Hot Sheets

2020 STARK-CONDE CABERNET
SAUVIGNON 'STELLENBOSCH'
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PACK

One of the prime Cabernet Sauvignon producers in South Africa, Stark-Conde’s entry-level wine would be twice the price if it were in Walla Walla or Napa.

Seemingly inspired by Bordeaux and Sonoma, the terroir of Stellenbosch remains at the forefront. Classic cassis, blackberry, chocolate and cedar sprint out front with more of the tangy, red earth aspects that the region is known for arrive and add complexity. Plush and polished with a knockout core of Cabernet fruit that allows for richness yet harmonious bright notes to allow for balance. Lengthy with silky tannins, this wine may be enjoyed now and can cellar for another decade.

2021 CIGLIUTI BARBARESCO
BRICCO DI NEIVE 'VIA ERTE'
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - SIX PACK

95 Points – The Wine Spectator…Barbaresco can be wrongly stereotyped as being lighter than Barolo. Well, let me tell you that I can give you wines from Barbaresco that will bully Barolo and show wines from Barolo that are very refined and sultry. The Cigliuti sisters’ holdings are in very sturdy areas in the Barbaresco region in the village of Neive.

2021 has immense potential and even early on is regarded as a great vintage. This wine for fifty dollars is quite a value for a single cru Barbaresco. Via Erte is from a Cru known as Bricco di Neive. Refined and sophisticated with roses, mushroom and steely-mineral aromas. Rich with nice depth and length and yet holding a presence of structure and wiry, sculpted character. Even though this wine shows a prettiness that is very engaging to smell, its imposing underbelly and compact, focused, long finish will make for an engaging wine in the future. Decant if you want to drink one early but it will ultimately be at its pinnacle 2028 – 2039.

2022 DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK

If the neo-classical Domaine de la Solitude’s Florent Lancon were a neo-soul singer, he would undoubtedly be D’Angelo. These are some of the most stylish, fine, yet full Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines you will encounter.

2022 is a drought vintage but given Florent’s plots, grape selection and blend, this never goes outside of the wine box to become pruny or heavy duty. 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% each Cinsault, Counoise and Mourvedre. Smoked plum, grenadine, kisses of licorice, smoked meat and violet flow from the glass. The texture is youthful and structured but with ample velvety, stylish silky tones that make the wine accessible with a good decanting. Old vine saturation and smoothness presents itself at first then moves into a suave, licorice-laden, extended finish that persists pleasantly with fruit, spice and everything nice. If you like your Chateauneuf young, have it with a grilled steak or sassy Latin-inspired pork chop. If you prefer older expressions, age it for five more years and do a slow roasted leg of lamb, grilled duck breast or any other game dish. Drink this Chateauneuf heist through 2035+.

2021 SIETE VIDAS CANGAS TINTO
'PARCELS SINGULARES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

A show of hands, who has ever had a wine from Spain’s Cangas region? I don’t see anyone raising their arms. Then again, up until last week I was also not able to show my hands because it was the first time I had ever experienced wine from this cool climate region that is the only wine growing area of Asturias. Bordering the NE corner of Galicia, young Cangas native Beatriz Perez is trying to revitalize wine culture in this area and after tasting, she is succeeding very well.

From steep, rocky soils, some slopes at 75 degrees, this wine almost reminded me of an unoaked Saint-Joseph crossed with Bierzo and Etna. Perfumy and fanciful aromas of plum, smoked meat, mineral, hints of violet and pepper as well. The texture is transparent yet with a shapely core of fruit that is pure and very seductive. Have this with pork loin doused with cumin and other spices, roasted chicken jacked with mushrooms or Easter lamb.

2023 HIRSCH CHENAS
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

A tiny estate, Celine and Nicolas Hirsch produce wines from old vines from Chenas. Moulin-A-Vent Chenas and Moulin-A-Vent are neighbors but they couldn't be more different. Chenas always has a cushiony, lacy quality and this doesn't disappoint.

Chock full of cherry, graham, underlying pink peppercorn and plenty of exuberance on the nose, all of these characteristics carry over into a wine that fills the mouth with excitement and flavor, all while never becoming ponderous or undrinkable. Versatility at its finest here, this wine will go with a rotisserie chicken and it will pair well with Vietnamese beef-based dishes, pot-au-feu (French roast beef) and even heartier seafood dishes. Being 2023, there is persistence and depth here but more importantly, it is very accessible and yet ageworthy. Enjoy this Cru Beaujolais with roasted poultry with mushrooms, steak tartare or sausages.

2023 SURRAU 'LIMIZZANI'
VERMENTINO DI GALLURA
[reg. $18.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

From the north end of Sardinia, we have a terrific introductory special on the new vintage arrival of one of our most beloved Italian white wines.

Grown in sandy and craggy granitic soils, sea smoke aromas somersault from the glass followed by fragrant mineral, lime and blossom notes. On the palate, it is crisp, succulent, and ideal for an aperitif around antipasti or as a main pour with a light pasta and shellfish preparation.

2023 CA' GIALLA ROERO ARNEIS
[reg. $18.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Ca’ Gialla is the nickname for Marco Porello’s house and is one of the finest producers in Piedmont’s Roero region. Arneis is a specialty here and this new arrival is a remarkable value that will instantly emerge as a go-to, everyday white wine.

Classic and aromatic from the sandy soils, white peaches and flowers lead into an unyielding mouthful of citrus fruit (notably lime) and spice. Often, we talk about wine with food, but this tastes simply great on its own. If you are going to enjoy it with food we would recommend fish, preferably white fish done with a citrus marinade or fruit salsa, shrimp scampi, steamed mussels with garlic and anise or a nice goat cheese.

2019 DESAFINADO DOURO TINTO
[reg. $14.99]
SPECIAL - $11.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Portugal’s Douro River Valley is home to Port, however, the amount of excellent dry red wines emerging is staggering. One can find luxurious and spendy versions but there is no shortage of value-oriented, everyday wines as well.

Made with the usual grapes (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Roriz aka Tempranillo), it is succulent, impacting and quite boisterous. Lots of violet and blueberry; plenty of depth and dimension. Lingers with earth and spice on the finish. Enjoy this with salami, ham, pizza, Oreos, grilled cheese and more.

2023 BODEGAS LUZON JUMILLA 'COLLECION ROBLE' TINTO
[reg. $17.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Perched at about 1500 feet above sea level, the Jumilla region of Spain is Spain’s thrift store when it comes to above-the-bar quality and impactful reds. This warm-climate region is located 45 minutes from the Mediterranean and is known for the Monastrell (Mourvèdre) grape.

100% Monastrell, there is an extra layer of muscle and meatiness to enhance the juicy blueberry and raspberry fruit. Soft and fun with pepper spice, violet and aromatic herbs intermingling with the ripe fruit in the mouth. The perfect accompaniment for grilled foods, pasta, pizza with meaty toppings (pepperoni anyone?) or soft ripened cheeses.