Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'OVERSERVED' HOTSHEET
Ridge & Dessert Wine Special, Rhone Red, Barbera, Under 12 drinkers & more
2014 CHATEAU LA CANORGUE
LUBERON ROUGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
LUBERON ROUGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
From an area of Provence known more for underachieving wine and the book "A Year In Provence", this is a phenomenal full-tilt red wine that is a consistent winner when it comes to bang for the buck. Chateau La Canrogue is a longtime Provencal stalwart who has been farming organically since the ‘70s and certainly qualifies as an influence for those who are cultivating grapes in this manner throughout the South of France.
60% Syrah, 30% Grenache along with a 10% blend of Carignan and Mourvedre, a good friend refers to this wine as having a prominent ‘lillies and leather’ factor. Sensual, dense, soulful with smoke and game aspects pair up alongside licorice, pepper and lavender which lead into an exuberant, full, Rhone palate that displays generous, mouth-coating flavors that follow into a wild-spice, long finish. A wonderfully expressed wine from Southern France that extends nicely and can be consumed over the next 5 years, however, it is absolutely delightful now and will be the bomb with any end of the summer barbecues or upcoming fall tailgating. Make sure there’s lots of meat around.
60% Syrah, 30% Grenache along with a 10% blend of Carignan and Mourvedre, a good friend refers to this wine as having a prominent ‘lillies and leather’ factor. Sensual, dense, soulful with smoke and game aspects pair up alongside licorice, pepper and lavender which lead into an exuberant, full, Rhone palate that displays generous, mouth-coating flavors that follow into a wild-spice, long finish. A wonderfully expressed wine from Southern France that extends nicely and can be consumed over the next 5 years, however, it is absolutely delightful now and will be the bomb with any end of the summer barbecues or upcoming fall tailgating. Make sure there’s lots of meat around.
2013 CIGLIUTI BARBERA D'ALBA
'VIGNA SERRABOELLA'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 SIX PACK
'VIGNA SERRABOELLA'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 SIX PACK
Based in Neive, Cigliuti is not only a very prolific, boutique Barbaresco producer. They also happen to be one this Italian region’s most on fire commodities right now and in the village, the hill of Serraboella tends to produce some of the most prolific not only in Nieve, but also throughout the whole of Barbaresco.
Of course, Barbaresco is produced from this site but this estate also produces an apex Barbera and now with direct representation, the price at 20 bucks makes it out to be one of the grand buys. Sensuality is the best word to describe any Cigliuti wine and Bryan so succinctly described the palate-staining, detailed, high-toned 2013 as "liquid wanderlust!!" Loaded with violet, strawberry, milk chocolate, balsamic, and underlying exotic spiciness on the nose, and then carrying over into a full-texture that has serious spine, focus and natural brightness, which allow for excellent harmony, especially on the saturated finish. Enjoy with mushroom risotto with sausages, pizza made with mozzarella, Grana Padano and finished with white truffle oil or slow roasted beast.
Of course, Barbaresco is produced from this site but this estate also produces an apex Barbera and now with direct representation, the price at 20 bucks makes it out to be one of the grand buys. Sensuality is the best word to describe any Cigliuti wine and Bryan so succinctly described the palate-staining, detailed, high-toned 2013 as "liquid wanderlust!!" Loaded with violet, strawberry, milk chocolate, balsamic, and underlying exotic spiciness on the nose, and then carrying over into a full-texture that has serious spine, focus and natural brightness, which allow for excellent harmony, especially on the saturated finish. Enjoy with mushroom risotto with sausages, pizza made with mozzarella, Grana Padano and finished with white truffle oil or slow roasted beast.
2014 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR
'MT. JEFFERSON CUVEE'
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
'MT. JEFFERSON CUVEE'
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
When it comes to well-established wineries in the Willamette Valley, there is only one Cristom and one Steve Doerner. Utilizing Old World winemaking techniques including whole clusters, native yeast fermentation, and gentle but minimal handling, Cristom handcrafts wines that are smooth, classy and ageworthy, earning Cristom a distinction among wine enthusiasts and industry leaders alike.
As usual, the 2014 Mt. Jefferson Pinot Noir expresses all the beauty of its Willamette Valley appellation but the warmth of 2014 allows it to reveal thick aromas of ripe raspberries and cassis. The wine has a creamy, layered mouth-feel with loads of red fruits that include strawberry, raspberry and cherries. Lively, persistent on the finish, there is ample complexity and submerged tannins that allow it to be accessible at the moment but can also be enjoyed over the coming decade as well.
As usual, the 2014 Mt. Jefferson Pinot Noir expresses all the beauty of its Willamette Valley appellation but the warmth of 2014 allows it to reveal thick aromas of ripe raspberries and cassis. The wine has a creamy, layered mouth-feel with loads of red fruits that include strawberry, raspberry and cherries. Lively, persistent on the finish, there is ample complexity and submerged tannins that allow it to be accessible at the moment but can also be enjoyed over the coming decade as well.
2012 RIDGE CHARDONNAY 'ESTATE'
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
2012 RIDGE CHARDONNAY 'ESTATE'
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
An icon in California, Santa Cruz Mountains-based Ridge are most famous for their Zinfandels and of course, their Cabs that come from their Estate Monte Bello vineyard. What many wine enthusiasts don’t know is that Ridge does produce a small amount of white wine and it as is expected, is extremely fine. It is rare to see this wine on a special at any time such so take advantage.
The 2012 Estate Chardonnay is entirely from the Monte Bello vineyard (there are years when there are marked differences and a Monte Bello Chard is made), and is a glorious Cali-Chard. The abundance of fractured limestone in the soil is what gives Ridge’s Chardonnays the energy and delicacy that beautifully offsets the full texture. All about cool mountain vineyard aromas of fig, stone fruit, and the compacted mineral notes, this wine unfolds its complexities of intense tropical fruits, clover honey, grilled hazelnuts and buttered toast as it aerates in the glass. These decadent flavors and aromas are interwoven with stony minerality and elegant perfume, yet another reflection of this high elevation site. What is most impressive about this golden elixir is the flawless balance between full richness, thought provoking texture, and crisp terroir flavors. Striking stuff that should be enjoyed with lobster or sautéed scallops over the next 5-8+ years.
The 2012 Estate Chardonnay is entirely from the Monte Bello vineyard (there are years when there are marked differences and a Monte Bello Chard is made), and is a glorious Cali-Chard. The abundance of fractured limestone in the soil is what gives Ridge’s Chardonnays the energy and delicacy that beautifully offsets the full texture. All about cool mountain vineyard aromas of fig, stone fruit, and the compacted mineral notes, this wine unfolds its complexities of intense tropical fruits, clover honey, grilled hazelnuts and buttered toast as it aerates in the glass. These decadent flavors and aromas are interwoven with stony minerality and elegant perfume, yet another reflection of this high elevation site. What is most impressive about this golden elixir is the flawless balance between full richness, thought provoking texture, and crisp terroir flavors. Striking stuff that should be enjoyed with lobster or sautéed scallops over the next 5-8+ years.
2014 ENTREFAUX CROZES-HERMITAGE
'LES CHAMPS FOURNE'
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
'LES CHAMPS FOURNE'
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
The Tardy family have been growing grapes for generations but it was only in 1979 when Jean and Francois Tardy began exploiting their own vineyards. The wines have always been lovely but lately, a new generation has stepped in and farming practices are more intricate and organic these days, which has, resulted in even better wines. They are still flying under the wine radar at this point but that will not be a true statement for long, these wines are tasty French Syrahs that sell for a song.
The wines here are expressive, full of finesse, layered with fine fruit and above all, display rock-star aromatics. The Champs Fourne bottling is Tardy’s entry Crozes-Hermitage and unfolds with classic Northern Rhone scents that are smoky, peppery and chock full of cassis, currants and cracked pepper. Lavishly flavored, exuberant, this is showing beautifully and complete along with and having more persistence and length than usual due to the marvelous farming and selection in vintage 2014. Enjoy over the next 5 years.
The wines here are expressive, full of finesse, layered with fine fruit and above all, display rock-star aromatics. The Champs Fourne bottling is Tardy’s entry Crozes-Hermitage and unfolds with classic Northern Rhone scents that are smoky, peppery and chock full of cassis, currants and cracked pepper. Lavishly flavored, exuberant, this is showing beautifully and complete along with and having more persistence and length than usual due to the marvelous farming and selection in vintage 2014. Enjoy over the next 5 years.
2015 CELLER PARDAS
PENEDES BLANC 'RUPESTRIS'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
PENEDES BLANC 'RUPESTRIS'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
I continually state believe that when it comes to Spain and its wines, it is the outliers that are the most exciting. Yes, Rioja is Rioja and is always great but these days my favorite wines from this place come from the autonomous regions of Catalonia and Galicia. Celler Penedes is a young operation in the Upper Penedes region located south of Barcelona. Founded in 1996 by Ramon Perera and Jordi Arnan, these guys are farming their 60+ acres on hillside terraces, making absolute authentic, organic wines that deliver ample quality and character for fair prices.
Enamored with the entire Pardas range, it's the white wine in this lineup that I am most infatuated with. Pure and essence of sea and land, this blend of 75% Xarel.lo, 10% Xarel.lo Vermell and 15% Malvasia de Sitges, all native grapes, has both geek street credibility and yet is so much about pleasure. Intense aromas of melon, quince, and holly, saline and mineral follow through to a texture that is broad and diverse with cool fruit that is seemingly suspended on a tight wire with its zest and burst. The finish here is lively, refreshing and quite complex with all components and aspects making this wine ideal for mussels, clams and grilled fish like halibut or snapper.
Enamored with the entire Pardas range, it's the white wine in this lineup that I am most infatuated with. Pure and essence of sea and land, this blend of 75% Xarel.lo, 10% Xarel.lo Vermell and 15% Malvasia de Sitges, all native grapes, has both geek street credibility and yet is so much about pleasure. Intense aromas of melon, quince, and holly, saline and mineral follow through to a texture that is broad and diverse with cool fruit that is seemingly suspended on a tight wire with its zest and burst. The finish here is lively, refreshing and quite complex with all components and aspects making this wine ideal for mussels, clams and grilled fish like halibut or snapper.
2012 MASI VALPOLICELLA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
From one of Amarone and Italy's most important addresses, Masi's Valpolicella is a non-ripasso Valpolicella meaning that it is all about exuberance and is the type of excellent quality quaffer that the locals drink at their neighborhood osteria.
2014 DOURAL DURIENSE TINTO
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE
Lately it seems that Portugal that serving as the world’s thrift store when it comes to delicious, under 10 dollar value wines. This wine certainly has all of the quality and attributes that one looks for in a sheer, pleasurable, everyday red.
Coming from The Duriense region, located within the Douro region, this red, is comprised of native Portuguese grapes and is boisterous, full of flavors and aromas of violet, plum, blueberry and tangy, earthy spice. Enjoy this every evening dry red wine made by famed Port house Kopke with salami, pizza, ham, Oreos and more.
Coming from The Duriense region, located within the Douro region, this red, is comprised of native Portuguese grapes and is boisterous, full of flavors and aromas of violet, plum, blueberry and tangy, earthy spice. Enjoy this every evening dry red wine made by famed Port house Kopke with salami, pizza, ham, Oreos and more.
2011 HAUT-BORIE MONBAZILLAC
[reg. $24.99]
SPECIAL - $16.99 BTL./$101.94 SIX PK
[reg. $24.99]
SPECIAL - $16.99 BTL./$101.94 SIX PK
The Dessert Wine Deal Of The Decade…so far :-)
Monbazillac is a region situated east of Bordeaux and in close proximity to Bergerac. The white wines here are only entitled to appellation status (Monbazillac) if they have been affected by noble rot, or botrytis, on the grapes…otherwise the dry wines here are Bergerac Sec. Notes of honey, apricot, citrus fruits and caramel…stunning quality and value. Magnificent and majestic, offering a striking resemblance to Sauternes but at a fraction of the price. A wine that requires several pickings whereby only the botrytis affected grapes are selected and aged for twenty months in barriques and then another two years before release with production being limited to roughly one ton per acre. This dessert wine is nectar of the gods and proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. A superb match for Roquefort cheese or fruit tarts or for foie gras, and surprisingly, freshly shucked oysters to start a meal.
Monbazillac is a region situated east of Bordeaux and in close proximity to Bergerac. The white wines here are only entitled to appellation status (Monbazillac) if they have been affected by noble rot, or botrytis, on the grapes…otherwise the dry wines here are Bergerac Sec. Notes of honey, apricot, citrus fruits and caramel…stunning quality and value. Magnificent and majestic, offering a striking resemblance to Sauternes but at a fraction of the price. A wine that requires several pickings whereby only the botrytis affected grapes are selected and aged for twenty months in barriques and then another two years before release with production being limited to roughly one ton per acre. This dessert wine is nectar of the gods and proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. A superb match for Roquefort cheese or fruit tarts or for foie gras, and surprisingly, freshly shucked oysters to start a meal.
