Hot Sheets

013 MAZZEI CHIANTI CLASSICO
'SER LAPO' RISERVA
[reg. $29.99]
$23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PACK

From the same producer who produces Fonterutoli Chianti Classico comes this outstanding Riserva that is without a doubt, one of the finest Riserva Chianti values that I have seen in quite some time. With this offering the Marquis Mazzei celebrate their notable ancestor Ser Lapo, author of the first official document mentioning “Chianti wine”.

A truly fine bottle of wine with smoked morellino cherry, roasted herbs and licorice adding to the aromatics, the single most impressive thing about this red is that the deep aromas present on the nose are echoed in the mouth, making it a truly deliciously and incredibly honest bottle of Tuscan red. Have this versatile Chianti with grilled steak or a hearty Bolognese and Reggiano. A great one to have around the house for gatherings, as it shows like filet mignon for ground beef prices. 2013 is an apex Tuscan vintage and this wine can be drunk through 2024. If scores are your thing, 92 from Wine Advocate and 93 from Decanter.

2016 CAMP MERLOT
SONOMA COUNTY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

The Camp wines are made by Hobo Wine Company, the same folks in California who make Parts and Labor and whose philosophy is to make wines that are not high-octane and supercharged. Following suit, this Merlot comes in at 13 degrees alcohol and is entirely from fruit that comes from Sonoma, 68% from Alexander Valley and 32 % from Sonoma Valley.

Aged in neutral oak barrels, trademark boysenberry Merlot aspects shine on the nose, with hints of well-defined tannins and mineral notes that complete the picture. Plush and luscious with plenty of earthy structure and character in the mouth. Plenty of extension and unlike back in the day with wispy and well-marketed Merlot, there is some seriousness and excellent dimension proving that this grape is back and should have never left the wine spectrum. Drink this tasty number over the next 4-5 years.

2016 ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI
TOSCANA ROSE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

By now, many of our friends know the back-story of this tasty dry Rose that happens to come from one of our friends and favorite Chianti Classico producers. This wine should be called Chianti Classico Rosato since the grapes all come from the specific single vineyard of San Marcellino within the Classico zone. Alas, there is no such designation but nonetheless, it is flavorful, distinguished and full of pleasure especially as we have moved to the winter months. Yeah, I know, you only should drink Rose when it’s warm. Well, I call bulls*** there because wines like this go very well with food and carry well into the following summer. Moreover, if you want warmth, turn your furnace up tom 84 degrees and pour a glass or six!

100% Sangiovese and consistently hailed as one of Italy's finest pink wines, there is ample aromas of bing cherry, savory herbs, lilac and spiced earth. Full-flavored yet very illuminating and brisk with wonderful extension; enjoyable now until the new arrival lands in late summer. Fine now with seafood dishes and especially fresh crab.

2014 CHATEAU LA PEYRE
HAUT-MEDOC
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE

A top flight, non-classified Saint-Estephe estate, Chateau La Peyre produces two wines. Of course, they make a brilliant St-Estephe but they also produce one hell of an over delivering Haut Medoc wine from plots that are just outside of the Saint-Estephe border. Best yet is that while not the grand vin, its best attribute is that it is half the price.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot & 5% Cabernet Franc. Deceptively complex aromas; brilliant blackberry, tobacco, hints of leather, North African spices and savory herbs. Well-honed and nicely poised. Plenty of penetration and a dash of licorice arrives on the earth-tinged finish to bring about more depth and personality. Beautiful cushion allows this wine to be accessed early but there will be no problem to age, drink and enjoy its development over the next 8-10 years.

2015 CASA SANTOS LIMA
'BON VENTOS' TINTO
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE

Here we go again with another crazy value from a crazy wine region. Like their value-minded brethren from other areas of the world, Portugal is producing yummy wines that won't break the bank and will lead you to our favorite mantra, don't think, just drink! Hearty, ripe and full of spicy plum and herbs along with enticing scents of mocha. Mouth filling, juicy and flavorful, this wine is perfect for everyday sipping with everyday meals.

2015 RESONANCE PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK

One of the most exciting developments in Oregon has been the acquisition of the superb Resonance vineyard by Louis Jadot from Burgundy. Even more thrilling is that longtime Jadot frontman/winemaker, Jacques Lardieres is in Oregon and overseeing the viticultural program.

Sourced from two estate vineyards, Resonance (Yamhill-Carlton) and Decouverte (Dundee Hills and formerly known as Gehrts Vineyard), this wine is such an expression of Oregon terroir with Jadot and Lardiere’s deft touch. The new 2015 is quite an impressive leap from the delicious 2014. A deep yet engaging bouquet of exotic spice, violet, black cherry and earth. The palate is concentrated with juicy dark cherry and blueberry but never becomes heavy. The older vines that make up this Pinot allow for spohistication with ripe tannins, wonderful acidity and a lingering complex finish. A bit compact, it could use a year or so to come around but if you can't wait, it will pair beautifully with a rack of lamb and hearty mushroom risotto dishes. Drink 2019 – 2026+.

2015 CLOS LA COUTALE CAHORS
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

It is still amazing that we can sell this wine for 15 bucks. Aside from small increases and currency fluctuation, this wine’s price has remained very steady for almost two decades.

Cahors is a favorite with the locals throughout France, and especially in the brasserie and bistro. This honest, full-bodied, and very French red works perfectly with anything that is bad for you. Confit, pate, bleu cheese, pretty much any sauce that has been reduced and finished with a half-pound of butter. Mainly Malbec with a little Merlot dropped in for suppleness; it is chewy, ripe and possessing plenty of firm edges as well. Unless you are a bit masochistic, this is not a wine for sitting around and having a conversation on politics. It cries out for food...Hedonistic and soulful food.

2015 D. VENTURA RIBERA SACRA
'VINA DO BURATO'WINE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

The Galicia region of Ribera Sacra (sacred banks) is home to some of Spain's most exciting and unique wines. Working this land is extremely difficult with the terraces in some parts so steep that all the grapes are brought down using dumb waiters.

100% Mencia from the single vineyard of Burato and with 80+ year vines, this is a unique, flavorful, detailed 12.5% alcohol red wine that is aged entirely in stainless steel tanks has plenty of impact. The result is a wine of dark red color and offering an intensely aromatic nose of red berries, minerals and dried flowers. Firm redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors possess admirable energy and a sappy quality, picking up light tannins with air. The succulent and very soil-driven finish features a deeper cherry-pit quality and outstanding length. Drink this obscure, yet delicious offering through 2021 and pair it with a bevy of pork dishes, especially Jamon Serrano.

2006 TAITTINGER BLANC DE BLANCS
BRUT 'COMTE DE CHAMPAGNE'
$183.00 BTL.

‘The 2006 Comtes de Champagne is striking, especially in the way it brings together elements of ripeness and freshness in a hypothetical blend of the 2002 and 2004. Smooth and creamy on the palate, the 2006 is all about texture. There is a real feeling of density and weight in the 2006, qualities I expect to see grow with time in the bottle. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. The 2006 has been nothing short of magnificent both times I have tasted it. Comtes de Champagne remains the single best value (in relative terms) in tête de cuvée Champagne. I suggest buying a case and following it over the next 20-30 years, which is exactly what I intend to do. There is little doubt the 2006 Comtes de Champagne is a magical Champagne in the making. – 97 POINTS – VINOUS’

FRIDAY SIPS

Galet-des-Papes Chateaueuf-du-Pape
Special Guest – Blandine Mayard

FEATURED WINES:

2015 Galet-des-Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition
2015 Galet-des-Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition ‘Vieilles Vignes’
2004 Galet-des-Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition ‘Vieilles Vignes’
2001 Galet-des-Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition