Hot Sheets

Avignonesi is back!! After a decade in the wilderness, this historic Montepulciano estate is back on form and we couldn't be happier. Last week I had the chance to revisit these wines and was vicariously transported back to the late 80s and into the 90s thinking about their high quality. Well standards are high again here so if you are a fan of wines from this Tuscan area you must have a go at this excellent value.

The history of Avignonesi dates back to 1377, when Pope Gregory XI moved the papal residence back to Rome, some noble families of Avignon left France to follow him. It was at that time, in Italy, that one of those families became known as Avignonesi. Soon the Avignonesi family separated into three branches which settled in Rome, Siena and Montepulciano. It is not known exactly when Avignonesi's cellars were built, but they are among the most ancient in Italy. The 2012 Rosso is primarily Prugnolo Gentile a clone of Sangiovese that is noted for its class and structure. The aromas of this wine are both delicate and intense, with a perfume that is all about Sangio with violet, ripe cherry, anise, cocoa and espresso bean. Harmonious and balanced with a cool equilibrium, plenty of penetration and a vibrant finish. A terrific offering for 20 bucks that will drink well over the next 3-4 years. Now, if you want to step up and see Avignonesi's specialita della casa below…

Instead of making a bunch of different Nobile di Montepulciano wines Avignonesi focuses on two, their long-lived Grandi Annati and this one which is their flagship wine.

The 2011 is a classic beauty that woos you in from the first waft of violet, lush cherry, raspberry and perfectly-roasted Tuscan herbs. This wine is all about smoothness and balance in the mouth with an intense depth of flavor, alluring spice from a deft use of oak and fine grained structure that beautifully frames the rich fruit. The quality is echoed on the finish with the depth and expansion of flavor lingering on the palate. Uncorking one now with a hearty Italian meal isn't a crime however this delicious wine will continue to develop and drink beautifully for 10-12 years.

Analyze to paralyze!! Baumard's intellectual Savennieres is a thesis of the glass. Last week our sales rep Chris who handles Baumard left a bottle at the end of the day and suffice to say I finished it before leaving. One of the great names of the Loire valley and France, the progressive Florent Baumard bottles everything under twist-top, doesn't use wood and prefers to keep his wines at reasonable alcohol levels for the dry wines. Freshness and acidity are of the utmost importance. Bryan had a 7 hour visit to Domaine Baumard a few years ago and after numerous bottles at lunch, Florent stated about the grand region of Savennieres "I hate it! The Chenin never does what it is supposed to, if I were married to it, I'd ask for a divorce but I cannot find the correct lawyer!" Funny as he is, the wines here are very serious and sublime.

The following are my edited for content after drinking damn near a full bottle tasting notes: "From the Cru of Clos St-Yves in Savennieres. Alluring fragrances of granite, mandarin, steel and spiced-tea. Really shows the depth and complexity of the great 2010 vintage. Combines intensity of precision and cut with stellar, high-pitched fruit, precisely focused and depth of low yields and old vines are truly felt. The finish is tactile, crystalline and minerally - and very long! Delicious stuff with fish in sauce." Drink it through 2020+.

If this Cab were made in Napa instead of the Santa Cruz Mountains, had a sexy name and an army of PR idiots it would easily sell for 3 times the price. The reality is that we are all the better because none of this is prevalent with this under-the-radar and over-delivering Cali Cab. From a historical as well as pleasure perspective, the Santa Cruz Mountain-situated Mount Eden Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays rank among the best in California. Their second label is Domaine Eden and like most second labels, there's incredible value to be had and 2010 is quite mighty for pretty much all of the Golden State.

Deep aromas and even deeper flavors it is chock full of cassis, blueberry and violet with spikes of cocoa and mint that seemingly swirl in the glass. The texture is buxom and creamy with lots of sensuality to it. A mineral underlay and deceptive structure will allow this wine to age, however, when you uncork a bottle, it will prove to be very irresistible! Drink it over the next decade. Cheers to Mount Eden for producing a wonderful Cabernet blend that is damn good and doesn't force you to take out a 2nd mortgage to drink a bottle.

Va Piano is a Walla Walla producer who people should really get to know because owner/winemaker Justin Wylie's hospitable approach to receiving visitors really shines through in his most understated and sophisticated wines.

Aged entirely in stainless steel this Sauvignon Blanc is quite simply a tropical treat in the glass. Mandarin, mango, pear and lemon aromas flamboyantly dance from the glass. Brisk and bright in the mouth this wine is meant to really put a smile on your face. A nice layer of intelligence lies beneath the surface, there is some sneaky mineral aspects which allow it to carry to the table very well. Drink with ceviche or grilled prawns.

It was the year 1860 and the local farmers decided to build the sanctuary of Le Salette as an offering to the Madonna when she freed their vineyards from disease and sickness. Today that very same sanctuary is a church which overlooks the village and the locals still believe in the power of that protection. Reading this story got us thinking that maybe we should go up into the hills above The Cellar Door and build a sanctuary to the Madonna, the sun god or Madonna herself, we don't care, just as long as we can keep the sun!!!

On realizing that neither the sanctuary nor the endless sunshine isn't going to happen, we recommend drinking copious bottles of good red wine instead and this soulful Valpolicella from Le Salette is just what the wine doctor ordered for fits of impending sun deprivation. Forward aromas of rich ripe cherry, cinnamon stick, rose pedal and roasted earth fill the glass. The fragrant fruit turns exotic in the mouth with pure red berry and spice bringing a warmth to the uplifting balance and fine tannins. This wine is delicious now and best served with food such as grilled salmon or halibut, red sauced pasta dishes or a simple roasted chicken.

From a superb, modern-thinking Cornas & St-Joseph producer, this 100% Syrah has ridiculous Northern Rhone character for not a lot of money and even more so since the local importer has decided to close out the last bit and move on.

| The 2012 is almost too serious for its price point because it is mostly from young St-Joseph vines. Melted chocolate tones come from the glass adding to a texture that is silky with very good density. Lavender, olive and thyme ride shotgun with classic cracked pepper on the expansive finish. This is delicious juice that should be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years and at this price, is a Syrah for every-evening consumption. Those who e-mail first will score!

95 POINTS - THE WINE ADVOCATE
It's hard to believe that this highly-touted, uncompromising old-school Rioja Reserva is still available and still at the same price!! If you didn't grab any when we offered it 2 years ago we highly encourage you to do so because I get the feeling that this price will increase at some point.

"The 2001 Vina Tondonia Reserva is bridled with a lovely nose of decayed red fruit, fireside hearth, a touch of mulberry and small red cherry. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, crisp red fruits (wild strawberry and cranberry) with a sharp, vibrant, tense, tannic finish that has immense precision. There is a slight saline note lingering in the mouth after the wine has (regretfully) departed. Drink now-2030+. I have adored, indeed occasionally worshiped, the wines of Lopez de Heredia for many years, so I am not ashamed to admit that visiting both their vineyard and their winery was a pilgrimage. Founded by Rafael Lopez de Heredia y Landeta in 1877, it has withstood the tide of corporatization and homogeneity, and epitomizes timeless, artisan winemaking in their own individual, almost solipsistic manner. - 95 POINTS - THE WINE ADVOCATE"

Click for more info from the Grenache Association