Thursday, February 21, 2008
GPCi for March 1st 2008 release at the LCBO
GPCi top picks for up to $22
2004 PETER LEHMANN CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
2005 KAESLER STONEHORSE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE - $21.95
2006 DOMAINE BRUNET VOUVRAY - $17.95
2005 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE - $15.95
GPCi top picks for up to $35
2005 QUINTA DO CRASTO DOURO OLD VINES RESERVA - $29.95
2000 ROYAL TOKAJI WINE CO. TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS RED LABEL - $33.95
GPCi top picks for up to $90
2005 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $89.95
2004 CHÂTEAU KIRWAN - $52.95
Germany (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)
2002 WWE. DR. H. THANISCH RIESLING SPÄTLESE - $21.95
The name Thanisch dates back to 1636, when Franz and Appolonia Tamers, the last inhabitants of the village of Thanisch, moved to Bernkastel. During the 19th century, the estate achieved worldwide reputation under the leadership of Dr. Hugo Thanisch, who the estate is named after.
Until 1988 there was one Dr. H Thanisch estate. However, family members divided this into two separate estates: The "Erben Müller-Burggraef" and "Erben Thanisch-Spier" are, or should be, present on the label. Erben Müller-Burggraef uses a slightly smaller label with a neck label, Erben Thanisch a larger body label and no neck label. Erben Thanisch are members of the VDP, characterized by a black eagle symbol at the bottom left of the label, and Erben Müller-Burggraef does not belong to this association.
GPCi - According to Cellar Tracker, Erben Thanisch-Spier, seems to be more age worthy than its "brother". Regardless, 2002 was a spectacular vintage in Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (RP gave it 92 with an indication of cellaring potential). I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
Hungary
2000 ROYAL TOKAJI WINE CO. TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS RED LABEL - $33.95
WS = 93 ; "Alluring aromas of gingersnap cookies, apricot and orange marmalade. Sweet, yet deftly balanced by lively structure. Fine lingering finish, where the harmony really shows. Drink now through 2020. Top 100 Wine of 2006.
GPCi - YES! love Tokaji. A cheaper alternative to Sautern. goes well with foie gras (duck liver). buy 1-2 bottles.
US (California)
2004 HOWLING WOLF ZINFANDEL - $15.95
Shenandoah Valley
There's no need to wait for a full moon: this ready-to-drink Zinfandel can help satisfy your carnivorous desires tonight. This juicy, full-bodied Zin has a sweet blackberry core and would be terrific with grilled lamb chops or smoky meats hot off an early spring barbecue.
GPCi - there are a few good Zins in this release but this one (which I'm not familiar with), seems to deliver both price and taste. If you're looking for a "safer" Zin bet, the next choice on the list is the 2005 ROSENBLUM APPELLATION SERIES ZINFANDEL for $22.95 - a fair price for a a good Rosenblum Zin.
Chile
2005 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE - $15.95
DO Maipo Valley
Viña Tarapacá's winemaker, Sergio Correa, has some interesting French connections. He was trained in the Médoc and was recently awarded a knighthood by the French Government's Order of Agricultural Merit. He is respected as a leader and motivator in the Chilean wine industry. This Carmenère offers notes of pepper, coffee, chocolate and vanilla. Warm up the coldest of March days with this well-balanced, spicy bottle of South American sizzle and sunshine.
GPCi - I had this Tarapca Carmenere in Chile a few times and it's just a great wine to start an evening with. Carmenere at its best. For this price, I'd buy 3-12 bottles.
Australia
2006 HANENHOF SEMILLON - $18.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
IWC = 89 : Pale gold. Lush and open, with scents of melon, peach pit and orange lifted by tangy mineral tones. At once silky and tangy, showing an interesting blend of fresh tropical fruits and more bracing citrus character. Supple and nicely concentrated on the finish, which features vivid, sharply etched lemon and orange flavors. (Josh Raynolds, July/Aug. 2006)
GPCi - Barossa as well as Victoria are known for there Semillon. John M, this one is probably for you...
2004 PETER LEHMANN CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
JO = 92 ; Dusted with nuances of dried herbs, this richly flavoured and finely balanced young cabernet has a violet-like fragrance of intense black and red berries backed by fresh cedar/vanilla oak. Its supple, polished palate of vibrant plum, berry and dark cherry flavour is framed by firmish, pliant and loose-knit tannin, finishing with length and persistence. Great value. Drink: 2012-2016+
GPCi - definitely one of the "must-buy" of the release. It's a great straight forward Cab Sauv (don't look for too much sophistication/complexity) that can be cellared for the next 8 years, and therefore, for that price, it has a great GPCi. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 PLANTAGENET OMRAH SHIRAZ - $16.95
Western Australia
RP =90 (by Jay Miller): The 2004 Omrah Shiraz is more deeply colored and more perfumed than [their] Hazard Hill. It exhibits aromas of spice box, pepper, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to a structured wine with excellent depth of flavor and a long, pure finish. It can be enjoyed now but will evolve for several years.
GPCi - for all of you that are looking for a good Shiraz for an outstanding price, that one is for you - buy a case!
2005 KAESLER STONEHORSE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE - $21.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP=92 : The 2005 GSM Stonehorse (63% Grenache, 27% Shiraz, and 10% Mourvedre) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as pure cassis, sweet black cherry, and raspberry notes, medium to full body, a restrained and elegant style, and fewer Provencal-like flavors. Drink this long, ripe, rich, impressive 2005 over the next 5-6 years. Drink 2006-2012.
GPCi - a great Barossa GSM for a good price. Although for short-mid term cellaring, I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2003 BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E & E BLACK PEPPER SHIRAZ - $99.95
WS = 94 ; Bright, round and juicy. A gorgeous mouthful of cherry, blackberry and floral flavors, lingering on the finish with a touch of dark espresso to add interest. The tannins are polished, and the wine has a keen sense of balance, grace and harmony. Drink now through 2015.
GPCi - E&E have always produced "mouthful wines". For that price, I believe there are better alternatives. That's a skip for me.
2005 WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $16.95
Clare Valley, South Australia
http://www.wineanorak.com/ = 91 ; Very deep colour. Complex, pure bold blackcurrant fruit dominates here: a lovely expressive wine. Really good.
GPCi - Another great deal, this time from Clare Valley. For all of you that want a good day-to-day Cab Sauv, that's another buy.
France (Bordeaux)
2004 CHÂTEAU KIRWAN - $52.95
RP = 90 ; "Aromas of cedar, spice box, incense, burning embers, black currants, and new wood jump from the glass of this full-bodied, structured effort. Behaving more like a Pauillac than a Margaux, it is a long, concentrated, powerful wine meant for long aging. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025." (06/07)
GPCi - first on the 3rd growth list. As part of the Margaux appellation. one of the most consistent wineries in Bordeaux. even in an average vintage like 2004, they succeeded to produce such a good a wine with long time cellaring potential. A good GPCi (~3.1). If you have bought Ch. Kirwan in the past, you should buy at least a bottle of their 2004 to keep the vertical running...
2004 CHÂTEAU FAIZEAU - $28.95
AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion
RP=87 ; "A lovely, elegant, berry-scented nose reveals notions of dried herbs, caramel, and mocha. Supple texture, silky tannin, and low acidity suggest this pretty 2004 can be consumed over the next 7-8 years."
Decanter = *** (out of 5) - Lovely scent. Delicious wine and excellent for the appellation. Drink 2008-2012.
GPCi - I had Ch. Faizeau from better vintages and it's always no more than "OK" to me. The price is attractive for a "satellite St. Emilion" , but that would be a "skip" for me.
France (Rhone south)
2005 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $89.95
RP = 94 ; "The 2005 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape is a wine that probably needs 7-10 years of bottle age. Possibly the most backward and closed Beaucastel made since the 1995, the wine has very high tannins, seems totally closed aromatically, but in the mouth is a weighty wine exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color and tight aromatics consisting of new saddle leather, porcini, meat juices, licorice, tar, and black fruits. The wine is full-bodied, powerful, very tannic, and structured in a dramatically masculine, ageworthy style. This is one for the younger generation or those with considerable patience. I can’t see it being close to drinkable before 2014 and lasting up to 30 or more years." Drink 2014 - 2037 (Wine Advocate # 173 Oct 2007 ).
GPCi - well... I've been a sucker for CdP for a long time... I've been waiting for the 2005 Beaucastel to arrive, and I think it's a must-buy for all of you that appreciate this region. it's GPCi is good (again ~3.1) and I'd say buy 1-6 bottles.
France (Loire)
2006 DOMAINE BRUNET VOUVRAY - $17.95
AC (Paul André Benoist)
Taking their name from a small town on the banks of the Loire River, Vouvray wines are generally composed of the great white grape, Chenin Blanc. The area is unique in the length of its harvest, with the latest passages, for off-dry and sweet wines, taking place as late as November. Vouvray is a perfect candidate for current consumption with spicy seafood dishes or, because of its lip-smacking, refreshing acidity, can be aged for up to 10 years.
GPCi - A great Loir white wine for the right price AND with 10 years of cellaring potential. do I need to say anything more? BUY BUY BUY...
France (Alsace)
2006 RENÉ MURÉ GEWURZTRAMINER - $15.95
The Muré family have been growing grapes in Alsace since 1648. Their wines express the classic characteristics of whatever grape variety they use. This Gewurztraminer is sourced from 29-year-old vines and displays aromas of lychee and rose petals. It's dry, full-bodied and full-flavoured. It will delight as an aperitif or pair it with exotic foods like lamb curry.
GPCi - full body Gewurz for $16 with the right ingredients (lychee and rose petals...). Perfect with Asian/spicy food. buy 3-6 bottles.
Portugal
2005 QUINTA DO CRASTO DOURO OLD VINES RESERVA - $29.95
WS = 95 ; Deeply colored, with intense yet refined aromas and flavors of kirsch, boysenberry, dark cherry and spice. The fruit is supported by focused notes of mineral and graphite, and the finish is loaded with dark chocolate and medium tannins. Drink now through 2015.
GPCi - I tried a few great wines from Portugal in the past and this one seems more than promising. Gery Vaynerchuk (the Cork'd guy) said something worth watching out - "it's a nice, decent wine; comes off a little Zinfandel meets Carmenere w/ a little black pepper & curry component; medium bodied, but thins out in certain areas; worried about it falling apart". I would definitely buy 1-2 bottles and "judge" it myself.
Spain
1996 MARQUÉS DE VITORIA GRAN RESERVA - $30.95
http://www.cambridgewine.com/ - Very deep garnet red with a tawny rim. Complex nose, elegant and fine with notes of redcurrant jam, clove and peppers. Round and spicy in the mouth with polished tannins and a good balance. Spicy finish.
vintages.com - Unlike the majority of Rioja wines which are blends of Tempranillo and other grapes (aged in American oak), this version is made with only Tempranillo and is aged in French oak casks for 24 months plus six years in bottle before release. The result is aromas of red currants, clove and black pepper. The palate shows a medium body, smooth tannins and lingering spice-filled finish. The producer recommends pairing it with stewed fish, game casseroles and suckling pig.
GPCi - not too many countries in the world offer a 12 years old great quality wine, for $30. MARQUÉS DE VITORIA is a known Spanish name in the Rioja region. I would definitely recommend buying 1-4 bottles and enjoy it within the next 2 years.
In Store Discovery
1998 BAROLO DOCG (AZELIA) - $47.95
Medium brick-red. Aromas of smoke, truffle and mulch. Then sweet, fat, supple and inviting in the mouth, with a layered texture and a hint of cinnamon. Nicely chewy wine, finishing with sweet tannins.
Gambero Rosso (2003) awarded this wine 2 out of 3 Glasses, pointing out that "the Barolo Azelia selections have always been at the top of their class, thanks in part to their prestigious vineyards of origin in the municipalities of Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga."
GPCi - I'm a bit torn here... 1998 a great year for Barolos. a 10 years Barolo for less than $50... all of that tells me to buy, BUT on the other hand, the reviews (especially Gambero giving it 2 out of 3 glasses) are not convincing enough to go for it. That's a "skip" for me.
2004 PETER LEHMANN CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
2005 KAESLER STONEHORSE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE - $21.95
2006 DOMAINE BRUNET VOUVRAY - $17.95
2005 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE - $15.95
GPCi top picks for up to $35
2005 QUINTA DO CRASTO DOURO OLD VINES RESERVA - $29.95
2000 ROYAL TOKAJI WINE CO. TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS RED LABEL - $33.95
GPCi top picks for up to $90
2005 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $89.95
2004 CHÂTEAU KIRWAN - $52.95
Germany (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)
2002 WWE. DR. H. THANISCH RIESLING SPÄTLESE - $21.95
The name Thanisch dates back to 1636, when Franz and Appolonia Tamers, the last inhabitants of the village of Thanisch, moved to Bernkastel. During the 19th century, the estate achieved worldwide reputation under the leadership of Dr. Hugo Thanisch, who the estate is named after.
Until 1988 there was one Dr. H Thanisch estate. However, family members divided this into two separate estates: The "Erben Müller-Burggraef" and "Erben Thanisch-Spier" are, or should be, present on the label. Erben Müller-Burggraef uses a slightly smaller label with a neck label, Erben Thanisch a larger body label and no neck label. Erben Thanisch are members of the VDP, characterized by a black eagle symbol at the bottom left of the label, and Erben Müller-Burggraef does not belong to this association.
GPCi - According to Cellar Tracker, Erben Thanisch-Spier, seems to be more age worthy than its "brother". Regardless, 2002 was a spectacular vintage in Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (RP gave it 92 with an indication of cellaring potential). I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
Hungary
2000 ROYAL TOKAJI WINE CO. TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS RED LABEL - $33.95
WS = 93 ; "Alluring aromas of gingersnap cookies, apricot and orange marmalade. Sweet, yet deftly balanced by lively structure. Fine lingering finish, where the harmony really shows. Drink now through 2020. Top 100 Wine of 2006.
GPCi - YES! love Tokaji. A cheaper alternative to Sautern. goes well with foie gras (duck liver). buy 1-2 bottles.
US (California)
2004 HOWLING WOLF ZINFANDEL - $15.95
Shenandoah Valley
There's no need to wait for a full moon: this ready-to-drink Zinfandel can help satisfy your carnivorous desires tonight. This juicy, full-bodied Zin has a sweet blackberry core and would be terrific with grilled lamb chops or smoky meats hot off an early spring barbecue.
GPCi - there are a few good Zins in this release but this one (which I'm not familiar with), seems to deliver both price and taste. If you're looking for a "safer" Zin bet, the next choice on the list is the 2005 ROSENBLUM APPELLATION SERIES ZINFANDEL for $22.95 - a fair price for a a good Rosenblum Zin.
Chile
2005 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE - $15.95
DO Maipo Valley
Viña Tarapacá's winemaker, Sergio Correa, has some interesting French connections. He was trained in the Médoc and was recently awarded a knighthood by the French Government's Order of Agricultural Merit. He is respected as a leader and motivator in the Chilean wine industry. This Carmenère offers notes of pepper, coffee, chocolate and vanilla. Warm up the coldest of March days with this well-balanced, spicy bottle of South American sizzle and sunshine.
GPCi - I had this Tarapca Carmenere in Chile a few times and it's just a great wine to start an evening with. Carmenere at its best. For this price, I'd buy 3-12 bottles.
Australia
2006 HANENHOF SEMILLON - $18.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
IWC = 89 : Pale gold. Lush and open, with scents of melon, peach pit and orange lifted by tangy mineral tones. At once silky and tangy, showing an interesting blend of fresh tropical fruits and more bracing citrus character. Supple and nicely concentrated on the finish, which features vivid, sharply etched lemon and orange flavors. (Josh Raynolds, July/Aug. 2006)
GPCi - Barossa as well as Victoria are known for there Semillon. John M, this one is probably for you...
2004 PETER LEHMANN CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
JO = 92 ; Dusted with nuances of dried herbs, this richly flavoured and finely balanced young cabernet has a violet-like fragrance of intense black and red berries backed by fresh cedar/vanilla oak. Its supple, polished palate of vibrant plum, berry and dark cherry flavour is framed by firmish, pliant and loose-knit tannin, finishing with length and persistence. Great value. Drink: 2012-2016+
GPCi - definitely one of the "must-buy" of the release. It's a great straight forward Cab Sauv (don't look for too much sophistication/complexity) that can be cellared for the next 8 years, and therefore, for that price, it has a great GPCi. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 PLANTAGENET OMRAH SHIRAZ - $16.95
Western Australia
RP =90 (by Jay Miller): The 2004 Omrah Shiraz is more deeply colored and more perfumed than [their] Hazard Hill. It exhibits aromas of spice box, pepper, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to a structured wine with excellent depth of flavor and a long, pure finish. It can be enjoyed now but will evolve for several years.
GPCi - for all of you that are looking for a good Shiraz for an outstanding price, that one is for you - buy a case!
2005 KAESLER STONEHORSE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE - $21.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP=92 : The 2005 GSM Stonehorse (63% Grenache, 27% Shiraz, and 10% Mourvedre) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as pure cassis, sweet black cherry, and raspberry notes, medium to full body, a restrained and elegant style, and fewer Provencal-like flavors. Drink this long, ripe, rich, impressive 2005 over the next 5-6 years. Drink 2006-2012.
GPCi - a great Barossa GSM for a good price. Although for short-mid term cellaring, I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2003 BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E & E BLACK PEPPER SHIRAZ - $99.95
WS = 94 ; Bright, round and juicy. A gorgeous mouthful of cherry, blackberry and floral flavors, lingering on the finish with a touch of dark espresso to add interest. The tannins are polished, and the wine has a keen sense of balance, grace and harmony. Drink now through 2015.
GPCi - E&E have always produced "mouthful wines". For that price, I believe there are better alternatives. That's a skip for me.
2005 WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $16.95
Clare Valley, South Australia
http://www.wineanorak.com/ = 91 ; Very deep colour. Complex, pure bold blackcurrant fruit dominates here: a lovely expressive wine. Really good.
GPCi - Another great deal, this time from Clare Valley. For all of you that want a good day-to-day Cab Sauv, that's another buy.
France (Bordeaux)
2004 CHÂTEAU KIRWAN - $52.95
RP = 90 ; "Aromas of cedar, spice box, incense, burning embers, black currants, and new wood jump from the glass of this full-bodied, structured effort. Behaving more like a Pauillac than a Margaux, it is a long, concentrated, powerful wine meant for long aging. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025." (06/07)
GPCi - first on the 3rd growth list. As part of the Margaux appellation. one of the most consistent wineries in Bordeaux. even in an average vintage like 2004, they succeeded to produce such a good a wine with long time cellaring potential. A good GPCi (~3.1). If you have bought Ch. Kirwan in the past, you should buy at least a bottle of their 2004 to keep the vertical running...
2004 CHÂTEAU FAIZEAU - $28.95
AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion
RP=87 ; "A lovely, elegant, berry-scented nose reveals notions of dried herbs, caramel, and mocha. Supple texture, silky tannin, and low acidity suggest this pretty 2004 can be consumed over the next 7-8 years."
Decanter = *** (out of 5) - Lovely scent. Delicious wine and excellent for the appellation. Drink 2008-2012.
GPCi - I had Ch. Faizeau from better vintages and it's always no more than "OK" to me. The price is attractive for a "satellite St. Emilion" , but that would be a "skip" for me.
France (Rhone south)
2005 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $89.95
RP = 94 ; "The 2005 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape is a wine that probably needs 7-10 years of bottle age. Possibly the most backward and closed Beaucastel made since the 1995, the wine has very high tannins, seems totally closed aromatically, but in the mouth is a weighty wine exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color and tight aromatics consisting of new saddle leather, porcini, meat juices, licorice, tar, and black fruits. The wine is full-bodied, powerful, very tannic, and structured in a dramatically masculine, ageworthy style. This is one for the younger generation or those with considerable patience. I can’t see it being close to drinkable before 2014 and lasting up to 30 or more years." Drink 2014 - 2037 (Wine Advocate # 173 Oct 2007 ).
GPCi - well... I've been a sucker for CdP for a long time... I've been waiting for the 2005 Beaucastel to arrive, and I think it's a must-buy for all of you that appreciate this region. it's GPCi is good (again ~3.1) and I'd say buy 1-6 bottles.
France (Loire)
2006 DOMAINE BRUNET VOUVRAY - $17.95
AC (Paul André Benoist)
Taking their name from a small town on the banks of the Loire River, Vouvray wines are generally composed of the great white grape, Chenin Blanc. The area is unique in the length of its harvest, with the latest passages, for off-dry and sweet wines, taking place as late as November. Vouvray is a perfect candidate for current consumption with spicy seafood dishes or, because of its lip-smacking, refreshing acidity, can be aged for up to 10 years.
GPCi - A great Loir white wine for the right price AND with 10 years of cellaring potential. do I need to say anything more? BUY BUY BUY...
France (Alsace)
2006 RENÉ MURÉ GEWURZTRAMINER - $15.95
The Muré family have been growing grapes in Alsace since 1648. Their wines express the classic characteristics of whatever grape variety they use. This Gewurztraminer is sourced from 29-year-old vines and displays aromas of lychee and rose petals. It's dry, full-bodied and full-flavoured. It will delight as an aperitif or pair it with exotic foods like lamb curry.
GPCi - full body Gewurz for $16 with the right ingredients (lychee and rose petals...). Perfect with Asian/spicy food. buy 3-6 bottles.
Portugal
2005 QUINTA DO CRASTO DOURO OLD VINES RESERVA - $29.95
WS = 95 ; Deeply colored, with intense yet refined aromas and flavors of kirsch, boysenberry, dark cherry and spice. The fruit is supported by focused notes of mineral and graphite, and the finish is loaded with dark chocolate and medium tannins. Drink now through 2015.
GPCi - I tried a few great wines from Portugal in the past and this one seems more than promising. Gery Vaynerchuk (the Cork'd guy) said something worth watching out - "it's a nice, decent wine; comes off a little Zinfandel meets Carmenere w/ a little black pepper & curry component; medium bodied, but thins out in certain areas; worried about it falling apart". I would definitely buy 1-2 bottles and "judge" it myself.
Spain
1996 MARQUÉS DE VITORIA GRAN RESERVA - $30.95
http://www.cambridgewine.com/ - Very deep garnet red with a tawny rim. Complex nose, elegant and fine with notes of redcurrant jam, clove and peppers. Round and spicy in the mouth with polished tannins and a good balance. Spicy finish.
vintages.com - Unlike the majority of Rioja wines which are blends of Tempranillo and other grapes (aged in American oak), this version is made with only Tempranillo and is aged in French oak casks for 24 months plus six years in bottle before release. The result is aromas of red currants, clove and black pepper. The palate shows a medium body, smooth tannins and lingering spice-filled finish. The producer recommends pairing it with stewed fish, game casseroles and suckling pig.
GPCi - not too many countries in the world offer a 12 years old great quality wine, for $30. MARQUÉS DE VITORIA is a known Spanish name in the Rioja region. I would definitely recommend buying 1-4 bottles and enjoy it within the next 2 years.
In Store Discovery
1998 BAROLO DOCG (AZELIA) - $47.95
Medium brick-red. Aromas of smoke, truffle and mulch. Then sweet, fat, supple and inviting in the mouth, with a layered texture and a hint of cinnamon. Nicely chewy wine, finishing with sweet tannins.
Gambero Rosso (2003) awarded this wine 2 out of 3 Glasses, pointing out that "the Barolo Azelia selections have always been at the top of their class, thanks in part to their prestigious vineyards of origin in the municipalities of Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga."
GPCi - I'm a bit torn here... 1998 a great year for Barolos. a 10 years Barolo for less than $50... all of that tells me to buy, BUT on the other hand, the reviews (especially Gambero giving it 2 out of 3 glasses) are not convincing enough to go for it. That's a "skip" for me.
