Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'MULTIFARIOUS' HOTSHEET
Brunello at Bottom, 3 Reds Under 15, Rioja & more
2015 DOMAINE DE LA BISCARELLE
COTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES
$14.49 BTL./$173.88 CASE
COTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES
$14.49 BTL./$173.88 CASE
One of the great things about this wine is the direct relationship that the local importer has with Jerome Greico – this helps alleviate pricing, which if done through a national importer would tag on another 30%. An estate with a long history of growing grapes and selling off to the negociants, former autoroute patrolman Jerome Greico caught the wine bug and took on his father-in-law’s vineyards in and around Chateauneuf-du-Pape and then commenced to bottling his own wines about a decade ago when he gave up his day job to focus on the grape.
Located a stone’s throw from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine is just across the border and is treated with as much love as his two Chateauneuf wines. Made from 55% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Carignan and 5% Cinsault, this wine is sheer class from the glass and a significant step up from most classic CDR wines. Traditionally produced utilizing whole bunches, it harkened back to last week’s Blondie show where an actual keytar appeared! Throwing off aromas that are virtual ‘strawberries~n~cream’ in a glass, more Thai spices and hot-rock/peppery aspects come through as it unfolds in the glass. Classy, sassy, smoky and with an abundance of goodness, this hearty, yet lyrical Rhone delivers and invites you back for glass after glass after glass. Drink over the next 5 years with grilled lamb, chicken, burgers, sausages and more.
Located a stone’s throw from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine is just across the border and is treated with as much love as his two Chateauneuf wines. Made from 55% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Carignan and 5% Cinsault, this wine is sheer class from the glass and a significant step up from most classic CDR wines. Traditionally produced utilizing whole bunches, it harkened back to last week’s Blondie show where an actual keytar appeared! Throwing off aromas that are virtual ‘strawberries~n~cream’ in a glass, more Thai spices and hot-rock/peppery aspects come through as it unfolds in the glass. Classy, sassy, smoky and with an abundance of goodness, this hearty, yet lyrical Rhone delivers and invites you back for glass after glass after glass. Drink over the next 5 years with grilled lamb, chicken, burgers, sausages and more.
2016 DONNHOFF RIESLING ESTATE
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
There really is a correlation when it comes to Ferris Wheels and Riesling - both have significant wimp factors. As the prophetic Funk Master-General himself, George Clinton sez: ‘Freeeee your mind and your ass will follow’! Helmut Donnhoff (and now his son Cornelius) is a force of nature, a genius terroirist and one of the world's foremost authorities on profound white wine. From top to bottom, Donnhoff produces unforgettable white wines and gained fame through his single vineyard wines from the best sites of the Nahe region of Germany.
The off dry and energetic estate Riesling is from some hallowed sites in the middle Nahe and performs way above its meager price point. Peach-oil, wet chalkboard, lilies and satsuma shine on the nose and follow through to a texture that while rich and intense, maintains delicacy and a strong sense of mouth-watering briskness. At 11.5° alcohol, this is a refreshing and inviting glass of wine pairs well with pork dishes, Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. An outstanding value that will easily age 7-9 years if not longer.
The off dry and energetic estate Riesling is from some hallowed sites in the middle Nahe and performs way above its meager price point. Peach-oil, wet chalkboard, lilies and satsuma shine on the nose and follow through to a texture that while rich and intense, maintains delicacy and a strong sense of mouth-watering briskness. At 11.5° alcohol, this is a refreshing and inviting glass of wine pairs well with pork dishes, Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. An outstanding value that will easily age 7-9 years if not longer.
2013 CHEHALEM PINOT NOIR
'STOLLER VINEYARD'
$45.99 BTL./$551.88 CASE
'STOLLER VINEYARD'
$45.99 BTL./$551.88 CASE
Since 1990, Chehalem has proven its mettle by producing some of the state's finest offerings and yet still there is so much enthusiasm and joy that permeates through Harry Peterson-Nedry's personality that come through in every wine from this inviting estate.
An underrated vintage that both Chehalem and the Stoller Vineyard proved their gallantry very well, this wine has so much going on. Stylish, very debonair and regal, this wine thoroughly has put on more sculpted character and depth as it has developed in the bottle. From the Dundee Hills, the 2013 delivers astonishingly penetrating aromas of red earth, grilled strawberry spice and lavender; one can really see there is some apex fruit and love that has gone into this cuvee. Quite decadent and multi-faceted, this is thoughtfully done, balanced and persistent. Given its pedigree, there is no doubt that this is a fine glass of Pinot Noir right now, it will also develop nicely for 8-10+ years as well.</div>
An underrated vintage that both Chehalem and the Stoller Vineyard proved their gallantry very well, this wine has so much going on. Stylish, very debonair and regal, this wine thoroughly has put on more sculpted character and depth as it has developed in the bottle. From the Dundee Hills, the 2013 delivers astonishingly penetrating aromas of red earth, grilled strawberry spice and lavender; one can really see there is some apex fruit and love that has gone into this cuvee. Quite decadent and multi-faceted, this is thoughtfully done, balanced and persistent. Given its pedigree, there is no doubt that this is a fine glass of Pinot Noir right now, it will also develop nicely for 8-10+ years as well.</div>
2015 RACONTEUR WINES
COLUMBIA VALLEY RED
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
COLUMBIA VALLEY RED
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Many times Washington blends such as this and especially at this price are mere throwaways or are from bulked out juice. Alas, most of them taste fruity and boring. Not this one! Made by up and coming Washington star WT Vintners, winemaker Jeff-Lindsay Thorsen believes in wines of detail and finesse.
Raconteur Wines is a vital part of the entire operation and is made from fine vineyard sites, native yeast fermentation and 18 months in neutral oak barrels so not to give it any caricature qualities. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, this is real wine! Cassis, underlying blackberry, dusty clay tones and fine herbs shine on the nose. Dreamy, sultry and all about texture in the mouth, this stylish red is layered with lots of movement and various complex flavor profiles. Drawn-out, lingering and possessing excellent substance on the back end enjoy this Washington red blend over the next 2-3 years with a variety of cuisines.
Raconteur Wines is a vital part of the entire operation and is made from fine vineyard sites, native yeast fermentation and 18 months in neutral oak barrels so not to give it any caricature qualities. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, this is real wine! Cassis, underlying blackberry, dusty clay tones and fine herbs shine on the nose. Dreamy, sultry and all about texture in the mouth, this stylish red is layered with lots of movement and various complex flavor profiles. Drawn-out, lingering and possessing excellent substance on the back end enjoy this Washington red blend over the next 2-3 years with a variety of cuisines.
2014 GRAMONA PENEDES BLANC 'GESSAMI'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Gramona is one of the top-notch producers of sparkling wine in Spain’s Catalonia region. Family owned and operated, the wines that emerge from these cellars south of Barcelona are magnificent. Along with their handcrafter Cava wines, the estate produces excellent dry white wines including this offering.
Daringly fragrant and as it has a couple of years in the bottle, the mineral and oceanic tones are at the forefront. The fruit aromas of peach, nectarine, rose-petal and spice combine nicely and all wafts from the glass, forging a texture that is dry, frisky and full of flavor. The finish is loaded with electricity and complexity. This is an excellent seafood wine but ultimately screams for calamari.
Daringly fragrant and as it has a couple of years in the bottle, the mineral and oceanic tones are at the forefront. The fruit aromas of peach, nectarine, rose-petal and spice combine nicely and all wafts from the glass, forging a texture that is dry, frisky and full of flavor. The finish is loaded with electricity and complexity. This is an excellent seafood wine but ultimately screams for calamari.
2012 RODA RIOJA 'RODA'
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
Bodegas Roda is a small estate that started in the late 80s and one where prestige and accolades arrived early on. Despite its youth as a winery, the vines used for these wines have an average age of over 50 years. Roda owns twelve separate parcels of land, which vary in exposure, elevation, and soil and meticulous farming, impeccable winemaking and major attention to detail is what makes this awesome Bodega not only thrive but have allowed it to become one of Spain’s finest and most sought after. With the creation of the previously mentioned Sela in 2008, the quality of the already grand scale Roda Reserva (Formerly known as Roda II) and the ultra-amazing Roda I to fly even higher. 89% Tempranillo & 9% Graciano & 2% Garnacha, 2012 is a vintage that is Atlantic inspired with its finesse and almost Bordeaux-like sensibilities.
Sexy, pleasurable aromas of cinnamon, roasted herbs, red licorice, flowers and raspberries. Only French oak is utilized so there are some alluring vanilla and nutmeg tones beneath but definitely not an overly oaky example. In the mouth it is all Roda; sexy, layered and caressing all while being broad and rich. Gains more strawberry aspects around the edges; harmonious, harmonious and more harmonious with fine-grained structure rolling into a velvety, palate-coating and long finish with notations of dark chocolate. Drinkable now but it will develop so much more through 2025.
Sexy, pleasurable aromas of cinnamon, roasted herbs, red licorice, flowers and raspberries. Only French oak is utilized so there are some alluring vanilla and nutmeg tones beneath but definitely not an overly oaky example. In the mouth it is all Roda; sexy, layered and caressing all while being broad and rich. Gains more strawberry aspects around the edges; harmonious, harmonious and more harmonious with fine-grained structure rolling into a velvety, palate-coating and long finish with notations of dark chocolate. Drinkable now but it will develop so much more through 2025.
2015 LAS PERDICES MALBEC
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
Delicious, forthright, honest and chock full of flavor, this Malbec is grown at about 3300 feet in the Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo sub-zone of Mendoza and has major-league yum factor for just north of 10 bucks. An everyday gem that showcases expressive bright, fresh red juicy fruit, plum, raspberry and dark currant, with some fresh spice, earth and roasted coffee. More than just a juicy-loosey fruit bomb, there is good structure that lays down the tracks for a fleshy, endowed red with engaging nuances.
2010 COL D'ORCIA
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$59.99 - LIMITED!
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$59.99 - LIMITED!
As many fans of Montalcino have come to discover, 2010 is a virtually seamless and long-lived vintage for this area and is one that is highly sought-after and rightfully so, this is probably the most profound since 1990. The love for Col D’Orcia’s wines here at The Cellar Door is well known. A few of you who attended our sit-down Seat At The Table Tasting last year with Paolo Tealdi found out just how great they are and how well they age when we opened 1990, 1991 and 1995s. The 2010 is going to out-trump them all with proper age!
Symphonic scents abound but all in a tight ball, the 2010 has traits of the likes of 1999 or 2006 and perhaps even more in that these wines will live for a hell of a long time. A luxurious wine showing red cherry, serious Tuscan herbs, rose, violet and gaining more sotto bosco as it slowly unfolds and teases at its greatness to come. Sexy, lacy entry leads into more expansive flavors that spread out a bit like a great Burgundy would, however, there is an abundance of youthful structure, and should definitely go to the cellar and allowed to become something even more special. We were commenting on the finish 5 minutes after the wine was finished. Mamma Mia! Drink this stylish, profound Brunello 2020 – 2030 and beyond.
Symphonic scents abound but all in a tight ball, the 2010 has traits of the likes of 1999 or 2006 and perhaps even more in that these wines will live for a hell of a long time. A luxurious wine showing red cherry, serious Tuscan herbs, rose, violet and gaining more sotto bosco as it slowly unfolds and teases at its greatness to come. Sexy, lacy entry leads into more expansive flavors that spread out a bit like a great Burgundy would, however, there is an abundance of youthful structure, and should definitely go to the cellar and allowed to become something even more special. We were commenting on the finish 5 minutes after the wine was finished. Mamma Mia! Drink this stylish, profound Brunello 2020 – 2030 and beyond.
2012 COL D'ORCIA
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
Not to be overlooked is the new release of 2012. Like 2010, this is also a five-star vintage and one that shows a bit more precociousness than the ballyhooed but locked down siblings do.
Col D'Orcia's 2012 is a textbook Brunello and a joy to smell and taste. Full-bodied, packed with milk chocolate, violet and black cherry along with plenty of structure and power along with an underbelly of the great tangy sage earth notes of Southern Tuscany, specifically on the mouth-coating, drawn-out finish. While you would not exactly be a barbarian if you uncorked one now, this wine will really sing from the end of 2018 onward through to 2030.
Col D'Orcia's 2012 is a textbook Brunello and a joy to smell and taste. Full-bodied, packed with milk chocolate, violet and black cherry along with plenty of structure and power along with an underbelly of the great tangy sage earth notes of Southern Tuscany, specifically on the mouth-coating, drawn-out finish. While you would not exactly be a barbarian if you uncorked one now, this wine will really sing from the end of 2018 onward through to 2030.
FRIDAY SIPS
This Friday July 21 from 1:30 - 6:30
July Pink Parade
The second Pink parade is on and we are going slightly eclectic with our choices. Drop by this Friday to taste a sundry of pink wines. We promise none of them will be alike! For those who have pink-o-phobia, we’ll also have a red wine open as well.
FEATURED WINES:
FEATURED WINES:
2016 Domaine Poli Nielluciu Rose (Corsica)
2016 Talai Berri Txakolina Rose (Spain)
2016 Haut Rian Bordeaux Rose
2016 Cataldi Madonna Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo (Italy)
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