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Welcome to the writings, programs and services by David Lawrason, one of Canada’s leading independent wine journalists and educators. After almost 25 years writing on wine with Toronto Life, the Globe and Mail, Wine Access and many specialty magazines he is turning his focus to educational wine experiences for consumers, the wine trade and hospitality industry from Toronto to Ottawa, including Kingston and Prince Edward County. DavidLawrason.com will constantly be updated with the latest course schedules, and news so please join us often.
Obscure Aromatics & Classic German Rieslings
If you have never explored the world’s aromatic whites; may I suggest that now might be an opportune moment – when May is blossoming with fragrance, and some terrific examples of this style are selling for a song. The June issue of Toronto Life reviews ten great aromatic whites from some of the world’s more obscure wine regions. Several others were tasted in researching the article so we review them here. And we add a few classic selections from Germany and Niagara also released at Vintages on May 10. Full story at www.torontolife.com/blogs/wine.
Sante Snippets
I was able to attend three Sante events; first a quick one hour visit to the moderately well attended trade tasting where I ran into a new Portuguese winery called Fita Preta that has launched a new line simply called Sexy. Despite the blatant name the label is surprisingly non-provocative and the red Sexy 2006 (89 pts) is a surprisingly good blend of touirga nacional, aragones and syrah. The California Cruisin' night at the ROM, sponsored by Toronto Life, was a great party in a terrific venue - just the right crowd feel, buzzy but not crushed. Really enjoyed Robert Craig 2005 Affinity (91 pts) from Napa, and Nichols 2001 Edna Ranch Pinot Noir (91 points). I also led a California varietal seminar for 30 people at the Park Hyatt, and was pleasantly taken by the MacMurray Ranch 2006 Pinot Gris (88 points, $19.80 Vintages) and Buena Vista 2005 Carneros Pinot Noir (89 pts, $29.95 Vintages).
Three Week Course Set for Prince Edward County
The new course for those working and living with wine in Prince Edward County will run Wednesdays, June 4, 11 & 18 at The Inn at Huff Estate. It is now over half filled. It will focus on the varieties grown in the County, comparing them to peers from Niagara, Europe and other New World regions. To register please go to Courses.
Ratings from Vintages Taste & Buy Event
Here are David’s ratings from wines offered at Vintages Taste and Buy Event April 7 in Toronto, then at subsequent tastings in Ottawa and Waterloo. Wines not sold out at these events are now in Classics or will be offered through Vintages Latest email after May 16. Best value red is Rockford 2002 Basket Press Shiraz (95 points, $68). Best Value White is Zind-Humbrecht 2005 Pinot Gris Heimbourg from Alsace (95 points, $54.95). For full list of ratings go to news & reviews.asp
Henry of Pelham Riesling Vertical
Although unable to attend the trade lunch or winemaker dinner last week at the Hotel St. Germain I was able to drop by and taste through 13 vintages of riesling from a single block planted in 1984. From this tasting Niagara riesling is better in the warmer vintages, and when made in good year appears to drink best before twelve years of age. Best vintages were 2007 (very ripe, exotic and powerful), 2002 (fleshy, powerful, Alsatian, moving to peak), 1995 (rich, spicy, still alive) and the coolish 1997 (elegant, more Germanic, now mature). The coolest vintages like 2003 and 2000 didn't show enough fruit depth to age long and are already drying out and tart.
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