Friday, January 23, 2009
GPCi for Jan 31st 2009 release at the LCBO
Top picks (details below):
2006 LAS ROCAS GARNACHA - $15.95
2005 SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK SHIRAZ - $21.95
2007 BODEGAS JUAN GIL MONASTRELL - $14.95
2005 CHÂTEAU DE GAUDOU CAHORS - $14.95
2006 GLAETZER BISHOP SHIRAZ - $34.95
Argentina
2007 ALAMOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $13.95
Mendoza (Catena)
GPCi - Alamos produces great QPR wines. 2007 was the 4th in a row outstanding vintage in Argentina and for $14 you get a very nice cab sauv. Full of fruit-forward concentrated flavors. A great day to day wine. If you've tried Alamos in the past and liked it, don't hesitate to buy 6-12 bottles and enjoy it during these cold days...
2007 CHAKANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $13.95
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
GPCi - Another cab sauv for $14. I'm not familiar with this producer, but I don't see the risk of buying couple of bottles.
Chile
2006 CANEPA RESERVA PRIVADA CARMENÈRE - $13.95
GPCi - for all the Merlot fan out there that are looking for a more interesting Melot flavor and for a more than attractive price, this Carmenere is for you.
2006 CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA SYRAH - $19.95
Peumo, Rapel Valley
GPCi - I tried previous vintages of this wine when I visited Concha Y Toro winery in 2005. It's a good Syrah with lots of dark fruit flovors. Don't expect too much sophistication especially from a good, but not excellent vintage. It's not at the level of the lucrative Don Melchor (not the same $$ either) from the same winery, yet a good Syrah.
France (Bordeaux)
2000 CHÂTEAU BOURDIEU LA VALADE - $34.95
AC Fronsac (Alain Roux & Fils)
GPCi - I haven't tried (yet...) a bad 2000 Bordeaux and it doesn't matter whether it's classified (5th growth, 4th growth etc.) or not. The Fronsac area at the right bank of Bordeaux produces mainly wines from Merlot and Cab Frnac and this one is no exception - A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. I think it's a fair price for such full body wine from what's considered one of the best vintages ever.
2004 CHÂTEAU CHANTS DE FAIZEAU - $14.95
AC Montagne Saint-Émilion
GPCi - 2004 is a tricky vintage. It comes after an excellent 2003 and before the classic 2005. Both vintages (2003 and 2005) have produced wines with lots of concentrated flavors and great cellaring potential. 2004 was a year of average-good wines. BUT for $15 to get a 'satellite' St.Emilion Merlot base wine, it's definitely something not to skip.
2005 CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERNAT - $36.95
AC Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion (Horeau-Beylot)
GPCi - same as 2000 Bordeaux. 2005 was raved by many as THE vintage of the century and wines from that vintage, regardless from their specific location in Bordeaux, are a safe bet.
This wine can be cellared for 10 years and therefore, its GPCi is such that motivates buying. I have tried a few wines from the Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion area and enjoyed them a lot!
2005 CHÂTEAU LA GORCE - $19.95
AC Médoc (Raoul Fabre & Fils)
GPCi - same as above with regards to the 2005 vintage. I had this wine from previous vintages. A typical Cab Sauv (left bank) Bordeaux for a more than fair price. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
France (Provence)
2005 CHÂTEAU DE FONSCOLOMBE CUVÉE SPÉCIALE - $14.95
AC Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Estate Btld.
GPCi - I was exposed to the wines from this region by my friend Thierry B. This wines are easy to drink, food-friendly and excellent for Spring days.
France - Rhone (South)
2006 PERRIN & FILS RASTEAU L'ANDÉOL - $19.95
AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages
GPCi - WS=89 ; the wines from that part of the Rhone are usually a blend of Grenach, Syrah, Mourvedre and others. The indication of "villages" highlight the quality (it's considered better than just indicating "Cotes du Rhone"). Can be a nice companion for BBQ as a first wine before you go to the "more serious stuff".
2006 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $72.95
AC, La Crau (H. Brunier et Fils)
GPCi - JM=90-93 - 2011 - 2022. Speaking of serious stuff from the southern part of the Rhone. I have started to collect this wine from 1995 and this is definitely one of the best CdP in the region. Very consistent and delicious. Since it's an expensive wine, consider it only for long time cellaring. One thing to consider - this wine (and a few other from CdP) can be at the level of some of the 1st/2nd Growth in Bordeuax and it costs a fruction of their "western's" friends.
France (Southwest)
2005 CHÂTEAU DE GAUDOU CAHORS - $14.95
AC, Tradition, Merlot/Malbec/Tannat
GPCi - what caught my eyes were two things: the very special blend of grapes (Merlot/Malbec/Tannat) and the fact that it can lay down for 10 years.
That would be on my "have to try" list. Both Malbec and Tannat that are known now as Latin American varieties (Argentina and Uruguay respectively), were originated from France and are rarely used these days in that part of the world.
Italy (Tuscany)
2005 TRECCIANO CHIANTI COLLI SENESI RISERVA - $19.95
DOCG, Estate Btld.
GPCi - 2005 was a very good vintage in Tuscany (RP gave it 92). most of the wines are ready to drink now. This is a 100% Sangiovese. $20 for a Chianti Riserva seems a fair price. Cathy C, another one for you...
Italy (Veneto)
2004 BOLLA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO LE ORIGINI - $45.95
GPCi - I had their 1997 and 1998 - this is a wonderful Amarone. it's expensive but similar quality Amarone usualy cost more than $60. Expect intense rich flavors with dried fruit and dark chocolate (almost port-like).
Spain (Jumilla)
2007 BODEGAS JUAN GIL MONASTRELL - $14.95
GPCi - This Bodega produces great QPR Monastrell (aka Mourvedre). For this price, if you like the variety, buy 6-12 bottles and enjoy in the coming year as a great day-to-day wine.
Spain (Rioja)
2004 COSME PALACIO Y HERMANOS RESERVA - $24.95
GPCi - JM = 89+ who suggests 2-3 years to blossom and drink it through 2020.
I like the Rioja wines from the 2004 vintage. I don't know this producer, but it seems to have all the right elements for a great enjoyment plus cellaring potential.
2001 MONTECILLO RIOJA GRAN RESERVA - $31.95
GPCi - WE = 91 ; until 2018. Montecillo is a known producer in the Rioja region and their Gran Reserva wines never failed me before (especially if they are from good vintages like 2001 - the vintage got 94 by RP). A bit expensive but worth trying.
Spain (Calatayud)
2006 LAS ROCAS GARNACHA - $15.95
DO (Bodegas San Alejandro)
GPCi - JM=91. I visited this winery in April last year and saw those unbelievable 70-100 old vines . This is a great QPR wine. I'd buy a case!
Australia
2006 GLAETZER BISHOP SHIRAZ - $34.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia (Ben Glaetzer)
GPCi - JM=92-94; 2015-2036. If you're looking to stock up your Shiraz for VERY long time cellaring, this one is for you. The price is more than fair if you plan to keep it until 2036 (I'll be pretty old by then... if I get there...). Buy one bottle to see if you like it. Decant it for 30-60 minutes and see if you like it before you buy 3-12 bottles.
2005 MAGPIE ESTATE THE SACK SHIRAZ - $21.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
GPCi - JM=91 ; now to 2017. That's a good price for a good Shiraz. I would buy more from this than 2006 PILLAR BOX, just because of the longer cellaring potential, but would go with the 2005 SALTRAM for the same price (see comments below).
2005 SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK SHIRAZ - $21.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
GPCi - JH=94 ; until 2020. I had this wine since its 2000 vintage - it's OUTSTANDING!
Beatiful texture. Full of flavors and it gracefully ages. Buy 3-12 bottles.
2006 3 RINGS SHIRAZ - $23.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia (Chris Ringland)
GPCi - WS=91 ; Drink now through 2016. I had the previous vintage. This is a "in-your-face-shiraz". A very focused Shiraz. I would still prefer the Saltram. But if you want to vary, that's a good option.
2006 TURKEY FLAT BUTCHER'S BLOCK RED - $23.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
GPCi - JM=92 ; 55% Shiraz, 28% Grenache, and 17% Mourvedre. I'm not such a big fan these days of GSM blends. However, this wine seems an interesting option for mid term cellaring. It's not too pricey for such a great review from JM.
2006 LAS ROCAS GARNACHA - $15.95
2005 SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK SHIRAZ - $21.95
2007 BODEGAS JUAN GIL MONASTRELL - $14.95
2005 CHÂTEAU DE GAUDOU CAHORS - $14.95
2006 GLAETZER BISHOP SHIRAZ - $34.95
Argentina
2007 ALAMOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $13.95
Mendoza (Catena)
GPCi - Alamos produces great QPR wines. 2007 was the 4th in a row outstanding vintage in Argentina and for $14 you get a very nice cab sauv. Full of fruit-forward concentrated flavors. A great day to day wine. If you've tried Alamos in the past and liked it, don't hesitate to buy 6-12 bottles and enjoy it during these cold days...
2007 CHAKANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $13.95
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
GPCi - Another cab sauv for $14. I'm not familiar with this producer, but I don't see the risk of buying couple of bottles.
Chile
2006 CANEPA RESERVA PRIVADA CARMENÈRE - $13.95
GPCi - for all the Merlot fan out there that are looking for a more interesting Melot flavor and for a more than attractive price, this Carmenere is for you.
2006 CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA SYRAH - $19.95
Peumo, Rapel Valley
GPCi - I tried previous vintages of this wine when I visited Concha Y Toro winery in 2005. It's a good Syrah with lots of dark fruit flovors. Don't expect too much sophistication especially from a good, but not excellent vintage. It's not at the level of the lucrative Don Melchor (not the same $$ either) from the same winery, yet a good Syrah.
France (Bordeaux)
2000 CHÂTEAU BOURDIEU LA VALADE - $34.95
AC Fronsac (Alain Roux & Fils)
GPCi - I haven't tried (yet...) a bad 2000 Bordeaux and it doesn't matter whether it's classified (5th growth, 4th growth etc.) or not. The Fronsac area at the right bank of Bordeaux produces mainly wines from Merlot and Cab Frnac and this one is no exception - A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. I think it's a fair price for such full body wine from what's considered one of the best vintages ever.
2004 CHÂTEAU CHANTS DE FAIZEAU - $14.95
AC Montagne Saint-Émilion
GPCi - 2004 is a tricky vintage. It comes after an excellent 2003 and before the classic 2005. Both vintages (2003 and 2005) have produced wines with lots of concentrated flavors and great cellaring potential. 2004 was a year of average-good wines. BUT for $15 to get a 'satellite' St.Emilion Merlot base wine, it's definitely something not to skip.
2005 CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERNAT - $36.95
AC Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion (Horeau-Beylot)
GPCi - same as 2000 Bordeaux. 2005 was raved by many as THE vintage of the century and wines from that vintage, regardless from their specific location in Bordeaux, are a safe bet.
This wine can be cellared for 10 years and therefore, its GPCi is such that motivates buying. I have tried a few wines from the Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion area and enjoyed them a lot!
2005 CHÂTEAU LA GORCE - $19.95
AC Médoc (Raoul Fabre & Fils)
GPCi - same as above with regards to the 2005 vintage. I had this wine from previous vintages. A typical Cab Sauv (left bank) Bordeaux for a more than fair price. I'd buy 3-6 bottles.
France (Provence)
2005 CHÂTEAU DE FONSCOLOMBE CUVÉE SPÉCIALE - $14.95
AC Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Estate Btld.
GPCi - I was exposed to the wines from this region by my friend Thierry B. This wines are easy to drink, food-friendly and excellent for Spring days.
France - Rhone (South)
2006 PERRIN & FILS RASTEAU L'ANDÉOL - $19.95
AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages
GPCi - WS=89 ; the wines from that part of the Rhone are usually a blend of Grenach, Syrah, Mourvedre and others. The indication of "villages" highlight the quality (it's considered better than just indicating "Cotes du Rhone"). Can be a nice companion for BBQ as a first wine before you go to the "more serious stuff".
2006 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - $72.95
AC, La Crau (H. Brunier et Fils)
GPCi - JM=90-93 - 2011 - 2022. Speaking of serious stuff from the southern part of the Rhone. I have started to collect this wine from 1995 and this is definitely one of the best CdP in the region. Very consistent and delicious. Since it's an expensive wine, consider it only for long time cellaring. One thing to consider - this wine (and a few other from CdP) can be at the level of some of the 1st/2nd Growth in Bordeuax and it costs a fruction of their "western's" friends.
France (Southwest)
2005 CHÂTEAU DE GAUDOU CAHORS - $14.95
AC, Tradition, Merlot/Malbec/Tannat
GPCi - what caught my eyes were two things: the very special blend of grapes (Merlot/Malbec/Tannat) and the fact that it can lay down for 10 years.
That would be on my "have to try" list. Both Malbec and Tannat that are known now as Latin American varieties (Argentina and Uruguay respectively), were originated from France and are rarely used these days in that part of the world.
Italy (Tuscany)
2005 TRECCIANO CHIANTI COLLI SENESI RISERVA - $19.95
DOCG, Estate Btld.
GPCi - 2005 was a very good vintage in Tuscany (RP gave it 92). most of the wines are ready to drink now. This is a 100% Sangiovese. $20 for a Chianti Riserva seems a fair price. Cathy C, another one for you...
Italy (Veneto)
2004 BOLLA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO LE ORIGINI - $45.95
GPCi - I had their 1997 and 1998 - this is a wonderful Amarone. it's expensive but similar quality Amarone usualy cost more than $60. Expect intense rich flavors with dried fruit and dark chocolate (almost port-like).
Spain (Jumilla)
2007 BODEGAS JUAN GIL MONASTRELL - $14.95
GPCi - This Bodega produces great QPR Monastrell (aka Mourvedre). For this price, if you like the variety, buy 6-12 bottles and enjoy in the coming year as a great day-to-day wine.
Spain (Rioja)
2004 COSME PALACIO Y HERMANOS RESERVA - $24.95
GPCi - JM = 89+ who suggests 2-3 years to blossom and drink it through 2020.
I like the Rioja wines from the 2004 vintage. I don't know this producer, but it seems to have all the right elements for a great enjoyment plus cellaring potential.
2001 MONTECILLO RIOJA GRAN RESERVA - $31.95
GPCi - WE = 91 ; until 2018. Montecillo is a known producer in the Rioja region and their Gran Reserva wines never failed me before (especially if they are from good vintages like 2001 - the vintage got 94 by RP). A bit expensive but worth trying.
Spain (Calatayud)
2006 LAS ROCAS GARNACHA - $15.95
DO (Bodegas San Alejandro)
GPCi - JM=91. I visited this winery in April last year and saw those unbelievable 70-100 old vines . This is a great QPR wine. I'd buy a case!
Australia
2006 GLAETZER BISHOP SHIRAZ - $34.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia (Ben Glaetzer)
GPCi - JM=92-94; 2015-2036. If you're looking to stock up your Shiraz for VERY long time cellaring, this one is for you. The price is more than fair if you plan to keep it until 2036 (I'll be pretty old by then... if I get there...). Buy one bottle to see if you like it. Decant it for 30-60 minutes and see if you like it before you buy 3-12 bottles.
2005 MAGPIE ESTATE THE SACK SHIRAZ - $21.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
GPCi - JM=91 ; now to 2017. That's a good price for a good Shiraz. I would buy more from this than 2006 PILLAR BOX, just because of the longer cellaring potential, but would go with the 2005 SALTRAM for the same price (see comments below).
2005 SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK SHIRAZ - $21.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
GPCi - JH=94 ; until 2020. I had this wine since its 2000 vintage - it's OUTSTANDING!
Beatiful texture. Full of flavors and it gracefully ages. Buy 3-12 bottles.
2006 3 RINGS SHIRAZ - $23.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia (Chris Ringland)
GPCi - WS=91 ; Drink now through 2016. I had the previous vintage. This is a "in-your-face-shiraz". A very focused Shiraz. I would still prefer the Saltram. But if you want to vary, that's a good option.
2006 TURKEY FLAT BUTCHER'S BLOCK RED - $23.95
Barossa Valley, South Australia
GPCi - JM=92 ; 55% Shiraz, 28% Grenache, and 17% Mourvedre. I'm not such a big fan these days of GSM blends. However, this wine seems an interesting option for mid term cellaring. It's not too pricey for such a great review from JM.
