Hot Sheets

2016 Fueillarde Saint-Veran
Cuvee Tradition
$19.99 btl./$239.88 case

While visiting this favorite White Burgundy on my most recent journey to France, it was almost magnet to steel when I tasted this wine. Maybe even love at first sight! Lucien Thomas may be the classic, taciturn, strong-silent guy, his wines speak incredibly and the 2016 is sure to please anyone who enjoys unoaked, very mineral-driven Chardonnay.

Enticing oceanic aromas lead things off followed by scintillating orange and lemon character. Seashell and prominent smoky, stony quality all in its more pure and focused form. Suave entry and gaining electricity, this wine expands and thrills on the persistent, mineral finish. A wow wine for a mere 20-bucks and one to enjoy with fall salmon, grilled prawns and white meats.

2016 Evesham Wood
Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
$19.99 btl./$239.88 case

There is always immense excitement when this wine is released, especially for those of us who love to enjoy a 20-dollar Oregon Pinot Noir. Founded by Russ Raney and not missing a beat since his protégé Erin Nuccio took control, this 5-star producer has put forth a wine that is a mere glimpse into the quality and pedigree of Oregon’s 2016 vintage.

Alluring scents crème du cassis, cherry, violet, cedar, violet and subtle mint entices from the moment that it is poured. This beautiful pinot has great depth of flavor, poise, over-reaching depth and wonderful balance. This fine choice will take you from salmon to lamb to roasted chicken and mushroom risotto. Stock up now for your fall gatherings and dinners.

2013 Marchesi di Gresy Dolcetto D'Alba
'Monte Aribaldo'
$19.99 btl./$239.88 case

Marchesi di Gresy's Dolcetto comes from the Barbaresco village of Treiso, sourced from the high elevation, south-facing Monte Aribaldo hill. Due to the excellent site, over the years Bryan has often referred to this wine as Dolcetto-plus.

Di Gresy's 2013 Dolcetto is so soulfully smooth good that it probably has both Isaac Hayes and Barry White swooning with envy from the heavens. Direct, enticing qualities of ripe blueberry, cranberry and subtle minerality virtually beam from the glass. Loads of gorgeous, dry-berry fruit in the mouth give way to a finesseful characteristic that is indicative of Barbaresco-area Dolcetto. Drink this superb red with smoked meat, sausage, salami or hearty pasta dishes.

2015 Montevertine Pian Del Ciampolo
Toscana Rosso
$31.99 btl./$383.88 case

Already established as a Chianti Classico producer in Radda, in 1979, Sergio flipped off the Consorzio of Chianti, effectively butchering the rooster, by refusing the use of white grapes in Chianti, or aging it in barrel for the formerly required period. Thus, the creation of the second wave of Super-Tuscan wines, utilizing 100% Sangiovese grapes or with the small additions of native grapes and NO international varietals (like Cabernet) was born. Little did anyone know at that time that what Signore Manetti rallied against would become status-quo in 90s for the wines of Chianti Classico. With the adoption of new regulations, Manetti's vision and practice are now legal, influential and commonplace. By then, Montevertine was bigger and better than just about any other Chianti producer. Sadly we lost Sergio Manetti in 1999, but his son Martino has kept everything rolling keeping alive his papa's renegade spirit and philosophy.

Number one of three prolific wines (Montevertine and Le Pergole Torte being the others), the 2015 Pian del Ciampolo reveals suave aromas of violet, rose-petal, a touch of leather and spice with a gentle hint of tangy earth, anise, sage and ironstone. In the mouth, it exudes depth, grace and smooth-characteristics with pronounced notes of strawberry and earth. Very debonair indeed, this wine should be consumed with lighter poultry preparations or elegant pasta dishes. Drink through 2025.

2015 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vines
$25.99 btl./$311.88 case

The son of famed Zinfandel guru Joel Petersen at Ravenswood, it is only natural that producing top-tier Zinfandel would be in his son Morgan’s blood. The Bedrock wines are quite the anomaly that they are California gone good, especially since Morgan is recapturing heirloom grape varietals such as Carignane, Mataro, Alicante Bouschet and others.

I tasted the new 2015 last week and its presence virtually got me off the chair. 90% Zin with the other 10% a blend of a bunch of various grapes, this flavorful Zin exudes class and harmony without ever losing its sense of the power of what the main grape is known for delivering. Combining spicy, lush fruit qualities along with the mélange of grapes that offers structure and zinfandel’s classic briary and raspberry flavors, there is certainly balance and no use of a giant wooden spoon to stir it together. Just a deep, concentrated and intense drink with stellar lift, balance and good integration of flavor. Enjoy over the next decade with aged cheese, braised pork shoulder, roasted poultry or a thick grilled steak.

2014 Barbier-Bellevue
Bergerac Rouge
$9.99 btl./$119.88 case

It’s last call on the yummy 2014! All those that love great Merlot and Cabernet from Bordeaux, at a great price will love this wine. The first word that comes to mind when tasting this wine is "character."

For 10 per bottle this is a real flavorful taste of France. Full frontal aspects packed with stylish cassis, blueberry-earth tones, and spice. Delightful, nicely formed and palate coating, one sip and you too will become a Bergerac believer! Drink this tasty, versatile red over the next 3-4 years with sausages, burgers, steak, grilled mushrooms and more.

2014 La Liquiere Faugeres
'Les Amandiers'
$10.99 btl./$131.88 case

Made by a prominent Langeudoc and Faugeres producer, the Les Amandiers cuvee is a throwback to an every evening Langeudoc drinker. Made from young vines and lots that are immediately accessible, this red is super southern French style and soul.

30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 30% Carignan & 10% Mourvedre, this cuvee is aged entirely in tank and aims to please. Classic Faugeres and Languedoc this value-oriented wine shows off wild spice, lavender and strawberry notes that have nice lift and focus of fruit. The finish is pure, wild and spicy with stellar length. This easy drinking red will pair with an array of dishes like roasted chicken, a hearty stew or by itself by the fireplace.

2012 Mount Eden Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon
$65.99 btl./$791.88 case

Located up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mt. Eden shares a commonality of profoundness with its stalwart region mate, Ridge. The focus here isn’t on Zin but on prolific Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and their legendary Cab that is stacked, packed and built to age. A gem of a Cabernet Sauvignon, if this wine were from Napa it would surely garner twice the price if not more.

An easy candidate to age this for 20-25 years, this loaded Cab is strong, hearty and packed with mountain berries, toasty oak, Valrhona dark chocolate, tea leaf, sweet tobacco, and on and on and on. Full bodied as expected along with no shortage of structure or baby fat. The length on this seemingly flows in waves but is barely open at this point. One that needs to go into the cellar for 3-4 years before opening up. A lovely choice for Cab collectors who have patience as well as perfect for those with a child or grandchild born in 2012. Start to drink in 2020 but there is no problem for this wine to develop for another two decades after that date.

2011 Castelnau de Suduiraut Sauternes
$19.99 - Half Bottle
$35.99 - Full Bottle

Castelnau de Suduiraut is the great Château Suduiraut's second wine and absolutely offers up ravishing value and while not the big wine, gives quite an amazing experience without being north of $100.

Full-flavored and youthful and difficult to believe that this is a second wine! Rich and full-throttle with deep, shiny orange and apricot aromas that stand up in the glass. Hints of trademark Sauternes honey start to shine. In the mouth, it is unctuous, sweet and rich, but with graceful acidity to allow it to age impeccably. At $35 for a full bottle & 20-bucks for a split, this is a steal! Drink this tasty dessert wine over the next 6-8 years.

FRIDAY SIPS

Cameron, White Burgundy & more

FEATURED WINES:

2015 Cameron Pinot Noir ‘Dundee Hills Reserve’
2016 Feuillarde Saint-Veran ‘Cuvee Tradition’
2016 Vincent Paris Syrah
2013 Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardinia