Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'OPEN YOUR IMAGINATION' HOTSHEET
New Walter Scott Pinot, Vietti Value, Oregon Gamay Noir, Cote-Rotie & more
2016 WALTER SCOTT PINOT NOIR
'LA COMBE VERTE'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
'LA COMBE VERTE'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
No longer can we call Walter Scott a rising star, this Eola-Amity based winery is now an established star. Another statement we should never make is to merely refer to their La Combe Verte as merely an entry wine, think of it as a village level wine in Burgundy blended from various excellent vineyard sites.
2016 is promising to be a superb vintage. Yes, it was warm but the diurnal swings in nighttime temperature helped to make wines of depth, complexity, finesse and structure. Made from a blend of five vineyards including Justice, Sojourner and Freedom Hill, this wine exudes class. Smoked plum, cinnamon, turned earth and hints of licorice shine and impressively penetrate the olfactory senses. Layered and possessing some power, the polished and refined texture is extensive and with the structure and grip submerged. The wine immediately says, "drink me," but with its length and underlying backbone, it can age very well.
2016 is promising to be a superb vintage. Yes, it was warm but the diurnal swings in nighttime temperature helped to make wines of depth, complexity, finesse and structure. Made from a blend of five vineyards including Justice, Sojourner and Freedom Hill, this wine exudes class. Smoked plum, cinnamon, turned earth and hints of licorice shine and impressively penetrate the olfactory senses. Layered and possessing some power, the polished and refined texture is extensive and with the structure and grip submerged. The wine immediately says, "drink me," but with its length and underlying backbone, it can age very well.
2014 VIETTI NEBBIOLO 'PERBACCO'
$25.99 BTL./$311.88 CASE
$25.99 BTL./$311.88 CASE
By now, everyone knows the story behind this wine as well as the character and commitment of Luca Currado. Perbacco could legitimately be called Barolo because it is aged for the 2 years required in barrel with all of the grapes coming from Vietti’s many single vineyards within the Barolo zone. Not wanting to bastardize the Barolo name and to undercut the Castiglione, Luca chooses softer and accessible lots and labels it as Nebbiolo Langhe. Many producers would make a wine like this; label it as Barolo, then charge a hell of a lot more money.
Possessing a stylishly stunning nose, this is the absolute essence of Nebbiolo and of Piedmont. Prominent strawberry licorice nose surrounded by camphor, mushroom and roses with excellent vibrancy and a beautiful sense of detail. Finesseful, regal and very ethereal wine in the mouth that shows scintillating red fruits and purity. Here is an accessible wine that has sneaky backbone, refinement and a finish that fans out over the entire palate. Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Possessing a stylishly stunning nose, this is the absolute essence of Nebbiolo and of Piedmont. Prominent strawberry licorice nose surrounded by camphor, mushroom and roses with excellent vibrancy and a beautiful sense of detail. Finesseful, regal and very ethereal wine in the mouth that shows scintillating red fruits and purity. Here is an accessible wine that has sneaky backbone, refinement and a finish that fans out over the entire palate. Drink over the next 5-6 years.
2016 LES PERLES CHARDONNAY
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
There is always something good happening in the South of France when it comes to delicious wine values. Les Perles is a series of varietally labeled wines made by Minervois maestro Jerome Calmes. This unoaked Chardonnay reveals plenty of sunshine reflecting its growing conditions in this warm and colorful southern French region.
Superbly mouth-filling and vivid with notes of orange, nectarine and subtle mineral fill mouth and roll into the finish where the briskness takes it to a next level versus many of its brethren at this price point.
Superbly mouth-filling and vivid with notes of orange, nectarine and subtle mineral fill mouth and roll into the finish where the briskness takes it to a next level versus many of its brethren at this price point.
2015 AYRES GAMAY NOIR
CHEHALEM MOUNTAIN
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
CHEHALEM MOUNTAIN
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Ayres is a long-time Cellar Door favorite Pinot Noir producer who has jumped aboard the Gamay train, and is doing it well! It would be fitting that Brad McLeroy would make a lovely version of this grape given just how stylish and smooth his Pinot Noirs are.
Coming from the Palimpsest Vineyard on the Chehalem Mountain, this offering shows creamy raspberry with underlying spicy tones of coriander and pepper shimmer from the glass and carry over to a texture that is agile, snappy and penetrating with a total eruption of persistent flavors and depth that cascade into a long finish. A wonderful local wine, drink it with fresh morels or chanterelles over pasta or stuffed into a roasted chicken.
Coming from the Palimpsest Vineyard on the Chehalem Mountain, this offering shows creamy raspberry with underlying spicy tones of coriander and pepper shimmer from the glass and carry over to a texture that is agile, snappy and penetrating with a total eruption of persistent flavors and depth that cascade into a long finish. A wonderful local wine, drink it with fresh morels or chanterelles over pasta or stuffed into a roasted chicken.
2016 AMEZTOI TXAKOLINA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
For those of you who are still drinking under the Chardonnay and Pinot Gris boulder, Txacoli is one of the world's tiniest and most picturesque regions. Grown in the Atlantic region of the Basque Country, Arbako Txakolina, Bizkaiko Txakolina, and Getaraiko Txakolina are the Denominacions De Origen that is home to this excellent, active white wine.
From the Getaraiko region overlooking San Sebastian, comes the Txakoli from Ameztoi, one of the finest producers of the region. From the estate's vineyards, one can see the Atlantic Ocean, visualize and feel the profound influence that it has on the grapes and the wines. Made from the ever popular (at least in this part of the Basque region) Hondarribi Zuri (90%) and Hondarribi Beltza (10%) grapes, at 10.5-11.5˚ alcohol, Ameztoi's Getaraiko Txakolina is a visceral, slightly sparkly white wine experience. Resoundingly fresh and shimmering, detailed and precise with perfumed crushed stone, seashore and lime-blossom scents that follow into a pleasing, bracing, vibrant, chalky and elevated mouth-feel. Truly a wine that will undoubtedly make anyone slaphappy! Drink it now, drink it often, it is a marvelous accompaniment to sushi or other fresh seafood.
From the Getaraiko region overlooking San Sebastian, comes the Txakoli from Ameztoi, one of the finest producers of the region. From the estate's vineyards, one can see the Atlantic Ocean, visualize and feel the profound influence that it has on the grapes and the wines. Made from the ever popular (at least in this part of the Basque region) Hondarribi Zuri (90%) and Hondarribi Beltza (10%) grapes, at 10.5-11.5˚ alcohol, Ameztoi's Getaraiko Txakolina is a visceral, slightly sparkly white wine experience. Resoundingly fresh and shimmering, detailed and precise with perfumed crushed stone, seashore and lime-blossom scents that follow into a pleasing, bracing, vibrant, chalky and elevated mouth-feel. Truly a wine that will undoubtedly make anyone slaphappy! Drink it now, drink it often, it is a marvelous accompaniment to sushi or other fresh seafood.
2015 QUINTA DO 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.
2011 JASMIN COTE-ROTIE
$59.99 BTL. - LIMITED
$59.99 BTL. - LIMITED
Patrick Jasmin has been following in his father Robert's footsteps very admirably. The wines of Cote-Rotie are complex, cerebral and very elusive. Many think that these wines are large beasts, but in reality, even though they are from the Rhone, they have little in common with Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but tend to lean towards the stylings of Chambolle or Chambertin. Poise, sensuality and smoothness rule the day at this very formidable cellar. The wines age tremendously, too.
From four different parcels within this tiny but prestigious appellation, this wine reveals insane Syrah-driven aromatics. Lacy but saturated scents of mineral, black olive tapenade freshly ground pepper, anise, prominent mineral and creosote tones. 2011 is a vintage that has come on strong as it has aged and this wine is no exception. Still youthful, the slow-mounting flavors build and coat the palate. Needs 2-3 more years in the cellar but at age eight or so, this will be sublime. Drink 2019 – 2027+.
From four different parcels within this tiny but prestigious appellation, this wine reveals insane Syrah-driven aromatics. Lacy but saturated scents of mineral, black olive tapenade freshly ground pepper, anise, prominent mineral and creosote tones. 2011 is a vintage that has come on strong as it has aged and this wine is no exception. Still youthful, the slow-mounting flavors build and coat the palate. Needs 2-3 more years in the cellar but at age eight or so, this will be sublime. Drink 2019 – 2027+.
FRIDAY SIPS
Buzzing with Bubbly
This Friday August 25 from 2:30 - 6:30 (note later start time)
Raventos i Blanc is one of Spain’s most prestigious, prodigal and profound producer of sparkling wines. So much that they led the charge and established a new appellation for Spanish Sparkling wine called Conca Del Riu Anoia. Drop by this Friday to sample three bubblies from this excellent producer. We’ll also have a red open for those who need their Friday Red Wine dose.
FEATURED WINES:
2014 Raventos i Blanc ‘L’Hereu’ Blanc de Blancs
2014 Raventos i Blanc Brut Rose ‘de Nit’
2013 Raventos i Blanc Brut ‘Finca’
2012 La Horra (Roda) Ribera del Duero ‘Corimbo’
