Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'BACK HOME' HOTSHEET
Aged Barolo
Bedrock Sonoma Cab
Vacqueyras, Pouilly-Fume
Bedrock Sonoma Cab
Vacqueyras, Pouilly-Fume
2022 BLANCHET POUILLY-FUMÉ 'CALCITÉ'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
When it comes to wines such as this, I feel like a salmon swimming upstream. Located just across the Loire River from Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume often is overlooked because there really is no central village. Stylistically there are many similarities but there are also differences to these Sauvignon Blanc wines. Pouilly tends to often have a bit more body and smoky aspects and lately the quality to price rapport is way better than Sancerre, especially given all the major league producers of this region.
Francis Blanchet and now son Mathieu have entrenched this Domaine as one of the go-to estates. The Calcite cuvee is aged solely in stainless steel and is a steal for twenty bucks. Yes, this is Sauvignon Blanc but because it is grown in kimmeridgean marl (a mixture of clay and chalky limestone that came from ancient crustaceans eons ago), this is a wine from the earth. Prominent seabreeze and seashell scents with lime, subtle white peach, explosive minerality and flint. Energetic, jaunting but with a delicious core of depth and fruit, this clean, crisp version will sing with your grilled salmon.
Francis Blanchet and now son Mathieu have entrenched this Domaine as one of the go-to estates. The Calcite cuvee is aged solely in stainless steel and is a steal for twenty bucks. Yes, this is Sauvignon Blanc but because it is grown in kimmeridgean marl (a mixture of clay and chalky limestone that came from ancient crustaceans eons ago), this is a wine from the earth. Prominent seabreeze and seashell scents with lime, subtle white peach, explosive minerality and flint. Energetic, jaunting but with a delicious core of depth and fruit, this clean, crisp version will sing with your grilled salmon.
2022 BEDROCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SONOMA COUNTY
$36.99 BTL./$443.88 CASE
SONOMA COUNTY
$36.99 BTL./$443.88 CASE
Earlier this month we had Chris Cottrell in the house for a tasting of a range of Bedrock's wines. Both he and winemaking partner Morgan Peterson (son of Ravenswood founder Joel Peterson) are amongst the hottest names in California and Sonoma at the moment. Many wines stretching from Santa Barbara all the way into Lodi and Contra Costa are produced in small lots but the spiritual base is Sonoma.
Bedrock makes some killer Cabernets and this for under forty-bucks is an unbelievable value that if labeled as Napa or Walla Walla, it would easily fetch 20-30 dollars more! Precise and on form, broad plum, red cherry, cinnamon and soft peppermint aromas shine. Decadent with chewy but balanced fruit that expands and flows very nicely into the very Sonoma high-toned finish that offers up milk chocolate, bing cherry and red earth. Beneath the depth, this wine has excellent grip and length which means that it also has lovely aging potential but do not feel as though you are committing a crime if you uncork a bottle. Enjoy this magical Cab lover's Cab with a grilled ribeye or other classic Cabernet fare over the next 12-15 years.
Bedrock makes some killer Cabernets and this for under forty-bucks is an unbelievable value that if labeled as Napa or Walla Walla, it would easily fetch 20-30 dollars more! Precise and on form, broad plum, red cherry, cinnamon and soft peppermint aromas shine. Decadent with chewy but balanced fruit that expands and flows very nicely into the very Sonoma high-toned finish that offers up milk chocolate, bing cherry and red earth. Beneath the depth, this wine has excellent grip and length which means that it also has lovely aging potential but do not feel as though you are committing a crime if you uncork a bottle. Enjoy this magical Cab lover's Cab with a grilled ribeye or other classic Cabernet fare over the next 12-15 years.
2020 CHATEAU DE MONTMIRIAL
VACQUEYRAS 'DEUX FRERES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
VACQUEYRAS 'DEUX FRERES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Maurice Archimbaud founded Chateau de Montmirial in 1960and the family holds land in both Vacqueyras and Gigondas. They also were the first to have the cojones to plant and grow in the craggy Dentelles de Montmirial terraces above Vacqueyras (and Gigondas).
A classically built Grenache (70%), Syrah (20%), Mourvedre (10%), a multitude of complex perfumed aromas of exotic spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and smoky, gamey notes converge and shine on the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure Provencal! No shortage of intensity here, lively qualities, especially on the minerally, spice-laden finish that coats the entire palate and leaves lingering spice notes. Very lovely now and will age well for 8-10+ years. Enjoy obviously with a grilled rib-eye or hangar steak but it will also pair well with marinated skewers that feature lamb, veggies and other meats, lentil/tomato dishes and slow roasted stews like a daube de Provence.
A classically built Grenache (70%), Syrah (20%), Mourvedre (10%), a multitude of complex perfumed aromas of exotic spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and smoky, gamey notes converge and shine on the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure Provencal! No shortage of intensity here, lively qualities, especially on the minerally, spice-laden finish that coats the entire palate and leaves lingering spice notes. Very lovely now and will age well for 8-10+ years. Enjoy obviously with a grilled rib-eye or hangar steak but it will also pair well with marinated skewers that feature lamb, veggies and other meats, lentil/tomato dishes and slow roasted stews like a daube de Provence.
2020 ZUCCARDI CABERNET FRANC
'Q SERIES' MENDOZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'Q SERIES' MENDOZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
One of the more unexpected developments in the wine world is the emergence of Cabernet Franc in of all places, Mendoza and Argentina. We all know that Malbec thrives in the area, but lately we have been able to experience unbelievably delicious versions that are true to the grape.
From a favorite producer, this wine rocks cassis, tea-smoke, black raspberry, clove and cinnamon scents that follow into a texture that is vertical and vivid. Excellent depth, body and length make it very food friendly. Drink this delicious, superbly priced Reserve Cab Franc over the next 3-4 years with leaner cuts of meat or stout mushrooms that possess pronounced earthiness.
From a favorite producer, this wine rocks cassis, tea-smoke, black raspberry, clove and cinnamon scents that follow into a texture that is vertical and vivid. Excellent depth, body and length make it very food friendly. Drink this delicious, superbly priced Reserve Cab Franc over the next 3-4 years with leaner cuts of meat or stout mushrooms that possess pronounced earthiness.
2021 IPPOLITO CIRO ROSSO
'LIBER PATER'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
'LIBER PATER'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Virtually only found in Calabria, Gaglioppo is a grape originally of Greek origins and maybe the closest analogy that we come up with is that it may be likened to a warm climate Nebbiolo.
Ippolito's Ciro is hearty with a roasted red plum, briar, red licorice and rose petal aromas which follow into a warm, dry Italian texture shows a tangy, mineral texture and finish. For some reason, this red wine pairs very well with spicy food as evidenced by the Calabrian chiles that are omni-present in the area. Try this with a penne arrabbiata or a jalapeno burger.
Ippolito's Ciro is hearty with a roasted red plum, briar, red licorice and rose petal aromas which follow into a warm, dry Italian texture shows a tangy, mineral texture and finish. For some reason, this red wine pairs very well with spicy food as evidenced by the Calabrian chiles that are omni-present in the area. Try this with a penne arrabbiata or a jalapeno burger.
2020 CARREL & SENGER
JONGIEUX MONDEUSE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
JONGIEUX MONDEUSE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
90 minutes from Lyon in the Alps is this adventurous red wine from the Savoie region in the Alps. Made with 100% of the ever-popular Mondeuse grape, this bursting and fun red is more vinous and complex than one would ever imagine at its modest alcohol 12.5% level.
Planted in calcareous soils, this red is full of unbridled energy. Mountain berries, mountain spices, plenty of terroir and an undertone of rose petal carry over into a texture that is lifting yet mouth filling and chock full of beautiful fruit. If you enjoy the likes of Beaujolais or Barbera, you will love this red. Enjoy with charcuterie, mushrooms, roasted chicken, Chinese dishes and more.
Planted in calcareous soils, this red is full of unbridled energy. Mountain berries, mountain spices, plenty of terroir and an undertone of rose petal carry over into a texture that is lifting yet mouth filling and chock full of beautiful fruit. If you enjoy the likes of Beaujolais or Barbera, you will love this red. Enjoy with charcuterie, mushrooms, roasted chicken, Chinese dishes and more.
2022 KLOOF STREET CHENIN BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Kloof Street is a jumping off point for the wines of Chris and Andrea Mullineux who are amongst South Africa's two or three most prolific producers. This estate is known for super expensive offerings under the Mullineux label, but these Kloof Street wines deliver a hell of a lot of bang for the buck.
From Swartland and grown in shale/schist soils, this Chenin Blanc is totally dry and permeating gun smoke, lanolin, quince and red apple tones. Plenty of intense flavors with a swath of dense fruit and mineral that touches the entire palate. A balanced number that really turns on the jets with a focused, wiry long finish. This impressive offering is a must try with halibut in a sauce, lighter chicken dishes or pad Thai.
From Swartland and grown in shale/schist soils, this Chenin Blanc is totally dry and permeating gun smoke, lanolin, quince and red apple tones. Plenty of intense flavors with a swath of dense fruit and mineral that touches the entire palate. A balanced number that really turns on the jets with a focused, wiry long finish. This impressive offering is a must try with halibut in a sauce, lighter chicken dishes or pad Thai.
2015 DOSIO BAROLO 'FOSSATI'
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
It is always a thrill to offer wines with age on them that can be accessed and enjoyed immediately yet can continue to age very well. Dosio is a smashing La Morra estate that has land in exceptional, high elevation vineyard sites which has allowed for both purity and detail along with fine Nebbiolo traits throughout.
Fossati is a classy Cru vineyard located in Barolo village right at the border of La Morra. Dosio’s version comes from vines in blue/gray marl soil and grown at 330-380 meters. It is difficult to believe that this much Barolo can be had for such a great price! Textbook mineral, floral, perfume, berry and a hint of coriander and tar come out of this youthful, but complex nose. Very red and refined with great Fossati and Barolo breed in the mouth. Lovely density and flavor here, but plenty of backbone and grip which at age nine are in full resolution mode and becoming exquisite. Livewire red currant dominated and very lengthy, this is starting to really be open for business, enjoy it through 2030+.
Fossati is a classy Cru vineyard located in Barolo village right at the border of La Morra. Dosio’s version comes from vines in blue/gray marl soil and grown at 330-380 meters. It is difficult to believe that this much Barolo can be had for such a great price! Textbook mineral, floral, perfume, berry and a hint of coriander and tar come out of this youthful, but complex nose. Very red and refined with great Fossati and Barolo breed in the mouth. Lovely density and flavor here, but plenty of backbone and grip which at age nine are in full resolution mode and becoming exquisite. Livewire red currant dominated and very lengthy, this is starting to really be open for business, enjoy it through 2030+.
2016 DOSIO BAROLO 'SERRADENARI'
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
This provocative Barolo may be eight years old, but it is from the legendary 2016 vintage and still needs to shed some of its baby fat and tannins...but it is evolving nicely indeed. At 550 meters, the Serradenari Cru is at the highest elevation in La Morra and all of Barolo. Given its elevation and coolness, coupled with global warming, there is extreme interest in this land from other producers. Think of it possibly becoming highly sought after like Monvigliero.
There is serious pedigree to this wine that soars immediately when poured. The classic perfume of La Morra with sneaky structure sets the pace in the mouth, but this beauty is all about texture that is penetrating yet transparently pure. Deceptively giving now but do not be fooled, as with the best expressions of Barolo, there is a Mike Tyson left hook wrapped up in all this elegance. Generous fruit abound, but the wine then clamps down and lets you know that it is a pup as the finish is tight, packed and laced with violet, spice and earth characteristics. If you are having braised lamb or pork, this can be accessed now with decanting, but it will ultimately be at its best from 2025 – 2036.
There is serious pedigree to this wine that soars immediately when poured. The classic perfume of La Morra with sneaky structure sets the pace in the mouth, but this beauty is all about texture that is penetrating yet transparently pure. Deceptively giving now but do not be fooled, as with the best expressions of Barolo, there is a Mike Tyson left hook wrapped up in all this elegance. Generous fruit abound, but the wine then clamps down and lets you know that it is a pup as the finish is tight, packed and laced with violet, spice and earth characteristics. If you are having braised lamb or pork, this can be accessed now with decanting, but it will ultimately be at its best from 2025 – 2036.
