Friday, May 02, 2008
GPCi for May 10th 2008 release at the LCBO
Top picks for less than $20
2003 GABARDA IV - $18.95
2007 DOMAINE DES CARTERESSES TAVEL ROSÉ - $15.95
Top picks for more than $25
2004 D'ARENBERG THE GALVO GARAGE - $26.95
2005 DOMAINE LA ROQUÈTE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $38.95
2005 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA CRAU - $67.95
Spain (Cariñena)
2003 GABARDA IV - $18.95
DO (Bodegas Lomablanca)
Jay Miller = 90: ... The 2003 Garbarda IV is a blend of 25% Garnacha, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 15% Tempranillo, and 15% Merlot aged for 19 months in French and American oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up an expressive bouquet of toasty oak, mineral, earth, black cherry, kirsch, blueberry, and black currant. Smooth textured, intense, and well-balanced, it has enough structure to unfold for another 4-6 years. Lengthy with a pure finish, it will drink well through 2025. (www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008)
GPCi - I had the privilege to taste wines from this region. What a pleasant surprise - an interesting combination between tradition and new world (the above mixture of grapes is a good example). Without a doubt a "buy". I would try a bottle and if it stands to Mr. Miller's review and have the potential to be cellared until 2025, I'd buy at least one case if not more.
France (Provence)
2007 DOMAINE DES CARTERESSES TAVEL ROSÉ - $15.95
AC (Les Vignerons de Tavel)
Tavel rosés are more robust and flavourful than those of Provence, making them excellent candidates for food matching. It pairs particularly well with herbed chicken dishes and grilled vegetables (eggplant, zucchini and red pepper).
GPCi - John M, that's one for you. I was never disappointed with Tavel Rose before, and I don't think there is a risk with this one... and for that price tag... no brainer.
France (CdP)
2005 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA CRAU - $67.95
AC (H. Brunier et Fils)
RP = 95 : The 2005 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape, this estate's strongest vintage since 1998, has put on serious weight since last year. Dense ruby/ purple-colored with an exquisite perfume of black raspberries, kirsch, ground pepper, and incense, this full-bodied, powerful, concentrated wine reveals fabulous purity as well as a finish that lasts over 45 seconds. Purchasers of this beauty will need patience. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. (www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - I've been waiting and waiting and waiting... and finally it's here. without a doubt, one of the better things that come from the CdP region. 2005 was a spectacular vintage in CdP and I cannot wait to try this gem. although it's almost $70, it's worth every dollar - wine at that level cost more than double if they come from California or Bordeaux. Buy 2-6 bottles.
2005 DOMAINE LA ROQUÈTE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $38.95
AC (Frédéric & Daniel Brumier)
WS = 93 : Layers of exotic fig, boysenberry and loganberry fruit ripple across the lush, dense structure, while hints of red licorice, linzer torte, mesquite and plum sauce glide through the well-rounded finish. Drink now through 2025. Highly Recommended. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Web Only 2007)
GPCi - another 2005 CdP gem and for a more afordable price. I don't think I have tried this Domaine in the past, but I'm going to try this one for sure. Buy 2-6 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2005 CHÂTEAU ST-ANDRÉ CORBIN - $25.95
AC St-Georges St-Émilion
(Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils)
From the great 2005 vintage comes this fine Merlot-based wine featuring aromas and features of black cherry, mint, licorice and menthal. Dry with lots of fruit, this is balanced out by nice seam of acid and a firm streak of tannin. Age it for up to 10 years or enjoy it with prime rib.
GPCi - for all the 2005 Bordeaux-St-Emilion-Merlot-not-too-expensive wine-lovers. that can be a great Friday evening starter - before and with the steak.
1996 CHÂTEAU LANESSAN - $35.95
AC Haut-Médoc
In 1999, at the time of this wine's release, wine guru Robert Parker Jr. called the Lanessan a "sleeper of the vintage", stating that "this impressively-endowed, flavorful, well-structured wine should be at its finest between 2004-2016". Pull the cork on this sleeper tonight, give it an hour or so to fully awaken, and then sit back and let it enchant your guests.
GPCi - I had this wine several times and I have to admit, I wasn't "wow"ed by it. I had high expectations from a 1996 (a very good year) and in the 3 different times I tried it was no more than an ok wine for me. If you're planning an evening with friends, that can be a good starting wine because of its simple texture and complexity. For that amount of money, I would buy the 2005 DOMAINE LA ROQUÈTE CdP.
Australia (South)
2004 D'ARENBERG THE GALVO GARAGE - $26.95
McLaren Vale/Adelaide Hills, South Australia
RP = 90: A proprietary blend of Bordeaux varietals, the inky/blue/purple-tinged 2004 The Galvo Garage (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc) is a backward effort offering notes of black currants, sweet cherries, licorice, and underbrush. It is a structured, austere, but concentrated wine that will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and keep for 12-15. (www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)
GPCi - I've been buying and drinking the Galvo Garage from 2001. A great wine to enjoy now (decant for 30-45 min) or cellar. Delivers great quality for that price range. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
Chile
2005 CHILENSIS RESERVA SYRAH - $11.95
Maule Valley
This impressive and bold Syrah is a steal! It's full-bodied with layers of cherry and plum fruit, forest floor and smoky oak notes all wrapped in medium tannins. A ripe and rustic red to pair with smoked wild boar sausages or gourmet burgers.
GPCi - how wrong can you go with $12 ? The Syrah from Chile are straight-forward in your face bold and fruity. Excellent option for day to day.
2003 GABARDA IV - $18.95
2007 DOMAINE DES CARTERESSES TAVEL ROSÉ - $15.95
Top picks for more than $25
2004 D'ARENBERG THE GALVO GARAGE - $26.95
2005 DOMAINE LA ROQUÈTE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $38.95
2005 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA CRAU - $67.95
Spain (Cariñena)
2003 GABARDA IV - $18.95
DO (Bodegas Lomablanca)
Jay Miller = 90: ... The 2003 Garbarda IV is a blend of 25% Garnacha, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 15% Tempranillo, and 15% Merlot aged for 19 months in French and American oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up an expressive bouquet of toasty oak, mineral, earth, black cherry, kirsch, blueberry, and black currant. Smooth textured, intense, and well-balanced, it has enough structure to unfold for another 4-6 years. Lengthy with a pure finish, it will drink well through 2025. (www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008)
GPCi - I had the privilege to taste wines from this region. What a pleasant surprise - an interesting combination between tradition and new world (the above mixture of grapes is a good example). Without a doubt a "buy". I would try a bottle and if it stands to Mr. Miller's review and have the potential to be cellared until 2025, I'd buy at least one case if not more.
France (Provence)
2007 DOMAINE DES CARTERESSES TAVEL ROSÉ - $15.95
AC (Les Vignerons de Tavel)
Tavel rosés are more robust and flavourful than those of Provence, making them excellent candidates for food matching. It pairs particularly well with herbed chicken dishes and grilled vegetables (eggplant, zucchini and red pepper).
GPCi - John M, that's one for you. I was never disappointed with Tavel Rose before, and I don't think there is a risk with this one... and for that price tag... no brainer.
France (CdP)
2005 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA CRAU - $67.95
AC (H. Brunier et Fils)
RP = 95 : The 2005 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape, this estate's strongest vintage since 1998, has put on serious weight since last year. Dense ruby/ purple-colored with an exquisite perfume of black raspberries, kirsch, ground pepper, and incense, this full-bodied, powerful, concentrated wine reveals fabulous purity as well as a finish that lasts over 45 seconds. Purchasers of this beauty will need patience. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. (www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - I've been waiting and waiting and waiting... and finally it's here. without a doubt, one of the better things that come from the CdP region. 2005 was a spectacular vintage in CdP and I cannot wait to try this gem. although it's almost $70, it's worth every dollar - wine at that level cost more than double if they come from California or Bordeaux. Buy 2-6 bottles.
2005 DOMAINE LA ROQUÈTE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $38.95
AC (Frédéric & Daniel Brumier)
WS = 93 : Layers of exotic fig, boysenberry and loganberry fruit ripple across the lush, dense structure, while hints of red licorice, linzer torte, mesquite and plum sauce glide through the well-rounded finish. Drink now through 2025. Highly Recommended. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Web Only 2007)
GPCi - another 2005 CdP gem and for a more afordable price. I don't think I have tried this Domaine in the past, but I'm going to try this one for sure. Buy 2-6 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2005 CHÂTEAU ST-ANDRÉ CORBIN - $25.95
AC St-Georges St-Émilion
(Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils)
From the great 2005 vintage comes this fine Merlot-based wine featuring aromas and features of black cherry, mint, licorice and menthal. Dry with lots of fruit, this is balanced out by nice seam of acid and a firm streak of tannin. Age it for up to 10 years or enjoy it with prime rib.
GPCi - for all the 2005 Bordeaux-St-Emilion-Merlot-not-too-expensive wine-lovers. that can be a great Friday evening starter - before and with the steak.
1996 CHÂTEAU LANESSAN - $35.95
AC Haut-Médoc
In 1999, at the time of this wine's release, wine guru Robert Parker Jr. called the Lanessan a "sleeper of the vintage", stating that "this impressively-endowed, flavorful, well-structured wine should be at its finest between 2004-2016". Pull the cork on this sleeper tonight, give it an hour or so to fully awaken, and then sit back and let it enchant your guests.
GPCi - I had this wine several times and I have to admit, I wasn't "wow"ed by it. I had high expectations from a 1996 (a very good year) and in the 3 different times I tried it was no more than an ok wine for me. If you're planning an evening with friends, that can be a good starting wine because of its simple texture and complexity. For that amount of money, I would buy the 2005 DOMAINE LA ROQUÈTE CdP.
Australia (South)
2004 D'ARENBERG THE GALVO GARAGE - $26.95
McLaren Vale/Adelaide Hills, South Australia
RP = 90: A proprietary blend of Bordeaux varietals, the inky/blue/purple-tinged 2004 The Galvo Garage (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc) is a backward effort offering notes of black currants, sweet cherries, licorice, and underbrush. It is a structured, austere, but concentrated wine that will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and keep for 12-15. (www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)
GPCi - I've been buying and drinking the Galvo Garage from 2001. A great wine to enjoy now (decant for 30-45 min) or cellar. Delivers great quality for that price range. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
Chile
2005 CHILENSIS RESERVA SYRAH - $11.95
Maule Valley
This impressive and bold Syrah is a steal! It's full-bodied with layers of cherry and plum fruit, forest floor and smoky oak notes all wrapped in medium tannins. A ripe and rustic red to pair with smoked wild boar sausages or gourmet burgers.
GPCi - how wrong can you go with $12 ? The Syrah from Chile are straight-forward in your face bold and fruity. Excellent option for day to day.
