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"SEEK & HIDE" HOTSHEET

91 point Rioja, Collectible Red Burgundy, Wash. Syrah, Montepulciano, 8 buck red & more




1.) 2009 CUNE "VINA REAL" RIOJA CRIANZA
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE


91 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE

CVNE (Cia Viñacola Del Norte De España, or Cune) is one of the most important producers of Rioja wine. Founded in 1879, and unbeknownst to many, these wines really sneak under the radar when it comes to Rioja. The valor of Cune's mantra of maintaining elegance and class in Rioja Alta is very admirable and still after 120+ years, still holds up to this day.

"Another sensational value is the 2009 Rioja Vina Real Crianza. Made from 90% Tempranillo blended with other authorized varietals, this effort comes from vineyards in the foothills of Sierra Cantabria. Exceptionally ripe with a dark ruby/purple color, excellent texture, and outstanding concentration, length and equilibrium, this is one of the finest value-priced Riojas in the marketplace. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years. 91 POINTS – ROBERT PARKER, THE WINE ADVOCATE "



2.) 2011 CATALDI MADONNA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE


There are "pizza" Montepulciano D'Abruzzo wines for 10 bucks then there is the serious stuff like Cataldi Madonna. Luigi Cataldi Madonna marries tradition with innovation and produces wines that are seriously upscale for the region yet won't cause one to break the bank in order to enjoy a bottle.

Smooth and potent red at once, possessing concentrated notes of black plum, ripe cherry, espresso bean, licorice and lavender. A meaty and exotic beast that maintains a satisfying roundness and beautiful balance. Flavors fill the mouth with deep and fleshy yet vibrant red earth tones dominating the smooth and succulent texture. Over-delivering upscale Montepulciano with a savory long finish. Pair with aged pecorino, grilled lamb or penne Bolognese.



3.) 2011 DASHE ZINFANDEL DRY CREEK
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE


Dashe Cellars is a boutique, Sonoma winery that quickly rose through the ranks as producers of some of California's most formidable Zins! Michael Dashe gained his experience by working with The Supreme Zinfandel Alien-Being, Paul Draper at Ridge, then in 1996 he decided to branch out on his own and from day one, these Zins with the whimsical labels have been ultra-magnificent!

Dashe's 2011 Dry Creek Zinfandel is a violet, raspberry and chocolate bomb of a wine. Dark, brooding, delicious and a great example of a warm climate Zin, it has a sultry velvety mouthfeel of a Dry Creek zin and a long, luscious finish that leaves the raspberry and chocolate-spice flavors lingering in your mouth long after you swallow. Grab some lamb shanks and go to town!



4.) 2011 L'AMEILLAUD PAYS VAUCLUSE ROUGE
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE


L'Ameillaud's Pays Vaucluse is always one of the world's great bargains! Located between the Cotes-du-Rhone village of Cairanne and Mont Ventoux, this country wine is comprised of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Carignan from 30 year old vines.

Ripe with raspberry and strawberry scents, lavender, smoke, and classic Rhone spiciness as well. In the mouth, it is warm, poised and full glass of wine that is chock full of goodness! Not as complex or serious as the estate's Côtes-du-Rhône, however it's a perfect wine for everyday use, parties, house gifts and Mediterranean-influenced dishes.



5.) 2011 CIU CIU PASSERINA EVOE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE


These days the current trend in Italy is to shun international grapes like Chardonnay and to utilize and resurrect ancient varietals that are native to the various wine-growing regions on the sunny peninsula. Passerina is an indigenous white grape found mainly in Italy's Abruzzo and Le Marches regions and thrives at high elevation. This ancient varietal's name translates loosely into "golden grape" or "pay your debts." From the Adriatic costal region of Le Marches, this white is low alcohol and one has to wonder how Ciu Ciu gets so much flavor and character in this one little bottle!!

Provocatively fragrant with multi-faceted aromas of orange, talc, gerber daisies, saline and sea-shells, it is wiry, nervy, very dry and linear with loads of vibrancy, movement, depth and extension. A magical combination with mussels, clams or prawn dishes.



6.) 2011 K VINTNERS SYRAH "MILBRANDT VINEYARD"
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE


Like dogs and their owners, wines can often take on the personality of their vintners. Charles Smith of K Wines is a wild dude with plenty of attitude. Taking his cue from the likes of Cayuse, K Wines are loaded and with no shortage of personality. The Milbrandt Syrah comes from the über-warm growing area of Wahluke Slope northwest of Walla Walla. A young area, the immediate perception is that Rhône varietals will thrive beautifully here.

K's 2011 vintage is the RuPaul of Washington Syrah. Flamboyant, over-the-top and loaded with aromas of blackberry, chocolate cake, coffee and underlying ground pepper notes. In the mouth it's ripe and palate-staining with plenty of lifting strawberry tones for unexpected cerebral harmony. Drink over the next 6-8 years.



7.) 2011 VINA LAS PERDICES MENDOZA MALBEC
$10.50 BTL./$126.00 CASE


Delicious, forthright, honest and chock full of flavor, this Malbec is grown at about 3300 feet in the Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo sub-zone of Mendoza and has major-league yum factor for just north of 10 bucks.

An everyday gem that showcases expressive bright, fresh red juicy fruit, plum, raspberry and dark currant, with some fresh spice, earth and roasted coffee. More than just a juicy-loosey fruit bomb, there is good structure that lays down the tracks for a fleshy, endowed red with engaging nuances.



8.) 2005 MICHEL PRUNIER VOLNAY PREMIER CRU "LES CAILLERETS"
$64.99 BTL./$779.88 CASE


Patience sometimes is required. 2005 red Burgundies are just the best example. Here we have monumental wines that are utterly built to last and are some of the finest in the last half-century! A legendary producer, Michel Prunier helped put Auxey-Duresses, a neighboring village of Meursault, on the map. Although Michel's holdings are primarily in Auxey, the crown jewel of his portfolio is the old vine Volnay Caillerets. Owning a miniscule ¾ acre plot of old vines, this wine always ages and becomes the epitome of a natural beauty. Currently this wine is locked up; in time expect to be luxuriated.

Strawberry, red flowers, black plum, hints of herbs and mushroom creep through now in this tensely focused offering. Trust us, in 2016 or so this will have you sailing across the universe with its Volnay lavishness and seductiveness that is certainly going to come out. No problem for this to be a 20+ year ager, if you love to collect great red Burgundy, here is a chance at one that is a fine value.



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