Hot Sheets
2005 LA RIOJA ALTA RIOJA RESERVA “VIÑA
ALBERDI” [reg. $27.99] SPECIAL PRICE - $19.99 BTL./$239.88
CASE
If you’re gonna do it, then do it very well! As a Juventus and
Azzurri supporter, Bryan is begrudgingly acknowledging the thorough schooling the Italian side
received against Spain in yesterday’s European Championship Final by presenting a
champion-caliber Spanish wine from a renowned, uber-traditional and iconic producer, La Rioja
Alta. If you are a Spanish wine lover and love the traditional style of Rioja, then this is a
must try. Rioja made like it used to be made, and it doesn't come much better than this. Savory
and laden with cherries, strawberries, mocha and thoughtfully-placed toasty oak. Underlying
mineral and rose-petal provide background music and together all the components flow into a
mouth-feel that’s smooth, voluptuous and packed with character and expansion. Drink this
succulent, flavorful Rioja over the next decade with pork doused with garlic, olive oil and
fennel.
*MAGNUMS - $44.99 *HALF BOTTLES - $13.49
Click to order!!
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2010 POLIZIANO ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO $13.99
BTL./$167.88 CASE
Montepulciano Lesson 101: When the last word of an
Italian wine is “Montepulciano,” it designates the village of Montepulciano which is in
Southern Tuscany and the grape is primarily Sangiovese. The Noble wines of Montepulciano are
some of the most exciting in Tuscany and represent some of the best bang for your buck.When the
word “Montepulciano” is first, , it is the name of the grape and is from the Abruzzo region
which lies east of Rome on the Adriatic coast. Whether it be Abruzzo or Toscana, the red wines
of both of these regions are extremely exciting. This particular offering from Tuscany is a
perennial favorite and for vintage 2010, is a smashing value. A renowned Vino Nobile di
Montepulciano producer and one of the Gang of Four, Federico Carletti consistently produces
wines at all price-levels that seemingly over-deliver and represent their areas so very well.
Sage and violet-dominated scents with wild cherry fruit underneath. Luscious, round flavors are
nicely buffered by a roasted coffee undertone. The finish invites you back for another glass.
Declassified Vino Nobile, it is perfect for everyday consumption, but also is one that will
carry nicely to any elegant Italian dinner as well.
Click to order!!
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2010 HUET VOUVRAY SEC “LE MONT” $29.99
BTL./$359.88 CASE 94 POINTS – WINE ENTHUSIAST
Want to experience one
of France’s greatest white wines?? Then have a go at this!! A French national treasure,
Domaine Huet puts forth the greatest of Vouvray wines both very dry, like this wine all the way
up to everlasting, profound dessert wines. One of three single vineyards, Le Mont is a very
special 19 acre site of some of the best slopes of the entire Loire Valley. Very stony soils
composed of prominent silica and intertwined with green clay, some of the most enigmatic,
sensuous, electric wines come from this site and they age stupendously, especially in a grand
year like 2010! Awe-inspiring aromas seemingly cascade from the glass; chalk, mineral, vibrant
lemon, chamomile and subtle floral notes. Very dry, linear and lightning-like acidity buffers
the excellent intensity on the almost perfumy palate. Super-long, super-saturated and
super-energetic on the profound finish. A real steal at 30 bucks, have it now with grilled
salmon or other substantial seafood preparations, but honestly, this will age and develop
nicely through 2028+. After visiting Domaine Huet back in March, it just reaffirms just how
much Bryan adores these wines…you should, too!
Click to order!!
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2010 ROOT:1 CABERNET SAUVIGNON $9.99 BTL./$119.88
CASE
Seemingly this Chilean wine disappeared and we haven’t been able
to feature it in a while, but now it’s back! This Cab, while certainly not of the caliber of
the Woodward Canyon wine at the bottom of the page, has fine appeal and personality that
reflect quality that performs way over its price point. If this were a California or Washington
Cab, we not unconvinced that we would be selling it for twenty dollars, not 10. Supple,
varietally strong and mouth-filling with ripe cassis, black currant, plum, and cocoa powder.
Soft tannins, silky and long fruit laden finish make this cab a perfect pairing with roasted
rib of beef and grilled sirloin. Delicious now and over the next 2 years.
Click to order!!
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2011 DOMAINE LAFOND TAVEL ROSÉ $19.99
BTL./$239.88 CASE
Blacksburg, Virginia. Owensboro, Kentucky. Tavel. One
thing that all of three places have in common is that they're are vast cultural wastelands that
aren’t necessarily high on the must-see travel list. While Virginia and Kentucky have
basketball, NASCAR, and cars on blocks, the citizens of Tavel have one thing going for them:
some of the world's finest Rosé wines! We may not know whether they have full sets of teeth,
but what we do know, is that Domaine Lafond always wows us with their fantabulous pink
offerings. One whiff will transport you to the land of lavender; Provence! Smoke, spice,
strawberry and watermelon notes jump from the glass and lead into a sophisticated and
mouth-watering texture that shows itself to be both regal and seriously complex rosé. This
wine is perfect fodder with grilled tuna or salmon. It can really stand up to these
full-flavored fishes. Knockout juice that we can't seem to get enough of…Summer commences in
Oregon on Thursday July 5 - get yours now and see why we adore this wine year after year.
Click to order!!
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2010 ANTICO SIGILLO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA $13.99
BTL./$167.88 CASE
While we all think of zinfandel as the
"all-American" grape, it was discovered a few years back that its ancestry is primitivo from
Southern Italy and also Crljenak Kaštelanski from Croatia. A complete different beast due to
the soil types and climate, this particular offering from an exciting, relative newcomer is
deep, forward, chewy and deliciously fun with dark berry fruit, roasted earth and pepper spice
on the thrill-ride nose. In the mouth it offers up refined intensity with plenty of juicy
blackberry, brambly raspberry, vanilla, roasted coffee and exotic spice. The finish is peppery,
juicy and easy to like, especially at this price. A no-brainer with anything from mushroom
risotto, pizza or pasta and a great match for a cheese plate with semi-soft cheeses and cured
meats.
Click to order!!
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2008 WOODWARD CANYON CHARBONNEAU RED RESERVE
$65.99 BTL./$791.88 CASE – VERY LIMITED!!
Something really prolific
from Woodward Canyon, but alas, only 198 cases were made. Notes for this superstar red from
Woodward Canyon owner/winemaker Rick Small: “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 stronger notes of petit verdot black fruit 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 great texture with soft mature
tannins; the finish is generous and long. I currently find the nose a bit more recalcitrant
than the 2007. The flavor profile expresses the character of the vineyards beautifully with
subtle herb and tobacco nuances coupled with gorgeous complex fruit???.that is what makes this
wine so distinctive. 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; be patient. Cheers!”
Click to order!!
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COMING DISTRACTIONS
JULY 6 - FRIDAY SIPS
Another look at 2008 Oregon Pinot Noirs featuring Panther Creek, Cristom &
Holloran JUNE 11 - WEDNESDAY The
release of the July 6 for 60-something Sampler JUNE
13 - FRIDAY SIPS Pre-Bastille Day, Tour de France French Wine Friday
Sips JUNE 18 - WEDNESDAY Real Bordeaux
Food/Wine Pairings Tasting with our friends at Gracie's - Seats still
available!!
