On February 21, 2017, we tasted wines made from the Aglianico grape, a red grape and southern Italy’s answer to Nebbiolo (the famous grape in Barolo and Barbaresco wines)! Aglianico was the principal grape of the prized Roman Falernian wine and was praised by the Latin poet Horace. It was brought to the region by the Greeks almost 3000 years ago. This grape continues to flourish on the ancient black lava flows, producing full, deep purple, inky wines, redolent with black curr

How our 2009 Beaune & Volnay wines scored.

On March 22nd, 2016 we explored an interesting and eclectic mix of red grape varietals that dominate the lesser known vineyards in Southern France. While these were bold wines, the winemakers’ restraints shone through to ensure a well- balanced profile suitable for a wide range of accompanying food. Our guest speaker was Alan Marginean from the Profile Wine Group, which represents one of the wines we poured - 2012 Les Vins de Vienne Saint Joseph Les Archevêques $47. Alan k

The Nebbiolo grape is to Barolo what the Pinot Noir grape is to Burgundy. Both grapes have made their wine-producing regions famous, for good reason since they both produce high quality, long-lasting wines. What about 2006 as a vintage? They can be described as wines of good depth, sturdy structure and fine elegance, already more open than the ’05s (which were rough-edged at this stage of their life) and which display appealing, snappy tannins and a nervy acidity. Our wines

Barbaresco and Barolo communes are situated in the Piedmont area of Italy about 10 miles apart and both produce wine from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Yet, despite the proximity of these two wine producing zones that use the same grape, they produce two distinct styles. Many refer to Barolo as ‘masculine’ and the Wine of the King and Barbesco as “feminine” and wine of the Queen. Or to draw from the title of a popular book, “Barbaresco is from Mars, Barolo is from Venus”. On May 12,

On September 16, 2014 TVC presented a tasting of 8 Left Bank Wines from 2004. Four were from Saint-Julien, two from Pauillac, one from Margaux and one was from Pessac-Leognan. They included 1 Grand Cru Classe, 3 second growths (2e cru), 3 third (3e cru) growths and 1 fourth (4e cru) growth. Derek Kranenborg was gracious enough to fill in at the last minute as our guest speaker. He also spoke at our May event featuring premium California Cabernet wines. We were delighted a

California dreamin'! May’s tasting explored a cross section of 4 vintages of premium California Cabernet Sauvignon wines and primarily the Napa Valley region, with one exception from Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. Our four vintages were 2005 to 2008. The ’05, ’06, and ’08 were rated as “outstanding” according to Robert Parker, and the ’07 was assessed as ‘extraordinary’ (the top rating description) and we have three of these!! Dream no longer! We were joined by guest sp

According to Jose Penin of Decanter.com, “The elite of Spanish dry whites still come from Rueda. Here the main source is the Verdejo grape, planted on varied soils like the stony ones found near the Douro riverbanks or those richer in sand and slate in the province of Segovia at an altitude that renders vine growing almost impossible, but rewarding.” Jose goes on to praise the “fabulous Albariños from Rías Baixas, which show more even quality levels than Rueda’s Verdejos but

Australia is recognized globally for its rich, bold Shiraz wine. According to Janise Robinson, if black pepper is trademark of French Syrah, dark chocolate is that of Australian Shiraz produced from Australia's vineyards. The oldest Shiraz we presented for tasting on March 18, 2014 was 13 years and the youngest was six. Guest speaker for the evening was Lenny Panzer of B & W Wines. ​HOW THE WINES RANKED THE WINES 2001 Rockford Wines - Basket Press Shiraz $79 (South AU) “The

James Lawther, MW, wrote on Decanter.com that “The 2004 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the best since 2001 … with a minerally balance and freshness, and long ageing potential.” The grapes benefitted from an Indian summer in 2004, which allowed winemakers to harvest at their desire during the last two weeks in September and into early October. The vintage is characterized by its minerality and acidity, which was achieved thanks to the contrasting day and night temperatures

The 2005 vintage in Burgundy has been described as one of the greatest red wine vintage for a generation. According to Janis Robinson there is one dominant characteristic of the 2005 vintage: their thrilling combination of ripeness and acidity. Robinson reports that “the fruit really does taste as refreshing as a sorbet” and describes the vintage as having “both the freshness of a cool vintage and the richness and texture more reminiscent of an overripe vintage”. Toronto Vin

On March 19, 2013, TVC was delighted and thrilled to welcome Gray Hartley of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Winery for an exclusive tasting of some of his finest wines. Hitching Post Winery is known as the restaurant where Miles meets Maya in Alexander Payne’s Academy Award winning film Sideways, but it is also famous for producing exceptional Pinot Noirs. Thanks to Malcolm Cocks of Glen-Ward Wines Inc. for making this happen for our members! HOW THE WINES RANKED For this spe

Rankings of our N. Rhone wine tasting