Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'BENIGNO NUMINE PITTSBURGH' HOTSHEET
Bordeaux & Spain Specials, Owen Roe, 98 point Chateauneuf, Vin Santo & more
2012 CHATEAU FIEUZAL PESSAC LEOGNAN
'L'ABEILLE DE FIEUZAL'
[reg. $37.99]
SPECIAL - $23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'L'ABEILLE DE FIEUZAL'
[reg. $37.99]
SPECIAL - $23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Chateau Fieuzal is one of the prominent red and white Bordeaux producers in a region that split off from the Graves area 30 years ago. Pessac-Leognan is home to such renowned producers like Haut-Brion and Pape Clement and this producer really punches above its weight class. L’Abeille is the estate’s second label and is one and only about 1300 or so cases are annually produced. It also happens to be one of the real sleeper values of Bordeaux.
More and more, 2012 is turning out to be a genuine sleeper, somewhat forgotten vintage. It also is starting to look even more impressive from a monetary standpoint as 2014, 2015 and 2016 climb in price. Classic Bordeaux blend based around Cabernet and Merlot. Fine spice, cassis and blackberry shine against a backdrop of smoke and sandalwood. The palate is exquisitely balanced, deceptively persuasive and deep with ripe berries and briary tones kick in on the entry and give way to alluring chocolate and tobacco tones that spread out on the finish and follow through with pepper and cinnamon. Good appeal and charm to this wine now, and will age well through 2023+.
More and more, 2012 is turning out to be a genuine sleeper, somewhat forgotten vintage. It also is starting to look even more impressive from a monetary standpoint as 2014, 2015 and 2016 climb in price. Classic Bordeaux blend based around Cabernet and Merlot. Fine spice, cassis and blackberry shine against a backdrop of smoke and sandalwood. The palate is exquisitely balanced, deceptively persuasive and deep with ripe berries and briary tones kick in on the entry and give way to alluring chocolate and tobacco tones that spread out on the finish and follow through with pepper and cinnamon. Good appeal and charm to this wine now, and will age well through 2023+.
2017 VILLA WOLF PINOT GRIS
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Pinot Gris is a worldly varietal and it can express itself exquisitely from many places throughout the world. Ernie Loosen is one of the world's foremost authorities on white wine and this Pinot Gris is one of the best values to hit our table.
Located just north of Alsace, Germany’s Pfalz region is in many ways an extension and one that produces a myriad of styles of wines including this bone dry Gris. Fresh, forward and chock full of orchard fruits, tangerine, spice and fresh minerality. Delightful, elevated flavors that show great balance between mouth quenching mineral and waves of surprising depth, this wonderful value is one to stock up on for any and all holiday fare. It also can also handle seafood dishes and a small bit of heat. Don't limit yourself to just drinking ‘Hater-ade’ Oregon Pinot Gris, grab your psychedelic Pinot Gris binoculars and expand your minds!
Located just north of Alsace, Germany’s Pfalz region is in many ways an extension and one that produces a myriad of styles of wines including this bone dry Gris. Fresh, forward and chock full of orchard fruits, tangerine, spice and fresh minerality. Delightful, elevated flavors that show great balance between mouth quenching mineral and waves of surprising depth, this wonderful value is one to stock up on for any and all holiday fare. It also can also handle seafood dishes and a small bit of heat. Don't limit yourself to just drinking ‘Hater-ade’ Oregon Pinot Gris, grab your psychedelic Pinot Gris binoculars and expand your minds!
2017 OWEN ROE SYRAH 'EX UMBRIS'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Ex Umbris is Latin for "out of the shadows," and it is an appropriate name for this wine. The fruit comes from Walla Walla, Yakima and Columbia Valleys (DuBrul, Red Willow, and Outlook & Union Gap) and is elevated in neutral oak barrels.
A primo value at 20-bucks, the new 2017 is essence of Syrah. Exciting plum-pepper scents combine with smoked bacon, violet and underlying herbs and exotic spices that roll from the glass and follow through to a texture that while deep and penetrating, carries terrific balance and smoky tones throughout. Long and lasting on the finish, enjoy this wine over the next 6-8 years.
A primo value at 20-bucks, the new 2017 is essence of Syrah. Exciting plum-pepper scents combine with smoked bacon, violet and underlying herbs and exotic spices that roll from the glass and follow through to a texture that while deep and penetrating, carries terrific balance and smoky tones throughout. Long and lasting on the finish, enjoy this wine over the next 6-8 years.
2016 PINGUS 'PSI' RIBERA DEL DUERO
[reg. $41.99]
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
[reg. $41.99]
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
Born into a winemaking family, winemaker/owner Peter Sisseck's was destined to make wine history. His uncle, Peter Vinding-Viers, helped establish the highly regarded Hacienda Monasterio winery in Ribera del Duero, and Peter became winemaker there in 1990. Once his name was synonymous with great wine in Spain, Peter decided to give the world a full view into the depth of his winemaking skills and created the stunning Pingus, one of the most critically acclaimed wines of Spain. It is also one of Spain's most expensive with fewer than 500 cases produced. Peter is a perfectionist who has been known to not produce in certain vintages that were not up to his exacting standards and that level of commitment is found in the second wine of Pingus, Flor de Pingus as well as this wonderful offering known as ‘Psi’. Here is a great chance to drink the brilliance of Pingus for about one-tenth of the price of the grand wine.
88% Tempranillo and 12% Garnacha and from the superb 2016 vintage, this wine not only is delectable now, it has excellent potential. Flamenco in a glass, this Duero red reveals sexy, polished and refined tones of strawberry jam, brown sugar, coriander and intermittent earth tones. In the mouth, it is layered and lacy with excellent depth and personality. Spreading out nicely on the palate as it moves from front to back and as it opens, the persistent red and black berry qualities shine through rolling into the suave, swanky pleasantly lingering finish. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.
88% Tempranillo and 12% Garnacha and from the superb 2016 vintage, this wine not only is delectable now, it has excellent potential. Flamenco in a glass, this Duero red reveals sexy, polished and refined tones of strawberry jam, brown sugar, coriander and intermittent earth tones. In the mouth, it is layered and lacy with excellent depth and personality. Spreading out nicely on the palate as it moves from front to back and as it opens, the persistent red and black berry qualities shine through rolling into the suave, swanky pleasantly lingering finish. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.
2016 IPPOLITO CIRO ROSSO
'LIBER PATER'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'LIBER PATER'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Always one of my favorite Italian red wine values, last week I tasted and absolutely loved Ippolito’s latest Ciro Rosso. After I heard the price, devious thoughts came about and made me dream of boarding a plane and heading off to take the oath and join the ‘ndrangheta (Calabria's mafia)!
Librandi's Ciro Rosso is made from 100% Gaglioppo, the most important indigenous grape of Calabria. Gaglioppo is originally of Greek origins and is thought to be introduced in Italy around the same time as Aglianico. It is human nature to make comparisons and maybe the closest analogy that we come up with is that it may be likened to a warm climate Nebbiolo. Tar, mineral, smoked red licorice and dried flowers, this is not for those who like ‘em ripe, sweet and fruity, this is as old-school and food friendly as it gets. The texture is well formed, tangy, dry and semi-spicy with a fine and savory finish. Not one to sit around and sip as a cocktail, it is perfect to drink now and over the next 2-3 years with roasted meats with tomatoes or a spicy pasta dish. It is amazing how this wine can cut into chili flakes. WOW!
Librandi's Ciro Rosso is made from 100% Gaglioppo, the most important indigenous grape of Calabria. Gaglioppo is originally of Greek origins and is thought to be introduced in Italy around the same time as Aglianico. It is human nature to make comparisons and maybe the closest analogy that we come up with is that it may be likened to a warm climate Nebbiolo. Tar, mineral, smoked red licorice and dried flowers, this is not for those who like ‘em ripe, sweet and fruity, this is as old-school and food friendly as it gets. The texture is well formed, tangy, dry and semi-spicy with a fine and savory finish. Not one to sit around and sip as a cocktail, it is perfect to drink now and over the next 2-3 years with roasted meats with tomatoes or a spicy pasta dish. It is amazing how this wine can cut into chili flakes. WOW!
2015 DV CATENA 'TINTO HISTORICO'
MENDOZA MALBEC BLEND
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
MENDOZA MALBEC BLEND
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Having been in existence since 1902, Catena is one of the pillars of wine in Argentina. DV Catena is an homage to Don Domingo Vicente Catena, Nicolas Catena Zapata’s father who made a deep, dark blend in the 1930s and he peddled his wares to French bistros in Buenos Aires. Moving ahead to current day, chief winemaker Laura Catena decided to pay tribute to her grandfather by creating this full-flavored blend.
72% Malbec, 21% Bonarda and 7% Petit Verdot from three high elevation single vineyards in Mendoza, this red blend is sculpted and devoutly loyal to its Argentine roots, yet still maintaining debonair refinement. Blackberry, violet, briar and combining oak-spice with earth/mineral/spice, the palate is toothsome and laden with vivacious red tones throughout and finishing with strawberry/balsamico aspects that expand nicely. Very sultry and full of character, one sees why this is one of the premier addresses in Argentina.
72% Malbec, 21% Bonarda and 7% Petit Verdot from three high elevation single vineyards in Mendoza, this red blend is sculpted and devoutly loyal to its Argentine roots, yet still maintaining debonair refinement. Blackberry, violet, briar and combining oak-spice with earth/mineral/spice, the palate is toothsome and laden with vivacious red tones throughout and finishing with strawberry/balsamico aspects that expand nicely. Very sultry and full of character, one sees why this is one of the premier addresses in Argentina.
2009 SAN FELICE 'BELCARLO'
VIN SANTO DEL CHIANTI CLASSICO
$24.99 - 375 ML BOTTLE
VIN SANTO DEL CHIANTI CLASSICO
$24.99 - 375 ML BOTTLE
A true Tuscan specialist making wines from Chianti Classico, Montalcino and Bolgheri, San Felice has been a longtime Cellar Door favorite. In addition to the estates remarkable red wines, they also produces small quantities of this traditional elixir-like Vin Santo. If you are a fan of well-made dessert wines, you will be quite impressed by this splendid Vin Santo.
100% Trebbiano di Toscana, aged five years in barrel followed by another in bottle, extravagant scents of golden raisin, marzipan, dried mandarin orange and grilled figs lead into palate-staining flavors of chocolate-covered hazelnut, decadent candied citrus as well as plenty of spice on the finish. Rich with beautiful balance and lift, your palate will not tire of this after dinner sweet wine. This is intense juice too good to stay away from now but it will age easily through 2025. You can have this with cakes, gorgonzola or strong sheep’s milk cheeses and chocolate but this wine is a dessert unto itself and may be appreciated all by itself.
100% Trebbiano di Toscana, aged five years in barrel followed by another in bottle, extravagant scents of golden raisin, marzipan, dried mandarin orange and grilled figs lead into palate-staining flavors of chocolate-covered hazelnut, decadent candied citrus as well as plenty of spice on the finish. Rich with beautiful balance and lift, your palate will not tire of this after dinner sweet wine. This is intense juice too good to stay away from now but it will age easily through 2025. You can have this with cakes, gorgonzola or strong sheep’s milk cheeses and chocolate but this wine is a dessert unto itself and may be appreciated all by itself.
2016 FERRAND CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
Back in 2015 when on one of my many visits to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, one of my favorite visits was with Philippe Bravay at Domaine Ferrand. Located in the northern reaches of the appellation, this man goes about his business in a confident manner doing the wines the way he wants allowing for no set recipe and working with whatever the tale the vintage tells. 2016 has reached yet another elevation and he has made one hell of a Chateauneuf and one that one of the critics, James Suckling, bestowed 98 points.
‘There’s a beautiful purity of fresh, mixed berries, dark plums, deep spices, as well as a gentle, coal-smoke edge. The palate has an effortless, fleshy, fine-grained texture with long, majestic tannins and a long, black-cherry finish Such purity and depth, pulling a lot of flavor with perfectly balanced acidity. Equal parts of old and young vine parcels here. No wood. The real deal. Drink now or hold. – 98 POINTS – JAMESSUCKLING.COM'
‘There’s a beautiful purity of fresh, mixed berries, dark plums, deep spices, as well as a gentle, coal-smoke edge. The palate has an effortless, fleshy, fine-grained texture with long, majestic tannins and a long, black-cherry finish Such purity and depth, pulling a lot of flavor with perfectly balanced acidity. Equal parts of old and young vine parcels here. No wood. The real deal. Drink now or hold. – 98 POINTS – JAMESSUCKLING.COM'
2016 VIOLIN CELLARS PINOT NOIR
'SUNNY MOUNTAIN VINEYARD'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
'SUNNY MOUNTAIN VINEYARD'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Many times, I am asked who the up and coming Oregon producers are and lately I have to say one of them is Violin Cellars. Having now been tasting their wines for the last several years, I think it is safe to say that Will Hamilton is one of the next big things when it comes to Eola-Amity producers. Alas, production here is very limited, this wine only being two barrels (50 cases).
Sunny Mountain vineyard is located south of Monroe and perched high on Rattlesnake Ridge. This vineyard puts forth very individual Pinot Noirs and Will’s version brings forth a barrage of aromatics. Quite the enthralling number, displaying alluring smoke, licorice and raspberry tones that are enhanced by coriander and white pepper notes. The texture here is dark with excellent substance, regalness and depth of fruit. The finish is broad, but very youthful and needing a few years in the cellar to come out. Not undrinkable now, but it will be at its best from 2020.
Sunny Mountain vineyard is located south of Monroe and perched high on Rattlesnake Ridge. This vineyard puts forth very individual Pinot Noirs and Will’s version brings forth a barrage of aromatics. Quite the enthralling number, displaying alluring smoke, licorice and raspberry tones that are enhanced by coriander and white pepper notes. The texture here is dark with excellent substance, regalness and depth of fruit. The finish is broad, but very youthful and needing a few years in the cellar to come out. Not undrinkable now, but it will be at its best from 2020.
FRIDAY SIPS
Olim Bauda’s Piedmont Wines
Olim Bauda’s Piedmont Wines
Special Guest, Olim Bauda’s Gianni Bertolino
This Friday November 2 from 1:30 - 6:30
A last minute surprise! We are receiving a return visit from Barbera/Nebbiolo/Gavi/Moscato specialist Gianni Bertolino from Olim Bauda who will be in the holuse pouring and discussing five of his family’s fabulous wines from Italy’s Piedmont region. Whenever Gianni visits we always have a great time and we think you will as well. (I’ll have the wines open at 1:30, Gianni arrives at 3:30)
FEATURED WINES:
2015 Olim Bauda Barbera D’Asti ‘La Rocchette’
2014 Olim Bauda Barbera D’Asti ‘Nizza’
2013 Olim Bauda Nebbiolo D’Alba ‘San Pietro’
2016 Olim Bauda Gavi di Gavi
2017 Olim Bauda Moscato D’Asti
