Hot Sheets

Given all of the winemaking operations throughout Washington it often leaves us with some difficult and not-so-difficult choices to make on which wines to offer. Too often we are presented with homogenized versions of wines that seem to all taste the same. What we look for in newly presented wines are those of distinction and that show sense of place over those that are nothing but juice-boxes shrouded with too much oak that mask themselves as wine.

One of the new and exciting producers who we have recently come across is Gilbert Cellars. Located in Yakima, the wines that are produced at this cellar are solid contenders when it comes to price/quality rapport. Coming from Gilbert's Doc Stewart Vineyard, located on the left bank of the Columbia River, the blend of the 5 Bordeaux varietals is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 20% Petite Verdot, 8% Merlot and 5% Malbec. Hearty and full-flavored exhibiting black cherry, raspberry, cocoa powder, violet, and aromatic herbs and spices on the nose. Mouth-coating with ripe, but even-keeled smooth-textured fruit and detail all which carry to a finish that is lasting and very handsome; drink over the next 4-6 years.

At the forefront of modernista Amarone producers, Alberto Zenato's wines dazzle in the wake of a formidable line up of extremely high quality wines. From their Amarone Riserva straight across to this specially-priced gem and down to their humble Lugana, this family has been committed to excellence and the promotion of the very best of the region. The 2010 Valpolicella is produced from vineyards in the historic zone of Sant'Ambrogio this Valpolicella is made from 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, and 10% Oseleta. Medium-bodied with notes of ripe red currant, Bing cherry, earthy minerals, violet and a hint of almond, this velvety, smooth and hearty red is perfect for parpardelle with braised meats, red sauce, stewed poultry with green olives, tomatoes and capers, or a simple take-out Margarita pizza with Italian sausage and pepperoni.

Yes, there is a dog on the label and also, our local importer who handles this wine donates a buck from every bottle to Oregon Humane Society. Castelao (35%), Tinta Roriz (25%), Syrah (25%), Touriga Nacional (15%) and chock full of strawberry, mocha, and vibrant cinnamon/spice this flavorful red wine comes from just outside of Lisbon and is a complete charmer. Lovely depth and soulful personality, this tasty number is a great everyday drink with friends or simply-prepared dishes. Thank goodness for yummy 8 buck Portuguese reds.

FITOU!! Bless You, Gesundheit , À tes souhaits! In all actuality, Fitou is not a sneeze. This particular wine region happens to be the oldest appellation of Languedoc in the South Of France and is one that produces many fine, robust red wines. Domaine Champs des Soeurs is one of Fitou's top producers and located in a warm pocket, not too far from the Mediterranean coast. 50% Grenache, 40% Carignan, 10% Syrah, this wine is chock full of accentuated aromas and flavors of spice, lavender, cherry, rhubarb, scorched earth and licorice. Hearty from start to end, and loaded with plenty of hot, exotic spices on the warm and inviting finish. Prepare something forceful, yet comforting with it, the perfect paring is a classic white bean/duck/sausage cassoulet dish that is native to the area.

Like the above-mentioned Fitou, this particular white wine also comes from the South of France and represents a lot of bang for the buck. Lilac, jasmine, white peach and lime aromas prevail and really show off the Viognier grape very well. Nice mouth-coating aspects without ever becoming cloying, heavy or manipulated. Nice burst and citrus with subtle spice at the end. A nice compliment to spicy cuisines and a great alternative to the tried and true 10 buck Chardonnay or Pinot Gris.

With a name like Vito Catania and hailing from Sicily, one would expect this guy to be a character in a mob movie rather than a sustainable, organic farmer. Catania came to the area with a vision of making ancient-style, natural wines using modern technology. Since he purchased his 100 acres in 1996, he's certainly succeeded in becoming one of Sicily's most charmed producers.

One of 6 different expressions of Nero D'Avola, this single vineyard offering comes from a 7 acre limestone-driven site in Siracusa's Val di Noto and is further south in latitude than Tunisia’s capital city of Tunis! Think of a hypothetical version of a Sicilian Amarone with this big red. Polish and energy abound with strawberry/balsamic aspects, licorice, sage and underlying floral characteristics with smoothness and sensuality in the mouth. Layers of fruit, mineral, hints of spicy oak dominate the streamlined and structured palate. Long and very packed with impressive character and potential, drink this profound Sicilian red through – 2024. Also, 93 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE

Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay has always been somewhat of a timeless classic. Restraint, richness and finesse are what this wine is, and has always been, about. In a time when many folks are compensating for something, Montelena just continues to put forth incredibly refined and long-aging wines that buck the normal trend. There is no malo-lactic fermentation on this wine. Totally unnecessary because given its complexity and dimension, this would just be akin to teaching LeBron James how to dunk, he already does that with authority. If you have never tried Montelena's Chardonnay, you are in for a jaw-dropping experience, if you have had and love Montelena's Chardonnay, well, you get the picture!

The ever elegant and pure 2010 chardonnay offers a incredibly complex set of aromas from spring blossoms, to candied mushroom caps, white pineapple, melon, citrus and slight graham cracker aromas. Purity is a characteristic of this chardonnay and the finish is fine with a long burst of refreshing minerality. Excuse us while we kiss the sky, because this is a romantic bottle that just unfolds layer upon layer of luscious restraint. Good now, but will be luxurious from 2014 – 2020+.

A visit to Domaine Chauvenet is equivalent to attending Nuits-St-Georges 101, 102, the masters & the Doctorate class. Jean Chauvenet’s son-in-law has been making the wines here since 1991 and tasting through his line-up is long but highly informative, these are some of the finest not only in Nuits-St-Georges but in all of Burgundy and they age stupendously.

One of the great values in Nuits-St-Georges is Chauvenet’s Nuits-St-Georges. Way more than mere village wine, this particular offering is derived from 5 parcels with very old vines. 2 of them are Premier Cru but with holdings too small to merit their own bottling, hence they go into this offering and give it even more substance. Saint Jacques, Les Allots, Les Lavieres, Les Charmottes, and Les Athees are the single vineyards that are blended in and are all located north of the village and offer pleasure and each brings something special to this bottling. Devastatingly handsome. Dark cherry, plum, multi-layered white pepper and mineral scents. More and more arrive including limestone and strawberry. Dense and gripping but with a sultry core of vinous fruit. Gains backbone and focuses in on the youthfully bound finish. 2010 is a slam-dunk great vintage for red Burgundy and this for its price is so fine. Hold it until 2016 and drink through 2025+