Friday Sips

The man behind Purple Hands is Cody Wright, son of Ken Wright, and his wines are nothing like those of his famous father. By doing his own style, Cody has established himself as one of the top-dogs of the next generation of Oregon Pinot producers. One of the most striking under 20 buck Pinots tasted so far this season, the 2012 Purple Hands is quite a charmer.

The range of quality vineyards used, the diversity of clonal material, the minimal influence of new wood (20% new) and the quality of the vintage all combine to make this one pretty and supple bottle of wine. It has fine depth of color, penetrating red cherry aromatics, nice movement of flavor and surprising depth for its modest price point. Very lovely now and will continue to drink well for another 3-4 years.

91 POINTS – THE WINE SPECTATOR
#42 WINE SPECTATOR TOP 100

After working with Altos Las Hormigas's Reserve Malbec for 15+ years now, it seems that the popularity and accolades bestowed on it are endless. This is hands down one of our favorite Argentine reds and like most great wine, there's a story here. A brainchild of famed Italian wine broker Marc de Grazia in conjunction with four highly respected Italian winemakers excited and quite passionate about the potential and challenge of growing old-vine Malbec in a warm climate...specifically, the world-class region of Mendoza in Argentina. In 1997, the first vintage of this supple, concentrated and richly fruited wine was born. Since then, it's risen to sit among the best of the region. We regularly taste wine from South America and Altos is one of the benchmarks we use to gauge quality and value for all others.

As black as the night in the Uco Valley, this Malbec feels tremendous in size and ripeness, yet held together and maintaining freshness by vivid brisk red tones that is are just as important as the wine's dark fruit flavors. Decadent and opaque aromas and flavors overflow with notes of juicy blackberries, dark cherries, Indian spice, violet and cocoa-laden tobacco. A velvety-texture with layer upon layer of plummy fruit as well as the perfect amount of tannins, that are both ripe and fine grained which add structure and a long beautifully textured mouthfeel. For maximum pleasure, decant this beauty and give it the respect that it deserves, you won't be sorry. Drink through 2021.

Made by one of the real heroines of Italian wine, Cristina Geminiani has been producing excellent wines from her Romagna-based vineyards located about an hour east of Bologna that many Italian wine insiders have known about for many years. On a hot special price, the 2006 Marzieno Ravenna Rosso is a TKO value and whether you love Italian wine or Cabernet-style blends, is worthy of your attention.

60% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 15% Syrah & 5% Ancellotta this is a hearty mouthful of Emilia-Romagna at its best. Still primary with aromas of attacking plum, boysenberry, licorice. Undertones of sage and thyme let you know that it is Italian. Gentle hints of chocolaty, smoky oak creep through (30% new utilized). Structured, full and attacking, but with excellent poise and polish. A little Bordeaux-like firmness shows in the expansive and impressive finish. This is spectacular juice for about 1/4 the price of many trendoid Super Tuscans from the Bolgheri region! Drink through 2022 and certainly not a crime if you were to uncork this evening.