Canadian Wino(s)

Exposing and Celebrating Napa Valley’s Crush on Toronto!
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Tuesday October 27th, 2009
The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West)
8pm-10:30 pm
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Taste 22 Napa Valley Wine Stations
Meet California Winemakers
Socialize with other iYellow Wine Club members
Enjoy the sounds of Toronto House DJ – DJ Dinamo
Explore Queen West’s Vintage Venue The Great Hall
hor’s Deourves provided by On the Move catering company
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$48+gst
*first 50 people to purchase tickets receive a Napa Valley Reusable shopping bag

WANT LIMITED VIP ACCESS?
7pm-10:30pm
Enjoy a VIP Winemaker speed tasting Hour to Meet Winemakers 1:1
limited to first 48 people
$58+gst
* All VIP ticket holders receive a Napa Valley Gift Bag

Limited Tickets Available
Portion of Proceeds will go to Rebecca’s Hope for Leukemia Research

Chile is divided by mountains into a number of valleys which generally run north-south.  Amongst the varied terrain and conditions, they grow a variety of both red and white varieties.  Although there are a handful of producers that command premium pricing, the bulk of wine produced seems to be economical ‘buy and drink’ wine or suitable for short term ageing.  They do make some nice full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.  Carmenère which was once mistaken (or touted as) Merlot is another French grape that is no longer planted significantly in France but has done well in Chile.  Two things to look at when you find a bottle of Chilean wine that you like are 1) the valley, and 2) the producer.  This will help you find others that you may enjoy as well.

Chile – Chardonnay

2007 Montes Alpha Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley Special Cuvee, $22.95

Drink now
Grapes: Chardonnay
90 – Josh Raynolds (Int’l Wine Cellar)
4 things indicate that this could be a good pick: 1) Montes Alpha is a reliable producer in the price range, 2) Casablanca Valley is a good valley, 3)  Vintages has picked it as a cover item (part advertising, part should be good) and finally 4) Josh Raynolds, a reliable critic likes it.  -RM
‘…light gold…aromas of white peach, tarragon, floral honey and smoky lees…citrus and pit fruit flavors…buttered toast and baking spices…’ – JR (Int’l Wine Cellar) 390203

Chile – Cabernet

2006 Santa Rita Medalla Real Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, $19.95

Drink now – 2012
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
91 – James Molesworth (WS)
A Santa Rita was one of the first very enjoyable Chilean Cabs that I had, back in the early 1990’s.  Santa Rita continues to be a good name for Cabernet.   The Maipo Valley is one of the most successful. -RM
‘Ripe and concentrated…macerated current, fig paste, espresso, loam and black licorice notes…dense but integrated tannins…’ – JM (WS) 275594

Chile – Carmenère Vintages Wine of the Month

2007 Concha y Toro Winemakers Lot 148 Carmenere, Rapel Valley, Las Ptatuas Vineyard $16.95

Drink now – 2012
Grapes: Carmenère
This Carmenère gets the nod from Vintages as a wine of the month, and won the Grand Trophy at Chile’s 2nd annual Carmenère Competition in 2009; that makes it worth a try. -RM
‘…deep ruby purple…nose of ripe cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar… – Vintages 146258

Chile – Syrah

2007 Montes Alpha Syrah, Colchagua Valley, Apalta Vineyard, $22.95

Drink now – 2010
Grapes: Syrah
90 – James Molesworth (WS)
He I’m looking at 3 things: 1) Montes Alpha is a good producer, 2) The Colchagua is a good valley, and 3) Syrah might do well in a climate that produces good Cabernet and Chardonnay.  I would expect more of a cool climate Northern Rhone style vs. a hot climate Barossa Valley Shiraz.  For $22.95 it could be interesting to try if you enjoy a good Syrah. -RM
‘Alluring with roasted coffee and vanilla bean note…rich palate of dark cherry, mulled currant and blackberry fruit…’ JM (WS) 000612

Australia – Shiraz Cabernet Blend

2006 Elderton E Series Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia, $14.95

Drink now -2010
Grapes: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
88 Harvey Steiman (WS)
This is a lower end wine from the very good producer – Elderton.  At $15 this could be a very good quaffer and great with bbq fare or spicy chicken.  Just last night I shared a bottle of Elderton’s 2001 CSM (Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot) which was outstanding.  The CSM was great with a chicken baked and seasoned with a bbq sauce/allspice combo – very good.- RM
‘Smooth and round…peppery note riding over the dark berry and licorice flavours…mild grip of tannins.’ HS (WS) 108043

France – Midi – Viognier

2008 Domaine des Aspes Viognier, Vin de Pays d’Oc, $14.95

Drink now
Grapes: Viognier
Viognier is one of the grapes that goes into Chateauneuf du Pape (red) even though it is a white.  It is rich with floral aromatics.  Viognier does well on its own across southern France.  -RM
‘one of the most consistent Viogniers of the Languedoc…pit fruits, garrique, melon and pear…enjoy with spiced seafood dishes’ – Vintages 712638

France – Bargain Bordeaux

2005 Chateau Roquetaillade la Grange Vieilles Vignes, AC Graves, $21.95

Drink 2010 – 2012
Grapes: Left bank blend
90 James Suckling (WS)

We are still seeing wines from the big 2005 vintage, and prices are starting to improve due to the recession.  This moderately priced wine from Graves (for Gravel – a good thing) is only $22 and gets a 90 from Suckling of the Spectator.  He says best after 2010; it probably will be at its best from then to 2012 but can be enjoyed now with some decanting time. – RM

‘…aromas of crushed blackberry and light spices.  Full bodied with just a hint of new wood.  Needs time…’ – JS (WS) 125666

France – Southwest – Malbec

2005 Clos du Chene 100% Malbec, AC Cahors, $15.95

Drink now – 2012
Grapes: Malbec.
Malbec used to be a French grape before becoming renowned as an Argentinean grape.  Cahors is the region for Malbec and they are starting to grow it again.  Why not try one from a great vintage like 2005 that was great for all of France.  RM

‘Opulent damson, vanilla, licorice aroma.  Vibrant fruit on mid palate. Elegant, long…’ – Vintages 129064

Australia – Duo from a good Barossa producer

Barossa Valley is a good producer, and Ebenezer is a small village in the Barossa Valley.  Here are a couple of good single vineyard examples worthy of cellaring 3-5 years.

2004 Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon, $39.95

Drink now – 2014
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
94 James Halliday (Aussie wine critic)
‘…complex cabernet, dark chocolate and mocha…luscious black currant fruit…even better than the 05.  Drink until 2014’ – James Halliday 039537

2004 Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz, $39.95

Drink 2011 – 2014
Grapes: Shiraz
93 Harvey Steiman (WS)
‘…firm in texture, aromatically dramatic…smoky roasted coffee…blackberry, black cherry….just needs time…’ – Vintages 650713

Cheers,   Ross

Tour the best of wine country for only $45

• Meet some of the most talented & passionate people behind the wines.
• Sample Ontario’s spectacular 2007 vintage and over 90 wines
• Hear the stories behind these delicious, highly rated wines
• Purchase exclusive wines at the event
• Nibble on hors d’œuvres made with the freshest local ingredients.

How is this different than the recent Ontario Wine Awards tasting at the distillery?  This is run by Vintages vs. the outside event organizer that does the Distillery tastings.  For my money the Vintages events are far superior in organization.  The venue is better for a wine tasting, and they won’t charge you  extra if you would like a fresh glass part way through (as they did at the Ontario Wine Awards, recently at the Distillery, lol).  The food is usually better too.  There will be some overlap on the wine list but the focus here is premium Ontario wines.  This should be a good opportunity to taste the better Ontario wines in a great venue, and better service.  400 tickets, about 300 still available.