Friday, April 18, 2008
GPCi for April 26th 2008 release at the LCBO
Top picks for less than $20
2005 BOTALCURA RESERVE EL DELIRIO SYRAH/MALBEC - $12.95
2004 TOSCOLO CHIANTI CLASSICO - $18.95
2004 SELECCIÓN DE TORRES CELESTE - $19.95
Top picks for less than $60
2005 CLOS SAINT JEAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $45.95
2004 CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON - $59.95
California
2005 CLOS DU VAL ZINFANDEL - $21.95
Napa Valley
This zesty Zin is dominated by ripe, dark cherry-fruit aromas with hints of spice and black pepper. Dry, soft and creamy, with ripe red-fruit flavours and moderate tannins, this wine is easy to love. You may want to break out the barbecue early for this wine.
GPCi - So here is my challenge... I like this winery and this price is pretty good for a good Zin. The 2005 vintage for Californian Zin wasn't highly appreciated - RP gave it an average 78 with an indication of irregularity even among the best wines. I would buy 1 bottle to try.
2005 CAYMUS SPECIAL SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $155.95
Napa Valley
RP = 92-94 : A barrel sample of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection offers terrific fruit intensity and purity, a more laid-back style, a meaty, chewy texture, and impressive opulence as well as length. It should evolve for 10-15 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Dec. 2006)
GPCi - I was privileged to try the 2002 CAYMUS SPECIAL SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON. No doubt, an outstanding wine, BUT does it worth that price? I don't think so. It's probably a wine for the deep pockets that like to build these fancy-expensive verticals of Napa's best. not for my pocket...
2004 STERLING CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
Napa Valley
It's not just Sterling's spectacular mountaintop view of the Napa Valley that stirs the soul - this wine's rich aromas of cassis, spicy plum, and hints of chocolate and suede do it too. Bold and flavourful with fine tannins that lead to a long, complex finish, this wine will have your palate dancing. Enjoy with rack of lamb or mushroom risotto.
GPCi - Sterling is a consistent good Napa producer. Their wines are relatively fair priced and they deliver good quality wine. If you want to try a good Napa wine without taking a mortgage, try this one. I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
Argentina
2006 KAIKEN MALBEC - $14.95
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza (Montes)
Owned by the Chilean winery, Montes, Kaiken (pronounced Kay-ken) is named for a wild goose that flies a migratory pattern between Chile and Argentina (thus, the winery's logo line, "The Best From Both Sides of the Andes"). Their Malbec features an attractive aroma profile of black raspberry, plum, spice box and smoke. It is dry with lots of fresh fruit that is balanced by a seam of acidity and ripe tannins. Match it to grilled steak or cellar it for up to six years.
GPCi - great QPR for a good Malbec. I'd buy 3-6 bottles for day-to-day and short-mid term cellaring.
Chile
2005 BOTALCURA RESERVE EL DELIRIO SYRAH/MALBEC - $12.95
Central Valley
Botalcura's Reserve El Delirio shows that Chile is more than just Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Featuring Syrah and Malbec, generally not thought of in Chile but which work beautifully together, this fruity and balanced wine shows off the virtues of both grapes to perfection. The Syrah delivers the upfront fruit, while the Malbec provides a lovely earthy/cedary tone to the mix. Terrific with meat-rich pasta dishes.
GPCi - Another great QPR, this time from Chile. An interesting blend with two very flavorful varieties. I'd buy 3-12 bottles.
Australia
2004 PENNYFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON BASKET PRESSED - $23.95
Riverland, South Australia
The basket press was one of the earliest types of presses used after the ancient practice of foot-trodding was superseded. It is still used today as some producers believe this traditional technique gives them better control over the pressing of their grapes. This basket-pressed Cabernet is loaded with blackcurrant, plum and raspberry aromas and flavours and makes a mouth-watering match for barbecued backribs and steaks.
GPCi - what's not to like about this wine... good vintage, great variety, fair price. Buy 2-4 bottles.
France
2004 CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON - $59.95
AC St. Julien
WS = 91 : Very pretty and perfumed, with plum, vanilla and chocolate aromas. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Best after 2011. (James Suckling, March 31, 2007).
GPCi - There aren't too many very good Bordeaux from 2004 and for that price in Ontario (Clerc Milon and d'Armailhac are around that price too but not as good).
I have tried a few of Langoa Barton and really liked it. It could definitely be cellared for 10+ years if not more. I will buy this one to continue the vertical collection.
2005 CHÂTEAU LE DOYENNÉ - $25.95
AC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux
RP = 88-90 : A super sleeper of the vintage, like its predecessors, the 2005 Le Doyenné is a well-made (Michel Rolland is the consultant) blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It exhibits sexy aromatics, superb fruit, medium body, velvety tannin, loads of glycerin, and elevated alcohol (13+%). Available for a song, this lovely offering should drink well for 5-6 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, April 2006)
GPCi - another one with Rolland influence and with the formula that drives RP to score high. It's a 2005 Bordeaux that delivers for less than $30. it should be an interesting wine to try with a good steak. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
France (CdP)
2005 CLOS SAINT JEAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $45.95
AC, Non-Filtré
RP = 93 : The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape, which is basically a blend of 75% Grenache aged in tank or large foudres and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault, is exquisite, deeper, and richer than even the impressive 2006. Dense plum/ruby/purple with notes of incense, melted licorice, blackberry, and sweet cherry, the wine is peppery, spicy, rich, full-bodied, layered and chewy. It is a superb example of Chateauneuf du Pape that should drink well for 10-15 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - the 2005 CdP are arriving one by one - slowly but surely. I haven't tried this Domaine before, but it seems to deliver what CdP is all about. I'd buy 1-4 bottles.
2005 PERRIN & FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES SINARDS (375 mL) - $19.95
AC
This is the half bottle of the popular wine in our Essentials Collection (926626, $38.65).
WS = 92 : Lovely kirsch and plum cake aromas and flavors lead the way, with a silky palate of currant and mineral that glides through the long finish. Not as densely structured as the top 2005s, but pure and wonderfully balanced. Drink now through 2020. (James Molesworth, Web Only 2008)
GPCi - This is a great CdP. the fact that it comes in small bottles, just gives you the opportunity to taste it for $20 before you make your mind if it meets your plate expectations or not. buy one and then go for the regular bottle.
Italy (Piedmont)
1999 PALLADINO BAROLO RISERVA S. BERNARDO - $59.95
DOCG
Palladino's San Bernardo vineyard is much prized for its clay/calcareous soils, favourable south-by-southeast exposure and ideal climatic conditions. Their Riserva presents intriguing aromas and flavours of Christmas cake, black cherry, citrus and earth tones. A Barolo to enjoy now with rare roast beef and game meats, or cellar it for up to a decade.
GPCi - there aren't many 99' Barolo Riserva offered in Vintages (usually they are offered in the Classic catalog). It's not too expensive for what it offers. something to consider if Barolo is your thing (Ken F - that's one is for you).
Italy (Tuscany)
2004 ANTINORI SOLAIA - $154.95
IGT Toscana
WS = 96: Shows beautiful, complex aromas of flowers, currant and Christmas cake. Full-bodied, chewy and powerful. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2010.(James Suckling, Oct 15, 2007)
GPCi - another one for the deep pockets. Who ever had the previous great vintages of Solaia, HAS to buy this one to continue the tradition... Jim M - ?
2004 TOSCOLO CHIANTI CLASSICO - $18.95
DOCG
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. (James Suckling, Oct 31, 2006)
GPCi - a great wine for a very attractive price that will perfectly match these spring days. If Chianti is your thing, buy 3-6 bottles.
2001 MARSILIANA - $46.95
IGT Toscana
RP = 92: The 2001 Marsiliana, Cabernet based but with a bit of Merlot and Sangiovese as well, is an excellent effort from a very young vineyard, dark and deep in color, full on the nose with ample and expansive aromas of black currants, graphite, rosemary, and thyme, rich, warm, and round in flavor, muscular and powerful but with plenty of polish in the tannins. It should easily last fifteen years. Cabernet Sauvignon, just to add one nit-picking note, delivers the meat and the structure, but not always the perfume, and I am under the impression that this, and various other wines from near the Tuscan coast, would benefit from some Cabernet Franc. Drink 2004-2019. (Daniel Thomases, www.erobertparker.com, April 2004)
GPCi - a great year for IGT. A typical IGT blend with a good cellaring potential. If "Supper Tuscan" is your thing, this is a very good option for a more reasonable price than its friends...
2003 MELINI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA VIGNETI LA SELVANELLA - $24.95
DOCG
Gambero Rosso = 3/3 : In Tuscany's ongoing, occasionally crusade-like war between modernists and traditionalists, it is rare that a wine meets with the approval of both factions. For several years now, Melini's Chianti Classico Vigneto La Selvanella has managed to pull off that very miracle. And how has it achieved this feat, you may well ask. First and foremost, the wine is obtained from just one vineyard of approximately 46 hectares and from almost 100 per cent sangiovese ... The wine is matured in large 50-hectolitre barrels to give a Chianti Classico of enormous character that is concentrated without being heavy or jammy, even in such torrid vintages as 2003. (Italian Wines, 2007)
GPCi - Gambero Rosso doesn't give 3 out of 3 that frequent. So again, if Chainti (this time Riserva) is your thing, that's a fair price for what it delivers. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
Spain (Rioja)
2000 LAN GRAN RESERVA - $24.95
DOCa Rioja
The wines of Bodegas Lan tend to lean towards the more traditional style. This Gran Reserva is clothed in a medium-ruby colour with garnet tones appearing on the rim. The nose is redolent of spice rack, red plums, strawberry and tobacco and the palate sees a replay of these aromas, and the finish is long and oaky. Enjoy it with dishes that use aromatic spices such as paella.
GPCi - LAN is a known and respectful bodegas in Spain. like it says above, very Rioja traditional style. 2000 was an average year, so I wouldn't stock this gran reserva by the cases, but I would buy 2-4 bottles.
Spain (Ribera Del Duero)
2004 SELECCIÓN DE TORRES CELESTE - $19.95
DOC Ribera del Duero, Crianza
WS = 90 : This red is harmonious, though a bit brooding, with dark flavors of coffee, anise and black plum backed by firm tannins. Mineral and smoke notes linger on the finish. Drink now through (Thomas Matthews, June 15, 2007)
GPCi - that's the young (Crianza) version of this wine. good review, excellent vintage in Ribera del Duero and a very attractive price. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2005 BOTALCURA RESERVE EL DELIRIO SYRAH/MALBEC - $12.95
2004 TOSCOLO CHIANTI CLASSICO - $18.95
2004 SELECCIÓN DE TORRES CELESTE - $19.95
Top picks for less than $60
2005 CLOS SAINT JEAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $45.95
2004 CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON - $59.95
California
2005 CLOS DU VAL ZINFANDEL - $21.95
Napa Valley
This zesty Zin is dominated by ripe, dark cherry-fruit aromas with hints of spice and black pepper. Dry, soft and creamy, with ripe red-fruit flavours and moderate tannins, this wine is easy to love. You may want to break out the barbecue early for this wine.
GPCi - So here is my challenge... I like this winery and this price is pretty good for a good Zin. The 2005 vintage for Californian Zin wasn't highly appreciated - RP gave it an average 78 with an indication of irregularity even among the best wines. I would buy 1 bottle to try.
2005 CAYMUS SPECIAL SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $155.95
Napa Valley
RP = 92-94 : A barrel sample of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection offers terrific fruit intensity and purity, a more laid-back style, a meaty, chewy texture, and impressive opulence as well as length. It should evolve for 10-15 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Dec. 2006)
GPCi - I was privileged to try the 2002 CAYMUS SPECIAL SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON. No doubt, an outstanding wine, BUT does it worth that price? I don't think so. It's probably a wine for the deep pockets that like to build these fancy-expensive verticals of Napa's best. not for my pocket...
2004 STERLING CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
Napa Valley
It's not just Sterling's spectacular mountaintop view of the Napa Valley that stirs the soul - this wine's rich aromas of cassis, spicy plum, and hints of chocolate and suede do it too. Bold and flavourful with fine tannins that lead to a long, complex finish, this wine will have your palate dancing. Enjoy with rack of lamb or mushroom risotto.
GPCi - Sterling is a consistent good Napa producer. Their wines are relatively fair priced and they deliver good quality wine. If you want to try a good Napa wine without taking a mortgage, try this one. I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
Argentina
2006 KAIKEN MALBEC - $14.95
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza (Montes)
Owned by the Chilean winery, Montes, Kaiken (pronounced Kay-ken) is named for a wild goose that flies a migratory pattern between Chile and Argentina (thus, the winery's logo line, "The Best From Both Sides of the Andes"). Their Malbec features an attractive aroma profile of black raspberry, plum, spice box and smoke. It is dry with lots of fresh fruit that is balanced by a seam of acidity and ripe tannins. Match it to grilled steak or cellar it for up to six years.
GPCi - great QPR for a good Malbec. I'd buy 3-6 bottles for day-to-day and short-mid term cellaring.
Chile
2005 BOTALCURA RESERVE EL DELIRIO SYRAH/MALBEC - $12.95
Central Valley
Botalcura's Reserve El Delirio shows that Chile is more than just Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Featuring Syrah and Malbec, generally not thought of in Chile but which work beautifully together, this fruity and balanced wine shows off the virtues of both grapes to perfection. The Syrah delivers the upfront fruit, while the Malbec provides a lovely earthy/cedary tone to the mix. Terrific with meat-rich pasta dishes.
GPCi - Another great QPR, this time from Chile. An interesting blend with two very flavorful varieties. I'd buy 3-12 bottles.
Australia
2004 PENNYFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON BASKET PRESSED - $23.95
Riverland, South Australia
The basket press was one of the earliest types of presses used after the ancient practice of foot-trodding was superseded. It is still used today as some producers believe this traditional technique gives them better control over the pressing of their grapes. This basket-pressed Cabernet is loaded with blackcurrant, plum and raspberry aromas and flavours and makes a mouth-watering match for barbecued backribs and steaks.
GPCi - what's not to like about this wine... good vintage, great variety, fair price. Buy 2-4 bottles.
France
2004 CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON - $59.95
AC St. Julien
WS = 91 : Very pretty and perfumed, with plum, vanilla and chocolate aromas. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Best after 2011. (James Suckling, March 31, 2007).
GPCi - There aren't too many very good Bordeaux from 2004 and for that price in Ontario (Clerc Milon and d'Armailhac are around that price too but not as good).
I have tried a few of Langoa Barton and really liked it. It could definitely be cellared for 10+ years if not more. I will buy this one to continue the vertical collection.
2005 CHÂTEAU LE DOYENNÉ - $25.95
AC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux
RP = 88-90 : A super sleeper of the vintage, like its predecessors, the 2005 Le Doyenné is a well-made (Michel Rolland is the consultant) blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It exhibits sexy aromatics, superb fruit, medium body, velvety tannin, loads of glycerin, and elevated alcohol (13+%). Available for a song, this lovely offering should drink well for 5-6 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, April 2006)
GPCi - another one with Rolland influence and with the formula that drives RP to score high. It's a 2005 Bordeaux that delivers for less than $30. it should be an interesting wine to try with a good steak. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
France (CdP)
2005 CLOS SAINT JEAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $45.95
AC, Non-Filtré
RP = 93 : The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape, which is basically a blend of 75% Grenache aged in tank or large foudres and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault, is exquisite, deeper, and richer than even the impressive 2006. Dense plum/ruby/purple with notes of incense, melted licorice, blackberry, and sweet cherry, the wine is peppery, spicy, rich, full-bodied, layered and chewy. It is a superb example of Chateauneuf du Pape that should drink well for 10-15 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - the 2005 CdP are arriving one by one - slowly but surely. I haven't tried this Domaine before, but it seems to deliver what CdP is all about. I'd buy 1-4 bottles.
2005 PERRIN & FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES SINARDS (375 mL) - $19.95
AC
This is the half bottle of the popular wine in our Essentials Collection (926626, $38.65).
WS = 92 : Lovely kirsch and plum cake aromas and flavors lead the way, with a silky palate of currant and mineral that glides through the long finish. Not as densely structured as the top 2005s, but pure and wonderfully balanced. Drink now through 2020. (James Molesworth, Web Only 2008)
GPCi - This is a great CdP. the fact that it comes in small bottles, just gives you the opportunity to taste it for $20 before you make your mind if it meets your plate expectations or not. buy one and then go for the regular bottle.
Italy (Piedmont)
1999 PALLADINO BAROLO RISERVA S. BERNARDO - $59.95
DOCG
Palladino's San Bernardo vineyard is much prized for its clay/calcareous soils, favourable south-by-southeast exposure and ideal climatic conditions. Their Riserva presents intriguing aromas and flavours of Christmas cake, black cherry, citrus and earth tones. A Barolo to enjoy now with rare roast beef and game meats, or cellar it for up to a decade.
GPCi - there aren't many 99' Barolo Riserva offered in Vintages (usually they are offered in the Classic catalog). It's not too expensive for what it offers. something to consider if Barolo is your thing (Ken F - that's one is for you).
Italy (Tuscany)
2004 ANTINORI SOLAIA - $154.95
IGT Toscana
WS = 96: Shows beautiful, complex aromas of flowers, currant and Christmas cake. Full-bodied, chewy and powerful. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2010.(James Suckling, Oct 15, 2007)
GPCi - another one for the deep pockets. Who ever had the previous great vintages of Solaia, HAS to buy this one to continue the tradition... Jim M - ?
2004 TOSCOLO CHIANTI CLASSICO - $18.95
DOCG
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. (James Suckling, Oct 31, 2006)
GPCi - a great wine for a very attractive price that will perfectly match these spring days. If Chianti is your thing, buy 3-6 bottles.
2001 MARSILIANA - $46.95
IGT Toscana
RP = 92: The 2001 Marsiliana, Cabernet based but with a bit of Merlot and Sangiovese as well, is an excellent effort from a very young vineyard, dark and deep in color, full on the nose with ample and expansive aromas of black currants, graphite, rosemary, and thyme, rich, warm, and round in flavor, muscular and powerful but with plenty of polish in the tannins. It should easily last fifteen years. Cabernet Sauvignon, just to add one nit-picking note, delivers the meat and the structure, but not always the perfume, and I am under the impression that this, and various other wines from near the Tuscan coast, would benefit from some Cabernet Franc. Drink 2004-2019. (Daniel Thomases, www.erobertparker.com, April 2004)
GPCi - a great year for IGT. A typical IGT blend with a good cellaring potential. If "Supper Tuscan" is your thing, this is a very good option for a more reasonable price than its friends...
2003 MELINI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA VIGNETI LA SELVANELLA - $24.95
DOCG
Gambero Rosso = 3/3 : In Tuscany's ongoing, occasionally crusade-like war between modernists and traditionalists, it is rare that a wine meets with the approval of both factions. For several years now, Melini's Chianti Classico Vigneto La Selvanella has managed to pull off that very miracle. And how has it achieved this feat, you may well ask. First and foremost, the wine is obtained from just one vineyard of approximately 46 hectares and from almost 100 per cent sangiovese ... The wine is matured in large 50-hectolitre barrels to give a Chianti Classico of enormous character that is concentrated without being heavy or jammy, even in such torrid vintages as 2003. (Italian Wines, 2007)
GPCi - Gambero Rosso doesn't give 3 out of 3 that frequent. So again, if Chainti (this time Riserva) is your thing, that's a fair price for what it delivers. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
Spain (Rioja)
2000 LAN GRAN RESERVA - $24.95
DOCa Rioja
The wines of Bodegas Lan tend to lean towards the more traditional style. This Gran Reserva is clothed in a medium-ruby colour with garnet tones appearing on the rim. The nose is redolent of spice rack, red plums, strawberry and tobacco and the palate sees a replay of these aromas, and the finish is long and oaky. Enjoy it with dishes that use aromatic spices such as paella.
GPCi - LAN is a known and respectful bodegas in Spain. like it says above, very Rioja traditional style. 2000 was an average year, so I wouldn't stock this gran reserva by the cases, but I would buy 2-4 bottles.
Spain (Ribera Del Duero)
2004 SELECCIÓN DE TORRES CELESTE - $19.95
DOC Ribera del Duero, Crianza
WS = 90 : This red is harmonious, though a bit brooding, with dark flavors of coffee, anise and black plum backed by firm tannins. Mineral and smoke notes linger on the finish. Drink now through (Thomas Matthews, June 15, 2007)
GPCi - that's the young (Crianza) version of this wine. good review, excellent vintage in Ribera del Duero and a very attractive price. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
