Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'MIND OVER MATTER' HOTSHEET
94-point Barbaresco for 30
New Galet Chateauneuf Old Vine
Washington Cab, Portugal Red, Bordeaux
New Galet Chateauneuf Old Vine
Washington Cab, Portugal Red, Bordeaux
2020 RONCHI BARBARESCO
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
94 Points – Wine & Spirits Magazine…With the Tour de France crossing through Piedmont today, I thought it appropriate to offer a wine from the Langhe’s prolific Barbaresco region. The Ronchi estate takes its name after he single Cru of Ronchi which happens to butt up against Montestefano…and all the fruit for this wine comes from that parcel.
A velvet powerhouse, the newly arrived 2020 vintage has impressive plushness that surrounds the usual potent grip and earth that this site offers. Alluring, authentic scents of licorice, graphite and asphalt along with red fruits, balsamico and potpourri-spices. Submerged perfume and steely mineral unfold as the wine airs in the glass. In the mouth, a sultry core of fruit presents itself before gaining structure and spine. Energetic, mysterious and elusive yet very seductive. Enjoy this Barbaresco steal through 2032.
A velvet powerhouse, the newly arrived 2020 vintage has impressive plushness that surrounds the usual potent grip and earth that this site offers. Alluring, authentic scents of licorice, graphite and asphalt along with red fruits, balsamico and potpourri-spices. Submerged perfume and steely mineral unfold as the wine airs in the glass. In the mouth, a sultry core of fruit presents itself before gaining structure and spine. Energetic, mysterious and elusive yet very seductive. Enjoy this Barbaresco steal through 2032.
2022 ISENHOWER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'I LABEL'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'I LABEL'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Always one of the terrific values of Washington Cab Sauv, Isenhower scores again with their delicious, newly arrived 2022 that comes from three virtuous Columbia Valley vineyards.
94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec. Non-stop vanilla and cocoa notes wrapped around buxom black cherry, smoky oak, cola and milk chocolate scents all virtually glisten the instant the wine is poured into the glass. On the palate, there is lots of style here with nice flowing dense tones, excellent weight and the typical steadfast, mouth-crawling flavors that one comes to expect in these excellent wines. Layered, forward and accessible; enjoy with a variety of beef dishes and more. Drink through 2030.
94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec. Non-stop vanilla and cocoa notes wrapped around buxom black cherry, smoky oak, cola and milk chocolate scents all virtually glisten the instant the wine is poured into the glass. On the palate, there is lots of style here with nice flowing dense tones, excellent weight and the typical steadfast, mouth-crawling flavors that one comes to expect in these excellent wines. Layered, forward and accessible; enjoy with a variety of beef dishes and more. Drink through 2030.
2023 PROPRIETA SPERINO
COSTA DELLA SESIA ROSE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
COSTA DELLA SESIA ROSE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
From Northern Piedmont, specifically the area around the small city of Lessona, this lip-smacking blend of 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Vespolina, is a real reflection not only of the grapes but its former marine, rocky/sandy soils.
Aromatically expressive, illuminating and glowing from the glass there is an abundance of strawberry, mineral and savory fennel notes. In the mouth it is intense, elevated, super-succulent and inviting from start to finish. Do not be misled, this rosé is very pleasurable, but also multi-dimensional. No doubt that this will drink well into next year, it is very alluring now and can be served with grilled chicken, pork or halibut now, or in late November with the holiday turkey.
Aromatically expressive, illuminating and glowing from the glass there is an abundance of strawberry, mineral and savory fennel notes. In the mouth it is intense, elevated, super-succulent and inviting from start to finish. Do not be misled, this rosé is very pleasurable, but also multi-dimensional. No doubt that this will drink well into next year, it is very alluring now and can be served with grilled chicken, pork or halibut now, or in late November with the holiday turkey.
2021 HERDADE DO ROCIM
ALENTEJO TINTO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
ALENTEJO TINTO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
A new producer for us, this Portuguese offering is made from 100% Touriga Nacional and is a wonderful choice for those who love a hearty, chewy red. The Portuguese region of Alentejo borders Spain yet is influenced by the Atlantic. Warm days and cool nights provide perfect conditions for wines that are chewy with traditional earthy herbal tones that are buffered nicely by warm and engaging modern fruit personalities.
Loads of individuality and class behind a robe of blackberry fruit with exotic spices, wildflowers, mint and mocha ride shotgun providing complexity. Full-flavored yet very agile and compelling, this "alive" wine shows impressive texture and breadth of flavor all while maintaining poise. Lots of movement and licorice shine on the finish and sum up the entire experience by letting the taster know that all the components really work well and do their part from start to finish. Drink this delicious impactful red with sausages, braised pork and even dark chocolate.
Loads of individuality and class behind a robe of blackberry fruit with exotic spices, wildflowers, mint and mocha ride shotgun providing complexity. Full-flavored yet very agile and compelling, this "alive" wine shows impressive texture and breadth of flavor all while maintaining poise. Lots of movement and licorice shine on the finish and sum up the entire experience by letting the taster know that all the components really work well and do their part from start to finish. Drink this delicious impactful red with sausages, braised pork and even dark chocolate.
2022 MOULIN DE GASSAC
LANGUEDOC BLANC
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
LANGUEDOC BLANC
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Made by famed Languedoc legend Mas de Daumas Gassac, Moulin de Gassac represents great and tasty everyday wines from Languedoc's Thau region.
The 2022 is from 40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Rolle (Vermentino). Electrifying and very aromatic tones of orange, rose lemon, mineral, anise and a generous hint of marine scents which carry over into a clean and crisp, yet deceivingly intense texture that all comes together to please the palate with zest and flavor. Try this wine with a simple linguine with shrimp, good olive oil and an assortment of vegetables.
The 2022 is from 40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Rolle (Vermentino). Electrifying and very aromatic tones of orange, rose lemon, mineral, anise and a generous hint of marine scents which carry over into a clean and crisp, yet deceivingly intense texture that all comes together to please the palate with zest and flavor. Try this wine with a simple linguine with shrimp, good olive oil and an assortment of vegetables.
2018 CHATEAU CANON-CHAIGNEAU
LALANDE DE POMEROL
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
LALANDE DE POMEROL
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Chateau Canon-Chaigneau is located within the region of Lalande de Pomerol situated just north of Pomerol and defined by two villages, Lalande and Neac. Canon-Chaugneau is in Neac, an area where the soil is more clay and gravel-driven, which shares a commonality with neighboring Pomerol. The secret mind behind this excellent Bordeaux estate is longtime winemaker Thierry Garnaud who made thirty-five vintages at Chateau Cheval-Blanc up until 2018...and 2018 is also his 23rd at this superb Right Bank Bordeaux estate.
At age six, this is starting to sing. Deep and youthful flavors and aromas of violet, blackcurrant, fine herbs, plum and a hearty meatiness that leads on to a rich, full-bodied palate with fine tannins and a cherry infused cocoa spice that lingers beautifully in the mouth. Canon-Chaigneau's Lalande de Pomerol is textbook right-bank juice with the finesse and grip of something more expensive. Drink now and over the next 7-9 years with a rack of lamb or roasted duck.
At age six, this is starting to sing. Deep and youthful flavors and aromas of violet, blackcurrant, fine herbs, plum and a hearty meatiness that leads on to a rich, full-bodied palate with fine tannins and a cherry infused cocoa spice that lingers beautifully in the mouth. Canon-Chaigneau's Lalande de Pomerol is textbook right-bank juice with the finesse and grip of something more expensive. Drink now and over the next 7-9 years with a rack of lamb or roasted duck.
2021 EGUREN TEMPRANILLO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
At this price, it is all about flow with this wine. You can decipher flow as smoothness, movement or how many bottles will flow down your gullet in one sitting!
From the warm climate of La Mancha area, this Tempranillo is made in an early-drinking style that shows off sassy scents of raspberry, balsam, and spiced earth aromas that flow into a texture that is vibrant, supple and full of character. Plenty of persistence and nice snap-back, this is a delicious everyday red that works along, with a burger or a bunch of friends.
From the warm climate of La Mancha area, this Tempranillo is made in an early-drinking style that shows off sassy scents of raspberry, balsam, and spiced earth aromas that flow into a texture that is vibrant, supple and full of character. Plenty of persistence and nice snap-back, this is a delicious everyday red that works along, with a burger or a bunch of friends.
2020 GALET-DES-PAPES
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
One of our champion Chateauneuf producers, over the last 25 years we have become good friends with the Mayard family. Now led by Blandine Mayard, this producer manages to fly beneath wine critic's noses and remains priced very well. Many know the story behind this old vine cuvee with its 80–110-year-old vines and 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah blend kills it for vintage 2020.
Reminiscent of a cross between two great vintages, 2001 and 2017, 2020 is as is the norm for this cuvee, incredibly special, very stacked, and potentially very profound. Like 2019 it is also a very prominent vintage but unlike 2019, the tannins here are very silky and less pronounced. Cerebral, confident, even cocky Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, it is overly complex, and even at an early age, the VV reveals a kaleidoscope of aromas. Scents of crème de mure, kirsch, woodsmoke, Moroccan spice, red licorice and hot-rock follow into flavors that are lavish and maintain freshness. There is an intense structure for aging, however it is submerged beneath the excellent core of old vine fruit. The Mourvèdre shines on the finish with tealeaf and berry tones. Cadillac sleekness on the finish, it promises to be a hedonist’s delight. Give it until 2027 and drink it through 2036+. We cannot emphasize enough at how good a value this really is…there are many trou de cul Chateauneuf that go for well over 75-bucks these days. GREATNESS NEEDN’T COST YOU AN ARM AND A LEG!
Reminiscent of a cross between two great vintages, 2001 and 2017, 2020 is as is the norm for this cuvee, incredibly special, very stacked, and potentially very profound. Like 2019 it is also a very prominent vintage but unlike 2019, the tannins here are very silky and less pronounced. Cerebral, confident, even cocky Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, it is overly complex, and even at an early age, the VV reveals a kaleidoscope of aromas. Scents of crème de mure, kirsch, woodsmoke, Moroccan spice, red licorice and hot-rock follow into flavors that are lavish and maintain freshness. There is an intense structure for aging, however it is submerged beneath the excellent core of old vine fruit. The Mourvèdre shines on the finish with tealeaf and berry tones. Cadillac sleekness on the finish, it promises to be a hedonist’s delight. Give it until 2027 and drink it through 2036+. We cannot emphasize enough at how good a value this really is…there are many trou de cul Chateauneuf that go for well over 75-bucks these days. GREATNESS NEEDN’T COST YOU AN ARM AND A LEG!
