Hot Sheets

"LA ROUTE D'ENFER" WINE SHEET
Montepulciano, Pinot Noir Special, New Feather Cabernet, Produttori Barbaresco Specials & more

2009 CORTE ALLA FLORA
VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

When it comes to wines of value such as this one, it's like Nietzsche said: "What are man's truths ultimately? Merely his irrefutable errors." Don't make an error and miss out on this terrific Italian red!

Having just tasted over the weekend, I really think this may well be one of the finest deals from the Tuscan village of Montepulciano! A neo-classical producer, for vintage 2009 Corte all Flora has fashioned up a delicious, hearty red that is both accessible and age-worthy. Smoke, nutmeg, Valrhona chocolate surround black raspberry and roasted plum notes. Heavenly, mouth-filling combination of wild spice, earth and vanilla notes assault the senses in a seductive way from front to back.

2007 BOEDECKER PINOT NOIR "ATHENA"
[reg. $29.99]
SPECIAL PRICE - $18.75 BTL./$225.00 CASE

Ahhhh, 2007, the Oregon Pinot vintage that nobody wanted. Well here's one that is an absolute swan from one of our coolest producers. A clonal and vineyard blend that's been meticulously crafted and now at age 5 is drinking exquisitely. Strawberry, underlying blackberry, herbs, ground pepper and subtle red earth tones throughout. Stylish, finesse-laden, very classic Oregon Pinot flavors all harmonious and nicely in check. Nice velvety red fruits and earth notes on the deceptive finish. Drink through 2015 with mushroom dishes or grilled chicken.

2011 RAIMBAULT SANCERRE ROSÉ
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Long-time (10th generation) Sancerre producer with high-elevation sites in Verdigny and Sury en Vaux. Across the board, solid, delicious wines come from this estate's superb terroirs. In tasting through a line-up last week, the resounding standout was this stunning rosé. 100% Pinot Noir from chalky/clay soils. Cool as a cucumber, well-dressed and very much the charmer. Direct press gives an extra-level of intellect and mineral to the cherry-pit and lime fruit. Fully dry, tangy and tingling it's perfect for a vegetable plate, goat cheese or lighter seafood dishes

2010 PEIRANO CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

From between the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and the San Joaquin River delta, this Lodi producer consistently puts out terrific, full-flavored values utilizing their own grapes and not making bulk wines and slapping a cute label on them. Like Peirano's ever-popular Immortal Zin, this Cab is quite large-scaled for not a lot of money. Tell-tale warm-climate Cab notes of blackberry and plum fruit that are nicely surrounded by mocha and X-Mas spices. Easy to like and drink on an everyday basis.

2011 QUINTA DA AVALEDA VINHO VERDE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

Vinho Verde is a Northern Portuguese white wine from the Minho region whose name literally means "Green Wine", referring to its youthful freshness rather than its color. This particular version is a "more" wine meaning its light, airy, thirst-quenching qualities make you want to drink more and more! Lime-blossom, sea-shore and mineral-tinged, it is explosive and slap-happy! At 10? alcohol, this Vinho Verde isn't meant to be sipped, it's meant to be slammed. Toss it back with a plate of clams, on a picnic or with a bunch of friends.

2008 LONG SHADOWS "FEATHER" CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$51.99 BTL./$311.94 – SIX PACK CASE

The long-awaited arrival of the new Feather Cabernet from this vaunted Walla Walla-based project is finally here! 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from top-level Washington fruit and made by famed Napa Valley Vintner Randy Dunn, this is definitely a candidate for long-term aging. Intensely-structured yet maintaining a real sophistication of glorious fruit, an exciting presence of blackcurrant, anise, cocoa powder, violet, smoke and cedar box reveal depth and character. Firm, full-textured and only about one-tenth of its story is being told today. Hold this powerful and moving Cabernet until 2017 and drink it through 2028 and beyond.

2005 PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO SINGLE CRU SPECIALS

2005 PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO "PAJÈ" RISERVA
[reg. $62.99]
SPECIAL PRICE - $42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE

Pajè is often one of the forgotten Crus and this is lamentable, especially given that it performs nicely in both warm vintages and very even vintages. Pajè may well be in the league with Asili for vintage 2005. Power with underlying charm. Very deep, but tightly packed and built to go. Lovely layers here, but not one to drink before age 10. Best 2015 – 2028+.

2005 PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO "RIO SORDO" RISERVA
[reg. $56.99]
SPECIAL PRICE - $42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE

Rio Sordo is almost Burgundian in its sensibilities. Over the last decade, this wine has been showing the excellent complexity and spine that are more associated with Asili or Montestefano. Once again, this wine over-reaches and soars. Roses, balanced mineral and dusty clay scents. At age 7, there is already an underlay of finesse. Still should be cellared but if one were to decant for an hour or two, it can be had with a slow roasted beef dish…although for maximum Rio Sordo sexiness, drink it 2015 – 2025+.

2005 PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO "OVELLO" RISERVA
[reg. $56.99]
SPECIAL PRICE - $42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE

Ovello is prototypical Barbaresco and handsomeness is abound with this vineyard site. Always one of the top-billed, seemingly Ovello is now reaching even loftier status recently. 2005 is still tightly-wound as is to be expected. Full chocolate-licorice scents, expansive but full-on grip here. Put this one away until its 10th birthday and drink through 2025+.