Hot Sheets

2017 CHARBONNIERES VACQUEYRAS
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Domaine de la Charbonniere is an outstanding Chateauneuf-du-Pape producer who happens make fine Vacqueyras. Owning 8 acres in the ‘upper garrigue’ sector, near the village of Sarrians on the road to Carpentras, sisters Veronique and Caroline Maret put forth an outstanding version that contains 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah.

Combining a commanding, feral, groove-a-licious yet very diplomatic presence, this savory red Rhone features a multitude of complex perfumed aromas of exotic spice, lavender, ground pepper, mineral, smoked meat and raspberry that dominate the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure Provençal! Layered and with pinnacle intensity, the cooler nights of 2017 bring forth nice lift and freshness, especially on the wild, spice-laden finish that seemingly coats the entire palate. Very lovely now and will age well for a decade. Have it with a grilled sirloin, braised venison or lamb shanks.

2011 ERASMO CABERNET BLEND
'RESERVA DI CALABORO'
[reg. $29.99] SPECIAL - $17.99 BTL./$107.94 - SIX PACK

Famed Brunello di Montalcino producer Col D'Orcia's owner Francesco Marone Cinzano has an incredible passion for top-flight, classified Growth Bordeaux and in the mid-90s decided to explore an operation far, far away, Chile's Maule Valley to be exact.

Col D'Orcia's greatness is exquisitely carried over to the southern hemisphere nicely. Erasmo's 2011 Reserva di Caliboro is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21.5% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc & 1.5% Syrah from densely planted high-quality French clones. Impeccably stylish and complex, this is one of the coolest wines I have seen come from Chile. Penetrating aromas kick in immediately with a prominent presence of blackcurrant, graphite, hints of red earth and impressively intertwined undertones of espresso. Lacy fruit and balance rule the day, but its core is expressive, chewy and expansive. Firmly formed on the mid-palate then glides into a spice-laden finish that packed with spices like coriander, nutmeg and pepper. At age 9, this is drinking very well and will continue for another 5-7 more years. ONLY 14 SIX-PACKS AVAILABLE!!

2019 RUSTENBERG SAUVIGNON BLANC
'STELLENBOSCH'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Rustenberg is one of South Africa's oldest and most distinguished estates, with a viticultural history dating back to 1682. Purchased in 1941 by Simon Barlow's family, the historical significance Is not lost, especially since this is quite a modern producer. While known throughout the world for their excellent red wines, this Stellenbosch estate also produces delectable white wines.

Elevated notes of melon and fleshy tangerine bounce off crisp minerality, white flowers and tangy Meyer lemon creating a slow building wave in the glass. Fleshy, yet focused on the palate with a crisp and clean lingering finish of bright citrus and subtle mineral spice. A piquant way to kick off a meal and it is a game winning touchdown with pan-seared halibut, lemon-infused chicken or fresh goat cheeses.

2019 RUSTENBERG CHENIN BLANC
'STELLENBOSCH'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Chenin Blanc has long been grown in South Africa. Up until 20 years ago, it was normally just thrown into their home-brew grog that was one-step up from jet-fuel. Younger wine producers discovered that they had a treasure chest of old vines that they knew could make something special. Rustenberg's Chenin Blanc vines are 20-35 years old and this white wine exhibits the South African Chenin personality beautifully.

Very different from a Vouvray, this Chenin covers the palate, is dry, clean, very pure and loaded with pineapple, lime, lanolin and a touch of honey on the nose. In the mouth, intense, very lively, full flavors of tropical citrus and sneaky minerality entice and make one want to go out and find some fresh fish. A perfect choice to accompany Thai or Latino-inspired cuisine or the imminent (hopefully) fall arrival of Oregon Salmon.

2015 PAOLO PETRILLI C'ACCE MMITA DI
LUCERA ROSSO 'FERRAU'
$23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PACK

There are two things before we go any further about these wines from this tongue-twisting northern Puglia growing region. One, is we don’t even try to butcher the name of C’Acce Mmita di Lucera, we just call them by their proprietary names, Agramente, Ferrau, Motta del Lupo. Two, get the image of Southern Puglia's Primitivo and Salice Salentino prune-soaked alcohol bombs out of your minds, these wines are made using the Nero di Troia grape and enhanced by others such as Montepulciano, Sangiovese and Bombino.

The Ferrau cuvee is named after the Italian painter Ferrau Fenzoni, is a blend of 50% Nero di Troia and 50% Sangiovese. This red is the essence of balance and smoothness. Open-armed, warm and inviting like other S. Italian red wines, a unique and pleasant smokiness permeates throughout this delicious blend. Crushed berry, licorice and spicy earth compliment the smokiness nicely and carry over into a texture that possesses plenty of generosity along with spirited tanginess that is so very Italian. Enjoy this wine with spicy, tomato-based meat sauces served over orrechiete pasta. Only 300 cases produced.

2017 ZENATO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

At the forefront of moderista Amarone producers, Alberto Zenato's wines dazzle in the wake of a formidable line up of extremely high quality wines. From their Amarone Riserva straight across to this gem and down to their humble Lugana, this family has been committed to excellence and the promotion of the very best of the region.

The 2017 Valpolicella is produced from vineyards in the historic zone of Sant'Ambrogio this Valpolicella is made from 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, and 10% Oseleta. Medium-bodied with notes of ripe red currant, Bing cherry, earthy minerals and plum, this velvety, smooth, hearty red is perfect for parpardelle with braised meats, red sauce, stewed poultry with green olives, tomatoes and capers, or a simple take-out Margarita pizza with Italian sausage and pepperoni.

2018 CHATEAU LAROQUE
CABERNET FRANC
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

Hello Gorgeous! A delectable Cabernet Franc from one of the most unlikely of places - vineyards that stare at the walled city of Carcassone in Languedoc.

Tasty, happy and almost making you want to slide down rainbows, this offering engages with the raspberry, coffee and turned earth of the grape yet the savory earth, anise and rosemary that indicative of the garrigue of this area. An excellent everyday choice to enjoy with hors d’oeuvres, Asian fare, burgers, a cheese and charcuterie plate. At 10-bucks, one can afford to drink this from the firehose!

2017 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
TEMPERANCE HILL 'PUMPHOUSE BLOCK'
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK

Marcus Goodfellow’s wines are like the man himself, quietly confident and only revealing their complexity with time. These three wines are all from the block and Heritage Series and are miniscule production and they are not made for instant gratification, these wines will reward immensely with cellar time. Temperance Hill is famed in Eola-Amity, this wine is ultra-special, and this culled out portion was a standout when tasting last week.

‘Vivid garnet. A highly perfumed, complex bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, blood orange and Asian spices, along with a bright mineral overtone. Juicy, lithe and precise on the palate, offering alluringly sweet, mineral-laced raspberry, red currant, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily with air. Conveys a deft blend of power and finesse and finishes with finely interwoven tannins and outstanding clarity and length. – 95 POINTS, VINOUS’….I would recommend holding this until 2023 and drinking through 2032.

2017 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
WHISTLING RIDGE 'LONG ACRE'
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK

If one were to classify a vineyard that is a specialty of the house for Marcus, it would be the Ribbon Ridge-based Whistling Ridge site. The winds at this site are prevalent and this particular block shines with glorious complexity. One sees why Marcus loves this particular offering and makes it special from the regular Whistling Ridge cuvee.

‘Brilliant magenta. Vibrant, highly perfumed red fruit, exotic spice and floral pastille aromas show outstanding clarity, and a zesty mineral overtone builds in the glass. Lithe and sharply focused on the palate, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry, spicecake and blood orange flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Juicy, pure and precise, finishing with sharp focus and sneaky, slowly building tannins that add framework and final grip. – 95 POINTS, VINOUS’…Another Cellar selection. Drink 2023 – 2033 and beyond.

2018 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
DURANT 'HERITAGE NO. 11'
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK

‘The Heritage series of wines represent our version of Grand Cru: the best rows, the oldest vines. Over the past few years I have become increasingly driven in retaining the clarity and nuances of the wines and the vineyards they come from. Seeking flavors that are not fruit based, and developing a belief that the truly amazing secondary aspects to Pinot noir are savory based. Elegant and powerful, showing the depth for cellaring and a nuanced interplay of savory and sweet, these are the wines I make to leave for my sons.’ - Marcus Goodfellow

‘Limpid garnet. An impressively complex bouquet evokes vibrant, spice-accented red berries and pungent flowers that show fine definition and lift. Stains the palate with sweet, energetic cherry, raspberry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and take a darker turn on the back half. Shows outstanding definition and power on the impressively long, penetrating finish, which is framed by talc-y, slowly mounting tannins. 100% whole clusters. – 95 POINTS, VINOUS’…Put this one down for your kids. Drink 2025 – 2034.