Hot Sheets

Not only is Pietro Ratti debonair and a gentle Barolo soul, he is one of the best storytellers in all of Piedmont with a great sense of humor. A long-time friend, Pietro Ratti has been producing exquisite wines for almost 20 years since taking over for his father and if you have ever have the chance to meet him and taste his wines, you will see slam-dunk evidence that they truly take on his personality - very gentlemanly stuff! The grapes for the Barbera are grown amongst some über-famous Barolo vineyards in the La Morra district. 2012 is proving to be classy for Barbera and this sultry offering is no exception.

Laden with smoked blackberry, violet, dark chocolate and underlying perfumed earth on the nose, there is considerable dimension throughout. Lots of depth and personality, but all with classic, racy fresh aspects that hold it all together. Perfect fall/winter wine that will enliven any hearty Italian-inspired dish.

November is always a blazing time of year for new release Oregon wines and there won't be too many better than these wines from one the state's most sought-after, influential and top-level producers. John Paul of Cameron has been working in Dundee for 30 years and his limited production single vineyard wines are epic every year but given a vintage like 2012, holy moley!! Normally these wines don't make it on to the weekly musings but John was a bit more generous with an allocation so folks will have a chance at them. Don't be fooled, there isn't much available and these wines will sell through in rapid fashion.

The new 2012 is youthfully packed and primary-toned with frontal lavender, violet, licorice and an underbelly of perfume and earth. Finely formed with a beautiful core of ripe-textured fruit upon entry. Plenty of cushion but this is very deceptive with the wine clamping down in mid palate revealing that it will age stupendously. Briny acidity present, ample spice, quite stuffed and very fluid throughout, especially on the driving finish. Young now, this wine is destined to be very special. Hold until 2017 and drink through 2028+.

Like Clos Electrique Pinot Noir, Abbey Ridge is equally as profound. Exciting but tight-knit nose that goes from introvert to extrovert and back and forth.

Hints of Valhrona chocolate but with sneaky perfume and a whole heap of raspberries and red earth. Very fleet-footed and full of sophistication with awesome old vine depth. Vertical and all in mid-palate at this point but over time this wine will expand and really spread out. A real teaser that keeps one tuned in, this is definitely a long-ager and will be a grand vin indeed. Drink 2018 – 2030.

One of the true rarities from Cameron is the Clos Electrique Chardonnay. Very little is ever produced and this is only the second time I've ever featured it on one of our hot sheets.

Built to go, the 2012 is slightly androgynous with primary citrus and butternut scents along with a prolific undertow of wet stone and mineral. Spice on entry, super-expansive and then firms up into a ball before deciding to stretch out on the finish. Another Cameron collectible and only a dozen bottles are available. Drink 2016 through 2026+.

Oscar Aragon's Cillar de Silos wines have been a revelation - these are not light and simplistic wines. Rather the broad nature of the fruit is massaged into a structure that seduces the palate, caressing the tongue with an almost velvety texture. The presence of the resulting coolness from the Northeastern Ribera del Duero terroir leads to wines of depth along with balance and freshness.

100% Tempranillo, Cillar de Silos's Joven de Silos is aged without the use of oak barrels and is vivacious and fruit-driven with aromas of redcurrants and raspberries plus a touch of clove spiciness. The palate is medium-bodied with flavors of soft cherries, spiced plums and crushed red fruit complimented by a subtly supple and long, round finish. Enjoy with lamb chops and garlic mashed potatoes and say, "Amen, I am healed".

The 30-something Jean-Francois Merieau is doing amazing things in a humble wine growing area. Taking his cue from other organic producers in the Loire Valley, this guy really has the chops with his farming and his wines are some of the most soulful and beautiful that we work with.

100% Sauvignon Blanc from old vines located in the Touraine region of the Loire Valley, classic chalky aromas formed nicely around ardent yellow apple, vibrant mandarin and grapefruit scents provide thrills and chills. Plenty of underlying mineral with old-vine depth presence along with intense saline-like briskness, especially on the electric, vinous, lasting finish all come together and make this an ultimate value French Sauvignon Blanc.

Sainte-Croix-du-Mont is a hidden gem of a dessert-wine producing region and one that delivers a nice sweet-wine experience for not a lot of money. Located just across the river facing Sauternes and Barsac, the same grapes (Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle) are utilized in the production of the area's wines. Sainte-Croix-du-Mont truly possesses one of nature's strange wonders. Perched a panoramic plateau comprised of vast fossilized oyster beds, which give it an exceptional terroir, Chateau Bel-Air's version is from the estate's oldest vines and is a truly delicious glass of golden nectar.

2010 excelled mightily for dessert wines. Enticing, very forward with honeyed earth, full botrytis, dried peach and ruby grapefruit fragrances; in the mouth it is full, round, supple and precocious with fine spices, a drawn-out finish and optimum acidity which cuts through all of the stuffing. Very accessible now through 2018. Drink it with peach/apricot desserts. Roquefort will probably overpower this one so try it with a less powerful bleu cheese like Rogue Bleu or Bleu D'Auvergne.