Hot Sheets

2013 is the vintage of the century for Rose for the South of France!!! Well actually not, we were just trying to catch your attention. Domaine de Fontsainte is a top-level Corbieres producer and as soon as this wine arrives, it seemingly is an announcement of summer. The newest arrival of the Gris de Gris is made up of 70% Grenache Gris and Grenache Noir, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Carignan, 10% Cinsault and is as good as ever!

Fresh notes of strawberry and red currant along with scents of quinine, Mediterranean herbs blitz from the glass and carries over to a texture that really makes your mouth water, with fine fruit, silky texture, and thirst quenching acidity. This goes down way too easily, so stock up, because nothing is better on a hot day (it's coming this weekend!) then a bottle of the pink stuff!

Not only is this Cabernet one of Washington's most outstanding values, it is a consistent performer in garnering accolades. The newly released 2012 is a full-flavored offering from the estate's Wahluke Slope and Columbia Valley vineyard sites.

Sheer deliciousness with good substance and without getting silly with just a bunch of wood, this hearty Washington red delivers currants, blackberry, fine herbs and spices which dominate the nose while a prominent core of mouth-filling fruit pleases the palate. A perfect wine to serve with grilled ribs or other fare…and one that will please a bunch of varying palates!

We are very fortunate to have a last go-round at Marco Rocasoli's impeccable 2010!! Rocca di Montegrossi's entry-level Chianti Classico is undoubtedly one of the top examples at its price point and even more impressive is that this wine often outdoes many other producers' Riserva bottling.

2010 is marvelous for the region and for Marco's wines and this version proves elusive and agile with wonderful morello cherry scents along with mineral, violet and kisses of truffle and wild spice. Harmonious, ample concentration without ever going outside of its borders to become burdensome. Virtually no hairs out of place, this debonair Chianti will develop and provide even further pleasure for 10-12 years.

Lately it seems as though when anyone asks me about the top deals in Cali-Chardonnay, the first words that blurt out are that Calera's Central Coast version is next to impossible to beat for 20 bucks!

As always this walks the fine line of butter and balance. this offering displays ripe, spicy Anjou pear, hints of orange along with pronounced creme brulée tones as well. Round and silky entry leads into a rich, but impeccably balanced profile that has connotations of tangerine, smoke, subtle butterfat and mineral. Finishing with deceptive extension, this wine will pair beautifully with fish done with a slightly spicy preparation.

Another one of our favorite go-to wines, especially as summer approaches is this wild-child alternative to Côtes-du-Rhône that is located not very far from France's Camargue region.

60% Syrah, 30% Grenache & 10% Mourvèdre, vintage 2011 is a sturdy red packed full of alluring violet, sea-salt, lavender, blueberry and cherry fruit along with the classic roasted earth, pepper and a feisty note on the tail end…chewy and ripe flavors expand into a firm and spicy middle then extend into a way above average finish. A great red for grilled steak or spice encrusted pork tenderloin, one sip of this (or some other) combinations will have you grinning ear to ear! Like Eartha Kitt said when she played the Catwoman in Batman - "Simply Purrrrrrr-Fect"

The region of Campania which comprises areas around the city of Naples is home to many good things, including not only pizza and the mafia, but excellent red wines from the Aglianico grape.

Honest, soulful and dressed up nicely without losing its natural beauty, this flavorful red reveals wild berry aromas that are finely enhanced by undertones of tea-leaf, sanguine and chocolate licorice. Bold and firm, this is a wine that is a great introduction to the racy Aglianico grape and lets one know that it is a wine for food, not for cocktail-style sipping. Enjoy over the next year or two with sausage-mushroom pizza, slow-roasted lamb or a spicy-tomato pasta dish.

Felton Road is located on Bannockburn, Central Otago in New Zealand which is the most southerly wine growing region in the world. WOW! And wow is right when referring to these wines because our minds are always blown away by these amazing Kiwi offerings. James Brown couldn't have said it any better – "I don't know Ka-rate, I know Ka-razy"!!

Nestled into small microclimates totally surrounded by high mountains, many of which are snowcapped all year round, Otago sits at a latitude of 45 degrees south; the same distance from the equator as Oregon as well as parts of France, specifically the Northern Rhone. From these immaculate, organically/biodynamically-farmed vineyard sites, Felton Road's Pinot Noirs reveal evidence that they truly are some of the world's finest. Having worked in Nuits-St-Georges in Burgundy at Domaine de L'Arlot, Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter is all about finesse, smoothness and aromatics in his wines.

Lacy red cherry fruit and wild herb start the perfume-parade followed by plenty of exotic spice and a strawberry ending with a lengthy, leggy finish. Let it rest for another 2-3 years and then sit back and gloat with what's in your glass. You're welcome!

At 60,000 cases of total production spread out over 9 different selections, Billecart-Salmon is one of the Champagne region's smaller houses but is also one that Champagne-lovers know so well and one that we refer to as "small but mighty".

Billecart-Salmon's Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc is truly gifted. Coming from 5 top-level Grands Cru villages in the Cotes-de-Blancs, this version of the jumping grape is utterly astounding. Intense and rich with unparalleled complex notes of wheat thin, orange marmalade, truffle, hazelnut, lemon, mineral - the list goes on!!!

Seductive bubbles, yet expansive and sophisticated with a finish that soars into next week! Excellent balance throughout make it a top choice for the finest caviar or mushroom dishes. On its own, you can indulge yourself on one of the most debonair and incredibly rounded Champagne that you have ever tasted. Not too much is more luxurious!