Wednesday, October 31, 2007
GPCi for Nov 10th 2007 release at the LCBO
GPCi top picks for under $20:
1999 VIÑA ALBALI GRAN RESERVA - $17.95
2006 MALBEC (Altos las Hormigas) - $13.95
2004 WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL CHARDONNAY - $19.95
GPCi top picks for under $30:
2004 TINTO PESQUERA CRIANZA - $27.95
2004 ROSEMOUNT HILL OF GOLD CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $22.95
2002 ALDERBROOK OLD VINE ZINFANDEL - $26.95
France (Rhone South)
2005 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $91.95
RP=93-95 : The 2005 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape, which is the standard blend of 40% Mourvedre, 40% Grenache, and the rest Syrah, Counoise, and the other permitted red varietals, exhibits a deep purple color and a sweet nose of blackberry, licorice, pepper, Chinese black tea, and considerable spice box and truffle. The wine is medium to full-bodied, and has terrific weight, richness, and moderately high tannins and crisp acidity. Like most 2005s in Chateauneuf du Pape, there is weight, power, richness, but also lots of vibrancy and delineation because of the fresh acids. This wine will require patience, and 4-5 years of cellaring is recommended, perhaps even longer. It will keep for 20+ years.
GPCi - oh yes, the undisputed excellent CdP from Beaucastel. So expensive, yet so very good. My advice is that if you have the extra $ to spend buy 1-2 bottles, and if not, wait for other 2005 CdP from other domains like Vieux Telegraphe, Cuvee du Vatican, Domaine des Senechaux, La Nerthe to name a few. They would be as good as the Beaucastel for 30%-50% LESS!
Australia
2002 Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz - $44.95
RP=96 ; The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz The Signature reveals purple in its color along with a cooler climate mouthfeel, massive, concentrated blackberry and cassis fruit, and additional floral and cherry notes. Full-bodied and rich, with good freshness as well as huge concentration and length, it should drink well for 15-20 years. Drink 2005 – 2025.
GPCi - Yes, Yes and one more Yes! it's not a cheap wine, but it's an excellent opportunity to try a very high end wine for the price. It's an excellent blend that you have to buy as part of your wine collection. I strated to have the Signature from the great 1998 vintage (yes, John M and Berry, we have to try them...) and it's a wonderful piece of work. Everything is there and in its right place. Buy 3-6 bottles, you won't regret.
2003 EBENEZER SHIRAZ (Barossa Valley Estate) - $39.95
WS gave the 2002 and the 2000 91 and 93 respectively.
James Holiday = 91 ; Abundant ripe, but not jammy, blackberry and licorice fruit; tannins balanced, as is the oak; good outcome for an indifferent vintage.
GPCi - Ebenezer is known for its Shiraz, but also for not being cheap. no doubt that for around $40, I would go for the Yalumba Signature and not the Ebenzer.
2004 WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL CHARDONNAY - $19.95
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Jeremy Oliver = 94 : Slightly edgy aromas of lime and lemon rind with lightly reductive and funky undertones of pear and apple. Fine and chalky, it's vibrant and minerally, with suppleness and layers of texture wrapped in a slightly chalky grip. Focused and funky, with a core of vibrant citrusy fruit, it's restrained and stylish, ready for drinking now or cellaring.
GPCi - an excellent Chardonnay for $20 - now that's refreshing! I would go for 1-3 bottles.
2004 ROSEMOUNT HILL OF GOLD CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $22.95
Mudgee, New South Wales
James Holiday = 94 : Medium- to full-bodied; loaded with cassis blackcurrant fruit; excellent, fine tannins and well-integrated oak. Gold Medal Sydney Wine Show '06.
GPCi - I previously had the Hill of Gold (both cab sauv and the Shiraz) and they've never failed. Very solid-safe bet I'd say. I think the key is that they deliver a high quality wine where everything is in its right place. This wine could be suitable for mid term+ cellaring (drink until 2012). I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2004 ROSEMOUNT HILL OF GOLD SHIRAZ - $22.95
Mudgee, New South Wales
James Holiday = 93 : Strong colour; well-made, with black fruits, chocolate, spice and earth; appropriate warm oak; good overall mouthfeel.
GPCi - yep, another good Shiraz from Rosemount production... (see my comment above).
2006 TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ - $24.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
The gnarly dudes in question are the rather fierce and twisted-looking old vines that gives us this wine's concentrated fruit. Winemaker Matt Wenk has a well-deserved reputation for creating a tightly focused Shiraz that emphasizes the dark cherry fruit while perfectly integrating the oak and tannins. This dude is ready to be enjoyed anytime over the next five years.
GPCi - I like the fact that they have reduced their price by $3 (I think last year they sold it for $27.95). If I need to spend the $22-$24, I'd probably go with the DUDES... they have this extra peppery taste that I so much love. similar to a few good CdP.
Italy (Tuscany)
2001 SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $49.95
WS ; Very jammy with lots of berry and blackberry character. Full-bodied, with a long finish. A bit one-dimensional, but will develop nicely. Best after 2008. 12,500 cases made.
RP=90 : Made in a super-ripe style, the deeply-colored 2001 Brunello di Montalcino presents attractive suggestions of earthiness, dark fruit, chocolate and new oak. It is a juicy, ample wine that should drink well relatively early. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.
GPCi - Brunello at this level usually cost around the the $70+. 2001 is a great year in the Montalcino region. Silvio Nardi is a known producer of good Montalcino. If you are collecting Brunellos but don't want to take another mortgage, that's a good option to go with. I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
Argentina (Mendoza)
2006 MALBEC (Altos las Hormigas) - $13.95
http://www.garnetwine.com/ : The Altos Las Hormigas Malbec is dark red, and is a terroir-driven fruit-bomb. It offers a generous nose of plums, dark cherries and berries with good notes of earth. It is lush and velvety sweet, with folds and folds of dark fruit. With beautiful balance and such opulence, this wine is sure to please. It is the main production, deriving from grapes harvested at the end of March, 50% from estate owned vineyards in the Lujan, 50% from grapes bought from contracted vignerons from the La Consulta sub-zone (Valle de Uco) of the Mendoza appellation.
The destemmed and softly pressed grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats at 30° Celsius. During the 15 day fermentation-maceration process the must is pumped over and punched down for optimal extraction. Part of the wine then stays in steel and part goes into small oak for a period of nine months. The wine is then bottled without any form of stabilization or filtration, in order not to alter its quality, and is sold after three months of bottle age.
GPCi - Altos Las Hormigas Malbec is just another great Malbec for a great price. I'd buy 3-12 bottles and enjoy it with a good steak or just buy its own. a great day-to-day wine.
Chile
2005 Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Merlot - $32.95
The Wine Enthusiast=91 : Dense and solid, this is top-flight Chilean Merlot without any hints of green to drag it down. The nose deals polished oak and bright berry aromas; the palate offers a perfect feel and impressive plum, berry, chocolate and vanilla flavors. Properly tannic and balanced.
RP = 88 : The Cuvee Alexandre series are single vineyard selections named after proprietor Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. The 2005 Merlot “Cuvee Alexandre – Apalta Vineyard" has 15% Carmenere in the blend. Purple-colored, it has an attractive nose of black currant, blueberry, vanilla, and clove. The wine has good weight on the palate with layers of black fruits and a firm structure. The finish is a bit tannic and should round out with 1-2 years of further bottle age.
GPCi - I find it hard to spend $30+ for a Merlot (although it's from Chile). I would prefer their Cabernet Sauv or even their Carmenre. that's a 'skip' for me...
US (California)
2005 CALERA CHARDONNAY - $22.95
Central Coast, 30th Anniversary Vintage
RP = 92 : From Mt. Harlan's limestone slopes, the 2005 Chardonnay 30th Anniversary exhibits a greenish/gold color as well as a nuanced perfume of honeysuckle, pears, white peaches, and stones. Full-bodied with beautiful acidity, a broad, complex mouthfeel, and stunning richness, it is a fabulous bargain that should age easily for 4-5 years.
GPCi - that's a big "yes" for me... A good Californian Chardonnay for $23 - no brainer. I'd buy 2-6 bottles and wait for the cold days when the Cheese Fondue is out or when we slow cook a fish...
2002 ALDERBROOK OLD VINE ZINFANDEL - $26.95
Dry Creek Valley
Wine Enthusiast = 91: This is great Zin, filled with personality. Showcases the briary, brambly wild blackberry and blueberry flavors, spices and dusty tannins this appellation is famous for. Finishes dry and smooth. Beautiful and compelling now.
GPCi - a bit expensive for a good Zin but since I'm a sucker for Zin, I won't be able to confront the temptation and buy 1-2 bottles...
Spain
1999 VIÑA ALBALI GRAN RESERVA - $17.95
DO Valdepeñas (Felix Solis)
This Gran Reserva won a Silver Medal at the 2006 Mundus Vini international wine competition. The nose is intense, with dark fruit, spice, and vanilla aromas. The palate is powerful and rich culminating in a long finish of ripe fruit and polished tannins. With all the work of cellaring done for you already, this is an outstanding value at this price.
GPCi - A Spanish 1999 Gran Reserva for $18 is almost unheard off - most of similar efforts cost around the $30+. I'd buy 3-12 bottles.
2004 TINTO PESQUERA CRIANZA - $27.95
DO Ribera del Duero (Bodegas Alejandro Fernández)
RP = 92 (by Jay Miller) : Deep ruby. Ripe blackberry and plum on the nose, with an almost roasted quality. Then bright, sweet and fresh on the palate, with vibrant blackberry and cassis flavors, notes of minerals and licorice and a silky texture. For such depth and power of flavor there's striking purity and finesse. Sweet, energetic and persistent on the finish, with an endless procession of fresh dark berry flavors. A wonderful vintage for this wine.
GPCi - If you haven't tried Pesquera before, this is a great opportunity to try their younger version - this is an outstanding wine - Ribera Del Dero at its best. Although $28 is not cheap, I'm sure their 2004 Reserva and Gran Reserva (will be available in 2-4 years) will be around the ~$40+, and therefore it's a relatively an opportunity I would not miss. I had their 97 Reserva effort (a very average vintage) and it was excellent. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
Sherry
EMILIO LUSTAU EAST INDIA SOLERA SHERRY (375 ml) - $13.95
RP = 94 ; Readers looking for something weighty, sweet, and provocative should check out the non-vintage East India Solera. A blend of soleras averaging 15 to 50 years of age, it boasts a dark amber color as well as a huge nose of melted toffee, caramel, figs, and prunes. This over-the-top yet surprisingly vibrant (because of good acidity) effort is best drunk as dessert at the end of a meal.
GPCi - I love good Sherry and Lustau is one of the better options in the market. Although this price is for a 375 ml, it's worthwhile. A great aperitif ! I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
1999 VIÑA ALBALI GRAN RESERVA - $17.95
2006 MALBEC (Altos las Hormigas) - $13.95
2004 WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL CHARDONNAY - $19.95
GPCi top picks for under $30:
2004 TINTO PESQUERA CRIANZA - $27.95
2004 ROSEMOUNT HILL OF GOLD CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $22.95
2002 ALDERBROOK OLD VINE ZINFANDEL - $26.95
France (Rhone South)
2005 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $91.95
RP=93-95 : The 2005 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape, which is the standard blend of 40% Mourvedre, 40% Grenache, and the rest Syrah, Counoise, and the other permitted red varietals, exhibits a deep purple color and a sweet nose of blackberry, licorice, pepper, Chinese black tea, and considerable spice box and truffle. The wine is medium to full-bodied, and has terrific weight, richness, and moderately high tannins and crisp acidity. Like most 2005s in Chateauneuf du Pape, there is weight, power, richness, but also lots of vibrancy and delineation because of the fresh acids. This wine will require patience, and 4-5 years of cellaring is recommended, perhaps even longer. It will keep for 20+ years.
GPCi - oh yes, the undisputed excellent CdP from Beaucastel. So expensive, yet so very good. My advice is that if you have the extra $ to spend buy 1-2 bottles, and if not, wait for other 2005 CdP from other domains like Vieux Telegraphe, Cuvee du Vatican, Domaine des Senechaux, La Nerthe to name a few. They would be as good as the Beaucastel for 30%-50% LESS!
Australia
2002 Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz - $44.95
RP=96 ; The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz The Signature reveals purple in its color along with a cooler climate mouthfeel, massive, concentrated blackberry and cassis fruit, and additional floral and cherry notes. Full-bodied and rich, with good freshness as well as huge concentration and length, it should drink well for 15-20 years. Drink 2005 – 2025.
GPCi - Yes, Yes and one more Yes! it's not a cheap wine, but it's an excellent opportunity to try a very high end wine for the price. It's an excellent blend that you have to buy as part of your wine collection. I strated to have the Signature from the great 1998 vintage (yes, John M and Berry, we have to try them...) and it's a wonderful piece of work. Everything is there and in its right place. Buy 3-6 bottles, you won't regret.
2003 EBENEZER SHIRAZ (Barossa Valley Estate) - $39.95
WS gave the 2002 and the 2000 91 and 93 respectively.
James Holiday = 91 ; Abundant ripe, but not jammy, blackberry and licorice fruit; tannins balanced, as is the oak; good outcome for an indifferent vintage.
GPCi - Ebenezer is known for its Shiraz, but also for not being cheap. no doubt that for around $40, I would go for the Yalumba Signature and not the Ebenzer.
2004 WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL CHARDONNAY - $19.95
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Jeremy Oliver = 94 : Slightly edgy aromas of lime and lemon rind with lightly reductive and funky undertones of pear and apple. Fine and chalky, it's vibrant and minerally, with suppleness and layers of texture wrapped in a slightly chalky grip. Focused and funky, with a core of vibrant citrusy fruit, it's restrained and stylish, ready for drinking now or cellaring.
GPCi - an excellent Chardonnay for $20 - now that's refreshing! I would go for 1-3 bottles.
2004 ROSEMOUNT HILL OF GOLD CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $22.95
Mudgee, New South Wales
James Holiday = 94 : Medium- to full-bodied; loaded with cassis blackcurrant fruit; excellent, fine tannins and well-integrated oak. Gold Medal Sydney Wine Show '06.
GPCi - I previously had the Hill of Gold (both cab sauv and the Shiraz) and they've never failed. Very solid-safe bet I'd say. I think the key is that they deliver a high quality wine where everything is in its right place. This wine could be suitable for mid term+ cellaring (drink until 2012). I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2004 ROSEMOUNT HILL OF GOLD SHIRAZ - $22.95
Mudgee, New South Wales
James Holiday = 93 : Strong colour; well-made, with black fruits, chocolate, spice and earth; appropriate warm oak; good overall mouthfeel.
GPCi - yep, another good Shiraz from Rosemount production... (see my comment above).
2006 TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ - $24.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
The gnarly dudes in question are the rather fierce and twisted-looking old vines that gives us this wine's concentrated fruit. Winemaker Matt Wenk has a well-deserved reputation for creating a tightly focused Shiraz that emphasizes the dark cherry fruit while perfectly integrating the oak and tannins. This dude is ready to be enjoyed anytime over the next five years.
GPCi - I like the fact that they have reduced their price by $3 (I think last year they sold it for $27.95). If I need to spend the $22-$24, I'd probably go with the DUDES... they have this extra peppery taste that I so much love. similar to a few good CdP.
Italy (Tuscany)
2001 SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $49.95
WS ; Very jammy with lots of berry and blackberry character. Full-bodied, with a long finish. A bit one-dimensional, but will develop nicely. Best after 2008. 12,500 cases made.
RP=90 : Made in a super-ripe style, the deeply-colored 2001 Brunello di Montalcino presents attractive suggestions of earthiness, dark fruit, chocolate and new oak. It is a juicy, ample wine that should drink well relatively early. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.
GPCi - Brunello at this level usually cost around the the $70+. 2001 is a great year in the Montalcino region. Silvio Nardi is a known producer of good Montalcino. If you are collecting Brunellos but don't want to take another mortgage, that's a good option to go with. I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
Argentina (Mendoza)
2006 MALBEC (Altos las Hormigas) - $13.95
http://www.garnetwine.com/ : The Altos Las Hormigas Malbec is dark red, and is a terroir-driven fruit-bomb. It offers a generous nose of plums, dark cherries and berries with good notes of earth. It is lush and velvety sweet, with folds and folds of dark fruit. With beautiful balance and such opulence, this wine is sure to please. It is the main production, deriving from grapes harvested at the end of March, 50% from estate owned vineyards in the Lujan, 50% from grapes bought from contracted vignerons from the La Consulta sub-zone (Valle de Uco) of the Mendoza appellation.
The destemmed and softly pressed grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats at 30° Celsius. During the 15 day fermentation-maceration process the must is pumped over and punched down for optimal extraction. Part of the wine then stays in steel and part goes into small oak for a period of nine months. The wine is then bottled without any form of stabilization or filtration, in order not to alter its quality, and is sold after three months of bottle age.
GPCi - Altos Las Hormigas Malbec is just another great Malbec for a great price. I'd buy 3-12 bottles and enjoy it with a good steak or just buy its own. a great day-to-day wine.
Chile
2005 Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Merlot - $32.95
The Wine Enthusiast=91 : Dense and solid, this is top-flight Chilean Merlot without any hints of green to drag it down. The nose deals polished oak and bright berry aromas; the palate offers a perfect feel and impressive plum, berry, chocolate and vanilla flavors. Properly tannic and balanced.
RP = 88 : The Cuvee Alexandre series are single vineyard selections named after proprietor Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. The 2005 Merlot “Cuvee Alexandre – Apalta Vineyard" has 15% Carmenere in the blend. Purple-colored, it has an attractive nose of black currant, blueberry, vanilla, and clove. The wine has good weight on the palate with layers of black fruits and a firm structure. The finish is a bit tannic and should round out with 1-2 years of further bottle age.
GPCi - I find it hard to spend $30+ for a Merlot (although it's from Chile). I would prefer their Cabernet Sauv or even their Carmenre. that's a 'skip' for me...
US (California)
2005 CALERA CHARDONNAY - $22.95
Central Coast, 30th Anniversary Vintage
RP = 92 : From Mt. Harlan's limestone slopes, the 2005 Chardonnay 30th Anniversary exhibits a greenish/gold color as well as a nuanced perfume of honeysuckle, pears, white peaches, and stones. Full-bodied with beautiful acidity, a broad, complex mouthfeel, and stunning richness, it is a fabulous bargain that should age easily for 4-5 years.
GPCi - that's a big "yes" for me... A good Californian Chardonnay for $23 - no brainer. I'd buy 2-6 bottles and wait for the cold days when the Cheese Fondue is out or when we slow cook a fish...
2002 ALDERBROOK OLD VINE ZINFANDEL - $26.95
Dry Creek Valley
Wine Enthusiast = 91: This is great Zin, filled with personality. Showcases the briary, brambly wild blackberry and blueberry flavors, spices and dusty tannins this appellation is famous for. Finishes dry and smooth. Beautiful and compelling now.
GPCi - a bit expensive for a good Zin but since I'm a sucker for Zin, I won't be able to confront the temptation and buy 1-2 bottles...
Spain
1999 VIÑA ALBALI GRAN RESERVA - $17.95
DO Valdepeñas (Felix Solis)
This Gran Reserva won a Silver Medal at the 2006 Mundus Vini international wine competition. The nose is intense, with dark fruit, spice, and vanilla aromas. The palate is powerful and rich culminating in a long finish of ripe fruit and polished tannins. With all the work of cellaring done for you already, this is an outstanding value at this price.
GPCi - A Spanish 1999 Gran Reserva for $18 is almost unheard off - most of similar efforts cost around the $30+. I'd buy 3-12 bottles.
2004 TINTO PESQUERA CRIANZA - $27.95
DO Ribera del Duero (Bodegas Alejandro Fernández)
RP = 92 (by Jay Miller) : Deep ruby. Ripe blackberry and plum on the nose, with an almost roasted quality. Then bright, sweet and fresh on the palate, with vibrant blackberry and cassis flavors, notes of minerals and licorice and a silky texture. For such depth and power of flavor there's striking purity and finesse. Sweet, energetic and persistent on the finish, with an endless procession of fresh dark berry flavors. A wonderful vintage for this wine.
GPCi - If you haven't tried Pesquera before, this is a great opportunity to try their younger version - this is an outstanding wine - Ribera Del Dero at its best. Although $28 is not cheap, I'm sure their 2004 Reserva and Gran Reserva (will be available in 2-4 years) will be around the ~$40+, and therefore it's a relatively an opportunity I would not miss. I had their 97 Reserva effort (a very average vintage) and it was excellent. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
Sherry
EMILIO LUSTAU EAST INDIA SOLERA SHERRY (375 ml) - $13.95
RP = 94 ; Readers looking for something weighty, sweet, and provocative should check out the non-vintage East India Solera. A blend of soleras averaging 15 to 50 years of age, it boasts a dark amber color as well as a huge nose of melted toffee, caramel, figs, and prunes. This over-the-top yet surprisingly vibrant (because of good acidity) effort is best drunk as dessert at the end of a meal.
GPCi - I love good Sherry and Lustau is one of the better options in the market. Although this price is for a 375 ml, it's worthwhile. A great aperitif ! I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
