Friday, July 11, 2008
GPCi for July 19th 2008 release at the LCBO
Top Picks for under $20
2005 MAS DONÍS BARRICA – $17.95
2005 MÁS QUE VINOS ERCAVIO TEMPRANILLO ROBLE - $15.95
2006 CONO SUR VISIÓN SYRAH - $15.95
2006 GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC - $17.95
Chile
2006 CONO SUR VISIÓN SYRAH - $15.95
Colchagua Valley, Los Lingues Block
Made from hand-picked grapes grown on challenging, rocky slopes in the Colchagua Valley, this Syrah is truly a labour of love. The results of winemaker Adolfo Hurtado's efforts shine through with vibrant black cherry, chocolate and mocha notes in seamless balance, and a lovely velvety texture on the palate. Savour this beauty with pepper-crusted steak or grilled beef-and-vegetable kebabs.
GPCi - Cono Sur means in Spanish the the Southern Cone (the shape of the South American continent). Vision is their up-scale series. A great day-to-day Syrah for more than reasonable price - great QPR. Buy 2-12 bottles.
2004 ARESTI WINEMAKERS' ASSAMBLAGE - $14.95
Aresti's Winemakers' portfolio challenges their winemaking team, headed by Jon Usabiaga, to find the optimal blend of grapes based on the growing season each year. The sun-drenched 2004 vintage gave the team some flexibility; their final blend for the Assamblage was 45% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Carmenère. Try this complex, fruity, strawberry- and plum-scented red with braised beef or barbecued chicken.
GPCi - Another no brainer for day-to-day to people who like the Merlot-flavors with some Cab-Sauv. I'd buy 2-12 bottles.
2005 MORANDÉ RESERVA CARMENÈRE - $13.95
Maipo Valley
Decanter = 5 / 5 : Fairly intense, roast coffee and herbs, soft dark fruits. Full bodied and richly textured, concentrated, dark fruits and spice, good balanced alcohol. Drink up to 2012. (www.decanter.com, June 29, 2007)
GPCi - Decanter is not so generous in giving 5/5 and for $14 !!!! what's to think about. If Carmenere is your thing take a case.
2006 NOVAS WINEMAKER'S SELECTION CHARDONNAY/MARSANNE/VIOGNIER - $18.95
Casablanca Valley, (Viñedos Organicos Emiliana)
Decanter = 5 / 5 : Young, fresh and nutty aromas with warm, toasty notes. Interesting combination: juicy peaches and some spice fruits. Good acidity and balance all held together in a long, oaky finish. (www.decanter.com, 2008)
GPCi - Another 5/5 this time for a good white. I like the three blend varieties. It's organic (if you're into it...) and seems to be fairly priced. John M - for you...
Australia
2006 D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE - $13.95
Jay Miller = 89 ; This is a rich, soft and flavorful red in the traditional McLaren Vale style. Mulberry and plum flavors from the Grenache combine with the blackberry, spice and white pepper of the Shiraz. Best served at room temperature, this wine will gain added complexity with careful cellaring over the next two to five years. Composed of 46% Grenache, 34% Shiraz, and 20% Mourvedre.
GPCi - I believe it's the 3rd or 4th year that we get the Stump Jump GSM. A good QPR for a day-to-day GSM.
France (Alsace)
2006 PFAFFENHEIM GEWURZTRAMINER CUVÉE BACCHUS - $19.95
AC Alsace
It's definitely a good time to stop and smell the roses, eucalyptus and spices in this expressive, lively and spicy/fruity Gewurz. There is perfect harmony here between freshness, concentration and richness. Marvellous as an aperitif with foie gras or Roquefort cheese, or serve with a dessert course of fresh fruit tarts.
GPCi - it's been a long time since I last had a Gewurz. Seems like an interesting choice from Alsace. A pefect variety for the summer with or without food.
France (Rhône South)
2006 GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC - $17.95
AC
RP = 88-89 : The 2006 Cotes du Rhone white, which is a blend of about 55% Viognier and the rest Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, is the best white Cotes du Rhone the Guigals have ever made. An amazing wine, I am not sure it doesn't deserve an even higher score, but it was just about ready to go into the bottle when I tasted it. The wine reveals terrific honeysuckle notes intermixed with some white peach and tangerine skin in a medium-bodied, crisp, fruit-driven style with excellent acidity and depth. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. (www.erobertparker.com , Oct. 2007)
GPCi - Guigal, a great and consistent wine producer. A fair offer for a good white. I'd buy 2-4 bottles. John M - for you...
2005 VACQUEYRAS LA GRANGELIÈRE ROUGE (Pierre Amadieu) - $22.95
IWC = 90 ; Deep red. Lively red berries, blood orange and fresh flowers on the nose; smells like Burgundy. Finely etched, gently sweet strawberry and raspberry flavors offer excellent clarity and finishing energy. Wonderfully elegant and tasty already. (Josh Raynolds, Jan./Feb. 2008)
GPCi - VACQUEYRAS is usually at the $26+ range. A good review for a wine from a very good vintage. Excellent with steaks! Buy 2-4 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2005 CHÂTEAU DU MOULIN ROUGE (Pelon-Ribeiro, Prop.) - $32.95
Château du Moulin Rouge is located in the commune of Cussac-Fort-Médoc to the south of Saint Julien. This impeccably run estate has been under the ownership of the Pelon-Ribeiro Family for more than 14 generations and the wines show the meticulous and steadfast commitment to quality that this Cru Bourgeois has come to be known for.
Handpicked from Vielle Vigne (very old) vineyards, this blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet and 5% Cabernet Franc.
GPCi - Seems like a straight-forward day-to-day Bordeaux from the excellent 2005 vintage. If you like a Merlot dominant wine, I would buy one bottle and take it from there...
2004 CHÂTEAU L'INCLASSABLE - $37.95
AC Médoc, Cru Bourgeois
(Vignobles Rémy Fauchey, Prop.)
Bordeaux wines are all about classification and rules, so it is with a hint of irony that proprietor Rémy Fauchey has renamed his family's property after losing the legal rights to its former name Château Lafon. The property was known as Lafon for two centuries.
Decanter: 3 /5 : Rich nose but inexpressive, black fruits. Fine, rich, juicy with plenty of fruit and backed by firm tannins. Structured, needs time.
Drink 2009-14. (www.decanter.com, Aug.30, 2007)
GPCi - When Decanter gives 3/5 for a wine that costs $38 from an "OK" vintage, that's a skip for me...
Italy (Veneto)
2004 FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO - $38.95
Today, most Amarone producers rely on three grapes, Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella. Six grapes are allowed but rare is the producer who uses them all. Farina is one such producer. By using all six - the other three grapes are Molinara, Negara and Dindarella - Farina makes Amarone in its classic composition. The results are full, complex and forceful. This is one for the cellar (3-5 years) or match it tonight with grilled lamb.
GPCi - Most Amarone these days cross the $60 price mark. I've tried Farina since 1998 and it's a consistent Amarone for a relatively decent price. If I decide to spend ~$38 on a single bottle that would be on this wine and not the Bordeaux above.
2006 ALLEGRINI CORTE GIARA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA - $19.95
Wine of the Month
A real knockout, this ready-to-drink Ripasso is intensely flavoured with layers of berries, tobacco and smoke. Dry and medium-bodied, it's a food-friendly red that's delicious with spicy Italian sausages hot off the grill. Outperforming many in its class, this attractively priced Ripasso has Allegrini's signature stamp of quality. An extremely popular wine style - and for good reason.
GPCi - Allegrini is one of the better wine producers in this part of Italy.
if you haven't tried Ripasso, that's a good choice to start from... I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
Spain
1998 BARON de LEY GRAN RESERVA - $32.95
RP = 90 ; “The 1998 Gran Reserva is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 24 months in French and American oak followed by 5 years in bottle prior to release. Medium to dark ruby, it offers mature aromas of cedar, spice box, damp earth, red currants, and cherry. On the palate, this medium-bodied effort has a solid core of fruit, good depth, and concentration, and a long, pure finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 10 years. Baron de Ley is a solid source of traditionally styled Rioja.” (Apr 30th, 2008)
GPCi - Baron del Ley produces great Rioja. I had this wine and it's a good 10 years old Gran Reserva. If I need to choose a $32 bottle of wine, I go for this and not the 2005 Ch. de Moulin Rouge. I'd buy 2 bottles.
2005 MAS DONÍS BARRICA – $17.95
DO Montsant, Old Vines
(Cellar de Capçanes)
Jay Miller = 91: The 2005 Mas Donis Barrica is 85 % Garnacha and 15% Syrah aged for 8 months in French and American oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It offers up an expressive nose of slate, mineral, licorice, violets, black cherry, and blueberry. Layered, long, and complex, this spicy, hedonistic effort has 2-3 years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now without guilt. It is a great value. (www.erobertparker.com , Feb. 2008)
GPCi - here is one of my top picks of the release. Great vintage, great price, great review. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2005 MÁS QUE VINOS ERCAVIO TEMPRANILLO ROBLE - $15.95
Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
Jay Miller = 90 : The 2005 Ercavio Roble is a remarkable value. Produced from 100% Cencibel (Tempranillo), this is a custom cuvee selected by importer Eric Solomon, and was aged for 5 months in French and American oak. Purple colored, with fragrant spice box, tobacco, blueberry, and blackberry aromas, this full-bodied effort has gobs of ripe fruit, a firm structure, and a 40-second finish ... Although this well-made wine will surely evolve for 2-3 years, who will have the patience? This is one to purchase by the case. (www.erobertparker.com , Feb. 2007)
GPCi - here is another one of my top picks from the same reasons. Buy 2-6 bottles.
2003 MIGUEL TORRES GRAN SANGRE DE TORO RESERVA - $15.95
From Miguel Torres, the "King of Spain" to those in the industry, comes this fine Reserva. Intense, ripe and delicious, this blend of Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache), Cariñena and Syrah displays exuberant aromas redolent of blackberries with intriguing spice notes. Velvety and full-bodied with a long finish, this wine pairs well with beef, lamb or stuffed peppers.
GPCi - just so you can have more Spanish to choose from. This a very good QPR wine. Simple yet nice for the buck! buy 2-4 bottles.
2005 MAS DONÍS BARRICA – $17.95
2005 MÁS QUE VINOS ERCAVIO TEMPRANILLO ROBLE - $15.95
2006 CONO SUR VISIÓN SYRAH - $15.95
2006 GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC - $17.95
Chile
2006 CONO SUR VISIÓN SYRAH - $15.95
Colchagua Valley, Los Lingues Block
Made from hand-picked grapes grown on challenging, rocky slopes in the Colchagua Valley, this Syrah is truly a labour of love. The results of winemaker Adolfo Hurtado's efforts shine through with vibrant black cherry, chocolate and mocha notes in seamless balance, and a lovely velvety texture on the palate. Savour this beauty with pepper-crusted steak or grilled beef-and-vegetable kebabs.
GPCi - Cono Sur means in Spanish the the Southern Cone (the shape of the South American continent). Vision is their up-scale series. A great day-to-day Syrah for more than reasonable price - great QPR. Buy 2-12 bottles.
2004 ARESTI WINEMAKERS' ASSAMBLAGE - $14.95
Aresti's Winemakers' portfolio challenges their winemaking team, headed by Jon Usabiaga, to find the optimal blend of grapes based on the growing season each year. The sun-drenched 2004 vintage gave the team some flexibility; their final blend for the Assamblage was 45% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Carmenère. Try this complex, fruity, strawberry- and plum-scented red with braised beef or barbecued chicken.
GPCi - Another no brainer for day-to-day to people who like the Merlot-flavors with some Cab-Sauv. I'd buy 2-12 bottles.
2005 MORANDÉ RESERVA CARMENÈRE - $13.95
Maipo Valley
Decanter = 5 / 5 : Fairly intense, roast coffee and herbs, soft dark fruits. Full bodied and richly textured, concentrated, dark fruits and spice, good balanced alcohol. Drink up to 2012. (www.decanter.com, June 29, 2007)
GPCi - Decanter is not so generous in giving 5/5 and for $14 !!!! what's to think about. If Carmenere is your thing take a case.
2006 NOVAS WINEMAKER'S SELECTION CHARDONNAY/MARSANNE/VIOGNIER - $18.95
Casablanca Valley, (Viñedos Organicos Emiliana)
Decanter = 5 / 5 : Young, fresh and nutty aromas with warm, toasty notes. Interesting combination: juicy peaches and some spice fruits. Good acidity and balance all held together in a long, oaky finish. (www.decanter.com, 2008)
GPCi - Another 5/5 this time for a good white. I like the three blend varieties. It's organic (if you're into it...) and seems to be fairly priced. John M - for you...
Australia
2006 D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE - $13.95
Jay Miller = 89 ; This is a rich, soft and flavorful red in the traditional McLaren Vale style. Mulberry and plum flavors from the Grenache combine with the blackberry, spice and white pepper of the Shiraz. Best served at room temperature, this wine will gain added complexity with careful cellaring over the next two to five years. Composed of 46% Grenache, 34% Shiraz, and 20% Mourvedre.
GPCi - I believe it's the 3rd or 4th year that we get the Stump Jump GSM. A good QPR for a day-to-day GSM.
France (Alsace)
2006 PFAFFENHEIM GEWURZTRAMINER CUVÉE BACCHUS - $19.95
AC Alsace
It's definitely a good time to stop and smell the roses, eucalyptus and spices in this expressive, lively and spicy/fruity Gewurz. There is perfect harmony here between freshness, concentration and richness. Marvellous as an aperitif with foie gras or Roquefort cheese, or serve with a dessert course of fresh fruit tarts.
GPCi - it's been a long time since I last had a Gewurz. Seems like an interesting choice from Alsace. A pefect variety for the summer with or without food.
France (Rhône South)
2006 GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC - $17.95
AC
RP = 88-89 : The 2006 Cotes du Rhone white, which is a blend of about 55% Viognier and the rest Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, is the best white Cotes du Rhone the Guigals have ever made. An amazing wine, I am not sure it doesn't deserve an even higher score, but it was just about ready to go into the bottle when I tasted it. The wine reveals terrific honeysuckle notes intermixed with some white peach and tangerine skin in a medium-bodied, crisp, fruit-driven style with excellent acidity and depth. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. (www.erobertparker.com , Oct. 2007)
GPCi - Guigal, a great and consistent wine producer. A fair offer for a good white. I'd buy 2-4 bottles. John M - for you...
2005 VACQUEYRAS LA GRANGELIÈRE ROUGE (Pierre Amadieu) - $22.95
IWC = 90 ; Deep red. Lively red berries, blood orange and fresh flowers on the nose; smells like Burgundy. Finely etched, gently sweet strawberry and raspberry flavors offer excellent clarity and finishing energy. Wonderfully elegant and tasty already. (Josh Raynolds, Jan./Feb. 2008)
GPCi - VACQUEYRAS is usually at the $26+ range. A good review for a wine from a very good vintage. Excellent with steaks! Buy 2-4 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2005 CHÂTEAU DU MOULIN ROUGE (Pelon-Ribeiro, Prop.) - $32.95
Château du Moulin Rouge is located in the commune of Cussac-Fort-Médoc to the south of Saint Julien. This impeccably run estate has been under the ownership of the Pelon-Ribeiro Family for more than 14 generations and the wines show the meticulous and steadfast commitment to quality that this Cru Bourgeois has come to be known for.
Handpicked from Vielle Vigne (very old) vineyards, this blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet and 5% Cabernet Franc.
GPCi - Seems like a straight-forward day-to-day Bordeaux from the excellent 2005 vintage. If you like a Merlot dominant wine, I would buy one bottle and take it from there...
2004 CHÂTEAU L'INCLASSABLE - $37.95
AC Médoc, Cru Bourgeois
(Vignobles Rémy Fauchey, Prop.)
Bordeaux wines are all about classification and rules, so it is with a hint of irony that proprietor Rémy Fauchey has renamed his family's property after losing the legal rights to its former name Château Lafon. The property was known as Lafon for two centuries.
Decanter: 3 /5 : Rich nose but inexpressive, black fruits. Fine, rich, juicy with plenty of fruit and backed by firm tannins. Structured, needs time.
Drink 2009-14. (www.decanter.com, Aug.30, 2007)
GPCi - When Decanter gives 3/5 for a wine that costs $38 from an "OK" vintage, that's a skip for me...
Italy (Veneto)
2004 FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO - $38.95
Today, most Amarone producers rely on three grapes, Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella. Six grapes are allowed but rare is the producer who uses them all. Farina is one such producer. By using all six - the other three grapes are Molinara, Negara and Dindarella - Farina makes Amarone in its classic composition. The results are full, complex and forceful. This is one for the cellar (3-5 years) or match it tonight with grilled lamb.
GPCi - Most Amarone these days cross the $60 price mark. I've tried Farina since 1998 and it's a consistent Amarone for a relatively decent price. If I decide to spend ~$38 on a single bottle that would be on this wine and not the Bordeaux above.
2006 ALLEGRINI CORTE GIARA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA - $19.95
Wine of the Month
A real knockout, this ready-to-drink Ripasso is intensely flavoured with layers of berries, tobacco and smoke. Dry and medium-bodied, it's a food-friendly red that's delicious with spicy Italian sausages hot off the grill. Outperforming many in its class, this attractively priced Ripasso has Allegrini's signature stamp of quality. An extremely popular wine style - and for good reason.
GPCi - Allegrini is one of the better wine producers in this part of Italy.
if you haven't tried Ripasso, that's a good choice to start from... I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
Spain
1998 BARON de LEY GRAN RESERVA - $32.95
RP = 90 ; “The 1998 Gran Reserva is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 24 months in French and American oak followed by 5 years in bottle prior to release. Medium to dark ruby, it offers mature aromas of cedar, spice box, damp earth, red currants, and cherry. On the palate, this medium-bodied effort has a solid core of fruit, good depth, and concentration, and a long, pure finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 10 years. Baron de Ley is a solid source of traditionally styled Rioja.” (Apr 30th, 2008)
GPCi - Baron del Ley produces great Rioja. I had this wine and it's a good 10 years old Gran Reserva. If I need to choose a $32 bottle of wine, I go for this and not the 2005 Ch. de Moulin Rouge. I'd buy 2 bottles.
2005 MAS DONÍS BARRICA – $17.95
DO Montsant, Old Vines
(Cellar de Capçanes)
Jay Miller = 91: The 2005 Mas Donis Barrica is 85 % Garnacha and 15% Syrah aged for 8 months in French and American oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It offers up an expressive nose of slate, mineral, licorice, violets, black cherry, and blueberry. Layered, long, and complex, this spicy, hedonistic effort has 2-3 years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now without guilt. It is a great value. (www.erobertparker.com , Feb. 2008)
GPCi - here is one of my top picks of the release. Great vintage, great price, great review. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
2005 MÁS QUE VINOS ERCAVIO TEMPRANILLO ROBLE - $15.95
Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
Jay Miller = 90 : The 2005 Ercavio Roble is a remarkable value. Produced from 100% Cencibel (Tempranillo), this is a custom cuvee selected by importer Eric Solomon, and was aged for 5 months in French and American oak. Purple colored, with fragrant spice box, tobacco, blueberry, and blackberry aromas, this full-bodied effort has gobs of ripe fruit, a firm structure, and a 40-second finish ... Although this well-made wine will surely evolve for 2-3 years, who will have the patience? This is one to purchase by the case. (www.erobertparker.com , Feb. 2007)
GPCi - here is another one of my top picks from the same reasons. Buy 2-6 bottles.
2003 MIGUEL TORRES GRAN SANGRE DE TORO RESERVA - $15.95
From Miguel Torres, the "King of Spain" to those in the industry, comes this fine Reserva. Intense, ripe and delicious, this blend of Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache), Cariñena and Syrah displays exuberant aromas redolent of blackberries with intriguing spice notes. Velvety and full-bodied with a long finish, this wine pairs well with beef, lamb or stuffed peppers.
GPCi - just so you can have more Spanish to choose from. This a very good QPR wine. Simple yet nice for the buck! buy 2-4 bottles.
