Monday, August 27, 2007
GPCi for Sep 1st 2007 release at the LCBO
People who know me, know that I'm (still) not a big Pinot Noir fan, therefore, this Pinot release is not so much for me...
Saying that, there are still a few worthwhile wines to chase...
GPCi top 3 picks:
#1 - 2005 EPSILON SHIRAZ - $26.95
#2 - 2005 TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ - $25.95
#3 - 2001 TORREDEROS TIÑTO CRIANZA - $18.95
US - Washington State
2004 COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES MERLOT - $19.95
Columbia Valley
WS = 90 : Bursting with blueberry and currant fruit, this zips across the palate with a racy texture and refined tannins. Lingers enticingly with a hint of mocha on the finish. Drink now through 2009. Best Value.
GPCi - enough said about the wonderful wines from Columbia Crest, just buy a few bottles and enjoy the quality for a very reasonable price (for Ontario... in the US it costs less than $10 !!!).
Argentina
2006 LURTON CHARDONNAY RESERVA - $13.95
Valle de Uco, Mendoza
To give it added complexity, the Lurton Reserva Chardonnay is barrel-fermented and aged for six months on its lees.
Jancis Robinson M.W : ... It tastes just like a top quality California Chardonnay at a fraction of the price. The Lurton wine is super-opulent ... I do find it pretty extraordinary that you can find so much sophistication at this price...
GPCi - could not agree more with Mrs. Robinson... this is a great Chardonnay for a ridiculous low price. buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 LURTON MALBEC RESERVA - $14.95
Mendoza, Alto Valle de Ueo
Many years ago, the Lurton Brothers of Bordeaux realized the potential for winemaking in Argentina. Their investment and intuition have paid off handsomely in wines such as this Malbec Reserva. The aromas suggest plum, licorice, chocolate and cedar. Dry with good fruit replays, this full-bodied, balanced wine is an excellent partner for roast beef with root vegetables.
GPCi - A full-body Malbec wine for $15 - another no brainer from Lurton. but 2-6 bottles.
Chile
2005 CALINA CARMENÈRE RESERVA - $16.95
Maule Valley
A deeply-coloured Carmenère with sweet berry, vanilla and cedar aromas and flavours. A big, full-bodied effort with firm tannins and a long, lingering finish. Very good value. Ageable 2-4 years or tonight with rare leg of lamb.
GPCi - Calina is known and respected in Chile. A lovely Carmenre that goes very well with a nice juicy ribeye.
Australia
2003 EVANS & TATE SHIRAZ - $19.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
WS - Smooth, focused and striving for elegance. Wild cherry and eucalyptus flavors at the core play deftly against fine-grained tannins as the finish sails on. Drink now through 2013. Smart Buy.
WineStar.com - Deep magenta with purple hues. Fragrant aromas of ripe black cherry and dark berry fruits, with savoury nuances, chocolate, and clove spice combined with toasted coconut oak aromas. The 2003 Shiraz has elegant, refined plum and dark berry flavours with green peppercorns and an alluring complexity. Partial barrel fermentation has added stylish and well-integrated oak. The soft, silky tannins are typical of Margaret River Shiraz and contribute to the velvety texture and lingering finish.
GPCi - The Shiraz from Margaret River are different from the ones in the Barossa Valley and Mclaren Vale. Elegant is the first word that comes to mind with Margaret River's Shiraz, as oppose to power and intensity.
2005 EPSILON SHIRAZ - $26.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP = 94 : A terrific value, the 2005 Shiraz Epsilon is fashioned from 32-year-old vines planted in the Greenock sector. Aged 12 months in old French oak hogsheads (300 liters), it exhibits an opaque purple color, abundant aromas of raspberries, blueberries, graphite, and spice box, and a full-bodied, rich, fleshy style. A hedonistic tour de force in winemaking, it can be enjoyed over the next 4-5 years.
GPCi - my #1 pick for this release. this is a powerful 2005 Shiraz - buy 3-12 bottles!
2005 TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ - $25.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP = 93 : An outrageous value ... A 100% Shiraz from 10-20-year old vines, aged 12 months in old foudres, this fabulous effort may be the finest inexpensive Shiraz David Powell has yet produced. Blackberry, raspberry, cherry, licorice, and peppery aromas soar from the glass of this full-bodied, opulent, voluptuously-textured wine. Boasting superb purity, length, and intensity, this beauty simply over-delivers ... It should drink well for 7-8 years.
GPCi - another succesful Torbreck Shiraz from the outstanding 2005 vintage. buy 3-12 bottles.
France (South Rhone)
2004 DOMAINE MONPERTUIS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $39.95
AC
IWC = 91 : Medium red. Pungent floral and fresh herb tones accent bright red berries. Elegant and precise, with brisk raspberry and strawberry flavors, medium weight and supple tannins. Picks up a hint of smoked meat on the long, sweet finish. This suave, lively wine is drinking quite well now. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2007)
GPCi - a good CdP, but doesn't seem it's the power you may expect from CdP. There are other CdP Domaines that cost less and can deliver the same quality or more...
Spain
1996 FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA - $32.95
DOC Rioja (Bodegas Faustino Martinez)
WS = 87 : Plum, dried cherry, dusty spice and leather notes mingle in this mature red, which is still quite fresh. A balanced wine, it will make a fine accompaniment to delicate dishes. Drink now.
GPCi - I had this wine the other day, and I think it deserves more than 87. it's a great 11 years Rioja for a fair price (in its category). Expect meduim body wine with red currant and cherries, hints of leather, herbs and cedar cheese with a long finish. A lovely wine indeed. buy 3 bottles.
2001 TORREDEROS TIÑTO CRIANZA - $18.95
DO Ribera del Duero
WS = 89 : Plum, mineral, licorice and toast notes mingle in this well-knit red. It shows firm tannins and juicy acidity with hints of spice that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2010.
GPCi - A very good value Crianza from Duero. buy 2-4 bottles.
2003 VALLE DE SALINAS CRIANZA - $17.95
DO Yecla
RP = 88 : The 2003 Crianza spent 10 months in French and American oak. A blend of Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, it exhibits a complex nose of cedar, spice box, damp earth, red and black currants and blackberry. Ripe and supple-textured, this medium-bodied wine has fine balance, excellent depth, and a pure finish. Drink this well-made wine over the next 1-2 years.
GPCi - I like this small region on the south west part of Spain. They have a good Monastrell (Mourvedre). this blend seems nice for day-to-day consumption
Saying that, there are still a few worthwhile wines to chase...
GPCi top 3 picks:
#1 - 2005 EPSILON SHIRAZ - $26.95
#2 - 2005 TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ - $25.95
#3 - 2001 TORREDEROS TIÑTO CRIANZA - $18.95
US - Washington State
2004 COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES MERLOT - $19.95
Columbia Valley
WS = 90 : Bursting with blueberry and currant fruit, this zips across the palate with a racy texture and refined tannins. Lingers enticingly with a hint of mocha on the finish. Drink now through 2009. Best Value.
GPCi - enough said about the wonderful wines from Columbia Crest, just buy a few bottles and enjoy the quality for a very reasonable price (for Ontario... in the US it costs less than $10 !!!).
Argentina
2006 LURTON CHARDONNAY RESERVA - $13.95
Valle de Uco, Mendoza
To give it added complexity, the Lurton Reserva Chardonnay is barrel-fermented and aged for six months on its lees.
Jancis Robinson M.W : ... It tastes just like a top quality California Chardonnay at a fraction of the price. The Lurton wine is super-opulent ... I do find it pretty extraordinary that you can find so much sophistication at this price...
GPCi - could not agree more with Mrs. Robinson... this is a great Chardonnay for a ridiculous low price. buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 LURTON MALBEC RESERVA - $14.95
Mendoza, Alto Valle de Ueo
Many years ago, the Lurton Brothers of Bordeaux realized the potential for winemaking in Argentina. Their investment and intuition have paid off handsomely in wines such as this Malbec Reserva. The aromas suggest plum, licorice, chocolate and cedar. Dry with good fruit replays, this full-bodied, balanced wine is an excellent partner for roast beef with root vegetables.
GPCi - A full-body Malbec wine for $15 - another no brainer from Lurton. but 2-6 bottles.
Chile
2005 CALINA CARMENÈRE RESERVA - $16.95
Maule Valley
A deeply-coloured Carmenère with sweet berry, vanilla and cedar aromas and flavours. A big, full-bodied effort with firm tannins and a long, lingering finish. Very good value. Ageable 2-4 years or tonight with rare leg of lamb.
GPCi - Calina is known and respected in Chile. A lovely Carmenre that goes very well with a nice juicy ribeye.
Australia
2003 EVANS & TATE SHIRAZ - $19.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
WS - Smooth, focused and striving for elegance. Wild cherry and eucalyptus flavors at the core play deftly against fine-grained tannins as the finish sails on. Drink now through 2013. Smart Buy.
WineStar.com - Deep magenta with purple hues. Fragrant aromas of ripe black cherry and dark berry fruits, with savoury nuances, chocolate, and clove spice combined with toasted coconut oak aromas. The 2003 Shiraz has elegant, refined plum and dark berry flavours with green peppercorns and an alluring complexity. Partial barrel fermentation has added stylish and well-integrated oak. The soft, silky tannins are typical of Margaret River Shiraz and contribute to the velvety texture and lingering finish.
GPCi - The Shiraz from Margaret River are different from the ones in the Barossa Valley and Mclaren Vale. Elegant is the first word that comes to mind with Margaret River's Shiraz, as oppose to power and intensity.
2005 EPSILON SHIRAZ - $26.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP = 94 : A terrific value, the 2005 Shiraz Epsilon is fashioned from 32-year-old vines planted in the Greenock sector. Aged 12 months in old French oak hogsheads (300 liters), it exhibits an opaque purple color, abundant aromas of raspberries, blueberries, graphite, and spice box, and a full-bodied, rich, fleshy style. A hedonistic tour de force in winemaking, it can be enjoyed over the next 4-5 years.
GPCi - my #1 pick for this release. this is a powerful 2005 Shiraz - buy 3-12 bottles!
2005 TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ - $25.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP = 93 : An outrageous value ... A 100% Shiraz from 10-20-year old vines, aged 12 months in old foudres, this fabulous effort may be the finest inexpensive Shiraz David Powell has yet produced. Blackberry, raspberry, cherry, licorice, and peppery aromas soar from the glass of this full-bodied, opulent, voluptuously-textured wine. Boasting superb purity, length, and intensity, this beauty simply over-delivers ... It should drink well for 7-8 years.
GPCi - another succesful Torbreck Shiraz from the outstanding 2005 vintage. buy 3-12 bottles.
France (South Rhone)
2004 DOMAINE MONPERTUIS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $39.95
AC
IWC = 91 : Medium red. Pungent floral and fresh herb tones accent bright red berries. Elegant and precise, with brisk raspberry and strawberry flavors, medium weight and supple tannins. Picks up a hint of smoked meat on the long, sweet finish. This suave, lively wine is drinking quite well now. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2007)
GPCi - a good CdP, but doesn't seem it's the power you may expect from CdP. There are other CdP Domaines that cost less and can deliver the same quality or more...
Spain
1996 FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA - $32.95
DOC Rioja (Bodegas Faustino Martinez)
WS = 87 : Plum, dried cherry, dusty spice and leather notes mingle in this mature red, which is still quite fresh. A balanced wine, it will make a fine accompaniment to delicate dishes. Drink now.
GPCi - I had this wine the other day, and I think it deserves more than 87. it's a great 11 years Rioja for a fair price (in its category). Expect meduim body wine with red currant and cherries, hints of leather, herbs and cedar cheese with a long finish. A lovely wine indeed. buy 3 bottles.
2001 TORREDEROS TIÑTO CRIANZA - $18.95
DO Ribera del Duero
WS = 89 : Plum, mineral, licorice and toast notes mingle in this well-knit red. It shows firm tannins and juicy acidity with hints of spice that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2010.
GPCi - A very good value Crianza from Duero. buy 2-4 bottles.
2003 VALLE DE SALINAS CRIANZA - $17.95
DO Yecla
RP = 88 : The 2003 Crianza spent 10 months in French and American oak. A blend of Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, it exhibits a complex nose of cedar, spice box, damp earth, red and black currants and blackberry. Ripe and supple-textured, this medium-bodied wine has fine balance, excellent depth, and a pure finish. Drink this well-made wine over the next 1-2 years.
GPCi - I like this small region on the south west part of Spain. They have a good Monastrell (Mourvedre). this blend seems nice for day-to-day consumption
