Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'STORM SEASON' HOTSHEET
Gevrey Chambertin Special, Washington White & more
2018 BISCI VERDICCHIO DI MATELICA
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Still 15 bucks but the newly arrived 2018 has something more...the illustrious Tre Bicchieri Award from Gambero Rosso, Italy’s wine bible. More than not, this award is for much more expensive wines so it really shows the respect and pedigree that this estate possesses. Located inland and at significantly more elevation gain, what separates the Le Marches regions of Matelica and Castelli di Jesi are their locations and specifically their soils, which are sheer hard limestone and quite unique to the area.
100% Verdicchio. Bone-crushing aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone show off from the moment it is poured into the glass. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing plenty of old-vine depth and character all in a precise package. The finish is superb and once again, that word mineral enters the conversation. For a mere 15, one can experience one of Italy's stellar white wines and not only is it perfect for shellfish; it has the intensity to stand up to our delicious fall salmon.
100% Verdicchio. Bone-crushing aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone show off from the moment it is poured into the glass. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing plenty of old-vine depth and character all in a precise package. The finish is superb and once again, that word mineral enters the conversation. For a mere 15, one can experience one of Italy's stellar white wines and not only is it perfect for shellfish; it has the intensity to stand up to our delicious fall salmon.
2016 MARCOUX LIRAC ROUGE
'LE LORENTINE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'LE LORENTINE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Located just across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, many Rhône players have known for eons the superb price/quality rapport of Lirac's wines. In fact, we are now seeing a number of famous Châteauneuf producers such as Domaine de Marcoux obtain holdings, vindicating the potential of the area's terroir.
50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% each Mourvèdre and Carignan from red clay, stony sand and pebbly soils on a limestone couch, buffered by large red galet roule stones. Overflowing aromas of strawberry, red licorice, herbes des provence, grenadine and plum-pepper sit up nicely in the glass and lead into a voluptuous, dry, structured and sinister beauty sort of texture. Lots of density and expansion with the virtual seamlessness of this vintage showing exquisitely. Astonishing value from one of Chateauneuf’s greats! Drink over the next 10-12 years.
50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% each Mourvèdre and Carignan from red clay, stony sand and pebbly soils on a limestone couch, buffered by large red galet roule stones. Overflowing aromas of strawberry, red licorice, herbes des provence, grenadine and plum-pepper sit up nicely in the glass and lead into a voluptuous, dry, structured and sinister beauty sort of texture. Lots of density and expansion with the virtual seamlessness of this vintage showing exquisitely. Astonishing value from one of Chateauneuf’s greats! Drink over the next 10-12 years.
2016 BUTY SEMILLON-SAUVIGNON-MUSCADELLE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Having met with Nina Buty last week, I concluded these are some of the finest Washington wines that I have tasted recently. To put it bluntly, these wines aren’t like so many from our neighbors up north – they aren’t big bomb tooty-frooty caricature wines, they are quite detailed and layered with complexity. Again, it all goes back to the old guard.
First up is this stupendous white wine (reds will come in later musings). Based on what Nina and winemaker Chris Dowsett envision as their concept of white Bordeaux. 62% Semillon, 25% Sauvignon, 13% Muscadelle and from older sites throughout Washington. Just over 70% is aged in concrete tanks with the remainder in old neutral oak barrels as to not impart any oakiness; this wine takes on the sum of its varietal parts beautifully. The fullness and fig/pear from the Semillon play nicely of the briskness of both the Sauvignon and Muscadelle with the latter bringing out aromatics and fine mineral. Engaging throughout, this wine is diverse as to food matches. Try it with Latino white meat/fish preparations based around tuna or swordfish.
First up is this stupendous white wine (reds will come in later musings). Based on what Nina and winemaker Chris Dowsett envision as their concept of white Bordeaux. 62% Semillon, 25% Sauvignon, 13% Muscadelle and from older sites throughout Washington. Just over 70% is aged in concrete tanks with the remainder in old neutral oak barrels as to not impart any oakiness; this wine takes on the sum of its varietal parts beautifully. The fullness and fig/pear from the Semillon play nicely of the briskness of both the Sauvignon and Muscadelle with the latter bringing out aromatics and fine mineral. Engaging throughout, this wine is diverse as to food matches. Try it with Latino white meat/fish preparations based around tuna or swordfish.
2017 BODEGAS GARZON TANNAT
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
From the ‘go-figure/big surprise’ file comes a tasty wine from Uruguay…yes, Uruguay! The modern wine industry of Uruguay traces back to 1870, commenced by immigrants of Basque and Italian origin and the red grape of choice is Tannat. Tannat is the spiritual grape of Uruguay but also is the home grape in the French Basque regions of Madiran and Irouleguy as well. Climactically, the soils are different and it is warmer in Uruguay and the wine take on a different terroir perspective yet still show ample character and quality.
Blackberry and plum notes take hold quickly followed nicely by hints of earth and spice. Nicely placed oak tones bring a roundness and polish to the game. The finish is full and revealing rhubarb and chocolate with plenty of natural high tones that come from both the varietal and the terroir. A terrific wine for a grilled steak, enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.
Blackberry and plum notes take hold quickly followed nicely by hints of earth and spice. Nicely placed oak tones bring a roundness and polish to the game. The finish is full and revealing rhubarb and chocolate with plenty of natural high tones that come from both the varietal and the terroir. A terrific wine for a grilled steak, enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.
2015 CHATEAU LES PETITES
BLAYE COTES-DE-BORDEAUX
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
BLAYE COTES-DE-BORDEAUX
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
One last go-round for this scrumptious red Bordeaux value!
Poised and personable, and with a tell-tale right bank Bordeaux nose of ironstone, raspberry, espresso and sandalwood, this delicious red delivers so much for so little. Elegant, sophisticated beyond its price tag and chock full of grace, terroir and a dry, austere, spiced-earth finish. An amazing value that can be consumed any day of the week. Drink it with a plethora of cuisine ranging from smoked meats, grilled beef, Vietnamese dishes, roasted chicken, veggies and more.
Poised and personable, and with a tell-tale right bank Bordeaux nose of ironstone, raspberry, espresso and sandalwood, this delicious red delivers so much for so little. Elegant, sophisticated beyond its price tag and chock full of grace, terroir and a dry, austere, spiced-earth finish. An amazing value that can be consumed any day of the week. Drink it with a plethora of cuisine ranging from smoked meats, grilled beef, Vietnamese dishes, roasted chicken, veggies and more.
2016 JOUAN GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
'AUX ECHEZEAUX'
[reg. $99.99] SPECIAL - $64.99 - 24 btls available
'AUX ECHEZEAUX'
[reg. $99.99] SPECIAL - $64.99 - 24 btls available
One of our corporate distributors has 2017s imminently arriving so the bean counters told them to move the 2016s...and that we will! Philippe Jouan is one of the sleeper producers in Morey Saint-Denis and possesses some serious holdings. Very small in production, Drouhin has purchased wine and fruit from this estate for over fifty years but Philippe keeps top lots for his own label and this selection is one of the top sleepers of the range of wines.
Aux Echezeaux is a single vineyard in the southern sector of Gevrey-Chambertin and right at the border of Morey St-Denis. Jouan’s parcel is from 80-year-old vines and the resulting wine is top division. Hyperbole is not needed when it comes to the 2016 red Burgundy vintage…this is one of the most spectacular vintages in the last 25 years! This isn't a vintage of instant gratification, these wines are built to age and the Jouan’s version is no exception. Classic Southern Gevrey 101 aromas of black licorice, cracked pepper and limestone are supported by dazzling old-vine, saturated raspberry and plum fruit. Great penetrating flavors fill the mouth. Firm structure and backbone arrives in the mid-palate to let you know that this is a vin de garde! Stunning, youthful material here…red cherry swizzler, spice and mineral dominate the stunning, sumptuous, packed finish. Drink it 2022 - 2031. If you love the great Pinot producers of the world, do not miss this special deal!
Aux Echezeaux is a single vineyard in the southern sector of Gevrey-Chambertin and right at the border of Morey St-Denis. Jouan’s parcel is from 80-year-old vines and the resulting wine is top division. Hyperbole is not needed when it comes to the 2016 red Burgundy vintage…this is one of the most spectacular vintages in the last 25 years! This isn't a vintage of instant gratification, these wines are built to age and the Jouan’s version is no exception. Classic Southern Gevrey 101 aromas of black licorice, cracked pepper and limestone are supported by dazzling old-vine, saturated raspberry and plum fruit. Great penetrating flavors fill the mouth. Firm structure and backbone arrives in the mid-palate to let you know that this is a vin de garde! Stunning, youthful material here…red cherry swizzler, spice and mineral dominate the stunning, sumptuous, packed finish. Drink it 2022 - 2031. If you love the great Pinot producers of the world, do not miss this special deal!
CHIANTI WEEK CONTINUES...
SPECIAL FRIDAY SIPS
SPECIAL FRIDAY SIPS
Fattoria di Petroio with Special Guest Diana Lenzi
This Friday Oct. 18 from 3:30 – 6:30
Drop by Friday as we welcome back for the first time since 2017, Fattoria di Petroio owner/winemaker Diana Lenzi. She will be here in the house to pour and discuss her wines and autograph your bottles.
FEATURED WINES:
2016 Petroio Chianti Classico
2015 Petroio Chianti Classico
2014 Petroio Chianti Classico Riserva
2015 Petroio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 'Poggio i Grilli'
