Wednesday, June 25, 2008
GPCi for July 5th 2008 release at the LCBO
Top Picks for under $20
2006 FINCA SOPHENIA RESERVE MALBEC - $16.95
2006 CATENA MALBEC - $19.95
2004 DOMINO BASCONCILLOS - $21.95
Top Picks for $40-$50
2005 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE Domaine de Beaurenard - $46.95
2005 Kilikanoon COVENANT SHIRAZ - $49.95
France (Rhone - South)
2005 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE Domaine de Beaurenard - $46.95
WS = 92 ; This has lots of juicy grip, with a strong, briary undertow supporting red and black licorice, hot stone, currant paste, tobacco and chestnut notes. The long, muscular finish is typical of the vintage. Best from 2010 through 2025. 100 cases imported. (James Molesworth, 2007).
RP = 90 ; The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape offers a very aromatic display of white chocolate, black cherry, roasted herbs, pepper, and espresso. The wine has excellent concentration, lush tannins for the vintage, and a round, opulent mouthfeel. It is almost atypical for a 2005 in its fullness and headiness. Certainly the tannins have melted effectively over the last year. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. (October 2007).
GPCi - looks like another great offering from this excellent vintage. The wine has a good GPCi ratio with very flattering reviews from both WS and RP. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2006 CLOS DU CALVAIRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE (Vign. Mayard) - $35.95
RP = 89-91 ; The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Calvaire has a dark ruby color, more fruit saturation, the same aromatic and flavor profile, but with more intensely sweet kirsch, lavender, and roasted herbs as well as some underbrush and soil nuances. It has excellent texture, medium to full body, and a long, lush finish. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - the 2006, according to RP, is as good as the 2004 (RP gave it 90), but not as great as the 2005 vintage (RP gave it 95!). My guess is that this CdP would be more approachable now than the 2005 offerings, therefore, if you don't have any CdP ready to drink, this 2006 CLOS DU CALVAIRE seems like a fair bargain. I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
2005 CHATEAU MONT THABOR CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE - $45.95
This ripe, medium full-bodied beauty earned 90 points from Robert Parker, who admired its "dark ruby/plum color and an enticing nose of incense, fig, damp earth, and black cherry and currant". (www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - this is an In-Store-Discovery. An interesting Chateau name, since Thabor is a name of a mountain (mont in French) located in Israel (it was mention in the old testament). if I need to choose between the two 2005 CdP for about the same price, I'd probably go with the Domaine de Beaurenard. However, it would be interesting to compare the two and see the differences between two wineries and how they have maximized the 2005 vintage with potentially mixing up-to 12 different varieties.
Australia
2005 Kilikanoon COVENANT SHIRAZ - $49.95
RP=92 ; The 2005 Shiraz “Covenant” from the Clare Valley was aged for 22 months in French and American oak hogsheads, 30% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. It exhibits cooler climate hints of mint and menthol, as well as mineral, pencil lead, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Elegantly styled, with excellent depth and concentration, it will evolve for 3-4 years, and drink well through 2020 (Issue #173 Oct 2007).
GPCi - An expensive Shiraz yet one of the best from Kilikanoon. The GPCi ratio is pretty good, therefore, if you want to buy a Shiraz for your cellar, that's one of the better choices. I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
2003 TALTARNI SHIRAZ - $24.95
Pyrenees, Victoria
James Halliday = 90 : Noticeably finer and more elegant, notwithstanding the drought, than some prior vintages; clear-cut black and red fruits; fine but persistent tannins and integrated oak. Drink [until] 2018. (winecompanion.com.au, Jan. 2007).
GPCi - Taltarni is a very good producer from the Victoria region. Good mid-term cellaring Shiraz. I'm not sure about its capability to last until 2018. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
2005 CHATEAU REYNELLA BASKET PRESSED SHIRAZ - $34.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
A great deal of care goes into crafting this deep and smoky Shiraz. The fruit is selected from individual lots of premium McLaren Vale vineyards before they are gently pressed using the traditional, hand-operated basket press. The juice is fermented in small open-top fermenters and the final wine is then aged for 18 months in both French and American oak. Brimming with dark berry aromas as well as notes of tobacco and spice, this plump and rich red makes a terrific match for rare prime rib anytime over the next decade.
GPCi - I've been enjoying Reynella Basket Pressed Shiraz in the past 5 vintages (since the 2000). However, I'm not sure it's worth the $35. it's a good Shiraz, don't get me wrong, but there are equivalent quality around the $25. I would skip it this time.
Italy (Tuscany)
2004 MONSANTO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA - $39.95
DOCG (Vitic. Fabrizio Bianchi)
An excellent partner for grilled lamb or roast suckling pig.
WS = 91 : Full-throttle, with lots of vanilla and ripe fruit character. Almost cherry liqueur. Full-bodied, round and soft, with lots of flavor. Drink now. (James Suckling, Oct. 31, 2007)
GPCi - An excellent Chianti from a very good vintage in Tuscany. However, there are quality equivalents Chianti Riserva at the LCBO, that will cost around the $25.
2005 SETTE PONTI ORENO - $77.95
IGT Toscana
WS = 95 : Gorgeous aromas of blackberry, currant, raspberry and just a hint of toasty oak and coffee. Full-bodied, with supervelvety tannins and wonderful balance. The finish goes on and on. 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 40 percent Merlot and 20 percent Sangiovese. Best after 2011. (James Suckling, Oct. 31, 2007)
GPCi - IGT is one of the better Tuscan inventions - the ability to blend the "best of the best" in order to get the best wines Tuscany has to offer. The down size is the prices of these high-end wines. If you compare it to the other "Supper Tuscan" wines, this one is relatively cheap, but compare to other alternatives, it's expensive. I believe this wine can be cellared until 2015+ (the 2005 vintage according to RP, who gave it 92, is mostly for early consumption).
Argentina
2006 FINCA SOPHENIA RESERVE MALBEC - $16.95
Tupungato, Mendoza
Michel Rolland is consulting winemaker here.
Wine Enthusiast = 90 : This wine needs time to get its legs underneath it. It comes on young and rugged and gamy, but if you let it sit and air out for 20 minutes it turns deeper, riper and much more fruity. And by the time it settles you’re smack dab in the middle of mountain berry and other natural flavors. Will get better with some bottle time. (Michael Schachner, Aug. 2007).
GPCi - no brainer. great variety. great review. excellent price. what's not to like here... an excellent day-to-day choice. I'd buy 3-12 bottles
2004 CATENA ALTA MALBEC - $64.95
Mendoza
Wine Spectator awarded this Malbec a score of 93 and ranked it #23 in its Top 100 Wines of 2007.
RP (by Jay Miller) = 94 : The 2004 Alta Malbec was aged for 18 months in French oak, 70% new, and was also bottled unfined and unfiltered. It offers greater aromatic complexity with notes of pepper, clove, leather, and chocolate in addition to violets, black cherry, and blackberry. Mediumbodied and elegant, it has a plush texture, layers of spicy black fruits and minerality, excellent balance, and a 60- second finish. It will evolve for 5-7 years and drink well through 2025. (http://www.erobertparker/. com, Dec. 2007)
GPCi - that's Catena's flag ship wine. I would buy it just for curiosity and comparison reasons, since I don't think it's 3 times better than the 2006 "regular" Catena Malbec.
2006 CATENA MALBEC - $19.95
Mendoza
Catena has built their reputation on Malbec from Mendoza, so here's an excellent opportunity for you to get acquainted with this new addition to our Essentials Collection. This rich and polished, alluring wine features aromas of fig, mocha, new leather and sweet spice. Dry and flavourful, its fruit core is nicely supported by ripe tannins. The finish is long and lush. Enjoy it tonight the Argentinian way with rare barbecued steak sliced and dipped in kosher salt.
GPCi - A sure bet when it comes to Malbec. If you haven't tried it before, buy 3-12 bottles and enjoy with a good steak.
Spain
2003 CYAN 12 MESES BARRICA - $17.95
DO Toro
On February 2, 2008, Wine Access named this their #1 'Top 10 Smart Buys' wine, rating it 90.
Jay Miler (Wine Advocade) = 90 : The 2003 Cyan (100% Tinta de Toro) comes from estate-owned vineyards ranging from 20-50 years of age. The wine was aged for 12 months in used French and American oak. Dark ruby in color, it offers an expressive nose of espresso roast, toast, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Its full-bodied (14.5% alcohol) personality is formed by mouth-filling ripe fruit, just enough acidity to hold the wine together, and excellent depth and concentration. There is enough structure to ensure 6-8 years of longevity. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Feb. 2007)
GPCi - another no brainer. Not the best vintage, but I'm sure I won't be disappointed... and for that price it's risk free option. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 DOMINO BASCONCILLOS - $21.95
DO Ribera del Duero
Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this organic wine contains 6 mg/L of free sulphur.
WS = 92 : Dense and well-integrated, this polished red isn't expressive now, but has beautiful balance, showing hints of black cherry, blackberry, licorice, mineral and toast. Drink now through 2014. (Thomas Matthews, June 15, 2007)
GPCi - the 3rd "no brainer" of this release. I love the wines from Ribera del Duero and the 2004 was especially good there. The price is attractive and for mid-term cellaring potential I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2006 FINCA SOPHENIA RESERVE MALBEC - $16.95
2006 CATENA MALBEC - $19.95
2004 DOMINO BASCONCILLOS - $21.95
Top Picks for $40-$50
2005 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE Domaine de Beaurenard - $46.95
2005 Kilikanoon COVENANT SHIRAZ - $49.95
France (Rhone - South)
2005 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE Domaine de Beaurenard - $46.95
WS = 92 ; This has lots of juicy grip, with a strong, briary undertow supporting red and black licorice, hot stone, currant paste, tobacco and chestnut notes. The long, muscular finish is typical of the vintage. Best from 2010 through 2025. 100 cases imported. (James Molesworth, 2007).
RP = 90 ; The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape offers a very aromatic display of white chocolate, black cherry, roasted herbs, pepper, and espresso. The wine has excellent concentration, lush tannins for the vintage, and a round, opulent mouthfeel. It is almost atypical for a 2005 in its fullness and headiness. Certainly the tannins have melted effectively over the last year. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. (October 2007).
GPCi - looks like another great offering from this excellent vintage. The wine has a good GPCi ratio with very flattering reviews from both WS and RP. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2006 CLOS DU CALVAIRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE (Vign. Mayard) - $35.95
RP = 89-91 ; The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Calvaire has a dark ruby color, more fruit saturation, the same aromatic and flavor profile, but with more intensely sweet kirsch, lavender, and roasted herbs as well as some underbrush and soil nuances. It has excellent texture, medium to full body, and a long, lush finish. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - the 2006, according to RP, is as good as the 2004 (RP gave it 90), but not as great as the 2005 vintage (RP gave it 95!). My guess is that this CdP would be more approachable now than the 2005 offerings, therefore, if you don't have any CdP ready to drink, this 2006 CLOS DU CALVAIRE seems like a fair bargain. I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
2005 CHATEAU MONT THABOR CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE - $45.95
This ripe, medium full-bodied beauty earned 90 points from Robert Parker, who admired its "dark ruby/plum color and an enticing nose of incense, fig, damp earth, and black cherry and currant". (www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - this is an In-Store-Discovery. An interesting Chateau name, since Thabor is a name of a mountain (mont in French) located in Israel (it was mention in the old testament). if I need to choose between the two 2005 CdP for about the same price, I'd probably go with the Domaine de Beaurenard. However, it would be interesting to compare the two and see the differences between two wineries and how they have maximized the 2005 vintage with potentially mixing up-to 12 different varieties.
Australia
2005 Kilikanoon COVENANT SHIRAZ - $49.95
RP=92 ; The 2005 Shiraz “Covenant” from the Clare Valley was aged for 22 months in French and American oak hogsheads, 30% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. It exhibits cooler climate hints of mint and menthol, as well as mineral, pencil lead, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Elegantly styled, with excellent depth and concentration, it will evolve for 3-4 years, and drink well through 2020 (Issue #173 Oct 2007).
GPCi - An expensive Shiraz yet one of the best from Kilikanoon. The GPCi ratio is pretty good, therefore, if you want to buy a Shiraz for your cellar, that's one of the better choices. I'd buy 1-3 bottles.
2003 TALTARNI SHIRAZ - $24.95
Pyrenees, Victoria
James Halliday = 90 : Noticeably finer and more elegant, notwithstanding the drought, than some prior vintages; clear-cut black and red fruits; fine but persistent tannins and integrated oak. Drink [until] 2018. (winecompanion.com.au, Jan. 2007).
GPCi - Taltarni is a very good producer from the Victoria region. Good mid-term cellaring Shiraz. I'm not sure about its capability to last until 2018. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
2005 CHATEAU REYNELLA BASKET PRESSED SHIRAZ - $34.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
A great deal of care goes into crafting this deep and smoky Shiraz. The fruit is selected from individual lots of premium McLaren Vale vineyards before they are gently pressed using the traditional, hand-operated basket press. The juice is fermented in small open-top fermenters and the final wine is then aged for 18 months in both French and American oak. Brimming with dark berry aromas as well as notes of tobacco and spice, this plump and rich red makes a terrific match for rare prime rib anytime over the next decade.
GPCi - I've been enjoying Reynella Basket Pressed Shiraz in the past 5 vintages (since the 2000). However, I'm not sure it's worth the $35. it's a good Shiraz, don't get me wrong, but there are equivalent quality around the $25. I would skip it this time.
Italy (Tuscany)
2004 MONSANTO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA - $39.95
DOCG (Vitic. Fabrizio Bianchi)
An excellent partner for grilled lamb or roast suckling pig.
WS = 91 : Full-throttle, with lots of vanilla and ripe fruit character. Almost cherry liqueur. Full-bodied, round and soft, with lots of flavor. Drink now. (James Suckling, Oct. 31, 2007)
GPCi - An excellent Chianti from a very good vintage in Tuscany. However, there are quality equivalents Chianti Riserva at the LCBO, that will cost around the $25.
2005 SETTE PONTI ORENO - $77.95
IGT Toscana
WS = 95 : Gorgeous aromas of blackberry, currant, raspberry and just a hint of toasty oak and coffee. Full-bodied, with supervelvety tannins and wonderful balance. The finish goes on and on. 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 40 percent Merlot and 20 percent Sangiovese. Best after 2011. (James Suckling, Oct. 31, 2007)
GPCi - IGT is one of the better Tuscan inventions - the ability to blend the "best of the best" in order to get the best wines Tuscany has to offer. The down size is the prices of these high-end wines. If you compare it to the other "Supper Tuscan" wines, this one is relatively cheap, but compare to other alternatives, it's expensive. I believe this wine can be cellared until 2015+ (the 2005 vintage according to RP, who gave it 92, is mostly for early consumption).
Argentina
2006 FINCA SOPHENIA RESERVE MALBEC - $16.95
Tupungato, Mendoza
Michel Rolland is consulting winemaker here.
Wine Enthusiast = 90 : This wine needs time to get its legs underneath it. It comes on young and rugged and gamy, but if you let it sit and air out for 20 minutes it turns deeper, riper and much more fruity. And by the time it settles you’re smack dab in the middle of mountain berry and other natural flavors. Will get better with some bottle time. (Michael Schachner, Aug. 2007).
GPCi - no brainer. great variety. great review. excellent price. what's not to like here... an excellent day-to-day choice. I'd buy 3-12 bottles
2004 CATENA ALTA MALBEC - $64.95
Mendoza
Wine Spectator awarded this Malbec a score of 93 and ranked it #23 in its Top 100 Wines of 2007.
RP (by Jay Miller) = 94 : The 2004 Alta Malbec was aged for 18 months in French oak, 70% new, and was also bottled unfined and unfiltered. It offers greater aromatic complexity with notes of pepper, clove, leather, and chocolate in addition to violets, black cherry, and blackberry. Mediumbodied and elegant, it has a plush texture, layers of spicy black fruits and minerality, excellent balance, and a 60- second finish. It will evolve for 5-7 years and drink well through 2025. (http://www.erobertparker/. com, Dec. 2007)
GPCi - that's Catena's flag ship wine. I would buy it just for curiosity and comparison reasons, since I don't think it's 3 times better than the 2006 "regular" Catena Malbec.
2006 CATENA MALBEC - $19.95
Mendoza
Catena has built their reputation on Malbec from Mendoza, so here's an excellent opportunity for you to get acquainted with this new addition to our Essentials Collection. This rich and polished, alluring wine features aromas of fig, mocha, new leather and sweet spice. Dry and flavourful, its fruit core is nicely supported by ripe tannins. The finish is long and lush. Enjoy it tonight the Argentinian way with rare barbecued steak sliced and dipped in kosher salt.
GPCi - A sure bet when it comes to Malbec. If you haven't tried it before, buy 3-12 bottles and enjoy with a good steak.
Spain
2003 CYAN 12 MESES BARRICA - $17.95
DO Toro
On February 2, 2008, Wine Access named this their #1 'Top 10 Smart Buys' wine, rating it 90.
Jay Miler (Wine Advocade) = 90 : The 2003 Cyan (100% Tinta de Toro) comes from estate-owned vineyards ranging from 20-50 years of age. The wine was aged for 12 months in used French and American oak. Dark ruby in color, it offers an expressive nose of espresso roast, toast, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Its full-bodied (14.5% alcohol) personality is formed by mouth-filling ripe fruit, just enough acidity to hold the wine together, and excellent depth and concentration. There is enough structure to ensure 6-8 years of longevity. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Feb. 2007)
GPCi - another no brainer. Not the best vintage, but I'm sure I won't be disappointed... and for that price it's risk free option. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2004 DOMINO BASCONCILLOS - $21.95
DO Ribera del Duero
Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this organic wine contains 6 mg/L of free sulphur.
WS = 92 : Dense and well-integrated, this polished red isn't expressive now, but has beautiful balance, showing hints of black cherry, blackberry, licorice, mineral and toast. Drink now through 2014. (Thomas Matthews, June 15, 2007)
GPCi - the 3rd "no brainer" of this release. I love the wines from Ribera del Duero and the 2004 was especially good there. The price is attractive and for mid-term cellaring potential I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
