Wednesday, March 19, 2008
GPCi for March 29th 2008 release at the LCBO
GPCi top picks for up to $20
2005 HEARTLAND CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $14.95
2005 TABALI RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $14.95
2003 MADRIGAL VINEYARDS PETITE SIRAH - $19.95
GPCi top picks for wines between $20 - $25
2005 SCHILD ESTATE premium SHIRAZ - $24.95
2005 VOYAGER ESTATE GIRT BY SEA CABERNET/MERLOT - $23.95
GPCi top picks for wines between $40 - $60
2003 Yalumba The Signature (Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz) - $44.95
2004 DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $59.95
France (Rhone -South)
2005 DOMAINE DES SÉNÉCHAUX CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $35.95
RP=90 ; "This is a very fine effort from this well-known estate in Chateauneuf du Pape, which was recently sold to Jean-Michel Cazes, the proprietor of Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux. The blend at present remains 65% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, and the rest Cinsault and Counoise. Cut from the same mold as the 2004, the 2005 Senechaux may turn out to be slightly better as it shows a classic concoction of Provencal herbs intermixed with roasted meats, sweet cherry jam, and some smoke, licorice, and incense. It is dense, rich, finely tuned, and perhaps has a bit more length and freshness than the 2004."
GPCi - DOMAINE DES SÉNÉCHAUX has been constantly producing very good CdP. The 2005 is no exception. A very attractive price for a good CdP from the outstanding 2005 vintage. Buy 1-4 bottles.
Australia
2003 Yalumba The Signature (Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz) - $44.95
RP = 92 ; "A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Shiraz from Barossa estate vineyards, the 2003 The Signature is a big, chunky, heady red that is closed at present. Nevertheless, it reveals an inky/purple color, impressive levels of richness, and sweet notes of charcoal, acacia flowers, blackberries, tar, and pepper. This wine spent 22 months in 300 liter American and French hogsheads. It should emerge from its muted stage in 2-3 years, and last for 15 or more. Jan/06
IWC = 91 ; “Deep ruby. Smoky, oak-accented blackcurrant, kirsch, dark chocolate and espresso aromas are impressively deep and distinctly ripe without coming off as overripe. On the contrary: the dark fruit flavors are complemented by fresh acidity that energizes the wine's deep chocolate and coffee qualities, with dusty tannins framing the wine's flesh. Finishes ripe and impressively long, with a sexy, lingering vanillin oak quality."
JO = 91 ; "Ripe and juicy, sumptuous and assertive, this richly fruited, handsomely oaked but carefully balanced red blend is constructed around slightly baked but not overcooked fruit. Its meaty, mocha-like bouquet of cassis, blackberries, blueberries, plums and cedar/vanilla oak precedes a smoky, firm and powdery palate packed with flavours of dark fruits and dark olives. It’s long, grippy and needs time. drink 2015-2023"
GPCi - I've been collecting The Signature from the great 1998. The 2003 continues the tradition of this classic production. It's not a cheap wine, but it's GPCi is low enough to justify buying 1-3 bottles.
2004 SHINGLEBACK CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $23.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Wine Enthusiast = 92 : This lizard-labeled wine puts other critter wines to shame, offering a complex bouquet of coffee, leather, spice cake and dried fruit. Mouthcoating flavors of dried cherries and plums are framed by coffee, spice and leather and carried across the palate by a lush, softly tannic texture. Drink now-2012. An Editors' Choice. (Joe Czerwinski, Feb. 1, 2007) GPCi - It seems like a good Cab Sauv for short-mid time cellaring. The challenge is that this release offers a few gems for ~$10 less likw the 2005 HEARTLAND. That's a skip for me.
2005 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE RIESLING - $14.95
Coonawarra, South Australia
James Halliday = 94 : A year ago I wrote 'simply needing time to flower and garner higher points' (then 89 points). Over the ensuing year it has done precisely that; while still very fresh and delicate, it has that unique Coonawarra apple blossom and flavour profile, with a long dry finish. Gold medal Sydney Wine Show '07. Drink [to] 2013. (winecompanion.com.au, March 2007)
GPCi - I love good Rieslings and for that review and that price it could be an interesting competition with a few German Riesling Kabinett that I have... see how much the terroir makes the difference in the results. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2005 HEARTLAND CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $14.95
Langhorne Creek/Limestone Coast, South Australia
James Halliday = 92 : Medium purple-red; soft, ripe, juicy blackcurrant fruit; touches of chocolate and mocha; ripe tannins. Enticing price. (winecompanion.com.au, Oct. 2006)
GPCi - with such review from Mr. Holiday and such a price, seems like the perfect day-to-day cab sauv. no brainer - buy 2-12 bottles.
2005 SCHILD ESTATE premium SHIRAZ - $24.95
Barossa, South Australia
This wine made Wine Spectator's annual Top 100 wines of 2007, landing in the #16 spot!
WS = 93 : Smooth and round, this is impressive for its seamless balance, offering cherry and grilled pepper flavors against refined tannins. The open texture reveals sweet spices and mocha flavors as the finish lingers. Has complexity, depth and excellent detail. Best from 2008 through 2015. Highly Recommended. (Harvey Steiman, Sept. 30, 2007)
GPCi - An excellent Shiraz for the right price for mid-log term cellaring. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2003 VOYAGER ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT - $32.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
James Halliday = 95 : Strong red-purple; medium to full-bodied; rich, round, blackcurrant fruit, supple tannins and quality oak all seamlessly interwoven. Drink [until] 2025. (winecompanion.com.au, March 2006)
GPCi - That's a very impressive rate. Since it can be cellared until 2025, it has an excellent GPCi. I'd buy 2-6 bottles and buy another 2-6 bottles from its younger relative GIRT BY SEA.
2005 VOYAGER ESTATE GIRT BY SEA CABERNET/MERLOT - $23.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
While the Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot (725721) is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with 10-15% Merlot, the Girt by Sea is almost equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (44% and 42% respectively) with small amounts of Shiraz and Malbec. Girt by Sea is a line from the Australian National Anthem, "Our home is girt by sea"
James Halliday = 94 : Medium- to full-bodied; clear-cut cassis, blackcurrant, black fruits in a firmly delineated frame; perfect balance of oak and tannins guarantee the slow, long-term development of a classy wine. Drink [until] 2027. (winecompanion.com.au, March 2007)
GPCi - same as above. Buy 2-6 bottles.
2006 SPY VALLEY GEWÜRZTRAMINER - $18.95
Marlborough, South Island
TASTING NOTE: Exotically perfumed, musky bouquet. Powerful, with good weight and ripe, concentrated flavours of lychees, spice and ginger. Lovely texture and richness. Score 5 out of 5. (Winestate, March/April 2007)
GPCi - I'm always looking for a good Gewurz for under $20. This one seems to have everything you need in a Gewurz. Buy 1-3 bottles.
Chile
2005 EMILIANA COYAM (Organic) - $24.95
Wine Advocate (Jay Miller) = 90 ; "The 2005 Coyam is composed of 45% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 11% Carmenere, and 3% Petit Verdot. It was made with organically grown grapes and was aged in a mix of French and American oak. It exhibits an attractive array of pepper, vanilla, clove, cassis, and black fruit aromas. There is ample ripe fruit, very good flavors with some complexity, but the finish is quite firm bordering on hardness. Time is likely to round this wine out at which point my score will appear to be conservative."
GPCi - My experience so far with Organic wines hasn't been so successful, so when I tried this wine about a year ago I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to admit that I was very impressed. it has the black flavors I love in a wine. It needs some time. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
2004 DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $59.95
RP = 94 ; The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is opaque purple in color. The nose delivers a splendid array of pain grille, smoke, pencil lead, espresso, and black currants. It makes a youthful entry on the palate with layers of black fruits, mouth-filling flavors, a plush texture, with plenty of ripe tannins to hold this big wine together. The finish is long and pure. The wine demands 8-10 years to show to full advantage and should drink well through 2032."
GPCi - Again, a very good GPCi due to a long term cellaring potential. I had previous vintages and this wine is a winner. It's like the serious wines you buy in Bordeaux for at least three times more. An absolutely 'must' for who ever appreciates a great Cab Sauv and wants to add a serious wine to the collection. Buy 1-3 bottles.
2005 TABALI RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $14.95
Limari Valley
The Limari Valley is Chile's northernmost wine region. It's located just south of the Atacama Desert and about 25 km inland from the Pacific Ocean. The cooling influence of the ocean extends the ripening process, allowing the final wines to achieve exceptional balance and be more subtly nuanced in character. This supple Cab displays lots of smoky oak and concentrated dark berry fruit leading to a spicy finish.
GPCi - I had the Tabali Reserva Cab a few times in Chile and in Ontario. A very safe bet and a great day-to-day wine for the right price. I'd buy 3-12 bottles.
California
2003 MADRIGAL VINEYARDS PETITE SIRAH - $19.95
Napa Valley
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines = 91 ; Here is a well-defined and fairly well-balanced bottling that gets things right as far as specific varietal character is concerned. Its solid, blackberry fruit is seasoned with lots of peppery spice, a bit of black earth and a comfortable dollop of oak, and its very ample tannins speak to Petite without domineering. It is tough enough to warrant at least of few years of age, and fans of the grape should find more and more to like as it develops over the next five to eight years. (May 2007)
GPCi - It's been a while since I've seen/tasted a good Petite Sirah (it's not Syrah). Don't let the "Petite" ("small" in French) fool you. When they are well made they can be well concentrated and powerful. This one looks promising. I'm looking forward to try it... I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
2005 HEARTLAND CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $14.95
2005 TABALI RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $14.95
2003 MADRIGAL VINEYARDS PETITE SIRAH - $19.95
GPCi top picks for wines between $20 - $25
2005 SCHILD ESTATE premium SHIRAZ - $24.95
2005 VOYAGER ESTATE GIRT BY SEA CABERNET/MERLOT - $23.95
GPCi top picks for wines between $40 - $60
2003 Yalumba The Signature (Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz) - $44.95
2004 DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $59.95
France (Rhone -South)
2005 DOMAINE DES SÉNÉCHAUX CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $35.95
RP=90 ; "This is a very fine effort from this well-known estate in Chateauneuf du Pape, which was recently sold to Jean-Michel Cazes, the proprietor of Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux. The blend at present remains 65% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, and the rest Cinsault and Counoise. Cut from the same mold as the 2004, the 2005 Senechaux may turn out to be slightly better as it shows a classic concoction of Provencal herbs intermixed with roasted meats, sweet cherry jam, and some smoke, licorice, and incense. It is dense, rich, finely tuned, and perhaps has a bit more length and freshness than the 2004."
GPCi - DOMAINE DES SÉNÉCHAUX has been constantly producing very good CdP. The 2005 is no exception. A very attractive price for a good CdP from the outstanding 2005 vintage. Buy 1-4 bottles.
Australia
2003 Yalumba The Signature (Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz) - $44.95
RP = 92 ; "A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Shiraz from Barossa estate vineyards, the 2003 The Signature is a big, chunky, heady red that is closed at present. Nevertheless, it reveals an inky/purple color, impressive levels of richness, and sweet notes of charcoal, acacia flowers, blackberries, tar, and pepper. This wine spent 22 months in 300 liter American and French hogsheads. It should emerge from its muted stage in 2-3 years, and last for 15 or more. Jan/06
IWC = 91 ; “Deep ruby. Smoky, oak-accented blackcurrant, kirsch, dark chocolate and espresso aromas are impressively deep and distinctly ripe without coming off as overripe. On the contrary: the dark fruit flavors are complemented by fresh acidity that energizes the wine's deep chocolate and coffee qualities, with dusty tannins framing the wine's flesh. Finishes ripe and impressively long, with a sexy, lingering vanillin oak quality."
JO = 91 ; "Ripe and juicy, sumptuous and assertive, this richly fruited, handsomely oaked but carefully balanced red blend is constructed around slightly baked but not overcooked fruit. Its meaty, mocha-like bouquet of cassis, blackberries, blueberries, plums and cedar/vanilla oak precedes a smoky, firm and powdery palate packed with flavours of dark fruits and dark olives. It’s long, grippy and needs time. drink 2015-2023"
GPCi - I've been collecting The Signature from the great 1998. The 2003 continues the tradition of this classic production. It's not a cheap wine, but it's GPCi is low enough to justify buying 1-3 bottles.
2004 SHINGLEBACK CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $23.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Wine Enthusiast = 92 : This lizard-labeled wine puts other critter wines to shame, offering a complex bouquet of coffee, leather, spice cake and dried fruit. Mouthcoating flavors of dried cherries and plums are framed by coffee, spice and leather and carried across the palate by a lush, softly tannic texture. Drink now-2012. An Editors' Choice. (Joe Czerwinski, Feb. 1, 2007) GPCi - It seems like a good Cab Sauv for short-mid time cellaring. The challenge is that this release offers a few gems for ~$10 less likw the 2005 HEARTLAND. That's a skip for me.
2005 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE RIESLING - $14.95
Coonawarra, South Australia
James Halliday = 94 : A year ago I wrote 'simply needing time to flower and garner higher points' (then 89 points). Over the ensuing year it has done precisely that; while still very fresh and delicate, it has that unique Coonawarra apple blossom and flavour profile, with a long dry finish. Gold medal Sydney Wine Show '07. Drink [to] 2013. (winecompanion.com.au, March 2007)
GPCi - I love good Rieslings and for that review and that price it could be an interesting competition with a few German Riesling Kabinett that I have... see how much the terroir makes the difference in the results. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2005 HEARTLAND CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $14.95
Langhorne Creek/Limestone Coast, South Australia
James Halliday = 92 : Medium purple-red; soft, ripe, juicy blackcurrant fruit; touches of chocolate and mocha; ripe tannins. Enticing price. (winecompanion.com.au, Oct. 2006)
GPCi - with such review from Mr. Holiday and such a price, seems like the perfect day-to-day cab sauv. no brainer - buy 2-12 bottles.
2005 SCHILD ESTATE premium SHIRAZ - $24.95
Barossa, South Australia
This wine made Wine Spectator's annual Top 100 wines of 2007, landing in the #16 spot!
WS = 93 : Smooth and round, this is impressive for its seamless balance, offering cherry and grilled pepper flavors against refined tannins. The open texture reveals sweet spices and mocha flavors as the finish lingers. Has complexity, depth and excellent detail. Best from 2008 through 2015. Highly Recommended. (Harvey Steiman, Sept. 30, 2007)
GPCi - An excellent Shiraz for the right price for mid-log term cellaring. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2003 VOYAGER ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT - $32.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
James Halliday = 95 : Strong red-purple; medium to full-bodied; rich, round, blackcurrant fruit, supple tannins and quality oak all seamlessly interwoven. Drink [until] 2025. (winecompanion.com.au, March 2006)
GPCi - That's a very impressive rate. Since it can be cellared until 2025, it has an excellent GPCi. I'd buy 2-6 bottles and buy another 2-6 bottles from its younger relative GIRT BY SEA.
2005 VOYAGER ESTATE GIRT BY SEA CABERNET/MERLOT - $23.95
Margaret River, Western Australia
While the Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot (725721) is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with 10-15% Merlot, the Girt by Sea is almost equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (44% and 42% respectively) with small amounts of Shiraz and Malbec. Girt by Sea is a line from the Australian National Anthem, "Our home is girt by sea"
James Halliday = 94 : Medium- to full-bodied; clear-cut cassis, blackcurrant, black fruits in a firmly delineated frame; perfect balance of oak and tannins guarantee the slow, long-term development of a classy wine. Drink [until] 2027. (winecompanion.com.au, March 2007)
GPCi - same as above. Buy 2-6 bottles.
2006 SPY VALLEY GEWÜRZTRAMINER - $18.95
Marlborough, South Island
TASTING NOTE: Exotically perfumed, musky bouquet. Powerful, with good weight and ripe, concentrated flavours of lychees, spice and ginger. Lovely texture and richness. Score 5 out of 5. (Winestate, March/April 2007)
GPCi - I'm always looking for a good Gewurz for under $20. This one seems to have everything you need in a Gewurz. Buy 1-3 bottles.
Chile
2005 EMILIANA COYAM (Organic) - $24.95
Wine Advocate (Jay Miller) = 90 ; "The 2005 Coyam is composed of 45% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 11% Carmenere, and 3% Petit Verdot. It was made with organically grown grapes and was aged in a mix of French and American oak. It exhibits an attractive array of pepper, vanilla, clove, cassis, and black fruit aromas. There is ample ripe fruit, very good flavors with some complexity, but the finish is quite firm bordering on hardness. Time is likely to round this wine out at which point my score will appear to be conservative."
GPCi - My experience so far with Organic wines hasn't been so successful, so when I tried this wine about a year ago I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to admit that I was very impressed. it has the black flavors I love in a wine. It needs some time. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
2004 DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $59.95
RP = 94 ; The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is opaque purple in color. The nose delivers a splendid array of pain grille, smoke, pencil lead, espresso, and black currants. It makes a youthful entry on the palate with layers of black fruits, mouth-filling flavors, a plush texture, with plenty of ripe tannins to hold this big wine together. The finish is long and pure. The wine demands 8-10 years to show to full advantage and should drink well through 2032."
GPCi - Again, a very good GPCi due to a long term cellaring potential. I had previous vintages and this wine is a winner. It's like the serious wines you buy in Bordeaux for at least three times more. An absolutely 'must' for who ever appreciates a great Cab Sauv and wants to add a serious wine to the collection. Buy 1-3 bottles.
2005 TABALI RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $14.95
Limari Valley
The Limari Valley is Chile's northernmost wine region. It's located just south of the Atacama Desert and about 25 km inland from the Pacific Ocean. The cooling influence of the ocean extends the ripening process, allowing the final wines to achieve exceptional balance and be more subtly nuanced in character. This supple Cab displays lots of smoky oak and concentrated dark berry fruit leading to a spicy finish.
GPCi - I had the Tabali Reserva Cab a few times in Chile and in Ontario. A very safe bet and a great day-to-day wine for the right price. I'd buy 3-12 bottles.
California
2003 MADRIGAL VINEYARDS PETITE SIRAH - $19.95
Napa Valley
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines = 91 ; Here is a well-defined and fairly well-balanced bottling that gets things right as far as specific varietal character is concerned. Its solid, blackberry fruit is seasoned with lots of peppery spice, a bit of black earth and a comfortable dollop of oak, and its very ample tannins speak to Petite without domineering. It is tough enough to warrant at least of few years of age, and fans of the grape should find more and more to like as it develops over the next five to eight years. (May 2007)
GPCi - It's been a while since I've seen/tasted a good Petite Sirah (it's not Syrah). Don't let the "Petite" ("small" in French) fool you. When they are well made they can be well concentrated and powerful. This one looks promising. I'm looking forward to try it... I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
