Hot Sheets

Hot Sheet of Exciting Wine Deals!

"SUMMER CACOPHONY" HOTSHEET

2 Highly-Acclaimed under 20 buck reds, Cool Rose, Bergstrom Pinot Noir & more




2010 QUERCIABELLA MAREMMA ROSSO "MONGRANA"
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE


For many years we tended to ignore this Tuscan estate mainly due to the wines tasting too internationalized. A few years back we had to stand up and take notice because owner Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni had a change of philosophy deciding to make wines that reflect the terroir and tastes of Tuscany and by bringing aboard famed Barolo/Barbera producer Luca Currado of Vietti fame, all was established in rapid fashion.

A terrific blend from Tuscany's Maremma region, the 2010 Mongrana is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot and is not the typical overoaked and underwined Super-Tuscan offering. Instead there is enticing and savory aspects and true balance which never allows either of the varietals to overwhelm the others. A flavorful and alluring offering with stellar balance, polished, layered strawberry and violet tones follow into a scintillating, drawn-out pepper and spicebox-tinged finish that refuses to leave your mouth. Drinks great now, but will develop and integrate further through 2017. HIGHLY TOUTED FROM THE WINE SPECTATOR – 90 points & #80 in their Top 100!



2011 PALACIOS-REMONDA RIOJA CRIANZA "LA MONTESA"
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE


Alvaro Palacios has done it again and this time with his most impressive under 20 buck Rioja wine. Not the usual Tempranillo, this wine is based around 70% Garnacha, reflecting the area within Rioja from which it emerges along with Alvaro's passion for this grape.

Beautiful, fragrant aromas present red raspberry surrounded by roasted herbs (rosemary & thyme) and gently placed kisses of mocha. Neo-classical, graceful, but very luscious and fine flavors seduce and assault the palate all at once. Overall density of fruit shows over the structure, which is submerged by all of the vinous aspects. Expands on the finish which shows excellent dimension and Rioja detail, this is a prolific under 20 buck giant killer. Drink through 2018. Like the previous wine, this too comes highly regarded – 91 POINTS FROM THE WINE ADVOCATE.



2013 PIERRE USSEGLIO COTES-DU-RHONE ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE


Over the weekend between explosions that rattled my windows, I was able to experience this outstanding Rose which for me personally has taken the lead as to being my favorite of the summer - so far! Known more as classy Châteauneuf-du-Pape specialists, it's no surprise that brothers Thierry & Jean-Pierre Usseglio also maintain the house sophistication with both their Côtes-du-Rhône and CDR Rosé. Grenache is king at this estate and the grapes for this wine come just across the border of Châteauneuf.

Red cherry, wind-swept herbs, citrus and plenty of violet aromas shout out for you to take a big swig. Completely dry, mouth-seducing and oh so invigorating, it is zesty and bursting from front to back. Brilliant Provencal depth, but with balance and sass, this is scintillating juice from one of Châteauneuf's most prolific estates! Pair this with a number of things. I actually had it with barbecued ribs slathered in fine, imported Kansas City BBQ sauce. Bon après-midi!!



2013 EYRIE PINOT NOIR ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE – LIMITED!


When we feature Pinot Noir Rose done in Oregon it has to pass muster and Eyrie's 2013 has done so with flying colors. This pink treat is a kick-back, hanging-out kind of wine with vivacious notes of bing cherry and red currant on the nose along with underlying dusty, powdery aspects. From the first sip, it really makes your mouth water with sculpted fruit, silky texture, and thirst quenching briskness. With an underlying seriousness here, this can really carry over to the table as your 2nd bottle. Why the second bottle? Because the first will go down so fast that you'll definitely need another.



2011 CHATEAU HAUT-RIAN COTES-DE-BORDEAUX ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE


When Michel Dietrich was here at the beginning of May we were experiencing euphoria over his white, rose and unseasonably warm weather, all which caused his delicious red to get lost. Now that it's been here for 2 months and having had a chance to settle, this wine is doing exactly as it usually does, provides imminent pleasure.

For vintage 2011, Michel produced no Cuvee Prestige, opting to put it all into his classic cuvee. Prominent violet tones surround smoke, subtle tobacco-leaf, hints of fennel and intermittent espresso tones all which take excellent form and present themselves in a deceptively deep manner. Lacy, silky texture with a classic firm Bordeaux middle that builds and flows judiciously into a finish that takes off, especially given its price point. Very versatile with many food pairings, drink it over the next 3-5 years with chicken, rib-eye steak, grilled pork, andouillette sausage, even pizza.



2008 SELLA & MOSCA CARIGNANO DEL SULCIS
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE


Located on the island of Sardinia, Sella & Mosca maintain high quality and even though they are a known commodity on the island and regarded as one of the top producers there, they continually fly under the radar screen of many Italian wine drinkers.

Brought to Sardinia by the Spanish when the House of Aragon ruled the island during the Middle Ages and Renaissance era, the grape for this wine is Carignano (Carignan for the Francophiles). A full bouquet typical of its varietal character with grenadine, pepper, wild herbs and some smoked meat tones that carry over into the exotic, hearty texture that is certainly influenced by its coastal terroir with an abundance of saline aspects. Although it is Italian in name, in all actuality it is something that is individual, adventurous and a magical match with lamb shanks.



2012 BERGSTROM PINOT NOIR "CUMBERLAND RESERVE"
$37.99 BTL./$455.88 CASE


Don't say you haven't been warned! If you want to wait for a score to come out for one of Oregon's most popular producers and vineyard sites go ahead and do so at your own accord because it will be long-gone by the time it hits the press. Unless you've been off the grid and living sans electricity in the outback you have certainly been hearing the hype over the 2012 Oregon vintage. What isn't hype is the smaller than normal production levels which will make these full-flavored wines quite scarce and sought-after.

Cumberland Reserve is the gateway to the world of Josh Bergstrom's Pinot Noirs. Blended from Bergstrom's 5 Estate vineyards the 2012 is outstanding. Revealing a beautiful black cherry robe, the aromas of this wine showcase deep black cherry, blueberry, savory spice, licorice, violet and savory spice tones. The mouthfeel is focused with ample concentration and abound with succulent acidity which allows it to maintain freshness and structure. Already drinking very well now, the 2012 will age effortlessly for another 7-10 years.



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