Tuesday, September 23, 2008
GPCi for Sep 27th 2008 release at the LCBO
Top picks for under $30:
2005 VIÑA CARMEN NATIVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
2006 NUGAN ESTATE MCLAREN PARISH VINEYARD SHIRAZ - $26.95
2005 THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE QUARTAGE - $23.95
2005 DOMAINE DE COURTEILLAC - $26.95
Canada (Ontario)
2005 RIDGEPOINT MERITAGE - $22.95
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ridgepoint Wines is a small estate winery on the Niagara Escarpment that uses estate-grown fruit to fashion eminently drinkable reds. Their 2005 Meritage (a blend of their best barrels of the two Cabs) was a Gold Medal winner at the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2008, and represents yet another impressive showing for the winery.
An excellent Meritage that is a fine match for gnocchi with tomato sauce. Pretty medium deep ruby colour. The aromas suggest cassis, cocoa and black cherry. The dry, fruity and round palate is nicely balanced by silky tannins. This wine will also reward 2-3 years in a cellar. (David Churchill, VINTAGES, April 2008)
GPCi - In the past, I found a few good Meritage wines from Ontario. Twenty Mile Bench do interesting wines. for that price I would be very intrigued to try it.
Chile
2007 BARON PHILIPPE DE ROTHSCHILD RESERVA CHARDONNAY- $13.95
Casablanca Valley
The weighty Rothschild name is behind this delicious Chardonnay from Chile's Casablanca Valley. Refined, aromatic and complex, this expressive Chardonnay displays bountiful fresh tropical fruit wrapped in gentle vanilla flavours from the time it spent in oak. Enjoy with mildy spicy foods like Thai yellow curry chicken.
GPCi - There are many Chardonnay in this release (e.g. Santa Barbara, California etc.), but this seems to be an excellent choice for the buck! I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2006 CASA LAPOSTOLLE CUVÉE ALEXANDRE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $34.95
Colchagua Valley, Apalta Vineyard
The juding panel of the Chilean Wine Guide (2008) was sufficiently impressed by the 2006 Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon that they awarded it a Gold Medal. Since the grapes for this wine are from low-yielding 60-year-old vines, hand harvested, carefully sorted, and fermented with native yeast, the quality of the wine produced is not surprising. This densely concentrated red, which sees ten mellowing months of ageing in French oak barrels, would make a perfect match for full-flavoured, grilled red meats.
GPCi - I tried earlier vintages and the Cuvee Alexandre series were always consistent. It's not a cheap wine, but it can compete with the more expensive Cab from California that cost twice as much. I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
2005 VIÑA CARMEN NATIVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
Maipo Valley, Organically Grown Grapes
Viña Carmen continues to attract acclaim being named 'Winery of the Year' for 2007 by Wine & Spirits magazine. Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this organic wine contains 9 mg/L of free sulphur.
James Molesworth = 91 : Dark and structured, with loamy tannins carrying a delicious mix of mint, tobacco, currant paste and fig sauce flavors. Long and rich on the finish, with classic Maipo character. Drink now through 2012. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. (www.winespectator.com , May 15, 2008)
GPCi - I had previous vintages of Nativa Cab. very consistent and good value.
Australia
2006 NUGAN ESTATE MCLAREN PARISH VINEYARD SHIRAZ - $26.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Jay Miller = 91 : The 2006 Shiraz "McLaren Parish Vineyard" comes from an 11 hectare vineyard planted by Nugan in 2000. The wine was barrel-fermented and aged for 12 months in 75% new French oak. Purple-colored, the wine delivers an expressive nose of pain grille, pepper, spice box, mocha, blueberry, and blackberry. Velvety-textured, layered, and sweet on the palate, it has excellent concentration, structure, and balance. Give it 5-7 years to blossom and drink it through 2030. (www.erobertparker.com , Oct. 2007)
GPCi - one of the best GPCi in this release (and in many previous ones as well...). If you want to stock up your cellar with Shiraz - that's a very good option. I'd buy 2-12 bottles.
2005 THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE QUARTAGE - $23.95
Barossa, South Australia
This award-winning cuvée is comprised of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon (62.2%), Malbec (12%), Petit Verdot (10.5%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Merlot (5.3%).
Harvey Steiman = 91 : Elegant, expressive and appealing for its range of fruit flavors, offering plum, fresh currant and vibrant mulberry notes that mingle with hints of cream and sweet spices on the long, refined finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2013. (www.winespectator.com , June 30, 2007)
GPCi - the Shotfire yet another consistent wine. 2005 is a very good vintage (their Shiraz is very good as well). Buy 2-6 bottles.
South Africa
2007 GOATS DO ROAM IN VILLAGES - $15.95
WO Coastal Region
Here's an innovative and appealing blend of Shiraz (90%) with Pinotage (6.5%) and Mourvèdre (3.5%). The wines are aged separately for 14 months in a combination of American and French oak and then blended and bottled without fining and only light filtration. Full bodied with good concentration and structure, this delicious Shiraz blend offers waves of dark fruit that interplay nicely with complex notes of rich spice and pepper. Approachable now or cellar for 2-3 years.
GPCi - I'm not a big fan of wines from SA, but this wine (and the next one...) is great QPR. this wine in a blind tasting will trick many experts... buy a few bottles for day-to-day.
2007 PORCUPINE RIDGE SYRAH - $14.95
WO Coastal Region
(Boekenhoutskloof)
This is the latest release of a VINTAGES customer favourite. It's deserving of mention that the previous vintage of this wine was awarded (out of 5) by John Platter's South African Wine Guide. The grapes were sourced from a single vineyard in the Wellington district, then aged for some months in used French oak barrels. The result is a full-bodied, spicy and floral red that would perfectly match braised beef dishes with lots of cracked pepper.
GPCi - I had their 2004 and enjoyed it a lot. If you are into VERY peppery Syrah - buy a case for day-to-day use.
France (Bordeaux)
2005 DOMAINE DE COURTEILLAC - $26.95
AC Bordeaux Supérieur
(Dominique Meneret)
James Suckling = 90 : Dark in color, exhibiting beautiful aromas of blackberry, coffee and milk chocolate. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a light toasty oak and citrus fruit aftertaste. Balanced and pretty. Best after 2013. (www.winespectator.com , March 31, 2008).
GPCi - you won't find too many full-body 2005 Bordeaux that received 90 by WS and cost less than $30 and that can be cellared for the next 8-10 years. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
Italy (Piedmont)
2004 ABRIGO GIOVANNI BARBARESCO BASARIN - $39.95
DOCG
(Az. Agr. Adriano Marco e Vittorio)
This wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the commune of Neive, an area known for producing powerfully flavoured Barbarescos. This full-bodied example shows bountiful strawberry and cherry fruit accented by subtle floral and tobacco notes, and a long finish.
GPCi - If you are looking for a very good Barbaresco from a very successful vintage try this one. Drink it in the next special occasion.
2003 MANZONE BAROLO BRICAT - $63.95
DOCG
James Suckling = 92 : Offers aromas of rose and berry, with a full body and lots of flavors, from tar and berry to licorice. Long and caressing. This is a gorgeous wine already. Best after 2010. (www.winespectator.com , Oct. 15, 2007)
GPCi - Manzone is one of the better Barolos. If you can afford the price, try it. it's a skip for me...
Spain
1996 BERONIA GRAN RESERVA - $30.95
DOCa Rioja
Rioja's Gran Reservas are only produced in the best vintages. In addition, they must be aged at least 5 years before release, 2 years in wood barrels and 3 in bottle. Brick in colour, the nose ofers mature and elegant aromas of balsam, tobacco, leather, plum, toast and sweet spices. This medium-bodied red will be a perfect companion to roasted game, pâtés and cured cheeses.
GPCi - Spain is one of the only countries that gives people the opportunity to try a 12 years old wine without taking another mortgage. I've tried this 1996 Gran Reserva and I find it suitable to BBQ chicken with Mediterranean herbs due to its medium body and leather-tobacco flavors.
2005 CONDADO DE HAZA CRIANZA - $27.95
DO Ribera del Douro
Jay Miller = 90 : The 2005 Crianza is purple-colored with an attractive bouquet of cedar, mineral, earth notes, espresso, and blackberry. This leads to a medium to full-bodied wine with ample ripe fruit, a firm structure, good depth, and plenty of flavor. This solid effort should be at its best between 2012 and 2020.(www.erobertparker.com , April 2008).
GPCi - I tried the 2004 Haza Crianza which received a similar review and it was spectacular. Very complex wine. I'm waiting for the LCBO to bring their Reserva and Gran Reserva.
2004 SEÑORIO DE SARRIA VIÑEDO SOTÉS - $18.95
DO Navarra
Decanter = 4 out of 5 : Intense, complex nose of blueberries, with a touch of vanilla and mint. Dry, round structure with juicy tannins and balanced acidity. Drink 2008-12. (www.decanter.com).
GPCi - wines from Navarra usually offer a great QPR and this is another good example. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy and explore the difference in flavors in wines from Navarra compare to the wines from Rioja although they are very close to each other geographically.
2005 VIÑA CARMEN NATIVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
2006 NUGAN ESTATE MCLAREN PARISH VINEYARD SHIRAZ - $26.95
2005 THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE QUARTAGE - $23.95
2005 DOMAINE DE COURTEILLAC - $26.95
Canada (Ontario)
2005 RIDGEPOINT MERITAGE - $22.95
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ridgepoint Wines is a small estate winery on the Niagara Escarpment that uses estate-grown fruit to fashion eminently drinkable reds. Their 2005 Meritage (a blend of their best barrels of the two Cabs) was a Gold Medal winner at the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2008, and represents yet another impressive showing for the winery.
An excellent Meritage that is a fine match for gnocchi with tomato sauce. Pretty medium deep ruby colour. The aromas suggest cassis, cocoa and black cherry. The dry, fruity and round palate is nicely balanced by silky tannins. This wine will also reward 2-3 years in a cellar. (David Churchill, VINTAGES, April 2008)
GPCi - In the past, I found a few good Meritage wines from Ontario. Twenty Mile Bench do interesting wines. for that price I would be very intrigued to try it.
Chile
2007 BARON PHILIPPE DE ROTHSCHILD RESERVA CHARDONNAY- $13.95
Casablanca Valley
The weighty Rothschild name is behind this delicious Chardonnay from Chile's Casablanca Valley. Refined, aromatic and complex, this expressive Chardonnay displays bountiful fresh tropical fruit wrapped in gentle vanilla flavours from the time it spent in oak. Enjoy with mildy spicy foods like Thai yellow curry chicken.
GPCi - There are many Chardonnay in this release (e.g. Santa Barbara, California etc.), but this seems to be an excellent choice for the buck! I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2006 CASA LAPOSTOLLE CUVÉE ALEXANDRE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $34.95
Colchagua Valley, Apalta Vineyard
The juding panel of the Chilean Wine Guide (2008) was sufficiently impressed by the 2006 Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon that they awarded it a Gold Medal. Since the grapes for this wine are from low-yielding 60-year-old vines, hand harvested, carefully sorted, and fermented with native yeast, the quality of the wine produced is not surprising. This densely concentrated red, which sees ten mellowing months of ageing in French oak barrels, would make a perfect match for full-flavoured, grilled red meats.
GPCi - I tried earlier vintages and the Cuvee Alexandre series were always consistent. It's not a cheap wine, but it can compete with the more expensive Cab from California that cost twice as much. I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
2005 VIÑA CARMEN NATIVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
Maipo Valley, Organically Grown Grapes
Viña Carmen continues to attract acclaim being named 'Winery of the Year' for 2007 by Wine & Spirits magazine. Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this organic wine contains 9 mg/L of free sulphur.
James Molesworth = 91 : Dark and structured, with loamy tannins carrying a delicious mix of mint, tobacco, currant paste and fig sauce flavors. Long and rich on the finish, with classic Maipo character. Drink now through 2012. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. (www.winespectator.com , May 15, 2008)
GPCi - I had previous vintages of Nativa Cab. very consistent and good value.
Australia
2006 NUGAN ESTATE MCLAREN PARISH VINEYARD SHIRAZ - $26.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Jay Miller = 91 : The 2006 Shiraz "McLaren Parish Vineyard" comes from an 11 hectare vineyard planted by Nugan in 2000. The wine was barrel-fermented and aged for 12 months in 75% new French oak. Purple-colored, the wine delivers an expressive nose of pain grille, pepper, spice box, mocha, blueberry, and blackberry. Velvety-textured, layered, and sweet on the palate, it has excellent concentration, structure, and balance. Give it 5-7 years to blossom and drink it through 2030. (www.erobertparker.com , Oct. 2007)
GPCi - one of the best GPCi in this release (and in many previous ones as well...). If you want to stock up your cellar with Shiraz - that's a very good option. I'd buy 2-12 bottles.
2005 THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE QUARTAGE - $23.95
Barossa, South Australia
This award-winning cuvée is comprised of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon (62.2%), Malbec (12%), Petit Verdot (10.5%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Merlot (5.3%).
Harvey Steiman = 91 : Elegant, expressive and appealing for its range of fruit flavors, offering plum, fresh currant and vibrant mulberry notes that mingle with hints of cream and sweet spices on the long, refined finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2013. (www.winespectator.com , June 30, 2007)
GPCi - the Shotfire yet another consistent wine. 2005 is a very good vintage (their Shiraz is very good as well). Buy 2-6 bottles.
South Africa
2007 GOATS DO ROAM IN VILLAGES - $15.95
WO Coastal Region
Here's an innovative and appealing blend of Shiraz (90%) with Pinotage (6.5%) and Mourvèdre (3.5%). The wines are aged separately for 14 months in a combination of American and French oak and then blended and bottled without fining and only light filtration. Full bodied with good concentration and structure, this delicious Shiraz blend offers waves of dark fruit that interplay nicely with complex notes of rich spice and pepper. Approachable now or cellar for 2-3 years.
GPCi - I'm not a big fan of wines from SA, but this wine (and the next one...) is great QPR. this wine in a blind tasting will trick many experts... buy a few bottles for day-to-day.
2007 PORCUPINE RIDGE SYRAH - $14.95
WO Coastal Region
(Boekenhoutskloof)
This is the latest release of a VINTAGES customer favourite. It's deserving of mention that the previous vintage of this wine was awarded (out of 5) by John Platter's South African Wine Guide. The grapes were sourced from a single vineyard in the Wellington district, then aged for some months in used French oak barrels. The result is a full-bodied, spicy and floral red that would perfectly match braised beef dishes with lots of cracked pepper.
GPCi - I had their 2004 and enjoyed it a lot. If you are into VERY peppery Syrah - buy a case for day-to-day use.
France (Bordeaux)
2005 DOMAINE DE COURTEILLAC - $26.95
AC Bordeaux Supérieur
(Dominique Meneret)
James Suckling = 90 : Dark in color, exhibiting beautiful aromas of blackberry, coffee and milk chocolate. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a light toasty oak and citrus fruit aftertaste. Balanced and pretty. Best after 2013. (www.winespectator.com , March 31, 2008).
GPCi - you won't find too many full-body 2005 Bordeaux that received 90 by WS and cost less than $30 and that can be cellared for the next 8-10 years. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
Italy (Piedmont)
2004 ABRIGO GIOVANNI BARBARESCO BASARIN - $39.95
DOCG
(Az. Agr. Adriano Marco e Vittorio)
This wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the commune of Neive, an area known for producing powerfully flavoured Barbarescos. This full-bodied example shows bountiful strawberry and cherry fruit accented by subtle floral and tobacco notes, and a long finish.
GPCi - If you are looking for a very good Barbaresco from a very successful vintage try this one. Drink it in the next special occasion.
2003 MANZONE BAROLO BRICAT - $63.95
DOCG
James Suckling = 92 : Offers aromas of rose and berry, with a full body and lots of flavors, from tar and berry to licorice. Long and caressing. This is a gorgeous wine already. Best after 2010. (www.winespectator.com , Oct. 15, 2007)
GPCi - Manzone is one of the better Barolos. If you can afford the price, try it. it's a skip for me...
Spain
1996 BERONIA GRAN RESERVA - $30.95
DOCa Rioja
Rioja's Gran Reservas are only produced in the best vintages. In addition, they must be aged at least 5 years before release, 2 years in wood barrels and 3 in bottle. Brick in colour, the nose ofers mature and elegant aromas of balsam, tobacco, leather, plum, toast and sweet spices. This medium-bodied red will be a perfect companion to roasted game, pâtés and cured cheeses.
GPCi - Spain is one of the only countries that gives people the opportunity to try a 12 years old wine without taking another mortgage. I've tried this 1996 Gran Reserva and I find it suitable to BBQ chicken with Mediterranean herbs due to its medium body and leather-tobacco flavors.
2005 CONDADO DE HAZA CRIANZA - $27.95
DO Ribera del Douro
Jay Miller = 90 : The 2005 Crianza is purple-colored with an attractive bouquet of cedar, mineral, earth notes, espresso, and blackberry. This leads to a medium to full-bodied wine with ample ripe fruit, a firm structure, good depth, and plenty of flavor. This solid effort should be at its best between 2012 and 2020.(www.erobertparker.com , April 2008).
GPCi - I tried the 2004 Haza Crianza which received a similar review and it was spectacular. Very complex wine. I'm waiting for the LCBO to bring their Reserva and Gran Reserva.
2004 SEÑORIO DE SARRIA VIÑEDO SOTÉS - $18.95
DO Navarra
Decanter = 4 out of 5 : Intense, complex nose of blueberries, with a touch of vanilla and mint. Dry, round structure with juicy tannins and balanced acidity. Drink 2008-12. (www.decanter.com).
GPCi - wines from Navarra usually offer a great QPR and this is another good example. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy and explore the difference in flavors in wines from Navarra compare to the wines from Rioja although they are very close to each other geographically.
