Wednesday, June 13, 2007
GPCi for June 23rd 2007 release at the LCBO
This is the so-anticiapted (at least for me...) release of wines offering from Israel!
GPCi Top 4 Picks of the release:
2005 TULIP WINERY JUST CABERNET - $19.95
2001 BODEGAS VALDEMAR CONDE DE VALDEMAR RESERVA - $21.95
2004 AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO - $31.95
1998 MARQUÉS DE VALCARLOS GRAN RESERVA - $22.45
Israel (for more information you can go to http://www.vintages.com/feature/israel2007/index.html)
2005 TULIP WINERY JUST CABERNET - $19.95
GPCi - one of the best value Cab Sauv you'll find in this release (and I'm not referring to Israeli wines only...). Tulip winemaker (Doron Itzhaki) is an enthusiastic and talented guy - he is all about quality ; buying the best equipment and investing endless effort in making Tulip wines as best as possible. Tulip wines in general and this Cab specifically, are very food friendly. This wine will go great with a good steak or can be easily enjoyed by itself. Decant it for 30 minutes prior to drinking. It could be cellared for the next 2-4 years. Buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 FLAM WINERY CLASSICO RED - $27.95
Daniel Rogov = 90 ; A dark-ruby-towards royal purple, medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in equal parts. Aged in barriques for six months and showing a hint of spicy oak and near-sweet tannins, those yielding to blackberry and currant fruits.
GPCi - Flam's classico red is a great offering. His price is pretty competitive to its other equivalent (both in price and quality). I hope we'll have the opportunity to drink their Reserve serries (Cab Sauv and Syrah) in the near future, which are outstanding by any world standard! buy 2-3 bottles.
2004 MARGALIT CABERNET FRANC - $39.95
Daniel Rogov = 91 ; Deeply fragrant, this full-bodied wine was blended with 12% of Cabernet Sauvignon. Silky smooth tannins, black and red fruits, hints of tobacco and chocolate come together on the long, mouth-filling finish with an appealing hint of freshly turned earth.
GPCi - Yair Margalit was (if I'm not mistaken) one of the pioneers in the "Israeli boutique wineries" industry. His wines were always at the top when it came to quality. People may find it hard to pay $40 for an Israeli wine, but this great Margalit effort can easily compete with its France or Australian similar efforts at the same price range...
2005 VITKIN WINERY CARIGNAN - $19.95
Daniel Rogov = 90-92 ; Full-bodied, firmly tannic, muscular and already showing generous spicy oak and, from the nose to the long finish, a tempting overlay of Madagascar green peppercorns.
GPCi - I don't know of many (if at all...) Carignan wines produce in Israel. BUT I learned that this is the most common grape grown in the holly land... this one seems amazingly tempting - great review and competitive price. It's extremely smooth and has a very pleasant after taste. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2003 YATIR YATIR FOREST - $49.95
Vintages - Yatir was founded in 2000 as a joint venture between Carmel Winery and a number of grape-growers in the Yatir area. The winery is situated at the foot of the famous Tel Arad archeological site, while the vineyards are a mere ten minutes from the winery in the cool- climate Yatir Forest. The 2003 vintage of their flagship wine, Yatir Forest, is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot. The 2003 was not reviewed at press time, but the 2001 and 2002 were hailed by Israel wine expert, Daniel Rogov, as boldly fruity with firm tannins suggesting excellent ageing potential.
GPCi - 2003 was one of the best vintages since 1997, which provided us with age worthy and complex (again, in any world standard) Israeli wines. This is the premium wine from this winery and suppose to be one of the top wines Israel has to offer. These wines can usually be cellared for 8+ years. Expect full body wine, with lots of well integrated flavors, well balanced and with many years ahead of it. if you decide to drink it now, I would decant it for at least 2 hours...
2004 SASLOVE WINERY ADOM CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
Daneil Rogov = 89 ; this medium full- bodied wine “…traditional Cabernet black currant and blackberry fruits…matched nicely by light tobacco and chocolate coated orange peel on the long finish.”
GPCi - Another great effort from Saslove. We had the pleasure to enjoy his Aviv serries and now Adom (means red in Hebrew) which is a higher serie than the Aviv wine and therefore, you should expect more layers of flavors. I hope this trend will bring the Saslove Reserve series to Canada, which as well an outstanding wine.
2004 SEA HORSE ANTOINE SYRAH - $35.95
Jerusalem Mountain Vineyards
Daniel Rogov = 91 ; “…firm but supple tannins integrated nicely with spicy wood and showing blackberry, black cherry and currant fruits,…all leading to a long finish.”(www.stratsplace.com, Feb. 2007)
GPCi - I was first exposed to Sea Horse wines about less than a year ago. I simply fell in love... I'm not sure how the Canadians will react to the $36 price range since there are cheaper alternatives for less than $25 from Chile (Perez Cruz) or more prestigious names from Chateauneuf-Du-Pape for the same price, but this Syrah is great and worth the $.
Australia
2004 D’ARENBERG THE CADENZIA GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVEDRE - $25.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
James Holiday = 93 : Good colour; substantial structure and texture; attractive spicy black fruits; persistent but fine tannins.
GPCi - A "killer" combination - d'Arenberg, GSM grapes, great review/grade, fair price - Jim M, this one is for your weekly consumption. buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 RICHARD HAMILTON GUMPRS’ SHIRAZ - $19.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
RP = 89 : Like the Viognier and Riesling, the 2005 Shiraz Gumprs’ is an excellent value. This 100% Shiraz exhibits a deep ruby/purple colour as well as a sweet bouquet of blackberries, toasty oak, charcoal, and pepper. Earthy, dense, round, supple, and silky textured, it can be enjoyed over the next 3-4 years.
GPCi - another one for you Jim. Buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 STONIER PINOT NOIR - $25.95
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
James Holiday - 92 : Distinctive cherry/strawberry fruit aromas; long, firm, clean palate; subtle oak. Screwcap. Drink: 2010.
GPCi - another temptation for the Pinot lovers. You won't find too many very highly rated Pinot (92!) for that price! similar quality from California will cost 2.5 time more...
US - California
2005 GNARLY HEAD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL - $17.95
Of the 10 hot zinfandels [tasted], this is the most articulate, from its bright sheen through the fresh intensity of its classic blackberry and raspberry zinfandel flavors. It’s supple in texture and persistent in finish. The fruit is gathered from five vineyards ranging in age from 35 years to 80 years, and that complex heritage is seized in an accessible package. The parent winery, Delicato Family Vineyards of Manteca, recommends that it be poured with hearty pastas, barbecue, pizza, chili and ribs. (Mike Dunn, The Sacramento Bee, Feb. 7, 2007)
GPCi - a great partner for BBQ for a very attractive price (for an old vine Zin). I'd buy 3-6 bottles. you know me... I love big chewy Zins.
France
2004 E. GUIGAL CROZES-HERMITAGE - $25.95
AC
IWC = 88 ; Dark red. Intensely spicy aromas of vibrant red berry, cherry and tangy minerals. Zesty, focused and pure, showing fresh red currant and raspberry flavours and good depth. Refreshingly brisk on the finish, picking up a light espresso hint.
GPCi - I had the 2001 recently and it was great. it's a mini Hermitage for a "mini" price compare to his big brother... 2004 was a good vintage at this part of the Rhone valley. So for that price, if I need to chose, I would take the Crozes and not his relative Saint Joseph (see below).
2003 E. GUIGAL SAINT-JOSEPH - $34.95
AC
RP = 90 : The 2003 St-Joseph, exhibits a deep ruby color along with plenty of black cherry and currant fruit as well as notions of herbs and wet rocks. Medium-bodied, pure, and rich, it is best consumed over the next 7-8 years (2013-14).
2005 WILLM GEWÜRZTRAMINER RÉSERVE - $16.95
AC Alsace
Willm’s version of Gewürztraminer is a classic interpretation of the Alsatian style. It is richly aromatic with aromas of lychee, peach, nutmeg and cinnamon. It will match a wide variety of dishes, including Alsatian dishes such as baeckoffe (a baked pork stew), lamb or beef meals and fiery Indian curries.
GPCi - a good chilled Gewurtz with Indian or Asian food in a warm sunny day... mmm... good!
This is a great Gewurtz from Alsace for a great price. buy 2-5 bottles.
Italy - Tuscany
2004 AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO - $31.95
The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas that start with hints of black cherry, plum and violet followed by aromas of blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, tobacco, licorice and menthol. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, full-body, intense flavours. The finish is persistent with flavours of black cherry, plum and blackberry.…
GPCi - I had this amazing wine in Montepulciano a month ago - it's outstanding - full body, full of flavors and the finish... oh, yes, I remember this finish... :)
You will not regret buying this wine although it's not cheap. it can be drunk now or be cellared for the next 5+ years. decant it for at least 30 minutes. buy 3-6 bottles.
Spain
2001 BODEGAS VALDEMAR CONDE DE VALDEMAR RESERVA - $21.95
RP = 90 ; Harmonious and well-balanced, this red delivers black cherry, cola and tobacco flavors with well-integrated tannins and a Spicy finish. Not showy, but shows typicity and breed. Drink now through 2015.
GPCi - definitely one of my release's GPCi favorite. great review, can age for 8 more years and cost ~$22. I'd buy 3-8 bottles.
1998 MARQUÉS DE VALCARLOS GRAN RESERVA - $22.45
Wine Access = 89 ; Expect enormous very ripe plum almost raisiny fruit aromas with raspberry, cigar box, smoked ham notes. Fairly rich extract, yet very elegant with beautiful delicate fruit palate, excellent structure from both acid and tannin. The finish is fruity with drying tannin grip. Very good to excellent length.
GPCi - Although 1998 was the best vintage in Spain/Rioja, there a few facts that overcome that generic info: Marques De Valcarlos is a known and reliable winery. In addition, in Spain, when the "Gran Reserva" words are attached to the wine's name, you could not go wrong and for that price range, you won't find many similar wines in the market. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
GPCi Top 4 Picks of the release:
2005 TULIP WINERY JUST CABERNET - $19.95
2001 BODEGAS VALDEMAR CONDE DE VALDEMAR RESERVA - $21.95
2004 AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO - $31.95
1998 MARQUÉS DE VALCARLOS GRAN RESERVA - $22.45
Israel (for more information you can go to http://www.vintages.com/feature/israel2007/index.html)
2005 TULIP WINERY JUST CABERNET - $19.95
GPCi - one of the best value Cab Sauv you'll find in this release (and I'm not referring to Israeli wines only...). Tulip winemaker (Doron Itzhaki) is an enthusiastic and talented guy - he is all about quality ; buying the best equipment and investing endless effort in making Tulip wines as best as possible. Tulip wines in general and this Cab specifically, are very food friendly. This wine will go great with a good steak or can be easily enjoyed by itself. Decant it for 30 minutes prior to drinking. It could be cellared for the next 2-4 years. Buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 FLAM WINERY CLASSICO RED - $27.95
Daniel Rogov = 90 ; A dark-ruby-towards royal purple, medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in equal parts. Aged in barriques for six months and showing a hint of spicy oak and near-sweet tannins, those yielding to blackberry and currant fruits.
GPCi - Flam's classico red is a great offering. His price is pretty competitive to its other equivalent (both in price and quality). I hope we'll have the opportunity to drink their Reserve serries (Cab Sauv and Syrah) in the near future, which are outstanding by any world standard! buy 2-3 bottles.
2004 MARGALIT CABERNET FRANC - $39.95
Daniel Rogov = 91 ; Deeply fragrant, this full-bodied wine was blended with 12% of Cabernet Sauvignon. Silky smooth tannins, black and red fruits, hints of tobacco and chocolate come together on the long, mouth-filling finish with an appealing hint of freshly turned earth.
GPCi - Yair Margalit was (if I'm not mistaken) one of the pioneers in the "Israeli boutique wineries" industry. His wines were always at the top when it came to quality. People may find it hard to pay $40 for an Israeli wine, but this great Margalit effort can easily compete with its France or Australian similar efforts at the same price range...
2005 VITKIN WINERY CARIGNAN - $19.95
Daniel Rogov = 90-92 ; Full-bodied, firmly tannic, muscular and already showing generous spicy oak and, from the nose to the long finish, a tempting overlay of Madagascar green peppercorns.
GPCi - I don't know of many (if at all...) Carignan wines produce in Israel. BUT I learned that this is the most common grape grown in the holly land... this one seems amazingly tempting - great review and competitive price. It's extremely smooth and has a very pleasant after taste. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2003 YATIR YATIR FOREST - $49.95
Vintages - Yatir was founded in 2000 as a joint venture between Carmel Winery and a number of grape-growers in the Yatir area. The winery is situated at the foot of the famous Tel Arad archeological site, while the vineyards are a mere ten minutes from the winery in the cool- climate Yatir Forest. The 2003 vintage of their flagship wine, Yatir Forest, is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot. The 2003 was not reviewed at press time, but the 2001 and 2002 were hailed by Israel wine expert, Daniel Rogov, as boldly fruity with firm tannins suggesting excellent ageing potential.
GPCi - 2003 was one of the best vintages since 1997, which provided us with age worthy and complex (again, in any world standard) Israeli wines. This is the premium wine from this winery and suppose to be one of the top wines Israel has to offer. These wines can usually be cellared for 8+ years. Expect full body wine, with lots of well integrated flavors, well balanced and with many years ahead of it. if you decide to drink it now, I would decant it for at least 2 hours...
2004 SASLOVE WINERY ADOM CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
Daneil Rogov = 89 ; this medium full- bodied wine “…traditional Cabernet black currant and blackberry fruits…matched nicely by light tobacco and chocolate coated orange peel on the long finish.”
GPCi - Another great effort from Saslove. We had the pleasure to enjoy his Aviv serries and now Adom (means red in Hebrew) which is a higher serie than the Aviv wine and therefore, you should expect more layers of flavors. I hope this trend will bring the Saslove Reserve series to Canada, which as well an outstanding wine.
2004 SEA HORSE ANTOINE SYRAH - $35.95
Jerusalem Mountain Vineyards
Daniel Rogov = 91 ; “…firm but supple tannins integrated nicely with spicy wood and showing blackberry, black cherry and currant fruits,…all leading to a long finish.”(www.stratsplace.com, Feb. 2007)
GPCi - I was first exposed to Sea Horse wines about less than a year ago. I simply fell in love... I'm not sure how the Canadians will react to the $36 price range since there are cheaper alternatives for less than $25 from Chile (Perez Cruz) or more prestigious names from Chateauneuf-Du-Pape for the same price, but this Syrah is great and worth the $.
Australia
2004 D’ARENBERG THE CADENZIA GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVEDRE - $25.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
James Holiday = 93 : Good colour; substantial structure and texture; attractive spicy black fruits; persistent but fine tannins.
GPCi - A "killer" combination - d'Arenberg, GSM grapes, great review/grade, fair price - Jim M, this one is for your weekly consumption. buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 RICHARD HAMILTON GUMPRS’ SHIRAZ - $19.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
RP = 89 : Like the Viognier and Riesling, the 2005 Shiraz Gumprs’ is an excellent value. This 100% Shiraz exhibits a deep ruby/purple colour as well as a sweet bouquet of blackberries, toasty oak, charcoal, and pepper. Earthy, dense, round, supple, and silky textured, it can be enjoyed over the next 3-4 years.
GPCi - another one for you Jim. Buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 STONIER PINOT NOIR - $25.95
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
James Holiday - 92 : Distinctive cherry/strawberry fruit aromas; long, firm, clean palate; subtle oak. Screwcap. Drink: 2010.
GPCi - another temptation for the Pinot lovers. You won't find too many very highly rated Pinot (92!) for that price! similar quality from California will cost 2.5 time more...
US - California
2005 GNARLY HEAD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL - $17.95
Of the 10 hot zinfandels [tasted], this is the most articulate, from its bright sheen through the fresh intensity of its classic blackberry and raspberry zinfandel flavors. It’s supple in texture and persistent in finish. The fruit is gathered from five vineyards ranging in age from 35 years to 80 years, and that complex heritage is seized in an accessible package. The parent winery, Delicato Family Vineyards of Manteca, recommends that it be poured with hearty pastas, barbecue, pizza, chili and ribs. (Mike Dunn, The Sacramento Bee, Feb. 7, 2007)
GPCi - a great partner for BBQ for a very attractive price (for an old vine Zin). I'd buy 3-6 bottles. you know me... I love big chewy Zins.
France
2004 E. GUIGAL CROZES-HERMITAGE - $25.95
AC
IWC = 88 ; Dark red. Intensely spicy aromas of vibrant red berry, cherry and tangy minerals. Zesty, focused and pure, showing fresh red currant and raspberry flavours and good depth. Refreshingly brisk on the finish, picking up a light espresso hint.
GPCi - I had the 2001 recently and it was great. it's a mini Hermitage for a "mini" price compare to his big brother... 2004 was a good vintage at this part of the Rhone valley. So for that price, if I need to chose, I would take the Crozes and not his relative Saint Joseph (see below).
2003 E. GUIGAL SAINT-JOSEPH - $34.95
AC
RP = 90 : The 2003 St-Joseph, exhibits a deep ruby color along with plenty of black cherry and currant fruit as well as notions of herbs and wet rocks. Medium-bodied, pure, and rich, it is best consumed over the next 7-8 years (2013-14).
2005 WILLM GEWÜRZTRAMINER RÉSERVE - $16.95
AC Alsace
Willm’s version of Gewürztraminer is a classic interpretation of the Alsatian style. It is richly aromatic with aromas of lychee, peach, nutmeg and cinnamon. It will match a wide variety of dishes, including Alsatian dishes such as baeckoffe (a baked pork stew), lamb or beef meals and fiery Indian curries.
GPCi - a good chilled Gewurtz with Indian or Asian food in a warm sunny day... mmm... good!
This is a great Gewurtz from Alsace for a great price. buy 2-5 bottles.
Italy - Tuscany
2004 AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO - $31.95
The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas that start with hints of black cherry, plum and violet followed by aromas of blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, tobacco, licorice and menthol. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, full-body, intense flavours. The finish is persistent with flavours of black cherry, plum and blackberry.…
GPCi - I had this amazing wine in Montepulciano a month ago - it's outstanding - full body, full of flavors and the finish... oh, yes, I remember this finish... :)
You will not regret buying this wine although it's not cheap. it can be drunk now or be cellared for the next 5+ years. decant it for at least 30 minutes. buy 3-6 bottles.
Spain
2001 BODEGAS VALDEMAR CONDE DE VALDEMAR RESERVA - $21.95
RP = 90 ; Harmonious and well-balanced, this red delivers black cherry, cola and tobacco flavors with well-integrated tannins and a Spicy finish. Not showy, but shows typicity and breed. Drink now through 2015.
GPCi - definitely one of my release's GPCi favorite. great review, can age for 8 more years and cost ~$22. I'd buy 3-8 bottles.
1998 MARQUÉS DE VALCARLOS GRAN RESERVA - $22.45
Wine Access = 89 ; Expect enormous very ripe plum almost raisiny fruit aromas with raspberry, cigar box, smoked ham notes. Fairly rich extract, yet very elegant with beautiful delicate fruit palate, excellent structure from both acid and tannin. The finish is fruity with drying tannin grip. Very good to excellent length.
GPCi - Although 1998 was the best vintage in Spain/Rioja, there a few facts that overcome that generic info: Marques De Valcarlos is a known and reliable winery. In addition, in Spain, when the "Gran Reserva" words are attached to the wine's name, you could not go wrong and for that price range, you won't find many similar wines in the market. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
