Hot Sheets

Given the scant quantities, the firefight is on to get the hyperbolic 2012 vintage Oregon Pinot Noirs! The first one we’re offering is from a long-time, highly influential property, Evesham Wood. Started by Russ Raney almost 30 years ago this 5-star Eola-Amity estate is now in the more-than-capable hands of Russ’s former assistant Erin Nuccio and the wines are amongst the upper echelon of what’s produced in our state.

2012 was a warmer, more dry growing season bringing a darker and ripe note to this wine with forward black cherry, violet, cedar, violet and subtle peppermint notes. A plush pinot that has textural depth, ripe pure berry notes and fine balance. This is a wine that will take you from salmon to lamb to roasted chicken and mushroom risotto. Stock up now for the fall season; last year this cuvee sold out in 2 months and with the smaller amounts available, expect it to be gone even faster. Drink over the next 3-5 years.

92 POINTS – THE WINE SPECTATOR
The challenge for us is to get Riesling into your glasses. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don't. I’ve been playing the wine game for over 25 years and can't tell you countless times when you ask someone if they would like a taste of fine Riesling, they respond "oooooo, yuk-I don't drink anything sweet"! After their refusal to try it, almost every time they proceed to pick out a bottle of overoaked Chardonnay that is even sweeter!

Yes, there is a kiss of sweetness to this wine, but not anymore that would be in most Oregon Pinot Gris these days. The catch here is that this wine comes from one of Germany's greatest and historic sites. Scharzhofberger is in the Saar and is always Grand Cru level. Warning - you are certain to become addicted to this wine! The nose here is absolutely thrilling. Blazing with white peach, lime, slate and a subtle underlay of spice. In the mouth it is an unqualified delicious white that bursts, lifts and moves throughout the mouth and most importantly, calls you back for glass after glass. Not only is this wine impeccable now, it will age nicely for 10-12 years. Drink with white sausages, Korean cuisine or smoked mussels. If scores are your thing, this has 92 from The Wine Spectator.

Carmignano, located northwest of the city of Florence, unofficially is noted as being the first "Super-Tuscan" since Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & other Bordeaux varietals have always been permitted for blending with the native Sangiovese. This region is home to serious big red wines that deliver a lot of bang for the buck. In recent years the upstart grower Piaggia has taken the lead and has become the benchmark for the region. "One of the best wineries in the region of Carmignano, rather, in Tuscany. – Gambero Rosso".

The 2009 Il Sasso is remarkable and will still outshine many other producers' Riserva wines. We love it so much, we call it a "Super-Duper" Tuscan!! 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and offering up intense aromas of smoky violet, cassis and raspberry liqueur, with hints of balsam, underbrush and cinnamon. Full-bodied, chewy, well harmonized flavors that show silky tannins that are gobbled up by the beautiful, ripe fruit. A pure and expressive offering from a leader in Tuscany and one that while irresistible now, will give more pleasure with age. Drink through 2019.

Like a hyper-repetitive parakeet on caffeine, we have been touting just how grand the trilogy of vintages (2009, 10 & 11) are from Beaujolais. Terriere’s old vine Beaujolais Village is best described as "Premium Beaujolais Villages" since it’s produced from grapes that are grown in red granite soil (known as rosbif, which also is the term that French use when they come upon a gaggle of drunken Englishmen) entirely within the Cru of Regnie. An unbelievable seducer with packed aromas of strawberry and raspberry followed by granitic spice scents of cinnamon-stick, graham and mineral. The wine reveals an excellent core of pure fruit in the mouth and is very ethereal and smooth with superb depth which is the result of the 70+ year old vines. Versatile and food friendly, it will pair well with sausages, roasted chicken, grilled salmon & more.

The French Catalan region of Cotes-du-Roussillon is located just south of the city of Perpignan in close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and running down to the Spanish border. Due to the abundance of schist soils and high elevation, this is a region that often over-delivers with its warm, full, yet energetic reds. 40% Carignan, 30% Syrah and 30% Lladoner Pelut (a relative of Grenache) compose this well-crafted, surprisingly palate-filling wine. Packed with broad plum, cinnamon, licorice, wind-swept garrigue and a distinct dance of minerality that never strays far in both aroma and taste or veer into heaviness or thickness. A red that’s definitely its own animal and on par with the other famous regions of Southern France; speaking of tasty animals, have this with game like venison or buffalo. It'll also pair well with lamb or beef, too. Drink now through the end of 2015.

The significance of Eyrie Vineyards and David Lett on Oregon’s wine history can never be downplayed. Still going stronger than ever, David's son Jason is now at the wheel and continuing in his late father's footsteps by making classically-styled wines, both red and white. Eyrie’s estate Chardonnay will never be confused with the boat plank and tub of butter versions so present from our neighbors to the south, these are quite individual and very reflective of the cool climate that they’re grown in.

From vines planted between 1965 and 1974 at the Eyrie Vineyard, this wine exudes balance, finesse, definition of origin and crispness. Exhibiting electric aromas and flavors of lemon, apple, mineral and smoke tones that are more about their Red Hills of Dundee roots than oak it follows through to a spirited mouth-feel that hits like a sculpted middleweight fighter; chiseled and strong but seriously elusive. A long, searing, elevated finish that conveys depth, persistence and brightness impressively closes it all out nicely. One more thing, this wine ages impeccably, especially in a year such as 2011. No problem to drink/cellar through 2020.

Here’s something we don’t get to offer everyday, 18 year old California Cabernet with even more longevity in front of it! Founded and built originally in 1889 and re-emerged in 1968, Mayacamas Vineyards has held steady to the traditional ways of Napa, refusing to follow trends of high alcohol and souped-up fruit with low tannins. Perched on the Mayacamas Mountains in the Mt. Veeder appellation, these are true American Vins de Gardes and can and do age for eons. Now-retired owner Bob Travers has always formed his wines and been inspired by Bordeaux, seemingly Chateau Latour in particular with power reigning supreme here. This cat built Essence of Americana when it comes to wines so let’s just hope that Mayacamas’s new owners preserve it!

1995 is a vintage that was part of the golden period of the mid-90s in this area and the wines have aged magnificently. Just starting to awaken from its slumber, this Cabernet is exactly what I remember growing up with when trying properly-aged Cali-Cabs back in the day. Old school scents of mint, mole, dark chocolate, briar, cherry, earth, tobacco, violet and on and on and on. Starting to smoothen out its edges, the abundant core of ripe fruit presents itself then extends into a spicy, tangy, very long finish that still possesses a mountain of structure. No problem for this to be a 25-30 year wine from vintage date. If you need that significant bottle from the year of 1995 that you want to drink now or age for another occasion, this is your choice!