AN ADDED VALUE FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS – WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 2011 -- By Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, dtudor@ryerson.ca Creator of Canada's leading wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com This Diary is always available at www.deantudor.com and at http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH -- From Applewood Farm Winery (www.applewoodfarmwinery.com) in Stouffville (all wines available at the winery): 1. Applewood Farm Winery Trio 2010, $14.95 for 750 mL: a juicy combo of a third each of raspberry, black currant, and cranberry fruits, featuring both off-dry and tart flavours, with an SC of 2. Absolutely delicious with the fruit jumping out at you followed by bracing acidity. Great with savoury foods. 13% ABV, twist-off top. 2. Applewood Farm Winery Iced Apple Cider 2010, $19.95 for 375 mL: incredible richness and tang, with an SC of 25. Created the same way as ice wine (pressing frozen fruit), this Gold Medal winner comes in a new vintage. Ready for release now, finished with a cork. Great apple tones. 3. Applewood Farm Winery Crazy Eights Raspberry Cider 2011, $3 for 341 mL bottle (or $50 for a two-four): this gluten-free alternative to beer hits the spot, with its rich and ripe raspberry tones. The winery has been making it every year since 2006. This latest batch from the 2011 harvest is still 8.8% ABV, crown cap, and an SC of one that is barely perceptible. This has to be my favorite all-time drink. I regularly buy six cases a year, and always pay for my own tasting sample with a whole bottle. I own no stock, etc. No conflict-of-interest here. Just value and flavour – something has to be my fave, and this is it. 4. Applewood Farm Winery Smokin’ Apple 2008, $14.95 for 375 mL: a nifty wine for cooking with apple flavours – iced cider with black pepper and other savoury spices, some heat, great for BBQs anytime of the year. 12% ABV, and also available as a Chef Pack (a dozen for $120). Sounds terrific for the Christmas bird or ham. 5. Applewood Farm Winery Rhubarb and Caramelized Onion Relish (it’s almost chutney if it had had any raisins). It contains some of the aforementioned smokin’ apple wine, fermented rhubarb, onions, and other condiments. It’s a spread for any BBQ or dinner, not a drink, although I am sure that Matt Passafiume, winemaker at Applewood, could probably do an alcohol version. Maybe next year. $6 for a medium-sized jar. From F.F.W. Langguth, 1. Blue Nun Rivaner 2010 Deutscher Tafelwein Rhein, +729, $9.45 General List: This has been around the LCBO a long time (check out the low product number – only three digits). But it is no longer your mother’s Blue Nun. The blend is now just from the rivaner grape, the alcohol has been cranked up a bit to 9.5% ABV, and the wine is less sweet, more balanced, and some peaches remain. It is still a social wine, and the magnum (+24075) delivers the same orchard fruit value at a cheaper price of $14.95 ($7.48 a 750 mL equivalent). 2. Black Slate Riesling Mosel QbA, +176917, $10.95 General List delivers Euro value for an off-dry riesling that exhibits minerality and peaches and pears. Good for appetizers and first courses, 11% ABV. From Chateau des Charmes: 1. Chateau des Charmes Riesling Old Vines 2008 NOTL VQA, $16.95 Vintages +277228: run, don’t walk, to snap up whatever is left of the initial 200 cases (or order from the winery) for a Riesling that is just off the wall in Ontario. It’s the highly acclaimed Ontario Wine Award White Wine of the Year 2011, Gold Medalist. Made from vines planted in 1978, 12% ABV. Succulence like you would not believe, but off-dry Alsatian character, with three years of aging. A beaut. 2. Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2008 NOTL VQA, $14.55 +195511 General List: one of the last few pinots in Ontario to be sold at such a low price. This is traditional pinot noir in the French style, cool climate, light and delicate with red berries and cherries. Some older vines are in the mix. Aged in French barriques for six months. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Thursday, November 3, 2011 6 PM to 10 PM The Event: Wine Dinner “Croatia” The Venue: Wildfire Steakhouse & Wine Bar The Target Audience: wine media, selected patrons The Availability/Catalogue: This was a unique wine dinner featuring the wines of Croatia - Trapan, Matosevic and Saints Hills. Croatia is an untapped and unknown wine producing country which made this opportunity so special. On a recent trip to Croatia, Jody Ness (owner, Wildfire Steakhouse & Wine Bar and television host of Wine Portfolio) met the winemakers and brought them to Canada to show off their Croatian best. The Quote/Background: Amethyst Wine Agency also reps some Croatian wines, and Laura Higgins was there to pour four wines from Korta Katarina and Matosevic. The Wines: ***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Korta Katarina Plavic Mali 2007, $57.95 (Amethyst) -Korta Katarina Posip 2010, white, $49.95 -Matosevic Alba 2008 Barrique Istria IQ Seal $26.95 -Matosevic Grimalda White 2009 -Tapan Malvasia Ponente 2010 white -Saints Hill Nevina 2009 *** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Matosevic Aura 2010 Istria IQ Seal, $19.95 -Matosevic Grimalda Red 2008 -Trapan Syrah Shuluq 2009 -Saints Hills Dingac Plavac Mali 2009 The Food: passed hors d’oeuvre included beef tenderloin and truffle oil, salmon crostini, and prosciutto-wrapped dates stuffed with Stilton. The Ponente and Grimalda Red were just right with these apps. At this point, we tried the Amethyst Agency’s wines. At dinner, the arugula salad picked up the Grimalda white (chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and malvasia), while the white Nevina (malvasia and chardonnay, 14.4% ABV) complemented the wild mushroom and ricotta ravioli. With the charred beef tenderloin came the heavy guns of Trapan Syrah and Saint Hills Dingac Plavac Mali, both of which resembled zinfandel in their taste profiles. The Downside: The proceedings started at 6 PM but we were not served the salad until 7:30PM. It was a late night. The Upside: a chance to taste Croatian wines again. The Contact Person: Rochelle Ness rochelle@mgbmc.com and laura@amethystwine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 2. The Date and Time: Monday November 7, 2011 11AM to 5 PM The Event: French Wine Connection Organic and Biodynamic Wines The Venue: Park Hyatt Roof Top The Target Audience: wine media, wine trade. The Availability/Catalogue: about half the wineries already had agents or were about to sign on. Most everything is private order at this point, although some are at Vintages or in Consignment. The Quote/Background: it was a very well attended show, quite crowded. There were a lot of Evian and Badoit waters. The Wines: Some of the wines were “in transition”. I did not taste every wine. Prices are given when offered. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2009 (Prevedello & Mathews) -Caves Jean Bourdy Chardonnay Cotes du Jura 1959 ($305, MCO) -Andrieu Moulin Des Nonnes 2010 Languedoc-Roussillon Blanc -Petit Roubie Syrah 2010 Languedoc-Roussillon -Petit Roubie L’Arbre Blanc 2006 Languedoc-Roussillon -Le Clos de Caveau Lao Muse 2007 Rouge Vacqueyras (Case for Wine) -Vignobles Gilles Louvet O Cabernet/Merlot 2010 IGP Oc (Eurovintage) ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau des Seigneurs de Pommyers 2008 Bordeaux Rouge -Chateau des Seigneurs de Pommyers 2009 Bordeaux Rouge -Chateau Pouchaud-Larquey 2008 Bordeaux Rouge -Chateau de Lagarde L de Lagarde 2010 Bordeaux Rouge -Chateau de Lagarde L’Authentique 2010 Bordeaux Rouge -Chateau de Lagarde 2010 Bordeaux Blanc -Chateau de Lagarde La Joly 2009 Bordeaux Superieur Rouge, 12 Euros -Brocard Chablis La Boissonneuse 2009 (Prevedello & Mathews) -Brocard Chablis Vau de Vey 1er cru 2009 (Prevedello & Mathews) -Brocard Chablis Cote de Lechet 1er cru 2009 (Prevedello & Mathews) -Brocard Chablis Vaulorent 1er cru 2009 (Prevedello & Mathews) -Renaud Boyer Saint Romain 2010 -Renaud Boyer Bourgogne Blanc 2010 -Caves Jean Bourdy Chateau-Chalon 2003 ($125, MCO) -Andrieu Olivier 2010 Languedoc-Roussillon Blanc -Petit Roubie Picpoul de Pinet 2010 Languedoc-Roussillon -Valescure Gris de Gris Domaine de la Fourmi 2010 Rose -Domaine du Closel Savennieres Le Clos du Papillon 2007 -La Croix des Pins Cuvee Phi 2006 Ventoux Rouge -Le Clos de Caveau Fruit Sauvage 2009 Rouge Vacqueyras ($23, Case for Wine) -Le Clos de Caveau Carmin Brillant 2009 Rouge Vacqueyras (Case for Wine) -Vignoble La Coterie Vaucluse 2010 (Rouge et Blanc) -Vignoble Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2010 (Rouge et Blanc) -Vin Attitude Generations Futures 2010 Ventoux (Kylix) -Vignobles Gilles Louvet Pech Matelles Marselan 2010 IGP Bouches du Rhone +148684, $13.95 Vintages -Vignobles Gilles Louvet O Chardonnay 2010 IGP Oc (Eurovintage) -Vignobles Gilles Louvet Esprit du Sud 2010 +104919 $14.95 Vintages *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau des Seigneurs de Pommyers 2010 Bordeaux Entre-Deux-Mers, 4.50 Euros -Chateau Pouchaud-Larquey 2009 Bordeaux Rouge -Chateau Pouchaud-Larquey 2010 Bordeaux Entre-Deux-Mers, 4.40 Euros -Chateau de Lagarde Cuvee Prestige 2009 Bordeaux Rouge -Renaud Boyer Puligny Montrachet 2010 -Caves Jean Bourdy Cotes du Jura 2007 Rouge ($26, MCO) -Andrieu Domaine La Reze 2010 Languedoc-Roussillon Blanc -Petit Roubie Merlot 2010 Languedoc-Roussillon -Petit Roubie Tannat 2010 Languedoc-Roussillon -Petit Roubie Le P’tit Roublie Blanc 2010 Languedoc-Roussillon -La Croix des Pins 2009 Ventoux Blanc -Vin Attitude Generations Futures 2010 Rhone (Kylix) -Vignobles Gilles Louvet O Sauvignon 2010 IGP Oc (Eurovintage) The Food: cheeses, fruits, breads, crackers, cold cuts. The Downside: unfortunately, I arrived late, at 3 PM, and they had almost run out of food. The Upside: it was good to see a lot of people. The Contact Person: yannick.reynaud.int@ubifrance.fr The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93. 3. The Date and Time: Monday, November 7, 2011 6:30PM to 10PM The Event: The 2011 Canadian Culinary Book Awards The Venue: Salon 103, Direct Energy Centre, just outside the Royal Winter Fair. The Target Audience: publishers, cookery authors, media. The Quote/Background: This was the 14th annual presentation of the Canadian Culinary Book Awards. There were 82 books nominated in three categories for each of English and French (six categories in all). The Wines: Niagara College Teaching Winery again provided the wines, one an unoaked Chardonnay 2010 ($15), the other a Merlot 2007 ($17). Both were more food-friendly than social wines. The English-language Award goes to…Sarah Elton for “Locavore”; Jeff McCourt, Allan Williams and Austin Clement for “Flavours of Prince Edward Island”; and Michael Bonacini, Massimo Capra, and Jason Parsons for “3 Chefs” – all got Gold in their respective categories. The Food: The reception for the authors was hosted by Niagara College winery, Aphrodite Cooks (goat cheese on kale pesto with roasted beet), George Brown College (many small desserts and cookies), Epic Restaurant (pork loin), Cambridge Mill Restaurant (elk stew), and Beretta Organic Farms (boeuf bourguignon). The Downside: it got crowded really fast. This is the third year in a row that all the hot food mains were just at one end of the Café Soleil. I believe the floor tilted at one point. And this is the third year in a row that I have criticized the event on this detail. I was told that next year there were going to be changes, perhaps to a sit- down food and wine function. The Upside: a chance to mingle with cookbook authors and publishers. The Contact Person: debby@mdgassociates.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 80. 4. The Date and Time: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 2:30 PM to 6PM The Event: Bottega Prosecco and grappa tasting with Sandro Bottega. The Venue: National Club The Target Audience: wine press and lifestyle writers – about two dozen in all. The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available through the normal distribution channels. The Ontario agent is Noble Estates. The Quote/Background: Sandro, an enthusiastic speaker, led us through the tasting, beginning with a history of winemaking in the region. Prosecco should be drunk fresh, in under a year. He emphasized how we should taste grappa, a lot like nosing a Scotch or cognac. His company also makes the hand-blown bottles for the grappa. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vino dell’amore Moscato Petalo NV, 6.5% ABV +588780, $13.05 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bottega Vino dei Poeti Rose NV, 11.5% ABV, made with pinot nero and raboso. $12.95, coming to LCBO. *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vino dei Poeti Prosecco NV, 11% ABV, +897702, $13.80 We also nosed and tasted the Bottega Club Grappa (+478156, $29.60), the most popular at the LCBO. Grappa Prosecco ($49.95) and Grappa di Moscato ($46.95) were very aromatic, reflective of the glera and muscat grapes. But they are not yet available in this market. The most expressive was the Grappa Amarone, with a healthy chocolate aroma. It’ll be here soon at Vintages for $54.95. As an added treat, we also sampled the Giandula Bottega, a liqueur composed of grappa, milk cream, chocolate, hazelnuts to 17% ABV. It’s +600379 at $27.15. The Food: there was a full-scale luncheon buffet (or light supper), with salads, charcuterie, smoked salmon, veggie ravioli, skewered chicken, cheeses, and a wide range of petit fours with coffee. All the proseccos and grappas were available for re-tasting. The Downside: The first half hour of the seminar was too general, and I wondered if Sandro’s enthusiasm was going to last through the whole presentation. It did. The Upside: a comparative grappa tasting led by an expert. The Contact Person: spuritt@hotmail.com and noble@nobleestates.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 5. The Date and Time: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 Noon to 3 PM The Event: Portuguese Wine Workshop, led by Rui Falcao. The Venue: Sassafraz The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, lifestyle writers The Availability/Catalogue: the seminar wines were available through the LCBO, other wines sampled were limited. The Quote/Background: Falcao was an engaging speaker. He spoke on seven major wine regions such as Dao, Douro, Vinho Verde, Bairrada, explaining terroir and circumstances, and winemaking philosophies. The Wines: There were eight wines in the seminar, but two of them were priced over $25, and they stood out. Six more wines were presented, for the meal. Certainly it was an eclectic presentation. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Esporao Reserva 2008 DOC Alentejo, $24.95 -Quinta do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas DOC Douro 2009, $39.99 -Quinta do Vale Meao Douro 2009, $85 (Liquid Art) -Herdade Paco do Conde 2008 VR Alentejano ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quinta do Gomartz Grande Escolha 2010 DOC Vinho Verde, $14.95 -Bacalhoa Tinto da Anfora VR Alentejano 2009, $12.95 -Meandro do Vale Meao Douro 2008, $24.95 (Liquid Art) -Duorum Douro 2008 -Quinta do Valdoeiro 2005 Reserva Bairrada -Catedral Dao 2007 Reserva *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Aveleda Fonte 2010, $8.95 -De Fonseca Periquita Red 2009 VR Peninsula de Setubal, $8.95 -Alianca Bairrada Reserva DOC 2008, $8.95 -Quinta da Fata Classico DOC Dao 2007, $16.95 The Food: Outstanding – cod cakes, baked clams, beef stew, seafood soup, breads, shrimp, and a whole suckling pig. It was a typical Portuguese spread, so of course the wines provided great accompaniment. The Downside: the seminar took awhile to fill up, we started late with eight people but eventually the room filled up. The Upside: the suckling pig was a real treat. The Contact Person: sso@artscom.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 6. The Date and Time: Thursday, November 17, 2011 Noon to 1 PM The Event: A one-on-one Trivento wine tasting and discussion with their winemaker, German di Cesare. The Venue: agency offices, Select Wines, Queen Street East The Target Audience: me (and other lifestyle and wine writers in an hourly rotation) The Avail ability/Catalogue: all wines tasted are available (or will be) through the LCBO. The Quote/Background: German is responsible for the premium wines at Trivento, the winery named after three winds that blow through the Mendoza. He took me through the principal vineyards that the company has, commenting on each and on what grapes are best grown where. We sampled wines with and without food. The premium ranges include Golden Reserve, Coleccion Fincas, and Armado Sur. We also tasted General List wines, including a Fair Trade Malbec. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Trivento Golden Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Vintages +243220, $18.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Trivento Malbec Fair Trade 2011, +160994 LCBO, $9.95 (80 yr old vines) -Trivento Amado Sur 2009 (Malbec, bonarda, syrah), +37036 Vintages, $15 (Jan 7, 2012) -Trivento Coleccion Fincas No. 2 Serie Syrah 2007, +269217 Vintages, $16.95 (May 26, 2012) -Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2008, +588731 Vintages, $19.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Trivento Tribu Malbec 2011, +145284 LCBO, $8.95 The Food: pates, cheese, fruit, breads, crackers, charcuterie. The Downside: it was the first of three tastings today. The Upside: a chance to speak with German di Cesare. The Contact Person: lucus@selectwines.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90. 7. The Date and Time: Thursday, November 17, 2011 2 PM to 5 PM The Event: Winemakers on Tour – tasting seminar focusing on regional variations in Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. The Venue: Spoke Club The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers – about 40 people. The Availability/Catalogue: there is eclectic availability, sometimes with different vintage years. Treasury Estates is the umbrella owner. The Quote/Background: winemaker Oliver Crawford led us through Margaret River’s Devil’s Lair, Sue Hodder did the same for Wynn’s Coonawarra Estate, while Chris Hatcher had Wolf Blass of Barossa. The Wines: Only 4 of the 10 wines were completely Cabernet Sauvignon. There were two chardonnays and four shiraz blends (one with Tempranillo). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Wynns V & A Lane Shiraz Cabernet Coonawarra 2009, mid-$50 -Devil’s Lair Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River 2008, $99.99 -Wolf Blass Grey Label Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek 2005, $34.95? -Wynns Glengyle Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 2007, $59.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay Adelaide Hills 2009, $19.99 -Devil’s Lair Chardonnay Margaret River 2009, $25 -Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz Cabernet Robe/Mt. Benson 2009, $34.95 -Wolf Blass Black Label Shiraz Cabernet South Australia 2007, $99.95 -Wolf Blass Black Label Shiraz Cabernet South Australia 2006, $99.95 (reception). -Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 2008, $89.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Devil’s Lair Dance with the Devil Shiraz Tempranillo Margaret River 2010 The Food: bread at the seminar, cheese and charcuterie at the reception later. The Downside: this was the second of three events today. The Upside: a chance to hobnob with more winemakers. The Contact Person: jamie@goodfoodmedia.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 8. The Date and Time: Thursday, November 17, 2011 6PM to 9 PM The Event: a tasting of New York state wines The Venue: 17th Annual Gourmet Food & Wine Expo, Metro Centre The Target Audience: VIPs on opening night, trade. The Availability/Catalogue: very few wines are available in Ontario, but the tasting was useful for keeping up-to-date with New York wines. The Quote/Background: Robert Ketchin has for years co-ordinated the offerings of Uncork New York in Ontario. His booth is a good example of calm and decorum, plus tasting sheets. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Serenity Medium Dry Riesling 2008 Finger Lakes, $22.60 -Anthony Road Gewurztraminer 2010 Finger Lakes, $18.75 -Clovis Point Vintners Select Merlot 2007 Long Island, $42.75 -Osprey’s Dominion Reserve Merlot 2007 Long Island, $39.85 In Store Discovery Jan 2012 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Atwater Estate Vineyards Sweet Riesling 2009 Finger Lakes, $15.05 -Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling 2010 Finger Lakes, $17.85 (Hobbs & Co) -Lamoreaux Landing Dry Riesling 2010 Finger Lakes, $16 (MCO) -Lamoreaux Landing Chardonnay 2008 Finger Lakes, $16 (MCO) -Martha Clara Chardonnay 2008 Long Island, $31.05 -Keuka Lake Leon Millot 2010 Finger Lakes, $31.80 -Oak Summit Pinot Noir 2009 Hudson River, $31.05 -Millbrook Cabernet Franc 2010 Hudson River, $26.20 -Fox Run Cabernet Franc Lemberger 2008 Finger Lakes, $16.30 (Trilogy) -Osprey’s Dominion Meritage Flight 2006 Long Island, $40.80 (Trilogy) -Paumanok Assemblage 2007 Long Island, $54.10 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Keuka Springs Riesling 2010 Finger Lakes, $20 -Glenora Gewurztraminer 2010 Finger Lakes, $18.80 -Sheldrake Point Luckystone White 2010 Finger Lakes, $18.80 (Classique Imports) The Food: none The Downside: this was the third event of the day for me. The Upside: a chance to catch up with New York wines. The Contact Person: nywine@ketchin.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 9. The Date and Time: Thursday, November 17, 2011 6PM to 9 PM The Event: 17th Annual Gourmet Food & Wine Expo, Metro Centre The Target Audience: VIPs on opening night, trade. The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available from respective agencies or at Vintages or LCBO. The Quote/Background: I only had time to visit a few agents – I chose the Fine Wine and Intervin Tasting Room and MCO. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cassini Cellars Collector’s Series Syrah 2009 British Columbia, $45.95, +255752 Vintages January 2012 -Silkscarf Ensemble 2008 Okanagan, $90 -Piper Heidsieck Brut NV Champagne -Rene Mure Gewurztraminer Signature Alsace, $17.95 +61218 V -Chateau Pontet Caillou Pessac-Leognan 2008, $27.95 +244095 V -Quevedo Colheita Port 1996, $50.55 (Nokhrin) ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Oak Bay Family Reserve Pinot Noir VQA 2008 British Columbia, $19.95, +267146 Vintages January 2012 -Aces Wine Seven Deuces Red 2009 British Columbia (merlot, shiraz, cabernet), +273631, $29.95 Vintages January 2012 -Vignoble Roger Domaine des Aspes Viognier 2009 D’Oc, $15.95 +712638 V -5 Stones Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon Margaret River 2010, $23.95 +108001V -Chateau Calissanne Rouge Ctx d’Aix en Provence 2008, $16.95 +61283 V -Rodrigues Wild Blueberry Newfoundland, +337824 V $16 -Martin Berdugo Crianza Ribera del Duero 2006, +246926 V, $18 -Perry Creek El Dorado Zinman 2007 California, +980896 V $19 -Milbrandt Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Washington State, +237784 Vintages, $20 -Quinta de Lubazim Lupucinus Reserva 2007 Douro, $22.65 (Nokhrin) -Gloria Reynolds Adega Tinto Real VR Alentejano 2006, $13.50 (Nokhrin) -Chateau Reynier 2009 Bordeaux Superieur, $14.50 (Nokhrin) -Vincent d’Astree Esprit Terroir Premier Cru Brut NV Champagne, $55 (Nokhrin) *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Blackwood Lane Vicuna Roja 2008 British Columbia, $47.95 +254193 Vintages -Lulu Island Cabernet Sauvignon VQA 2009 British Columbia, $19.95 +254219 Vintages -Eau Vivre Pinot Noir 2008 British Columbia -5 Stones Shiraz Margaret River 2010, $25.95 +111120 V -Chateau Haut-Rieuflaget Grand Juan Bordeaux 2008, $13.95 +226134 V -Bod. Dehesa de Luna Castilla 2008, $18.25 (Nokhrin) -Joel Duffau La Mothe du Barry Bordeaux Superieur 2009, $13.50 (Nokhrin) -Quinta de Lubazim Lupucinus Colheita 2010 Douro, $17.50 (Nokhrin) The Food: none The Downside: this was the third event of the day for me. The Upside: a chance to catch up with agents The Contact Person: vin@vaxxine.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 11. The Date and Time: Thursday, November 24, 2011 5 PM to 9 PM The Event: Bokke Wines Portfolio Tasting The Venue: Spence Gallery The Target Audience: media, private clients The Availability/Catalogue: most of the wines are not available at the LCBO but must be privately ordered. The Quote/Background: There was also a chance to view the collections of the gallery, to taste Village Press olive oils (from New Zealand), and some cheeses from Leslieville cheeses. Bokke specializes in South African wines but also represents wines from other regions. The Wines: About 19 wines were presented. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Nativo White 2010 Swartland, $24.60 retail (chenin and viognier) -Lammershoek Syrah 2006 Swartland, $34.50 -Vilijoensdrift Serenity 2005 [Meritage], $23.95 at Vintages. -Cape Dreams Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $14.25 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Nativo Red 2008 Swartland, $26.55 (5 red grapes plus viognier) -Lammershoek Rose 2010, $19.75 (dry syrah) -Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2008, $16.95 Vintages (mostly chenin) -Lammershoek Roulette Rouge 2006, $23.75 Vintages (Rhone style blend) -Lammershoek Pinadoux 2005, $21 375 mL (dessert, pinotage) -Cape Dreams Pinotage 2009, $16.95 -Rimu Grove Pinot Noir 2007 Nelson, $38.40 -Rimu Grove Pinot Gris 2010 Nelson, $33.50 -Domiciano Malbec 2009 Mendoza, $16.95 -Chesini Amarone Vint??, $72.32 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Rimu Grove Bronte Pinot Noir 2009 Nelson, $28.40 -Rimu Grove Chardonnay 2010 Nelson, $33.40 -Mad Housewife Merlot NV California, $14.25 The Food: smoked cheddar, Beemster vlaskaas cheese, Stilton, Bresse, Douanier from Quebec, breads, fruit, grapes, olives, biscuits. The Downside: I was looking forward to some sausages made with Lammershoek Pinadoux, but, alas, they were not available. The Upside: there was some fine Biltong dried meat. The Contact Person: Eleanor.rigby1@rogers.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 12. The Date and Time: Friday, November 25, 2011 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM The Event: a tasting of ports assembled for the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada by Sadie Darby. The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square The Target Audience: WWCC members. The Availability/Catalogue: most ports were available at the LCBO or by special order. The Wines: I did not taste all the ports, just the tawnies and vintaged. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Borges Roncao 20 Years Tawny, $58.75 (JMV Food Service) -Borges Vintage Port 2003, $49.95 JMV Food Service) private order -Taylor Century of Port (4 x 375 mL): 40, 30, 20, 10 year old Port, in a wooden box. +601419, $278.95 Vintages -Taylor 20 Year Old Tawny Port – 375 mL -Taylor 30 Year Old Tawny Port – 750 mL, $183.95 +540252 Vintages -Taylor 40 Year Old Tawny Port – 750 mL, $238.95 +540260 Vintages ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Borges Soalheira 10 Years Tawny, $33.95 (JMV Food Service) -Borges Vintage Port 2007, $32.85 JMV Food Service) private order -Borges Vintage Port 2005, $35 JMV Food Service) private order -Quinta do Noval Black -Warre’s Otima 10 Year old Tawny, +566174, $21.95 500 mL -Jose Maria da Fonseca 2003 Port -Taylor 10 Year Old Tawny Port – 375 mL *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quinta do Noval Tawny Port The Food: none The Contact Person: sdarby@rogers.com and a.martins@jmvcanada.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 13. The Date and Time: Friday, November 25, 2011 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM The Event: a tasting of International Red Wines Over $14.95, assembled for the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada by Sadie Darby. The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square The Target Audience: WWCC members. The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were available at the LCBO or by special order. The Quote/Background: this was part two of an extensive red wine tasting – the first was conjoined with the Champagne tasting last month. The Wines: I did not try all the wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Reserve 1999 Niagara, $50 at winery -Baglio Curatolo Arini Spadina Una Viola Syrah 2008 IGT Sicily, +171629, $16.95 Jan. Vintages ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Reserve 2007 Niagara, $24.95, +395855 -Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Reserve 2007 Niagara, $24.95 +268391 -Fattorie Marchesi Torrigiani Torre di Ciardo 2006 Toscana IGT, +212084, $19.95 -Sabarda Cotes de Roussillon 2009, $16.95 -Plunkett Stone Dwellers Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Australia, $19.95 -14 Hands Hot to Trot Red 2008 Washington State, $14.95 +226522 -Chateau de Fontenelles Cuvee Renaissance 2007 Corbieres, $18.95 +148692 -Domaine Hegarty-Chamans No 1 2005 Minervois, +250605, $24.95 -Chateau de l;Ille Angelique Corbieres, +237578, $15.95 -Laurent Miquel L’Artisan Languedoc 2008 Saint Chinian, $14.95 -Eval Bruro Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $17.95 Mendoza *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $14.95 +177451 -Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2009, $18.95 +247882 (merlot, syrah, pinot noir, cabernet franc) -Luigi Bosca Malbec Reserva 2010, $17.95 +79293 -Domaine Drouhin Cloudnine Pinot Noir Oregon 2009, $21.95 +159970 -Domaine Boudau Le Clos 2009 Cotes du Roussillon, $16.95 -Uggiano Chianti DOCG 2009, $15.95 -Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz 2008, $16.95 -Hahn Pinot Noir Monterey 2008, $18.95 -Carione Brunello di Montalcino, $29.95 GL -Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo 2005, $49.95 -Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz 2008, $15.95 -Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $16.95 -Wyndham Estate Bin 444 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $15.45 The Food: none The Contact Person: sdarby@rogers.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 14. The Date and Time: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 The Event: “Sip & Try Before You Buy” -- tasting of Ontario wines, provided by the Ontario Wine Society. The Venue: U of T Faculty Club The Target Audience: members and friends of OWS The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available from the wineries and/or from www.winerytohome.com. The Quote/Background: About 42 Ontario wineries participated, with over 150 wines shown. The floor was jammed with consumers tasting and spitting wines. The Wines: I did not try every wine. Nobody was here from the Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario, except for two wineries from Diamond Estates (Dan Aykroyd and Lakeview). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cave Spring Riesling Estate 2004, $25 -Cave Spring Chardonnay Estate 2003, $30 -Creekside Laura’s White 2009, $18.95 -Flat Rock Pinot Noir Reserve 2009, $45 -Flat Rock Chardonnay 2008, $16.95 -Flat Rock Rogue Concoction 2010 White, $30.20 -Good Earth Chardonnay 2009, $22 -Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Brut Rose NV, $29.95 -Hidden Bench Riesling 2009, $24 -Hidden Bench Chardonnay 2009, $32 -Huff Cuvee Peter F. Huff Sparkling 2008, $39.95 -Kacaba Meritage Reserve 2007, $44.95 -Konzelmann Gewurztraminer 2010, $17.20 -Ravine Cabernet Franc Reserve 2008, $55 -Southbrook Poetica Chardonnay 2009, $50 -Tawse Meritage 2009, $58.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -13th Street Old Vines Riesling 2008, $19.95 -13th Street Essence Pinot Noir 2009, $44.95 -Alvento Vio – Viognier 2008, $19.95 -Between the Lines Gewurztraminer 2010, $13.95 -Burning Kiln Cureman’s Chardonnay 2010, $24.95 -Creekside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $34.95 -Dan Aykroyd Signature Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $29.95 -Dan Aykroyd Signature Reserve Fume Blanc 2007, $29.95 -Fielding Riesling Estate 2010, $19.15 -Fielding Viognier 2010, $31.15 -Fielding Chardonnay 2010, $23.15 -Fielding Meritage 2007, $60.15 -Henry of Pelham Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2008, $19.95 -Hidden Bench Pinot Noir 2009, $38 -Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Meritage 2008, $35 -Hinterbrook Pinot Noir 2010, $25 -Hinterbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $17 -Hinterbrook Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2010, $19 -Huff Southbay Chardonnay 2009, $29.95 -Kacaba Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007, $44.95 -Karlo Riesling Barrel Fermented 2010, $22 -Konzelmann Riesling Grand Reserve Classic 2009, $22.20 -Lakeview Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2009, $17.95 -Lailey Chardonnay 2008, $20.20 -Lailey Syrah 2009 Niagara River, $27.20 -Malivoire Moira Chardonnay 2008, $39.95 -Malivoire Gewurztraminer 2010, $24.95 -Niagara College Dean’s List Chardonnay 2009, $28.15 -Ravine Chardonnay 2010, $24 -Rosehall Run Pinot Noir Rosehill Vineyard 2009, $39 -Stanners Chardonnay Vinemount Ridge 2009, $25 -Stoney Ridge Pinot Noir 2009 Excellence, $35 -Stoney Ridge Chardonnay 2009 Excellence, $32 -Tawse Chardonnay Estate 2009, $34.95 -Tawse Van Bers Cabernet Franc 2008, $47.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -13th Street Chardonnay June’s Vineyard, $19.95 -Cave Spring Riesling CSV, $35 -Carrick Wines Forty Hills Rose2010, $17 -Flat Rock Riesling 2010, $16.95 -Green Lane Pinot Gris60/Riesling40 2010, $16.95 -Keint – he Pinot Meunier Foxtail Vineyard 2009, $42 -Lacey Chardonnay 2009, $29 -Ravine Meritage 2010, $24.95 -Ridge Road Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009, $16.95 -Rosehall Run Chardonnay Rosehall Vineyard 2009, $35 -Rosehall Run Pinot Noir Cuvee County 2009, $21.95 -Sprucewood Shores Merlot Reserve 2008, $25.15 -Stanners Pinot Noir 2009, $35 The Food: spring rolls and purses, liverwurst pate, breads. The Downside: was I the only media person there? I did not see anybody else. The Upside: a great opportunity to taste Ontario wines not usually shown, including the Cave Spring library wines (done to celebrate their 25th anniversary). The Contact Person: yvonnken@pathcom.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90