Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'DAWG LEG LEFT' WINESHEET
Apex Sancerre, Classic Chianti
Oregon Pinot from an influential Santa Barbara producer
Argentina Cab Franc
Oregon Pinot from an influential Santa Barbara producer
Argentina Cab Franc
2021 CASTELLO NIPOZZANO
CHIANTI RUFINA RISERVA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
CHIANTI RUFINA RISERVA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Frescobaldi is one of the most prolific and important names in all of Tuscany owning prominent estates like Ornellaia in Bolgheri, Castelgiocondo in Montalcino and others. Castello Nipozzano has been in the family since 1855 and is the first and remains one of its most stellar and decorated.
Situated north of Florence, the Chianti Rufina DOCG is very prominent in both quality and value. Wines here are quite different than those of the Classico zone and this estate has been and remains one of the go-to addresses. As we have been preaching, 2021 is a peak vintage for all of Chianti and this is a 5-star wine that while drinkable now, will easily age for another 8-10 years. Wild spice and wild cherry dominate the nose with underlying leather, herbs and a kiss of nicely placed sage and powdery dark chocolate tones. The texture is all about the beautiful depth and clarity with lacy fruit up front, building structure and spice in the middle and back. If we were professors teaching a wine class, this wine would be included in the Chianti 101 course as it is exactly what Chianti is and should be!
Situated north of Florence, the Chianti Rufina DOCG is very prominent in both quality and value. Wines here are quite different than those of the Classico zone and this estate has been and remains one of the go-to addresses. As we have been preaching, 2021 is a peak vintage for all of Chianti and this is a 5-star wine that while drinkable now, will easily age for another 8-10 years. Wild spice and wild cherry dominate the nose with underlying leather, herbs and a kiss of nicely placed sage and powdery dark chocolate tones. The texture is all about the beautiful depth and clarity with lacy fruit up front, building structure and spice in the middle and back. If we were professors teaching a wine class, this wine would be included in the Chianti 101 course as it is exactly what Chianti is and should be!
2021 ANNA ESPELT GARNACHA
'PLA DE GATES' EMPORDA
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'PLA DE GATES' EMPORDA
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
If you like drinking Grenache-based wines from the Rhone, Languedoc and others then the Emporda region located at the border of France and Spain should be on your radar. We have been working with this estate for almost twenty years and when Anna Espelt took on a personal project we took immediate notice.
Located within a national reserve on the Mediterranean coast called Cap de Creus, the influence of the wind, sun and sea cannot be overstated. The color here stands out like a blackberry stain on white linen! Sustained, generous scents of black cherry quickly jump into licorice, pronounced ocean salt and herbs like juniper. The attack is deep and creamy with tannins that are delicate and smooth. Everything highlights the fruit, which follows up with a long finish. Demonstrative of the entire Espelt philosophy and personality, this very expressive wine is a harmonious reflection of authenticity and fruit. Ideal with a mushroom tart, grilled or braised pork loin. Stunning stuff!
Located within a national reserve on the Mediterranean coast called Cap de Creus, the influence of the wind, sun and sea cannot be overstated. The color here stands out like a blackberry stain on white linen! Sustained, generous scents of black cherry quickly jump into licorice, pronounced ocean salt and herbs like juniper. The attack is deep and creamy with tannins that are delicate and smooth. Everything highlights the fruit, which follows up with a long finish. Demonstrative of the entire Espelt philosophy and personality, this very expressive wine is a harmonious reflection of authenticity and fruit. Ideal with a mushroom tart, grilled or braised pork loin. Stunning stuff!
2023 LA POUSSIE SANCERRE
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$239.94 - 6 PK
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$239.94 - 6 PK
At fifty, this still shows why it is one of the Super Sancerre wines. At forty it is even much more worth a try! Along with names like Vatan, Cotat and Vacheron, Baron Patrick Ladoucette’s ‘La Poussie’ Sancerre is certainly in the top echelon.
The La Poussie vineyard is unique, as it comprises all the soils of Sancerre in one steep amphitheater and its complexity of soils and angles shows off fashionable flavors of lemongrass, lime, crunchy grapefruit and flinty/minerality which provides raciness. It is also the stony soil that highlights fantastic mineral nervosity that sweeps throughout the palate and sets you up for more, more & more. Like a pristine, fresh mountain lake, very few whites from this area achieve this level of crystalline cut and purity of expressiveness. The rest of my tasting notes are not exactly PG-rated so I will just say, enjoy it with smoked salmon, trout or chicken stuffed with goat cheese and herbs.
The La Poussie vineyard is unique, as it comprises all the soils of Sancerre in one steep amphitheater and its complexity of soils and angles shows off fashionable flavors of lemongrass, lime, crunchy grapefruit and flinty/minerality which provides raciness. It is also the stony soil that highlights fantastic mineral nervosity that sweeps throughout the palate and sets you up for more, more & more. Like a pristine, fresh mountain lake, very few whites from this area achieve this level of crystalline cut and purity of expressiveness. The rest of my tasting notes are not exactly PG-rated so I will just say, enjoy it with smoked salmon, trout or chicken stuffed with goat cheese and herbs.
2021 PIEDRASASSI SYRAH
SANTA BARBARA
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
SANTA BARBARA
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
Both a bakery and winery in Lompoc, Piedrasassi has been a Santa Barbara mainstay for two decades. An intriguing wine region with Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more thriving very well. In fact, I feel some of America’s finest Syrahs come from these hills.
Inspired by the likes of Saint-Joseph or Crozes-Hermitage, this is a very civilized California Syrah versus the likes of so many jammy versions that you can spread on your morning toast. Prominent smoke, graham, black pepper, undertones of game and blackberry arrive as it opens. Nice flow and movement, this is an excellent twenty-dollar selection that will work with grilled fare that is on the leaner side like beef tenderloin, buffalo or pork tenderloin. Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Inspired by the likes of Saint-Joseph or Crozes-Hermitage, this is a very civilized California Syrah versus the likes of so many jammy versions that you can spread on your morning toast. Prominent smoke, graham, black pepper, undertones of game and blackberry arrive as it opens. Nice flow and movement, this is an excellent twenty-dollar selection that will work with grilled fare that is on the leaner side like beef tenderloin, buffalo or pork tenderloin. Drink over the next 8-10 years.
2019 AU BON CLIMAT
PINOT NOIR 'OREGON'
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
PINOT NOIR 'OREGON'
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
What happens when one of California’s influential Pinot Noir producers makes a wine from one of Oregon’s fine sites?? This does! Au Bon Climat has been rocking great wines in Santa Barbara since 1982 and sourcing Oregon fruit on and off since 1985.
For 2019 vintage, this beauty is from the Lingua Franca Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills and is from one of our favorite vintages. A myriad of material, this Pinot achieves the goal of depth, complexity, length and balance. Perfumed aromas of red berries, spice, smoke and roses with a hint of licorice lead to layers of lush red fruit and underbrush on the palate. Fine tannins frame and extend the suave flavors are present but not to a point that it is slammed shut. Very extensive and long, this is poised for excellence. Drink through 2035 but do decant.
For 2019 vintage, this beauty is from the Lingua Franca Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills and is from one of our favorite vintages. A myriad of material, this Pinot achieves the goal of depth, complexity, length and balance. Perfumed aromas of red berries, spice, smoke and roses with a hint of licorice lead to layers of lush red fruit and underbrush on the palate. Fine tannins frame and extend the suave flavors are present but not to a point that it is slammed shut. Very extensive and long, this is poised for excellence. Drink through 2035 but do decant.
2023 KLOOF STREET
CHENIN BLANC 'SWARTLAND'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
CHENIN BLANC 'SWARTLAND'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Over the last bunch of years, Chris and Andrea Mullineaux’s wines have risen to ‘must haves’ when it comes to South African wines.
The Kloof Street offerings are great entries into the Mullineaux world and their sizzling, dry Chenin outperforms a bunch of versions from the Loire Valley. From the cool climate Swartland region, a dry and jaunting white wine chock full of aromatic stony, flinty scents that ride on top of lemon and white peach fruit. Racy, tense and zingy, this wine is a mouthwatering match with smoked fish, mussels and goat cheese.
The Kloof Street offerings are great entries into the Mullineaux world and their sizzling, dry Chenin outperforms a bunch of versions from the Loire Valley. From the cool climate Swartland region, a dry and jaunting white wine chock full of aromatic stony, flinty scents that ride on top of lemon and white peach fruit. Racy, tense and zingy, this wine is a mouthwatering match with smoked fish, mussels and goat cheese.
2022 TOMERO CABERNET FRANC
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
A resounding Argentine take on Cabernet Franc, this wine rocks cassis, tea-smoke, raspberry, clove and cinnamon scents that follow into a texture that is mellow, smooth and very personable.
Excellent depth, body and length belie its modest price point. Drink this delicious, superbly priced red over the next 3-4 years with grilled burgers, grilled pork or grilled eggplant for those who don't partake in carnivorous delights.
Excellent depth, body and length belie its modest price point. Drink this delicious, superbly priced red over the next 3-4 years with grilled burgers, grilled pork or grilled eggplant for those who don't partake in carnivorous delights.
2022 PILLOT POMMARD
'LES RUGIENS' PREMIER CRU
$129.99 BTL./$779.94 - SIX PACK
'LES RUGIENS' PREMIER CRU
$129.99 BTL./$779.94 - SIX PACK
A true collectible indeed, this Pommard is Laurent and Adrien Pillot’s most extravagant red wine. Two parcels of vines in the low Rugiens and One parcel in the high Rugiens. One of the most remarkable vineyard sites in the Cote de Beaune for Pinot Noir and the producers of Les Rugiens have applied for Grand Cru status.
Forty percent new oak, half-whole cluster fermentation. Broad nose, full red and black raspberry, packed and stacked. Wild spices, sneaky perfume, prominent rock, ironstone and smoke. Cinnamon red-hot candies from whole clusters. Chewy, full fruit, dense and polished. Gains its real form with powerful backbone. This is Grand Cru in all but name. The lively finish is really stuffed and hangs around for an eternity. This is truly destined for greatness and that should not be approached until its 10th birthday and will ultimately age for 25-30 years. Perfect for those who have a child or grandchild born in 2022. Most Rugiens on all levels are approaching 200 dollars retail making this a fantastic find. Direct relationships always help – 24 bottles available.
Forty percent new oak, half-whole cluster fermentation. Broad nose, full red and black raspberry, packed and stacked. Wild spices, sneaky perfume, prominent rock, ironstone and smoke. Cinnamon red-hot candies from whole clusters. Chewy, full fruit, dense and polished. Gains its real form with powerful backbone. This is Grand Cru in all but name. The lively finish is really stuffed and hangs around for an eternity. This is truly destined for greatness and that should not be approached until its 10th birthday and will ultimately age for 25-30 years. Perfect for those who have a child or grandchild born in 2022. Most Rugiens on all levels are approaching 200 dollars retail making this a fantastic find. Direct relationships always help – 24 bottles available.
