Tuesday, November 14, 2006
GPCI for Nov 25th 2006 release at the LCBO
2003 GUIGAL CROZES-HERMITAGE - $25.95
RP = 91-94 ; The dense purple-colored 2003 Crozes-Hermitage possesses sumptuous aromas of tapenade, creme de cassis, cherries, and spice. Beautifully-textured, full, and long, it will offer impressive drinking over the next 10-12 years (2016-2018).
GPCI - I had the 2001 and it was a beautiful wine as well. 2003 was at least as good as the 2001 vintage at this region (north Rhone valley). Crozes is usually the "Hermitage-light", but in this case, for a fraction of the price of his "big" brother, you get an excellent choice. It's definitely the Red GPCI pick of this release (great 'index' of price to number of years in the cellar). it is better, both in price and rate than its "release's friend" PAUL JABOULET DOMAINE DE THALABERT CROZES-HERMITAGE (sells for ~$33). Buy at least 3 bottles.
Germany (Pfalz - white)
2004 DR. VON BASSERMANN-JORDAN RIESLING KABINETT - $20.95
QmP, Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten, Estate Btld.
WS = 90: Lovely detail and elegance. Peach, apricot and spice notes herald this firm, coiled white. It's fresh and pure, with a crunch to its acidity and fine length. Drink now through 2015.
GPCI - here is a a great Riesling that competes neck-to-neck with the next Riesling from the Rheinhessen area. excellent value for a great Kabinett. I love a good Riesling sometimes in the winter when it's gray and rainy...
Germany (Rheinhessen - White)
2004 JOHANNISHOF RIESLING KABINETT G - $20.95
QmP, Johannisberger, Estate Btld.
WS = 91 : Terrific mineral-based kabinett, with a vibrant structure and balancing richness. Fine expression of terroir, with white peach, apple and spice flavors complementing the stone notes. Very harmonious and long. Drink now through 2020.
GPCI - if we need to choose between the two Riesling options of this release, I would go with this one from a GPCI perspective - it can be cellared for longer.
Portugal
1987 Fonseca Guimaraens Port
WS=90 ; Fonseca is a house renowned for its fruit quality and sheer opulence. Fonseca Guimaraens is produced in non declared years and is a softer more forward style than their vintage yet it displays some of the intense raisin fruit and structure.
Decanter Awards **** - Fonseca's Vintage Port is very supple and ready to drink. "True to the Fonseca style, Guimaraens Vintage Ports are intensely rich and concentrated, with a voluptuous femininity and sublime, velvety texture." Gold Medal International Wine Challenge 1998.
My favorite Chilean red wines under $25 From Chile, Perez Cruz, the Reserva series (last year they were sold for $22.95) provides a great value for the quality wines. Usually can be drunk now or in the next 5 years. I would by 2 bottles from each. BUT if you need to choose, then for more "power" go for the COT or the Syrah, otherwise pick the Carmenere.
2004 PÉREZ CRUZ CARMENERE RESERVA - $24.95
GPCI - The flag grape from Chile, Carmenere, the advanced version of Merlot - it has more layers of flavors and intensity.
2004 PÉREZ CRUZ COT RESERVA - $24.95
Cot is the regional name for the Malbec grape in Southwest France's Cahors appellation. The Chileans prefer to use Cot in order to distinguish themselves from their Argentine neighbours. This elegant and expressive wine balances blackberry fruit with spicy oak and vanilla flavours.
2004 PÉREZ CRUZ SYRAH RESERVA - $24.95
Decanter - Vivid colour. Sweet, smoky oak and pepper aromas. Rich, concentrated, dark fruit flavours. Balanced oak. Good intensity and balance. Drink up to 2010.
GPCI - It's all about density, concentration and balance. This Syrah is chewy and flavorful. Can be great by itself or with a nice cut of juicy NY steak.
2004 MONTES ALPHA SYRAH - $22.95
Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley
WS = 91 : Lovely aromas of black cherry confiture and freshly shaved vanilla bean lead to a ripe, supple palate of cassis, plum and mineral, shaded deftly with a dash of spicy toast. Shows nice grip. Drink now through 2008.
GPCI - I had it before - it is without doubt an outstanding Syrah - intense flavors of plum and casis as well as pepper. although it's not a GPCI candidate (should be drunk within the next 2 years), it's definitely a good value compare to the other Syrah the market has to offer at that high level quality.
US - Oregon
2004 Pinot Noir, Iris Hills – $25.95
Eitan, this one is for you/your wife Iris.
This is a median bodied Pinot Noir (12.9%), with aromas of bing cherries, strawberries, violets, and spices, mixed with subtle oak and good acidity. The wine is soft and smooth with a long finish.
Food Suggestions: Braised Chicken with fresh Italian herbs and black olives; Pasta tossed lightly with a slow cooked Meat sauce of Pork, Lamb & Beef; Scaloppine Di Vitello Al Fughi; Seared Tuna lightly encrusted with pepper; Pork Chops grilled with tart apple, apple brandy and fresh sage.
GPCI - seems more than a reasonable price for a Pinot Noir. Oregon are known for their Pinot Noir. Worth trying...
Australia
2004 CAPE MENTELLE SHIRAZ - $26.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
Jeremy Oliver = 96 (!!!) : A very vibrant, savoury, intensely flavoured and stylish modern shiraz whose spicy, dark-fruited fragrance of cassis, blackberries and plums is handsomely backed by vanilla/cedar/dark chocolate oak and peppery nuances of cloves and cinnamon. It's powerful, sumptuous and opulent, but manages to retain elegance, smoothness and tightness. Framed by firm, powdery tannins, it finishes long and savoury, gradually revealing layers of fruit and complexity. Drink 2012-2016+.
GPCI - it's not often that Jeremy gives a wine such a high rate. To all of you out there that like Shiraz, buy at least 3 bottles.
