Tuesday, August 22, 2006
GPCI for Sep 16th 2006 release at the LCBO
Portugal
1991 Quinta de Vargellas vintage port (375ml) - $47.95
WS=94 ; Starting to show bottle bouquet, with beautiful blackberry and tanned leather on the nose. Full-bodied, lightly sweet and very balanced. Long and silky. Just starting to drink very well, but has a long life ahead. Classy for a single quinta. Best from 2006 through 2014.
GPCI - expensive but very tempting. it was bottled in 1993. 1991 was an outstanding vintage for Port.
1996 DOWS Quinta Bomfim vintage port (375ml) - $21.95
Vintages.com - Quinta do Bomfim, planted in 1980, is the core vineyard of Dow's famed Vintage Ports. This exceptional vineyard has consistently produced wines of such high quality that Dow's regularly releases single vineyard bottlings even in non-declared years such as 1996.
GPCI - I wonder if we can feel the difference between this 1996 DOWS and the 1991 Vargellas for more than double the price.
New Zealand
2005 Riesling Saint Clair Estate - $15.95
www.telegraphwines.co.uk - The Ibbotsons [the winery founders] were grape growing pioneers in Marlborough and their 24-year-old vines produce wines of enviable concentration. Riesling shows its true nobility in this clean, fresh complex wine. Its classic off-dry style marks it out as the perfect match for spicy, oriental food. Bright aromas of lime and mandarin with subtle hints of honeysuckle and apricot. Medium bodied with distinct Riesling characters of sweet citrus, ripe limes and grapefruit.
GPCI - The whites from Saint Clair has never failed before (their Sauv Blanc is great!). They are offered for a fair price and great quality.
US (California - red)
2001 Petit Syrah Resreve EOS Estate - $22.95
Deannter - 4 out of 5 stars - highly recommended - This award-winning wine was chosen by the critics at Decanter (2005 California Supplement) as one of their top 15 ‘Best Buys'.Tasting Note: Very dark and deep, with considerable power and muscle, this is a bruiser, with charred oak and plum fruit and a luscious lick of juicy tannin. Drink Up to 2008.
GPCI - a very good Petit Syrah in a reasonable price - worth a try.
Agrentina(red)
2005 Alamos Malbec Botegas Catena Zapata - $13.95
Vintages.com - Mendoza is Argentina's premier vineyard region and with consecutive strong vintages it is a rising international star. This Malbec is a fine ambassador for Argentina's signature grape. Be prepared for a rich, full-bodied wine with concentrated fruit flavours of raspberry and cassis blessed with heavenly doses of chocolate and sweet spice from the light oak aging.
GPCI - if I need to choose between the 2 Alamos offered in this release - the Cab Sauv and the Malbec, I'd go with the Malbec. There other Australian Cab with similar price range but not Malbec.
France (Bordeaux-red)
2003 Chateau La Grave À POMEROL - $57.95
http://www.frankward.ltd.uk/ - The nose of typically luscious Pomerol fruit – notably superripe plums – makes you think of the freshest of home-made jams. The flavour is of good but not maximum concentration and there is a pruny density to the chocolaty finish, which is clovey. The tannins, though assertive, are of the harmonious kind. I would expect this to drink best around 2012-22.
WS=92 ; Lovely floral and berry aromas with violet undertones. Full-bodied, yet very tight and refined. Dig underneath and find the quality here. Lots going on with the mineral, berry and floral flavors. Best after 2009.
GPCI - if you would have seen a 2003 Pomerol who got 92 by WS in the Futures catalog (back in 2001), you would probably think this a good deal, but then you would have been attempted to by 3 of 6 bottles (that's the size of the lots in Futures). Here we can buy 1-2 bottles only and enjoy a wonderful wine from an excellent vintage for those special occasions.
2001 Chateau Picard AC Saint-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois - $33.95
Vintages.com - In an episode of the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation, Jean-Luc Picard journeys home to his family's estate in France, Château Picard. Is there a better thing to buy the wine lover or Star Trek fanatic (or both) in your life than this berry fruit forward, elegant and well-balanced libation? We think not. Make it so.
GPCI - I have never tasted this Chateau before and I liked Vintages little story above. From the review in Decanter magazine, it seems that it usually gets the 3 stars (out of 5) recommendation and it is for immediate consumption. So although I love wines from St Estephe, I would go for the La Grave A Pomerol despite the higher price.
Israel (red)
Few words about Daniel Rogov - he's considered #1 Israel Wine critic. He has a worldwide reputation (participated in many international wine books reviews) and I like his honest and humorous way of addressing the adventures of the wine and food world.
2003 Ella Valley 'Ever Red' - $26.95
Please note that this product has been moved to the September 30th release.
Daniel Rogov =87 ; Deep purple in color, this medium-bodied, this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot was aged in barriques for 12 months. Opens in the glass to reveal gentle wood, soft tannins and appealing currant and wild berry fruits. A lightly spicy finish. Drink now.
Vintages.com - Founded in 1997, Ella Valley Vineyards is located on the Kibbutz Netive Halamed Hey in the Jerusalem Mountains. The first wines, made by French trained Doron Rav Hon, appeared in 2002. This medium-sized winery has exciting plans. Currently, they produce about 15,000+ cases. By 2010, they plan to produce between 42,000 and 67,000 cases. Their ‘Ever Red' wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.
Tasting Note: Aromas of bacon, blackberry and vanilla dominate this ripe, approachable, big wine. It is dry and chunky with soft tannins for balance. Enjoy with roast beef and all the trimmings.
GPCI - the ones who will join me in the wine tasting on Sep 28th, will have the chance to taste this wine before it arrives to the LCBO.
2004 Saslove AVIV Cab Sauv - $23.95
Vintages.com - Canadian-born Barry Saslove is the owner here. Saslove is part of the new wave of exciting boutique wineries that are beginning to thrive in Israel.Tasting Note: Deep violet, almost black in colour. Very New World in style with lots of blackberry jam and spice notes. It is a slightly off-dry, plush, plump, hedonistic fruit bomb. Full-bodied and medium-long finishing, enjoy it with rich stews, lasagna or game meats.
GPCI - we had the 2003 version of this wine in previous Vintages release and it was a good-regular medium body cab sauv (sold for $19.95). The 2004 seems to be better according to Vintages (although according to Daniel Rogov the 2003 is considered a little bit better vintage in Israel), but I would need to try it in order to determine the way it was positioned price wise - It needs to be much better than the 2003 to justify a $24 price with a $14 Argentinean Alamos just around the corner's rack.
2003 Sea Horse Camus Syrah - $29.95
Please note that this product has been moved to the September 30th release
Daniel Rogov = 90 ; Dark garnet red, full-bodied, with still firm tannins well balanced by spicy wild berry and cherry fruits, with an appealing leathery edge on the finish. Rich and complex. Approachable young but best 2006-2009.
Vintages.com - Another of Israel's boutique wineries, Sea Horse was founded in 2000 by Ze'ev Dunie. He was a movie producer who, after producing a film about winemaking, became so intrigued himself that he decided to open his own winery. ‘Camus' is dedicated to the great French/Algerian philosopher/writer Albert Camus.
Tasting Note: Deep ruby/purple colour with aromas of blueberry, plum jam and oak spice. It is dry, generous, round and full-bodied. There is a pleasing tinge of bitterness on the end that gives the wine a nice tang. Medium-long finishing, enjoy this wine with grilled lamb.
GPCI - the ones who will join me in the wine tasting on Sep 28th, will have the chance to taste Sea Horse's best series Elul wine who was praised and highly rated by all wine critics. Their Syrah Camus is considered also an impressive wine which I haven't tried yet, but intend to very soon... :)
Italy (red)
1999 Barolo Casetta - $33.95 (Great value!)
Vintages.com - This Nebbiolo-based wine is showing beautifully, suggesting, at 7 years of age, it is just hitting its early drinking stride. Certainly has the stuff to go for another 10 years, but currently, look for aromas of dried currant, plum, mushroom, humus, anise and a tinge of oak. It is dry and complex with chalky tannins surrounding the forward fruit. Enjoy now with mushroom risotto and grilled lamb.
GPCI - This is a great value Barolo. Most age-worthy Barolos cost more than double this price. I'd buy 2-3 to the cellar.
Spain (red)
1998 Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva - $34.95
Vintages.com - Made from 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano and Garnacha Tinta, this Rioja has been rated the number one restaurant wine in Wine & Spirits magazine's annual poll (April 2006). Marques de Caceres only produces the Gran Reserva in exceptional years. The wine is aged in French oak barriques for 26-28 months and then aged in bottle for several years. No need to cellar further, this wine is ready to drink now. Incredibly complex with aromas of plum, leather, and roasted coffee bean, try it braised pork shoulder, beef stew or aged Manchego cheese.
GPCI - I bought the 1998 Caceres Reserva a few months ago. It would be interesting to open them bth in few years and compare the difference. I would expect the Gran Reserva to provide more complexity due to longer aging process as required by the Spanish law.
1996 Marques de Vitoria Gran Reserva - $31.95
Vintages.com - Unlike the majority of Rioja wines which are blends of Tempranillo and other grapes, this wine is made in a decidedly modern fashion from 100% Tempranillo and is aged in French oak casks for 24 months plus 6 years in bottle before release. The result is aromas of red currants, clove and black pepper. The palate shows a medium body, smooth tannins and lingering spice-filled finish. The producer recommends pairing it with stewed fish, game casseroles and suckling pig.
GPCI - 1996 is a very highly rated vintage in the Rioja region. a ~$32 bottle for a 10+ years bottle is very fair. Now from the description of the two Gran Reservas of this release, I would go with the 1998 Cerecers.
1991 Quinta de Vargellas vintage port (375ml) - $47.95
WS=94 ; Starting to show bottle bouquet, with beautiful blackberry and tanned leather on the nose. Full-bodied, lightly sweet and very balanced. Long and silky. Just starting to drink very well, but has a long life ahead. Classy for a single quinta. Best from 2006 through 2014.
GPCI - expensive but very tempting. it was bottled in 1993. 1991 was an outstanding vintage for Port.
1996 DOWS Quinta Bomfim vintage port (375ml) - $21.95
Vintages.com - Quinta do Bomfim, planted in 1980, is the core vineyard of Dow's famed Vintage Ports. This exceptional vineyard has consistently produced wines of such high quality that Dow's regularly releases single vineyard bottlings even in non-declared years such as 1996.
GPCI - I wonder if we can feel the difference between this 1996 DOWS and the 1991 Vargellas for more than double the price.
New Zealand
2005 Riesling Saint Clair Estate - $15.95
www.telegraphwines.co.uk - The Ibbotsons [the winery founders] were grape growing pioneers in Marlborough and their 24-year-old vines produce wines of enviable concentration. Riesling shows its true nobility in this clean, fresh complex wine. Its classic off-dry style marks it out as the perfect match for spicy, oriental food. Bright aromas of lime and mandarin with subtle hints of honeysuckle and apricot. Medium bodied with distinct Riesling characters of sweet citrus, ripe limes and grapefruit.
GPCI - The whites from Saint Clair has never failed before (their Sauv Blanc is great!). They are offered for a fair price and great quality.
US (California - red)
2001 Petit Syrah Resreve EOS Estate - $22.95
Deannter - 4 out of 5 stars - highly recommended - This award-winning wine was chosen by the critics at Decanter (2005 California Supplement) as one of their top 15 ‘Best Buys'.Tasting Note: Very dark and deep, with considerable power and muscle, this is a bruiser, with charred oak and plum fruit and a luscious lick of juicy tannin. Drink Up to 2008.
GPCI - a very good Petit Syrah in a reasonable price - worth a try.
Agrentina(red)
2005 Alamos Malbec Botegas Catena Zapata - $13.95
Vintages.com - Mendoza is Argentina's premier vineyard region and with consecutive strong vintages it is a rising international star. This Malbec is a fine ambassador for Argentina's signature grape. Be prepared for a rich, full-bodied wine with concentrated fruit flavours of raspberry and cassis blessed with heavenly doses of chocolate and sweet spice from the light oak aging.
GPCI - if I need to choose between the 2 Alamos offered in this release - the Cab Sauv and the Malbec, I'd go with the Malbec. There other Australian Cab with similar price range but not Malbec.
France (Bordeaux-red)
2003 Chateau La Grave À POMEROL - $57.95
http://www.frankward.ltd.uk/ - The nose of typically luscious Pomerol fruit – notably superripe plums – makes you think of the freshest of home-made jams. The flavour is of good but not maximum concentration and there is a pruny density to the chocolaty finish, which is clovey. The tannins, though assertive, are of the harmonious kind. I would expect this to drink best around 2012-22.
WS=92 ; Lovely floral and berry aromas with violet undertones. Full-bodied, yet very tight and refined. Dig underneath and find the quality here. Lots going on with the mineral, berry and floral flavors. Best after 2009.
GPCI - if you would have seen a 2003 Pomerol who got 92 by WS in the Futures catalog (back in 2001), you would probably think this a good deal, but then you would have been attempted to by 3 of 6 bottles (that's the size of the lots in Futures). Here we can buy 1-2 bottles only and enjoy a wonderful wine from an excellent vintage for those special occasions.
2001 Chateau Picard AC Saint-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois - $33.95
Vintages.com - In an episode of the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation, Jean-Luc Picard journeys home to his family's estate in France, Château Picard. Is there a better thing to buy the wine lover or Star Trek fanatic (or both) in your life than this berry fruit forward, elegant and well-balanced libation? We think not. Make it so.
GPCI - I have never tasted this Chateau before and I liked Vintages little story above. From the review in Decanter magazine, it seems that it usually gets the 3 stars (out of 5) recommendation and it is for immediate consumption. So although I love wines from St Estephe, I would go for the La Grave A Pomerol despite the higher price.
Israel (red)
Few words about Daniel Rogov - he's considered #1 Israel Wine critic. He has a worldwide reputation (participated in many international wine books reviews) and I like his honest and humorous way of addressing the adventures of the wine and food world.
2003 Ella Valley 'Ever Red' - $26.95
Please note that this product has been moved to the September 30th release.
Daniel Rogov =87 ; Deep purple in color, this medium-bodied, this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot was aged in barriques for 12 months. Opens in the glass to reveal gentle wood, soft tannins and appealing currant and wild berry fruits. A lightly spicy finish. Drink now.
Vintages.com - Founded in 1997, Ella Valley Vineyards is located on the Kibbutz Netive Halamed Hey in the Jerusalem Mountains. The first wines, made by French trained Doron Rav Hon, appeared in 2002. This medium-sized winery has exciting plans. Currently, they produce about 15,000+ cases. By 2010, they plan to produce between 42,000 and 67,000 cases. Their ‘Ever Red' wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.
Tasting Note: Aromas of bacon, blackberry and vanilla dominate this ripe, approachable, big wine. It is dry and chunky with soft tannins for balance. Enjoy with roast beef and all the trimmings.
GPCI - the ones who will join me in the wine tasting on Sep 28th, will have the chance to taste this wine before it arrives to the LCBO.
2004 Saslove AVIV Cab Sauv - $23.95
Vintages.com - Canadian-born Barry Saslove is the owner here. Saslove is part of the new wave of exciting boutique wineries that are beginning to thrive in Israel.Tasting Note: Deep violet, almost black in colour. Very New World in style with lots of blackberry jam and spice notes. It is a slightly off-dry, plush, plump, hedonistic fruit bomb. Full-bodied and medium-long finishing, enjoy it with rich stews, lasagna or game meats.
GPCI - we had the 2003 version of this wine in previous Vintages release and it was a good-regular medium body cab sauv (sold for $19.95). The 2004 seems to be better according to Vintages (although according to Daniel Rogov the 2003 is considered a little bit better vintage in Israel), but I would need to try it in order to determine the way it was positioned price wise - It needs to be much better than the 2003 to justify a $24 price with a $14 Argentinean Alamos just around the corner's rack.
2003 Sea Horse Camus Syrah - $29.95
Please note that this product has been moved to the September 30th release
Daniel Rogov = 90 ; Dark garnet red, full-bodied, with still firm tannins well balanced by spicy wild berry and cherry fruits, with an appealing leathery edge on the finish. Rich and complex. Approachable young but best 2006-2009.
Vintages.com - Another of Israel's boutique wineries, Sea Horse was founded in 2000 by Ze'ev Dunie. He was a movie producer who, after producing a film about winemaking, became so intrigued himself that he decided to open his own winery. ‘Camus' is dedicated to the great French/Algerian philosopher/writer Albert Camus.
Tasting Note: Deep ruby/purple colour with aromas of blueberry, plum jam and oak spice. It is dry, generous, round and full-bodied. There is a pleasing tinge of bitterness on the end that gives the wine a nice tang. Medium-long finishing, enjoy this wine with grilled lamb.
GPCI - the ones who will join me in the wine tasting on Sep 28th, will have the chance to taste Sea Horse's best series Elul wine who was praised and highly rated by all wine critics. Their Syrah Camus is considered also an impressive wine which I haven't tried yet, but intend to very soon... :)
Italy (red)
1999 Barolo Casetta - $33.95 (Great value!)
Vintages.com - This Nebbiolo-based wine is showing beautifully, suggesting, at 7 years of age, it is just hitting its early drinking stride. Certainly has the stuff to go for another 10 years, but currently, look for aromas of dried currant, plum, mushroom, humus, anise and a tinge of oak. It is dry and complex with chalky tannins surrounding the forward fruit. Enjoy now with mushroom risotto and grilled lamb.
GPCI - This is a great value Barolo. Most age-worthy Barolos cost more than double this price. I'd buy 2-3 to the cellar.
Spain (red)
1998 Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva - $34.95
Vintages.com - Made from 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano and Garnacha Tinta, this Rioja has been rated the number one restaurant wine in Wine & Spirits magazine's annual poll (April 2006). Marques de Caceres only produces the Gran Reserva in exceptional years. The wine is aged in French oak barriques for 26-28 months and then aged in bottle for several years. No need to cellar further, this wine is ready to drink now. Incredibly complex with aromas of plum, leather, and roasted coffee bean, try it braised pork shoulder, beef stew or aged Manchego cheese.
GPCI - I bought the 1998 Caceres Reserva a few months ago. It would be interesting to open them bth in few years and compare the difference. I would expect the Gran Reserva to provide more complexity due to longer aging process as required by the Spanish law.
1996 Marques de Vitoria Gran Reserva - $31.95
Vintages.com - Unlike the majority of Rioja wines which are blends of Tempranillo and other grapes, this wine is made in a decidedly modern fashion from 100% Tempranillo and is aged in French oak casks for 24 months plus 6 years in bottle before release. The result is aromas of red currants, clove and black pepper. The palate shows a medium body, smooth tannins and lingering spice-filled finish. The producer recommends pairing it with stewed fish, game casseroles and suckling pig.
GPCI - 1996 is a very highly rated vintage in the Rioja region. a ~$32 bottle for a 10+ years bottle is very fair. Now from the description of the two Gran Reservas of this release, I would go with the 1998 Cerecers.
