Hot Sheets

2020 MASSERIA SETTEPORTE
ETNA ROSSO
[reg. $27.99]
SPECIAL - $21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Masseria Setteporte is located on the southwestern slope of the Mt. Etna. Here, viticulture dates back to ancient times. The Portale family, owners of Masseria Setteporte, has passed their winemaking tradition down through generations. The farm was modernized by Ferdinando Portale. In 2002, Piero Portale decided to carry on his father’s project, expanding the estate from its original size by purchasing already established vineyard sites.

Terraced vineyards between 650 and 800 meters where the volcanic soil, the high altitudes, and the unusual cooler Sicilian climate allow for wines that excel in an elegant and complex aroma profile as well as superb accessibility. Possessing an almost Pinot-esque color, irresistible strawberry and currant shine while undertones of mint, spice, and licorice join the party. Flavorful and harmonious, there is ample vivacity and suaveness to go along with deceptive depth and length. Have with grilled lamb or try it as a red with grilled salmon drizzled with good olive oil or with pesto, meat-filled ravioli or hard Italian cheeses.

2022 CHATEAU FONT-DU-MARS
COTES-DU-RHONE BLANC
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Here is one that we have been waiting to arrive and perfect timing indeed! About six months ago Anne-Charlotte Melia-Bachas, or Acha, her nickname that everyone uses when speaking to her, stopped in and tasted a lineup of her Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Cotes-du-Rhone wines. From top to bottom, these wines have genuine Rhone pedigree.

First up is a white Cotes-du-Rhone that is quite the over achiever. Made with a majority of Grenache Blanc along with dollops of Clairette and Viognier, this CDR has a bit of a superiority complex since it really desires to be Chateauneuf Blanc. Aged in stainless steel and concrete tanks, mid-to-full, aromas and flavors of stone fruits (nectarine, white peach) along with subtle spice, rose petal, anise and orange peel flow immediately after pouring. Broad yet balanced, there is classic white Rhone fullness but with a pure, vibrant, mineral finale. Enjoy this over the next few years with salt cod, braised cabbage dishes, Indian cuisine and aged goat cheeses.

2016 REMELLURI RIOJA
LINDES DE REMELLURI 'SAN VINCENTE
[reg. $34.99]
SPECIAL - $21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

One of the great estates of Rioja and made by one of Spain's most prodigal makers, Telmo Rodriguez, Remelluri itself has history that reaches back to the 14th century. Telmo’s father Jaime founded the modern estate in 1967 and this is where Telmo got his start. After his work at Remelluri, he departed and made a significant name for himself in Spain's wine scene and a few years back returned to his family's famed estate.

This particular Rioja's name reflects its origin (borders of Lindes) of San Vincente, which is a more arid climate and produces wines of power. Sexy, pleasurable aromas. Toasted cinnamon, roasted herbs, licorice, flowers and blackberries. Only French oak is utilized so there are some alluring nutmeg tones beneath. The texture is caressing, palate engaging all while being broad and rich. Gains more strawberry aspects around the edges; harmonious, harmonious and more harmonious with fine-grained structure. The finish is velvety, full and long with notations of cocoa. Unbelievably tasty now, it can be had with a plethora of meat dishes, but it will also age well, too. Drink it now through 2033.

2022 GIOVANNI ALMONDO ARNEIS
'VIGNA SPARSE'
$16.99 BTL./$101.94 - SIX PACK

The Almondo family has been farming this land for three centuries but Giovanni Almondo was the first to make wine. His son Domenico started producing wine in 1980 from grapes that his papa used to sell off in bulk. By 1984, he was selling to the US, Switzerland and others and the reputation of the estate soared. Now led by his two sons, Federico and Stefano, these wines continue to impress. Based in Monta in Piedmont’s Roero region, these are some of the finest white wines emerging from this famed region.

Fresh off polishing off a bottle of the new 2022 over the weekend, I'm taking the stand and going to TESTIFY just about how good it is. Classic, beautiful aromatics of white peaches and flowers lead into a rich, mouthful of citrus fruit and spice. Often times we talk about wine with food, but this one tastes just great on its own. If you are going to enjoy it with food it is all about fish, preferably white fish done with a citrus marinade or fruit salsa or it can easily make for a perfect aperitivo.

2021 TEDESCHI VALPOLICELLA LUCCHINE
$16.99 BTL./$101.94 - SIX PACK

A new arrival from our friend Riccardo Tedeschi and his family. In uncertain times like these, we are all looking for drinkers that qualify as ‘don’t think, just drink’. Escapism if you will. This white wine from outside of Verona is perfect for this category.

Tedeschi’s Lucchine is classic Valpolicella without being Ripasso so its profile is all about freshness and vibrancy. A total charmer possessing violet, vivacious dried raspberry fruit and a tangy, persistent finish, it is a perfect wine to go with hearty pasta dishes like stuffed shells or lasagna and consumed in copious amounts.

2018 PEIQUE BIERZO 'RAMON VALLE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

97 Points Best in Show at the 2020 Decanter Magazine World Wine Awards...About a month ago we featured the entry level Bierzo from this fabulous producer but for now until it sells out, we are highlighting the old vine version called Ramon Valle. Located in the Northwestern “inland corner” of Spain, because of its geographical isolation, ringed by mountains with an Atlantic-influenced climate at high altitudes, the wines of Bierzo give rise to a distinct terroir of great nobility which suits the Mencia grape just fine.

This is a red for the decanter with deep brooding smoky, gamey aromas that quickly open up to warm, inviting flavors of marionberry, blueberry, pepper, dried mountain herbs and deep spice. Full and round in the mouth with high-toned red fruit offering balance to the deep and sinister side. Braise something or just pop one open for a night of hearty fare but do not forget to give this big red some air, you will thank us. Drink over the next decade.

2020 ECHOLANDS 'RUBRUM'
WALLA WALLA RED
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

At Echolands, one of Walla Walla's very mighty newcomers, there is no mucking around with the wines; they avoid so much of the sameness of high PH levels and ooey, gooey jam that seemingly is the stereotype of the area. These wines reveal sophistication and harmony yet never sacrificing depth, flavor or character.

The new arrival 2020 Rubrum is 40% Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot that is solely from Walla Walla fruit. Reveals exquisite dimension and depth of aromas from the moment it is poured. Lushly structured and integrated, this wine shows blackberry, cassis, subtle spearmint and allspice aromas with flavors of ripe plum and dark chocolate carrying to an earthy, spicy finish. Delicious in its youth but will age nicely through 2033.

2018 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
'ARLEY'S LEAP'
$49.99 BTL. - 24 bottles available

The library has been open and we are re-releasing two cases of a wine from Cameron that has long been sold out. The Arley’s Leap program changed after John created a wine in 2016 called Julia which is made from the Martin Ray clones that were planted at Abbey Ridge 30-something years ago. In 2018 given the scant quantities of what was from two barrels of that block combined with a barrel of Pommard clone Abbey Ridge planted in 1975 and a barrel of old vine Clos Electrique.

Only 100 cases were produced, the 2018 Arley's is palate coating, full-bodies and oh so very open knit now. The first aromas almost transport you to Pommard with its alluring, penetrating perfume of lavender, turned earth, rose petal, smoked black raspberry, plum herbs and subtle meaty tones. Cerebral and very suave, there are layers of sophistication and grace in the mouth. Super-material on the drawn-out finish that is even-keeled and just waiting to unleash itself. Killer juice from one of Oregon's masters and one that ages beautifully. Drink through 2032.