Hot Sheets

"MIXIN' UP THE MEDICINE" HOTSHEET
20 buck Walla Walla Syrah, Beaux Freres Pinot Noir, White Burgundy, Italian Bubbly, Rioja & More

2010 SUBSTANCE SYRAH COLUMBIA VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A delicious and uncompromised 20 dollar Washington Syrah from two of Walla Walla's terrific producers?? As The Three Stooges vignette goes, "THIS HOUSE SHO' GONE CRAZY!"

We're not pulling your leg or putting on any comedy acts, this is a true deal from a project spearheaded by Greg Harrington of Gramercy Cellars, Jamie Brown of Waters and their respective teams. Included in the 2010 Syrah is fruit from two outstanding Walla Walla vineyard sites, Les Collines and Waters Old Stones and the results are thrilling. An elixir of earthy, briary raspberry, cherry, and blueberry fruit with hints of smoke, woodland spices and black pepper shine on the nose and carry over to a texture that is laid-back, cool and with ample depth and persistence. Well-formed and not even close to being a hopped-up juice box, enjoy it over the next several years.

2009 CIACCI PICCOLOMINI D'ARGONA TOSCANA ROSSO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

From one of my favorite Brunello producers comes this terrific blend of primarily Sangiovese along with kisses of Cabernet and Merlot. Aged in old Slavonian botti and used French barrels, this plump juicy wine is teeming with cherry and berry fruit. Undertones of sage and tobacco play nicely off of allspice and cocoa notes leap from the glass and carry over into a texture that is fleshy, savory and sumptuous in the mouth with plenty of lift, depth and personality. From top-to-bottom and front-to-back, one can really see why Ciacci is one of the greatest makers in all of Brunello, Tuscany and Italy. Have this over-achiever with tomato-based pastas, roasted pork or grilled vegetables. If you love yummy red wine and Tuscany, you won't want to miss this delectable drinker.

2009 DOMAINE DE FONTENILLE CÔTES-DU-LUBERON
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

From an area of Provence known more for the book "A Year In Provence", this is a phenomenal full-tilt red wine that is a consistent winner when it comes to bang for the buck. Pierre Leveque did his apprenticeship with the legendary Paul Avril at Clos des Papes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 50% Syrah, 50% Grenache and sensual, dense, deep and opaque aspects that exhibit aromas of black currant, spice pepper and lavender which lead into an exuberant, rich palate that displays generous, mouth-coating full flavors that follow into a wild-spice, long finish. If you want a glass of red wine that announces itself as being very authoritative, this is the one for you. Total thrill of the grill wine. Load up on this one and toss it back with just about anything from the barbecue.

FERRARI BRUT METODO CLASSICO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

After Giulio Ferrari returned to Trentino in Northern Italy from France in 1902 he was convinced that his native terroir could be special in the production of sparkling wine. Planting Chardonnay for his wines (which was certainly unheard of and blasphemous at the time) early on recognition came for these bubblies. Move ahead a century later and Ferrari is one of the most high-quality and famous producers of Sparkling wine done in the Champagne method in all of Italy.

The latest cuvee is extremely charming and delivers up personality and charm without forcing one to take a second mortgage. 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs) with a seductive, finesse-laden mousse that flows so well throughout the mouth. Enhancing it all are wonderful scents and flavors of red apple, hawthorn, wheat and underlying mineral. Delicious as an aperitivo or to serve with fresh-from-the water shellfish.

2009 JIM BARRY CABERNET SAUVIGNON "COVER DRIVE"
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

The late Jim Barry gained notoriety for producing one of Australia's iconoclast wines, The Armaugh Shiraz and his children have kept the flag flying. There is good news and bad news regarding Jim Barry's wines. The bad news is that The Armaugh will set you back about $200 per bottle if you could find one. The good news is that Jim Barry produces a number of outstanding values including this scrumptious Cabernet from the Coonawara region of South Australia. The smooth and distinct Coonawara qualities of this flavorful 100% Cabernet jump from the glass immediately. Intense cassis, herbs, vanilla and toffee get it started, but after about 20 minutes of aeration, more peppermint, milk chocolate and cigar box permeate through. Penetrating and dense texture that's ripe and layered along with plenty of freshness, especially on the impressively lengthy and dry finish. Drink this succulent Cabernet over the next 5-6 years. If you need score reassurance, this has 90 points from The Wine Advocate, equating to about 19 cents per point.