Friday, December 19, 2008
GPCi for Jan 10th 2009 release at the LCBO
Must try for up to $25 (in order of preference):
Chile - 2007 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE - $14.95
GPCi - Montes is very consistent with its wines. You won't find too many wines at that quality/complexity for $15. It's usually full with lots of dark fruit flavors and a great companion for meat. If you like this new world style, I suggest you buy 3-12 bottles.
Australia - 2006 PILLAR BOX RED - $17.95
GPCi - Jay Miller gave it 91. 50% Shiraz, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Merlot. I don't know this wine/producer, but the allocation of the grapes blend seems interesting. With such a great review from JM and for such a price. what's not to like.
Chile - 2007 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE - $15.00
GPCi - if you had the chance to try the Tarapaca from the Dec release, you would appreciate by now their very good wines. Although Carmenere is not my favorite grape, this one should be a treat. Can't wait to try it. For all of you who like an "upgraded Merlot", this one is for you by the case.
Australia - 2006 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER - $14.95
GPCi - Jay Miller gave it 90. I don't know this one. But with such a positive review about this good "Northern Rhone blend" for $15?! Buy-buy-buy!
France - 2006 CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES, Côtes du Ventoux - $15.95
GPCi - RP gave it 90. for short-mid time cellaring (up to 2013). Côtes du Ventoux is not so familiar, but they are producing more and more very good wines at affordable prices. Full body 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah for $16. Again, what's not to like. I would try one and decide whether to buy a case.
Spain - 2003 TAJA RESERVA, Jumilla - $16.95
GPCi - WS gave it 90. can lay down until 2015. Enough said about Taja from the Jumilla region in Spain. Buy a case for day to day. Lovely red cherries with a smooth texture. mmm good!
Spain - 2005 ALBADA VIÑAS VIEJAS GARNACHA TINTO - $15.95
GPCi - Jay Miller gave it 90. can be cellared until 2015. Another temptation from Spain for a great price. 100% Garnacha with everything that comes along with it from the great 2005 vintage.
Australia - 2007 JAMIESONS RUN CHARDONNAY - $17.95
GPCi - Tim, you have to buy this wine... It has your name all over it... :)
It's full body and has the vanilla oak flavors that I like so much in Chardonnays from Australia. Where else can you find good Charodnnay for $18? buy!
Mid-range-price wines worth checking (in order of preference):
Italy - 2005 DUE TORRI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO - $36.95
GPCi - Amarone are relatively expensive wines (the good ones start at $60). If you haven't tried it before, I think it's an interesting option without the need for deep pockets. Expect something different if you're used to Shiraz or French wines. I usually find the Amarone to have the raisins-caramel-coffee-dark chocolate flavors.
Portugal - 1989 CRUZ VINTAGE PORT - $36.95
GPCi - A full size bottle of port from 1989 that cost $37 - definitely worth a try. Can be a great anniversary present, b-day present or just a good present. I'd buy a bottle.
Chile - 2007 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE - $14.95
GPCi - Montes is very consistent with its wines. You won't find too many wines at that quality/complexity for $15. It's usually full with lots of dark fruit flavors and a great companion for meat. If you like this new world style, I suggest you buy 3-12 bottles.
Australia - 2006 PILLAR BOX RED - $17.95
GPCi - Jay Miller gave it 91. 50% Shiraz, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Merlot. I don't know this wine/producer, but the allocation of the grapes blend seems interesting. With such a great review from JM and for such a price. what's not to like.
Chile - 2007 VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE - $15.00
GPCi - if you had the chance to try the Tarapaca from the Dec release, you would appreciate by now their very good wines. Although Carmenere is not my favorite grape, this one should be a treat. Can't wait to try it. For all of you who like an "upgraded Merlot", this one is for you by the case.
Australia - 2006 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER - $14.95
GPCi - Jay Miller gave it 90. I don't know this one. But with such a positive review about this good "Northern Rhone blend" for $15?! Buy-buy-buy!
France - 2006 CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES, Côtes du Ventoux - $15.95
GPCi - RP gave it 90. for short-mid time cellaring (up to 2013). Côtes du Ventoux is not so familiar, but they are producing more and more very good wines at affordable prices. Full body 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah for $16. Again, what's not to like. I would try one and decide whether to buy a case.
Spain - 2003 TAJA RESERVA, Jumilla - $16.95
GPCi - WS gave it 90. can lay down until 2015. Enough said about Taja from the Jumilla region in Spain. Buy a case for day to day. Lovely red cherries with a smooth texture. mmm good!
Spain - 2005 ALBADA VIÑAS VIEJAS GARNACHA TINTO - $15.95
GPCi - Jay Miller gave it 90. can be cellared until 2015. Another temptation from Spain for a great price. 100% Garnacha with everything that comes along with it from the great 2005 vintage.
Australia - 2007 JAMIESONS RUN CHARDONNAY - $17.95
GPCi - Tim, you have to buy this wine... It has your name all over it... :)
It's full body and has the vanilla oak flavors that I like so much in Chardonnays from Australia. Where else can you find good Charodnnay for $18? buy!
Mid-range-price wines worth checking (in order of preference):
Italy - 2005 DUE TORRI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO - $36.95
GPCi - Amarone are relatively expensive wines (the good ones start at $60). If you haven't tried it before, I think it's an interesting option without the need for deep pockets. Expect something different if you're used to Shiraz or French wines. I usually find the Amarone to have the raisins-caramel-coffee-dark chocolate flavors.
Portugal - 1989 CRUZ VINTAGE PORT - $36.95
GPCi - A full size bottle of port from 1989 that cost $37 - definitely worth a try. Can be a great anniversary present, b-day present or just a good present. I'd buy a bottle.
