Hot Sheets

1.) 2010 EYRIE PINOT GRIS ESTATE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
All praise due to the father of Oregon wines, David Lett! A few years back we lost this icon, but his legacy lives on through his son Jason. David and Diana Lett established The Eyrie Vineyards in 1966, with the first plantings of Pinot Noir and chardonnay in the Willamette Valley, and the first Pinot Gris in America.

Characteristics, styles, pricing and quality of Oregon Pinot Gris are all over the map, however one thing that can be counted on is Eyrie's benchmark will ALWAYS be among the best. Brilliantly priced at 13 bucks, the spectacular 2010 stands out for its complex minerality and smoky notes that are followed by ripe yellow apple and spice which fill the steely palate out with beautiful balance and an uplifting freshness on the finish. A perfect match with salmon, prawns and roasted chicken.

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2.) 2010 MAS DE LIBIAN CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE
"BOUTS D'ZAN"
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
One of the most complete vintages that Bryan has ever seen in the Southern portion of the Rhône Valley, 2010 seems to almost be a new version of the renowned 1990 vintage. Not only are we seeing the seamless aspects in grand wines such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but its formidable qualities extend to the likes of Côtes-du-Rhône.

Mas de Libian is located in the foothills on the way to the Ardeche, this is a bastion of a Côtes-du-Rhône area which in the past had often been overlooked. The Thibon family has been farming and making wine at Mas de Libian since 1670. Fast-forward to modern-day, we have a generation who is keen to pay respect to the earth, vines and wines. The 2010 Côtes-du-Rhône is named after Zan, a particular licorice that comes in bits (bouts). Average age of 35 year old vines are utilized here and there are no magical winemaking tricks. 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, this sophisticated monster emits aromas of jammy strawberry, tea leaf, Thai spices and black licorice. Texturally layered with excellent movement and penetrating depth especially on the lengthy, broad finish that snaps back after the wine is swallowed and pleasantly hangs around. No problem for aging for 3-5 years, but with its flavor impact and smoothness, it can be enjoyed within 3-5 minutes after pulling the cork with slow-braised lamb or a simply prepared grilled porterhouse spiked with garlic and coated with black pepper.

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3.) 2009 RAMEY NAPA VALLEY CLARET
$37.50 BTL./$450.00 CASE

95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah & 1% Merlot.

What we love most about David Ramey's sterling wines is that this is a guy whose wines are built more to express balance, structure and richness more than just following the normal Napa trend of overripe flavor and alcohol. No shortage of intensity and depth here, this predominantly Cabernet-based blend really beams with Napa Valley character. Cassis, black cherry jam, tinges of dusty earth, mint and anise gracefully float from the glass. Supple, luxurious and mouth-coating; dry and owning submerged muscular backbone. Long and lingering, this wine has serious material to age nicely through to its 15th birthday, however there is a lavish core of fruit that make it alluring early-on, especially if one were to decant an hour before consuming.

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4.) 2011 CANTINA DEL TABURNO FALANGHINA
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
The white wines from Campania are some of Italy's finest and possess character not found virtually anywhere else on the sunny peninsula. Cantina del Taburno always makes wines that represent fabulous value and their 2011 is no exception…Classic Falangina grape qualities abound!!! Enlightening, fresh and complex aromas of fresh chalky mineral, mandarin, anisette, sheer earth and delicate white flower billow out from the glass. Intense and attractively sassy in the mouth with a tense contrast of melon and blood orange fruits that enhance the ravishing mouthfeel and white spice finish. Have this electric white with simply prepared grilled white fish drizzled in olive oil with salt and pepper.

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5.) 2009 CHÂTEAU VILLARS FRONSAC
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
After visiting France this past March, I returned from visiting Bordeaux with renewed passion over the region's wines…however, I stand by the statement that I've preached and will continue to preach: "Bordeaux's excitement isn't with the Classified growths from the Medoc…these people are sniffing glue when it comes to setting prices!" Who really is buying and even drinking these $200+ wines?? Frankly they're never going to be consumed, only traded like commodities.

Fortunately for us in the real world who drink wine vs. looking at their labels and values, there is a plethora of fantastic offerings in the $20-$50 range that soar in quality and can age nicely. Château Villars is from the Fronsac region, located in close proximity to the famed Pomerol. Vines here are in limestone-dominant soils around clay and in the right hands, can deliver lots of bang for the buck. Chateau Villars is one such producer who is commonly referred to as one of the real finds of the area. The newly arrived 2009 is smashing-good and follows suit to this great vintage with its regal depth and personality. Ruggedly handsome and masculine, this wine possesses dense aromas of blue fruits, forward mineral/ironstone, graphite and spiced earth that are packed and need some cellar time to really unfurl. Penetrating and streamlined, ample fruit and support are present along with some killer undertones that have yet to fully materialize. Lay this one down until 2015 and drink it through 2025. A real steal for 25 bucks!!

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6.) 2010 GRAN SASSO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Hearty, fruity, spice-laden and full of fun, this wine possesses way more spirit than many 10 dollar offerings from Italy can ever achieve! From Abruzzo and named after the famed mountain range in this area of Central Italy, this hearty, generous red may well be the Wednesday Wine Of the Summer! Low-yield intensity from its opaque color to the penetrating notes of black plum, ripe cherry, espresso bean, licorice and lavender, this meaty and exotic creature maintains a satisfying roundness and beautiful balance with a heartiness that fills the mouth with deep and fleshy yet vibrant red earth tones dominating the smooth and succulent texture. The finish is very pure and savory making it the perfect red for slow cooked meats, aged cheeses and substantial pasta dishes.

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7.) 2010 FINCA REBOREDA RIBIERO MENCIA
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
Owned by famed Albariño producer, Morgadió, Finca Reboreda is from Ribiero, a region also in Galicia, but more inland and slightly warmer. Here the Albariño gives way to grapes like Treixadura and Louriero and red grapes, specifically Mencia, ripen here quite well. Typical of most reds from this region, it is fully unoaked and running at lower alcohol (12%). Unlike many reds from Ribeiro, it has substance and is devoid of being shrill, lean and mean. Plenty of flirty red cherry, aromatic herbs, sandalwood and mineral on both the nose and in the mouth, this flavorful, fresh red will pair nicely with salamis, cured hams or flashier fish dishes. Easy to quaff and even easier to enjoy.

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8.) 2009 DOMAINE HAUTS-CHÂSSIS CROZES-HERMITAGE
"LES CHÂSSIS"
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
Franck Faugier is a disciple and long-time friend of the King of Crozes, Alain Graillot. The wines here are expressive, full of finesse, layered with fine fruit and above all, display rock-star aromatics. All of Franck Faugier's 12 hectares of vines are located in the heart of the Crozes-Hermitage single Cru of Haut-Châssis, hence the name of the Domaine. Les Châssis Cuvee is Faugier's top wine made from 50+ year old Syrah vines coming from the warmest portion of the vineyard with coarse sand and stones in the complex soil along with a mix of clay and limestone. A sensuously spicy nose of violet, mocha, Havana tobacco, cacao, nutmeg, black cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry and game rolls into a youthful firm resounding mouth civilized by tannins made soft and silky in the maturing process. This is very typical of 2009 and is built to age. Hold on to this beauty and enjoy it 2013 – 2022+.

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9.) 2010 BERGSTROM PINOT NOIR "SHEA VINEYARD"
$44.99 BTL./$269.94 – SIX PACK CASE
2010 is a classic Oregon Pinot Noir vintage and after recently tasting through the line-up of Josh Bergstrom's Pinot Noirs, I can clearly state that these are some of the finest that he has produced in his illustrious time as the mind behind this perennially popular estate!

Maintaining the force that Shea always delivers, version 2010 is so well-honed that there is an impressive level of smoothness of suaveness that keeps inviting one to take in its beautiful aromas. Speaking of which, violet, jasmine, kisses of anise, vanilla and smoke flow and build as the wine opens in the glass. Chock full of succulence and palate-seducing flavors, fine intensity combines with grace and silkiness. Firming up on the finish right now, this wine will easily develop and drink exquisitely for another decade. If you like Bergstrom and like Shea, jump on this now, inevitably some reviewer will get his or her hands on it, give it a fat score and it will then disappear into the wind…