Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S "VINO THERAPY" HOTSHEET
Nebbiolo, Gevrey-Chambertin
Special Spanish White
Zinfandel & Cider (yes, Cider)
Special Spanish White
Zinfandel & Cider (yes, Cider)
2020 NADA LANGHE NEBBIOLO
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK
It is not much of a secret when it comes to our affinity for Barbaresco and the wines of the Fiorenza Nada. This small estate’s Langhe Nebbiolo is Barbaresco in all but name because of the process and sites in in the Barbaresco village of Treiso.
Made from more accessible lots from the Crus of Rombone and Manzola, this is aged 12 months in large botti followed by six more in bottle. Often this wine can be stern when young as evidenced by its initial release eighteen months ago. Fast forward and we have a glorious Piedmont red. Full on licorice whip, porcini mushroom and fresh earth aromas dominate the nose and follow through to a classy and beautifully balanced texture. The grand scale 2020 vintage has added an extra level of dimension and depth. Not exactly a deck wine to slam back on its own, it really requires you to consume it with your legs under the table. If you consider yourself a foodie and want to have a wonderful experience for not a bunch of money, get some mushrooms and try a bottle of this with risotto or pasta con fungi. Enjoy now though 2031.
Made from more accessible lots from the Crus of Rombone and Manzola, this is aged 12 months in large botti followed by six more in bottle. Often this wine can be stern when young as evidenced by its initial release eighteen months ago. Fast forward and we have a glorious Piedmont red. Full on licorice whip, porcini mushroom and fresh earth aromas dominate the nose and follow through to a classy and beautifully balanced texture. The grand scale 2020 vintage has added an extra level of dimension and depth. Not exactly a deck wine to slam back on its own, it really requires you to consume it with your legs under the table. If you consider yourself a foodie and want to have a wonderful experience for not a bunch of money, get some mushrooms and try a bottle of this with risotto or pasta con fungi. Enjoy now though 2031.
2019 FLOR DE VETUS TORO TINTO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
100% Tempranillo…Producing red wines of power in this area is extremely easy, the bigger challenge for this warm Spanish growing region is maintaining balance, freshness and civility. Known for their white wines, a lot of the same practices are evident when it comes to these classy reds.
Fruit-forward with redcurrants and raspberries plus a touch of clove spiciness gives way to a texture that provides lots of palate coverage with deceptively concentrated flavors complimented by a subtly supple, well-rounded finish. Have it with grilled pork chops, robustly flavored sausages or hard cheese.
Fruit-forward with redcurrants and raspberries plus a touch of clove spiciness gives way to a texture that provides lots of palate coverage with deceptively concentrated flavors complimented by a subtly supple, well-rounded finish. Have it with grilled pork chops, robustly flavored sausages or hard cheese.
2022 CIDERIE DE LEGUER
POIRÉ (Pear Cider)
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
POIRÉ (Pear Cider)
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
Something a little different than we usually feature is this yummy, fully dry, 5.5% alcohol sparkling pear cider from Brittany.
Clean and brisk pear aromas are obvious but are followed by intriguing blossom, elder, and seashore tones. Vibrant and very lifting, the attractive piquancy calls you back for more.
Clean and brisk pear aromas are obvious but are followed by intriguing blossom, elder, and seashore tones. Vibrant and very lifting, the attractive piquancy calls you back for more.
2023 BODEGAS ALBAMAR
VALDEORRAS GODELLO 'CEIBO'
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PACK
VALDEORRAS GODELLO 'CEIBO'
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PACK
Xurxo (Galician for Jorge) Padin and his family estate in the O Salnes region of Galicia is quite known for being highly proficient with Albariño. In fact, I would put this estate up into the top five these days. What is not as well known is that Xurxo also makes wines from outside of the Albariño zone including several reds and this wickedly great Godello from Galicia’s eastern reaches.
This wine comes from Godello fruit that he purchases from one of his best friends in the Valdeorras region and is aged eight months in neutral barrels. Perfumy and unbelievably detailed; intense clay-soil driven minerals are buffered by lilac, orange/lemon, ginger and fennel. The fleshy, vinous and clean attack shows mouth-coating aspects, but the real beauty lies in the back of the mouth as the wine gains profound energetic zest and length. An absolute delight with spring seafood dishes and will specially make a halibut dish with a salsa verde a symphonic experience.
This wine comes from Godello fruit that he purchases from one of his best friends in the Valdeorras region and is aged eight months in neutral barrels. Perfumy and unbelievably detailed; intense clay-soil driven minerals are buffered by lilac, orange/lemon, ginger and fennel. The fleshy, vinous and clean attack shows mouth-coating aspects, but the real beauty lies in the back of the mouth as the wine gains profound energetic zest and length. An absolute delight with spring seafood dishes and will specially make a halibut dish with a salsa verde a symphonic experience.
2016 EASTON ZINFANDEL AMADOR
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Easton might not be one of the most recognized names in the Zinfandel world, but it performs each year with great consistency. Being from the outback area of California Zin, Amador County this Zinfandel features very ripe delicious fruit, but Bill Easton's philosophy is to avoid extremities at all costs to produce a civilized, full Zin that is adept to carry over to the table.
2016 (yes this is current!) is a generous and unapologetic California Zin that provides admirable character. Broad aromas of red berry fruit and a hint of sundried tomato and spice, the fruit barrage continues in the mouth with darker berry tones, black pepper, and good underlying structure and spice, all which allow for pairing with ribs, barbecued chicken or pork.
2016 (yes this is current!) is a generous and unapologetic California Zin that provides admirable character. Broad aromas of red berry fruit and a hint of sundried tomato and spice, the fruit barrage continues in the mouth with darker berry tones, black pepper, and good underlying structure and spice, all which allow for pairing with ribs, barbecued chicken or pork.
2023 AYRES 'POETICA' WHITE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY ESTATE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY ESTATE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
For over twenty years (hard to believe it has been that long) Brad McLeroy has been toiling at his Ribbon Ridge estate. Consistently producing superb wines, and of them at their price points, provide excellent value.
Entirely fruit from Ayres’s estate vineyard, this blend of Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Auxerrois is complex but full of fun. Fragrant aromas of honeydew melon, lychee, and soft spice open the show. Impeccably balanced for the second act, this white wine hits you with a wet kiss of minerality, but then rounded out by bursting melon and mandarin, vibrant, brisk acidity, and a pure and extending finish. Pair it with mussels or Albacore tuna.
Entirely fruit from Ayres’s estate vineyard, this blend of Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Auxerrois is complex but full of fun. Fragrant aromas of honeydew melon, lychee, and soft spice open the show. Impeccably balanced for the second act, this white wine hits you with a wet kiss of minerality, but then rounded out by bursting melon and mandarin, vibrant, brisk acidity, and a pure and extending finish. Pair it with mussels or Albacore tuna.
2020 PLAISANCE-PENAVAYRE
FRONTON ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
FRONTON ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
This French red from just outside Toulouse falls into the blind tasting/strip poker/love lexicon because guesses to where and what this wine is, would be all over the dartboard. Most wine lovers have no idea about Fronton, its wines, or its grapes. Even though they do not immediately roll off the tongue, many times that I get these wines into the clients’ glasses they love them because of their unique taste of France.
Sixty-eight percent Negrette, 24% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Franc, and best of all it is nothing but delicious fun!! Virtual neon aromas of cassis and black cherry and a nice underlay of herbs and cracked pepper. Crunchy, balancing its lovely fruit, mysterious minerality and explosive freshness, this is a crucial choice for any French wine lover looking for a new discovery.
Sixty-eight percent Negrette, 24% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Franc, and best of all it is nothing but delicious fun!! Virtual neon aromas of cassis and black cherry and a nice underlay of herbs and cracked pepper. Crunchy, balancing its lovely fruit, mysterious minerality and explosive freshness, this is a crucial choice for any French wine lover looking for a new discovery.
2022 CHERON GEVREY
CHAMBERTIN 'RUE DES MÉES
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
CHAMBERTIN 'RUE DES MÉES
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
One of the true underrated and undiscovered Burgundy producers, Philippe Cheron has impressive holdings indeed. These days, finding top wines, especially Premiers Crus and single vineyards from Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanee and Chambolle at fair (for Burgundy) prices are unheard of. The bigger news is his acquisition of the former Domaine des Varoilles thus folding those wines into his portfolio and the Rue des Mées is one of the new offerings.
Located on Rue des Mées, on the edge of the village and surrounded by the Champonnets, Craipillot and Fonteny premier crus, this vineyard plot of just over one hectare lies in the best part of the Combe Lavaux. 2022 reveals classic Gevrey power but Philippe and his son Paul always leave beauty marks in all their wines, particularly Gevrey-Chambertin. Top-drawer Gevrey aromas and quality. Lots of cracked pepper, hints of crème de mure (plums), ironstone and mineral underneath all lead into a lavish, energetic, succulent texture that pleases. It then kicks it up a notch with its ever-present spiciness on the lingering finish. Directly imported, this wine is an amazing bargain at 99-bucks…compared to Heresztyn’s Gevrey Clos Village for $150, Roty’s Clos Preiur Bas for $125 or Marc Roy’s Clos Prieur for $160!
Located on Rue des Mées, on the edge of the village and surrounded by the Champonnets, Craipillot and Fonteny premier crus, this vineyard plot of just over one hectare lies in the best part of the Combe Lavaux. 2022 reveals classic Gevrey power but Philippe and his son Paul always leave beauty marks in all their wines, particularly Gevrey-Chambertin. Top-drawer Gevrey aromas and quality. Lots of cracked pepper, hints of crème de mure (plums), ironstone and mineral underneath all lead into a lavish, energetic, succulent texture that pleases. It then kicks it up a notch with its ever-present spiciness on the lingering finish. Directly imported, this wine is an amazing bargain at 99-bucks…compared to Heresztyn’s Gevrey Clos Village for $150, Roty’s Clos Preiur Bas for $125 or Marc Roy’s Clos Prieur for $160!
