Saturday, October 18, 2008
GPCi for Oct 25th 2008 release at the LCBO
Top picks for under $20:
2005 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $24.95
2006 LURTON RESERVA MALBEC - $13.95
2006 TWO HANDS LUCKY COUNTRY SHIRAZ - $17.95
US (California)
2006 SEGHESIO ZINFANDEL - $24.95
Sonoma County
James Laube = 91 : This is like a gangly teenager, young and a bit inelegant but charming. Shows robust black cherry and spice aromas and blackberry jam and licorice flavors. The tannins firm up the finish. Drink now through 2012. (www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2008).
GPCi - I had two earlier vintages and it's definitely one of the best Zins I had so far. There is something different in Seghesio Zins - they are powerful yet silky and elegant. Worth every penny if you're into Zins.
Argentina
2006 FINCA EL ORIGEN GRAN RESERVA MALBEC - $24.95
Valle de Uco (Vina Santa Carolina)
Sourced from vineyards some 1200 metres above sea level, this intense and aromatic Malbec was matured in French oak barrels for 15 months. Dry, full-bodied, rich and luxurious, it features exuberant blackberry and black plum aromas and flavours with hints of sweet spices, coffee and toasty oak. (VINTAGES panel, May 2008).
GPCi - Great Malbec for a reasonable price. But there is a better QPR down below.
2006 HUMBERTO CANALE GRAN RESERVA MALBEC - $19.95
Alto Valle del Rio Negro, Patagonia
Humberto Canale is among the top producers at the bottom of the world. At 39.2 degrees south of the equator, Patagonia experiences quite a fluctuation in temperature between the warm sunny days and cool nights and the region's growing season is longer than Mendoza's, allowing slow-ripening Malbec to achieve its full expression. The Gran Reserva is a big wine with lots of toasty oak, juicy blackberry and blueberry flavours balanced by vibrant acidity leading to a spicy finish.
GPCi - Another good Malbec. It's getting better from a price point of view, but still there is a better option by Lurton.
2006 LURTON RESERVA MALBEC - $13.95
Mendoza
Many years ago, the Lurton brothers of Bordeaux realized the potential for winemaking in Argentina. Their investment and intuition have paid off handsomely in wines such as this Reserva. Look for raspberry, blueberry, chocolate and floral notes in this fresh and juicy full-bodied Malbec. It's a great value and an excellent partner for roast beef with root vegetables.
GPCi - that's the winner for this release, no doubt. I'd buy 6-12 bottles of this very nice Malbec.
Chile
2004 HARAS CHARACTER CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
Maipo Valley
John Szabo M.S. = 90 : The 2004 Cabernet from one of Chile's most modern visually stunning wineries is absolutely packed with big, jammy fruit, cassis, blackberry and raspberry jam in an unabashedly new world mold. The palate is firm, full, with medium+ tannins in a solid, chunky style that is certainly not delicate but offers great depth and concentration for the money. Decant an hour ahead if drink now, or hang on for ,another year or so to allow the tannins to resolve and the bruising nature to soften. (Wine Access 'First In Line E-Report', Jan. 5, 2008).
GPCi - had this Haras before. A nice typical cab sauv from Chile for a fair price.
Australia
2006 LILLYPILLY NOBLE BLEND - $24.95 (375 ml)
Riverina, New South Wales
Paul Ippolito = 95 : ... It is one stunningly aromatic dessert wine. Tropical fruits abound - glorious fresh and vital passionfruit, lychees, pineapple and a feast of others. Just beautifully put together. A lighter style with lively acidity well supporting the fruit characters. No cloyingness, sweet yes but balanced and seamless in delivery. And ever so moreish. Try this with a fruit and custard tart. Drink Now to 2012. (www.paulippolito.com.au , Aug. 2007).
GPCi - to everyone out there that like "stickys", that an interesting one from Australia. Not cheap for half a bottle, but seems adventures...
2006 WAKEFIELD SHIRAZ - $18.95
Clare Valley, South Australia
James Halliday = 90 : Complex layers of black fruit flavours interwoven by ripe tannins on the medium- to full-bodied palate; American oak fits well in the overall profile. Good value.(www.winecompanion.com.au , Sept. 2007).
GPCi - let the Shiraz battle begin... Seems like a fair value for Shiraz for day-to-day winter coming days...
2005 WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT/CABERNET FRANC - $31.95
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
James Halliday = 92 : A very fragrant bouquet, almost floral; a similarly fresh array of red and black fruits with nuances of spice and licorice on the palate; oak a touch assertive, but will settle down. (www.winecompanion.com.au , Feb. 2008) .
GPCi - A typical Bordeaux blend with a great review from the very thought after 2005 vintage. If I need to choose, I'd go with the 2005 Wynns instead.
2005 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $24.95
Coonawarra, South Australia
Jeremy Oliver = 95 : A fine, elegant Coonawarra cabernet whose ripe, floral perfume of cassis, blackberries, dark chocolates and cedar/vanilla oak has a faintly confiture-like aspect. Fully ripened but smooth and supple, its long, fleshy and spotlessly presented palate of vibrant small black berries, mulberries and plums knits tightly with vanilla/cedar oak. Full to medium in weight, framed by firm, pliant tannins, it's a wine of style and stature. (www.jeremyoliver.com.au , May 2007).
GPCi - that's definitely on my buy list this release. I had Wynns Cab Sauv from 1999 and it never failed even in less impressive years than the 2005. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2006 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ - $20.95
Coonawarra, South Australia
James Halliday = 91 : Light- to medium-bodied, but all the components of fruit, oak and tannins are well-balanced; gentle black fruits and soft tannins, will improve with age. Tasted when 18 months old. (Australian Wine Companion, Aug. 2007).
GPCi - I think I said it many times before in this blog - light-medium body and Shiraz do not work for me. I apologize Mr. Halliday, but I skip this one.
2006 TWO HANDS LUCKY COUNTRY SHIRAZ - $17.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
Two Hands quickly established itself as one of Australia's elite producers. With no vineyards of their own, founders Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz (the 'two hands' themselves) set up their winery on the French négoçiant model, purchasing fruit for their wines from only the top growers. They specialize in Barossa Valley Shiraz, consistently earning 90+ scores from top critics. Your guests will count themselves the lucky ones if you pour this concentrated, flavour-packed Shiraz at your next event.
GPCi - ...instead of the Wynns Shiraz, I'll go with this Shiraz. Two Hands are pretty consistent when it comes to their wines. If you're after Shiraz, that's a good option to stock up 3-6 bottles.
2005 ELDERTON SHIRAZ - $32.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
(The Ashmead Family)
This Shiraz is sourced from a single vineyard situated near the town of Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley. The Wine Advocate refers to this wine as Nuriootpa Shiraz.
Jay Miller = 94 : The 2005 Shiraz "Nurioopta" is purple/black with a brooding nose of smoke, tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied and voluptuous, it is dense and concentrated, with gobs of spicy black fruit flavors. It will evolve for 3-5 years and drink well through 2020. (www.erobertparker.com , Oct. 2007).
GPCi - This is a great Shiraz. Elderton is another very consistent producer from Barossa. If you haven't tried it before, I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2003 CHÂTEAU BRILLETTE - $42.95
AC Moulis-en-Médoc
James Suckling = 90: Pretty blackberry, dark chocolate and toasted oak character. Full-bodied, with chewy yet refined tannins and a fruity finish. Long. Best after 2011. (www.winespectator.com , March 31, 2006).
GPCi - 2003 Bordeaux is a weakness of mine. $43 is expensive yet tempting with such review and since this type of wine can be cellared usually for 10+ years.
France (Rhone - South)
2005 CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $59.95
AC
RP = 90 : The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (50% Grenache, 31% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with a gorgeously sweet perfume of cassis, black cherries, smoke, roasted herbs, and licorice. It is soft, round, full-bodied, opulent, and accessible, which is somewhat out of character for this virile/masculine and tannic vintage. The 2005 Tradition should drink beautifully for 10-15 years. (www.erobertparker.com , Oct. 2007).
GPCi - I have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed. I expected La Nerthe to get more than 90 for their 2005. The GPCi index is not "optimal" (~4+), therefore, I'm probably will skip this one.
Germany (Rheingau)
1991 SCHLOSS SCHÖNBORN RIESLING SPÄTLESE - $29.95
QmP, Hochheimer Domdechaney, Estate Btld.
Here is a fantasic opportunity to taste mature Riesling from one of the Rheingau's most historic estates. The name Schloss Schönborn has been synonymous with quality in the Rheingau for generations. This deep gold coloured wine features mellow and mature notes of honey, straw, petrol and earth with a tantalizing seam of acidity keeping everything lively.
GPCi - another weakness of mine is 1991 vintage - the year my eldest daughter was born. Add to that weakness the fact that I love old Rieslings and I'll probably end up with 2-3 bottles.
Italy (Piedmont)
2003 TRAVAGLINI GATTINARA - $29.95
DOCG
James Suckling = 91 : Has lots of dried flowers and very ripe fruits, with a Christmas pudding undertone. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. A little Port-like, but rich and impressive. This is consistently delicious. Best after 2010. (www.winespectator.com , Dec. 15, 2007).
GPCi - Not cheap, but a VERY good wine. It can be a nice gift - due to the unusual shape of the bottle. worth buying 1 bottle to try this wine.
New Zealand
2007 DOG POINT VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC - $21.95
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
There are some seriously good sauvignons being made in Marlborough's Southern Valleys. This intense and elegantly textural example with its guava fruit, hints of basil and silky citrus mineral spine is from former Cloudy Bay chief viticulturalist and head winemaker Ivan Sutherland and James Healy's southern situated Dog Point Vineyard. (Jo Burzynska, The New Zealand Herald, Nov. 14, 2007).
GPCi - one of the better Sauv Blanc from New Zealand with a very consistent good quality. Great starter even when it's cold outside.
2005 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $24.95
2006 LURTON RESERVA MALBEC - $13.95
2006 TWO HANDS LUCKY COUNTRY SHIRAZ - $17.95
US (California)
2006 SEGHESIO ZINFANDEL - $24.95
Sonoma County
James Laube = 91 : This is like a gangly teenager, young and a bit inelegant but charming. Shows robust black cherry and spice aromas and blackberry jam and licorice flavors. The tannins firm up the finish. Drink now through 2012. (www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2008).
GPCi - I had two earlier vintages and it's definitely one of the best Zins I had so far. There is something different in Seghesio Zins - they are powerful yet silky and elegant. Worth every penny if you're into Zins.
Argentina
2006 FINCA EL ORIGEN GRAN RESERVA MALBEC - $24.95
Valle de Uco (Vina Santa Carolina)
Sourced from vineyards some 1200 metres above sea level, this intense and aromatic Malbec was matured in French oak barrels for 15 months. Dry, full-bodied, rich and luxurious, it features exuberant blackberry and black plum aromas and flavours with hints of sweet spices, coffee and toasty oak. (VINTAGES panel, May 2008).
GPCi - Great Malbec for a reasonable price. But there is a better QPR down below.
2006 HUMBERTO CANALE GRAN RESERVA MALBEC - $19.95
Alto Valle del Rio Negro, Patagonia
Humberto Canale is among the top producers at the bottom of the world. At 39.2 degrees south of the equator, Patagonia experiences quite a fluctuation in temperature between the warm sunny days and cool nights and the region's growing season is longer than Mendoza's, allowing slow-ripening Malbec to achieve its full expression. The Gran Reserva is a big wine with lots of toasty oak, juicy blackberry and blueberry flavours balanced by vibrant acidity leading to a spicy finish.
GPCi - Another good Malbec. It's getting better from a price point of view, but still there is a better option by Lurton.
2006 LURTON RESERVA MALBEC - $13.95
Mendoza
Many years ago, the Lurton brothers of Bordeaux realized the potential for winemaking in Argentina. Their investment and intuition have paid off handsomely in wines such as this Reserva. Look for raspberry, blueberry, chocolate and floral notes in this fresh and juicy full-bodied Malbec. It's a great value and an excellent partner for roast beef with root vegetables.
GPCi - that's the winner for this release, no doubt. I'd buy 6-12 bottles of this very nice Malbec.
Chile
2004 HARAS CHARACTER CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
Maipo Valley
John Szabo M.S. = 90 : The 2004 Cabernet from one of Chile's most modern visually stunning wineries is absolutely packed with big, jammy fruit, cassis, blackberry and raspberry jam in an unabashedly new world mold. The palate is firm, full, with medium+ tannins in a solid, chunky style that is certainly not delicate but offers great depth and concentration for the money. Decant an hour ahead if drink now, or hang on for ,another year or so to allow the tannins to resolve and the bruising nature to soften. (Wine Access 'First In Line E-Report', Jan. 5, 2008).
GPCi - had this Haras before. A nice typical cab sauv from Chile for a fair price.
Australia
2006 LILLYPILLY NOBLE BLEND - $24.95 (375 ml)
Riverina, New South Wales
Paul Ippolito = 95 : ... It is one stunningly aromatic dessert wine. Tropical fruits abound - glorious fresh and vital passionfruit, lychees, pineapple and a feast of others. Just beautifully put together. A lighter style with lively acidity well supporting the fruit characters. No cloyingness, sweet yes but balanced and seamless in delivery. And ever so moreish. Try this with a fruit and custard tart. Drink Now to 2012. (www.paulippolito.com.au , Aug. 2007).
GPCi - to everyone out there that like "stickys", that an interesting one from Australia. Not cheap for half a bottle, but seems adventures...
2006 WAKEFIELD SHIRAZ - $18.95
Clare Valley, South Australia
James Halliday = 90 : Complex layers of black fruit flavours interwoven by ripe tannins on the medium- to full-bodied palate; American oak fits well in the overall profile. Good value.(www.winecompanion.com.au , Sept. 2007).
GPCi - let the Shiraz battle begin... Seems like a fair value for Shiraz for day-to-day winter coming days...
2005 WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT/CABERNET FRANC - $31.95
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
James Halliday = 92 : A very fragrant bouquet, almost floral; a similarly fresh array of red and black fruits with nuances of spice and licorice on the palate; oak a touch assertive, but will settle down. (www.winecompanion.com.au , Feb. 2008) .
GPCi - A typical Bordeaux blend with a great review from the very thought after 2005 vintage. If I need to choose, I'd go with the 2005 Wynns instead.
2005 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $24.95
Coonawarra, South Australia
Jeremy Oliver = 95 : A fine, elegant Coonawarra cabernet whose ripe, floral perfume of cassis, blackberries, dark chocolates and cedar/vanilla oak has a faintly confiture-like aspect. Fully ripened but smooth and supple, its long, fleshy and spotlessly presented palate of vibrant small black berries, mulberries and plums knits tightly with vanilla/cedar oak. Full to medium in weight, framed by firm, pliant tannins, it's a wine of style and stature. (www.jeremyoliver.com.au , May 2007).
GPCi - that's definitely on my buy list this release. I had Wynns Cab Sauv from 1999 and it never failed even in less impressive years than the 2005. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
2006 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ - $20.95
Coonawarra, South Australia
James Halliday = 91 : Light- to medium-bodied, but all the components of fruit, oak and tannins are well-balanced; gentle black fruits and soft tannins, will improve with age. Tasted when 18 months old. (Australian Wine Companion, Aug. 2007).
GPCi - I think I said it many times before in this blog - light-medium body and Shiraz do not work for me. I apologize Mr. Halliday, but I skip this one.
2006 TWO HANDS LUCKY COUNTRY SHIRAZ - $17.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
Two Hands quickly established itself as one of Australia's elite producers. With no vineyards of their own, founders Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz (the 'two hands' themselves) set up their winery on the French négoçiant model, purchasing fruit for their wines from only the top growers. They specialize in Barossa Valley Shiraz, consistently earning 90+ scores from top critics. Your guests will count themselves the lucky ones if you pour this concentrated, flavour-packed Shiraz at your next event.
GPCi - ...instead of the Wynns Shiraz, I'll go with this Shiraz. Two Hands are pretty consistent when it comes to their wines. If you're after Shiraz, that's a good option to stock up 3-6 bottles.
2005 ELDERTON SHIRAZ - $32.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
(The Ashmead Family)
This Shiraz is sourced from a single vineyard situated near the town of Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley. The Wine Advocate refers to this wine as Nuriootpa Shiraz.
Jay Miller = 94 : The 2005 Shiraz "Nurioopta" is purple/black with a brooding nose of smoke, tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied and voluptuous, it is dense and concentrated, with gobs of spicy black fruit flavors. It will evolve for 3-5 years and drink well through 2020. (www.erobertparker.com , Oct. 2007).
GPCi - This is a great Shiraz. Elderton is another very consistent producer from Barossa. If you haven't tried it before, I'd buy 1-2 bottles.
France (Bordeaux)
2003 CHÂTEAU BRILLETTE - $42.95
AC Moulis-en-Médoc
James Suckling = 90: Pretty blackberry, dark chocolate and toasted oak character. Full-bodied, with chewy yet refined tannins and a fruity finish. Long. Best after 2011. (www.winespectator.com , March 31, 2006).
GPCi - 2003 Bordeaux is a weakness of mine. $43 is expensive yet tempting with such review and since this type of wine can be cellared usually for 10+ years.
France (Rhone - South)
2005 CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $59.95
AC
RP = 90 : The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (50% Grenache, 31% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with a gorgeously sweet perfume of cassis, black cherries, smoke, roasted herbs, and licorice. It is soft, round, full-bodied, opulent, and accessible, which is somewhat out of character for this virile/masculine and tannic vintage. The 2005 Tradition should drink beautifully for 10-15 years. (www.erobertparker.com , Oct. 2007).
GPCi - I have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed. I expected La Nerthe to get more than 90 for their 2005. The GPCi index is not "optimal" (~4+), therefore, I'm probably will skip this one.
Germany (Rheingau)
1991 SCHLOSS SCHÖNBORN RIESLING SPÄTLESE - $29.95
QmP, Hochheimer Domdechaney, Estate Btld.
Here is a fantasic opportunity to taste mature Riesling from one of the Rheingau's most historic estates. The name Schloss Schönborn has been synonymous with quality in the Rheingau for generations. This deep gold coloured wine features mellow and mature notes of honey, straw, petrol and earth with a tantalizing seam of acidity keeping everything lively.
GPCi - another weakness of mine is 1991 vintage - the year my eldest daughter was born. Add to that weakness the fact that I love old Rieslings and I'll probably end up with 2-3 bottles.
Italy (Piedmont)
2003 TRAVAGLINI GATTINARA - $29.95
DOCG
James Suckling = 91 : Has lots of dried flowers and very ripe fruits, with a Christmas pudding undertone. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. A little Port-like, but rich and impressive. This is consistently delicious. Best after 2010. (www.winespectator.com , Dec. 15, 2007).
GPCi - Not cheap, but a VERY good wine. It can be a nice gift - due to the unusual shape of the bottle. worth buying 1 bottle to try this wine.
New Zealand
2007 DOG POINT VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC - $21.95
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
There are some seriously good sauvignons being made in Marlborough's Southern Valleys. This intense and elegantly textural example with its guava fruit, hints of basil and silky citrus mineral spine is from former Cloudy Bay chief viticulturalist and head winemaker Ivan Sutherland and James Healy's southern situated Dog Point Vineyard. (Jo Burzynska, The New Zealand Herald, Nov. 14, 2007).
GPCi - one of the better Sauv Blanc from New Zealand with a very consistent good quality. Great starter even when it's cold outside.
