Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SHAKE IT UP' HOTSHEET
Cotes-du-Rhone + 25 yr old Dessert Wine
Vietti & Valpolicella Ripasso
97 Point Walla Walla Red
Vietti & Valpolicella Ripasso
97 Point Walla Walla Red
2020 VIETTI BARBERA D'ALBA
'TRE VIGNE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'TRE VIGNE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine... Vietti’s Barbera D’Alba Tre Vigne is rip-roaring delicious and as usual, quite the Barbera overachiever. Made from fruit from three primary Barolo villages, 2020 is a wonderful Barbera vintage meaning the wines are sculpted around structure, aromatics, fine fruit aspects.
Outstanding refined and sophisticated aromas of prominent strawberry, rose, subtle licorice, herbs and dusty earth follow through to a smooth, graceful, suavely textured palate that spreads out on the sultry finish that hangs around and flirts well after the wine is swallowed. This downright delicious wine can be enjoyed with a wide range of foods from roasted pork to barbecued chicken to risotto jacked with mushrooms. It is also sneaky with how it will age. Drink and enjoy this offering over the next 5-7 years.
Outstanding refined and sophisticated aromas of prominent strawberry, rose, subtle licorice, herbs and dusty earth follow through to a smooth, graceful, suavely textured palate that spreads out on the sultry finish that hangs around and flirts well after the wine is swallowed. This downright delicious wine can be enjoyed with a wide range of foods from roasted pork to barbecued chicken to risotto jacked with mushrooms. It is also sneaky with how it will age. Drink and enjoy this offering over the next 5-7 years.
2020 SANTA DUC 'FAMILLE GRAS'
COTES-DU-RHONE VIEILLES VIGNES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
COTES-DU-RHONE VIEILLES VIGNES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Famille Gras is a negociant label of the legendary Gigondas producer Domaine Santa Duc. A fine value, this outstanding Cotes-du-Rhone is made from purchased fruit from longtime friends and growers mostly based in the southern portion of the Vaucluse region and off fifty-year-old vines.
60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre & 10% blend of Cinsault, Carignan and Counoise and a fantastic symbiosis of beguiling Provencal scents with a refreshing minerality! Nose-inducing fullness of fruit, wild blackberries, generous cherries and redcurrants awake the senses. Prominent garrigue notes: laurel, thyme and oregano marry harmoniously with licorice and an enamoring peppery note. Succulently textured with captivating flavors that seem to dance the samba. Dense yet a completely unusual floating smoothness for a Rhone/Provencal wine: refinement instead of opulence, complexity and detail instead of a gob-filled overripe fruit orgy - and yet a stealthy flatterer. Drink over the next 3-4 years with lentil soup, roasted chicken, grilled pork chops or a classic steak au poivre.
60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre & 10% blend of Cinsault, Carignan and Counoise and a fantastic symbiosis of beguiling Provencal scents with a refreshing minerality! Nose-inducing fullness of fruit, wild blackberries, generous cherries and redcurrants awake the senses. Prominent garrigue notes: laurel, thyme and oregano marry harmoniously with licorice and an enamoring peppery note. Succulently textured with captivating flavors that seem to dance the samba. Dense yet a completely unusual floating smoothness for a Rhone/Provencal wine: refinement instead of opulence, complexity and detail instead of a gob-filled overripe fruit orgy - and yet a stealthy flatterer. Drink over the next 3-4 years with lentil soup, roasted chicken, grilled pork chops or a classic steak au poivre.
2022 KUMUSHA SAUVIGNON BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
We have been ardent supports of South Africa star winemaker Tinashe Nyamudoka’s red wines but this is the first time we have offered a white. Like the red wines, it is very delicious as well. From the Sondagskloof region, which forms part of the Cape South Coast this wine is not like an explosive New Zealand Sauvignon being considerably drier with more mid-palate complexity.
A toothsome Sauvignon indeed, subtle notes of gooseberry, lychee, peach, tangerine and lilies. In the mouth, the ripeness is kept in balance with crisp acidity and finely formed herb tones. A great way to get your palate jumping at the beginning of your meal and will take you to a first course of squash soup or a salad with fresh goat cheese.
A toothsome Sauvignon indeed, subtle notes of gooseberry, lychee, peach, tangerine and lilies. In the mouth, the ripeness is kept in balance with crisp acidity and finely formed herb tones. A great way to get your palate jumping at the beginning of your meal and will take you to a first course of squash soup or a salad with fresh goat cheese.
2018 TOMASSO BUSSOLA
VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO 'CA DEL LAITO'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Tommaso Bussola is one of the leading producers of Amarone. Originally, a stonemason, Bussola took over this estate, having learned some about the business from his uncle, Giuseppe, also a local grower. In general, Valpolicella is a region noted for high quality reds that offer a lot of wine for not a lot of money, having said that, not all Valpolicella is created equally. The inquisitive nature of Tommaso Bussola results in the creation of some the region's most interesting and thoughtfully produced red wines.
Made utilizing the Ripasso technique, the unique winemaking practice of Valpolicella, which wine made during the recent vintage is reserved then placed atop the pressed grape skins and lees in the vats just used for Amarone and allowed to ferment further in contact with those skins, thus acquiring additional body and flavor. This version has it all! Dark, lush, dried strawberry, dark chocolate, ginger, and tobacco combine with a full and pleasing texture that keeps up with hearty dishes. The complexity here is inspired by Amarone and unlike Amarone, is one that can be accessed now. If you enjoy big Italian red wines then do not miss this one!
Made utilizing the Ripasso technique, the unique winemaking practice of Valpolicella, which wine made during the recent vintage is reserved then placed atop the pressed grape skins and lees in the vats just used for Amarone and allowed to ferment further in contact with those skins, thus acquiring additional body and flavor. This version has it all! Dark, lush, dried strawberry, dark chocolate, ginger, and tobacco combine with a full and pleasing texture that keeps up with hearty dishes. The complexity here is inspired by Amarone and unlike Amarone, is one that can be accessed now. If you enjoy big Italian red wines then do not miss this one!
GRAHAM BECK BRUT ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Special Holiday Price...Founded in 1983, Graham Beck was a pioneer in the industry. Unable to import the world's great wines because of apartheid and with South Africa not having access to Champagne (unless brought in via the black market) Graham Beck became a major influence on South Africa's Sparkling wine industry.
59% Pinot Noir, 41% Chardonnay. Flirtatious, fun and full of finesseful aromas of hawthorn, wild strawberry, subtle brioche and lemon that follows through to a texture that is laden with small, refined bubbles that normally occur in much more expensive versions. At 20-bucks, this fizz is an absolute steal. Stock up for the impending holiday rush.
59% Pinot Noir, 41% Chardonnay. Flirtatious, fun and full of finesseful aromas of hawthorn, wild strawberry, subtle brioche and lemon that follows through to a texture that is laden with small, refined bubbles that normally occur in much more expensive versions. At 20-bucks, this fizz is an absolute steal. Stock up for the impending holiday rush.
2019 DOMAINE ANITA CHENAS
'LES BRUREAUX'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
'LES BRUREAUX'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
Born in the Bresse region just east of Beaujolais and home to the world famous chickens, Anita Kuhnel is one of the most shooting superstars producing site-specific Cru wines that soar. The smallest of the ten Cru, this centrally located area is named after the oak trees covered the region long before vines were planted. Neighboring Moulin-a-Vent, Chenas takes on many of the same regal qualities that its more famous brethren carries.
A single cru, Les Brureaux, the 50+ year old vines that Anita owns along with the soils that have the telltale granite along with silica/clay ae the genesis of this wine. Captivating, penetrating aromas of generous black raspberry fruit, intense spices (coriander, peppercorn, cocoa) and underlying minerally aspects roll into a texture that is concentrated yet very lifting and sprightly what is the spirit of all of Domaine Anita’s wines. Finishes exquisitely and multi-faceted. Brilliant juice indeed. Pair with Pot au Feu (Lyonnais Sunday roast), steak tartare, dark meat of the holiday turkey, prime rib, fried chicken legs, Tomme de Savoie cheese.
A single cru, Les Brureaux, the 50+ year old vines that Anita owns along with the soils that have the telltale granite along with silica/clay ae the genesis of this wine. Captivating, penetrating aromas of generous black raspberry fruit, intense spices (coriander, peppercorn, cocoa) and underlying minerally aspects roll into a texture that is concentrated yet very lifting and sprightly what is the spirit of all of Domaine Anita’s wines. Finishes exquisitely and multi-faceted. Brilliant juice indeed. Pair with Pot au Feu (Lyonnais Sunday roast), steak tartare, dark meat of the holiday turkey, prime rib, fried chicken legs, Tomme de Savoie cheese.
2020 ZORZAL MALBEC 'GRAN TERROIRS'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Zorzal is located at 4500 feet in the sub region of the Uco Valley called Gualtallary just outside of Tupungato. Being at this elevation, Zorzal is the highest winery in all of Mendoza. The high portion of chalk in the soil combined with the elevation gives this killer Malbec an insane amount of energy. Aged 12-18 months in 2-3 year old French barrels, this wine never departs from its origins.
Handsome with an abundance of raspberry, pekoe, chocolate, fig and red earth aromas that keep coming on as the wine unfolds in the glass. In the mouth, it has voluptuousness buffered by cool, zesty tones along with a vertical backbone and a very vinous, broad and seductive finish that soars. Drink this very real Malbec over the next 8-10 years.
Handsome with an abundance of raspberry, pekoe, chocolate, fig and red earth aromas that keep coming on as the wine unfolds in the glass. In the mouth, it has voluptuousness buffered by cool, zesty tones along with a vertical backbone and a very vinous, broad and seductive finish that soars. Drink this very real Malbec over the next 8-10 years.
1997 QUINTA DOS PESOS CARCAVELOS
$39.99 BTL. - 500 ML BTL.
$39.99 BTL. - 500 ML BTL.
The smallest wine growing region of Portugal, Carcavelos has just one active producer remaining who is committed to making these exquisite dessert wines. Carcavelos’s wine history goes back to the mid-18th century and demarcated in 1908 as well as being recognized along with Port, Madeira and Moscatel do Setubal as one of Portugal’s Big Four fortified desert wines.
Located just outside of Lisbon along the Tagus estuary, Quinta dos Pesos exists in label only as they ceased winemaking operations in 2005 after the owner passed away. This estate commercialized a few vintages in the 1980s and 1990s and in 2018 after a long sleep, the wines were blended and put out for sale. It is difficult to compare these wines but think of them in the category of the previously mentioned fortified wines. An amber hue with aromas of toffee, dried oranges, roses, smoked nuts, honey and caramel that really entice. Full of flavor, richness and finely grained acids to buffer the sweetness and lengthy hazelnut-like finish, this is an unparalleled fortified match with dark chocolate or even a Cabrales cheese. A 500 ML bottle will easily serve 6-8 people for cheese/dessert but it does not have to consume it all in one sitting.
Located just outside of Lisbon along the Tagus estuary, Quinta dos Pesos exists in label only as they ceased winemaking operations in 2005 after the owner passed away. This estate commercialized a few vintages in the 1980s and 1990s and in 2018 after a long sleep, the wines were blended and put out for sale. It is difficult to compare these wines but think of them in the category of the previously mentioned fortified wines. An amber hue with aromas of toffee, dried oranges, roses, smoked nuts, honey and caramel that really entice. Full of flavor, richness and finely grained acids to buffer the sweetness and lengthy hazelnut-like finish, this is an unparalleled fortified match with dark chocolate or even a Cabrales cheese. A 500 ML bottle will easily serve 6-8 people for cheese/dessert but it does not have to consume it all in one sitting.
2019 FIGGINS FAMILY
WALLA WALLA ESTATE RED
$109.99 BTL./$659.94 - SIX PACK
WALLA WALLA ESTATE RED
$109.99 BTL./$659.94 - SIX PACK
97 points - Vinous...One of Washington wine's royal families known for their Leonetti wines, Chris Figgins has also been producing wines under the Figgins label since planting his 32-acre Estate vineyard in the 2000s. These wines are very different from the Leonetti wines but are equally as luxurious.
Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 is also blended with Merlot and Petite Verdot. Solid layers of dark, juicy Cabernet fruit along with stellar blackberry and cherry, plus herbs, cedar, and black pepper all spread over a ripe, smooth, jazzy core. The thoughtful use of French oak adds spice, vanilla, char and espresso aspects for more complexity. The wine's grandiose personality is fully on display but it also possesses plenty of structure and superb expansion and length and will ultimately age nicely for 15-20+ years.
Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 is also blended with Merlot and Petite Verdot. Solid layers of dark, juicy Cabernet fruit along with stellar blackberry and cherry, plus herbs, cedar, and black pepper all spread over a ripe, smooth, jazzy core. The thoughtful use of French oak adds spice, vanilla, char and espresso aspects for more complexity. The wine's grandiose personality is fully on display but it also possesses plenty of structure and superb expansion and length and will ultimately age nicely for 15-20+ years.
