Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'IMPAZZITO' HOTSHEET
Barbera Special, Pinot Grigio
Washington Merlot, Ravishing Rioja
New Voge & Pillot Wines
Washington Merlot, Ravishing Rioja
New Voge & Pillot Wines
2021 VOGE COTES-DU-RHONE
'LES PEYROUSES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'LES PEYROUSES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
A 'step-up', stereotype breaking, sophisticated Cotes-du-Rhone from the Northern Rhone Valley's great Cornas masters. Made from 100% Syrah, this fascinating, refined and aromatic number is made with heroic doses of declassified young vine Cornas fruit along augmented with a plot located very close to Cornas. Very respectable neighborhoods indeed!
Classically formed and wildly fragrant with currants, violets, pronounced smoked meat tones that are hallmarks to the area. The black pepper is here, but it is a backdrop along with hints of dark chocolate. A well-dressed, debonair killer showing expansive layered flavors that creep through the mouth. High-toned grip that moves into red fruits at the end finishing long and over delivering for under-25. Drink this sensuous Syrah over the next 4-5 years.
Classically formed and wildly fragrant with currants, violets, pronounced smoked meat tones that are hallmarks to the area. The black pepper is here, but it is a backdrop along with hints of dark chocolate. A well-dressed, debonair killer showing expansive layered flavors that creep through the mouth. High-toned grip that moves into red fruits at the end finishing long and over delivering for under-25. Drink this sensuous Syrah over the next 4-5 years.
2021 LIVIO FELLUGA PINOT GRIGIO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
On more than one occasion, I have been known to form an opinion or six on wine that has raised the hackles of some folks, but it also is intended to bring about thought about what goes into the glass. Pinot Grigio is one of those such categories and it is common knowledge that I pretty much loathe this grape, especially when done in a boring, dirty sugar water form. However, when one is as good as something like this, I will always get behind it and offer full support. So hear this loud and clear, the 2021 Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio is one of the finest made in Italy. Period.
Pinot Grigio from Friuli is quite a different animal from other regions in Italy (or Alsace). There is often more material and the wines fan across the palate very well. There is pinot gris/pinot grigio, then there is Livio Felluga, and this wine is utterly sublime. Brilliantly focused aromas of baked apple, mineral and stunning spice lead into a texture that is rich and dense, but very relaxed and regal. Broad strokes of definitive Friuli terroir are blatantly present throughout and especially on the long and graceful finish. This wine really stands up in the glass and is a magnet for salmon.
Pinot Grigio from Friuli is quite a different animal from other regions in Italy (or Alsace). There is often more material and the wines fan across the palate very well. There is pinot gris/pinot grigio, then there is Livio Felluga, and this wine is utterly sublime. Brilliantly focused aromas of baked apple, mineral and stunning spice lead into a texture that is rich and dense, but very relaxed and regal. Broad strokes of definitive Friuli terroir are blatantly present throughout and especially on the long and graceful finish. This wine really stands up in the glass and is a magnet for salmon.
2019 REMELLURI RIOJA
'LINDES DE REMELLURI LABASTIDA'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
'LINDES DE REMELLURI LABASTIDA'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
One of the great estates of Rioja and made by one of Spain's most prodigal makers, Telmo Rodriguez, Remelluri itself has history that reaches back to the 14th century. Telmo’s father Jaime founded the modern estate in 1967 and this is where Telmo got his start. After his work at Remelluri, he departed and made a significant name for himself in Spain's wine scene and a few years back returned to his family's famed estate.
With a black fruit background and hints of red fruits, this Remelluri Lindes de Remelluri Vinedos de Labastida is an excitingly modern classic Rioja. Elegant and complex on the nose, with body and freshness in the mouth and a potential for long evolution in the bottle. The bouquet is a real firework of fruit and sensuality! Cherries, plums, currants and Morello cherries, spicy notes on the palate of cigar, graphite and forest floor. Initially very reserved, after a few minutes intoxicating. A very confident, yet sophisticated red wine - the numerous awards are highly justified. Drink through 2032.
With a black fruit background and hints of red fruits, this Remelluri Lindes de Remelluri Vinedos de Labastida is an excitingly modern classic Rioja. Elegant and complex on the nose, with body and freshness in the mouth and a potential for long evolution in the bottle. The bouquet is a real firework of fruit and sensuality! Cherries, plums, currants and Morello cherries, spicy notes on the palate of cigar, graphite and forest floor. Initially very reserved, after a few minutes intoxicating. A very confident, yet sophisticated red wine - the numerous awards are highly justified. Drink through 2032.
2020 NUGAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON
'THIRD GENERATION'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'THIRD GENERATION'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
SE Australia. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Nugan wines are ridiculously delicious for not a lot of money and the 2020 Cab follows this pattern. Blackberry, underlying cassis and mint tones shine on the nose. Dreamy, sultry and all about texture in the mouth, this classy & sassy red is layered with lots of movement and various complex flavor profiles. Drawn-out, lingering and possessing excellent substance on the back end.
2021 LI VELI SUSUMANIELLO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
This is one of the coolest wines on this week’s offer sheet! An old property, it has only been since the renovation by the Falvo family in 1999 that this estate took off and now Li Veli is firmly established as one of the innovators and leaders of this Southern Italian growing region.
Susumaniello is an ancient, rediscovered varietal converting many who once thought this area was solely about Primitivo and Negraomaro. The origins of this grape seem to be varied, many theorizing that it came from Greece or the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Recent DNA has shown it to be a cross between a native Puglian table grape and Garganega, which is the grape of Soave. It is Italy, go figure. Either way, the mini-surge of wines emerging is quite delicious. Alluring plum, rhubarb, almond allspice and cedar/tobacco characteristics unfold from the glass. In the mouth, the dry and nuanced flavors coat the mouth and reveal tones that make one think of the crunchy portion of a cherry, just around the stone. The finish draws out and somersaults into being textbook, yet upscale Southern Italian with its tangy, earthy, spicy qualities and wild red fruits. Pair this delicious wine with slow roasted meats, perhaps something with a spicy Asian influence or just a simple, well-ripened pecorino cheese.
Susumaniello is an ancient, rediscovered varietal converting many who once thought this area was solely about Primitivo and Negraomaro. The origins of this grape seem to be varied, many theorizing that it came from Greece or the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Recent DNA has shown it to be a cross between a native Puglian table grape and Garganega, which is the grape of Soave. It is Italy, go figure. Either way, the mini-surge of wines emerging is quite delicious. Alluring plum, rhubarb, almond allspice and cedar/tobacco characteristics unfold from the glass. In the mouth, the dry and nuanced flavors coat the mouth and reveal tones that make one think of the crunchy portion of a cherry, just around the stone. The finish draws out and somersaults into being textbook, yet upscale Southern Italian with its tangy, earthy, spicy qualities and wild red fruits. Pair this delicious wine with slow roasted meats, perhaps something with a spicy Asian influence or just a simple, well-ripened pecorino cheese.
2019 FIORENZO NADA
BARBERA D'ALBA
[reg. $35.99]
SPECIAL - $23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PACK
BARBERA D'ALBA
[reg. $35.99]
SPECIAL - $23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PACK
There is more going on in Barbaresco than one might realize and lately it has been the emergence of the third main village of Treiso and its young producers. This new generation is admirably showing off the terroir of this village that sits in the shadow of Barbaresco and Neive villages. Danilo Nada's Barbera is very impressive as it comes from the Rombone vineyard, a top Barbaresco Cru.
Plenty of detail, these aromas speak more of this high-elevation, elegant red-tinged Barbaresco village versus being an all-fruit wine. Danilo rocked his 2019 Barbera. Notes of dark chocolate, raspberry, cassis, anise and smoked earth swirl from the glass. The savory aspects of the all of the components coat the mouth with underlying cardamom and deep minerality following on a fresh and lingering finish. This Barbera has impressive movement on the palate and is deeply satisfying to every sense. Enjoy over the next 5-7 years with mushroom risotto or any pocket pasta stuffed with braised meat, preferably agnolotti or gnocchi.
Plenty of detail, these aromas speak more of this high-elevation, elegant red-tinged Barbaresco village versus being an all-fruit wine. Danilo rocked his 2019 Barbera. Notes of dark chocolate, raspberry, cassis, anise and smoked earth swirl from the glass. The savory aspects of the all of the components coat the mouth with underlying cardamom and deep minerality following on a fresh and lingering finish. This Barbera has impressive movement on the palate and is deeply satisfying to every sense. Enjoy over the next 5-7 years with mushroom risotto or any pocket pasta stuffed with braised meat, preferably agnolotti or gnocchi.
2022 KIENTZLER ALSACE BLANC
'LA SOIF'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
'LA SOIF'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
READ MY LIPS, THIS IS NOT A SWEET WHITE WINE! Terroir-driven, unoaked and perfect for the holiday table…An Alsace Field blend, which revolves Chasselas and Sylvaner with additions of other regional varietals. Explosively aromatic with orange, prominent mineral, spices and subtle rose petals. Mouthwatering, brisk and bone dry, this everyday white wine pairs well with seafood pasta, hard cheeses, turkey and Pad Thai and vegetarian dishes based around cabbage.
2020 PILLOT VOLNAY
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
Domaine Pillot's Volnay is one of the gems of the Pinot Noir world whether it is France or the New World and it is one of the finest values as well. Five vineyard sites comprise this wine and two are Premiers Crus (Ronceret and Brouillards). These are not bottled separately since there is not enough to make for full cuvees so all the vineyard sites are blended to make a formidable French Pinot Noir.
Pole vaulting perfume! Very exciting from the get-go with a kiss of oak up front coming off as cinnamon and clove spices. Peppercorn and lacy strawberry fruit abound. Youthful as to be expected. Deep, structured with depth, but the tannins are submerged with all of the rich material from the 2020 vintage. Lovely persistence and potential, drink 2024 – 2034.
Pole vaulting perfume! Very exciting from the get-go with a kiss of oak up front coming off as cinnamon and clove spices. Peppercorn and lacy strawberry fruit abound. Youthful as to be expected. Deep, structured with depth, but the tannins are submerged with all of the rich material from the 2020 vintage. Lovely persistence and potential, drink 2024 – 2034.
2020 DEVONA MERLOT
'BACCHUS VINEYARD'
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
'BACCHUS VINEYARD'
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
John Abbot was the long time winemaker at Abeja producing many impressive wines with great consistency over many vintages. After his departure, John and wife Molly set out to make their own expressions of not only Washington wines but they also produce damn fine Oregon Pinots as well. These wines always possessed an instinctual feel as well as complexity and character. Before Abeja, John made the wines for Canoe Ridge and I always felt that he had a dynamic touch with Merlot. Initially planted in 1972, Pasco-based Bacchus Vineyard has long been a go-to for some of the top names in Washington wine. Merlot was planted in 1997 and John Abbot has utilized this fruit since its inception.
The 2020 Bacchus Merlot does not mess around! Succulently sultry-smooth Merlot. Plush, mouthfilling and graceful from start to finish, smoked violet, black raspberry with strokes of milk chocolate, herbs and nutmeg permeate from the glass. Lacy and rich with excellent depth of fruit that is perfectly in balance. Deceptively deep with a polished finish that oozes class and sophistication. A real winner from a Washington wine champ! Drink now through 2031+.
The 2020 Bacchus Merlot does not mess around! Succulently sultry-smooth Merlot. Plush, mouthfilling and graceful from start to finish, smoked violet, black raspberry with strokes of milk chocolate, herbs and nutmeg permeate from the glass. Lacy and rich with excellent depth of fruit that is perfectly in balance. Deceptively deep with a polished finish that oozes class and sophistication. A real winner from a Washington wine champ! Drink now through 2031+.
