Friday, October 03, 2008
GPCi for Oct 11th 2008 release at the LCBO
Top picks for under $20:
2005 THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA - $15.95
2001 COTO DE IMAZ RIOJA RESERVA - $19.95
2005 SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL RESERVA ESPECIAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
Top picks for more than $25 and under $50:
2004 TINTO PESQUERA RESERVA - $47.95
2005 ELDERTON ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
Australia
2005 ELDERTON ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
Barossa, South Australia
(The Ashmead Family)
Jay Miller = 93 : ... a superb example of Barossa Cabernet. It has an expressive aromatic array of cedar, smoke, spice box, black currant and blackberry. Full bodied, balanced, and structured, it will age well for 5-7 years and give pleasure through 2022. It is an excellent value in Cabernet Sauvignon. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - This seems as a better option than the 2005 GLAYMOND ASIF CABERNET SAUVIGNON that cost almost $50. It has a great GPCi index and the cab sauv from Barossa never failed before. The 2005 is a sure bet... I would buy 6-12 bottles.
2005 SYAN RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $43.95
Pyrenees, Victoria
(Summerfield Wines)
RP = 91-93 : The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reveals an opaque color along with additional weight, texture, and fat built into its formidably endowed personality. This impressive cuvee should age beautifully for 10-15 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Dec. 2006)
GPCi - Interesting blend from Victoria. Expensive yet with a good GPCi. I would buy 2-4 bottles.
2006 GEMTREE UNCUT SHIRAZ - $27.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
James Halliday = 95 : Deep colour; a rich, opulent, but not jammy bouquet and palate; a range of blackberry, licorice and dark chocolate fruit with positive, but not aggressive, oak and ripe tannins. (http://www.winecompanion.com.au/ , Sept. 2007)
GPCi - to get such a review from a "not-so-simple" 2006 vintage, is very impressive. If you're looking to stock up your cellar with very good Shiraz, buy at least 3 bottles.
2004 PIKES EASTSIDE SHIRAZ - $21.95
Clare Valley, South Australia
Jay Miller = 91+ : The 2004 Shiraz "Eastside" is purple in color with aromas of espresso, licorice, and blueberry. Mouth-filling yet elegant,
this lengthy wine will evolve for several years and drink well through 2025. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - If I need to choose between the 2006 GEMTREE UNCUT SHIRAZ and this Shiraz, I would go with the Pikes - it cost less and seems to have a longer cellaring potential.
2007 THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER - $17.95
South Australia
Josh Raynolds = 90 : Bright ruby. Highly perfumed nose offers an energetic bouquet of peppery dark berries, fresh violet and smoked meat. On the palate, this displays a real northern Rhone-like personality, with an array of dark berry and candied floral flavors. Picks up vanilla and cola on the seductively sweet and very persistent finish. Leaves tangy minerality behind, along with a lively note of cracked pepper. (International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2008)
GPCi - A very good Shiraz/Viognier blend for $18 is a no brainer. I'd buy at least 3 bottles.
2005 THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA - $15.95
Barossa, South Australia, Estate Grown
Harvey Steiman = 90 : Supple, round and distinctive for its violet-tinged currant and dusky spice flavors, lingering effectively against refined tannins. Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2013. Smart Buy. (http://www.winespectator.com/, Aug. 31, 2007)
GPCi - How many wines have such a review, cost $16 and can be cellared until 2013? Another no brainer. Buy a case (if not two...).
2006 TORBRECK CUVÉE JUVENILES - $29.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
Jay Miller = 91 : The 2006 Cuvee Juveniles is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mataro, and 20% Shiraz. The final assemblage was pieced together from over 100 individual components yielding a dark ruby-colored wine with an expressive bouquet of damp earth, leather, spicy cranberry, raspberry, and black cherry. This unoaked wine has excellent depth, light tannin, ripe, spicy red and black fruit flavors and a long finish. Drink this great value over the next 6 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - another beauty from Torbreck. A bit expensive from a cellaring potential perspective. If you haven't tried Cuvee Juveniles before, buy a bottle. goes very well with a good juicy peppered steak.
2006 GRANITE HILLS RIESLING - $22.95
Macedon Ranges,Victoria
Jeremy Oliver = 94 : Massively concentrated and powerful by riesling standards, with remarkable length, balance and longevity. Its musky, floral perfume of lime juice and lemon overlies hints of candy and a light spiciness. Searingly intense, its long, austere palate of pristine lime juice and lemon sherbet-like fruit is underpinned by a taut and assertive spine of tingling acidity. It finishes very dry indeed. (http://www.jeremyoliver.com.au/, Oct. 18, 2007) .
GPCi - knowing how carefully Jeremy Oliver analyzes the wines he tastes, receiving such a review is a significant achievement. I would definitely buy this one to compare it with the German Rieslings I have.
France (Rhone North)
2004 E. GUIGAL CÔTE-RÔTIE BRUNE ET BLONDE - $69.95
AC
James Molesworth = 91 : This is rather gutsy for a 2004, with notes of beef, dark olive and tobacco holding sway over the dark cherry and currant core. The smoky finish shows lots of tobacco and olive notes. Drink now through 2020. (http://www.winespectator.com/, May 15, 2008)
GPCi - I'm not sure when was the last time I saw that level of Cote-Rotie in Vintages. These wines are usually sold in the Classic catalog. $70 is not cheap for a bottle of wine. However, when you compare it to other wines at that level, it's more than reasonable.
France (Rhone South)
2005 MONTIRIUS VACQUEYRAS LE CLOS - $28.95
AC
The fruit for this 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah is sourced from a certified biodynamic vineyard. Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this organic wine contains 13 mg/L of free sulphur.
Josh Raynolds = 91 : Ruby-red. Elegant, precise scents of redcurrant and raspberry, along with smoked meat, Asian spices and garrigue. Suave red fruit flavors are gently firmed by silky tannins, finishing with excellent linear persistence. Impressive for its finesse and focus. This cuvee was called Clos Montirius through the 2004 vintage. (International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2008)
GPCi - I'd rather buy two bottles of this one than the 2005 LA FERME DU MONT CÔTES CAPELAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ($45.95); I'm somehow expecting more from a 2005 CdP. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
Portugal
OSBORNE PEDRO XIMENEZ 1827 SWEET SHERRY - $17.95
Jay Miller = 92 : The House of Osborne was founded in 1772 by Thomas Osborne and has been continuously family owned and operated ever since. The non-vintage Pedro Ximinez 1827 is amber/brown in color with sweet candied aromas. Viscous in texture, it offers sweet flavors of fig, apricot, and raisins. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Feb. 2007) .
GPCi - tried it before and loved it. A great apperitf for a very good price.
US (California)
2006 STERLING CHARDONNAY Napa Valley - $25.95
This creamy, crowd-pleasing Chardonnay is packed with peach, pear and tropical fruit flavours as well as notes of toast and vanilla (imparted by the oak ageing). Terrific with grilled prawns or grilled chicken.
GPCi - A good Chardonnay from Napa for less than $30 - seems like a good deal. I'd buy 2 bottles.
Chile
2005 SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL RESERVA ESPECIAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
Maipo Valley
James Molesworth = 91 : Broad-shouldered, with lots of tobacco, currant paste and loam notes backed by a muscular structure. The dark, dense finish shows hints of cedar and roasted vanilla. Has lots of Pauillac-like grip. A terrific value. Drink now through 2014. (http://www.winespectator.com/, June 15, 2008) .
GPCi - another no brainer when it comes to QPR offer. I tried previous vintages and it delivers as this one does. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2005 CHÂTEAU MAZERIS - $27.95
AC Canon-Fronsac
This estate constantly crafts well-prized reds from a blend of Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. This is especially true from a superb vintage like 2005. Robert Parker Jr., in his Wine Buyer's Guide (6th ed.), wrote that "the wines of Mazeris usually present aromas of black raspberry and mineral, are backward with considerable structure, and are meant for long-aging". Enjoy now with rare beef roast or cellar for 5+ years.
GPCi - Even though most of the wines that come from this region in Bordeaux are dominated by Merlot, I find them to be very pleasing wines with good aging potential. I'd try one bottle and then decide whether to buy more or not.
2004 CLOS DU MARQUIS - $70.95
AC Saint-Julien
(Domaines Delon)
James Suckling = 91 : Aromas of raspberry and citrus, with just a hint of sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a caressing, layered tannin structure. Very well made. Excellent. Best after 2011. (http://www.winespectator.com/, March 31, 2007) .
GPCi - this is a great wine. Expensive for the 2004 vintage. It could definitely lay down for another 10 years.
2003 LES HAUTS DE LYNCH-MOUSSAS - $33.95
AC Haut-Médoc, 2nd wine of Château Lynch-Moussas
This is the second wine of Château Lynch-Moussas. The estate cultivates nearly 60 ha of vineyards, inluding some that neighbour the vineyards of Châteaux Batailley and Grand-Puy-Lacoste. The vines are planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The 2003 is a full-bodied, concentrated wine with plenty of ripe cassis and black plum fruit, stony minerality and chewy tannins.
GPCi - Here again, I'd buy two bottles of this one (despite the fact that it's the second label) instead of the 2004 CLOS DU MARQUIS. There is something in the 2003 vintage that I really like in the Bordeaux Left bank wines.
Italy (Piedmont)
2004 PODERI COLLA BAROLO DARDI LE ROSE BUSSIA - $59.95
DOCG
Antonio Galloni = 93 : Poderi Colla has produced a big, masculine wine with their 2004 Barolo Bussia Dardi/Le Rose. Huge, brooding aromas of scorched earth, spices and tobacco lead to rich, complex layers of dried figs, plums and prunes that gradually open on the palate. This impressively endowed, exciting Barolo closes with a long, sweet finish, yet it needs a minimum of a few years of bottle age to fully come together. Fermentation takes place in cement, where the wine remains until the Spring, when it is racked into medium and large casks of various sizes. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Dec. 2007)
GPCi - when I see these type of Barolos I think of Ken F (we need to get together...). The 2004 vintage was very good for the Barolos. Great review and a great wine for the cellar. The GPCi index is good, therefore, although it cost %60, it's worth the investment. I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
Italy (Tuscany)
2004 AMPELEIA - $37.95
IGT Maremma Toscana
James Suckling = 91 : Offers wonderful aromas of ripe plum, berry and cherry, with a hint of licorice. Full, round and velvety, with a long, lovely finish. Very pretty indeed. A new wine from Elizabetta Foradori of Trentino. Best after 2009. (http://www.winespectator.com/, Sept. 30, 2007) .
GPCi - a "supper Tuscan" from the great 2004 vintage for less than $40 seems a brgain. However, if I need to choose from the various options in this release, I'd go with the 2004 TERRABIANCA PIANO DEL CIPRESSO (see below).
2004 TERRABIANCA PIANO DEL CIPRESSO - $37.95
IGT Toscana
Antonio Galloni = 91 : The 2004 Piano del Cipresso (100% Sangiovese) is another fine offering. Made in a more elegant style than the opulent 2003, it reveals sweet red cherries, flowers and spices in a restrained, medium-bodied expression of Sangiovese, with outstanding length and silky tannins to round out the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019 (http://www.erobertparker.com/, June 2007) .
GPCi - As mentioned above - if I need to choose between these two Tuscan offerings, I'd go with the TERRABIANCA. Seems to be accessible next year and can sit for 11 more years.
Spain
2001 COTO DE IMAZ RIOJA RESERVA - $19.95
DOCa
A wonderful Reserva with floral, black cherry and spice aromas and flavours. It has a silky, warm, tense centre with a balanced finish. Decant it for 2-3 hours and enjoy it with grilled lamb chops.
GPCi - I had the 1995 and 1996 COTO DE IMAZ Gran Reserva and it was a great QPR. This one seems to be no exception. 2001 is a very good vintage in Rioja. This is definitely one of my picks for this release.
2005 TINTO PESQUERA CRIANZA - $30.95
DO Ribera del Duero
(Bodegas Alejandro Fernández)
Jay Miller = 92 : The 2005 Tinto Pesquera Crianza is purple in color with an excellent bouquet of cedar, tobacco, spice box, and blackberry. On the palate it offers layers of ripe black fruits, mineral notes, outstanding depth, and a lengthy finish. It will evolve for several years and be at its best from 2012 to 2025. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, April 2008) .
GPCi - I believe I mentioned my high appreciation to Pesquera in the past. A Crianza that can be cellared until 2025 is very uncommon. I would buy 2-4 bottles from this very special treat.
2004 TINTO PESQUERA RESERVA - $47.95
DO Ribera del Duero
(Bodegas Alejandro Fernández)
Jay Miller = 94 : The 2004 Tinto Pesquera Reserva offers greater aromatic complexity, a thick, plush palate feel, gobs of fruit, and superb balance. Although it can be enjoyed now, it will be at its best in another 4-6 years and continue to provide pleasure through 2030. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, April 2008) .
GPCi - If I need to buy only ONE wine from the entire release, it would be this one! I have tried other vintages from this producer and even from "off-years" it was spectacular. An excellent GPCi index. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA - $15.95
2001 COTO DE IMAZ RIOJA RESERVA - $19.95
2005 SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL RESERVA ESPECIAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
Top picks for more than $25 and under $50:
2004 TINTO PESQUERA RESERVA - $47.95
2005 ELDERTON ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
Australia
2005 ELDERTON ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.95
Barossa, South Australia
(The Ashmead Family)
Jay Miller = 93 : ... a superb example of Barossa Cabernet. It has an expressive aromatic array of cedar, smoke, spice box, black currant and blackberry. Full bodied, balanced, and structured, it will age well for 5-7 years and give pleasure through 2022. It is an excellent value in Cabernet Sauvignon. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - This seems as a better option than the 2005 GLAYMOND ASIF CABERNET SAUVIGNON that cost almost $50. It has a great GPCi index and the cab sauv from Barossa never failed before. The 2005 is a sure bet... I would buy 6-12 bottles.
2005 SYAN RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $43.95
Pyrenees, Victoria
(Summerfield Wines)
RP = 91-93 : The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reveals an opaque color along with additional weight, texture, and fat built into its formidably endowed personality. This impressive cuvee should age beautifully for 10-15 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Dec. 2006)
GPCi - Interesting blend from Victoria. Expensive yet with a good GPCi. I would buy 2-4 bottles.
2006 GEMTREE UNCUT SHIRAZ - $27.95
McLaren Vale, South Australia
James Halliday = 95 : Deep colour; a rich, opulent, but not jammy bouquet and palate; a range of blackberry, licorice and dark chocolate fruit with positive, but not aggressive, oak and ripe tannins. (http://www.winecompanion.com.au/ , Sept. 2007)
GPCi - to get such a review from a "not-so-simple" 2006 vintage, is very impressive. If you're looking to stock up your cellar with very good Shiraz, buy at least 3 bottles.
2004 PIKES EASTSIDE SHIRAZ - $21.95
Clare Valley, South Australia
Jay Miller = 91+ : The 2004 Shiraz "Eastside" is purple in color with aromas of espresso, licorice, and blueberry. Mouth-filling yet elegant,
this lengthy wine will evolve for several years and drink well through 2025. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - If I need to choose between the 2006 GEMTREE UNCUT SHIRAZ and this Shiraz, I would go with the Pikes - it cost less and seems to have a longer cellaring potential.
2007 THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER - $17.95
South Australia
Josh Raynolds = 90 : Bright ruby. Highly perfumed nose offers an energetic bouquet of peppery dark berries, fresh violet and smoked meat. On the palate, this displays a real northern Rhone-like personality, with an array of dark berry and candied floral flavors. Picks up vanilla and cola on the seductively sweet and very persistent finish. Leaves tangy minerality behind, along with a lively note of cracked pepper. (International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2008)
GPCi - A very good Shiraz/Viognier blend for $18 is a no brainer. I'd buy at least 3 bottles.
2005 THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA - $15.95
Barossa, South Australia, Estate Grown
Harvey Steiman = 90 : Supple, round and distinctive for its violet-tinged currant and dusky spice flavors, lingering effectively against refined tannins. Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2013. Smart Buy. (http://www.winespectator.com/, Aug. 31, 2007)
GPCi - How many wines have such a review, cost $16 and can be cellared until 2013? Another no brainer. Buy a case (if not two...).
2006 TORBRECK CUVÉE JUVENILES - $29.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
Jay Miller = 91 : The 2006 Cuvee Juveniles is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mataro, and 20% Shiraz. The final assemblage was pieced together from over 100 individual components yielding a dark ruby-colored wine with an expressive bouquet of damp earth, leather, spicy cranberry, raspberry, and black cherry. This unoaked wine has excellent depth, light tannin, ripe, spicy red and black fruit flavors and a long finish. Drink this great value over the next 6 years. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Oct. 2007)
GPCi - another beauty from Torbreck. A bit expensive from a cellaring potential perspective. If you haven't tried Cuvee Juveniles before, buy a bottle. goes very well with a good juicy peppered steak.
2006 GRANITE HILLS RIESLING - $22.95
Macedon Ranges,Victoria
Jeremy Oliver = 94 : Massively concentrated and powerful by riesling standards, with remarkable length, balance and longevity. Its musky, floral perfume of lime juice and lemon overlies hints of candy and a light spiciness. Searingly intense, its long, austere palate of pristine lime juice and lemon sherbet-like fruit is underpinned by a taut and assertive spine of tingling acidity. It finishes very dry indeed. (http://www.jeremyoliver.com.au/, Oct. 18, 2007) .
GPCi - knowing how carefully Jeremy Oliver analyzes the wines he tastes, receiving such a review is a significant achievement. I would definitely buy this one to compare it with the German Rieslings I have.
France (Rhone North)
2004 E. GUIGAL CÔTE-RÔTIE BRUNE ET BLONDE - $69.95
AC
James Molesworth = 91 : This is rather gutsy for a 2004, with notes of beef, dark olive and tobacco holding sway over the dark cherry and currant core. The smoky finish shows lots of tobacco and olive notes. Drink now through 2020. (http://www.winespectator.com/, May 15, 2008)
GPCi - I'm not sure when was the last time I saw that level of Cote-Rotie in Vintages. These wines are usually sold in the Classic catalog. $70 is not cheap for a bottle of wine. However, when you compare it to other wines at that level, it's more than reasonable.
France (Rhone South)
2005 MONTIRIUS VACQUEYRAS LE CLOS - $28.95
AC
The fruit for this 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah is sourced from a certified biodynamic vineyard. Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this organic wine contains 13 mg/L of free sulphur.
Josh Raynolds = 91 : Ruby-red. Elegant, precise scents of redcurrant and raspberry, along with smoked meat, Asian spices and garrigue. Suave red fruit flavors are gently firmed by silky tannins, finishing with excellent linear persistence. Impressive for its finesse and focus. This cuvee was called Clos Montirius through the 2004 vintage. (International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2008)
GPCi - I'd rather buy two bottles of this one than the 2005 LA FERME DU MONT CÔTES CAPELAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ($45.95); I'm somehow expecting more from a 2005 CdP. I'd buy 2-4 bottles.
Portugal
OSBORNE PEDRO XIMENEZ 1827 SWEET SHERRY - $17.95
Jay Miller = 92 : The House of Osborne was founded in 1772 by Thomas Osborne and has been continuously family owned and operated ever since. The non-vintage Pedro Ximinez 1827 is amber/brown in color with sweet candied aromas. Viscous in texture, it offers sweet flavors of fig, apricot, and raisins. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Feb. 2007) .
GPCi - tried it before and loved it. A great apperitf for a very good price.
US (California)
2006 STERLING CHARDONNAY Napa Valley - $25.95
This creamy, crowd-pleasing Chardonnay is packed with peach, pear and tropical fruit flavours as well as notes of toast and vanilla (imparted by the oak ageing). Terrific with grilled prawns or grilled chicken.
GPCi - A good Chardonnay from Napa for less than $30 - seems like a good deal. I'd buy 2 bottles.
Chile
2005 SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL RESERVA ESPECIAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
Maipo Valley
James Molesworth = 91 : Broad-shouldered, with lots of tobacco, currant paste and loam notes backed by a muscular structure. The dark, dense finish shows hints of cedar and roasted vanilla. Has lots of Pauillac-like grip. A terrific value. Drink now through 2014. (http://www.winespectator.com/, June 15, 2008) .
GPCi - another no brainer when it comes to QPR offer. I tried previous vintages and it delivers as this one does. I'd buy 2-6 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2005 CHÂTEAU MAZERIS - $27.95
AC Canon-Fronsac
This estate constantly crafts well-prized reds from a blend of Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. This is especially true from a superb vintage like 2005. Robert Parker Jr., in his Wine Buyer's Guide (6th ed.), wrote that "the wines of Mazeris usually present aromas of black raspberry and mineral, are backward with considerable structure, and are meant for long-aging". Enjoy now with rare beef roast or cellar for 5+ years.
GPCi - Even though most of the wines that come from this region in Bordeaux are dominated by Merlot, I find them to be very pleasing wines with good aging potential. I'd try one bottle and then decide whether to buy more or not.
2004 CLOS DU MARQUIS - $70.95
AC Saint-Julien
(Domaines Delon)
James Suckling = 91 : Aromas of raspberry and citrus, with just a hint of sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a caressing, layered tannin structure. Very well made. Excellent. Best after 2011. (http://www.winespectator.com/, March 31, 2007) .
GPCi - this is a great wine. Expensive for the 2004 vintage. It could definitely lay down for another 10 years.
2003 LES HAUTS DE LYNCH-MOUSSAS - $33.95
AC Haut-Médoc, 2nd wine of Château Lynch-Moussas
This is the second wine of Château Lynch-Moussas. The estate cultivates nearly 60 ha of vineyards, inluding some that neighbour the vineyards of Châteaux Batailley and Grand-Puy-Lacoste. The vines are planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The 2003 is a full-bodied, concentrated wine with plenty of ripe cassis and black plum fruit, stony minerality and chewy tannins.
GPCi - Here again, I'd buy two bottles of this one (despite the fact that it's the second label) instead of the 2004 CLOS DU MARQUIS. There is something in the 2003 vintage that I really like in the Bordeaux Left bank wines.
Italy (Piedmont)
2004 PODERI COLLA BAROLO DARDI LE ROSE BUSSIA - $59.95
DOCG
Antonio Galloni = 93 : Poderi Colla has produced a big, masculine wine with their 2004 Barolo Bussia Dardi/Le Rose. Huge, brooding aromas of scorched earth, spices and tobacco lead to rich, complex layers of dried figs, plums and prunes that gradually open on the palate. This impressively endowed, exciting Barolo closes with a long, sweet finish, yet it needs a minimum of a few years of bottle age to fully come together. Fermentation takes place in cement, where the wine remains until the Spring, when it is racked into medium and large casks of various sizes. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, Dec. 2007)
GPCi - when I see these type of Barolos I think of Ken F (we need to get together...). The 2004 vintage was very good for the Barolos. Great review and a great wine for the cellar. The GPCi index is good, therefore, although it cost %60, it's worth the investment. I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
Italy (Tuscany)
2004 AMPELEIA - $37.95
IGT Maremma Toscana
James Suckling = 91 : Offers wonderful aromas of ripe plum, berry and cherry, with a hint of licorice. Full, round and velvety, with a long, lovely finish. Very pretty indeed. A new wine from Elizabetta Foradori of Trentino. Best after 2009. (http://www.winespectator.com/, Sept. 30, 2007) .
GPCi - a "supper Tuscan" from the great 2004 vintage for less than $40 seems a brgain. However, if I need to choose from the various options in this release, I'd go with the 2004 TERRABIANCA PIANO DEL CIPRESSO (see below).
2004 TERRABIANCA PIANO DEL CIPRESSO - $37.95
IGT Toscana
Antonio Galloni = 91 : The 2004 Piano del Cipresso (100% Sangiovese) is another fine offering. Made in a more elegant style than the opulent 2003, it reveals sweet red cherries, flowers and spices in a restrained, medium-bodied expression of Sangiovese, with outstanding length and silky tannins to round out the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019 (http://www.erobertparker.com/, June 2007) .
GPCi - As mentioned above - if I need to choose between these two Tuscan offerings, I'd go with the TERRABIANCA. Seems to be accessible next year and can sit for 11 more years.
Spain
2001 COTO DE IMAZ RIOJA RESERVA - $19.95
DOCa
A wonderful Reserva with floral, black cherry and spice aromas and flavours. It has a silky, warm, tense centre with a balanced finish. Decant it for 2-3 hours and enjoy it with grilled lamb chops.
GPCi - I had the 1995 and 1996 COTO DE IMAZ Gran Reserva and it was a great QPR. This one seems to be no exception. 2001 is a very good vintage in Rioja. This is definitely one of my picks for this release.
2005 TINTO PESQUERA CRIANZA - $30.95
DO Ribera del Duero
(Bodegas Alejandro Fernández)
Jay Miller = 92 : The 2005 Tinto Pesquera Crianza is purple in color with an excellent bouquet of cedar, tobacco, spice box, and blackberry. On the palate it offers layers of ripe black fruits, mineral notes, outstanding depth, and a lengthy finish. It will evolve for several years and be at its best from 2012 to 2025. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, April 2008) .
GPCi - I believe I mentioned my high appreciation to Pesquera in the past. A Crianza that can be cellared until 2025 is very uncommon. I would buy 2-4 bottles from this very special treat.
2004 TINTO PESQUERA RESERVA - $47.95
DO Ribera del Duero
(Bodegas Alejandro Fernández)
Jay Miller = 94 : The 2004 Tinto Pesquera Reserva offers greater aromatic complexity, a thick, plush palate feel, gobs of fruit, and superb balance. Although it can be enjoyed now, it will be at its best in another 4-6 years and continue to provide pleasure through 2030. (http://www.erobertparker.com/, April 2008) .
GPCi - If I need to buy only ONE wine from the entire release, it would be this one! I have tried other vintages from this producer and even from "off-years" it was spectacular. An excellent GPCi index. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
