Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'TAIL-WAGGING' HOTSHEET
94 point Chianti & 95 point California Chardonnay
Bordeaux, Walla Walla Syrah
Gruner + Italian, Rioja & Portugal wines, all under 20
Bordeaux, Walla Walla Syrah
Gruner + Italian, Rioja & Portugal wines, all under 20
2021 REYNVAAN WALLA WALLA
SYRAH 'THE UNNAMED SERIES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
SYRAH 'THE UNNAMED SERIES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Known for super high-end wines that are quite in-demand, the Walla Walla-based Reynvaan family makes a second set of wines irreverently named ‘The Unnamed Series.’ In all honesty, given this estate's pedigree, the wines in this range are dazzling for their price points and will compete with others in the area that are pricier.
Breaking the stereotype of thick, gooey versions, the Unnamed Syrah joyfully expresses itself in a stylish and silky manner. A wealth of superb Walla Walla fruit is present but so is black pepper, mineral, chocolate covered raspberry and hints of smoky minerality. Supple, broad and persuasive with tannins covered nicely by the core of generosity. Lengthy and spicy on the finish. Drink through 2031.
Breaking the stereotype of thick, gooey versions, the Unnamed Syrah joyfully expresses itself in a stylish and silky manner. A wealth of superb Walla Walla fruit is present but so is black pepper, mineral, chocolate covered raspberry and hints of smoky minerality. Supple, broad and persuasive with tannins covered nicely by the core of generosity. Lengthy and spicy on the finish. Drink through 2031.
2021 MALAT GRUNER VELTLINER
KREMSTAL 'FURTH'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
KREMSTAL 'FURTH'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Over the last several years, Michael Malat’s wines are what I reach for when I want something diverse and flavorful that I can drink on a weeknight or to share with wine geek friends. Since taking over for his exemplary father who was one who helped the Kremstal region gain appellation status, Michael has continued and even surpassed him and makes wines on all levels that deliver well beyond their price levels.
Three years old, this entry Gruner is drinking very well right now. Multi-faceted as soon as it hits the glass, orange peel, yellow apple, herbs and wet stone ride out front unfolding into even further aromatics as it airs. Crisp, almost weightless, fanning out on the palate with an abundance of range and terroir all holding well within its 12% alcohol profile. Enjoy with pad Thai, white sausages, or ling cod, breaded with lemon or with a fruit/spice side.
Three years old, this entry Gruner is drinking very well right now. Multi-faceted as soon as it hits the glass, orange peel, yellow apple, herbs and wet stone ride out front unfolding into even further aromatics as it airs. Crisp, almost weightless, fanning out on the palate with an abundance of range and terroir all holding well within its 12% alcohol profile. Enjoy with pad Thai, white sausages, or ling cod, breaded with lemon or with a fruit/spice side.
2019 CASTELL'IN VILLA
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
94 Points – Vinous…We offer and sell countless wines from Tuscany’s Chianti zone, but this is one of the most prolific from the region we will offer this year. The best way for me to describe the idiosyncratic, ultra-traditionalist current proprietor of this historic estate, Principessa Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa, would be to tell you to listen to the refrain on the fade of the track "Roses" from Outkast's The Love Below album. Unfortunately, I can't quote it in the weekly features, so you will have to find it out for yourselves, Karen insists that I keep it to PG-13.
Say what you will about her eccentricities, she delivers some of the greatest wines of Tuscany. There are no concessions to modernity. Instead, they are wines that reflect the power and soul of the southernmost Classico village, Castelnuovo Berardenga. No small barrels used here, this wine exudes serious detail of origin and will flatten most producers' Riserva versions. One whiff of the wonderfully pure scents of wildflowers, sage, black cherry, pekoe and tobacco will have you reminiscing about your last visit to Tuscany. The suave and sultry depth and concentration carry nicely into the mouth as it offers up chewy, flavorful tones with superb spine as well as finishing dark, earth-laden and long. Stupendous now and through 2031+.
Say what you will about her eccentricities, she delivers some of the greatest wines of Tuscany. There are no concessions to modernity. Instead, they are wines that reflect the power and soul of the southernmost Classico village, Castelnuovo Berardenga. No small barrels used here, this wine exudes serious detail of origin and will flatten most producers' Riserva versions. One whiff of the wonderfully pure scents of wildflowers, sage, black cherry, pekoe and tobacco will have you reminiscing about your last visit to Tuscany. The suave and sultry depth and concentration carry nicely into the mouth as it offers up chewy, flavorful tones with superb spine as well as finishing dark, earth-laden and long. Stupendous now and through 2031+.
2020 CHATEAU PICQUE-CAILLOU
PESSAC-LEOGNAN ROUGE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
PESSAC-LEOGNAN ROUGE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
One of our immense value Bordeaux wines is back and on its usual ass-kicking form! Pessac-Leognan is an appellation within the Graves region that is reserved for the top estates and best terroirs. In existence since 1780, Château Picque Caillou is in a very respectable neighborhood situated near two famed Graves Chateaux, Haut-Brion and Pape-Clement as well as ten minutes from the Bordeaux airport!
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot & 10% Petit Verdot and a worthy, if not greater, successor to the vaunted 2019! An intense ruby red best described as elegantly persuasive. Fine spice, cassis and blackberry shine against a backdrop of licorice and violet. The palate is exquisitely balanced, concentrated, yet still youthful and rambunctious. Ripe berries and briary tones kick in on the entry and give way to alluring chocolate and tobacco tones that spread out on the finish and follow through with pepper and cinnamon. There is good appeal and charm to this wine now but is one that will drink and develop through 2034+.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot & 10% Petit Verdot and a worthy, if not greater, successor to the vaunted 2019! An intense ruby red best described as elegantly persuasive. Fine spice, cassis and blackberry shine against a backdrop of licorice and violet. The palate is exquisitely balanced, concentrated, yet still youthful and rambunctious. Ripe berries and briary tones kick in on the entry and give way to alluring chocolate and tobacco tones that spread out on the finish and follow through with pepper and cinnamon. There is good appeal and charm to this wine now but is one that will drink and develop through 2034+.
2021 SURRAU CANNONAU
DI SARDEGNA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
DI SARDEGNA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Surrau one of the super producers of Sardinia, this beloved red wine has become exceedingly popular at Cellar Door after Giandomenico Zedde's visit back in 2022.
Very Mediterranean, the compelling 2021 Surrau Cannonau is laden with aromas of garrigue spices, prominent notes of raspberry, plum/pepper, intriguing sea-salt and cinnamon that waft from the glass. After being enticed by the fine aromas, the texture intrigues even further with warm and engaging, interwoven cherry-pit/saline/minerally flavors that unfold into a voluptuous, tangy finish. Enjoy this sumptuous Italian island red with grilled sausages, eggplant, pork or lamb chops as well as aged sheep's milk cheeses.
Very Mediterranean, the compelling 2021 Surrau Cannonau is laden with aromas of garrigue spices, prominent notes of raspberry, plum/pepper, intriguing sea-salt and cinnamon that waft from the glass. After being enticed by the fine aromas, the texture intrigues even further with warm and engaging, interwoven cherry-pit/saline/minerally flavors that unfold into a voluptuous, tangy finish. Enjoy this sumptuous Italian island red with grilled sausages, eggplant, pork or lamb chops as well as aged sheep's milk cheeses.
2020 FINCA DE ONA
RIOJA CRIANZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
RIOJA CRIANZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A new arrival from famed La Rioja Alta's additional property and winery, the 2020 Rioja Crianza is a terrific deal for a mere twenty-spot.
Presenting itself as a bit more powerful than the previous three vintages, this rendition is aged in both American and French oak which adds nice mocha and cinnamon tones that mingle nicely with cherry pit, hints of rose and vanilla. Lively brisk notes aid with the fleshy, polished core. Finishes generous and persistent. Drink this now with brined pork chops.
Presenting itself as a bit more powerful than the previous three vintages, this rendition is aged in both American and French oak which adds nice mocha and cinnamon tones that mingle nicely with cherry pit, hints of rose and vanilla. Lively brisk notes aid with the fleshy, polished core. Finishes generous and persistent. Drink this now with brined pork chops.
2022 MERIEAU TOURAINE ROUGE
'CENT VISAGES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'CENT VISAGES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Cot is the Loire Valley name for Malbec. Cultivated and vinified in this region for generations, it remains rare in that it only is two percent of the Loire’s roster of grapes. A Loire red genius, Jean-Francois Merieau is a maestro with this grape and this offering is so unlike any that you will come across from Cahors or Argentina.
Earth-driven, yet the penetration of aromas from 50+ year old vines bring forth layered undertones of raspberry, licorice, subtle sandalwood, pepper and spice-box. Intensity and vibrancy are plentiful and done without the invasion of new oak. Earthy flavors and more dry than new world expressions, its texture is high-toned with spine and length. A real, honest taste of France, this red pairs smashingly with duck, smooth pate, hearty stews and even carnitas. If you want an even more esoteric experience, take some bottles, and put them down for 5 years - it will be even more sublime.
Earth-driven, yet the penetration of aromas from 50+ year old vines bring forth layered undertones of raspberry, licorice, subtle sandalwood, pepper and spice-box. Intensity and vibrancy are plentiful and done without the invasion of new oak. Earthy flavors and more dry than new world expressions, its texture is high-toned with spine and length. A real, honest taste of France, this red pairs smashingly with duck, smooth pate, hearty stews and even carnitas. If you want an even more esoteric experience, take some bottles, and put them down for 5 years - it will be even more sublime.
2021 QUINTA DO PORRAIS
DOURO TINTO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
DOURO TINTO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
A lip smacking, over-the-moon 12-dollar DRY red from the Douro region, which is better known as the home of Port that is a blend of Sousao, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional (same grapes for the famed sweet Port wines).
Forward traits of blackberry, tea leaf and licorice co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, skillfully placed oak and sneaky turned earth. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to the feral finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.
Forward traits of blackberry, tea leaf and licorice co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, skillfully placed oak and sneaky turned earth. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to the feral finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.
2018 MOUNT EDEN
ESTATE CHARDONNAY
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK
ESTATE CHARDONNAY
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK
95 Points – Vinous…If there were ever to be a case to quantify a California Chardonnay as being a Grand Cru, Mt. Eden's Estate cuvee would certainly be deemed as one of the top contenders. Simply put, this is iconic Cali-Chard and is one that ages like a beast. This Chardonnay’s scion material for was planted by Martin Ray in the 1940s and 1960s high up on the Santa Cruz Mountains. Over the years this wine has attained legendary status, especially since the estate limits the production to anywhere between 1000 and 1200 cases.
The 2018 Estate Chardonnay shows why Mount Eden is regarded as one of the apex predators when it comes to this varietal. All the great Burgundian techniques are practiced all while maintaining California roots and material. Rich aromas and flavors of orange, churned butter, smoked hazelnut and an underlay of vanilla spice, this is NOT ‘Cougar Juice’! The opulence nicely buffered by a lively streak of mountain minerality makes it succeed with balance where so many others in California fail. As previously mentioned, this wine ages impeccably. Enjoy over its first 4-5 years with sautéed scallops or lobster then another ten afterwards with more sauces and soft-ripened cheeses.
The 2018 Estate Chardonnay shows why Mount Eden is regarded as one of the apex predators when it comes to this varietal. All the great Burgundian techniques are practiced all while maintaining California roots and material. Rich aromas and flavors of orange, churned butter, smoked hazelnut and an underlay of vanilla spice, this is NOT ‘Cougar Juice’! The opulence nicely buffered by a lively streak of mountain minerality makes it succeed with balance where so many others in California fail. As previously mentioned, this wine ages impeccably. Enjoy over its first 4-5 years with sautéed scallops or lobster then another ten afterwards with more sauces and soft-ripened cheeses.
