Hot Sheets

2014 DOMAINE D'AUPILHAC
MONTPEYROUX
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

When it comes to Languedoc, importer Kermit Lynch was way ahead of his time in offering and displaying this vast area's wonderful diversity of terroir. One of his early discoveries was Sylvain Fadat, the man behind Domaine D'Aupilhac. Coming from a line of winemakers that stretches across 3 generations, he is quite familiar with this Southern French region 40 minutes north of Montpelier and is part of a small group of producers who are the leading force behind a revolution in Montpeyroux a sub-region Cru of the Languedoc.

Sylvian's first vintage was in 1989 and he came out of the gate announcing that this would be a region to be reckoned with. A blend of 30% Mourvèdre, 25% Syrah, 30% Carignan, 10% Grenache and 5% Cinsault, the 2014 is the epitome of ‘wild velvet’ and Southern French spirit. Chewy with an abundance of poise and all of the telltale wild blackberry, sage, olive, pepper and grenadine notes that are associated with the area. In the mouth, it is vinous, spicy and with plenty of energy and length. Very approachable now, and will work with an array of dishes but its gastronomic soulmate would be leg of lamb or filet of beef doused with fresh chanterelles. Also a wonderful propensity for aging, drink through 2022.

2016 DOMAINE DE LA JANASSE
COTES-DU-RHONE ROSE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

One of the main features of this coming Friday’s Fete de Rose is a longtime Cellar Door mainstay dry pink wine. Since 1990, Christophe Sabon has become one the kings of Grenache in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and along the way has received many mighty accolades. Not only does he make top-level Chateauneuf, he also makes delicious, very detailed Cotes-du-Rhone and this offering, a stunning Cotes-du-Rhone Rose.

Blended with 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 10% Syrah & 10% Counoise, one sniff of this wine and you are vicariously transported to a gite in the South Of France, sitting on a deck in the sun and quaffing glass after glass of this shimmering rose. Red and black cherries, fragrant herbs and mineral, its generosity builds and unfolds into a texture that is mouth-watering, persistent and tingling. Perfect for summer sipping and it will pair well with grilled fish or chicken.

2016 BERGEVIN LANE 'LINEN'
SAUVIGNON BLANC
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

Continuing our small run of summer slammers, we were quite surprised by the very underrated Walla Walla producer’s delightful Sauvignon Blanc value when tasted last week. Aged entirely without the use of intrusive oak, this wine shows off its varietal character and place very well. This means Washington and not emulating anywhere else.

Direct, fragrant and zippy aromas of pronounced pink grapefruit, subtle fig and white flowers, smoke and a kiss of white peach. Elevated texture that is ripe and sassy with crisp, nervy flavors as well as an engagingly bright and mouth-watering finish! Try this wine with calamari or spicy Thai cuisine.

2012 OLIM BAUDA BARBERA D'ASTI

SUPERIORE 'NIZZA'
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK

Safe to say meeting with Dino, Diana & Gianni Bertolini and experiencing the family's wines is a most educational way to learn more about the Asti region. The estate itself is located in Incisa Scapaccino with the vines for this award-winning Barbera coming from the village of Nizza Monferrato, both of which make up the spiritual heart of the Asti region of Piedmont known as Nizza. This wine is not made in every vintage, for example, the siblings didn’t make a 2014 and 2012 is current release. The other important thing to know is that commencing in 2015; Nizza received a well-deserved upgrade to DOCG status and will no longer carry the Barbera D’Asti moniker. It will still be 100% Barbera but will only be known as Nizza. This is truly one of the finest Barbera estates and if you enjoy full-flavored, impactful Barbera wines with smoothness, then you need to have some of this!

Ironstone, dark chocolate, ripe raspberry jam scents intertwined with smoke and cinnamon stick, it starts of subtly then takes off like a fighter jet. From old vines, this wine has Grand Cru depth for Barbera revealing sultry concentration yet not overtly extracted. The smoky finish is very, very long and drawn out with plenty of red fruits that hang out in the mouth, well after the wine is swallowed. Incredible stuff that is drinking well now, but will continue to develop and satisfy through 2023+. MAGNUMS AVAILABLE - ($65.00) & 3 LITER BOTTLES AVAILABLE - ($149.00)

2013 J. CHRISTOPHER 'DUNDEE HILLS'
PINOT NOIR
$36.99 BTL./$443.88 CASE

Part of the J. Christopher terroir series, the 2012 Dundee Hills comes from some serious vineyard sites (Baptista-Maresh, Bella Vida and Charlie’s Vineyard, which is adjacent to Clos Electrique). For some reason, 2013 has an unjust perception but I will state in my opinion, that the best wines of this vintage will outlive the many overrated versions of 2012, which I find to be on a rapid pace of advancement. That being said, Jay really shot one to the moon with his classically styled 2013.

The pedigree of each of these renowned sites shines through with hearty minerality, red and purple floral aromas and creamy red and blueberry fruit. Silky and round in the mouth with ripe tannins and great purity of flavor, this is lovely to drink now and over the next 7-10 years with soft cheeses or roasted chicken that has been loaded down with mushrooms.

2015 MASI 'MODELLO'
DELLE VENEZIA ROSSO
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE

Masi winemaker Raffaele Boscaini calls the Modello delle Venezie the prototype for everyday drinking for Venetian wine and is the type of quaffer that the locals drink at their neighborhood enoteca, osteria or trattoria.

From an iconic Amarone producer and made with Refosco, Rabaso, Corvina and other local varietals (a Masi Blend!) this red is a young, vibrant red teeming with bright, bing cherry, dried sweet and savory herbs and pretty violet aromas. On the palate, it is a mouthful of juicy cherry and red raspberry with maintenance of finesse. Enjoy this lush 2015 over the next 2 years with hearty soups, grilled burgers and pasta dishes. This red will take you nicely through the seasons, as it is very versatile and food friendly. If you are having a party, you cannot beat the price and we guarantee that this will please every palate.

2015 QUINTA ESSENTIA CHENIN BLANC
STELLENBOSCH
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK

A partnership of two famed luminaries, Betz Family Winery in Washington, top notch South African winemaker Carl Van Der Merwe and wine biz maven Wendy Applebaum, Quinta Essentia is something very exciting that we are thrilled to present. It all makes sense when one puts it all together, combining a superb winemaker, a person living in Stellenbosch with excellent connections and the owners of Betz who are from South Africa and have a passion for old vine Chenin Blanc.

Made from old vines, this impressive offering kills it! Earl Grey tea scents combine with prominent orange, cut flowers, lemon baked apple and lanolin that continually build as it unfolds in the glass. Very linear and lightning-like acidity buffers the excellent intensity on the almost perfumy palate Super-long, super-saturated and super-energetic on the profound finish. Have it now with salmon if you dare, but honestly, this will age and develop nicely through 2025+.

2012 PEREZ PASCUAS RIBERA DEL DUERO
'VINA PEDROSA'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Home to luminaries such as Vega Sicilia and Pingus, the region of Ribera Del Duero is the region of Spain that garners the most hype from wine lovers around the world. Sadly, with the demand for the wines, many have escalated well into the ‘special occasion’ category.

Given the previous statement, to score a Ribera Del Duero for under 20 bucks from a prominent producer is an absolute coup. Made with all Tempranillo (Tinta del País in the Duero) this intense cherry red offers up complex and complete scents that are retro-Spain with its pronounced use of American oak. A bit of French wood is also utilized to add a level of refinement and class. Strawberry, cocoa powder, tobacco and truffles shine on the nose and lead into wide, mouthfilling flavors that are smooth, integrated and very luscious. This wine cries out for brined pork chops that are tossed on the grill. Drink now through 2022.

2008 PICHON BARON-LONGUEVILLE
PAUILLAC (2ND GROWTH)
$145.99 BTL.

This legendary Pauillac offering from one of the most overlooked, fine vintages speaks for itself. This is a young wine and it has excellent pedigree and accolades.

‘A sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 Pichon Longueville Baron is one of the densest, most concentrated wines of Pauillac in 2008. An inky/purple color is followed by aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, blackberries, charcoal, coffee and licorice. Exceptionally full-bodied with velvety tannins and undeniable appeal, this gorgeous, well-proportioned, larger than life 2008 should age effortlessly for two decades or more. With the realistic pricing that remains for many 2008s, this is a no-brainer.’ – 95 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE. Need something for a special occasion that occurred in 2008? This one is easily a 25-30 year wines!

FRIDAY SIPS

Pink Parade I

FEATURED WINES:

2016 Janasse Cotes-du-Rhone Rose
2016 Castell’ In Villa Toscana Rose
2016 Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose
2016 Consonniere Lirac Rose