Wednesday, March 05, 2008
GPCi for March 15th 2008 release at the LCBO
GPCi top picks for up to $20
2006 D'Arenberg THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE - $16.95
2005 Darting GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT - $16.95
GPCi top picks for $30-$45
2005 COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL - $29.95
2003 CHÂTEAU ST. GEORGES (SCE Petrus Desbois) - $35.95
2003 Mas La Plana - $44.95
Australia
2006 D'Arenberg THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE - $16.95
WS=90 ; Top 100 Wines of 2007: "Soft and charming. A beguiling mouthful of spicy pear and grapefruit flavors that linger with focus on the open-textured finish. Not as rich as pure Viognier, but better balanced. Drink now through 2010.
GPCi - for everyone who likes Viogner (or Viognier blend), that's a "have to buy". Great review for an excellent value. Buy 3-12 bottles.
Germany
2005 Darting GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT - $16.95
Tony Aspler = 4.5 / 5 - Appearance: yellow straw Nose: intense, spicy, lychee, rose petal Taste: medium-bodied, sweet, perfumed, elegant, great length. Good value.
GPCi - Gewurtz is one of my favorite grapes. Seems like a great treat for the coming spring (at least the official Spring date...). a usual fit with asian and/or spicy food. Buy 3-6 bottles.
Israel
2005 Golan Heights VIOGNIER - $24.95
DR = 90 ; Aged partly in barriques, partly in stainless steel, and thus reflecting a gentle hand with spicy wood. Lively golden in color, full-bodied, with nectarine, peach, pear kiwi and hints of citrus that play nicely on the palate together with aromas and flavors of spring flowers. Drink now-2008, perhaps longer. (Tasted 6 Mar 2007).
GPCi - Golan Heights is one of the best wineries in Israel. Just recently they have received a formal recognition by the Wine Advocade (one of their wines received 93 in the Parker/Squires Israel wines evaluation). Not so cheap (there are cheaper alternatives from Australia), but I would buy 1-2 bottles and compare it with the other French and Australian Viognier.
2003 MERLOT Ella Valley Vineyards - $28.95
DR = 90 ; Medium to full-bodied, deep garnet in color, with tannins now integrating nicely. Supple and elegant, with plum, blackberry, currant and berry fruits going to hints of cedar and spices on the long finish. Drink now–2009.
GPCi - here is a challenge for me... I'm not a big fan of Merlot and for almost $30 I'd prefer to buy 2 Carmenere from Chile. Sorry, this is a skip for me.
Canada BC
2004 LE GRAND VIN (Osoyoos Larose) - $39.95
www.appelationamerica.com = 92 ; This is a generous and dark-hued wine, with inviting red fruit aromas and flavours of plums, black cherries, and chocolate well integrated with oak flavours (the wine has 18 months in barrels, 60% of which were new, 40% one-year old). The tannins are long and supple but firm enough for reasonable longevity. On the palate, the texture shows excellent concentration. The finish is long and elegant. (John Schreiner, Nov. 24, 2006)
GPCi – The above review seems promissing, but I read a few consumers' reviews which were not flattering (to say the least...) and for this price, it is a skip for me.
Chile
2006 LIMITED SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE (Montes) - $14.95
http://www.webwine.com/203314 - It is strong in color, beautiful and deep ruby red. Butterscotch and the subtle spiciness makes it appealing, with a strong personal character. The well integrated vanilla flavors comes from the oak aging, and adds complexity and elegance. This is a medium to full bodied wine but yet soft and friendly in the palate due to the sweet and firm tannins of the Carménère component.
GPCi – the similar Montes from 2004 got 88 by WS. The 2006 vintage in Chile was highly rated by many (received 9/10 by www.bbr.com ). For that price range the risk is very low. I would buy a few bottles for day-to-day.
2006 VALDIVIESO CHARDONNAY - $11.95
This mostly unoaked Chardonnay emphasizes pure fruit characteristics with ripe melon and apple flavours as well as notes of cinnamon. Plump, soft and juicy with medium acidity, this generous wine will complement pasta in oil with sautéed shrimp and fresh herbs.
GPCi - Well... yet another challenge for me.. I like oak in my Chardonnay. The price is more than competitive and Valdivieso is a producer I appreciate (they make the wonderful Caballo Loco wines). I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
France - Bordeaux
2003 CHÂTEAU ST. GEORGES (SCE Petrus Desbois) - $35.95
DR=90 ; Dark garnet, full-bodied, with firm tannins only now starting to integrate and openg to show tempting raspberry, red currant and red licorice notes. Long and generous. Best 2010-2016.
GPCi – 60 % Merlot, 20 % Cabernet, 20 % Bouchet. Bouchet is synonyms for Cabernet Franc. in St. Emilion (Ch. St George is from St. Emilion) and Pomerol they use this name instead of calling it Cab Franc. Interestingly enough, in Australia, it is used as an alias name for the cab sauv grape. As you have probably noticed, I like the 2003 vintage in the Bordeaux region - the wines from this year usually match my palate. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
France - Rhone south
2005 COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL - $29.95
RP = 91 ; The 2005 Beaucastel Coudoulet Côtes-du-Rhône is another outstanding example of this Côtes du-Rhone made essentially across the border from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Notes of tapenade, licorice, smoked herbs, and meat juices interwoven with black cherry and darker fruits are followed by an expansive, broadly flavored, full-bodied wine with no hard edges, gorgeous fruit purity, and a long, spicy, heady finish. This is almost the bottled essence of Provence. Drink it over the next decade or more.
GPCi - COUDOULET is the CdP Beaucastel "for the pour" and I LOVE IT!!! I had previous vintages and it's a great offerring for less that half of its big brother's price. This is one of my top pics of this release. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
Italy - Tuscany
2004 TOSCOLO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA - $27.95
WS = 90 ; "Gorgeous aromas of crushed berry, toasty oak, chocolate and coffee. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, rich finish. Great value. Best after 2006."
GPCi - I love the full body Chianti (not an easy find...) and the 2004 vintage has delivered very good wines. A bit expensive although still under the "fair-price" category. I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
2003 NOTTOLA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO - $31.95
DOCG
WS = 90 : Dark, with plenty of blackberry, cherry and vanilla character. Full-bodied, with rich fruit and a long, caressing finish. Needs time. Best after 2007.
(James Suckling, Oct. 31, 2006).
GPCi - If I need to choose between this wine and its friend located about 100 km north (2004 TOSCOLO CHIANTI), I would chosse this one. Somehow I find the full body Montepuliciano "fuller" than the Chianti. It would be an interesting comaprison/competition - who delivers more for $30. I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
2004 TIGNANELLO (Antinori) – Magnum - $225.95
WS =95 ; Arguably the original super Tuscan, this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc was first produced in 1971. Today as then, proprietor Piero Antinori uses grapes from the 116-acre Tignanello vineyard, part of the Santa Cristina estate in the Chianti Classico region. The long, measured summer of 2004 produced a full, concentrated and velvety wine that matches the quality of the great 1997 and 1988 vintages.
RP = 93 ; The 2004 Tignanello (85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc) presents a livelier shade of ruby along with fresher aromatics and flavors. Deeply expressive, it reveals black cherries, licorice, tar and sweet toasted oak on a linear, silky-textured frame of great class and elegance, showing outstanding presence on the palate and fine tannins to round out the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019."
GPCi - for the "deep pockets" out there... this one is for you... if a child/grandchild was born at this year, a Magnum TIGNANELLO can be a great investment/gift.
Spain - Penedes
2003 Mas La Plana - $44.95
WS = 90 ; A core of fleshy plum and currant fruit is accented by vanilla, coffee and a hint of tar. There’s a slightly rustic character, but this is solid and well-integrated, with a lingering floral note on the finish. Best after 2008.
GPCi - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, grapes from select single vineyard, 18 months in French oak. I had the 1999 a few weeks back and it's an excellent wine. full and round with lots of presence - everything you expect from an elegant Cab Sauv. It's expensive but worth the price. I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
2006 D'Arenberg THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE - $16.95
2005 Darting GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT - $16.95
GPCi top picks for $30-$45
2005 COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL - $29.95
2003 CHÂTEAU ST. GEORGES (SCE Petrus Desbois) - $35.95
2003 Mas La Plana - $44.95
Australia
2006 D'Arenberg THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE - $16.95
WS=90 ; Top 100 Wines of 2007: "Soft and charming. A beguiling mouthful of spicy pear and grapefruit flavors that linger with focus on the open-textured finish. Not as rich as pure Viognier, but better balanced. Drink now through 2010.
GPCi - for everyone who likes Viogner (or Viognier blend), that's a "have to buy". Great review for an excellent value. Buy 3-12 bottles.
Germany
2005 Darting GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT - $16.95
Tony Aspler = 4.5 / 5 - Appearance: yellow straw Nose: intense, spicy, lychee, rose petal Taste: medium-bodied, sweet, perfumed, elegant, great length. Good value.
GPCi - Gewurtz is one of my favorite grapes. Seems like a great treat for the coming spring (at least the official Spring date...). a usual fit with asian and/or spicy food. Buy 3-6 bottles.
Israel
2005 Golan Heights VIOGNIER - $24.95
DR = 90 ; Aged partly in barriques, partly in stainless steel, and thus reflecting a gentle hand with spicy wood. Lively golden in color, full-bodied, with nectarine, peach, pear kiwi and hints of citrus that play nicely on the palate together with aromas and flavors of spring flowers. Drink now-2008, perhaps longer. (Tasted 6 Mar 2007).
GPCi - Golan Heights is one of the best wineries in Israel. Just recently they have received a formal recognition by the Wine Advocade (one of their wines received 93 in the Parker/Squires Israel wines evaluation). Not so cheap (there are cheaper alternatives from Australia), but I would buy 1-2 bottles and compare it with the other French and Australian Viognier.
2003 MERLOT Ella Valley Vineyards - $28.95
DR = 90 ; Medium to full-bodied, deep garnet in color, with tannins now integrating nicely. Supple and elegant, with plum, blackberry, currant and berry fruits going to hints of cedar and spices on the long finish. Drink now–2009.
GPCi - here is a challenge for me... I'm not a big fan of Merlot and for almost $30 I'd prefer to buy 2 Carmenere from Chile. Sorry, this is a skip for me.
Canada BC
2004 LE GRAND VIN (Osoyoos Larose) - $39.95
www.appelationamerica.com = 92 ; This is a generous and dark-hued wine, with inviting red fruit aromas and flavours of plums, black cherries, and chocolate well integrated with oak flavours (the wine has 18 months in barrels, 60% of which were new, 40% one-year old). The tannins are long and supple but firm enough for reasonable longevity. On the palate, the texture shows excellent concentration. The finish is long and elegant. (John Schreiner, Nov. 24, 2006)
GPCi – The above review seems promissing, but I read a few consumers' reviews which were not flattering (to say the least...) and for this price, it is a skip for me.
Chile
2006 LIMITED SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE (Montes) - $14.95
http://www.webwine.com/203314 - It is strong in color, beautiful and deep ruby red. Butterscotch and the subtle spiciness makes it appealing, with a strong personal character. The well integrated vanilla flavors comes from the oak aging, and adds complexity and elegance. This is a medium to full bodied wine but yet soft and friendly in the palate due to the sweet and firm tannins of the Carménère component.
GPCi – the similar Montes from 2004 got 88 by WS. The 2006 vintage in Chile was highly rated by many (received 9/10 by www.bbr.com ). For that price range the risk is very low. I would buy a few bottles for day-to-day.
2006 VALDIVIESO CHARDONNAY - $11.95
This mostly unoaked Chardonnay emphasizes pure fruit characteristics with ripe melon and apple flavours as well as notes of cinnamon. Plump, soft and juicy with medium acidity, this generous wine will complement pasta in oil with sautéed shrimp and fresh herbs.
GPCi - Well... yet another challenge for me.. I like oak in my Chardonnay. The price is more than competitive and Valdivieso is a producer I appreciate (they make the wonderful Caballo Loco wines). I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
France - Bordeaux
2003 CHÂTEAU ST. GEORGES (SCE Petrus Desbois) - $35.95
DR=90 ; Dark garnet, full-bodied, with firm tannins only now starting to integrate and openg to show tempting raspberry, red currant and red licorice notes. Long and generous. Best 2010-2016.
GPCi – 60 % Merlot, 20 % Cabernet, 20 % Bouchet. Bouchet is synonyms for Cabernet Franc. in St. Emilion (Ch. St George is from St. Emilion) and Pomerol they use this name instead of calling it Cab Franc. Interestingly enough, in Australia, it is used as an alias name for the cab sauv grape. As you have probably noticed, I like the 2003 vintage in the Bordeaux region - the wines from this year usually match my palate. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
France - Rhone south
2005 COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL - $29.95
RP = 91 ; The 2005 Beaucastel Coudoulet Côtes-du-Rhône is another outstanding example of this Côtes du-Rhone made essentially across the border from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Notes of tapenade, licorice, smoked herbs, and meat juices interwoven with black cherry and darker fruits are followed by an expansive, broadly flavored, full-bodied wine with no hard edges, gorgeous fruit purity, and a long, spicy, heady finish. This is almost the bottled essence of Provence. Drink it over the next decade or more.
GPCi - COUDOULET is the CdP Beaucastel "for the pour" and I LOVE IT!!! I had previous vintages and it's a great offerring for less that half of its big brother's price. This is one of my top pics of this release. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
Italy - Tuscany
2004 TOSCOLO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA - $27.95
WS = 90 ; "Gorgeous aromas of crushed berry, toasty oak, chocolate and coffee. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, rich finish. Great value. Best after 2006."
GPCi - I love the full body Chianti (not an easy find...) and the 2004 vintage has delivered very good wines. A bit expensive although still under the "fair-price" category. I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
2003 NOTTOLA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO - $31.95
DOCG
WS = 90 : Dark, with plenty of blackberry, cherry and vanilla character. Full-bodied, with rich fruit and a long, caressing finish. Needs time. Best after 2007.
(James Suckling, Oct. 31, 2006).
GPCi - If I need to choose between this wine and its friend located about 100 km north (2004 TOSCOLO CHIANTI), I would chosse this one. Somehow I find the full body Montepuliciano "fuller" than the Chianti. It would be an interesting comaprison/competition - who delivers more for $30. I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
2004 TIGNANELLO (Antinori) – Magnum - $225.95
WS =95 ; Arguably the original super Tuscan, this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc was first produced in 1971. Today as then, proprietor Piero Antinori uses grapes from the 116-acre Tignanello vineyard, part of the Santa Cristina estate in the Chianti Classico region. The long, measured summer of 2004 produced a full, concentrated and velvety wine that matches the quality of the great 1997 and 1988 vintages.
RP = 93 ; The 2004 Tignanello (85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc) presents a livelier shade of ruby along with fresher aromatics and flavors. Deeply expressive, it reveals black cherries, licorice, tar and sweet toasted oak on a linear, silky-textured frame of great class and elegance, showing outstanding presence on the palate and fine tannins to round out the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019."
GPCi - for the "deep pockets" out there... this one is for you... if a child/grandchild was born at this year, a Magnum TIGNANELLO can be a great investment/gift.
Spain - Penedes
2003 Mas La Plana - $44.95
WS = 90 ; A core of fleshy plum and currant fruit is accented by vanilla, coffee and a hint of tar. There’s a slightly rustic character, but this is solid and well-integrated, with a lingering floral note on the finish. Best after 2008.
GPCi - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, grapes from select single vineyard, 18 months in French oak. I had the 1999 a few weeks back and it's an excellent wine. full and round with lots of presence - everything you expect from an elegant Cab Sauv. It's expensive but worth the price. I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
