Tuesday, January 30, 2007
GPCI for Feb 3rd 2007 release at the LCBO
Australia (Barossa)
2004 THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE RIDGE SHIRAZ - $24.95
South Australia
Rp = 92 : The outstanding 2004 Shiraz Shotfire Ridge is an excellent value. A full-throttle, dense, full-bodied Shiraz, it boasts a purple color as well as big, sweet, flamboyant aromatics of white chocolate, blackberries, cassis, smoke, and licorice. This deep, opulent effort is a total hedonistic turn-on. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Drink 2005-2009.
GPCi - although for the short term, seems to be worth the price. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Spain (Rioja)
2001 MARQUES DE MURRIETA TINTO RESERVA YGAY - $31.75
RP=90 : The impressive 2001 Ygay Reserva exhibits a dense ruby/plum color as well as a big, spicy nose revealing loads of cassis, licorice, and a hint of tobacco. With beautiful texture, outstanding purity, and medium to full body, this lovely Rioja can be enjoyed now and over the next 7-8 years (2012-13).
GPCi - One of my favorite Rioja from a great vintage. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
Spain (Ribera del Duero)
2004 SELECCIÓN DE TORRES CELESTE TINTO - $19.75
DO
Wine Access = 89 ; A modern, mid-weight 100% tempranillo grown at higher altitude in the drier Ribera region (most Torres wines are from the more maritime Penedès region). Shows bright, ripe blackberry, brambly fruit mindful of zinfandel with coffee, mocha from new oak, and youthfully leesy notes. Medium-full bodied, fairly dense and soft with some finesse. Bitter chocolate on the finish. Very good to excellent length. Best 2008 to 2012.
GPCi - a good value tempranillo for mid term cellaring. suites the winter weather with or without food. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Argentina (Mendoza)
2005 CATENA CHARDONNAY - $19.75
WS=88 : Round and buttery, with piecrust and spice notes leading the way for ripe, tasty pear and fig fruit. Drink now.
GPCi - A good value day-to-day Chardonnay from a "safe bet" winery like Catena. Will go perfectly well with fish and Alfredo sauce.
2004 CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.75
Vintages.com - Sourced from four different vineyard sites of varying altitudes in the foothills of the Andes, this brawny Cabernet is laden with black currant fruit with notes of tobacco, sweet vanilla and eucalyptus. Still youthful, it should be enjoyed over the next four years with grilled meats or a hearty beef stew.
2005 CATENA MALBEC - $19.75
The Catena range of wines are all made from single varietals sourced from the family's own vineyards. Lots are harvested separately and by blending them together from different vineyard sites, the winery aims to create better balanced wines with consistent style. Vintage after vintage, this is one of the highest-rated Argentinian Malbecs. It's packed with juicy berry flavours, spices, well-integrated toasty oak and mineral notes. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years.
2004 AMANCAYA GRAN RESERVA MALBEC/CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $20.75
Wine & Spirits = 90 ; Amancaya is the second wine of Bodegas Caro, a co-production between Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite and the Catena family.Tasting Note: ... [A] blend of 55 percent malbec and 45 percent cabernet sauvignon. Young and tough, it shows the darker side of the Andes with coal and black cherry aromas over dense black fruit and hard tannins. Two hours later, the malbec side begins to dominate with lovely cherry notes and floral aromas.
GPCi - Very tempting and complex. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Chile
2003 Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon - $19.75
WE = 87 : For the first time in a long time thereÕs some herbal character to this wine, which usually pushes pure cassis and berry aromas and flavors. But this version, while zesty and healthy in terms of tannin and acidity, has some leather and leafiness to it. Still, itÕs well formed and ranks as one of ChileÕs benchmark upper- to medium-level Cabernets.
www.gismondionwine.com = 88 : Similar to the 2002 edition with sappy, cassis, chocolate and spicy eucalyptus notes mixed with leather and vanilla aromas. ... Peppery, smoky, minty, cassis fruit flavours with more cedar-y earthy fruit on the palate spiked with blackberry plum notes. Needs another one to two years to fully smooth out but it's well made. Barbecued beef ribs would be a fine choice. Serve through 2008.
GPCi - A good value Cab Sauv, although I personally prefer the Argentinean Catena (I hope my friends from Chile will not be offended).
New Zealand (Marlborough)
2005 KONRAD SAUVIGNON BLANC - $17.95
South Island
Michael Cooper Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2007 - 5 out of 5: Lively, pure and punchy, it's a classic Marlborough style. Rich and lush on the palate, it offers fresh, pungent tropical-fruit and herbaceous aromas and flavours, underpinned by tangy acidity.
GPCi - Great review for another sure-bet from New Zealand in an affordable price. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
France (Alsace)
2004 TRIMBACH GEWURZTRAMINER - $23.75
winemaker's notes: Gewürztraminer is without a doubt the most distinctive wine from Trimbach. The variety's pronounced fragrance of rose, lychee and spice introduces the rich and often powerful taste adopted around the world as the perfect accompaniment to spicy food. The 2004 Gewürztraminer is dry, with good levels of natural alcohol and plenty of appealing acidity -the Trimbach family's signature.
The 2004 Gewürztraminer is gold in color with a spicy nose perfumed with lychee. Rich and intense, this Gewürztraminer is luscious and well balanced with a dry, spicy finish. This is a textbook Gewürztraminer from Alsace that will easily age 5 years or more. Gewürztraminer is a classic match with spicy Asian, Mexican, or Indian fare, and strong cheeses such Muenster or Roquefort.
GPCi - I tried the previous vintages of this wine and it's absolutely great! Gewutz is one of my favorite white grapes. It's a red wine wannabe - the Trimbach Gewurtz is a multi-layered complex wine that goes very well with spicy food. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Worth watching (especially if money is no object...)
France (Rhone)
2003 DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $33.75
Vintages.com - A soft, forward and flavourful Châteauneuf, very indicative of the hot 2003 vintage. It has layers of black cherry, raspberry, peppercorn, freshly dried herbs and earth aromas. Medium full-bodied, it is nicely supported by soft acids and tannins. Enjoy with roast beef and roasted vegetables.
GPCi - I would skip this one this time not because it's not a good wine but because it's not what I personally expect from CNP (i.e. a 2003 CNP that is medium-full body, is not CNP for me).
France (Bordeaux)
2001 CHÂTEAU Brown Pessac Leognan - $39.75
RP=88-90 : http://www.winewriting.com/ = 90 :Ripe smoky black cherry and cassis with complex mint/herb nuances and [in the] very background, oak; meaty tobacco notes on the palate, rounded fruit [with] cedar coating, firm grip and tight acidity create a quite austere finish.
GPCi - A typical left-bank Bordeaux for a relatively not too pricey amount.
US (California)
2004 CHATEAU MONTELENA CHARDONNAY - $47.75
RP=90 : Cut from the same mold, the 2004 Chardonnay reveals more tropical fruit and lemon butter characteristics, but perhaps not the length and precision of the 2003. Nevertheless, it is a tasty, steely Chardonnay displaying little oak influence.
GPCi - Montelena has become a frequent visitor at the LCBO stores. If I need to choose from this release I would go with the Catena for less then $20.
CONUNDRUM (V) - $28.95
This fascinating off-dry wonder blends together Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat Canelli and you can actually experience every grape they use. A wide array of aromas and flavours such as melons, oranges, pears, vanilla, grass and more intertwine in this multi-layered and well-balanced white. This wine is a delightful match for spicy Asian dishes such as Thai green curry chicken.
GPCi - Jim M was the one to introduce me to the Conundrum a few years ago. this is a GREAT wine who worth the money. it can be a wonderful wine by itself or with lightly spicy food. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
Italy (Tuscany)
2001 MARCHESI FRESCOBALDI CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $52.75
WS=94: Aromas of currant, berry and light vanilla. Full-bodied and structured. Fine tannins but not giving much now. This is big and powerful. Needs lots of time. Best after 2010. 21,000 cases made.
GPCi - Well this Brunello will probably reach its peak by 2015-2018. If you haven't tried a great Brunello before, you should try this one. Although $50+ for a bottle is expensive, his friends that reach this quality are usually sold for $75 and more... so everything is relative... I'd buy 1-2 for the cellar.
2004 THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE RIDGE SHIRAZ - $24.95
South Australia
Rp = 92 : The outstanding 2004 Shiraz Shotfire Ridge is an excellent value. A full-throttle, dense, full-bodied Shiraz, it boasts a purple color as well as big, sweet, flamboyant aromatics of white chocolate, blackberries, cassis, smoke, and licorice. This deep, opulent effort is a total hedonistic turn-on. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Drink 2005-2009.
GPCi - although for the short term, seems to be worth the price. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Spain (Rioja)
2001 MARQUES DE MURRIETA TINTO RESERVA YGAY - $31.75
RP=90 : The impressive 2001 Ygay Reserva exhibits a dense ruby/plum color as well as a big, spicy nose revealing loads of cassis, licorice, and a hint of tobacco. With beautiful texture, outstanding purity, and medium to full body, this lovely Rioja can be enjoyed now and over the next 7-8 years (2012-13).
GPCi - One of my favorite Rioja from a great vintage. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
Spain (Ribera del Duero)
2004 SELECCIÓN DE TORRES CELESTE TINTO - $19.75
DO
Wine Access = 89 ; A modern, mid-weight 100% tempranillo grown at higher altitude in the drier Ribera region (most Torres wines are from the more maritime Penedès region). Shows bright, ripe blackberry, brambly fruit mindful of zinfandel with coffee, mocha from new oak, and youthfully leesy notes. Medium-full bodied, fairly dense and soft with some finesse. Bitter chocolate on the finish. Very good to excellent length. Best 2008 to 2012.
GPCi - a good value tempranillo for mid term cellaring. suites the winter weather with or without food. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Argentina (Mendoza)
2005 CATENA CHARDONNAY - $19.75
WS=88 : Round and buttery, with piecrust and spice notes leading the way for ripe, tasty pear and fig fruit. Drink now.
GPCi - A good value day-to-day Chardonnay from a "safe bet" winery like Catena. Will go perfectly well with fish and Alfredo sauce.
2004 CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.75
Vintages.com - Sourced from four different vineyard sites of varying altitudes in the foothills of the Andes, this brawny Cabernet is laden with black currant fruit with notes of tobacco, sweet vanilla and eucalyptus. Still youthful, it should be enjoyed over the next four years with grilled meats or a hearty beef stew.
GPCi - I tried the previous vintages of this wine and it's absolutely great! don't even think twice, buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 CATENA MALBEC - $19.75
The Catena range of wines are all made from single varietals sourced from the family's own vineyards. Lots are harvested separately and by blending them together from different vineyard sites, the winery aims to create better balanced wines with consistent style. Vintage after vintage, this is one of the highest-rated Argentinian Malbecs. It's packed with juicy berry flavours, spices, well-integrated toasty oak and mineral notes. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years.
GPCi - As its brother the Cabernet Sauvignon, I tried the previous vintages of this wine and it's absolutely great! don't even think twice, buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 AMANCAYA GRAN RESERVA MALBEC/CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $20.75
Wine & Spirits = 90 ; Amancaya is the second wine of Bodegas Caro, a co-production between Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite and the Catena family.Tasting Note: ... [A] blend of 55 percent malbec and 45 percent cabernet sauvignon. Young and tough, it shows the darker side of the Andes with coal and black cherry aromas over dense black fruit and hard tannins. Two hours later, the malbec side begins to dominate with lovely cherry notes and floral aromas.
GPCi - Very tempting and complex. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Chile
2003 Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon - $19.75
WE = 87 : For the first time in a long time thereÕs some herbal character to this wine, which usually pushes pure cassis and berry aromas and flavors. But this version, while zesty and healthy in terms of tannin and acidity, has some leather and leafiness to it. Still, itÕs well formed and ranks as one of ChileÕs benchmark upper- to medium-level Cabernets.
www.gismondionwine.com = 88 : Similar to the 2002 edition with sappy, cassis, chocolate and spicy eucalyptus notes mixed with leather and vanilla aromas. ... Peppery, smoky, minty, cassis fruit flavours with more cedar-y earthy fruit on the palate spiked with blackberry plum notes. Needs another one to two years to fully smooth out but it's well made. Barbecued beef ribs would be a fine choice. Serve through 2008.
GPCi - A good value Cab Sauv, although I personally prefer the Argentinean Catena (I hope my friends from Chile will not be offended).
New Zealand (Marlborough)
2005 KONRAD SAUVIGNON BLANC - $17.95
South Island
Michael Cooper Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2007 - 5 out of 5: Lively, pure and punchy, it's a classic Marlborough style. Rich and lush on the palate, it offers fresh, pungent tropical-fruit and herbaceous aromas and flavours, underpinned by tangy acidity.
GPCi - Great review for another sure-bet from New Zealand in an affordable price. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
France (Alsace)
2004 TRIMBACH GEWURZTRAMINER - $23.75
winemaker's notes: Gewürztraminer is without a doubt the most distinctive wine from Trimbach. The variety's pronounced fragrance of rose, lychee and spice introduces the rich and often powerful taste adopted around the world as the perfect accompaniment to spicy food. The 2004 Gewürztraminer is dry, with good levels of natural alcohol and plenty of appealing acidity -the Trimbach family's signature.
The 2004 Gewürztraminer is gold in color with a spicy nose perfumed with lychee. Rich and intense, this Gewürztraminer is luscious and well balanced with a dry, spicy finish. This is a textbook Gewürztraminer from Alsace that will easily age 5 years or more. Gewürztraminer is a classic match with spicy Asian, Mexican, or Indian fare, and strong cheeses such Muenster or Roquefort.
GPCi - I tried the previous vintages of this wine and it's absolutely great! Gewutz is one of my favorite white grapes. It's a red wine wannabe - the Trimbach Gewurtz is a multi-layered complex wine that goes very well with spicy food. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Worth watching (especially if money is no object...)
France (Rhone)
2003 DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $33.75
Vintages.com - A soft, forward and flavourful Châteauneuf, very indicative of the hot 2003 vintage. It has layers of black cherry, raspberry, peppercorn, freshly dried herbs and earth aromas. Medium full-bodied, it is nicely supported by soft acids and tannins. Enjoy with roast beef and roasted vegetables.
GPCi - I would skip this one this time not because it's not a good wine but because it's not what I personally expect from CNP (i.e. a 2003 CNP that is medium-full body, is not CNP for me).
France (Bordeaux)
2001 CHÂTEAU Brown Pessac Leognan - $39.75
RP=88-90 : http://www.winewriting.com/ = 90 :Ripe smoky black cherry and cassis with complex mint/herb nuances and [in the] very background, oak; meaty tobacco notes on the palate, rounded fruit [with] cedar coating, firm grip and tight acidity create a quite austere finish.
GPCi - A typical left-bank Bordeaux for a relatively not too pricey amount.
US (California)
2004 CHATEAU MONTELENA CHARDONNAY - $47.75
RP=90 : Cut from the same mold, the 2004 Chardonnay reveals more tropical fruit and lemon butter characteristics, but perhaps not the length and precision of the 2003. Nevertheless, it is a tasty, steely Chardonnay displaying little oak influence.
GPCi - Montelena has become a frequent visitor at the LCBO stores. If I need to choose from this release I would go with the Catena for less then $20.
CONUNDRUM (V) - $28.95
This fascinating off-dry wonder blends together Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat Canelli and you can actually experience every grape they use. A wide array of aromas and flavours such as melons, oranges, pears, vanilla, grass and more intertwine in this multi-layered and well-balanced white. This wine is a delightful match for spicy Asian dishes such as Thai green curry chicken.
GPCi - Jim M was the one to introduce me to the Conundrum a few years ago. this is a GREAT wine who worth the money. it can be a wonderful wine by itself or with lightly spicy food. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
Italy (Tuscany)
2001 MARCHESI FRESCOBALDI CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $52.75
WS=94: Aromas of currant, berry and light vanilla. Full-bodied and structured. Fine tannins but not giving much now. This is big and powerful. Needs lots of time. Best after 2010. 21,000 cases made.
GPCi - Well this Brunello will probably reach its peak by 2015-2018. If you haven't tried a great Brunello before, you should try this one. Although $50+ for a bottle is expensive, his friends that reach this quality are usually sold for $75 and more... so everything is relative... I'd buy 1-2 for the cellar.
