Hot Sheets

2009 DOMAINE DU PESQUIER C]TES-DU-RH]NE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
Our mothers have often told us how our generation watches too much television, especially these days with digital cable-TV, satellite-TV and Web-TV. On any given night, one could tune into the History Channel and see great battles fought throughout time. Better yet, one could tune into the NFL Network and after 10 or so beers, the golden, deep voice of John Facenda could place you in the glory days of bloody battles between the Steelers and Raiders in the 1970s. Kinda makes you wanna fight!

After returning from France, Bryan decided that the wine world really needs to put a fatwa out on no-talent negociants and cruddy co-operative Côtes-du-Rhône infidels. In other words, SUPPORT GROWER C]TES-DU-RH]NE!!! Hell if Champagne advocates can promote Grower Champagne, why not exalt the farmers who lovingly tend their own vines, making exquisite wines that are limited only by the land they own (in other words, not a million cases!!!).

Large-scaled as is typical of 2009, this outstanding Gigondas-based family does this wine from fruit hailing from the Côtes-Du-Rhône village of Sablet. Savory roasted earth, lavender, spice-soaked cherry along with prominent white pepper emit from the glass and give off the impression of a wine that is best described as a silky-sledge-hammer. The impacting texture is formidably spice-driven with mouth-filling strawberry, provençal herbs and balsamic ? especially on the soulful, cruising Cadillac of a finish. Enjoy this through 2015 with grilled pork tenderloin encrusted in herbes de provence or a slow cooked roast beef that has been jacked with mushrooms in its own juices.

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2011 J. CHRISTOPHER SAUVIGNON BLANC
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
When it comes to Oregon white wines, not too many surpass the quality of what J. Christopher is doing right now, especially with Sauvignon Blanc. Since the winery's inception in 1996, Jay Somers has been a devout believer in the qualities of Sauvignon and the uniqueness that Oregon's climate brings to the wines. Establishing their own identity, those producing this varietal have realized differences from their French, California or New Zealand colleagues.

The J. Christopher 2011 is a stunner and instantly shows just how good this Oregon vintage will be across the board. Bone-dry, refreshing, zesty, but with ample substance to carry over to the dinner table. Brilliant aromas and flavors of honeydew, mandarin, forward mineral and smoke blitz the senses and follow through to entice one to uncork another bottle. Great to sip on a warm evening , if we ever get one! This just also happens to be perfect with just about any seafood that comes out of the waters of the Northwest and it will start any meal off right. Place your order before we drink it all.

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2008 CHZTEAU STE-MICHELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"COLD CREEK VINEYARD"
[reg. $32.99]
SPECIAL PRICE - $25.99 BTL./$155.94 - SIX PACK CASE
Lately it seems as though people want to follow the latest trend when it comes to Washington wine and yet they forget just how good the top wines from the most established producers can actually be. Combine a great vintage like 2007 with a historic and important vineyard like Cold Creek and you have the makings for something that can be very special?.and it is so fairly priced, too! Sitting in the Columbia Valley south of the Wahluke Slope region Cold Creek Vineyard was planted in 1973 and the old vine intensity really shows off beautifully in this well-structured and ageworthy offering. Lyrical, old-school scents of chocolate and nutmeg finished off with mild cedar spice. On the palate, juicy dried black cherry fades to plum and cassis, melded with coffee and dark chocolate. The penetration and multi-dimensional characteristics from the nose are also present in the mouth. Luxurious and not without a bit of cushion, this stuff is almost dangerous! Soothing and smoothly-textured with building spice and a head-spinning core of blue fruit take the lead, but the backbone is what ultimately carries the wine and will bring longevity. Not inaccessible now with about 30 minutes in a decanter, this wine will be at its best 2014 ? 2020+?also 92 POINTS from the conservative-scoring International Wine Cellar.

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2010 OLIM BAUDA BARBERA D'ASTI "LA VILLA"
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
The James Brown of Barbera in our world?This is the hardest-working, most entertaining version of this grape that we sell for under 15 bucks! Brothers Dino and Gianni Bertolini are now receiving molto praise for their wines and deservedly so, they are terrific! 2010 is magnificent for Barbera and for us the 4th vintage that we have offered is the finest yet!

Located in Incisa Scapaccino, which along with the village of Nizza Monferrato, is the spiritual heart of the Asti region of Piedmont. The 2010 Barbera D'Asti is the soulful driving force of the estate, the every evening, share with friends red. Aged entirely in stainless steel it is resoundingly fresh with smoky-earthy tones wrapped around vibrant but layered strawberry and cranberry characteristics. Mouthwatering and terrific with salumi, pasta, grilled fish or veggies.

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FRIDAY SIPS

...FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T LEAVING FOR VACATION!

3 BIG RED ZINS FROM 3 PROLIFIC PRODUCERS

Friday, June 29 from 3:30-6:30! Drop by to sample:

*2010 Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles "Dusi Ranch"

*2008 Storybook Mountain Zinfandel "Mayacamas"

*2010 Marietta Zinfandel Sonoma

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