Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'WHACK-JOBBERY' HOTSHEET
93 pt. Gamay, Provencal Rose, Gramercy Cellars, Chianti, Burgundy & more
2015 TALLEY CHARDONNAY
ARROYO GRANDE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
ARROYO GRANDE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Over the past few years we have seen a trend in the California Chardonnay market with consumers drinking less and less of the big thick ooey-gooey, over-oaked monsters. While the style is one that many still like, it is difficult to enjoy more than one glass of anything with the viscosity of maple syrup. Sensing this trend, excellent Chardonnay producers such as Talley Vineyards have maintained the "California profile" while at the same time reducing the extraction, thus making a wine that will keep you coming back for another glass.
The 2015 Talley Chardonnay has juicy qualities with tropical notes of pineapple, mango, and a hint of apple, spice, vanilla, and plenty of length. Lovely on its own, or even better with simple roasted chicken, it is a wine to enjoy over the next couple of years. Another successful vintage for Talley, but then again what else do you expect from such a terrific producer.
The 2015 Talley Chardonnay has juicy qualities with tropical notes of pineapple, mango, and a hint of apple, spice, vanilla, and plenty of length. Lovely on its own, or even better with simple roasted chicken, it is a wine to enjoy over the next couple of years. Another successful vintage for Talley, but then again what else do you expect from such a terrific producer.
2016 LUCIEN LARDY MORGON
COTE-DU-PY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
COTE-DU-PY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
One of the heroes of the revival of small producers of Beaujolais, Fleurie-based Lucien Lardy has influenced numerous young growers all while continuing to be one of the leaders of the region. Beyond Fleurie, Lucien also makes Morgon and Moulin-A-Vent. Having just sampled this wine last week, it immediately brought a smile because I recognized that I have an addition to my year-round drinking repertoire.
A remarkable and ageworthy Morgon, the 2016 Côte-de-Pÿ is all from steep slope with schist, blue granite and volcanic/rocky soils and 25-70 year old vines. Monumental aromas that have pronounced minerality, perfume, violet, and raspberry sing from the glass. Very exquisite, this is virtual Grand Cru Beaujolais with generosity and richness all while maintaining its poised and debonair traits. Layered and old-viney, but never becoming thick or over the top, it finishes with lovely pomegranate and spiciness on the coating, detailed finish. This wine is glorious with a plethora of cuisines; however, we encourage you to cellar some due to its tendency to become pinote, as they say in Beaujolais, after 4-5 years. Drink over the next 10+ years with sausage & lentils, hearty mushroom dishes or a classic roasted chicken. If you like scores, Wine Enthusiast Magazine bestowed 93 big points for this epic Gamay!
A remarkable and ageworthy Morgon, the 2016 Côte-de-Pÿ is all from steep slope with schist, blue granite and volcanic/rocky soils and 25-70 year old vines. Monumental aromas that have pronounced minerality, perfume, violet, and raspberry sing from the glass. Very exquisite, this is virtual Grand Cru Beaujolais with generosity and richness all while maintaining its poised and debonair traits. Layered and old-viney, but never becoming thick or over the top, it finishes with lovely pomegranate and spiciness on the coating, detailed finish. This wine is glorious with a plethora of cuisines; however, we encourage you to cellar some due to its tendency to become pinote, as they say in Beaujolais, after 4-5 years. Drink over the next 10+ years with sausage & lentils, hearty mushroom dishes or a classic roasted chicken. If you like scores, Wine Enthusiast Magazine bestowed 93 big points for this epic Gamay!
2015 GRAMERCY CELLARS GRENACHE
'THE THIRD MAN'
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
'THE THIRD MAN'
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
Gramercy Cellars is one of the true kings of Rhone Valley varietals produced in Walla Walla. In fact, these wines, even though being from varietals that originate in the Rhône Valley drip Washington! (Not as gross as you would think. Besides, they have penicillin for it).
More and more, Greg Harrington and Brandon Moss are upping the percentage of whole cluster fermentation, which brings about more complexity and dimension. 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Carignan, this wine is unabashedly inspired by the old school of Chateauneuf-du-Pape yet maintains its Washington roots and terroir so well. Loaded with dense layers of currant, strawberry, blackberry, truffle, tar, mocha and bittersweet cocoa, this hearty, yet energetic red pumps out both fruit and terroir on the grip-filled finish. Impressive with its range of various components, this is hard to lay off now; however, it will be even more impressive when it drops its muscle to show more smoothness. Hold until 2020 and drink through 2030.
More and more, Greg Harrington and Brandon Moss are upping the percentage of whole cluster fermentation, which brings about more complexity and dimension. 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Carignan, this wine is unabashedly inspired by the old school of Chateauneuf-du-Pape yet maintains its Washington roots and terroir so well. Loaded with dense layers of currant, strawberry, blackberry, truffle, tar, mocha and bittersweet cocoa, this hearty, yet energetic red pumps out both fruit and terroir on the grip-filled finish. Impressive with its range of various components, this is hard to lay off now; however, it will be even more impressive when it drops its muscle to show more smoothness. Hold until 2020 and drink through 2030.
2017 FIGUERE COTES-DE-PROVENCE
ROSE 'MAGALI'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
ROSE 'MAGALI'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A relatively young Provençal estate, Alain Combard returned to his native land in 1992 after starting his winemaking career in Chablis. Quickly this estate received acclaim for their white and reds, but Alain knew instantaneously when he started the estate that he wanted to Rosé wines to be on par with the greats of France.
The Magali is from organically farmed vineyards situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif de la Maures between Toulon and St-Tropez. What makes this Rosé so distinguished are the soils. Mica-schist, which is quite common in Côte-Rôtie drives the vine and deeply influences what is in the bottle. Soulful and very Provençal aromas. Good subtlety and finesse with aromas of strawberry, fennel, rosemary and a prominent "sea-smoke" note. Plenty of flavor, depth and detail all culminate with a lively, very stony finish. This wine really screams for seafood, especially fish on the grill and dressed with nice olive oil and herbs.
The Magali is from organically farmed vineyards situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif de la Maures between Toulon and St-Tropez. What makes this Rosé so distinguished are the soils. Mica-schist, which is quite common in Côte-Rôtie drives the vine and deeply influences what is in the bottle. Soulful and very Provençal aromas. Good subtlety and finesse with aromas of strawberry, fennel, rosemary and a prominent "sea-smoke" note. Plenty of flavor, depth and detail all culminate with a lively, very stony finish. This wine really screams for seafood, especially fish on the grill and dressed with nice olive oil and herbs.
2015 CASTELLO DI PANERETTA
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Paneretta is situated in the Chianti Classico area on the western slopes of the dominating hills of the Elsa valley, looking towards San Gimignano. In this area and on the same street there are three producers and all of them are 5-star, Isole e Olena, Monsanto and Paneretta. This estate seemingly makes wines that deliver something in everyone’s chosen price range. This week we are featuring their house specialty, the base Chianti Classico that delivers so much good value for under 20 bucks.
No compromises to international varietals or techniques, it is a real Chianti with real Chianti highlights. Nice earthiness on the nose with cherry and plum notes lending a new spin to this traditional classic conjuring up cravings for focaccia and antipasto. Built on a backbone of fine tannins, it is a wine ready for the dinner table, but also worthy of a few more years of aging in the cellar. With subtle fruit, harmonious balance and a dry finish, it is a fine example of Italian winemaking tradition. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
No compromises to international varietals or techniques, it is a real Chianti with real Chianti highlights. Nice earthiness on the nose with cherry and plum notes lending a new spin to this traditional classic conjuring up cravings for focaccia and antipasto. Built on a backbone of fine tannins, it is a wine ready for the dinner table, but also worthy of a few more years of aging in the cellar. With subtle fruit, harmonious balance and a dry finish, it is a fine example of Italian winemaking tradition. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
2014 PILLOT VOLNAY
$41.99 BTL. - LIMITED
$41.99 BTL. - LIMITED
We know how great Laurent Pillot’s white wines are but lately we almost anticipate his releases of red wines even more. Through marriage he inherited several great parcels and it is an absolute thrill to offer yinz all two vintages that are both very formidable and yet oh so different. The 2014 is Cote de Beaune elegance personified. Pillot’s Volnay holdings are 1.8 acres spread out over 5 parcels planted between 1960 and 1999. Two are classed Premier Cru, Ronceret and Brouillards, but unfortunately, they are too small in size to bottle on their own, so Pillot declassifies the two 1er Cru parcels and assembles the entirety into one cuvee.
The 2014 is feminine beauty, a sensuous redhead if you will. Spice-laden but with rocking perfume. Generous strawberry and blackberry with Limestone minerality being very present. Starts inward and then spreads out with excellent penetration. Combines the one-third use of new oak nicely with the fruit and earth. Pulsating, lively, tingling, long finish. More and more perfume shine as it unfolds. Accessible early on and will drink well for 15 years from vintage date.
The 2014 is feminine beauty, a sensuous redhead if you will. Spice-laden but with rocking perfume. Generous strawberry and blackberry with Limestone minerality being very present. Starts inward and then spreads out with excellent penetration. Combines the one-third use of new oak nicely with the fruit and earth. Pulsating, lively, tingling, long finish. More and more perfume shine as it unfolds. Accessible early on and will drink well for 15 years from vintage date.
2015 PILLOT VOLNAY
$49.99 BTL. - LIMITED
$49.99 BTL. - LIMITED
2014 is a sensuous vintage with detail, clarity and focus. 2015 is one of power and depth of fruit with excellent potential and a very different story. 2014 would be akin to The Wire where characters and stories develop slowly. 2015 is an epic that has lots of explosions and flashes.
Pole vaulting perfume! Very exciting from the get-go! Touches of oak up front with cinnamon and clove spiciness. Peppercorn and lacy strawberry fruit abound. Youthful as to be expected. Deep and structured with Premier Cru depth. Lovely persistence and spreads out impeccably. Here is where the curse words of excitement commenced white writing my notes, use your imagination. I would opt to hold this one for another 3-4 years and it will develop exquisitely through 2028+.
Pole vaulting perfume! Very exciting from the get-go! Touches of oak up front with cinnamon and clove spiciness. Peppercorn and lacy strawberry fruit abound. Youthful as to be expected. Deep and structured with Premier Cru depth. Lovely persistence and spreads out impeccably. Here is where the curse words of excitement commenced white writing my notes, use your imagination. I would opt to hold this one for another 3-4 years and it will develop exquisitely through 2028+.
2015 VINA GORMAZ
RIBERA DEL DUERO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
RIBERA DEL DUERO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
100% Tinta del País (Tempranillo) from Spain's normally high-rent Ribera del Duero district, this perennial best buy is forward, expressive and crowd pleasing with ample raspberry, licorice, subtle herbs and cinnamon aspects that are featured on the nose and particularly the sneaky, mouth-coating texture. Plenty of impact, but also plenty of freshness, this is a red wine to have with a simple meat and cheese plate and several friends.
2017 PRATELLO LUGANA BIANCO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Very new to us, the estate of Pratello is located in close proximity to the western shore of Lake Garda in Lombardia and is farmed using organic methods, quite a rarity in this area. Unlike many other quaffing white Lugana wines, this wine has complexity, precision and sneaky depth, all without any oaky traits.
100% of the Turbiana grape with lemon, pear, blossom and mineral scents opening the show. On the palate, there is crisp electricity, medium body and a velvety mouthfeel. Lemon and apple flavors together with some background rocky character predominate in the vivid finish.
100% of the Turbiana grape with lemon, pear, blossom and mineral scents opening the show. On the palate, there is crisp electricity, medium body and a velvety mouthfeel. Lemon and apple flavors together with some background rocky character predominate in the vivid finish.
FRIDAY SIPS
TWENTY YEARS!
This Friday July 27 from 1:30 – 6:30
Stop by this Friday to celebrate Bryan & The Cellar Door’s 20th anniversary.
This Friday, as well as some of the coming weeks, we’re going back into the annals and featuring favorite producers’ wines that we have loved over the years and which have special meaning to them.
Don’t miss this tasting because there will definitely be some other things uncorked as the afternoon rolls along.
This Friday, as well as some of the coming weeks, we’re going back into the annals and featuring favorite producers’ wines that we have loved over the years and which have special meaning to them.
Don’t miss this tasting because there will definitely be some other things uncorked as the afternoon rolls along.
FEATURED WINES:
2016 Domaine de Beaurenard Cotes-du-Rhone
2016 Pazo de Senorans Albarino
2016 Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson’ Pinot Noir
2013 Fattoria Zerbina Romagna Sangiovese
'Reserva Marzeno'
