2014 1st Half Summary - Reds

Jesse, still a Pup at 18 mos.

The 69 Reds tasted from January 1st through June 30 this year are listed below sequenced by rating.  Shown in brackets is the month of tasting where the original notes can be found.  There are 24 wines rated 90 and above. These are considered not lacking in any aspect and are excellent to sip and to complement a meal. Another twenty-seven in the 85 to 89 range are enjoyable but lack in minor degrees of fullness, varietal character or some other element. Eighteen are 84 and below - these may be consumable but not necessarily enjoyable in some way. See the side panel for more background.

The value that is hyphenated to the rating indicates whether a wine is 'worth the price', one that I'd buy in 'multiples', or one I'd buy in 'quantity'.  See the side panel for more background. Click here for the 1st half WHITES+.
 
Consider this one person's view and perhaps a starting point if it helps. 

Note:
The LCBO has changed their search routine for finding wines and where they are in the Province. See side panel for more detail... I'm returning to use the Vintages and LCBO to avoid a LCBO Online Search graphic. 
...btw, a search for test labels 'Big Head' and '5 Vineyards' on any of the search sites produces meaningless results.



Cheers, Ww

Reds:

• Shiloh Shor Cabernet Sauvignon KP 2007,  95-2  --  V, Judean Hills, Israel, #282947 $32.95  (Mar)
• Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz Grenache 2011, 94-3 --  V, Penwortham, South Australia, #009225 $19.95  (Mar)    
• Domaine des Fées Côtes du Rhône 2012, 93-3  --  V, Rhône, France, #272450 $15.95  (Mar)
• Chilensis Lazuli 2010, 93-3  -- V, Maule Valley, Chile, #348128  $17.95  (Jan)
• The Foreign Affair 'The Conspiracy' 2012 VQA  Niagara Peninsula, 93-3  --  V, Vineland, Ontario, #149237  $19.95  (Mar)
• Zorzal Terroir Unico Malbec 2011, 92a/c-3  --  V, Tupungato, Argentina, #339788 $17.95  (Jan)
• Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz 2011, 92-2  --  V, Penwortham, Australia, #925453 $19.95  (May)
• Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2010, 92-2  --  V, Sonoma, California, #330241 $27.95  (Jan)
• Bodegas Castano Hecula Monastrell 2011, 91a-3  --  G, Yecla, Spain, #300673 $11.80  (Feb)
•  Alta Vista Premium Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, 91-2  --   V, Mendoza, Argentina,  #129957 $14.95  (Jun)
• Romain Duvernay Cairanne 2010, 91-2  --  V,  Rhône, France, #320465 $16.75  (Jan)
• Valdemar Inspiraciòn Selecciòn 2010, 91-2  --  V,  Rioja, Spain, #166512 $17.00  (Jun)
• Feudi San Pio Valpolicella Classico Ripasso Superiore 2012,  91-2  --  V, Veneto, Italy, #181446 $17.95  (Jun)
• Handcraft Petite Sirah Artisan Collection 2011, 91-2  V,  Manteca, California, #361907 $17.95  (Apr)  
• Haselgrove First Cut Vintage 2010 Shiraz, 91a-2  --  V, McLaren Vale, Australia,  #367425 $18.95  (Jun)
•  Bertani Villa Novare Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2010, 91-2  --  V,  Veneto, Italy, #095810 $19.95 (May)
• Heartland Stickleback Red 2010, 90-2  --  V,  South Australia, Australia, #116574 $13.95  (Feb)
• Syrousse Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2011, 90-2  --  V, Tautavel, France,  #357343 $16.95  (Feb)
• JIP JIP Rocks Shiraz 2011, 90-2  --  V, Padthaway, Australia, #673897 $16.95  (Feb)
• Château Argadens Bordeaux Supérieur Grand Vin 2009, 90-2  --  V,  Gironde, France, #681643 $16.95  (Jan) 
• Tempus Two Cabernet Merlot Limestone Coast 2011, 90-2  --  G, Pokolbin, NSW, Australia,  #308197 $16.95 (May)
• 13th Street Winery Merlot 2012 VQA Creek Shores, 90a-2  --  V,  St. Catharines, Ontario,  #270504 $17.95  (May)
•  Aquinas Pinot Noir Napa Valley 2012, 90-2  -  G, Napa Valley, California, #277657 $17.95*  (Apr)
• Rolf Binder Hales Shiraz 2010, 90-2  --  V,  Barossa Valley, Australia, #054239 $18.95  (Jun)
•  
• Domaine de Grangeneuve Esprit de Grenache Côtes du Rhône Villages 2011, 90-1  --  V, Rhône, France, #364794 $20.95  (Mar)
  
• Terredora Aglianico Campania 2010, 89-1  --  V, Montefusco, Italy,  #602284 $16.95  (May)
• Cesari Mara Vino de Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2011, 89-2  --  G, Veneto, Italy, #506519 $17.95  (Feb)
• Leone de Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2010, 89-1  --  V,  Apulia, Italy, #597534 $19.95  (Jun)
• Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2010, 89-1  --  V, Veneto, Italy, #910430  $22.95* (GS#132852  $33.20)  (Apr)
• Kaiken Malbec Reserva 2011, 88-1 --  V, Mendoza, Argentina, #058339 $14.95  (May)
• Emiliana Natura Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, 88-1  --  V, Rapel Valley, Chile, #061069 $14.95  (Feb)
• Pasqua Villa Borghetti Passimento Rosso 2011, 88a-1  --  G, Verona, Italy,  #141952 $15.45  (May)
• Pascual Toso Limited Edition Malbec 2011, 88-1  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #162610 $15.95  (Jan)
• TintoNegro Uco Valley Reserve Malbec 2011, 88-1  --  V,  Mendoza, Argentina,  #364075 $15.95  (Mar)
• Bocchino Giuseppe Arduine Barbera d'Asti 2011, 88a-1  --  V, Piedmont, Italy, #343277 $16.95  (Jan)
• Menguante Seleccion Garnacha 2007, 88a-1  --  V,  Aragon, Spain, #313833 $16.95  (Apr)
• Trapiche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, 87-1  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #614669 $11.95  (Jan)
• Caparzo Sangiovese Toscana 2011, 87-1  --  G, Montalcino, Italy, #361022 $12.95  (Mar)
• Red Guitar Old Vine Tempranilla Garnacha 2010, 87-1  --  G, Navarro, Spain, #054007  $12.95  (Apr)
• Château Haut Méthée 2009, 87-1  --  V,  Bordeaux, France, #356592 $15.95  (Feb)
• Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, 87-1  --  V, Napa, California, #534263 $15.95*  (Apr)
• Les Vignerons du Castelas Signargues Côtes du Rhône-Villages Vieilles Vignes 2010, 87  --  V, Rhône, France, #034116 $16.95  (Feb)
• Ravenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine Zinfandel 2012, 88-1  --  V, Acampo, California, #359257 $17.95  (Feb) 
• Robert Oatley Signature Series Pinot Noir 2012, 88-1  --  V,  New South Wales, Australia, #357491 $18.95  (Feb)
• Robert Oatley Signature Series Pinot Noir 2012, 87  --  V,  Yarra Valley, Australia, #357491 $18.95  (Jun)
• Cave de Roquebrun la Grange des Combes Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2011, 86 --  V, Midi, France, #155804 $15.95  (Feb)
• Fifth Leg Old Dog New Tricks Shiraz 2011, 86  --  G, Margaret River, Australia, #281345  $15.95  (Apr)
• Domaine Lambrusgues Esprit Sauvage Pic Saint-Loup 2011, 86a  --  V,  Languedoc, France,  #354142 $17.95  (Apr)
• Cave Spring Dolomite Pinot Noir 2011 VQA Niagara Escarpment, 86  --  O, Jordan, Ontario  #Winery  $19.45   (May)
• San Cassiano Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2010, 85  --  V, Veneto, Italy, #354431 $17.95  (Jan)
• Pérez Cruz Limited Edition Carmenère 2012, 85  --  V, Maipo Alto, Chile, #670539 $19.95  (May)
•  
• Paul Mas Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2012,  84  --  G, South France,  #293134 $11.95*  (Mar)
• Poderi Colla Nebbiolo d'Alba 2010,  84  --  V, Piedmont, Italy,  #748566 $20.75*  (Jan)
• Tenuta de Angelis Rosso Piceno Superiore 2009, 83a  --  V, Marche, Italy, #324756 $11.25*   (Feb)
• Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, 83  --  G, Napa, California, #055517 $14.95  (Jun)
• 13th Street Detour Gamay/Pinot Noir 2012, 83  --  G, St. Catharines, Ontario, #367565   $14.95*  (May)
• Coyote's Run Five Mile Red 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 83a  --  G, St. David's, Ontario, #283416  $16.95  (Mar)
• Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2012, 83  --  G, South Australia, #285544 $16.95   (May)
• Inniskillin Discovery Series East-West Cabernet Shiraz 2011, 83 --  O, NotL ON & Oliver BC, Canada, #998346 (Wine Rack)  $17.95  (Jan)
• Geyser Peak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009,  83a  --  V,  Geyserville, California,  #343467 $19.95  (Jun)
• Bodega Luigi Bosca Finca La Linda Syrah 2012, 82  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #223651 $12.95  (Jan)
• Gariottin Malbec Cahors 2010, 82  --  G, Cahors, France, #340927 $13.15  (Mar)
• Terre Dei Volsci Velletri 2008, 82  --  G,  Aprilia, Italy, #175141 $14.90  (May)
• O Pinot Noir by Gilles Louvet Organic 2012, 82  --  G, Narbonne, France, #292995 $14.95  (May)
• Rosso Piceno Cantina Sant'Isidoro Pinto Macerato Italy2011,  82 -- V,  Marche, Italy, #364885 $15.95  (Mar)
• Pirramimma Stock's Hill Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2011, 80a  --  G,  McLaren Vale, Australia,  #352252 $16.90 (May)
• J.P. Chenet Limited Release Pinot Noir 2012, 78  --  G, Midi, France, #142406 $12.95 (Apr)
• Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, 77  --  G, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, #310300 $14.45*  (Jan)
• Bodega Luigi Bosca Finca La Linda Merlot 2012, NR  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #229849 $12.95  (Jan)

2014 1st Half Summary - Whites+

Jesse on Bench

There were 71 Whites+ consisting of 56 whites, 6 rosés and 9 sparklings tasted from January 1st through June 30 this year. These are listed below sequenced by rating.  Shown in brackets is the month of tasting where the original notes can be found.  Of the whites there are thirteen wines rated 90 and above. These are considered not lacking in any aspect and are excellent to sip and to complement a meal. Another nineteen in the 85 to 89 range are increasingly enjoyable although to varying degrees lack fullness, varietal character or some other element. Twenty-four in the range 84 and below may be consumable but lack noticeably in more than one essential aspect. Click here for the 1st half REDS .


The value that is hyphenated to the rating indicates whether a wine is 'worth the price', one that I'd buy in 'multiples', or one I'd buy in 'quantity'.  See the side panel for more background.

Hope you'll find something useful. 

Note:
The LCBO has changed their search routine for finding wines and where they are in the Province. See side panel for more detail... I'm returning to use the Vintages and LCBO to avoid a LCBO Online Search graphic. 
...btw, a search for test labels 'Big Head' and '5 Vineyards' on any of the search sites produces meaningless results.


Cheers, Ww

Whites:

• Robert Oatley Signature Series Riesling 2012, 93-3  --  V, Western Australia, #357426 $17.95  (Feb)
• Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc+Viognier 2012, 92-2  --  V, Oakville, California, #673756 $21.95  (Jan)
• Monchhof Robert Eymael Riesling 2011, 92-2  --  V,  Mosel, Germany, #349431 $16.95  (Feb)
• Konrad Sauvignon Blanc 2012, 91-2  --  V, Renwick, New Zealand, #616243  $19.95  (Jun)
• Elephant Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009, 91-2  --  V,  Hawkes Bay, New Zealand,  #361238 $23.95  (Apr)
• Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Riesling 2012, 91-2  --  V, Clare Valley, South Australia,  #365635 $17.95  (Mar)
• Daniel Lenko Gewurztraminer 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 90-1  --  V, Beamsville, Ontario, #356832 $20.25  (Mar)
• The Foreign Affair Ex-Pat Riesling 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 90-2  --  V, Vineland Station, Ontario, #372326 $16.95  (Apr)
• Rolf Binder Highness Riesling Eden Valley 2012, 90-3  --  V, Tanunda, South Australia, #368266  $18.95  (May)
• Volcanes de Chile Pomerape Limited Edition Sauvignon Blanc 2011,  90-2  --  V,  Leyda Valley, Chile, #371138  $14.95  (Jun)
• Donatien Bahaud Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray 2012, 90-2  --  V, St. Florent, France, #140889 $15.95  (Feb)
• Flat Rock Twisted 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 90-2  --  V, Jordan, Ontario, #001578  $16.95  (Feb)
• Cave Spring Estate Bottled The Adam Steps Riesling 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench, 90-1 --  O, Jordan, Ontario  #Winery  $22.10  (May)
• Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2013, 89-1  --  V,  Alto Adige, Italy, #954024 $18.95  (Jun)
• Greenlane Estate Winery Old Vines Riesling 2011 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, 89 --  V,  Beamsville, Ontario,  #351486 $22.95  (Jan)
• O Chardonnay by Gilles Louvet Organic 2012, 89-2 --  G,  Languedoc, France, #320432 $14.40  (May)
• Casa Do Valle Grande Escolha 2012, 89-2  --  V, Vinho Verde, Portugal, #276220 $15.95  (Mar)
• Maison Adrien Vacher les Adrets Altesse 'Roussette de Savoie' 2012, 89-2  --  V,  Savoie, France,  #365163 $16.95  (Mar)
• Willm Réserve Riesling 2012, 88-1  --  V,  Alsace, France, #011452 $15.95  (May)
• Firesteed Oregon Pinot Gris 2012, 88-1  --  G, Rickreall, Oregon, #323808 $17.80  (Apr)
• Hinterbrook Riesling 2012 VQA Niagara Lakeshore, 88-1  --  V, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #270512 $17.95  (Apr)
• Cave du Haut-Poitou Vallee Loire Sauvignon Blanc 2012,  87-1  --  V, Loire, France,  #357293 $16.95  (Apr)
• Joffré Pasion 4 Torrontés 2013, 87-1 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #361063  $14.95  (May)
• Jip Jip Rocks Unoaked Chardonnay 2012, 87-1  --  V, Padthaway, Australia, #175752  $15.95  (May)
• Maison Adrien Vacher les Adrets Altesse Roussette de Savoie 2012, 87-1  --  V, Savoie, France, #365163 $16.95  (May)
• Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2012, 87-1  --  V,  Veneto, Italy, #707158 $14.95  (Mar)
• Balestri Valda Soave Classico 2012, 87-1  --  V, Veneto, Italy,  #362939 $15.95  (Mar)
• Greenlane Estate Winery Old Vines Riesling 2010 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, 86  --  V, Beamsville, Ontario, #283432 $22.75*   (Jan)
• Cave Spring Dolomite Riesling 2012 VQA Niagara Escarpment, 86 --  O, Jordan, Ontario  #Winery  $15.02  (May)
• Cave Spring Sauvignon Blanc 2011 VQA Niagara Escarpment, 86  --  G, Jordan, Ontario, #529933 $15.95  (Apr)
• Tommasi Viticoltori le Volpare Soave 2011, 85  --  V,  Veneto, Italy, #n/a  $10.25* (GS#132852  $33.20)  (Apr)
• Tollgate Fumé Blanc Stratus Vineyards 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 85  --  V,  Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #335711 $15.20*  (May)
•  
• 13th Street Detour Riesling/Chardonnay 2012,  84  --  G, St. Catharines, Ontario, #367573  $14.95*  (May)
• 13th Street White Palette 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 84  --  V, St. Catharines, Ontario, #207340 $15.95  (May)
• San Silvestro Fossili Gavi di Gavi 2012, 84  --  V,  Piedmont, Italy, #368753 $16.95  (Jun)
• Moulin Camus Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2012, 84  --  V, Loire, France, #358630 $16.95 (Apr)
• Tiberio Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2012, 84  --  V, Abruzzo, Italy,  #365478  $15.95  (Mar)
• William Fèvre Espino Chardonnay 2011, 84a  --  V, Maipo Valley, Chile, #350058 $13.95   (Feb)
• Greenlane Estate Winery Pinot Gris/Riesling 2010 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore,  84  --  V, Beamsville, Ontario, #283721 $12.75*   (Jan)
• Greenlane Estate Winery Riesling 2011 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, 84  --  V,  Beamsville, Ontario, #327247 $15.95  (Jan)
• Brokenwood Cricket Pitch Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2011, 84 --  V, Pokolbin NSW, Australia, #662627 $18.95  (Jan)
• Bastianich Friulano Adriatico 2011, 84  --  V, Friuli, Italy, #277467 $19.95  (Jan)
• Rockway Small Lot (365 Cases) White Assemblage 2012 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 83  --  V,  St. Catharines, Ontario, #359315 $16.95  (Apr)
• Hess Select Chardonnay Monterey County 2011,  83  --   G, Napa, California,  #270074  $15.95  (Jun)
• Finca Nueva Blanco 2012, 83  --  V,  Rioja, Spain, #280560  $16.95  (May)
• Hess Select Chardonnay Monterey County 2012, 82  --  G, Salinas Valley, California, #270074  $15.95  (Apr)
• Calamus Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2012 VQA Vinemount Ridge, 82  --  V, Jordan, Ontario, #349456 $13.95  (Jan)
• Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio & Verduzzo IGT 2012, 82  --  G, Italy, #620773 $15.00   (Feb)
• Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musqué 2011 VQA Beamsville Bench, 81  --  O, Jordan, Ontario  #Winery  $14.14  (May)
• Yamhill Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011, 81  --  V,  McMinnville, Oregon, #366294  $17.95
• J&F Lurton les Fumées Blanches Sauvignon Blanc 2012,  81 -- G, France, #472555  $11.95*  (Mar)
• Palatine Hills Neufeld Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012 VQA Niagara Lakeshore,  80  --  V, NotL, Ontario, #352344 $14.25*  (Mar)
• Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc 2012, 80  --  V, Rhône, France, #701094  $15.95  (Feb)
• Montevina Pinot Grigio NV,  78  --  G, Napa, California, #237750 $14.95  (Mar)
• Pillitteri Estate Winery Viognier 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula, NR  --  V, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #330894 $14.95  (May)
• Patio 9 White Vidal Spritz VQA Ontario, NR  --   V, St. Catharines, Ontario, #341693 $12.95  (Apr)

Rosés:

• Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Rosé 2013, 91-2  --  V, Loire, France, #119693 $16.95  (Jun)
• See Ya Later Ranch Nelly Rosé VQA Okanagan Valley 2011,  87-1 --  V,  Okanagan Falls, BC, #325936 $13.25  (Feb)
•  
• Remy Pannier Rosé d'Anjou 2012, 83  --  G, Loire, France, #012641  $12.95  (May)
• Zenato Bardolino Chiaretto Rosé 2013, 83  --  V, Veneto, Italy, #045203 $14.95  (May)
• Milbrandt Traditions Columbia Valley Rosé 2011, 83  --  V, Washington, USA, #278309  $14.65  (Feb)
• Domaine LaFond Roc-Épine Tavel Rosé 2012, 78  --  V, Rhône, France, #950709 $17.95  (Jan)

Sparkling:

• Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Riesling Sparkling Wine 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, 93-3  --  V, Vineland, Ontario, #370361 $19.95  (May)
• De Chanceny Excellence Brut Vouvray 2010, 90-2  --  V, Loire, France, #352237 $20.95  (Jan)
• Azahara Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, 88-1  --  V, Victoria, Australia, #357483 $17.95  (Feb)
• Perlage Canah Brut Prosecco Superiore Conegliano Valdobbiadene 2012, 88-1 --  V, Veneto, Italy, #358390  $19.95  (May)
• Trapiche Extra Brut Sparkling Wine 2013, 86-1  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #262261 $10.95*  (May)
• Muga Conde de Haro Brut Cava 2010, 86  --  V,   Rioja, Spain, #168559  $19.95  (May)
• Domaine de Vaugondy Brut Vouvray, 86  --  V,  Loire, France, #154567 $15.95  (Apr)
•  
• Rotari Brut Trentodoc NV, 84 --  V,  Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy, #708495 $17.95  (Apr)
• Mionetto Prosecco DOC Treviso, 83 --  G, Veneto, Italy, V, #266023 $17.95  (Mar)

Page not found Error

Looks like the LCBO has changed some of their webpage addresses. Sorry about that - really screws things up with finding wine inventory from my blog. We'll see if they let things return to 'normal' in the next few days!

PS. I just took a look at the new LCBO search routine and will have to look again.... The programming folk, have listened and have 'upgraded' somewhat their software.  Seems there's quite a ways to go yet but I'm optimistic!!!  In the meantime click on general link and enter the wine product number or name to find what's available.
PPS. Other than some cosmetic changes LCBO's search options are relatively unchanged. Optimism took a 180.

 

The train has left the station... it's a long way to the next!

Cheers, Ww

Why VQA.

Std Agriculture

Why VQA.

I've been thinking about how VQA accreditation has contributed to my enjoyment of Canadian wines over the past years. I have to admit that I have rated VQA wines higher than nonVQA wines and overall I have a leaning to wines that are accredited in some form in other countries (although I don't make a point of verifying these 'accreditations').

A more fundamental question given our monopoly's eagerness to control is, are Niagara wineries so locked into VQA accreditation they can't break free individually or collectively? and would consumers be better off without this oversight? My answers are Yes! and No! and I'll tell you why.

I'm aware of only two cases where VQA accreditation was refused. One was based on an unacceptable onion skin coloration of a Pinot Gris and the other is the more recent case of a Riesling that was 'atypical' of an Ontario varietal. The first I was in disbelief since some quality PGs have an onion skin tone - but I thought no more of it and bought offshore. The latter I pledged to followup and, after visiting the winery, I purchased several of the Rieslings to find out more. (Results are in last month's notes - May 2014) 

Both cases included subjective opinions of what is a relationship between a consumer and his winemaker.  As in 'church and state' a monopoly has no business repealing a wine strictly on taste. Tell me if a wine has a harmful level of manganese or sulphite. Does it have microbial virus levels - and if I make a wine out of cucumbers it shouldn't wear the VQA crest pure and simple. Now if I make a wine made from 100% Ontario grapes but tastes like cucumber it's up to consumers to vote with their dollars, definitely not LCBO Product Consultants depriving consumers their right of choice and winemakers access to a market, although I wouldn't expect the LCBO to stock the wine. As well there's a Machiavellian side to a VQA rejection. A VQA accredited wine comes with a significant 'kickback', a 'comply and your income doubles'. That answers the first question - wineries are suppressed and are likely cautious to explore new grapes or innovative techniques even if these have proven to be successful in other wine growing regions. The financial impact is too imposing to oppose and everyone loses. In the Riesling case I found there were extenuating circumstances that led to the rejection.

Recent developments of gene and DNA manipulation are now complicating grape varietals. Sophisticated equipment (Ref 1) separates must elements for augmentation or elimination. In the interest of consumers and for their protection I believe it has become crucial to not only support VQA testing but expand it by adopting a lexicon of technological descriptors. Who else but a panel of independent analysts to filter and selectively eliminate incredulous sometimes harmful gimmickry.

How often have we purchased fruit and vegetables, imported or local - strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupes, watermelons, lettuce, celery, herbs, etc. etc. to find unacceptable flavours? How quickly has 'organic' become the preferred choice? Consumers recognize the term and pay a premium for 'organic'.  Open markets and food fairs are inspected for their hygiene. Consumers assume there's someone behind scenes inspecting the produce they buy and feed to their families - is the inspection done by store 'buyers' or by an independent third party acting on our behalf? It's the customer doing the 'final' inspection determining whether the broccoli is the right green, has a 'typical' aroma, or has the tactile texture of freshness.

Back to wine: There are alternatives without upsetting the VQA tradition. 'RAW' is gaining support in eastern countries and represents a well thought out regimen for ensuring a wine, from terroir to bottle, has never been manipulated unnaturally. Other terms such as biodynamic, sustainable, natural vineyard management... each has a  defined level of 'intervention' independent of VQA and managed by associations dedicated to natural viticulture. Would it be sufficient for the LCBO to say that a wine made from 100% Canadian grapes and having 'RAW' (or some such) on the label is acceptable, a rubber stamp to their approval? Another way of saying this would be if 'natural' winemaking terms became partners of VQA.  With this one identifier a consumer will know the VQA wine inside the bottle was based on grapes grown without -cides, picked and processed without heavy-manipulation, cone spinning or chemical enhancements and fermented with indigenous yeasts.

But what to do with GMO vines (Ref 2)? and is 'blow over' a concern in our wine regions (Ref 3)? 

VQA with an identifier could still be used to include standard agricultural practices: foreign yeasts, -cides and chemical earth nutrients, etc. as well as new technologies: cone spinning, reverse osmosis, etc. - perhaps VQA:AGR.  If for legal reasons identifiers can't be used colour code the VQA symbol. There must be a better way of supporting the growing diversity of customers and of wineries. (Ref 4) 

RAW

Biodynamic

Whatever

Now why is my skin itching so much?  and why do I sneeze after a glass of red? and how can I tell what to avoid? Unfortunately the way it is now VQA is colour blind!

Think about it!  Prepare for the future because it's now! 

"The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself" (Franklin D. Roosevelt)

Ww