Hot Sheets

Perhaps we should start calling Cameron's Reserve Pinot Noir "Abbey Electrique". Why you ask?? Because a heap of very fine fruit from these sites went into this bottling which falls somewhere in between the classic Dundee Hills version and the off-the-rails, very limited Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge Cuvees.

Once again, the results are magnificent and very delectable. An "oh so classic" Dundee Hills Pinot nose of lavender, violet, mulled spice, earth and pepper with undertones of mushroom providing instant complexity and transparency seduces from the moment that the wine is poured. In the mouth, it is quite giving with a finely tuned, silky texture, and a sense of deep perfume. The caressing texture provides plenty of palate coverage stunning flavors carry onto the finish that maintains a finesseful airy character that is present throughout the wine. John Paul is extremely proud of his stunning 2011 vintage and this one's lacy, long elegant and accessible now and will age and develop for another 7-10 years.

Tasted last week, I thought this to be a knockout Italian white wine, especially for its terrific price point. The small co-op of Consorzio Viticoltori Alto Adige was started in 1984 and is made up of 6 growers. Located just south of the Austrian border in Italy and grown at high elevation, this bursting white displays tones of apple, peach, and white flowers. Clean and elegant in the mouth, this has subtle richness, surging mineral and lime then closes with a very clean, mouthwatering finish. No need for food with this wine, it does just fine as an aperitif, however it makes for good fodder with lots of shellfish.

One of the real treasures of the Southern Rhône Valley, big-league Châteauneuf-du-Pape superstar Laurent Charvin's Côtes-du-Rhône is always outstanding. The blend is 80% Grenache and a 20% mix of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Vaccarèse from 16 hectares of vines which are just outside the border of Châteauneuf and "only" entitled to Côtes-du-Rhône status. Don't be fooled, however, there is way more here than the stereotype Côtes-du-Rhône that one plucks off of the grocery store shelf.

An expansive aromatic presence of crème de cassis, lavender, black olive and smoked meat Charvin's 2011 reminds me quite a bit of his fabulous 2004. Brilliant intensity with persistent, dark, creamy fruit in the mouth along with Thai spices and plenty of backbone. Exhilarating stuff that shows power, finesse and a definite sense of place. Get a big, honkin' porterhouse, encrust it with pepper and herbs, toss it on the grill and you will have a full-on rock~n~roll Rhone experience. Drink now through 2016+.

Stafford Hill is Holloran Vineyard's second label and this particular Tempranillo hails from their Eola-Amity site. Red berry tones and a touch of coffee on the nose which lead into a rich mouth of boysenberry and blackberry fruit, black pepper, chocolate, and nice dusty tannins on the finish. A superb new world Tempranillo that is the definition of everyday local red.

From Rick Small's home vineyard in Walla Walla, Bryan and Karen confidently opine that this wine has quickly become the crown jewel secret weapon in Rick's arsenal! THIS IS undeniably one of Washington's special red wines.

From Woodward Canyon's Rick Small: "43% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. As might be expected with such low yields, the resulting wine is concentrated with generous black fruit and cassis. A breadth of spices and vanilla from new oak integrate beautifully with firm cabernet franc and merlot dominated fruit. A nose of roasted game, ripe fruit and shaved chocolate develops in the glass; the color is reddish purple. A soft, generous texture transitions to a supple, balanced mouth feel; the finish is rich, layered and long. In this wine I am again able to perceive an "expression" or "sense of place" from our Estate Vineyard and I love that!"