Friday, October 06, 2006
GPCI for Oct 14th 2006 release at the LCBO
Argentina
2005 ‘FAMILIGLIA BIANCHI' CHARDONNAY - $13.95
San Rafael, Mendoza (Valentin Bianchi)
Vintages.com - The winemakers at Valentin Bianchi pull out all the stops with this premium Chardonnay. The grapes are hand-picked and whole-cluster pressed. The juice is 100% barrel-fermented and the wine is then aged ‘sur lie' for ten months. Expect an elegant wine with delicious pear and tropical fruit characteristics balanced with toasty oak and vanilla notes. Enjoy with sea bass in a cream sauce.
GPCI - this winery has received high rates in Winespectator for their different offerings year after year. They have always produced good value wines (both red and white) - where else can you find a decent Chardonnay for $14?
Australia
2005 CAPE MENTELLE SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON - $19.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
www.thewiningpro.com = 91 : A delicate, classy wine from Cape Mentelle, made more complete by the clever use of a tiny amount of barrel fermented Semillon. Consequently, the texture of the wine is slightly softer, without losing the freshness and natural citric spark inherent to the two grapes involved. Some subtlety here, the aromatics and effusive fruit characters kept from grabbing all the attention. Quite chic. Drink now-2008.
GPCI - hey John, this one seems to be for you... Margaret River produces great Sauv Blanc and Semillon. let me know if it's a "91" in your opinion.
2005 D'ARENBERG ‘THE OLIVE GROVE' CHARDONNAY - $15.95
McLaren Vale/Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Jeremy Oliver = 88 : Juicy, warm and spirity, this ripe and slightly confectionary chardonnay has a bright, floral aroma of peaches, citrus and tropical fruit backed by buttery oak and nutty, mealy undertones. Long and smooth, its creamy and handsomely ripened palate of green melon and peachy flavour culminates in a lingering nutty, savoury finish. (July 1, 2006) .
GPCI - Seeing Jeremy Oliver in action, I say this is a Chardonnay not to miss. great credentials for a great price. no brainer.
2004 CAPE MENTELLE CABERNET/MERLOT - $21.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
Jeremy Oliver = 91 : Finely balanced, firm and focused, this harmonious young wine has harmony and cellaring potential aplenty. Its dark-fruited fragrance of blackberries, cassis, plums and cherries overlies suggestions of violets and currants against a fresh background of cedar/vanilla oak. Smooth, elegant and intensely fruited, its vibrant palate of dark fruits, dried herbs and menthol knits tightly with cedary oak and a tight, firm cut of chalky tannin. (www.jeremyoliver.com.au, July 14, 2006)
GPCI - another no brainer - If Jeremy gave it 91, and it cost $22, go buy 3-5 bottles.
2005 TORBRECK ‘WOODCUTTER'S' SHIRAZ - $23.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP = 92 ; 2005 was an extraordinary vintage in the Barossa, and Torbreck's 2005 Woodcutter's Shiraz may be the finest David Powell has yet produced ... Blackberry jam, creme de cassis, licorice, white flowers, and black olive scents jump from the glass of this full-bodied, silky-textured, gorgeous red. It is meant to be drunk during its first 2-4 years of life. The wine was kept on its skins for six days during which time amazing color and fruit were extracted ... This knock-out effort is one of the great values in the marketplace.
GPCI - in the last few times that Vintages has released Torbreck Shiraz, it was gone after less then 30 minutes from the shelves. get as early as possible on Sat and buy 3 bottles.
2003 VASSE FELIX CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $34.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
RP = 90 : The outstanding 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot, and 3% Shiraz) spent 18 months in two-thirds French and one-third a combination of American and Hungarian oak. An opaque purple color accompanies classic aromatics of asphalt, black currants, vanillin, flowers, underbrush, and new saddle leather. This seriously-endowed effort reveals supple tannin as well as a degree of accessibility, but it should age nicely for 10-12 years.
GPCI - here is a nice GPCI Index again from the wonderful Margaret River. I'd buy at least 2 bottles.
New Zealand
2004 TE MANIA PINOT NOIR RESERVE - $21.95
Nelson, South Island
Vintages.com : The Nelson region is relatively new to the production of New Zealand's hottest grape, Pinot Noir, and Te Mania is already showing a practiced hand. Sourced from their finest vineyards, Te Mania only produces Reserve Pinots in the very best years. Expect aromas of cherry, rose petal, earth and beetroot. These wines are very Burgundian in style at about half the price. Enjoy with veal tenderloin or grilled salmon.
GPCI - a Pinot Noir from a great region for $22 - VERY tempting.
2005 PORCUPINE RIDGE SYRAH - $14.95
WO Coastal Region (Boekenhoutskloof)
www.jancisrobinson.com : I loved this wine, more than most tasters I think. Intense and savoury leather and liquorice notes and a much deeper, more stable-looking colour than previous vintages. The diffusion line of Syrah pioneer Marc Kent at Boekenhoutskloof . ..
GPCI - had this wine before - GREAT value! if you like the spicy-peppery Syrah type, you'll enjoy this one. and for $15, you won't find many similar bargains at this level of quality. A great day-to-day wine.
France
2004 MARIE-ANTOINETTE VINCENT' POUILLY-FUISSÉ - $22.95
AC (J.J. Vincent & Fils, Négoc.)
Vintages.com : J.J. Vincent is one of the pillars of the Pouilly-Fuisse appellation, and this Chardonnay shows why. Aromas are reminiscent of apple, peach, butter and oak spice. It is dry and balanced with a remarkable depth of flavour. Medium full-bodied, it has a long finish. This will match well with a poached fish in beure blanc sauce.
2003 DOMAINE SANTA DUC GIGONDAS - $32.95
AC, ‘Cuvée Tradition'
RP = 90 : As for the 2003 Gigondas, its dense plum/purple hue is accompanied by a rich, sweet nose of crème de cassis, licorice, underbrush, and black truffles. Deep, full-bodied, and pure, with sweet tannin and excellent concentration, it can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years.
GPCI - another good GPCI Index for the release. This Domaine is consistent in their concentrated Gigondas. I'd buy at least 2 bottles.
2004 MAS DES BRESSADES CABERNET/SYRAH - $16.95
RP = 90 ; Vin de Pays du Gard Tasting Note: The 2004 VDP Gard Cabernet/Syrah possesses a saturated ruby/purple color as well as pure blackberry and creme de cassis flavors intermixed with creosote, earth, and a hint of pain grille. The wine is nicely textured, rich, and ideal for drinking over its first 3-4 years of life.
GPCI - GREAT value! this is a good example that even a "Vin de Pays" category (the simplest wine table in France) can be well priced and highly rated.
Italy
2001 BARBARESCO - $28.95
DOCG (Cantina Produttori del Barbaresco)
WS = 90 ; Tasting Note: Aromas of leather, plum and hints of flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a juicy finish. Round. Best after 2006.
GPCI - a relatively fair price for a good Barbaresco, although I have to admit, that I prefer its bigger brother the Barolo...
2003 VALPANTENA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA - $33.95
DOC
Vintages.com : This wine won a Gold Medal at the prestigious 2006 Vinitaly wine competition. The grapes are dried naturally in the winery's loft. The resulting product, a combination of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, is rich and concentrated. The Cabernet Sauvignon is an unusual addition, but allowed under the DOC as it is no more than 5%. Enjoy with roast leg of lamb.
GPCI - a fair priced Amarone (most of the good Amarone these days are more than $45) for a good vintage.
2001 FONTANAFREDDA BAROLO SERRALUNGA D'ALBA - $39.95
DOCG
WS = 89 : Loads of tar and blackberry character on the nose. Very floral. Full-bodied, with a velvety mouthfeel and a long, fruity finish. Round and pretty. Best after 2007.
GPCI - A tempting price for a good barolo (they are usually priced around the $50+ range). could potentially lay down until 2012-2015.
2005 ‘FAMILIGLIA BIANCHI' CHARDONNAY - $13.95
San Rafael, Mendoza (Valentin Bianchi)
Vintages.com - The winemakers at Valentin Bianchi pull out all the stops with this premium Chardonnay. The grapes are hand-picked and whole-cluster pressed. The juice is 100% barrel-fermented and the wine is then aged ‘sur lie' for ten months. Expect an elegant wine with delicious pear and tropical fruit characteristics balanced with toasty oak and vanilla notes. Enjoy with sea bass in a cream sauce.
GPCI - this winery has received high rates in Winespectator for their different offerings year after year. They have always produced good value wines (both red and white) - where else can you find a decent Chardonnay for $14?
Australia
2005 CAPE MENTELLE SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON - $19.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
www.thewiningpro.com = 91 : A delicate, classy wine from Cape Mentelle, made more complete by the clever use of a tiny amount of barrel fermented Semillon. Consequently, the texture of the wine is slightly softer, without losing the freshness and natural citric spark inherent to the two grapes involved. Some subtlety here, the aromatics and effusive fruit characters kept from grabbing all the attention. Quite chic. Drink now-2008.
GPCI - hey John, this one seems to be for you... Margaret River produces great Sauv Blanc and Semillon. let me know if it's a "91" in your opinion.
2005 D'ARENBERG ‘THE OLIVE GROVE' CHARDONNAY - $15.95
McLaren Vale/Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Jeremy Oliver = 88 : Juicy, warm and spirity, this ripe and slightly confectionary chardonnay has a bright, floral aroma of peaches, citrus and tropical fruit backed by buttery oak and nutty, mealy undertones. Long and smooth, its creamy and handsomely ripened palate of green melon and peachy flavour culminates in a lingering nutty, savoury finish. (July 1, 2006) .
GPCI - Seeing Jeremy Oliver in action, I say this is a Chardonnay not to miss. great credentials for a great price. no brainer.
2004 CAPE MENTELLE CABERNET/MERLOT - $21.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
Jeremy Oliver = 91 : Finely balanced, firm and focused, this harmonious young wine has harmony and cellaring potential aplenty. Its dark-fruited fragrance of blackberries, cassis, plums and cherries overlies suggestions of violets and currants against a fresh background of cedar/vanilla oak. Smooth, elegant and intensely fruited, its vibrant palate of dark fruits, dried herbs and menthol knits tightly with cedary oak and a tight, firm cut of chalky tannin. (www.jeremyoliver.com.au, July 14, 2006)
GPCI - another no brainer - If Jeremy gave it 91, and it cost $22, go buy 3-5 bottles.
2005 TORBRECK ‘WOODCUTTER'S' SHIRAZ - $23.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP = 92 ; 2005 was an extraordinary vintage in the Barossa, and Torbreck's 2005 Woodcutter's Shiraz may be the finest David Powell has yet produced ... Blackberry jam, creme de cassis, licorice, white flowers, and black olive scents jump from the glass of this full-bodied, silky-textured, gorgeous red. It is meant to be drunk during its first 2-4 years of life. The wine was kept on its skins for six days during which time amazing color and fruit were extracted ... This knock-out effort is one of the great values in the marketplace.
GPCI - in the last few times that Vintages has released Torbreck Shiraz, it was gone after less then 30 minutes from the shelves. get as early as possible on Sat and buy 3 bottles.
2003 VASSE FELIX CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $34.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
RP = 90 : The outstanding 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot, and 3% Shiraz) spent 18 months in two-thirds French and one-third a combination of American and Hungarian oak. An opaque purple color accompanies classic aromatics of asphalt, black currants, vanillin, flowers, underbrush, and new saddle leather. This seriously-endowed effort reveals supple tannin as well as a degree of accessibility, but it should age nicely for 10-12 years.
GPCI - here is a nice GPCI Index again from the wonderful Margaret River. I'd buy at least 2 bottles.
New Zealand
2004 TE MANIA PINOT NOIR RESERVE - $21.95
Nelson, South Island
Vintages.com : The Nelson region is relatively new to the production of New Zealand's hottest grape, Pinot Noir, and Te Mania is already showing a practiced hand. Sourced from their finest vineyards, Te Mania only produces Reserve Pinots in the very best years. Expect aromas of cherry, rose petal, earth and beetroot. These wines are very Burgundian in style at about half the price. Enjoy with veal tenderloin or grilled salmon.
GPCI - a Pinot Noir from a great region for $22 - VERY tempting.
2005 PORCUPINE RIDGE SYRAH - $14.95
WO Coastal Region (Boekenhoutskloof)
www.jancisrobinson.com : I loved this wine, more than most tasters I think. Intense and savoury leather and liquorice notes and a much deeper, more stable-looking colour than previous vintages. The diffusion line of Syrah pioneer Marc Kent at Boekenhoutskloof . ..
GPCI - had this wine before - GREAT value! if you like the spicy-peppery Syrah type, you'll enjoy this one. and for $15, you won't find many similar bargains at this level of quality. A great day-to-day wine.
France
2004 MARIE-ANTOINETTE VINCENT' POUILLY-FUISSÉ - $22.95
AC (J.J. Vincent & Fils, Négoc.)
Vintages.com : J.J. Vincent is one of the pillars of the Pouilly-Fuisse appellation, and this Chardonnay shows why. Aromas are reminiscent of apple, peach, butter and oak spice. It is dry and balanced with a remarkable depth of flavour. Medium full-bodied, it has a long finish. This will match well with a poached fish in beure blanc sauce.
2003 DOMAINE SANTA DUC GIGONDAS - $32.95
AC, ‘Cuvée Tradition'
RP = 90 : As for the 2003 Gigondas, its dense plum/purple hue is accompanied by a rich, sweet nose of crème de cassis, licorice, underbrush, and black truffles. Deep, full-bodied, and pure, with sweet tannin and excellent concentration, it can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years.
GPCI - another good GPCI Index for the release. This Domaine is consistent in their concentrated Gigondas. I'd buy at least 2 bottles.
2004 MAS DES BRESSADES CABERNET/SYRAH - $16.95
RP = 90 ; Vin de Pays du Gard Tasting Note: The 2004 VDP Gard Cabernet/Syrah possesses a saturated ruby/purple color as well as pure blackberry and creme de cassis flavors intermixed with creosote, earth, and a hint of pain grille. The wine is nicely textured, rich, and ideal for drinking over its first 3-4 years of life.
GPCI - GREAT value! this is a good example that even a "Vin de Pays" category (the simplest wine table in France) can be well priced and highly rated.
Italy
2001 BARBARESCO - $28.95
DOCG (Cantina Produttori del Barbaresco)
WS = 90 ; Tasting Note: Aromas of leather, plum and hints of flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a juicy finish. Round. Best after 2006.
GPCI - a relatively fair price for a good Barbaresco, although I have to admit, that I prefer its bigger brother the Barolo...
2003 VALPANTENA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA - $33.95
DOC
Vintages.com : This wine won a Gold Medal at the prestigious 2006 Vinitaly wine competition. The grapes are dried naturally in the winery's loft. The resulting product, a combination of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, is rich and concentrated. The Cabernet Sauvignon is an unusual addition, but allowed under the DOC as it is no more than 5%. Enjoy with roast leg of lamb.
GPCI - a fair priced Amarone (most of the good Amarone these days are more than $45) for a good vintage.
2001 FONTANAFREDDA BAROLO SERRALUNGA D'ALBA - $39.95
DOCG
WS = 89 : Loads of tar and blackberry character on the nose. Very floral. Full-bodied, with a velvety mouthfeel and a long, fruity finish. Round and pretty. Best after 2007.
GPCI - A tempting price for a good barolo (they are usually priced around the $50+ range). could potentially lay down until 2012-2015.
