Friday, January 09, 2009
GPCi for Jan 17th 2009 release at the LCBO
Details about the wines are below the list (sorted by country)...
Must try for up to $25 (in order of preference):
2006 PERRIN & FILS VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS - $18.95
2007 CLOS DE LOS SIETE - $23.95
2006 ROSEMOUNT SHOW RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $23.95
2006 CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
2005 DON EUGENIO RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $13.95
2005 CASTELLO DI NEIVE BARBARESCO - $23.95
2006 BREMERTON SELKIRK SHIRAZ - $18.95
2006 PARRI ESTATE SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER - $18.95
Mid-range-price wines worth checking (in order of preference):
2003 MÁTÉ BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $39.95
2004 CANTINA TERRE DEL BAROLO VINUM VITAE EST BAROLO - $29.95
2005 CHÂTEAU LA CHANDELLIÈRE, Medoc - $26.95
2005 DOMAINE LATOUR-GIRAUD MARANGES LA FUSSIÈRE, 1er Cru - $29.95
Argentina
2005 CLOS DES ANDES - $29.95
GPCi - JM gave it 91. It can be cellared until 2025. Sounds like one of the better promising Malbec from the long list offered. Most previous Malbec I tried are usually for immediate consumption. This one seems with lots of evolving potential. My recommendation is to buy at least 3 bottles.
2006 CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.95
GPCi - one of the safest bets from Argentina. 2006 is an outstanding vintage (RP gave it 94). This wine, although it can be approachable now, could be cellared for 3-5 years. Buy 3-6 bottles.
2005 DON EUGENIO RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $13.95
GPCi - A "low risk" investment. Although there is no regulation re "Reserva" labeling in Argentina (like in Spain, for example), these are usually (not always) better wines. Expect lots of black berries and cassis and for $14... no brainer. I'd buy one bottle try it and if it suits your plate, buy a case for day-to-day.
2007 CHAKANA BONARDA - $13.95
GPCi - winecurrent.com gave it 3.5 out of 5. it can be cellared until 2014.
Another safe bet with a supportive review and for mid term cellaring. My recommendation is the same as with the 2005 DON EUGENIO RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON.
2007 CLOS DE LOS SIETE - $23.95
GPCi - A wine produced by Michel Rolland (the French "magician" who consults wineries all over the world). This wine has been getting constant 90+ by many wine critics for few vintages in a row now. It's usually very jammy and packed with flavors yet elegant wine. worth every $. Buy at least 3 bottles.
Australia
2007 PARRI ESTATE VIOGNIER/CHARDONNAY - $17.95
Southern Fleurie, South Australia, Estate Grown
GPCi - I don't know this one but would definitely give it a try. I find the combination of Viognier and Chardonnay, when done well, to be extremely enjoyable. I would buy one bottle.
2006 PARRI ESTATE SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER - $18.95
Southern Fleurie, South Australia, Estate Grown
GPCi - A Northern Rhone blend for $19 definitely catches my eye. Same suggestion as its VIOGNIER/CHARDONNAY cousin above. According to their own Parri site, JH gave their 2005 SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER a rate of 94 and an overall winery rate of 4.5 out 5 stars. Considering 2006 was declared a very good vintage, the chances are that this is a great QPR wine.
2006 BREMERTON SELKIRK SHIRAZ - $18.95
Langhorne Creek, South Australia (Rebecca Willson)
GPCi - JH gave it 94. Sounds like a great Shiraz for a great price. As some of you know, I'm lowering my Shiraz inventory now (focusing on other varieties), but if you like Shiraz, that's definitely one for the road.
2006 ROSEMOUNT SHOW RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $23.95
Mudgee, New South Wales
GPCi - I've been collecting this series since the late 90's. It's one of the better wines ROSEMOUNT has to offer. It can usually be cellared for 5-7 years and it's a very good QPR. I'd buy 3- 6 bottles.
2005 MITCHELL PEPPERTREE VINEYARD SHIRAZ - $27.95
GPCi - JH gave it 93. it can be cellared until 2020. Well, here is my struggle with this one... on the "paper" it looks like an excellent choice for the Shiraz lovers - it's both highly rated and has can be cellared for a long time. I tried it twice in previous good vintages and just didn't like it. It’s a pass for me.
New Zealand
2008 FAIRHALL DOWNS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC - $19.95
Marlborough, South Island
GPCi - every Sauv Blanc that comes from NZ seems like a safe bet for me. If you're planning a nice get together with friend and you want a "first wine" to be served with shrimp or scallops first course, this one is for you.
France - Bordeaux
2005 CHÂTEAU LA CHANDELLIÈRE, Medoc - $26.95
GPCi - A typical left bank blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. A 2005 Medoc wine from the very sought-after 2005 vintage for less than $30, what's not to like? If you're not familiar with Bordeaux wines, that's an excellent way to start without getting a second mortgage. I would buy one bottle and then, based on the results, be tempted to buy a case. This wine could probably hold between 5-10 years.
France - Burgundy
2005 DOMAINE LATOUR-GIRAUD MARANGES LA FUSSIÈRE, 1er Cru - $29.95
GPCi - people who followed my blog know that I'm not so big on Pinot. However, I have recently tried a 1er cru from a relatively average vintage (1998) and was very positively surprised. Now $30 for Burgundy at a 1er Cru from an outstanding vintage like 2005, should be a no brainer for Pinot beginners like me. I'm definitely buying one bottle to try. Who know, this may be a beginning of a new friendship... :)
France - Rhone South
2006 PERRIN & FILS VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS - $18.95
GPCi - WS gave it 91. it's for short time cellaring. That is one of the "smart buys" of this release. If you like the wines from this region, or if you want to be exposed to high level south Rhone jems for less than $20, this wine is for you. PERRIN & FILS have been doing great and consistent wines for many vintages. Buy 3- 6 bottles.
Italy - Piedmont
2007 PATRIZI MOSCATO D'ASTI - $14.95
GPCi - this one is for you John M. If I recall correctly, you like Moscato and this one seems worth the trying for the buck.
2004 CANTINA TERRE DEL BAROLO VINUM VITAE EST BAROLO - $29.95
GPCi - It seems to good to be true. Another opportunity for someone who doesn't know Barolo, to try it for about half of the usual the Barolo price. 2004 was a classic-outstanding year in that region (RP gave the 2004 vintage 93 and predicts that the wines are good for cellaring). A must try.
2005 CASTELLO DI NEIVE BARBARESCO - $23.95
GPCi - RP gave it 89. it can be cellared until 2017. Another surprise - Barbaresco for $24 with such a review from Parker. I have to admit that between Barolo and Barbaresco, I tend to like Barolo more. The Barbaresco I tried were always less complex than the Barolo. Again, if you hadn't had the chance to try Barbaresco before, you should start with this one for a more than reasonable price.
Italy - Tuscany
2006 ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO - $21.95
GPCi - WS gave it 90. it's for immediate consumption. RP gave the 2006 vintage 96! Cathy, I know you like Chianti, so this one is for you - buy at least 3 bottles.
2003 MÁTÉ BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - $39.95
GPCi - can be cellared until 2022. Seems like a good investment (GPCi ~3). 2003 was a very hot year all over Europe (I like wines from this vintage). I don't know this Brunello, but I would try it and decide whether it is the type I like and if it is, I'll buy 4-6 bottles for the cellar. You won't find good Brunellos for that price.
