MORE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS April 28 TO May 25

MORE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS     Save on these wines from April 28 to May 25, 2025

BOTTEGA GOLD PROSECCO DOC Treviso, Veneto

+621458 (D – 14 g/L) 750 mL $30.95

NOW $29.45 Save $1.50

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

traditional method

+224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $32.95

NOW $30.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand

+650325 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $20.95

NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE

+158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 mL $119.95

NOW $109.95 Save $10.00

W H I T E W I N ES

CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench,

Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, sustainable

+286377 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $21.95

NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough New Zealand

+225557 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95

NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula

+43281 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $19.95

NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ILLUMINATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand

+18947 (D – 16 g/L) 750 mL $20.95

NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

+Earn 50 bonus points

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand

+40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL REG. $23.95

NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara

+198853 (M – 24 g/L) 750 mL $24.95

NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

R E D W I N ES

CATENA MALBEC Mendoza, Argentina

+478727 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95

NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

+Earn 75 bonus points

CHÂTEAU PIPEAU SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU Bordeaux

+302018 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $44.95

NOW $40.95 Save $4.00

MAN FAMILY WINES SKAAPVELD SHIRAZ

WO Cape Coast, South Africa

+71332 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $14.95

NOW $12.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ANTICO IGT Tuscany

+69377 (D – 8 g/L) 750 mL $17.95

NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

+Earn 30 bonus points

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough New Zealand

+590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $21.95

NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA CASTEL DEL MONTE DOCG Puglia, Italy

+177295 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $26.95

NOW $23.95 Save $3.00

DUCA DI SARAGNANO ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia, Italy

+636613 (D – 18 g/L) 750 mL REG. $21.95

NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

LCBO LTOs April 28 - May 25 2025

MORE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines from April 28 to May 25, 2025

BOTTEGA GOLD PROSECCO DOC Treviso, Veneto
+621458 (D – 14 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $29.45 Save $1.50

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
traditional method
+224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $30.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand
+650325 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
+158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 mL $119.95
NOW $109.95 Save $10.00


W H I T E W I N ES

CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, sustainable
+286377 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough New Zealand
+225557 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula
+43281 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ILLUMINATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+18947 (D – 16 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 50 bonus points

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara
+198853 (M – 24 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00


R E D W I N ES

CATENA MALBEC Mendoza, Argentina
+478727 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 75 bonus points

CHÂTEAU PIPEAU SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU Bordeaux
+302018 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $44.95
NOW $40.95 Save $4.00

MAN FAMILY WINES SKAAPVELD SHIRAZ
WO Cape Coast, South Africa
+71332 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $14.95
NOW $12.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ANTICO IGT Tuscany
+69377 (D – 8 g/L) 750 mL $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 30 bonus points

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough New Zealand
+590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA CASTEL DEL MONTE DOCG Puglia, Italy
+177295 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $26.95
NOW $23.95 Save $3.00

DUCA DI SARAGNANO ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia, Italy
+636613 (D – 18 g/L) 750 mL REG. $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for APRIL 26, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  APRIL 26, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine


MAJOR THEME:  Wines for Spring Flings

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
Rose+15267 STONELEIGH WILD VALLEY ROSÉ NEW ZEALAND 2024 $18.95
Rose+37864 PÉTALOS DE ARESAN ROSÉ SPAIN 2024 $13.95

W+30599 LEINDL GV GRÜNER VELTLINER AUSTRIA 2023 $19.95
W+485334 KEW MARSANNE VQA 2020 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+200501 KONZELMANN RIESLING VQA 2023 $16.95
W+175232 SAINT-ROCH CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON CORBAROL 2021 $14.95
W+39938 CASTELFEDER REBELL RIESLING MOSEL-SAAR-RUWER 2023 $19.95
W+25713 KOUROS ASSYRTIKO GREECE 2023 $14.95
W+27182 DOMAINE HATZIMICHALIS ALEPOTRYPA VINEYARD ASSYRTIKO GREECE 2023 $18.95
W+39754 PRIMO MONTE SKIN FERMENTED NATURAL WINE ABRUZZO 2023 $18.95
W+13359 BERTANI SEREOLE SOAVE VENETO 2023 19.95
W+144386 SOHO PEGGY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $18
W+41261 CUATRO RAYAS 40 VENDIMIAS VERDEJO SPAIN 2023 $14.95

R+548867 CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA PORTUGAL 2019 $15.95
R+MARQUÉS DE LA CONCORDIA RIOJA-SANTIAGO RESERVA 2019 $18
R+606764 ARBOLEDA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2022 $19.95
R+42731 CHATEAU DE DURETTE LES BRUYÈRES RÉGNIÉ BEAUJOLAIS 2023 $19.95
R+43441 M. CHAPOUTIER LA CIBOISE LUBERON RHONE 2022 $14.95
R+984997 TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE VENETO 2021 $19.95
R+166579 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA 2020 $16.95

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
Fizz+438200 WESTCOTT VIOLETTE SPARKLING VQA 2023 $26.95
Fizz+43594 KEW ROSALIE ROSÉ SPARKLING VQA 2019 $32.95

W+547299 BACHELDER WISMER-FOXCROFT PARCELLE NORD CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $54.95
W+578864 LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $25.95
W+68825 HIDDEN BENCH ROSOMEL VINEYARD FUMÉ BLANC VQA 2022 $29.95
W+974527 VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALANSD 2023 $21.95

R+243592 FOWLES LADIES WHO SHOOT THEIR LUNCH WILD FERMENT SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2020 $34.95
R+258228 MISSION HILL COMPENDIUM BC VQA 2019 $78.95
R+39621 BACHELDER BEAM CITY PINOT NOIR VQA 2021 $39.95
R+43438 ALBERT BICHOT HAUTES COTES DE NUITS ROUGE BURGUNDY 2022 $36.95
R+19288 MONTES ALPHA SPECIAL CUVÉE PINOT NOIR CHILE 2022 $24.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through Sunday April  27 --  better hurry!!!

Fizz+991562 Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne, now $23.45, save $1.50
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench, now $29.95, save $3
W+35t386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, now $18.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+711556 Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay Clare Valley South Australia, now $15.95, save $2
R+64618 Featherstone Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara, now $19.95, save $2
R+258673 G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir VQA NOTL, now $17.95, save $2
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.95, save $3
R+58339 Kaiken Estate Malbec Mendoza Argentina, now $16.95. save $2


MORE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines from April 28 to May 25, 2025

BOTTEGA GOLD PROSECCO DOC Treviso, Veneto
+621458 (D – 14 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $29.45 Save $1.50

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
traditional method
+224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $30.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand
+650325 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
+158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 mL $119.95
NOW $109.95 Save $10.00


W H I T E W I N ES

CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, sustainable
+286377 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough New Zealand
+225557 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula
+43281 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ILLUMINATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+18947 (D – 16 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 50 bonus points

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara
+198853 (M – 24 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00


R E D W I N ES

CATENA MALBEC Mendoza, Argentina
+478727 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 75 bonus points

CHÂTEAU PIPEAU SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU Bordeaux
+302018 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $44.95
NOW $40.95 Save $4.00

MAN FAMILY WINES SKAAPVELD SHIRAZ
WO Cape Coast, South Africa
+71332 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $14.95
NOW $12.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ANTICO IGT Tuscany
+69377 (D – 8 g/L) 750 mL $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 30 bonus points

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough New Zealand
+590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA CASTEL DEL MONTE DOCG Puglia, Italy
+177295 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $26.95
NOW $23.95 Save $3.00

DUCA DI SARAGNANO ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia, Italy
+636613 (D – 18 g/L) 750 mL REG. $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

LCBO'S Limited Time Offerings deals March 31 to April 27, 2025...

LCBO'S Limited Time Offerings deals March 31 to April 27, 2025...

Fizz+991562 Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne, now $23.45, save $1.50
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench, now $29.95, save $3
W+35t386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, now $18.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+711556 Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay Clare Valley South Australia, now $15.95, save $2
R+64618 Featherstone Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara, now $19.95, save $2
R+258673 G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir VQA NOTL, now $17.95, save $2
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.95, save $3
R+58339 Kaiken Estate Malbec Mendoza Argentina, now $16.95. save $2

More LTO deals are at --

Products | LCBO

Products | LCBO Discover our assortment of products at LCBO. Compare products, read reviews, and shop online for in-store pickup...

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Numbers vs Stars

Consumers tend to round up when they use stars to rate products but round down when they use numbers, University of B.C. assistant professor Deepak Sirwani has found. His research shows sales may triple if companies used star ratings compared to numerical ones.

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for APRIL 12, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  APRIL 12, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine


MAJOR THEME:  Perfect Pairings for Easter and Passover

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
FIZZ+352856 CYGNUS SADOR ORGANIC RESERVA BRUT NATURE CAVA $19.95
W+918805 CATENA HIGH MOUNTAIN VINES CHARDONNAY ARGENTINA 2023 $20.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+166942 WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC AUSTRALIA 2024 $17.95
W+89011 FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA 2024 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+44286 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE WHITE VQA 2023 $19.95
W+519025 FEATHERSTONE PHOENIX VQA 2024  $18.95
W+99309 LEYDA GARUMA COASTAL VINEYARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2023 $18.95 W+259788 JOSEPH CATTIN RIESLING ALSACE 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+39443 TENUTE ORESTIADI MOLINO A VENTO CATARRATTO SICILY 2023 $14.95  
W+39393 ASSULI CARINDA INSOLIA SICILY 2023 $19.95
W+13338 RADFORD DALE VINUM CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2023 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+218354 GARCIARÉVALO FINCA TRES OLMOS LIAS VERDEJO SPAIN 2023 $14.95

R+ 261867 FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA MALBEC ARGENTINA 2023 $19.95
R+744235 WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2022  $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+14148 EMILIANA NOVAS GRAN RESERVA PINOT NOIR CHILE 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+23259 TOMMASI RAFAÈL VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2022  $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+421024 LAVAU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2020 $16.95


Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+42732 OEDORIA DIAMANT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE BRUT SPARKLING $24.95
ROSE+319368 CHÂTEAU D'AQUÉRIA TAVEL ROSÉ 2024 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
ROSE+493171 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ NEW ZEALAND 2024 $20.95

W+99309 BACHELDER L'ARDOISE NIAGARA CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 AND 2023 $25.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+461640 WILLIAM FÈVRE CHAMPS ROYAUX CHABLIS 2023 $38.95
W+648691 STAETE LANDT ANNABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2022 $24.95

R+213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO 2021 $49.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+236257 GRANT BURGE THE HOLY TRINITY GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE AUSTRALIA 2021 $39.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+312082 STRATUS GAMAY VQA 2023 $35.20 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+427500 WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA 2021 $31.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+392738 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR VQA 2021 $35.70 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+230391 CHÂTEAU LAGRANGE BORDEAUX 2022 $23.95
R+20246 CHÂTEAU FONRÉAUD BORDEAUX 2012 $33.95
R+276576 POGGIOTONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2019 $55.95
R+42287 BERONIA 198 BARRICAS RESERVA SPAIN 2019 $25.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through Sunday April 27, 2025....

Fizz+991562 Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne, now $23.45, save $1.50
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench, now $29.95, save $3
W+35t386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, now $18.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+711556 Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay Clare Valley South Australia, now $15.95, save $2
R+64618 Featherstone Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara, now $19.95, save $2
R+258673 G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir VQA NOTL, now $17.95, save $2
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.95, save $3
R+58339 Kaiken Estate Malbec Mendoza Argentina, now $16.95. save $2

 

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Wines imported to US

The top 10 countries of origin for imported wine in the US by value and by volume were:

Italy (facing a 20% tariff)
France (20% tariff)
New Zealand (10% tariff)
Australia (10% tariff)
Spain (20% tariff)
Chile (10% tariff)
Argentina (10% tariff)

Portugal (20% tariff)

Germany (20% tariff)

South Africa (31% tariff)

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

REPORT ON DRINK CHILE 2024 TORONTO WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING

REPORT ON DRINK CHILE 2024 TORONTO WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING

The Date and Time: Tuesday November 12, 11:30AM to 4:30 PM
The Event: Wines of Chile annual tasting in Toronto
The Venue: One King Street West
The Target Audience: wine trade in day time, them public at night
The Availability/Catalogue:just about everything is at the LCBO
The Quote/Background: it was a very pleasant stroll through the uncrowded aisles, with many familiar faces.
The Wines: I could not try them all....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cono Sur Sparkling Rose Pinot Noir $16.05 +365205 LCBO
-Emiliana Signos de Origen Chardonnay Casablanca 2022 $21.95 +37756 Vintages
-Emiliana Novas Stellar Selection Red Blend Maule $19.95 +35672 Vintages
-Vina Garces Silva Organic Boya Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2024 $15.95 +389726 Vintages
-Vina Haras de Pirque Hussonet Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Maipo $25 (Mark Anthony)
-Vina las Ninas Traditional Method Sparkling Chardonnay NV Colchagua $19.95 (Hektars Agency)
-Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Leyda $16.95 +37758 Vintages
-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Colchagua $22.95 +322586 Vintages
-Vina Vik A Cabernet Sauvignon Cachapoal 2022 $48 (Bacco Imports)
-Vina Vik Milla Cala Cachapoal 2021 $100
-Vina Vik La Piu Belle Cachapoal 2021 $135
-Vina Vik VIK Cachapoal $250
-Montes Folly Syrah Colchagua 2020 $90 +62356
-De Martino Viejas Tinajas Muscat Itata 2021 $47 +25921
-Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon  2020 +35100 $220
-Casa Bauza Presumido 2020 +38476  $40
-Garage Wine Co Cru Truquilemu DO Empedrado 2019 +24544  $71.25

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Caliterra Tributo Chardonnay 2022 Casablanca +37748 $17.95
-Vina Carmen Delanz Cabernetv Sauvignon Alto Jahuel Maipo +41879 $29.95
-Arboleda Chardonnay Aconcagua $18.95 +606772 $18.95
-Emiliana Organic Coyam Colchagua +63891 $29.95
-Las Ninas Ella Chardonnay Organic Casablanca +37162 $13.95
-Montes Sparkling Angel $26.95 +37122 Vintages
-Montes Alpha Chardonnay Aconcagua +390203 $19.95
-Montes Wings Apalta +33354 $67.95
-Montes Purple Angel 2021 Colchagua +62364 $109.95
-Montgras Intriga 2022 Maipo $23.95 (Charton Hobbs)

The Food: cold cuts platter, with salami and prosciutto, two cheeses, lots of breads (soft focaccia), cooked split cherry tomatoes, marinated eggplant, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, dry cured tomatoes.
The Downside: modest food platter
The Upside: lots of room to move around, in the early hours of the show
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for MARCH 29, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  MARCH 29, 2025 release.                       
                                 THIS IS THE BLUE MOON RELEASE!!!!

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEME:  Classic Euro wines and their New World Counterparts

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+662775 D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE AUSTRALIA 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+370098 PAUL MAS SINGLE VINEYARD COLLECTION NICOLE VINEYARD RÉSERVE VIOGNIER LANGUEDOC  2022 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+599274 DR. L RIESLING MOSEL-SAAR-RUWER 2023 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+40537 NOVUS ALTITUDE ASSYRTIKO/MOSCHOFILERO/MALAGOUSIA GREECE 2023 $15.95

R+66298 LA POSTA PIZZELLA FAMILY MALBEC ARGENTINA 2023 $17.95
R+36316 TRAPICHE TESORO MALBEC ARGENTINA 2022 $15.95
R+433060 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2021 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+25366 TRIUS DISTINCTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON VQA 2023  $19.95
R+42221 DOMAINE DE BEL-AIR LES GRANITS BLEUS BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2022 $19.95 R+948059 FAMILLE PERRIN SIGNATURE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2021 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+39226 CORNO GRANDE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO PREMIUM 2022 $17.95
R+39484 CA' DI RAJO CABERNET SAUVIGNON VENEZIE 2023 $17.95
R+41902 SANTOS LIMA TAVERNA DA ALDEIA PORTUGAL 2021 $13.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine


Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+42003 HENRI D'AUGAN BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX ROSÉ SPARKLING NV $22.95
W+256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CAVE SPRING VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+424507 WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+44145 THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT WILD CASK RIESLING VQA 2021 $32
W+18585 PASCAL BOUCHARD LE CLASSIQUE CHABLIS 2023 $31.95
W+274357 DOMAINE CHAUVEAU LA CHARMETTE POUILLY-FUMÉ 2023 $27.95

R+38499 WAPISA PATAGONIA PINOT NOIR ARGENTINA 2022 $22.95
R+11582 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES NIAGARA PINOT NOIR VQA 2022 $34.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+26503 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE GAMAY VQA 2021 $28.95
R+42229 LES ARBILLONS MÂCON MILLY-LAMARTINE ROUGE 2020 $21.95
R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA PUGLIA 2021 $26.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 $25.95
R+681262 BANFI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO TUSCANY 2022 $26.95
R+984187 MURIEL GRAN RESERVA SPAIN 2015 $29.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through SATURDAY March 29...you better hurry...new listing out March 31 (see next entry below)...

Fizz+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, was $21.95, now $19.95, save $2
W+326728 Oyster Bay Chardonnay New Zealand was $20.95, now $17.95, save $3
W+958975 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3
W+1834 Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes Argentina was, $16.95, now $14.95, save $2
R+425488 Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna was $19.95, now $16.95, save $3
R+352583 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma was, $49.95, now $44.95, save $5
R+964221 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia, was $31.95, now $28.95, save $3
R+177345 Muga Reserva Rioja, was $28.95, now $26.95, save $2
R+149237 The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA Niagara, was $21.95, now $18.95, save $3
R+394718 Erath Pinot Noir Oregon, was $28.95, now $25.95, save $3
R+910430 Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore, was $27.95, now $25.95, save $2.50
R+479766 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3

LTO deals March 31 to April 27, 2025...

Fizz+991562 Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne, now $23.45, save $1.50
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench, now $29.95, save $3
W+35t386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, now $18.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+711556 Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay Clare Valley South Australia, now $15.95, save $2
R+64618 Featherstone Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara, now $19.95, save $2
R+258673 G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir VQA NOTL, now $17.95, save $2
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.95, save $3
R+58339 Kaiken Estate Malbec Mendoza Argentina, now $16.95. save $2

More LTO deals are at --

https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]

** Some New Wines I Tasted Near the End of Last year (2024)  ---

REPORT ON DRINK CHILE 2024 TORONTO WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING

The Date and Time: Tuesday November 12, 11:30AM to 4:30 PM
The Event: Wines of Chile annual tasting in Toronto
The Venue: One King Street West
The Target Audience: wine trade in day time, then public at night
The Availability/Catalogue:just about everything is at the LCBO
The Quote/Background: it was a very pleasant stroll through the uncrowded aisles, with many familiar faces.
The Wines: I could not try them all....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cono Sur Sparkling Rose Pinot Noir $16.05 +365205 LCBO
-Emiliana Signos de Origen Chardonnay Casablanca 2022 $21.95 +37756 Vintages
-Emiliana Novas Stellar Selection Red Blend Maule $19.95 +35672 Vintages
-Vina Garces Silva Organic Boya Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2024 $15.95 +389726 Vintages
-Vina Haras de Pirque Hussonet Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Maipo $25 (Mark Anthony)
-Vina las Ninas Traditional Method Sparkling Chardonnay NV Colchagua $19.95 (Hektars Agency)
-Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Leyda $16.95 +37758 Vintages
-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Colchagua $22.95 +322586 Vintages
-Vina Vik A Cabernet Sauvignon Cachapoal 2022 $48 (Bacco Imports)
-Vina Vik Milla Cala Cachapoal 2021 $100
-Vina Vik La Piu Belle Cachapoal 2021 $135
-Vina Vik VIK Cachapoal $250
-Montes Folly Syrah Colchagua 2020 $90 +62356
-De Martino Viejas Tinajas Muscat Itata 2021 $47 +25921
-Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon  2020 +35100 $220
-Casa Bauza Presumido 2020 +38476  $40
-Garage Wine Co Cru Truquilemu DO Empedrado 2019 +24544  $71.25

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Caliterra Tributo Chardonnay 2022 Casablanca +37748 $17.95
-Vina Carmen Delanz Cabernetv Sauvignon Alto Jahuel Maipo +41879 $29.95
-Arboleda Chardonnay Aconcagua $18.95 +606772 $18.95
-Emiliana Organic Coyam Colchagua +63891 $29.95
-Las Ninas Ella Chardonnay Organic Casablanca +37162 $13.95
-Montes Sparkling Angel $26.95 +37122 Vintages
-Montes Alpha Chardonnay Aconcagua +390203 $19.95
-Montes Wings Apalta +33354 $67.95
-Montes Purple Angel 2021 Colchagua +62364 $109.95
-Montgras Intriga 2022 Maipo $23.95 (Charton Hobbs)

The Food: cold cuts platter, with salami and prosciutto, two cheeses, lots of breads (soft focaccia), cooked split cherry tomatoes, marinated eggplant, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, dry cured tomatoes.
The Downside: modest food platter
The Upside: lots of room to move around, in the early hours of the show
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

REPORT ON A TASTING OF WINES FROM ITALY 2024 TORONTO

REPORT ON A TASTING OF WINES FROM ITALY NOV 2024 TORONTO

The Date and Time:  November 1, 2024, 10:30AM through 5PM
The Event:The annual wine tasting of Italian wines -- 29th edition!
The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, restaurants, private collectors.
The Availability/Catalogue: the digital catalogue was accessible; unfortunately I had no cell phone.
The Quote/Background: About 93 producers participated, with well over 500 wines. There was a masterclass for about 75 people, led by Michael Godel. The class was all about understanding the evolution and current concept of Italy's IGT and IGP.
The Wines: It was impossible to taste everything. So I just randomly picked tables....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Surnat Vinificato in Anfora 2021 Sebino Bianco IGT Lombardia Franciacorta (Le Sommelier)
-Agricola Foradori Teroldega 2022 Vignet Dolormiti IGT (The Living Vine)
-Rivera Maresse Bombino Bianco 2023
-Collalbrigo  Prosecco  Superiore Conegliano Vald
-Inama Vin Soave 2023 Soave Classico DOC $22.95 LCBO
-Inama Carbonare 2022 Soave Classico DOC
-Ferrucio Deiana Vermentino di Sardegna DOC Arrali $32
-Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 $24.95 Vintages
-Mazzei Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2020 $74.95
-Lis Neris Gris 2023 DOC


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quarticello Ferrando 2022 Lambrusco Emilia IGT (Context Wines)
-Planeta Eruzione Carricante 2021 Terre Siciliane IGT (Noble Estates)
-Fattoria Mancini Wines Pinot Noir Focara 2021 Colli Pesaresi DOC (P V Wine and Spirits)
-Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2021 Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT (Rogers and Company)
-San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2021 DOCG [organic] (Woodman consignment)
-Planeta La Segretta  Grillo Sicilia
-Planeta Etna DOC Contrada Taccione 2022
-Borgogno Langhe Riesling 2021
-Villa Sparina Blanc de Blancs Cortese Trad Method  Piedmont
-Villa Sparina Montterotondo Gavi del Commune di Gavi DOCG
-Wineoclock SRL Serena Prosecco  Treviso Brut Natur $22


The Food: cold cuts of beef and pork; porchetta;dried sausages; pickled mushrooms; assorted veggie crudites; sun-dried tomatoes; breads, biscotti, pasta orecchiette; pesto, olives.
The Downside: it got crowded really fast, and there were many people with perfumes and colognes.
The Upside: a chance to pick and choose wines
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for MARCH 15, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for MARCH 15, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEMES:  Sustainable Italian; South African Stellenbosch; Beamsville Bench

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
FIZZ+515254 VILARNAU BARCELONA RESERVA BRUT ORGANIC SPAIN CAVA $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+186346 SIDEWOOD CHARDONNAY AUSTRALIA 2022 $18.95
 W+19379 TRIUS DISTINCTION SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA 2022 $19.95
W+40441 MICHALAKIS ASSYRTIKO GREECE 2023 $16.15
W+18685 THE WINERY OF GOOD HOPE BUSH VINE CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2023 $15.95
W+218354 GARCIARÉVALO FINCA TRES OLMOS LIAS VERDEJO SPAIN 2023 $14.95

R+38492 ALTUS RESERVA MALBEC ARGENTINA 2021 $19.95
R+24980 KNAPPSTEIN CLARE VALLEY SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2021 $19.95
R+942904 D'ARENBERG D'ARRY'S ORIGINAL GRENACHE/SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2020 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+39275 FEATHERSTONE GAMAY NOIR VQA 2021 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+42112 MORANDE SELECCIÓN DE VIÑEDOS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET CHILE $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+470963 DOMAINE GOURON CHINON LOIRE 2023 $17.95
R+39219 GORGHI TONDI COSTE A PREOLA NERO D'AVOLA 2022 SICILY $17.95
R+39220 TRULLO DI PEZZA MEZZAPEZZA PRIMITIVO PUGLIA 2021 $18.95
R+438713 VALDELACIERVA CRIANZA SPAIN 2019 $17.95
R+443374 RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022  $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+427195 FLOR DE MAIO MAYFLOWER PORTUGAL 2021 $15.95

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
W+16059 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $34.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY VQA 2023 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+177758 ROSEWOOD SÉMILLON VQA 2022 $21.95
W+20455 LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY VQA 2021 $30.00 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+183491 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING VQA 2020 $24.95
W+10489 CHARTRON ET TRÉBUCHET POUILLY-FUISSÉ BURGUNDY 2022 $44.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+38065 MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES CHABLIS 2022 $29.95
W+39744 AGANIS DI FLABE RIBOLLA GIALLA FRIULI 2023 $21.95

R+38499 WAPISA PATAGONIA PINOT NOIR ARGENTINA 2022 $22.95
R+520379 BACHELDER WISMER-PARKE SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA 2022 $54.95MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+325118 PELLER PRIVATE RESERVE MERITAGE VQA 2021 $29.95
R+36194 FIELDING CABERNET FRANC VQA 2022 $26.15
R+42129 CHÂTEAU MONTLISSE BORDEAUX 2016 $54.95
R+559732 ANDRÉ GOICHOT & FILS PERNAND-VERGELESSES 2023 $42.95
R+331900 E. GUIGAL GIGONDAS RHONE 2020 $47.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+906073 FAMILLE PERRIN LA GILLE GIGONDAS RHONE 2021 $32.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+39225 JASCI & MARCHESANI NERUBÈ MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $21.95
R+39475 OLIANAS CANNONAU SARDINIA 2021 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+630939 RICASOLI BROLIO BETTINO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 $28.95
R+695023 NIEPOORT VERTENTE TINTO PORTUGAL 2020 $30.95
R+446484 DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS SPAIN 2022 448B 12 $22.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through SUNDAY March 30...

Fizz+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, was $21.95, now $19.95, save $2
W+326728 Oyster Bay Chardonnay New Zealand was $20.95, now $17.95, save $3
W+958975 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3
W+1834 Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes Argentina was, $16.95, now $14.95, save $2
R+425488 Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna was $19.95, now $16.95, save $3
R+352583 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma was, $49.95, now $44.95, save $5
R+964221 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia, was $31.95, now $28.95, save $3
R+177345 Muga Reserva Rioja, was $28.95, now $26.95, save $2
R+149237 The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA Niagara, was $21.95, now $18.95, save $3
R+394718 Erath Pinot Noir Oregon, was $28.95, now $25.95, save $3
R+910430 Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore, was $27.95, now $25.95, save $2.50
R+479766 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3
 
More LTO deals are at https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]



** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---

REPORT ON A TASTING OF WINES FROM ITALY 2024 TORONTO

The Date and Time:  November 1, 2024, 10:30AM through 5PM
The Event:The GIGANTIC annual wine tasting of Italian wines -- 29th edition!
The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, restaurants, private collectors.
The Availability/Catalogue: the digital catalogue was accessible; unfortunately I had no cell phone.
The Quote/Background: About 93 producers participated, with well over 500 wines. There was a masterclass for about 75 people, led by Michael Godel. The class was all about understanding the evolution and current concept of Italy's IGT and IGP.
The Wines: It was impossible to taste everything. So I just randomly picked tables....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Surnat Vinificato in Anfora 2021 Sebino Bianco IGT Lombardia Franciacorta (Le Sommelier)
-Agricola Foradori Teroldega 2022 Vignet Dolormiti IGT (The Living Vine)
-Rivera Maresse Bombino Bianco 2023
-Collalbrigo  Prosecco  Superiore Conegliano Vald
-Inama Vin Soave 2023 Soave Classico DOC $22.95 LCBO
-Inama Carbonare 2022 Soave Classico DOC
-Ferrucio Deiana Vermentino di Sardegna DOC Arrali $32
-Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 $24.95 Vintages
-Mazzei Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2020 $74.95
-Lis Neris Gris 2023 DOC

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quarticello Ferrando 2022 Lambrusco Emilia IGT (Context Wines)
-Planeta Eruzione Carricante 2021 Terre Siciliane IGT (Noble Estates)
-Fattoria Mancini Wines Pinot Noir Focara 2021 Colli Pesaresi DOC (P V Wine and Spirits)
-Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2021 Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT (Rogers and Company)
-San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2021 DOCG [organic] (Woodman consignment)
-Planeta La Segretta  Grillo Sicilia
-Planeta Etna DOC Contrada Taccione 2022
-Borgogno Langhe Riesling 2021
-Villa Sparina Blanc de Blancs Cortese Trad Method  Piedmont
-Villa Sparina Montterotondo Gavi del Commune di Gavi DOCG
-Wineoclock SRL Serena Prosecco  Treviso Brut Natur $22

The Food: cold cuts of beef and pork; porchetta;dried sausages; pickled mushrooms; assorted veggie crudites; sun-dried tomatoes; breads, biscotti, pasta orecchiette; pesto, olives.
The Downside: it got crowded really fast, and there were many people with perfumes and colognes.
The Upside: a chance to pick and choose wines
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
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