Thursday, May 18, 2006
GPCI for May 27th 2006 release at the LCBO
Chile (white)
2005 Casa Lapostolle, Sauvignon Blanc - $13.95
winemaker's notes: Highly aromatic, fresh and harmonious, this mouth-filling wine is a great alliance of generosity with its grapefruit, melon and ripe fruit flavors and of style and elegance with its varietal smoky-flinty taste
WS – 85 - Light-weight, but balanced, with crisp lemon zest, floral and straw notes that are textbook for the grape. Drink now.
GPCI - This realese offers such an amazing selection of Sauv Blanc from New Zealand (see below) - I'd pay few dollars more and have the "creme-de-la-creme" of this type.
Australia Tasmania - (white)
2005 Pipers Brook NINTH ISLAND Sauvignon Blanc – $19.95
Pale gold in colour with an aromatic, bright bouquet of fresh fig, gooseberry, kiwi fruit and melon. On the palate it is medium bodied, freshly acidic with a long aftertaste and a finish sufficiently dry to complement seafood Sauvignon Blanc grapes for this firm but fruity white wine are derived from our vineyards in northern Tasmania. Being at the same latitude as Marlborough in New Zealand it is not surprising that the wine has an aromatic crisp style of wine with a herbaceous tang, a tropical fruit palate and some richness and length of flavour . Scott Henry trellises helps to expose the ripening bunches to the sun and the harvest takes place in late April. At the Piper’s Brook winery the grapes are crushed with great care being taken to avoid juice oxidation or browning. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and the wine is bottled early to which gives it its fruitiness and freshness. http://www.everywine.co.uk/
New Zealand (white)
General
Vintage 2005 was characterised by intense flavour development in the fruit that came about due to the slow and steady ripening period. We have used carefully selected yeast and vinification techniques to both retain and amplify all of the intensity that has made Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc famous the world over.
2005 Seresin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – $19.95
pale yellow, green tinges - cut grass, passion fruit, tropical fruit salad, apple, gooseberry - classy - refreshing - concentrated fruit - varietal - lean bodied, extended length - intricate - tuna sushi rolls with pickled ginger http://www.femail.com.au/creme-of-new-zealand-wine.htm
Winemaker's Comments: At the winery, the fruit was hand sorted before being pressed and fermented. One tenth of the blend was fermented in older French barriques adding depth while regular batonnage, contributed a yeasty creaminess. Individual parcels from each of the blocks were kept separate to create options for the final blend. A portion of Sémillon, approximately 1%, was added for mid-palate weight.
2005 Babich sauvignon blanc - $16.95
WS = 88 ; Pleasant, lively, easygoing style has apricot-scented pear and mineral flavors that linger appreciatively. Drink now. 2,000 cases made.
GPCI - my "2nd place" Sauv Blanc pick of the realease. Buy 3.
2005 Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc - $17.95
WS=90 ; Bright and juicy, a vivid mouthful of nectarine, grapefruit and quince flavors that linger against racy acidity on the long, silky finish. Drink now. 25,000 cases made. From New Zealand.
GPCI - my Sauv Blanc pick of the realease ; highly rated and for a reasonable price - buy 3 to 6 bottles.
2005 Culley Sauvignon Blanc - $18.95
Wine Style A vibrant wine with attractive tropical flavours balanced with crisp acidity and a lingering finish. An ideal wine to enjoy on its own or with food. Winemaking The grapes were machine harvested in the cool of the evening. After pressing, the juice was cold fermented to retain the more delicate flavours and aromas that Sauvignon Blanc is noted for. After resting in tank for several months the wine is bottled. http://www.everywine.co.uk/
2005 Jackson Estate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough - $19.95
A medal-winning Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that's high in quality and low in quantity.
There is never a huge amount of this Wairau valley estate wine, and it never disappoints. Crunchy gooseberry and kiwi fruit has a cleansing minerally finish. A perfect apéritif and just the thing with meaty fish, chicken or pork dishes.
This is why the place is so famous – incredibly pungent grassy and herbaceous nose, saved from being monolithic and one-dimensional by nice complexity and crunchy acidity on the palate, and creamy, rich, ripe texture. Benchmark Marlborough, and a lot of flavour for the money. http://www.cambridgewine.com/cwines.nsf/
2005 Seifried sauvignon blanc - $18.95
Scented, lively and zingy, this intensely flavoured wine has herbaceous, minerally flavours, fresh, vibrant
2005 Tohu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - $17.95
A classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc displaying zingy flavours of gooseberries and passionfruit.
This is a medium bodied Sauvignon Blanc with fragrant aromas of flowers and passionfruit.
http://www.tohuwines.co.nz/Shop/ViewItem.aspx?ItemID=30
South Africa (white)
2005 steenberg sauvignon blanc - $16.95
This wine has intense herbaceous and tropical complexity which is only really achieved in cool growing areas - the Loire, New Zealand and Constantia. The wine captures fantastic fruit characteristics ranging from gooseberry to ripe fig and passion fruit. The palate is fresh and crisp with ripe fruity finish, which complements spicy foods and fish. http://www.pascaleswines.com/product_185_Steenberg_Sauvignon_Blanc_2005.html
US (California – red)
2003 Hanna Zinfandel, Alexander Valley – $23.95
87.1% zinfandel; 12.4% petite sirah; 0.5% alicante bouschet, each of which were vinified separately. Ageing was mostly in “neutral French oak”, whatever neutral oak is. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.An attractive, tarry, leathery black fruit nose, though with more tar than the fruit. Very attractive on the palate. Really good body, and with loads of character. Very Good Indeed. http://www.lancs.ac.uk/staff/exaajs/wine/hallgarten_jan06.htm
GPCI - A relatively good price for a Zin from Alexander valley. I'd buy one for the BBQ.
Argentina (red)
2004 Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Malbec (Argentina) - $15.95
Stephen Tanzer : "Red-ruby. Slightly stunted aromas of blackberry and licorice. Then sweet, bright and intense, with juicy blackberry and cassis flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Relies as much on its firm acids as on its supple tannins for structure”.
GPCI - great price for a good Malbec! Buy 1-2 bottles.
Australia (red)
2003 Elderton Barossa Friends Cabernet Sauvignon - $17.95 - BEST BUY!!!
100% Cabernet Sauvignon Dark inky purple. Nose of Plum, lifted fruit and spicy oak.On the palate it's very rich and full bodied, with plush tannins wrapped around a core of earthy blackberry, toasty vanillin oak and rich dark chocolate. Well focused and should drink well for a long time. Enjoy now or 6-10 years from vintage. Try with Loin of lamb or Rare roast beef, field mushrooms and all the trimmings.
RP=89 ; The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Friends reveals superb fruit along with an up-front, exuberant character displaying licorice, high quality cigar smoke, and cassis. While not complex, low acidity, an opulent, fleshy mouthfeel, and a long finish suggest this savory Cabernet will drink well for 4-6 years. October 2005.
GPCI - if you won't be early at the stores, you won't have any. An excellent value!!!
2001 Palandri Shiraz - $17.95 - Good value!
This shiraz has the region's typical pepper and blackberry flavors combined with the supple tannins from 12 months aging in American and French oak.
Wine Enthusiast 88 - "..smoky, peppery, meaty flavours."
http://www.gismondi.com/ - 87 - "...soft and round with blueberry/blackberry jam flavours...solid."
Sante Selections Recommended - "Medium-full bodied with rich, ripe fruit, blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, clove, and a hint of game; Tangy finish. Grilled veggies, tomato-based dishes."
Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences - Exceptional"Plump, rich aroma of plum, traces of clove and peppers, and faint spice not unlike cocoa. Generous entry and a perfect tannin-acid structure. Try with grilled chicken. A winery to watch."
GPCI - A great day-to-day Shiraz. All you would expect from a good value Shiraz.
2002 Redbank Fugitive Cabernet Sauvignon – $20.95
Wine & Spirits = 92 ; 14.5% ; The score is based on the wine, with no consideration of the price; this is a serious Cabernet: structured, sophisticated and satisfying as the black tobacco in a Sobrane. The depth is there in the color, violet-purple at the edge, black cherry at the core. The depth of black cherry extends to the aroma and the finish, all dense fruit on a supple, generous texture. A pleasure with a steak, and a steal at the price.
GPCI - tempting price for such Cab Sauv. I'd buy 1-2 bottles if you have any money left after all the Sauv Blanc you bought this release.
France (white)
2002 La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume - $27.95
WS-90 ; Full-bodied, muted today, but hinting at peach, melon and mineral flavors, interwoven with a rich texture and backed by lively acidity. The finish shows its potential. Best from 2006 through 2012.
GPCI - a "must" if you appreciate Chablis. Reasonable price. You have to try it.
2004 domaine de la grange muscadet serve & maine - $12.95
Vintages - The aromas suggest citrus, green apple and mineral. It is light, crisp and very lively
GPCI - John, this one is for you - great for the hot summer days.
France (red)
2003 CHÂTEAU ST-DIDIER PARNAC AC Cahors - $13.95
Vintages - Tasting Note: An excellent value-priced wine to add to your cellar. Aromas suggest blackberry, dark chocolate, pencil lead, raspberry and a hint of anise. This dry Malbec-based wine has firm, chewy tannins with fruit beneath that suggests it will reward 4-10 years in a cellar.
GPCI - too good to be true?... I'd buy one to try and see if it's really such a great candidate for the cellar.
2003 Château Tronquoy-Lalande - $33.95
Decanter – 3* - "Very deep ruby, good floral blackcurrant leaf nose, less rich but more complex than some in this very successful appellation. " , best 2008-2015
Vintages - Medium deep ruby colour with aromas of cassis, raspberry, earth, cedar and oak. This dry wine has firm tannins for mid-term cellaring (4-6 years) with the fruit nicely peeking through. The whole package is wrapped in a good crisp core of acidity. Finishes long and firm.
GPCI - if Decanter is right, it's worth buying 1-2 bottles, if not, I'd skip it.
2003 CHÂTEAU FAIZEAU Montagne-St.-Emilion - $32.95
RP = 89 ; WS - 88 ; Beautiful plum and berry aromas here, verging on jammy. Full, soft yet chewy. Lots going on here. Big wine and slightly rustic. Best after 2009.
GPCI - tempting but not clear how long it can be cellared for...
2003 Chateau Haut Carles - $44.95
RP=91 ; One of Fronsac’s finest estates, Haut-Carles has turned in a superb performance with their atypically powerful, concentrated 2003. Its deep purple color is followed by a sweet perfume of crushed rocks, white flowers, raspberries, and blueberries. Concentrated and elegant, with a layered texture and low acidity, it should drink well young, yet last for 15+ years.. April 2005.
GPCI - Great review. Great vintage. Buy 1-2 for the cellar.
2001 Marquis de Calon - $31.95
Vintages - A classic Médoc with aromas of cassis, tobacco and currant. In the mouth, it is beautifully structured and the fruit, acid and tannins are well-balanced. Medium to full-bodied with a long finish. Deserves 3+ years in a cellar to truly shine.
GPCI - That’s the second label of Chateau Calon Segur. The 2001 got 90 both by RP and WS. It seems a very reasonable price for such wine. Will last for 5-7 years more.
2002 Maison Champy Beaune Vieilles Vignes - $29.95
100% Pinot Noir. 8600 bottles produced.
Deep garnet ruby colour with violet shades. Intense nose with humus, smoky and fruity notes, cherries.A lingering taste with present tannins.
Selection of 45-50 year old vines in the 'Prévoles', 'Levées' and 'Piroles' districts. Matured in oak barrels (30% new barrels), long maceration, fined with whites of egg. Bottled without filtering.Ageing potential from 5 to 15 years.
Best when served at around 15-16°C.It can be nicely paired with roast meats and fowl - such as stuffed quail or roasted duck breast. Or maybe try a white fish in a rich sauce of red wine or mushrooms.
2003 Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape - $16.95 (for half a bottle)
RP = 90 ; It possesses loads of fruit and character, and was designed for those consumers who are unwilling to defer their gratification.
GPCI - Again, a great vintage in this region. Half bottles can be excellent for short-term cellaring for the ones who can wait and enjoy a good CNP. I'd buy 2 bottles.
Wine of the month
New Zealand – 2004 Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc - $19.95
RP=90 ; A fabulous value, the 2004 Sauvignon Blanc explodes from the glass with exquisitely ripe gooseberries. Expansive and boldly-flavored, this medium-bodied, silky-textured effort is resplendent in layers of pink grapefruit, gooseberries, and spices. It has terrific mouth-feel and a long fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.
Italy (red)
2004 Carpineto DOGAJOLO IGT Toscana Rosso - $19.95
Deep, vivid, ruby to purple color, a fragrant bouquet of cherries and herbs accented by hints of vanilla and coffee. The taste is complex, ample yet round on the palate with a soft tannic finish that lingers http://www.winelegend.com/
This Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend shows youthful vigour, smoothness and a fruity, fragrant bouquet. The palate is full and soft with notes of cherries, vanilla and spice complemented by the great finish. http://www.everywine.co.uk/
2005 Casa Lapostolle, Sauvignon Blanc - $13.95
winemaker's notes: Highly aromatic, fresh and harmonious, this mouth-filling wine is a great alliance of generosity with its grapefruit, melon and ripe fruit flavors and of style and elegance with its varietal smoky-flinty taste
WS – 85 - Light-weight, but balanced, with crisp lemon zest, floral and straw notes that are textbook for the grape. Drink now.
GPCI - This realese offers such an amazing selection of Sauv Blanc from New Zealand (see below) - I'd pay few dollars more and have the "creme-de-la-creme" of this type.
Australia Tasmania - (white)
2005 Pipers Brook NINTH ISLAND Sauvignon Blanc – $19.95
Pale gold in colour with an aromatic, bright bouquet of fresh fig, gooseberry, kiwi fruit and melon. On the palate it is medium bodied, freshly acidic with a long aftertaste and a finish sufficiently dry to complement seafood Sauvignon Blanc grapes for this firm but fruity white wine are derived from our vineyards in northern Tasmania. Being at the same latitude as Marlborough in New Zealand it is not surprising that the wine has an aromatic crisp style of wine with a herbaceous tang, a tropical fruit palate and some richness and length of flavour . Scott Henry trellises helps to expose the ripening bunches to the sun and the harvest takes place in late April. At the Piper’s Brook winery the grapes are crushed with great care being taken to avoid juice oxidation or browning. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and the wine is bottled early to which gives it its fruitiness and freshness. http://www.everywine.co.uk/
New Zealand (white)
General
Vintage 2005 was characterised by intense flavour development in the fruit that came about due to the slow and steady ripening period. We have used carefully selected yeast and vinification techniques to both retain and amplify all of the intensity that has made Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc famous the world over.
2005 Seresin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – $19.95
pale yellow, green tinges - cut grass, passion fruit, tropical fruit salad, apple, gooseberry - classy - refreshing - concentrated fruit - varietal - lean bodied, extended length - intricate - tuna sushi rolls with pickled ginger http://www.femail.com.au/creme-of-new-zealand-wine.htm
Winemaker's Comments: At the winery, the fruit was hand sorted before being pressed and fermented. One tenth of the blend was fermented in older French barriques adding depth while regular batonnage, contributed a yeasty creaminess. Individual parcels from each of the blocks were kept separate to create options for the final blend. A portion of Sémillon, approximately 1%, was added for mid-palate weight.
2005 Babich sauvignon blanc - $16.95
WS = 88 ; Pleasant, lively, easygoing style has apricot-scented pear and mineral flavors that linger appreciatively. Drink now. 2,000 cases made.
GPCI - my "2nd place" Sauv Blanc pick of the realease. Buy 3.
2005 Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc - $17.95
WS=90 ; Bright and juicy, a vivid mouthful of nectarine, grapefruit and quince flavors that linger against racy acidity on the long, silky finish. Drink now. 25,000 cases made. From New Zealand.
GPCI - my Sauv Blanc pick of the realease ; highly rated and for a reasonable price - buy 3 to 6 bottles.
2005 Culley Sauvignon Blanc - $18.95
Wine Style A vibrant wine with attractive tropical flavours balanced with crisp acidity and a lingering finish. An ideal wine to enjoy on its own or with food. Winemaking The grapes were machine harvested in the cool of the evening. After pressing, the juice was cold fermented to retain the more delicate flavours and aromas that Sauvignon Blanc is noted for. After resting in tank for several months the wine is bottled. http://www.everywine.co.uk/
2005 Jackson Estate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough - $19.95
A medal-winning Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that's high in quality and low in quantity.
There is never a huge amount of this Wairau valley estate wine, and it never disappoints. Crunchy gooseberry and kiwi fruit has a cleansing minerally finish. A perfect apéritif and just the thing with meaty fish, chicken or pork dishes.
This is why the place is so famous – incredibly pungent grassy and herbaceous nose, saved from being monolithic and one-dimensional by nice complexity and crunchy acidity on the palate, and creamy, rich, ripe texture. Benchmark Marlborough, and a lot of flavour for the money. http://www.cambridgewine.com/cwines.nsf/
2005 Seifried sauvignon blanc - $18.95
Scented, lively and zingy, this intensely flavoured wine has herbaceous, minerally flavours, fresh, vibrant
2005 Tohu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - $17.95
A classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc displaying zingy flavours of gooseberries and passionfruit.
This is a medium bodied Sauvignon Blanc with fragrant aromas of flowers and passionfruit.
http://www.tohuwines.co.nz/Shop/ViewItem.aspx?ItemID=30
South Africa (white)
2005 steenberg sauvignon blanc - $16.95
This wine has intense herbaceous and tropical complexity which is only really achieved in cool growing areas - the Loire, New Zealand and Constantia. The wine captures fantastic fruit characteristics ranging from gooseberry to ripe fig and passion fruit. The palate is fresh and crisp with ripe fruity finish, which complements spicy foods and fish. http://www.pascaleswines.com/product_185_Steenberg_Sauvignon_Blanc_2005.html
US (California – red)
2003 Hanna Zinfandel, Alexander Valley – $23.95
87.1% zinfandel; 12.4% petite sirah; 0.5% alicante bouschet, each of which were vinified separately. Ageing was mostly in “neutral French oak”, whatever neutral oak is. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.An attractive, tarry, leathery black fruit nose, though with more tar than the fruit. Very attractive on the palate. Really good body, and with loads of character. Very Good Indeed. http://www.lancs.ac.uk/staff/exaajs/wine/hallgarten_jan06.htm
GPCI - A relatively good price for a Zin from Alexander valley. I'd buy one for the BBQ.
Argentina (red)
2004 Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Malbec (Argentina) - $15.95
Stephen Tanzer : "Red-ruby. Slightly stunted aromas of blackberry and licorice. Then sweet, bright and intense, with juicy blackberry and cassis flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Relies as much on its firm acids as on its supple tannins for structure”.
GPCI - great price for a good Malbec! Buy 1-2 bottles.
Australia (red)
2003 Elderton Barossa Friends Cabernet Sauvignon - $17.95 - BEST BUY!!!
100% Cabernet Sauvignon Dark inky purple. Nose of Plum, lifted fruit and spicy oak.On the palate it's very rich and full bodied, with plush tannins wrapped around a core of earthy blackberry, toasty vanillin oak and rich dark chocolate. Well focused and should drink well for a long time. Enjoy now or 6-10 years from vintage. Try with Loin of lamb or Rare roast beef, field mushrooms and all the trimmings.
RP=89 ; The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Friends reveals superb fruit along with an up-front, exuberant character displaying licorice, high quality cigar smoke, and cassis. While not complex, low acidity, an opulent, fleshy mouthfeel, and a long finish suggest this savory Cabernet will drink well for 4-6 years. October 2005.
GPCI - if you won't be early at the stores, you won't have any. An excellent value!!!
2001 Palandri Shiraz - $17.95 - Good value!
This shiraz has the region's typical pepper and blackberry flavors combined with the supple tannins from 12 months aging in American and French oak.
Wine Enthusiast 88 - "..smoky, peppery, meaty flavours."
http://www.gismondi.com/ - 87 - "...soft and round with blueberry/blackberry jam flavours...solid."
Sante Selections Recommended - "Medium-full bodied with rich, ripe fruit, blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, clove, and a hint of game; Tangy finish. Grilled veggies, tomato-based dishes."
Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences - Exceptional"Plump, rich aroma of plum, traces of clove and peppers, and faint spice not unlike cocoa. Generous entry and a perfect tannin-acid structure. Try with grilled chicken. A winery to watch."
GPCI - A great day-to-day Shiraz. All you would expect from a good value Shiraz.
2002 Redbank Fugitive Cabernet Sauvignon – $20.95
Wine & Spirits = 92 ; 14.5% ; The score is based on the wine, with no consideration of the price; this is a serious Cabernet: structured, sophisticated and satisfying as the black tobacco in a Sobrane. The depth is there in the color, violet-purple at the edge, black cherry at the core. The depth of black cherry extends to the aroma and the finish, all dense fruit on a supple, generous texture. A pleasure with a steak, and a steal at the price.
GPCI - tempting price for such Cab Sauv. I'd buy 1-2 bottles if you have any money left after all the Sauv Blanc you bought this release.
France (white)
2002 La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume - $27.95
WS-90 ; Full-bodied, muted today, but hinting at peach, melon and mineral flavors, interwoven with a rich texture and backed by lively acidity. The finish shows its potential. Best from 2006 through 2012.
GPCI - a "must" if you appreciate Chablis. Reasonable price. You have to try it.
2004 domaine de la grange muscadet serve & maine - $12.95
Vintages - The aromas suggest citrus, green apple and mineral. It is light, crisp and very lively
GPCI - John, this one is for you - great for the hot summer days.
France (red)
2003 CHÂTEAU ST-DIDIER PARNAC AC Cahors - $13.95
Vintages - Tasting Note: An excellent value-priced wine to add to your cellar. Aromas suggest blackberry, dark chocolate, pencil lead, raspberry and a hint of anise. This dry Malbec-based wine has firm, chewy tannins with fruit beneath that suggests it will reward 4-10 years in a cellar.
GPCI - too good to be true?... I'd buy one to try and see if it's really such a great candidate for the cellar.
2003 Château Tronquoy-Lalande - $33.95
Decanter – 3* - "Very deep ruby, good floral blackcurrant leaf nose, less rich but more complex than some in this very successful appellation. " , best 2008-2015
Vintages - Medium deep ruby colour with aromas of cassis, raspberry, earth, cedar and oak. This dry wine has firm tannins for mid-term cellaring (4-6 years) with the fruit nicely peeking through. The whole package is wrapped in a good crisp core of acidity. Finishes long and firm.
GPCI - if Decanter is right, it's worth buying 1-2 bottles, if not, I'd skip it.
2003 CHÂTEAU FAIZEAU Montagne-St.-Emilion - $32.95
RP = 89 ; WS - 88 ; Beautiful plum and berry aromas here, verging on jammy. Full, soft yet chewy. Lots going on here. Big wine and slightly rustic. Best after 2009.
GPCI - tempting but not clear how long it can be cellared for...
2003 Chateau Haut Carles - $44.95
RP=91 ; One of Fronsac’s finest estates, Haut-Carles has turned in a superb performance with their atypically powerful, concentrated 2003. Its deep purple color is followed by a sweet perfume of crushed rocks, white flowers, raspberries, and blueberries. Concentrated and elegant, with a layered texture and low acidity, it should drink well young, yet last for 15+ years.. April 2005.
GPCI - Great review. Great vintage. Buy 1-2 for the cellar.
2001 Marquis de Calon - $31.95
Vintages - A classic Médoc with aromas of cassis, tobacco and currant. In the mouth, it is beautifully structured and the fruit, acid and tannins are well-balanced. Medium to full-bodied with a long finish. Deserves 3+ years in a cellar to truly shine.
GPCI - That’s the second label of Chateau Calon Segur. The 2001 got 90 both by RP and WS. It seems a very reasonable price for such wine. Will last for 5-7 years more.
2002 Maison Champy Beaune Vieilles Vignes - $29.95
100% Pinot Noir. 8600 bottles produced.
Deep garnet ruby colour with violet shades. Intense nose with humus, smoky and fruity notes, cherries.A lingering taste with present tannins.
Selection of 45-50 year old vines in the 'Prévoles', 'Levées' and 'Piroles' districts. Matured in oak barrels (30% new barrels), long maceration, fined with whites of egg. Bottled without filtering.Ageing potential from 5 to 15 years.
Best when served at around 15-16°C.It can be nicely paired with roast meats and fowl - such as stuffed quail or roasted duck breast. Or maybe try a white fish in a rich sauce of red wine or mushrooms.
2003 Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape - $16.95 (for half a bottle)
RP = 90 ; It possesses loads of fruit and character, and was designed for those consumers who are unwilling to defer their gratification.
GPCI - Again, a great vintage in this region. Half bottles can be excellent for short-term cellaring for the ones who can wait and enjoy a good CNP. I'd buy 2 bottles.
Wine of the month
New Zealand – 2004 Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc - $19.95
RP=90 ; A fabulous value, the 2004 Sauvignon Blanc explodes from the glass with exquisitely ripe gooseberries. Expansive and boldly-flavored, this medium-bodied, silky-textured effort is resplendent in layers of pink grapefruit, gooseberries, and spices. It has terrific mouth-feel and a long fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.
Italy (red)
2004 Carpineto DOGAJOLO IGT Toscana Rosso - $19.95
Deep, vivid, ruby to purple color, a fragrant bouquet of cherries and herbs accented by hints of vanilla and coffee. The taste is complex, ample yet round on the palate with a soft tannic finish that lingers http://www.winelegend.com/
This Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend shows youthful vigour, smoothness and a fruity, fragrant bouquet. The palate is full and soft with notes of cherries, vanilla and spice complemented by the great finish. http://www.everywine.co.uk/
