Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'PLAYING IN TRAFFIC' HOTSHEET
Brilliant Barbera, Rose Special, Delectable Cabernet, Oregon Values, Red Burgundy & more
2016 GOODFELLOW CHARDONNAY
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Marcus Goodfellow not only does stellar Pinot Noir (see below), he is equally formidable with his Chardonnays that come from both Whistling Ridge and Durant Vineyards. A few years back he set out to make a companion to the Willamette Pinot and like that one, this wine seriously punches above its weight class and price level. For twenty bucks one really can experience the enthusiasm that we are all currently experiencing in Oregon Chardonnay.
This is the perfect introduction to Goodfellow Chardonnay. 21 months in oak barrels (very little new so not to be an oak bomb with butter) it is chock full of lemon, mineral and pear aromas that intermingle nicely with subtle flint and undertones of spiced cereal. Flavorful without being overblown or heavy-handed with a silky smooth mouthfeel and great balance, this wine is a consistent winner that will pair beautifully with most Northwest seafood like salmon and halibut, or makes the perfect match with roasted poultry.
This is the perfect introduction to Goodfellow Chardonnay. 21 months in oak barrels (very little new so not to be an oak bomb with butter) it is chock full of lemon, mineral and pear aromas that intermingle nicely with subtle flint and undertones of spiced cereal. Flavorful without being overblown or heavy-handed with a silky smooth mouthfeel and great balance, this wine is a consistent winner that will pair beautifully with most Northwest seafood like salmon and halibut, or makes the perfect match with roasted poultry.
2015 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Marcus Goodfellow has been thrilling Oregon wine lovers with his Matello wines and his namesake label of Goodfellow Family Wines since 2002. As we head into the future and with the ever-rising costs of Pinot Noir grapes, one has to wonder just how long we are going to continue to see value-oriented wines such as this offering that truly over deliver for $20. More and more that I see at this price point, often do not come close to achieving the quality of this wine.
Blended from some of Marcus’s top sources - Whistling Ridge Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge district, Durant in the Dundee Hills, and Fir Crest in Yamhill-Carlton, the 2015 is an appealing, extremely well crafted Pinot that performs mightily but never overacts. Stylish red and blackcurrant fruit permeates from the glass and enhanced by intertwined cinnamon, violet and red earth. The smooth, velvet-laden mouth filling texture that seduces lingers and calls you back for another glass. Support the home team, drink this pinot now over the next 5-6 years with a range of dishes from grilled salmon to lamb shanks to pork roast and smoked fowl.
Blended from some of Marcus’s top sources - Whistling Ridge Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge district, Durant in the Dundee Hills, and Fir Crest in Yamhill-Carlton, the 2015 is an appealing, extremely well crafted Pinot that performs mightily but never overacts. Stylish red and blackcurrant fruit permeates from the glass and enhanced by intertwined cinnamon, violet and red earth. The smooth, velvet-laden mouth filling texture that seduces lingers and calls you back for another glass. Support the home team, drink this pinot now over the next 5-6 years with a range of dishes from grilled salmon to lamb shanks to pork roast and smoked fowl.
2016 PAOLO SCAVINO BARBERA D'ALBA
'AFFINATO IN CARATI'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
'AFFINATO IN CARATI'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
The estate of Paolo Scavino is one of the historic producers in Barolo’s Castiglione Falletto. Founded in 1921 and having a long record of accomplishment, Paolo’s son Enrico placed them on the Barolo map. These days Enrico’s daughters Elisa and Enrica run this estate and their neo-classical approach has been received extremely well and the wines are absolutely stunning.
One of the wines that I tasted in my most recent visit to Piedmont, I thought this seamless Barbera was one of the finest of the entire trip. Made from a Cru vineyard in the Barolo commune of Roddi, Bricco Ambroggio’s Barbera vines for this special cuvee are 66 years old. Very vinous aromas that come in layers. The depth here is very impressive with waves of cherry, hints of cocoa with minerality and energy coming from the limestone. Shapely, classy with coolness and finesse beneath the saturated flavors that are held together nicely with elevated Barbera briskness. Extends and spreads out on the palate then lasts for an eternity, this wine doesn’t play! Drink this impressive Barbera over the next decade.
One of the wines that I tasted in my most recent visit to Piedmont, I thought this seamless Barbera was one of the finest of the entire trip. Made from a Cru vineyard in the Barolo commune of Roddi, Bricco Ambroggio’s Barbera vines for this special cuvee are 66 years old. Very vinous aromas that come in layers. The depth here is very impressive with waves of cherry, hints of cocoa with minerality and energy coming from the limestone. Shapely, classy with coolness and finesse beneath the saturated flavors that are held together nicely with elevated Barbera briskness. Extends and spreads out on the palate then lasts for an eternity, this wine doesn’t play! Drink this impressive Barbera over the next decade.
2017 PUECH-HAUT LANGUEDOC ROSE
[reg. $20.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
[reg. $20.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Domaine Puech-Haut is undeniably one of my favorite producers within Languedoc and their entire range of wines is utterly magical, especially their Prestige line. This particular directly pressed Rose is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Cinsault from the far western end of Languedoc’s Pic St-Loup area.
30-60 year old vines provide depth and complexity. Alluring, wide-open, crunchy cranberry and strawberry fruit that almost reflects the wine’s pale pink color. Tinges of white flowers and citrus arrive and add an extra layer of complexity. To quote the winery, they call it ‘greedy and thirst-quenching mouth. A pleasure wine for your moments of conviviality’. One to drink this summer and through the fall with grilled chicken or spot prawns as well as paella.
30-60 year old vines provide depth and complexity. Alluring, wide-open, crunchy cranberry and strawberry fruit that almost reflects the wine’s pale pink color. Tinges of white flowers and citrus arrive and add an extra layer of complexity. To quote the winery, they call it ‘greedy and thirst-quenching mouth. A pleasure wine for your moments of conviviality’. One to drink this summer and through the fall with grilled chicken or spot prawns as well as paella.
2014 LAPOSTOLLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
'CUVEE ALEXANDRE'
$25.99 BTL/$311.88 CASE
'CUVEE ALEXANDRE'
$25.99 BTL/$311.88 CASE
Growing up in the world of viticulture, Alexandra Marnier-Lapostolle and her husband Cyril create stellar wines that combine French expertise with superb Chilean terroir. These days their son Charles and winemaker Andrea Leon are behind these outstanding wines.
The Cabernet for this selection comes from a block that has almost 100 year old vines and then is augmented with 10% of old vine Carmenere. Given the quality of the vineyards and top expertise in the vineyard, this beautifully proportioned Cab is way above what Chile is known to produce which is usually akin to listening to a Lionel Ritchie box set. Blueberry, underlying cassis, dusty clay tones, pekoe, tobacco and fine herbs 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, we simply cannot believe just how stellar it at such an absurdly fair price! Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years, especially with a grilled steak slathered in herbs.
The Cabernet for this selection comes from a block that has almost 100 year old vines and then is augmented with 10% of old vine Carmenere. Given the quality of the vineyards and top expertise in the vineyard, this beautifully proportioned Cab is way above what Chile is known to produce which is usually akin to listening to a Lionel Ritchie box set. Blueberry, underlying cassis, dusty clay tones, pekoe, tobacco and fine herbs 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, we simply cannot believe just how stellar it at such an absurdly fair price! Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years, especially with a grilled steak slathered in herbs.
2015 LUBANZI WESTERN CAPE RED
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
A Rhone-inspired blend from South Africa made with 46% Shiraz, 31% Cinsault, 20% Mourvedre and 3% Grenache. First thing to do when approaching this wine is to get the notion of cheap Australian wine out of your thought process, this wine provides excellent dimension that goes beyond being a fruit bomb.
Flaunting lively blackberry, smoked violet, cherry pit and prominent cracked pepper, this red is luscious, tangy, medium-weight and just a sheer pleasure to drink on an everyday basis. Dry and direct, enjoy it with anything from roasted lamb to a fat cheeseburger!
Flaunting lively blackberry, smoked violet, cherry pit and prominent cracked pepper, this red is luscious, tangy, medium-weight and just a sheer pleasure to drink on an everyday basis. Dry and direct, enjoy it with anything from roasted lamb to a fat cheeseburger!
2016 POLIZIANO
ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
This particular offering from Tuscany is a perennial favorite and for vintage 2016, is a smashing value. A renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano producer and one of the Gang of Four, Federico Carletti consistently produces wines at all price-levels that seemingly over-deliver and represent their areas so very well.
Sage and violet-dominated scents with wild cherry fruit underneath. Luscious, round flavors are nicely buffered by a roasted coffee undertone. The finish invites you back for another glass. Perfect any elegant Italian dinner.
Sage and violet-dominated scents with wild cherry fruit underneath. Luscious, round flavors are nicely buffered by a roasted coffee undertone. The finish invites you back for another glass. Perfect any elegant Italian dinner.
2013 MARQUES DE MURIETTA
RIOJA BLANCO 'CAPELLANIA'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
RIOJA BLANCO 'CAPELLANIA'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Many of you have become acquainted with this legendary Rioja producer’s wines over the years. While exemplary reds are made, this is estate also makes a couple of prodigious white Rioja wines as well. This selection is from a single vineyard, Capellania, and is from vines planted in 1945. 100% Viura and aged in French oak barrels, this modernist white wine is surely going to take you on quite an adventure.
This incredibly complex wine is one of the most unique and fun whites I have tasted all year. Complex aromatics of hazelnut, orange, marzipan and vanilla spring from the nose. This has terrific fruit intensity in the mouth, with lots of lemony zing to go along with a lingering finish of earth and herbs. If you like white Burgundy, you owe it to yourself to try a bottle of this. One last thing, it does age very well. Drink through 2023+.
This incredibly complex wine is one of the most unique and fun whites I have tasted all year. Complex aromatics of hazelnut, orange, marzipan and vanilla spring from the nose. This has terrific fruit intensity in the mouth, with lots of lemony zing to go along with a lingering finish of earth and herbs. If you like white Burgundy, you owe it to yourself to try a bottle of this. One last thing, it does age very well. Drink through 2023+.
2015 CHERON CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY
'LES QUARANTE OUVREES'
$74.99 BTL. - LIMITED
'LES QUARANTE OUVREES'
$74.99 BTL. - LIMITED
Philippe Cheron is the epitome of Burgundy. Flying under the radar, this man hit the vineyard lottery when he inherited old vineyards from his grandparents that were leased by other luminous producers. When the leases were up, Philippe reclaimed the sites and we are all the better for it. If you have not heard about 2015, this is a stupendous vintage, reminding me a bit of 1990 crossed with 2002 and a bit of 2005.
The French term 'ouvree' refers to the amount of land one person could work in a day. This became a standard unit of measurement in Burgundy. Consists of 12 parcels located in several climats in Chambolle-Musigny. Because of the Napoleonic inheritance laws and centuries of exchanging of vineyards, it is the norm for Vineyards to be chopped into micro-parcels too small to vinify as separate wines. Such is the case with this wine. Majority comes from lieu-dits of Condemennes and Clos de L’Orme along with nine other parcels. 25% new oak. Two-thirds of the vines here are over 60 years old. Commences with class and aromatics immediately – almost Valhrona-soaked strawberries. Aromatic herbs and underlying floral traits. Nice energy but a really seductive dance is going on here. Cinnamon-spice, sleek red tones. Compact core that develops more and more coverage as it moves towards back. Deft, charming, fine, long finish…this is the sensuous Chambolle-Musigny immersion course. Best end of 2019 – 2030.
The French term 'ouvree' refers to the amount of land one person could work in a day. This became a standard unit of measurement in Burgundy. Consists of 12 parcels located in several climats in Chambolle-Musigny. Because of the Napoleonic inheritance laws and centuries of exchanging of vineyards, it is the norm for Vineyards to be chopped into micro-parcels too small to vinify as separate wines. Such is the case with this wine. Majority comes from lieu-dits of Condemennes and Clos de L’Orme along with nine other parcels. 25% new oak. Two-thirds of the vines here are over 60 years old. Commences with class and aromatics immediately – almost Valhrona-soaked strawberries. Aromatic herbs and underlying floral traits. Nice energy but a really seductive dance is going on here. Cinnamon-spice, sleek red tones. Compact core that develops more and more coverage as it moves towards back. Deft, charming, fine, long finish…this is the sensuous Chambolle-Musigny immersion course. Best end of 2019 – 2030.
FRIDAY SIPS
Bastille Day Eve
This Friday July 13 from 1:30 – 6:30
A Tour de Force of a Tour de France. Come celebrate French wines with the fabulous choices from the Rhone Valley, Savoie, Bordeaux, Beaujolais and Languedoc.
FEATURED WINES:
2015 Lafond Lirac Rouge
2010 Chateau Les Ormes de Pez Saint-Estephe
2017 Puech-Haut Languedoc Rose
2016 Terriere Brouilly
Carrel Cremant de Savoie Brut Rose
