Hot Sheets

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Languedoc and most importantly, not a simple add-on to a portfolio. The vines for this offering were planted in 1970 and owner/winemaker Cyriaque Rozier takes this varietal and this wine very seriously.

Very French and Mediterranean aspects with old vine cabernet cassis-like notes shining along with garrigue notes of mint, thyme and cracked pepper. Chewy, succulent, mouth-filling and deceptively structured, this wine is a terrific everyday kind of Cab that can be had alone or paired with meat dishes slathered with tomatoes. How the hell this guy is able to maintain a price point such as this and sustainably farming the land is beyond us which means if you love Cab and the South of France then you MUST try this!

Avinyó makes their Cava on an artisan level and on the label, there is a Catalan inscription representing the philosophy of the family which Roughly translates into the following: "From the must of the flower (the freerun juice) and with the rigor of a work well crafted." Uncork a bottle and you'll quickly see that this statement is 100% backed up by what is in the bottle.

Made in the same manner of Champagne from the native Catalan Parellada, Macabeu and Xar.rello grapes, this bubbly is aged 18-22 months before being disgorged. Laden with pear, citrus and freshly cut apple tone, it is then buffered nicely by fine leesy notes. Polished, mouthfilling bubbles bring everything together into a package that is inspired by Champagne with all of its creamy gentleness. Perfect for upcoming graduation/summer parties.

Earlier this week I had the chance to meet with Love & Squalor owner/winemaker Matt Berson to taste through his current Oregon releases. While we will be working with all of the offerings that were presented, one that knocked me for a loop was the 2012 Riesling.

Crucial, ferocious and thoroughly dry, this Riesling definitely has teeth and certainly isn't the old blue-hair versions from Chateau Benoit from back in the day! Sourced from 6 different sites with most being over 30 years old it is a real "sense-tantalizer" with tactile, savory aspects throughout. Fragrant peach, hints of grapefruit, talc and smoke tones lead into a blazing texture invigorates and entices all the way through to the livewire finish. A perfect wine for mussels, smoked fish or grilled bratwurst.

92 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE

Another remarkable value done by a well-known and well-run Gaiole in Chianti producer!! "A classically styled wine, the 2010 Chianti Classico San Felice is composed of Sangiovese with additions of Colorino and Pugnitello. This second grape once faced extinction and has recently seen a small renaissance thanks to the efforts of San Felice's winemaking team. The wine is rich with tart plum, rose petal and dried cherry. The palate offers smooth, velvety tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. – 92 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE"

With so many great values, we just love the wines of Southwest France around here. Unfortunately there are more than enough bad wines produced to make one have to choose carefully. Humble Madiran is an area that we have written about in the past and here the Tannat grape takes center stage, and let us just tell you, it is one tricky grape because it's like an unruly animal that needs to be tamed, so that it can be shown off. Few manage to be able to do it, but when they do it is something that is real taste of "le vrai France".

Recently we tried this excellent new offering from a producer we don't know much about, but who cares because this was one of the coolest Madiran wines that we have had in a long time. Simply smashing, and extremely underpriced for $20. Inky, dark and potent with blackberry, licorice, cooking herbs, and undertones of smoke dominate the nose. Chewy flavors abound in the mouth, with unbridled energy, earth tones, and a tangy, drawn-out finish. A lot of wine for not a lot of money and perfect for drinking with duck, barbecued ribs or a gnarly blue cheese over the next 4-6 years.