Wednesday, December 19, 2007
GPCi for Jan 5th 2008 release at the LCBO
GPCi top picks for under $15
2005 FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC (Valentin Bianchi) - $13.95
2006 INGOLDBY CHARDONNAY - $14.85
GPCi top picks for under $20
2005 CHÂTEAU MORIN - $18.95
1998 TAJA GRAN RESERVA - $19.80
2005 FAITH SHIRAZ (St. Hallett) - $19.95
GPCi top picks for under $26
2006 SAUVIGNON BLANC (Dog Point Vineyard) - $21.95
2002 BIN 56 CABERNET SAUVIGNON (Leasingham) - $25.95
2005 TEUSNER THE RIEBKE EBENEZER ROAD SHIRAZ - $25.95
New Zealand
2006 SAUVIGNON BLANC (Dog Point Vineyard) - $21.95
WS=91 ; Concentrated, with a ripe wash of guava, grapefruit, lime and gooseberry flavors. Mineral accents and fleshy sweet-and-sour nectarine notes carry through the lingering finish. Drink now.
GPCi - I had the previous two vintages and it's an outstanding Sauv Blanc. Buy at least 3 bottles and put them in the fridge for 30 min before serving... mmm... good!
Germany
2006 DR. LOOSEN DR. L RIESLING (Loosen Brothers) - $14.95
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
http://morrellwine.com/ : A great introduction to the delightful 2006 Rieslings of the Mosel. 2006 has proved to be an exceptional vintage in German white wines. The Dr, "L" 2006 is bursting with peach and apple flavors. Lively, refreshing, and utterly delicious.
GPCi - Dr. Loosen is known for his Rieslings. It's not his high-end series, but for $15, it's a good deal.
Argentina
2005 LOS CARDOS MALBEC (Dona Paula) - $12.95
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
Anthony Gismondi = 89 ; Viña Doña Paula is an emerging young Argentine winery that specializes in Malbec. The Los Cardos has been turning heads, providing terrific quality and value.
TASTING NOTE: Spicy, meaty, plum pudding, coffee, licorice, savoury aromas. Ripe, rich, soft and round with full flavour intensity but not heavy. Peppery, licorice, black cherry, plum, savoury, vanilla flavours. A bit acidic at the end but has good fruit and suppleness. (http://www.gismondionwine.com/, Dec. 14, 2006)
GPCi - Rich and full of flavors Malbec for $13. say no more, just buy...
2005 FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC (Valentin Bianchi) - $13.95
San Rafael, Mendoza
WS=89 : Has a nice creamy texture, with alluring raspberry, fig, mocha and spice flavors that pump through the rich, velvety finish. Drink now through 2008. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2007)
GPCi - If you've been following my blog, I'm sure many of you have tried the "Familgia Bianchi Malbec" before... Again, another great Malbec for the right price. buy at least 2-3 bottles for day to day or for the juicy NY steak this weekend.
Chile
2005 VERAMONTE RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $13.95
Colchagua Valley
WS=87 : "Nice fleshy mix of black currant, licorice, bramble and sweet toast. Juicy, inviting finish. Drink now."
Veramonte's founder Agustin Huneeus's career in the wine industry spans nearly fifty years. He spent a number of years at the helm of a Franciscan winery in California's Napa Valley before returning to his native Chile in 1990. Using his experiences in California, he helped shape Chile's own quality revolution with Veramonte. This smooth and silky Cab has loads of concentrated cassis flavour, spice and cedar notes. A great value.
GPCi - If you like the concentrated-spiced type of cab - that's a very good day-to-day cab sauv from Chile.
Australia
2006 INGOLDBY CHARDONNAY - $14.85
McLaren Vale, South Australia
James Holiday = 92 : Demonstrates the subtlety of touch and sophistication the wine has shown in recent vintages; nectarine and stone fruit supported by quality French oak. Drink to 2012.
GPCi - when was the last time we could by a Chardonnay with such a review for $15 that can be cellared for 4 more years??? I'd buy 3-12 bottles
2005 TEUSNER THE RIEBKE EBENEZER ROAD SHIRAZ - $25.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
Kym Teusner is the talented winemaker for Rolf Binder Wines but he also finds time for his own venture which has been receiving rave reviews. This Shiraz is sourced from the famous Ebenezer district of the Barossa Valley.
RP = 91 : The 2005 Shiraz Riebke is a brilliant effort from young, 10-year old vines. It exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of creme de cassis, melted tar, graphite, and spice. Aged in old American oak for 12 months, it is a pure, nicely textured, full-bodied Shiraz with sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide freshness and uplift. It should drink well for a decade (until 2017).
GPCi - another good example for the great 2005 vintage with a very good GPCi. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 FAITH SHIRAZ (St. Hallett) - $19.95
WS=90 ; St Hallett Faith is vibrant and expressive and above all quintessential Barossa. An accessible, benchmark Barossa Shiraz. Faith's vibrant yet dense purple hue hints at the generosity of fruit within. The wine derives exuberant raspberry, cherry and spice flavours from vineyards in the southern part of the Barossa Valley and pepper from its Eden Valley component. The wine is matured for 12-15 months in American and French oak, the former matching the juicy fruit succulence of the Barossa Valley fruit and the latter suiting the peppery Eden Valley fruit.
WS (Oct. 15, 2007) -This is a beautifully contained wine that's neither too broad nor too tight, expressive of cherry, violet and sweet spices, playing against refined tannins on the long finish. Best from 2008 through 2013. (Harvey Steiman)
GPCi - I had Faith from 2002 (hopefully even before that... :) ). Very consistent Shiraz from St. Hallett. Always delivers. It's usually not as powerful as other Shiraz, but it's complex and elegant. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2006 THE STUMP JUMP GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE (D'Arenberg) - $13.95
Here's an excellent quaffer from d'Arenberg. What sets it apart from most Aussie wines at this price is that it is not content to be a simple affair. This wine is consistently rich, savoury and brimming with plum, blackberry, and spice flavours. The 2006 blend is comprised of 48% Grenache, 28% Shiraz and 24% Mourvèdre. Match this rich and smooth Rhône-style blend with duck or game.
GPCi - This is d'Arenberg's entry-level GSM. Again, if you look for a day-to-day wine, that is a safe bet for a more than reasonable price.
2004 THE LOVE GRASS SHIRAZ (D'Arenberg) - $23.95
About Love GrassA wild grass, the Lovegrass often grows in the vineyards. During vintage, the sticky, Velcro-like, long-stemmed flowers of the Lovegrass affectionately attach themselves to the vineyard workers' socks. They even manage to get caught in Coco , the winery dog's coat and have yet to be brushed out. This shiraz will linger with you much the same way as the sticky flowers do and, as such, the family thought it fitting to name this wine.
WS=89 ; Firm and frankly gamy, but plenty of blackberry and plum fruit comes through, emerging and persisting on the finish. A rugged wine that needs cellaring to bring some polish to it. Best after 2008.
GPCi - As much as I love d'Arenberg's wines, I would prefer other Shiraz from this release. I'm sure Faith will better deliver for the buck.
2002 BIN 56 CABERNET SAUVIGNON (Leasingham) - $25.95
James Holiday = 94 ; Medium-bodied; much more refined than the Magnus, but certainly no more depth of flavour; has a fine mix of red and black fruits, and good oak handling. Top vintage. Drink [until] 2022.
GPCi - That's probably one of my release's favorites. Great producer. Great review. fair price with an excellent GPCi.
Spain
1998 TAJA GRAN RESERVA - $19.80
DO Jumilla
Taja is owned by the well-known Bordeaux négociant Mähler-Besse. Their wines mesh traditional Spanish and French winemaking traditions. This Gran Reserva blends 30% Monastrell (Mourvèdre), 20% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot and at ten years old it's in the prime of its life.
TASTING NOTE: ... The intense climate of the Jumilla region results in wines that are intensely ripe and fruity. Gran Reserva indicates that this is a wine of very good quality, which is aged for at least two years in oak cask followed by a minimum of three years in bottle. It is very smooth, with dark fruits, a jammy taste and it has a decently long finish ...
GPCi - Jumilla DO was created in 1996. Its current regulations were approved in November 1995, replacing those of May 1975, and were amended in April 2001.
It's located south part of Spain - about 120 miles south-west to Valencia. you won't find too many wines that cost $20 and are 10 years old with a Gran Reserva quality. If you want to try some old and smooth flavours (leather, cedar etc.), that's a great opportunity. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 ABADIA CRIANZA (Raimat) - $14.95
Raimat started this winery by purchasing a broken down castle in a desert region in Northern Spain. They transformed the inhospitable landscape over time into viable vineyards. Raimat has embraced the latest technology to create this complex and age-worthy wine. Look for notes of smoky oak and ripe fruit dusted with tobacco and pepper spice in this rich, powerful and tasty red.
GPCi - the young (Crianza) version of Abadia. A well known Spanish wine. I had their Reserva before and they are good and powerful wines. 2004 is a phenomenal year and for $15 the chances you'll be disappointed are very small to none.
France Rhone-South
2004 DOMAINE COURBIS SAINT-JOSEPH - $24.95
WE = 90 : Especially floral – something this reviewer is a sucker for – with hints of rose petals gracing ground pepper and blackberries. Tastes almost floral as well, as it seems to float ephemerally on the palate yet shows some creamy weight at the same time. Drink now-2012.
http://www.everywine.co.uk/ : Wines from the northern part of St Joseph are more structured and riper than those from the sandier soils of the south. The vineyards are planted on some of the steepest slopes in the area producing powerful wines with a world wide reputation.Domaine Courbis is estimated to be one of the best producers in the area and this is a lovely example of a full-flavoured St Joseph, spicy with smoky overtones.
GPCi - This is a Syrah based wine. Although wines St. Joseph are really enjoyable, and the 2004 was a very good vintage in that region, in this release, I feel there are other-better alternatives from price and variety point of view.
France Bordeaux (White)
2004 CHÂTEAU DE MALLE SAINTE HELENE (375 ml) - $19.80
The Sainte-Helene is the second wine of the great Sauternes house, Château de Malle. This wine is made by the same team that produces their first wine and uses the same, as they say, draconian grape selection methods. The only difference is that the grapes are sourced from a new vineyard nearby or young vines from the principle property. The aromas are classic honeysuckle, marmalade and orange peel. The palate is sweet, full-bodied with creamy fruit notes surrounded by cinnamon and honey.
GPCi - This is De Malle "light" at least from price... This seconed wine can be a great subtitude to the first wine, for a more affortable price. Still not cheap for half a bottle...
France Bordeaux (Red)
2005 CHÂTEAU MORIN - $18.95
AC St-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois
The impressive Château Morin 2005 was a Silver-Medal winner at the Concours de Bordeaux in 2007. This delicious Bordeaux exhibits lovely fruity aromas, a creamy mouthfeel with cassis and cedar on the palate and a mineral note typical of the St-Estèphe appellation. It is rare to find a Bordeaux from the blockbuster 2005 vintage for under $20 and rarer still to find one from St-Estèphe, home to many classed growths. A spectacular value.
GPCi - Wines from St. Estephe are one of my Bordeaux favorites. 2005 was an outstanding-classic vintage. less than $20 per bottle - no brainer... Jim M, you have to buy a few and only for the name (I know this is not how you spell you wife's name in English, but still...)
2005 FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC (Valentin Bianchi) - $13.95
2006 INGOLDBY CHARDONNAY - $14.85
GPCi top picks for under $20
2005 CHÂTEAU MORIN - $18.95
1998 TAJA GRAN RESERVA - $19.80
2005 FAITH SHIRAZ (St. Hallett) - $19.95
GPCi top picks for under $26
2006 SAUVIGNON BLANC (Dog Point Vineyard) - $21.95
2002 BIN 56 CABERNET SAUVIGNON (Leasingham) - $25.95
2005 TEUSNER THE RIEBKE EBENEZER ROAD SHIRAZ - $25.95
New Zealand
2006 SAUVIGNON BLANC (Dog Point Vineyard) - $21.95
WS=91 ; Concentrated, with a ripe wash of guava, grapefruit, lime and gooseberry flavors. Mineral accents and fleshy sweet-and-sour nectarine notes carry through the lingering finish. Drink now.
GPCi - I had the previous two vintages and it's an outstanding Sauv Blanc. Buy at least 3 bottles and put them in the fridge for 30 min before serving... mmm... good!
Germany
2006 DR. LOOSEN DR. L RIESLING (Loosen Brothers) - $14.95
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
http://morrellwine.com/ : A great introduction to the delightful 2006 Rieslings of the Mosel. 2006 has proved to be an exceptional vintage in German white wines. The Dr, "L" 2006 is bursting with peach and apple flavors. Lively, refreshing, and utterly delicious.
GPCi - Dr. Loosen is known for his Rieslings. It's not his high-end series, but for $15, it's a good deal.
Argentina
2005 LOS CARDOS MALBEC (Dona Paula) - $12.95
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
Anthony Gismondi = 89 ; Viña Doña Paula is an emerging young Argentine winery that specializes in Malbec. The Los Cardos has been turning heads, providing terrific quality and value.
TASTING NOTE: Spicy, meaty, plum pudding, coffee, licorice, savoury aromas. Ripe, rich, soft and round with full flavour intensity but not heavy. Peppery, licorice, black cherry, plum, savoury, vanilla flavours. A bit acidic at the end but has good fruit and suppleness. (http://www.gismondionwine.com/, Dec. 14, 2006)
GPCi - Rich and full of flavors Malbec for $13. say no more, just buy...
2005 FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC (Valentin Bianchi) - $13.95
San Rafael, Mendoza
WS=89 : Has a nice creamy texture, with alluring raspberry, fig, mocha and spice flavors that pump through the rich, velvety finish. Drink now through 2008. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2007)
GPCi - If you've been following my blog, I'm sure many of you have tried the "Familgia Bianchi Malbec" before... Again, another great Malbec for the right price. buy at least 2-3 bottles for day to day or for the juicy NY steak this weekend.
Chile
2005 VERAMONTE RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $13.95
Colchagua Valley
WS=87 : "Nice fleshy mix of black currant, licorice, bramble and sweet toast. Juicy, inviting finish. Drink now."
Veramonte's founder Agustin Huneeus's career in the wine industry spans nearly fifty years. He spent a number of years at the helm of a Franciscan winery in California's Napa Valley before returning to his native Chile in 1990. Using his experiences in California, he helped shape Chile's own quality revolution with Veramonte. This smooth and silky Cab has loads of concentrated cassis flavour, spice and cedar notes. A great value.
GPCi - If you like the concentrated-spiced type of cab - that's a very good day-to-day cab sauv from Chile.
Australia
2006 INGOLDBY CHARDONNAY - $14.85
McLaren Vale, South Australia
James Holiday = 92 : Demonstrates the subtlety of touch and sophistication the wine has shown in recent vintages; nectarine and stone fruit supported by quality French oak. Drink to 2012.
GPCi - when was the last time we could by a Chardonnay with such a review for $15 that can be cellared for 4 more years??? I'd buy 3-12 bottles
2005 TEUSNER THE RIEBKE EBENEZER ROAD SHIRAZ - $25.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
Kym Teusner is the talented winemaker for Rolf Binder Wines but he also finds time for his own venture which has been receiving rave reviews. This Shiraz is sourced from the famous Ebenezer district of the Barossa Valley.
RP = 91 : The 2005 Shiraz Riebke is a brilliant effort from young, 10-year old vines. It exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of creme de cassis, melted tar, graphite, and spice. Aged in old American oak for 12 months, it is a pure, nicely textured, full-bodied Shiraz with sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide freshness and uplift. It should drink well for a decade (until 2017).
GPCi - another good example for the great 2005 vintage with a very good GPCi. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 FAITH SHIRAZ (St. Hallett) - $19.95
WS=90 ; St Hallett Faith is vibrant and expressive and above all quintessential Barossa. An accessible, benchmark Barossa Shiraz. Faith's vibrant yet dense purple hue hints at the generosity of fruit within. The wine derives exuberant raspberry, cherry and spice flavours from vineyards in the southern part of the Barossa Valley and pepper from its Eden Valley component. The wine is matured for 12-15 months in American and French oak, the former matching the juicy fruit succulence of the Barossa Valley fruit and the latter suiting the peppery Eden Valley fruit.
WS (Oct. 15, 2007) -This is a beautifully contained wine that's neither too broad nor too tight, expressive of cherry, violet and sweet spices, playing against refined tannins on the long finish. Best from 2008 through 2013. (Harvey Steiman)
GPCi - I had Faith from 2002 (hopefully even before that... :) ). Very consistent Shiraz from St. Hallett. Always delivers. It's usually not as powerful as other Shiraz, but it's complex and elegant. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2006 THE STUMP JUMP GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE (D'Arenberg) - $13.95
Here's an excellent quaffer from d'Arenberg. What sets it apart from most Aussie wines at this price is that it is not content to be a simple affair. This wine is consistently rich, savoury and brimming with plum, blackberry, and spice flavours. The 2006 blend is comprised of 48% Grenache, 28% Shiraz and 24% Mourvèdre. Match this rich and smooth Rhône-style blend with duck or game.
GPCi - This is d'Arenberg's entry-level GSM. Again, if you look for a day-to-day wine, that is a safe bet for a more than reasonable price.
2004 THE LOVE GRASS SHIRAZ (D'Arenberg) - $23.95
About Love GrassA wild grass, the Lovegrass often grows in the vineyards. During vintage, the sticky, Velcro-like, long-stemmed flowers of the Lovegrass affectionately attach themselves to the vineyard workers' socks. They even manage to get caught in Coco , the winery dog's coat and have yet to be brushed out. This shiraz will linger with you much the same way as the sticky flowers do and, as such, the family thought it fitting to name this wine.
WS=89 ; Firm and frankly gamy, but plenty of blackberry and plum fruit comes through, emerging and persisting on the finish. A rugged wine that needs cellaring to bring some polish to it. Best after 2008.
GPCi - As much as I love d'Arenberg's wines, I would prefer other Shiraz from this release. I'm sure Faith will better deliver for the buck.
2002 BIN 56 CABERNET SAUVIGNON (Leasingham) - $25.95
James Holiday = 94 ; Medium-bodied; much more refined than the Magnus, but certainly no more depth of flavour; has a fine mix of red and black fruits, and good oak handling. Top vintage. Drink [until] 2022.
GPCi - That's probably one of my release's favorites. Great producer. Great review. fair price with an excellent GPCi.
Spain
1998 TAJA GRAN RESERVA - $19.80
DO Jumilla
Taja is owned by the well-known Bordeaux négociant Mähler-Besse. Their wines mesh traditional Spanish and French winemaking traditions. This Gran Reserva blends 30% Monastrell (Mourvèdre), 20% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot and at ten years old it's in the prime of its life.
TASTING NOTE: ... The intense climate of the Jumilla region results in wines that are intensely ripe and fruity. Gran Reserva indicates that this is a wine of very good quality, which is aged for at least two years in oak cask followed by a minimum of three years in bottle. It is very smooth, with dark fruits, a jammy taste and it has a decently long finish ...
GPCi - Jumilla DO was created in 1996. Its current regulations were approved in November 1995, replacing those of May 1975, and were amended in April 2001.
It's located south part of Spain - about 120 miles south-west to Valencia. you won't find too many wines that cost $20 and are 10 years old with a Gran Reserva quality. If you want to try some old and smooth flavours (leather, cedar etc.), that's a great opportunity. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 ABADIA CRIANZA (Raimat) - $14.95
Raimat started this winery by purchasing a broken down castle in a desert region in Northern Spain. They transformed the inhospitable landscape over time into viable vineyards. Raimat has embraced the latest technology to create this complex and age-worthy wine. Look for notes of smoky oak and ripe fruit dusted with tobacco and pepper spice in this rich, powerful and tasty red.
GPCi - the young (Crianza) version of Abadia. A well known Spanish wine. I had their Reserva before and they are good and powerful wines. 2004 is a phenomenal year and for $15 the chances you'll be disappointed are very small to none.
France Rhone-South
2004 DOMAINE COURBIS SAINT-JOSEPH - $24.95
WE = 90 : Especially floral – something this reviewer is a sucker for – with hints of rose petals gracing ground pepper and blackberries. Tastes almost floral as well, as it seems to float ephemerally on the palate yet shows some creamy weight at the same time. Drink now-2012.
http://www.everywine.co.uk/ : Wines from the northern part of St Joseph are more structured and riper than those from the sandier soils of the south. The vineyards are planted on some of the steepest slopes in the area producing powerful wines with a world wide reputation.Domaine Courbis is estimated to be one of the best producers in the area and this is a lovely example of a full-flavoured St Joseph, spicy with smoky overtones.
GPCi - This is a Syrah based wine. Although wines St. Joseph are really enjoyable, and the 2004 was a very good vintage in that region, in this release, I feel there are other-better alternatives from price and variety point of view.
France Bordeaux (White)
2004 CHÂTEAU DE MALLE SAINTE HELENE (375 ml) - $19.80
The Sainte-Helene is the second wine of the great Sauternes house, Château de Malle. This wine is made by the same team that produces their first wine and uses the same, as they say, draconian grape selection methods. The only difference is that the grapes are sourced from a new vineyard nearby or young vines from the principle property. The aromas are classic honeysuckle, marmalade and orange peel. The palate is sweet, full-bodied with creamy fruit notes surrounded by cinnamon and honey.
GPCi - This is De Malle "light" at least from price... This seconed wine can be a great subtitude to the first wine, for a more affortable price. Still not cheap for half a bottle...
France Bordeaux (Red)
2005 CHÂTEAU MORIN - $18.95
AC St-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois
The impressive Château Morin 2005 was a Silver-Medal winner at the Concours de Bordeaux in 2007. This delicious Bordeaux exhibits lovely fruity aromas, a creamy mouthfeel with cassis and cedar on the palate and a mineral note typical of the St-Estèphe appellation. It is rare to find a Bordeaux from the blockbuster 2005 vintage for under $20 and rarer still to find one from St-Estèphe, home to many classed growths. A spectacular value.
GPCi - Wines from St. Estephe are one of my Bordeaux favorites. 2005 was an outstanding-classic vintage. less than $20 per bottle - no brainer... Jim M, you have to buy a few and only for the name (I know this is not how you spell you wife's name in English, but still...)
