Hot Sheets

"HAND IT OVER" HOTSHEET
92 point, under 30 buck Barbaresco, 95 Point Long Shadows Merlot, 2010 Cristom Pinot Noir & more!

2008 PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO BARBARESCO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

92 POINTS – THE WINE SPECTATOR

Always a tremendous value, the Produttori del Barbaresco normalé cuvee is such a legitimate, true to the region wine that has complexity, bravado and character that is way beyond its price level. I absolutely adore 2008 throughout this famed Piedmont region - this is a classically-structured, terroir-focused vintage that’s the absolute essence of Barbaresco. Roses, tar, subtle spice and earth tones dominate the nose of this gorgeous offering. More intensity than usual on this cuvee, chewy, expressive red fruits assert themselves in the mouth with noticeable structure that tightens its grip at the end. All in all, this shows way above average length, depth and penetration for its price point and has the dimension and structure for aging . Although youthful, a Nebbiolo-fiend can decant and try one to see where it is, but for the best results cellar this wine until 2014 and drink it through 2021. This particular offering also has 92 points from The Wine Spectator.

MAGNUMS AVAILABLE - $54.99

2010 NICODEMI MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO "TERRANA"
$9.50 BTL./$114.00 CASE

One of the real gems of not only the Abruzzo region, but also of Italy, brother-sister team of Alessandro and Elena Nicodemi treat their wines the same way any good Barolo or Brunello producer would treat their offerings. The 2010 shows real low-yield intensity with concentrated notes of black plum, ripe cherry, espresso bean and lavender. This mouthcoating beauty is soft, round and beautifully balanced. Take advantage of this approachable power and enjoy this soulful Italian red now with hearty, soulful roasted meat dishes and sharp cheeses. A seriously-done Montepulciano that will please any Italian wine fanatic.

2010 AMIZADE MONTERREI TINTO MENCIA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Amizade is a joint effort between famed Albariño legend Gerardo Mendez of Do Ferreiro and his friend, Toni Mendez, a premier grower in the region Originally I fell in love with this producer’s wonderful Godello, but recently I have taken a real liking to their superbly-crafted, unoaked red wine made primarily from Mencia, the same grape that is in Bierzo. Also added are tiny traces of the indigenous Caiño and Arauxa grapes. Being slightly warmer than Valdeorras and a different soil composition than Bierzo, the sand/slate soils of Monterrei truly make these wines very individual.

This wine makes me wanna jump out of my shoes when I smell it!! Lively, inviting tones of marionberry, pepper and soft roasted herbs. They all seem to build as the wine opens in the glass and entice you to take a sip which is pristine, medium-bodied and forward. It also shows wonderful intensity from the use of low-yielding fruit, but is also clean as there is no oak employed in the winemaking process. A red wine that will work with fish.

2010 PASCAL MARTHOURET SYRAH
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

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. Soon relatives started asking him to help and he put down the oily rag in favor of riding a tractor and producing fabulous wines from his small 15 acre estate which also includes St-Joseph and Condrieu. This Syrah is a great gateway into what cool-climate, Northern Rhone Syrah grown on granitic soils is all about. Persistent blackberry, graham and olive/pepper scents shine on the nose. Harmonious, ripe and sumptuously flavored, this wine is very attractive to throw down right now. High-pitched red fruit flavors lend to its complexity while its finish is lively, smoky and laced with ground pepper aspects. A perfect food Syrah and quite affordable to drink during the week.

2010 CHEHALEM CHARDONNAY “INOX”
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

INOX is Chehalem’s Chardonnay that is fully unoaked and does virtual backflips for its price. Long gone are the days of lean, green and mean Oregon Chardonnay, today we have ushered in a new era for those who want to make Chardonnay on a high quality level and Chehalem is doing just that. Clean, vibrant aromas of apple, banana, mandarin and peach with underlying mineral and smoke. Forward, mouth-filling, slightly exotic and surprisingly serious texture that builds nerve, energy and zestiness on the engaging, polished finish. Enjoy with NW halibut dishes.

2009 LONG SHADOWS PEDESTAL MERLOT
$54.99 BTL./$329.94 – SIX PACK CASE

95 POINTS – THE WINE SPECTATOR

By now you all know the story of Long Shadows with founder Allen Shoup gathering together 7 superstar winemakers from around the world, each doing his own thing with Washington fruit. Pedestal is from famed Bordeaux oenologist Michel Rolland and the 2009 is the most intense and best version of this wine to date!! “This red is round, generous and expressive, offering plum, loganberry, cherry and clove flavors that pick up hints of loam and floral character as the finish tightens its focus. Impressive for its length and deft balance…95 POINTS, THE WINE SPECTATOR.” Put this one down for 2-3 years and enjoy it 2015 – 2023. Hurry, only 6 six packs available!!

2010 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR “JESSIE”
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE

Oh boy does a fine and classy vintage like 2010 set the table for the Oregon Pinot Cerebral Assassin Steve Doerner to make great wines. This first offering of the girls certainly doesn’t disappoint!! A thrilling Pinot Noir with ungodly potential, the 2010 Jessie puts forth very youthful, sensual blueberry, sage, raspberry and lavender scents along with the signature Cristom spice aspects. An unbridled smoky tone adds even more as the wine unfurls in the glass. Wonderfully layered and with just the right amount of sinister quality that is the kind that makes you want to pull for the bad guys in the movies. Don’t be fooled by its initial charm, this is still a young wine and will do nothing but get better and better and better. Drink 2015 – 2025.