Friday, June 01, 2007
GPCi for June 9th 2007 release at the LCBO
GPCi Top 4 Picks of the release:
#1 - 2004 SEPPELT CHALAMBAR SHIRAZ - $25.95
#2 - 2005 AMBERLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC - $14.95
#3 - 2003 QUINTA DO NOVAL SILVAL VINTAGE PORT - $55
#4 - 2004 CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET - $82.95
Argentina
2005 TRUMPETER CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $13.95
Mendoza (Rutini Wines)
Throw a thick, juicy steak on the barbecue and serve up this fruit-packed Cab packed with loads of blackberry and cassis as well as sweet notes of chocolate and vanilla. It's a solid wine to enjoy throughout the summer.
GPCi - simple yet fun and great cab sauv for a really low price (for what you get). we may pay 3 time more for that quality for a California cab sauv.
2004 TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES MALBEC RESERVA - $16.95
Mendoza
Wine & Spirit = 92 : A tough and substantial red, this wine's black cherry and pepper aromas fight for supremacy with the oak, while its core of ripe fruit supports the dense, young tannins. It's built for the cellar; if you serve it now, decant first, then pour with prime rib.
GPCi - Don't you just love the sound of "Malbec reserva" and ~"$17" - great for day-to-day and weekends beside the BBQ. Buy 2-3 bottles.
Australia
2005 AMBERLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC - $14.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
JO = 93 : A delightfully tangy and regional wine whose delicate, slightly musky, herbal and grassy aromas of cassis and gooseberries are lifted by a floral scent. Elegant and unctuous, smooth and even, its long and vibrant palate of juicy flavour finishes fresh and tight, with very soft acids and gentle phenolics.
GPCi -John M - this one is for you. Great review by Jeremy and the price is more than fair. This wine and the Sileni from New Zealan (see below) are the better Sauv Blanc choices of this release. buy 3-12 bottles.
2006 BAY OF FIRES TIGRESS SAUVIGNON BLANC - $27.95
Tasmania
JO = 92: A briney and tightly sculpted sauvignon blanc whose fresh aromas of citrus and gooseberries reveal nuances of capsicum, asparagus, lemon sherbet and a hint of mineral. Long and vibrant, it's intense, taut and balanced.
GPCi - I put this review just to say that you can have at least (if not better...) as good choice for half the price (see above as well as the Sileni below)
2004 SEPPELT CHALAMBAR SHIRAZ - $25.95
Grampians Bendigo, Victoria
JO = 96 (!!!) : A powerful, deeply fruited shiraz of weight, density, length and structure. Its deeply aromatic and peppery scents of black fruits, violets, dried herbs, dark chocolate, cedar/vanilla oak, musk and mint precede a substantial palate of poise and restrained power. There's massive depth of fruit sweetness, a deep core of dark, spicy flavour and a long, fine-grained and savoury finish. Framed by silky-fine but astringent and drying tannins, it exudes strength and style.
GPCi - you snooze you loose... that's the wine that would be gone in less than 10 minutes on Saturday. This is what a great Shiraz is all about for a fair price! buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 ST. HALLETT BLACKWELL SHIRAZ - $29.95
Barossa, South Australia
WS = 90 : Firm, with refreshingly balanced red cherry, blackberry and roast beef aromas and flavors that linger nicely against fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2014.
GPCi - I had the 2002 and 2003 of this Shiraz and they were good but do not justify ~$30. I would definitely recommend trying the two other options (Seppelt and Taltarni) first for less.
2002 TALTARNI SHIRAZ - $25.95
Pyrenees, Victoria
JO = 91 : Taltarni has taken advantage of the cooler Victorian 2002 season to fashion a deeply flavoured but shapely shiraz of medium to full weight, but genuine cellaring potential. It's a stylish and harmonious wine that marries the pepper, spice and intense dark plum and berry qualities of shiraz with restrained but lightly smoky oak and the minty/menthol undertones typical of the Pyrenees region. There's some ethereal quality about its peppery and deeply fruited fragrance, while the palate reveals genuine refinement and elegance, as its vibrant depth of red and black berry fruit is enhanced by fresh acids and supported by fine, grainy tannins. Keep it for at least five years.
GPCi - So here is the strategy... if you won't be able to put your hands on the superb 2004 SEPPELT CHALAMBAR SHIRAZ (because you arrived late to the LCBO and the early birds took everything from the shelves...), the 2002 Taltarni Shiraz is your next choice. A great Shiraz from the Pyrenees region. Buy 3-6 bottles.
New Zealand
2006 SILENI ESTATE CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC - $15.95
Marlborough, South Island
Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines : The 2006 vintage has a basket of fruit flavours in an off-dry style, very fresh, vibrant and crisp. It's a ripely scented wine, rich and rounded.
GPCi - I had the Sauv Blanc from previous vintages from Sileni - great value and an excellent choice for the summer. Buy 3-12 bottles.
France - Bordeaux
2004 CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET - $82.95
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
RP = 93; The 2004 Pontet-Canet has an inky/purple color and a classic nose of sweet creme de cassis, cedar, and spice box. It is medium to full-bodied, structured, quite tannic, but also impressively deep and full. This wine will need 7-10 years of cellaring and last for 20-30 years (from 2015 until 2036).
WS = 93 : Shows beautiful aromas of crushed berries and currant, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with lovely currant, licorice and mint. Long and caressing. Very refined and balanced. Another winner from Pontet-Canet. Best after 2011. Highly Recommended.
GPCi - Although ~$80 is a lot for a bottle of wine, but when it comes to this level and the cellaring potential of up to 30 years, compared to the cost of similar quality from a first growth, it's worth the investment. The blend is a traditional left-bank Bordeaux blend - 65 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 29 percent Merlot, 4 percent Cabernet Franc and 2 percent Petit Verdot. Buy 2-3 bottles.
France - Rhone
2004 PERRIN et fils RASTEAU L'ANDÉOL - $17.95
AC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages
RP = 88 : More elegant, restrained, and noticeably lighter than the 2005, but still mouthfilling is the 2004 Rasteau l'Andéol. The wine possesses peppery, earthy black cherry fruit, and again white chocolate and spice. This is a nice wine that should be drunk over the next 4-5 years.
GPCi - An excellent day-to-day choice to have with or without food.
Gremany - Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
2005 ST. URBANS-HOF RIESLING KABINETT - $20.95
QmP, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Estate Btld.
RP = 91 : The 2005 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett - still manages to show true Kabinett delicacy on the palate, which Weis attributes in part to earlier harvest and frankly in part to this site's compatibility with higher yields. Skin contact and minimal clarification in the cellar help compensate for any danger of dilution. (Lower-yielding parcels nowadays must result in Spätlese or Auslese.) Pineapple, grapefruit, black currant, and Golden Delicious apple dominate the proceedings, suffused with an aura of smoky, crushed stone, and mouthwatering acidity. This is once again a "little" Mosel archetype and a terrific value ...
GPCi - great Riesling from a great vintage for a reasonable price. Buy 2-3 bottles - it's great when served chilled in the summer evenings...
Italy - Piedmont
2001 GIACOMO FENOCCHIO BAROLO BUSSIA - $37.95
DOCG
Stefano Fenocchio and his descendants have been making wine since the late 19th century in Barolo. There is a strong sense of tradition at this property: Giacomo Fenocchio, father of present day owners Alberto and Claudio, was a strong advocate for not preserving traditional techniques. His sons have maintained the successful winemaking methods of their ancestors while incorporating modern and environmentally sound methods. This single-vineyard Barolo is a perfect example of that dual approach. It may require substantial cellaring (4-10 years), but there is also plenty of fruit in the wine to enjoy it tonight with rare beef or bison steaks.
GPCi - half of what we usually pay for a good Barolo. Ken F, this one is for you! 2001 was a great vintage in Piedmont. I'll guess it can be cellared until 2012+.
Italy - Veneto
2003 ZENATO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO - $48.95
DOC
WS = 91 : Distinc-tive mineral character surrounds the fresh red and black fruit, with hints of fresh herbs, licorice and clay. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, well-balanced finish. Elegant and refined, with lots of character.
GPCi - Zenato is one of the best Amarone prodecures in Veneto. His Amarone are easliy compared with the $75 other Amarone wines. If you are into this very unique and strong wines, this is a good bargain. The 2003 was a good year in Veneto and I would guess that you could cellar it until 2015.
Portugal
2003 QUINTA DO NOVAL SILVAL VINTAGE PORT - $55
Btld. 2005
WS = 94 : Black in color, with intense aromas of grilled meat, raisins and prunes. Full-bodied, lightly sweet and tannic. Chewy, with loads of black licorice on the finish. Best after 2012.
GPCi - I bought this port when the 2003 was released. this is one of the best values port from this outstanding vintage. this port can be served in your grandkids wedding...
#1 - 2004 SEPPELT CHALAMBAR SHIRAZ - $25.95
#2 - 2005 AMBERLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC - $14.95
#3 - 2003 QUINTA DO NOVAL SILVAL VINTAGE PORT - $55
#4 - 2004 CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET - $82.95
Argentina
2005 TRUMPETER CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $13.95
Mendoza (Rutini Wines)
Throw a thick, juicy steak on the barbecue and serve up this fruit-packed Cab packed with loads of blackberry and cassis as well as sweet notes of chocolate and vanilla. It's a solid wine to enjoy throughout the summer.
GPCi - simple yet fun and great cab sauv for a really low price (for what you get). we may pay 3 time more for that quality for a California cab sauv.
2004 TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES MALBEC RESERVA - $16.95
Mendoza
Wine & Spirit = 92 : A tough and substantial red, this wine's black cherry and pepper aromas fight for supremacy with the oak, while its core of ripe fruit supports the dense, young tannins. It's built for the cellar; if you serve it now, decant first, then pour with prime rib.
GPCi - Don't you just love the sound of "Malbec reserva" and ~"$17" - great for day-to-day and weekends beside the BBQ. Buy 2-3 bottles.
Australia
2005 AMBERLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC - $14.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
JO = 93 : A delightfully tangy and regional wine whose delicate, slightly musky, herbal and grassy aromas of cassis and gooseberries are lifted by a floral scent. Elegant and unctuous, smooth and even, its long and vibrant palate of juicy flavour finishes fresh and tight, with very soft acids and gentle phenolics.
GPCi -John M - this one is for you. Great review by Jeremy and the price is more than fair. This wine and the Sileni from New Zealan (see below) are the better Sauv Blanc choices of this release. buy 3-12 bottles.
2006 BAY OF FIRES TIGRESS SAUVIGNON BLANC - $27.95
Tasmania
JO = 92: A briney and tightly sculpted sauvignon blanc whose fresh aromas of citrus and gooseberries reveal nuances of capsicum, asparagus, lemon sherbet and a hint of mineral. Long and vibrant, it's intense, taut and balanced.
GPCi - I put this review just to say that you can have at least (if not better...) as good choice for half the price (see above as well as the Sileni below)
2004 SEPPELT CHALAMBAR SHIRAZ - $25.95
Grampians Bendigo, Victoria
JO = 96 (!!!) : A powerful, deeply fruited shiraz of weight, density, length and structure. Its deeply aromatic and peppery scents of black fruits, violets, dried herbs, dark chocolate, cedar/vanilla oak, musk and mint precede a substantial palate of poise and restrained power. There's massive depth of fruit sweetness, a deep core of dark, spicy flavour and a long, fine-grained and savoury finish. Framed by silky-fine but astringent and drying tannins, it exudes strength and style.
GPCi - you snooze you loose... that's the wine that would be gone in less than 10 minutes on Saturday. This is what a great Shiraz is all about for a fair price! buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 ST. HALLETT BLACKWELL SHIRAZ - $29.95
Barossa, South Australia
WS = 90 : Firm, with refreshingly balanced red cherry, blackberry and roast beef aromas and flavors that linger nicely against fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2014.
GPCi - I had the 2002 and 2003 of this Shiraz and they were good but do not justify ~$30. I would definitely recommend trying the two other options (Seppelt and Taltarni) first for less.
2002 TALTARNI SHIRAZ - $25.95
Pyrenees, Victoria
JO = 91 : Taltarni has taken advantage of the cooler Victorian 2002 season to fashion a deeply flavoured but shapely shiraz of medium to full weight, but genuine cellaring potential. It's a stylish and harmonious wine that marries the pepper, spice and intense dark plum and berry qualities of shiraz with restrained but lightly smoky oak and the minty/menthol undertones typical of the Pyrenees region. There's some ethereal quality about its peppery and deeply fruited fragrance, while the palate reveals genuine refinement and elegance, as its vibrant depth of red and black berry fruit is enhanced by fresh acids and supported by fine, grainy tannins. Keep it for at least five years.
GPCi - So here is the strategy... if you won't be able to put your hands on the superb 2004 SEPPELT CHALAMBAR SHIRAZ (because you arrived late to the LCBO and the early birds took everything from the shelves...), the 2002 Taltarni Shiraz is your next choice. A great Shiraz from the Pyrenees region. Buy 3-6 bottles.
New Zealand
2006 SILENI ESTATE CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC - $15.95
Marlborough, South Island
Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines : The 2006 vintage has a basket of fruit flavours in an off-dry style, very fresh, vibrant and crisp. It's a ripely scented wine, rich and rounded.
GPCi - I had the Sauv Blanc from previous vintages from Sileni - great value and an excellent choice for the summer. Buy 3-12 bottles.
France - Bordeaux
2004 CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET - $82.95
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
RP = 93; The 2004 Pontet-Canet has an inky/purple color and a classic nose of sweet creme de cassis, cedar, and spice box. It is medium to full-bodied, structured, quite tannic, but also impressively deep and full. This wine will need 7-10 years of cellaring and last for 20-30 years (from 2015 until 2036).
WS = 93 : Shows beautiful aromas of crushed berries and currant, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with lovely currant, licorice and mint. Long and caressing. Very refined and balanced. Another winner from Pontet-Canet. Best after 2011. Highly Recommended.
GPCi - Although ~$80 is a lot for a bottle of wine, but when it comes to this level and the cellaring potential of up to 30 years, compared to the cost of similar quality from a first growth, it's worth the investment. The blend is a traditional left-bank Bordeaux blend - 65 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 29 percent Merlot, 4 percent Cabernet Franc and 2 percent Petit Verdot. Buy 2-3 bottles.
France - Rhone
2004 PERRIN et fils RASTEAU L'ANDÉOL - $17.95
AC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages
RP = 88 : More elegant, restrained, and noticeably lighter than the 2005, but still mouthfilling is the 2004 Rasteau l'Andéol. The wine possesses peppery, earthy black cherry fruit, and again white chocolate and spice. This is a nice wine that should be drunk over the next 4-5 years.
GPCi - An excellent day-to-day choice to have with or without food.
Gremany - Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
2005 ST. URBANS-HOF RIESLING KABINETT - $20.95
QmP, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Estate Btld.
RP = 91 : The 2005 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett - still manages to show true Kabinett delicacy on the palate, which Weis attributes in part to earlier harvest and frankly in part to this site's compatibility with higher yields. Skin contact and minimal clarification in the cellar help compensate for any danger of dilution. (Lower-yielding parcels nowadays must result in Spätlese or Auslese.) Pineapple, grapefruit, black currant, and Golden Delicious apple dominate the proceedings, suffused with an aura of smoky, crushed stone, and mouthwatering acidity. This is once again a "little" Mosel archetype and a terrific value ...
GPCi - great Riesling from a great vintage for a reasonable price. Buy 2-3 bottles - it's great when served chilled in the summer evenings...
Italy - Piedmont
2001 GIACOMO FENOCCHIO BAROLO BUSSIA - $37.95
DOCG
Stefano Fenocchio and his descendants have been making wine since the late 19th century in Barolo. There is a strong sense of tradition at this property: Giacomo Fenocchio, father of present day owners Alberto and Claudio, was a strong advocate for not preserving traditional techniques. His sons have maintained the successful winemaking methods of their ancestors while incorporating modern and environmentally sound methods. This single-vineyard Barolo is a perfect example of that dual approach. It may require substantial cellaring (4-10 years), but there is also plenty of fruit in the wine to enjoy it tonight with rare beef or bison steaks.
GPCi - half of what we usually pay for a good Barolo. Ken F, this one is for you! 2001 was a great vintage in Piedmont. I'll guess it can be cellared until 2012+.
Italy - Veneto
2003 ZENATO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO - $48.95
DOC
WS = 91 : Distinc-tive mineral character surrounds the fresh red and black fruit, with hints of fresh herbs, licorice and clay. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, well-balanced finish. Elegant and refined, with lots of character.
GPCi - Zenato is one of the best Amarone prodecures in Veneto. His Amarone are easliy compared with the $75 other Amarone wines. If you are into this very unique and strong wines, this is a good bargain. The 2003 was a good year in Veneto and I would guess that you could cellar it until 2015.
Portugal
2003 QUINTA DO NOVAL SILVAL VINTAGE PORT - $55
Btld. 2005
WS = 94 : Black in color, with intense aromas of grilled meat, raisins and prunes. Full-bodied, lightly sweet and tannic. Chewy, with loads of black licorice on the finish. Best after 2012.
GPCi - I bought this port when the 2003 was released. this is one of the best values port from this outstanding vintage. this port can be served in your grandkids wedding...
