Hot Sheets

If you were to place a personal ad looking for a Sancerre, this wine would answer your call so fast that it would easily receive a speeding ticket in the new lower speed zone on Barbur!!

Coming from one of the prized villages of the Sancerre region, Chavignol, the depth and complexity on this white are enhanced by lightning-like briskness and a focused core of fruit all fanning out on the palate and screaming with performance-enhancing minerality. The finish is an extreme expression of Sancerre's terroir and goes on well after the wine is swallowed. This is a Sancerre Steal, especially given that just about all with this much quality and detail sell for north of $20! About 10 cases available…they won't last long!

In the "People's Republic Of Zinfandel", Paul Draper would definitely be considered as the party chairman as well as its chief revolutionary. Over 40 years experience with Zin and others, Draper and Ridge are California iconoclasts whose wines have never missed a beat and have inspired many others. The Three Valley Zin Blend is jump off point for any Ridge wine experience and lately this wine has seriously gone above and beyond its workhorse status.

79% Zinfandel, 12% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 4% Mataro, 1% Alicante Bouschet from Sonoma's Dry Creek, Alexander and Russian River Valleys comprise this blend which was created in 2001. Zin always determines the blend and the 2012 has no shortage of bravado. Medium-dark purple color with intensely forward blackberry and strawberry compote aromas. Faint hints of bramble, pronounced white pepper and spice lend a generous, full-flavored attack right from the get go. One of the trademarks of a big Ridge wine is how they are able to maintain balance and this one does just that, never becoming burdensome from its initial entry all the way through to the spice-laden, drawn-out finish. Drink over the next 5-7 years.

Cariñena is the name of a province and wine growing region near the city of Zaragoza in Spain that is regarded as the source of the French Carignan grape which is grown in Languedoc, California and Spain, however, within this region, the majority of the grapes under vine are actually Garnacha and this wine is made with 100% and zero Carignan. Go figure – almost sounds like Italy!

A no-frills, don't think-just drink Spanish red possessing aromas of cherry, thyme, rosemary and an undertone of smoked meat carry all which over into a ripe texture that possesses plenty of zing, spice and luminosity! Enjoy it by the caseload with grilled sausages, pizza or burgers.

Currently, the popularity of Bordeaux's St-Emilion region has been extending beyond the big wines mostly since an infusion of top quality has permeated on all levels throughout this picturesque area over the last 10-15 years. One such Chateau who we were turned on to recently is Chateau Belregard-Figeac. Owned by the Pueyo family and located on the western flank of the appellation in closer proximity to Pomerol, this particular Chateau has quite a high portion of Cabernet Franc (25%) to support the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

From the profound 2010 vintage and being opaque and compact on the nose, this one shares aromas of black cherry, plum, cedar, currant, mocha, lead pencil and anise. It is poised for greatness and will improve with more cellar time which will allow it to form and truly unfold from its submerged and structured personality to something smooth, multi-layered and with an abundance of dimension. If you're a Bordeaux lover, here is your opportunity to latch on to something real that can age no problem for 15+ years and doesn't dent the wallet very hard.

From Italy's Liguria region, Lumassina is a native grape that was once close to extinction. Punta Crena is one of the Colline Savonese's leading producers and their commitment to their native varietals is all the better for fresh white wine lovers.

Pulsating tones of orange, lemon, mineral, anise and a generous hint of marine scents which carry over into a clean and crisp, yet deceivingly intense texture that all comes together to please the palate with zest and flavor. Try this wine with a simple linguine with shrimp, good olive oil and an assortment of vegetables.

The Sangiovese wines from Emilia Romagna differ immensely from their Tuscan brethren. Often a bit more hearty and wild, these wines are immensely undervalued and underappreciated outside of a few growers.

One of the fine producers in Romagna is Stefano Berti. Now the 3rd vintage that we've featured, 2012 is bound with red fruit, wild sage and pepper aspects which carry over to a texture that has a very high "slurp factor" to it. The immediate pairing would be Penne Bolognese, but for the more adventurous spirit, try it with deep fried zucchini stuffed with anchovy and mozzarella.

Sleight of Hand is a superb Walla Walla-based producer who happens to excels in the art of blending. Spellbinder is typical of Trey Busch's style, powerful yet with velvety edges. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and a dollop of Grenache and Syrah comprise the blend. Aromas of red cherry and black cherry mesh well with well-placed oak scents of mocha and nutmeg; the texture here is mouth-coating and forward with minimal presence of tannin. Classic Washington dusty aspects come through as well as hints of dried herbs. The finish is packed with fruit and spice. Drink this now through 2018 and especially while you're waiting for your more treasured Washington wines to properly develop.