Hot Sheets

2016 WALTER SCOTT PINOT NOIR
'LA COMBE VERTE'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE

Word is now out on just how delicious this Pinot Noir is, the Wine Spectator just reviewed the wine and what is left will move through very quickly. No longer can we call Walter Scott a rising star, this Eola-Amity based winery is now an established star. Another statement we should never make is to merely refer to their La Combe Verte as merely an entry wine, think of it as a village level wine in Burgundy blended from various excellent vineyard sites. I taste many producers’ upper echelon wines that are twice the price that are not this good!

2016 is promising to be a superb vintage. Yes, it was warm but the diurnal swings in nighttime temperature helped to make wines of depth, complexity, finesse and structure. Made from a blend of five vineyards including Justice, Sojourner and Freedom Hill, this wine exudes class. Smoked plum, cinnamon, turned earth and hints of licorice shine and impressively penetrate the olfactory senses. Layered and possessing some power, the polished and refined texture is extensive and with the structure and grip submerged. The wine immediately says, "drink me," but with its length and underlying backbone, it can age very well.

2016 CA' LOJERA LUGANA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Located on the south shore of Lake Garda literally on the border of the Veneto and Lombardy, the estate of Ca’ Lojera specializes in Lugana. This white wine region mostly puts forth wines that are consumed in the trattoria of the region, however, Ca’ Lojera takes the wines that are made from the Turbiana grape to much loftier heights than anyone would ever expect.

Armed with engaging aromas of mandarin and honeydew, there is an abundance of underlying mineral in this unoaked white wine that are almost reminiscent of something dry and lively from France’s Alsace region. Plenty of substance but also no shortage of crisp, brisk, sweeping zesty, stone flavors that coat and cleanse the entire palate. An excellent choice for seafood dishes particularly baked or poached salmon in a light sauce.

2016 RUDI PICHLER
GRUNER VELTLINER FEDERSPEIL
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

The name Pichler is synonymous when it comes to Austria and especially the famed region of Wachau. Whether it be Rudi or FX Pichler, these wines perform on an excellent level and are some of the world’s finest dry white wines. The Federspiel offering was one of the most impressive wines that I sampled last week.

Revved up, multi-faceted scents of powdered lime, peppermint, crushed rock and an undertone of melon build from the glass. Commencing with full, expansive fruit in the mouth, the wine's lightning-bolt crisp, zesty mineral characteristics dominate the substantial, clean, firm middle and gushing finish. One with immense potential. Drink over the next 6-7 years with seafood including sea bass or halibut dressed with greens, Indian cuisine based around curry or mild cheeses.

2013 OLIM BAUDA NEBBIOLO
$17.99 BTL./$107.94 - SIX PACK

Even though the Bertolino family are associated with Barbera and based in the Asti region, winemaker Dino (Gianni’s brother) wanted to take on the challenge of the Nebbiolo grape and this led him to the Roero area of the Langhe.

Assertive and classic aromas of mushroom, turned earth, dried cherry, herbs, asphalt and sinister spice lead into a texture that is firmly focused with red fruits dominating and filling the mouth. The finish shows plenty of Nebbiolo grip and verticality as well as a packed, but impressive finish that is very indicative of a classic vintage like 2013, one that is somewhat 1996 or 2004. Drink over the next 4-5 years.

2014 CHATEAU MASSIAC MINERVOIS
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

We often refer to Minervois as an outlaw growing region, particularly since it is so vast, has terroirs that change like an obstacle course, and utilizes an abundance of varietals. Chateau Massiac is quite a staple of the region and one whose wines have both detail and cojones. Located in the North-center area in the heart of the appellation, this cuvee from Minervois is a blend of Syrah and Carignan. The credo at Massiac is expressed so well on this wine - elegance, yet concentration; expressive, but subtle; hedonistic, but cerebral.

The 2014 captivates its audience with black raspberry aromas, which lead to a broad, spice, animalistic, ripe red/black raspberry-packed personality. Warmly textured, lots of palate coverage, yet with fine acids and tannins. Complex, sultry, and crammed with southern French soul, possessing a meaty finish that screams of pepper and herbes de provence. A total lamb wine, drink this killer through 2021.

2015 HAYES VALLEY MERITAGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Located in California’s Central Coast region and produced at Clos LaChance, the lineup of wines from this producer offer formidable bang for the buck. No, they will never be on the likes of Ridge Montebello or Ramey Chardonnay but for 12 bucks, one scores a hell of a lot of flavor and character.

Constructed with all five of the Bordeaux varietals, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petite Verdot, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc & 15% Malbec, this toothsome treat presents boysenberry, dark chocolate, cedar and roasted coffee aromas that follow to a texture that is mouth-filling and full of California smoothness. A perfect wine to serve to a crowd and one that is an excellent cheeseburger choice.

2015 NUGAN SHIRAZ
'THIRD GENERATION'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

A delicious warm-climate red, this direct, honest and unapologetic Southeastern Australia Shiraz is simply a value! Surprisingly concentrated, lush and packed with full fruit on the varietally strong texture. Finishes with plenty of allspice and cracked pepper. Drink on a Wednesday evening with just about anything you would ever think to pair with full flavored reds.

2013 VAJRA BAROLO 'ALBE'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASEE

This particular Piedmontese estate is on a big roll right now. Whether it be their super-luxury Barolo, the Bricco delle Viole (see below) or this value-driven Albe bottling, this family seemingly does no wrong with their Nebbiolo wines.

‘Vajra's 2013 Barolo Albe is beautifully perfumed, sensual and expressive in this vintage, with a bit less overt fruit and more aromatic/structural intensity than is often the case. The style of the Albe has always favored a more succulent expression of Nebbiolo that is quite different from the single-vineyard wines, but the 2013 suggests Vajra may be moving the Albe closer in line stylistically to their other Barolos, which I think is a positive. In any event, there is an element of restraint in the 2013 that is hugely appealing. The Albe is a blend of fruit from Fossati, Coste di Vergne and La Volta aged in 75 hectoliter casks. The Albe may be the single best value in Barolo today. As for the 2013, don't miss it! Drink 2019 – 2033 – 92 POINTS, VINOUS’

2013 VAJRA BAROLO BRICCO DELLE VIOLE
$79.99 BTL. - LIMITED!

Bricco delle Viole is one of Barolo village’s classic and most prized vineyard sites and is the crown jewel at Casa Vajra. Perched at 1250 feet up to 1500+ feet in the hills of Barolo, only the oldest and best vines (60+ years old) go into this limited production Barolo. Once again, this wine is a treasure and has fat accolades.

‘The 2013 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is a real head-turner. Sweet, perfumed, vivid and exceptionally beautiful, the 2013 is simply stunning. A wine of exceptional finesse and sensuality, the 2013 hits all the right notes. Today, the 2013 reminds me of the 2008, but with more depth, density and creaminess - especially through the middle - and slightly redder fruit tones. Drink 2021 – 2038. – 97 POINTS – VINOUS’

FRIDAY SIPS

New Red Releases from Puglia icon Paolo Petrilli

FEATURED PETRILLI WINES:

2015 Paolo Petrilli 'Agramente'
2012 Paolo Petrilli 'Agramente'
2011 Paolo Petrilli 'Ferrau'
2011 Paolo Petrilli ‘Il Guerro’