Hot Sheets

2015 MEERLUST STELLENBOSCH RED
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

60% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, this wine has New World fruit but with even more prolific Old World earth and savory herb tones, hallmarks of South Africa’s wines.

Quite handsome, possessing dense aromas of blue fruits forward mineral/ironstone, graphite and spiced earth. More and more aromatic as it unfurls in the glass, everything comes together nicely on the silky but structured texture that extends and fans out on the deceptively packed, lingering finish. This is a steal for 18 bucks and perfect for drinking with friends who love Bordeaux or American blends.

2017 MAS DES BROUSSES
'CHASSEURS DES BROUSSES' ROUGE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

The bloodlines for this Languedoc red wine are quite esteemed. Xavier Peyraud is the grandson of legendary Bandol producer Domaine Tempier’s Lucien and LuLu Peyraud. He and his wife Geraldine took over their family’s vineyards in the Terrasses du Larzac region and are amongst the new tidal wave of young producers who are changing the face of Languedoc.

The 2017 Chasseur des Brousses Rouge is from vineyards in their home village of Puechabon and others in Aniane and is what Southern French Soul personified. OK, it’s damn near Isaac Hayes level when it comes to soul! Prominent strawberry and classic wind-swept herbs and spices while an underflow of black fruit along with snappy peppery tones bring it all home. Broad and flavorful, with a nice level of smoothness and class on the finish, this wine is lip smacking delicious and quite extensive for being under 20 bucks. Have a go at this and enjoy it with slow roasted meat or vegetable dishes jacked with garlic cloves.

2017 MAS DES BROUSSES
TERRASES DU LARZAC ROUGE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Now on to Peyraud’s top wine and big brother of the Chasseur. Unlike the previous wine that is a regional wine of Languedoc, this particular wine is from the newly created AOC Terrasses du Larzac. Formerly encompassed within the whole of Coteaux-du-Languedoc, this area received a much-deserved upgrade in 2014. This wine is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Mourvedre with the Mourvedre being from clippings that came from Domaine de Tempier and planted at Xavier’s estate.

The glacial limestone soils combine with cool and warm winds along with the surroundings of thyme, laurel and rosemary unite to have significant presence on this underrated gem. Major color and aromas of mure (essentially wild plum – no real English translation), white pepper and aromatic herbs. Classy, ripe and showing stellar intensity, spice, roasted earth and all-around Mediterranean warmth that makes you think that you are on holiday in the South of France. A perfect accompaniment with a braised shoulder of lamb with aromatic herbes de provence. Even though this wine utilizes some of the same grapes as in the Rhone and Provence, it is cooler here, thus the wines have terrific energy, structure and potential. Drink this over the next decade.

2016 QUINTA DO CRASTO
DOURO TINTO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Originally Quinta Do Crasto made its bones as a Port house. It has been their dry red wines that have brought them into prominence and their line-up is always on everyone's short list for 'Portugal's Finest Reds'.

2016 is highly-regarded as a pinnacle vintage in this area of Portugal and this chewy red is a top-notch value that is sure to please many palates. Hearty aromas of chocolate-covered strawberries from the blend of Tourga Nacional, Touriga Franca and others co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, finely placed oak and sneaky minerality. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to the arousing finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.

2015 MONTEVETRANO AGLIANICO
'CORE' CAMPANIA
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Montevetrano is one of the leading producers in Campania since their inception in 1985. Aglianico is king here and Silvia Imparato made quite a cannonball splash with her top tier wine called Montevetrano. This wine quickly became sought after by Italian wine lovers but it certainly needed to go into the cellar, and still does. A few years back saw the creation of Core (pronounced kor-ay) which is the local dialect for the word heart. Along with its white wine partner, this wine is meant to be accessed earlier as well as to invoke the spirit of the area.

100% Aglianico. Smoke, plums, Italian herbs and tanginess are present in this crowd-pleasing, warm, full red wine with generosity and ripeness from the 2015 vintage. The finish is savory and well built along with having above average extension. Pairs well with grilled lamb and pork…and don't be afraid to slather them in some garlic & tomatoes. Drink through 2024.

2018 DOMAINE LES APHILLANTHES
COTES-DU-RHONE ROSE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Something that is very delicious and does not break the bank from a very fine Cotes-du-Rhone producer is this lip smacking, refreshing dry rose. Just when you thought you couldn’t get enough good pink wine, this arrival shows up. Located just outside of Gigondas and on the way to Orange in the Plan de Dieu, this solid estate produces delicious wines from top to bottom.

50% Cinsault, 35% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Counoise with 70% being directly pressed. Instantly, the wine reveals not only a shocking pink color, but also exciting scents of raspberry, orange peel, rosemary, anise and an underlying minerality. In the mouth, there is excellent depth and persistence with loads of thrust. A multi-faceted and seriously yummy rosé that is high on the pleasure factor. Not only will you look even better than you do while hoisting a glass, it will pair nicely with grilled tuna or just about any other fish you want to toss on the grill.

2017 LINGUA FRANCA CHARDONNAY
'BUNKER HILL VINEYARD'
$44.99 BTL./$269.94 - SIX PACK

One of the exciting arrivals into the Oregon wine scene is the emergence of Lingua Franca. Founded and operated by Larry Stone (Master Sommelier), David Honig and the legendary Meursault maestro Dominque Lafon, and along with winemaker Thomas Savre, this estate is nothing but the truth. I had the chance to sample their lineup of wines last week. Easy to say I was more than bowled over by the precision and focus of the entire range We will see more in the coming weeks but I thought that it was appropriate to offer this one now.

Planted in 1995 and at an elevation of 600 feet, Bunker Hill Vineyard is located in the Salem Hills just south of the city. Lingua Franca farms and leases the site, selling some fruit off to friends as well. As superb as the 2016 was last year, the 2017 is even more impressive. First thing to know is don’t expect butter and a boat plank, do expect a wine that is inspired by the spiritual home of Chardonnay, Burgundy's Côte D'Or (Puligny/Chassagne-Montrachet/Meursault). Perfumy notes of orange blossom, pear/spice and fine tones of mineral. Athletic and energetic there is full fruit that planes out and becomes very linear and focused in back. Finishes with pronounced detail and persistence. A top-notch Oregon Chardonnay that should be drunk now through 2028.

FRIDAY SIPS

Italian Wines

FEATURED WINES:

2018 Vietti Barbera D’Alba Tre Vigne
2017 Livio Felluga Friulano
2012 Antonelli Montefalco Rosso Riserva
2015 Paolo Petrilli Agramente Rosso