AN ADDED VALUE FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS – WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR SUMMER 2010 By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com Always available at www.deantudor.com and http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH 1. MontGras Reserva Carmenere 2009 Colchagua Valley, +178624 General List, $11.95: nifty price for the earthy, herby red wine, with just enough complexity to make you think. Mocha tones and a soft finish. Half a year in oak, mostly French, half of it new. 14.3% ABF and a twist top. 2. F.W. Langguth Black Slate Riesling 2009 Mosel, +176917, $10.95: released in time for summer parties. Twist top, 11.5% ABV. Expect apples, limes, just barely off-dry mode finish. 3. Grand Sud Merlot 2008 Vin de Pays D’Oc, +171314, $9.95 for 1000 mL. Jammy red fruit, short finish, medium body. But a qualified quaffer at this price. 13% ABV, but no twist top. 4. From Diamond Estates there is a new series FRESH, made in the tradition of Birchwood Estate Wines. Said Tom Green the winemaker: “Many of the grapes we are using for these wines come from the same vineyards that we have used for years to make Birchwood products.” All are VQA Ontario, from the larger designation. It is already listed in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The line will be officially launched during Ontario Wine month (September 2010) at $11.95 each. To date, there are two reds (Merlot Syrah VQA 2008, merlot75/syrah25, +192609, with black fruit, aged in oak for 5 months; and Cabernet Gamay VQA 2008, 52gamay/25cabfranc/23cabsauvignon, +192617, with red fruit and mocha and five months in oak). There are two whites (Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay VQA 2008, 60sauvignon blanc/40chardonnay, +192625, with limes, gooseberries, orchard fruit, and five months oak for the chardonnay; and Gewurztraminer Riesling VQA 2008, 47gewurztraminer/46riesling/7kerner, +572156, with stone fruit tropicality and spices, no oak). The Rose VQA 2008 is 55riesling/25sauvignonblanc/20gamay, +192633, with red fruit and citrus tones. I found the reds engaging, and the whites and rose were undoubtedly put through the mechanical cold stabilization device that Diamond bought some years back for absolute freshness. They are all to be consumed soon after purchase. 5. Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2007 Vins de Pays d’Oc, +177584, $12.95: value-priced, great 100% syrah hit of pepper, smoked meat, black fruit. 13.5% ABV. Worth every penny, a gem at this price, in the top 100 at the London Wine Fair. 6. Cave de Roquebrun Roches Noires Maceration 2007 Saint-Chinian- Roquebrun, +177519, $17.95: black fruit, red berries, and minerals, some prevalent mocha tones, 60% syrah, 20% Grenache, 20% mourvedre, all old vines. 13.5% ABV. Lots of gold medals. Wine of the Month at Vintages, July 24, 2010. 7. Domaine Lou Moural Collection Reservee Minervois 2007 +175190, $12.95: lively light Grenache flavours of cherries and plums, with some syrah component. 45% syrah, 50 % Grenache, 5% carignan. Red fruit all the way, 13.5% ABV. BBQ wine. 8. Domaine des Aires Hautes Minervois La Liviniere 2007, +017137, $19.95: black and spicy, lots of flavour and flavours, but also a hot wine with 15.5% ABV. 45% syrah, 40% Grenache, 15% carignan. 9. Domaine J. Laurens Le Moulin Brut Blanquette de Limoux Midi, +180323, $16.95: a new entry in the “Methode Traditionnelle” sparkling sweepstakes in Ontario. 12% ABV, older vines, at least 90% local mauzac grapes but with some estate-grown chardonnay and/or pinot noir, dry mode, great for summer. Persistent mousse. ======================================================================= 1. The Time and Date: Friday, July 2, 2010 10:30 AM to 2PM The Event: monthly tasting of Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square. The Target Audience: members of the Circle, a large turnout. The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are here now, some will be available through Vintages later in the summer. The Wines: **** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Skuttlebutt Sauvignon Semillon 2008 12.5% alc LCBO #157867 $14.95 Margaret River -Vineland Estates Fume Blanc 2007 Reserve VQA 12.% alc winery only price tbd Niagara Escarpment -Vineland Estates Chardonnay 2007 Reserve VQA13% alc winery only Niagara Escarpment -Calamus Estate Riesling Reserve 2007 VQA 12% alc $15.95 #180877 Vintag Aug 21/10 Niagara Peninsula -Franciscan Chardonnay 2007 13.5% alc #496125 $24.95 Vintages Napa Valley -Stratus Chardonnay 2007 VQA 14% alc $38 winery only Niagara-on-the-Lake -Henry of Pelham Riesling 2007 Speck Family Reserve VQA 12% alc $30 Short Hills Bench ***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vineland Estates Chenin Blanc 2008 VQA 11.% alc winery only Niagara Peninsula -Calamus Estate White 2008 VQA 12.3% alc $12.20 Avail winery only Niagara Peninsula -Calamus Estate Riesling 2008 Semi Sweet VQA 12.3% alc Winery only $16.20 Niagara Peninsula -Stoney Ridge Pinot Grigio 2009 VQA 12% alc $17.20 Niagara Peninsula -Jackson Triggs Gewurztraminer 2008 VQA Delaine Vineyard 13.3% alc #989350 $22.95 Vintages Niagara Peninsula -Kapuka Sauvignon Blanc 2009 #163576 Vintages $14.95 New Zealand -Henry of Pelham Chardonnay 2007 VQA Speck Family Reserve 14% alc $35 Short Hills Bench -Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot 2007 VQA Speck Family Reserve 14% alc $50 Short Hills Bench *** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): SeaGlass Sauvignon Blanc 2009 13.% alc #173575 July release $13.95 Santa Barbara -Vineland Estates Sauvignon Blanc Elevation 2007 VQA winery only $25.00 Niagara Escarpment -Vineland Estates Chardonnay 2007 Elevation VQA 12.5% alc #164459 Vintages $25.00 -Vineland Estates Riesling 2007 Elevation VQA 8% alc #139121 Vintages $25.00 Niagara Escarpment -Vineland Estates Dry Riesling 2008 VQA 10% alc #167551 $13.95 Niagara Peninsula -Vineland Estates St Urban Riesling 2008 VQA 8.7% alc # 38117 $20.00 Niagara Peninsula -Calamus EstateChardonnay 2008 VQA Unoaked 12.8% alc $14.20 Avail winery Niagara Peninsula -Stoney Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Kasper Vineyard VQA 11.% alc $17.2011.6% alc Niagara Peninsula -Stoney Ridge Pinot Noir 2007 Warren Classic VQA 12.5% alc $15.20 Twenty Mile Bench -Legends Diva Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc 2008 VQA 12.5% alc Lincoln Lakeshore -Beckett's Flat Five Stones Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2009 Kosher 13% alc Margaret River -Montlouis Chenin Sec 2007 12% alc Montlouis sur Loire Controlee -Colio Moonlight White 2009 Lake & River Series VQA 11.8% alc #183095 Gen List $10.96 -Open Sauvignon Blanc 2009 VQA 11.9% alc #178681 Gen List $11.95 Niagara Pen -Jackson Triggs Sauvignon Blanc 2008 VQA Proprietors' Reserve 13% alc #58438 $13.95 Gen List Niagara Peninsula -Jackson Triggs White Meritage 2008 VQA Proprietors' Grand Reserve 12.4% alc #109371 $19.95 Vintages Niagara Peninsula -Inniskillin Pinot Gris 2008 VQA Winemaker's Series Barrel Aged 12% alc Vintages Niagara -Inniskillin Chardonnay 2008 Three Vineyards Winemaker's Series VQA 13.5% alc #105379 $16.95 Vintages Niagara Peninsula -Cumulus Block 50 Chardonnay 2007 13.5% alc Vintages Sept 2010 $13.95 Central Ranges, Australia -Pillitteri Estate Gewurztaminer Riesling Fusion 2009 VQA 11.5% alc #349126 $12.95 Niagara-on-the-Lake -Stratus Riesling 2008 VQA 11% alc $29 Vintages Niagara Peninsula -Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Reserve 2007 VQA 13.5% alc Niagara Peninsula -Torres Sangre de Toro 2007 13.5% alc Catalunya Spain -Coronas Tempranillo 2006 13.5% alc Catalunya -Loron & Fils Montvallon Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay 2008 12.5% alc #167155 Gen List $13.95 -Yering Station Little Yering Chardonnay 2008 13% alc #145318 Gen List $14.95 Australia -Leopard's Leap Family Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2009 13.5% alc #146886 Vintages $18.95 Western Cape S. Africa -Kacaba Riesling Reserve 2009 VQA 12% alc $17.95 Winery only Niagara Escarpment -Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir 2007 VQA Speck Family Reserve 13.5% alc $40 Short Hills Bench The Food: none The Contact Person: sdarby@rogers.com The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 87. 2. The Time and Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 5PM to 7PM The Event: a tasting with Felipe Gonzalez-Gordon of Gonzalez-Byass sherry house. The Venue: Cava Restaurant The Target Audience: media and others The Availability/Catalogue: all the wines are here at Vintages. The Quote/Background: I barely had a chance to talk with Felipe – it was crowded, hot and noisy, and we both had to shout at each other. The Wines: **** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Tio Pepe Fino, $15.95, +242669 Vintages – always a fave, sharp and fresh ***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alfonso Oloroso Seco, $14.95, +954776 Vintages – lovely bone dry finish over a caramel topping. *** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Nutty Solera Oloroso, $12.95, +35204 Vintages – basic sherry The Food: tapas such as stuffed mushroom caps, skewered meats, deep fried olives, paella-stuffed mussels, and more. The Downside: it was hot, crowded, and noisy. Plus, I never got to have one piece of each tapas since it was hard for the one waiter to get through the crowd. The Upside: in these circumstances, I really enjoyed my Uncle’s drink. The Contact Person: jason@woodmanwinespirits.com The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 82. 3. The Time and Date: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 1:30PM to 5 PM The Event: Portfolio tasting of Concha y Toro wines, emphasizing carmenere. Select Wines is the agency. The Venue: Over Joy, Leslieville The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: everything is (or will be) available in the system except for the Brut. The Quote/Background: we tasted a wide variety of wines, mostly from $10 to $25, with a very serious carmenere at $120. The range included their series Frontera, Sunrise, Casillero del Diablo, Trio, Winemakers Lot, and Marques de Casa Concha. Concha y Toro own a variety of vineyards in most of the Chilean regions, e.g., Maipo, Rapel, Casablanca, and grow grape varieties specific to that region. The Wines: prices are retail, sizes are 750mL unless magnum specified. **** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Reserva Shiraz 2008, +568055, $12 -Concha y Toro Winemaker’s Lot #148 Carmenere 2007 Rapel, $16.95 Vintages -Concha y Toro Carmin de Peumo Carmenere 2005 Puemo Valley, +52209, $119.95 Vintages Classics -Concha y Toro Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenere 2006 Cachopoal Valley, +562892, $29.95 Vintages -Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2008 Maipo, $17.95 ***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Concha y Toro Frontera Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, +669093, magnum, $14.95. -Concha y Toro Sunrise Cabernet, +47951, $9 -Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2009, +578641, $10 -Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Reserva Carmenere 2008, +620666, $13 -Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Reserva Malbec 2008, +94060, $13 -Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, +278416, $13 -Concha y Toro Trio Sauvignon Blanc 2009, +678656, $12.95 Vintages -Concha y Toro Trio Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Cabernet Franc 2008, +4333912, $16.95 Vintages -Concha y Toro Brut Chardonnay Limari, $12.95 (possible) -Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Maipo, +337238 Vintages Essentials, $19.95. -Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2007 Maipo, +30957 Vintages Sept 18/10, $19.95. *** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Concha y Toro Frontera Sauvignon Blanc 2009, +113019, magnum, $13.95. -Concha y Toro Frontera Chardonnay 2009, +465849, magnum, $13.95. -Concha y Toro Frontera Cabernet/Merlot 2008, +286187, magnum, $13.95. -Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Reserva Merlot 2008, +427088, $11.95. -Concha y Toro Xplorador Carmenere 2009, +177816, $9.95 October General List -Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Merlot 2007 Rapel, $19.95 The Food: first-rate platters of charcuterie such as sausages, salami, smoked duck, smoked salmon. As well, there were spinach turnovers, cheeses, skewered meats, stuffed mushroom caps, bruschetta, plus three major dips. The Downside: it was lightly attended. The Upside: more food and wine for the attendees. The Contact Person: haddleton@selectwines.ca The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88. 4. The Time and Date: Thursday, July 22, 2010 11AM to 2:30 PM The Event: South African Red Blend Tasting, with Andre Morgenthal of Wines of South Africa (WOSA), followed by a Braai-inspired lunch. The Venue: LCBO Summerhill Event Kitchen The Target Audience: wine writers. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are in the system somewhere. The Quote/Background: Andre Morgenthal spoke to the wines, and we had some lively discussions. Most of the wines were Bordeaux-like blends, although some of these also had syrah and others had a big chunk of merlot for softening. Then Andre cooked up a Braai, an Afrikaans styled roast or BBQ, for us after the tasting. We were able to compare and contrast all ten wines with food. The Wines: **** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -De Toren Fusion V 2007 [CS/Mer/Mal/CF/PV], Lifford, $59.95 – my fave -Rustenberg John X Merriman 2007, Woodman Wines -Meerlust Rubicon 2005, Lifford, $39.95 ***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Neil Ellis Sauvignon Blanc 2009 – as aperitif, went well with veggies. -Juno Arthouse Shiraz/Mourvedre 2007, +148593, $14.95 -Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2009, +626333, $13.95 -KWV Cathedral Cellars Triptych 2006, +53124, $16.95 -Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2006, Woodman Wines *** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vergelegen Mill Race Cabernet/Merlot 2006, +146530, $17.95 -Cloof Lynchpin 2005, +95232, $49 The Food: the Braai was delicious. We began with grilled BBQ chicken, cut so that we all had some part of the bone for juiciness. Salad included beans (green, yellow, wax, and others) and there was a tomato collection as well. This was all followed by a roasted stew of lamb shanks, again cut with the bone. A cheese platter and biscuits completed the meal. We tried various wines with various foods, and in general, I would have to say that the more modest priced wines went better with the Braai. But then that’s the nature of BBQ. I enjoyed the elegant wines on their own, or with the cheeses. The Downside: we were short a few writers (sickness); they could have added more commentary. The Upside: hey, more food to go around! The Contact Person: keenan@propellerpr.com The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92. 5. The Time and Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 1:30 – 3 PM The Event: New German wine releases with Bob Blumer The Venue: George Brown College Chef School restaurant The Target Audience: media, LCBO product consultants. The Availability/Catalogue: 13 new German wines are (or will be) on the LCBVO shelves this coming season, with the first batch out at Vintages on Aug 21. All of the wines except for two were Riesling. The Quote/Background: Bob Blumer led a demonstration of Ahi sno-cones (tuna tartar served in a crispy wonton cone). Unfortunately, his mike did not always work and he was hard to hear. The Wines: **** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen Riesling Spatlese 1997, $21.95, +160762 Vintages -Fritz Allendorf Winkeler Hasensprung Riesling Kabinett 2008, $16.95, +160747 Vintages ***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Nik. Weis Urban Riesling 2008, +184051 LCBO -J Kollmann Vinum Germania Riesling QbA 2008, $12.95, +161745 Vintages -RK Kesselstatt Riesling QbA 2008, $14.95 +733295 Vintages -Becker-Steinhauer Veldenzer Kirchberg Riesling Kabinette 2008, $15.95, +161786 Vintages -L Guntrum Niersteiner Bergkirche Riesling Kabinette 2008, $15.95, +160671 Vintages *** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Graf Schonborn Hallburger Schlossberg Kabinett Trocken 2008, $18.95, +70953 Vintages -J Kollmann Vinum Germania Pinot Noir QbA 2008, $14.95, +161752 Vintages -Werner Anselmann Huxelrebe Auslese 2007, $14.95, +681445 Vintages. -Schmitt Sohn Funf German Riesling, +175026 LCBO October -F.W. Langguth Black Slate Riesling QbA 2009 Mosel, +176917, $10.95 Fall LCBO -Carl Reh Riesling Kabinette 2008, $12.95, LCBO The Food: served by George Brown students. At the pinot noir table, there were filet mignon sliders with caramelized onion marmalade. With sylvaner, there were sugar and spice pecans. The sweet wine table had three types of cheese, including fabulous aged Gouda from Thunder Bay Cheese. The two Riesling table wines were accompanied by coconut shrimp lollypops and ahi sno-cones. First rate matches. The Downside: it was crowded because two of the five tables were mostly inaccessible -- the food was in the way and there was too much wine being poured at these dry Riesling tables (9 of the 13 wines were here). The layout could have been modified. The Upside: some really good wines were on display, carefully matched with the food. The Contact Person: ted@androscom.com The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 89. 6A. The Time and Date: Tuesday Aug 24 through Thursday Aug 26, 2010 The Event: Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Area Wine Country FAM Tour for Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada and other media, courtesy of the Wine Council of Ontario. The Venue: Bus, host wineries, and the Windsor Hilton Hotel. The Target Audience: WWCC members and other wine media The Availability/Catalogue: a few are at the LCBO, but most wines tasted were only available at the winery. This is the FIRST of THREE reports. All grape wines were VQA Ontario, LENS, or Pelee Island. The Quote/Background: we were to taste wines and interview principals to increase our understanding of the LENS and Pelee wine appellations (microclimates) plus wine country experiences in the area. Many of the new wineries host events such as weddings, team building, corporate parties, and the like. The Wines: we visited or tasted wines from 10 different wineries, from the largest Pelee Island Winery (400K cases, over 64 different wines) to Muscedere Vineyards (less than 2,000 cases, 10 different wines). The following listings are my summaries; there were only a handful of wines that failed to score 85 or more points. **** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Muscedere Vineyards Meritage 2008, $30 – 80 cases, 64%merlot, 22%cabernet sauvignon, 14%cabernet franc. -Muscedere Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $30 – 115 cases -Colio CEV Twelve Barrel Shiraz 2008, $25 – summer 2011. -Colio CEV Cabernet Franc Reserve 2005, $21 – retail stores -Colio CEV Carlo Negri Signature Merlot Reserve 2002, $60 – retail stores. -Colio CEV Merlot Reserve 2005, $20 – retail stores -Colio CEV Merlot Reserve 2008, $20 – early 2011 release -D’Angelo Vineyards Old Vines Foch Reserve 2005, $20 -Mastronardi Estate a’Dorah Sparkling NV, $12.75 43%riesling, 28%pinot gris, 29%chardonnay -Mastronardi Estate Brianje Riesling 2008, $15 -Mastronardi Estate Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Reserve 2006, $16 -Pelee Island Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2007, $19.95 -Pelee Island Winery Chardonnay Barrique 2007 Pelee Island, $14 -Pelee Island Winery Pinot Gris Vendage Tardive 2008 Pelee Island, $15.95 ***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Muscedere Vidal Blanc 2009, $14 -Muscedere Pinot Noir 2008, $25 -Muscedere Syrah 2008, $40 -Colio CEV Reserve Chardonnay Barrel Aged 2009, $17.95 – retail stores -Aleksander Estate Baco Noir 2009, $13.80 -Colchester Ridge Estate Meritage 2007, $20 - 41%cabernet sauvignon, 26% cabernet franc, 33% merlot -Colchester Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, $18 -Colchester Ridge Estate Cabernet Franc 2007, $15 -D’Angelo Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2007, $11.99 -D’Angelo Vineyards Baco Noir 2007, $15 -Smith and Wilson Estate Lighthouse 2009, $14 – viognier and chardonnay -Smith and Wilson Estate Smith’s Vidal, $12 -Smith and Wilson Estate Riesling Sussreserve, $13 -Smith and Wilson Estate Raleigh Vines, $14 – cab-merlot -Smith and Wilson Estate Double Barrel 2007, $15 – cab franc-merlot- syrah -Mastronardi Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $18 -Mastronardi Estate Merlot 2007, $18 -Sprucewood Shores Estate Chardonnay 2008, $11.95 -Sprucewood Shores Estate Lady in Red 2007, $14.95 – cabernet sauvignon/franc as 80/20 -Sprucewood Shores Estate Meritage 2007, $21.95 – 40%cab sauv/30%cab franc/30%merlot -Sprucewood Shores Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007, $24.95 -Pelee Island Winery Lighthouse Cabernet Franc 2008, $11.95 +145441 -Pelee Island Winery Pinot Noir 2008, $12.95 +135939 -Pelee Island Winery Alvar Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009, $12.95 -Pelee Island Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Pelee Island $24.95 -Pelee Island Winery Shiraz Reserve 2005 Pelee Island, $19.95 -Pelee Island Winery Shiraz Reserve 2007 Pelee Island, $19.95 -Pelee Island Winery Dry Riesling 2008, $10.95 +136028 *** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Muscedere Rose 2009, $14 -Muscedere Cabernet Franc 2008, $16 -Colio CEV Lily Sparkling 2008, $15 (50% riesling x traminer, 50% pinot noir) -Colio CEV Cabernet Franc Reserve 2007, $21 – retail stores -Aleksander Estate Pinot Noir 2008, $24.95 -Colchester Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2009, $13 -Colchester Ridge Estate Gewurztraminer 2009, $15 -D’Angelo Vineyards Blanc de Blanc 2007, $10 – 50% chardonnay, 50% vidal -Smith and Wilson Estate Vista del Lago 2009, $14 -Smith and Wilson Estate Ridge Rock Rose 2008, $12 -Smith and Wilson Estate Riesling Dry 2007, $12 -Smith and Wilson Estate Pinot Grigio 2009, $14 -Mastronardi Estate Pinot Grigio 2008, $12 – LCBO Winery to Market program -Sprucewood Shores Estate Pinot Gris 2009, $12.95 -Pelee Island Winery Blanc de Blanc Vidal-Riesling 2008, $9.95 +276170 -Pelee Island Winery Chardonnay Non-Oaked 2009, $10.95, +136044 -Pelee Island Winery ECO Trail Chardonnay-Auxerois 2008, $10.25 +591719 -Pelee Island Winery Monarch Vidal 2009, $10.25 +393405 -Pelee Island Winery Pinot Grigio 2009, $12.95 +326413 -Pelee Island Winery Dry Riesling 2009, $10.95 +136028 -Pelee Island Winery Cabernet Franc 2009, $11.45 +433714 -Pelee Island Winery Alvar Chardonnay Gewurztraminer 2009, $12.95 +198226 -Pelee Island Winery Cabernet Merlot “Stepping Up to the Plate” 2008, $12.95 +435321 -Pelee Island Winery Alvar Pinot Noir 2008, $14.95 +458521 The Food: two of the wineries (Colio plus Smith and Wilson) offered us cheeses and crackers. The Downside: as always, it was getting on and off the bus, assembling, and then departing. The Upside: a great opportunity to taste wines not tasted before. The Contact Person: Magdalena@winesofontario.org The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 93. 6B. The Time and Date: Tuesday Aug 24 through Thursday Aug 26, 2010 The Event: Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Area Wine Country FAM Tour for Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada and other media, courtesy of the Wine Council of Ontario. The Venue: Bus, host wineries, and the Windsor Hilton Hotel. The Target Audience: WWCC members and other wine media The Availability/Catalogue: these were fruit wines and fruit-based wines that we tasted, along with an assortment of sweeties, available for the most part only at the winery. See previous posting for table wines, and later posting for food. The Quote/Background: we were to taste wines and interview principals to increase our understanding of the LENS and Pelee wine appellations (microclimates) plus wine country experiences in the area. Many of the new wineries host events such as weddings, team building, corporate parties, and the like. The Fruit and Sweet Wines: most came from Black Bear Farms, Kingsville **** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Black Bear Farms Elderberry 2008, $18 375mL ***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Colio Estate Vineyards Vidal Icewine 2007, $19.95 for 200mL. -Black Bear Farms Bear’s Reserve Black Raspberry 2007, $22 375mL -Black Bear Farms Papa’s Special Reserve Red and Purple Raspberry 2007, $18 375mL -Black Bear Farms Black Currant 2007, $18 375mL -Black Bear Farms Golden Raspberry 2007, $18 375mL -Black Bear Farms Peach 2008, $22 750mL -Black Bear Farms Red Raspberry 2007, $16 375mL, $31 for 750mL -Black Bear Farms Strawberry 2007, $13 375mL, or $25 for 750mL -Smith and Wilson A Currant Affair 2004 [black currant] $17 375mL -Smith and Wilson Pink Cadillac 2008 [sparkler with raspberry, cherry, and vidal wine] $18 750 mL -Aleksander Estate Cassis NV, $17.50 375mL -Pelee Island Vidal Icewine 2008, $24.85 200mL -D’Angelo Vineyards Iced Foch Vidal 2008, $15 375mL – 51.5% Marechal foch and 48.5% vidal *** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Black Bear Farms Mama’s Special Delight Blueberry 2007, $20 375mL -Black Bear Farms Black Raspberry and Blueberry 2007, $18 375mL -Black Bear Farms Golden Plum 2008, $18 375mL -Black Bear Farms Red Gooseberry 2007, $20 375mL -Black Bear Farms Purple Raspberry 2007, $18 375mL -Black Bear Farms Red Raspberry and Purple Plum 2008, $22 375mL -Black Bear Farms Strawberry 2008, $15 375mL, or $29 for 750mL -Smith and Wilson Nightshade (Black Currant and white wine), $13 -Sprucewood Shores Estate Vidal Icewine 2007, $22.95 200 mL -D’Angelo Vineyards Dolce Vita NV, $20 375mL – vidal icewine, fortified to 20% -Mastronardi Estate Sangria NV, $14.50 – 7% ABV, Baco noir with local fruit juices. The Contact Person: Magdalena@winesofontario.org The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 93. 6C. The Time and Date: Tuesday Aug 24 through Thursday Aug 26, 2010 The Event: Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Area Wine Country FAM Tour for Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada and other media, courtesy of the Wine Council of Ontario. The Venue: Bus, host wineries, and the Windsor Hilton Hotel. The Target Audience: WWCC members and other wine media The Availability/Catalogue: we drank several wines that were not really available anywhere except at the winery, as accompaniment to the lunches and dinners that we had. The Quote/Background: we were to taste wines and interview principals to increase our understanding of the LENS and Pelee wine appellations (microclimates) plus wine country experiences in the area. Many of the new wineries host events such as weddings, team building, corporate parties, and the like. The Wines: some of the wines we had with food or at the last minute were library wines – they were not available for sale but would, of course, rank high. Muscedere Vineyards led the way with stunning Meritage 2006, Pinot Noir 2006, Syrah 2007, and Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. Colio Estate Vineyards had Six Barrel Shiraz 2006 and Nine Barrel Shiraz 2007. Mastronardi pulled several barrel samples, including Merlot 2008 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, skedded for release in early 2011. The Food: we began with lunch at Mastronardi. We had just tasted with winemaker Lyse LeBlanc when the first course arrived from the caterer (Philly’s): a fabulous pan fried pickerel, freshly caught that morning. Tried against their Brianje Riesling and Chardonnay BF. A tomato and garden salad followed, that I had with a’Dorah sparkling. The heavies arrived next: steak and mushroom with a cabernet sauvignon reduction. And the palatschinke ended the meal (and us), along with the vibrant Vidal Icewine. And Chardonnay BF IS my Best Friend in the wine world. That night we got in an hour late, and delayed our meal at the Lebanese restaurant Mazaar. There we had their usual parsley salads, hummus, baba ghanoush, followed by platters of different meats on skewers (chicken, beef, lamb -- each done three ways or more). There was only one LENS wine on the list, Sprucewood Shores Riesling, so we ordered four or more bottles and heartily consumed them. I waddled home before the rest did. Up bright and early the next day for the breakfast buffet at the Hilton. No wines here, but average foods except for the bacon and the smoked salmon. There was also a bran muffin that looked and tasted densely like the real thing (with raisins). Lunch was at Sprucewood Shores, catered through Countyconnect.ca in Kingsville. We had a local salad, followed by a lamb shank on a bed of polenta with chopped tomatoes, and ended with angel food cake and berries. We sipped at the wines that had been tasted. The lamb shank was enormous but both Zoltan Szabo and I managed to pick clean our respective bones. On to Pelee Island Winery for a massive tasting with four other wineries and Pelee Island Winery itself, followed by dinner at the PI Winery. We opened with cold potato and red pepper soup which hit the spot with Pelee’s new sparkler, Secco Pelee Frizzante, made from pinot bianco, selling for $15. It has just been released but to restaurants only. Nicely creamy through cuvee close. Other wines came out, such as the Chardonnay Barrique, a steal at $14. The next course was an inspired simple farfalle pasta quickly followed by a tomato and bocconcini salad. The fish course was a grilled radicchio stemmy leaves with pickerel and perch cheeks. The main was a huge pork chop with a rosemary sprig sticking up (very 90s-ish). Dessert was, I think, muesli ice cream – or at least that’s what it tasted like. A pile of sweeties came out but I could not handle them. Up bright but not early for checkout and more smoked salmon with bacon. We drove forever, and those that missed breakfast picked at the cheese platters at Smith and Wilson. We made a few wrong turns and ended up a few hours late for lunch at M.E. and Suzies in Port Stanley. They have an extensive wine selection featuring only VQA wines from LENS/PI. We were started with a cold ale (Earl’s Elgin County Auburn Ale) that goes into their ale and cheddar soup (which was then served to us on the windy patio). This was followed by a smoked trout salad (which chef does himself) on Belgian endive boats. Out came more Pelee Island Secco Pelee for a toast! Table wine was Pelee Island Gewurztraminer 2006 Reserve, very nicely aged. It was instructive to see how well it can age. The three beet salad (red, golden, and a mix of yellow and red) had plenty of microgreens from the surrounding area. Pelee Island Semillon Sauvignon Blanc was a perfect accompaniment. Then came two kinds of freshly caught perch: pan fried with no salt, while the other perch was lightly battered. Both the Gewurztraminer and the Sem-Sauv went very well here. A success with everybody! For dessert, a rich maple syrup crème brulee and Pelee Island Vidal Icewine from 2004 (which I nailed as to its year). Then we waddled to the bus. The Downside: overall, too much food. The Upside: daily perch and pickerel! The Contact Person: Magdalena@winesofontario.org The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 93.