Friday, June 29, 2007
GPCi for July 7th 2007 release at the LCBO
GPCi Top 5 Picks of the release:
2003 CHÂTEAU LA COMMANDERIE - $29.95
2005 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE EXCELLENCE - $16.95
2005 FINCA SOPHENIA MALBEC - $16.95
2002 BANROCK STATION THE RESERVE PETIT VERDOT - $19.95
2001 PININO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $59.95
US - California
2002 KUNDE ZINFANDEL - $19.95
Sonoma Valley Wine & Spirit = 90: With the flavor of black raspberries on a velvet nap, this feels concentrated and complete without any heat or syrupy excess. The ripe tomato notes make it particularly suited to pasta with boar ragù.
GPCi - A fair price for a good concentrated Zin. John M, what do you think? I'd buy 2-3 bottles for the next BBQ.
Argentina
2005 FINCA SOPHENIA MALBEC - $16.95
Tupungato, Mendoza
The Bordeaux-based legend, Michel Rolland, is the consulting winemaker at this exciting, up-and-coming property. This wine is loaded with jammy berry fruit, plum, fig and a hint of licorice. It is full-flavoured, robust and a good match for ribs, steaks, hamburgers or sausage off the barbecue.
GPCi - one of my release favorite. Great price for the real Malbec deal - full body, thick with all the right dark fruits flavor a good Malbec offers. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Chile
2005 PÉREZ CRUZ CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA - $14.95
Maipo Valley
A favourite of VINTAGES customers, this ripe and rich Cabernet is an over achiever that offers exceptional value. Rich and ripe, it features complex aromas and flavours of cherry, pomegranate, toasty oak, chocolate and some spicy notes. It’s smooth and well balanced with a medium-long finish. Savour it with grilled vegetables and gourmet sausages.
GPCi - you won't find a better Cabernet Sauv reserve at that price point. period. Excellent for day-to-day consumption or even with a good juicy steak.
Australia
2002 BANROCK STATION THE RESERVE PETIT VERDOT - $19.95
South Australia
Fantastic red - deep and concentrated with black fruit and oak characters, lots of ripe berries and cherries. Plenty of tannin but sweet fruit also - long lasting flavours - a winner!
GPCi - when Petit Verdot is made like this one, you should not miss the opportunity and try it. The Australian Petit Verdot is usually concentrated and full with cherries and berries flavors. 2002 was a great vintage in South Australia (Parker gave it 95), and for that price I'd go for 4-8 bottles.
France
2005 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE EXCELLENCE - $16.95
A consistently delicious, fruit-forward balanced wonder from one of the southern Rhône's best still-to-be-fully-appreciated regions and producers. Enjoy with a variety of grilled meats or rich meat pasta dishes.
GPCi - I had the 2002 (an average vintage) last night and it was terrific. Fruity, with hints of cassis and prunes. This is definitely a great value wine from an outstanding vintage (2005). It could be drunk now or be cellared for 2-5 years. I'd buy 3-12 bottles. I would also recommend the Cabernet/Syrah blend from the same producer for $18.95 - 2005 MAS DES BRESSADES CABERNET/SYRAH.
2003 CHATEAU L'ENCLOS BONIS - $22.95
AC Saint-Estèphe
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine exhibits a lot of potential. The aromas suggest cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry. The tannins are still quite firm suggesting a great value wine with which to start a cellar. Age it 4+ years or, if you must, enjoy it tonight with rare steak or lamb.
GPCi - A typical Bordeaux blend for a very attractive price. If you are a Bordeaux beginner who wants to learn about the region without taking another mortgage, this is a great opportunity.
2003 CHÂTEAU LA COMMANDERIE - $29.95
AC St.-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois
WS = 90 : Aromas of jam and vanilla. Full-bodied, with lots of good fruit and a long, juicy finish. Very fruity. Best after 2008. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006)
GPCi - another one of my favorites. I love the 2003 vintage in Bordeuax and I love the wines from Saint Estephe. This wine could be cellar for the next 8-10 years with no problem. The price seems more than fair to me therefore, I'd buy 3-5 bottles.
2004 SAINT- BENOIT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRANDE GARDE - $33.95
AC
IWC = 88-90: Dark red. Wild, gamey aromas of bitter cherry, licorice, raw steak, leather and roasted coffee. Chunky and rich on the palate, with the wild meaty qualities repeating and expanding with air. A distinctly uncivilized but intriguing wine that may settle down with time. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2006)
GPCi - this is what I love about Saint Benoit CdP - great CdP for a more than reasonable price (compare to other CdP that sell for $60-$90). 2004 was a great year in CdP and this wine will age gracefully until 2012+.
LANSON BRUT ROSÉ - $54.95
WS = 90 : Beautiful texture. It's difficult to pinpoint the individual flavors, so well is this put together, but fresh berries and graphite come to mind, along with flowers and citrus. Very complex, with a long, lingering aftertaste. Drink now through 2008. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2004)
GPCi - Once in a while, I love a good Champaign (especially in the summer). Here, you have the chance to buy one from one of the leading houses in the region for almost 35% less. This is a great Rose. Jim M - you have to buy this one for your blind Champaign Rose tasting!
Italy – Tuscany
2005 FONTERUTOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO - $27.95
DOCG (Mazzei)
From one of the most consistent and well-respected Chianti Classico producers comes this blend of 90% Sangiovese with small amounts of Malvasia Nera ,Colorino, and Merlot blended in for added complexity. 2005 is a classic Classico vintage that will reward cellaring 3-6 years or enjoy it tonight with wild mushroom risotto and grilled lamb.
GPCi - according to Decanter, 2005 is a good vintage, but not as good as 2004. I find it a bit expensive for the vintage. I would expect this price for a Chianti Riserva.
2001 PININO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $59.95
DOCG
WS=95 : Plum, raspberry and cherry. Hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with silky, long tannins and a beautiful fruity finish. Very well-crafted red here. Tiny production. Best after 2006.
GPCi - only 850 cases were made from this Brunello. It could probably be cellared until 2015 if not more. It's not cheap at all, but if you want to add a Brunello to your collection, that's the one to invest in... I'd buy 2 ; one within the next 2-3 years (decant it for n hour) and the second bottle for later on...
Spain
2004 MARTÍN CÓDAX CUATRO PASOS MENCÍA - $16.95
DO Bierzo
Wine & Spirit = 91: Austere and tight, this red has a deep mineral character that recalls schist and coal. Gripped by firm tannins, it slowly reveals its delicious dark cherry flavors. Decant and serve with blood sausages or other meaty dishes. (www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com, Oct. 2006)
GPCi - grapes (100% Mencía) chosen from the over 80-year-old vines from the slated lands located in the high areas of the Bierzo region. Expect a young and elegant wine for a great price.
2003 RAIMAT ABADIA CRIANZA - $15.95
DO Costers del Segre
A ruby-coloured blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo, the Abadia shows smoky spice notes of cedar, oak and tobacco on the nose, with flavours of plum, raspberry, coconut and hints of pepper. This is exceptionally smooth, elegant and long. Enjoyable now but will benefit from ageing (2-4 years).
Oddbins.com - Hints of plums, stewed fruits and tobacco on the nose. The palate shows pepper, coconut and toast notes, with a long finish.
GPCi - 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 25% Tempranillo & 5% Syrah. Raimat is a known estate and the price is more than tempting. I'd buy 3-12 bottles for day-to-day.
2003 CHÂTEAU LA COMMANDERIE - $29.95
2005 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE EXCELLENCE - $16.95
2005 FINCA SOPHENIA MALBEC - $16.95
2002 BANROCK STATION THE RESERVE PETIT VERDOT - $19.95
2001 PININO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $59.95
US - California
2002 KUNDE ZINFANDEL - $19.95
Sonoma Valley Wine & Spirit = 90: With the flavor of black raspberries on a velvet nap, this feels concentrated and complete without any heat or syrupy excess. The ripe tomato notes make it particularly suited to pasta with boar ragù.
GPCi - A fair price for a good concentrated Zin. John M, what do you think? I'd buy 2-3 bottles for the next BBQ.
Argentina
2005 FINCA SOPHENIA MALBEC - $16.95
Tupungato, Mendoza
The Bordeaux-based legend, Michel Rolland, is the consulting winemaker at this exciting, up-and-coming property. This wine is loaded with jammy berry fruit, plum, fig and a hint of licorice. It is full-flavoured, robust and a good match for ribs, steaks, hamburgers or sausage off the barbecue.
GPCi - one of my release favorite. Great price for the real Malbec deal - full body, thick with all the right dark fruits flavor a good Malbec offers. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Chile
2005 PÉREZ CRUZ CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA - $14.95
Maipo Valley
A favourite of VINTAGES customers, this ripe and rich Cabernet is an over achiever that offers exceptional value. Rich and ripe, it features complex aromas and flavours of cherry, pomegranate, toasty oak, chocolate and some spicy notes. It’s smooth and well balanced with a medium-long finish. Savour it with grilled vegetables and gourmet sausages.
GPCi - you won't find a better Cabernet Sauv reserve at that price point. period. Excellent for day-to-day consumption or even with a good juicy steak.
Australia
2002 BANROCK STATION THE RESERVE PETIT VERDOT - $19.95
South Australia
Fantastic red - deep and concentrated with black fruit and oak characters, lots of ripe berries and cherries. Plenty of tannin but sweet fruit also - long lasting flavours - a winner!
GPCi - when Petit Verdot is made like this one, you should not miss the opportunity and try it. The Australian Petit Verdot is usually concentrated and full with cherries and berries flavors. 2002 was a great vintage in South Australia (Parker gave it 95), and for that price I'd go for 4-8 bottles.
2002 BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE EBENEZER SHIRAZ - $39.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
WS=91 : Dark, distinctive and brooding, with a volatile edge to the complex black cherry, peppermint and five-spice aromas and flavors, lingering with bittersweet chocolate notes on the finish. Best from 2008 through 2015. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2005).
GPCi - not the best GPCi index (pretty expensive), but the 2002 Ebenezer Shiraz is very good. From the different reviews I read about this wine, I'm not sure whether it is going to further develop - I would drink it now.
France
2005 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE EXCELLENCE - $16.95
A consistently delicious, fruit-forward balanced wonder from one of the southern Rhône's best still-to-be-fully-appreciated regions and producers. Enjoy with a variety of grilled meats or rich meat pasta dishes.
GPCi - I had the 2002 (an average vintage) last night and it was terrific. Fruity, with hints of cassis and prunes. This is definitely a great value wine from an outstanding vintage (2005). It could be drunk now or be cellared for 2-5 years. I'd buy 3-12 bottles. I would also recommend the Cabernet/Syrah blend from the same producer for $18.95 - 2005 MAS DES BRESSADES CABERNET/SYRAH.
2003 CHATEAU L'ENCLOS BONIS - $22.95
AC Saint-Estèphe
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine exhibits a lot of potential. The aromas suggest cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry. The tannins are still quite firm suggesting a great value wine with which to start a cellar. Age it 4+ years or, if you must, enjoy it tonight with rare steak or lamb.
GPCi - A typical Bordeaux blend for a very attractive price. If you are a Bordeaux beginner who wants to learn about the region without taking another mortgage, this is a great opportunity.
2003 CHÂTEAU LA COMMANDERIE - $29.95
AC St.-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois
WS = 90 : Aromas of jam and vanilla. Full-bodied, with lots of good fruit and a long, juicy finish. Very fruity. Best after 2008. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006)
GPCi - another one of my favorites. I love the 2003 vintage in Bordeuax and I love the wines from Saint Estephe. This wine could be cellar for the next 8-10 years with no problem. The price seems more than fair to me therefore, I'd buy 3-5 bottles.
2004 SAINT- BENOIT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRANDE GARDE - $33.95
AC
IWC = 88-90: Dark red. Wild, gamey aromas of bitter cherry, licorice, raw steak, leather and roasted coffee. Chunky and rich on the palate, with the wild meaty qualities repeating and expanding with air. A distinctly uncivilized but intriguing wine that may settle down with time. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2006)
GPCi - this is what I love about Saint Benoit CdP - great CdP for a more than reasonable price (compare to other CdP that sell for $60-$90). 2004 was a great year in CdP and this wine will age gracefully until 2012+.
LANSON BRUT ROSÉ - $54.95
WS = 90 : Beautiful texture. It's difficult to pinpoint the individual flavors, so well is this put together, but fresh berries and graphite come to mind, along with flowers and citrus. Very complex, with a long, lingering aftertaste. Drink now through 2008. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2004)
GPCi - Once in a while, I love a good Champaign (especially in the summer). Here, you have the chance to buy one from one of the leading houses in the region for almost 35% less. This is a great Rose. Jim M - you have to buy this one for your blind Champaign Rose tasting!
Italy – Tuscany
2005 FONTERUTOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO - $27.95
DOCG (Mazzei)
From one of the most consistent and well-respected Chianti Classico producers comes this blend of 90% Sangiovese with small amounts of Malvasia Nera ,Colorino, and Merlot blended in for added complexity. 2005 is a classic Classico vintage that will reward cellaring 3-6 years or enjoy it tonight with wild mushroom risotto and grilled lamb.
GPCi - according to Decanter, 2005 is a good vintage, but not as good as 2004. I find it a bit expensive for the vintage. I would expect this price for a Chianti Riserva.
2001 PININO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $59.95
DOCG
WS=95 : Plum, raspberry and cherry. Hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with silky, long tannins and a beautiful fruity finish. Very well-crafted red here. Tiny production. Best after 2006.
GPCi - only 850 cases were made from this Brunello. It could probably be cellared until 2015 if not more. It's not cheap at all, but if you want to add a Brunello to your collection, that's the one to invest in... I'd buy 2 ; one within the next 2-3 years (decant it for n hour) and the second bottle for later on...
Spain
2004 MARTÍN CÓDAX CUATRO PASOS MENCÍA - $16.95
DO Bierzo
Wine & Spirit = 91: Austere and tight, this red has a deep mineral character that recalls schist and coal. Gripped by firm tannins, it slowly reveals its delicious dark cherry flavors. Decant and serve with blood sausages or other meaty dishes. (www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com, Oct. 2006)
GPCi - grapes (100% Mencía) chosen from the over 80-year-old vines from the slated lands located in the high areas of the Bierzo region. Expect a young and elegant wine for a great price.
2003 RAIMAT ABADIA CRIANZA - $15.95
DO Costers del Segre
A ruby-coloured blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo, the Abadia shows smoky spice notes of cedar, oak and tobacco on the nose, with flavours of plum, raspberry, coconut and hints of pepper. This is exceptionally smooth, elegant and long. Enjoyable now but will benefit from ageing (2-4 years).
Oddbins.com - Hints of plums, stewed fruits and tobacco on the nose. The palate shows pepper, coconut and toast notes, with a long finish.
GPCi - 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 25% Tempranillo & 5% Syrah. Raimat is a known estate and the price is more than tempting. I'd buy 3-12 bottles for day-to-day.
