Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting, a pretty broad statement. I’m sure that most if not all of you tasted wine in an informal setting. I’m sure too that most of you have either been on a wine tour, visited a wine cellar, wine bar or ALL of the above and experienced some of the formalities in their tastings. Noting colour, clarity, aroma/bouquet, grape type, hints of fruit, coffee, chocolate, sour grapes etc. Well, Applewood Probus Tastings, from my experience, incorporates some of this formality but REALLY we are just tasting the wines. We do use an evaluation sheet so that you may score your impressions on each wine tasted WRT Appearance; Aroma/Bouquet; Taste/Texture; After-taste any more. It is amazing how at times the scores can be so similar OR, SO very polar opposite amongst the group, which causes immediate “guffaws” and discussion.

Personally, the tastings have exposed me to wines that I may not have otherwise tried as well as helped me develop a “do not purchase list”. Above all, it’s a great social gathering in a very informal setting where there is a good group of guys, plenty of conversation, opinions and laughter. There are currently 5 tasting groups consisting of 8 - 9 members The current wine group leads are: Mike Read, Mike Preston, Reg Perkin, Bill Tourgis and Dave Stubbert. They meet at once/month at least 8 times/year (usually excluding July/Aug) One group meets on a Tues; 2 meet on a Wed; 2 on a Thurs.
Each member hosts at least one month with the other members contributing $20 - $25 (the group’s decision) to the host to cover the cost of the wines (typically $10 - $20 per bottle), cheese ,crackers etc. There are those who prefer to participate occasionally who are on a “Spares” listing.

The wine groups are encouraged to invite spares as well as those of other groups to make up their usual compliment (due to absenteeism). Probus has a mantra to further socialization. If there is an interest to change to another group let it be known to the Group organizer or myself and we will try to make it happen.

PLEASE TASTE RESPONSIVELY
Cheers,
Mike Preston

Group 2 - November 27, 2024

Group 2 met at Bob Ewart's this Wednesday November 27th. Attendees included Jim Christie, Hugh Turner, Peter Crawford, Mike Preston, Bob Ewart and David Luckock.

We sampled 6 reds, 3 from California and 3 from Italy. Everyone enjoyed all 6 tastings as shown by the ratings which were all very close.

The number one rated wine was Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Vernaiolo from Italy with a group rating of 16.8 (max 20) will the second place tasting was Bread & Butter Cabernet Sauvignon at 16.7

A great time was had by all with the usual discussions/opinions on politics in these interesting times.

Group 3 - November 20, 2024

Doug Gilpin hosted the November meeting of the Group 3 Winetasters, including Reg Perkin, Bryce Atkinson, Jack Doney, Marty Wanat, Don Steen, and Neil Paget.

The theme was Italian red wines, and the results in order of preference were:

1. Monte Zovo Sa’ Solin Ripasso @ $24.95
2. Borgo Conventi Rofesco @ $21.95
3. Duca di Saragnano Nero @ $15.95 tied with Fattoria le PipilleMorellino @ $18.95
4. Reva Nebbiola d’Alba @ $28.95
5. Castelli del Gravepasa Chianti @ $22.95

Interestingly, the most expensive wine was ranked fifth by the group.

Doug Gilpin

Group 1 - October, 2024

Held at the home of Ken Boughton in October.

A sample of young South African Wines. Most are available here either from LCBO or various Agencies. Our usual convivial and wise group and some surprising scores. Some of us have been together for over 20 years and have gained much wisdom, 'solved' many topical issues as usual and
had a load of fun.

Present:
Denis Bailey, Ken Boughton, Stu Hatcheson, Dave Irwin, Marcus Miller, Mike Read. Apologies Ken Foxcroft.

The following wines:

1) Chenin Blanc 2023; Mean score 80 points; Breede (Wide) River Estate north of Cape Town near cold Atlantic Ocean; LCBO $14.50 S.A. cost $11
2) Chardonnay 2021; Mean score 88 points; Lanzerac Estate1692 Stellenbosch Region RSA $17.00
3) Sauvignon Blanc 2023; Mean score 81 points; De Grendel Estate 1940 Tygerberg Hills; RSA R400 C$36 equivalent Canadian Agency price ?
4) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018; Mean score 86 points; Groot Constantia Estate - 1685; Constantia region LCBO $48. SA $36.00
5) Cabernet Sauvignon 2020; Mean score 83 points; Glenelly Estate.1682. Stellenbosch; C$18.95. SA C$ 8.50 equivalent.
6) Pinot Noir 2022; Mean score 90; Hamilton-Russell Estate. est 1975 Overberg region near Hermanus and warm Indian Ocean; Consistently excellent Pinot Noir; LCBO $69.75 SA $48

An Interesting collection!

Doug Gilpin

Group 5 - October, 2024

The approach for this month’s wine tasting was to look at The 100 Top-Rated Wines Under $20 for 2024 as published by the Wine Enthusiast, an American wine magazine. Not unexpectantly, we were only able to identify 7 of the 100 Top-Rated Wines which were available at the LCBO.

The rating system utilized by the Wine Enthusiast was as follows:

Classic (98-100 The Pinnacle of quality); Superb (94-97 A great achievement); Excellent (90-93 Highly recommended); Very Good (87-89 Often good value; well recommended

White Wines

#19 J. Lohr 2022 Riverstone Chardonnay (California) - $20.75 (92 points) Group (94.5)
Though the production level of this wine is rather massive, the quality does not suffer. Aromas of lemon chiffon cake and wet stone are engaging on the nose.

#78 Jules Taylor 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) - $23.75 (91 points) Group (91.7)
Leaning on the green veg side of the fence, this is bombastic-yet-harmonious combo of freshly sliced green bell pepper, string bean, seashell, lime granita and passion fruit aroma. There’s lively acidity and some lovely texture to boot.

Red Wines

#25 Dalton 2021 Estate Oak Aged Cabernet Sauvignon (Israel) - $31.05 (94 points) Group (89.5)
This deep violet-colored wine offers a bouquet of blackberry, caramel and dried thyme. Luscious blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice and violet flavors are encased in a sheath of opulent tannins that recedes into an enduring finish.

#64 Erath 2022 Resplendent Pinot Noir (Oregon) - $26.75 (91 points) Group (90.0)
This is an aromatic trip to Grandma’s house at the holidays, with aromas of a roast in the oven flanked by sweet red cherries, orange peel and cinnamon. This is nicely balanced, with flavors of dried cherries, plums and a hint of bacon fat. Resplendent, indeed!

#75 Ramirez de la Piscina 2019 Crianza Tempranillo (Spain) – $20.95 (91 points) Group (90.2)
Aromas of black current and sauteed portobello mushrooms lead the way for cassis, blackberry, charcuterie, black-olive paste, smoke, dried thyme and caramel flavors. While the flavor profile leans toward savory rather than fruit-dominant.

#98 The Dreaming Tree 2021 Crush Red (California) - $19.80 (90 points) Group (86.3)
This wine offers pink peppercorn, chocolate-covered Maraschino cherry, blackberry, brandied blueberry, orange marmalade, Kalamata olive, grilled rosemary and mocha latte.

Group 2 - September 2024

Group 2 - Wine Tasting September 2024

Dark Horse Estate Winery, Marquette 2022 AVERAGE RATING 14.00
The wine is rich with dark cherry and spice aromas and a balanced palate with medium weight and medium intensity tannins. Pairs well with dark meat, cheeseburgers, soft cheese, and walnuts. $19.95
G. Marquis, The Silver Line Pinot Noir AVERAGE RATING 12.75
Vibrant and bright with ripe sweet cherry, raspberry, fresh mushroom and smoky mineral flavours on this medium-bodied Niagara-on-the-Lake Pinot Noir. Wine grapes were hand-harvested off of 25-year old vines. Elegant and juicy and great value under $20. $19.95
Featherstone, Gamay Noir 2020 AVERAGE RATING 13.75
This juicy, easy-to-enjoy Niagara Peninsula Gamay was aged for 10 months in American oak. It has characterful lifted floral notes on the nose, plus alluring sour cherry, plum, cranberry, raspberry and spice. Perfect for brunch or grilled salmon, it's great now, but can evolve further and will be enjoyable through 2025. $18.95
Henry of Pelham, Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir AVERAGE RATING 16.25
Baco Noir is grown virtually exclusively in Canada, and Henry of Pelham is home to some of the very best expressions. This example is concentrated and generously flavoured, with dancing floral and smoky dark fruit supported by fresh rye bread, and black olive richness. This wants big meaty meals; think barbecued flank steak, bison burgers or lamb kebabs. $27.95
Megalomaniac, To Be Frank Cabernet Franc 2022 AVERAGE RATING 15.60
This ripe, engaging Cabernet Franc is Megalomaniac's signature red. It boasts considerable power, achieved without sacrificing refinement or elegance. Look for notes of dark fruit, black cherry, smoked meat, tobacco, savoury herbs and spice and pair with stuffed bell peppers or grilled meats. $29.95
Peninsula Ridge, Reserve Syrah 2016 AVERAGE RATING 16.25
From a ripe year and now beginning to evolve this shows quite graceful and classic, well integrated syrah aromas of smoked meat, pepper, candied black cherry and maturing leather. Compelling aromatics. It is medium weight, quite sleek, smooth and well balanced with dusty tannin. The focus and depth are very good to excellent. $39.95

Group 3 - September 25, 2024

On Sept. 25 Group 3 met at the home of Marty Wanat. We hoped to enjoy our wine on the patio, but the weather didn’t cooperate. It was nice to have full attendance .

For this tasting instead of the usual scoring Marty tried something different. Tasting notes which included the type of wine and the country of origin were given to everyone. We then did a blind tasting and the group was asked to match the wines to the notes.

Jester Shiraz                                                           #659607
Great Western Shiraz                                             #222323
Cases del Bosque Cab Sauvignon                         #37869
Stave & Steel Whisky Barrel Cab Sauvignon         #13733
Malivoire Wismer-Foxcroft Gamay
Malivoire Demo Series Cab Franc & Gamay
(Last two only available at the winery)

Group 2 - September 25, 2024

On Wednesday, Sept 25 eight Probus members gathered at Jim Christie’s home to sample red wines of southern hemisphere. In addition to regular Group 2 members: Jim Christie, Peter Crawford, Hugh Turner, Bob Ewart, and Bob Weese, we had three additional Probus members: Brian Hull, David Luckock, and George Dewolf participate in the tasting.
The wines were all under $20/bottle and are currently available from the LCBO. The group generally enjoyed all the wines though our scoring for each bottle tended to vary markedly by individual – reflecting the differences in our particular palates. Contrary to our usual ranking the cheapest bottle did not rank anywhere near the top. Below are the details and collective rankings of the group.

No.	Wine	Average Score	Price
1	Casa Di Luigi / Pinot Noir / Chile	13.4	$10.95
2	Koala Life / Cabernet Sauvignon / Australia	13.8	$17.95
3	Piedra Negra / Malbec /Argentina	13.6	$15.95
4	Cathedral Cellar / Shiraz /South Africa	15.1	$16.95
5	Wakefield / Shiraz / Australia	16.0	$19.95
6	Wine Maler's Lot / Carmenere / Chile	16.0	$19.95

Group 5 - September 19, 2024

In the absence of some traveling members, 5 met September 19th at the home of Don Hare to sample a variety of well received wines including one white (2nd favourite, a Gewurztraminer) and the favourite, a Chateau Saint-Roch Chimeres 2021.

They were:

Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer Vintages#: 373373 Unit Price: $19.95 16 g/L

This is a spicy, intense wine, with energetic aromas and flavours. It's structured and textured, showing brightly articulated rose, lychee, yellow pear, honeydew melon and nutmeg notes. Mouth-filling and long, it will be
ideal for Thai food.

Mazzei Fonterutoli No. 10 2021 Vintages#: 574095 Unit Price: $22.95 3 g/L

Castello di Fonterutoli is a meeting point between traditional Tuscan finesse and modern winemaking innovation, able to expertly marry Merlot's plush flavours of dark blue fruit with the savoury, vegetal character of Chianti. The result? This delicious, long-lasting, food-friendly red. Merlot/Sangiovese

Muriel Reserva 2018 Vintages#: 276030 Unit Price: $19.95 2 g/L

Savory spices and plums to the nose with a light- to medium-bodied palate, showing more elegance than power. Tannins are fresh and firm, with an elegant and medium-long finish. Linear and subtle. Drink now [or hold until 2026]. Score - 91. Tempranillo. Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com, Sept. 18. 2023)

Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2021Vintages#: 119354 Unit Price: $19.95 3 g/L

A charming nose of cassis, ripe cherries, Kalamata olives and warm spices. Full body with plush tannins. Textured with a rich and creamy core of berries at the center and a fruity finish with excellent length. Grenache, carignan and syrah. Drink or hold. Score - 92. (jamessuckling.com, Aug. 23, 2023)

Château Maison Noble Saint Martin 2019 Vintages#: 24495 Unit Price: $17.95 3 g/L

60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Deep and pure, with an abundance of creamy blackcurrant and blackberry, boosted by licks of vanilla, cacao and spice. Score - 94. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2020)

Cheeses - Brie Normandie Agropur, Castello Danish Blue, Balderson Double Smoked Cheddar, Bergeron (gouda-like from QC) with assorted crackers, French stick, almonds, and cashews

Group 5 - July 2024

Group 5 meet July 18 for wine tasting. Five people showed up and spent several hours outside tasting a variety of red and white wines. Complimentary foods were served with the wine and the group rated the wine by itself and with some of the foods available.
The wines were ranked as follows:
WHITE
1. Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio IGT LCBO#:589101 $15.80      12%   6g/l
Pronounced aromas of fresh-cut lemon, gooseberry and a touch of herbs. Vibrant and fresh on the palate, with mineral notes on a clean finish.

2. Henry Of Pelham Chardonnay VQA    LCBO#:291211   $15.95   13%    6g/l
Pale golden yellow; green apple, grapefruit & pears with hint of spice on the nose & palate; dry, fresh & zesty.

RED
1. Masi Campofiorin IGT   LCBO#: 155051   $25.00   13%   5g
Masi created Campofiorin in 1964, utilizing the rich residual pomace leftover from Amarone production to add depth to their Valpolicella. What they created is now called Ripasso, one of the most famous Italian wines. The wine is dry and medium-bodied with fig, cherry and spice flavours. Pair with lamb and polenta.

2. Henry of Pelham Baco Noir VQA     LCBO#:270926    $16.95   13%   14g/l
Baco noir's wild berry and smoky notes are deftly handled at Henry of Pelham, where this grape has become a recognized specialty. Deep ruby red colour with purple hints; smoky, prune aromas with spice, floral and chocolate notes. Extra dry and medium-bodied with pronounced chokeberry flavours lingering on a smoky finish

3. Peninsula Ridge Merlot LCBO#:61101   $16.95 VQA       13.1% 6 g/L
Medium ruby in colour with aromas of red fruit, herbs, berry, spice and watermelon. Medium-bodied, quite ripe and silky, it ends with toasted spices and harmonious tannins.

4. Château des Charmes Gamay Noir VQA   LCBO#:57349 15.95 13   2 g/l
Ruby red colour; fresh plum and red fruit aroma with a note of toast; plum, red berry, toast, cedar and cherry in flavour, medium body, clean dry finish5.

Garry Jenkins

Group 5 - June 2024

We gathered around John's backyard patio table to experience a somewhat different wine tasting event. Selected foods were matched with lighter style wines and the results of the group are documented in the attached chart.

Wines were selected following recommendations from a book by Dornenburg and Page entitled "What to Drink with What you Eat".

The big winner was Lobster with Chablis wine. With the weather being very warm and threatning rain, cool white and rose wines were drunk with enthusiasm while devouring the different foods.Rain poured down 10 minutes after everyone left. The only ones that got wet was the clean up crew.

Attendees were Garry Jenkins, Joe Reid, David Stubbert, Don Hare, John Mark and special guest Peter Crawford.

John Mark

Group 2 - May 2024

We met at Peter Crawford’ s home to taste good wine, share great cheeses and more importantly have conversations with friends.
Those present included Bob Weese, Jim Christie, Mike Preston, Bob Ewart, Tony Hart, Peter Crawford, Hugh Turner , John Mark and Ron Kawchuk.
The tasting criteria was wines priced under $20 and rated above 90.

1. An Australian Shiraz. Chocolate Factory rated 93 and priced at $19.95.
2. A Portuguese wine Terra Lenta rated 90 with a $13.95 price.
3. An Argentina wine Armando rated 92 at $14.95.
4. From Spain Tempranillo Crianza that rated 92 and priced at $13.95.
5. This Chilean wine called 8 grapes with a 92 rating and $17.95 price.
6. Another Spanish Valdelana Crianza rated 93 and price of $18.95.

Needless to say they all tasting very good but these experts chose the Shiraz as the best of the group but value for the money was given to Terra Lenta from Portugal.
A good time was had by all!

Peter Crawford.

Group 1 - May 2024

Eight members of Wine-Tasting Group 1 met on May 15 at the home of Denis Bailey. We compared 6 red wines: 3 monovarietal examples from 3 different countries, and 3 blended wines from the same countries. The monovarietal wines selected are dominant in their respective countries: Sangiovese in Italy, Tempranillo in Spain, and Carménière in Chile. The blended wines contain a major proportion of the same wine as the monovarietals but also contained portions of other wines. The added wines are intended to enhance the features of the wines, creating a more complex and balanced taste.

We were generally surprised that the monovarietal wines from Italy and Spain tasted similar to each other. Only the monovarietal from Chile had a distinctive taste. Furthermore, the blended wine from each country could not be readily distinguished from the monovarietal wine from the same country. It was generally concluded that the monovarietal wines and the blended wines from Italy and Spain all tasted similar to one another.

The failure to distinguish these wines may be attributable to the lack of expertise among the tasters. However, our expertise became more apparent in tasting the monovarietal and blended wines from Chile. They were were similar to each, but they had a distinctive taste that distinguished them from the Italian and Spanish wines. Our inability to detect distinctive features among most of the wines examined did not inhibit an otherwise wide ranging and stimulating discussion, admittedly mostly on non-wine related topics.

   # Name of wine                           Type                                                                                     Country                                  Price

     1   Prugneto Romagna                 DOC Sangiovese Superiore Monovarietal: Sangiovese               Italy                                  $19.85
     2   Monte Antico Blend                 Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon                                     Italy                                  $15.95
     3   Montecillo Rioja Reserva        Monovarietal: Tempranillo                                                            Spain                                  $19.35
     4   Beronia Rioja Reserva            Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo                                                   Spain                                  $23.95
5   2022 Luis Felipe Edwards      Terra Vega Carménière Monovarietal: Carménière                       Chile                                  $14.00
6   Novas Gran Reserva              Carménière Cabernet Sauvignon Organic                                Chile                                  $18.00

D. Bailey

Group 2 - April 24, 2024

Group 2 wine tasting meet at Bob Ewart’s for the tasting of 6 red blends from 5 different countries.

The group, which included Mike Preston, Hugh Turner, Peter Crawford , Ron Kawchuk, Bob Weese and Jim Christie, had an enjoyable time but no one was able to identify which wine was primarily Malbec.

The number one choice was a South African wine, Inception Deep Layered 81% Shiraz, 9% Petit Verdot and 9% Mourvèdre. Not sure but the fact that the sugar content was 19 g/L might have something to do with the result. Sugar content is typically 3 - 6 g/L.

Robert Ewart

Group 5 - April 18, 2024

The following wines were taste-tested at the home of Joseph Reid, by Applewood Probus Wine Group 5. Your host takes no credit for the wine descriptors which came his way prior to the tasting.

One Pound Per Acre Chardonnay- South Australia; LCBO # 32828; $9.95; fresh and crisp, aromas of tropical fruit; an LCBO best seller, with great customer reviews; winery gets its name from the initial cost per acre to buy the land.                                                                                                                      Group’s average score- 83

Big Head 2022 Chardonnay Stone- NOTL; not available at LCBO; $29.80; deceptively juicy and pleasing; hand picked and whole cluster crushed in mid-October, 2022; fermented in concrete, then cold stabilized in stainless steel.                                                                                                       Group’s average score- 86

Duca di Saragnano Alchymia Primitivo- Puglia; Vintages # 636613; $19.95; fruity and full bodied; ripe but balanced; excellent customer reviews.                                                                                                         Group’s average score- 89.3

Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2019- Veneto; Vintages # 999946; $24.95; smoky plum flavour; medium bodied; the dried Amerone grape is fermented (“repassed“) a 2^nd time.
                                                                                                                                Group’s average score- 87.5

Orso Bruno Old Vine Zinvandel- Puglia; LCBO # 31808; $10.95; a surprisingly good wine for the price.
                                                                                                                                Group’s average score- 89.0

Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico- Tuscany; Vintages # 943613; $24.95; ripe and layered with red fruit, chestnut and floral notes; from the oldest winery in Italy, where, in 1872, the blend for Chianti was created.                                                                                                            Group’s average score- 84.2

Joseph Reid

Group 1 - April 2, 2024

5 members of our group met on April 2 at the home of Ken Foxcroft in Oakville; with Mike Read away in Arizona and Alan Lytle away in the UK, joining the group was Justin Foxcroft (Ken’s son who is a wine agent). The theme of this tasting was a “Giro d’Italia.”
This event included tasting wine, cheese and charcuterie from different wine regions in Italy.
The following wines were tasted:
Chliarli Castelvetro (red sparkling/palette teaser) from Emilia Romagene
Fazi Battaglia La Passerine (a light wine from Marche)
Nebbiolo D’alba Brumo (a robust red wine from Piedmont)
Alchymia Primitivo (a red wine from Puglia) **
Nicosia Contrada Monte Gorna (Etna red wine from Sicily)
Falconi Castel Del Monte Ross Riserva ( a light red wine from Abruzzo)
Babbino di Gran Selezione Chianti Classico (the classic red wine of Tuscany)
Frascabaldi Pomino Vin Santo (a sweet dessert wine from Tuscany)
** star of the tasting
Ken Foxcroft

Group 2 - February 28, 2024

On Feb 28 eight of us us met at Ron K's condo on a warm (for February) and cloudy day.

We sampled 6 wines from 6 different countries. All were very drinkable with ratings between 13.9 and 16 out of 20.

The favourite was 2020 Vicente Faria Lisbon by Night ($10.95) from Portugal. It was also the lowest cost wine.

Second was Meiomi Pinot Noir ($23.95), a popular red wine produced in California.

Tied for 3rd were "Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (on sale $14.95) from Australia

and Cigar Box Pinot Noir (on sale $12.95) from Chile's famed Casablanca Valley

Chateau Puyfromage Albert Signature 2019 ($34.99 online) from Bordeaux was a disappointing 5th

Chianti Classico Primocolle Villa Cerna 2019 (vintages $19.95) from Italy was ranked lowest

Group 3 - February 21, 2024

Group 3 wine tasting group met on February 21st, hosted by Reg and Alison Perkin in their condo at The Fairways. Present were Jack Doney, Don Steen, Doug Gilpin, Paul Walters, Neil Paget and Marty Wanat. Replacing vacationing Bryce Atkinson was Jim Davidson.

Reg decided to explore the world of MALBEC, a red wine associated primarily with Argentina. Argentina is a large country in the southern hemisphere, long in the north/south direction; so the north part closer to the Equator is warm , including some desert, and the southern part is colder. Malbec grapes are grown in all the regions of Argentina and the grapes and the wines they produce reflect the differences in the climate.

Five of the six Malbec wines tasted were from Argentina and one from France. They were, in order:

No.	Wine	Rank
1	Malbec Canale Patagonia Est Intimo (Hum) LCBO 144725	6
2	Vida Organico Malbec LCBO 17753	4
3	Pineraie Cahors (Ch. Pineraie) Malbec - France LCBO 78725	5
4	Nieto Senetiner Malbec LCBO 32145	2
5	Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec LCBO 450155	3
6	El Esteco Malbec LCBO 113191	1

Commentary: Our tasters were very pleased with the quality of the Malbec wines we tasted, and the prices were very reasonable, all in the $15 - $20 range. The top rated # 1,2,3 Malbec wines were all from the central region of Argentina. The # 6 rated wine was from the colder south of the country.

Reg Perkin