Monday, February 20, 2006
GPCI for March 4th 2006 release at the LCBO
New Zealand (White)
2004 The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough – $17.95
WS=89 ; Zingy style has lively lime and grapefruit flavors at the center, picking up a green apple note as the finish lingers. Drink now.
GPCI - The Sauv Blanc from Marlborough NZ are always great and this one has its "Kosher approval" from WS. The price is also attractive (they're usually beyond the $20 price). I'd buy 3 bottles.
Agrentina (Red)
2003 Crios de Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon - $12.95
Stephen Tanzer – 87; Fruit-driven aromas of blackberry syrup and cassis. A sweet, lush fruit bomb on the palate, with very ripe flavors running more to dark berries than to cabernet pepper or mint.
WS – 88 ; Juicy blackberry and raspberry fruit, with bramble, toast and cocoa notes as well. Ripe, fleshy finish. Very tasty. Drink now through 2006. 8,000 cases made
GPCI - when was the last time you could buy a Cab Sauv that got 88 by WS and cost $13 ???
I think it's an excellent option for the day-to-day drinking, or as a first bottle in a "many bottles-dinner". I would go for at least 6 bottles (if not for the entire case).
2004 Dona Paula Estate Malbec – $15.95
100% Malbec. 14% vol. Intense red color with violet hues. Complex aromas with ripe plums, blackberry, blueberry, sweet tar, licorice, black pepper, mint, truffle with hint of mocha flavors. It has sweet and smooth tannins, nice body with supple long finish. Can be aged for 7 years http://www.vineyardbrands.com/default.asp?ID=209&ByPass=techDPaula
GPCI - Again, one of my favorite grapes for $16 AND it can be cellared until 2011 - no brainer.
Australia (Red)
2004 Taltarni Heathcote Shiraz – $34.95
GPCI - I could not find reviews on the net about this specific wine in 2004. Their 2003 received Gold medal and was very high appreciated. From the review I made on this winery, it seems their Shiraz is made for at least 10 years of cellaring – which makes it “GPCI worthy”…
Vintages.com - This classic Shiraz was a Gold-Medal winner at the 2005 Royal Melbourne Wine Show. Heathcote is emerging as one of Australia's most exciting wine regions. Crafted in a ripe and generous style, expect a full-bodied, well-balanced wine loaded with plum, blueberry, black berry and spicy flavours.
2002 The Gate Shiraz, McLaren Vale - $33.95
625 cases produced
http://www.affairsofthevine.com/ - 88 points Sweet oak and black cherry with a luscious palate. Good acid on the very long finish.
GPCI- the way I look at it is like this - 2002, a very good vintage. Mclaren Vale, never failed, 625 cases - not too many will have this wine. $34 a bit expensive for a Shiraz. Bottom line - it all depends on how many Shiraz you want to experience and how much you are willing to spend for it.
France (Red)
2003Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape – $79.95
International Wine Cellar : Score: 93 ; Deep, dense red color. Vibrant aromas of aromas of cherry, wild herbs, fresh flowers and minerals. Energetic and sweet, showing no overripe qualities; offers a silky, suave texture and wonderfully pure red berry, fresh plum, kirsch and fig flavors. Those with an aversion to the funky, gamey character that can characterize Beaucastel in "typical" vintages owe it to themselves to check this out. Clearly, the Perrins know what to do with grenache, even if it's not their favorite grape. January 01, 2006.
RP = 91-93 ; Much like it was in 1998, the blend for Beaucastel’s 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape includes more Grenache (50%) since that varietal was both consistent and of high quality. The balance is 20% Mourvedre, and 30% such varietals as Syrah and Counoise. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by an earthy style, moderately high levels of tannin, and neither the suppleness nor forward flamboyance of the 2000 or 2001. Dense, full-bodied, and structured, the 2003 is clearly a vin de garde. It will require 5-6 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 15-18 years. December 30, 2004.
GPCI - this is a good a example to see how the "GPCI concept" comes into play. $80 is a lot of money for 1 bottle of wine, but when you take into consideration the fact that it can be cellared around 24 years (!), you get a low index as 3.3 i.e. $3.3 per cellaring year - which is "GPCI worthy". I'd buy 2 - 1 for me and 1 for my daughters...
2003 Domaine du Grapillon d'or Gigondas – $26.95
« It has a brilliant deep ruby red colour with intense aromas of red fruits, pepper, spice and liquorice. It’s a full bodied and powerful wine, well balanced with a very long finish. It’s a rich and elegant wine » Serve it at the temperature of 18°. It’s a keeping wine (10 years) it’s best between 3 and 6 years. http://www.domainedugrapillondor.com/
GPCI - Gigondas is my favorite next to Chateauneuf-du-pape. The price is reasonable for its quality and cellaring potential.
2003 Chateau Fonreaud - $ 29.95
Decanter Review - 3 stars – Recommended - Very deep ruby, fragrant black currant nose, attractive fruit with ripeness and balance, quite understated for the vintage and the better for it, attractive, supple, fruity wine. 2007-15.
GPCI - a good 3.3 index for a recommended wine.
Spain (Red)
1998 Marques de Caceres Rioja Reserva – $29.95
ST = 89 ; Good medium red. Superripe, expressive aromas of red- and blackcurrant, flowers, spices, meat and tobacco. Broad, round and ripe but dry, with a light touch to the flavors of cherry, plum, tobacco and meat. At once sweet and bright, with a meaty edge that adds to its complexity. Very well balanced. Finishes with fine, dusty tannins and noteworthy breadth and length.
Concentration, fruit and finesse are the keywords in this benchmark Rioja. Marqués de Caceres continually surpass your expectations and this is a Gran Reserva in all but name. A vivacious, developed nose of raspberry, cherry and cream leads to a rich, harmonious palate and a soft, velvety finish. http://www.oddbins.com/
GPCI - I had the 1991 Caceres Gran Reserva and it was beautiful! 1998 wasn't a great year in the Rioja region but this producer knows how to take the best of the grapes. You can enjoy this wine now or lay it down until 2010.
South Africa (Red)
2002 Laborie Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon – $16.95
14.38%. 60/40 blend, inviting succulent berry flavour and just enough oak providing framework to hang it on. A complex well-balanced red wine with typical minty pepper and berry flavours resulting from the two varietals that compliment each other. An easy drinking wine with a soft finish. http://www.sawinesonline.co.uk/
GPCI - if you're looking for a day to day cab-merlot wine, this seems to be a good choice. Although I would probably go with the Argentian 2003 Crios de Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon for $12.95.
2003 Saxenburg Chardonnay private collection – $19.95
Winemaker’s comments - A full and concentrated wine with lovely tropical fruit and hazel nut flavours. Best enjoyed with seafood and lighter meat dishes.
GPCI - sounds promissing and not too expenisve for a good Chardonnay - I would give it a try with a nice dish of sea-food pasta.
Italy (Red)
GPCI - the next 2 wines are relatively cheep Italian wines if you're looking for a day to day wine...
2003 Ripa delle Mandorle Castello Vicchiomaggio, Tuscany – $16.95
80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Purply black opaque. Strawberries, red fruit, India rubber with a hint of caramel on the finish. Still rather shy but interesting. Round, silky fruit with delicate cheesy, nutty notes among the soft berry fruit. Good mouth feel and a fresh, modern, clean style. Very easy to drink already. Very good soft finish. Tremendously forward and drinking well already. A more rounded wine that the 2002 and very easy to finish more than one bottle before noticing!
2002 Di Majo Norante Ramitello Rosso, Molise – $16.95
Intense ruby red with violet reflections. The scent of plums comes through on the nose. Full bodied and velvety with a perfect balance between the flavors of plum and woodberries. Hints of licorice in the persistent finish. It is recommended that this wine have some time to open before drinking. Excellent with richly flavored dishes, particularly meats, small game and aged cheeses. Made from 80% Prugnolo, 20% Aglianico.
2003 Marne Brune, Nebbiolo d'Alba, Fontanafredda – $24.95
100% Nebbiolo. 13.5%.
Nebbiolo Marne Brune stands out for its fragrance, which is already evident in its ruby-red colour of varying intensity depending on the vintage, and is confirmed on the nose by bouquets of flowers and wild fruit, and on the palate by its strong personality and dry, nicely almond-like taste. Well suited to complex fine dishes where red meats are the focus of the dish. Also suited to seasoned cheese and truffles.
Drinks well on release but will age for 7-8 years in the bottle.
GPCI - good offer if you like Nebbiolo that can be either drank now or cellared.
2002 Le Volte, Tuscany – $24.95
The Young Ornellaia : 40% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
A wine of indulgent opulence and generosity, the tannin of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the acidity of the Sangiovese lend structure and complexity. The outcome is an approachable wine of vibrant crimson displaying ripe red and dark berry fruits, a gentle, round palate, impeccable balance, and a delightfully lingering finish.
GPCI - According to RP, the 2002 vintage in Tuscany got 75 – an average vintage. BUT it's an opportunity to get closer to Ornellaia for a fraction of the price... I would buy 1 to try...
2001 Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano, Gattavecchi, Tuscany - $22.95
Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero. Medium-Full body. 14%. This wine has a penetrating bouquet of mature plums, with a dry warm robust flavour. Serve with red meats and well seasoned cheeses.
2000 Fabiano, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto – $37.95
65% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 5% Molinara ; 14.5% Its flavour is dry and pleasant with a characteristic perfume, and its colour is deep pomegranate which is the result of prolonged ageing. Open the bottle one hour before serving at room temperature. The wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas which start with hints of black cherry, plum and blackberry followed by aromas of violet, blueberry, vanilla, tobacco, licorice, cinnamon, cocoa and mace. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, plum and blackberry. This Amarone ages for 3 years of which at least 10 months in cask. http://www.diwinetaste.com/english/
GPCI - 2000 was another great vintage in the Vento (north-east of Italy) region. Although $38 is not a low price, it's relatively low to other Amrone in the market ($50+). The review seems promising and I believe it can be cellared until 2010 (if not more...).
Portugal (Red)
2003 Quinta Do Vallado Douro - $15.95
Deeply coloured wine with baked fruit, spice and earth aromas on the nose. The palate is supple with ripe fruit, a fine tannic framework and just a touch of sweet oak. The finish has some richness and allure. http://www.winelegend.com/
US, California (Red)
L'Aventure Zinfandel - 2002 - $36.95
Winemaker Notes: This, our last vintage of Zinfandel, is rich and lush, but with a long, elegant palate seldom found in wines made from this grape. Made from fruit grown at Eric Ogorsolka's Zenaida Vineyards, this wine is subtle in it's attack, and lingers long in the mouth -no fruit -bomb here! Stephan describes it as "a classical red wine with a Zinfandel finish". Bravo! Drink from now until 2010, and a little longer.
GPCI - I have to admit, I have my weakness to strong-full Zin - I just love this grape. it's a bit expensive, but L'Aventure is a good producer.
2004 The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough – $17.95
WS=89 ; Zingy style has lively lime and grapefruit flavors at the center, picking up a green apple note as the finish lingers. Drink now.
GPCI - The Sauv Blanc from Marlborough NZ are always great and this one has its "Kosher approval" from WS. The price is also attractive (they're usually beyond the $20 price). I'd buy 3 bottles.
Agrentina (Red)
2003 Crios de Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon - $12.95
Stephen Tanzer – 87; Fruit-driven aromas of blackberry syrup and cassis. A sweet, lush fruit bomb on the palate, with very ripe flavors running more to dark berries than to cabernet pepper or mint.
WS – 88 ; Juicy blackberry and raspberry fruit, with bramble, toast and cocoa notes as well. Ripe, fleshy finish. Very tasty. Drink now through 2006. 8,000 cases made
GPCI - when was the last time you could buy a Cab Sauv that got 88 by WS and cost $13 ???
I think it's an excellent option for the day-to-day drinking, or as a first bottle in a "many bottles-dinner". I would go for at least 6 bottles (if not for the entire case).
2004 Dona Paula Estate Malbec – $15.95
100% Malbec. 14% vol. Intense red color with violet hues. Complex aromas with ripe plums, blackberry, blueberry, sweet tar, licorice, black pepper, mint, truffle with hint of mocha flavors. It has sweet and smooth tannins, nice body with supple long finish. Can be aged for 7 years http://www.vineyardbrands.com/default.asp?ID=209&ByPass=techDPaula
GPCI - Again, one of my favorite grapes for $16 AND it can be cellared until 2011 - no brainer.
Australia (Red)
2004 Taltarni Heathcote Shiraz – $34.95
GPCI - I could not find reviews on the net about this specific wine in 2004. Their 2003 received Gold medal and was very high appreciated. From the review I made on this winery, it seems their Shiraz is made for at least 10 years of cellaring – which makes it “GPCI worthy”…
Vintages.com - This classic Shiraz was a Gold-Medal winner at the 2005 Royal Melbourne Wine Show. Heathcote is emerging as one of Australia's most exciting wine regions. Crafted in a ripe and generous style, expect a full-bodied, well-balanced wine loaded with plum, blueberry, black berry and spicy flavours.
2002 The Gate Shiraz, McLaren Vale - $33.95
625 cases produced
http://www.affairsofthevine.com/ - 88 points Sweet oak and black cherry with a luscious palate. Good acid on the very long finish.
GPCI- the way I look at it is like this - 2002, a very good vintage. Mclaren Vale, never failed, 625 cases - not too many will have this wine. $34 a bit expensive for a Shiraz. Bottom line - it all depends on how many Shiraz you want to experience and how much you are willing to spend for it.
France (Red)
2003Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape – $79.95
International Wine Cellar : Score: 93 ; Deep, dense red color. Vibrant aromas of aromas of cherry, wild herbs, fresh flowers and minerals. Energetic and sweet, showing no overripe qualities; offers a silky, suave texture and wonderfully pure red berry, fresh plum, kirsch and fig flavors. Those with an aversion to the funky, gamey character that can characterize Beaucastel in "typical" vintages owe it to themselves to check this out. Clearly, the Perrins know what to do with grenache, even if it's not their favorite grape. January 01, 2006.
RP = 91-93 ; Much like it was in 1998, the blend for Beaucastel’s 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape includes more Grenache (50%) since that varietal was both consistent and of high quality. The balance is 20% Mourvedre, and 30% such varietals as Syrah and Counoise. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by an earthy style, moderately high levels of tannin, and neither the suppleness nor forward flamboyance of the 2000 or 2001. Dense, full-bodied, and structured, the 2003 is clearly a vin de garde. It will require 5-6 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 15-18 years. December 30, 2004.
GPCI - this is a good a example to see how the "GPCI concept" comes into play. $80 is a lot of money for 1 bottle of wine, but when you take into consideration the fact that it can be cellared around 24 years (!), you get a low index as 3.3 i.e. $3.3 per cellaring year - which is "GPCI worthy". I'd buy 2 - 1 for me and 1 for my daughters...
2003 Domaine du Grapillon d'or Gigondas – $26.95
« It has a brilliant deep ruby red colour with intense aromas of red fruits, pepper, spice and liquorice. It’s a full bodied and powerful wine, well balanced with a very long finish. It’s a rich and elegant wine » Serve it at the temperature of 18°. It’s a keeping wine (10 years) it’s best between 3 and 6 years. http://www.domainedugrapillondor.com/
GPCI - Gigondas is my favorite next to Chateauneuf-du-pape. The price is reasonable for its quality and cellaring potential.
2003 Chateau Fonreaud - $ 29.95
Decanter Review - 3 stars – Recommended - Very deep ruby, fragrant black currant nose, attractive fruit with ripeness and balance, quite understated for the vintage and the better for it, attractive, supple, fruity wine. 2007-15.
GPCI - a good 3.3 index for a recommended wine.
Spain (Red)
1998 Marques de Caceres Rioja Reserva – $29.95
ST = 89 ; Good medium red. Superripe, expressive aromas of red- and blackcurrant, flowers, spices, meat and tobacco. Broad, round and ripe but dry, with a light touch to the flavors of cherry, plum, tobacco and meat. At once sweet and bright, with a meaty edge that adds to its complexity. Very well balanced. Finishes with fine, dusty tannins and noteworthy breadth and length.
Concentration, fruit and finesse are the keywords in this benchmark Rioja. Marqués de Caceres continually surpass your expectations and this is a Gran Reserva in all but name. A vivacious, developed nose of raspberry, cherry and cream leads to a rich, harmonious palate and a soft, velvety finish. http://www.oddbins.com/
GPCI - I had the 1991 Caceres Gran Reserva and it was beautiful! 1998 wasn't a great year in the Rioja region but this producer knows how to take the best of the grapes. You can enjoy this wine now or lay it down until 2010.
South Africa (Red)
2002 Laborie Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon – $16.95
14.38%. 60/40 blend, inviting succulent berry flavour and just enough oak providing framework to hang it on. A complex well-balanced red wine with typical minty pepper and berry flavours resulting from the two varietals that compliment each other. An easy drinking wine with a soft finish. http://www.sawinesonline.co.uk/
GPCI - if you're looking for a day to day cab-merlot wine, this seems to be a good choice. Although I would probably go with the Argentian 2003 Crios de Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon for $12.95.
2003 Saxenburg Chardonnay private collection – $19.95
Winemaker’s comments - A full and concentrated wine with lovely tropical fruit and hazel nut flavours. Best enjoyed with seafood and lighter meat dishes.
GPCI - sounds promissing and not too expenisve for a good Chardonnay - I would give it a try with a nice dish of sea-food pasta.
Italy (Red)
GPCI - the next 2 wines are relatively cheep Italian wines if you're looking for a day to day wine...
2003 Ripa delle Mandorle Castello Vicchiomaggio, Tuscany – $16.95
80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Purply black opaque. Strawberries, red fruit, India rubber with a hint of caramel on the finish. Still rather shy but interesting. Round, silky fruit with delicate cheesy, nutty notes among the soft berry fruit. Good mouth feel and a fresh, modern, clean style. Very easy to drink already. Very good soft finish. Tremendously forward and drinking well already. A more rounded wine that the 2002 and very easy to finish more than one bottle before noticing!
2002 Di Majo Norante Ramitello Rosso, Molise – $16.95
Intense ruby red with violet reflections. The scent of plums comes through on the nose. Full bodied and velvety with a perfect balance between the flavors of plum and woodberries. Hints of licorice in the persistent finish. It is recommended that this wine have some time to open before drinking. Excellent with richly flavored dishes, particularly meats, small game and aged cheeses. Made from 80% Prugnolo, 20% Aglianico.
2003 Marne Brune, Nebbiolo d'Alba, Fontanafredda – $24.95
100% Nebbiolo. 13.5%.
Nebbiolo Marne Brune stands out for its fragrance, which is already evident in its ruby-red colour of varying intensity depending on the vintage, and is confirmed on the nose by bouquets of flowers and wild fruit, and on the palate by its strong personality and dry, nicely almond-like taste. Well suited to complex fine dishes where red meats are the focus of the dish. Also suited to seasoned cheese and truffles.
Drinks well on release but will age for 7-8 years in the bottle.
GPCI - good offer if you like Nebbiolo that can be either drank now or cellared.
2002 Le Volte, Tuscany – $24.95
The Young Ornellaia : 40% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
A wine of indulgent opulence and generosity, the tannin of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the acidity of the Sangiovese lend structure and complexity. The outcome is an approachable wine of vibrant crimson displaying ripe red and dark berry fruits, a gentle, round palate, impeccable balance, and a delightfully lingering finish.
GPCI - According to RP, the 2002 vintage in Tuscany got 75 – an average vintage. BUT it's an opportunity to get closer to Ornellaia for a fraction of the price... I would buy 1 to try...
2001 Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano, Gattavecchi, Tuscany - $22.95
Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero. Medium-Full body. 14%. This wine has a penetrating bouquet of mature plums, with a dry warm robust flavour. Serve with red meats and well seasoned cheeses.
2000 Fabiano, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto – $37.95
65% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 5% Molinara ; 14.5% Its flavour is dry and pleasant with a characteristic perfume, and its colour is deep pomegranate which is the result of prolonged ageing. Open the bottle one hour before serving at room temperature. The wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas which start with hints of black cherry, plum and blackberry followed by aromas of violet, blueberry, vanilla, tobacco, licorice, cinnamon, cocoa and mace. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, plum and blackberry. This Amarone ages for 3 years of which at least 10 months in cask. http://www.diwinetaste.com/english/
GPCI - 2000 was another great vintage in the Vento (north-east of Italy) region. Although $38 is not a low price, it's relatively low to other Amrone in the market ($50+). The review seems promising and I believe it can be cellared until 2010 (if not more...).
Portugal (Red)
2003 Quinta Do Vallado Douro - $15.95
Deeply coloured wine with baked fruit, spice and earth aromas on the nose. The palate is supple with ripe fruit, a fine tannic framework and just a touch of sweet oak. The finish has some richness and allure. http://www.winelegend.com/
US, California (Red)
L'Aventure Zinfandel - 2002 - $36.95
Winemaker Notes: This, our last vintage of Zinfandel, is rich and lush, but with a long, elegant palate seldom found in wines made from this grape. Made from fruit grown at Eric Ogorsolka's Zenaida Vineyards, this wine is subtle in it's attack, and lingers long in the mouth -no fruit -bomb here! Stephan describes it as "a classical red wine with a Zinfandel finish". Bravo! Drink from now until 2010, and a little longer.
GPCI - I have to admit, I have my weakness to strong-full Zin - I just love this grape. it's a bit expensive, but L'Aventure is a good producer.
