Hot Sheets

2016 RODA RIOJA 'SELA'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Founded in the late 80s and prestige and accolades arrived early and often for Roda. Despite its youth as a winery, the vines used for the estate’s wines have an average age of over 50 years. Roda owns twelve separate parcels of land, which vary in exposure, elevation, and soil and meticulous farming, impeccable winemaking and major attention to detail is what makes this awesome Bodega not only thrive but have allowed it to become one of Spain’s finest and most sought after.

Sela is the first Rioja in the lineup of Roda’s superb roster and 2016 is a very important vintage for Rioja. 87% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano & 6% Garnacha, this is the epitome of class in a glass. This wine maintains all of the grace and complexity that one finds in all of the Roda range. Glorious aromas of dried cherries, spice and leather give way to cherry, plum and herb flavors. Cutting a sleek, handsome profile with fine balance, it finishes long and dry, with well-defined, earth accents. Drink now - 2027.

2017 DOMAINE AGAPÉ
PINOT GRIS ‘EXPRESSION’
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Along with the wine following this selection, we have ourselves an old fashioned Alsace two-step. Domaine Agape is from the mind of Vincent Sipp who left his family’s estate (Sipp-Mack) to follow his own wine vision. Located in Riquewihr, Vincent has excellent land holdings and the grapes that go into this offering are very impressive.

Classic Alsace Pinot Gris that is dry and tender. Beautiful smoky tones that are enhanced by melon, banana and yellow apple. Plush and palate staining, there is fine underlying acidity which allows it to not only pair with salmon but also spicy dishes as well. Drink over the next 4-5 years.

2016 KUENTZ-BAS RIESLING
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

One of the unsung heroic producers of Alsace is Kuentz Bas. This well run estate has delivered high quality for terrific prices for an eternity. 2016 is no different and in fact, is a vintage where K-B performed mightily. Always a champion of DRY Riesling, this choice is a slam dunk for those who like their white wines clean, brisk and from the stones.

Understated perfume with lovely lime and nectarine qualities. Cracked rock mineral and almost powdery with its components, this is what dry Riesling is all about. Lovely substance up front but gains its firmness, mineral and frame in the middle and on the piercing and pleasure-driven finish. Lots of grapefruit and earth on the finish. A real smashing expression of Alsace to drink over the next 5 years with sole, cod, sushi or simply with bread and a young goat cheese.

2016 IL MOLINO DI GRACE
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK

From Panzano in the northern sector of the Chianti Classico zone, Il Molino di Grace is one of Chianti's hidden treasures and values. It is almost becoming the theme of this week’s musings, once again it is all about the grand scale 2016 vintage. Over 30 years working with Chianti, I am able to count on one hand how many vintages are the equal of this magnificent year.


The newest and most fabulous version of Il Molino di Grace’s Chianti Classico emits terrific aromas of plum and blackberry along with hints of vanilla, sage, smoke and currants. In the mouth, it is a compelling Chianti with excellent chewy flavors, multiple layers and a driving, persistent finish. Drink over the next decade and perfect with Marcella Hazan’s tomato/butter sauce with pasta and Italian sausage on the side.

2015 SANTA DUC COTES-DU-RHONE
'VIEILLES VIGNES'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

From a top-notch Gigondas producer, Yves Gras’s Cotes-du-Rhone is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre plus a 10% blend of Cinsault, Counoise and Carignan and a fantastic symbiosis of beguiling Provencal scents with a refreshing minerality.

Nose-inducing fullness of fruit, wild blackberries, generous cherries and redcurrants awake the senses. Prominent garrigue notes: laurel, thyme and oregano marry harmoniously with licorice and an enamoring peppery note. Succulently textured with captivating flavors that seem to dance flamboyantly yet maintain a floating smoothness. Drinking exquisitely right now, it is refinement instead of opulence. It is complexity and detail instead of a gob-filled overripe fruit orgy. Truly one of the biggest bargains from a storied Rhone vintage. Drink over the next 3-4 years with lentil soup, roasted chicken, grilled pork chops or a classic steak au poivre.

2016 GIUSEPPE CORTESE
BARBARESCO 'RABAJA'
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE

Without a doubt, the Cortese family is counted amongst the most profound producers of Barbaresco and they really make their mark with their top wines from the famed Rabaja Vineyard. Grand Cru defined, Rabaja is a site of kings and is one that cellars gloriously. Do take note, most producers versions from this vineyard start at $75 so this is a serious deal indeed.

‘Aromas of underbrush, camphor, violet, dark culinary spices, new leather and dark-skinned fruit lead the way. The structured, full-bodied palate shows juicy red cherry, raspberry, orange zest, ground clove, star anise and truffle alongside fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. It boasts elegance and structure. Editors' Choice – 96 POINTS, WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE’. Drink 2023 – 2033+.

2018 SIMONSIG CAB-SHIRAZ
STELLENBOSCH
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

An inspired blend from South Africa’s Stellenbosch region that is made with 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Shiraz. First thing to do when approaching this wine is to get the notion of cheap Australian wine out of your thought process, this wine provides excellent dimension that goes beyond being a fruit bomb.

Flaunting lively blackberry, smoked violet, cherry pit and prominent cracked pepper, this red is luscious, tangy, medium-weight and just a sheer pleasure to drink on an everyday basis. Dry and direct, enjoy it with anything from roasted lamb to a fat cheeseburger!

2018 WOODWARD CANYON CHARDONNAY
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

We haven't offered Woodward Canyon's Chardonnay to our list broadly in quite a while. If all Washington Chardonnays were this good, we would be singing their praises weekly. Alas, this is not the case, but the rare versions from the likes of Woodward Canyon, Buty, or Abeja can really send any Chardonnay lover into orbit.

The grapes for Woodward Canyon's Washington Chardonnay are from a blend of their own estate vineyard and augmented with 19% from the famed Celilo Vineyard both of which provide lovely restraint and sophistication. Richness is still abound from all of the sunlight the grapes receive and the oaky tones are well-integrated. Apple, peach and citrus fruit are along for the ride and the finish fans out exquisitely. Lots of harmony and class for a New World Chardonnay. Utterly delicious juice! If you like Chardonnay, you must have a go at this one.

FRIDAY SIPS

A Sicilian Love Note

FEATURED WINES:

2016 Tasca D'Almerita Nero D'Avola 'Lamuri' Rosso
2017 Tasca D'Almerita Perricone Rosso
2018 Tasca D'Almerita Grillo Bianco
2018 Tasca D'Almerita Catarratto Bianco