Friday, May 16, 2008
GPCi for May 24th 2008 release at the LCBO
Top picks for less than $20
2006 LAWSON'S DRY HILLS GEWÜRZTRAMINER - $18.95
2007 KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC - $19.95
Top picks for less than $60
2005 CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE SIXTINE - $56.95
New Zealand
2006 LAWSON'S DRY HILLS GEWÜRZTRAMINER - $18.95
Marlborough, South Island
Michael Cooper = 5/5 : This is consistently one of the country's most impressive Gewürztraminers ... The 2006 vintage is ripely scented and weighty with a deliciously soft texture and rich, citrusy, spicy flavours. Slightly sweet, it is still very fresh and youthful. More subtle than some Gewürztraminers, it is developing good complexity with bottle-age. (Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines, 2008).
GPCi - It's been long time since I've tried a Gewurz from New Zealand. Looks very promising and for a fair price. A great treat for the spring. I'd buy 2-4 bottles and use them in the next spicy Asian dinner.
2007 KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC - $19.95
Marlborough, South Island
WS = 91 : Concentrated and very intense, weaving together a harmonious medley of crushed stone, grapefruit and nut flavors. Savory herbs, grass and lime notes highlight the bright, vibrant finish. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. (Daniel Sogg, April 30, 2008)
GPCi - one of my preferred producers in NZ. He (thanks Mike P) knows his Sauv Blanc... I'd buy at least 4 bottles. Great first-wine for any evening with friends.
Canada
2006 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GEWÜRZTRAMINER - $19.95
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
This wine won a Gold Medal and was named Best White Wine at the peer-judged 2008 Cuvée Awards in Niagara.
TASTING NOTE: ... one of Niagara Peninsula's leading vintners of premium wine, Cave Spring struck gold this year at Cuvee winning a top medal for this gewurztraminer. It has an intense rosewater bouquet and spiced lychee character typical of the grape. Full, flavourful with nice depth, it's a classic example of the varietal. (Margaret Swaine, The National Post, March 15, 2008).
GPCi - Cave Spring is one of the better white wine producers in Canada. They are very consistent when it comes to high quality. I had their previous vintages of the different white varieties and always enjoyed it . I'd buy 2-4 bottles and open them along side the 2006 LAWSON'S DRY HILLS for comparison.
Argentina
2006 CATENA CHARDONNAY - $19.95
Mendoza
WS=89 : Bright, with tasty fig, pear and hazelnut notes. There's ample toast, but also fresh acidity, keeping the finish elegant and lively. Drink now. (James Molesworth, Nov. 30, 2007)
GPCi - Another great winery. this time from Mendoza in Argentina. Catena produces great reds as well as this nice and affordable Chardonnay. I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
Australia
2005 KAESLER STONEHORSE SHIRAZ - $29.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP = 92 : A good value in old vine Barossa Shiraz, the inky/ruby/purple-hued 2005 Shiraz Stonehorse (100% Shiraz from 15- to 45-year-old vines aged in used oak for 15 months) exhibits an explosive nose of sweet black cherries, cassis, tar, spice box, and licorice. This full-bodied, sexy, up-front effort is impossible to resist. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2006)
GPCi - A very good Shiraz from a great vintage. A bit at the high range price considering the fact that it's for short-mid term cellaring. If you're into full body Shiraz, I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2003 CHÂTEAU DE MALLE - $49.95 (375 ml)
AC Sauternes, 2e Cru
WS = 92 : Aromas of toffee, honey and dried pineapple follow through to a full-bodied palate, with lots of sweetness and a long vanilla, apple and lightly spicy aftertaste. Thick and viscous. Goes on and on. Best after 2010. (James Suckling, March 31, 2006).
GPCi - That's a tricky one... for a 375 ml bottle of a good Sauternes to pay $50, can be a bargain.
I tried previous vintages from Ch. De Malle, and although it's a very good Sauternes, I'm not sure it's worth the money - especially when you can not cellar it too long because of the small bottle format. It's a skip for me.
France (Rhone)
2007 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION BLANC - $12.95
AC Costières de Nîmes (Cyril Marès, Vign.)
The Marès family began making wine in Algeria during the early 20th century and would later acquire properties in Bordeaux (Château Puy Castéra) and in Costières de Nîmes where they founded the renowned winery that produces this wine. Their Cuvée Tradition is a floral, Muscat-like wonder that matches beautifully with the cheeses of the Rhône, such as Sérac and Saint-Marcellin.
GPCi - MAS DES BRESSADES produces very good wine for excellent price - and this is just another example. Definitely worth buying a case and enjoy through the Spring-Summer days.
2005 CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE SIXTINE - $56.95
AC (Vign. Diffonty)
RP = 92 : Inky/dense purple to the rim, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine offers up scents of creme de cassis, pain grille, resiny pine forest, roasted herbs, and pepper. Full-bodied, rich, meaty, and deep, it is a structured, masculine, full-bodied Chateauneuf that should be at its peak between 2012-2025.
GPCi - My #1 pick of the release. I started collecting this CdP from 2001. An excellent CdP that delivers everything you can expect from CdP at its best. Due to its long time cellaring potential, I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2006 ORTAS TRADITION RASTEAU - $15.95
AC Côtes du Rhône Villages (Cave de Rasteau)
Beginning with the 2006 vintage, Cave de Rasteau uses the Ortas brand name for all their wines. WS = 89 : Chewy but fresh, with dark fig, tobacco, tar and mineral notes that are pushed by briary tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2009.
GPCi - Cotes du Rhone Villages are a great choice to enjoy the south Rhones flavors for a very affordable price. I'd buy 2-4 bottles and enjoy with the next BBQ.
Italy (Tuscany)
2003 ANTINORI BADIA A PASSIGNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA - $39.95
DOCG
WS = 91 : Shows lots of ripe berry, earth and light cream character. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Precise and impressive. Best after 2008.
GPCi - Gemini introduced me to this wine - we had the 2001 together (we still have a few bottles of the 2001 in my cellar). It's a great CC Riserva that can be cellared for about 5 years more. Not cheap, so only if you want to try a great example from this region buy a bottle.
2003 CASTELLANI CAMPOMAGGIO ROSSO - $20.95
IGT Toscana
WS = 91 : Fabulous aromas of berries, black pepper and meat follow through to a soft, caressing, full-bodied palate with a long, juicy finish. Hard not to drink it now. Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah. Best after 2007. Highly recommended.
GPCi - here is a more affordable wine from Tuscany (although not the same blend). The IGT "region" allows the winemaker to do almost everything s/he wants to break the rules of the traditional wine making in Tuscany. For example, wines that call themselves Chianti Classico has to have only the Sangiovese grape and only for the CC region. I'd buy 2-3 bottles to try this one.
2004 ROCCA DELLE MACIE TENUTA SANT'ALFONSO CHIANTI CLASSICO - $22.95
DOCG
http://www.gismondionwine.com/ = 91 : The Sant'Alfonso estate is home to this 100 per cent sangiovese Chianti Classico made with a mix of clones and aged for a full 24 months in 35 hl French barrels. It's not listed as a 'Riserva' but its rich mouth filling style and fine body would indicate it is all that and more. The flavours mix liquorice, cherry, cranberry notes with a warm, smoky mocha coffee finish. Love the intensity and style here that really defines the sangiovese grape. Should age easily a decade. (Stuart Tobe, May 10, 2007).
GPCi - Another affordable CC from a good vintage. But if I need to choose, I would go with the 2003 CASTELLANI CAMPOMAGGIO ROSSO instead.
2006 LAWSON'S DRY HILLS GEWÜRZTRAMINER - $18.95
2007 KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC - $19.95
Top picks for less than $60
2005 CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE SIXTINE - $56.95
New Zealand
2006 LAWSON'S DRY HILLS GEWÜRZTRAMINER - $18.95
Marlborough, South Island
Michael Cooper = 5/5 : This is consistently one of the country's most impressive Gewürztraminers ... The 2006 vintage is ripely scented and weighty with a deliciously soft texture and rich, citrusy, spicy flavours. Slightly sweet, it is still very fresh and youthful. More subtle than some Gewürztraminers, it is developing good complexity with bottle-age. (Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines, 2008).
GPCi - It's been long time since I've tried a Gewurz from New Zealand. Looks very promising and for a fair price. A great treat for the spring. I'd buy 2-4 bottles and use them in the next spicy Asian dinner.
2007 KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC - $19.95
Marlborough, South Island
WS = 91 : Concentrated and very intense, weaving together a harmonious medley of crushed stone, grapefruit and nut flavors. Savory herbs, grass and lime notes highlight the bright, vibrant finish. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. (Daniel Sogg, April 30, 2008)
GPCi - one of my preferred producers in NZ. He (thanks Mike P) knows his Sauv Blanc... I'd buy at least 4 bottles. Great first-wine for any evening with friends.
Canada
2006 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GEWÜRZTRAMINER - $19.95
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
This wine won a Gold Medal and was named Best White Wine at the peer-judged 2008 Cuvée Awards in Niagara.
TASTING NOTE: ... one of Niagara Peninsula's leading vintners of premium wine, Cave Spring struck gold this year at Cuvee winning a top medal for this gewurztraminer. It has an intense rosewater bouquet and spiced lychee character typical of the grape. Full, flavourful with nice depth, it's a classic example of the varietal. (Margaret Swaine, The National Post, March 15, 2008).
GPCi - Cave Spring is one of the better white wine producers in Canada. They are very consistent when it comes to high quality. I had their previous vintages of the different white varieties and always enjoyed it . I'd buy 2-4 bottles and open them along side the 2006 LAWSON'S DRY HILLS for comparison.
Argentina
2006 CATENA CHARDONNAY - $19.95
Mendoza
WS=89 : Bright, with tasty fig, pear and hazelnut notes. There's ample toast, but also fresh acidity, keeping the finish elegant and lively. Drink now. (James Molesworth, Nov. 30, 2007)
GPCi - Another great winery. this time from Mendoza in Argentina. Catena produces great reds as well as this nice and affordable Chardonnay. I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
Australia
2005 KAESLER STONEHORSE SHIRAZ - $29.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
RP = 92 : A good value in old vine Barossa Shiraz, the inky/ruby/purple-hued 2005 Shiraz Stonehorse (100% Shiraz from 15- to 45-year-old vines aged in used oak for 15 months) exhibits an explosive nose of sweet black cherries, cassis, tar, spice box, and licorice. This full-bodied, sexy, up-front effort is impossible to resist. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2006)
GPCi - A very good Shiraz from a great vintage. A bit at the high range price considering the fact that it's for short-mid term cellaring. If you're into full body Shiraz, I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2003 CHÂTEAU DE MALLE - $49.95 (375 ml)
AC Sauternes, 2e Cru
WS = 92 : Aromas of toffee, honey and dried pineapple follow through to a full-bodied palate, with lots of sweetness and a long vanilla, apple and lightly spicy aftertaste. Thick and viscous. Goes on and on. Best after 2010. (James Suckling, March 31, 2006).
GPCi - That's a tricky one... for a 375 ml bottle of a good Sauternes to pay $50, can be a bargain.
I tried previous vintages from Ch. De Malle, and although it's a very good Sauternes, I'm not sure it's worth the money - especially when you can not cellar it too long because of the small bottle format. It's a skip for me.
France (Rhone)
2007 MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION BLANC - $12.95
AC Costières de Nîmes (Cyril Marès, Vign.)
The Marès family began making wine in Algeria during the early 20th century and would later acquire properties in Bordeaux (Château Puy Castéra) and in Costières de Nîmes where they founded the renowned winery that produces this wine. Their Cuvée Tradition is a floral, Muscat-like wonder that matches beautifully with the cheeses of the Rhône, such as Sérac and Saint-Marcellin.
GPCi - MAS DES BRESSADES produces very good wine for excellent price - and this is just another example. Definitely worth buying a case and enjoy through the Spring-Summer days.
2005 CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE SIXTINE - $56.95
AC (Vign. Diffonty)
RP = 92 : Inky/dense purple to the rim, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine offers up scents of creme de cassis, pain grille, resiny pine forest, roasted herbs, and pepper. Full-bodied, rich, meaty, and deep, it is a structured, masculine, full-bodied Chateauneuf that should be at its peak between 2012-2025.
GPCi - My #1 pick of the release. I started collecting this CdP from 2001. An excellent CdP that delivers everything you can expect from CdP at its best. Due to its long time cellaring potential, I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2006 ORTAS TRADITION RASTEAU - $15.95
AC Côtes du Rhône Villages (Cave de Rasteau)
Beginning with the 2006 vintage, Cave de Rasteau uses the Ortas brand name for all their wines. WS = 89 : Chewy but fresh, with dark fig, tobacco, tar and mineral notes that are pushed by briary tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2009.
GPCi - Cotes du Rhone Villages are a great choice to enjoy the south Rhones flavors for a very affordable price. I'd buy 2-4 bottles and enjoy with the next BBQ.
Italy (Tuscany)
2003 ANTINORI BADIA A PASSIGNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA - $39.95
DOCG
WS = 91 : Shows lots of ripe berry, earth and light cream character. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Precise and impressive. Best after 2008.
GPCi - Gemini introduced me to this wine - we had the 2001 together (we still have a few bottles of the 2001 in my cellar). It's a great CC Riserva that can be cellared for about 5 years more. Not cheap, so only if you want to try a great example from this region buy a bottle.
2003 CASTELLANI CAMPOMAGGIO ROSSO - $20.95
IGT Toscana
WS = 91 : Fabulous aromas of berries, black pepper and meat follow through to a soft, caressing, full-bodied palate with a long, juicy finish. Hard not to drink it now. Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah. Best after 2007. Highly recommended.
GPCi - here is a more affordable wine from Tuscany (although not the same blend). The IGT "region" allows the winemaker to do almost everything s/he wants to break the rules of the traditional wine making in Tuscany. For example, wines that call themselves Chianti Classico has to have only the Sangiovese grape and only for the CC region. I'd buy 2-3 bottles to try this one.
2004 ROCCA DELLE MACIE TENUTA SANT'ALFONSO CHIANTI CLASSICO - $22.95
DOCG
http://www.gismondionwine.com/ = 91 : The Sant'Alfonso estate is home to this 100 per cent sangiovese Chianti Classico made with a mix of clones and aged for a full 24 months in 35 hl French barrels. It's not listed as a 'Riserva' but its rich mouth filling style and fine body would indicate it is all that and more. The flavours mix liquorice, cherry, cranberry notes with a warm, smoky mocha coffee finish. Love the intensity and style here that really defines the sangiovese grape. Should age easily a decade. (Stuart Tobe, May 10, 2007).
GPCi - Another affordable CC from a good vintage. But if I need to choose, I would go with the 2003 CASTELLANI CAMPOMAGGIO ROSSO instead.
