Wine Tasting

Wines

Red:
5 Henry Of Pelham Baco Noir VQA 13% LCBO #270626 $15.95
6 Pelee Island Cabernet Franc VQA 12.7% LCBO#:433714 $13.95
4 Melini Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 14.0% LCBO #478819 $21.00
3 Château de Vaugelas Le Prieuré Corbières 2019 13.5% VINTAGES 154617 $15.95

White:
2 Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2019 13.0% VINTAGES#:149302 $22.95
1 Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 12.5% VINTAGES#: 672345 $17.95

Cheeses:
1 Camembert
2 Spanish Fresh
3 Asiago Zanetti
4 Montasio
5 M. Gustav Gouda Jalapeno

Group 5 Meet on Thursday July 29, 2022 for a summer tasting. The weather was fine (maybe a bit warm) so we were able to sit outside.

We had 6 wines which we rated on their own. We then rated each wine with a cheese. We found that the cheese didn’t really improve the taste of the wine. If there was any effect it seemed to be a negative on the wine. With one exception (wine 3) the wine reduced the rating of the wine. Wine 3 was also the wine that scored last in the tasting.

NO Conclusions were reached..

Paul Walters provided the wines for a wonderful time at the Paget's Cedar Springs retreat. The group was most appreciative of the fabulous venue and the great hosting by Judy and Neil.

The theme was Syrah/Shiraz wines from different countries. The results of their tastings were as follows:

             1. Chocolat Factory Shiraz,2020, Australia $19.95
             2. Crozes Hermitage Syrah,2012, France $24.95
             3. Corralillo San Antonio Syrah/Shiraz, Chile $21.95
             4. Creekside Syrah/Shiraz, VQA,Canada $15.95
             5. Fram Syrah/Shiraz, Swartland, South Africa $18.75
             6. Fusion Shiraz/Melbec, Argentina, $9.50

Some of us remembered when Fuzion was introduced as an early Argentinian wine. The taste hasn't improved and it ranked 6th. However, the price is right.

The conversation was lively and the good fellowship and camaraderie enjoyed by all.

Paul Walters

The Mystery Wine Tasting Event

Alan Lytle hosted the first post-pandemic gathering of our group in his garden. He presented

the group

with 6 wrapped bottles and asked us to identify the common theme. After faithfully sniffing,

swirling,

tasting, gulping, holding up to the light and adding appropriate comments, scoring, none of

us got the

right answer!!

Many of us are familiar with the wine buying adage to buy wines rated 90+ and priced

around $20. And

this Mystery wine selection was based on a Toronto Star article from March 2022. where

Alan presented

6 different red wines that had a rating of 90+ but were priced under $10.

The wines were:

1. Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, $9.95. LCBO#:552505

2. Luccarelli-Negroamora, Italy, $9.95. LCBO#:380972

3. Gato Negro Pinot Noir, Chile, $10.00. LCBO#:638254

4. JP Azeitao Red, Portugal, $9.45. LCBO# 286195

5. Oggi Botter Primitivo, Italy, $10.00. LCBO# 86421

6. Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Chile, $9.00. LCBO# 245282

… and the resulting comments were that we had no idea that wines at this price were

eminently

drinkable and interesting … in the main.

Toronto Star article: https://www.thestar.com/life/food_wine/advice/2022/03/31/top-10-

bottles-

under-10-at-the-lcbo-right-now.html

Marcus Miller

	Wine Only	Rate Cheese with Wine
Wine	Cheese	1	2	3	4	5
5	435	429	377	407	403	418
6	433	425	377	413	403	425
4	433	411	377	410	405	419
2	427	418	401	401	401	417
1	422	424	376	407	392	418
3	365	418	384	415	407	418
	Cheese Avg	361	328	351	345	360

They came, they drank, they ate and staggered out in a cloud of dust.
By the time I found my camera all that was around were 6 nearly empty bottles.
A very pleasant day to enjoy a wine tasting outdoors by eight members. A new member, Mel Grimes, joined our group to experience a Probus wine tasting session.
A list of wines tasted is attached, all from Ontario with 3 being white and 3 being red.
Group ratings:
White: #1 - 1, #2 - 2, #3 - 3
Red: #4 - 3, #5 - 2, #6 - 1

Host: J R Mark

click here to see wine list

Group 2 wine tasters met last week to enjoy a selection of fine wine, great cheeses and spirited conversations on world affairs.
The wines were red blends from France, both Bordeaux and Cotes du Rhone regions. Each was assessed on appearance, aroma, taste and overall impression. The prices ranged from $13 to $18. The group selected Chateau de Courteillac Bordeaux as the overall winner.
The cheeses were from France, England and Wales.
The discussions ranged from our health system, the looming recession and Canadian politics. Most importantly it was great opportunity to meet with good friends and share our common interests.

Peter Crawford

Today, in hot, muggy weather, group 5 held an outdoor wine tasting in Joe Reid’s backyard of the following eclectic mix of five reds, with no emphasis on a single varietal or region of the world. To end the session, we tasted a Doppio Primitivo Rose, listed at the LCBO under # 23760 for $10.95. The LCBO is featuring a large number of roses at the present time.

Also present were Garry Jenkins, John Mark, Don Taylor, David Stubbert and Don Hare. Our challenge was to rate each red and to also determine which camouflaged bottle was which. The following information was given to each in advance. Garry and Joe got 3 right, John got 2, and the others, who will not be named, got zero.

1) La Maldita Granacha 2020 - This Spanish grenache lists for $14.50 at thet LCBO (# 22617). It is
described as extra dry (2 g), medium-bodied and fruity. Globe &Mail rated it an 88, and LB
Litner’s “favourite” wine writer for The Toronto Star, Carolyn Evans Hammond, rated it a 91.
Group score- 86.8

2) Gerard Bertrand AN806 2018 Corbierg - This French wine was a Vintages selection (# 39428) listed
at $17.95. It was rated as a 90 by the G&M, and a 91 by Natalie Maclean. It is a full-bodied blend
of grenache, syrah and moverde. It is dry (4 g), and described as supple and smooth on the palate,
with flavours of dark, ripe fruit.
Group score- 89.0

3) Passo del Sud Appassimento - This Italian red from the Puglia region lists at the LCBO (# 52054)
for $12.00. The Star lady raved over its quality at this low price, and rated it as a 96! She described
this semi-dry wine (at 16 g, perhaps semi-sweet?) as smooth and full-bodied. It is a blend of
primitivo and negroamaro grapes.
Group score- 86.7

4) Abad Dom Bueno Cimbella Mencia 2018 Berzo - This is a Vintages (# 29189) product from Spain,
and lists for $16.95. It is described as being full-bodied, tight and focused, with a lovely balance. It
is extra-dry (2 g), and the varietel is bencia (which I have not heard of before). It was rated a 93 by
James Suckling.
Group score- 91.1

5) Frisky Zebras Game Ranger Reserve Seductive Shiraz - With a name that long, the bottle
containing this South African shiraz may not have enough room for any frisky zebras on its label!
At an LCBO (# 237644) list price of $10.90, it is the LCBO’s best selling South African shiraz.

Again, our Star gal loves it for the price and rated it at 92. In her ever-flowery descriptors, she says
it has “generous fruit flavour of blackberries and cherries, with smooth, creamy dark chocolate and
a lingering peppery finish.” No taste of chocolate was detected by anyone present.
Group score- 85.7

The rose was rated by the group at 88.7.

Mike Read photography

It was a beautiful afternoon in Sept. when Group 3 met in the back yard of Marty Wanat. Marty chose 3 Old World reds to compare with 3 New World reds. The wines were from Italy, France, Spain, Australia, California and Ontario. The group enjoyed all the wines with the scoring being very close except for the Ontario Wine being the lest favourite.

Wines in order of ranking:

1 Gerard Bertrand Languedoc France LCBO      #413237
2 Kilikanoon Shiraz Killermans Run Australia
    LCBO #925453
3 Beronia Reservation Spain LCBO #50203
4 Famiglai Castellani Sangiovese 2018 LCBO
    # 14374
5 Lapis Luna 2020 Zinfandel California
    LCBO # 17264
6 The Conspiracy Foreign Affair LCBO
    #149237

Marty Wanat

Five of us and guest, Jim Gola, enjoyed a leisurely rainy afternoon on Oct 26.

We sampled Australian wines: Several Cab Sauvs and one Shiraz.

Overall the favourite was #6, with the inexpensive Shiraz #5 a close second, though all the wines were deemed "good" by those present.

OCTOBER 26 2022 - WINE TASTING - AUSTRALIA

Wakefield Promised Land Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Medium ruby; floral, cassis and cedar aromas; these reappear on the palate along with black cherry and a hint of juniper on the smooth finish. $14.95

Victoria Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 This deeply-coloured wine hails from South Australia, and takes its name from a park honouring Princess Victoria, before she became Queen. Expect the fruit character of warm climate cabernet sauvignon; prune and floral aromas and flavours, with notes of smoke, mint and black olive. Pair with grilled burgers or ribs. $14.95

Zonte's Footstep Blackberry Patch Cabernet 2019 Bright, purple wine, Joven in style with a lifted estery spicy raspberry bouquet and a light, nicely textured, palate lifted with dark fruit flavours. Score - 96. (Winestate, July/Aug. 2021) $19.95

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz/Cabernet 2019 First crafted in 1976, this classic Australian blend of Shiraz and Cabernet has always been a favourite. Supple and concentrated, with toast, cedar, black plum, vanilla and herbal tones, it's a wine with broad appeal. It will be superb with pepper steak or grilled ribs. $17.45

McGuigan Black Label Shiraz 2021 Black cherry red colour; lifted aromas of red berry and fruit, touches of mint, toast and blood orange; dry, medium bodied, rich and rounded with ripe red berry and fruit, hints of herbs and a soft pleasant finish. $9,95

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Attention to detail creates the quality and consistency that Wolf Blass wines are known for. Yellow Label Cab is made with fruit from Australia's Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale regions. Enjoy flavours of coffee, smoky oak, black plum along with floral and wild honey notes. A superb pairing for roast lamb with rosemary. $18.00

The November Winetasting for Group 3 was hosted by Doug Gilpin on November 9, 2022. The theme was red wines from South America. These included Malbec, Carmenere, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and a blend of South American wines.

The results, to us, were surprisingly agreeable. The wines, in the refined judgment of the group, were ranked in order of preference, as follows:

1. Zuccardi Malbec 2020, $20.95, from Argentina.
2. Montes Alpha Carmenere, $20.95, from Chile
3. Linajes Tempranillo, $19.95. I later discovered that this wine, from the Chilean area of Vintages, is actually from Spain. It was a very nice result from my error.
4. Cono Sur El Triangulo 20 Barrels Pinot Noir, $29.95, from Chile.
5. Casas del Toqui TerroirSelection Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvugnon, $19.95, from Chile
6. Monasterio de las Vinas Gran Reserva, $20.95, from Chile.

Doug Gilpin

Group 2 met on Thursday, November 23 at the Grenadier Retirement residence in Bloor West Village.

The event was hosted by Bob Weese, in a lovely Penthouse room with large windows overlooking the

neighbourhood.

Bob chose 6 Pinot Noir wines for the group to taste and to rate. Pinot Noir originated in Burgundy but is

now produced in many countries. The wines are generally medium bodied with predominant flavours of

cherries and red berries. Pinot Noir grapes prefer cool climates and do very well in Ontario because of

the climate, soil, and geography. Pinots are difficult to work with in the field and in the winery. The thin-

skinned grapes are sensitive to extremes of temperature and the tightly clustered bunches make them

prone to disease. They are referred to as the “heartbreak grape” and the wines command relatively

higher prices.

The wines tasted were:

From Burgundy – Louis Jadot, 12.5% alcohol, LCBO #162073, price $30.95

From Ontario -- Flat Rock Cellars, 13% alcohol, LCBO #1545, price $22.95

From Oregon – Sokol Blosser, 13.5% alcohol, LCBO #748434, price $39.95

From Chile – Montes, 14% alcohol, LCBO #37937, price $15.95

From New Zealand – Marlborough, 13.5% alcohol, LCBO #25806, price $21.95

From California -- Rodney Strong, 13.9% alcohol, LCBO #954834, price $26.95

Individual ratings varied somewhat, but everyone agreed that the wines were all very pleasant. Despite

the different countries, producers, and prices, the group was struck by the similarities in the wines and

the huge price differentials. The aggregate of the 9 scores varied from a high of 127 (the Burgundy,

ranked first) to a low of 112 (New Zealand, ranked last) and the prices went from a high of $39.95

(Oregon, ranked fifth) to a low of $15.95 (Chile, ranked third).

The wines were accompanied by 4 terrific cheeses from the Cheese Boutique -- a brie from France, a

red Leicester from the U.K., a gouda from the Netherlands, and a cheddar-style from Ontario.

Click for Report

Group 3 met on Wednesday Dec 14, 2022 in the condo of Reg and Alison Perkin. Present were Bryce Atkinson, Jack Doney, Doug Gilpin, Neil Paget, Paul Walters, Marty Wanat, and Mike Preston (substituting for Don Steen who was unable to attend due to illness).

Reg had chosen 3 Pinot Noir and 3 Malbec with the advice of the Vitner David at the Dixie/Dundas LCBO. The wines originated from Argentina, France, New Zealand & USA. The big surprise was the last one we tasted, a Pinot Noir from California, which tasted more like a Malbec, was the most expensive and scored the highest.

       Wine          LCBO #        Type            Origin             Price            Scored
1. Hob Nob       184069       Pinot Noir     France             $15.05                 5
2. Catena          478727       Malbec         Argentina         $21.95                 3
3. Cahors          247544       Malbec         France             $18.95                 4
4. Stoneleigh     54353         Pinot Noir    New Zealand   $21.00                 6
5. Luigi Bosca    452672      Malbec         Argentina        $17.95                  2
6. Meiomi           130138      Pinot Noir     USA                $23.95                 1

Group 2’s tasting was hosted at the home of Mike Preston. The theme, beside enjoying fellowship and wines, was Californian Cabernet Sauvignons.
"Oh the weather outside was frightful but the wines inside Delightfull”. (All made it home safely).

       Wine                   LCBO #         Prod                 Region            Price            Scored
1. McManis                184069        McManis                Lodi                $19.95                 1
2. The Show               478727       Beiler Wines          Napa               $18.05                 2
3. Bread and Butter    247544       Jamieson Ranch   Napa               $19.95                 3
4. Three Thieves        54353          Beiler Wines         Napa               $16.05                 4
5. Robert Mondavi      452672       Rober Mondavi      Napa              $18.80                 5
6. Gnarly Head           130138       Gnarly Head          Lodi                 $15.00                 6

Group 3 started the New Year wine tasting at the home of Jack Doney. In the absence of Bryce Atkinson the group had the pleasure of Mike Preston attend. Many topics were discussed but importantly the group resolved that everyone in 2023 have good health and enjoy fellowship with good friends and family.

Five wine selections were Ontario, Niagara Region and 1 from Spain. They
ranked as follows.

Region      Type                                   Wine                                                Price
1. Spain        Red                Marques de Riscal - Rioja Reserva                    $24.40
2. Ont           Red                VQA House of Wine- Baco Cabernet                 $12.45
3. Ont           Red                VQA Cave Spring - Gamay                                 $17.95
4. Ont           Red                VQA Wayne Gretzky- Cabernet Merlot              $16.95
5. Ont           Red                VQA Cave Sprints - Cabernet Franc                   $19.95
6. Ont           Red                VQA Flat Rock Cellar - Pinot Noir                       $24.95

Jack Doney

Group 1 met at the home of Denis Bailey to sample a selection of “Red Wine Blends”. Members present were Alan Lytle, Dave Irwin, Marcus Miller, Ken Boughton, Mike Read and Denis Bailey. Participating as a guest was fellow Probus member Craig Tyers, who wanted to experience a wine-tasting event before committing to joining. Pairs of blends of similar styles from different countries were compared (1 & 2; 3 & 4; 5 & 6).

No.	Wine	Type	LCBO#	Origin	Winery	Price
1	Château du Carpia 2010	Bordeaux	26292	Bordeaux, France	Carpia	$19.95
2	Trius Red 2020	Bordeaux- inspired	303800	Niagara, Ontario	Trius	$24.95
3	Côtes du Rhône Nature Organic 2020	Côte du Rhône	948059	Southern Rhône, France	Perrin	$19.95
4	Hahn GSM 2020	Côte du Rhône-like	441568	Central Coast, Monterey, California	Hahn	$21.95
5	Primus the Blend 2019	Cab Sauv blend	712463	Colchagua Valley, Chile	Primus	$19.95
6	Claymore London Calling 2019	Cab Sauv/Malbec blend	522110	Clare Valley, South Australia	Claymore	$19.95

The Carpia Bordeaux from France was generally preferred over the “Bordeaux–Inspired” Trius Red, which was regarded as overly fruity in comparison. The Perrin Côte du Rhône and the Côte du Rhône-like Hahn were similar and both considered quite good. They were different from the two Bordeaux category blends, showing strong fruit flavours that reflect the predominance of Grenache wine characteristic of Côte du Rhône blends. The Primus blend was thought to be somewhat flat and was disappointing. On the other hand, the Claymore London Calling was delightful, with a complex, balanced full fruit flavour, and was the highlight of the event.

The theme was Shiraz wines from Ontario and Australia. The Shiraz section on display in a local grocery store shows 2 Shiraz wines from Ontario and 4 from Australia.

The local LCBO has 4 from Ontario and 4 from Australia mostly the same brands, except the LCBO had 2 additional high-end Canadian wines not in the grocery store.

Host Paul Walters decided to have Group 3 taste 2 Shiraz wines from Ontario and 4 from Australia.

Here are the results:

     1. 19 Crimes Shiraz Durif   Australia                        $17.95
     2. Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz Australia   $20.95
     3. Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz   Australia          $18.05
     4. Konzelmann Shiraz Barrel Aged Ontario           $13.95
     5. CreekSide Shiraz VQA   Ontario                        $15.95
     6. Rosemount Diamond Shiraz Australia               $15.95

A great time was by all and issues in the Toronto mayoralty office and in Ukraine were thoroughly discussed and partially resolved.

Six Probians sampled 6 red wines from around the World, solved some of the World's problems and enjoyed some laughs along the way.

The wines were as follows by group scoring:

1. Carmen Cab Sauv #358309 Chili
2. Roma, blend Vintages #638726 Italy
3. Left Field Border Blend Vinttages #25807 New Zealand
4. Cathedral Cellar Shiraz #561142 South Africa

Tie
4. Angel's Gate Gamay Noir #107714 NOTL VQA
5. Pascal Toso Malbec #162610 Argentina

Wine tasting group 2 met at Jim Christie's for our regular monthly session.

Present were group members: Mike Preston, Bob Ewart, John Bray, Victor Fornasier, and Ron Kawchuk as well as Stu Hutcheson who filled in for one of traveling members.

We tasted wines from various regions of Italy and had wide ranging conversation about many local and world events.

The consensus for favourite wine of the group was:

Primitivo (Zinfandel) from the Puglia region and

San Marzano Talo, ($19.95).

Neil Paget is almost 100% recovered from his fractured ribs injury and wishes to play catch up and host our next Group 3 wine tasting on Wednesday April 19 at 2:00 p.m. at his home 845 Saddle Crescent. Kind regards to all, and enjoy the Spring weather just around the corner. -- Reg

Click here to see report

At the April meeting of Wine Group 1, we tasted 6 Cabernet Sauvignons and ranked them from best to worst. The selections were then compared to the actual pricing.
Everyone had a great time.,

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019, $22.95
Cigar Box Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon $14.95
Big Bill Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.95
Undurraga Terroir Hunter Cauquenes Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018, $25.95
Trapiche Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019, $19.95
The Magic Box Amazing Cabernet, $19.00

Marcus Miller
Host

Wine session undertook the assessment of additional processes intended to improve the quality of wine.
Using Valpolicella three grades (Classico, Superiore and Ripasso) and three Primitivo grades (Classico, Passo Doppio and Appassimento) the attendees rated the effect or benefit of the supplementary manipulations. Collating the voting on AMS graphs the consensus was that these processes had a mild beneficial effect on the Valpolicella but little benefit on the Primitivo.
Group enjoyed selected cheeses (Cambusola, Cheddar. Swiss Emmenthal and Boursin). Mortadella wrapped breadticks were a definite favourite. Coffee and Mrs. Fornasier's ANZEC cookies closed the session.Host

Victor Fornasier

Group 5 met at the home of Joe Reid on April 20, 2023 to try an eclectic
assortment of red wines, along with an extensive variety of cheeses. In order
of ratings from highest to lowest, we got the following results:

- 2019 Vivaldi Valpolicella Ripasso from Veneto , Italy $19.95 Vintages # 16222
- McGuigan Black Label Shiraz from Australia $12.95 LCBO # 325787
- Monte Antico Tuscano from Tuscany, Italy $16.95 Vintages # 69377
- Doppio Passo Botter Primitivo from Puglia, Italy $13.50 LCBO # 255190
- 2020 Blend de Extremos Malbec from Argentina $18.95 Vintages # 24863
- 2019 Tesellae Old Vines Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre $19.95 Vintages# 343517
From Cotes du Roussillon, France

Joe Reid

Group 3 Wine Tasting met on May 17th at The Fairways Condominium of Reg and Alison Perkin. We had 100% attendance: Bryce Atkinson, Jack Doney, Doug Gilpin, Neil Paget, Don Steen, Paul Walters, and Marty Wanat. Reg had chosen two Malbec, two Shiraz and two Syrah. Four countries were represented: Argentina, Australia, Chile and South Africa. All six wines received high marks with the winner being a 19 Shiraz Signature Series from Australia. The others in descending order were 20 Syrah Alpha (Chile), 20 La Posta Fazzio Malbec (Argentina), Kilkanoon Shiraz (Australia), Alamos Malbec (Argentina) and Porcupine Ridge Syrah (South Africa) . Our final wine tasting for the current Probus year will be hosted by Jack and Marie Doney at The Fairways on the 3rd Wednesday in June.

Reg Perkin

With the absence of some traveling members, Group 5 met May 18th at the
home of Don Hare to sample a variety of well received wines including one white
(2nd favourite) and the favourite a Meiomi Pinot Noir. They were -

- Meiomi Pinot Noir (California) Vintages#: 130138 Unit Price: $23.95
- Speck Bros. Family Tree 'The Goat Lady' Chardonnay VQA (Ont) LCBO#:
   16792 Price: $16.95
- Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir (France,Burgundy) Vintages #:162073
   Price: $30.95
- Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (California - Mendocino, Napa ,Sonoma
   counties) LCBO#: 461053 Price: $19.95
- McManis Merlot 2021 (California) Vintages #: 17674 Price: $21.95

A side selection of cheeses included St Albert Brie, St Agur Blue, Smoked
Applewood Ilchester Cheddar, Kassagio Gouda and Danish Havarti with
assorted crackers, pumpernickel, almonds, and cashews

Don Hare

We only had 4 members attend but it was fun for us to visit 6 NewWorld wine regions on a perfect summers day, and do our best to identify the different varietals from 6 different countries, with very little success. We got one country right thanks to Peter.
In attendance were Mike Preston, Jim Christie, Ron Kawchuk, and Peter Crawford. Unfortunately John Bray had fallen ill while Bob Ewart had his grand daughter’s graduation to attend and Bob Weese and Victor Fornacier were out of town on holidays.
We have now taken our leave until September to regain our taste buds.
Saludos until next season

Group 5 July 2023 Wine tasting.
Our theme for this tasting was wines of the Southern Hemisphere. We didn’t try to compare wines since there were three varieties. Instead, each was judged on its own merit and whether we enjoyed the wine. The white wines had a lower score than the reds. This may have been because one of the group is not a big fan of whites and rated them lower, thus lowering the overall score for them.   Overall, the wines rated fairly well.
1 Santa Rita Secret Reserve Sauvignon Blanc   LCBO#: 16189 OUR SCORE 83.6
Flavours Herbal, Grapefruit, Gooseberry Alcohol/Vol 13% Maipo Valley, ChileSugar Content 2 g/L Price $15.8
An elegant sauvignon blanc from the Casablanca Valley, one of Chile's cool-climate areas devoted to producing high-quality white wine. A crisp, zesty palate follows the intense aroma of citrus, passion fruit and herbal tones with flavours of tropical fruit, lime and green fruit. Enjoy on its own or with shellfish.
2 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc   LCBO#: 308288 OUR SCORE 85.0
Flavours Herbal, Kiwi, Citrus Alcohol/Vol 13% New Zealand Sugar Content 3 g/L     Price $20

Pale straw colour; pronounced grassy and gooseberry aromas with white peach and citrus notes; dry and crisp with grassy and citrus flavours with a zesty lime finish.
3 Bodega Toro Centenario Malbec   LCBO#: 12452   OUR SCORE 88.2
Flavours Red Fruit, Juniper, Berry             Alcohol/Vol 13% Mendoza, Argentina
Sugar Content 6 g/L             Price: $12

An approachable and flavourful malbec from the famous Mendoza region. Expect aromas and flavours of ripe red fruit, juniper, mixed berries and plums with notes of herbs. Rich, smooth palate with balanced acidity and notes of red fruit, berries, juniper and herbs on the finish. Great with grilled or bbq lamb, beef or ribs.

4 Trapiche Pure Malbec LCBO# 370924   OUR SCORE 86.6
Flavours Floral, Berry, Bread                       Alcohol/Vol 14% Argentina
Sugar Content 4 g/L                       Price: $19

Trapiche is Argentina's leading exporter of wine. This malbec shows a commitment to pure fruit flavours. An opaque, deep ruby with purple hues; upfront aromas of berry melange, rye bread crust, red fruit, plus hints of bloor orange. The palate is dry, finely textured and brimming with flavours of plum, blackberry and spice.

5 Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon LCBO#: 621623 OUR SCORE 89.0
Flavours: Floral, Prune, Candy                   Alcohol/Vol 13.5%                   Australia
Sugar Content 10 g/L                     Price: $13

Deep purple with intense aromas of prune and candy/vanilla. The palate is rich with confectionary black fruit, black olive and wood spice. The finish is rich and mellow.

6 Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon LCBO: 605615   OUR SCORE 89.6
Flavours Chocolate, Cedar, Plum            Alcohol/Vol 14%                        Australia
Sugar Content 2 g/L                   Price: $20

The philosophy behind this Australian cabernet sauvignon was to create the perfect pairing for beef. They succeeded! Deep ruby colour, with aromas and flavours of chocolate, cedar, black plum, floral and herbal notes. Medium to full-bodied and smooth, with a long finish, this is made for grilled steak and roasted potatoes

Wine tasting group 2 met on September 27th to sample white wines.
Those attending were Mike Preston, Jim Christie, Bob Weese, Bob Ewart, Hugh Turner and Peter Crawford.

Wines tasted:

Mare do Siena Pinot Grigio, Italy at $9:95
Santiago Sortesele Pinot Grigio Italy at $18:95
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough NZ at $21:95
Te Henga Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough NZ at $15:95
Cave Springs Riesling, Ontario at $14:95
Willm Riesling, Alsace France at $22:95

As a group we generally found it more difficult to distinguish the appearance and aroma of these three different white wines, but in terms of taste and overall impressions the Rieslings and Sauvignon were preferred. Top choice was the Alsace Riesling.

The group had a lively discussion on the state of the nation and were able to consume a fair amount of cheese. A good time was had by all.

Peter Crawford

We came together in full force in October for what turned out to be a spirited tasting. The host added in two white wines, one from Croatia and one from South Africa and a blockbuster of a Zinfandel from Lodi, augmenting the stunning array of bold red wines put forth by Bob from our aborted attempt at holding a September event.
We debated the merits of a more structured, Robert Parker inspired sensory analysis and scoring system, but rejected it for something a lot less involved and a lot more fun.
Group discussion centred around the horrific current events and the chaotic state of the world. All acknowledged that the hatred and mistrust demonstrated of late, is just too difficult to understand and does not bode well for the future of the world.
The theme of the tasting was Classical styles vs. winemaker intervened Newer World styles. Predictably, the tasters preferred the bolder, more flavoured styles by 2 to 1.
Below are the wines we tasted, from most popular to least popular.

1. 7 Deadly Zins 2018 - Zinfandel - 15% ABV Michael David Wines, Lodi California $24.95
2. Robert Mondavi Private Selection - Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
14.5%ABV Robert Mondavi Wines - Central Coast California $22.95
3. Pietra Pura Mandus - Primitivo Di Manduria 2021 14.5% ABV Rocco del Macie, Tuscany Italy $18.95
4. Boschendal Sommelier Selection Chenin Blanc - 2021 13% ABV Boschendal Winery -
Western Cape, South Africa $19.95
5. Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 - 14.5% ABV Eduardo Chadwick & Robert Mondavi producers - Aconcagua Valley, Chile $19.95
6. Stina Cuvee White 2021 12.5% ABV 70% Posip, 20% Vugava, 10% Chardonnay
Bol, Croatia Central & South Dalmatia $21.95

David Litner