Friday, July 25, 2008
GPCi for Aug 2nd 2008 release at the LCBO
Top picks for under $40:
2005 PIRRAMIMMA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $23.95
2006 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC - $22.95
2005 DOMAINE DE LA CÔTE DE L'ANGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $37.95
California
2004 ARTESA RESERVE TEMPRANILLO - $25.95
Alexander Valley
This wine was awarded Critics Gold at the 2008 Critics Challenge Wine Competition (winereviewonline.com) and it also received 91 points from the fine folks at justwinepoints.com. This bold and complex take on Tempranillo is aged for 20 months in French oak, resulting in a very dry, silky smooth, full-bodied wine. It displays rich red-cherry flavours along with vanilla, spice and smoky notes supported by gentle tannins. Chargrilled steaks anyone?
GPCi – Never had the chance to try Tempranillo wine that was produced in California. Definitely worth trying since Artesa produces wines to my taste. I’d buy 1-2 bottles.
Argentina
2006 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC - $22.95
Mendoza (Dominio del Plata)
WS = 91: Rich and polished, with almost gushing raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry fruit that's harnessed by suave toast, spice and licorice notes. Long, well-rounded finish has nice buried acidity. Drink now through 2010. (James Molesworth, Web Only, 2008).
GPCi – That’s a very supportive positive review for this Malbec. Usually they cost more around the $15 price range, but I think it’s still a fair price for such wine. I’d buy 2-4 bottles.
Australia
2005 PIRRAMIMMA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $23.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from two different vineyards in McLaren Vale. Aged in oak for 2 years (60% new American), it's a powerhouse with aromas of blackcurrant, dark berries and cedar. Dry and full-bodied, it has masses of ripe fruit balanced by gripping tannins, leading to a long finish. Enjoy it over the next five years with grilled steaks or game.
GPCi – I don’t know about you, but Pirramimma has NEVER failed me before. Their Petit Verdot and Shiraz are usually outstanding. I’m expecting nothing less from this 2005 (great vintage). I’d buy 6 bottles without hesitation.
2006 TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ - $24.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
Jay Miller = 92 : The 2006 Woodcutter's Shiraz was sourced from six sub-regions of the Barossa. The wine was aged for 12 months in large, neutral French oak and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Purple-colored, it has an attractive array of pepper, spicy blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry muffin aromas. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate, the wine delivers gobs of meaty, full-flavored blue and black fruits to accompany its forward, easy-going personality. Drink this incredible value over the next 4-6 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/ , Oct. 2007)
GPCi – producing a 2006 wine that gets 92 is not a simple task. The 2006 vintage was more challenging than the 2004 and 2005. Torbreck is another very consistent producer in Australia. I had their Shiraz for a few years now and it is always great. I’d buy 2-6 bottles.
2005 YERING STATION PINOT NOIR - $22.95
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Jancis Robinson MW = 18 out of 20 : Light cherry red. Good attack. Bone dry - very burgundian! I would challenge anyone to guess this as Australian! So zesty and light and delicate. Drink 2007-2012. (http://www.jancisrobinson.com/, July 12, 2007)
GPCi – receiving 18 out of 20 by Jancis Robinson is not easy. John M, this one is for your “Pinot Noir” research. Yering is a great producer from Australia and the price seems more than fair for such highly praised Pinot.
New Zealand
2006 COOPERS CREEK SELECT VINEYARDS DILLONS POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC - $19.95 Marlborough, South Island
Michael Cooper = 4.5 out of 5 : Grown at Dillons Point - between Blenheim and the Cloudy Bay coast - the 2006 vintage is a blend of grapes from two vineyards. It's a crisp, lively, ripely herbaceous style with vibrant gooseberry/lime flavours, deliciously fresh, pure and long. (Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines, 2008)
GPCi – Another great Sauv Blanc from New Zealand. What’s not to like here? Great review, fair price… we have the perfect weather for this variety. I’d buy 2-6 bottles.
2007 DELTA VINEYARD PINOT NOIR - $22.95
Marlborough, South Island
For a long time, winemaker/consultant Matt Thomson had been searching for a suitable site in Marlborough to start his joint-venture with David Gleave MW and when he finally discovered a triangular-shaped hill to the west of Blenheim in 2000, the dream turned reality. The regular Pinot Noir comes from the flat section of the vineyard, Hatters Hill from an elevation that rises to 175m. (Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate, April 2008)
Neal Martin = 90 : The 2007 Pinot Noir is much better, quite a high extraction on the nose with dark cherry and plum with a touch of mulberry, the palate soft and supple with a plush finish tinged with white pepper.(http://www.erobertparker.com/ , April 2008)
GPCi – John M, another one for your Pinot research… I wonder which one is better. My guess is the Yering… J
France (CdP, Rhone South)
2005 DOMAINE DE LA CÔTE DE L'ANGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $37.95
WS = 92 : A gutsy, structured style, with lots of fig, black currant, braised chestnut, bittersweet cocoa and espresso notes carried by robust but ripe tannins. The finish is long and smoky. Best from 2008 through 2022. (James Molesworth, Oct. 31, 2007)
GPCi - that's on my "must" buying list of this release. A great review for a CdP for less than $40 from the classic 2005 AND it can be cellared for additional 14 years = no brainer. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Italy (Tuscany)
SANTOVINO SOMMAVITE VINO LIQUROSO VIN SANTO (500 mL) - $11.95
Castellani
Visit an Italian home at any time of the year and you'll be warmly welcomed with a chilled glass of Vin Santo and some homemade biscotti for dipping. Perfect to have on hand when neighbours or unexpected guests drop by. This 500 mL bottle will generously serve six.
GPCi - A good price for Vin Santo. As they say, it is a great "5 o'clock" treat with dry biscotti. The only thing needed to complete this treat is a beautiful landscape to let your mind wander... I'd buy 4-6 bottles. You can let them lay down for 5-8+ years with no fear. they won't change a lot, but they won't go bad if properly stored.
2001 BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $ 49.95
DOCG, Tuscany
Antonio Galloni = 90 : The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino, a dark ruby, displays a perfumed nose along with dark fruit and scorched earth nuances on a structured, long frame supported by building tannins. Made in a style that is at once delicate and powerful, today it comes across as backward and austere in its expression. As it sits in the glass it continues to put on considerable weight, but ideally several years of cellaring are called for. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. (http://www.erobertparker.com/ , Dec. 2006)
GPCi - Banfi is a very good producer of Brunello. 2001 is one of the better vintages for that wine and most Brunellos from that year are sold around the $60+ price tag. If you like Brunello and haven't had the chance to try Barbi, I think it's worth the $50.
2005 PIRRAMIMMA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $23.95
2006 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC - $22.95
2005 DOMAINE DE LA CÔTE DE L'ANGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $37.95
California
2004 ARTESA RESERVE TEMPRANILLO - $25.95
Alexander Valley
This wine was awarded Critics Gold at the 2008 Critics Challenge Wine Competition (winereviewonline.com) and it also received 91 points from the fine folks at justwinepoints.com. This bold and complex take on Tempranillo is aged for 20 months in French oak, resulting in a very dry, silky smooth, full-bodied wine. It displays rich red-cherry flavours along with vanilla, spice and smoky notes supported by gentle tannins. Chargrilled steaks anyone?
GPCi – Never had the chance to try Tempranillo wine that was produced in California. Definitely worth trying since Artesa produces wines to my taste. I’d buy 1-2 bottles.
Argentina
2006 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC - $22.95
Mendoza (Dominio del Plata)
WS = 91: Rich and polished, with almost gushing raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry fruit that's harnessed by suave toast, spice and licorice notes. Long, well-rounded finish has nice buried acidity. Drink now through 2010. (James Molesworth, Web Only, 2008).
GPCi – That’s a very supportive positive review for this Malbec. Usually they cost more around the $15 price range, but I think it’s still a fair price for such wine. I’d buy 2-4 bottles.
Australia
2005 PIRRAMIMMA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $23.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from two different vineyards in McLaren Vale. Aged in oak for 2 years (60% new American), it's a powerhouse with aromas of blackcurrant, dark berries and cedar. Dry and full-bodied, it has masses of ripe fruit balanced by gripping tannins, leading to a long finish. Enjoy it over the next five years with grilled steaks or game.
GPCi – I don’t know about you, but Pirramimma has NEVER failed me before. Their Petit Verdot and Shiraz are usually outstanding. I’m expecting nothing less from this 2005 (great vintage). I’d buy 6 bottles without hesitation.
2006 TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ - $24.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
Jay Miller = 92 : The 2006 Woodcutter's Shiraz was sourced from six sub-regions of the Barossa. The wine was aged for 12 months in large, neutral French oak and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Purple-colored, it has an attractive array of pepper, spicy blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry muffin aromas. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate, the wine delivers gobs of meaty, full-flavored blue and black fruits to accompany its forward, easy-going personality. Drink this incredible value over the next 4-6 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/ , Oct. 2007)
GPCi – producing a 2006 wine that gets 92 is not a simple task. The 2006 vintage was more challenging than the 2004 and 2005. Torbreck is another very consistent producer in Australia. I had their Shiraz for a few years now and it is always great. I’d buy 2-6 bottles.
2005 YERING STATION PINOT NOIR - $22.95
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Jancis Robinson MW = 18 out of 20 : Light cherry red. Good attack. Bone dry - very burgundian! I would challenge anyone to guess this as Australian! So zesty and light and delicate. Drink 2007-2012. (http://www.jancisrobinson.com/, July 12, 2007)
GPCi – receiving 18 out of 20 by Jancis Robinson is not easy. John M, this one is for your “Pinot Noir” research. Yering is a great producer from Australia and the price seems more than fair for such highly praised Pinot.
New Zealand
2006 COOPERS CREEK SELECT VINEYARDS DILLONS POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC - $19.95 Marlborough, South Island
Michael Cooper = 4.5 out of 5 : Grown at Dillons Point - between Blenheim and the Cloudy Bay coast - the 2006 vintage is a blend of grapes from two vineyards. It's a crisp, lively, ripely herbaceous style with vibrant gooseberry/lime flavours, deliciously fresh, pure and long. (Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines, 2008)
GPCi – Another great Sauv Blanc from New Zealand. What’s not to like here? Great review, fair price… we have the perfect weather for this variety. I’d buy 2-6 bottles.
2007 DELTA VINEYARD PINOT NOIR - $22.95
Marlborough, South Island
For a long time, winemaker/consultant Matt Thomson had been searching for a suitable site in Marlborough to start his joint-venture with David Gleave MW and when he finally discovered a triangular-shaped hill to the west of Blenheim in 2000, the dream turned reality. The regular Pinot Noir comes from the flat section of the vineyard, Hatters Hill from an elevation that rises to 175m. (Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate, April 2008)
Neal Martin = 90 : The 2007 Pinot Noir is much better, quite a high extraction on the nose with dark cherry and plum with a touch of mulberry, the palate soft and supple with a plush finish tinged with white pepper.(http://www.erobertparker.com/ , April 2008)
GPCi – John M, another one for your Pinot research… I wonder which one is better. My guess is the Yering… J
France (CdP, Rhone South)
2005 DOMAINE DE LA CÔTE DE L'ANGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $37.95
WS = 92 : A gutsy, structured style, with lots of fig, black currant, braised chestnut, bittersweet cocoa and espresso notes carried by robust but ripe tannins. The finish is long and smoky. Best from 2008 through 2022. (James Molesworth, Oct. 31, 2007)
GPCi - that's on my "must" buying list of this release. A great review for a CdP for less than $40 from the classic 2005 AND it can be cellared for additional 14 years = no brainer. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
Italy (Tuscany)
SANTOVINO SOMMAVITE VINO LIQUROSO VIN SANTO (500 mL) - $11.95
Castellani
Visit an Italian home at any time of the year and you'll be warmly welcomed with a chilled glass of Vin Santo and some homemade biscotti for dipping. Perfect to have on hand when neighbours or unexpected guests drop by. This 500 mL bottle will generously serve six.
GPCi - A good price for Vin Santo. As they say, it is a great "5 o'clock" treat with dry biscotti. The only thing needed to complete this treat is a beautiful landscape to let your mind wander... I'd buy 4-6 bottles. You can let them lay down for 5-8+ years with no fear. they won't change a lot, but they won't go bad if properly stored.
2001 BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $ 49.95
DOCG, Tuscany
Antonio Galloni = 90 : The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino, a dark ruby, displays a perfumed nose along with dark fruit and scorched earth nuances on a structured, long frame supported by building tannins. Made in a style that is at once delicate and powerful, today it comes across as backward and austere in its expression. As it sits in the glass it continues to put on considerable weight, but ideally several years of cellaring are called for. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. (http://www.erobertparker.com/ , Dec. 2006)
GPCi - Banfi is a very good producer of Brunello. 2001 is one of the better vintages for that wine and most Brunellos from that year are sold around the $60+ price tag. If you like Brunello and haven't had the chance to try Barbi, I think it's worth the $50.
