Wednesday, January 23, 2008
GPCi for Feb 2nd 2008 release at the LCBO
GPCi top picks for up to $20
2003 CYAN 12 MESES - $16.75
2005 PILLAR BOX RED - $17.40
2006 STELLA BELLA SEMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC - $18.95
GPCi top picks for up to $30
2004 MAXWELL FOUR ROADS SHIRAZ - $21.90
2004 CHÂTEAU PIPEAU - $29.95
GPCi top picks for up to $70
1998 CHÂTEAU LE CAILLOU, POMEROL - $48.75
2004 CHÂTEAU LEOVILLE-POYFERRE - $69.00
Australia
2006 STELLA BELLA SEMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC - $18.95
Margaret River – Western Australia
Silver Decanter World Wine Awards.
James Halliday = 95 ; "This is a classic wine, elegant and restrained, with perfect balance and structure to the mix of herbs, grass and small green fruits. “
Stella Bella is fashioned to Margaret River classic dry white proportions, 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc, the signature regional cuvee, more on the steely Semillon side of things, displaying the bold varietal best of both fruit, in full-on benchmark styling. Juicy lemon-essence flavours, length, zest and an admirable fragrant lift were picked up by the Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE’s panel of experts.
GPCi - I love Semillon-Sauv. Blanc blends. The Margaret River are known for their Semillon. With such review and attractive price, I'd say buy 3-12 bottles.
2005 STELLA BELLA SHIRAZ - $21.85
James Halliday = 94 : Deep purple-red; a medium bodied, complex array of red and black fruits, licorace and spice, the oak and tannins suitably restrained
GPCi - I may sound unprofessional... but I don't know... for me, Shiraz and medium body is almost an oxymoron... :)
so I guess it's a matter of taste and expectations. There are less expensive Shiraz out there that delivers the full-body-black-fruit combination that I expect from this variety.
2005 PILLAR BOX RED - $17.40
Padthaway, South Australia
(Henry's Drive Vignerons)
RP = 91: There are 70,000 cases of the 2005 Red, a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from young vines. However, this is no wimpy wine at 15% alcohol. An unbelievable value, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as an uplifted, projected nose of sweet red and black fruits, earth, and spice box. Supple-textured with a voluptuous mouthfeel and unbelievable richness, this wine clearly over-delivers. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.
GPCi - seems like a powerful "with-the-right-ingridients" Shiraz blend. For all of you that are looking for a good day-to-day Shiraz for a great value, that's one for you. buy 2-12 bottles.
2004 HENSCHKE HENRY'S SEVEN - $40.90
RP=90 : "The 2004 Shiraz/Grenache Henry’s Seven, a combination of 60% Shiraz, 30% Grenache, and equal parts Mourvedre and Viognier, reveals a sweeter, more uplifted nose of flowers, blueberries, black currants, and dusty cherries. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, layered, supple-textured, round, and rich, it should drink well for 5-6 years." Wine Advocate #167 Oct 2006
GPCi - Henschke is one of the more respectful wine producers in Australia. Their wine is never cheap. This blend doesn't seem to justify the $40 price, especially when you have so many high appreciated alternatives. Sorry, but I'll skip this one...
2004 MAXWELL FOUR ROADS SHIRAZ - $21.90
McLaren Vale, South Australia
RP = 91 : An excellent bargain, the 2004 Four Roads (a blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier aged in 300 liter American hogsheads) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with notes of graphite, charcoal, blackberries, cherries, licorice, and smoke. Lush, soft, opulent, impressively textured, and mouthfilling, it should be drunk over the next 3-4 years. (www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)
GPCi - a French-North-Rhone blend, for a fraction of the price compare to the French wine. sounds like a good competition to the PILLAR BOX RED. Maybe a mix case of both is the right approach.
2004 MITCHELL PEPPERTREE VINEYARD SHIRAZ - $22.80
Clare Valley, South Australia
JH = 92 : Light to mediumbodied; soft, cushiony texture to the plum, blackberry and earth fruit; fine, tannins, good oak handling. Drink: [until] 2015. (winecompanion.com.au, March 2006)
GPCi - my past experience with Mitchell wasn't so good. I tried the 2002 and 2003 (it seemed I needed to be disappointed twice...). It's probably the "light-medium body" thing that I cannot find myself enjoying with Shiraz. Sorry, but this is a skip for me.
2006 HEWITSON NED & HENRY'S SHIRAZ - $22.85
James Halliday = 95 ; Top 100. Dean Hewitson has made very post a winner since leaving Petaluma in 1996, ferreting out patches of old vines, then making the wines with flair. This entry-point, medium-bodied wine has fresh plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit flavours, polished tannins and subtle oak; impressive length and balance.
GPCi - I had this Hewitson Shiraz from the 2000, 2001 and 2002 vintages. The previous vintages' efforts were superb. It may be that the 2006 vintage lack the body (more to the full side...) that previous vintages carried, but I would definitely recommend trying this Shiraz. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
France - Bordeaux
2004 CHÂTEAU PIPEAU - $29.95
WS=91 ; "Dense purple in color, with intense aromas of ripe fruit, spices and espresso. Full-bodied and chewy, with lots of fruit and velvety tannins. Impressive concentration for the vintage, yet balanced, caressing and enjoyable. Excellent. Best after 2011."
RP = 90 ; "A classic St.-Emilion fruit bomb, the medium to full-bodied 2004 Pipeau is loaded with black cherry and cassis fruit. Lush and opulent with no hard edges or angularity, this in-your-face offering will please the masses. Bordeaux needs more wines that deliver this kind of character and quality at this price point. Drink it over the next decade."
GPCi - I've been collecting Ch. Pipeau (St. Emilion - right bank) since the 1999 vintage. It's one of the better QPR in Bordeaux : it doesn't cost as much as other more "famous" names in the area, yet it delivers at least if not sometimes better than the others. buy 2-12 bottles.
2004 CHÂTEAU LEOVILLE-POYFERRE - $69.00
RP = 93 ; Along with Leoville Les Cases and a few others, this is among the stars of the appellation. Made in a more floral, supple, Margaux-like style, the deep ruby/purple-hued 2004 Leoville Poyferre exhibits sweet, broad flavors, and plenty of tannin lurking beneath the surface. However, the abundant cherry, black currant, licorice and smoke notes obscure the tannic clout. This rich, powerful, broad beauty should be drinkable in 2-3 years, and last for two decades. (The Wine Advocate, August 6, 2007).
ST=90 ; Bright ruby-red. Very expressive nose offers redcurrant, tobacco, flowers and nutty oak. Supple, silky and pliant but with good energy to its red fruit and floral flavors. Finishes with broad, sweet tannins and a lingering note of tobacco. This remains quite open and appears to be evolving very much like the 2001.
GPCi - I had the 2001 Ch. Leoville-Poyferre about a year ago and it was Bordeaux at its best (at this price range). Although it costs $70, the fact that it can be cellared for the next 23 years, makes it a good purchase (a GPCi of 3). For similar quality in Bordeaux you may pay between 25%-50% more. I'd advice you to seriously consider buying it. Buy 2-5 bottles.
2004 CHÂTEAU MOULIN ST-GEORGES - $56
St Emilion
WS = 91 ; Intense aromas of tar, blackberry and graphite. Full-bodied, with extremely silky yet dense tannins and a long finish. A big, juicy wine, yet well-defined and balanced. Best after 2011.
ST = 89 ; Full ruby-red. Cool aromas of dark fruits, musky espresso and game. Juicy on entry, then silky-sweet and nicely concentrated in the middle, with pure black fruit flavors framed and lifted by bright acids. I like the combination of creamy sweetness and brisk acidity. Perhaps not as concentrated as the 2006 but has more early sex appeal.
GPCi - Like George from Sienfeld once said, "it not you, it's me...". I tried Ch. Moulin St George before and wasn't wow-ed. Don't get me wrong, it's a good wine, but for $56 price range, I'd prefer buying 2 bottles of 2004 Ch. PIPEAU. It's a skip for me.
1998 CHÂTEAU LE CAILLOU, POMEROL - $48.75
Daniel Rogov = 92 ; http://stratsplace.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=16170 : A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc (about 75% and 25% respectively), full-bodied, with ripe raspberry, licorice, coffee and mineral notes, all on a spicy background. Somewhat chunky tannins and a light smoky overtone give the wine a somewhat rustic appearance now but give this one some time and it will show beautifully. Best from 2008-2015.
GPCi - according to DR "one of the best buys from Bordeaux". 1998 was extremely good in that part of Bordeaux and both the Merlot and Cab Franc were at their best. There aren't many opportunities to buy a 10 years old Bordeaux that is highly rated, that can be cellared for additional 7 years and that cost less than $50. I'd buy 1-4 bottles.
France (Rhone North)
2004 M. Chapoutier Hermitage La Sizeranne - $84.65
WS = 91 ; Slightly firm, with taut, sinewy tannins driving the black cherry, currant, tobacco and mineral notes. Hints of purple fruit and flowers on the focused finish. Drink now through 2014.
Wine & Spirit = 90 ; The concentrated ripeness is heady and intense, showing crushed black cherry flavors mingled with more exotic notes of tea leaf and sandalwood. Yet it still carries a sense of place, a prominent mineral character pushing insistently to the foreground alongside the dense fruit. Give it another three to five years in the cellar to settle down.
Wine Enthusiast = 90 ; Chapoutier’s biggest cuvée of Hermitage is the relatively affordable Monier de Sizeranne, a smoky, spicy rendition that’s a pretty classic rendition. Peppery notes accent the raspberry, cherry and red fruit flavors that finish with crisp acids. Nicely done, with silky tannins on the finish. Drink now–2015. — J.C. (9/1/2007).
GPCi - too pricy for my taste. skip.
France (Rhone South)
2005 Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape - $42.95
RP = 90 :"The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is deep ruby/purple in color, opulent, full-bodied, and rich, with notes of smoke, blackberry, cassis, garrigue, and pepper as well as chocolate. It is deep, full-bodied, with sweet tannin, moderate acidity, and superb precision and overall balance. Accessible for a 2005, it can be drunk during its first 10-12 years of life."
GPCi - we see more and more 2005 CdP coming our way. Since it's considered an outstanding vintage, with age worthy potential, it's very tempting to buy. I personally don't know this specific Domaine, but would buy 1-2 bottles for the "2005 CdP collection" and then in 10-15 years from now, have a nice horizontal of the 2005 vintage.
2005 PERRIN & FILS VACQUEYRAS LES CHRISTINS - $23.85
WS=91 ; Packed with ripe fig, licorice and currant paste flavors, backed by cocoa and graphite notes. Dark, muscular finish has some serious grip too, so cellar a touch to let it round into form. Best from 2008 through 2010.
RP = 89-90 ; The 2005 Perrin et Fils Vacqueyras Les Christins Vieilles Vignes shows plenty of kirsch liqueur intermixed with smoky Provencal herb, licorice, and earthy notes. It is rich, medium to full-bodied, with superb purity and a long finish. This should drink nicely for 7-8 years.
JancisRobinson.com - Crimson. Rich and sweet density of ripe fruit. Very full and broad and flattering. Fine tannins underneath. Racy and nerveux even though there is lots of ripe fruit here. Drink 2010-2015 (Jancis Robinson MW)
GPCi - Vacqueyras, for me, in a way, is "CdP for the pour" in the good sense - you pay half or even less and you get the power and some of the flavors you find in CdP. 2005 was a great vintage in that region and this blend will go fantastically with a nice juicy NY cut steak. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
US (Washington)
2004 COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES MERLOT - $19.85
WS=90 ; Best Value by WS. 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 clearheaded finish. Drink now through 2009."
GPCi - I read that this Merlot is a blend : 96% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.5% Cabernet Franc. Always appreciated by WS. costs less than $ 1o in the US. I think that should have been the price range to compete with the excellent merlot/Carmenere from Chile for less than $15.
Germany – Pfalz
2005 REICHSRAT VON BUHL ARMAND RIESLING KABINETT - $16.85
QmP, Estate Btld.
WS = 90 : Pungent, this evokes grapefruit and stone notes. Intense and defined by vivid acidity, needing time to harmonize. Ends with a refreshing citrus aftertaste. Best from 2008 through 2014. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Feb. 28, 2007)
GPCi - RP rated the 2005 vintage in the Pfalz in Germany as 97 ! you won't find too may Rieslings at that quality for $17. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2005 WEINGUT PFEFFINGEN SCHEUREBE SPÄTLESE - $19.85
QmP, Ungsteiner Herrenberg, Estate Btld.
Scheurebe (pronounced shoy-RAY-beh) is a cross between Silvaner and Riesling. It was created by Georg Scheu in 1916 in Rheinhessen. Wines made from this grape are still rare in our market, so they are much sought-after whenever they are released. This Scheurebe is full-bodied with pronounced acidity and a bouquet and taste reminiscent of black currants. It's a ripe, rich wine that will make an excellent match for mature cheeses or even spicy fare.
GPCi - another 2005 bargain. from a quality level point of view SPÄTLESE is considered higher than KABINETT. This wine could probably be cellared until 2015. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
Spain
2003 CYAN 12 MESES - $16.75
DO Toro
Wine of the Month
RP (by Jay Miller) = 90: The 2003 Cyan (100% Tinta de Toro) comes from estate-owned vineyards ranging from 20-50 years of age. The wine was aged for 12 months in used French and American oak. Dark ruby in color, it offers an expressive nose of espresso roast, toast, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Its full-bodied (14.5% alcohol) personality is formed by mouth-filling ripe fruit, just enough acidity to hold the wine together, and excellent depth and concentration. There is enough structure to ensure 6-8 years of longevity. (www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)
GPCi - As some of you already know, I am a sucker for good Spanish wines. This seems to be another full body gem from Spain and for a very attractive price.
I'd buy 3-12 bottles.
2003 CYAN 12 MESES - $16.75
2005 PILLAR BOX RED - $17.40
2006 STELLA BELLA SEMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC - $18.95
GPCi top picks for up to $30
2004 MAXWELL FOUR ROADS SHIRAZ - $21.90
2004 CHÂTEAU PIPEAU - $29.95
GPCi top picks for up to $70
1998 CHÂTEAU LE CAILLOU, POMEROL - $48.75
2004 CHÂTEAU LEOVILLE-POYFERRE - $69.00
Australia
2006 STELLA BELLA SEMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC - $18.95
Margaret River – Western Australia
Silver Decanter World Wine Awards.
James Halliday = 95 ; "This is a classic wine, elegant and restrained, with perfect balance and structure to the mix of herbs, grass and small green fruits. “
Stella Bella is fashioned to Margaret River classic dry white proportions, 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc, the signature regional cuvee, more on the steely Semillon side of things, displaying the bold varietal best of both fruit, in full-on benchmark styling. Juicy lemon-essence flavours, length, zest and an admirable fragrant lift were picked up by the Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE’s panel of experts.
GPCi - I love Semillon-Sauv. Blanc blends. The Margaret River are known for their Semillon. With such review and attractive price, I'd say buy 3-12 bottles.
2005 STELLA BELLA SHIRAZ - $21.85
James Halliday = 94 : Deep purple-red; a medium bodied, complex array of red and black fruits, licorace and spice, the oak and tannins suitably restrained
GPCi - I may sound unprofessional... but I don't know... for me, Shiraz and medium body is almost an oxymoron... :)
so I guess it's a matter of taste and expectations. There are less expensive Shiraz out there that delivers the full-body-black-fruit combination that I expect from this variety.
2005 PILLAR BOX RED - $17.40
Padthaway, South Australia
(Henry's Drive Vignerons)
RP = 91: There are 70,000 cases of the 2005 Red, a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from young vines. However, this is no wimpy wine at 15% alcohol. An unbelievable value, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as an uplifted, projected nose of sweet red and black fruits, earth, and spice box. Supple-textured with a voluptuous mouthfeel and unbelievable richness, this wine clearly over-delivers. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.
GPCi - seems like a powerful "with-the-right-ingridients" Shiraz blend. For all of you that are looking for a good day-to-day Shiraz for a great value, that's one for you. buy 2-12 bottles.
2004 HENSCHKE HENRY'S SEVEN - $40.90
RP=90 : "The 2004 Shiraz/Grenache Henry’s Seven, a combination of 60% Shiraz, 30% Grenache, and equal parts Mourvedre and Viognier, reveals a sweeter, more uplifted nose of flowers, blueberries, black currants, and dusty cherries. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, layered, supple-textured, round, and rich, it should drink well for 5-6 years." Wine Advocate #167 Oct 2006
GPCi - Henschke is one of the more respectful wine producers in Australia. Their wine is never cheap. This blend doesn't seem to justify the $40 price, especially when you have so many high appreciated alternatives. Sorry, but I'll skip this one...
2004 MAXWELL FOUR ROADS SHIRAZ - $21.90
McLaren Vale, South Australia
RP = 91 : An excellent bargain, the 2004 Four Roads (a blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier aged in 300 liter American hogsheads) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with notes of graphite, charcoal, blackberries, cherries, licorice, and smoke. Lush, soft, opulent, impressively textured, and mouthfilling, it should be drunk over the next 3-4 years. (www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)
GPCi - a French-North-Rhone blend, for a fraction of the price compare to the French wine. sounds like a good competition to the PILLAR BOX RED. Maybe a mix case of both is the right approach.
2004 MITCHELL PEPPERTREE VINEYARD SHIRAZ - $22.80
Clare Valley, South Australia
JH = 92 : Light to mediumbodied; soft, cushiony texture to the plum, blackberry and earth fruit; fine, tannins, good oak handling. Drink: [until] 2015. (winecompanion.com.au, March 2006)
GPCi - my past experience with Mitchell wasn't so good. I tried the 2002 and 2003 (it seemed I needed to be disappointed twice...). It's probably the "light-medium body" thing that I cannot find myself enjoying with Shiraz. Sorry, but this is a skip for me.
2006 HEWITSON NED & HENRY'S SHIRAZ - $22.85
James Halliday = 95 ; Top 100. Dean Hewitson has made very post a winner since leaving Petaluma in 1996, ferreting out patches of old vines, then making the wines with flair. This entry-point, medium-bodied wine has fresh plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit flavours, polished tannins and subtle oak; impressive length and balance.
GPCi - I had this Hewitson Shiraz from the 2000, 2001 and 2002 vintages. The previous vintages' efforts were superb. It may be that the 2006 vintage lack the body (more to the full side...) that previous vintages carried, but I would definitely recommend trying this Shiraz. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
France - Bordeaux
2004 CHÂTEAU PIPEAU - $29.95
WS=91 ; "Dense purple in color, with intense aromas of ripe fruit, spices and espresso. Full-bodied and chewy, with lots of fruit and velvety tannins. Impressive concentration for the vintage, yet balanced, caressing and enjoyable. Excellent. Best after 2011."
RP = 90 ; "A classic St.-Emilion fruit bomb, the medium to full-bodied 2004 Pipeau is loaded with black cherry and cassis fruit. Lush and opulent with no hard edges or angularity, this in-your-face offering will please the masses. Bordeaux needs more wines that deliver this kind of character and quality at this price point. Drink it over the next decade."
GPCi - I've been collecting Ch. Pipeau (St. Emilion - right bank) since the 1999 vintage. It's one of the better QPR in Bordeaux : it doesn't cost as much as other more "famous" names in the area, yet it delivers at least if not sometimes better than the others. buy 2-12 bottles.
2004 CHÂTEAU LEOVILLE-POYFERRE - $69.00
RP = 93 ; Along with Leoville Les Cases and a few others, this is among the stars of the appellation. Made in a more floral, supple, Margaux-like style, the deep ruby/purple-hued 2004 Leoville Poyferre exhibits sweet, broad flavors, and plenty of tannin lurking beneath the surface. However, the abundant cherry, black currant, licorice and smoke notes obscure the tannic clout. This rich, powerful, broad beauty should be drinkable in 2-3 years, and last for two decades. (The Wine Advocate, August 6, 2007).
ST=90 ; Bright ruby-red. Very expressive nose offers redcurrant, tobacco, flowers and nutty oak. Supple, silky and pliant but with good energy to its red fruit and floral flavors. Finishes with broad, sweet tannins and a lingering note of tobacco. This remains quite open and appears to be evolving very much like the 2001.
GPCi - I had the 2001 Ch. Leoville-Poyferre about a year ago and it was Bordeaux at its best (at this price range). Although it costs $70, the fact that it can be cellared for the next 23 years, makes it a good purchase (a GPCi of 3). For similar quality in Bordeaux you may pay between 25%-50% more. I'd advice you to seriously consider buying it. Buy 2-5 bottles.
2004 CHÂTEAU MOULIN ST-GEORGES - $56
St Emilion
WS = 91 ; Intense aromas of tar, blackberry and graphite. Full-bodied, with extremely silky yet dense tannins and a long finish. A big, juicy wine, yet well-defined and balanced. Best after 2011.
ST = 89 ; Full ruby-red. Cool aromas of dark fruits, musky espresso and game. Juicy on entry, then silky-sweet and nicely concentrated in the middle, with pure black fruit flavors framed and lifted by bright acids. I like the combination of creamy sweetness and brisk acidity. Perhaps not as concentrated as the 2006 but has more early sex appeal.
GPCi - Like George from Sienfeld once said, "it not you, it's me...". I tried Ch. Moulin St George before and wasn't wow-ed. Don't get me wrong, it's a good wine, but for $56 price range, I'd prefer buying 2 bottles of 2004 Ch. PIPEAU. It's a skip for me.
1998 CHÂTEAU LE CAILLOU, POMEROL - $48.75
Daniel Rogov = 92 ; http://stratsplace.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=16170 : A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc (about 75% and 25% respectively), full-bodied, with ripe raspberry, licorice, coffee and mineral notes, all on a spicy background. Somewhat chunky tannins and a light smoky overtone give the wine a somewhat rustic appearance now but give this one some time and it will show beautifully. Best from 2008-2015.
GPCi - according to DR "one of the best buys from Bordeaux". 1998 was extremely good in that part of Bordeaux and both the Merlot and Cab Franc were at their best. There aren't many opportunities to buy a 10 years old Bordeaux that is highly rated, that can be cellared for additional 7 years and that cost less than $50. I'd buy 1-4 bottles.
France (Rhone North)
2004 M. Chapoutier Hermitage La Sizeranne - $84.65
WS = 91 ; Slightly firm, with taut, sinewy tannins driving the black cherry, currant, tobacco and mineral notes. Hints of purple fruit and flowers on the focused finish. Drink now through 2014.
Wine & Spirit = 90 ; The concentrated ripeness is heady and intense, showing crushed black cherry flavors mingled with more exotic notes of tea leaf and sandalwood. Yet it still carries a sense of place, a prominent mineral character pushing insistently to the foreground alongside the dense fruit. Give it another three to five years in the cellar to settle down.
Wine Enthusiast = 90 ; Chapoutier’s biggest cuvée of Hermitage is the relatively affordable Monier de Sizeranne, a smoky, spicy rendition that’s a pretty classic rendition. Peppery notes accent the raspberry, cherry and red fruit flavors that finish with crisp acids. Nicely done, with silky tannins on the finish. Drink now–2015. — J.C. (9/1/2007).
GPCi - too pricy for my taste. skip.
France (Rhone South)
2005 Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape - $42.95
RP = 90 :"The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is deep ruby/purple in color, opulent, full-bodied, and rich, with notes of smoke, blackberry, cassis, garrigue, and pepper as well as chocolate. It is deep, full-bodied, with sweet tannin, moderate acidity, and superb precision and overall balance. Accessible for a 2005, it can be drunk during its first 10-12 years of life."
GPCi - we see more and more 2005 CdP coming our way. Since it's considered an outstanding vintage, with age worthy potential, it's very tempting to buy. I personally don't know this specific Domaine, but would buy 1-2 bottles for the "2005 CdP collection" and then in 10-15 years from now, have a nice horizontal of the 2005 vintage.
2005 PERRIN & FILS VACQUEYRAS LES CHRISTINS - $23.85
WS=91 ; Packed with ripe fig, licorice and currant paste flavors, backed by cocoa and graphite notes. Dark, muscular finish has some serious grip too, so cellar a touch to let it round into form. Best from 2008 through 2010.
RP = 89-90 ; The 2005 Perrin et Fils Vacqueyras Les Christins Vieilles Vignes shows plenty of kirsch liqueur intermixed with smoky Provencal herb, licorice, and earthy notes. It is rich, medium to full-bodied, with superb purity and a long finish. This should drink nicely for 7-8 years.
JancisRobinson.com - Crimson. Rich and sweet density of ripe fruit. Very full and broad and flattering. Fine tannins underneath. Racy and nerveux even though there is lots of ripe fruit here. Drink 2010-2015 (Jancis Robinson MW)
GPCi - Vacqueyras, for me, in a way, is "CdP for the pour" in the good sense - you pay half or even less and you get the power and some of the flavors you find in CdP. 2005 was a great vintage in that region and this blend will go fantastically with a nice juicy NY cut steak. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
US (Washington)
2004 COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES MERLOT - $19.85
WS=90 ; Best Value by WS. 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 clearheaded finish. Drink now through 2009."
GPCi - I read that this Merlot is a blend : 96% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.5% Cabernet Franc. Always appreciated by WS. costs less than $ 1o in the US. I think that should have been the price range to compete with the excellent merlot/Carmenere from Chile for less than $15.
Germany – Pfalz
2005 REICHSRAT VON BUHL ARMAND RIESLING KABINETT - $16.85
QmP, Estate Btld.
WS = 90 : Pungent, this evokes grapefruit and stone notes. Intense and defined by vivid acidity, needing time to harmonize. Ends with a refreshing citrus aftertaste. Best from 2008 through 2014. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Feb. 28, 2007)
GPCi - RP rated the 2005 vintage in the Pfalz in Germany as 97 ! you won't find too may Rieslings at that quality for $17. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2005 WEINGUT PFEFFINGEN SCHEUREBE SPÄTLESE - $19.85
QmP, Ungsteiner Herrenberg, Estate Btld.
Scheurebe (pronounced shoy-RAY-beh) is a cross between Silvaner and Riesling. It was created by Georg Scheu in 1916 in Rheinhessen. Wines made from this grape are still rare in our market, so they are much sought-after whenever they are released. This Scheurebe is full-bodied with pronounced acidity and a bouquet and taste reminiscent of black currants. It's a ripe, rich wine that will make an excellent match for mature cheeses or even spicy fare.
GPCi - another 2005 bargain. from a quality level point of view SPÄTLESE is considered higher than KABINETT. This wine could probably be cellared until 2015. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
Spain
2003 CYAN 12 MESES - $16.75
DO Toro
Wine of the Month
RP (by Jay Miller) = 90: The 2003 Cyan (100% Tinta de Toro) comes from estate-owned vineyards ranging from 20-50 years of age. The wine was aged for 12 months in used French and American oak. Dark ruby in color, it offers an expressive nose of espresso roast, toast, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Its full-bodied (14.5% alcohol) personality is formed by mouth-filling ripe fruit, just enough acidity to hold the wine together, and excellent depth and concentration. There is enough structure to ensure 6-8 years of longevity. (www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)
GPCi - As some of you already know, I am a sucker for good Spanish wines. This seems to be another full body gem from Spain and for a very attractive price.
I'd buy 3-12 bottles.
