Friday Sips

Il commence!! In other words, it starts – the new release of the ever popular, 10 dollar religious experience from our friend Michel Dietrich! For 15+ years now The Cellar Door has championed this dry, lively white wine which we refer to as Cellar Door water because it not only goes down so easily but it is seemingly essential to life itself.

What is most impressive is Michel's wizardry in making his already delicious wines even better and his 2013 is magical. Even more sculpted and electric than the yummy 2012, the latest version offers up grapefruit, subtle pineapple and a whole hell of a lot of mineral. Racy and bursting but there's plenty of class and old vine depth to go along with the briskness. Vibrant, luminous and carrying an excellent finish, drink this wine with oysters, shrimp, crab, alone in the dark or with a whole bunch of wine-guzzling friends. ORDERS PLACED WILL ARRIVE LATE NEXT WEEK!!

We have been working with and enjoying Haut-Rian Rose for several vintages now but after seeing the new 2013 in France, I can unequivocally state that this one is his finest to date. You'll be hard-pressed to find a 10 buck rosé this good and as is the usual case, it will sell out quickly!

Controlled chaos, this flirtatious, jumping and alluring dry pink wine virtually carjacks the palate! Prominent red cherry, fine herbs, impressive minerality and licorice shine on the nose. Full of allure, zip and elevated aspects which follow in to a twangy, zesty finish which combines the red fruits with an abundance of citrus tones. More and more character arrives as the wine unfolds, however, it never remains in the glass very long, mostly due to its imminent quaffable, fun texture. Enjoy a bottle or six with grilled fish dishes, hors d'oeuvres, salads and light vegetarian fare. ORDERS PLACED WILL ARRIVE LATE NEXT WEEK!!

As we know, Michel is prolific in White and Rose wine but he is equally adept with his superbly priced red wines. a spectacular value, this classic Bordeaux blend comes from various sites along the slopes of the Garonne River which encompass limestone, clay and gravelly soils. Aged in 1-4 year old barrels, there is so much to love about this wine and with vintage 2011 there's even more! Michel produced no Cuvee Prestige in this vintage so all of the old vines and grand sites for his lux wine are all in this offering.

Prominent violet tones suround smoke, subtle tobacco-leaf, hints of fennel and intermittent espresso tones all which take excellent form and present themselves in a deceptively deep manner. Lacy, silky texture with a classic firm Bordeaux middle that builds and flows judiciously into a finish that takes off, especially given its price point. Very versatile with food pairings. Drink over the next 3-5 years with chicken, rib-eye steak, grilled pork, andouillette sausage, even pizza ORDERS PLACED WILL ARRIVE LATE NEXT WEEK!!