Hot Sheets

2016 RIDGE 'THREE VALLEY'
ZINFANDEL BLEND
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE

I have been waxing on about the greatness of this historical producer since I first put these wines to my nose back when I was just a young wine cherub. Moreover, even now after I have grown into a wine gargoyle, Ridge remains at the top of my palate when it comes to California wines.

The Three Valleys Zin Blend is named for the Sonoma County sites where the grapes are from, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley. A blend like most all their zins, 68% Zinfandel, 15% Carignane, 12% Petite Sirah, 5% Grenache, the use of older and younger vines creates a full figure with great complexity that is a wonderful mix of exuberant fruit and a deep core of intensity and exotic spice with a backend of classic white pepper. While this wine is made for earlier consumption, it will easily age 5=7 years from vintage date. THE red for braised shortribs, bbq chicken, pulled pork or rich cheeses.

2015 PESQUIER COTES-DU-RHONE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

There is a notion that French wines are expensive. Yes, there are many famous, rare wines where pricing is into the stratosphere. Then again, there are so many primo-delicious wines in the $10-$15 range that are an absolute thrill to drink. Here is one tasty example. Domaine Pesquier is a top Gigondas producer that is family-operated with the wines made in a very traditional style by Mathieu Boutiere. In fact, with Mathieu at the helm, the wines have soared to new heights. This Côtes-Du-Rhône is an awesome value with fruit solely from the Côtes-Du-Rhône village of Sablet.

Substance and depth that goes beyond what one might expect in a wine at this price, it does not hurt that 2015 is a stupendous vintage throughout France. Packed aromas that somewhat are reminiscent of a mini-Gigondas, there is plenty of smoked violet, cracked pepper, smoked meat, mineral and pronounced licorice. Chewy, substantial and very exciting suave flavors move from exotic spice to peppery tones. Expansion and depth are present, but not without structure along with a finish that offers up hints of balsamic-coated strawberries. A real steal of a Côtes-du-Rhône that will please over the next 3-4 years with grilled fare as well as winter braised fare.

2016 LI VELI SUSMANIELLO
SALENTO ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

This is one of the coolest wines on this week’s offer sheet! An old property, it has only been since the renovation by the Falvo family in 1999 that this estate took off and now Li Veli is firmly established as one of the innovators and leaders of this Southern Italian growing region.

Susumaniello is an ancient, rediscovered varietal converting many who once thought this area was solely about Primitivo and Negraomaro. The origins of this grape seem to be varied, many theorizing that it came from Greece or the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Recent DNA has shown it to be a cross between a native Puglian table grape and Garganega, which is the grape of Soave. It’s Italy, go figure. Either way, the mini-surge of wines that are emerging are quite delicious. Alluring plum, rhubarb, almond allspice and cedar/tobacco characteristics unfold from the glass. In the mouth, the dry and nuanced flavors coat the mouth and reveal tones that make one think of the crunchy portion of a cherry, just around the stone. The finish draws out and somersaults into being textbook, yet upscale Southern Italian with its tangy, earthy, spicy qualities and wild red fruits. Pair this delicious wine with slow roasted meats, perhaps something with a spicy Asian influence or just a simple, well-ripened pecorino cheese.

2015 COUTURIER POUILLY-LOCHE
'LE BOURG'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Marcel Couturier first made wine under his own name in 2005 but his rise has been remarkable. Located adjacent to the larger and more famous Pouilly-Fuisse region, this tiny but important region has become a very trendy go-to place for very fine expressions of French Chardonnay. Like the more famous neighbor as well as Saint-Veran, these wines provide extraordinary bang for your buck.

Classically structured and aged in oak (only 20% new) this stylish offering from 70+ year old vines was quite the revelation when I tasted it a few weeks back. The beautiful nose of cereal, orange, lemon, blazing mineral and dusty rock plays nicely with the gentle kiss of oak. In the mouth its nervosity, depth and detail are mighty impressive, the finish long, palate staining and tingling. Pure and fine enough to go with sophisticated crustaceans or fish dishes in sauces. A superb wine to age as well. Drink this beauty through 2022.

2016 CASA SANTOS LIMA TINTO
'QUINTA DAS AMORAS'
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE

From the Estremadura region of Portugal and comprised of Castelão, Camarate, Tinta Miúda and Touriga Nacional, all native Portuguese varietals and at $7.99, what the hell are you waiting for!!

Hearty, luscious, spicy & tangy aromas and flavors all providing delicious depth of fruit and ample definition of place. A great all-around, anytime red that should be ordered by the bottle and especially by the case if you are having a gathering and need to please a bunch of palates.

2015 AVIGNONESI 'CANTALORO'
TOSCANA ROSSO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

38.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 25.5% Sangiovese and somewhat of a new everyday item from Montepulciano rock star Avignonesi, somehow one of the critics, James Suckling bestowed 92 points on this savory and mouth-tingling Tuscan blend.

Very pretty aromatics, highlighted by wild strawberry, sage, and licorice. There is plenty of juicy black cherry fruit in the mouth along with nice structure and spice, I would almost refer to this as a great Italian meat and potatoes wine but would probably be best served with pasta, tomatoes and olive oil.

2014 GILBERT CELLARS
'LEFT BANK RED'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

With over 1000 wine producing operations in Washington, there are many established names as well as an abundance of newcomers that have flown under the radar. We have known about Gilbert Cellars for several years and have proudly been touting their wines since first introduced to them.

Located in Yakima, the wines produced at this cellar are solid contenders when it comes to price/quality rapport. Coming from a blend of four vineyard sites this assemblage of four out of the five Bordeaux varietals is 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 49% Merlot & 4% Petit Verdot. Hearty and full-flavored exhibiting black cherry, raspberry, cocoa powder, violet, and aromatic herbs and spices on the nose. Mouth-coating with ripe, but even-keeled smooth-textured fruit and detail all which carry to a finish that is lasting and very dignified; drink over the next 4-6 years.

2015 CHERON CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY
'LES QUARANTE OUVREES'
$74.99 BTL. - LIMITED!

Philippe Cheron is the epitome of Burgundy. Flying under the radar, this man hit the vineyard lottery when he inherited old vineyards from his grandparents that were leased by other luminous producers. When the leases were up, Philippe reclaimed the sites and we are all the better for it. If you have not heard about 2015, this is a stupendous vintage, reminding me a bit of 1990 crossed with 2002 and a bit of 2005.

The French term 'ouvree' refers to the amount of land one person could work in a day. This became a standard unit of measurement in Burgundy. Consists of 12 parcels located in several climats in Chambolle-Musigny. Because of the Napoleonic inheritance laws and centuries of exchanging of vineyards, it is the norm for Vineyards to be chopped into micro-parcels too small to vinify as separate wines. Such is the case with this wine. Majority comes from lieu-dits of Condemennes and Clos de L’Orme along with nine other parcels. 25% new oak. Two-thirds of the vines here are over 60 years old. Commences with class and aromatics immediately – almost Valhrona-soaked strawberries. Aromatic herbs and underlying floral traits. Nice energy but a really seductive dance is going on here. Cinnamon-spice, sleek red tones. Compact core that develops more and more coverage as it moves towards back. Deft, charming, fine, long finish…this is a sensuous Chambolle-Musigny immersion course. Best end of 2019 – 2030.

AND SPEAKING OF PHILIPPE CHERON...I have six seats available for a lineup of 2016 Red Burgundies for an intimate Seat At The Table Tasting this Wednesday, October 17. E-mail if you’re interested in attending and I’ll send info

FRIDAY SIPS
THE VENETIANS AREN’T BLIND

Soave & Valpolicella with Pancetta

FEATURED WINES:

2017 Le Battistelle Soave Classico ‘Montesei’
2016 Le Battistelle Soave Classico ‘Battistelle’
2016 Le Battistelle Soave Classico ‘Roccolo’
2015 Tedeschi Valpolicella Ripasso
2015 Masi Valpolicella Classico