Hot Sheets

2015 PAOLO SCAVINO
NEBBIOLO LANGHE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

In existence since 1921, this estate has always been a proud player within the Barolo village of Castiglione Falletto. From the late ‘80s until the mid-‘00s, the wines followed a trend of being made in a sleek modern style with an abundance of small French barrels. As trends come and go, this style of Barolo and Piedmont wine has fallen out of fashion and sisters Elisa and Enrica along with papa Enrico commenced on a reversion to tradition but with all of the knowledge that was picked up while being a modernista. I love to refer to these wines as classic, but clean.

The 2015 Nebbiolo comes from two single vineyards in the Barolo village of La Morra, Bricco Manescotto and Annunziata. This particular village always accentuates the aromatic, seductive side of the grape. Persistently aromatic scents of strawberry licorice, rose, tar and spice follow through to a finely detailed texture that is essence of what Nebbiolo is and should be. Classy and thought provoking, elegant and full all at once, this classy red can be consumed over the next 6-8 years. Have it with braised lamb or beef in a red wine (preferably Nebbiolo) sauce.

2016 FOXGLOVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

One of our favorite California Cabernet values is back and with plenty to say. Made by Chardonnay specialists Bob and Jim Varner, the Foxglove wines consistently overachieve and drink well on an every evening basis.

The fruit for this wine comes solely from Paso Robles. Comprised of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot & 2 % Cabernet Franc. Rich cassis tones dominate with lots of depth and character that are quite impressive for a wine at this price level. Telltale Paso cocoa powder is present on the lengthy finish makes the wine call out for something exotic from the grill. Not to worry if you don't have food, it is a fine glass of Cab for anytime consumption and will drink well for 3-4 years.

2016 MALAT GRUNER VELTLINER
KREMSTAL 'FURTH-PALT'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Michael Malat is one of Austria’s Kremstal region’s most prolific producers. In all ranges, this estate produces wines that excel from the moment that they are poured. On the entry level, these offerings are also widely renowned as one of Austria's great values given the apex quality that shows in the bottle.

Seeing many excellent versions from other growers, Malat’s 2016 Kremstal Gruner Veltliner is one of the finest under 20-dollar versions that I have tasted in quite some time! 12% alcohol, complex and flavorful with fleshy almost candied pear, smoked spices, and electrified minerality. If you are a fan of terroir-driven whites from around the world, do not let one more day pass without trying this fabulous white. Will pair with everything from roasted fish with savory herbs, grilled sausages all the way to ginger packed tom yum soup.

2015 MALAT PINOT BLANC
WACHAU 'AM ZAUM'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Here at the Cellar Door, Bryan, Karen and Bricco have quite the taste for good Pinot Blanc. When we are able to obtain versions from places that are not on the normal Pinot Blanc trail and are done by magnificent producers, we get doubly excited. Michael Malat’s prowess with white wine goes beyond Gruner and Riesling.

At 12.5% alcohol, this expressive Pinot Blanc balances forward and creamy fruit with intense and showy terroir notes of minerality and stone. This wine really shows off the aromatic side of Pinot Bianco with forward aromas of nose-tickling minerality, creamy pear, pineapple and soft cardamom spice all from the site and varietal. Michael Malat’s version of this grape planted in hallowed Gruner territory is clean, mean, and full of high-octane gasoline. (…Just kidding about the gasoline…) and will pair handsomely with white meat, roasted chicken or a nice fish like sole done in a light sauce.

2016 MARTHOURET SYRAH
COLLINES RHODANIENNES
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Last call for a very fine St-Joseph producer's delicious everyday Syrah. 2016 is the seventh vintage that we have featured for this wine and like the previous versions, it is a formidable value that tells the excellent story of the vintage.

With this Northern Rhone wine, Pascal Marthouret has a very straightforward vision; the production purely delicious Syrah, that is expressive along with an very fair price tag. His 2016 Syrah is well portioned and fruit forward with notes of raspberry, cassis and white pepper. Generous with creamy fruit upon entry which planes into minerally vibrancy, this wine is a remarkable value. A wonderfully versatile red to bring to friend's homes, especially when you are not sure what they will be serving for dinner.

2015 ORNELLAIA 'LE VOLTE'
TOSCANA ROSSO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Here is a chance to have a Super Tuscan experience from a legendary producer at a fair price. Tenuta Ornellaia is very famous for its namesake wine as well as the uber scarce Massetto, both of which are well north of 100 bucks. Le Volte is a creative blend that is imminently accessible and is a great way to indulge in one of Italy’s legendary producer’s wines without having to take a second mortgage out on your house.

2015 is a dreamy vintage for Tuscany, especially along the coast. 67% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon & 13% Merlot and fully voluptuous, this offering reveals savory and intense plum and blueberry tones along with underlying Eastern spices, Italian herbs and gently placed chocolate-y oak notes. Creamy, layered, engaging and mouth filling there is no doubt that this will appease a diverse crowd of palates and will carry well to the table with its regal undertones. Drink this beauty through 2023 with beef or lamb dishes.

2016 KELLEY FOX
PINOT NOIR 'MIRIBAI'
PRI$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASECE

Decidedly inspired by the old world, particularly Burgundy, Kelley Fox’s influence from her time working alongside David Lett at Eyrie is very evident in her elegant, precise and very ageworthy Pinot Noirs that are consistently in Oregon's top echelon. Make no mistake, this is one of the finest producers in Oregon and her wines excel, especially as they age. Utilizing grapes from two specific, top-notch Oregon sites, Maresh and Momtazi, Kelley made a change in 2015 deciding to have the Mirabai come from fruit solely from Maresh, lots and sites that have more immediate access and don’t go into the minute production single vineyard wines.

The brand new 2016 is now available and it is one of the most exciting versions of this wine to date. Compact aromas of lavender, pepper, violet, rose, cherry and underlying herbs show nicely on the nose, however, do not be fooled, while it is tasty now, a little bit of time will reveal even more. In the mouth, the vinous aspects of the older vines shines through rolling into an ethereal texture that is chock full of Maresh and Dundee Hills character. As mentioned, there is early charm here but this will undoubtedly unfold into something very special in time.

2008 LA RIOJA ALTA
RIOJA RESERVA 'VINA ARDANZA'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

For vintage 2008, this is the 75th anniversary of this iconic Rioja. Always a devout traditional wine and producer, La Rioja Alta exceeded expectations in this sneaky-fine vintage. Incredibly undervalued, the current release is 2008, and is a brilliant wine.

Here the color is amber-ruby and the wine is more akin to a fine Barolo or Burgundy than a full-on cab or plush merlot. Insane complexity and finesseful aromas of dry-rub spices, melted cherry, aromatic tobacco, mineral, vanilla bean and red licorice. Sensuously textured with lovely ripeness and cushion, this wine crawls, teases and pleases throughout the mouth all the way to the long, ethereal brilliant, high-toned finish. Stunning now and will easily age another 10-15 years as well. Our supplier scored a bit more of this amazing, old school Rioja so we are offering it again for those who may have missed it or for those who want some more. Serve it with a slow-roasted leg of lamb or pork tenderloin, it is a match made in heaven. If you need scores for reassurance, 95 points from Decanter Magazine.

FRIDAY SIPS

The Piedmont Posse

FEATURED SELECTIONS:

2013 Mauro Molino Barolo
2016 Mauro Molino Barbera D’Asti ‘Leradici’
2015 Paolo Scavino Nebbiolo Langhe
2016 Olim Bauda Gavi