Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'WORTH READING' HOTSHEET
Grand Cru Champagne, Everyday wines Under 14, Virtual Puligny-Montrachet, Walla Walla Cab, Chateauneuf & more
2016 MASSOLINO BARBERA D'ALBA
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
The name Massolino has been an important one within the Barolo village of Serralunga since they arrived in 1896. Since the 1990s, Franco and Roberto Massolino arrived and they have taken this estate to impressive levels with their entire range of wines that can often defy the stereotype of this village.
The Barbera from this apex estate has been produced since day one (1896) and the classically styled 2016 is so utterly gorgeous. From vineyard sites within the Barolo zone of Serralunga, this wine is dreamy, soulful and confidentially Piemonte with fresh uplifting red cherry that is quickly joined by camphor and a deep dark earthy, dense clay characteristic that screams Alba. Spice, anisette, porcini and juicy blueberry join in the mouth creating a supple, round and giving glass of real wine. This is the perfect red for all occasions with aged mountain cheeses, grilled meat or mushroom pasta courses. Drinking well right now and will continue to please over the next 4-6 years.
The Barbera from this apex estate has been produced since day one (1896) and the classically styled 2016 is so utterly gorgeous. From vineyard sites within the Barolo zone of Serralunga, this wine is dreamy, soulful and confidentially Piemonte with fresh uplifting red cherry that is quickly joined by camphor and a deep dark earthy, dense clay characteristic that screams Alba. Spice, anisette, porcini and juicy blueberry join in the mouth creating a supple, round and giving glass of real wine. This is the perfect red for all occasions with aged mountain cheeses, grilled meat or mushroom pasta courses. Drinking well right now and will continue to please over the next 4-6 years.
2015 CARREL GAMAY 'VIEILLES VIGNES'
JONGIEUX ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
JONGIEUX ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
If Domaine Carrel were in Burgundy, Bordeaux, hell, even Beaujolais versus their Alpine location of Jongieux some 90 minutes from Lyon, these wines would easily fetch twice the price. The vines for this very slurpable, lower alcohol Gamay come from chalky/clay soils and the vines are 45 years old. Ultimately, these are just statistics because what is in the bottle and the glass is fetching and dangerously easy to drink countless bottles.
Classic, pretty Gamay aromas of creamy strawberry and bing cherry play nicely off energetic minerality, fresh earth and dried lavender. Fine elegant tannins frame this likeable red that has deceptive depth and dimension. It is so the perfect red for the bounty of spring. Have with everything from squash or fresh vegetable soups or a plate of soft-ripened cheeses BUT for the ultimate, roast a chicken and add in some morels. To the moon!
Classic, pretty Gamay aromas of creamy strawberry and bing cherry play nicely off energetic minerality, fresh earth and dried lavender. Fine elegant tannins frame this likeable red that has deceptive depth and dimension. It is so the perfect red for the bounty of spring. Have with everything from squash or fresh vegetable soups or a plate of soft-ripened cheeses BUT for the ultimate, roast a chicken and add in some morels. To the moon!
2014 AMAVI CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WALLA WALLA
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
WALLA WALLA
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Amavi is a superb Walla Walla operation whose wines are made by Jean-Francois Pellet, the same dude who makes the renowned Pepperbridge wines. It is still remarkable to see wines that come exclusively from Walla Walla vineyard sites remain at such superb prices.
Made from fruit from six different Walla Walla vineyards, what is most notable about the 2014 Amavi Cab is its depth and marked forward flavors. Red plum, red currant and blackberry fruit spun with maple, spice, tobacco and a touch of toast coming from a thoughtful use of oak build up as soon as its poured. Plenty of power without lacking the signature smoothness that this estate is noted for; there is abundant "silky grip" and a roundness on the palate which carry over nicely to a lingering, well-honed finish. Quite a steal for 27 bucks, drink it over the next 10-12 years.
Made from fruit from six different Walla Walla vineyards, what is most notable about the 2014 Amavi Cab is its depth and marked forward flavors. Red plum, red currant and blackberry fruit spun with maple, spice, tobacco and a touch of toast coming from a thoughtful use of oak build up as soon as its poured. Plenty of power without lacking the signature smoothness that this estate is noted for; there is abundant "silky grip" and a roundness on the palate which carry over nicely to a lingering, well-honed finish. Quite a steal for 27 bucks, drink it over the next 10-12 years.
2015 MARC COLIN
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 'LA COMBE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 'LA COMBE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Founded in 1970, Marc Colin started out with 14 acres in Chassagne-Montrachet and Saint-Aubin and quickly established himself alongside icon names like Morey, Ramonet and Gagnard. Over the years Marc has expanded his holdings to 63 acres and spread out over 26 different wines ranging from Bourgogne to St-Aubin, Santenay, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Puligny-Montrachet then all the way up to the Grands Crus of Batard-Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne and Le Montrachet.
Now led by his trio of children, Caroline, Joseph and Damien, the miniscule quantities of wines from this famous estate are highly sought-after by wine-fiends throughout the world. Sourced from La Combe, a single site on the plain of Puligny-Montrachet and just below the famed wines of this village, this Bourgogne Chardonnay seriously over-delivers! Impressive, upscale aromas indicate that this wine is wearing its virtual, wannabe Puligny-Montrachet shoes quite well. White peach, mineral, wet-stone, orange and crème brulée scents stand out and follow through to an exciting texture that is flavorful and buffered by excellent citrus tones. The finish is electric with impressive viscosity and length. A total instant gratification wine that can be enjoyed over the next 3-5 years and considering its well-respected neighborhood is a resounding French Chardonnay value!
Now led by his trio of children, Caroline, Joseph and Damien, the miniscule quantities of wines from this famous estate are highly sought-after by wine-fiends throughout the world. Sourced from La Combe, a single site on the plain of Puligny-Montrachet and just below the famed wines of this village, this Bourgogne Chardonnay seriously over-delivers! Impressive, upscale aromas indicate that this wine is wearing its virtual, wannabe Puligny-Montrachet shoes quite well. White peach, mineral, wet-stone, orange and crème brulée scents stand out and follow through to an exciting texture that is flavorful and buffered by excellent citrus tones. The finish is electric with impressive viscosity and length. A total instant gratification wine that can be enjoyed over the next 3-5 years and considering its well-respected neighborhood is a resounding French Chardonnay value!
2015 CHERON VOSNE-ROMANEE
'LES BARREAUX'
$79.99 BTL. - 20 btls available
'LES BARREAUX'
$79.99 BTL. - 20 btls available
Philippe Cheron is one of Burgundy’s true unknown gem producers. Fortunate enough to inherit some great land from his grandparents, Philippe is a Burgundy through and through, producing magnificent wines from these old sites previously rented to some very famous names. The following are tasting notes from our annual Cheron Tasting last fall.
Les Barreaux is located in quite a respectable neighborhood bordering the Grand Cru of Richebourg and legendary Premier Cru Cros Parentoux. Always performs on a Premier Cru level and should be upgraded IMHO. Spice box, crème de mure, Italian plum, more and more fragrance as it opens. Potpourri and other exotic spices. Lots of clarity and focus even at a youthful point. Rocky and stony flavors emerge due to the abundance of limestone but the bottom line is the 2015 penetration and gorgeous core of fruit. Rich, yet tender, there is a veneer of silk that crawls through the mouth. Energetic, very long and with serious snap back.
Les Barreaux is located in quite a respectable neighborhood bordering the Grand Cru of Richebourg and legendary Premier Cru Cros Parentoux. Always performs on a Premier Cru level and should be upgraded IMHO. Spice box, crème de mure, Italian plum, more and more fragrance as it opens. Potpourri and other exotic spices. Lots of clarity and focus even at a youthful point. Rocky and stony flavors emerge due to the abundance of limestone but the bottom line is the 2015 penetration and gorgeous core of fruit. Rich, yet tender, there is a veneer of silk that crawls through the mouth. Energetic, very long and with serious snap back.
2016 TWIN ISLANDS SAUVIGNON BLANC
'MARLBOROUGH'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'MARLBOROUGH'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Just try to name a better non-industrially-produced value for New Zealand. Can’t do it? I thought as much. Twin Islands is located in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, prime sauvignon Blanc land and home to other famous producers such as Cloudy Bay and Goldwater.
From the moment it is poured, this wine just oozes with citrus fruit, with loads of grapefruit, orange, gooseberry jumping from the glass. Wonderfully textured and a racy, citrusy bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with just the right hint of herbs and spice. Brilliance in Sauvignon Blanc, and as Bob Barker says, the price is right.
From the moment it is poured, this wine just oozes with citrus fruit, with loads of grapefruit, orange, gooseberry jumping from the glass. Wonderfully textured and a racy, citrusy bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with just the right hint of herbs and spice. Brilliance in Sauvignon Blanc, and as Bob Barker says, the price is right.
2015 LUCIEN BARROT
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
With a record of accomplishment that spans 80 years, current owner/winemaker Regis Barrot is a traditionalist in every sense of the word. You will not find tweaked, tooty-frooty Chateauneufs here. You will find a special taste of Provence with quite a bit of sophistication.
80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and a 10% blend of Mourvedre and Cinsault create a wine that is from non-destemmed grapes, vinified in large, cement vats, then transferred to large foudre. Definitely on the silkier side of Chateauneuf, this wine reveals sultry tones of ground pepper, lavender, deep plum and smoke that win the day both on the nose and in the mouth. Typical of the superb 2015 vintage, it has superb generosity and ripeness as well as a stylish cushiony texture and a lingering, smooth finish that has excellent spice and licorice. Like so many wines from this area, it may be accessed early, especially with a grilled steak. Deceptive with its silky tannins and structure, it will easily develop for another 10-12 years if so desired.
80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and a 10% blend of Mourvedre and Cinsault create a wine that is from non-destemmed grapes, vinified in large, cement vats, then transferred to large foudre. Definitely on the silkier side of Chateauneuf, this wine reveals sultry tones of ground pepper, lavender, deep plum and smoke that win the day both on the nose and in the mouth. Typical of the superb 2015 vintage, it has superb generosity and ripeness as well as a stylish cushiony texture and a lingering, smooth finish that has excellent spice and licorice. Like so many wines from this area, it may be accessed early, especially with a grilled steak. Deceptive with its silky tannins and structure, it will easily develop for another 10-12 years if so desired.
2015 QUINTA DA AVELEDA
DUORO TINTO 'CHARAMBA'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
DUORO TINTO 'CHARAMBA'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Known more for ultra-vivid Vinho Verde, Aveleda also dabbles quite a bit in red wines and including this flavor-filled 10-dollar dry red from the Douro region, which is better known as the home of Port.
Utilizing Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional (same grapes for the famed sweet Port wines), hearty aromas of pronounced chocolate-covered strawberry co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, finely placed oak and sneaky minerality. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to an arousing finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.
Utilizing Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional (same grapes for the famed sweet Port wines), hearty aromas of pronounced chocolate-covered strawberry co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, finely placed oak and sneaky minerality. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to an arousing finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.
2008 CHAMPAGNE COLIN
BLANC DE BLANCS GRAND CRU BRUT
$74.99 BTL./$449.94 - SIX PACK
BLANC DE BLANCS GRAND CRU BRUT
$74.99 BTL./$449.94 - SIX PACK
The epic 2008 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from Champagne Colin is finally here and we couldn’t be more excited! This is the family's top wine and their scintillating, award winning Grand Cru cuvee is a mere 400-700 cases. 100% Chardonnay from 2 Grand Cru villages, 60% coming from the village of Cramant and 40% coming from Oiry, the vines for this fizz are quite old and pruned in the same manner as those in Chablis.
No malolactic fermentation provides furious energy but the finer way to describe this is being powerful and poised. The 2008 is remarkable with its quality. The only drawback to this vintage is that the quantities are minute. Distinguished by a pale golden color and a lively abundant mousse. The nose is powerful, appealing and complex; the palate, perfectly harmonious, fresh, intense and lively with exceptional fruit. Holy Merde eliciting Grand Cru richness and explosive toasty qualities are balanced out by nuanced apple and fling tones and riding shotgun is ample zesty structure. Nervy and complex, this vintage will develop easily for 15 plus years yet it is so tasty now. Whether you have it alone in the dark by yourself with a pickaxe, or if you share it with someone special, this fizz is well worth the splurge!
No malolactic fermentation provides furious energy but the finer way to describe this is being powerful and poised. The 2008 is remarkable with its quality. The only drawback to this vintage is that the quantities are minute. Distinguished by a pale golden color and a lively abundant mousse. The nose is powerful, appealing and complex; the palate, perfectly harmonious, fresh, intense and lively with exceptional fruit. Holy Merde eliciting Grand Cru richness and explosive toasty qualities are balanced out by nuanced apple and fling tones and riding shotgun is ample zesty structure. Nervy and complex, this vintage will develop easily for 15 plus years yet it is so tasty now. Whether you have it alone in the dark by yourself with a pickaxe, or if you share it with someone special, this fizz is well worth the splurge!
FRIDAY SIPS
Spring Break Potluck
This Friday, March 30 from 1:30 - 6:30
In like a lion and out like lamb shanks is our annual, pre-holiday, Spring Break potluck tasting. Four wines. The starters are listed below....anything goes! Stop by to taste terrific wines with the Cellar Door crew. One never knows what may be uncorked.
STARTING WINES – No agenda:
These 4 are opened first then it’s whatever we feel like opening for you all! Some requests taken ;-)
2015 Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge
2008 Chateau Peyrou Cotes de Castillon (Bordeaux)
2014 Boedecker Pinot Noir
2017 Ameztoi ‘Rubentis’ Txakolina Rose
