Friday, December 01, 2006
GPCI for Dec 9th 2006 release at the LCBO
France (South Rhone, red)
2004 PERRIN & FILS VACQUEYRAS LES CHRISTINS - $21.95
RP=90-93 ; A blockbuster wine is the 2004 Perrin Vacqueyras Les Christins Vieilles Vignes from a 20-acre single vineyard planted with old vines, 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. This is superb stuff, opulent, full-bodied, with notes of garrigue, black cherry liqueur, raspberries, licorice, and pepper. Dense, full, rich, and chewy, this is a beauty to drink over the next 7-8 years (2013-2014).
GPCI - this is my favorite Red wine of the release! I had the previous vintages and it's just a pleasure - great value for great quality!
2004 LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $48.95
RP = 90-92: The 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape represents a return to style not dissimilar from 1999, with more body and depth. This deep ruby/purple-hued Châteauneuf exhibits a big, sweet bouquet of licorice, herbes de Provence, black cherries, blackberries, and incense. Fragrant and medium to full-bodied, with sweet fruit, ripe tannin, and a long, persistent finish, it will be approachable in 2-3 years, and should last for 12-14 (2009-2020).
GPCI - Another great wine although not the typical big-thick CNP, but still a definite recommendation for all of us who like this outstanding region. As a general "rule" all 2004 (and the coming classic 2005) CNP are a safe bet from quality and cellaring potential.
Australia (red)
2003 KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN SHIRAZ/GRENACHE - $18.95
South Australia
RP = 91 ; The bargains continue with the 2003 Grenache/Shiraz Killerman's Run (60% of the former and 40% of the latter), which was aged in old American and French hogsheads for two years prior to being bottled unfiltered. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by plenty of sweet kirsch and blackberry fruit intermixed with damp earth and pepper. Fleshy, with excellent intensity and a long, heady finish, this superb Australian red is a fabulous bargain. Moreover, it should drink well for 4-5 years or longer.
GPCI - a great value wine for the short-mid term cellaring. Kilikannon are known for their great wine in Australia. Their high-end series is outstanding. Buy 3-5 bottles.
US (California, red)
2003 RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON – $19.95
Sonoma County
As one of the winemaking pioneers in Sonoma, the late great Rodney Strong would be proud of this stylish Cabernet. Sourced from hillside vineyards in the warmer Alexander Valley region, this wine has a lot of depth and finesse.Tasting Note: You could drink this now in a pinch, but why, when you can hold it two or three years and get more out of it when the tannins are more integrated? Big and dry, with generous dark fruit and spice, it's a great match for a steak, grilled to medium-rare perfection. Score - ****1/2 (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, www.winecurrents.com, June 2006)
GPCI - Rodney Strong produces complex Zin, so I would expect intensity when it comes to Cab Sauv as well. A very competitive price for a Sonoma Cab Sauv.
Chile (Rapel Valley, red)
2004 SANTA CAROLINA BARRICA SELECTION CARMENÈRE - $14.95
This dry, full-bodied Carmenère offers terrific value. It's packed with blackberry and black cherry fruit as well as notes of tobacco and milk chocolate. Savour this hearty wine with meat loaf.
GPCI - you cannot go wrong with this one. Santa Carolina is a known winery in Chile and their Carmenere is great and for ~$15 - no brainer. If you like a "high-end Merlot", you won't regret this one...
Argentina (Mendoza, red)
2004 GRAN LURTON CABERNET SAUVIGNON Gran Reserva - $19.95
The 'Frères Lurton' produce world-class wine around the globe and Bodega Lurton, in Mendoza, Argentina, is one of their most successful ventures. The fruit for the wines in their Reserva range is sourced from selected old vine parcels (some as old as 100 years) from neighbouring estates to augment their own young vines. This helps build wines with striking character. Look for a lovely combination of rich plum and currant fruit and striking tanins. Enjoy with roast beef. GPCI - another great Cab Sauv for ~$20 and it's their gran reserva line. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
Hungary
2000 CHATEAU DERESZLA TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS (500 mL) - $33.95
WS=95 ; Gorgeous, silky and harmonious, offering orange blossom, honey and beeswax aromas and flavors. Lightweight, elegant and vibrant, it carries its sweetness with poise, ending with freshness and a long aftertaste of honey. Drink now through 2020.
GPCI - YES! YES! and one more YES! I had other vintages and they were really nice... It's a great companion for frio gras (and much cheaper than Yquem). The "5 Puttonyos" indicates the level of sweetness - the higher the number the sweeter it is. I've never seen more than 6 Puttonyos... I'd buy 3 bottles.
US (California red)
2002 RUTHERFORD HILL MERLOT - $28.95
Napa Valley
Wine Access =90 : A very tasty and rich merlot that would match a range of grilled food. Plenty of lift on the nose with concentrated black cherry, plum and chocolate. Very pure aromatics without the contrived character of many merlot wines. Good fruit depth and balance on the palate with dark berry, chocolate and leather enveloped in creamy oak and lively acidity. Impressive structure and length. Best now-2010.
GPCI - I had the 1998 (thanks Jim M for the bottle) and it positively changed my mind regarding Merlot. Rutherford Hill knows how to make a good Merlot. It's a bit expensive and if I need to choose between this and the Santa Carolina Carmenere for ~$15, I'll go with Chilean wine.
Australia (McLaren Vale, red)
2005 D'ARENBERG THE LAUGHING MAGPIE SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER - $27.95
South Australia, Basket Pressed
This is the latest vintage of this much-acclaimed Rhône-styled blend from d'Arenberg. Year after year, wine scribes including Robert Parker and Jeremy Oliver have consistently awarded this wine scores of 90 or above for its exotic nose of spices, violets, ginger and blackberry. Supple and delicious, its flavours are intense without being overpowering. Dry and full-bodied with ripe tannins supplying structure, it's an ideal match for braised lamb shanks or crispy roast duck.
GPCI - I started to collect The Laughing Magpie since 2001 - it's a GREAT wine - Australia is one of the only places besides the south of Rhone that blends Shiraz/Syrah and Viogner (a white grape) and the results are unique. I'd buy 2-3 bottles (to keep the vertical running...).
France (Bordeaux)
1996 CHÂTEAU PEYRABON - $27.95
AC Haut-Médoc, Cru Bourgeois (Babeau, Prop.)
Château Peyrabon is unusual because the vineyards straddle the Haut-Médoc and Pauillac regions. Wines from the H-M portion are sold as Château Peyrabon; wines from the Pauillac side are called Château la Fleur Peyrabon.
Tasting Note: Deep garnet colour leads to a lovely mature nose of currant, game, smoke and leather. It is dry, mature and ready to drink. It is still very well-structured and will complement a roast beef or grilled lamb very well. (VINTAGES panel, April 2006)
GPCI - 1996 is a very good vintage in Bordeaux. A 10 years Bordeaux for less than $30 is more than tempting. I'd buy 2 bottles.
Italy (Piedmonte)
2001 MASSOLINO BAROLO - $49.95
DOCG
WS=92 ; Tasting Note: Aromas of plums and hints of meat with berries. Full-bodied, with soft, round tannins and a long, long finish. Slightly one-dimensional, but clearly outstanding. Always a great value. Well made. Best after 2007.
GPCI - for such highly rated Barolo, $50 is not too expensive. Ken F - I would recommend you by 2-3 bottles for your Barolo collection...
2004 PERRIN & FILS VACQUEYRAS LES CHRISTINS - $21.95
RP=90-93 ; A blockbuster wine is the 2004 Perrin Vacqueyras Les Christins Vieilles Vignes from a 20-acre single vineyard planted with old vines, 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. This is superb stuff, opulent, full-bodied, with notes of garrigue, black cherry liqueur, raspberries, licorice, and pepper. Dense, full, rich, and chewy, this is a beauty to drink over the next 7-8 years (2013-2014).
GPCI - this is my favorite Red wine of the release! I had the previous vintages and it's just a pleasure - great value for great quality!
2004 LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $48.95
RP = 90-92: The 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape represents a return to style not dissimilar from 1999, with more body and depth. This deep ruby/purple-hued Châteauneuf exhibits a big, sweet bouquet of licorice, herbes de Provence, black cherries, blackberries, and incense. Fragrant and medium to full-bodied, with sweet fruit, ripe tannin, and a long, persistent finish, it will be approachable in 2-3 years, and should last for 12-14 (2009-2020).
GPCI - Another great wine although not the typical big-thick CNP, but still a definite recommendation for all of us who like this outstanding region. As a general "rule" all 2004 (and the coming classic 2005) CNP are a safe bet from quality and cellaring potential.
Australia (red)
2003 KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN SHIRAZ/GRENACHE - $18.95
South Australia
RP = 91 ; The bargains continue with the 2003 Grenache/Shiraz Killerman's Run (60% of the former and 40% of the latter), which was aged in old American and French hogsheads for two years prior to being bottled unfiltered. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by plenty of sweet kirsch and blackberry fruit intermixed with damp earth and pepper. Fleshy, with excellent intensity and a long, heady finish, this superb Australian red is a fabulous bargain. Moreover, it should drink well for 4-5 years or longer.
GPCI - a great value wine for the short-mid term cellaring. Kilikannon are known for their great wine in Australia. Their high-end series is outstanding. Buy 3-5 bottles.
US (California, red)
2003 RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON – $19.95
Sonoma County
As one of the winemaking pioneers in Sonoma, the late great Rodney Strong would be proud of this stylish Cabernet. Sourced from hillside vineyards in the warmer Alexander Valley region, this wine has a lot of depth and finesse.Tasting Note: You could drink this now in a pinch, but why, when you can hold it two or three years and get more out of it when the tannins are more integrated? Big and dry, with generous dark fruit and spice, it's a great match for a steak, grilled to medium-rare perfection. Score - ****1/2 (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, www.winecurrents.com, June 2006)
GPCI - Rodney Strong produces complex Zin, so I would expect intensity when it comes to Cab Sauv as well. A very competitive price for a Sonoma Cab Sauv.
Chile (Rapel Valley, red)
2004 SANTA CAROLINA BARRICA SELECTION CARMENÈRE - $14.95
This dry, full-bodied Carmenère offers terrific value. It's packed with blackberry and black cherry fruit as well as notes of tobacco and milk chocolate. Savour this hearty wine with meat loaf.
GPCI - you cannot go wrong with this one. Santa Carolina is a known winery in Chile and their Carmenere is great and for ~$15 - no brainer. If you like a "high-end Merlot", you won't regret this one...
Argentina (Mendoza, red)
2004 GRAN LURTON CABERNET SAUVIGNON Gran Reserva - $19.95
The 'Frères Lurton' produce world-class wine around the globe and Bodega Lurton, in Mendoza, Argentina, is one of their most successful ventures. The fruit for the wines in their Reserva range is sourced from selected old vine parcels (some as old as 100 years) from neighbouring estates to augment their own young vines. This helps build wines with striking character. Look for a lovely combination of rich plum and currant fruit and striking tanins. Enjoy with roast beef. GPCI - another great Cab Sauv for ~$20 and it's their gran reserva line. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
Hungary
2000 CHATEAU DERESZLA TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS (500 mL) - $33.95
WS=95 ; Gorgeous, silky and harmonious, offering orange blossom, honey and beeswax aromas and flavors. Lightweight, elegant and vibrant, it carries its sweetness with poise, ending with freshness and a long aftertaste of honey. Drink now through 2020.
GPCI - YES! YES! and one more YES! I had other vintages and they were really nice... It's a great companion for frio gras (and much cheaper than Yquem). The "5 Puttonyos" indicates the level of sweetness - the higher the number the sweeter it is. I've never seen more than 6 Puttonyos... I'd buy 3 bottles.
US (California red)
2002 RUTHERFORD HILL MERLOT - $28.95
Napa Valley
Wine Access =90 : A very tasty and rich merlot that would match a range of grilled food. Plenty of lift on the nose with concentrated black cherry, plum and chocolate. Very pure aromatics without the contrived character of many merlot wines. Good fruit depth and balance on the palate with dark berry, chocolate and leather enveloped in creamy oak and lively acidity. Impressive structure and length. Best now-2010.
GPCI - I had the 1998 (thanks Jim M for the bottle) and it positively changed my mind regarding Merlot. Rutherford Hill knows how to make a good Merlot. It's a bit expensive and if I need to choose between this and the Santa Carolina Carmenere for ~$15, I'll go with Chilean wine.
Australia (McLaren Vale, red)
2005 D'ARENBERG THE LAUGHING MAGPIE SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER - $27.95
South Australia, Basket Pressed
This is the latest vintage of this much-acclaimed Rhône-styled blend from d'Arenberg. Year after year, wine scribes including Robert Parker and Jeremy Oliver have consistently awarded this wine scores of 90 or above for its exotic nose of spices, violets, ginger and blackberry. Supple and delicious, its flavours are intense without being overpowering. Dry and full-bodied with ripe tannins supplying structure, it's an ideal match for braised lamb shanks or crispy roast duck.
GPCI - I started to collect The Laughing Magpie since 2001 - it's a GREAT wine - Australia is one of the only places besides the south of Rhone that blends Shiraz/Syrah and Viogner (a white grape) and the results are unique. I'd buy 2-3 bottles (to keep the vertical running...).
France (Bordeaux)
1996 CHÂTEAU PEYRABON - $27.95
AC Haut-Médoc, Cru Bourgeois (Babeau, Prop.)
Château Peyrabon is unusual because the vineyards straddle the Haut-Médoc and Pauillac regions. Wines from the H-M portion are sold as Château Peyrabon; wines from the Pauillac side are called Château la Fleur Peyrabon.
Tasting Note: Deep garnet colour leads to a lovely mature nose of currant, game, smoke and leather. It is dry, mature and ready to drink. It is still very well-structured and will complement a roast beef or grilled lamb very well. (VINTAGES panel, April 2006)
GPCI - 1996 is a very good vintage in Bordeaux. A 10 years Bordeaux for less than $30 is more than tempting. I'd buy 2 bottles.
Italy (Piedmonte)
2001 MASSOLINO BAROLO - $49.95
DOCG
WS=92 ; Tasting Note: Aromas of plums and hints of meat with berries. Full-bodied, with soft, round tannins and a long, long finish. Slightly one-dimensional, but clearly outstanding. Always a great value. Well made. Best after 2007.
GPCI - for such highly rated Barolo, $50 is not too expensive. Ken F - I would recommend you by 2-3 bottles for your Barolo collection...
