Hot Sheets

Lowest price ever! Founded in 1983, Graham Beck was a pioneer in the industry. Unable to import the world's great wines because of apartheid and with South Africa not having access to Champagne (unless brought in via the black market) Graham Beck became a major influence on South Africa's Sparkling wine industry.

59% Pinot Noir, 41% Chardonnay. Flirtatious, fun and full of finesseful aromas of hawthorn, wild strawberry, subtle brioche and lemon that follows through to a texture that is laden with small, refined bubbles that normally occur in much more expensive versions of the jumping grape. At 14 bucks, this fizz is an absolute steal. Stock up for the impending holiday rush.

Alain Graillot is the King of all Crozes-Hermitage producers and a Syrah icon whose colleagues include the likes of Chave, Clape and Jamet. We lovingly refer to Alain as a frustrated Cote-Rotie producer particularly because his holdings are in the humble Crozes-Hermitage appellation that smell and taste as though they come from the Northern Rhone's more regal territories.

The 2012 Graillot Crozes-Hermitage is magnificent, but it has a real problem. The conundrum in question is that the wine is almost TOO irresistible! Don't be fooled, this wine will age stupendously. Lavishly smoky with perfumy, aromatic black raspberry, smoked bacon, black olive and roasted coffee permeate from the glass. In the mouth, it is sensual, graceful with excellent richness that submerges the structure. Concentrated and never heavy, there is ample granitic-spice and elevated red tones on the mighty finish. Somehow, this is very accessible. I have been buying, selling, cellaring and drinking these wines since the 1988 vintage and not only are they terrific values, but they age stupendously. Accessible at this point however, it will ultimately be in its finest form 2016 – 2025++. A Grand Vin from a very special producer in a very special vintage!

100% Montepulciano, this flavorful red wine from Italy's Le Marches region along the Adriatic coast is poetic and animalistic all at once. Very exciting aromas of plum, violet, mineral and telltale Montepulciano sanguine aspects build nicely from the glass. In the mouth, it is firmly dry with nice depth and earth tones. Food-friendly, enjoy this sinister beauty with hearty pasta dishes or braised beef.

Not only is Garofoli one of Le Marches most important producers; they tend to usually be mentioned when it comes to Italy's elite even though they make such affordable wines. Both red and white wines are produced here in many ranges. If you love Italian wine values we can't encourage you more to try some of Garofoli's delectable wines.

Having only been in existence since 2009, this Newberg/Carlton-based operation is one to keep your eyes on. There aren't a whole lot of 2012 Oregon Pinots at 20 bucks left and this entry offering will charm the socks off of you!

A textbook Willamette Valley Pinot, there is a good portion of Ribbon Ridge material in the blend. Upon pouring, this alluring number gushes from the glass with lively violet, plum and Christmas spices leap that mingle with underlying earth and tea-smoke all carrying over to a fleshy, lavish, over-delivering texture. Develops spine and stand-up notes on the open-armed finish. A producer with lots of luminosity in the future, and one to drink now, too. Enjoy this bargain Oregon Pinot over the next 4-5 years.

Brunello Bianco indeed! Made by Brunello di Montalcino producer extraordinaire Caprili this white wine simply ravishes the palate. Last year many friends became familiar with this wine but there is one big difference with the new 2013 versus the 2012. The previous wine was a blend of Vermentino, Trebbiano and Sauvignon Blanc, this version is now 100% Vermentino and it is all the better for it!

Captivating aromas of flowers and seashells provide lots of dance from the glass, but also show impressive intensity. Scintillating, refreshing and dry with mouth-quenching intensity and an inviting texture filled with ripe flavors of Meyer lemon, pear and spice. This is sexy juice for the adventurous wine drinker who is willing to uncork their minds and palates. Exquisite with swordfish or tuna.

Spain's road-less-traveled regions are some of the most exciting for high quality and price rapport. Primitivo Quiles is one of Alicante's oldest producers with lineage going back to 1780 and since first offering it with the 2008 vintage, it has become a major player in our under 12 buck red wine category.

Made from 100% Monastrell this meant-to-drink-young number is a dark beauty. Enticing pekoe, blackberry, sanguine and fall spices are nicely enhanced by maple and currant. Velvety and sultry with ample freshness all conveying the essence of varietal and place. Very tantalizing from start to finish, enjoy this wine with grilled sausage, chicken or ribs.

Back in 2012, Wine Enthusiast Magazine named this upstart producer as its Washington Winery of the Year and since then the wines haven't missed a beat!

Scott Southard's humbly named 2011 Columbia Valley Red is a blend of 70% Syrah/30% Zinfandel. Well-crafted, well-balanced initially with full aspects of aromatic plum and red cherry then picking up dusty herbs, blueberry and pekoe all while providing ebullient peppery and smoky characteristics throughout. Fine and expansive texture mingles about with cool vibrancy, especially on the earth and spice-driven finish.

Something very special that I had the chance to taste last week was this old Cahors from a superb producer. Often times the top wines when young that come from such stalwart traditionalists in this region can be like going to see the Raiders play in Oakland on ‘Nail Gun Day'. However, given cellar time these wines can become something very special indeed. Think of old Bordeaux combined with something from the bowels of Hades then covered with a lace robe.

90% Malbec and 10% Merlot this wine has prolific tertiary scents, secondary dried floral aspects, cigar box, cedar, anise and on and on. Ever building from the glass, the wine invites you in and is very resolved on the palate. Much more dry than Malbec from the new world, plenty of expansion and vibrant acids all roll over to a slightly spicy, very minerally finish that is obscenely long and drawn out. Very French and definitely a vin de terroir, this wine screams for roasted duck or a soft-ripened cheese. At its peak now, this wine probably won't start its decline for another 5-7 years. If you want a 25-year-old wine experience without having to spend several hundred dollars then grab a bottle of this and have a soulful, French-inspired dinner.