Friday, February 09, 2007
GPCi for Feb 17th 2007 release at the LCBO
GPCi's top 3 picks of the release:
1 - 2004 M. CHAPOUTIER CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA BERNARDINE - $39.95
2 - 2001 LA VALENTINA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO SPELT - $29.95
3 - 2004 CASA LAPOSTOLLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $16.95
The details of the above wines and other wines can be found below (by country)...
Chile
2004 CASA LAPOSTOLLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $16.95
Rapel Valley
www.winecurrent.com = ****1/2 (out of 5): ... Cedar notes and black cherry aromas form a segue to this ripe and richly concentrated beauty. It drips with black raspberry and kirsch flavours and offers a grippy tannin structure. The medium-length finish offers more of the same along with good zest and tang. This has the guts to go to 2012 and would pair well with grilled steaks or smoked and bar b qued ribs. This offers outstanding value.
GPCi - I had previous vintages of these Lapostolle series and it is a beautiful wine for a great price. Expect lots of dark fruit and fun in the mouth. can be drank alone or with food. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Australia
2005 PARRI ESTATE VIOGNIER/CHARDONNAY - $15.95
Southern Fleurieu, South Australia
Wine Access Magazine's winner of the Best White Blend under $25 (Nov. 2006).
James Halliday=90 ; Viognier dominant, though no percentage specified; an appealing mix of yellow peach and apricot fruit; long, clean and bright finish. Drink now.
GPCi - I love Viognier with Chardonnay (a very interesting mix). The price is a no-brainer. I'd buy 2.
2002 TYRRELL'S RESERVE STEVENS SEMILLON - $19.95
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
GPCi - this one is for John M (who's now in Vancouver - John, do you want me to buy you a few bottles?). Hunter valley is known for their Semillon and the fact these wines, although white, can be cellared for about 10 years... I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2002 BREMERTON RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
South Australia
RP=90 : An outstanding offering, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve exhibits projected aromatics of white chocolate, creme de cassis, damp earth, cedar, and spice box. This classic, medium to full-bodied Cabernet reveals sweet tannin, impeccable winemaking, and a long finish. It should drink well for a decade. Drink 2005-2015.
GPCi - A great Cab Sauv that can be cellared for 8 more years for ~$30 sounds tempting when you compare it to California, but a bit challenging when compared to Chile (Lapostolle for ~$17).
I believe you may find a bit more of complexity in this wine then the one from Chile - does it justify the $ differences?
2004 DOMAINE TERLATO & CHAPOUTIER SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER - $26.96
Victoria
RP=89 ; The 2004 Shiraz/Viognier offers peppery tapenade notes intermixed with cassis and spice. Deep, fleshy, rich, complex, and loaded with fruit, it is ideal for drinking over the next 5-7 years. Drink 2005-2012.
GPCi - A north Rhone blend made in Australia (similar to d'Arenberg's Laughing Magpie). Again, similar to d'Arenberg, a very nice yet powerful red. It's very round, silky and smooth. meduim to full body. develops an additional complexity after 30 minutes in the glass. but 3-6 bottles. An excellent wine!
2005 POSSUMS WILLUNGA SHIRAZ - $15.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
RP = 88 ; An attractive floral perfume revealing background cherry and black currant scents is simple, but persistent. Medium-bodied, silky tannin, and good fruit characterize this plush, tasty Shiraz. Consume it over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2006-2009.
GPCi - a "simple" Shiraz for day-to-day consumption - an interesting alternative to Yellow Tail and its friends...
2004 THE COLONIAL ESTATE ETRANGER CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP = 90 ; Jonathan Maltus certainly knows his Bordeaux varietals, as evidenced by the impressive 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Etranger, a dense ruby/purple-hued effort boasting plenty of black currant, earth, and spice notes. Rich and full-bodied, with sweet tannin, a voluptuous mouthfeel, and a long finish, it should drink well for 7-8 years. Drink 2005-2013
GPCi - Another great Cab Sauv, same dilemma as before (Australia vs. Chile). AND if you're looking for longer cellaring, go with the BREMERTO for the same price.
2004 YERING STATION PINOT NOIR - $18.95
Yarra Valley, Victoria
James Halliday = 92 : Good hue; firm, fresh bright plum and black cherry fruit; still to unfurl its wings; simply needs time. Drink to 2013.
GPCi - a Pinot Noir that got 92 by James Holiday and cost less then $20 - if you like Pinot, I'd suggest you buy a case! For someone like myself, who doesn't go crazy for Pinot Noir (I'm not there yet...), I liked this wine very much. It's a medium body wine, with a bright red colour, hints of game on the nose and a very pleasant sweet finish. It may be a beginning of wonderful Pinot Noir friendship...
France (South of Rhone)
2004 M. CHAPOUTIER CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA BERNARDINE - $39.95
WS=91 : Silky, perfumy style, with alluring raspberry confiture stitched suavely with mocha, licorice, graphite and hot stone notes. Long, pure finish. Drink now through 2021.
GPCi - my personal favorite from this release. I have the 2001 and 2003 of La Bernadine (tasted them in the CNP region) and I say "go-go-go"!!! AND leave some for me...
Germany
2005 DR LOOSEN RIESLING - $13.95 (GREAT value!!!)
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, QbA, Estate Btld.
RP = 89 : … “Dr. L.” smells sweetly of white peach and honeysuckle, combines subtle creaminess of texture with juicy peach, lime, and tangerine, and lays out a satisfyingly rich yet delicate and invigorating finish in which noticeable sweetness, nevertheless, does not become overbearing. Even more so than in some other recent years, this offers terrific value.
GPCi - Dr. Loosen's Riesling are known for their quality. If you like Riesling, buy 6-12 bottles, because the price is a real bargain.
2005 DARTING GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT - $15.95
Pfalz, QmP, Dürkheimer Nonnengarten, Estate Btld.
With such a German name, it's surprising that Gewürztraminer is still a minority in the vineyards of the country. Kurt Darting has created some of the Pfalz's finest examples. The wine has classic lychee, grapefruit and spice tones. A perfect partner for intense, flavourful dishes such as chicken vindaloo.
GPCi - Here is a Gewurzt that goes perfectly good with spicy chicken or pork and for $16, I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Italy
2001 LA VALENTINA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO SPELT - $29.95
RP = 91 : The 2001 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt, very penetrating and intense in its aromas of plum and blackberry fruit, minerals, and Mediterranean brush, is equally long and vigorous on the palate, firm in its texture and with slightly grainy tannins which suggest that the wine needs a bit of bottle time and patience. Drink: 2007-2016.
GPCi - 2001 wasn't a classic year (like 99' or 97') all around the Montepulciano region in Tuscany, but this seems to be a good example for a succesful effort. Definitaly, one of my favorite of this relase! Buy 2-6 bottles.
1999 SILVIO GRASSO BAROLO PÌ VIGNE - $51.95
WS = 92 : Beautiful aromas of fresh flowers, plums and raspberries. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a lovely, fruity finish. Best after 2007.
GPCi - this is a really great Barolo from a great vintage, but it requires deeper pockets... If you have the extra money this month buy 1-2 bottles.
1 - 2004 M. CHAPOUTIER CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA BERNARDINE - $39.95
2 - 2001 LA VALENTINA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO SPELT - $29.95
3 - 2004 CASA LAPOSTOLLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $16.95
The details of the above wines and other wines can be found below (by country)...
Chile
2004 CASA LAPOSTOLLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $16.95
Rapel Valley
www.winecurrent.com = ****1/2 (out of 5): ... Cedar notes and black cherry aromas form a segue to this ripe and richly concentrated beauty. It drips with black raspberry and kirsch flavours and offers a grippy tannin structure. The medium-length finish offers more of the same along with good zest and tang. This has the guts to go to 2012 and would pair well with grilled steaks or smoked and bar b qued ribs. This offers outstanding value.
GPCi - I had previous vintages of these Lapostolle series and it is a beautiful wine for a great price. Expect lots of dark fruit and fun in the mouth. can be drank alone or with food. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Australia
2005 PARRI ESTATE VIOGNIER/CHARDONNAY - $15.95
Southern Fleurieu, South Australia
Wine Access Magazine's winner of the Best White Blend under $25 (Nov. 2006).
James Halliday=90 ; Viognier dominant, though no percentage specified; an appealing mix of yellow peach and apricot fruit; long, clean and bright finish. Drink now.
GPCi - I love Viognier with Chardonnay (a very interesting mix). The price is a no-brainer. I'd buy 2.
2002 TYRRELL'S RESERVE STEVENS SEMILLON - $19.95
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
GPCi - this one is for John M (who's now in Vancouver - John, do you want me to buy you a few bottles?). Hunter valley is known for their Semillon and the fact these wines, although white, can be cellared for about 10 years... I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2002 BREMERTON RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
South Australia
RP=90 : An outstanding offering, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve exhibits projected aromatics of white chocolate, creme de cassis, damp earth, cedar, and spice box. This classic, medium to full-bodied Cabernet reveals sweet tannin, impeccable winemaking, and a long finish. It should drink well for a decade. Drink 2005-2015.
GPCi - A great Cab Sauv that can be cellared for 8 more years for ~$30 sounds tempting when you compare it to California, but a bit challenging when compared to Chile (Lapostolle for ~$17).
I believe you may find a bit more of complexity in this wine then the one from Chile - does it justify the $ differences?
2004 DOMAINE TERLATO & CHAPOUTIER SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER - $26.96
Victoria
RP=89 ; The 2004 Shiraz/Viognier offers peppery tapenade notes intermixed with cassis and spice. Deep, fleshy, rich, complex, and loaded with fruit, it is ideal for drinking over the next 5-7 years. Drink 2005-2012.
GPCi - A north Rhone blend made in Australia (similar to d'Arenberg's Laughing Magpie). Again, similar to d'Arenberg, a very nice yet powerful red. It's very round, silky and smooth. meduim to full body. develops an additional complexity after 30 minutes in the glass. but 3-6 bottles. An excellent wine!
2005 POSSUMS WILLUNGA SHIRAZ - $15.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
RP = 88 ; An attractive floral perfume revealing background cherry and black currant scents is simple, but persistent. Medium-bodied, silky tannin, and good fruit characterize this plush, tasty Shiraz. Consume it over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2006-2009.
GPCi - a "simple" Shiraz for day-to-day consumption - an interesting alternative to Yellow Tail and its friends...
2004 THE COLONIAL ESTATE ETRANGER CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP = 90 ; Jonathan Maltus certainly knows his Bordeaux varietals, as evidenced by the impressive 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Etranger, a dense ruby/purple-hued effort boasting plenty of black currant, earth, and spice notes. Rich and full-bodied, with sweet tannin, a voluptuous mouthfeel, and a long finish, it should drink well for 7-8 years. Drink 2005-2013
GPCi - Another great Cab Sauv, same dilemma as before (Australia vs. Chile). AND if you're looking for longer cellaring, go with the BREMERTO for the same price.
2004 YERING STATION PINOT NOIR - $18.95
Yarra Valley, Victoria
James Halliday = 92 : Good hue; firm, fresh bright plum and black cherry fruit; still to unfurl its wings; simply needs time. Drink to 2013.
GPCi - a Pinot Noir that got 92 by James Holiday and cost less then $20 - if you like Pinot, I'd suggest you buy a case! For someone like myself, who doesn't go crazy for Pinot Noir (I'm not there yet...), I liked this wine very much. It's a medium body wine, with a bright red colour, hints of game on the nose and a very pleasant sweet finish. It may be a beginning of wonderful Pinot Noir friendship...
France (South of Rhone)
2004 M. CHAPOUTIER CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA BERNARDINE - $39.95
WS=91 : Silky, perfumy style, with alluring raspberry confiture stitched suavely with mocha, licorice, graphite and hot stone notes. Long, pure finish. Drink now through 2021.
GPCi - my personal favorite from this release. I have the 2001 and 2003 of La Bernadine (tasted them in the CNP region) and I say "go-go-go"!!! AND leave some for me...
Germany
2005 DR LOOSEN RIESLING - $13.95 (GREAT value!!!)
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, QbA, Estate Btld.
RP = 89 : … “Dr. L.” smells sweetly of white peach and honeysuckle, combines subtle creaminess of texture with juicy peach, lime, and tangerine, and lays out a satisfyingly rich yet delicate and invigorating finish in which noticeable sweetness, nevertheless, does not become overbearing. Even more so than in some other recent years, this offers terrific value.
GPCi - Dr. Loosen's Riesling are known for their quality. If you like Riesling, buy 6-12 bottles, because the price is a real bargain.
2005 DARTING GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT - $15.95
Pfalz, QmP, Dürkheimer Nonnengarten, Estate Btld.
With such a German name, it's surprising that Gewürztraminer is still a minority in the vineyards of the country. Kurt Darting has created some of the Pfalz's finest examples. The wine has classic lychee, grapefruit and spice tones. A perfect partner for intense, flavourful dishes such as chicken vindaloo.
GPCi - Here is a Gewurzt that goes perfectly good with spicy chicken or pork and for $16, I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Italy
2001 LA VALENTINA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO SPELT - $29.95
RP = 91 : The 2001 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt, very penetrating and intense in its aromas of plum and blackberry fruit, minerals, and Mediterranean brush, is equally long and vigorous on the palate, firm in its texture and with slightly grainy tannins which suggest that the wine needs a bit of bottle time and patience. Drink: 2007-2016.
GPCi - 2001 wasn't a classic year (like 99' or 97') all around the Montepulciano region in Tuscany, but this seems to be a good example for a succesful effort. Definitaly, one of my favorite of this relase! Buy 2-6 bottles.
1999 SILVIO GRASSO BAROLO PÌ VIGNE - $51.95
WS = 92 : Beautiful aromas of fresh flowers, plums and raspberries. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a lovely, fruity finish. Best after 2007.
GPCi - this is a really great Barolo from a great vintage, but it requires deeper pockets... If you have the extra money this month buy 1-2 bottles.
