit raisiny. +999946, $15.95, QPR: 89. 9. Marques de Vitoria Crianza 2007 Rioja: off-dry texture, plush Midweight, definite Rioja-style. +678045, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Cuvaison Chardonnay 2008 Carneros Napa, +988261, $26.95 retail. 2. Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2008 Russian River, +119073, $44.95. 3. Chateau de Cruzeau Blanc 2007 Pessac-Leognan, +966010, $24.95. 4. Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G.C. Sancerre 2008, +189126, $24.95. 5. Cakebread Cellars Merlot 2006 Napa, +924159, $79.95. 6. Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +943472, $89.95. 7. Charles Cimicky The Autograph Shiraz 2004 Barossa Valley, +27326, $39.95. 8. Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2006 Stellenbosch, +183962, $26.95 9. Chateau de Lamarque 2004 Haut-Medoc, +194159, $28.95. 10. Chateau Reverdi 2006 Listrac-Medoc, +194209, $25.95. 11. Clos du Grand Puceau 2003 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +112904, $25.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 2, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Reif Estate Gewurztraminer 2008 VQA Niagara River: engaging, MVC all the way, lovely bitterish finish. +127985, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Familia Zuccardi Santa Julia Reserva Chardonnay 2009 Mendoza: lightly oaked, excellent consistency of balance and fruit, a food wine. +932368, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Peter Lehmann Layers White 2009 Adelaide: a Conundrum-type blend, ripe and full, off-dry, great value. +167171, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Torres Gran Vina Sol Chardonnay 2008 Penedes: bright, engaging, with some vanilla and tropicality. 15% parellada lends some character. +171660, $14.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Michel Torino Don David Malbec Reserve 2008 Cafayate Valley: dense, chunky, coffee and chocolate, good fruit set, long length. +64998, $12.95, QPR: 90. 2. Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: from older vines, some dust, MVC for the cabernet, big body. +17202, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Katnook Founder’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Coonawarra: dense fruit, but that Coonawarra elegance shows through. +660332, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Sandalford Margaret River Cabernet/Merlot 2008: delicious, upfront fruit, good Bordeaux-like intensity (4 grape varieties used). +191080, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Le Peyrat 2006 Cotes de Castillon: good merlot Bordeaux, MVC all the way, tastes like Bordeaux. +171090, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. D’Angelo Aglianico del Vulture 2006: dep, dark, dense and complex, needs open time to develop its flavours. +971689, $18.95, QPR: 89. 7. Rocca dei Mori Salice Salentino 2006: full, aromatic, mocha tones, 14% ABV. +180257, $14.95, QPR: 89. 8. Allegrini Corte Giara Ripasso Valpolicella 2008: ripe and plummy, with some jam and tar notes, best with stuffed roasted meats. +83964, $16.95, QPR: 89. 9. Bod. Neo El Arte de Vivir 2007 Ribero del Duero: dense, overextracted, lots of fruit and tannins, long long finish, from older vines. 13% ABV. Excellent value, buy it all. +137679, $13.95, QPR: 92. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma, +295055, $29.95 retail. 2. La Crema Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma Coast, +962886, $29.95 retail. 3. Frogmore Creek Chardonnay 2006 Tasmania, +186379, $23.95 retail. 4. Domaine Philippe Colim Chassage-Montrachet 2007, +187617, $42.95. 5. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa, +222877, $79.95 retail. 6. Shafer Vineyards Merlot 2007 Napa, +356262, $59.95 retail. 7. Domaine Poulleau Pere et Fils Les Mondes Rondes 2007 Cote de Beaune, +69518, $23.95. 8. Domaine de la Cote de l’Ange Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +74856, $37.95. 9. Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +180067, $28.95. 10. Giuseppe Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2001, +986117, $84.95 retail. 11. Medrano Irazu Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +182493, $27.95 retail. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPT 18, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Henry of Pelham Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara Escarpment: terrific balance of fruit and wood, vanilla, spices. Puts the plank back into salmon, etc. +268342, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula: a smart wine with lots of fruit and longer length. +89037, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2007 VQA NOTL: very successful Alsatian style, loaded with concentration. +277228, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Alamos Chardonnay 2009 Mendoza: useful and youthful, hits all the right buttons. +801571, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau du Juge Blanc 2008 Bordeaux: lovely MVC of sauvignon blanc and Semillon, balance. +171082, $15.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Vinecol Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: MVC consistency, off-dry finish, plumy but red fruit. +167270, $13.95, QPR: 89. 2. Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Margaret River: excellent fruit set, lovely persistent finish. It engaged me. +606624, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. The Ruins Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 WO Robertson SA: anoher organic wine winner, good hit of Rhone Syrah here. Twist top. 14.8% ABV. +18739, $14.95, QPR: 91. 4. Bod. Corral Don Jacobo Crianza 2005 Rioja: nicely aged, rich and raisiny, plumy and pruney too. Delightful MVC Rioja. +937714, $13.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Le Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 VQA, +143974, $37 retail. 2. Cave Spring CSV Cave Spring Vineyard Riesling 2008 VQA, +566026, $29.95 retail. 3. Landmark Overlook Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma, +356501, $32.95 retail. 4. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +54585, $37.95. 5. Buoncristiani O.P.C. 2006 Napa, +196063, $47.95. 6. Ferrari-Carano Tresor 2006 Sonoma, +928150, $59.95. 7. Robert Sinskey Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Vandal Vineyard Napa, +196048, $39.95. 8. Dom. Jean-Marc Brocard Cote de Lechet Chablis 1er Cru 2008, +181305, $26.95, 9. Chateau Barateau 2005 Haut-Medoc, +170282, $23.95 10. Antinori Castello Della Sala Bramito Del Cervo Chardonnay 2009 Umbria, +176792, $21.95. 11. San Biagio Montersino Barbaresco 2006, +181370, $34.95. 12. Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2004, +378257, $59.95. 13. San Fabiano Calcinaia Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Toscana IGT, +181420, $22.95. 14. Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos 2008 Bierzo Spain, +675207, $21.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 4, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Sumac Ridge Black Sage Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 VQA Okanagan: nicely aged and developed well, citric finish plus smoke. +393710, $14.95, QPR: 89. 2. Geyser Peak Chardonnay 2008 Alexander Valley: 13.5% ABV, nice as sipper or with food, lots of wood activity and smoke and vanilla, finishing with fruit. +343475, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Veramonte Reserva Chardonnay 2008 Casablanca Valley: creamy, luxury, best young (i.e., now), 13.5% sipper. +494443, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2008 South Africa: elegant blend of toast, vanilla, and fruit – to a lingering finish. +172601, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Kuhlmann-Platz Hunawihr Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: 13.5%, very good MVC, hits all the highlights for gewurztraminer, but less dry than others. +169474, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Luc Pirlet Les Barriques Viognier Reserve 2008 Vins de Pays d’Oc: delicious floral wine, sip mostly but also with first course, buy it at this price. +177675, $11.95, QPR: 91. 7. Perrin & Fils Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2009: light floral aromatics, useful as aperitif, sip or food, patio? +177675, $14.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Big Yellow Cab Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Mendocino: powerful fruit components, chocolate and coffee tones, smoke, vanilla, with some age behind it. +35014, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Alamos Syrah 2008 Mendoza: s strong syrah product, still needs time, may repay cellaring. +183848, $13.95, QPR: 89. 3. Carta Vieja Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Lonocomilla Chile: good complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon, MVC of black currant and spices. +169888, $13.95, QPR: 90 4. Mount Langri Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz 2005 Victoria: good aging shows with fruit now five years old, twist top, 14% ABV. +719575, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Cuvee 2007: basic and pleasant everyday sipper, 14% ABV. LCBO pre-release notes say it has Cabernet Franc but this grape variety was not on the label. +684357, $15.95, QPR: 89. 6. Les Vignerons de la Suzienne Cuve du Comte 2007 Southern Rhone: terrific syrah flavours at a bargain price, easily worth three times as much. 13.5% ABV, Please don’t buy all of this wine until Monday, so I can have Saturday to load up for myself… +178822, $15.95, QPR: 94. 7. Beronia Elaboracion Especial Tempranillo 2008 Rioja: smoky wine, not for the faint of heart, a keeper for the cellar but ready now. +723643, $15.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Huff Estates South Bay Vineyards Chardonnay 2007 VQA PEC, +88955, $29.95 retail. 2. Bouchard Pere et Fils Domaine Les Clous Meursault 2007, +661322, $44.95. 3. F. Tinel-Blondelet L’Arret Buffatte Pouilly-Fume 2008, +169730, $21.95. 4. Bouchard Pere & Fils Domaine Teurons Beaune 1er Cru 2007, +169797, $49.95. 5. Domaine de Haut des Terres Blanches Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +177618, $36.95 6. Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico 2006, +942607, $54.95. 7. Antiche Terre Venete Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, +177733, $32.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 21, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Calamus Estate Reserve Riesling 2007 VQA Niagara: tasty, Alsatian style of complexity, good body and length. +180877, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Featherstone Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2009 VQA Niagara: zesty and leafy, tasty body on mid-palate, long finish, typical MVC for sauvignon blanc. +89011,$16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Folie a Deux Menage a Trois White 2008 California: basic aromatic freshness, fruitiness (moscato), scrumptious patio wine. +665166, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Angove Lon Row Chardonnay 2008 South Australia: fruit and oak in balance, twist top, 13.5% ABV. +641779, $13.95, QPR: 89. 5. Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: delicious racy Kiwi complexity, affordable, chill well. +981670, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Sparr Tradition Pinot Gris 2008 Alsace: great body and aromatics, orchard fruit, lovely engaging finish, +176925, $17.95, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine Le Verger Chablis 2008: great price and value for a MVC Chablis of minerals, citrus, long length. +181289, $18.95, QPR: 89. 8. Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt RK Riesling 2008 QbA Mosel: a quality Moselle at 10.5% ABV, twist top, perfect for late summer. +733295, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. M. Codex Salterio Albarino 2009 Rias Baixas Spain: good floral components on the nose, lots of body and with finishing acid. Value priced. +2774, $15.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red 2008 California: soft and fruity, oak and spices on finish, patio red. +665158, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Howling Moon Old Vine Zinfandel 2007 Lodi: dryer, berryish, good spicing, much of the finish lingers, 13.5% ABV. +57356, $18.95, QPR: 90 3. Madrigal Merlot 2005 Napa: excellent price for a Napa MVC merlot with a dry finish. Dried fruits on mid-palate. +184838, $18.95, QPR: 90. 4. Los Rosale Chapel Vineyard Reserva Carmenere 2008 Rapel: very ripe tones but also some dried underbrush. +169490, $12.95, QPR: 89. 5. Vina Chocalan Syrah Reserva 2007 Maipo: very appealing syrah style, 14% ABV, +38513, $14.95, QPR: 89. 6. Ben Glaetzer Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 South Australia: juicy, very appealing cabernet with lots of spices and black fruit. +58099, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. Chateau Auzias Petits Messieurs Cabardes 2008: very soft, supple, North American appeal, patio red, character on the mid-palate. +177592, $14.95, QPR: 89. 8. Le Ferme du Mont Le Ponnant Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2007: loaded with Rhone character and depth. +171371, $17.95, QPR: 89. 9. Cave de Tain L’Hermitage Queen of Syrah Cool Climate Syrah 2007 Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes: excellent syrah complexity, medium body but good length, Affordable. +155283, $11.95, QPR: 90. 10. Burgo Viejo Crianza 2005 Rioja: it’s almost impossible to find an older oaked Rioja for under $15. But here it is. Enjoy the value. +168815, $13.95, QPR: 91. 11. Honoro Vera Monastrell 2008 Jumilla: delicious fresh plums and berries. +167684, $11.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Flat Rock Cellars The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +1552, $24.95 retail. 2. Robert Mondavi Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +258186, $28.95 retail. 3. Balthasar Ress Riesling Spatlese 1997 QmP Hatenheim, +160762, $21.95. 4. Andrew Rich Cuvee B Pinot Noir 2007 Willamette, +127043, $29.95. 5. Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir 2009 Victoria, +178897, $21.95 retail. 6. Two Hands Brave Faces Shiraz/Grenache/Mataro 2008 Barossa, +660035, $24.95. 7. Chateau Garderose 2006 Lalande de Pomerol,+176941, $24.95 8. Rendola Brunello di Montalcino 2004, +181412, $36.95 WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR AUGUST 7, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Gris 2008 VQA Four Mile Creek Niagara: good citrus tones, some orchard fruit on the finish, reasonable body, definite “gris” style. +116582, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Round Hill Chardonnay 2008 California: decent balanced chardonnay with some wood complexity, 13% ABV, and well-priced. Gold medalist. +311415, $14.95, QPR: 89. 3. Tanunda Creek Loan Semillon 2006 Barossa Valley: very good MVC for the Barossa style, could be aged more, twist top – and organic! +108092, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Baron de Hoen Reserve Particuliere Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: delicious Gewurz, spot on the style from Alsace, with a forgivable price tag and excellent body. +169763, $15.95, QPR: 91. 5. Cantine Manimurci Impeto Greco di Tufo 2009 Campania: another great summery wine, with minerals and citrus tones, unbeatable value. +180752, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Caruso & Minini Terre di Giumara Inzolia 2009 IGT Sicilia: lovely crisp finish, orchard fruit, great price. +180760, $11.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Dos 2 Estacas Malbec 2008 Mendoza: basic, dryish MVC Malbec at 14% ABV, with two years bottle aging after oaking in US and French wood. +169433, $12.95, QPR: 89. 2. Fam. Schroeder Saurus Patagonia Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: very Euro in style, dry long finish. +61986, $15.95, QPR: 89. 3. Santa Laura Laura Hartwig Reserva Merlot 2007 Colchagua: full juicy flavours, delivers value. +640946, $13.95, QPR: 89. 4. Boxhead Shiraz 2008 South Australia: quality fruit bomb sipper, 14% ABV. +166967, $15.95, QPR: 89. 5. Richard Hamilton Gumprs’ Shiraz 2008 McLaren Vale: complex but heavy shiraz, black fruit and mocha. +600122, $18.95, QPR: 89. 6. Water Wheel Memsie 2008 Bendigo Victoria: North American in style but emphasizes syrah over shiraz, good balance and fruit. +656637, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine de Poujo Madiran 2007: terrific finish and depth, many black fruits and underbrush. +719674, $14.95, QPR: 89. 8. Apollonio Copertino Rosso 2004 Puglia: dynamite complexity right through to the finish of dried fruit. Six months oak, 14% ABV, 70% aged Negroamaro. +23226, $16.95, QPR: 90. 9. Francesco Minini Terre Avare Primitivo di Manduria 2008 Puglia: soft and fruity, like a California zinfandel, but less expensive. +180307, $12.95, QPR: 89. 10. Francesco Minini Corte dei Mori Nero d’Avola 2008 IGT Sicilia: rich and full-bodied in that North American style through taste and fruit. +180281, $13.95, QPR: 89. 11. Castello di Querceto Chianti 2008: a steal for a basic, well-made chianti, 12% ABV. +164798, $12.95, QPR: 89. 12. Senorio de Sarria Crianza 2006 Navarra: very North American in style – jammy, open, fruity, some wood. +167668, $12.95, QPR: 89. 13. Senorio de Unuela Edicion Limitada Reserva 2001 Rioja: lots of coconut tones from wood aging, but decently priced older Rioja. Scoop it up! +172536, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Beringer Chardonnay 2008 Napa, +84988, $24.95 retail. 2. Chappellet Chardonnay 2008 Napa, +186577, $44.95 retail. 3. Tamdem Sangiacomo Vineyards Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma, +173344, $24.95 4. Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Sonoma, +944843, $34.95 5. Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +993279, $39.95. 6. Farina LePezze Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006, +171587, $31.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 24, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Clay Station Unoaked Viognier 2008 Lodi: off-dry aromatic pleasant, emphasizing peaches. +25411, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Paul & Mallory Talmard Macon-Luchizy 2008: lush and full body, slightly off-dry, great price for summer. +733956, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Joseph Verdier Domaine de la Colline Sauvignon Touraine 2008: delicious sauvignon zest at this price level, flavours from front to finish. +169656, $11.95. 4. Saint-Roch Grenache Blanc/Marsanne 2009 Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Roussillon: harmonious, semi-aromatic, orchard fruit, believable price. +175232, $13.95. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Jekel Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Arroyo Secco Monterey County: always a personal fave, since the 1983 vintage, good wood this time out, but needs more cellar time. +967893, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Familia Schroeder Saurus Merlot 2008 Patagonia: red fruit shows, lots of body, better in the Fall. +167031, $13.95, QPR: 89. 3. St. Hallett Gamekeeper’s Shiraz 2008 Barossa: juicy little devil, twist top, 14% ABV, BBQ all the way. +166991, $14.95, QPR: 89. 4. Stellenrust Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 WO Stellbosch: heavy-heavy tastes and textures, 15% ABV, best in winter time. +172593, $13.95, QPR: 90. 5. The Winery of Good Hope Shiraz 2007 WO Stellenbosch: very Rhonish. Buy it all at this price! +172577, $11.95, QPR: 92. 6. Chateau de Pena 2006 Cotes du Roussillon Villages: tasty, with depth and complexity to its age. +178392, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2007 Vins de Pays d’Oc: value=priced, great syrah hit of pepper, smoked meat, black fruit. +177584, $12.95, QPR: 91. 8. Boutari Naoussa 2007 Greece: bargain price for this kind of smoky grape-oak complexity. +23218, $11.95, QPR: 90. 9. Encostas de Estremoz Vinha Longa Reserva Red 2006 Alentejo: delicious, heavy red wine, lots of fruit and mocha tones. BBQ for sure. +168765, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Lailey Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara River, +131243, $25 retail. 2. Hollick Bond Road Chardonnay 2007 Coonawarra/Padthaway, +941922, $21.95 retail. 3. Andre & Edmond Figeat Les Chaumiennes Pouilly-Fume 2008, +171470, $21.95. 4. Tres Sabores ?Porque No? 2007 Napa, +186551, $29.95. 5. Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Margaret River, +923565, $29.95. 6. Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 McLaren Vale, +730374, $23.95. 7. Chateau de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2007 Cotes du Rhone, +48884, $29.95. 8. Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino 2004, +149534, $38.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JULY 10, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay 2008: all-purpose chard that shouts California. 13.8% ABV. +989152, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Simonsig Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Western Cape: herby complexity, 13% ABV, twist top and value. +354746, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Helfrich Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: typical MVC, good body, low bitterish finish. +169748, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Domaine de la Pouvraie Vouvray 2008: off-dry on mid-palate, lingering honeyed tones. Great price for quality chenin blanc. +169706, $14.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot 2007 Paso Robles: wood is evident, good concentration of fruit, soft finish. +27516, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Sheep’s Back Old Vine Shiraz 2003 Barossa Valley: an older shiraz treat from Oz, 14.3% ABV, stewed plums and rich. +165902, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Temple Bruer Enoomah Bore Shiraz/Cabernet 2007 South Australia: 14% ABV, organic, vegan friendly (only bentonite used in filtering). +165894, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap Syrah/Mourvedre/Viognier 2009 Western Cape: delicious blend, 2/3 syrah, 14.5% ABV, comes together nicely for BBQ. +626333, $13.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Le Monteil D’Arsac Portraits 2006 Haut-Medoc: typical MVC, best of the lot being released today, lay down a few. +171132, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Balma Venise Beaumes de Venise 2008: another delicious blend, this time 60% Grenache, rest syrah, yet more syrah in taste and tone. 14% ABV. The LCBO tasting note errs in referencing Shiraz instead of Syrah. +652206, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Chateau Mas Neuf Tradition Rouge Costieres de Nimes 2008: yet another delicious blend, this time 45% syrah, 25% Grenache, 15% mourvedre, and 15% carignan. Value priced BBQ. +177097, $13.95, QPR: 90. 8. Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2008 IGT Terra Degli Osci Molise: all of the sangiovese tones are there, great quality at this price level. +591974, $12.95, QPR: 90. 9. Terre di Giumara Nero D’Avola 2007 Sicily: a sure winner, given the price. Needs more time to resolve some tart tannins. +174722, $11.95, QPR: 89. 10. Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Riserva 2006: it seems like the LCBO is working hard to find quality values. With two years in large oak, this blend of sangiovese-cabernet-merlot should appeal because of its typical MVC. +111641, $15, QPR: 89. 11. Bodegas La Crianza 2005 Rioja: god price for some Rioja MVC, light enough for summer. +166538, $15.95, QPR: 89. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Artesa Chardonnay 2007 Carneros, +657585, $21.95 retail. 2. Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +26682, $44.95 3. Domaine des Malandes Vieilles Vignes Montmains Chablis Premier Cru 2007, +16626, $26.95. 4. Roland Tissier et Fils Sancerre 2008, +108514, $21.95. 5. Phelps Creek Becky’s Cuvee Pinot Noir 2007 Columbia Gorge Oregon, +181438, $26.95. 6. Hollick Coonawarra Red 2005, +165936, $22.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 26, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Ciderie St-Nicolas Pom’Or Tradition Crackling Cider Quebec: a pleasant change of pace from either beer or sparkling wine. The 7 % ABV gives it a basic kick; it is, of course, full of apple tones, Crisp throughout. +179473, $12.95, QPR: 90. 2. McManis Family Vineyards Viognier 2008 California: delicious, exaggerated viognier style with peaches. +658112, 19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Te Kairanga Chardonnay 2007 Martinborough: heavily oaked, remains on the lips afterwards, body fruity but high acid. 13.5% ABV. +727024, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Jean Geiler Letzenberg Lieu-Dit Pinot Gris 2008 Alsace: intense, good body, off-dry finish. +169003, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau Rauzan Despagne Blanc 2008 Bordeaux: good long Semillon/savvy blanc finish. +173955, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Domaine des Echardieres Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Touraine: sauvignon blanc with body, sip or with food. +168930, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Puklus Tokaji Yellow Muscat 2008 Hungary: good muscat complexity for Asiatic summer dishes, off-dry finish. +46508, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Colli a Lago San Vigilio Lugana 2008: terrific body and development, good floral and fruit aromas, complex on mid-palate, citric finish. +174128, $14.95. 9. Bodegas Agnusdei Terra Firme Albarino 2008: quality stone fruit tones at an affordable price level, 12.5% ABV. +166751, $13.95, QPR: 90 10. Miguel Torres Vina Esmeralda 2009 Catalunya: a perennial fave in my house for about 30 years. The first time I bought it, it was $3.50. Off-dry value, 11.5% ABV, twist top, summery aromas of muscat and Gewurz. +113696, $12.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Las Lomas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Maule Valley: good varietal character of cabernet at this price level – plus it’s organic! +917922, $12.95, QPR: 90. 2. Tyrone Estate Home Block Merlot 2007: juicy lucy jammy fruit capsule bomb. +165969, $16.95, QPR: 90 3. Chateau Lanbersac 2005 Puisseguin Saint-Emilion: value, but needs more time. Good merlot complexity. Try again in 2 – 3 years. +177006, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon-Villages 2008: deep dark fruit, very aromatic and heady, long finish and body. +168716, $15, QPR: 90. 5. Clos La Coutale Cahors 2007: dark fruit, ready soon, North American style and appeal. +171579, $13.95, QPR: 90. 6. Caruso & Minini Cutaja Nero d’Avola 2007 Sicilia: smooth, black fruit, some mushroom underbrush component, best with food. +174763, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Scopetani Chianti Riserva 2006: value wine with modal varietal character. +164814, $13.95, QPR: 90. 8. Bod. Alitus Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribero del Duero: dynamite value with lashings of oak, mushrooms, underbrush, and ripe red fruit. +167601, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Flat Rock Cellars Seriously Twisted 2007 Niagara, +87783, $22.95 retail. 2. Chateau St. Jean Robert Young Chardonnay Alexander Valley, +990499, $31.95 3. De Loach Chardonnay 2007 Russian River, +702985, $23.95. 4. Quails’ Gate Merlot 2006 Okanagan, +169961, $24.95. 5. Chapellet Merlot 2006 Napa, +171686, $31.95. 6. E. Guigal Saint-Joseph 2006, +30031, $29.95. 7. Montiverdi Vigneto Cipressone Chianti Classico 1998, +954370, $24.95. 8. Farina Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2005, +995910, $34.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 12, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Morgenhof Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: both herby and full-bodied, delicious as a sipper or a food wine. +18507, $13.95, QPR: 89. 2. Stellar Organic Winery Running Duck Chardonnay 2009 Western Cape: very tasty, off-dry or low-acid in mouthfeel, some oak and vanillin. 13.5% ABV. +149856, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Morgenhof Estate Chenin Blanc 2008 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: some honeysuckle complexity from the combo of natural fruit aromas and added oaking, well-integrated. +978544, $14.95, QPR: 89. 5. D’Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2008 McLaren Vale: another productive aromatic sizzler, ending with some honeyed tones. +656710, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Wakefield Chardonnay 2008 Clare Valley/Adelaide Hills: integrated oak tones, neat balance. +711556, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7. Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: delicious with interesting herbs and development through to the engaging finish. +677450, $19.95, QPR: 90. 8. Te Kairanga Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Martinborough: another quality sipper from NZ, great mouthfeel. +32805, $16.95, QPR: 909. 9. Kuhlmann-Platz Muehlforst Gewurztraminer 2005 Alsace: off0-dry finish but regular MVC. 13% ABV. +168864, $15.95, QPR: 89. 10. Chateau Le Bonnat Blanc 2007 Graves: an affordable Semillon- sauvignon blend with enough complexity at this level, quality. +170274, $17.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. De Grendel Merlot 2007 Durbanville: very good consistent Merlot softness, and a large longer finish. +149849, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Queen of Hearts Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Santa Barbara: 14.5% ABV, tons of black fruit, toasty, tasty, B-I-G. +135368, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2006 Victoria: the bottle fell over from the weight of the six gold medals on the label. +935890, $16.95, QPR: 90. 4. Sticks Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Yarra Valley: tasty, food wine, long long and enjoyable finish. +165910, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Tahbilk Shiraz 2006 Victoria: a personal fave of mine when it was “Chateau Tahbilk”. I still have some 1983 and 1985 left in my cellar. This one can also be laid down. +214742, $19.95, QPR: 90. 6. Chateau La Croix de Queynac 2003 Bordeaux Superiore: ready now. So ripe it seems New World, but not overly sweet. +138636, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Villa des Anges Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Pays d’Oc: juicy, New World style but finishes dry. +171967, $12.95, QPR: 90. 8. Les Piliers Syrah 2007 Costieres de Nimes: full of syrah complexity at a ridiculous price. +678086, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. Argiolas Costera 2007 Connonau di Sardegna: earthy, fruity, delicious mushroom complexity and length. +99028, $17.95, QPR: 90. 10. Pedro Martinez Alesanco Reserva 2005 Rioja: typical Rioja at a Reserva level, price makes it worthwhile. Nicely aged. +170092, $17.95, QPR: 90. 11. Seniorio de Ardura Crianza 2006 Rioja: a bit youthful but emerging tastiness, good Spanish intensity at this price level. +171447, $13.95, QPRL: 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Morgan Highland Chardonnay 2007 Santa Lucia Highland, +953273, $32.95 retail. 2. Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa, +189795, $74.95. 3. Domaine de Saint Siffrein Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, +169771, $34.95. 4. Paolo Conterno Barolo 2005, +172783, $37.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 29, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Catena Chardonnay 2008 Mendoza: minerals, body, oak, initial fruit follows through on the length. +918805, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Vinecol Torrontes 2009 Mendoza: made form organic grapes, very good tropical fruit set, finishes dry. +32748, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. D’Arenberg The Olive Grove Chardonnay 2007 McLaren Vale: unoaked but balanced fruit and acid, body from storage on lees. +702845, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Domaine du Petit Coteau Les Grenouilles Sec Vouvray 2008 Loire: organic grapes, body of chenin blanc but extra-dry with a long zesty finish. +106815, $16.95, QPR: 90. 5. Domaine Lecomte Quincy 2008 Loire: very well developed, balance of fruit and acid, with zest showing. Quite elegant. +172528, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett 2007 Moselle: Riesling with a spicy kick and minerals, great body and a long finish. +160846, $20.95, QPR: 89. 7. Librandi Critone Bianco Val di Neto 2008 OGT Calabria: interesting and compelling blend of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc from a hot climate, floral, lots of body, great finish for a sipper. +169169, $13.95, QPR: 91. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Camelot Merlot 2006 California: toasty oak on nose and finish, words “magisterial merlot” appear on the label, 13.5% ABV, good value for a California merlot under $15 in Canada. +658070, $14.95, QPR: 91. 2. La Posta Pizzella Family Vineyard Malbec 2008 Uco Valley Mendoza: soft, ready soon, very French and elegant. +166298, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Laura Hartwig Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Colchagua: dynamite tastes and finish, a bit taut right now, cellar for a year, 14% ABV. +727495, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Zilzie Shiraz 2008 Barossa: quality but wavers between “shiraz” and “syrah” depending on where it lands on your palate. A Gold Medal in a competition that was “judged with food”. 14.5% ABV. Twist top. +58016, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Chateau La Raze Beauvallet 2005 Medoc: good basic Bordeaux with typical MVC plus some smoke and underbrush. +170316, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Domaine Bois Mayaid Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil 2008: gold medal winner, with very good cabernet franc kick, red fruit tones, best paired with food. +168971, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7. Mas del Perie Tradition Malbec Cahors 2006: rich and full but tannic, needs cellaring time. This is what Malbec is like at home in France, but do try it against a classy Argentine Malbec. +171561, $18.95, QPR: 90. 8. Frescobaldi Castello di Pomino 2006 Rosso: compelling red fruit flavours from the blend of pinot noir, sangiovese, and merlot. Longer food finish and body. +939223, $19.95, QPR: 90 9. Vinha d’Ervideira Colheita Seleccionada 2007 Alentejo: rich and ripe, smokey, complex enough to give your palate a workout, long finish. +168773, $15.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Luca Chardonnay 2008 Uco Valley Mendoza, +167338, $28.95 retail. 2. Kim Crawford Kim’s Favourite SP Chardonnay 2007 Gisborne, +90126, $24.95. 3. Domaine Raoul Gautherin Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2007, +159236, $29.95. 4. Backsberg Pumphouse Shiraz 2006 WO Paarl, +652651, $21.95. 5. Vriesenhof Kallista 2004 WO Stellenbosch, +160093, $27.95. 6. Lan Gran Reserva 2003 Rioja, +928622, $28.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 15, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Peninsula Ridge Inox Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Beal Vineyards Beamsville Bench VQA: lovely development of white flowers, very good consistency, quite floral. No oak. +7328, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Las Moras Reserve Chardonnay 2008 San Juan Argentina: excellent all round chard at this price, a bit of fruit, wood, zest, long finish. Snap it all up!! +32896, $11.95, QPR: 92. 3. Rodney Young Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma: lovely tropical fruit, crisp finish and toast. 14.3% ABV. +275552, $19.95, QPR: 90. 4. La Joya Viognier Reserve 2008 Colchagua Chile: enjoyable floral flavours, good price, but best with food rather than as sipper, 14.3% ABV. +168542, $13.95, QPR: 90. 5. Sileni Cellar Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: tasty, zesty, nervy, good food finish. +662882, $15.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Renwood Sierra Foothills Red Label Syrah 2005: good wood and syrah development, uplifting, lovely finish. +588095, $15.95, QPR: 90. 2. Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Mendoza: good price for a wine made from organic grapes, hits all the cab notes, finishes well. +68452, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. Chateau Hauchat 2006 Fronsac: good Bordeaux MVC, nice finish. +123489, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Villa Girardi Bure Alto Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2007: very tasty but North American fruit bomb appeal, long length. +161844, $17.95, QPR: 90. 5. Bod. Valcarlos Fortius Reserva 2004 Navarra: raisins, nicely aged, well-priced. +166611, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2007 Monterey, +171272, $29.95 retail. 2. Heggies Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Eden South Australia, +903559, $23.95. 3. Roux Pere & Fils La Chateniere Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 2007, +169177, $39.95. 4. William Fevre Chablis 1er Cru 2007, +169805, $29.95. 5. Dr.Nagler Riesling Auslese 2002 QmP Rudesheimer, +161646, $22.95. 6. Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir 2007 Okanagan VQA, +585760, $24.95. 7. Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre 2007 Barossa, +6551, $23.95. 8. Chateau La Confession 2006 St-Emilion Grand Cru, +563684, $62. 9. Domaine Daniel Rion & Fils Les Grandes Vignes Nuits-St-Georges 2007, +981548, $44.95. 10. Marchesi de Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2004, +650432, $49.95. 11. Querciabella Chianti Classico 2007, +728816, $34.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 1, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Cave de Beblenheim Heimberger Les Origines Vieilles Vignes Riesling 2008 Alsace: thirty year old vines, good depth to Riesling intensity, needs food. +168955, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Domaine du Pre Baron Sauvignon Touraine 2009 Loire: very herbaceous and crisp good dry and zesty finish, food wine. +107128, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2008: good price for detailed sunshine, sip or food. +290296, $16.95, QPR: 89. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2008 California: 15% ABV blockbuster, some of the wine comes from 80 – 100 year old vines in Oakley. Excellent value. +719211, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Zig Zag Zin Zinfandel 2007 Mendocino: time to light up with this charmer, 14.5% ABV, good zin intensity right through past the finish. +39982, $18.95, QPR: 90. 3. Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Maipo: classy and suave cab, value priced, 14.5% ABV, snap it all up. +18721, $15.95, QPR: 92. 4. Laurent Mabileu St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil 2008: very pronounced cabernet franc character, developmentally positive, good finish. +61192, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Domaine Montmartel Visan 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages: long enduring finish, ready in a year. +130062, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Montinho Sao Miguel 2008 Alentejano Portugal: the cab shows through in this appealing North American-styled wine. +114405, $12.95, QPR: 90. 7. Burgo Viejo Reserva 2001 Rioja: bargain priced value for this 8 year old Rioja MVC, wood, and depth. +168823, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. La Crema Chardonnay 2007 Monterey, +158683, $29.95 retail. 2. Sigalas Santorini 2008 Greece, +74781, $21.95. 3. Edmeades Zinfandel 2007 Mendocino, +105924, $25.95. 4. Pikes Eastside Shiraz 2006 Clare Valley, +77891, $22.95. 5. Rosemount Traditional Show Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot 2005 McLaren Vale, +484097, $34.95. 6. Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Te Kahu 2007 Hawkes Bay, +163584, $29.95. (Bordeaux blend) 7. Chateau LaRose-Trintaudon 2004 Haut-Medoc, +167437, $26.95. 8. Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007, $719120, $36.95. 9. Laurus Gigondas 2006, +163113, $24.95. 10. Marchesi di Barolo Barolo 2005, +168179, $38.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 17, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2008 Napa: restaurant wine, but still complex, consistent, good value. +136382, $18.95, QPR: 89. 2. Santa Julia Organica Chardonnay 2009 Mendoza: organic wine but fantastic price for delivering quality MVC chardonnay tones. +141408, $12.95, QPR: 91. 3. Caliterra Tributo Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Casablanca: strong aromas of coconut and vanilla from the US oak, but very approachable, lovely wine. +144709, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Penmara Reserve Chardonnay 2008 Orange New South Wales: good dense flavours, complex arrangement of fruit and oak. +912790, $17.95, QPR: 89. 5. Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: juicy apples (spy?) or malic acid plus the herby quality of a sauvignon blanc. Long finish. +686675, $14.95, QOR: 89. 6. Martin Steimer Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: affordable MVC for the grape, will not disappoint. +709790, $16.95, QPR: 89. 7. Max. Ferd. Richter Riesling Kabinett 2007 Mosel: intense riesling character, very Germanic, MVC is good for the price. +160556, $15.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendocino: cool climate style, useful organic wine, twist top. +161240, $16.95, QPR: 89. 2. Terranoble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Colchagua: good aging, complex and better with food. +46268, $16.95, QPR: 89. 3. Tatu Primitivo del Tarantino 2006 Puglia: thicker, juicier, and cheaper than zinfandel at this price, 14% ABV. +160390, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Farina Le Pezze Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2006: great concentration and depth, length, and needs food. +134684, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Maculan Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Veneto: Heavier than other years, 13.5% ABV, good dose of blueberries. +987701, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Franciscan Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +496125, $24.95 retail. 2. Josef Chromy Pinot Gris 2008 Tasmania, +162974, $22.95. 3. Hahn Estates Meritage 2007 Central Coast California, +161265, $24.95. 4. Josef Chromy Pinot Noir 2008 Tasmania, +163022, $26.95. 5. Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz Barossa, +32227, $23.95. 6. Fontodi Chianti Classico 2007, +933317, $27.95. 7. Masi Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2004, +462812, $69.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR APRIL 3, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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. Irony Chardonnay 2008 Napa: good balance and depth, a restaurant wine, consistent from year to year. +27409, $19.95, QPR: 89. 2. Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2008 WO Coastal Region: juicy, MVC nettles and gooseberries, twist top, 13% ABV. +948620, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Andre Blanck Rosenbourg Pinot Blanc 2008 Alsace: delicate white flowers, malic minerality at the finish. +626606, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Maison Francois Martenot Cuvee Prestige Bourgogne Chardonnay 2007: well-rounded, some caramel, value-driven. +159095, $16.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Lander-Jenkins Spirit Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California: good balance of fruit and acid, longer finish, 13.5% ABV. +161398, $17.95, QPR: 89. 2. Humberto Canale Caracter Patagonia Intimo Malbec 2008: fruity, plumy, very heavy bottle, 13.5% ABV. +144725, $12.95, QPR: 89. 3. Chilensis Reserva Carmenere 2008 Maule Valley: superb tamed herbaceousness, lots of acidified fruit, long balanced finish. +657981, $11.95, QPR: 91. 4. Seifried Estate Pinot Noir Nelson South Island: tasty, lightly sour, good heft to MVC component. +70778, $19.95, QPR: 89. 5. Chateau Haut-Grelot Cuvee Tradition 2006 Premieres Cotes de Blaye: very traditional, straightforward Bordeaux with wood, mocha, underbrush. Great price. +165738, $15.95, QPR: 91. 6. Domaine Laurent Mabileau Bourgueil 2008: good cabernet franc intensity, herby but fresh too. +699666, $13.95, QPR: 89. 7. Cave de Roquebrun La Grange des Combes Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2007: good wash of syrah and depth to the finish. +155804, $16.95, QPR: 89. 8. Skouras Saint George 2007 Nemea: ripe and ready, red berries, mocha. +162321, $16.95, QPR: 89. 9. Bodegas Lan Reserva 2004 Rioja: excellent value for a Rioja Reserva, 13.5% ABV. Accessible now, aging gracefully. +42929, $19.95, QPR: 90. 10. Gladium Tempranillo Crianza 2006 La Mancha: dense, dark, delicious, ready by Fall 2010. Fruit and acid almost in balance. +162677, $15.95, QPR: 90. 11. Bod Bilbainas Vina Zaco Tempranillo 2006 Rioja: MVC classic style of Rioja flavours, 14% ABV. +146209, $14.95, QPR: 89. 12. Vinedos Neo Vinos de Fabula Vivir, Vivir 2007 Ribera del Duero: very soft but spicy, from older vines, affordable delicacy, 13% ABV. +162693, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Stella Bella Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Margaret River, +108159, $21.95 retail. 2. Bouchard Pere et Fils Montagny 1er Cru 2007 Blanc, +653683, $27.95. 3. Domaine de la Tour Monts-Main Chablis 1er cru 2006, +159731, $32.95. 4. Beringer Third Century Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 North Coast, +47704, $23.95. 5. Stella Bella Shiraz 2007 Margaret River, +48553, $24.95. 6. Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2003, +368910, $27.95. 7. Leal Tanza Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +927913, $27.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 20, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 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. Calamus Estate Riesling 2007 Niagara Vinemount Ridge: very Alsatian in tone, long lingering finish, 11.5% ABV. +158642, $16.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cave Spring Estate Bottled CSV Gewurztraminer 2008 Beamsville Bench: good bitterish finish, slightly smoothed out. +302059, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Catena Alamos Viognier 2008 Mendoza: good stone fruit intensity, best as sipper or with food. +507830, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Uby Colombard/Ugni Blanc 2009 Vins de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne: excellent all round balanced fresh white that tastes like “wine” and not apples, lemons, or other fruit. +151019, $11.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 North Coast: a steady fave resto wine, balanced, good with food. +181685, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Lagarde Altas Cumbres Malbec 2008 Mendoza: MVC, vanilla tones and fruit, long length. +146381, $12.95, QPR: 90. 3. D’Arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz 2008 McLaren Vale: delicious fruit, New World driven of course, twist top, 14.5% ABV. +158238, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Kim Crawford Merlot 2007 Hawkes Bay: soft, 13.5% ABV, good merlot intensity and length, a food wine. +680967, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. La Clape Chateau Rouquette Sur Mer Cuvee Amarante 2007 Coteaux du Languedoc: very good syrah hit, quality made product, and please check out the great UPC design under the back label. +156273, $17.95, QPR: 90. 6. Cantina Valpantena Terre di Verona Ripasso Valpolicella 2006: rich, ripe, and voluptuous. +117127, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Hidden Bench Rosomel Vineyard Fume Blanc 2007 Beamsville Bench, +68825, $30.20 retail. 2. Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2007 Twenty Mile Bench, +56929, $40 retail. 3. Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Niagara, +173377, $24 retail. 4. Ironstone Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Sierra Foothills, +158774, $26.95. 5. Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre 2008, +744086, $22.95. 6. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Green Label Syrah-Shiraz 2007 California, +90068, $24.95. 7. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Ivory Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California, +521021, $26.95. 8. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Alexander Valley, +50427, $24.95. 9. 3 Rings Shiraz 2007 Barossa, +15495, $21.95. 10. Bouchard Pere & Fils Cote de Beaune-Villages 2006, +714998, $24.95. 11. Vignamaggio Gherardino Chianti Classico 2007, +963512, $23.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 6, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 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. Emiliana Novas Winemaker’s Selection Chardonnay/Viognier/Marsanne 2007 Casablanca: from organic grapes, dynamite body and oaky finish, a big dense wine with flowers on the approach. +63909, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Errazuriz Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Casablanca: good balance with elegance, rewarding food wine, 13.5% ABV, twist top. +143198, $14.95, QPR: 90. 3. Ingoldby Chardonnay 2008 McLaren Vale: balanced, tightly framed, low oak. +47647, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Pfaffenheim Cuvee Bacchus Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: terrific gewurztraminer tones, but drier than the MD indicated in the catalogue. +996017, $19.95, QPR: 90. 5. Domaine des Aspes Viognier 2008 Vins de Pays D’Oc: delicious value, complexity of peaches and citrus fruit. 13.5% ABV, twist top. +712638, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. Henri de Richemer Muscat Sec 2008 Vins de Pays des Cotes de Thau: terrific floral and muscat complexity at this price level. +150169, $12.95, QPR: 91. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Sonoma: deep, deep textures, very cabby, best with food. 13.8% ABV. +226944, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Casa Lapostolle Merlot 2008 Rapel: delicious merlot intensity, but with old world character. 14.5% ABV. +405712, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2007 Central Valley Chile: first rate Bordeaux-styled blend, organic grapes. +685792, $14.95, QPR: 90. 4. Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Colchagua: earthy, but excellent blend and balanced with fruit. Organic, of course. I think that this is the first time I’ve ever recommended THREE wines from the same company in one release. +66746, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Tabali Reserva Merlot 2006 Limari: good long food finish, lots of black fruit and mocha and roasted vanilla. +93740, $14.95, QPR: 90. 6. Alkoomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Frankland River: delicious Euro style, with black fruit and smoke sitting on top. +904227, $19.95, QPR: 90. 7. Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2005 WO Stellenbosch: excellent Bordeaux- styled wine, with five classic grape varieties used. +922443, $20.95, QPR: 90. 8. Chateau Fabre Cuvee des Jumelles 2008 Corbieres: basic quality red for grilled meats and BBQ. +148783, $13.95, QPR: 90. 9. Aldo Marenco Pirun 2008 Dolcetto: plumy with raspberry component, good tannins right to the finish, food. Organic. +161729, $17.95, QPR: 90. 10. Rivera Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico 2004 Castel del Monte Puglia: extremely Italianate, good aged complexity, jam and leather. +984120, $17.95, QPR: 90. 11. Vignalta Rosso Riserva 2005 Veneto: a 60/40 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, 13.5% ABV, generous fruit. +52571, $19.95, QPR: 90. 12. Guelbenzu Azul 2006 Ribera del Queiles Spain: juicy, North American style, modestly herby and black currant notes. +146225, $18.95, QPR: 90. 13. Heredad de Baroja Cautivo Crianza 2005 Rioja: woody tones, upfront on the nose, along with tempranillo fruit. +148510, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Beringer Sbragia Limited-Release Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +79178, $54.95 retail. 2. Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2006 WO Stellenbosch, +717090, $21.95. 3. Domaine Marechal-Caillot Savigny-Les-Beaune 2006, +159707, $34.95. 4. Cennatoio Chianti Classico 2006, +121210, $24.95. 5. I Castei Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2005, +739979, $38.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 20, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 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. Peller Estates Private Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Okanagan: delicious creaminess, 14.5% ABV, overripe voluptuousness. +618298, $17.95, QPR: 90. 2. Blackstone Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Monterey County: good fruit complexity at this price level, sauvignon zest is slightly muted. +586149, $15.95, QPR: 90. 3. Catena Alamos Chardonnay 2008 Mendoza: hard to pass up at this level, buttery-burnet toast, 13.5% ABV. French oak. +801571, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Domaine Wachau Terraces Gruner Veltliner 2008 Austria: softer and more floral than in the past, longer finish, sip or with food. +155812, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Agnusdei Albarino 2008 Rias Baixas: highly and brightly aromatic, light lemons on finish. +146241, $17.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Van Ruiten Old Vine Zinfandel 2007 Lodi: off-dry, jammy, juicy, party wine. +58685, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Cristobal 1492 Oak Reserve Merlot 2007 Mendoza: dynamite blowout of rich and oaky tones, black fruit and black chocolate. At this price, buy it all!! +663096, $12.95, QPR: 93. 3. Cono Sur Vision Syrah 2007 Colchagua: 13.5% ABV, dense, chunky, not yet ready but delicious. Some tomato and olive tones. +24661, $15.95, QPR: 90. 4. Evans & Tate Cabernet/Merlot 2004 Margaret River: a Bordeaux-style wine with snap, ready now, affordable. +721548, $14.95, QPR: 91. 5. Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2008 Barossa: ripe plums, spicy, cedar, 15% ABV, twist top. +595306, $15.95, QPR: 90. 6. The Winery of Good Hope Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2008 Stellenbosch: North American style, twist top, 13.5% ABV, nicely affordable. +8748, $11.95, QPR: 90. 7. Domaine Ferrer-Ribiere Tradition 2007 Cotes du Roussillon: delicious raspberry complexity, longer length. Organic. +148627, $16.95, QPR: 90. 8. Mas des Bressades Cuvee Tradition 2008 Costieres de Nimes: very Rhonish, ready now, good syrah hit for under $15. +143099, $14.95, QPR: 91. 9. Terres d’Avignon Les Cardinalices Grande reserve Cotes du Rhone 2007: well-integrated, aging gracefully, terrific fruit, anise, and length. 14% ABV. +155473, $14.95, QPR: 90. 10. Giordano Maestri Italiani Nebbiolo d’Alba 2007: a plush Barolo-like hit. +159483, $16.95, QPR: 90. 11. Monte Antico Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 IGT Tuscany: undersuperTuscan style, affordable. +69377, $15, QPR: 90. 12. Duque de Medina Gran Reserva 2000 Carinera Spain: aging well, with leather and some snappy tartness that’s enough for food accompaniment. +148494, $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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Wilm Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace, +156745, $26.95 retail (Kosher) 2. Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2007, +112227, $22.95. 3. Hugh Hamilton The Rascal Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale, +595405, $26.95. 4. Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +650754, $29.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 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. Konzelmann Reserve Gewurztraminer 2007 Late Harvest VQA Niagara: loaded with Alsatian Gewurz character, off-dry Spatlese level, more citric than bitter on the finish. +3992357, $17.20, QPR: 90. 2. Sebastiani Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma: Gold Medalist. Buttery, creamy vanilla on finish, restaurant wine. +30791, $17.95, QPR: 90. 3. Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Rapel: very good sauvignon MVC, modest finish for sipping. +396994, $13.95, QPR: 90. 4. Berton Vineyards The White Viognier 2009 SE Australia: twist top, 14% ABV, velvet in the mouth, peaches and tropical notes. +93435, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Lammershoek Chenin Blanc 2008 WO Swartland: some wood tones of caramel and toast makes this an engaging wine. +58206, $18.95, QPR: 90. 6. Pierre Sparr Reserve Pinot Blanc 2008 Alsace: delicious, aromatic, pleasing winter sipper or with food. +134635, $13.95, QPR: 90. 7. Mermont Picpoul de Pinet 2008 Coteaux de Languedoc: aromatic, deep development, long finish, good price. But a summer wine. +148791, $11.95, QPR: 90. 8. Dr.Fischer Riesling Spatlese 2003 Moselle Ockfener Bockstein: off- dry sipper, intense aromatics from a great vintage, good with cheese. +146340, $17.95, QPR: 90. 9. Luis Canas Fermentado en Barrica Blanco 2008 Rioja: a wood-aged Rioja white, typical of the style but at a great low price. 13.5% ABV. +146217, $14.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Sonoma: good character restaurant wine, off-dry finish, hits all the right cab buttons. +640573, $19.95, QPR: 90. 2. Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2006 Mendoza: way underpriced, brimming with Malbec intensity. +74922, $18.95, QPR: 91. 3. Andean Opi Rodolfo Sadler Malbec 2008: 13.5% ABV, food wine with some toast and underbrush in the length. +144360, $12.95, QPR: 90. 4. Viu Manent Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Colchagua: Chile character, good value cab with some Bordeaux complexity. +59196, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Small Gully Wines “The Formula” Robert’s Shiraz 2005 South Australia: twist top, but also 16.7% ABV. Nothing small about this wine. +142935, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 WO Paarl: lots of cab sauv flavours, ripe and toasty, North American style of spicing. +68767, $16.95, QPR: 90. 7. Delas Freres Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage 2007: delightful syrah hit, definite value from the North Rhone. +701359, $19.95, QPR: 90. 8. Itynera Primitivo 2007 IGT Salento: 14% ABV, but good zinfandel character of plumminess and the longer finish. +70805, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. Buil & Gine Gine Gine 2006 Priorat Spain: 14.5% ABV, dense dynamite of flavours after time. +67843, $17.95, QPR: 90. 10. Pagos del Rey Arnegui Crianza 2006 Rioja: quite rich for a Crianza, hence value. Sports toast and new wood plus red berries. +146274, $15.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Chateau Souverain Chardonnay 2008 Alexander Valley, +158600, $24.95 retail. 2. Caves des Vignerons de Buxy Montagny Les Chaniots 1er Cru 2007, +159020, $23.95. 3. Langmeil Blacksmith Cabernet 2006 Barossa, +644039, $22.95. 4. Due Torri Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, +724740, $36.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 23, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 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. Santa Julia Reserva Chardonnay 2008 Mendoza: slightly above entry level, creamy, value priced. +932368, $13.95, QPR: 90. 2. Strewn Pinot Blanc 2008 VQA Niagara-on-the-lake: oaked aged for a dimensional extra, a sort of pinot grigio with attitude. +522748, $13.95, QPR: 90. 3. Folie a Deux Menage a Trois White 2008 California: sourced from chardonnay, moscato and chenin blanc grapes for that “je ne sais quoi” feel. +665166, $17.95, QPR: 90. 4. Yalumba Y Series Pinot Gris 2008 South Australia: twist top, good body for a pinot gris, longer finish. +138586, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2008 Casablanca Valley: a chardonnay with attitude, creamy, some gaminess. +738393, $16.95, QPR: 90. 6. Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2008 Alsace: 13.5% ABV, spicy orange complexity from association with the muscat family, slight bitterness on finish. +747600, $17.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: plumy, dense, but approachable soon. +143248, $14.95, QPR: 90. 2. Luigi Bosca Reserva Merlot 2006 Mendoza: good oaking, integration with fruit, delicious. +143289, $16.95, QPR: 90. 3. Santa Julia Magna 2008 Mendoza: good blend of Malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah, red fruit, and long finish. +93799, $14.95, QPR: 90. 5. Zonte’s Footstep Shiraz/Viognier 2007 Langhorne Creek South Australia: excellent North Rhone style, great price. +72975, $15.95, QPR: 91. 6. Graham Beck Merlot 2006 WO Coastal Region South Africa: good chocolate-coffee tones, tasty character. +607804, $15.95, QPR: 90. 7. Leopard’s Leap Shiraz 2007 WO Coastal Region South Africa: good MVC for the price, tastes like a quality syrah. +148213, $12.95, QPR: 90. 8. Chateau Grand Ferrand 2006 Bordeaux Superieur: has that “gout de Bordeaux” MVC feel. +138693, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. Pech Matelles Marselan 2008 Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone: an off-dry feel, very cabby, organic, well-produced and well-priced. +148684, $12.95, QPR: 90. 10. La Reserve de Crouzau St. Gervais 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages: good syrah hit, toothy and full of blackberries and pepper. +142942, $14.95, QPR: 90. 11. Apollonio Valle Cupa 2001 IGT Salento: wood and raisins, long long finish, nicely aged south Italy wine. +84046, $19.95, QPR: 90. 12. Azul Portugal Vinho Tinto 2007 Palmela Portugal: well-developed already, good tasting Euro blend. +146167, $12.95, QWPR: 90. 13. Piedras de San Pedro Loculto 2005 Crianza Ribera del Duero: excellent, with wood-black fruit-acid integration in play, some eucalyptus. +147926, $18.95, 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 should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs. 1. Le Clos Jordanne La Petite Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 VQA Twenty Mile Bench Niagara, +33944, $40 retail. 2. Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendocino/Lake/Napa Counties, +25080, $23.95. 3. Greg Norman Estates Shiraz/Cabernet 2007 Limestone Coast South Australia, +586156, $24.95. 4. Masi Brolo di Campofiorin 2006 IGT Rosso del Veronese, +976092, $24.95. WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JANUARY 9, 2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 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. Stoney Ridge Dim Vineyard Riesling 2008 VQA Creek Shores: fleshy and flashy, good acid, but does not taste Medium Dry as Vintages indicates. +161208, $14, QPR: 90 2. Stonehedge Chardonnay 2007 California: good MVC value for the dollar, 13.9% ABV. +544841, $12.95, QPR: 91. 3. Anakena Single Vineyard Viognier 2009 Rapel: dry peach tones, excellent price. +45138, $12.95, QPR: 90. 4. Tabali Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Limari: herbs and minerals, 13.5% ABV. +662999, $12.95, QPR: 90. 5. Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2008 WO Western Cape: very extenuated MVC at this price level, herby plus. +662718, $11.95, QPR: 91. 6. Bestheim Reserve Vieilles Vignes Riesling 2008 Alsace: intense MVC from Riesling, medium body. +141176, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Chateau Coulange Blanc 2008 Bordeaux Sec: tart and grassy, food needed, very good value, 100% sauvignon blanc. +138750, $13.95, QPR: 90. 8. Roux Pere & Fils Les Murelles Chardonnay Bourgogne 2008: only lightly oaked, useful value at this price level. +156455, $13.95, QPR: 90. 9. Domaine de la Seigneurie des Tourelles Saumur Blanc 2008: baked fruit and some candied tones, but dry, good as aperitif. +141879, $12.95, QPR: 90. 10. Michel Gassier Les Piliers Viognier 2008 Pays D’Oc: delicious cream and fruit, apricot and oranges. +669531, $16.95, QPR: 90. TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1. Loredona Pinot Noir 2006 Monterey: dynamite wine, good pinot noir tones, but Californian and priced well. +57620, $18.95, QPR: 90. 2. Paso Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Paso Robles: label says “bold character derived from stubborn patience”. 13.5% ABV. +161141, $19.95, QPR: 90. 3. Concha y Toro Trivento Reserve Syrah 2008 Mendoza: definitely Rhonish, value. Sip or with food. +663112, $12.95, QPR: 90. 4. Montgras Quatro 2007 Colchagua: excellent Bordeaux-blend plus syrah with engaging black fruit component. +50641, $15.95, QPR: 90. 5. Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Petit Verdot 2007 Rapel: good tones of saddles and chocolate. +7484, $14.95, QPR: 90 5. Vina Maipo Reserva Carmenere 2008 Rapel: weedy and best with food. +7663047, $12.95, QPR: 90. 6. Alkoomi Shiraz 2007 Frankland River: definite Euro-style wine. +138560, $14.95, QPR: 90. 7. Lindemans Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Coonawarra: twist top, good MVC, value at this price. +141994, $14.95, QPR: 90. 8. Chateau Arnaud Jouan Cuvee Prestige 2005 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux: delicious, good wood aging, mid-Atlantic tastes. +138859, $14.95, QPR: 90. 9. Chateau Belle-Garde 2007 Bordeaux: typical Bordeaux MVC, value at this price level. +142372, $13.95, QPR: 90. 10. Albert Bichot Vieilles Vignes Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2007: you cannot beat this value for its Burgundian MVC. +43331, $16.95, QPR: 90. 11. Domaine Combebelle Saint-Chinian 2007 Midi: very Rhonish, priced well. +149658, $11.95, QPR: 90 12. Rouges des Karantes 2007 Coteaux du Languedoc: very ripe, warm and inviting, mid-Atlantic style G-S-M. +143651, $16.95, QPR: 90. 13. Cave de Tain Queen of Syrah Cool Climate Syrah 2007 Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes: a rarity here, from the North Rhone, only 12% ABV, meant for syrah lovers. +155283, $11.95, QPR: 90. 14. Chateau Armandiere La Fee Violine Malbec Cahors 2005: very pleasant, earthy, ready soon. Fleshy and tang on the finish. +147967, $12.95, QPR: 90. 15. Rui Jose Xavier Soares Mimo 2005 Douro: 30 year old vines, some depth and character, best with food. +147918, $17.95, QPR: 90. 16. Quinta do Roncao Reserva 2006 Douro: good North American style, full body, tastes off-dry. +147942, $13.95, QPR: 90. 17. Juan Gil Gos Monastrell 2008 Jumilla: juicy North American style, enjoyable. +94888, $12.95, QPR: 90.