Hot Sheets


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'NO GUIDELINES' HOTSHEET
DESCRIPTION & more


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2014 EINAUDI DOGLIANI (DOLCETTO)
[reg. $21.99]
SPECIAL $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Living in the shadow of Nebbiolo and Barbera, Dolcetto can often be forgotten, but when it comes from Dogliani, it is very special and is THE grape of this village, especially since the high-elevation vineyards bring boundless rewards in the bottle. The results and distinction of the quality have not gone unnoticed and commencing in was elevated to DOCG status (hence just Dogliani, no longer Dolcetto di Dogliani) for the best terroirs of the village.

Aromas of strawberry, black raspberry and lilies erupt from the nose and are enhanced by scents of mineral and rock-dust. Cascading with freshness in the mouth, the intense, pure fruit spreads out in the middle and follows through into the long, luscious finish. Trust us, after tasting your response will be MADONN’! At this special price, Einaudi's Dolcetto di Dogliani is a wily best buy that anyone who is perceptive about red wine will undoubtedly purchase. Pair this fabulous red with with antipasti like salami or carpaccio yet it is amply flavored to stand up nicely to pork, sausages or if you are a thrill-seeking gourmand, do up a bollito misto.



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2013 KILIKANOON SHIRAZ
'KILLERMAN'S RUN'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

The days, the category of Australian wine has become a pain in the ass. There are many good wines produced by artisan producers, unfortunately they are seemingly on the island of misfit toys when compared to the conglomerate producers who are slapped in every grocery store with some sort of cute critter on every label. This has led to a stereotype on so many levels, which are mere Milli Vanilli wines, lip-synched plonk and some of it being quite expensive!

Founded in 1997 by Kevin Mitchell, the Killerman’s Run is classic Clare Valley Shiraz meaning ample intensity without ever becoming heavy or redundant. A myriad of aromas are present, with marionberry and cherry notes mingling with mint-chocolate, mineral and earth nuances. The palate delivers in a multi-layered silky package that is full, but with fine definition and elegance, designed to seduce rather than assault the senses. Very food friendly, use it with a range of cuisine from more traditional meat dishes through to a great ragu, pho or even a well-flavored selection of English Cheddar cheeses.



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2015 SOELLNER 'TONI'
GRUNER VELTLINER
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Even though both nations speak the same language, there are profound differences between Austria and Germany, culturally, socially and for our case, wines. Stereotypically, people believe Austrian white wine to be sweet. Save for dessert wines that make up 3% of the country's entire production; this could not be further from the truth. The majority of Germany's white wines are made from Riesling carrying various levels of sweetness. Riesling is also produced in Austria, but here the noble varietal is Grüner Veltliner and possesses more volume and is a very DRY WINE!

Aromatic and very detailed; intense loess and gravel soil-driven minerals are buffered by stonefruit, lemon-lime and subtle fennel notes. The fleshy and clean attack shows plenty of mouth-coating aspects, but the real beauty lies in the back of the mouth where the wine gains stirring zest and persists quite well indeed. With its ample burst and depth, this white wine will work exquisitely with a general array of appetizers as well as scallops, grilled tuna or grilled chicken.



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2011 DIOCHON MOULIN-A-VENT
VIEILLES VIGNES
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE

"It is not difficult to believe, but it is difficult to see with one's eyes what is right in front of one's eyes" - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Led by small farmers, the renaissance in Beaujolais that has emerged with young producers has firmly stamped its mark. There is also a grass-roots movement from many wine drinkers not to have 15-16% alcohol bombs. Wine is meant to go with food and to be enjoyed, not to crack one over the head! The hangovers only get worse as we get older! A long-time Cellar Door favorite is the old vine Moulin-a-Vent from Domaine Diochon. Moulin-a-Vent is often referred to as the King of Beaujolais due to its backbone and its vineyard's abundance of magnesium in the soils. Deep and complex, this Cru Beaujolais is not what most folks are used to seeing from this genre in a world where George Duboeuf is ubiquitous. This stuff is ‘sooo' unlike that. At age five, and from an excellent vintage, this Cru Beaujolais red is starting to become pinoter, meaning that is now evolving into taking on an aged Burgundy Pinot influence.

Plums and red melons are omni-present, however, secondary aspects of dried roses, graphite, anise, mushroom, smoke and spiced cake. Silky and flowing with excellent snap back on the bright finish, this is an excellent wine for a hearty roasted chicken dish slathered in chanterelles. It will also pair beautifully with a pan-seared steak with a sauce. Delectable now and will continue for another 4-5 years.



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2011 ANTONELLI MONTEFALCO ROSSO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Montefalco Rosso embodies the link between wine and the area of Montefalco in the landlocked region of Umbria, which borders Tuscany, Le Marches and Lazio. Produced from 70% Sangiovese along with 15% each of Sagrantino and Merlot, this wine epitomizes the character and identity championed by Filippo Antonelli.

Aged in large barrels, this wine takes on the vision of what Filippo Antonelli strives for: excellent fruit along with plenty of Umbrian terroir – concentration and depth along with freshness and likability. Savory, generous and very traditionally made. Lots of marionberry, cherry, Italian herbs, and underlying spices. Dry and hearty with excellent vibrancy and length, this wine instantly transports you to Central Italy! Drink with an array of dishes including slow-roasted beef or risotto jacked with mushrooms.



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2012 DOMAINE EDEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE

A neighbor of Ridge and not made in Napa, the reality is that we are all the better because none of this is prevalent with this under-the-radar and over-delivering Cali Cab. From a historical as well as pleasure perspective, the Santa Cruz Mountain-situated Mount Eden Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays rank among the best in California. Their second label is Domaine Eden and like most second labels, there's incredible value to be had and 2012 is quite mighty for pretty much all of the Golden State.

Deep aromas and even deeper flavors it is chock full of cassis, blueberry and violet with spikes of cocoa and mint that seemingly swirl in the glass. The texture is buxom and creamy with lots of sensuality to it. A mineral underlay and deceptive structure will allow this wine to age, however, when you uncork a bottle, it will prove to be irresistible! Drink it over the next decade. Cheers to Mount Eden for producing a wonderful Cabernet blend that is damn good and does not force you to take out a 2nd mortgage to drink a bottle.



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2014 LOUIS MICHEL CHABLIS 1ER CRU
'MONTEE DE TONNERRE'
$39.99 - VERY LIMITED!

Damn I love Chablis, especially when it comes from supreme producers and renowned vineyard sites. Montée de Tonnerre is of the Chablis Premier Cru vineyards that are seemingly starry-eyed and can often have qualities of a Grand Cru, Louis Michel's version is destined for greatness!

Youthful, packed and absolutely no oak. Pondwater, mineral, blitzing lime and gunsmoke. Really walks the line of being powerful and being tactile. Firm, structured and extremely everlasting, a great wine from a great vintage. This Chablis is the real deal and a tremendous value for 40 beans. Hold this beauty until 2019 and drink it through 2028+. If you are serious about white Burgundy/Chablis/top-notch white wine then you must grab some of this.



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2005 LA RIOJA ALTA
RIOJA GRAN RESERVA '904'
$65.99 BTL./$791.88 CASE

La Rioja Alta is a devout, ultra-traditional producer and we have been anticipating the release of their 2005 Gran Reserva for almost 3 years now. Much has been bantered about over this wine, and deservedly so; combined with a great vintage with an outstanding producer and you have excitement on the level of a new Bruce Springsteen release. Oh yeah, this also has a fat 96 point score, too!!

'The 2005 Gran Reserva 904 is a superb blend of Tempranillo from the villages of Briñas, Labastida and Villalba with 10% Graciano from Briones and Rodezno. The grapes were destemmed and crushed and fermented in stainless steel for 18 days at 25 C. Malolactic fermentation was spontaneous and lasted 38 days. These wines are marked by a long aging in used American oak barrels following the most strict Riojan tradition; four years during which time the wine was manually racked eight times. This is usually my favorite wine from La Rioja Alta and 2005 is one of its best showings, going back to the quality of the vintages of the 1950s and 60s. The nose is very balsamic with notes of camphor, hints of mint, leather and hung game wrapped around a core of cherries in liqueur. Together it is balanced, subtle, truly elegant and classical. The palate is only medium-bodied but with great concentration of flavors that are very tasty, mineral, almost salty and framed by ultra-fine tannins and smashing balance. A great classic...96 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE’. Drink through 2035 and beyond






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