Hot Sheets


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SNOW ANGELS' HOTSHEET
DESCRIPTION & more


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2015 BRUNIER 'MEGAPHONE'
VENTOUX ROUGE
[reg. $22.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Made by the Brunier family who brings us the famous and uber fabulous Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape! Ventoux, the Provencal region within the Southern Rhone is becoming more exciting with each vintage. This area located between Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail has immense diversity with not only its soils but also its varying microclimates, which seemingly change like an obstacle course. Previously the grapes for this wine were in the Pigeolet blend but a few years back the Bruniers culled these out and created this smashing Rhone value.

25 year old vines on average, 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah coming from sandy-clay soils augmented by fine stones and best of all no winemaking sleight of hand tricks. Being from the stellar 2015 vintage, this red is eager to please. Commanding, yet very diplomatic and harmonious, the extra level of intensity from the vintage is immediately noticeable. An array of complex perfumed aromas of with spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and raspberry dominate the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure Provencal! Plenty of penetration and presence, the elevation and cool nights on the southern slopes of the Dentelles bring forth nice lift and freshness, especially on the minerally, spice-laden finish. Enjoy with sausages, lamb, and a spicy Asian stir-fry done with beef or even grilled salmon.



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2016 PECINA RIOJA 'COSECHA'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Even though this estate is just over 20 years old, the wines that emerge from this Bodega are the epitome of traditionally made Rioja. Pedro Pecina worked for 20 years at La Rioja Alta so it is a no brainer that wines in this fashion would be this damn good to boot.

Producing a range of Rioja wines in all price points, the introductory Cosecha is always a classy wine and fine value, however, at this price it is to be ordered by the trunkload! Made from 95% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano, 2% Garnacha and possessing an almost ruby nose of blue flowers, roasted earth, raspberries and strawberries, it exudes the class of something that should cost a lot more. Fleshy and fresh in the mouth with just the right amount of spiciness from a short time in oak, it is smooth and plush without pretension and makes for a wonderful, everyday drink. Have it with a range of cuisine from cold meats and grilled vegetables to roasted chicken or fish stews.



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2015 EVESHAM WOOD PINOT NOIR
'TEMPERANCE HILL'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE

Temperance Hill provides fruit to many top Oregon producers including the likes of Walter Scott, Bergstrom, St. Innocent and others. Dai Crisp has been managing the Temperance Hill Vineyard since 1999. Having managed Croft Vineyard and then Willakenzie's vines, Dai brought his organic philosophies to Temperance Hill and the results have been stupendous. The 2015 follows Evesham Wood owner/winemaker Erin Nuccio’s philosophy for Pinot Noir, which is to have transparency of vineyard and fruit and not to make oak furniture and jam.

With its throwback label, the newly arrived 2015 is absolutely gorgeous juice that has immense potential for aging. Based around aromatics, finesse and beauty; red berry, violet, soft smoke, and elusive herbs and spices are the characteristics of this sultry, fine Pinot. In the mouth, it is very young and packed in, but what is underneath is velvety, stylish, deftly proportioned and long and ethereal. Finishes very sleek, round and extensive, offering up a great, long aftertaste. Enjoy through 2027 and probably beyond.



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OLIVIER MORIN BRUT ROSE
CREMANT DE BOURGOGNE
[reg. $24.99]
SPECIAL - $14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

A 30-acre Domaine that has been in the Morin family since 1650, Olivier Morin took a long, strange trip into the world of wine. After studying oenology in Beaune, Olivier worked for 10 years in radio as both an announcer and as a nighttime DJ before giving up the rock~n~roll lifestyle to take over the family Domaine alongside his brother in 1992. The appellation of Chitry is bucolic beauty at its finest. Located in the Yonne, slightly under 10 miles from Chablis yet with both similarities and differences in soils and overall terroir.

Not only are excellent dry red and white wines made at Domaine Morin, Champagne-styled Sparkling wines, Cremant de Bourgogne, are also produced. The Rose from Morin is made form 100% Pinot Noir and is quite a delight, especially when it is at this excellent price! The color and fragrances of this sparkler are very tender, but there is no shortage of fabulous flavor. Wild strawberries, lime, raspberry and currants gently glimmer from the glass and follow through to a texture that is pure silk with dignified bubbles that caress the senses, closing with a long, virtually ambient finish. Perfect as an aperitif and as a refined accompaniment for hors d'oeuvres, first courses and is magnificent with sushi.



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2016 LA LASTRA
VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO
[reg. $18.99] SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Full disclosure: I loathe the majority of Vernaccia di San Gimignano being produced these days, so if one is coming over these airwaves, it really has to make the cut and then prove itself worthy even further. After tasting last week, I was quite impressed that it was not a washed-out tourist wine but one that delivers character and Italian spirit.

This young estate is a real comer on the Tuscan wine scene and what they are accomplishing is quite impressive. Classy tones of orange, lemon, mineral, anise and a hint of almond carry over into a clean and crisp, yet deceivingly intense texture that that is fully dry on the palate with lift and palate-presence usually not found in these wines. Being a white wine of fine balance and grace, one can through back several glasses with antipasti, lighter seafood preparations or a simple pasta tossed with vegetables and olive oil.



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2015 ANDREW WILL CABERNET FRANC
$33.99 BTL./$407.88 CASE

Founded in 1989 and named after his son and nephew, Andrew Will's Chris Camarda is a Washington legend who makes extremely age-worthy wines and is on the pedestal of the state’s early influences such as Leonetti, Woodward Canyon and DeLille. A few years back, Chris created the "black label" wines that give a superb experience of what this cat has to offer for a fine price.

One of the renowned specialists of this grape, Chris Camarda makes a prolific version. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc. An ambrosial expression of the varietal, it coats the palate with velvety dark plum, raspberry, Italian herbs and spices and chocolate covered raspberry. What is most notable is that while this is quite a decadent wine, it shows great balance and restraint with polished tannins and brightness that holds your full attention. Beautiful to drink now and through 2025. Try it with braised short ribs with a tangy sauce.



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2015 COLOSI NERO D'AVOLA
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

This Sicilian workhorse delivers an amazing value in a food-friendly package that is easy to drink on a consistent basis. A delicious, full-bodied wine with a generous core of fruit, and an engaging, compelling personality, we were utterly seduced by its purity, generosity and length; in fact, it was hard to put down the tasting glass.

Made from 100% Nero d'Avola, it shows plenty of ripe, vivid plum and berry fruit, touched by brightness with none of that funky rubber tire, Huarache sandal smell that sometimes shows up with this varietal. It'll blow your mind with grilled meats, pizza, pasta, or even burgers. In other words, it is a wine for all seasons and, in this economy; you can drink this one and feel patrician every night of the week.



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2015 CHERON GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
'LES SEUVREES'
$65.99 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.

This vineyard located in southern portion of Gevrey-Chambertin just below Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru. Streamlined with aromatic burst. Sensual spice and developing cinnamon. Lacy, but dense fruit, indicative of stellar 2015. Sleek, silky entry and with much more red tones than nose lets on. Youthful and all in back of mouth right now with killer extension. Hold this until 2020 and drink through 2030.



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2015 CHERON GEVREY CHAMBERTIN
'CHAMPONNETS' PREMIER CRU
$99.99 - LIMITED

A prolific step up from the Gevrey Seuvrees, Les Champonnets is a Premier Cru site that is perched just above the village of Gevrey Chambertin. Philippe Cheron traded a good-sized parcel of Nuits-St-Georges to obtain these Premier Cru vines and if one were to look up prime Gevrey-Chambertin in the dictionary, a photo of this wine would be just to the side of the definition.

A darker, deeper presence shows excellent form with a beefier nose, cooler fruits present from northern exposure. Plenty of classic Gevrey licorice and plum prevail. Integrated nutmeg and pepper arrive. Powerfully built yet with underlying silk that will undoubtedly emerge and become very special indeed. Stacked and vertical finish that really sticks around. Wow!! This is quite a value given what many Gevrey Premiers Crus go for these days. A true collectible that needs cellar time. Drink 2022 – 2035.




FRIDAY SIPS

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

This Friday, February 23 from 1:30 - 6:30

Four local Pinot Noir selections of display this week as we feature diverse blended Pinot Noirs that come from fruit spread around the Willamette Valley

FEATURED WINES:

2015 Violin Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
2015 Goodfellow Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
2014 Seven of Hearts Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 'Special Reserve'
2015 Boedecker Pinot Noir Willamette Valley






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