Hot Sheets

The diminutive Caterina Dei has long been one of our most esteemed Tuscan producers that we annually work with, especially when it comes to her infallible Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Along with Boscarelli and Poliziano, she is definitely one of the Big 3 in the area and her wines show off nicely early but age quite well, too. 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and at 24 clams, this steal of a hearty Tuscan wine easily competes with others in the area (Brunello, Super-Tuscans, Riserva Chianti) that are twice the price.

2009 is an very good, generous, voluptuous vintage within Tuscany, comparable to the fruity stylings, warmth and cushion of the 1997 or 1999 vintages. One whiff of the wonderfully pure scents of wild flowers, sage, licorice, black cherry, and savory earth will have you reminiscing about your last visit to Tuscany! The depth and concentration carry nicely into the mouth as it offers up succulent, ripe and flavorful tones with superb tight focus and grip as well as finishing up dark, spicy and long. Drink now – 2019+. Italio-philes or wine lovers in general, we strongly suggest that you don't pass this wine up - you will be amazed and astounded that a noble Tuscan wine of this character can cost so little when you compare it to others.

This off-the-rail Northern Rhone Syrah is insane for its low price. Pascal Marthouret started out as a mechanic who happened to fall in love with wine and farming when he started tending his elderly godmother's vines. As he progressed he was able to get out from under the car and through relatives, has established his small 15 acre estate which also includes St-Joseph and Condrieu. 2011 is the third of three fabulous vintages for the area and Pascal soars with his entry Syrah. There also seems to be a bit of the higher-end St-Joseph that wound up into this cuvee upon smelling and tasting its level of depth.

Brimming over with raspberry and marionberry jam, black olive, cocoa and peppery/smoky aromas. Pure, ample but impeccably balanced in the mouth which makes it a very crowd pleasing glass of wine that is delicious with everything from a rack of venison, to a hearty mushroom dish and a simple plate of cheese.

Bucklin is a Zin specialist who happens to possess one of Sonoma’s most prized and oldest vineyard sites, Old Hill Ranch. Founded by William McPherson Hill in 1851, the Bucklin family purchased it in 1981 and commenced selling grapes to Ravenswood’s Joel Peterson. The Bucklin label was created in 2000 and only they and Ravenswood make wines from this revered place.

One of 2 Zins, this big-boy comes from vines planted in the 1880s (that’s not a typo) and is anything but subtle. Boisterous, powerful and intense flavors and aromas of raspberry, blackberry, ground pepper, briar and vanilla. Mouth-filling, with serious back-end depth and spice, this is a Zin with serious cojones and is not for the timid. Drink with something like a rib-eye that can really stand up to it.

Portugal has become a veritable thrift store when it comes to finding value-oriented wines and lately it seems as though this place is de incendio with so many 12 and under choices. This particular selection comes from the famed Duoro region, home of Port, but is a fully dry red.

Made from native varietals this wine is bountiful and very stylish with aromas and flavors that captivate the senses with an Italian plum-like quality and a potpourri of spices before advancing through to the arousing finish that brings it all home. Quite delicious and all for a mere 10-spot.

The last few times that my friend and Bow & Arrow owner/winemaker/turntable master Scott Frank has popped in, conversation has centered around the new Daft Punk and new Rosé. Pretty much since its release, Random Access Memories has carjacked my I-Pod recently and this 100% Gamay pink wine from here in Oregon virtually carjacks the palate!

Very fine in color, but very arresting and striking with its flavors, this is a Rosé that'll make you brave! Knockout aromas of hawthorn, grapefruit, red raspberry and a touch of smoky earth impeccably roll into a texture that is almost floral in the mouth with bone-dry bursting citrus that reveals itself on the mouth-watering, call you back for more finish. This cat is one of Oregon’s exciting producers so move your hindparts quickly, only 67 cases were produced and we have 2 and 2 only.

Chateau Virgile is one of our absolute go-to producers for Southern French value. Over the last few years we have showed you all the red and white wines, now it’s only fitting that we complete the tricolore and raise the flag with their yummy pink. 90% Grenache, 10% Syrah.

Savory, mineral-driven aromas with lively scents of rhubarb, cherry and a kiss of thyme lead into a lively and zesty texture that is dry, bursting and oozing with delight from front to back. Have a glass or six out on your porch or deck, at this price, we know that we will!

The wines of Corsica have provided much intrigue over the last 2 years and given the rugged conditions on the island, both with the landscape and people, it’s no wonder that the wines have such an independent and individual streak to them. Tasted last week, I immediately fell in love quickly with this stunning number. Grown at high elevation and with hard schist soils this is a Rosé that’s more than a summer quaffer. Sure there’s ample freshness and delight, but there is also an underlay of seriousness and dimension, too. Gloriously sophisticated and made with 100% of the native Sciaccarellu grape, there is a certain tranquility to this wine.

Strawberries, saline, mineral, sneaky herbs and spices, and then a bit more wet stone for good measure. Succulently-textured, plenty of zest and zing but also plenty of back end and depth. Think of this as something special to carry to the dinner table. Have it with grilled or baked fish jacked with olive oil, salt and fennel. No problem to drink over the next 2 years.

Woodward Canyon's Charbonneau is one of Walla Walla's benchmark wines with a blend that changes every year. 100% Merlot for 2009, consistently this wine that fits a unique part of this Washington icon’s line-up. Really great juice, but alas, only 146 cases were produced in the 2009 vintage. From owner/winemaker Rick Small: “100% Merlot. Typical Charbonneau aromas of sweet aromatic pipe tobacco, leather and cigar box integrate with sweet, rich black cherry fruit. Elegant oak from new French barrels plays in with strong enticing notes of black cherry, spice and mocha. I love the nose on this wine! Ripe sweet black cherry fruit is in perfect proportion with new French oak, acidity, alcohol and tannin. The wine has wonderful texture with soft fully ripe tannins; the finish is generous and long. Currently I find this wine to be more forward and drinkable than several recent Charbonneau vintages. The flavor profile expresses the character of Charbonneau Vineyard beautifully with subtle herb and tobacco nuances coupled with gorgeous complex fruit. I find classic Right Bank elegance that truly entices me and I am always impressed that Charbonneau has such an expression year after year. This wine should age well for ten years with proper cellaring.”