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Sunday, October 31, 2010

SOME NEW WINE PRODUCTS TASTED OCTOBER 2010

SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH
 
1. Domaine Lafage Cote Est 2009 Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes:
skedded to launch in summer (when it would have been more useful), the
October release will give it some time to settle in for a run at
Christmas. It's an aromatic blend at an attractive pricepoint, made
from Grenache blanc and Grenache gris (both 80 to 100 years old) for
body, with added Chardonnay for spine and Marsanne for fruit (almost 20
years old each). The vineyards overlook the Mediterranean, right up
against Spain. Twist top, highly aromatic, best with a light appetizers
or a deck sipper. +179838, $12.95 General List.
 
2. Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay Musque 2008 VQA NOTL: uses
exclusively the chardonnay clone 809 (15-year old vines), an almost in-
your-face aromatic beauty with some "muscat" grapey quality. Unoaked,
of course, and refreshing. 13%, useful for sipping or with lighter
white meats. 575 cases, +322016 Vintages, $16.95.
 
3. Chateau des Charmes Equuleus 2007 VQA St. David's Bench: made from
Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), cabernet franc (25%) and merlot (25%), but
only in good years. Spends one year in French oak. 14% ABV. Tons of
concentrated Bordeaux flavours, all the dark berries and mocha, but
years away from redemption. +319525, InStore Discovery December 11,
$40.
 
4. Puklus Cellar Tokaji Szamorodni 2002 Hungary: an arrested
fermentation wine from the same grapes as puttonyos Tokaji. Thus, it
can be as sweet as a 2 or 3 puttonyos Aszu. It's matured several years
and then released, with an oxidative character useful for fruit or egg
desserts. Gold Medalist in 2009. Quite lovely, and here affordable.
13.5% ABV. 500 mL bottles, +179374 Vintages, $18.95.
 

5. Chateau Haut Bernasse 2003 Monbazillac, $24.95, +194225, for 500 mL
bottle. 13% ABV. Blend of 80% Semillon, 15% muscadelle, and 5%
sauvignon blanc. Nancy Reynolds and I tasted it in February 2010 and we
were both knocked out. I gave it Four Stars (91+ points); she brought
it in via WorldWide Cellar to the InStore Discovery program (Queens
Quay, Summerhill, Royal York, etc.). Expect honey, apricots, orange,
and vanilla. Monbazillac used to be referred to as a poor person's
Sauterne. Certainly, it is less expensive for a wine created in
virtually the same region. Gold Medalist.
 
6. J.P. Chenet Cabernet-Syrah 2009 (+90472, $8.95 LTO GL)
7. J.P. Chenet Premiere de Cuvee Merlot-Cabernet 2008 (+621995, $11.95
GL)
8. J.P. Chenet Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (+161224, $9.95 GL)
These three wines are all part of a re-launch by Les Grands Chais de
France. They come in a distinctive pot bottle that seems difficult to
lay on its side, although the wines do have a cork-like closure. This
suggests immediate drinkability, and you wouldn't be wrong. The
Sauvignon Blanc is melon-like with a citric finish, better as an
aperitif. The Cabernet-Syrah is lighter than anything comparable from
Australia, but has nice berry notes and a moderate finish. The best,
and more expensive of the three, is the oak aged Merlot-Cabernet at
13.5% ABV, one that is coming around with fruit tones, plus vanilla and
pepper. All three have been sugar-coded by the LCBO at 1, and the reds
are Pays D'Oc wines while the Sauvignon Blanc is a Vin de Pays de Cotes
de Gascoigne. The vintage year and lot number is on the collar, not the
label.
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Oct 30/10: WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET)

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 30, 2010
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to
thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers
and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. My tastings are based on
MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price
Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE:
The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine
writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not available for re-
tasting.
 
TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Strewn Terroir SV French Oak Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara Lakeshore:
broad oak-based flavours (spices, toast, vanilla), some tropicality.
Finishes soft and fruity. +189589, $19.95, QPR: 89.
2. Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough: partly softened
by barrel fermentation of a portion, complex, crisp, rich. +9142,
$17.95.
3. Jean Geiler Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace: off-dry mouthfeel,
delightful balance of MVC, good bitterness on the finish. +106864,
$16.95, QPR: 90.
4. P. Perdriaux Domaine de Vaugondy Vouvray Sec 2007: appley, soft
finish, best with food. Well-made chenin blanc. +189142, $14.95, QPR:
89.
 
TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Hedges Cellars CMS 2008 Columbia Valley Washington State: finely
textured, ready now, black berries and long length. +948992, $17.95,
QPR: 90.
2. Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Blend 2007 Mendoza: described by one
reviewer as a Mendocino blend (whatever that is), juicy, long length,
black fruit. 13.5% ABV. +640938, $17.95, QPR: 89.
3. Fincas Patagonicas Zolo Classic Malbec 2009 Mendoza: juicy lucy
style wine, long but hot finish. 13.8% ABV. +183905, $12.95, QPR: 89.
4. Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Colchagua:
delicious black fruit, wood tones, good finish. 14% ABV. Buy a lot of
it. +169847, $16.95, QPR: 90.
5. Teillery Reserve Shiraz 2006 Maipo: very intense, dry and duty
fruit, best with fatty foods. +171454, $15.95, QPR: 89.
6. Angove's Nine Vines Shiraz/Viognier 2009 South Australia: juicy, up
front fruit really leaps out at you. +191668, $15.95, QPR: 89.
7. Henry's Drive Pillar Box Red 2007 Padthaway: delivers a lot of
complex flavours at an affordable price. Twist top, 15% ABV! +685941,
$15, QPR: 90.
8. Domaine Zumbaum Tomasi Clos Maginiai Pic Saint-Loup 2007 Coteaux du
Languedoc: magnanimous wine, dark fruit and dark berries, coming around
soon, maybe after Christmas. +185868, $18.95, QPR: 89.
9. Feudi San Pio Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2007: very good Ripasso
with MVC, very aromatic, plush and fruity. 14% ABV. +181446, $15.95,
QPR: 90.
10. Mahler-Besse Taja Reserva 2005 Jumilla: delicious sipper or food
wine, balanced blend of oak and fruit from Monastrell, Tempranillo and
Cabernet Sauvignon. +243329, $14.95, QPR: 90.
 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.
 
1. Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2007 Napa, +346304, $53.95 retail.
2. Vine Cliff Proprietress Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Los Carneros Napa,
+198903, $34.95
3. Alain Geoffroy Beauroy Chablis 2007 1er Cru, +733501, $24.95.
4. Austin Hope Winery Hope Family Vineyard Syrah 2008 Paso Robles,
+686121, $39.95.
5. Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 Santa Barbara,
+652883, $48.95.
6. Luca Pinot Noir 2008 Mendoza, +175570, $28.95.
7. Chateau Divon 2006 Saint-Georges Saint-Emilion, +190926, $23.95.
8. Christian Moueix Pomerol 2007, +903013, $24.95.
9. Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, +512384, $29.95.
10. Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 2005, +353201, $43.95,
11. Bottega Il Vino Degli Dei Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006,
+181537, $41.95.
 
 

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Oct 5, 2010: Chilean wine show, ROM

The Time and Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2010  2 PM to 5 PM

The Event: Wines of Chile Toronto '10 Annual Tasting.

The Venue: Bronfman Hall, ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: a good model catalogue, with prices and CSPCs, plus agents and contacts. It was spiral bound and arranged alphabetically. Wines are either here or available by private order.

The Quote/Background: There was a separate table for many Carmenere wines, and there was also a separate table for Trophy and Gold Medal Winners from the 7th Annual Wines of Chile Awards. Both servers were extremely useful and knowledgeable.

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Emiliana Adobe Chardonnay Casablanca 2010 Organic, $12.95 Vintages 2011

-Emiliana Winemaker Selection Chardonnay-Marsanne-Viognier 2008 Casablanca, $19.95 +63909 Vintages

-Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Chardonnay 2008

-Maipo Gran Devocion Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Casablanca, $18.95  Select

-Montgras Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $14.95  +48025

-Montgras Intriga 2007 Maipo, $14.95  +57901  Kirkwood

-Nativa Eco Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2006 Maipo, $19.95 +975359 Vintages

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (8890 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Amayna Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Leyda Valley, $28.95, +143511 Vintages.

-Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 200 Maipo, $16.95 +358309 GL

-Casas del Bosque

-Casa Silva Quinta Generacion Red 2010 Colchagua, $24.95 Churchill

-Chocalan Malvilla Sauvignon Blanc 2009 San Antonio, $15.95 Lifford

-Concha y Toro Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007, $19.95 +162040 Vintages March 5, 2011

-Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Maipo, $26.95 +94128 Vintages Dec 11, 2010

-Cono Sur Bicycle Viognier 2009 Colchagua, $9.95 +64287 GL

-De Martino Single Vineyard Old Bush Vines Limavida 2007 Maule, $34.65 Halpern

-De Martino Single Vineyard El Leon Carignan 2007 Maule, $34.65 Halpern

-El Principal 2006 Maule, $74.95 Churchill (CS/Carm)

-Emiliana Novas Chardonnay 2009 Casablanca, $14.95 Vintages

-Hacienda Araucano Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Central Valley,  $15.95 Diamond

-Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2007 Colchagua, $109.95  Diageo

-Lapostolle Borobo 2007 Colchagua, $94  +39263 Diageo

-Luis Felipe Edwards Dona Bernarda 2006 Colchagua, $34.95 Vintages

-Luis Felipe Edwards Malbec Grand Reserva 2008, $16.95

-Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Pinot Noir 2008

-Cono Sur Vision Single Vineyard Viognier 2009

-VC Family Estates Agustinos Sauvignon Blanc Reserva Privada 2009

-VC Family Estates Porta Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2008

-San Pedro Tarapaca 1865 Single Vineyard Syrah 2007, $24.99

-Emiliana Coyam 2007 Colchagua (red blend) $29.95 Vintages June 2011

-Maipo Gran Devocion Cabernet-Sauvignon-Syrah 2008 Maule, $18.95  Select

-Nativa Eco Terra Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Organic 2010 Curico, $12.95  Charton Hobbs

-Nativa Eco Terra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2010 Rapel, $12.95  Charton Hobbs

-Nativa Eco Gran Reserva Chardonnay Organic 2010 Maipo, $14.95  Charton Hobbs

-San Esteban In Situ Laguna del Inca 2008 Aconcagua, $24.75  MCO

-San Esteban In Situ Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2008 Aconcagua, $15.85  MCO

-San Esteban In Situ Chardonnay Winemaker Selection 2009 Aconcagua, $11.95  MCO

-Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet 2007 Maipo, $19.95  +275594 Vintages

-Sena Arboleda Chardonnay 2007 Aconcagua, $15.95 +606772 Vintages

-Via Oveja Negra Chardonnay-Viognier 2009 Maule, $15  Vergina

 

*** Three Stars (8587 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Anakena Viognier Single Vineyard 2009 Rapel, $15.95 Vintages

-Caliterra Estate Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Colchagua, $8.95 +257329 GL

-Carmen Chardonnay Reserva 2009 Casablanca, $9.95 +235663 GL

-Carmen Chardonnay Gran Reserva 2008 Casablanca, $14.95 +921276 Vintages

-Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2009 Casablanca, $13.95 Vintages

-Casas del Bosque Chardonnay Reserva 2009, $13.95 Kylix

-Casa Silva Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Colchagua, $13.99 Churchill

-Casa Silva House Specialty Sauvignon Gris 2010 Colchagua, $21.99 Churchill

-Chocalan Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Maipo, $15.20 Lifford

-Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2008 Maipo, $17.95 +342857 Vintages

-Cono Sur Vision Single Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2008 Casablanca , $14.95 Vintages in 2011

-El Principal Memorias 2007 Maipo, $34.95 (CS/Carm) Churchill

-Luis Felipe Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva 2010 Leyda, $16.95 Noble Estates

-Concha y Toro Maycas del Limari Quebrada Seca Chardonnay 2007

-Undurraga TH Syrah Limari 2007, $34.95

-VC Family Estates Agustinos Pinot Grigio Reserva Privada 2008

-VC Family Estates Porta Chardonnay Select Reserva 2008

-Via Wines Oveja Negra Cabernet Franc – Carmenere 2008 Maule Vergina

-Maipo Gran Devocion Syrah Petite Syrah 2008 Maule, $18.95 Select

-Montes Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Casablanca , $12.95 +159954 GL

-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Colchagua, $19.95 +322586 Vintages

-Montgras Antu Ninquen Syrah 2008 Colchagua, $17.95  +675371 Kirkwood

-VC Family Estates Gracia de Chile Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2009 Bio Bio, $12.95  Abcon

 

The Food: alas, nothing even vaguely Latin American -- Daniel et Daniel pates and cheeses, with various breads and dried fruit.

The Downside: it was presumptuous to give us a scoring mechanism out of 5. Also, we were not allowed to go to the washroom with our glasses, so I had to put my glass down. It was picked up, and I had to fetch another one. This is annoying, and it has happened before in wine tastings here at the ROM.

The Upside: nice clear light.

The Contact Person: ted@androscom.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

 

 
 

Friday, October 22, 2010

* FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH! *

THE FOOD MATTERS COOK BOOK; 500 revolutionary recipes for better
living (Simon & Schuster, 2010, 645 pages, ISBN 978-1-4391-2023-1, $35
US hard covers) is by Mark Bittman, well-known award-winning author and
New York Times columnist. His own health prompted Bittman to change his
diet, and so he has become more conscious of losing weight with healthy
foods that take little out of the environment. If you have read (and
enjoyed) Food Matters, then this is the book for you. It's a guide to
responsible eating: more plants, fewer animals, and less processed
foods. The emphasis here is on "taste" and that involves a more
judicious use of herbs and spices, and cutting back on sugars and
salts. There is a full range here, from apps to desserts, with cook's
notes for each prep, an indication of ease or make-ahead, time
involved, but no nutritional information at the end of the recipe which
many other similar books have. There's a page index to fast recipes,
one for make-aheads, and one for pantry staples. He also has a
bibliography of source materials on food and the planet. Preparations
have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is
a metric table of equivalents.
Audience and level of use: beginners, concerned eaters, Bittman fans.
Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: crisp rice cakes with stir-
fried veggies and chicken; faro with grapes and rosemary; pasta with
fennel and chicken risotto, bowties with arugula, olives, bulgur and
fresh tomatoes; black kale and black olive salad; creamy navy bean and
squash gratin with bits of sausage.
The downside to this book: the easy-going non-doctrinaire tone doesn't
give any sense of urgency.
The upside to this book: a good beginning for the unconverted.
Quality/Price Rating: 90.
 

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Oct 4, 2010 in Toronto, tasting Amarones

The Time and Date: Monday, October 4, 2010  2PM to 4PM

The Event: Amore di Amarone Trade Tasting

The Venue: King Edward Hotel, Vanity Ballroom

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: all products were available, except as noted. Some are at Vintages, some are future orders (16 of them for the trade, 38 at night). The catalogue was quite explicit on prices, vintages, and CSPCs.

The Quote/Background: the Famiglie dell'Amarone d'Arte are visiting Canada for the first time – 12 paid us a visit.

The Wines: only Amarone and a few other wines were presented during the trade show in the afternoon. At the consumer show, there were also red and white regular table wines. I only tasted the Amarones.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Lorenzo Begali Monte Ca' Bianca Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 1997, N/A

-Lorenzo Begali Monte Ca' Bianca Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2005, $89

-Brigaldara Case Vecie Amarone della Valpolicella 2005, $59

-Masi Mazzano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2004, $99.95

-Musella Amarone della Valpolicella 1999, $69

-Speri Vigneto Monte Sant'Urbano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 1997, N/A

-Sergio Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 1998, N/A

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (8890 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Brigaldara Case Vecie Amarone della Valpolicella 2006, $49

-Masi Campolongo di Torbe Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2004, $99.95.

-Masi Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2004, $69.95

-Musella Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva 2006, $52

-Speri Vigneto Monte Sant'Urbano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006, $59

-Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Capitel Monte Olmi 2006, $79

-Tenuta Sant'Antonio Campo dei Gigli Amarone della Valpolicella 2005, $79.

-Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006, $49.95 Vintages Nov 27, 2010 +356220

-Tommasi Vigneto Ca' Florian Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 1998, N/A

-Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006, $47.95 Vintages +413179

 

*** Three Stars (8587 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006, $89

-Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2005, $49

-Nicolis Ambrosan Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2004, $64

-Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella 2006, $39.95 Vintages Essentials +433417

-Tenuta Sant'Antonio Selezione Antonio Castagnedi Amarone della Valpolicella 2006, $41.95 Vintages Dec 11, 2010 +685107

-Venturini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006, $44

-Venturini Campomasua Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2003, $49

 

The Food: artisanal cheeses, mostly from Italy, and great breads and toasts.

The Downside: no chance to order older wines.

The Upside: a great chance to taste older wines.

The Contact Person: rose.holness@lcbo.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 91.

 

 
 

Re: * DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! *

YAY! Thank you!!

>VINO ARGENTINO; an insider's guide to the wines and wine country of
>Argentina (Chronicle Books, 2010; distr. Raincoast, 238 pages, ISBN
>978-0-8118-7330-7, $27.50 US hard covers) is by Laura Catena, daughter
>of Nicolas Catena, the winery owner. She's also a medical doctor in San
>Francisco, has her own line of Argentine wine (Luca), and serves as a
>spokesperson for her father's winery in North America (she came to
>Toronto last spring). As she says, the book "is an insider's travelogue
>to the Argentine wine country. It is part viticulture primer, part
>cultural exploration, part introduction to the Argentine lifestyle." It
>is also the story of the Malbec grape. The book concentrates on the
>Mendoza and its regions, but there is also material on Patagonia and
>Salta. There are wine and food glossaries, and nine recipes for typical
>foods: empanadas, carbonada, milaneseas, dulce de leche, and meat
>dishes. Preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric and
>avoirdupois measurements, but there is no metric table of equivalents.
>The book concludes with some material on resources and bibliographies,
>plus contact information, as well as a handy chapter on touring Buenos
>Aires and the Argentine wine country.
>Audience and level of use: those who wish to know more about Argentine
>wines.
>Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: about 35% of the Argentine
>wine production is exported to the U.S.
>The downside to this book: there are three sketch maps for the regions,
>but no overall map placing these regions.
>The upside to this book: entertaining history of wine development in
>Argentina, nicely accessible.
>Quality/Price Rating: 89.
>
>Chimo! [ http://www.deantudor.com ]www.deantudor.com AND [
>http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com ]http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

Monday, October 18, 2010

* DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! *

VINO ARGENTINO; an insider's guide to the wines and wine country of
Argentina (Chronicle Books, 2010; distr. Raincoast, 238 pages, ISBN
978-0-8118-7330-7, $27.50 US hard covers) is by Laura Catena, daughter
of Nicolas Catena, the winery owner. She's also a medical doctor in San
Francisco, has her own line of Argentine wine (Luca), and serves as a
spokesperson for her father's winery in North America (she came to
Toronto last spring). As she says, the book "is an insider's travelogue
to the Argentine wine country. It is part viticulture primer, part
cultural exploration, part introduction to the Argentine lifestyle." It
is also the story of the Malbec grape. The book concentrates on the
Mendoza and its regions, but there is also material on Patagonia and
Salta. There are wine and food glossaries, and nine recipes for typical
foods: empanadas, carbonada, milaneseas, dulce de leche, and meat
dishes. Preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric and
avoirdupois measurements, but there is no metric table of equivalents.
The book concludes with some material on resources and bibliographies,
plus contact information, as well as a handy chapter on touring Buenos
Aires and the Argentine wine country.
Audience and level of use: those who wish to know more about Argentine
wines.
Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: about 35% of the Argentine
wine production is exported to the U.S.
The downside to this book: there are three sketch maps for the regions,
but no overall map placing these regions.
The upside to this book: entertaining history of wine development in
Argentina, nicely accessible.
Quality/Price Rating: 89.
 

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Sept 28/10: Tasting Stem Wine Group's Portfolio at ACC Real Sports Bar

The Time and Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2010   3PM to 10 PM
The Event: 5th annual Stem Wine Group "Family of Wines" Gala Tasting
The Venue: ACC Real Sports Bar
The Target Audience: wine media, restaurants, private clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is here or will be via
consignment and private orders. The catalogue was a model of
efficiency, with a quick section on how to use the guide. All prices
were given, as well as the terms. The wines were listed by region and
producer, in table order. Helpful cards were placed at each table, with
more details about each wine. This really saved me a lot of time, and I
am sure the patrons appreciated it.
The Quote/Background: Partners Robert Tome and Tony Macchione have
assembled a good portfolio of wines, specializing in sought after wines
from Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, and other regions of Italy. There are
also a select few wines from other European countries plus the New
World.
The Wines: I did not try all the wines, there were over 135 of them.
Fifteen owners or export directors came from abroad for this event.
Prices are retail, but due to a strong Canadian currency, they are also
lower than last year, in general.
 
**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Boroli Barolo Villero Riserva 1998, $120.
-Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2003, $159.99
-Villabella Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Fracastoro 2003, $69.99
-Villabella Passito del Fiordilej 2007, $26.99 (375 mL)
-Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 2005, $109.99
-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2004,
$219
-Collemattioni Brunello di Montalcino 2005, $64.99
-Andeluna Cellars Grand Reserve Pasionado 2005 Mendoza, $49.99
-Andeluna Cellars Grand Reserve Pasionado 2005 Mendoza, $49.99
-Andeluna Cellars Malbec 2009 Mendoza, $16.99
-Villa a Sesta Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, $34.99
-Tenuta Monteti IGT Tuscany 2005, $49 [petit verdot blend]
-Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco 25th Anniversary 2006 Umbria,
$99.99
-Henri Abele Brut Champagne Traditionnel NV, $54.99
 
***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Andeluna Cellars Malbec Reserve 2006 Mendoza, $22.99
-Henri Abele Rose Champagne Traditionnel NV, $69.99
-Boroli Barolo Villero 2004, $99
-Ca' del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo Bric del Baio 2007, $21.99
-Villabella Villa Cordevigo Bianco Veronese 2007, $34.99
-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2004, $149 (other bottle sizes
available, from 375 mL to jeroboam 3 L)
-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2004, $219
-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2003, $199
-La Fattoria de Magliano Poggio Bestiale IGT 2007, $54.99
-La Fattoria de Magliano Perenzo Syrah IGT 2007, $56.99
-Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2006 Riserva Umbria, $59.99
-Masciarelli Castello di Semivicoli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 200, $38.99
-Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004 Villa Gemma, $79.99
-Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico Aglianico 2005, $89.99
-Bodegas Darien Rioja Seleccion 2003, $39.99
-Jax Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2006, $57.99
-Coup de Foudre Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2008, $225
-Merry Edwards Pinot Noir 2009 Russian River, $69.99
-Andeluna Reserve Chardonnay 2006 Mendoza, $22.99
 
*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Ca' Del Baio Barbaresco Valgrande 2006, $36.99
-Delibori Vignetti Cantine Amarone della Valpolicella 2006, $32.99
-Tenuta Monteti Caburnio IGT 2006 Tuscany, $19.99
-Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2007 Umbria, $22.99
-Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi 2005, $49.99
-Bodegas Darien Rioja Crianza 2005, $21.99
-David Franz Lehmann Barossa Benjamin's Promise Shiraz 2005, $51.99
-David Franz Lehmann Barossa Georgie's Walk Cabernet Sauvignon 2005,
$51.99
-Michael Sullberg Merlot 2007 Central Coast, $16.99
-Hart & McGarry Chardonnay Napa Valley 2008, $26.99
-Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, $55.99
-Cant. Produttori Colterenzio Koro 2009 Alto Adige, $23.99
-Zyme Il Bianco 2008 Veneto, $42
-Tombaco Ca'Del Doge Primitivo IGT 2009 Puglia, $11.99
-Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato Alianico 2008 IGT Campania, $21.99
 
Try http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com/2009/10/tasting-4th-annual-stem-
wine-group.html for a commentary on last year's tasting, and
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com/2008/12/trade-tasting-stem-wine-
group-gala.html for a look at what I thought about 2008's tasting.
My ratings are fairly consistent.
 
The Food: it is always about the porchetta! But there were also a
Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel, mushroom risotto with truffle oil, sausages,
shrimp, crab cakes, beef salad, mushroom tarts, plus coffee.
The Upside: there was a jazz-pop guitar group that not only got larger
but also louder as the day unfolded. I left at 7PM, just after the big
crowd came.
The Contact Person: robert@stemwinegroup.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.
 
 

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Oct 16, 2010: World Wine Watch for LCBO Vintages Release


WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 16, 2010
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to
thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers
and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. My tastings are based on
MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price
Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE:
The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine
writers or product consultants. Corked wines are not available for re-
tasting.
 
TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Zolo Torrontes 2009 Mendoza: aromatic, racy, good finish, either
with food or on its own. +183913, $12.95, QPR: 89.
2. The Black Chook VMR 2008 McLaren Vale: delicious aromatic and floral
blend of viognier with marsanne and roussanne. A fruity pleaser with a
nice lemony finish. +186338, $16.95, QPR: 90.
3. Millton Riverpoint Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 Gisborne NZ: balanced,
oak-vanilla-apples-lemons, 12.5% ABV, twist top. +92486, $17.95, QPR:
89.
4. Tokara Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Western Cape: very good MVC consistency
and development, balanced, zest and fruit. +183954, $14.95, QPR: 90.
5. Chateau de Quincay Selection Tradition Sauvignon 2009 Touraine:
fabulous light and crisp character, but more for summer. Why release it 
now? +66183, $13.95, QPR: 90.
6. See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2008 Okanagan: lots of aromas and
tropicality, oaked with a lean finish. 14% ABV. +126912, $19.95, QPR:
89.
 
TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Cabernet de los Andes Tizac Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Fiambala
Argentina: good value as an organic wine, red fruit just jumps right
out. 13.9% ABV, +173369, $12.95, QPR: 91.
2. Estampa Estate Malbec/Petite Sirah 2009 Colchagua Chile: good blend
gives a different take on Malbec, value-driven, 14% ABV. +169938,
$12.95, QPR: 89.
3. Santa Alicia Gran Reserva de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Maipo: juicy, in French oak for a year, but heavy bottle. 14.5% ABV.
+60244, $18.95, QPR: 89.
4. Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah/Viognier 2007 Coastal Region
South Africa: smoked meat and bacon galore, a real winner at this
price, 14.5%. Buy a case. +79442, $17.95, QPR: 91.
5. Chateau Grand-Maison Cuvee Speciale 2006 Cotes de Bourg: smooth and
ready to flow, Merlot-based. Good price. +194217, $16.95, QPR: 89.
6. Chateau Moulin de Canhaut 2005 Medoc: very North American appeal,
black fruit grabs you, almost Rhonish. +190983, $19.95, QPR: 89.
7. Christian Moueix Saint-Emilion 2006: well-made, commercial
complexity, useful tones and flavours at this price. +979955, $19.95,
QPR: 90.
8. Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2007: delicious
because my tasting sample was well-aged, a bit raisiny. +999946,
$15.95, QPR: 89.
9. Marques de Vitoria Crianza 2007 Rioja: off-dry texture, plush
Midweight, definite Rioja-style. +678045, $16.95, QPR: 90.
 
VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.
 
1. Cuvaison Chardonnay 2008 Carneros Napa, +988261, $26.95 retail.
2. Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2008 Russian River, +119073, $44.95.
3. Chateau de Cruzeau Blanc 2007 Pessac-Leognan, +966010, $24.95.
4. Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G.C. Sancerre 2008, +189126, $24.95.
5.  Cakebread Cellars Merlot 2006 Napa, +924159, $79.95.
6. Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Alexander Valley Sonoma, +943472,
$89.95.
7. Charles Cimicky The Autograph Shiraz 2004 Barossa Valley, +27326,
$39.95.
8. Tokara Director's Reserve Red 2006 Stellenbosch, +183962, $26.95
9. Chateau de Lamarque 2004 Haut-Medoc, +194159, $28.95.
10. Chateau Reverdi 2006 Listrac-Medoc, +194209, $25.95.
11. Clos du Grand Puceau 2003 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, +112904, $25.95.
 
Dean Tudor, Ryerson University Journalism Professor Emeritus
Treasurer, Wine Writers' Circle of Canada
Look it up and you'll remember it; screw it up and you'll never forget it.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com

Monday, October 11, 2010

Sept 24/10: Tasting Masciarelli Wines from Abruzzo in Toronto

The Time and Date: Friday, September 24, 2010   3 PM to 5 PM

The Event: A private tasting of Masciarelli wines (Abruzzo, Italy), led by Marina Cvetic, owner.

The Venue: ONE Hotel, Yorkville

The Target Audience: sommeliers, special guests

The Availability/Catalogue: Masciarelli is represented in Ontario by Stem; wines are available on consignment from time to time or by special order.

The Quote/Background: This was Marina's first trip to Toronto. The company began in 1978, and now has 380 hectares. They were mainly responsible for changing the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo style by creating barrique aging and using older vines. The winery is a consistent winner in Italian competitions.

The Wines: Villa Gemma is only produced in good years and uses French oak. All prices are licensee.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005, $25.99

-Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2001, not available

-Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004, $71.99

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (8890 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Masciarelli Castello di Semivicoli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2007, $35.99.

-Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004, not available

 

*** Three Stars (8587 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Masciarelli Linea Classica Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2009, $12.99.

-Masciarelli Linea Classica Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007, $14.99.

 

The Food: bruschetta with olive oil and prosciutto, four artisanal cheeses, fruits and nuts.

The Downside: personally, I had just come from an LCBO Vintages tasting; I needed to refresh my palate.

The Upside: a great setting.

The Contact Person: Robert@stemwinegroup.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 91.