AN ADDED VALUE FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS – WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR APRIL 2012 -- 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 -- 1. From Southbrook Winery, a quick tour through their new biodynamic releases. I was mightily impressed with their Connect Red 2011 ($14.95, 90+), less so with the Connect White 100% vidal 9% ABV ($14.95, 85 – 87). Also at this level was the Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rose 2011 ($19.95, 85 – 87). I enjoyed the Southbrook Whimsy! Chardonnay 2010 ($34.95, 88 – 89) and the Triomphe Chardonnay 2010 ($21.95, 88 - 89). Amongst the dinner reds, I liked the Whimsy! Renewed Vows Cabernet Franc 2009 ($34.95, 88 – 89) and the Whimsy! Uncloaked Merlot 2010 ($34.95, 88 – 89). The Whimsy! names are getting more poetic (the name of another Southbrook series: you can take this both ways). I’m just sayin’. 2. Le Cidre St-Nicolas Rose, +275362, $19.95: Out just in time for Mother's Day, this fine apple cider from Quebec runs at 7% ABV. It is a gold medal winner. The apples are crushed cold pressed with raspberries and strawberries for added complexity and, of course, colour. A terrific social drink or with dessert, even brunch. A Mum's Day Treat. The agency, ExquisiTaste also brings in apple products from Vergers St- Nicolas, such as Geneva Crabapple Butter (deliciously tart and sweet at the same time), Ice Cider Jelly (great on top of baked brie), and Apple Syrup for ice cream or pancakes. Usually they are in 200 mL jars at about six dollars or so. You can find them at the Cheese Boutique or equisitaste@sympatico.ca. 3. Terra Andina Chardonnay 2010 Central Valley Chile, +234443, $9.95 General List: a generous 13.7% ABV plus a twist top makes this a great party wine, or served with a first course. It’s got good balance with nuances of wood, vanilla, pineapple, tropical fruits, finishing dry. 4. J.P. Chenet Chardonnay Reserve 2009 Vin de Pays d’Oc, +255885, $9.95 General List is smooth and balanced, with a bit more vanilla and oak nuance. It’s also a mevushal wine, good with fish and poultry. 12.5% ABV. 5. Rodney Strong Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, +226944 Vintages, $21.95: This has always been one of my fave Cal cabs at this price level. 13.5% ABV, 17 months in oak (one-quarter French), a ton of black fruit – but needs airing or double-decanting. Mocha tones as well. 6. Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007 St. David’s Bench VQA, at winery or LCBO May 26 Vintages, $19.95: dark, deep, and rich, but needs more time. Expect lots of black fruit and colour, finishing with vanilla nuances. Double-decanting a necessity at this point. Ontario Wine Award Silver Medal in 2011. 7. Lakeview Cellars Syrah Reserve 2007 St. David’s Bench VQA, at winery or LCBO June 9 Vintages, $19.95: dark, deep, and rich, cedary and jammy, mocha tones, some leather. Double-decanting a necessity at this point. Ontario Wine Award Silver Medal in 2011. 8. 20 Bees Late Harvest Vidal 2009 VQA Ontario, +274704, $9.95 for 375mL: cold pressed and cold stabilized all in stainless. Pure fruit extraction, a compelling dessert wine with ripe orchard fruit and some botrytis nuances. 11.5% ABV. 9. From Stoney Ridge there is the latest line of Excellence wines. The wine was launched in 2009, and there have been many medals scored. a) Stoney Ridge Excellence Meritage 2009 VQA Niagara: 13% ABV, blend of cabbies and merlot, full-bodied keeper that needs aging, 3200 bottles at winery, $39.95. b) Stoney Ridge Excellence Cabernet Franc 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench: elegant and fruity, slight whiff of saviouriness, 12.8%, cellar it for food. 1450 bottles at winery. $37.95. c) Stoney Ridge Excellence Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Kasper Vineyard VQA Niagara Lakeshore: 13% ABV, light oaking tames down the herby zest usually associated with savvies. But there is still some tang and lemons to the finish. $29.95 at winery. d) Stoney Ridge Excellence Pinot Gris 2010 VQA Niagara Lakeshore: 12.5% ABV, full-bodied in almost Alsatian mode, orchard fruit and citric tones, some light oak. 1560 bottles at winery, $29.95. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Monday, April 2, 2012 The Event: California Wine Fair 2012 Canadian Tour: Toronto stop. The Venue: Fairmont Royal York The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through the usual distribution channels and/or agencies. The Quote/Background: There are 3519 wineries in California; about 180 of them participated in the Canadian tour. 90% of US wine exports come from California. The Wines: There were about 400 wines; I could not taste them all. Prices were sometimes difficult to ascertain. Schramsberg J Schram 2000 Sparkling Brut North Coast $99.95 was my FAVE of the Day! **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -7 Deadly Zins 2009 Zinfandel $24.95 -Bogle Vineyards 2008 Phantom $26.95 -Vina Robles 2009 Red4 $17.95 -Elyse Winery 2007 C'est Si Bon $29.95 -Bliss Vineyard 2008 Zindandel -Silverado Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa Valley $59.95 -MacRostie Winery Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma Coast -Bonny Doon Vineyard 2007 Le Cigar Volant -CA'Momi Wines 2010 Zinfandel $25.00 -Nichols Zinfandel 1999 Cienega Valley $51.95 -Elyse Winery 2008 Morisoli Zinfandel $39.95 -Grgich Hills Cellar Fume Blanc 2010 Napa Valley $29.95 Vintages June -Grgich Hills Cellar Chardonnay 2009 Napa valley $54.95 Vintages June -Ravenswood 2007 Pickberry Red Blend -Thomas Fogarty 2009 Pinot Noir -Ramey Wine Cellars Chardonnay 2009 Russian River Valley -Dry Creek Vineyard 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $24.95 -Elyse Winery 2007 Tietjen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon -C.G. Di Arie Vineyards 2008 Sierra Legend -Justin Winery 2009 Isosceles $73.95 -Pine Ridge Vineyards Chenin Blanc + Viognier 2011 $19.99 Lifford -Perry Creek Vineyards Cobra Zin Zinfandel 2009 El Dorado $42.95 -Justin Winery 2009 Savant -Star Lane 2007 Happy Canyon Red $44.95 -Bacio Divino 2008 Pazzo Sangiovese Blend -Bliss Vineyard 2007 Brutocao Hopeland Ranches -Bliss Vineyard 2010 Chardonnay $16.99 -Cliff Lede Vineyards 2010 Breggo Cellars Pinot Noir $48.00 -Cliff Lede 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon $74.00 -Simi 2008 Landslide Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon $45.00 -Deerfield Ranch Winery 2007 Red Rex $27.50 -Rosenblum Cellars XXXII Zinfandel Cuvee -Foppiano Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir -Peter Franus 2006 Red Bordeaux Blend -Thomas Fogarty 2006 Lexington Meritage -Thomas George 2009 Cresta Ridge Pinot Noir -World's End 2009 Crossfire Cabernet Sauvignon -Zaca Mesa Winery 2009 Chardonnay -Zaca Mesa Winery 2009 Syrah ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Oakville Ranch Oakville Ranch Cabernet Franc 2007 $94.95 -Foley 2009 Pinot Noir Rancho SR -Lucas & Lewellen 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon $39.95 -Vineyard 7 & 8 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon -Dry Creek Vineyard 2006 Mariner $45.00 -Bacio Divino Cellars 2008 Janzen Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon -Conway Vineyards 2008 Deep Sea Pinot Noir -Deerfield Ranch Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $29.95 -Deerfield Ranch Winery 2006 Old Vine Zinfandel $56.75 -Nichols Pinot noir 2002 Edna Valley $51.95 -Perry Creek Chardonnay 2009 -Perry Creek Altitude 2401 Petite Sirah 2008 El Dorado -Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Napa $19.95 Majestic -Rutherford Ranch Zinfandel 2008 Napa $19.95 Majestic -Thomas George 2009 Starr Ridge Chardonnay -Thomas George 2009 Estate Pinot Noir -Vina Robles 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon -World's End 2009 Little Sister Merlot *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cuvaison 2010 Chardonnay $29.95 -MacRostie 2010 Chardonnay $29.95 -Aquinas 2009 Pinot Noir $17.95 -Freakshow 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon $27.95 -Esser Vineyards 2009 Merlot $16.95 -Pedroncelli 2009 Bushnell Vineyard Zinfandel $21.95 -Bennett Lane 2006 Maximus $43.35 -C.G. Di Arie Vineyards 2009 Red $40.95 -James Judd & Son Vineyards 2006 Malbec-Verdot $26.00 -Bacio Divino Cellars 2008 Cabernet Blend -C.G. Di Arie Vineyards 2009 Breakaway Zinfandel -Carneros Wine Company 2010 Fleur Pinot Noir -Justin Winery 2009 Syrah -Laurel Glen Vineyard 2009 Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon -Paul Hobbs 2009 Chardonnay -Peter Franus 2009 Brandlin Zinfandel -World's End 2009 Against the Wind Cabernet Franc -Zaca Mesa Winery 2010 Viognier The Food: the Luncheon has always been well attended. This year the speaker was Evan Goldstein, MS, who talked about the impact of California wine on the economy. The menu was devised by Collin Thornton, Exec Chef. Wines were provided by host wineries at the tables; my hosts were Perry Creek and Rutherford Ranch. We began with a jumbo sea scallop and arctic char served at room temperature. The meat course was a venison medallion and a shortrib. These were followed by both an Ontario and Quebec cheese platter, highlighted by Monteforte (sic) Tuscano (sic) [it was Monforte Toscano] and petit fours. The Downside: The Pinot Noir seminar went on without me. The Upside: the media room which we had all to ourselves. The Contact Person: paula@praxispr.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 2. The Date and Time: Wednesday, April 4, 2010 11AM to 3 PM The Event: Annual Bouchard Pere et Fils vintage tasting, 2010 this year. The Venue: RCYC St. George Location The Target Audience: clients, wine media, sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available through the usual distribution channels or through private orders. About 100 wines were listed, but not all were available for tasting before buying. The Quote/Background: 2010 was a minuscule production year in Burgundy, but what is available has both fragrance and charm. The Wines: we began with a toasty (four star) Henriot Brut Souverain NV ($63.95 consignment), the company which owns Bouchard Pere et Fils, William Fevre, and Villa Ponciago **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune 1er Greves Vigne Enfant Jesus 2010, $124 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Pommard 1er Cru 2010, $72 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Meursault 1er cru Genevrieres, $96 -William Fevre Chablis Bourgros Grand Cru 2010, $81 -William Fevre Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru 2010, $94 -Villa Ponciago Fleurie Grand Cuvee La Roche Muriers 2009, $48 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bouchard Pere et Fils Macon Lugny St. Pierre 2010, $14.95 +51573 GL -Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune du Chateau 1er cru 2008, $36.95 Vintages -Bouchard Pere et Fils Le Corton 2010, $124 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Les Cailles 2010, $118 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 2010, $55 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Corton Charlemagne Blanc 2010, $192 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Saint-Landry 2010, $61 -William Fevre Chablis Montmains 1er cru 2010, $49 -Villa Ponciago Fleurie Cuvee Les Hauts du Py 2010, $30 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Bouchard Pere et Fils Pouilly Fuisse 2010, $27 +56580 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Bourgogne La Vignee Pinot Noir 2010, $16.95 +605667 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune 1er cru Marconnets 2010, $58 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Monthelie 1er Cru Champs Fuillots 2010, $48 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Lavieres 2010, $51 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets Ancienne Cuvee Carnot 2010, $87 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Puligny Montrachet 1er cru Champs Gain 2010, $97 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Meursault Les Clous 2010, $52 -William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux 2010, +276436 $21.55 -William Fevre Chablis Le Clos Grand Cru 2010, $107 -William Fevre Chablis Vaillons 1er cru 2010, $49 -Bouchard Pere et Fils Petit Chablis 2010, $19.95 LCBO -Villa Ponciago Fleurie la Reserve 2010, $24 The Food: gourmet cheeses, served at room temperature, breads. The Contact Person: jason@woodmanwinesandspirits.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 3. The Date and Time: Friday, April 13, 2012 11 AM to 3 PM The Event: opening of the Green Living Show’s wine and beer tastings. The Venue: Direct Energy Centre The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available through the winery or brewery. The Quote/Background: The Green Living Show is North America’s largest green consumer show. The Wines: I sampled some beers from Creemore, Steamwhistle, Mill Street and King Brewery. They were uniformly excellent in flavour. I enjoyed best: Creemore’s Premium Lager and Thornbury Apple Cider (King Brewery). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Ravine Riesling 2010, $28 [40% botry.] -Southbrook Connect Red 2011 Organic ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Stratus Red 2007, $44 -Stratus Wildass White 2009, $19.95 -Fresh Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay 2008, $11.95 -Southbrook Connect Vidal White Organic 2011, $14.95 LCBO GL -Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2008, $23.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Stratus Wildass Red 2008, $19.95 -Ravine York Road Sand and Gravel White Blend, $16.95 -Ravine Red Coat Sand & Gravel Red Blend, $17.95 -Ravine Merlot 2010, $32 -Fresh Gewurztraminer/Riesling 2009, $11.95 -Fresh Rose Blend 2009, $11.95 -Fresh Cabernet/Gamay 2009, $11.95 -Trumpour’s Mill 2010 PEC, $14.95 -Trumpour’s Mill Cabernet Franc 2008 PEC The Food: none, just water. The Downside: unfortunately, the number of organic or sustainable wineries has been reduced over the years. This year’s show only featured Ontario wines. Also, spittoons were at a premium. The Upside: more time to look into Ontario wines and beers. The Contact Person: aborger@integralcommunications.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 84. 4. The Date and Time: Monday, April 16, 2012 2PM to 5PM The Event: Austria Uncorked; a wine tasting The Venue: Trump Hotel The Target Audience: wine trade, friends, guests and associates. The Availability/Catalogue: wines may or may not be available through the normal distribution channels, or may be privately ordered. The catalogue seemed to have everything needed for each wine in technical terms, but did not have any prices (not even FOBs). The Quote/Background: “How many people can they cram into this room? The Austrians, while they may seem to be generous to a fault, invite too many people – all of their events are always oversubscribed.” The Wines: While I tried to taste as many wines as I could, the crowds and heat slowed me down. Consequently, I did not try the GVs (too crowded wherever I went), the sweeties, and the reds. But there were exceptions when somebody twisted my arm (or plied me with refreshing ice cubes). **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Angerer Kurt Donatus Riesling Niederosterreich 2011, $29 Licensee -Rabl Kamptal TBA Riesling 2007 -Brundlmayer Kamptal Steinmassel Riesling 2006 -Beck Burgenland Weisburgunder 2011 Wild Ferment Organic, $19 -Markowitsch Carnuntum Rosenberg Cuvee 2009 [zweigelt, merlot, cab sauv) ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Angerer Kurt Klassik Riesling Niederosterreich 2011 -Brundlmayer Kamptal Klassik Heiligenstein Riesling 2010 -Hafner Burgenland Spatlese The Blue Muskat Ottonel 2010 -Leopold Kamptal Gerichsthal Riesling 2011 -Loimer Kamptal Reserve Seeberg Riesling 2010, $55.95 -Nigl Kremstal Senftenberger Piri Riesling 2011, $38.95 -Nittnaus Burgenland Obere Wies Sauvignon Blanc 201, $22.54 -Sattlerhof Sudsteiermark Sernauberg Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $37.95 -Huber Markus Traisental Reserve Berg Riesling 2011, $48.95 -Dom. Wachau Federspiel Terrassen Riesling 2011, $29.95 -Dom. Wachau Smaragd Achleiten Riesling 2010, $38.95 -Muller Niederosterreich Gottweiger Berg Riesling 2011 -Muller Niederosterreich Neubergen Gelber Muskateller 2011 -Pfaffl Niederosterreich Nussem Weisburgunder 2011, $25 -Pfaffl Niederosterreich Am Berg Riesling 2010 -Salomon Undhof Riesling Auslese 2006. -Tement Sudsteiermark Klassik Gelber Muskateller 2011 -Tement Sudsteiermark Grassnitzberg 2010 -Tement Sudsteiermark Zieregg Sauvignon Blanc 2009 -Tement Sudsteiermark Dom. Ciringa Fosilini Berg Sauvignon Blanc 2011 -Kurt Angerer "Eichenstaude" Grüner Veltliner 2010 -Bründlmayer Reserve Alte Reben Grüner Veltliner 2010 -Salomon Undhof Reserve Von Stein Grüner Veltliner 2010 -Nigl Reserve "Privat Pellingen" Grüner Veltliner 2010 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Rabl Kamptal Klassik Steinhaus Riesling 2011 -Jurtschitsch Kamptal Klassik Platin Riesling 2011 -Jurtschitsch Kamptal Reserve Zobinger Heiligenstein Riesling 2010 -Steininger Kamptal Klassik Riesling 2011, $15 -Steininger Riesling Sekt 2010, $30 -Brundlmayer Kamptal Klassik Terrassen Riesling 2011 -Lenz Moser Niederosterreich Prestige Riesling 2010, $14.95 -Leopold Niesderosterreich Bergen Weisburgunder 2011 -Salomon Kremstal Klassik Undholf Kogl Riesling 2011 -Loimer Kamptal Riesling 2011, $23.67 -Muller Niederosterreich Yonder Velt Gruner Veltliner 2011, $12.85 LCBO -Sattlerhof Sudsteiermark Klassik Muskateller 201, $22.54 -Sattlerhof Sudsteiermark Klassik Sauvignon Blanc 2011, $27.95 -Huber Markus Traisental Klassik Terrassen Riesling 2011, $18.95 -Huber Markus Sekt Hugo Rose Sparkling 2010, $15.95 -Rabl Klassik Spiegel Grüner Veltliner 2011 -Tement Sudsteiermark Klassik Sauvignon Blanc 2010 The Food: great terrines, pates, hard sausages (unfortunately, some were excessively hot which did not play too well with the wines or the heat of the room). The Downside: it was unbearably hot, sweat was pouring down just about everybody’s front (or was that spilled white wine?). Was it summer already? Did they turn the furnace on? There was some talk about breaking open a window or two. There were too many people at the small tables, and it was hard to get wine samples and then spit them out in the few spittoons available. The Upside: it was good to have the show back, they took a pass last year. The Contact Person: Toronto@advantageaustria.org The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 79. 5. The Date and Time: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 PM to 4PM The Event: World Malbec Day: a tutored trade tasting of Argentine Malbec and beyond. The Venue: 580 The Loft, King Street West The Target Audience: wine trade. There wree 54 seats, and by the end of the seminar, most were filled. The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through the normal LCBO distribution channels. The Quote/Background: “Malbec continues to grow in 2011 over 2010 with 11.4% increase. Torrontes climbed 26% in 2011, over 2010.” David Lawrason moderated the panel and kept us all from running over. The Wines: There were 18 wines, but 12 were non-Malbec. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Familia Schroeder Saurus Barrel Fermented Malbec 2009, private order $25 -Nieto Senetiner Bonarda Limited Edition 2009, est $25 but N/A ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Trapiche Sparkling Extra Brut, +262261, $11.95 (10% Malbec!, 70% chardonnay, 20% Semillon) -Dominio Del Plata Crios Torrontes 2011, consignment $14.95 -Broquel Chardonnay 2010, +270231, $13.95 -Rutini Malbec 2009, private order $21.95 -Benegas Malbec 2009, $17.95 -Colome Malbec Estate 2010, 27.95 -Graffigna Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, +277830, $16.95 -Trivento Golden Reserve Syrah 2008, $22 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Graffigna Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio 2011, +164756, $12.95 -Santa Ana La Mascotta Chardonnay 2010, +126870, $14.95 -Trivento Amado Sur 2011, $15 [Torrontes blend with viognier and chardonnay] -Zuccardi Q Malbec 2009, +723478, $19.95 -Dona Paula Estate Malbec 2010, $17.95 -Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2010, +50849, $19.95 -Dominio del Plata Ben Marco Malbec 2009, consignment $20.95 -Manos Negras Pinot Noir 2008, Vintages July $14.95 The Food: bread, water. The Downside: I thought the whole seminar was about Malbec. Instead, of the 18 wines, only 8 were Malbec. The Upside: a chance to taste Argentine wines with plenty of time and space and sitting down. The Contact Person: monica.ralphs@sympatico.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86. 6. The Date and Time: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 4PM to 7PM The Event: Chateau des Charmes New 2010 Releases. The Venue: Fairmount Royal York The Target Audience: wine trade, private clients. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available at the winery, many are also at the LCBO or Vintages. The Quote/Background: The winery is a charter member of Sustainable Winemaking Ontario, and work four vineyards in NOTL, with one in St. David’s Bench and another at Four Mile Creek. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau des Charmes Sauvignon Blanc St. David’s Bench 2010, +391300, $14.95. -Chateau des Charmes Equuleus 2010 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard, +319525, $40 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay Musque 2010 Estate Bottled, +322016, $16.95 -Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2010 Estate Bottled, +277228, $16.95 -Chateau des Charmes Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2010 Estate Bottled, +81653, $13.95 -Chateau des Charmes Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 St. David’s Bench, +453423, $25.95 -Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir 2010 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard, +332858, $35 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau des Charmes Aligote 2010 St. David’s Bench, $13.55 -Chateau des Charmes Cabernet Franc 2010 St. David’s Bench, +453416, $25.95 -Chateau des Charmes Merlot 2010 St. David’s Bench, +453431, $29.95. The Food: upscale gourmet cheeses The Contact Person: Michele@chateaudescharmes.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 7. The Date and Time: Friday, April 20, 2012 11AM to 5 PM The Event: the monthly APVSA tasting (Association pour la promotion des vins et spiritueux en Amerique du Nord). The Venue: Delta Chelsea Inn The Target Audience: wine agents. The Availability/Catalogue: no wines are currently available in Ontario. The group is here to get some agents to agree to rep the principal. Some of the wines are available in Quebec and Alberta. Most of the wines were French, and there is sales staff available to comment on the prices and production. This road show also visits such places as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Calgary, Vancouver, Miami, Washington DC, and Montreal. Occasionally, the show will have wines from Italy, Uruguay, Spain and Australia. Sometimes spirits and VDN are also available. The Wines: The problem I had with the wines, and one that must be acknowledged, is that (by and large) they were about the same as wines that we already have here in Ontario. There really did not seem to be any price advantages, either. But these 40 or so wines could be made available through Vintages or Consignment. In the past, quite a few have been picked up for sale in Ontario; these were mostly the good value or unique wines. Here were my faves from today, regardless of FOB cost which must be requested due to competitive pricing. I did not try every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Champagne Demilly de Baere Cuvée carte d'or Brut -Château Viranel -Saint-Chinian 2011 Tradition rosé 3.70 E -Château l’Espigne AOP Muscat de Rivesalles 2011 -La Maurine Rouge Saint-Chinian Secrets de Paul 2009 5 E ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Château Viranel Saint-Chinian 2009 Tradition rouge 4 E -Château l’Espigne AOP Fitou Pla de Rouffia 2009 -Château Barrail des Graves Saint Emilion 2004 Cuvée Georges & Gilles -Château Barrail des Graves Saint-Emilion 2005 Cuvée Charlie -Chateau Fontbaude Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2009 Vieilles Vignes -La Maurine Rouge Saint-Chinian Galopins 2009 3.4 E *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -La Maurine Rouge Saint-Chinian Rouge 2010 2.80 E -La Maurine Rouge Saint-Chinian Rosé 2011 3 E -Château Viranel Coteaux du Languedoc 2011 Tradition blanc 3.70 E -Château l’Espigne AOP Fitou Demoiselle Gaubert 2010 -Château Barrail des Graves Saint-Emilion 2006 -Chateau Fontbaude Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2009 The Food: Some really great, piping hot pizza. The Contact Person: Pascal p.fernand@apvsa.ca The Marketing Effectiveness/Execution of the Event (numerical grade): 84. 8. The Date and Time: Friday, April 20, 2012 1PM to 5PM The Event: Passion Jura, a tasting of Jura wines. The Venue: Penthouses of SoHo Metropolitan Hotel, Wellington Street The Target Audience: wine trade The Availability/Catalogue: Most wines are not available, although several agents were tasting at the show. There were about two dozen producers, with whites, reds, cremants, vin jaunes, vins de pailles and macvins. They had just been in Chicago a few days before; this was a joint catalogue. The Quote/Background: “Hey, it’s an active show, with three small rooms on three floors, lots of climbing.” The Wines: Prices were difficult to find if there was no agent. I did not try every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Dom. Andre et Mireille Tissot Arbois Vin Jaune 2005, $79.95 (The Living Vine) -Dom. Champ Divin Cremant du Jura 2009 -Dom. Rijckaert Cotes du Jura 2007 Les Sarres Savagnin (Appellation Wines) ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Dom. Andre et Mireille Tissot Arbois Traminer 2010, $28 -Dom. Andre et Mireille Tissot Arbois Chardonnay Les Graviers 2010, $39.95 -Dom. Andre et Mireille Tissot Arbois Trousseau Singulier 2010, $36.95 -Dom. Andre et Mireille Tissot Cremant du Jura Blanc, $24.95 [50% pint noir, 50% chardonnay] -Dom. Andre et Mireille Tissot Cotes du Jura Chardonnay En Barberon 2010, $39.95 -Dom. Champ Divin Cotes du Jura 2010 Chardonnay -Dom. Desire Petit Chateau Chalon 2003 -Dom. Desire Petit Cremant du Jura NV Cuvee Desiree -Dom. Baud Cremant du Jura NV Blanc de Blancs -Dom. Baud Cremant du Jura NV Brut Sauvage -Juravinum Macvin du Jura NV -Fruitiere Vincole d’Arbois Vin Jaune July Vintages -Dom. Rijckaert Cotes du Jura 2009 Vignes des Voises Vieilles Vignes -Dom. Rijckaert Cotes du Jura 2010 Les Sarres Chardonnay -Dom. Rijckaert Arbois 2010 Chardonnay -Dom. Labet Cotes du Jura 2010 Chardonnay Fleurs -Dom. Berthet Bondet Cotes du Jura 2010 Chardonnay -Dom. Berthet Bondet Cotes du Jura 2010 Nature [savagnin] -Henri Maire Cremant du Jura NV *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Dom. Andre et Mireille Tissot Arbois Savagnin 2008, $44.95 -Dom. Hughes Beguet Cotes du Jura 2010 Chardonnay -Dom. Benoit Badoz Cotes du Jura 2010 Chardonnay Les Roussots -Dom. Baud Cotes du Jura 2009 Cuvee Flor -Dom. Jacques Tissot Arbois 2008 Chardonnay -Dom. Jacques Tissot Cremant du Jura NV -Juravinum Arbois 2009 Chardonnay -Fruitiere Vincole d’Arbois Cotes du Jura NV Cremant du Jura Rose -Fruitiere Vincole d’Arbois Bethanie 2008 -Dom. De l’Octavin Arbois 2010 Cremant Chardonnay -Dom. De la Borde Arbois Pupillin 2009 Chardonnay Caillot -Dom. Rijckaert Arbois 2008 Grand Elevage Savagnin -Cave de la Reine Jeanne Arbois 2010 Chardonnay -Cave de la Reine Jeanne Arbois 2009 Savagnin -Cave de la Reine Jeanne Arbois 2010 Grain de Pierre [chardonnay] -Cave de la Reine Jeanne Cremant du Jura NV -Dom. Labet Cotes du Jura 2010 Fleur de Savagnin -Dom. De la Pinte Arbois Pupillin 2008 Chardonnay -Dom. Rolet Cotes du Jura 2009 Chardonnay -Dom. Rolet Cremant du Jura NV -Dom. Berthet Bondet Cremant du Jura 2010 Brut -Henri Maire Arbois 2009 Croix d’Argis [chardonnay] The Food: cheese, charcuterie, breads. The Downside: it was packed, mostly with a lot of young people, some of them sommelier students. The tables were really small and close together. The Upside: a chance to taste some rare wines. The Contact Person: lafortune@llpx.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 83. 9. The Date and Time: Friday April 27, 2012 4:30 PM to 7 PM The Event: Tasting of new Paxton Vineyards wines from McLaren Vale. The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve The Target Audience: media, sommeliers, clients The Availability/Catalogue: through The Living Vine, Ontario’s unique source for totally organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines – that’s all they sell. The Quote/Background: David Paxton came for the showing. His son Michael is the winemaker. These are biodynamic wines or are “in conversion”. The company makes 11 different wines, including pinot gris and Tempranillo (not shown today). The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Paxton MV Shiraz 2010 McLaren Vale, $19.95 -Paxton Jones Block Shiraz 2009 McLaren Vale, $34.95 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Paxton Cabernet/Shiraz “The Guesser” 2010 McLaren Vale, $16.95 -Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache 2010 McLaren Vale, $21.95 -Paxton Quandong Farm Shiraz 2010 McLaren Vale, $29.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Paxton Thomas Block Chardonnay 2010 McLaren Vale, $24.95 The Food: gourmet upscale cheeses (Chevre Noir, Epoises, Mimolette) plus pates and breads. The Downside: I had already exposed myself to some 140 wines at the weekly LCBO media tasting. The Upside: it was Friday night. The Contact Person: mark@thelivingwine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88. AN ADDED VALUE FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS – WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR MARCH 2012 -- 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 -- 1. Les Jamelles Merlot 2010 Vin de Pays d’Oc, +245324 LCBO, $12.95: making a new appearance on the General List after years of consignment, this Merlot exhibits typicity of the region, near Nimes. 10 – 1 year- old vines and acidic soil lend it some crispness pushing it over to the food wine category. 13.5% ABV, cooked black fruit, with a longer finish than anticipated. Twist top for easier service. 2. Sauvion Carte D’Or Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sue Lie 2010 Loire, +143016 LCBO, $12.95: from the melon de Bourgogne grape, a fairly high acid food wine, great with shellfish (especially at this price). Aged on lees for added complexity, 4 to 8 months. 12% BV. A really heavy bottle and attractive label makes the wine seem more posh than the price. 3. Calvet Reserve Merlot-Cabernet 2010 Bordeaux, +44032 LCBO, $14.45 (but only $10.98 or so in Alberta): at 14% ABV the wine qualifies as Bordeaux Superiore. Here the cuvee is 60% merlot and 40% cab sauvignon. Fruity in the North American appeal style, both red and black fruit alternate in aromas. Needs time to open up, do a double decant. 4. Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir Old Vines 2007 VQA NOTL, +256834, $18.95 Vintages: quite a powerful wine, a Cuvee winner, lots of forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red fruit. 13% ABV. 5. Chateau des Charmes Sauvignon Blanc 2010 St. David’s Bench VQA, +391300 $14.95 LCBO: good balanced fruit, citric tones, zest, MVC typicity. Fresh, 13% ABV. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Monday, March 5, 2012 2PM to 4:30PM The Event: tasting of Vina Ventisquero (Chile) wines, represented by RKW Wine Imports in Ontario. The Venue: LCBO Summerhill store, Kitchen Events room The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: currently, there are two listings in Ontario at Vintages, a carmenere ($17.95) and a sauvignon blanc ($12.95). More will soon be available. The Quote/Background: Felipe Tosso, the chief winemaker, gave background and presented a tasting of their premium wines, including the Grey line (usually priced at $19.95), Pangea, Queulat Gran Reserva, and Vertice. Pangea and Vertice are made in partnership with John Duval of Australia. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vina Ventisquero Vertice Carmenere/Syrah 2007 Apalta Vyd, $29.95 -Vina Ventisquero Pangea Syrah 2007 Apalta Vyd, $50 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vina Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011, $15.95 -Vina Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2010, $15.95 -Vina Ventisquero Grey Merlot 2009, $19.95 -Vina Ventisquero Grey Syrah 2009, $19.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Vina Ventisquero Grey Chardonnay 2009 Block No. 7, $19.95 -Vina Ventisquero Heru Pinot Noir 2009, $44.95 -Vina Ventisquero Grey Carmenere 2009, $19.95 -Vina Ventisquero Grey Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $19.95 The Food: appetizers and tapas were produced (shrimp and coriander rice rolls, pork corn buns, chicken phyllos, black bean empanadas, and delicious smoked salmon cakes. All came with a variety of dipping sauces. The Contact Person: osantos@ventisquero.com; mbruni@rkwwineimports.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 2. The Date and Time: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3PM to 5PM The Event: A Gandi Marchi tasting The Venue: Barberian’s The Target Audience: wine writers The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are at the LCBO in some channels, others are by consignment. The GM represent 19 families who make upscale Italian wines. Not all GM families were represented here, about five were missing (most likely because they had no product in Ontario at the moment). The Quote/Background: Michael Fagan, Manager of LCBO’s Knowledge Resources Group, spoke about Grandi Marchi and their support for the LCBO’s newest three DVDs about Italian wines (North, Middle, South) during a month long shoot. Also attending was Mariana Nedic from IEEM on behalf of the GM. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2006, $66.41 (2005 at Vintages, $59.95) -Masi Costasera Riserva Amarone Classico 2006, $69.95 -Jermann Were Dreams Bianco 2009, $63.95 +5154 Vintages -Umani Ronchi San Lorenzo Rosso Conero Montepulciano 2008, $14.95 +981191 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, $48.46 (2006 at Vintages, $44) -Biondi Santi Greppo Brunello di Montalcino 2005, $152 -Folonari Tenuta di Nozzole La Forra Chianti Classico Riserva, $29.95 +177279 -Donnafugata Tancredi 2007 Sicilia, $25.95 +990424 -Tasca d'Almerita Lamuri Nero d'Avola 2009, $17.95 Vintages *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Michele Chiarlo Le Orme Barbera d’Asti Superiore 209, $14.95 Vintages -Pio Cesare Gavi 2010, $22.95 -Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Prestige/Brut 2010/11, $45 +105353 -Carpene Malvolti Cuvee Prosecco, $13.85 +727438 Vintages -Jermann Chardonnay 2010 (2009 at Vintages, $29.95) -Lungarotti Sagrantino di Montefalco 2009, $39.95 -Lungarotti Torre di Giano Vigna al Pino 2009, $24.95 -Agiolas Costera Cannonau di Sardegna 2009, $17.95 +99028 The Food: cold cuts, charcuterie, cured salmon, cheeses, breads. The Downside: it was hot in the small cellar – there were over 40 people present. There were no listings or prices available, just a catalogue about the families themselves. The Upside: a great chance to taste a variety of pricey wines. The Contact Person: info@wolffpublicrelations.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 83. 3. The Date and Time: Monday, March 1, 2012 The Event: A tutored tasting with Alvaro Palacios talking about 11 wines from all three Palacios properties in Spain. The Venue: RCYC St. George Club House The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers The Availability/Catalogue: all the wines are available through private orders with the agent, Woodman Wines & Spirits Inc. The Quote/Background: there was some talk about viura being the new chardonnay. In the main, Alvaro did a great job in explaining the terroir and the vinification processes over the course of 90 minutes. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Palacios Remondo Rioja Propiedad 2008, $39 – My FAVE of the tasting -Alvaro Palacios Priorat Les Terrasses 2010, $45 -Descendientes de J. Palacios Bierzo Las Lamas 2009, $116 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alvaro Palacios Priorat Gratallops 2010, $66 [2008 is in the May Classics Catalog, same price] -Palacios Remondo Rioja La Montesa 2009, $21 -Descendientes de J. Palacios Bierzo Petalos del Bierzo 2010, $26 -Descendientes de J. Palacios Bierzo Villa de Corullon 2009, $49 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Alvaro Palacios Priorat Camins del Priorat 2010, $26 -Alvaro Palacios Priorat Finca Dofi 2009, $90 -Palacios Remondo Rioja Placet 2009, $32 [white] -Palacios Remondo Rioja La Vendimia 2011, $17 [red] The Food: a light lunch of sliders with beef, whitefish, pizza, salad. The Downside: it was very warm in the room. The Upside: it was packed with well over 45 people. The Contact Person: info@woodmanwinesandspirits.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 4. The Date and Time: Monday, March 19, 2012. 11AM to 5PM The Event: the monthly APVSA tasting (Association pour la promotion des vins et spiritueux en Amerique du Nord). The Venue: Delta Chelsea Inn The Target Audience: wine agents. The Availability/Catalogue: no wines are currently available in Ontario. The group is here to get some agents to agree to rep the principal. Some of the wines are available in Quebec and Alberta. Most of the wines were French, and there is sales staff available to comment on the prices and production. This road show also visits such places as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Calgary, Vancouver, Miami, Washington DC, and Montreal. Occasionally, the show will have wines from Italy, Uruguay, Spain and Australia. Sometimes spirits and VDN are also available. The Wines: The problem I had with the wines, and one that must be acknowledged, is that (by and large) they were about the same as wines that we already have here in Ontario. There really did not seem to be any price advantages, either. But these 40 or so wines could be made available through Vintages or Consignment. In the past, quite a few have been picked up for sale in Ontario; these were mostly the good value or unique wines. Here were my faves from today, regardless of FOB cost which must be requested due to competitive pricing. I did not try every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cave Vieil Armand Gewurztraminer 2010 -La Maurine Rouge Saint-Chinian Secrets de Paul 2009 -Dom. De Mayol Luberon 2008 -Vina Vilano Legon Ribera del Duero Premium 2005 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Dom. Perraud Chardonnay Macon Villages 2009 -Dom. Perraud L’Oeuvre Saint-Veran 2010 -Dom. Des Hauts Perray Coulee du Hauts Perrays 2011 -Dom. Des Hauts Perray Cabernet d’Anjou 2011 [rose] -Ch. Du Vallies 2007 Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux -Ch. Coutelor La Romarine 2009 Sainte-Foy Bordeaux -Cave Vieil Armand Pinot Gris 2009 -La Maurine Rouge Saint-Chinian Galopins 2009 -Ch. Prat de Cest Corbieres 2009 -Dom. De Mayol Luberon 2009 -Dom. M. Colbois Chablis du Chene 2010 -Vina Vilano Legon Ribera del Duero Roble 2010 -Vina Vilano Legon Ribera del Duero Reserva 2005 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Dom. Grand Jean Bordeaux Rose 2011 -Dom. Grand Jean Bordeaux Rouge 2010 -Dom. Perraud Bourgogne Rouge 2008 -Cave Vieil Armand Pinot Noir 2008 -Les Tros Puechs Coteaux du Languedoc 2011 -Les Tros Puechs Pays d’Oc 2011 -Ch. Prat de Cest Corbieres 2010 -Dom. M. Colbois Bourgogne Algote 2009 -Dom. M. Colbois Bourgogne Chitry Chardonnay 2009 -Vina Vilano Legon Ribera del Duero Tinto 2011 The Food: I arrived late after the Palacios tasting, so I missed most of the lunch, but I did grab a slice of pizza. The Contact Person: Pascal p.fernand@apvsa.ca The Marketing Effectiveness/Execution of the Event(numerical grade): 84. 4. The Date and Time: Thursday, March 22, 2012 2:30PM to 6PM The Event: a seminar and tasting of Vinho Verde wines The Venue: George (for the seminar) and Verity Club (for the walkaround tasting). The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: most of the wines were not generally available. Some producers had no agents, some agents had no product. Prices were speculative, for the most part. It did not help that we had no catalogue of producer labels, and that we had to write down this kind of information. The Quote/Background: Evan Saviolidis, with his loud clear voice, gave a good talk on what Vinho verde was all about, and the newer styles that are coming onstream. We had a brief tasting of four styles: one classic at 11.5%ABV, one made from the Loureiro grape (to drink with food), one made from the Alvarinho grape (very aromatic, a sipper, 12.5%ABV), and one made from the Espadiero grape (a rose, 12%ABV). You can forget about low alcohol versions; they are all going to be 12 or more percentage ABV. The seminar was mobbed with 60 attendees and SRO. The Wines: I did not try every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quinta de Carapecos Escolha 2010, $15 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Soalheiro Alvarinho 2011 -Estreia Loureiro Grande Escolha 2011 -Estreia Alvarinho 2011 -Solar de Loureido 2011 -Terras de Gerras 2011 -Menancos Alvarinho/Trajadura 2011 -Terras de Moncao Alvarinho 2011 -Solar de Serrade Alvarinho 2011 -Quinta de Gomariz Loureiro 2011 -Quinta de Gomariz Alvarinho 2010 -Quinta de Gomariz Rose Espadeiro 2010 and 2011 -Quinta de Carapecos Alvarinho 2011, $13 -Quinta de Carapecos Alvarinho/Trajadura 2011, $13 -Quinta do Arcas Conde Villar Alvarinho 2011 -Quinta da Lixa Terras do Minho 2011 -Quinta da Lixa Alvarinho/Trajadura 2011 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Quintas do Homem Vale do Homen Verde Branco 2011 -Vianna Loureiro 2011 -Quinta de Gomariz Grande Escolha 2010 -Quinta de Carapecos Espadeiro Rose 2010, $13 -Quinta de Carapecos Eiva dos Mouros NV -Quinta do Arcas Conde Villar Loureiro 2011 -Quinta do Arcas Conde Villar Vinho Verde 2011 -Quinta do Arcas Conde Villar Rose 2011 -Arca Nora 2011 -Quinta da Lixa Vinho Verde 2011 -Quinta da Lixa Loureiro NV -Aveleda Vinho Verde Fonte, $8.95 -Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde, $9.95 The Food: from George, we had appetizers such as prosciutto, cod cakes, cured salmon, chicken skewers, cheeses and breads. The Downside: there was no catalogue of wines being poured. The Upside: a chance to re-connect with Vinho Verde. The Contact Person: mvickell@national.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 83 5. The Date and Time: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 3:30PM to 5PM The Event: Tasting of Churton Wines (New Zealand) and Hidden Bench Winery (Ontario) The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, FWR clients The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available, either by consignment through Le Sommelier or at Vintages or the Ontario winery. The Quote/Background: this was a tasting of sustainable (Hidden Bench) and biodynamic (Churton) wines, available through Le Sommelier in Ontario. The Wines: Hidden bench also brought along some wines exclusive to licensees: Bistro Rose ($13.51), Bistro Riesling (~$15), Bistro Chardonnay (~$18), and Bistro Pinot Noir (~$21), mostly made from young vines, in limited lots, and available to restaurants and bars. I would rate the Rose and the Riesling, both of which I sampled, at GOOD (3 stars, 85 – 87). Globe and Earth have bought their own “Globe” labeling from Hidden Bench for similar wines from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Churton Wines 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, $22.95 -Churton Wines 2009 Pinot Noir, $36.95 – my FAVE red -Churton Wines 2008 The Abyss Pinot Noir, $64.95 -Hidden Bench Winery 2008 Felseck Chardonnay, $38.00 – my FAVE white -Hidden Bench Winery 2009 Estate Chardonnay, $32.00 -Hidden Bench Winery 2009 Felseck Riesling, $28.00 -Hidden Bench Winery 2008 Terroir Cache, $35.00 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Churton Wines 2008 Pinot Noir, $30.50 -Churton Wines 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, $22.95 -Hidden Bench Winery 2009 Estate Riesling, $24.00 -Hidden Bench Winery 2009 Roman's Block Riesling, $30.00 -Hidden Bench Winery 2009 Estate Pinot Noir, $38.00 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Churton Wines 2011 Viognier, $36.95 Hidden Bench Winery 2009 Nuit Blanche, $40.00 The Food: breads, cheeses, pate and salumi. The Downside: it got crowded really fast. The Upside: the FWR tables, which weigh a tonne each, were pushed back to the wall to create more room. There was also a good chance to talk with winery owners Mandy Weaver (Churton) and Harald Thiel. The Contact Person: bernard@lesommelier.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89. 6. The Date and Time: Thursday, March 29, 2012 4PM to 7PM The Event: tasting a selection of biodynamic wines available from The Living Vine [www.thelivingvine.ca] The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve The Target Audience: media, private clients The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available by consignment, in six and twelve bottle cartons. The Quote/Background: Wines could also be ordered through www.bwwines.com The Wines: To reiterate, all wines are biodynamic. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Hedymann-Lowenstein Ven Blaum Schiefer Riesling Reserve 2010, $49.95 -Millton Vineyard Opou Chardonnay 2010, $24.95 – my FAVE white of the tasting -Ceago Vinegarden Del Lago Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Clew Lake North California, $24.95 - my FAVE red of the tasting -Pyramid Valley Vineyards Lion’s Tooth Chardonnay 2009 New Zealand, $69 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau Tie Pe Tire Pe 2009 Bordeaux, $22.95 [40% Malbec] -Cowhorn Vineyards Syrah Applegate Valley Oregon 2007, $34.95 -Az. Ag. Gravner Ribolla Gialla Amphora 2005, $99.95 -Azienda Agricola Pian dell’Orino Brunello di Montalcino, $94.95 -Dr. Burklin-Wolf 2010 Burklin Estate Riesling Pfalz, $19.95. -Dom. Ostertag Gewurztraminer SGN 2007, $65 half-bottle. *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Littorai Wines Charles Heintz Sonoma Chardonnay 2009, $69.95 The Food: cheese, pate, breads. The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89 7. The Date and Time: Thursday, March 29, 2012 6PM to 8:30PM The Event: RAW: The Great Toronto Tartare-Off, in support of Grapes for Humanity The Venue: Imperial Room, Fairmont Royal York The Target Audience: food lovers The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available in a variety of distribution channels, but mostly from agents or wineries. The Quote/Background: This was a fundraiser for building a high school in Basico, Guatemala. The Wines: Wines came from some wine agents (Winery Direct, Profile Wine Group) and Ontario wineries such as Rosewood, Stratus, Staff, Tawse, Malivoire, Hidden Bench. I did not taste every wine. But sommeliers Zoltan Szabo and Jamie Drummond tasted all the donated wines with the tartares: their best match was Rosewood Estate Pinot Noir 2010 with La Palette Chef Brook Kavanagh's venison tartare. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Signorello Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 -Rosewood Semillon 2010 Niagara ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Crios Torrontes 2011 Argentina -Santinori 2010 Greece -Black Stallion Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 -Rosewood Pinot Noir 2010 Niagara *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Robert Block Riesling 2011 -Tollgate 2008 Niagara (red and white versions) -Malivoire Gamay Alive 2010 -Tawse Growers Blend Cabernet Franc 2009 -Aveleda Vinho Verde The Food: it was all raw, except for the platforms and the Humber College options. A panel of judges, consisting of John Higgins, Amy Rosen, Josh Josephson, Corey Mintz and Geddy Lee, crowned one chef the King of Tartare. Those chefs included Jamie Kennedy (Gilead; beef), Didier Leroy (Didier; beef), Lorenzo Loseto (George; cobia), Tim Palmer (Fairmont Royal York; venison and bannock), Mark Cutrara (Cowbell; venison), Brook Kavanagh (La Palette; venison), Albert Ponzo (Le Sélect; bison), Patrick McMurray (Starfish and Ceili Cottage; beef with oyster from one restaurant, ostrich and quail egg from the other) and Luke Wood (Thornton’s Wine and Tapas Room; musk-ox and beef) who flew in from Yellowknife for the function. Each tartare was paired with a wine. After tasting everything blind, the judges announced the winners in two categories: professional and amateur. Of the four amateur chefs present, Paul Pender of Tawse Winery got top spot for his beef tartare flavoured with capers, anchovies and leeks, with a horseradish finish. Lorenzo Loseto got the professional crown for the cobia tartare. The oily whitefish was served with roasted fennel, shallots and black trumpet mushrooms, and topped with a stack of tiny potato chips that had been fried on the skewer. For those who preferred a “cooked” alternative, there were Asian hors d'oeuvres prepared by students of Humber College, french fries, and a sweet table. The Downside: there was no veggie tartare, sadly a missed opportunity for sauvignon blanc wine lovers. The Upside: great attendance at this fundraiser, over 170. The Contact Person: tony.aspler@sympatico.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 8. The Date and Time: Friday, March 30, 2012 10:30PM to 1:30PM The Event: Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada monthly tasting. The theme this month was BC wines. The Venue: LCBO Summerhill location The Target Audience: WWCC members The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available in BC or through Terroir Wine + Spirits, the agency bringing these BC wines to Ontario. Minimum order: one case. The Quote/Background: The company reps about 35 wineries in all, quite a substantial number. The Wines: There were 15 wineries here, for a total of some 36 wines presented. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Meyer Family McLean Creek Road Vineyard Chardonnay 2010, $44.95 -Meyer Family Sonja Gaudet Tribute Series Chardonnay 2010, $44.95 -Meyer Family McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, $59.95 -Moon Curser Winery Dead of Night 2009 (tannat, syrah), $44.95 -Blackwood Lane Viana Roja 2008 (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec), $47.95 -Cassini Cellars Syrah Collector’s Series 2009, $44.95 -Moon Curser Border Vines 2009 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot), $44.95 -Cassini Maximus 2009 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec), $47.95 -Mt. Boucherie Summit Reserve Merlot 2008, $29.95 - ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Meyer Family Reimer Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, $59.95 -Meyer Family Central Okanagan Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, $59.95 -Desert Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $39.95 -St. Hubertus Pinot Noir 2010, $18.95 -ACES Wine even Deuce 2009, $27.95 -Mt. Boucherie Estate Semillon 2008, $17.95 -Mt. Boucherie Pinot Gris 201, $21.95 -LuLu Island Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $19.95 -Church & State Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $43.95 -Eau Vivre Chardonnay 2008, $24.95 -Eau Vivre Pinot Noir 2008, $24.95 -Fort Berens Chardonnay 2010, $32.95 -Fort Berens Meritage 2009, $49.95 -Summerhill Pyramid Cipes Rose Sparkling [organic pinot noir] NV, $44.95 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -ACES Wine Pocket Kings 2007, $39.95 -ACES Wine Straight Flush Blush 2010 [rose], $16.95 -Moon Curser Winery Merlot 2009, $44.95 -Moon Curser Winery Syrah 2009, $44.95 -LuLu Island Winery Meritage 2010, $24.95 -Silkscarf Ensemble Rouge 2008, $46.95 -Silkscarf Ensemble Blanc 2011, $32.95 -Summerhill Pyramid Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $31.95 -Meyer Family Chardonnay 2010, $44.95 -Meyer Family Gewurztraminer 2010, $44.95 The Contact Person: Jamie Crain jamie@terroirwineagency.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90 AN ADDED VALUE FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS – WINE TRADE WINDS DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 2012 -- 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 (AND LAST) MONTH -- 1. Antoine Moueix Merlot Bordeaux 2010, +245860 GL LCBO, $12.95, an easy drinking affordable Bordeaux, twist top, 13.5% ABV, from a Saint Emilion specialist. Young vines give it a characteristic light tannic finish, but it could go either way as a sipper or with food 2. 181 Merlot Lodi 2008, +226530 GL LCBO, $16.95, another easy drinking merlot from California. The number 181 refers to the Merlot clone imported from Pomerol; the wine emphasizes its roots. Best as a sipper. 3. Mionetto Il Prosecco NV, +588053 GL LCBO, $11.95, weighing in at 10.5% ABV and with a crown cap, this newest addition to the growing list of proseccos in Ontario meets a demand for lower price and lower alcohol. The category has apparently exploded last year, up 16% across Canada. No cork means a lower wholesale price to the LCBO. Off-dry, frizzante style, aperitif or party wine. 4. Cantine Clavesana D’Oh Dolcetto di Dogliani 2010 Piemonte, $12.95 GL LCBO, +268037, is a welcomed addition, principally because of its fruitiness. It’ll give Beaujolais a run for its money at 12.5% ABV. 90% of the company’s production is Dolcetto (the co-op has 350 vintners), and 90% of all that is for domestic sales – so only 10% is exported. Expect warm red fruit tones, very useful as a sipper. 5. Mountain Road Wine Company Chardonnay 2007 Unoaked Niagara, +700067 Winery Only, $14.95: orchard fruit, good long finishing acid, highly extractive body, more like an aging Chablis. 13.7% ABV. An aperitif wine. 6. Mountain Road Wine Company Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2006 Niagara, Winery Only, $15.95: one of my fave wines, aromatically positive, expressive Euro mode, good creamy oaking, food wine, long finish, maturing well (over five years now). Best with cheese, fish and chicken. 13.9% ABV. First Prize Ribbon at Royal Winter Fair in 2010. 7. Mountain Road Wine Company Chardonnay Reserve 2006 VQA Beamsville Bench, Winery Only, $25.95: typical baked apple and tropical fruit, butter, vanilla, caramel and cream, highly extractive, some underbrush, rich and fat. Body leads to good mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Cuvee 2010 Gold Medalist. 8. Mountain Road Wine Company Vidal Icewine 1999 VQA Steve Kocsis Vineyard Beamsville Bench, 375 mL, +977049, Winery Only, $39.95: tropical fruit, oranges and honey, but acidity balances sweetness, leading to a rich long finish. Considering its age, this is a bargain wine. It got a Lieutenant-Governor’s Award 2011 for Excellence in Ontario Wine. 9. Tokaji Yellow Muscat 2010 Puklus Cellars Hungary (+46508 Vintages, $14.95 retail, 750 mL, Vintages January): related to Muscat Blanc, 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. 12% ABV, a bit less this year. Serve with later courses (fruity mains, salads, cheeses, off-dry desserts). 10, Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Maipo (+275594 Vintages, $19.95 retail): offers immense value, with its deep black fruit (cherry-berry), vanilla, toast, some anise, very French like. 5% Cabernet Franc added, 14.5% ABV, aged 14 months in mixed-use oak barrels, ready to consume now. All the grapes come form 15-year-old low yield vines of Alto Jahuel in Maipo. 11. Rodney Strong Vineyards Chardonnay Reserve Russian River Valley Sonoma 2009 ($34.95 b consignment, Mark Anthony): with 14.5% ABV, this baked apple and vanilla-driven white leaves a long, buttery finish. Lees stirring has promoted creaminess. There is something here for all Chardonnay lovers, or at least for those who dislike stainless steel. Barrel fermentation in French oak (one-quarter new), all malolactic, and 13 months aging. 12. Rodney Strong Vineyards Chardonnay Sonoma County 2009 ($20.95 Vintages, +226936): not quite as intense as the Reserve, but then not quite as expensive. Only 60% has been barrel fermented, and then aged 4 months in US and French oak. Balance is stainless fermentation; 70% of finished wine undergoes malolactic. There’s orchard fruit and some sprightly wood tones of vanilla and spices. 13.5% ABV, good first course wine. 560 cases available. 13. Rodney Strong Vineyards Merlot Sonoma County 2009 ($19.95, Vintages +497933): one of Rodney Young’s Sonoma County series, line priced at about $20. Two years in French and US oak barrels leans to sufficient levels of dark fruit (plums, blueberries, black currants) but also some herbiness to pique the inevitable Merlot softness. Another good first course wine. 600 cases available. 14. Tyrrell’s Wines Rufus Stone McLaren Vale Shiraz 2009 ($19.95, +542100 Vintages): excellent, graceful shiraz, aged in US oak (30% new) for a year and a half. 14.5% ABV, twist top. “Rufus Stone” is the name Tyrrell’s uses for its non-Hunter Valley wines. Here, their Willunga Vineyard has 35-year old shiraz vines. A good mix of fruit (ripe cherries, plums) with vanilla and chocolate tones. The tannins suggest more aging, but currently give it structure and length for a main course. 560 cases available. 15. A. Metz Helfrich Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace ($18.95, +169748 Vintages): balancing acidity is the key here, with MVC touches of roses, mango, spicy finish, and fruit on the mid-palate. At 12.5% ABV, it is versatile, a bit lighter than other contemporary Gewurztraminers, but more off-dry and ideal with suggested curries and tagines. Twist top. 220 cases available. 16. [yellow tail] Shiraz Reserva Limited Release 2006 Barossa: created in celebration of the company’s tenth anniversary in 2011, now available in a few cases in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Multiple gold winner, 13.5% ABV. The commemorative bottle version, which I served to a large dinner party for comment, was in a nice presentation package. The regular bottling runs about $35 – 45 outside Ontario. Expect a whack of fruit and the Barossa tarriness, needs more time but came around after an hour of being opened and swirled. ======================================================================= 1. The Date and Time: Saturday, January 28, 2012 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM The Event: Saintsbury Society Dinner The Venue: somewhere in the East End of Toronto The Target Audience: Members and Guests The Availability/Catalogue: Most of the wines were not available as they were older vintages. Our host provided a tasting of Gigondas. The Quote/Background: “One of the rules is: we cannot ask you back to this location.” This secret society, without its robes, appears to specialize in gourmet dinners and old wines at members’ houses. Some outsiders get invited to participate. Tonight it was my (and my wife’s) turn. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Domaine de Mavette Gigondas 2007 (13.5%), $23.95 Vintages -Delas Freres Cornas 1983 Chante Perdix -Josef Draften Wittinger Scharzberg Riesling Extra Dry Mosel Sekt 2009, 12.5%, $13.95 Vintages -Domaine de Cabasse 2007 Gigondas, 15% $29.95 Vintages -Cuilleron Cote Rotie 2007 Terres Lombres, 13.5% -Domaine de Bonsterine Cote Rotie 2008 La Sarrasine ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chateau de Trinquevdel 2011 Rose Tavel (13.5%), $17.95 Vintages March -Hartz Barn Sparkling Shiraz 2001 Black Bead Barossa, 13.5% en magnum -Domaine des Bernardins Muscat Beaumes de Venise 2009, 15% half-bottle -Domaine Mathieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005 Blanc, $35 -Domaine de Grapillon d’Or 1806 Gigondas 2010, Vintages upcoming -Domaine de Grapillon d’Or 1806 Gigondas 2009 -Domaine de Grapillon d’Or 1806 Gigondas 2007, $31.95 Vintages *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -La Ferme de Mont Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Truffiere 2009, 13.5% -Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2006, 14.5% -Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2002, 13.5% The Food: The food was Rhone/Provence, so the wines matched that theme with grape varieties or regions. We began with sweet and savoury nuts and herbed black olives, followed by water chestnuts wrapped in Rowe Farm bacon. All of these with the sparklers and the Tavel; the latter went best of course. To the table and some hand-cut foie gras and chutney with lovely Muscat Beaumes de Venise, slightly off-sweet here. The Asian pear shrimp salad was lovingly presented with Romaine spears and a Marie Rose sauce in a plastic double Martini glass, very effective. The Cotes du Rhone Blanc offered bracing fruit and acidity for the pear. Out came the main: huge braised Australian lamb shanks and their mirepoix, truffled mash, and roasted parsnips (cut lengthwise). It took forever to consume (they were tender, but they were big), and then we needed the time and space for nine red wines to taste and match. I needed help with extra shank meat, but I got through it before the honeyed figs and pistachio ice cream with biscuit arrived. There was a floral Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc with this course, delightful in its structure. The Downside: it was a slippery and slid-y icy night, plus there were four other wines that we never got to. The Upside: A range of five Gigondas for tasting. The Contact Person: deantudor@deantudor.com The Event’s Execution (numerical grade): 95. 2. The Date and Time: Monday, January 30, 2012 6PM to midnight The Event: annual Holiday dinner of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada The Venue: MidEastro Yorkville The Target Audience: WWCC members and their guests. The Availability/Catalogue: all of the dinner wines were drawn from members’ cellars, most are older vintages. There were some reception wines from Bottega in Italy and from New Zealand. The Quote/Background: There was a range of Prosecco from Bottega, as well as some white wines from New Zealand. I could not taste all of these wines. The Wines: we were all supposed to bring one bottle a person, and we were seated at tables of six, so I got to taste a few different wines. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -TeAwa Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2009 -Burrowing Owl Meritage 2008 Okanagan ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 -Astrolabe Pinot Gris 2010 -Spy Valley Riesling 2010 -Lailey Chardonnay 2008 VQA Niagara -Pasquale Alma Mater 2010 New Zeal (pinot gris/gewurztraminer/riesling) -Wither Hills Barangis Sauvignon Blanc 2010 -Tyrone Estate DeVine Shiraz 2007 Organic Australia [my wine] -Panther Creek Reserve Petite Syrah 2007 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Chakana Reserve Malbec 2008 Argentina -Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Syrah 2007 -Citto Volpaia 2008 Toscano -Château Pipeau 2005 -Etim Old vine Grenache 2005 -Domaine Pierre Fil Cuvée Elesyces 2007 The Food: it was really very stunning. Here was the Menu Canapes Served at the Bar with Reception wines: olive oil and garlic, tomato spread, tapenade – all with black olive bread. Canapé Served at the Table: mini babaganoush, hummus, matbuha, fried eggplant Served with black olive bread 1st Course [excellent, best plate of the evening] Black truffle carpaccio 12 week aged Wagyu tenderloin rolled on arugula, Parmiggiano Reggiano, balsamic and black truffle oil on a layer of pomegranate honey reduction 2nd Course Grilled calamari Served on lime root vegetable cream and ox tail caviar lentil pot au feu Cranberry sorbet 3rd Course 4oz Sea-bream Couscous, Tripoli-style couscous OR 8oz New York Steak [I was so full, I took half my steak home with me] On black truffle mashed potatoes, sea asparagus & baked bone marrow in balsamic & chestnut demi-glace 4th Course Homemade pastilla Stuffed with dry fruit, dark chocolate ganache with coconut semifreddo and garnished with mint and white chocolate coulis Coffees The Downside: so many wines to sample, and I had forgotten my spittoon. The Upside: great friends, great wines, great food. The Contact Person: spuritt@sympatico.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93 3. The Date and Time: Friday, February 3, 2012 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM The Event: a tasting of autochthonous wines (made from indigenous grape varieties), available from Ken Hayden of Appellation Wines. The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square The Target Audience: members of the WWCC. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available on consignment or by private order. The Quote/Background: the event was put on at the request of the WWCC Executive, as a special tasting for its members. Ken specializes in sourcing indigenous grape varieties from France, Spain and Italy. The Quote/Background: It is a trend now to produce indigenous grape varieties in small lots, for there will always be a market for these types of grapes. The Wines: Prices are approximate since most wines are still coming in. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -2011 Santa Venere Vescovado Guardavalle Calabria IGT [organic]$24.30 -2010 Fina Vini Taif 2010 Zibibbo Marsala IGP $24.10 (white) -2007 Vera de Estenas Casa Don Angel Bobal DO, Utiel-Requena, Spain (red) $36 (heavily oaked, my fave) -2011 Emilio Bulfon Cjanòrie VDT, Friuli, Italy (red) $21.50 -2009 Rebus Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato DOC, Piedmont, Italy (red) -2010 Cantina Ma.Ri.Ca Ramosceto Lacrima di Morro d’Alba Belevedere Ostrense – Marche DOC $19.40. -2010 Ibervinum Ad Libitum Maturana Tinta Rioja Alta (red) $24.50 -2011 Vinchio Vaglio Serra “Rebus” Ruche DOC Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato Italy (red) $22.10 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -2010 Santa Venere Speziale Marsigliana Nera Calabria IGT [organic] $24.95 -2010 Chateau Lecusse Cuvee Speciale Fer Servadou AGC, Gaillac, France (red) $21.50 -2010 Chateau Lecusse Cuvee Speciale Loin de l’Oeil AGC, Gaillac, France (white) $21.50 -2010 Ibervinum Ad Libitum Tempranillo Blanco Rioja Alta (white) $24.50 -2008 Torre Guaceto “Sum” Sussumaniello Manduria Puglia, $25.15 -2007 Vinedos y Bodegas Pablo Menguante Vidadillo DO Carinena, Spain (red) $22.45 -2010 Emilio Bulfon Forgiarin IGT Venezia Giulia, Italy (red) $21.50 -2010 Emilio Bulfon Piculit Neri IGT Venezie, Italy (red) $22.75 -2008 Fatt. Paradiso Barbarossa Forli IGT Italy, $34.25 (red) *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -2011 Emilio Bulfon Sciaglin IGT Venezia Giulia Italy (white) $21.50 -2010 Chateau Lecusse Cuvee Speciale Duras AGC, Gaillac, France (red) $21.50 -2010 Terra di Briganti Sciascinoso Sannio DOP Italy, (red) $23.50 -2011 Vinchio Vaglio Serra “Le Nocche” Grignolino d'Asti DOC, Piedmont, Italy (red) $18.65 We were also given an opportunity to taste some of Appellation’s non- indigenous products from Vintages (retail): FOUR stars –Domaine Francois Schwach Muscat 2008 Alsace, +261644, $15.95. THREE AND A HALF STARS –Domaine Saint Andeol Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne 2009, +251512, $17.95 -Domaine Francois Schwach Cremant Blanc de Blanc Brut 2007 Alsace, +268060, $18.95. -Domaine Hubert Reyser Riesling Stephansberg 2008, +118240, $19.95 THREE STARS -Domaine Roche Guillon Fleurie 2010, +269514, $17.95. plus a private order wine from Jo Cooke Wine Selections (Campo al Pero Bolgheri DOC Toscana 2007, $27 est.) The Downside: I was stymied, trying to compare varieties with varieties I knew well, as a touchstone. The Upside: a rare opportunity to taste a variety of wines, well-made but with different tastes. The Contact Person: kenhayden@appellationwines.ca The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 92. 4. The Date and Time: Friday, February 10, 2012 11AM to 5 PM The Event: the monthly APVSA tasting (Association pour la promotion des vins et spiritueux en Amerique du Nord). The Venue: Delta Chelsea Inn The Target Audience: wine agents. The Availability/Catalogue: no wines are currently available in Ontario. The group is here to get some agents to agree to rep the principal. Some of the wines are available in Quebec and Alberta. Most of the wines were French, and there is sales staff available to comment on the prices and production. This road show also visits such places as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Calgary, Vancouver, Miami, Washington DC, and Montreal. Occasionally, the show will have wines from Italy, Uruguay, Spain and Australia. Sometimes spirits and VDN are also available. The Wines: The problem I had with the wines, and one that must be acknowledged, is that (by and large) they were about the same as wines that we already have here in Ontario. There really did not seem to be any price advantages, either. But these 40 or so wines could be made available through Vintages or Consignment. In the past, quite a few have been picked up for sale in Ontario; these were mostly the good value or unique wines. Here were my faves from today, regardless of FOB cost which must be requested due to competitive pricing. I did not try every wine. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Dom. Perraud Saint-Veran 2010 -Dom. Des Poncetys Saint Veran 2009 and 2010 -Champagne Louis Dubosquet 2002 Grand Cru ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Dom. Perraud Macon Village 2008 and 2009 -Dom. Remoriquet Nuits Saint Georges Premier Cru 2009 Les Damodes -Dom. Remoriquet Nuits Saint Georges Premier Cru 2009 and 2010 Les Bousselots -Dom. Remoriquet Nuits Saint Georges Premier Cru 2009 Les Saints Georges -Muhlberger Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace -Muhlberger Cremant d’Alsace -Dom. Breliere Rully 2010 Blanc -Dom. Breliere Cremant de Bourgogne -Dom. Grad Jean Bordeaux Blanc 2011 -Dom. Grand Jean Gers 2009 IGP -Champage Couche -Champagne H. Blin 2004 -Chateau Lafleur de Viaud Lalande de Pomerol 2009 *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Dom. Remoriquet Bourgogne 2009 -Muhlberger Pinot Gris 2010 Alsace -Muhlberger Pinot Blanc 2010 Alsace -Muhlberger Pinot Noir 2010 Alsace -Muhlberger Riesling 2010 Alsace -Dom. Breliere Bourgogne 2010 -Vignobles Laur Cahors 2008 -Vignbles Cotes de Gascogne Horas Malbec 2008 -Champagne Dauby Rose -Chateau Julian Bordeaux Superieur 2009 -Chateau des Chevaliers Bordeaux 2009 -Dom. Remoriquet Nuits Saint Georges 2009 Les Allots The Food: I arrived late after an LCBO Vintages tasting, so I missed most of the lunch, but I did grab a slice of pizza. The Contact Person: Pascal p.fernand@apvsa.ca The Marketing Effectiveness/Execution of the Event(numerical grade): 84. 5. The Date and Time: Monday, February 20, 2012 7PM to 9PM The Event: Media launch of the new online magazine, Swallow (www.swallowfood.com) The Venue: Drake Hotel The Target Audience: Toronto food and wine media The Availability/Catalogue: Alcohol sponsors included Lifford Wine Agency and Muskoka Breweries (we could only have one beer, so I took a Pale Ale, slightly sweet and thick). The Quote/Background: Swallow is a food and culture online magazine which began publishing in January 2012. With the kinks ironed out, it was time for a media launch to create a buzz. The mag claims to have “all the news that’s fit to eat”, and it does so through diverse categories such as celebrity interviews, food trends, funny videos, recipes, resto reviews, cookbook reviews, and general food and wine humour. As Ivy Knight, the Editor and a co-founder, says, “We are real chefs, real writers and real wine aficionados who don’t take ourselves too seriously.” Ivy has a regular gig at the Drake every Monday night, with an 86’d party for food and wine media-types. Ivy (a pro chef for a decade and currently also a food writer in Toronto) works with co- founder Kristina Groeger, also a pro chef in Toronto and soon-to-be Pastry Chef at a new Ossington resto. Their forte is going to be professional aspects of food and humour, such as the funny videos and singles pages for busy chefs. I do hope that there won’t be too many insider jokes, but mostly the mag will be irreverent. There also will be industry tips and secrets. Posts will appear three to five times a week – there’s an RSS feed and a subscription for email notices. The Wines: I was able to sample eight wines poured by Nicole. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Jadot Bourgogne 2010 Blanc ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2009 Australia -Xumek Malbec Syrah Reserva 2009 Argentina -Anselmi San Vincenzio Soave 2010 -Malivoire Guilty Men White 2009 VQA -Malivoire Guilty Men Red 2009 VQA *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Xumek Malbec 2009 Argentina -Longue-Dog Rouge 2010 Languedoc The Food: There was an enormous platter of off-sweet Sanagan’s Meat Locker sausage which disappeared in a hurry. Next door was an enormous Canadian cheeseboard, with Thunder Oak Gouda Cumin cheese and Cayuga Blue Haze (smoked blue, and yummy) both from Ontario, Riopelle from Quebec, and diverse chevre from Salt Spring Island in BC. Plus assorted garnishes and chutneys and relishes, breads, and more. Enough for a small army. The Downside: there’s always confusion at a media launch, particularly if you do not know the layout of the venue. I ended up getting a beer, when what I really wanted was a wine. The beer was for later. The Upside: Chatting with some really interesting people, such as the Swallow co-founders Ivy and Kristina, Susan and Renee of the Siren Group, and other wine and food writers. The Contact Persons: info@swallowfood.com, susan@thesirengroup.com, Nicole@liffordwine.com. The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92. 6. The Date and Time: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 10:30AM to 2 PM The Event: The annual media and sommelier pre-Cuvee Ontario VQA wine tasting. The Venue: BMO, 68th Floor. The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available for sale, at the winery. Some are also at the LCBO. The Quote/Background: This was to be a broad overview of the wines to be poured at Cuvee in early March. These 57 wines represent each participating winery’s top scoring wine from the Cuvee judging held in January. The official winners for the top scoring wine in each category will be announced on March 2. About 264 wines were submitted in total to Cuvee. The Wines: Because of my time constraints, I just evaluated red and white table wines. Some samples were sub-standard (both bottles) and not listed here. Seven wineries did not submit samples for the media preview. **** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cave Spring Cellars Riesling CSV 2009 $29.95 -Thirty Bench Wine Makers Small Lot Riesling Steel Post Vyd 2010 $30 -Riverview Cellars Winery Gewürztraminer 2010 $18.95 -Reif Estate Winery Chardonnay Reserve 2009 $19.95 -Stoney Ridge Cellars Excellence Chardonnay 2009 $35.00 -Mountain Road Wine Company Reserve Chardonnay 2006 $25.95 My **FAVE** -Niagara College Teaching Winery Dean's List Cabernet Franc 2009 $27.95 -Lakeview Cellars Estate Winery Merlot Reserve 2007 $24.95 -Megalomaniac - John Howard Cellars of Distinction Proprietor's Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2008 60% Mer, 40% CF $44.95 -Colaneri Estate Winery Insieme 2009 33.3% CS, 33.3% Syrah, 33.3% Mer $34.95 ***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Cattail Creek Estate Winery Riesling 200 $15.95 -GreenLane Estate Winery Riesling 2010 $21.75 -Hinterbrook Estate Winery Riesling 2010 $18.00 -Vineland Estates Winery St. Urban Riesling 2009 $20.00 -Rockway Glen Estate Winery Chardonnay / Riesling 2010 51.3% Chard, 48.7% Ries $12.79 -De Sousa Wine Cellars SEASONS Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $13.95 -Stonechurch Vineyards Riesling Gewürztraminer 2009 63% Ries, 37% Gew $9.95 My ** BEST VALUE WINE ** -Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2009 $35.00 -Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Beal Vyd Chardonnay Reserve 2009 $24.95 -Creekside Estate Winery Reserve Viognier 2010 $29.95 -Vignoble Rancourt Winery Cabernet Franc 2007 $24.80 -Flat Rock Cellars Reserve Pinot Noir 2009 $45.00 -Rosewood Estates Winery Pinot Noir Reserve 2009 $40.20 -Kacaba Vineyards Reserve Merlot 2007 $44.95 -Palatine Hills Est Winery Prop's Reserve Merlot 2007 $24.95 -Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery Reserve Red 2008 40% Mer, 33.3% CS, 26.7% CF $55 -Hillebrand Estates Winery Artist Series Limited Edition Cabernet Merlot 2010 50% Mer, 40% CF, 10% CS $18.75 -Pelee Island Winery Alvar Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2010 68% CS, 32% Mer $13.95 -Peller Estates Winery Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 $19.75 -Legends Estates Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007 $17.95 *** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Calamus Estate Winery Riesling 2010 $16.20 -Reimer Vineyards Winery Riesling 2010 $24.60 -Five Rows Craft Wine of Lowrey Vineyards Riesling 2010 $25.00 -Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $19.95 -Hernder Estates Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $12.95 -Ridge Road Estate Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2010 $14.95 -2027 Cellars '19th Street' Chardonnay 2010 $30 -13th Street Winery Gamay Noir Sandstone Old Vines 2010 $29.95 -Fielding Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2010 $22.95 -Keint-he Winery & Vineyards Foxtail Pinot Noir 2009 $40.00 -Good Earth Vineyard and Winery Pinot Noir 2009 $25.00 -Diamond Estates - The Winery Hat Trick Red 2010 42% CS, 32% CF, 26% Syrah $13.95 -Wayne Gretzky Estates Estate Series Shiraz Cabernet 2008 60% Shiraz, 37% CS, 3% CF $22.95 -Colio Estate Wines CEV Small Lot Shiraz 2008 $24.95 -Magnotta Winery Enotrium Gran Riserva 2008 50% Mer, 25% CS, 25% CF $45 The Food: There was a platter with wraps and sandwiches, three salads (including Caesar, pasta and frisee), fresh fruit and petit fours. Coffee and canned drinks were also available, The Downside: It was a beautiful, sunny day outside but I had no time admire the view from the 68th floor. The Upside: There were some terrific wines, but also some that should/could have scored higher. The Contact Person: erin.mitchell@loudclear.ca The Marketing Effectiveness of this Event (numerical grade): 89. 7. The Time: Monday, February 27, 2012 1 PM to 4 PM The Event: A tasting of Andrew Will Winery Washington State wines, specializing in Bordeaux-styled blends. The Venue: One Restaurant at Hazelton Hotel. The Target Audience: private clients of Halpern Enterprises, the Ontario agent. The Availability/Catalogue: Three wines were shown, all available via Consignment. A fourth wine, Andrew Will Sorella Horse Heaven Hills 2008 (about 72% CS), will be in an upcoming Classics Catalogue, priced at about $90, with about 90 – 100 bottles for sale. It was not available for sampling. The Quote/Background: Robin Pollard from the winery poured my wine. She answered all my queries about Andrew Will and Washington wine sales in Canada. Andrew Will winery was started in 1989 by Chris Camarda, and named after his son Will and nephew Andrew. He also makes a white wine principally for winemaker dinners; it is not marketed. The Wines: **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Andrew Will 2008 Champoux Vineyard (46% CS, 25% Merlot, 23% CF, 5% Petit Verdot), currently a hard finish. $77 -Andrew Will 2007 Two Blondes Red Yakima (40% CS, 34% CF, 19% Merlot, and 7% Malbec), much more juicy. $79 ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Andrew Will 2007 Ciel du Cheval Red (45% CF, 40% Merlot, 15% CS), ready ahead of the others. $69. The Food: extra aged hard cheeses, including a divine blue, plus appropriate breads. The Downside: it was a quick trip, there were only three wines to sample. The Upside: there was plenty of room and the atmosphere was alive with the chatter of knowledgeable buyers. The Contact Person: deron@halpernwine.com; robin.pollard5@gmail.com The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88 8. The Date and Time: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 3:30 PM to 7 PM The Event: Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants mini-portfolio tasting The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve The Target Audience: wine media and Fine Wine Reserve clients. The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available via Vintages or Consignment, or even VSO. The Quote/Background: It was crowded and hot but people knew what they were doing, and kept close to each other while confined. I felt no pressure. The Wines: There were three expensive single-malts and a grappa that I did not taste. **** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Masi Riserva di Costasera Amarone Classico, $69.95 Consignment -Excelsus Castello Banfi 2007 +983916 $79.00 VSO -Louis Roederer Brut Premier +268771 $67.95 Vintages Essential -Vina Cobos Chardonnay Felino Mendoza 2010 +119099 $19.95 Vintages -Ornellaia +722470 $185.95 Vintages ***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Masi Costasera Amarone 2007 +317057 $39.95 -Masi Serego Alighieri Valpolicella Dell'Anniversario Classico Superiore 2008 +661306 $23.95 Vintages March -Masi Osar 2003 Verona Red IGT +580233 $69.00 VSO -Banfi Centine Toscana IGT +947440 $16.95 Vintages -Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 +998328 $27.95 Vintages -Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2006 +378257 $59.95 Vintages -Natura Carmenere 2010 +175091 $15.95 Vintages March -Tasca D'Almerita Lamuri 2009 +568089 $17.95 Vintages March *** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms): -Masi Brolo di Campofiorin 2007 +976092 $24.95 Vintages -Masi Toar 2007 +342444 $21.95 Vintages -Vigne Regali Principessa Gavi 2010 +250696 $18.95 Vintages The Food: basic cheeses and breads The Downside: for me, I was at the tasting after watching a long, depressing play, and before a dinner. The Upside: a great chance to taste Masi and Banfi. The Contact Person: aearle@awsm.ca The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness/Execution (numerical grade):87.