Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL' HOTSHEET
Gevrey-Chambertin, Etna Rosso, 20-buck Cab, Oregon Pinot, Rose & More
2014 WHITE ROSE PINOT NOIR
'WILLAMETTE VALLEY'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'WILLAMETTE VALLEY'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
A top level, high-end producer in the Dundee Hills, White Rose Vineyards are whole cluster fermentation disciples. Like wines from Cristom or Domaine Dujac, this process often sacrifices color in lieu of having stronger complexity both aromatically and flavorfully as well as possessing excellent structure.
As we know, 2014 is a scorching warm vintage but White Rose has managed to produce an entry Pinot Noir that is very successful and is drinking perfectly now. Alluring scents of violet, jasmine, cinnamon stick and red cherry shine and as the wine opens, hints of peppermint and turned earth arrive. Sultry with a round palate presence, this wine builds and spreads out as it moves to its wonderfully spicy fining. Drink this excellent Pinot over the next 3-4 years.
As we know, 2014 is a scorching warm vintage but White Rose has managed to produce an entry Pinot Noir that is very successful and is drinking perfectly now. Alluring scents of violet, jasmine, cinnamon stick and red cherry shine and as the wine opens, hints of peppermint and turned earth arrive. Sultry with a round palate presence, this wine builds and spreads out as it moves to its wonderfully spicy fining. Drink this excellent Pinot over the next 3-4 years.
2018 JANASSE COTES-DU-RHONE ROSE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
A perennial favorite from Provence and specifically the Rhone Valley is this saignee Rose from one of the apex Chateauneuf producers.
50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 10% Counoise. Textbook Provençal rosé possessing freshness and depth. Aromatic strawberry, lemon, thyme and mineral rock the senses and follow to a texture that has crunchy fruit and lots of dry, invigorating qualities. The mouth-watering finish that calls one back for another glass or six! Drink on the deck or with grilled zucchini, grilled onions or grilled fish that is not salmon.
50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 10% Counoise. Textbook Provençal rosé possessing freshness and depth. Aromatic strawberry, lemon, thyme and mineral rock the senses and follow to a texture that has crunchy fruit and lots of dry, invigorating qualities. The mouth-watering finish that calls one back for another glass or six! Drink on the deck or with grilled zucchini, grilled onions or grilled fish that is not salmon.
2016 PECCHENINO DOLCETTO
DOGLIANI 'SIRI D'JERMU'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
DOGLIANI 'SIRI D'JERMU'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Twenty-Four dollars for Dolcetto?? Are you &%$#@ng crazy??!!??! In all truthfulness, they should have committed me years ago, but for another reason. Giving someone Pecchenino’s Siri d’Jermu as their initial foray into the Dolcetto wines from the Piemontese village of Dogliani (where the grape is the noble grape) is pretty much live giving someone Cristal as their first Champagne. The best way I like to describe it, is that it is luxury dolcetto on steroids!
Known as a master of Dogliani, brothers Orlando and Attilio Pecchenino are producing wines on all levels that are outstanding, yet this wine epitomizes the estate. In most of Piedmont, Dolcetto lives in the shadow of Nebbiolo and Barbera, but when it comes from village and surrounding hills of Dogliani, it is very special and THE grape. Beautiful and explosive at the same time, aromas of strawberry, black raspberry and lilies erupt from the nose and enhanced by terroir-driven scents of ironstone, smoke and licorice. Sultry, yet fresh in the mouth with pure fruit that spreads out in the middle and follows through into the long, luscious finish. Trust us, after tasting; your response will be Mamma Mia! Enjoy this very ageworthy Dogliani that has ample grip with fuller dishes like risotto, slow-roasted pork loin, Italian sausages, good Parmesan Reggiano cheese and don’t be afraid to try it with a bit of spicy (but not so incendiary) Vietnamese or Sichuan beef dishes. Drink now - 2026.
Known as a master of Dogliani, brothers Orlando and Attilio Pecchenino are producing wines on all levels that are outstanding, yet this wine epitomizes the estate. In most of Piedmont, Dolcetto lives in the shadow of Nebbiolo and Barbera, but when it comes from village and surrounding hills of Dogliani, it is very special and THE grape. Beautiful and explosive at the same time, aromas of strawberry, black raspberry and lilies erupt from the nose and enhanced by terroir-driven scents of ironstone, smoke and licorice. Sultry, yet fresh in the mouth with pure fruit that spreads out in the middle and follows through into the long, luscious finish. Trust us, after tasting; your response will be Mamma Mia! Enjoy this very ageworthy Dogliani that has ample grip with fuller dishes like risotto, slow-roasted pork loin, Italian sausages, good Parmesan Reggiano cheese and don’t be afraid to try it with a bit of spicy (but not so incendiary) Vietnamese or Sichuan beef dishes. Drink now - 2026.
2018 LIVIO FELLUGA FRIULANO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Friulano (the grape formerly known as Tocai Friulano) is a white grape native to the Northern reaches of Italy believed to originate in the Veneto region, a neighbor of Friuli. However, it is in Friuli where this grape thrives beautifully. After World War II (as well as previous eras that Friuli was occupied by various empires), it was Livio Felluga who was one of those responsible for restoring viticulture to the region. Up until his passing in 2016 at the age of 102, he and his family have been tireless promoters of the region as well as their superb wines.
One of the benchmarks of this varietal, the 2018 combines concentration with succulence. Scents of cassis leaf, peach pit, apple, lime, perfumed mineral from the sandstone in the soil and saline step forward at various times as this complex white opens in the glass. Virtually viscous but contradictory as there is ample structure and vibrancy which then folds inward and becomes very linear and food friendly on the long, drawn out and elevated finish. Truly a grand scale Italian white wine it pairs beautifully with cured ham, Proscuitto San Daniele in particular. It will also marry up nicely with grilled prawns as well as grilled eggplant or asparagus dishes.
One of the benchmarks of this varietal, the 2018 combines concentration with succulence. Scents of cassis leaf, peach pit, apple, lime, perfumed mineral from the sandstone in the soil and saline step forward at various times as this complex white opens in the glass. Virtually viscous but contradictory as there is ample structure and vibrancy which then folds inward and becomes very linear and food friendly on the long, drawn out and elevated finish. Truly a grand scale Italian white wine it pairs beautifully with cured ham, Proscuitto San Daniele in particular. It will also marry up nicely with grilled prawns as well as grilled eggplant or asparagus dishes.
2016 MUSTIGUILLO 'MESTIZAJE' TINTO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
From the Spanish region of Valencia, the grape of choice here is Bobal. In recent years, the addition of Tempranillo and other French varietals has brought on higher quality and added complexity to the native grape. 20 years ago, Toni Sarrion who was the leader in saving the Bobal grape and re-establishing it as the mainstay of the region. We have continually loved this red and even nicer is that it has an excellent accolade from The Wine Advocate:
‘A blend of Bobal with Syrah and Garnacha fermented separately and with some full clusters with indigenous yeasts. It matured in French oak barrels and vats for ten months. There is a little less wine, as they definitively removed Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from the blend. That, plus a fresher year, contributed to a fresher wine—juicy and tasty—with a mixture of red and black fruit and a chalky sensation in the palate. It finishes long and tasty. Very good quality for the price asked. – 91 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE’
‘A blend of Bobal with Syrah and Garnacha fermented separately and with some full clusters with indigenous yeasts. It matured in French oak barrels and vats for ten months. There is a little less wine, as they definitively removed Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from the blend. That, plus a fresher year, contributed to a fresher wine—juicy and tasty—with a mixture of red and black fruit and a chalky sensation in the palate. It finishes long and tasty. Very good quality for the price asked. – 91 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE’
2017 TERRE NERE ETNA ROSSO
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
It is difficult to pinpoint a producer from a specific area as being "the best", but more and more that we taste and sell Marc de Grazia's Terre Nere wines from Sicily's Mt. Etna area, we are getting close to making such a declaration. Not only are these sultry wines top-drawer, sadly they are now becoming difficult to get out paws on, hence the very limited tag…we only have a few cases to work with!
An outstanding Italian wine adventure from predominantly Nerello Mascalese, the new 2017 is ruby red in color with a persistent bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, mint and sage. A finely textured, dry red with plenty of generous fruit carrying into a lingering, balanced finish with a touch of well-integrated tannin. We highly recommend drinking this hearty red over the next 3-4 years with grilled and roasted red meats or hard sheep's milk cheeses.
An outstanding Italian wine adventure from predominantly Nerello Mascalese, the new 2017 is ruby red in color with a persistent bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, mint and sage. A finely textured, dry red with plenty of generous fruit carrying into a lingering, balanced finish with a touch of well-integrated tannin. We highly recommend drinking this hearty red over the next 3-4 years with grilled and roasted red meats or hard sheep's milk cheeses.
2015 LONGRIDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
From South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is influenced mightily by its elevation but also from the coolness of the Atlantic Ocean.
Bringing forth a hell of a lot of bang for 20 bucks, this Cab us wonderfully multi-dimensional. Classic blackberry, Havana Cigar, cassis and with an underlay of chocolate, mineral and spiced earth, this cab, if it were made in Washington or California, would command twice the price! Nicely layered, rich and oozing with class all the while maintaining poise and lift, which calls one, back for more. Drink this over-performing Cab through 2024; serve it with meat loaf, grilled beef or strong cheeses at the end of a dinner.
Bringing forth a hell of a lot of bang for 20 bucks, this Cab us wonderfully multi-dimensional. Classic blackberry, Havana Cigar, cassis and with an underlay of chocolate, mineral and spiced earth, this cab, if it were made in Washington or California, would command twice the price! Nicely layered, rich and oozing with class all the while maintaining poise and lift, which calls one, back for more. Drink this over-performing Cab through 2024; serve it with meat loaf, grilled beef or strong cheeses at the end of a dinner.
2016 CLOS ERASMUS PRIORAT 'LAUREL'
$44.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
$44.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
Along with Alvaro Palacios and René Barbier of Clos Mogador, Clos Erasmus's Daphne Glorian are Priorat's most important producers. Of the three, Clos Erasmus and their Laurel bottling are the smallest. From Holland, Daphne came to Priorat in the late 80s and was instrumental with her two previously mentioned friends in establishing the Priorat region (about 2 hours south of Barcelona). Made from 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from three vineyards, which were originally terraced by the Greeks.
Having garnered 100-point scores from along with numerous high 90 scores, it has caused both the wines from Clos Erasmus to be in hot demand. Laurel is always considered one of Priorat's outstanding values, especially since Clos Erasmus easily garners $150. The 2016 Laurel Priorat is a full-bore Priorat with underlying sexiness and silkiness. Bold confiture, rose petal, black plum and cool chalkboard with earth scents. Concentrated and very penetrating albeit, very youthful, this wine pushes all of our buttons! For being a large wine, it has the sure-footedness of a ballerina on point. Ripe and very rich the slate soils bring freshness and exuberance. Impressive structure and grip, it offers a smooth mouthful that goes down with brilliant focus and palate-staining length. Almost irresistible right now, hold on to 2021 and drink it through 2030+.
Having garnered 100-point scores from along with numerous high 90 scores, it has caused both the wines from Clos Erasmus to be in hot demand. Laurel is always considered one of Priorat's outstanding values, especially since Clos Erasmus easily garners $150. The 2016 Laurel Priorat is a full-bore Priorat with underlying sexiness and silkiness. Bold confiture, rose petal, black plum and cool chalkboard with earth scents. Concentrated and very penetrating albeit, very youthful, this wine pushes all of our buttons! For being a large wine, it has the sure-footedness of a ballerina on point. Ripe and very rich the slate soils bring freshness and exuberance. Impressive structure and grip, it offers a smooth mouthful that goes down with brilliant focus and palate-staining length. Almost irresistible right now, hold on to 2021 and drink it through 2030+.
2016 CHERON GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
'CHAMPONNETS' PREMIER CRU
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
'CHAMPONNETS' PREMIER CRU
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
There is immense buzz around the 2016 vintage for red Burgundy and we are thrilled to offer wines from an excellent producer who has serious holdings in Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanee, Chambolle Musigny and Clos de Vougeot. Still under the radar, we have been working with the wines from Philippe Cheron since the 2011 vintage and Karen, Michael and I had another excellent visit there last month.
Champonnet is Premier Cru site sitting just above the village of Gevrey-Chambertin. Philippe Cheron traded a parcel of Nuits-St-Georges to obtain these Premier Cru vines. Darker presence for 2016 along with a hefty nose, cooler red fruits are present from northern exposure. Plenty of classic Gevrey licorice and plum prevail. Integrated nutmeg and pepper arrive. Powerfully built yet with underlying silk that will undoubtedly emerge and become very special indeed. Stacked and vertical finish that really sticks around Wow!! This is quite a steal given what many Gevrey Premiers Crus go for these days. Drink 2023+.
Champonnet is Premier Cru site sitting just above the village of Gevrey-Chambertin. Philippe Cheron traded a parcel of Nuits-St-Georges to obtain these Premier Cru vines. Darker presence for 2016 along with a hefty nose, cooler red fruits are present from northern exposure. Plenty of classic Gevrey licorice and plum prevail. Integrated nutmeg and pepper arrive. Powerfully built yet with underlying silk that will undoubtedly emerge and become very special indeed. Stacked and vertical finish that really sticks around Wow!! This is quite a steal given what many Gevrey Premiers Crus go for these days. Drink 2023+.
FRIDAY SIPS
Garofoli Vini - Special guest David Redondi, Export Manager
This Friday June 21 from 1:30 – 6:30
Winner of over 20 Tre Bicchieri awards from Gambero Rosso, Le Marches region stalwart Garofoli is not only a Cellar Door favorite but is also one of Italy’s finest producers.
If you love Italian wines you need to be here because David Redondi will be on hand pouring and discussing a lineup of the estate's famous and flavorful red and white wines (David will arrive at 3:30 but I’ll have the wines open at 1:30).
If you love Italian wines you need to be here because David Redondi will be on hand pouring and discussing a lineup of the estate's famous and flavorful red and white wines (David will arrive at 3:30 but I’ll have the wines open at 1:30).
FEATURED GAROFOLI WINES:
2018 Garofoli Verdicchio ‘Macrina’
Garofoli ‘Guelfo Verde’ Frizzante
2018 Garofoli Komaros Rosato
2016 Garofoli Rosso Conero ‘Piancarda’
2012 Garofoli Conero Riserva ‘Grosso Agontano’
