Oct 28/09 Event: a tasting of Bordeaux wines priced under $30

 The Time and Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2009    1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
The Event: a tasting of Bordeaux wines priced under $30
The Venue: Polson Pier, Solarium.
The Target Audience: wine trade, writers, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available through the normal
distribution channels and consignment.
The Quote/Background: the wine press got top notch service in a
separate room, away from the crowds, where we could sit, relax and
examine our tastings more carefully without supplier pressure. The idea
of modestly priced Bordeaux was a terrific idea.
The Wines: There were about 45 wines, but the writers were only
presented with 27. So we still had to join the passing parade.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dourthe La Grande Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc 2008, $15.95 +159640
-Ch. De Courteillac 2007, $11.95 +360552 (tip: get the 2007, much
better than 2008 now being rolled out)
-Ch. Castegens 2005 Cote de Castillon, $18.95 +125856
-Ch. Tourte des Graves 2005 Graves, $24.95, +117630
-Ch. Magnol 2007 Haut-Medoc, $30 Charton Hobbs Private Order
-Ch. Roquetaillade La Grange Vieilles Vignes 2005 Graves, $21.95
+125666
-Ch. La Croix Canon 2002 Canon Fronsac, $19.95 Rouge et Blanc Private
Order
-Ch. Grand Bateau 2007, $19.95 Rouge et Blanc Private order
-Ch. Belle Vue Haut Medoc 2005, $29.90 Vintages

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Christian Moueix Merlot 2005, $15.95 +961227
-Ch. Grimont Prestige Premieres 2006, $18.95 +160416
-Calvet Reserve de L'Estey 2006 Medoc, $13.95 +38208
-Ch. St.Andre Corbin St. Georges St Emilion 2006, $22.85 +43810
-Christian Moueix St. Emilion 2005, $22.95 +979955
-Ch. Haut-Plaisance Montaigne St. Emilion 2003, $23.75 – "Best Buy"
(oldest wine here)

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Ch. La Croix de Queynac 2005, $15.20 +138636
-Ch. Puyfromage 2005, $15.40 +33605
-Ch. Pey La Tour Reserve 2006, $21.95 +925859
-Ch. Courreges 2005, $24.95 +117608
-Ch. La Grolet 2005, $24.95 +126615
-Ch. Cherchy-Desqueyroux 2005 Graves, $23.95 +125518
-Ch. Des Laurels Puisseguin St. Emilion 2006, $19.95 +371401

 

The Food: a variety of appetizer portions – steak au poivre, duck
confit, veggie rice roll wraps, chicken skewers, salmon tartare on
endive, bruschetta, deep fried meat spring rolls.
The Downside: it was at the end of nowhere, deep into Toronto Island. I
came by TTC, and returned to the subway via the organizer's free
shuttle (THANKS!!). I heard that parking was $15, and that people
abandoned their cars on the small street.
The Upside: this was a good idea, and I liked the separate press room.
The Contact Person: Ann Marie Koumettou Bordeaux.ca@sopexa.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 86.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com