Hot Sheets

Everybody's "secret find" within the Cameron line-up of Pinot Noirs is alas not much of a secret any longer, in fact, this is one of the pinnacle wines that John does. As we have been watching 2010 as a vintage here in Oregon, it has been quite thrilling to see these wines continually to add dimension and depth as they sit in the bottle and turn into something very special. Always the last of the Cameron wines to be released, the Arley's Leap is from Abbey Ridge fruit, specifically a block of vines that are originally from clippings from the Clos Electrique vineyard that were planted on a hillside above the original vines in 1990.

The 2010 Arley's is palate-coating, and destined for stardom with cellar time. The first aromas almost transport you to somewhere in the Cote-de-Beaune with its alluring, penetrating perfume of lavender, turned earth, rose petal, smoked herbs and subtle meaty tones. Cerebral and very suave, there are layers of sophistication and grace in the mouth. Turns inward and tightens on the back end, revealing that this needs another 2-3 years in the cellar. Super-material on the drawn-out finish that is even-keeled and just waiting to unleash itself, the vinous, mouth-coating, finesseful texture that is present on the entire palate truly belies its 12.3% alcohol level. Cameron's top wines are always built to age and this is no exception, put this one down until sometime next fall and then enjoy and watch its development for another decade-plus. Killer juice from one of Oregon's masters. Bravo!!

When it comes to Oregon Chardonnay there is most definitely a surge of terrific wines bursting on to the scene and without a doubt the godfather of this movement is none other than Cameron's John Paul. Forget about your old past impressions of lean-mean-green Oregon versions of yesteryear and also forget about the pound of butter laced with earwax and nuked with oak California versions, our finest Chardonnays are expressions amongst themselves and if anything, take a cue from Burgundy. Look at these as though you'd look at our Pinots, the best Oregon Chardonnays are being done in small lots and most often specific sites.

The latest version of John Paul's Dundee Hills is a tremendous value. The 2011 puts forth detail, poise, richness without being burdensome or ridiculously high in alcohol, this one comes it at 12.5?. Certifiably dangerous, piercing, steely, beautiful mineral scents dominate this offering along with a robe of lemon and apple tones. In the mouth it is energetic with plenty of depth and substance which all carries over to an expansive finish that beautifully lingers. Drink this offering with fresh trout, halibut or a whole roasted chicken jacked with mushrooms. If scores are your thing, this has 90-91+ points from The Wine Advocate.

Since 1989 Sylvain Fadat has been delivering wines from the Languedoc region that have been inspirations for following generations who together have launched Languedoc into the terroir-obstacle course that it is. For a short time, we are offering a tempting special on one of M. Fadat's terrific wines. From limestone soil, the Lou Maset cuvee is a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, 5% Syrah and 5% Alicante Bouchet. Penetrating crème de mure, thyme and anise aromas fold into a texture that is supple, lacy and chock full of spicy garrigue and mineral tones that are classic to the area. Always a delight at 18 but at 13, this can become your Wednesday/Thursday red. Drink with lamb or other carnivorous delights.

Long-known as a popular stop for Walla Walla wine visitors, Tamarack has been producing top-quality wines since 1998 at their airport location which is a renovated World War II firehouse and it's been several years since we've offered this limited-production, 100% Cabernet Franc. Combining masculine and feminine personality traits, there is a presence of both structure and silk. Stylish strawberry, mocha, tobacco, tea-leaf and peppery aromas do a slow-build from the glass. Engaging, succulent and mouth-filling with plentiful bursting red tones which are enhanced nicely by earth, red licorice and Indian spices. Quite enjoyable now but this will also age nicely for 6-8 years as well.

Only bottling their own wines since the mid 80s, Cantina Taburno consistently turns out some of the best bang for the buck wines in Southern Italy's Campania region for both red and white wine. The red wine in question here is their ultra-delicious Aglianico. Aged partially in stainless steel, large Slavonian oak and small French oak, this wine has just the right amount of polish and smoothness without compromising the character and soul of the grape varietal. Buckets of licorice, hints of tobacco and tea leaf with touches of violet, plum, saline and cocoa on the nose. Sumptuous entry than gains its classic steely notes. Good build-up and form carrying over to the generous, pure finish. Pair with eggplant parmesan or a roasted pork loin done Alla Napoli with tomatoes, garlic, rosemary and green olives.

Generally regarded a top producer in Austria, Willi Brundlmayer makes meticulous, ethereal wines on all levels. Known for his prowess with Gruner Veltliner and Riesling, this young producer also makes quite a splash with his red wines from native varietals. 100% of the Zweigelt grape (a cross between Blaufrankish and St-Laurent, a native varietal linked to Pinot Noir) and offering ample aromatic and flavor profile. Blazing and alive, medium weight aromas and flavors of raspberry, spiced earth, hints of anise and pepper; maybe acting like a hypothetical cross between an unoaked Barbera and Côtes-du-Rhône, especially on the smoky, savory finish. Clean and food-friendly, this will pair well with sausage or a piping hot bowl of pasta in a marinara sauce. Coming in a slightly larger 1 liter bottle, we encourage you to consume copious amounts…at least while it's available!!

Friulano (the grape formerly known as Tocai Friulano) is a white grape that is native to the Northern reaches of Italy and believed to originate in the Veneto region, a neighbor of Friuli, where this grape and selection thrives beautifully. A unique white wine experience, Ronco di Blanchis's version shares gentle herbs with sea-driven, salinous aromas along with quasi-lemongrass and perfumed nectarine aspects. The texture itself is clean, unoaked and provides lots of coverage along with tense, twangy dryness, especially on the vibrant, savory follow-through. Try with Proscuitto di San Daniele which is a classic match. It will also work well with a smorgasbord of shellfish, too.

I only became familiar with these wines last year and it was with the less-than-stellar 2008 vintage, however, even in tough conditions, I noticed that this producer did good things and the subsequent years would make this producer one to take notice of. The 2009 is upon us and the future is now because this 100% Northern Rhone syrah is a stunner! Exciting, fragrant textbook cool French syrah characteristics of plum, olive, engaging toffee/graham and nicely enhanced by an undercurrent of sanguine and mineral. Ample power here from the vintage but is light on its feet with lively high-tones which hold it together very well. Sneaky backbone and a presence of burst and compactness on the persistent but youthful finish indicates that this can age. Ifyou wish to uncork now, do decant but for best results wait about 18 months and drink through 2019.

All sorts of styles of wines are made within the Jura region of Eastern France. Macvin du Jura wines come in both red and white and are late harvested and fortified with Marc de Jura, and aged in oak barrels. Château D'Arlay's white version is 50% Savagnin and 50% Chardonnay aged 3 years in oak casks and then spiked with one-third of the Marc which is aged 7 years. While sweet, this unique offering has impeccable zestiness to go along with the intensity. A fragrant spice note rides along with scents of wild flowers, dried grapes and orange, clove, walnut and anise…in the mouth it is powerful, rich, layered and very alive and drawn out. This is one I'd actually do with darker chocolate due to it being less sweet. If you aren't a choc-oholic, then try it with Roquefort or perhaps a ripe Cave-aged Gruyere.

Château D'Arlay is one of the oldest vineyards in France with records stating that grapes and wines have been grown here since the 12th Century. The Macvin Rouge is a complete different animal than the Macvin Blanc. Made with 100% Pinot Noir and aged 1 year in cask then spiked with the one-third Marc which only is aged 4 years vs. 7 for the white. Very persistent, this dessert wine has buoyancy to go along with the tempting aromas and flavors of dried raspberry, griotte cherry, caramel and almonds. Full and intense but also possessing lots of brightness this wine screams for milk or white chocolate…as mentioned with the Blanc, if you don't wish for chocolate, have it with Beaufort or Comte cheese (if you can find a good one here in town).