Hot Sheets

A consistent 10 buck winner from Spain's Jumilla region, this full-flavored bargain red from 100% Monastrell (Mourvedre) also possesses a fat 91 point score from the ever conservative-scoring International Wine Cellar.

"Glass-staining purple. Powerful dark berry preserve aromas, with pungent floral and herbal qualities adding complexity. Alluringly sweet in the mouth, with deep blackberry and candied cherry flavors showing impressive intensity and power. The lingering, lucid finish features broad, velvety tannins. Displays wonderful pliancy and focus, and has the depth to age. – 91 POINTS – INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR"

Lowest price in quite a long time for a standard-bearing Italian white!! Bucci has long been established as the standard bearer for Verdicchio in the Le Marches region of Castelli di Jesi. This guy's Classico version is on par with most producers' luxury/Riserva bottlings, and let's not even get going on the Villa Bucci which is one of Italy's greatest white wines. Usually we wax poetic about this wine each year we offer it but for some reason after tasting, there was something a bit more about the 2011 that compelled us to excitedly open another bottle. The dimension to this wine is frightening!

Illuminating aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone seemingly alternate in an unhurried fashion and draw you in for a sip. When the wine reaches the lips, perfumed flavors that are rich, yet tense and electric touch all of the senses in the mouth and extend to a superb, palate-staining finish that lingers exquisitely long after the wine is swallowed. Perfect over the next few years with just about anything that swims.

96 POINTS - THE WINE ADVOCATE
Calera owner/winemaker Josh Jensen's "family tree of winemakers" is long and distinguished and includes the likes of Cristom's Steve Doerner who earned his bones here for over a decade before coming to Oregon and rocking our state. Many other cite this cat as one of their influences and inspirations when it comes to winemaking, this most iconic producer, due to their unique Central Coast, limestone-based soils, has never been to chase recognition from the wine press, they have flocked to him. Instead, for 35+ years, these wines are beloved by connoisseurs who prefer the subtle and cerebral in their wines all without losing any intensity.

"The transparent ruby-colored 2010 Pinot Noir Mills Vineyard has considerable structure and depth hiding under all of its texture and richness. Offering up notions of sweet cherries, strawberry, underbrush, crushed flowers and chalky minerality, it has a massive mid-palate, incredible purity and a seamless, elegant overall profile. It, too, will have 10-12 years or more of prime drinking. Drink now-2025. – 96 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE"

Having been producing Lytton Springs since 1972, the famed Zinfandel producer, Ridge brings it once again with their stylish 2011 and it will undoubtedly go down as one of their most ageworthy versions. It's hard to describe a "typical" Ridge Lytton Springs. Each vintage is unique, distinct, extraordinary, yet they do have elements in common, including the blackest of blackberry fruit, peppery spice, tar, cedar. The term "layered" was seemingly invented for Ridge's Lytton Springs Zin-based red and the wines change, re-inventing themselves in bottle, developing more nuance and complexity as years pass. In fact, earlier this year a 1991 was consumed and at age 22, still shines. Along with Geyserville, this is the most ageworthy of all Ridge "zinfandels," they can be (witness the '11) magnificent when young.

The 2011 is a chanteuse that is 82% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 2% Carignane and packed with peppery tones as well as pronounced chocolate covered plum tones, briar and licorice. In the mouth, it is deep with savory, luscious and spicy flavors that have full presence and are extremely well-integrated and carry over into the gorgeous, ripe finish. Drink now through 2022+.

If you've read down to this point, you're probably wondering what the title of this week's hot sheet is all about. With the Steelers being 0-4 and not having another win in sight along with the passing of LC "Hollywood Bags" Greenwood, as a Steelers fan, I had to pay tribute to what once was. How does this correlate to Valpolicella Ripasso you ask? Just like a winless start to the NFL season and poor defense, modern Valpol Ripasso absolutely irritates me. If I want to drink port, I'll drink port. Yes 0-4, losing a heroic member of the vaunted Steel Curtain and basically trying not to drown in this recent typhoon has me somewhat feisty!!

Quietly there is a movement in Verona's Il Valpolicella area to make Ripasso as it was once meant to be, full but fresh, vibrant and food friendly and passed over the lees of Amarone and not just surgically-enhanced with some chewy, dried, raisiny over-ripe grapes. Speri is a silent-superstar Amarone/Valpolicella producer who consistently churns out top-level wines. The 2010 Ripasso is quite delectable. Heaps of morello cherry, red plum, Indian spice, candied violet and dark chocolate roll into a texture that's mouth-filling, dense yet with fine balance and supporting burst that sends it through to the long finish that is full of mouth-coating complexity. Enjoy now over the next 3-5 years with pasta darned with morels (or other mushrooms) and tender morsels of slow cooked lamb, a stellar pairing that must be experienced!

Way back in 1998, Bryan introduced Karen to this Southwestern French wine made from the native Gros Manseng grape. She gave a quick curious look and then tasted the wine and it immediately became one of her favorite ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) wines. Fast forward to 2013 and we are still enthusiastically selling and drinking this salacious white wine. Whether you are serving grilled prawns, roasted chicken or cheetos, this obscenely delicious white wine will satisfy everyone!

Clean, dry and very explosive, this Reserve Selection is from one of the best producers in the Southwest of France. Passionfruit and lemon dominate the nose, while intriguing melon and pink grapefruit notes seemingly detonate in the mouth and liven up the whole food and wine experience. If Gros Manseng as a grape isn't familiar to you, we'll put it in simpler terms - Lovers of Sauvignon, Albariño or any other familiar, aromatic and palate-assaulting white wine will go gaga over this incredibly delicious wine.

Pedro Marchevsky is one of the most experienced vineyard managers and winemakers in Argentina. Along with his business partner Susanna Balbo, this formidable team delivers consistent, full-flavored wines that exemplify both strength and finesse. Ahhh there's that word that most Americans don't understand. The connotation that finesse means light, couldn't be further from the truth. Often in this business, you hear Americans use the word "smooth" to describe a wine. Basically, they're saying the same thing the rest of the world says when they talk of finesse. Enough of semantics. BenMarco is simply very good Cab!

Classy and aromatic with a full nose of tobacco, allspice and prominent cassis, it speaks of Argentina. Handsome in the mouth with loads of depth, character, vibrancy from start to long finish. What you get for $20 bills from Argentina will set you back $40 bills from California or Washington! Drink this delight over the next 5-6 years with steak.

Two weeks ago, we held an intimate Seat at the Table Tasting here at The Cellar Door with Champagne Gosset's Directeur International and our long-time friend Philippe Manfredini. We have been featuring bubblies from Champagne Gosset for 15 years at The Cellar Door and I have been working with them even longer. Safe to say this was a magnificent evening with 6 offerings which all showed brilliantly but one stood apart for its sheer price/quality rapport, this spectacular Grande Reserve Brut.

Blended from 3 vintages plus Reserve wines. 43% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir & 15% Pinot Meunier from 12 Grands Crus and 1 Premier Cru make up the blend. 4-5 years on lees before bottling. Brioche aromas, lots of penetration and depth, fine spices beneath the surface. Apple and pear-drop scents present to. Full, really fans out nicely, maintains its grip, spine and backbone of zestiness throughout. Very firm, sculpted and drawn-out. I have always loved this wine and especially as it unfolds and warms, it is like rekindling that love all over again. Simply delicious!