Hot Sheets

Kick off 2013 with a delectable Sangiovese from one of Tuscany's renegade producers! "Notes of blackberry and black cherry are accented by tobacco and spice in this concentrated red, which is fresh and lively, with a firm finish. Drink now through 2014. – 90 POINTS – THE WINE SPECTATOR"

A terrific estate in Catalonia's Montsant region, Joan D'Anguera created this delicious red for early consumption. 100% Garnatxa (Catalan spelling for Grenache) and aged entirely in tank. "Vivid ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of raspberry, cherry and fresh rose, along with a sexy note of Asian spices; smells a lot like a New World pinot noir. Bright and juicy, with pliant red berry flavors and a late kick of white pepper. Offers very attractive fruity character and shows no rough edges on the long, focused finish. - 90 POINTS - INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR"

Longtime Napa Valley legends Duckhorn used to make a limited amount of a second wine called "Decoy". Over the past several years they have extended the Decoy line to include a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc in addition to their red blend. This offering is a Zinfandel from Sonoma and is an cool value, especially for those who enjoy California wines and Zinfandel in particular. Classic Sonoma Zin exhibiting a brilliant ruby color and aromas of bright plum, jam, raspberry, herbs, allspice and pepper with a hint of warm vanilla. Plenty of broad blackberry and dried plum fruit in its cinnamon and sneaky, cherry-influenced aromas, this fairly full-bodied bottling is very nicely balanced from front to back. Pert and juicy flavors pick up engaging hints of caramel, dark chocolate and toffee along the way, it will serve with distinction even now in partnership with pork roasts and chops yet should age well for several years.

The French wines of Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-Fuissé are 2 completely different entities. Pouilly Fuissé is a wine from Burgundy's Macon region and is 100% Chardonnay. This offering is from Pouilly-Fumé and is from the Upper Loire Valley and is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Gitton is a fine, rather undiscovered gem of a producer. The Chantalouettes Cuvee is a magical white wine from 40 year old vines planted on chalk and sand. Exciting aromatics. Smoke, mango, ample perfume with underlying lime-drop and peat tones. Vinous, layered and possessing piercing crispness that cuts into the rich texture. Energetic, saturated and very long, this wine is beautiful now and over the next 5 years, especially with fresh crab if you can find any!

Up until about 10-15 years ago, lean and mean wines were made within both Moulin and Listrac but these days, improved farming has resulted in better fruit has equated to better Bordeaux with superb values have sprouted from both of these areas. The Meyre family has managed the Château since 1810 when the Château Lon and Domaine de Veyrin were merged. 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 55% Merlot & 5% Petite Verdot. Cassis-driven scents around blueberry, coffee, gravelly scents and fine herbs. Flavorful, creamy and very silky with underlying firmness and grip for aging. Becomes rather imposing, formidable and masculine on the drawn-out and structured finish. Drinkable now with decanting about an hour before serving. Will also age nicely for 12-15 years, too.

It can't be stated enough just how important the Ratti family, particularly the late Renato has been to the Piedmont region of Italy, its history and the quality of its wines. Pietro Ratti took over from his late, legendary father at a very, very young age back in 1988 and he has followed very admirably making some of the most delicious and formidable wines in the La Morra district all while maintaining his father's legacy as the historian and proud promoter of Barolo. This wine is a tribute to the beauty of La Morra. The vineyard sites within this Barolo village deliver aromatic and sexy wines that become very lacy and smooth after several years of bottle age. Ratti’s 2008 is quite magnificent and revealing all of the hallmarks of this underrated and classic vintage, yet is still a couple of years away from it true pinnacle. Tightly wrapped rose petal notes, hints of mushroom, red licorice whip along with underlying camphor and spice notes. In the mouth, this wine currently has spine and structure although with cellar time it will undoubtedly exude elegance and complexity. Leering from beneath this austere grip are massive amounts of berry fruit, mushrooms, pepper, and lots of length. Destined for greatness, enjoy this stellar Barolo from 2016 through 2022+.