Hot Sheets

2021 TYEE ESTATE PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Situated near Corvallis, this longtime Oregon estate is now in its fifth generation of farmers led by Merilee Buchanan, daughter of Dave and Margy who initially planted grapes on the farm in 1974. Lately the offerings from their site have been pure and all about what Pinot Noir should be, the antithesis of smoker-friendly, super-charged, Zinfandel wannabes.

Paramount earth tones combine beautifully with rhubarb, red cherry, strawberry and fine herbs. Vertical flavors possess superb depth and concentration, yet maintain an almost airy quality all in a compact yet vinous form. The finish is transparent, minerally, red and persistent. A fabulous value Pinot from a great vintage, if you haven’t had these wines in a while, you should give them a look.

2022 BARON SAUVIGNON BLANC
TOURAINE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

Strong varietal character along with strong sense of Loire Valley’s Touraine appellation, Domaine Baron’s Sauvignon is a superb taste of France. Located on the Cher River about 45 minutes from the city of Tours this Sauvignon delights from the moment that it is uncorked and is the sort of selection that one would find in a Paris wine bar or oyster joint.

Classic chalky aromas form nicely around ardent mandarin and grapefruit scents that provide thrills and chills. Plenty of underlying mineral with depth and character alongside intense saline-like briskness, especially on the electric and lasting finish all which come together to make this a decisive Spring/Summer Sauvignon Blanc. Break out some good goat cheese,oysters or do up a nice flaky white fish and prepare for liftoff.

2023 ISENHOWER VIOGNIER
'I SERIES' COLUMBIA VALLEY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

A longtime Walla Walla value producer who makes Viognier with terrific restraint. This means it doesn't set off allergies with an explosion of floral notes. Dry and brisk yet still coasts the palate as the grape is known for. Peach, orange fruit throughout, this is delicious fodder with spicy food.

2022 TANNERIE
CARCASSONNE ROUGE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

From vines just outside the medieval city of Carcassonne in Languedoc. Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Merlot.

Savory black fruits, cocoa and subtle mint. Rosemary and white pepper along with kisses of sweet herbs. A flavorful and supple palate shimmers with spice, earth and raspberry aspects. A great go-to wine to enjoy as a weeknight wine with an array of cuisines including Chinese chicken dishes, sloppy joes, hearty soups, nachos and chicken wings during the NBA playoffs and much more.

2016 CARLOS SERRES RIOJA
GRAN RESERVA
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

The center and heart of Spain’s Rioja region revolves around the town of Haro with its many wineries, which include the likes of La Rioja Alta, Muga and Lopez de Heredia. Of the twenty or so bodegas located here, Bodegas Carlos Serres equally as historic but not as well-known as others.

The most important caveat to this particular Rioja selection is that if you are expecting jammy and overtly fruity, read down the list for another choice because this is all about the old school. This entails that the wines are aged in mostly American and some French oak. The classification on this wine is Gran Reserva, a top cuvee and not produced every year, only the best like 2016. It also compulsory to be aged in oak for at least 24 months followed by a minimum of 36 more months in bottle before being released. 85% Tempranillo and a 15% blend of Graciano and Mazuelo, this wine shows ruby color with brick tinges. The bouquet is savory and packed with roasted earth, dried fruit tones, Mediterranean herbs as well as gentle hints of mint and cocoa. In the mouth, it is velvety, palate seducing and full of expansion and extension. The finish is balanced and very long. At age nine, this is drinking extremely well yet is easily capable of providing pleasure for another decade. Enjoy it with slow roasted lamb or pork dishes jacked with fennel.

2016 CHATEAU GUIRAUD SAUTERNES
1er GRAND CRU CLASSE
$53.99 - HALF BOTTLE

Merely writing words on to an e-mail to describe the attributes of this renowned Sauternes seems to be a violation of all that is epicurean and hedonistic in the wine world. No doubt, this has slam-dunk potential and is a super-exciting and great choice for any of you who love Sauternes or are looking for something that with a child born in 2016 that wants to cellar something for any monumental occasion in the future.

The higher percentage of Sauvignon Blanc (35%), which is more than most in this classification, is what brings renown and energy to the unctuous, generous, exotic qualities of the Semillon. Golden in color. The nose is forward and expressive with notes of honey, quince, almonds and apricot. In the mouth, the wine is rich, with the essence of apricots, orange, and other tropical fruits. The acidity bursts, giving the wine great definition and clarity. The finish is sweet, honeyed, and long but never cloying, a stylemark of Chateau Guiraud. This beautifully made, perfectly-drinking Sauternes is one of the tops of the vintage and will easily drink well for another decade+.