Hot Sheets

91 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE  An important name in the annals of Argentina’s wine history, the Pulenta family have had their hands in wine and viticulture since 1914. Having decided to go along with the family tradition, Eduardo and Hugo Pulenta sold their majority shares of the large wine group, Penaflor and started up the current Pulenta Estate in 2001. Often associated with Malbec, there also happens to be some mighty impressive Cabernet also coming from this region and often times, like this one, deliver tremendous value.

“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is raised in new oak for 12 months. It has a striking nose of smoke and hickory-infused black fruit with gravel notes emerging: an individual and memorable aromatic profile. The palate is medium-bodied with leafy black fruit underpinned by crisp acidity. The oak is well-integrated, thereby allowing the slightly herbaceous fruit to really shine on the beautifully composed finish. This is an impressive showing from Pulenta. Drink now-2017. – 91 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE

Since 1989 Sylvain Fadat has been delivering wines from the Languedoc region that have been inspirations for following generations who together have launched Languedoc into the terroir-obstacle course that it is. For a short time, we are offering a tempting special on one of M. Fadat's terrific wines. From limestone soil, the Lou Maset cuvee is a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, 5% Syrah and 5% Alicante Bouchet.

Penetrating crème de mure, thyme and anise aromas fold into a texture that is supple, lacy and chock full of spicy garrigue and mineral tones that are classic to the area. Always a delight at 18 but at 13, this can become your Wednesday/Thursday red. Drink with lamb or other carnivorous delights.

From Italy’s Alto Adige region on the Austrian border and made from the native Lagrein grape, this unique red is well worth experiencing, especially if you want sense adventure beyond the Sangiovese normalcy of Italian reds.

Pantheon funk, like any George Clinton masterpiece is the hallmark here. Plenty of smoked meat, but it is also enhanced by enticing roasted coffee, plum, licorice and red berry notes. Silky-smooth and high-pitched in the mouth with an almost red Burgundy from Cote Chalonnais-like texture. Impeccably focused throughout and also having a scintillating, luxurious quality on the back end. This wine can be consumed over the next 3-4 years with something hearty like an alfredo sauce or a full-on cheese-laden/meat sauce lasagna.

To the northwest of Ribera del Duero lies the growing region of Cigales, yet another Spanish Tempranillo-producing region. This little known appellation harbors tremendous values from earnest and inspired producers and in days past, more famed names in Ribera Del Duero and Rioja would utilize and sneak in its higher-elevation Tempranillo for firmness and structure. Bodegas Hiriart is indeed one of the ambitious growers who makes a line-up of stupendous wines.

Fruit-forward with redcurrants and raspberries plus a touch of clove spiciness gives way to a texture that provides lots of palate coverage with deceptively concentrated flavors complimented by a subtly supple, well-rounded finish. Have with grilled pork chops or a nice aged manchego cheese.

It’s hard to believe that the Long Shadows project is now into its second decade of existence. From day one, this exciting Walla Walla venture headed by Allen Shoup and featuring famed winemakers from around the world utilizing Washington grapes has been buzzed about and much-loved. Pedestal is crafted by famed Pomerol vigneron and consultant Michel Rolland. Want to have the finest Merlot in Washington? Try this one.

81% Merlot 12% Cabernet Sauvignon & 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petite Verdot, Pedestal's blend and vineyard sources were selected to put forth a rich, layered, complex, gutsy Merlot. Intense blackberry and blueberry tones weave through spices that range from nutmeg and vanilla to classic spice cake and cedarbox. Full-bodied, with sublime concentration share velvety tannins in the mouth then carry into a long and expansive finish. Rolland's wines always drink well from the get-go and this is no exception yet the wines have proven to age impeccably. Drink though 2023.

Literally the first three of our white wine selections are absolute benchmarks and way out in front leading the pack of their respective regions. Domaine de L’Ecu’s Guy Bossard has doggedly proven over many years now that Muscadet is and can be way more than just a quaffing bistro wine. A year on after initially offering this off-the-rail Muscadet, we discovered recently that the local importer had dropped the price on this one of Ecu’s three selections due to being extended on its inventory. All the better for Muscadet and mineral-wine lovers because after consuming a bottle last week, this wine is a mind-blower.

Made from granitic soils, this Muscadet is no longer about fruit but all about the rocky soil its grown in. A peat monster with serious smoke, almost graham, wet chalkboard and saline aromas glisten from the glass. Palate-staining and at the same time, brilliantly pure and finesseful. Lots of spine and focus throughout which heads into a glorious finish that is packed with verve, lace and subliminal messages that say that this is virtuoso stuff that you MUST experience with oysters or with halibut in a beurre blanc sauce. Easy to also age for another decade, too.

Helmut Donnhoff is God. Many regard this Nahe-based producer as being one of the top 2 or 3 Riesling producers in the world. From a virtual Grand Cru site, Oberhauser Felsenberg, 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.

From its aromas of smoked mandarin, tarragon, mint and pronounced mineral all the way to its deft and ethereal texture, this 10° alcohol winner never lets you down. Just the right amount of sweetness on the tip of the tongue, it is righteously balanced by elevated minerally acidity to allow for coating and cleansing of the palate. An invigorating jaunt to the senses, you owe it to yourselves to experience one of the greatest producers in the world! One last thing, if the same quality white wine were produced in Burgundy or California, you could expect to pay at least 3 times the price! Drink this steal over the next 4-7 years.

Bucci has long been established as the standard bearer for Verdicchio in the Le Marches region of Castelli di Jesi. This guy’s Classico version is on par with most producers’ luxury/Riserva bottlings, and let’s not even get going on the Villa Bucci which is one of Italy’s greatest white wines. Usually we wax poetic about this wine each year we offer it but for some reason after tasting, there was something a bit more about the 2011 that compelled us to excitedly open another bottle. The dimension to this wine is frightening!

Illuminating aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone seemingly alternate in an unhurried fashion and draw you in for a sip. When the wine reaches the lips, perfumed flavors that are rich, yet tense and electric touch all of the senses in the mouth and extend to a superb, palate-staining finish that lingers exquisitely long after the wine is swallowed. Perfect over the next few years with just about anything that swims.

Over the last few years Calera’s Cenral Coast Chardonnay has received our unsanctioned 20 buck Cali-Chardonnay of the Year award. Josh Jensen is one of America’s influential producers putting forth wines that are inspired by his love of Burgundy and this selection is always a great steal.

Emitting smoothness and class from the get-go with honeyed-citrus scents, pear, mineral and well-placed and woven-in spices from a thoughtful use of oak, the wine is creamy and deep in the mouth. Flavorful with good bounce, extremely balanced and zippy with a follow-through that’s engaging, lingering and one to make you want to have another sip to see what the next dimension in this laid-back and ethereal Chardonnay has to offer.

There is a hell of a lot of character and dimension here for a humble 10 buck Viognier. From Languedoc, version 2012 of this perennial best-buy white’s rose, lavender and lily aromas give strong varietal character.

Clean and unoaked with bursting, crisp orange overtones that are well-balanced, but typically Mediterranean and mouth-filling with sneaky depth and personality. Plenty of spice, which is natural for Viognier, creeps through on the finish. A very versatile, food friendly white, that while not Condrieu, is also not 60 bucks either! Enjoy with Asian-inspired seafood dishes.