Hot Sheets

Introduced as a second label to Woodward Canyon in 1998, the Nelms Road cuvee of younger vine fruit from many of the same Woodward Canyon sources always provides a delicious experience that can be accessed immediately. 2012 is being touted as quite the head-turning vintage for Washington's wines and this wine will provide a terrific early-drinking opportunity while you wait for Woodward's big wines to come to fruition.

Non-stop vanilla and cocoa notes which are wrapped around buxom black cherry, smoky oak, cola and creamy milk chocolate which all virtually glisten the instant the wine is poured into the glass. On the palate, there is lots of style here with nice flowing dense tones, excellent weight and the typical steadfast, mouth-crawling flavors that one comes to expect in these excellent wines. Layered, forward and accessible; enjoy with a variety of beef dishes and more. Drink through 2019.

Reuilly is very much an unknown name when it comes to pink wines and wine in general. Located about an hour west of Sancerre, it is one of the real sleeper regions of the Loire Valley. More known for its 100% Sauvignon Blanc white wines, most don't know that there is a small amount of Rosé that comes from the region. It is also one of the world's most intriguing Rosé wines due to it being made with 100% Pinot Gris.

Pinot Gris is normally thought of as white, but in actuality, it is a grey, slightly pink grape. When left on its skins the resulting wine comes out rather pink. Nothing like any Pinot Gris or Grigio that you would have, it is 100% terroir-driven and soil-laden. Seashell, lanolin, solid perfume, floral and strawberry tones shine on the nose and the wine's texture is rather substantial and layered, but with no shortage of briskness and brace. This is very stereotype-breaking stuff! Drawn-out, linear, very salinous and with a slight hint of spice, pair it with ceviche, grilled prawns or goat cheese.

Sottimano is one of the leading producers of Barbaresco and who specializes in top-level Cru wines from the village and vineyards of Neive. Interesting enough is that their delicious entry Nebbiolo actually comes from a prestigious Cru site in Nieve called Basarin which borders the third of the 3 Barbaresco villages, Treiso and is aged 14-16 months in cask, hence "Adolescent Barbaresco".

Full on licorice whip, porcini mushroom and fresh earth aromas dominate the nose and follow through to a classy and beautifully balanced texture which allow it to carry over to the dinner table and although the warmth of the 2011 vintage has added an extra cushion of fruit, this isn't really one to slam back on its own. If you consider yourself a foodie and want to have a wonderful experience for not a bunch of money, get some of the wild mushrooms that are just starting to sneak into the farmers markets and try a bottle of this with risotto or pasta con fungi. Enjoy now and over the next 3 to 5 years.

I recently re-tasted this stellar longtime Languedoc favorite that I have been buying, selling, cellaring and drinking for over 20 years and it didn't disappoint!!

60% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre, limestone soils combine with cool and warm winds along with the surroundings of thyme, laurel and rosemary unite to have significant presence on this underrated gem. Big-time color and aromas of mure (essentially wild plum – no real English translation), white pepper and aromatic herbs. Classy, ripe and showing stellar old vine intensity, spice, roasted earth and all-around Mediterranean warmth that makes you think that you are on holiday in the South of France. A perfect accompaniment with a braised shoulder of lamb with aromatic herbes de provence. Like the Rhône and the rest of France, Languedoc experienced a magical 2010 vintage and this wine will drink well and develop through 2018 and probably even longer.

If there were ever to be a case to quantify a California Chardonnay as being Grand Cru, Mt. Eden's Estate cuvee would certainly be deemed as one of the top contenders. Simply put this is iconic Cali-Chard and is one that ages like a beast. The scion material for this wine was planted by Martin Ray in the 1940s and 1960s high up on the Santa Cruz Mountains and over the years this wine has attained legendary status, especially since the estate limits the production to anywhere between 1000 and 1200 cases.

The 2010 Estate Chardonnay shows why Mount Eden is regarded as one of the apex predators when it comes to this varietal. All of the great Burgundian techniques are practiced all while maintaining California roots and material. Rich aromas and flavors of orange, churned butter, smoked hazelnut and an underlay of vanilla spice, this is definitely NOT "Cougar Juice"! The opulence is nicely buffered by a lively streak of mountain minerality that makes it succeed with balance where so many others in California fail. As previously mentioned, this wine ages impeccably. Enjoy over its first 4-5 years with sautéed scallops or lobster then another 10 afterwards with more sauces and soft-ripened cheeses. Also, if scores are your thing, this one has 95 points from Antonio Galloni's Vinous Media.

Since we're in an iconic kind of mood today, following up Mount Eden's Estate Chardonnay with one of the most famed Champagne house's stellar vintage cuvees was a pretty easy decision to make. Alas this wine isn't inexpensive, however we are down to the last 5 six-packs of the eye-popping 1999 vintage and when the 2002 arrives this is going to take one hell of an unhappy price increase that will take it north of $160 retail. Translation, if you want to experience something special in Champagne then get some of this one now.

Earlier this year Billecart-Salmon released this offering and after the 2000 vintage because they felt this wine needed a bit more time in the cellar for better development. A wise decision because this Champagne is very mighty indeed. In 1964 this vintage bubbly was created as a tribute to the Billecart-Salmon's founder, Nicolas-Francois Billecart. 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from Grands Crus sites from both the Montagne de Reims and Cotes-de-Blancs and with vinification being done in one-third oak casks enhances the complex character of this fine, regal and rich Champagne. Insanely extravagant and luxurious, this is a champagne of perfect balance and great staying power. Accents of lily, honey, brioche and toasted nuts shine within in its powerful bouquet. The taste is crisp, graceful, rich and possessing lasting flavor that recalls notes of saffron and cinnamon. Delicate and enduring effervescence, this is a champagne with apex aging potential, but who can resist it now!! Spoil yourselves - we insist!