Hot Sheets

Generous, warm, quite powerful, the 2009 Produttori Barbaresco is a perfect wine to drink while you wait for your 2008 and 2004 single Cru Barbaresco wines from this stellar co-op to come to fruition.

Round, full aromas of rose petal and pronounced red and black licorice permeate throughout the glass and follow through to the palate which is classic, warm-vintage Barbaresco. Brilliant thrusting fruit, accentuated by spice and full grip which is submerged by the voluptuousness that Mother Nature bestowed on this renowned region for vintage 2009. Lots of early charm here and one that can be enjoyed over the next 6-8+ years. If you want a score, it has 92 points from The Wine Advocate.

Many of you have heard my rants about my disdain for many Oregon Pinot Gris, however on the occasion that a producer hits it on a consistent level and delivers quality versions that aren't stereotypical dirty sugar water, I humbly offer praise and then feature it. Byron Dooley is a long-time friend who makes wines that are beautifully understated, have gentle spirits and are somewhat akin to the man himself.

The 2012 Seven Of Hearts offering is lip-smacking delicious. Spirited aromas that provide lots of sophistication follow through to an engaging texture that has ample depth but maintains dryness and provides plenty of zip, especially on the extending finish.

94 POINTS – THE WINE SPECTATOR
One of the undisputed stalwarts of traditionally-styled Rioja, La Rioja Alta has followed their exemplary 2001 Viña Ardanza with an equally impressive and mighty 2004! Made from 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha then aged in 4 year old American oak barrels for 3 years, at age 9, this is the current release!

Mellow aromas of mineral, sweet roasted spice, lead pencil and game add to the rich roasted strawberry, cherry and earth on the nose. This truly poised and seamless old-school Rioja is finesseful with a rich and serious core of lovely ripe but dry red fruit flavors; the finish is long with velvety tannins adding backbone and structure. Easily will age at least another decade but even at this stage of the game it has such fine complexity and smoothness that it wouldn't be a crime to open one with a rack of lamb, roasted rabbit or aged cheeses.

La Croix Bonis is the 2nd wine of famed St-Estephe Château, Phelan Segur. Bordeaux has been blessed with two prolific, back-to-back vintages and the 2010 is equally as profound a vintage as 2009 being less flamboyant and more classic. No shortage of St-Estephe power, this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot & 10% Cabernet Franc has an exciting, stunning nose.

Dense opaque aspects abound with plenty soil character, cassis hints, tobacco, stony minerality also cone to the forefront. Very sturdy, manly texture that has over-reaching depth behind classic Bordeaux austerity and backbone. Layered, pure, very lingering, dark-tinged finish, this big beautiful value will drink beautifully over the next 10-12 years.

Earlier this morning I was perusing some of our old offerings to see when the last time we offered up a Petite Sirah of this caliber and I had to give up looking about 10 years into the archives. The pleasurable, supple 10-15 buck versions that have been featured are always fine but it's been a long-time coming to show one of this magnitude and from a legendary producers to boot. From 1972 through 1992 Ridge produced a Petite Sirah that had become quite talked about by fans who have long followed this famed California producer. In 2009 it re-emerged with plenty of gusto and we are proud to have it alongside their hallowed Zinfandel blends. 2011 is 100% Petite Sirah and is varietally strong in all facets.

Ballsy might be the best description here. Packed, stacked, lots of black fruits, brambly herbs and spice, olive, licorice and underlying minerally tones. Mouthfilling, savory, ample fruit and plenty of vibrancy keeps it in balance. Drawn-out, peppery and very lingering break out the barbecue and enjoy it over the next 7-10 years.

Since Fevre was purchase by Joseph Henriot in the late 90s, they've rapidly catapulted into the top echelon of Chablis producers and it is now righteous to include this once solid Domaine into the same iconic class as Raveneau and Dauvissat. Winemaker Didier Séguier is from Bordeaux and commencing in 1998, he has been striving to make impeccable Chablis that reveal detail, richness and above all, cut and agability. Having been following and consuming these wines since Didier's arrival, it is very apparent that he is succeeding quite well. For a Chablis-hound, finding a 5 year old version of a wine of this stature is akin to a dog finding that perfect bone and then gnawing on it for the next 4 hours. And not to go unnoticed is that this bottle also happens to be from vintage 2008 which is rather magical for Chablis.

A prominent mineral monster, this wine has moved away from fruit aspects and is like virtually drinking an oyster. Saline, sea-driven aromas with engaging flint and subtle citrus glisten on the nose while in the mouth there is cerebral depth along with blazing mineral acidity that cuts, coats and cleanses. Driving, persistent and very lengthy, this is great Chablis indeed.

Firriato is a producer who owns and represents 6 different properties on Sicily and their Feudi Bordonaro property is all about good value.

Ruby red in color 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. Following our ever-popular mantra of don't think, just drink, we highly recommend throwing back numerous bottles of this hearty red with roasted meats or spaghetti & meatballs.

A delicious warm-climate red, this direct, honest and unapologetic Southeastern Australia Shiraz is simply a value! Surprisingly concentrated, lush and packed with full fruit on the varietally strong texture. Finishes with plenty of allspice and cracked pepper. Drink on a Wednesday evening with pizza or burgers.