Hot Sheets

2024 FORAGER PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

The hype for Oregon’s 2024s is legit. This is going to be a magical, all-time vintage that will age well, however there are several that are open knit. Forager, from Scenic Root Winegrowers who produce wine in Beaujolais, Sonoma, and Oregon have primed yet another delicious everyday Pinot.

Primary plum and raspberry fruit around earth and herbs, flavor wise it is well rounded with balance and depth. The fruit is present but so is focus and finesse. Certainly not a juice box, it is a fun, easy drinker to enjoy over the next 3-4 years.

2019 CHATEAU LOUDENNE
MEDOC ROUGE
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

Very underrated, Chateau Loudenne is located North of Saint-Estephe . Geographically the vineyards are on last major gravel bank of the Haut Medoc with slopes leading down to the Gironde. The proximity to the estuary Is significant in the Château's history as it was a major port for which all the famous Bordeaux were shipped from before heading out to the Atlantic Ocean.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot, this wine captures everything that we love about Bordeaux. Traces of allspice & vanilla ride on top of sleek, very stylish black cherry, tobacco, smoked mineral and soulful gravelly characteristics. Dusty, classic and with penetrating fruit, this gains spice and chewiness as it moves to the mid-palate and finish. Drink through 2030+.

2024 CASA SETARO LACRYMA
CHRISTI DEL VESUVIO ROSSO
$23.99 LITER BTL./$287.88 CASE

A wine with a name and a history entwined with legend: God cried as he found a corner of Heaven stolen by Lucifer. Where his tears fell, there grew the Lacryma Christi vine.

This Campania red is located between Naples and Pompeii. Made from the Piedirosso grape, savory smoke and salt intermingle with red plum, violet and sage. Sensual fruit surfaces on the palate, giving it the impression of being easy, promiscuous, and fresh, but it is more complex than it seems. The finish is spicy and long with the entirety emphasizing freshness. Serve with a slight chill with antipasti or tomato-based pasta dishes.

2021 PAOLO SCAVINO
BAROLO 'PRAPO'
Reg. $106.99
SPECIAL - $79.99 BTL./$479.94- 6 PK

96 Points – Vinous…Vintage 2021 is especially important for the Piedmont region and the Scavino family acquired their two-acre parcel in 2008. Located in Serralunga, Prapo is a steep hilltop vineyard at 370 meters.

'The 2021 Barolo Prapò is fabulous. It offers up an exotic mix of dark fruit, lavender, graphite, plum and scorched earth, with firm, muscular Serralunga tannins to back it all up. Readers will have to be patient with the 2021. It is a superb wine in the making, but very much a Serralunga Barolo that needs time to blossom.' - 96pts Vinous

2022 D'ARENBERG SHIRAZ
'STUMP JUMP' MCLAREN VALE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

From one of South Australia's well-known producers, this McLaren Vale Shiraz is unapologetic in profile.

Classic Shiraz aromas of blackberry fruit intertwined with freshly ground pepper and smoke aromas. Juicy and flamboyant fruit in the mouth, with ground pepper and clove tones adding to the complexity. This is not meant to be a cerebral wine, rather a wine that complements a wide arrange of food. Have it with pizza or a burger with friends or by itself.

2024 NINE HATS PINOT GRIS
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Nine Hats is the approachable value winery from the minds behind Long Shadows in Walla Walla. I always approach Pinot Gris with skepticism, but this won me over immediately with its forthright honesty.

From Horse Heaven Hills, a smoky nose, lemon, melon, lanolin and touches of red fruits mirror the round, sumptuous texture. As it moves, thrusting citrus zestiness materializes, especially on the well-balanced, agile finish. A fine Pinot Gris to pair with halibut, mushroom soup, even spicy Asian cuisine.

BRAZILIER 'TRAD'
BRUT ROSE 'VENDEMOIS'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A show of paws, how many of you have heard of the Coteaux du Vendomois? Okay, that’s not many of you. However, when you order and slam back this sparkling Loire Valley Rose it will boost your sense of greediness, making you want to drink a bunch more.

Traditionally made from the local Pineau D’Aunis (also known as Chenin Noir) grape, this distinctive, dry sparkling rose will be a favorite of yours for the rest of the spring and summer. Minerals and cherries abound with a mouth-filling mousse that is racy, vivid and radiant. If you are tired of the same old summer wines, try this bouncy bubbly, you will be glad you did.

2020 ZILLIKEN RIESLING ESTATE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Dorothee Zilliken’s her infectious personality and joy that she possesses is very evident in her Saar wines from the Mosel region of Germany.

Nine-percent alcohol, arousing aromas of mineral, lime, nectarine and white flowers lead into a stirring texture buffered nicely by its core of depth. Barely a slight perception of sweetness, as it is incredibly well balanced with illuminating mouthwatering acidity from beginning to end. Drinking beautifully now, enjoy this delicious Riesling celebrated by lightness and finesse now through 2030 with shrimp cocktail, spicy sausages, white fish in sauce or even roasted chicken doused in spices like paprika.

2024 PURSUED BY BEAR
CHARDONNAY YAKIMA' TWIN BEAR'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

The name Pursued by Bear is an ode to Shakespeare’s ‘A Winter Tale’ and the Bear is actor Kyle MacLachlin’s imaginary best friend. It also is a nod to his first acting role after college at Ashland’s Shakespeare festival. Originally from Yakima, these wines are not from a celebrity just slapping his or her name on a label, Kyle participates in the entire process. Collaborating with Dan Wampfler, who also makes wine at Abeja.

Twin Bear is Kyle and Dan’s first foray into white wine. Seven months in neutral barrels plus partial malolactic fermentation along with a high elevation Yakima site called Golden View. Richness is present from all the sunlight the grapes receive integration and freshness from the altitude of the vineyard are at the forefront. Apple, peach and citrus fruit shine without being a bucket of butter and a boat plank. Harmony, length and class on the finish make it a fine New World Chardonnay.

2024 TERRE NERE ETNA BIANCO
CONTRADA SANTO SPIRITO
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PK

Marc de Grazia’s Terre Nere is one of the most influential producers on Mount Etna. Even up until 25 years ago, the grapes from these now precious vineyards were used for bulk wines. Instinctually knowing the enormous potential for these sites, Terre Nere immediately showcased Mt. Etna's myriads of terroirs, and others have since followed. With Marc easing towards retirement, he recently sold a piece of the estate to Tuscan legend Frescobaldi and alas, prices will rise in the future.
Santo Spirito is a renowned and sought after single Contrada for both red and white wines. Mesmerizing aromas reveal chamomile and Meyer lemon alongside almond, honey and gunflint. Expansive and very structured with race car precision. Builds depth and dimension, never becoming heavy and extending for miles. Not inaccessible but amazing things are on the horizon. Drink over the next fifteen years.