Hot Sheets

91 POINTS – THE WINE SPECTATOR
Synonymous with Spain, the Palacios family seemingly does no wrong. Influential throughout Spain, Alvaro and Riccardo Perez were the primary forces who brought Bierzo into prominence. 2010 is as usual, very formidable and highly-touted:

“This plush red delivers black cherry, licorice, mineral and smoke flavors. Harmonious and focused, supported by well-integrated tannins and firm acidity…. Drink now through 2018. – 91 POINTS, THE WINE SPECTATOR & #57 FOR 2013"

For all of the discouraging pricing when it comes to Bordeaux, there are still many non-classified Chateaux that continually put forth super wines that have no problem aging, especially in such a grand-scale vintages like 2009 and 2010. Pessac-Leognan is an appellation within the Graves region that is reserved for the top estates and best terroirs. In existence since 1780, Chateau Picque Caillou is located in close proximity to 2 famed Graves Chateaux, Haut-Brion and Pape-Clement.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon & 50% Merlot, this wine is packed and stacked. Broad, dense, almost black in color and bearing aromas with a vivid cherry fringe and prominent tobacco and graphite aromas that are still very primary. From a well-rounded attack, it builds on forward, attractively tightly-wound structure submerged by well-defined adobe, integrated oak and beautifully harmonious blackberry and vanilla. The finish, which is long, powerful, rich and substantial, displays great balance and structure in a superb expression of the wine's Graves/Pessac origins. Enjoyable now with a good ass-kicking aeration, but ultimately will be best 2014 – 2022+.

From Northern Piedmont, specifically the area around the small city of Lessona, this lip-smacking blend of 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Vespolina, is a real reflection not only of the grapes but its former marine, rocky/sandy soils. Aromatically expressive, illuminating and glowing from the glass, there is an abundance of strawberry, mineral and savory fennel notes.

In the mouth it is intense, elevated, super-succulent and inviting from start to finish. Don't be mislead, this rosé is very pleasurable, but also very complex. No doubt that this will drink well into next year, it is very alluring now and can be served with grilled chicken, pork or halibut now, or in late November with the holiday turkey.

One of the most prolific producers of Loire Valley red wines, the King of Bourgueil also extends his influence over to neighboring Chinon by producing impressive wines from that regions particular terroirs, too.

The Beaumont is the classic Chinon bottling and comes from 40 year old vines. Delicate raspberry, dried herbs, licorice, sandalwood and tobacco permeate from the glass and continue challenging the olfactory senses as it opens. In the mouth, the warmth of the 2009 vintage gives it plushness, but overall, the composition of the wine is lacy, classy and seemingly fragrant in the mouth with a steely underbelly. The finish is refined, soulful, and a definitive taste of France. Partake in a bottle of this 100% Cabernet Franc with a roasted, herb-encrusted pork-loin over the next 5-7 years. It’s lunch-time as I write this and damn it, I’m getting hungry as these words are being typed!

Having been producing Barolo, Barbera and Dolcetto since 1881, the phenomenal traditionalist house of Giuseppe Mascarello kills it from their top-level Monprivato Barolo all the way to their quaffing Freisa. The current Mascarello in charge is the dynamic (and showman) Mauro Mascarello. Consistently we see greatness emerge from his Cantine and the resulting 2008s are quite formidable. From a single vineyard in a very respectable neighborhood, Scudetto is located in Monforte D'Alba and right at the border of Castiglione Falletto, 2 of Barolo's Grand Cru villages. Also bearing the Superiore designation, this wine is aged in large oak casks for 18 months and then held in bottle for a year before release, all required to carry the Superiore tag.

At age 5, this Barbera is starting to become operatic. Aromas that speak more of Piemonte than grape varietal swirl from the glass, with violet, dried rose pedal, dark chocolate, mushroom cap, anise and smoked earth. Rich red fruits smoothly coat the mouth with cardamom and roasted espresso bean following on a vibrant and really persistent finish. The intense complexity that this wine is noted for is just beginning to peak out right now and will continue to develop and drink exquisitely for another 4-5 years.

Unpretentious and exactly what everyone should look for in a best buy California red. This offering always surprises every vintage that we taste it. Nutmeg, Thai-spice and flashy black raspberry fruit dominate the nose. Bold and nicely put together with lots of pepper and succulence in the mouth, this crowd-pleasing, mouth-filling red is perfect with ribs or chicken slathered with spicy, tangy barbecue sauce.

Made by Sicilian stalwart Firriato, a producer who owns and represents 6 different properties on the island, Feudi Bordonaro is their bang-up value operation. 100% Nero D'Avola with a persistent bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, mint, vanilla and sage, this wine sings from the glass then follows through to a texture that is packed with spicy ripe fruit and a lingering and balanced finish that possesses well-integrated tannins. We highly recommend this hearty Italian red with roasted meats or spaghetti & meatballs.

95 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE
Have a child born in 2005 and want something for their 21st birthday? Then this vice-grip of a Cab is just the ticket. Randy Dunn always makes full-throttle, extremely structured wines that seemingly age forever. This is no exception. “The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is big, dark and juicy. There is an element of wildness that runs through the wine. Graphite, licorice, tar and smoke are just some of the nuances that add complexity. The 2006 boasts superb purity from start to finish. Elements of fleshiness give the impression the 2006 might drink well relatively early, until the massive tannins set in. Floral notes add freshness on the finish. This is another fabulous wine from Randy Dunn. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036. – 95 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE”