Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'ROPE-A-DOPE' HOTSHEET
95 pt. Chianti, 2012 Oregon Pinot, WA Red Blend, Port & more
2014 GILBERT 'LEFT BANK'
COLUMBIA VALLEY RED
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
COLUMBIA VALLEY RED
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
With over 900+ wine producing operations in Washington, there are many established names along with an abundance of newcomers or names that have flown under the radar. We have known about Gilbert Cellars for several years and have proudly been touting their wines since first introduced to them.
Located in Yakima, the wines produced at this cellar are solid contenders when it comes to price/quality rapport. Coming from a blend of four vineyard sites this assemblage of four out of the five Bordeaux varietals is 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 49% Merlot & 4% Petit Verdot. Hearty and full-flavored exhibiting black cherry, raspberry, cocoa powder, violet, and aromatic herbs and spices on the nose. Mouth-coating with ripe, but even-keeled smooth-textured fruit and detail all which carry to a finish that is lasting and very dignified; drink over the next 4-6 years.
Located in Yakima, the wines produced at this cellar are solid contenders when it comes to price/quality rapport. Coming from a blend of four vineyard sites this assemblage of four out of the five Bordeaux varietals is 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 49% Merlot & 4% Petit Verdot. Hearty and full-flavored exhibiting black cherry, raspberry, cocoa powder, violet, and aromatic herbs and spices on the nose. Mouth-coating with ripe, but even-keeled smooth-textured fruit and detail all which carry to a finish that is lasting and very dignified; drink over the next 4-6 years.
2014 TERRIERE BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES
'VIEILLES VIGNES'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'VIEILLES VIGNES'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Chateau de la Terriere's Beaujolais Villages Vieilles Vignes is best described as "Premium Beaujolais Villages" due to the wine being produced from grapes that are grown in red granite soil (known as rosbif) entirely within the Cru of Regnie.
A plucky and very quaffable number, the newly arrived 2014 is flat-out delicious and reflects Terriere's meticulous nature with a nose full of complex but pretty aromas of red fruits, strawberry and raspberry, not to mention mineral. As this beauty sits in the glass, violet and spice join in on the nose while in the mouth pure and lively fruits shine with sneaky structure, sneaky length and elegant backbone. These long terroir-driven flavors on the finish show the real supremacy that 50+ year old vines and attention to detail impart. Beaujolais is always very versatile when it comes to food pairings. Enjoy this with roasted chicken, pho, grilled fish or just on a picnic with a spread of meats and cheeses.
A plucky and very quaffable number, the newly arrived 2014 is flat-out delicious and reflects Terriere's meticulous nature with a nose full of complex but pretty aromas of red fruits, strawberry and raspberry, not to mention mineral. As this beauty sits in the glass, violet and spice join in on the nose while in the mouth pure and lively fruits shine with sneaky structure, sneaky length and elegant backbone. These long terroir-driven flavors on the finish show the real supremacy that 50+ year old vines and attention to detail impart. Beaujolais is always very versatile when it comes to food pairings. Enjoy this with roasted chicken, pho, grilled fish or just on a picnic with a spread of meats and cheeses.
2009 ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI
CHIANTI CLASSICO 'SAN MARCELLINO'
$46.99 BTL./563.88 CASE
95+ POINTS - VINOUS
CHIANTI CLASSICO 'SAN MARCELLINO'
$46.99 BTL./563.88 CASE
95+ POINTS - VINOUS
There is no more succinct way to put it: Marco Ricasoli is a badass…and his wines are, too! Karen and I have been long-time fans of these outstanding Chianti wines and have known Marco for over a decade after doing a big wine dinner with him some years ago. San Marcellino is a very special vineyard site within Gaiole in Chianti and in many ways, is Marco's top wine. Only made in top vintages and whenever San Marcellino is produced, it never disappoints...it also ages immensely, too!
‘Tar, licorice, incense and smoke all burst from the glass in the 2009 Vigneto San Marcellino. A rich, layered wine, the 2009 boasts stunning depth and power from start to finish. I visited the property in 2009 just before the harvest and can attest to the quality of this fruit right off the vine. The 2009 is decidedly dark and brooding. Readers who can cellar the wine for at least a few years will be in for a real treat once it awakens. In 2009, the Vigna San Marcellino is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Pugnitello. – 95+ POINTS – ANTONIO GALLONI, VINOUS’. Easily one that can be enjoyed and aged through to its 20th birthday. Only 27 bottles remain!
‘Tar, licorice, incense and smoke all burst from the glass in the 2009 Vigneto San Marcellino. A rich, layered wine, the 2009 boasts stunning depth and power from start to finish. I visited the property in 2009 just before the harvest and can attest to the quality of this fruit right off the vine. The 2009 is decidedly dark and brooding. Readers who can cellar the wine for at least a few years will be in for a real treat once it awakens. In 2009, the Vigna San Marcellino is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Pugnitello. – 95+ POINTS – ANTONIO GALLONI, VINOUS’. Easily one that can be enjoyed and aged through to its 20th birthday. Only 27 bottles remain!
2015 DOMAINE SIGALAS
SANTORINI 'ASSYRTIKO-ATHIRI'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
SANTORINI 'ASSYRTIKO-ATHIRI'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Located on the island of Santorini, Sigaleas is known as aa specialist with the Assyrtiko grape, making one of the best. However, in this white wine, blended with one of Greece's most ancient grapes. Athiri (25%) provides intense notes of aromatic citrus and stone fruits and a roundness that balances out the searing aspects of the Assyrtiko. Santorini's volcanic soils are home to very ancient vines with some reaching 150 years.
Combining both the grapes and the terroir, the result is a delectable, intellectual and athletic white wine of fine character and persistence. Agilely perfumed with floral notes and a silky finish along with intensity, briskness and a hell of a lot of character, the euphoric nature of this white wine may cause one to want to break plates, which we are not endorsing. Therefore, to not have your significant other wanting to kill you for breaking the good china, we encourage you to serve it with calamari, braised or grilled fish or a simple melange of roasted vegetables. Also has 92 points from The Wine Advocate.
Combining both the grapes and the terroir, the result is a delectable, intellectual and athletic white wine of fine character and persistence. Agilely perfumed with floral notes and a silky finish along with intensity, briskness and a hell of a lot of character, the euphoric nature of this white wine may cause one to want to break plates, which we are not endorsing. Therefore, to not have your significant other wanting to kill you for breaking the good china, we encourage you to serve it with calamari, braised or grilled fish or a simple melange of roasted vegetables. Also has 92 points from The Wine Advocate.
2012 GROCHAU PINOT NOIR
'DUNDEE HILLS'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
'DUNDEE HILLS'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
On a mission to explain Oregon's terroir, John Grochau has created two "appellation" wines of which 120 cases were produced. 120 cases were produced and this cuvee was aged in 30% new oak. 100% from the from the Anderson Family Vineyard, this lifting, exuberant Pinot Noir is so indicative of the Dundee hills.
Built around lavender and floral tones, lavish complexity and detail are present, especially up-front. Less spicy than the Willamette and Eola-Amity this offering is creamy, fine and possessing excellent movement, balance and concentrated strawberry fruit that is almost cushiony. Just when you figured this Pinot Noir out, it changes the questions, brings about more complexity and backbone, significantly in the mid-palate, and carries on through to the drawn-out, firmly put-together finish that snaps back. Very awesome and delicious now and will continue to develop and do great things through 2025.
Built around lavender and floral tones, lavish complexity and detail are present, especially up-front. Less spicy than the Willamette and Eola-Amity this offering is creamy, fine and possessing excellent movement, balance and concentrated strawberry fruit that is almost cushiony. Just when you figured this Pinot Noir out, it changes the questions, brings about more complexity and backbone, significantly in the mid-palate, and carries on through to the drawn-out, firmly put-together finish that snaps back. Very awesome and delicious now and will continue to develop and do great things through 2025.
2015 SCAIA VENETO ROSSO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
An apex buy offering done by the superb Amarone and Valpolicella producer, Sant' Antonio this is a cleanly-made, fresh, fun wine that is made from 100% Corvina, the main grape that goes into the blends of Amarone and Valpolicella.
Medium-bodied with notes of ripe red currant, Bing cherry, earthy minerals, violet and a hint of almond, this velvety, smooth and hearty red is perfect for parpardelle with braised meats, red sauce, stewed poultry with green olives, tomatoes and capers, or a simple take-out Margarita pizza with Italian sausage and pepperoni.
Medium-bodied with notes of ripe red currant, Bing cherry, earthy minerals, violet and a hint of almond, this velvety, smooth and hearty red is perfect for parpardelle with braised meats, red sauce, stewed poultry with green olives, tomatoes and capers, or a simple take-out Margarita pizza with Italian sausage and pepperoni.
2015 LA TOUR VIEILLE
COLLIOURE 'LA PINEDE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
COLLIOURE 'LA PINEDE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Collioure is about as far south in France that you can get for dry red wine before hitting Spain. Part of the charm is definitely location; however, the soils, grapes and proximity to the ocean play a role in the making of distinctive wines that aren’t the easiest nor the most inexpensive to produce.
Along with the great Domaine du Mas Blanc, La Tour Vieille is considered as one of the top three in the region. La Pinede is a glorious offering and at 20 bucks, doesn’t break the bank. 75% Grenache and 25% Carignan, this wine is a screamer! Distinctly Catalan with its flare, this exquisite red is chock full of broad plum, cinnamon, licorice and serious wind-swept garrigue, but never fear, the distinct dance of the minerality never strays far in both aroma and taste-wise. Speaking of taste, the texture goes deep with a full presence of black licorice fruit. Full-on flavors rule the day, but never veer into heaviness or thickness. Resounding white pepper explodes on the finish that possesses excellent persistence. This is a stealth badass in the making! Drink now through 2023.
Along with the great Domaine du Mas Blanc, La Tour Vieille is considered as one of the top three in the region. La Pinede is a glorious offering and at 20 bucks, doesn’t break the bank. 75% Grenache and 25% Carignan, this wine is a screamer! Distinctly Catalan with its flare, this exquisite red is chock full of broad plum, cinnamon, licorice and serious wind-swept garrigue, but never fear, the distinct dance of the minerality never strays far in both aroma and taste-wise. Speaking of taste, the texture goes deep with a full presence of black licorice fruit. Full-on flavors rule the day, but never veer into heaviness or thickness. Resounding white pepper explodes on the finish that possesses excellent persistence. This is a stealth badass in the making! Drink now through 2023.
2009 QUINTA DO NOVAL
LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE PORTO
$23.99 BTL./$283.88 CASE
LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE PORTO
$23.99 BTL./$283.88 CASE
A disclaimer: Don't go and tell us that it has been the years of research and development drinking projects that we have experienced. As we get older, we wind up attaining more and more short term memory loss. If you tell anyone, we'll have to force-feed you nasty Chilean wine for a month. Just the other day, we were presented with many tempting offerings, but it was this port that gave us a moment of lucidity and clarity. The result was how wonderful this Late Bottled Vintage Port always is and certainly how often we lapse and forget about it. Late Bottled Vintage port means that the wine has already been aged for you. This has been in cask for 4½ years vs. 2 for a typical vintage port. It is then held for 5 more in bottle before it is released, so since it has been aged, it is one that you don't have to drink the entire bottle in one sitting, but if you choose to do so, you may become just like us!
A legendary port lodge who is famous for their four digit priced Nacional Vintage Port; Quinta Do Noval was the first to introduce a Late Bottled Vintage Port back in 1958. The 2009 LBV belies its subtle color and possesses ample character, depth and flavor. Very aromatic on the nose, filling your senses with wild berries, vanilla, a touch of walnuts and a serious presence of black licorice. Mouth filling, warm, inviting and leaving a pleasant, everlasting aftertaste long after the port is swallowed. Drink it with chocolate, a nice hunk of stilton or just by itself.
A legendary port lodge who is famous for their four digit priced Nacional Vintage Port; Quinta Do Noval was the first to introduce a Late Bottled Vintage Port back in 1958. The 2009 LBV belies its subtle color and possesses ample character, depth and flavor. Very aromatic on the nose, filling your senses with wild berries, vanilla, a touch of walnuts and a serious presence of black licorice. Mouth filling, warm, inviting and leaving a pleasant, everlasting aftertaste long after the port is swallowed. Drink it with chocolate, a nice hunk of stilton or just by itself.
2013 GILLES BARGE COTE-ROTIE
'CUVEE DU PLESSY
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
'CUVEE DU PLESSY
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
Devout traditionalists, the Barge family has been in the wine business in Ampuis, the heart of Cote-Rotie) since at least 1860. By the early 70s, the estate was bottling their entire production under their own label and these days Gilles Barge and even more so, his son Julien Barge have continued to make prototype classic, but clean wines from their miniscule holdings on these hallowed Syrah Slopes.
2013 delivered sublime and drawn out growing conditions in Côte-Rôtie, which have produced very classic, sturdy, structured wines and the results of the wines in the bottle are nothing short of stunning. The most important caveat to these wines is they are not about instant gratification; they are built for the cellar and with patience, rewards will be endless! Non-destemmed 95% Syrah & 5% Viognier from the Lancement, La Garde and Combard sections and aged in two years in 2-8 year old barrels, this is a true and alluring expression Syrah, this wine presents fragrant aromas of spice, tar and a suggestion of smoke which surround precisely focused berry fruit. The mouth-feel is rich and full of plum and pepper with fine, ripe and integrated tannins. A layer of earth and savory meatiness as well as a lingering, drawn out finish of fruitcake spices add to the mystique of this amazing offering. This wine is still hiding beneath itself and needs a little time, but the youthful raw material is profound. Leave this alone in your cellar and it will be at its apogee 2022 – 2028.
2013 delivered sublime and drawn out growing conditions in Côte-Rôtie, which have produced very classic, sturdy, structured wines and the results of the wines in the bottle are nothing short of stunning. The most important caveat to these wines is they are not about instant gratification; they are built for the cellar and with patience, rewards will be endless! Non-destemmed 95% Syrah & 5% Viognier from the Lancement, La Garde and Combard sections and aged in two years in 2-8 year old barrels, this is a true and alluring expression Syrah, this wine presents fragrant aromas of spice, tar and a suggestion of smoke which surround precisely focused berry fruit. The mouth-feel is rich and full of plum and pepper with fine, ripe and integrated tannins. A layer of earth and savory meatiness as well as a lingering, drawn out finish of fruitcake spices add to the mystique of this amazing offering. This wine is still hiding beneath itself and needs a little time, but the youthful raw material is profound. Leave this alone in your cellar and it will be at its apogee 2022 – 2028.
FRIDAY SIPS
This Friday March 31 from 1:30 – 6:30
Chianti/Rhone/Oregon/Rose
A Fantastic Foursome of New Arrivals! Drop in this Friday to sample four exciting wines that will make you want to groove.
FEATURED SELECTIONS:
2015 Brunier (Vieux Telegraphe) 'Megaphone' Ventoux Rouge
2013 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico
2015 Bow & Arrow ‘Air Guitar’ Willamette Valley
2016 Lafage Cotes-du-Roussillon Rose ‘Miraflors’
