Hot Sheets

The Abruzzo region which lies east of Rome on the Adriatic coast is home to this savory red that is a perfect every night, pizza or pasta wine.

Nose-filling and mouth-filling! 100% of the Montepulciano grape, it is fragrant, forward aromas of flavors of strawberry, pepper and herbs carry over into a lively and mouth-watering finish that is red and very food-friendly. Have with pasta alla puttanesca or alla arrabiata sauce, which ever fits your mood.

Year in and year out we just marvel at the quality that Sylvain Fadat delivers. Since 1989, this Languedoc producer has been a man on a mission and his métier is to prove that Languedoc has top-tier terroir that goes way beyond 8 dollar co-op crud. Simply put, these are gorgeous wines that possess the true essence of Southern France. Lou Maset is the lead-off hitter in the D'Aupilhac line-up and it is one that can knock it out of the park.

The new 2012 has arrived and as usual, this wine is an over-delivering 15 dollar French red. 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, 5% Syrah, 5% Alicante Bouchet with smoky and seductive, kirsch-like aromas and an abundance of rich raspberry and dark cherry flavors that possess real succulence and chocolate notes that power up on the long finish. An intense red that has lots of soul and spice that's perfect for just about anything tossed on to the grill.

A library selection from one of Oregon's most underground and ageworthy producers, you will never find McKinlay wines listed in The Wine Spectator, The Wine Advocate or any other wine media publication. The reclusive Matt Kinne refuses to submit samples to have them poked, prodded and handed their legacy in their infancy. Those in the know and who like the stylings of Cameron, Evesham Wood, Thomas or Eyrie, real Burgundian-influenced Oregon Pinot, know the prowess of this guy and just how well these wines age. 2 years ago Bryan, Karen and Michael participated in a horizontal tasting of 1999s and Matt's Special Selection came out on top.

1998 is a vintage that was very small in quantity but over the years, the producers who practiced restraint and didn't allow the wines to become over-the-top gave wines that didn't have early-on dramatic aspects, instead they have taken their times and aged gracefully and exquisitely. Aromas of toffee, spice, licorice, snappy strawberry along with wonderful array and lift with more and more perfume rising to the surface. Excellent vivacity to go along with mouth-coating depth; spiced earth enters the picture along with dried fruits and lavender, this wine changes like an obstacle course as it opens and is truly gifted juice that is drinking immaculately at the moment. This is wine for those who like mature wine that reveals finesse, layers of complexity and fine character. This isn't one for those who like, full, fruity and primary; it has matured well beyond that stage years ago. Enjoy this stunning 15+ year old Oregon Pinot experience over the next 4-5+ years.

More and more we are seeing this popular varietal bottled as a single varietal yet Seven Hills's Casey McClellan has been doing a cuvee for over 10 years now. This grape seemingly takes to Walla Walla's soils and climate quite well and combined with the generous and well-balanced 2012 vintage, results can be fantastic.

From 2 Walla Walla Vineyards (McClellan Estate and Minnick), only 450 cases of this dark and haunting beauty were produced. Commencing with hair-raising aromas, this full-on offering displays scents of blackcurrant, blueberry, coffee and underlying mineral along with a well-woven shroud of smoky, spicy oak. Layered, mouth-filling and velvety in the mouth, there is plenty of lift and freshness to go along with the bold core of fruit. The finish soothes with licorice-laden energy. Extremely accessible now, it can easily age for a decade, too.

Home to luminaries such as Vega Sicilia and Pingus, the region of Ribera Del Duero is the region of Spain that garners the most hype from wine lovers around the world. Sadly, with the demand for the wines, many have escalated well into the "special occasion" category.

Given the previous statement, to score a Ribera Del Duero for 11 bucks is an absolute coup. Made with all tempranillo (tinta del país in the Duero) this warm, inviting flavorful red offers up complete scents of refinement and class. Strawberry, cocoa powder, tobacco and cinnamon-stick shine on the nose and lead into wide, mouthfilling flavors that are integrated and very luscious.

The Beatles are playing on the IPod in the background and George Harrison is singing about the sun's arrival and now that it's here (even for just a glimpse), it's time for dry pink wine! One of our favorite Oregon Rose wines comes from one of our most prolific Pinot Noir producers who just happens to NOT use Pinot Noir in this blend. A secret blend of Grenache and Syrah from of all places - Maupin, Oregon!

Raging delicious dry pink wine possessing electric aromas and flavors of hawthorne herbs, spices, and red cherries build and build from the glass the roll over to a mouth-filling texture that is crunchy, mouth-watering and very sassy. The Cristo Irresisto Rosé is a knockout pairing with just about any grilled fish or chicken. Grab yours now if you love Rosé because this one is always popular and sells out quickly!

From a virtual Grand Cru site, Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl, this wine is way too good for its meager price. Perfume-driven from its superior geological material, there is a multitude of excellence in the bottle. Many regard this Nahe-based producer as being one of the top 2 or 3 Riesling producers in the world and we fully concur. Once you try a wine such as this, your life will change forever!!

From a virtual Grand Cru site, Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl, this wine is way too good for its meager price. Perfume-driven from its superior geological material, there is a multitude of excellence in the bottle. Alluring, underlying mineral is present which frame apricot, pineapple and grapefruit notes that persist on through the long and mouth-watering finish. Well-balanced throughout, this is a food-lover's playground! Pair it up with Mexican-inspired seafood dishes or grab some ahi tuna, jack it with some soy, ginger and a little Chinese 5-spice, cook it on the rare side and go crazy! One other thing, these wines age like beasts, drink this steal through 2026+.

Lirac, located across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is home to both reds and a small amount of white wines. Domaine Lafond is a perennial favorite producer whose reds we have excited us for over a decade but today we are super-thrilled about their delicious Rhone Valley white wine.

50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne & 20% Viognier and exploding with character, this full-flavored, mouth-coating yet electric white offers beautiful fragrances of peach-blossom, rose petal, ginger and gently placed acacia and anise-pepper tones. At this moment, there is a classiness and sexiness and refinement that permeates through the wine. Lots of depth and richness, and an almost Lennon-McCartney kind of tension between fruit, terroir, acidity and spice. Incredibly intellectual and intense stuff that while young, takes off like a fighter jet on the finish and lasts, and lasts, and lasts. Drink this great Chardonnay alternative over the next 3-4 years with an array of fleshier seafood dishes.

Here's one that's undoubtedly remarkable and not expensive from a fabulous Spanish white wine specialist. For many years Garciarevalo just made one Rueda but years of convincing from many outside sources and friends, a few years back the estate started the separate cuvee. Tickling you in places that you don't expect, this cool white is 100% of the Verdejo grape and from vines that are 100-145 years old!

Aged entirely in stainless steel tanks, one sip of this will give you reason to flash a cheeky grin and continue pouring glass after glass. Lime, mandarin, marzipan and prominent mineral launch from the glass then in the mouth, brisk, enlightening and delicious flavors coat, then cleanse the entire palate. A terrific value that will be cocky while flaunting its personality best with crab, scallops or cod.