Hot Sheets

No your eyes aren't messing with you on a Monday. Yes this is a $22 Barbaresco from famed importer Kermit Lynch that I had a chance to taste last week. Is it Giacosa Santo Stefano, produttori Asili or Di Gresy's Camp Gros? The answer would be no, but then again it is many times less expensive and isn't just a knockoff Nebbiolo with Barbaresco slapped on to the label, it's damn credible and well done indeed.

Located in Mango in the heart of Moscato country, the majority of the Tintero family's production is with this grape but they also have others plated for various dry red and white wines including their treasured 2½ acres of Nebbiolo in the Barbaresco village of Neive. Babaresco 101. For those who love the great grape of Northern Italy, nebbiolo, and for those who want to make their initial foray into Piemontese wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, this is the perfect launching pad. It also doesn't hurt that it's from 2010 which is a prolific Piedmont vintage. Exuberant and forward tones of strawberry, licorice, tar and vibrancy show off lovely depth and Barbaresco class. In the mouth, it is stylish, luscious and mouth-crawling with earthy flavors and a savory, bright finish. Very pleasurable with slow-roasted dishes, drink this most excellent Barbaresco value over the next 6-8 years.

It isn't hyperbole to state that Tony Soter has been one of the profound influences on American Pinot Noir and wine in general. From his days as founder at Etude in Napa, there has been no shortage of sheer awesomeness from this guy. Having returned to his birthplace in 1997 to concentrate on Pinot Noir, he and winemaker James Cahill have set about on a fantastic voyage and are making some of the most outstanding wines in the Willamette Valley.

North Valley is a Pinot Noir which focuses on blending fine vineyards from the northern portion of the Willamette Valley. For vintage 2012, vineyards include Vista Hills, Momtazi, Beacon Hill and Zena Crown. Known as the first Pinot in the Soter line-up, the 2012 is far beyond that of mere "entry level". Always an enjoyable pinot in its youth this beauty offers signature full fruit which rolls over into alluring aromas of red and white flowers, apple blossoms and violets. Lacy red berry aspects coat the palate melting seamlessly with complex flavors of smoked, cinnamon, peppercorn and a hint of vanilla; plenty of depth and expansion with telltale Soter balance all the way through to the cassis-laden finish. Enjoy now through 2021+ with roasted rack of lamb, grilled pork tenderloin and any mushroom dish.

Not your ordinary Cotes-du-Rhone but one from the great Cornas masters! From the cooler climate, 45th parallel Northern Rhône Valley and 100% Syrah, this fascinating, refined and aromatic specimen is made with portions of declassified Cornas as well as older vines surrounding the region. If you like numbers it also possesses a 90 point review from The Wine Advocate.

Plenty of vivid aromatics are present with loads of plum, tea-leaf and dark chocolate underlying graham-like spices and smoked olive from the granitic soils. Lacy, crunchy and dry red in the mouth, one feels the seduction of the region as the wine touches and coats the palate but never gets heavy or obnoxious. Lively and very deceptive with its extension and ground pepper tones. Do this one with grilled chicken or pork over the next 4-6 years. If you like the finest of the Rhone, order this one immediately!

A fun-filled favorite Rioja value and possessing an almost ruby nose of blue flowers, roasted earth, raspberries and strawberries, this Spanish red exudes the class of something that should cost a lot more.

Fleshy and fresh in the mouth with just the right amount of spiciness from the vineyard site, it's smooth and plush without pretension and makes for a wonderful, everyday drink. Have it with a range of cuisine from cold meats to roasted chicken or fish stews.

The mythical status for this wine has been around for the entire 20 years that I have lived in the Northwest.

Always a top-draw, the Figgins family make wines that truly deserve their lofty status in the Walla Walla and Washington hierarchy. The 2011 follows suit. Typical thunderous Leonetti Cab. Deep, dense and very long-lived. As you can see, not much is available. First come-first-served!