Hot Sheets
"BACON' HOTSHEET - Terrific Buy from Long Shadows, Barolo Special, Cotes-du-Rhone Village & more
2010 CUVÉE DU VATICAN CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE VILLAGES
$16.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
From an outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer, the vines for this wine are located right on the frontier of the region and honestly will open some whoop-ass on many higher priced versions. As I have been touting, 2010 is the real deal for this region and on all levels, perhaps the most complete wines since 1990. That being said, across the spectrum, the wines are terrific. Hefty aromas and flavors but without any shortage of freshness or vibrancy. Savory as all get-out; ample currant, fig, black truffle and white pepper. Mouth-filling texture that seemingly can be sliced with a knife!! Layered, fanning out, long finish. Lovable now and over the next 5-6 years.
2009 NINE HATS (from Long Shadows)
CABERNET BLEND
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Nine Winemakers-Nine Hats is the credo of this hearty Washington Red Blend. All nine of the Long Shadows winemakers have their hands in the making of this gallant offering. Made from extra barrels of Feather, Sequel, Saggi, Chester Kidder, Pirouette & Pedestal, the blend is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc , 10% Petit Verdot & 2% Malbec. Chewy, hearty and full of aromas and flavors of chocolate-covered espresso bean, red licorice, plum, black cherry and nutmeg. In the mouth it is sumptuous, palate-staining and assertive with plenty of Asian spices on the drawn-out, lingering finish. A real Long Shadows experience well south of $30 that can be consumed over the next 5-8 years.
GRAHAM BECK SPARKLING ROSÉ BRUT
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
In Oregon, winegrowers have to deter deer or birds from stealing their grapes before harvest. At the Graham Beck Estate in South Africa, their biggest nuisance at harvest is baboons wanting to eat the ripe grapes. This is mainly due to the estate being located next to a large game preserve…imagine if you were a vineyard worker and a lion decided he or she wanted grapes, that could definitely ruin anyone's day!
South Africa's turbulent history has also extended to its wine industry. During apartheid it was pretty much impossible for most of the world to get their wines, but since its repeal, the winemakers have been sharing ideas and exploiting the brilliance that their vineyards deliver. It is easy to want to compare this nation's wines to that of Chile or Australia, but truth be told, they have a personality all of their own. Founded in 1983, Graham Beck was a pioneer in the industry. Unable to import the world's great wines, Graham set about on a course to produce their own versions. With South Africa not having access to Champagne (unless it was brought in via the black market) Graham Beck became a major influence on South Africa's Sparkling wine industry. During these recessive times, we have offered numerous, delicious alternatives to Champagne such as Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé, Jane Ventura Cava and Bortolomiol Prosecco Rosé. We still like these wines very much, but this sparkling wine stomps all over them!!
55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir. Flirtatious, fun and full of finesseful aromas of hawthorn, wild strawberry, subtle brioche and lemon that follows through to a texture that is laden with small, refined bubbles that normally occur in much more expensive versions of the jumping grape. At $17.99, this fizz is an absolute steal.
South Africa's turbulent history has also extended to its wine industry. During apartheid it was pretty much impossible for most of the world to get their wines, but since its repeal, the winemakers have been sharing ideas and exploiting the brilliance that their vineyards deliver. It is easy to want to compare this nation's wines to that of Chile or Australia, but truth be told, they have a personality all of their own. Founded in 1983, Graham Beck was a pioneer in the industry. Unable to import the world's great wines, Graham set about on a course to produce their own versions. With South Africa not having access to Champagne (unless it was brought in via the black market) Graham Beck became a major influence on South Africa's Sparkling wine industry. During these recessive times, we have offered numerous, delicious alternatives to Champagne such as Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé, Jane Ventura Cava and Bortolomiol Prosecco Rosé. We still like these wines very much, but this sparkling wine stomps all over them!!
55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir. Flirtatious, fun and full of finesseful aromas of hawthorn, wild strawberry, subtle brioche and lemon that follows through to a texture that is laden with small, refined bubbles that normally occur in much more expensive versions of the jumping grape. At $17.99, this fizz is an absolute steal.
2008 QUINTA DA AVELEDA DOURO TINTO
"CHARAMBA"
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE
For several years, Quinta Da Aveleda has consistently put forth some of our favorite Portuguese white wines including their amazingly delicious Vinho Verde. Since we're now thinking red, we decided to dabble with some of their tinto selections. First up is this over-the-moon 8 dollar dry red from the Douro region which is better known as the home of Port. Utilizing Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional (same grapes for the famed sweet Port wines), hearty aromas of pronounced chocolate-covered strawberry co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, finely placed oak and sneaky minerality. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to the arousing finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.
2011 YALUMBA "Y" UNWOODED CHARDONNAY
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
A completely unoaked Chardonnay from one of South Australia's legendary producers, this cool number is clean, lifting and very fresh with yellow apple, lemon and subtle pineapple tones. In the mouth, there are no plump butterball aspects - just refined, elegant and mouthwatering flavors that perform way above its inexpensive price point. Drink this lively Chardonnay at any gathering or with simply prepared seafood dishes.
SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE ITALIAN COLLECTIBLES
2008 PIAGGIA CARMIGNANO "IL SASSO"
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
2008 PIAGGIA CARMIGNANO "IL SASSO"
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
The region of Carmignano is to Bolgheri what the latest fashion trend is to innate style. When you've got it, you've got it and you don't have to follow drinking trends or trends at all because you are the one setting the pace. Located northwest of the city of Florence, unofficially the region is noted as being the first "Super-Tuscan" since Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & other Bordeaux varietals have always been permitted for blending with the native Sangiovese. This region is home to serious big red wines that deliver a lot of bang for the buck and for the longest time, Ambra and Cappezzana were regarded as the finest two producers. In recent years the upstart grower Piaggia has really overtaken these two dynamic producers and have become the benchmark wines for the region. "One of the best wineries in the region of Carmignano, rather, in Tuscany. – Gambero Rosso"
The 2008 Il Sasso is remarkable. Not as grand as the Riserva listed below, it will still outshine many other producers' top wines! We love it so much, we call it a "Super-Duper" Tuscan!! 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and offering up intense aromas of smoky violet, cassis and raspberry liqueur, with hints of balsam, underbrush and cinnamon. Full-bodied, chewy, well harmonized flavors that show silky tannins that are gobbled up by the beautiful, ripe fruit. A pure and expressive offering from a leader in Tuscany and one that while irresistible now, will give more pleasure with age. Drink through 2018.
The 2008 Il Sasso is remarkable. Not as grand as the Riserva listed below, it will still outshine many other producers' top wines! We love it so much, we call it a "Super-Duper" Tuscan!! 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and offering up intense aromas of smoky violet, cassis and raspberry liqueur, with hints of balsam, underbrush and cinnamon. Full-bodied, chewy, well harmonized flavors that show silky tannins that are gobbled up by the beautiful, ripe fruit. A pure and expressive offering from a leader in Tuscany and one that while irresistible now, will give more pleasure with age. Drink through 2018.
2008 PIAGGIA CARMIGNANO RISERVA
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
The 2008 Riserva is Piaggia's top wine and in this fine Tuscan vintage, they have truly outdone themselves. 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc & 10% Merlot, seriously warm and deep almost brooding aromas of roasted earth, coffee, anisette, red licorice, cocoa and savory spice shine from the glass. Ever refined and sophisticated in the mouth with fine-grained tannins framing the potpourri of complex aromas and flavors, this is a pure, superbly crafted, honest to goodness Tuscan red that will age easily for 15+ years. Allow this to age at least until its 5th birthday and then enjoy over the next decade with marinated and braised meat dishes. A true wow wine from Tuscany!
2008 MARCARINI BAROLO "LA SERRA"
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL PRICE - $39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK CASE
93 POINTS - THE WINE ADVOCATE
93 POINTS - THE WINE ADVOCATE
For those of you who don't know the Barolo wines of Marcarini, open your textbooks and get to learn them! OK, so maybe we are being a little chippy in our approach, but this is one of the most consistent and sublime estates in Piedmont and one that Karen and Bryan have been working with for well over 2 decades.
Of course we also have to mention that these apex traditionally expressed wines are ALWAYS rated very highly and with their limited quantities, they always fly out the door. We ordered a bit of this on a pre-sell back in Spring, hence the great price. If silky, seductive and downright sensual Barolo is your style you aren't going to want to miss out on this age-worthy wine.
"The 2008 Barolo La Serra comes across as soft, fragrant and feminine. Sweet red berries, mint, rosemary and licorice develop in the glass, adding further complexity and nuance. The La Serra is deceptively medium in body, yet it boasts fabulous length. The finish turns just a bit fleeting, but not enough to detract from the wine's terrific overall balance. The La Serra will appeal most to readers who enjoy the delicate, feminine side of Barolo. It is a striking Barolo from Marcarini. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. – 93 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE"
Of course we also have to mention that these apex traditionally expressed wines are ALWAYS rated very highly and with their limited quantities, they always fly out the door. We ordered a bit of this on a pre-sell back in Spring, hence the great price. If silky, seductive and downright sensual Barolo is your style you aren't going to want to miss out on this age-worthy wine.
"The 2008 Barolo La Serra comes across as soft, fragrant and feminine. Sweet red berries, mint, rosemary and licorice develop in the glass, adding further complexity and nuance. The La Serra is deceptively medium in body, yet it boasts fabulous length. The finish turns just a bit fleeting, but not enough to detract from the wine's terrific overall balance. The La Serra will appeal most to readers who enjoy the delicate, feminine side of Barolo. It is a striking Barolo from Marcarini. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. – 93 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE"
