Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'OPEN THE FLOODGATES' HOTSHEET
Outstanding Oregon Chardonnay & French Pinot Noir
Barbera from Nizza
Dessert Wine & Walla Walla Cab
Barbera from Nizza
Dessert Wine & Walla Walla Cab
2019 SEVEN HILLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WALLA WALLA
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
WALLA WALLA
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
When it comes to Walla Walla, there are many that fall into the trend of the moment category, yet for over thirty years, Seven Hills Winery consistently creates excellent wines that are always of superb quality. They also are selections that don’t break the bank.
Sourced solely from Walla Walla vineyards, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is balanced, yet mouth filling with telltale elegance that the valley is known for. Boysenberry, cassis, mineral, cardamom and vanilla notes follow through to a smooth, layered, extending texture that goes on nicely well after the wine is swallowed. Enjoy this lovely Cab over the next 8-10 years.
Sourced solely from Walla Walla vineyards, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is balanced, yet mouth filling with telltale elegance that the valley is known for. Boysenberry, cassis, mineral, cardamom and vanilla notes follow through to a smooth, layered, extending texture that goes on nicely well after the wine is swallowed. Enjoy this lovely Cab over the next 8-10 years.
2020 GIRLAN PINOT BIANCO
'PLATT & RIEGL'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
'PLATT & RIEGL'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
Mamma Mia! We are talking wine greatness in a glass. Girlan's 2020 Plattenriegl Pinot Bianco is some kind of sexy! A definitive up-step from the classic Pinot Bianco, Plattenriegl comes from a single site at 1500 feet of elevation that has excellent stony soil.
Very alpine in personality. Brilliant straw yellow in color with a pale green shimmer, one might think we are talking about new spring couture. Delicate nuances of very fine fruit including apples and peaches sing like a church soloist from the glass. Resounding and clear with well-integrated earth-mineral-spice on the nose. Creamy, elegant, medium-bodied Pinot Bianco flavor with a round and fresh mouth-watering finish. Grilled salmon anyone?
Very alpine in personality. Brilliant straw yellow in color with a pale green shimmer, one might think we are talking about new spring couture. Delicate nuances of very fine fruit including apples and peaches sing like a church soloist from the glass. Resounding and clear with well-integrated earth-mineral-spice on the nose. Creamy, elegant, medium-bodied Pinot Bianco flavor with a round and fresh mouth-watering finish. Grilled salmon anyone?
2016 TORRE DE ONA RIOJA
'FINCA SAN MARTIN' CRIANZA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
'FINCA SAN MARTIN' CRIANZA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Torre de Ona was founded in 1987 and famed, old school Rioja producer La Rioja Alta purchased it in 1995. Located in Rioja Alevesa, this old guard estate leapt at the chance to have an estate in this famed, cool climate area of Rioja. Nowadays they produce two single Finca (Cru sites) wines. Finca San Martin is on a Crianza level and is a steal for its mere 17-dollar price point.
Post-classical in its approach, there is about 40% use of French barrel to go along with the classic use of American oak. Mocha-spiked dried strawberries teem from the glass with Moroccan spices; leather and roasted earth are along for the ride. Captivating, majestic, mouth-filling, very smooth and gaining complexity as it unfolds in the glass. Lots of movement throughout as well as a drawn-out, silky finish with slight peppery tones make this very compelling indeed. Drink it over the next decade with roasted pork or lamb. If it means anything to you, this wine also was bestowed a 91 point score from Vinous.
Post-classical in its approach, there is about 40% use of French barrel to go along with the classic use of American oak. Mocha-spiked dried strawberries teem from the glass with Moroccan spices; leather and roasted earth are along for the ride. Captivating, majestic, mouth-filling, very smooth and gaining complexity as it unfolds in the glass. Lots of movement throughout as well as a drawn-out, silky finish with slight peppery tones make this very compelling indeed. Drink it over the next decade with roasted pork or lamb. If it means anything to you, this wine also was bestowed a 91 point score from Vinous.
2019 GOODFELLOW CHARDONNAY
TEMPERANCE HILL
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
TEMPERANCE HILL
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
Without looking at the bottle when I tasted this last week, I could have sworn this wine came from a highly respectable neighborhood in Burgundy’s Cote D’Or district and not the Eola-Amity area. Did I mention that it is about one-third the price of something of this quality from there as well? Once again, Marcus Goodfellow has rocked it with another smashing Chardonnay and it is one that can be consumed early and age tremendously.
Piercing but penetrating scents and flavors of rosemary, prominent mineral, butter, and hazelnut and gently placed vanilla notes. Sexy as all get-out, there is ample attack and firm, curve hugging acidity to this serious single vineyard Oregon Chardonnay. The finish rolls in waves and extends pleasingly well after the wine is swallowed. An outstanding wine from one of our top-drawer Chardonnay producers. Drink through 2034 with grilled sea bass, sautéed sole and/or lobster.
Piercing but penetrating scents and flavors of rosemary, prominent mineral, butter, and hazelnut and gently placed vanilla notes. Sexy as all get-out, there is ample attack and firm, curve hugging acidity to this serious single vineyard Oregon Chardonnay. The finish rolls in waves and extends pleasingly well after the wine is swallowed. An outstanding wine from one of our top-drawer Chardonnay producers. Drink through 2034 with grilled sea bass, sautéed sole and/or lobster.
2017 OLIM BAUDA NIZZA
SUPERIORE RISERVA (Barbera)
$34.99 BTL./$209.94 - six pack
SUPERIORE RISERVA (Barbera)
$34.99 BTL./$209.94 - six pack
Last week we received a visit from Gianni Bertolino from Olim Bauda. This is first time that we have seen him and had a chance to taste his wines (as well as to have some steaks together) in four years. The food and wine were a-flowin’ and the following day we were all moving just a bit slower than usual.
Many of yinz have enjoyed the 2015 and 2016 version of this wine and the 2017 follows up mightily. Aged 30 months in French oak up to 2500 liters, this fully packed Barbera is an alluring and robust revealing typical Asti trait. Layered and symphonic, Olim Bauda’s Nizza runs the gamut of complexity from blackberry fruit, red plum and chocolate dust to asphalt and tones. The finish is ultra-long after coating the entire palate with sheer nobleness and is lifted by cranberry-like freshness. This wine is ultra-sexy now and will continue to develop and drink well through 2030. One of the Muhammed Ali level Barbera wines that is a must for any Piedmont drinker and collector.
Many of yinz have enjoyed the 2015 and 2016 version of this wine and the 2017 follows up mightily. Aged 30 months in French oak up to 2500 liters, this fully packed Barbera is an alluring and robust revealing typical Asti trait. Layered and symphonic, Olim Bauda’s Nizza runs the gamut of complexity from blackberry fruit, red plum and chocolate dust to asphalt and tones. The finish is ultra-long after coating the entire palate with sheer nobleness and is lifted by cranberry-like freshness. This wine is ultra-sexy now and will continue to develop and drink well through 2030. One of the Muhammed Ali level Barbera wines that is a must for any Piedmont drinker and collector.
2019 FRANCOIS VILLARD SYRAH
'L'APPEL DES SEREINES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'L'APPEL DES SEREINES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Quite honestly, since the set of Francois Villard’s wines have arrived to Portland, the entire range has been knocking my doors of the hinges on all levels. Since the early 1990s, former chef Francois Villard has been making fine wines from vineyards in Condrieu, Cote-Rotie and St-Joseph. Since around 2012, he has dialed his wines in, now utilizing less oak, going for classy French Syrah wines that pair beautifully with food. This particular regional Syrah comes from young vines grown in decomposed granite soils from four St-Joseph villages.
The 2019 reveals a real pepper-pot nose abundant with plum, raspberry and black olive, it is generous with lifting fruit upon entry all unfurling into minerally vibrancy. A wonderfully versatile, spectacular value red to bring to friends’ homes over the warmer months, especially when you are not sure what they will be serving for dinner.
The 2019 reveals a real pepper-pot nose abundant with plum, raspberry and black olive, it is generous with lifting fruit upon entry all unfurling into minerally vibrancy. A wonderfully versatile, spectacular value red to bring to friends’ homes over the warmer months, especially when you are not sure what they will be serving for dinner.
2020 BODEGAS BLEDA
JUMILLA MONASTRELL
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
JUMILLA MONASTRELL
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
100% Monastrell (Mourvedre) from the southeastern Spanish region of Jumilla. We refer to Jumilla as Spain’s thrift store because many terrific values emerge, and Bodegas Bleda’s wines are no exception.
Bursting and delivers for a mere 10-bucks. Black cherry, balsamic, ground coffee and violet aromas. Flavorful, vibrant and hearty. Drink with charcuterie, grilled chicken or pizza.
Bursting and delivers for a mere 10-bucks. Black cherry, balsamic, ground coffee and violet aromas. Flavorful, vibrant and hearty. Drink with charcuterie, grilled chicken or pizza.
2017 BRUNO CLAIR MARSANNAY
LES GRASSES TETES
$59.99 BTL. - 20 btls available
LES GRASSES TETES
$59.99 BTL. - 20 btls available
There are still a few areas in Burgundy’s Cotes de Nuits area that can be affordable. Marsannay is one such region. I wish I could say that this will always remain the case but the area at some point is slated to have several sites upgraded to Premier Cru status, thus the halcyon days will end. Bruno Clair is the Godfather of Marsannay, and the region would not have achieved its notoriety if not for him, he has influenced the current generation, yet his wines remain at the top of the Marsannay mountain. The vineyard of Les Grasses Tetes is situated in the sweet spot on the mid-slope. Dense clay along with prominent rocks, the majority of the vines were planted between 1969 and 1973. This combination brings both power and lift, and being sheltered from wind, it is able to fully ripen.
The essence of balance is on display with this superb French Pinot Noir. A bit youthful and reluctant right now, it has lovely notes of wild strawberry and mineral on the nose. Great depth and intensity in the mouth, it tows the line between red and black fruits, with a hint of earth to go with it. If you are a red Burgundy lover, this will not disappoint, and if you are looking to learn about this producer and Marsannay in general, the Grasses Tetes is a great way to start. Drink 2024 - 2034.
The essence of balance is on display with this superb French Pinot Noir. A bit youthful and reluctant right now, it has lovely notes of wild strawberry and mineral on the nose. Great depth and intensity in the mouth, it tows the line between red and black fruits, with a hint of earth to go with it. If you are a red Burgundy lover, this will not disappoint, and if you are looking to learn about this producer and Marsannay in general, the Grasses Tetes is a great way to start. Drink 2024 - 2034.
2016 CHATEAU CLIMENS BARSAC
'CYPRES DE CLIMENS'
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - SIX PACK
'CYPRES DE CLIMENS'
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - SIX PACK
When the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux came down, for Sauternes and neighboring Barsac, Chateau Climens was categorized into a realm that was second to, and only bested by Chateau d’Yquem. This Chateau is without a doubt the finest in Barsac. It will also top many of its famous neighbors in Sauternes. Hell, these wines are famous on their own, what do I need to state further about them.
Cypres de Climens is the Chateau’s second label and will not set you back 200-dollars. It is still a hell of a dessert wine experience though. Full-flavored and youthful and difficult to believe that this is a second wine! Rich and full-throttle with deep, shiny orange and apricot aromas that stand up in the glass. Hints of trademark Sauternes/Barsac honey start to shine. In the mouth, it is unctuous, sweet and rich, but with graceful acidity to allow it to age impeccably. At $49 for a full bottle, this is a steal! Not a crime to try one now, but it will be best 2024 - 2036.
Cypres de Climens is the Chateau’s second label and will not set you back 200-dollars. It is still a hell of a dessert wine experience though. Full-flavored and youthful and difficult to believe that this is a second wine! Rich and full-throttle with deep, shiny orange and apricot aromas that stand up in the glass. Hints of trademark Sauternes/Barsac honey start to shine. In the mouth, it is unctuous, sweet and rich, but with graceful acidity to allow it to age impeccably. At $49 for a full bottle, this is a steal! Not a crime to try one now, but it will be best 2024 - 2036.
