Friday, September 05, 2008
GPCi for Sep 13th 2008 release at the LCBO
Top picks for under $30:
2005 BODEGAS CASTAÑO HÉCULA MONASTRELL - $13.95
2005 ALAIN JAUME & FILS CLOS DE SIXTE - $26.95
Top picks for $40-$55:
2005 DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE - $54.95
2005 DOMAINE LUCIEN BARROT ET FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $41.95
Canada
2002 PENINSULA RIDGE RESERVE CABERNET FRANC - $25.15
VQA Niagara Peninsula
http://www.ontariowinereview.com/ : There's lots going on in this bottle of Cabernet Franc from Ontario's big 2002 vintage, so let's get right down to it. The nose is red fruit oriented with some raspberry and cherry, but there's also some sweet spice notes like cinnamon and cardamom and hints of cedar ... a very pleasant mixture. In the mouth, it's still a little closed up. I'm expecting it to open up in the next few years, but right now, it's showing hints of the raspberry and cedar from the nose along with some blackberry and pepper. The overall effect is quite pleasurable; it could definitely use a little longer on the cellar shelf to bring out its full potential, but it's showing well now. Lots of harmless sediment coated both the top and bottom of the bottle and bottom of the glass, so decanting or pouring slowly into your glass will help alleviate this minor inconvenience. (Michael Pinkus, Oct. 11, 2007)
GPCi - PENINSULA RIDGE is one of the better wineries in Ontario. I have tried this 2002 Cab Franc Reserve and it's a very good wine by any standard. I am glad to see that the price of this wine was significantly reduced - I bought a bottle for ~$35 about 4 years ago. I found that decanting a bottle for 30-40 min prior to serving does good to this wine. I'd buy 2 bottles and enjoy them within the next 2 years.
2005 COLIO ESTATE CEV CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
VQA Lake Erie North Shore
http://www.ontariowinereview.com/ : ... this is a magnificent offering from this Lake Erie North Shore Winery, lots of bright red fruit, cinnamon and vanilla on the nose. Before I go further let me tell you this wine rested for 18 months in French and Hungarian oak (with a minimal amount of American wood thrown in). Back to the wine review: silky rich tannins envelop the blackberries and oakiness that are still quite prevalent ... and is this wine ever smooth going through the mouth ... And now, the finale: Wait for it ... the finish is unmistakable: cherries and chocolate ... oooo mama what a tasty little sucker this is. And there should be some good ageing potential here, say about 7 years or more ... (Michael Pinkus, Oct. 5, 2007)
GPCi - Colio is another excellent winery in Ontario (west end). Seems like 2005 was yet another good year for them. As John M said: "I have had the Cabs and enjoyed them, but I don't have a note or particular memory of the 2005. based on their other wines, and price point, I would certainly try this wine, with a view to purchasing more..." - hear hear...
Italy
2003 MALENCHINI BRUZZICO - $37.95
IGT Toscana
WS = 91 : Wonderful aromas of currant, licorice and blackberry. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Needs time to come together. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2007. (James Suckling, Oct. 31, 2006)
GPCi - Great review but a bit expensive for this one. I prefer to use my money on either the 2006 ORNELLAIA LE VOLTE or 2004 ALLEGRINI PALAZZO DELLA TORRE. that's a skip for me.
2006 ORNELLAIA LE VOLTE - $25.95
IGT Toscana
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 90 : The 2006 Le Volte is especially generous in this vintage. This plump, juicy wine bursts from the glass with an array of super-ripe dark plums, cherries, smoke and licorice. It is an engaging, rewarding wine to enjoy over the next few years. Le Volte is made from Sangiovese which is purchased from outside producers plus Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the property. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. (Antonio Galloni, , June 2008)
GPCi - The "ORNELLAIA for the poor" version. I tried preivious vintages and it delivers for the money. If you haven't tried it before and want to have a peek to what the IGT region is all about, buy 2 bottles.
2004 ALLEGRINI PALAZZO DELLA TORRE - $24.95
IGT Veronese
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 90: Allegrini's Palazzo della Torre (70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Sangiovese) has long been one of my favorite ripasso-style wines and the 2004 is another winner. It reveals a plump, juicy personality loaded with perfumed, jammy fruit, roasted coffee beans and new leather. Although it is absolutely irresistible today, a few additional months of bottle age should help soften the wine further. It is a gorgeous effort at this level and a terrific value. (Antonio Galloni, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - from the various Italian options from this release, this is my preferred one.
I had it when I was in Tuscany and it's a good QPR. Buy 2-4 bottles.
2004 LA BRACCESCA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO - $27.95
DOCG (Antinori)
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 91 : As is characteristic of the vintage, the 2004 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano shows a noticeably darker, livelier color than the 2003, with more delineation in its aromas and flavors. It is vibrant and full of life, with a layered quality to its fruit, terrific length and a finessed, long finish. Another few years in the bottle will be beneficial, after which this wine will drink well for another decade. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. (Antonio Galloni, June 2007)
GPCi - A great NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO with a good GPCi (can lay down until 2019). The 2004 was an outstanding vintage in that part of Tuscany. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
Portugal
GPCi - Sherry is something to experience. some people like it a lot and some don't. They have a not so sweet nutty flavors that serve as a great way to start a dinner or to finish one. here are excellent offerings for a very affordable price.
EL MAESTRO SIERRA PEDRO XIMÉNEZ SHERRY - $22.95
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 92 : Another step up is the non-vintage Pedro Ximinez from a15-year-old solera. It is brown amber in color with aromas of orange peel and English toffee. It is thick and rich on the palate and very long. (Jay Miller, Feb. 2007)
EMILIO LUSTAU EAST INDIA SOLERA SHERRY - $16.95
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 94 : Readers looking for something weighty, sweet, and provocative should check out the non-vintage East India Solera. A blend of soleras averaging 15 to 50 years of age, it boasts a dark amber color as well as a huge nose of melted toffee, caramel, figs, and prunes. This over-the-top yet surprisingly vibrant (because of good acidity) effort is best drunk as dessert at the end of a meal. (Robert Parker Jr., June 2005)
Chile
2005 CASAS PATRONALES RESERVA CARMENÈRE - $14.95
Maule Valley, Estate Btld.
With 35 ha of vineyards in the idyllic Maule Valley devoted to Carmenère, Casas Patronales is able to craft this textbook offering vintage after vintage. Aged in new French oak, this full-bodied red displays plenty of ripe plum fruit, spice and toast. Serve it up with smoked or grilled sausages, or barbecued ribs.
GPCi - great Carmenere for the right price. stock up for the fall...
2006 INTRIGA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
Maipo Valley
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is particularly intense and concentrated. Hand-picked from vines ranging between 10 and 15 years old, the juice spends 25 days in contact with the grape skins, allowing for an enormous amount of colour and flavour extraction. Aged for 17 months in mostly new French oak barrels, this full-bodied Cab is deep in colour and loaded with ripe blackcurrant, cassis and mocha with hints of spice, vanilla and mint. Well structured with fairly firm tannins, it's a must-have with top sirloin steaks served rare.
GPCi - great day-to-day Cab from Chile. I tried previous vintages from Intriga and I expect the same from the 2006.
Australia
2003 BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE EBENEZER SHIRAZ - $39.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 90 : It was aged in an equal mix of French and American oak, 27% new. Purple-colored, it offers an attractive perfume of cedar, spice box, pepper and blueberry. Supple-textured with a sense of elegance, it has ample ripe blue and black fruit flavors, light tannin, and good balance. It will evolve for several years and drink well through 2013. (Jay Miller, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - I believe this is a re-release. The EBENEZER SHIRAZ is well known to deliver what Shiraz from Barossa is all about. a bit expensive to my taste.
2004 PENFOLDS BIN 28 KALIMNA SHIRAZ - $34.95
South Australia
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 90 : Penfolds' Shiraz lineup is impressive. Leading off is the 2004 Shiraz "Kalimna Bin 28". Purple colored, it has an attractive nose of smoke, grilled meat, and blueberry. Medium to full-bodied, it is a straightforward Shiraz with loads of flavor, good balance, and a moderately long finish. It is a very good value. (Jay Miller, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - PENFOLDS BIN 28 used to be less than $30 (and not too long ago). I wonder why they increased the price. It's an excellent Shiraz and can lay down for 10+ years, so it's on the "boarder" for me whether to buy it or not...
France (Bordeaux)
2005 CHÂTEAU FONRÉAUD - $33.95
AC Listac-Medoc, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
Wine Enthusiast = 91 : Rich, full and dense, this shows considerable elegance as well as power. The fruits are black, with a strong edge of acidity, but also concentrated. There is a smooth layer of wood that adds to the complexity as well as opening the wine. (Roger Voss, June 1, 2008)
GPCi - another very good 2005 Bordeaux for a fair price (it's all relative...). But I prefer to put my money on the Rhone this time...
France (Rhone)
2005 ALAIN JAUME & FILS CLOS DE SIXTE - $26.95
AC Lirac
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 90-92 : The outstanding 2005 Lirac Clos de Sixte is one of Jaume's best selections and continues to be a star as well as a sleeper selection in 2005. A wine of considerable intensity, with a deep ruby/purple color, hints of blueberries, white flowers, some sweet cherry and chocolate, smoke, and earth, this is a full-bodied, intense wine that can be drunk now or cellared for up to a decade. (Robert Parker Jr., March 1, 2007)
GPCi - that's one of my Top Picks for this release. a very good GPCi for a very good wine. what's not to buy... I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE - $54.95
AC, Estate Btld. (Vignobles Jérôme Quiot)
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 94: ... The greatest wine Quiot has ever made in my opinion, this wine shows a dense ruby/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, blackberry, kirsch, some roast beef and Provencal herbs. Full-bodied with great intensity, beautiful purity, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and a spectacular finish of close to a minute, this is a fabulous effort from Quiot and should drink well for close to two decades. (Robert Parker Jr., Oct. 2007)
GPCi - I had the 2003 VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE, which is a very pleasant wine but not as intense as this one. It would probably be hard to get it at the LCBO (will be taken fast from the shelves). I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2005 DOMAINE LUCIEN BARROT ET FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $41.95
AC, Estate Btld.
http://www.winespectator.com/ = 93 : Dark and muscular, this is layered with lots of plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit backed by mocha, game, plum sauce and graphite notes. The long, fleshy finish lets the fruit and minerality sing. The best in a long time from this producer. Best from 2008 through 2022. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. (James Molesworth, Nov. 15, 2007)
GPCi - another CdP not to skip for a more than a fare price. Buy 2-4 bottles.
Hungary
2000 CHÂTEAU DERESZLA TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS 500 mL - $38.95
http://www.winespectator.com/ = 95 : Gorgeous, silky and harmonious, offering orange blossom, honey and beeswax aromas and flavors. Lightweight, elegant and vibrant, it carries its sweetness with poise, ending with freshness and a long aftertaste of honey. Drink now through 2020. (Bruce Sanderson, June 15, 2004)
GPCi - I believe this is a re-release as well. A great alternative for expensive Sautern. Will go well with a foir gras dish.
Spain
2004 ARROCAL SELECCIÓN - $32.95
DO Ribera del Duero
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 91 : The 2004 Arrocal Seleccion is 100% Tempranillo aged for 15 months in French and American oak and bottled without filtration. The wine has a very expressive nose of pain grille, spice box, black currants, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a youthful, slightly reticent, tightly knit wine encapsulated in a full-bodied personality. The wine is well structured for the long-term and merits 2-4 years of cellaring. It should provide pleasure through 2020. (Jay Miller, Feb. 2007)
GPCi - I love the wines from that part of Spain. Very good review by Jay Miller. Not cheap but with a great GPCi, therefore, I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
2005 BODEGAS CASTAÑO HÉCULA MONASTRELL - $13.95
DO Yecla
International Wine Cellar = 90 : Inky violet. Deep cherry and cassis aromas complicated by an array of floral, mineral and herbal nuances. Powerful dark fruit flavors are firmed by solid tannins and lifted by gentle minerality. Picks up smoked meat and anise notes on the long, chewy finish. This could be a Bandol. Is the average buyer at this price point ready for this? Another amazing value. (Josh Raynolds, Sept./Oct. 2007)
GPCi - my #1 pick from this release. never failed before and for an excellent price. I'd buy a case - you won't regret it.
2001 R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA BOSCONIA RESERVA - $36.95
DOCa Rioja
Winemaker María José López de Heredia is proud to adhere strictly to 100-year-old family traditions. These include, among other things, using only the winery's own hand-picked grapes, and racking by hand using oak funnels. Bosconia, named for the vineyard from which the grapes are sourced, is aged a minimum of 36 months in oak barrels then a further 3 to 5 years in bottle before release. It is made only in the very finest vintages.
GPCi - I had this wine with Doron Y in Spain (April 2008). A typical-traditional Rioja. The 2001 BOSCONIA RESERVA is an excellent wine to drink now or to cellar for 5+ years. Don't look for power in this one. Lots of leather and oak.
2005 BODEGAS CASTAÑO HÉCULA MONASTRELL - $13.95
2005 ALAIN JAUME & FILS CLOS DE SIXTE - $26.95
Top picks for $40-$55:
2005 DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE - $54.95
2005 DOMAINE LUCIEN BARROT ET FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $41.95
Canada
2002 PENINSULA RIDGE RESERVE CABERNET FRANC - $25.15
VQA Niagara Peninsula
http://www.ontariowinereview.com/ : There's lots going on in this bottle of Cabernet Franc from Ontario's big 2002 vintage, so let's get right down to it. The nose is red fruit oriented with some raspberry and cherry, but there's also some sweet spice notes like cinnamon and cardamom and hints of cedar ... a very pleasant mixture. In the mouth, it's still a little closed up. I'm expecting it to open up in the next few years, but right now, it's showing hints of the raspberry and cedar from the nose along with some blackberry and pepper. The overall effect is quite pleasurable; it could definitely use a little longer on the cellar shelf to bring out its full potential, but it's showing well now. Lots of harmless sediment coated both the top and bottom of the bottle and bottom of the glass, so decanting or pouring slowly into your glass will help alleviate this minor inconvenience. (Michael Pinkus, Oct. 11, 2007)
GPCi - PENINSULA RIDGE is one of the better wineries in Ontario. I have tried this 2002 Cab Franc Reserve and it's a very good wine by any standard. I am glad to see that the price of this wine was significantly reduced - I bought a bottle for ~$35 about 4 years ago. I found that decanting a bottle for 30-40 min prior to serving does good to this wine. I'd buy 2 bottles and enjoy them within the next 2 years.
2005 COLIO ESTATE CEV CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
VQA Lake Erie North Shore
http://www.ontariowinereview.com/ : ... this is a magnificent offering from this Lake Erie North Shore Winery, lots of bright red fruit, cinnamon and vanilla on the nose. Before I go further let me tell you this wine rested for 18 months in French and Hungarian oak (with a minimal amount of American wood thrown in). Back to the wine review: silky rich tannins envelop the blackberries and oakiness that are still quite prevalent ... and is this wine ever smooth going through the mouth ... And now, the finale: Wait for it ... the finish is unmistakable: cherries and chocolate ... oooo mama what a tasty little sucker this is. And there should be some good ageing potential here, say about 7 years or more ... (Michael Pinkus, Oct. 5, 2007)
GPCi - Colio is another excellent winery in Ontario (west end). Seems like 2005 was yet another good year for them. As John M said: "I have had the Cabs and enjoyed them, but I don't have a note or particular memory of the 2005. based on their other wines, and price point, I would certainly try this wine, with a view to purchasing more..." - hear hear...
Italy
2003 MALENCHINI BRUZZICO - $37.95
IGT Toscana
WS = 91 : Wonderful aromas of currant, licorice and blackberry. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Needs time to come together. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2007. (James Suckling, Oct. 31, 2006)
GPCi - Great review but a bit expensive for this one. I prefer to use my money on either the 2006 ORNELLAIA LE VOLTE or 2004 ALLEGRINI PALAZZO DELLA TORRE. that's a skip for me.
2006 ORNELLAIA LE VOLTE - $25.95
IGT Toscana
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 90 : The 2006 Le Volte is especially generous in this vintage. This plump, juicy wine bursts from the glass with an array of super-ripe dark plums, cherries, smoke and licorice. It is an engaging, rewarding wine to enjoy over the next few years. Le Volte is made from Sangiovese which is purchased from outside producers plus Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the property. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. (Antonio Galloni, , June 2008)
GPCi - The "ORNELLAIA for the poor" version. I tried preivious vintages and it delivers for the money. If you haven't tried it before and want to have a peek to what the IGT region is all about, buy 2 bottles.
2004 ALLEGRINI PALAZZO DELLA TORRE - $24.95
IGT Veronese
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 90: Allegrini's Palazzo della Torre (70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Sangiovese) has long been one of my favorite ripasso-style wines and the 2004 is another winner. It reveals a plump, juicy personality loaded with perfumed, jammy fruit, roasted coffee beans and new leather. Although it is absolutely irresistible today, a few additional months of bottle age should help soften the wine further. It is a gorgeous effort at this level and a terrific value. (Antonio Galloni, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - from the various Italian options from this release, this is my preferred one.
I had it when I was in Tuscany and it's a good QPR. Buy 2-4 bottles.
2004 LA BRACCESCA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO - $27.95
DOCG (Antinori)
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 91 : As is characteristic of the vintage, the 2004 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano shows a noticeably darker, livelier color than the 2003, with more delineation in its aromas and flavors. It is vibrant and full of life, with a layered quality to its fruit, terrific length and a finessed, long finish. Another few years in the bottle will be beneficial, after which this wine will drink well for another decade. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. (Antonio Galloni, June 2007)
GPCi - A great NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO with a good GPCi (can lay down until 2019). The 2004 was an outstanding vintage in that part of Tuscany. I'd buy 2-3 bottles.
Portugal
GPCi - Sherry is something to experience. some people like it a lot and some don't. They have a not so sweet nutty flavors that serve as a great way to start a dinner or to finish one. here are excellent offerings for a very affordable price.
EL MAESTRO SIERRA PEDRO XIMÉNEZ SHERRY - $22.95
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 92 : Another step up is the non-vintage Pedro Ximinez from a15-year-old solera. It is brown amber in color with aromas of orange peel and English toffee. It is thick and rich on the palate and very long. (Jay Miller, Feb. 2007)
EMILIO LUSTAU EAST INDIA SOLERA SHERRY - $16.95
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 94 : Readers looking for something weighty, sweet, and provocative should check out the non-vintage East India Solera. A blend of soleras averaging 15 to 50 years of age, it boasts a dark amber color as well as a huge nose of melted toffee, caramel, figs, and prunes. This over-the-top yet surprisingly vibrant (because of good acidity) effort is best drunk as dessert at the end of a meal. (Robert Parker Jr., June 2005)
Chile
2005 CASAS PATRONALES RESERVA CARMENÈRE - $14.95
Maule Valley, Estate Btld.
With 35 ha of vineyards in the idyllic Maule Valley devoted to Carmenère, Casas Patronales is able to craft this textbook offering vintage after vintage. Aged in new French oak, this full-bodied red displays plenty of ripe plum fruit, spice and toast. Serve it up with smoked or grilled sausages, or barbecued ribs.
GPCi - great Carmenere for the right price. stock up for the fall...
2006 INTRIGA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
Maipo Valley
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is particularly intense and concentrated. Hand-picked from vines ranging between 10 and 15 years old, the juice spends 25 days in contact with the grape skins, allowing for an enormous amount of colour and flavour extraction. Aged for 17 months in mostly new French oak barrels, this full-bodied Cab is deep in colour and loaded with ripe blackcurrant, cassis and mocha with hints of spice, vanilla and mint. Well structured with fairly firm tannins, it's a must-have with top sirloin steaks served rare.
GPCi - great day-to-day Cab from Chile. I tried previous vintages from Intriga and I expect the same from the 2006.
Australia
2003 BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE EBENEZER SHIRAZ - $39.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 90 : It was aged in an equal mix of French and American oak, 27% new. Purple-colored, it offers an attractive perfume of cedar, spice box, pepper and blueberry. Supple-textured with a sense of elegance, it has ample ripe blue and black fruit flavors, light tannin, and good balance. It will evolve for several years and drink well through 2013. (Jay Miller, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - I believe this is a re-release. The EBENEZER SHIRAZ is well known to deliver what Shiraz from Barossa is all about. a bit expensive to my taste.
2004 PENFOLDS BIN 28 KALIMNA SHIRAZ - $34.95
South Australia
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 90 : Penfolds' Shiraz lineup is impressive. Leading off is the 2004 Shiraz "Kalimna Bin 28". Purple colored, it has an attractive nose of smoke, grilled meat, and blueberry. Medium to full-bodied, it is a straightforward Shiraz with loads of flavor, good balance, and a moderately long finish. It is a very good value. (Jay Miller, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - PENFOLDS BIN 28 used to be less than $30 (and not too long ago). I wonder why they increased the price. It's an excellent Shiraz and can lay down for 10+ years, so it's on the "boarder" for me whether to buy it or not...
France (Bordeaux)
2005 CHÂTEAU FONRÉAUD - $33.95
AC Listac-Medoc, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
Wine Enthusiast = 91 : Rich, full and dense, this shows considerable elegance as well as power. The fruits are black, with a strong edge of acidity, but also concentrated. There is a smooth layer of wood that adds to the complexity as well as opening the wine. (Roger Voss, June 1, 2008)
GPCi - another very good 2005 Bordeaux for a fair price (it's all relative...). But I prefer to put my money on the Rhone this time...
France (Rhone)
2005 ALAIN JAUME & FILS CLOS DE SIXTE - $26.95
AC Lirac
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 90-92 : The outstanding 2005 Lirac Clos de Sixte is one of Jaume's best selections and continues to be a star as well as a sleeper selection in 2005. A wine of considerable intensity, with a deep ruby/purple color, hints of blueberries, white flowers, some sweet cherry and chocolate, smoke, and earth, this is a full-bodied, intense wine that can be drunk now or cellared for up to a decade. (Robert Parker Jr., March 1, 2007)
GPCi - that's one of my Top Picks for this release. a very good GPCi for a very good wine. what's not to buy... I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE - $54.95
AC, Estate Btld. (Vignobles Jérôme Quiot)
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 94: ... The greatest wine Quiot has ever made in my opinion, this wine shows a dense ruby/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, blackberry, kirsch, some roast beef and Provencal herbs. Full-bodied with great intensity, beautiful purity, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and a spectacular finish of close to a minute, this is a fabulous effort from Quiot and should drink well for close to two decades. (Robert Parker Jr., Oct. 2007)
GPCi - I had the 2003 VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE, which is a very pleasant wine but not as intense as this one. It would probably be hard to get it at the LCBO (will be taken fast from the shelves). I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
2005 DOMAINE LUCIEN BARROT ET FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $41.95
AC, Estate Btld.
http://www.winespectator.com/ = 93 : Dark and muscular, this is layered with lots of plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit backed by mocha, game, plum sauce and graphite notes. The long, fleshy finish lets the fruit and minerality sing. The best in a long time from this producer. Best from 2008 through 2022. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. (James Molesworth, Nov. 15, 2007)
GPCi - another CdP not to skip for a more than a fare price. Buy 2-4 bottles.
Hungary
2000 CHÂTEAU DERESZLA TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS 500 mL - $38.95
http://www.winespectator.com/ = 95 : Gorgeous, silky and harmonious, offering orange blossom, honey and beeswax aromas and flavors. Lightweight, elegant and vibrant, it carries its sweetness with poise, ending with freshness and a long aftertaste of honey. Drink now through 2020. (Bruce Sanderson, June 15, 2004)
GPCi - I believe this is a re-release as well. A great alternative for expensive Sautern. Will go well with a foir gras dish.
Spain
2004 ARROCAL SELECCIÓN - $32.95
DO Ribera del Duero
http://www.erobertparker.com/ = 91 : The 2004 Arrocal Seleccion is 100% Tempranillo aged for 15 months in French and American oak and bottled without filtration. The wine has a very expressive nose of pain grille, spice box, black currants, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a youthful, slightly reticent, tightly knit wine encapsulated in a full-bodied personality. The wine is well structured for the long-term and merits 2-4 years of cellaring. It should provide pleasure through 2020. (Jay Miller, Feb. 2007)
GPCi - I love the wines from that part of Spain. Very good review by Jay Miller. Not cheap but with a great GPCi, therefore, I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
2005 BODEGAS CASTAÑO HÉCULA MONASTRELL - $13.95
DO Yecla
International Wine Cellar = 90 : Inky violet. Deep cherry and cassis aromas complicated by an array of floral, mineral and herbal nuances. Powerful dark fruit flavors are firmed by solid tannins and lifted by gentle minerality. Picks up smoked meat and anise notes on the long, chewy finish. This could be a Bandol. Is the average buyer at this price point ready for this? Another amazing value. (Josh Raynolds, Sept./Oct. 2007)
GPCi - my #1 pick from this release. never failed before and for an excellent price. I'd buy a case - you won't regret it.
2001 R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA BOSCONIA RESERVA - $36.95
DOCa Rioja
Winemaker María José López de Heredia is proud to adhere strictly to 100-year-old family traditions. These include, among other things, using only the winery's own hand-picked grapes, and racking by hand using oak funnels. Bosconia, named for the vineyard from which the grapes are sourced, is aged a minimum of 36 months in oak barrels then a further 3 to 5 years in bottle before release. It is made only in the very finest vintages.
GPCi - I had this wine with Doron Y in Spain (April 2008). A typical-traditional Rioja. The 2001 BOSCONIA RESERVA is an excellent wine to drink now or to cellar for 5+ years. Don't look for power in this one. Lots of leather and oak.
