Friday Sips

2015 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

One of the superb Oregon Pinot releases this year, Cameron is down to the last cases of this magical Pinot Noir and given that it is the end of summer and to entice you to come in this week, we are pouring it! As usual, this cuvee is solely from Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique Vineyards.

Typical for vintage 2015 being a flashy show-off wine, this dynamo is rich and stylish with tones of black raspberry, plenty of gentle spice, Dundee Hills mineral and a pronounced overtone of lavender and pepper which round out the finish nicely. Direct and dazzling stuff that is layered and mouth filling, this pinot goes straight to the back of the mouth to an expansive finish that is virtually never found in under 25-dollar Pinot Noir.

2015 DOMAINE DE L'HORTUS
LANGUEDOC ROSE 'BERGERIE'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

The last time we offered this particular Southern French Rose wine was for the 2012 vintage. During the time since we have offered it, this Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup estate has made a complete change with its philosophy. Gone is the darker, saignee style. In is a lighter, almost salmon color as well as being a wine with plenty of zing and freshness, which reflects its cooler site.

35% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and ‘listed’ at 12.5% alcohol. Smoke, lime, touches of freshly cut roses with licorice and cherry arriving on the scene to add layers of complexity. Combining a flavorful palate-presence with excellent chime, this mouth-watering marvel can be consumed in copious qualities or with grilled chicken or tuna slathered with herbs and olive oil. Not a bad combo with shellfish done in a Thai-inspired preparation.

2008 ANTONELLI MONTEFALCO
ROSSO RISERVA
$24.99 BTL./$149.94 - SIX PACK

Montefalco Rosso embodies the great bond between wine and the area of Montefalco in the landlocked region of Umbria that borders Tuscany, Le Marches and Lazio. Fillipo Antonelli is a top producer in the area and with his wines; Riserva really signifies something more than just adding more shiny new barrels.

Produced from their oldest vines and finest plots, the blend of 70% Sangiovese 15% Sagrantino, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot really morphs into a wine that is certain to seduce. Major-league, very deep aromas waft from the glass. Prominent blackberry, sage, cherry pit and balsamic notes follow through to a texture that is palate-staining, layered, and complex all while maintaining an airy aspect. Extensive, expansive and very Italian, at age 9, this wine is really starting to take shape and drink beautifully. Enjoy this with a slow roasted leg of lamb jacked with Italian herbs or a full-flavored meat and cheese-filled lasagna over the next 4-5 years.

2015 YOHAN LARDY
MOULIN-A-VENT 'LES MICHELONS'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Yohan Lardy is the son of legendary Beaujolais vintner Lucien Lardy and these days is one of the trendiest producers in France. Initially the Les Michelons lieu dit in the Cru of Moulin-A-Vent was the first that Johan had. Since then he has grown and makes wine from Fleurie and Chenas as well.

I had the chance to sample this Moulin-A-Vent a last week and it blew my mind! From a prized section of Moulin-A-Vent, this 4-acre parcel comes from vines planted in 1950 and 1911. A burst of violet, rose, deep and dark juicy red and blue berry, spun sugar, and prevailing spicy/minerally/stony aromas roll from the glass and follow through to a texture that is both penetrating and airy. Try with everything from roasted poultry with mushrooms (of course), to salmon, or cheeses and meats. Even though we aren't thinking about it right now, this will be excellent with Thanksgiving dinner. If this entices you now, order some because it will be long gone by T-Day. Drink over the next 10-12 years.