Hot Sheets

You're never alone with a Cotes-Du-Rhone, and this one is a heist beyond belief! Upgraded after the 2005 vintage to Cotes-Du-Rhone Villages status, the area known as Massif D'Uchaux has long been a sleeper, but recently growers such as Arnaud Guicharde have put forth extra effort and are making exquisite wines which really reflect their sand, quartz and chalky terroir.

Organically farmed, this 2010 merits all of the accolades that this superb vintage has been receiving, and then some! 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah. commanding, yet very diplomatic and harmonious. The extra level of intensity from the vintage is immediately noticeable. An array of complex perfumed aromas of with spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and raspberry dominate the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure provencal! Penetrating and inviting density, the slightly cooler temperatures and higher elevation bring forth nice lift and freshness, especially on the minerally, exotic spice-laden, drawn-out finish.

91 POINTS, THE INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR
It has often been said that once Gallo enters a wine region, the halcyon days are over. Gallo didn't fully enter the northern sub-region of Rias Baixas of Val do Salnes to produce wine under their own label, they did however start working with Martin Codax and now the wines from this famed co-operative bottled under the Codax label which Gallo represents are now absolutely undrinkable and one step up from ant poison.

Fortunately for REAL wine lovers, importer Eric Solomon still does his Burgans through the same co-op and it is like night and day versus the selections labeled Martin Codax and those selected by Solomon and sold under the Burgans label. Always an unbelievable value and a great way to introduce or re-familiarize yourself with Albarino, Burgans is a great selection.

Aromas of ginger, flint and flowers glisten on this thirst-quenching white. Dry and focused, it also displays intense aspects of blood orange, pineapple, lemon, ginger and minerals. Joyously, medium-bodied with vibrancy and a long, mineral-dominated finish the 2012 Burgans Albarino is fresher than the Prince of Bel-Air and fruitier than the Man from Del Monte, and even more invigorating than an ice-cold plunge into a Mt. Hood lake! If you need ‘score reassurance', this one nailed a 91 point score from the ever-conservative scoring publication, The International Wine Cellar.

Greek wines are no longer just Retsina, many super examples of non-resinous reds and white wines are emerging and Kir-Yianni is one of this nation's star producers. 25% Xinomavro, 25% Syrah, 50% Merlot, Paranga is a charming, unoaked red with both native and non-native grapes.

Hearty and rather individual with blackberry, wild spice and an undercurrent of red earth which comes from dense clay soils. Soulful, luscious, palate-coating and an joyful match with just about any lamb dish.

Wines from Sicily and particulary those from Mt. Etna are quite popular with Italian wine geeks and enthusiasts. The famed producer Tasca D'Almrita, probably best known for their Regaleali wines, has taken the Etna plunge and now has vines on the famous volcano. Unlike many wines from this high-elevation growing area, I like to refer to this offering as Etna 101 due to its immediate appeal and flavor profile. A fine entry way into the Nerello Mascalese grape, this offering is oh so Sicilain, oh so sensual and will have you singing ‘o sole mio!

Irresistible strawberry and currant shine while undertones of mint, spice, licorice and violet join in. Flavorful and harmonious, there is ample vivacity and suaveness to go along with deceptive depth and length. Have with grilled lamb or pork drizzled with good olive oil, meat-filled ravioli or hard Italian cheeses.

Located just north of Eugene, Brigadoon is one of the wineries to look at here in Oregon. A slightly warmer growing area in the southern portion of the Willamette Valley leads to wines that are a bit warmer, rounder, softer and mouth-filling and this 20 buck charmer accomplishes these traits quite well indeed.

Leaping aromas of crushed black raspberry, violet and clove shine brightly from the glass. Stylishly flavored and succulent with an abundance of penetrating fruit along with sneaky structure; the finish is suave and lengthy for the price point with a hint of allspice and cocoa. Drink through 2018.

One of the great estates of Rioja and made by one of Spain's most prodigal makers, Telmo Rodriguez, Remelluri itself has history that reaches back to the 14th century. The modern estate was founded by Telmo's father Jaime in 1967 and this is where Telmo got his start. After his work at Remelluri, he departed and made a significant name for himself in Spain's wine scene and a few years back returned to his family's famed estate.

Following suit of a number of great producers, Telmo has been moving away from ‘branding' as well as from the sometimes flawed Crianza/Reserva system perfering to focus on wines from site. This particular Rioja's name reflects its origin (borders of Lindes) and is the soul of the property. Neo-classical in style, this offering is downright gorgeous from the first moment it is poured. Sexy, pleasurable aromas. Toasted cinnamon, roasted herbs, red licorice, flowers and raspberries. Only French oak is utilized so there are some alluring nutmeg tones beneath. The texture is caressing, palate-engaging all while being broad and rich. Gains more strawberry aspects around the edges; harmonious, harmonious and more harmonious with fine-grained structure. The finish is velvety, full and long with notations of cocoa. Unbelievably tasty now, it can be had with a plethora of meat dishes, but it will also age well, too. Drink it now through 2022.

Back in 2002 Washington wine revolutionary Chris Camarda flipped the bird to the American practice of labeling his wines by the name of the grape, instead he opted to use the Bordeaux influence and labeled them by vineyard site and blending the grapes. He continues to do this to this day and many others have followed suit. Ciel du Cheval is a well-established, super-quality Red Mountain vineyard site that was planted in 1975 and has been quite prominent in the annals of Washington wine history.

52% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Franc, the 2010 is utterly outstanding and is going to age for a hell of a long time. Velvet throughout, this full Washington red is layered, dense and teeming with cassis, smoked raspberry and North African spices. Poised, rich and regal. Beautifully ripe but packed, structured and typical of an Andrew Will wine, requiring cellar time. Impressively sculpted with the old vines really on display, we recommend holding this until 2017 and enjoying through 2028+