Hot Sheets

2015 DOMAINE DU CROS MARCILLAC
'LO SANG DEL PAIS'
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

For years, many have been trying to figure out France's obsession with Jerry Lewis movies. There are those who will now disclaim this saying that the generation is now a generation removed, but we do not believe it. Perhaps it's Jerry's lighthearted and forward way that totally goes against their nature, however, in some twisted way, the French must think that Jerry has as much soul as James Brown, Sly Stone or even Daft Punk for that matter. What Jerry Lewis lacks in soul, the French more than make it up with soulful wines and nothing gets us more excited than underdog wines from off the AutoRoute regions, and the obscure region of Marcillac is one such area.

The remote Aveyron region is better known as the home for Roquefort cheese but there is delightful, country French wine produced there. The name of this wine translates into ‘blood of the country’ and this offering is a true taste of France’s once famed village life. Very red with aromas of licorice whip, crushed cranberry and mineral, it shows purity and great character. 100% of the soon to be famous Fer Servadou grape, the wine is bright, lively and full of life with a fun finish, it will go beautifully with pate, duck confit from the Laurelhurst Market, Kansas City barbecue (ribs or pulled pork, your choice), perhaps a grilled steak - you get the picture.

2013 CHATEAU STE-MICHELLE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'COLD CREEK'
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK

Lately it seems as though people want to follow the latest trend when it comes to Washington wine and yet they forget just how good the top wines from the most established producers are. Cold Creek is a legendary vineyard site planted in 1973 and year in and year out, Ste-Michelle’s Cabernet Sauvignon always performs way above its price point.

‘The inky colored 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard checks in as 100% Cabernet and saw 22 months in 64% French and American oak. Ripe, sexy, textured and with real density, it gives up lots of chocolate, caramelized plum, vanilla bean, and currant-like aromas and flavors. It has the texture to drink nicely even today, but I’m sure it will keep for at least a decade. – 92 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE’

2013 BLACK SLATE PRIORAT 'GRATALLOPS'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

The Black Slate line of wines are cool and very affordable from one of Spain's great regions that's known more its luxury wines that sell well above 20 bucks. The Gratallops is done by Celler Cecilio and is specifically from the high-elevation village of Gratallops (or as Bryan calls it-Garnacha-Land on the Moon) is a deep, haunting red from black slate soils.

Mainly Grenache with dollops of Carignan and Syrah, the 2015 is smooth, graceful and large-framed, it reveals copious amounts of plum, lavender, black cherry, slate and cinnamon tones that follow into a texture that is voluptuous and substantial. Plenty of lift and structure allows it never to be cloying; it also clings to the palate in a pleasant manner well after the wine is swallowed. Very enjoyable now with an herb-crusted, roasted or grilled pork dish, however it ages impeccably and this one will drink and develop nicely through 2018.

2013 BLACK SLATE PRIORAT 'ESCALADEI'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

From one of two wineries at the foothills of the Montsant, this area of Priorat is completely different from the Gratallops listed above. La Coneria de Scala Dei and revered Priorat winemaker Jordi Vidal produce this religious experience of a red wine that is from vines planted in a combination of slate, clay and limestone soils.

Grenache-based but with Carignan and a small hit of Cabernet Sauvignon, the robe and color are almost like reflective violets while the nose proceeds to offer up cherries, briar, sandalwood and touches of tobacco. In the mouth it is very distinctive, definitely large-scaled, but having symphonic harmony. The fruit and coolness of the soil are very expressive while the tannins are elegant with a finish that presents plenty of amplitude and fine notes of cocoa. This wine can be accessed now and over the next 8-10 years. Have it with game meats, perhaps venison and it will also pair very well with a hearty cheese.

2015 BOTT-GEYL
ALSACE BLANC 'METISS'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

I originally met and visited at Domaine Bott-Geyl with Jean-Christophe Bott in 2000 and have always admired his wines. Over the years there have been numerous changes in distribution and obtaining these terrific white wines hasn’t always been easy so when presented with this fierce, dry, full of flavor white from a distributor who I work very well with, I was beaming with excitement to share it with you.

Formerly known as Gentil, Metiss is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Chasselas, Muscat and Riesling fermented fully dry. With summer taking one good last swing this week, there aren't too many wines that we would rather drink! Smoke, mineral, melon, tangerine and spice aromas lead into a brisk, texture that has a silky influence underneath. Typical of Bott's wines, this wine shows its presence in the mouth, but Jean-Christophe’s philosophy of balance kicks in with lovely balance and refinement. Quaff this wine by itself, with grilled salmon, or sushi, it’s simply delicious!

2016 ANTONELLI GRECHETTO
'COLLI MARATINI'
$11.99 BTL./$71.94 - SIX PACK

A grape of Greek origin that thrives in Central Italy, Grechetto is often utilized in the blend for the other famous Umbrian white wine region, Orvieto, but in the DOC of Colli Martani, it thrives nicely on its own.

The 2016 Grechetto is an Italian slip~n~slide that possesses summery, fresh, leaping aromas of nectarine and stony minerality. Delightful in the mouth with a rich clean middle that is loaded with nervous energy on the back end, it is the perfect wine for lounging by the pool or as an accompaniment for light seafood dishes. Antonelli's Grechetto has a very high "chug factor" that is a must-try for those who like 'em unoaked, blazing and full of spirit.

2015 PAOLO PETRILLI AGRAMENTE
CACC'E MMITTA DI LUCERA ROSSO
$49.99 - MAGNUM BTL/$149.97 - 3-PACK

The new vintage has arrived! Well, it has initially arrived in large format bottles because when our good friend Todd ‘Pancetta’ Bacon visited Paolo earlier this year, Paolo told him he had better order these now because they will sell out first. Never fear, the classic 750 ML format bottles will arrive later this year but for now and for any large gaggle of friends at an Italian-themed dinner, this is an impressive bottle in both quality and size to pour.

60% Nero di Troia, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Montepulciano, 15% Bombino and Paolo has proclaimed it as one of his finest versions of Agramente. This unique Italian red is a majestic value. Hearty like other S. Italian red wines, there is a unique and pleasant smokiness that permeates throughout. Crushed berry, licorice and spicy earth compliment the smokiness nicely and carry over into a texture that possesses plenty of generosity along with spirited tanginess that is so very Italian. Seemingly, the natives of Northern Puglia pair this wine with lamb dishes although it will work with meatballs, eggplant parmesan or a semi-spicy, tomato-based pasta.

2015 VIETTI BARBERA D'ALBA
'VIGNA SCARRONE'
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK

Our friend and favorite Piedmont maniac, Luca Currado is back with a new vintage of one of the regions’ finest Barbera wines! Scarrone is a super-special site for Barbera. A single vineyard in Castiglione Falletto, that if it were planted to Nebbiolo, it would be called Barolo. Year in and year out, this Barbera confirms its terroir and after a few years bottle age, you think that you are actually smelling Barolo.

Vintage 2015 was warm and this is a quality very conducive to the elevation of Barbera and especially Scarrone. The 2015 offers glorious levels of concentration as well as a scintillating, sensual nose of smoke, blackberry, cherry, and strawberry jam intertwined with licorice, violet, and barbecue spice. Vinous, curvaceous and sexy, it is impossible to resist, especially with the echoing, snap back, long, elegant finish. There is a lot of beauty to this wine now and we whole-heartedly recommend opening it, but do put some away because it will easily age another 10-12+ years.
Single Vineyard Vietti Barolo including several hitting 96-100 points, email for pricing and availability.

2014 LEONETTI CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WALLA WALLA
$114.99 BTL. - LIMITED

The bus is about to depart! Last Call Leonetti Cab. One of Walla Walla’s legends, Leonetti has amped up their game even further since 2002 and now are producing unprecedented quality with their great wines. When it comes to Leonetti's releases, wine lovers are constantly like the paparazzi on the red carpet, waiting impatiently, just to get a shot at their favorite superstar. There are only a few of these starlets available, so if you want 'em, get to us quickly. The 2014 is yet another remarkable offering from Leonetti. Very generous with its plum and black currant flavors, swirling with jasmine, rose petal and vanilla flavors, and echoing fruit, spice and floral notes on the long, supple finish.

FRIDAY SIPS

Pre-Holiday Montalcino & more Tasting

FEATURED WINES:

2016 Bott-Geyl Alsace Blanc
2012 Caprili Brunello di Montalcino
2015 Caprili Rosso di Montalcino