Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'OSCAR THE GROUCH' HOTSHEET
95 pt. Red ValueSpecial, St-Emilion, Montalcino, White Burgundy & more
2016 CAMIGLIANO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Since 1957, Camigliano has been producing nothing short of exquisite in the southern Montalcino base and these wines always have sophistication to go along with their fine power and silkiness. One for earlier consumption, don’t be misled, this comes from quite a bit of Brunello fruit that’s been declassified and aged less yet the quality here is superb!
A five-star vintage the 2016 is seductive, suave and packed with lots of Sangiovese depth and personality. Bing cherry, earth tones, violet, roasted sage and spice dominate this fleshy, wind-swept and flavorful red that has character and ample depth and finesse. Red fruit flavors are on the go from the start to the long finish and are framed nicely by smooth earth/herb aspects. Drink over the next five years, especially with a grilled steak.
A five-star vintage the 2016 is seductive, suave and packed with lots of Sangiovese depth and personality. Bing cherry, earth tones, violet, roasted sage and spice dominate this fleshy, wind-swept and flavorful red that has character and ample depth and finesse. Red fruit flavors are on the go from the start to the long finish and are framed nicely by smooth earth/herb aspects. Drink over the next five years, especially with a grilled steak.
2010 CHATEAU DU COURLAT
LUSSAC SAINT-EMILION
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
LUSSAC SAINT-EMILION
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
One of the grand Bordeaux values, Chateau Du Courlat is located in the village of Lussac, one of 4 satellite regions of St-Emilion and one that is considered to be the most robust of the group. This Chateau has been in the Bourotte family since 1906 and over the last bunch of vintages has provided some excellent experiences including this gem, which happens to come from a profound vintage.
A generous, lush offering that at age seven is starting to shine. This classic Right Bank Bordeaux reveals ripe notes of cherry, deep plum, leather, mineral and subtle cocoa powder. On the palate intense berry notes are joined nicely with red earth, followed by vanilla/espresso notes from the thoughtfully placed French oak. Very satisfying now and will develop and provide pleasure through 2023+.
A generous, lush offering that at age seven is starting to shine. This classic Right Bank Bordeaux reveals ripe notes of cherry, deep plum, leather, mineral and subtle cocoa powder. On the palate intense berry notes are joined nicely with red earth, followed by vanilla/espresso notes from the thoughtfully placed French oak. Very satisfying now and will develop and provide pleasure through 2023+.
2014 LOVE & SQUALOR RIESLING
WILLAMETTE VALLEY $14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY $14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Love & Squalor’s first vintage was 2007 but owner/winemaker Matt Berson has worked in various Oregon cellars since 2003 including the likes of Patty Green and J. Christopher as well as in New Zealand and Germany. It would be too easy to refer to Love & Squalor as Riesling specialists and if were the only wine that were produced, it would still garner a remarkable reputation. Don’t be misled, Riesling is not the only focus, there are others made here including some damn fine Pinot Noirs.
Get over your fears of Riesling and stop the bullmerde stereotyping, Riesling can be produced into various levels of dryness including all the way to some of the grandest dessert wines in the world. Crucial, ferocious and thoroughly dry, this Riesling definitely has teeth and certainly is not the old blue-hair versions from Chateau Benoit from back in the day! Sourced from older vineyards it is a real "sense-tantalizer" with tactile, savory aspects throughout the entire experience. Fragrant peach, hints of grapefruit, talc and smoke tones lead into a blazing texture invigorates and entices all the way through to the livewire finish. A perfect wine for mussels, smoked fish or grilled bratwurst.
Get over your fears of Riesling and stop the bullmerde stereotyping, Riesling can be produced into various levels of dryness including all the way to some of the grandest dessert wines in the world. Crucial, ferocious and thoroughly dry, this Riesling definitely has teeth and certainly is not the old blue-hair versions from Chateau Benoit from back in the day! Sourced from older vineyards it is a real "sense-tantalizer" with tactile, savory aspects throughout the entire experience. Fragrant peach, hints of grapefruit, talc and smoke tones lead into a blazing texture invigorates and entices all the way through to the livewire finish. A perfect wine for mussels, smoked fish or grilled bratwurst.
2016 LES HERETIERS DU COMTE LAFON
VIRE-CLESSE
$46.99 - VERY LIMITED
VIRE-CLESSE
$46.99 - VERY LIMITED
Owned, operated and made by Meursault Mega maestro Dominique Lafon, the Heretiers du Comte Lafon Macon wines are some of the rarest and finest of the region. When Lafon commenced his Maconnais operation, it brought prestige to the area and elevated many younger producers to improve the quality of their wines as well. In this case, we can quote one of the greatest TV shows ever, The Wire: ‘The King stay the King’ and we are definitely in the upper echelon of White Burgundy from the Maconnais region.
In 1998, the villages of Vire and Clesse (along with two others in close proximity) were elevated to Appellation status meaning more prestige as well as no longer having to say Macon-Vire or Macon–Clesse. Regulations were tightened, quality has since soared, and Lafon’s version is arguably the top dog. Vire-Clesse’s levels of dryness in the wines are virtually the same as required for Chablis, meaning bone dry. This wine is just that but there is also no shortage of dynamic hedonistic palate-coating richness to go along with the brisk, sweeping qualities. Very mineral indeed with bracing lemon, mandarin and smoke tones. Expansive and electric with penetration and precision. Long, very lasting and with immense potential. Enjoy this prolific and stylish White Burgundy over the next 10-12 years. Let’s face it, if this wine hailed from famous Cote D’Or regions like Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet, the price here would easily be double.
In 1998, the villages of Vire and Clesse (along with two others in close proximity) were elevated to Appellation status meaning more prestige as well as no longer having to say Macon-Vire or Macon–Clesse. Regulations were tightened, quality has since soared, and Lafon’s version is arguably the top dog. Vire-Clesse’s levels of dryness in the wines are virtually the same as required for Chablis, meaning bone dry. This wine is just that but there is also no shortage of dynamic hedonistic palate-coating richness to go along with the brisk, sweeping qualities. Very mineral indeed with bracing lemon, mandarin and smoke tones. Expansive and electric with penetration and precision. Long, very lasting and with immense potential. Enjoy this prolific and stylish White Burgundy over the next 10-12 years. Let’s face it, if this wine hailed from famous Cote D’Or regions like Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet, the price here would easily be double.
2014 BONNY DOON 'A PROPER' CLARET
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Not known for using Bordeaux varietals, it figures Randall Graham would make a slurpable red wine using them in his own style and manner.
At 10 bucks, this kitchen sink blend is 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Petit Verdot, 22% Tannat, 9% Syrah, 7% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petite Sirah. Pretty berry and plum on the nose lead into a well-balanced palate full of savory fruit notes and a touch of peppery spice. Vivacious, forward, and delicious this is an excellent everyday California red wine that can be drank all by itself, or with your favorite BBQ chicken recipe.
At 10 bucks, this kitchen sink blend is 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Petit Verdot, 22% Tannat, 9% Syrah, 7% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petite Sirah. Pretty berry and plum on the nose lead into a well-balanced palate full of savory fruit notes and a touch of peppery spice. Vivacious, forward, and delicious this is an excellent everyday California red wine that can be drank all by itself, or with your favorite BBQ chicken recipe.
2014 DOMAINE FOND MOIROUX
MOULIN-A-VENT
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
MOULIN-A-VENT
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
A true labor of love, in 2008 this estate which was founded in 1789 was purchased by Luxembourg banker and wine enthusiast Bernd Bachausen. German Riesling maestro Erni Loosen is also on board to assist in the promotion of the estate and while based in the Pierre Dorees area of Beaujolais, their 5-acres of Moulin-A-Vent Cru is what has launched this estate.
Known as the King of Beaujolais, Moulin-A-Vent not only can drink well early, it also can age impeccably proving that Gamay is quite noble in its own right. This wine is made utilizing Burgundian methods and is quite a sensual version. Persuasive, ripe black raspberry, smoke, licorice, allspice and prominent stony, earthy character. Dark and layered upon entry then unfurling with detonating, fresh, high notes and a persisting, vinous finish. Like most Beaujolais, this wine is very versatile and can pair with an agglomeration of cuisines. Drink through 2024 and probably beyond. If you like a specific score, Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored it 93 points.
Known as the King of Beaujolais, Moulin-A-Vent not only can drink well early, it also can age impeccably proving that Gamay is quite noble in its own right. This wine is made utilizing Burgundian methods and is quite a sensual version. Persuasive, ripe black raspberry, smoke, licorice, allspice and prominent stony, earthy character. Dark and layered upon entry then unfurling with detonating, fresh, high notes and a persisting, vinous finish. Like most Beaujolais, this wine is very versatile and can pair with an agglomeration of cuisines. Drink through 2024 and probably beyond. If you like a specific score, Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored it 93 points.
2016 BODEGAS NOEMIA MALBEC 'A LISA'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
One of the world's southernmost wine growing regions is quietly and quickly becoming a rising force. With its various microclimates, Patagonia is one of the world's unique wine areas because here Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet and Pinot Noir are all cultivated and done very well and now are forging their own identities in the wine world.
Striving for as much notoriety as their colleagues in Mendoza, Bodegas Noemia have continued their good roll for several years. The newly arrived 2016 Malbec is deep yet with a playful side. A generous core of fruit surrounded by aromatic black tea scents, licorice, Mexican hot cocoa, warm spices and a fresh, earthy quality that finishes with a cool climate lift., it is a classy drink for a great price. We were happy to sit around and drink a glass of but ultimately it is even better with your legs under the table. Enjoy with braised lamb and slow-cooked pork shoulder, and is perfect for Mexican food night.
Striving for as much notoriety as their colleagues in Mendoza, Bodegas Noemia have continued their good roll for several years. The newly arrived 2016 Malbec is deep yet with a playful side. A generous core of fruit surrounded by aromatic black tea scents, licorice, Mexican hot cocoa, warm spices and a fresh, earthy quality that finishes with a cool climate lift., it is a classy drink for a great price. We were happy to sit around and drink a glass of but ultimately it is even better with your legs under the table. Enjoy with braised lamb and slow-cooked pork shoulder, and is perfect for Mexican food night.
2016 L'ISOLA DEI PROFUMI
SICILIA ROSSO
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE
SICILIA ROSSO
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE
From Sicily and Italy, this fun, honestly expressed wine is a blend of Nero D'Avola and Perricone, two native varietals. Perfection only exists as an idea or dream, but for an every-evening 8 buck bangin' red, this comes damn close. Fleshy, full of fruit, tangy earth and sea-driven scents, this spicy, mouth-tingling red is perfect with the usual suspects, pizza, red sauce pasta or a burger.
2014 J. PALACIOS BIERZO 'CORULLON'
[reg. $53.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
95 POINTS - THE WINE ADVOCATE
[reg. $53.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
95 POINTS - THE WINE ADVOCATE
Alvaro and Riccardo Palacios's Corullon Bierzo is DEFINITELY going into our private cellars! The Corullon cuvee is from very old vineyards specifically coming from the Grand cru village of Corullon and the resulting wine is packed, stacked and much more serious than the Petalos.
‘Cropped from a cooler vintage and, therefore, with a cooler profile, the village red (vino de villa in the new classification from the 2017 vintage), the 2014 Corullon, felt like a more complete version of 2013, clearly a more Atlantic (cooler) year, with notes of violets, lilies and pomegranate, really expressive, open and aromatic, more focused, precise, clean and with a palate that follows that same line, plus the verticality and minerality added by the slate soils. Hands down, one of the best (if not the best) vintages of Corullon. Bravo! – 95+ POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE.’ Drink through 2030.
‘Cropped from a cooler vintage and, therefore, with a cooler profile, the village red (vino de villa in the new classification from the 2017 vintage), the 2014 Corullon, felt like a more complete version of 2013, clearly a more Atlantic (cooler) year, with notes of violets, lilies and pomegranate, really expressive, open and aromatic, more focused, precise, clean and with a palate that follows that same line, plus the verticality and minerality added by the slate soils. Hands down, one of the best (if not the best) vintages of Corullon. Bravo! – 95+ POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE.’ Drink through 2030.
FRIDAY SIPS
Rosso di Montalcino
This Friday, March 9 from 1:30 - 6:30
We are exploring the world of Montalcino, specifically Rosso di Montalcino. While being the little brother of Brunello, Rosso di Montalcino has taken a righteous place in the world of Italian wine values and gives one an early drinking Montalcino experience. Drop by Friday to sample four delicious versions.
FEATURED WINES:
2016 Camigliano Rosso di Montalcino
2015 La Palazzetta Rosso di Montalcino
2015 Canalicchio di Franco Pacenti Rosso di Montalcino
2015 Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino
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