Monday, November 26, 2007
GPCi for Dec 8th 2007 release at the LCBO
GPCi top picks for under $25
2006 MITOLO JESTER CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $21.95
2005 KILIKANOON MEDLEY GSM - $24.95
GPCi top picks for under $40
2004 PENFOLDS BIN 389 CABERNET/SHIRAZ - $34.95
2004 GRAND VENEUR CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $38.95
GPCi top picks where money is no object ($50 and above)
2005 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES ORIGINES - $54.95
2005 LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $52.95
2005 D'ARENBERG "THE DEAD ARM" SHIRAZ- $55.95
2003 CHATEAU MONTELENA THE MONTELENA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $124.95
France (Rhone - South)
2005 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES ORIGINES - $54.95
RP= 91-94 : The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines has an opaque bluish/purple color to the rim and a super rich nose of blackberries, licorice, roasted herbs, creosote as well as graphite and spice. Full-bodied, powerful, rich, and layered but backward, moderately tannic, with good acidity, this wine will need 2-4 years of bottle age and drink well for 15 or more years. Maturity: 2007-2019
GPCi - we're finally strating to get wines from the outstanding 2005 vintage at the CdP region (better than 2004 and 2003). I'm not familiar with this domaine, but it seems to have all the right components that I look for in a CdP (full, rich and powerful).
2004 GRAND VENEUR CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $38.95
(Vign. Alain Jaume & Fils)
WS=92 : Shows lovely purity, with cassis, blackberry and tobacco aromas and flavors running along suave, ripe tannins. Driven finish shows great intensity of fruit, with alluring mineral and smoke notes. Best from 2007 through 2027.
GPCi - great review, great longivity, reasonable price for such a CdP. His "LES ORIGINES" relative costs 40% more. It would be an interesting experience to see the differences between these two... I'b buy 2-4 bottles.
2005 LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $52.95
WS=95 ; RP=90-93 : The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape has a more saturated dark ruby/purple color and an elegant nose of licorice, roasted meat, sweet blackberries and cherries, as well as cedar and spice. The wine is medium to full-bodied, has good acidity, and seems to convey a sense of both elegance and power with beautiful balance and purity. This wine will need 2-4 years of bottle age and should drink well for up to 15 or so years. One of the most traditionally run estates of Chateauneuf du Pape, and consistently producers of excellent wines, Lucien and Marie-Joseph Michel consistently make the best selections in the cellar, and only bottle one Chateauneuf du Pape, resisting the current fashion for producing cuvees of old vines.
GPCi - I had previous vintages from this domaine and Le Vieux Donjon would be definitely in my buying list. The challenge is to allocate the money between this wine and the GRAND VENEUR. I'd probably end up buying 2 bottles from each (I'm too weak, I know...)
Portugal
1990 KOPKE COLHEITA PORT - $36.95
vintages.com - "If you want to surprise your guests with a real after-dinner treat then pull out this 1990 vintage Colheita Port. The maturing has been done for you here. All you have to do is open and pour, awakening aromas and flavours of chestnut, pear and dried berries that have been lying patiently in wait."
GPCi - between this port and the 1988 Fonseca Guimarães, you get more value for your money here 9although I prefer small bottles for Port). I had the 1983 Kopke Colheita and it was a very-very pleasant experience. 1990 (as well as 1988) is not a declared vintage-port year, yet, the best best producers are sometimes capable to produce a vintage port like this one. I'd buy 1-2 bottles: one for this holiday season and one for the next one... I wish I could split these "big" bottles to 375 ml ones...
1988 Fonseca Guimarães Vintage Port (375 ml) - $37.60
http://www.garrafeiranacional.com/ : Very good colour. Quite closed and adolescent on the nose. Very good strenght. A lot of style. Ample and rich. Still tannic... This is really concentrated and vintage worthy. Lots of depth and strenght. Splendid fruit. A big, black beefy wine with great depth of character and flavour, dark, rich, round, deep and powerful.
vintages.com - Fonseca created this second label in the early 1950s in order to make vintage Ports in undeclared years. Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port is produced from the same three quintas (vineyards) which provide the backbone of Fonseca's declared vintage Ports. While Guimaraens Vintage Ports consistently show the classic Fonseca style, they differ in terms of when they are released. These second label wines are aged in the company's lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia and are only released for sale upon reaching maturity, saving you the trouble of cellaring.
GPCi - a bit expensive for half a bottle (although Fonseca is known for its Ports). I had the 1987 Fonseca Guimarães and it was extremely good, so I guess that if you're looking for something special for the holidays, ready to drink, that could be a good option. I personally prefer the smaller bottles of Port because there is a bigger chance to finish the bottle in an evening with 10 people.
Australia
2004 PENFOLDS BIN 389 CABERNET/SHIRAZ - $34.95
RP=91 ; WS = 90 ; Velvety in texture, with refined tannins surrounding a plush core of currant, huckleberry and peppery spice flavors that linger effortlessly on the finish. Best from 2008 through 2016.
JO = 95 ; A tightly focused, firm and sassy 389 of structure and sophistication. Deeply scented with alluring and lightly spicy aromas of crushed dark berries and cedary oak, this slightly meaty red blend reveals undertones of briar, white pepper, mint and a hint of game. Long and smooth, its intense and dark-fruited palate of cassis, mulberries, cherries and plums is underpinned by a chalky chassis of firm tannin. It slowly reveals nuances of dried herbs and underlying meatiness, while its generous complement of vanilla oak shows some classy integration. It’s a lot more contemporary than the traditional 389, but very impressive, all the same. drink 2016-2024+
GPCi - regardless if this wine can be cellared until 2016 or 2024 (who wants to wait so long anyways...), it's one of the better Cab-Shiraz blends out there. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2006 Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon - $21.95
RP = 92 ; The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Jester includes 20% dried grapes in the style of Amarone. Purple-colored, it has a fragrant bouquet of black fruits, tar, and violets. This leads to a smooth-textured, layered, dense wine with enough structure to evolve for 4-6 years. It has a long, pure finish and can be enjoyed over the next 15-20 years. It is a superb value in Cabernet Sauvignon.
GPCi - Another great offer from Mitolo. An excellent Cab Sauv for $22 that can be cellared for 15-20 years, no brainer - buy 3-12 bottles.
2005 d'Arenberg "The Dead Arm" Shiraz McLaren Vale South Australia - $55.95
RP = 93 : "D’Arenberg’s most famous wine is its flagship, The Dead Arm Shiraz. The 2005 The Dead Arm Shiraz is sourced from ancient head-pruned vines. It was aged for 22 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak. It is opaque purple/black with an expansive perfume of toast, smoke, spice box, mineral, pencil lead, tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied, opulent, and super-concentrated, this structured, lengthy wine will benefit from 3-5 years of cellaring and drink well through 2025."
ST = 93 : " Inky violet. Vibrant, perfumed nose melds blackberry, cassis, kirsch, licorice and dried flowers. On the palate, this shiraz shows an intriguing mix of sweet dark fruit flavors and firmer earth and mineral notes, with big but supple tannins contributing structure. The palate-staining finish features notes of bitter cherry, cured tobacco and high-octane chocolate. Nothing obvious here" (July/Aug 2007)
GPCi - one of d'Arenberg best Shiraz from the great 2005. It's not an easy decision, since for a similar amount of dollars you can buy great CdP. However, if you haven't tried the Dead Arm yet, buy 1.
2005 KILIKANOON MEDLEY GSM - $24.95
RP = 91 ; The 2005 GSM “Medley” is composed of 50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz, and 10% Mataro and was aged for 24 months in seasoned French and American hogsheads. It delivers an expressive aromatic array of cedar, pencil lead, forest floor, truffle, black cherry, and blueberry. This leads to a mouth-filling, spicy wine with gobs of red and black fruits and a hint of chocolate. There are some ripe tannins which will allow the wine to evolve for several years and drink well for a decade. Kilikanoon’s winemaker is the talented Kevin Mitchell. The Wine Advocate #173, Oct 2007.
GPCi - Kilikannon produces all kind of wines in different levels. This GSM is their relatively "entry level" from price perspective, but is as great as their more expensive wines. If you like GSM blends from a great vintage and a great producer, that's the one for you... I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2004 CORIOLE THE SOLOIST SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ - $26.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
WS=92 : Lithe, sleek and juicy with blackberry and mint flavors, a jazzy red with licorice and coffee notes adding interest to the lively fine-grained finish. Best from 2008 through 2019.
GPCi - Coriole is always a safe bet when it comes to Australian wines - never had less than a very good wine from this producer, and this one seems like no exception.
If you are looking for another good option to stock up your Shiraz, this one is for you. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2003 CHÂTEAU BERNADOTTE - $39.95
Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux
RP=90 : "A sleeper of the vintage, the 2003 possesses a dense plum/purple color, a rich, sumptuous perfume of roasted nuts, cedar, figs, plums, and black currants, medium to full body, silky tannin, low acidity, and a lush, hedonistic, sensual personality. It should drink well for a decade."
WS=90 : "Aromas of blackberries, licorice and toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very subtle. Best after 2008. –JS"
GPCi - a good Bordeaux from 2003 for $40 is a relatively good bargain (they usually cost at least C$55). CHÂTEAU BERNADOTTE is a typical left-bank Bordeaux. So if you're a 2003 Bordeaux fan, like I'm, buy 2-4 bottles.
California
2003 CHATEAU MONTELENA THE MONTELENA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $124.95
RP = 93 ; "The powerful, concentrated 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (14.3% alcohol) exhibits aromas of black currant jam, tar, smoke, and forest floor. This opulent, rich 2003, while less flamboyant than the extroverted 2002, is deep, chewy, pure, and well-delineated. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025+. At the end of my tastings, Bo Barrett opened a 1986 Montelena (rated 94), and it is still incredibly young, rich, vibrant, and full-bodied. It is a terrific expression of Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon made by a master. It appears to have another 20-25 years of aging potential."
GPCi - 2001 and 2002 got a similar exceptional review and rate from RP. For those who are "addicted" to the high end Cab from California and they have enough money to spend, that's the one for you. I'd buy 6 bottles of the 2006 Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon that amount. Or if you're a Shiraz fan and you want to treat yourself with a RP=93, go for "The Dead Arm" for 2 bottles for $56.
Italy (Tuscany)
2005 ORNELLAIA LE VOLTE - $25.95
IGT Toscana
RP = 90 (by Antonio Galloni): The 2005 Le Volte (50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) delivers considerable pleasure in its fresh, vinous aromatics, perfumed sweet dark fruit and irresistibly soft-textured personality. The Sangiovese for Le Volte is purchased from local producers as finished wine and then blended with estate-grown Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. ... Anticipated maturity: 2007-2011.
GPCi - So it's not the big Ornellaia, but it also costs significant less. To anyone who wants to try this little "Ornellia-light" (although it's not light bodied), it a very good opportunity from a very good vintage.
2006 MITOLO JESTER CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $21.95
2005 KILIKANOON MEDLEY GSM - $24.95
GPCi top picks for under $40
2004 PENFOLDS BIN 389 CABERNET/SHIRAZ - $34.95
2004 GRAND VENEUR CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $38.95
GPCi top picks where money is no object ($50 and above)
2005 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES ORIGINES - $54.95
2005 LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $52.95
2005 D'ARENBERG "THE DEAD ARM" SHIRAZ- $55.95
2003 CHATEAU MONTELENA THE MONTELENA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $124.95
France (Rhone - South)
2005 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES ORIGINES - $54.95
RP= 91-94 : The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines has an opaque bluish/purple color to the rim and a super rich nose of blackberries, licorice, roasted herbs, creosote as well as graphite and spice. Full-bodied, powerful, rich, and layered but backward, moderately tannic, with good acidity, this wine will need 2-4 years of bottle age and drink well for 15 or more years. Maturity: 2007-2019
GPCi - we're finally strating to get wines from the outstanding 2005 vintage at the CdP region (better than 2004 and 2003). I'm not familiar with this domaine, but it seems to have all the right components that I look for in a CdP (full, rich and powerful).
2004 GRAND VENEUR CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $38.95
(Vign. Alain Jaume & Fils)
WS=92 : Shows lovely purity, with cassis, blackberry and tobacco aromas and flavors running along suave, ripe tannins. Driven finish shows great intensity of fruit, with alluring mineral and smoke notes. Best from 2007 through 2027.
GPCi - great review, great longivity, reasonable price for such a CdP. His "LES ORIGINES" relative costs 40% more. It would be an interesting experience to see the differences between these two... I'b buy 2-4 bottles.
2005 LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $52.95
WS=95 ; RP=90-93 : The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape has a more saturated dark ruby/purple color and an elegant nose of licorice, roasted meat, sweet blackberries and cherries, as well as cedar and spice. The wine is medium to full-bodied, has good acidity, and seems to convey a sense of both elegance and power with beautiful balance and purity. This wine will need 2-4 years of bottle age and should drink well for up to 15 or so years. One of the most traditionally run estates of Chateauneuf du Pape, and consistently producers of excellent wines, Lucien and Marie-Joseph Michel consistently make the best selections in the cellar, and only bottle one Chateauneuf du Pape, resisting the current fashion for producing cuvees of old vines.
GPCi - I had previous vintages from this domaine and Le Vieux Donjon would be definitely in my buying list. The challenge is to allocate the money between this wine and the GRAND VENEUR. I'd probably end up buying 2 bottles from each (I'm too weak, I know...)
Portugal
1990 KOPKE COLHEITA PORT - $36.95
vintages.com - "If you want to surprise your guests with a real after-dinner treat then pull out this 1990 vintage Colheita Port. The maturing has been done for you here. All you have to do is open and pour, awakening aromas and flavours of chestnut, pear and dried berries that have been lying patiently in wait."
GPCi - between this port and the 1988 Fonseca Guimarães, you get more value for your money here 9although I prefer small bottles for Port). I had the 1983 Kopke Colheita and it was a very-very pleasant experience. 1990 (as well as 1988) is not a declared vintage-port year, yet, the best best producers are sometimes capable to produce a vintage port like this one. I'd buy 1-2 bottles: one for this holiday season and one for the next one... I wish I could split these "big" bottles to 375 ml ones...
1988 Fonseca Guimarães Vintage Port (375 ml) - $37.60
http://www.garrafeiranacional.com/ : Very good colour. Quite closed and adolescent on the nose. Very good strenght. A lot of style. Ample and rich. Still tannic... This is really concentrated and vintage worthy. Lots of depth and strenght. Splendid fruit. A big, black beefy wine with great depth of character and flavour, dark, rich, round, deep and powerful.
vintages.com - Fonseca created this second label in the early 1950s in order to make vintage Ports in undeclared years. Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port is produced from the same three quintas (vineyards) which provide the backbone of Fonseca's declared vintage Ports. While Guimaraens Vintage Ports consistently show the classic Fonseca style, they differ in terms of when they are released. These second label wines are aged in the company's lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia and are only released for sale upon reaching maturity, saving you the trouble of cellaring.
GPCi - a bit expensive for half a bottle (although Fonseca is known for its Ports). I had the 1987 Fonseca Guimarães and it was extremely good, so I guess that if you're looking for something special for the holidays, ready to drink, that could be a good option. I personally prefer the smaller bottles of Port because there is a bigger chance to finish the bottle in an evening with 10 people.
Australia
2004 PENFOLDS BIN 389 CABERNET/SHIRAZ - $34.95
RP=91 ; WS = 90 ; Velvety in texture, with refined tannins surrounding a plush core of currant, huckleberry and peppery spice flavors that linger effortlessly on the finish. Best from 2008 through 2016.
JO = 95 ; A tightly focused, firm and sassy 389 of structure and sophistication. Deeply scented with alluring and lightly spicy aromas of crushed dark berries and cedary oak, this slightly meaty red blend reveals undertones of briar, white pepper, mint and a hint of game. Long and smooth, its intense and dark-fruited palate of cassis, mulberries, cherries and plums is underpinned by a chalky chassis of firm tannin. It slowly reveals nuances of dried herbs and underlying meatiness, while its generous complement of vanilla oak shows some classy integration. It’s a lot more contemporary than the traditional 389, but very impressive, all the same. drink 2016-2024+
GPCi - regardless if this wine can be cellared until 2016 or 2024 (who wants to wait so long anyways...), it's one of the better Cab-Shiraz blends out there. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2006 Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon - $21.95
RP = 92 ; The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Jester includes 20% dried grapes in the style of Amarone. Purple-colored, it has a fragrant bouquet of black fruits, tar, and violets. This leads to a smooth-textured, layered, dense wine with enough structure to evolve for 4-6 years. It has a long, pure finish and can be enjoyed over the next 15-20 years. It is a superb value in Cabernet Sauvignon.
GPCi - Another great offer from Mitolo. An excellent Cab Sauv for $22 that can be cellared for 15-20 years, no brainer - buy 3-12 bottles.
2005 d'Arenberg "The Dead Arm" Shiraz McLaren Vale South Australia - $55.95
RP = 93 : "D’Arenberg’s most famous wine is its flagship, The Dead Arm Shiraz. The 2005 The Dead Arm Shiraz is sourced from ancient head-pruned vines. It was aged for 22 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak. It is opaque purple/black with an expansive perfume of toast, smoke, spice box, mineral, pencil lead, tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied, opulent, and super-concentrated, this structured, lengthy wine will benefit from 3-5 years of cellaring and drink well through 2025."
ST = 93 : " Inky violet. Vibrant, perfumed nose melds blackberry, cassis, kirsch, licorice and dried flowers. On the palate, this shiraz shows an intriguing mix of sweet dark fruit flavors and firmer earth and mineral notes, with big but supple tannins contributing structure. The palate-staining finish features notes of bitter cherry, cured tobacco and high-octane chocolate. Nothing obvious here" (July/Aug 2007)
GPCi - one of d'Arenberg best Shiraz from the great 2005. It's not an easy decision, since for a similar amount of dollars you can buy great CdP. However, if you haven't tried the Dead Arm yet, buy 1.
2005 KILIKANOON MEDLEY GSM - $24.95
RP = 91 ; The 2005 GSM “Medley” is composed of 50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz, and 10% Mataro and was aged for 24 months in seasoned French and American hogsheads. It delivers an expressive aromatic array of cedar, pencil lead, forest floor, truffle, black cherry, and blueberry. This leads to a mouth-filling, spicy wine with gobs of red and black fruits and a hint of chocolate. There are some ripe tannins which will allow the wine to evolve for several years and drink well for a decade. Kilikanoon’s winemaker is the talented Kevin Mitchell. The Wine Advocate #173, Oct 2007.
GPCi - Kilikannon produces all kind of wines in different levels. This GSM is their relatively "entry level" from price perspective, but is as great as their more expensive wines. If you like GSM blends from a great vintage and a great producer, that's the one for you... I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2004 CORIOLE THE SOLOIST SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ - $26.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
WS=92 : Lithe, sleek and juicy with blackberry and mint flavors, a jazzy red with licorice and coffee notes adding interest to the lively fine-grained finish. Best from 2008 through 2019.
GPCi - Coriole is always a safe bet when it comes to Australian wines - never had less than a very good wine from this producer, and this one seems like no exception.
If you are looking for another good option to stock up your Shiraz, this one is for you. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2003 CHÂTEAU BERNADOTTE - $39.95
Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux
RP=90 : "A sleeper of the vintage, the 2003 possesses a dense plum/purple color, a rich, sumptuous perfume of roasted nuts, cedar, figs, plums, and black currants, medium to full body, silky tannin, low acidity, and a lush, hedonistic, sensual personality. It should drink well for a decade."
WS=90 : "Aromas of blackberries, licorice and toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very subtle. Best after 2008. –JS"
GPCi - a good Bordeaux from 2003 for $40 is a relatively good bargain (they usually cost at least C$55). CHÂTEAU BERNADOTTE is a typical left-bank Bordeaux. So if you're a 2003 Bordeaux fan, like I'm, buy 2-4 bottles.
California
2003 CHATEAU MONTELENA THE MONTELENA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $124.95
RP = 93 ; "The powerful, concentrated 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (14.3% alcohol) exhibits aromas of black currant jam, tar, smoke, and forest floor. This opulent, rich 2003, while less flamboyant than the extroverted 2002, is deep, chewy, pure, and well-delineated. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025+. At the end of my tastings, Bo Barrett opened a 1986 Montelena (rated 94), and it is still incredibly young, rich, vibrant, and full-bodied. It is a terrific expression of Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon made by a master. It appears to have another 20-25 years of aging potential."
GPCi - 2001 and 2002 got a similar exceptional review and rate from RP. For those who are "addicted" to the high end Cab from California and they have enough money to spend, that's the one for you. I'd buy 6 bottles of the 2006 Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon that amount. Or if you're a Shiraz fan and you want to treat yourself with a RP=93, go for "The Dead Arm" for 2 bottles for $56.
Italy (Tuscany)
2005 ORNELLAIA LE VOLTE - $25.95
IGT Toscana
RP = 90 (by Antonio Galloni): The 2005 Le Volte (50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) delivers considerable pleasure in its fresh, vinous aromatics, perfumed sweet dark fruit and irresistibly soft-textured personality. The Sangiovese for Le Volte is purchased from local producers as finished wine and then blended with estate-grown Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. ... Anticipated maturity: 2007-2011.
GPCi - So it's not the big Ornellaia, but it also costs significant less. To anyone who wants to try this little "Ornellia-light" (although it's not light bodied), it a very good opportunity from a very good vintage.
