Tuesday, March 06, 2007
GPCi for March 17th 2007 release at the LCBO
GPCi's top picks for the release:
2005 TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ - $24.95
2002 THE WILLOWS SHIRAZ - $32.95
2004 PERRIN & FILS VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS - $17.95
Chile
2004 MONTES ALPHA MERLOT - $23.95
WS=88: Enticing mix of red and dark berry fruit, with hints of graphite, cocoa and grilled herbs as well. Fine structure on the finish too. Elegant and lengthy, this grows in the glass. Drink now through 2006. 30,000 cases made.
ST=89 : Issue 125: Mar/Apr 06. Dark red. Smoky, toasty oak accents sweet cherry, blackberry and mocha on the nose. Round and supple on the palate, with fresh berry flavors complicated by suggestions of dark chocolate and coffee. Quite tangy and energetic on the back end, finishing with bright cherry flavor and fine, dusty tannins.
GPCi - As you probably know by now, I'm not crazy about Merlot, however, this one is a nice treat for a fair price. If would be a good wine for the day-to-day "drink without food" companion...
Argentina
2005 ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS RESERVA MALBEC - $28.95
Vintages.com - This seductive Malbec is consistently ranked as one of Argentina's best. The latest vintage is loaded with blackberry, blueberry, floral and coffee aromas. It's young and juicy with densely concentrated fruit flavours, muscular tannins and a long, lingering finish. Deep and satisfying, this premium Malbec unleashes Argentina's potential.
GPCi - a bit expensive for Malbec, but Altos Las Hormigas (ants in Spanish) know their wine and especially their reserva series. One of my favorite of the release (but that's also because I'm a sucker for Malbec...)
Australia
2001 R.L. BULLER & SON LIMITED RELEASE MERLOT/CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CABERNET FRANC - $27.95
Rutherglen, Victoria
The Buller family have a long history of wine making in Victoria dating back to 1921 when Reginald Langdon Buller planted his first vineyards. Today, the company has two wineries that are run by his grandsons Rick and Andrew respectively. Rick runs the Beverford winery while Andrew is the winemaker and manager of the original Rutherglen winery. This Bordeaux-style blend is sourced from Andrew's Indigo Valley vineyard and features aromas of ripe cherry fruit and vanilla oak. It's dry, full-bodied and full of bright fruit flavours with a touch of spice.
GPCi - a 6 years Bordeaux blend for less then $30 is considered fair these days... Looks very tempting, but I think there are better bargains in this release...
2005 TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ - $24.95
Vintages.com - This finely crafted Shiraz is from Two Hands Picture Series. The gnarly dudes in question are the rather fierce and twisted looking old vines from which the wine's fruit is sourced. Winemaker Matt Wenk has a well-deserved reputation for creating a tightly focused Shiraz that emphasizes the fruit while perfectly integrating the oak and tannins. Though there were no reviews at press time, Robert Parker awarded 90 points to the previous two vintages of this wine. This dude is ready to be enjoyed anytime over the next five years.
GPCi - I'm not sure if you followed this phenomena ; about 6 months ago their previous vintages cost $5 more (a bottle costs $29.95), and since 2005 was a great vintage, the reason is not quality but competition and positioning in the "up to $25 a bottle" market. I say buy at least 3 bottles if not more. Excellent Shiraz!!!
2002 THE WILLOWS SHIRAZ - $32.95
Barossa, South Australia (Scholz Vintners)
RP=93 : The 2002 Shiraz (from 70-year-old vines) is a big, explosively rich effort offering an inky/ruby/purple color, loads of charcoal-infused cassis flavors, lush, concentrated opulence, abundant fruit, and surprisingly moderate alcohol (14%) for such a flavorful, rich Barossa Shiraz. It should drink well for a decade (now-2015).
GPCi - #2 on my list of favorites from this release. A bit expensive but with a review like that and an index of 4, that's definitely a recommended one! Buy 2-3 bottles.
France (Rhone)
2004 CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $54.95
RP=90-92 ; Vastly superior to the 2003 is the 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition, a blend of 55% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 4% Cinsault, and the rest various other varietals. Far better than the 2003, with fresher, more lively acidity, greater concentration, more complex aromatics, and a deeper, richer, fuller bodied palate, the color is also a deep ruby/purple as opposed to medium ruby. This wine should drink well for up to 10 years, but unfortunately the production is about half what it was in 2003, which was also a small vintage. Drink 2006-2016.
GPCi - I've visited this Chateau about a year ago (had their 81, 99, 2000, 2001 and 2002) - an outstanding CNP - very different from other CNP - very elgant yet complex and round (don't look for power here). If you haven't tried it before and there is a special occasio, try it. it's worth the money. don't forget to let it breath for at least an hour. Jim Lambe - this 2004 is definitely for you!
2004 PERRIN & FILS VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS - $17.95
AC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages
WS=88 ; The village of Vinsobres takes its name from a 17th century bishop from the area who said, “sober wine or wine of sobriety, take it soberly.” The Perrins have 100 acres of vineyards here.Tasting Note: Plump and juicy, with plum, tobacco and toast notes. Dark, but fresh, with nice purity. Drink now.
GPCi - my favorite day-to-day pick of the release. It's everything you should look for in a good wine during the week - good price and high quality.
Spain (Rioja)
2000 MARQUES DE CACERES RIOJA RESERVA - $29.95
WS=88 : "Black cherry, tobacco and licorice flavors mingle in this firm red. The tannins are a bit obtrusive, but should balance with food. A solid wine with good typicity. Drink now through 2009."
GPCi - you see, part of the challenge with these type of wines is that once you started collecting previous vintages, you feel you have to keep the vertical running. Usually, for $30 I would find better wines, but here since I have the 98, 99 I feel obligated to buy the 2000. decisions... decisions... It's a good wine, but not outstanding one for that price.
Italy (Piedmont)
1998 MAURO MOLINO BAROLO - $44.95
DOCG
WS=91: Very ripe fruit, almost like prunes, with hints of Indian spices. Full-bodied, with round and chewy tannins and a caressing finish. Very rich. Best after 2006.
GPCi - a great Barolo from a great year. You won't find many highly retaed 1998 Barolo these days for less then $50. That's another tempting wine to buy for a special occasion.
Portugal
1985 DALVA COLHEITA PORT - $42.95
Btld. 2006 (C. da Silva)
Unlike their Vintage Port cousins that only receive maximum three years in wood before bottling, Colheita Ports must be aged for a minimum seven years. Due to the substantial barrel time, they can be enjoyed upon purchase. This 1985 Dalva was aged for 21 years in wood. Enjoy this as you would a 20-year-old Tawny with aged or blue-veined cheese. It does not require decanting.
GPCi - could you imagine what it would taste after 21 (!) years in wood? I'm definitely buying that port. With a well aged cheese... well... what else could I add...
2005 TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ - $24.95
2002 THE WILLOWS SHIRAZ - $32.95
2004 PERRIN & FILS VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS - $17.95
Chile
2004 MONTES ALPHA MERLOT - $23.95
WS=88: Enticing mix of red and dark berry fruit, with hints of graphite, cocoa and grilled herbs as well. Fine structure on the finish too. Elegant and lengthy, this grows in the glass. Drink now through 2006. 30,000 cases made.
ST=89 : Issue 125: Mar/Apr 06. Dark red. Smoky, toasty oak accents sweet cherry, blackberry and mocha on the nose. Round and supple on the palate, with fresh berry flavors complicated by suggestions of dark chocolate and coffee. Quite tangy and energetic on the back end, finishing with bright cherry flavor and fine, dusty tannins.
GPCi - As you probably know by now, I'm not crazy about Merlot, however, this one is a nice treat for a fair price. If would be a good wine for the day-to-day "drink without food" companion...
Argentina
2005 ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS RESERVA MALBEC - $28.95
Vintages.com - This seductive Malbec is consistently ranked as one of Argentina's best. The latest vintage is loaded with blackberry, blueberry, floral and coffee aromas. It's young and juicy with densely concentrated fruit flavours, muscular tannins and a long, lingering finish. Deep and satisfying, this premium Malbec unleashes Argentina's potential.
GPCi - a bit expensive for Malbec, but Altos Las Hormigas (ants in Spanish) know their wine and especially their reserva series. One of my favorite of the release (but that's also because I'm a sucker for Malbec...)
Australia
2001 R.L. BULLER & SON LIMITED RELEASE MERLOT/CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CABERNET FRANC - $27.95
Rutherglen, Victoria
The Buller family have a long history of wine making in Victoria dating back to 1921 when Reginald Langdon Buller planted his first vineyards. Today, the company has two wineries that are run by his grandsons Rick and Andrew respectively. Rick runs the Beverford winery while Andrew is the winemaker and manager of the original Rutherglen winery. This Bordeaux-style blend is sourced from Andrew's Indigo Valley vineyard and features aromas of ripe cherry fruit and vanilla oak. It's dry, full-bodied and full of bright fruit flavours with a touch of spice.
GPCi - a 6 years Bordeaux blend for less then $30 is considered fair these days... Looks very tempting, but I think there are better bargains in this release...
2005 TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ - $24.95
Vintages.com - This finely crafted Shiraz is from Two Hands Picture Series. The gnarly dudes in question are the rather fierce and twisted looking old vines from which the wine's fruit is sourced. Winemaker Matt Wenk has a well-deserved reputation for creating a tightly focused Shiraz that emphasizes the fruit while perfectly integrating the oak and tannins. Though there were no reviews at press time, Robert Parker awarded 90 points to the previous two vintages of this wine. This dude is ready to be enjoyed anytime over the next five years.
GPCi - I'm not sure if you followed this phenomena ; about 6 months ago their previous vintages cost $5 more (a bottle costs $29.95), and since 2005 was a great vintage, the reason is not quality but competition and positioning in the "up to $25 a bottle" market. I say buy at least 3 bottles if not more. Excellent Shiraz!!!
2002 THE WILLOWS SHIRAZ - $32.95
Barossa, South Australia (Scholz Vintners)
RP=93 : The 2002 Shiraz (from 70-year-old vines) is a big, explosively rich effort offering an inky/ruby/purple color, loads of charcoal-infused cassis flavors, lush, concentrated opulence, abundant fruit, and surprisingly moderate alcohol (14%) for such a flavorful, rich Barossa Shiraz. It should drink well for a decade (now-2015).
GPCi - #2 on my list of favorites from this release. A bit expensive but with a review like that and an index of 4, that's definitely a recommended one! Buy 2-3 bottles.
France (Rhone)
2004 CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $54.95
RP=90-92 ; Vastly superior to the 2003 is the 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition, a blend of 55% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 4% Cinsault, and the rest various other varietals. Far better than the 2003, with fresher, more lively acidity, greater concentration, more complex aromatics, and a deeper, richer, fuller bodied palate, the color is also a deep ruby/purple as opposed to medium ruby. This wine should drink well for up to 10 years, but unfortunately the production is about half what it was in 2003, which was also a small vintage. Drink 2006-2016.
GPCi - I've visited this Chateau about a year ago (had their 81, 99, 2000, 2001 and 2002) - an outstanding CNP - very different from other CNP - very elgant yet complex and round (don't look for power here). If you haven't tried it before and there is a special occasio, try it. it's worth the money. don't forget to let it breath for at least an hour. Jim Lambe - this 2004 is definitely for you!
2004 PERRIN & FILS VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS - $17.95
AC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages
WS=88 ; The village of Vinsobres takes its name from a 17th century bishop from the area who said, “sober wine or wine of sobriety, take it soberly.” The Perrins have 100 acres of vineyards here.Tasting Note: Plump and juicy, with plum, tobacco and toast notes. Dark, but fresh, with nice purity. Drink now.
GPCi - my favorite day-to-day pick of the release. It's everything you should look for in a good wine during the week - good price and high quality.
Spain (Rioja)
2000 MARQUES DE CACERES RIOJA RESERVA - $29.95
WS=88 : "Black cherry, tobacco and licorice flavors mingle in this firm red. The tannins are a bit obtrusive, but should balance with food. A solid wine with good typicity. Drink now through 2009."
GPCi - you see, part of the challenge with these type of wines is that once you started collecting previous vintages, you feel you have to keep the vertical running. Usually, for $30 I would find better wines, but here since I have the 98, 99 I feel obligated to buy the 2000. decisions... decisions... It's a good wine, but not outstanding one for that price.
Italy (Piedmont)
1998 MAURO MOLINO BAROLO - $44.95
DOCG
WS=91: Very ripe fruit, almost like prunes, with hints of Indian spices. Full-bodied, with round and chewy tannins and a caressing finish. Very rich. Best after 2006.
GPCi - a great Barolo from a great year. You won't find many highly retaed 1998 Barolo these days for less then $50. That's another tempting wine to buy for a special occasion.
Portugal
1985 DALVA COLHEITA PORT - $42.95
Btld. 2006 (C. da Silva)
Unlike their Vintage Port cousins that only receive maximum three years in wood before bottling, Colheita Ports must be aged for a minimum seven years. Due to the substantial barrel time, they can be enjoyed upon purchase. This 1985 Dalva was aged for 21 years in wood. Enjoy this as you would a 20-year-old Tawny with aged or blue-veined cheese. It does not require decanting.
GPCi - could you imagine what it would taste after 21 (!) years in wood? I'm definitely buying that port. With a well aged cheese... well... what else could I add...
