Monday, December 18, 2006
GPCI for Jan 6th 2007 release at the LCBO
1999 Anselmann Ortega Trockenbeerenauslese (375 ml)– $32.95
1999 was an exceptionnel wine year with very dry and sunny weather, outstanding qualities were harvested
Noble sweet dessert wine with brillant yellow gold colour and extraordinary, fruity bouquet reminding of oranges, apricots and quinces, as well as delicate floral aromas and notes of roasted almonds. In taste an opulent sweetness of 190 gr/litre and a nearly overwhelming aroma richness. The fine fruit acidity gives this wine elegance and long storage stability. Very limited production, vinification from overripe, selective harvested grapes. Trockenbeerenauslese(TBA)wines count amongst the most valuable dessert wines in the world and are the crowning finish of an exquisite dinner. Can be cellared for more than 20 years.
GPCI - it's not everyday that we have the opportunity to taste a Trockenbeerenauslese - it's the highest quality the Riesling can get. It's not a cheap a wine, but worth a place in the cellar. I'd buy 2 bottles.
US - California
2002 Chateau Souverain Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley - $24.95
Wine Access (Connoisseurs' Guide ) = 87 ; Solidly varietal in focus and sporting a fair measure of ripe berry fruitiness in its aromas, this one is somewhat rounded and supple on the palate, and it sports mid-depth flavors buttressed by its wave of slightly coarse tannins. Not a pushy wine, but not weak either, this one avoids the heaviness that sometimes comes with ripe Zins and will drink well now or can be put away and enjoyed over the next three to five years.
GPCI - I like the wines from Souverain. Although it's not one of the powerful Zin (which I prefer), it seems like a nice treat in the winter evenings...
The Day-to-Day recommended wines...
Argentina
2005 Finca Flichman Malbec Reserva - $12.95
Vintages.com - This inky-black, award-winning Malbec offers great value. Very fruit forward, it has ripe blackberry, cherry flavours along with notes of chocolate and smoke. It would match nicely with smoked sausages or a rack of lamb with rosemary.
GPCI - Finca is a known wine producer in Argentina and their Malbec Reserva is a good Malbec. For such a price, if you like the grape (which I do...), that can definately be your day-to-day partner. You may decide to buy anything from 3 bottles to 10.
Chile
2005 Punta Nogal Carmenere/Cab Sauv Reserva - $14.95
Vintages.com - This intensely flavoured Carmenère offers terrific value. Punta Nogal hand picks and sorts the grapes for this reserva, ensuring only the best quality fruit is used. An extended maceration period as well as a year ageing in French and American oak also help define this wine's distinctive character. This medium-full bodied elegant red boasts aromas and flavours of blackberry, cherry, chocolate, vanilla oak and smoke.
GPCI - Carmenere and Cab Sauv are going well together. Again, great price for a day-to-day wine. You may decide to buy anything from 3 bottles to 10.
Australia
2005 d’Arenberg The Stump Jump - $13.95
GPCI - The Stump Jump - Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre blend is another great value from the d'Arenberg family. We've been introduce to this wine from the 2002 vintage and it never failed. lots of spice, herbs and "all the berries you can have" flavors...
2004 MARQUIS PHILIPS SHIRAZ - $17.95
South Eastern Australia
RP=90 : The 2004 Shiraz reveals blackberry, tar, pepper, and toasty oak characteristics in its spicy, rich, deep, voluptuous personality. It will drink well for 1-3 years.
GPCI - another good Shiraz bargain for day-to-day.
2003 Kilikanoon The Lackey Shiraz (Wine of the Month) - $16.95
RP=88 : One of the top values in this portfolio is the 2003 The Lacky, which was aged in old American hogsheads and bottled unfiltered. This big, chunky, peppery, black cherry, currant, forest floor, earth, and spice-scented Shiraz possesses good flesh, medium body, and a savory, corpulent mouthfeel. It is ideal for drinking over the next 2-3 years. Foreign subscribers should note this cuvee is marketed outside the United States under the name Slap Shot, since it is a joint venture with Russian hockey legend, Igor Larionov.
GPCI - this wine of the month is a great Shiraz for ~$17 for day-to-day consumption. Will be great with a nice juicy steak! If you can/want to spend more money, go for Kililannon "big brother" (RP=91 ; $29.95) the 2003 BLOCKS ROAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON
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France – Rhone
2004 Domaine des Senechaux Chateauneuf-du-Pape - $35.95
WS=91 ; Perfumy, lush style, with raspberry and fig fruit layered with fine mineral, tobacco and pepper notes. Puts on weight through the finish, where the mineral and pepper notes blossom. Drink now through 2020
http://www.bbr.com/ - Made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, afforded a generous cuvaison and aged for twelve months, predominately in foudre, this is an extremely successful 2004. Spice and pepper underpin the sweet fruit, the tannic robe is elegant and the finish is long. A superb everyday Châteauneuf; three cheers that such a thing exists!
GPCI - a good value CNP. a no-brainer. don't tell everyone, so they leave some for me... I'd buy 2-4 bottles. THIS WINE IS ALREADY AVAILABLE AT THE LCBO BUT HARD TO FIND.
2000 Veuve Clicquot Rose Reserve Brut - $89.95
Vintages.com - Brilliant salmon in colour, this classic rosé fizz is voluptuous and velvety with intense aromas of red currants, citrus fruits, figs and licorice. Rich and full-bodied with flavours of pink grapefruit, hazelnuts and ginger this elegant Champagne is expressive and sensual. It's ideally matched with a fine meal, particularly roasted lamb, or enjoy it as a zesty aperitif.
GPCI - Veuve Clicquot Rose Reserve is a "Crystal Rose" for the "pour" ($400+ vs. $90). If you really want to give yourself a treat for the new year and not spend more than $400 for the Crystal - that's the one to buy. I would have it with nothing but strawberries...
Spain
2000 Coto de Imaz Reserva, Rioja – $19.95
http://www.frederickwildman.com/ - 100% Tempranillo. Deep dark ruby color. Nose of complex fruit aromas (notably wild strawberry) with soft, warm, oaky tones. Full-bodied, round and velvety palate with the firmness typical of Tempranillo in the finish. Will continue to develop in bottle.
Wine & Spirit =90 ; Tempranillo flavors of cool red cherries last through this wine, their juiciness made elegant by oak aging. The aromas slowly open with air toward black pepper spice, pure Rioja in feel, for tapas or tripas braised in white beans.
GPCI - I have the 1995 Gran Reserva. It will be nice to have a mini vertical (although it's not so fair - 95' is a known great vintage where 2000 is just "OK"). Rioja Reserva for $20 is a no brainer.
