Tuesday, May 02, 2006
GPCI for May 13th 2006 release at the LCBO
Uruguay (White)
2004 Don Pascual Viognier - $11.95 Best Buy .
True Viognier character at a very modest price. Aromatic, floral, peachy, and herbal, with terrific persistence in the mouth. http://www.beaconmgmt.com/rsfwt/Critics_Choice/2005_Newletters/2005_newletters.htm
GPCI - A Viognier for $12 - no risk. Great for the coming Spring-Summer days.
Uruguay (Red)
2005 Don Pascual Reserva Tannat - $13.95
2005 was a very good vintage for most varieties, especially for reds and certainly the TANNAT. GPCI -Don Pascal is one of the better producers of this unique grape (Tannat).
Buy at least 6 for day-to-day consumption.
US (Washington - Red)
2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz - $15.95
GREAT VALUE!
92% - Syrah ; 5% Viognier ; 3% Merlot
WS = 88 ; Ripe and polished, a supple red with raspberry and chocolate flavors, finishing with plum and spice, lingering effortlessly. Drink now through 2008. 115,000 cases made — Harvey Steiman, November 30, 2004.
WE = 88 ; Opens with a big nose and classic varietal fruit scents of blackberry and pepper. The sweet fruit tastes like fresh-picked, ripe berries; clean and polished, forward and expressive, but in a lighter vein. Vanilla and blueberries light up the finish — Paul Gregutt, April 01, 2005.
GPCI - once again, Columbia Crest bring a good value wine. A good competition for the Aussies. Buy at least 2.
US (Washington - White)
2005 Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling - $16.95
Wine Access = 90 ; A refreshing and fruity wine that shows off the best of new world riesling. Fruity aromas jump out of the glass led by lemon-lime and apricot with some floral notes in support. Great verve and intensity. Dry with a mix of pure and slightly sweet fruit. Good length with the lively fruit riding a wave of acidity right through to the end. Best 2006-2010. (JD)
GPCI - great value for great review. Buy at least 2.
Australia (Clare Valley - Red)
Leasingham Bin 56 Cabernet Malbec 2000 - $24.95
James Halliday = 93 ; Top 100 - Reds under $25 for 2002
"A wine with a great history (the 1971 still superb) and a testament to the synergy of the cabernet malbec blend in the Clare Valley; spends 18 months in French and American oak. Blackcurrant and plum aromas are matched by the generous, mouthfilling mid-palate sweet fruit of the malbec, the cabernet adding authority to the finish."
Wine Access - 89 ; A full blown cab-merlot that is dense and ripe but not overblown. Full and intense nose with cassis, plum, mineral, wood spice and leather. Ripe and spicy with an overlay of leathery and earthy complexity and some tannic firmness. The dark fruit and coffee cream from the barrels linger on the finish. A mouth filling and full bodied style but with some grip and structure. Drink 2006-2011.
GPCI - what a promising-lethal combination ; my 2 favorite grapes together with a great review in a 6 years old wine for a reasonable price. Buy 2.
France (Burgundy – White)
2004 domaine le verger Chablis – $21.95
Overall: http://www.bbr.com/ - 2004 Chablis Rating: 7/10 - drink or keep
The final result is very good wines with great typicity and good levels of ripeness and acidity.
GPCI - now, as you can see, 2004 didn't get a great review for Chablis. For a similar price, although not the same variety, I would go to his neighbor in Alsace (see next - 2004 Hugel).
France (Alsace – White)
2004 Hugel Riesling – $19.95
Produced only in the best vintages, this wine proves that finesse and elegance can go together with strength and richness. Perfectly matched with a noble fish dish, or white meat, with white wine sauce. http://www.telegraphwines.co.uk/
Wine Access = 87 ; A elegant style built on complexity and balance though a bit more intensity would not be out of line. The apple, peach, floral and mineral aromas aren’t overpowering but they do last a while. Very dry and firmly structured with apple and peach components evident from start to finish. Drink 2006-2011.
GPCI - I had Hugel Riesling before and it's great! I'd buy 3. Make sure you have it chilled before you drink it. mmm... what a treat for the coming summer.
France (Bordeaux - red)
2003 Cos Labory, St.Estephe - $47.95
WS=89-91 ; Pure currants and licorice on the nose. Wonderful Cabernet. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long finish
Wine Access - 91 ; An often overlooked property that sits in a high rent district near Lafite-Rothschild and Cos d’Estournel. The ripe vintage shows up rich, generous blackberry fruit coddled by mocha and coconut from new oak. Some rustic complexity as well that is a bit mindful ofsmoky cheese rind. It’s medium-full bodied, quite rich and supple with fine, ripe tannin that’s actually a bit unusual for St. Estephe. Excellent length. Best 2007 to 2012, perhaps longer.
GPCI - if you're looking for good 2003 vintages Bordeuax here is a good one. from one of my favorite areas (St. Estephe). it could be properly cellared for 8-12 years.
France (South of Rhone - red)
2003 Chateau Trignon Gigondas - $26.95
RP = 89-91 : "This is a successful effort for this appellation in 2003. A dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by a layered palate impression revealing notions of Provencal herbs, blueberries, raspberries, and black cherries. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure, and well-balanced, it should drink well for 7-8 years."
GPCI - another one of my favorite regions - south part of Rhone, for a reasonable price and for the quality and cellaring potential.
Italy (Sicily – White)
2004 Planeta Chardonnay - $37.95
WS = 89 (2003 rating) Issue: Mar 31, 2005 "Exotic, with vanilla, toasty oak and dried pineapple character that turns to apple tart flavors. Full-bodied, thick and oily, with an almost late-harvest character. Comes across almost off-dry. Slightly overdone in this hot year. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 14,500 cases made." (JS)
GPCI - very tempting although expensive from a region/area that is not so famous for their Chardonnay. I'd buy one, as a present to someone who appreciates good wine and has almost everything...
Germany (White)
2003 Selbach-Oster Riesling Auslese - $28.95
Bernkasteler Badstube, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
Wine Access (JD) = 94 (!) ; A beautifully flavoured and textured auslese with outstanding varietal character and length. Lemon-lime and ripe apple notes are joined by a combination of honeyed and dried fruit. Medium to medium sweet on the palate with plenty of fruit density and the expected seam of acidity. Intriguing mineral, honey and ripe and sweetish fruit last a while on the finish. Has the structure to drink well 2006-2018. This is one of the world’s classic styles of wine for under $30.
Toni Jost 2004 Riesling Kabinett, QmP - $21.95
Bacharacher Hahn, Mittelrhein
Wine Access (JD) = 90 ;A fruity and floral Riesling from the Mittelrhein which extends from its southern border with the Nahe to the outskirts of Bonn in the north. This offers fresh lime, peach, apricot, floral and mineral lift. Medium dry with predominantly peach and lime flavours and brisk acidity. Mid-weight with good fruit depth, a nudge of sweetness and a layer of mineral complexity. Drink 2006-2011. A fine match for Asian cuisine.
2004 Johann Geil I. Erben Riesling Spatlese - $15.95
Bechtheimer Geyersberg , Rheinhessen
Wine Access (JD) = 89 ; Stellar value in a fresh spatlese with an enticing mix of fruit and floral depth. Youthful nose shows off lime, apple, yellow plum and floral aromas. Medium sweet with lime and apple fruit met by racy acidity. Very clean, fresh and fruit driven with good balance and length. Great on its own or with seafood appetizers or salads. Best 2006-2010.
2004 Don Pascual Viognier - $11.95 Best Buy .
True Viognier character at a very modest price. Aromatic, floral, peachy, and herbal, with terrific persistence in the mouth. http://www.beaconmgmt.com/rsfwt/Critics_Choice/2005_Newletters/2005_newletters.htm
GPCI - A Viognier for $12 - no risk. Great for the coming Spring-Summer days.
Uruguay (Red)
2005 Don Pascual Reserva Tannat - $13.95
2005 was a very good vintage for most varieties, especially for reds and certainly the TANNAT. GPCI -Don Pascal is one of the better producers of this unique grape (Tannat).
Buy at least 6 for day-to-day consumption.
US (Washington - Red)
2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz - $15.95
GREAT VALUE!
92% - Syrah ; 5% Viognier ; 3% Merlot
WS = 88 ; Ripe and polished, a supple red with raspberry and chocolate flavors, finishing with plum and spice, lingering effortlessly. Drink now through 2008. 115,000 cases made — Harvey Steiman, November 30, 2004.
WE = 88 ; Opens with a big nose and classic varietal fruit scents of blackberry and pepper. The sweet fruit tastes like fresh-picked, ripe berries; clean and polished, forward and expressive, but in a lighter vein. Vanilla and blueberries light up the finish — Paul Gregutt, April 01, 2005.
GPCI - once again, Columbia Crest bring a good value wine. A good competition for the Aussies. Buy at least 2.
US (Washington - White)
2005 Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling - $16.95
Wine Access = 90 ; A refreshing and fruity wine that shows off the best of new world riesling. Fruity aromas jump out of the glass led by lemon-lime and apricot with some floral notes in support. Great verve and intensity. Dry with a mix of pure and slightly sweet fruit. Good length with the lively fruit riding a wave of acidity right through to the end. Best 2006-2010. (JD)
GPCI - great value for great review. Buy at least 2.
Australia (Clare Valley - Red)
Leasingham Bin 56 Cabernet Malbec 2000 - $24.95
James Halliday = 93 ; Top 100 - Reds under $25 for 2002
"A wine with a great history (the 1971 still superb) and a testament to the synergy of the cabernet malbec blend in the Clare Valley; spends 18 months in French and American oak. Blackcurrant and plum aromas are matched by the generous, mouthfilling mid-palate sweet fruit of the malbec, the cabernet adding authority to the finish."
Wine Access - 89 ; A full blown cab-merlot that is dense and ripe but not overblown. Full and intense nose with cassis, plum, mineral, wood spice and leather. Ripe and spicy with an overlay of leathery and earthy complexity and some tannic firmness. The dark fruit and coffee cream from the barrels linger on the finish. A mouth filling and full bodied style but with some grip and structure. Drink 2006-2011.
GPCI - what a promising-lethal combination ; my 2 favorite grapes together with a great review in a 6 years old wine for a reasonable price. Buy 2.
France (Burgundy – White)
2004 domaine le verger Chablis – $21.95
Overall: http://www.bbr.com/ - 2004 Chablis Rating: 7/10 - drink or keep
The final result is very good wines with great typicity and good levels of ripeness and acidity.
GPCI - now, as you can see, 2004 didn't get a great review for Chablis. For a similar price, although not the same variety, I would go to his neighbor in Alsace (see next - 2004 Hugel).
France (Alsace – White)
2004 Hugel Riesling – $19.95
Produced only in the best vintages, this wine proves that finesse and elegance can go together with strength and richness. Perfectly matched with a noble fish dish, or white meat, with white wine sauce. http://www.telegraphwines.co.uk/
Wine Access = 87 ; A elegant style built on complexity and balance though a bit more intensity would not be out of line. The apple, peach, floral and mineral aromas aren’t overpowering but they do last a while. Very dry and firmly structured with apple and peach components evident from start to finish. Drink 2006-2011.
GPCI - I had Hugel Riesling before and it's great! I'd buy 3. Make sure you have it chilled before you drink it. mmm... what a treat for the coming summer.
France (Bordeaux - red)
2003 Cos Labory, St.Estephe - $47.95
WS=89-91 ; Pure currants and licorice on the nose. Wonderful Cabernet. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long finish
Wine Access - 91 ; An often overlooked property that sits in a high rent district near Lafite-Rothschild and Cos d’Estournel. The ripe vintage shows up rich, generous blackberry fruit coddled by mocha and coconut from new oak. Some rustic complexity as well that is a bit mindful ofsmoky cheese rind. It’s medium-full bodied, quite rich and supple with fine, ripe tannin that’s actually a bit unusual for St. Estephe. Excellent length. Best 2007 to 2012, perhaps longer.
GPCI - if you're looking for good 2003 vintages Bordeuax here is a good one. from one of my favorite areas (St. Estephe). it could be properly cellared for 8-12 years.
France (South of Rhone - red)
2003 Chateau Trignon Gigondas - $26.95
RP = 89-91 : "This is a successful effort for this appellation in 2003. A dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by a layered palate impression revealing notions of Provencal herbs, blueberries, raspberries, and black cherries. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure, and well-balanced, it should drink well for 7-8 years."
GPCI - another one of my favorite regions - south part of Rhone, for a reasonable price and for the quality and cellaring potential.
Italy (Sicily – White)
2004 Planeta Chardonnay - $37.95
WS = 89 (2003 rating) Issue: Mar 31, 2005 "Exotic, with vanilla, toasty oak and dried pineapple character that turns to apple tart flavors. Full-bodied, thick and oily, with an almost late-harvest character. Comes across almost off-dry. Slightly overdone in this hot year. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 14,500 cases made." (JS)
GPCI - very tempting although expensive from a region/area that is not so famous for their Chardonnay. I'd buy one, as a present to someone who appreciates good wine and has almost everything...
Germany (White)
2003 Selbach-Oster Riesling Auslese - $28.95
Bernkasteler Badstube, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
Wine Access (JD) = 94 (!) ; A beautifully flavoured and textured auslese with outstanding varietal character and length. Lemon-lime and ripe apple notes are joined by a combination of honeyed and dried fruit. Medium to medium sweet on the palate with plenty of fruit density and the expected seam of acidity. Intriguing mineral, honey and ripe and sweetish fruit last a while on the finish. Has the structure to drink well 2006-2018. This is one of the world’s classic styles of wine for under $30.
Toni Jost 2004 Riesling Kabinett, QmP - $21.95
Bacharacher Hahn, Mittelrhein
Wine Access (JD) = 90 ;A fruity and floral Riesling from the Mittelrhein which extends from its southern border with the Nahe to the outskirts of Bonn in the north. This offers fresh lime, peach, apricot, floral and mineral lift. Medium dry with predominantly peach and lime flavours and brisk acidity. Mid-weight with good fruit depth, a nudge of sweetness and a layer of mineral complexity. Drink 2006-2011. A fine match for Asian cuisine.
2004 Johann Geil I. Erben Riesling Spatlese - $15.95
Bechtheimer Geyersberg , Rheinhessen
Wine Access (JD) = 89 ; Stellar value in a fresh spatlese with an enticing mix of fruit and floral depth. Youthful nose shows off lime, apple, yellow plum and floral aromas. Medium sweet with lime and apple fruit met by racy acidity. Very clean, fresh and fruit driven with good balance and length. Great on its own or with seafood appetizers or salads. Best 2006-2010.
