Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'CALL THE BOOKIE, TI'S FOOTBALL SEASON' HOTSHEET
Montalcino Red for 10, Oregon Pinot, Throwback Sicilian Red & more
2015 CAPRILI 'ILEX'
TOSCANA ROSSO
$9.99 BTL./$59.94 - SIX PACK
TOSCANA ROSSO
$9.99 BTL./$59.94 - SIX PACK
While more famous for their Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines, Caprili has rolled out a brand new, 100% Sangiovese that drinks well on a Thursday evening while watching television. Many of you all know the wines from Caprili and the value that they deliver but this wine is insane for 10 bucks and in keeping with the Bartolommei family’s credo, this wine is both full of character and flavor while retaining freshness and balance and will carry over to the table.
This Sangiovese has serious "chug" factor with vibrant aromas of juicy strawberry, game, sage, white flowers and blueberry move nicely into the round and friendly mouthfeel. This hearty red is the perfect accompaniment to pizza, meatloaf, and simple red-sauced pasta dishes or as Karen would say, have a few glasses while you are cooking the meal with a hunk of good cheese.
This Sangiovese has serious "chug" factor with vibrant aromas of juicy strawberry, game, sage, white flowers and blueberry move nicely into the round and friendly mouthfeel. This hearty red is the perfect accompaniment to pizza, meatloaf, and simple red-sauced pasta dishes or as Karen would say, have a few glasses while you are cooking the meal with a hunk of good cheese.
2015 INGRID GROISS GEMISCHTER SATZ
AUSTRIAN WHITE BLEND
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
AUSTRIAN WHITE BLEND
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
From Austria, specifically the Weinviertel region located in the NE corner on the border of both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the white wines from this region are regarded as Austria’s spiciest. Ingrid Groiss is a young talent and one who is following her vision and making some of the coolest and most intriguing wines that I have recently tasted.
Question: Do you ask what grapes comprise the blend when you drink a bottle of Chateau Latour, Chateau de Beaucastel or Mouton Rothschild? Quick answer=NO! Why? Because it is more about the terroir and what the vineyard brings forth on the wine. Gemischter Satz roughly translates into ‘mixed set’ and the blend here is a remarkable 17 varietals from 50-year-old vines. Comprised of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Müller Thurgau, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Grauburgunder, Fruhroter Veltliner, Neuburger, Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, Samling, Roter Veltliner, Grauer Voslauer, Hietl Rote, Weisse Voslauer and Silberweisse, this dry white wine is the epitome of spice and mineral all in one bottle.
Compelling apricot, mandarin, pine needle and, white pepper, chalk and spice traits, there is marvelous depth and viscosity are offset in a most refined and complex way by mineral-driven briskness. Serious scents of wet stone, mint and oyster shell start to shine on the second and third sips. Classy, linear, harmonized and very drawn-out this wine can be consumed over the next 5 years with spicy foods, hearty fish dishes as well as casseroles based around sausage or even a grilled pork chop.
Question: Do you ask what grapes comprise the blend when you drink a bottle of Chateau Latour, Chateau de Beaucastel or Mouton Rothschild? Quick answer=NO! Why? Because it is more about the terroir and what the vineyard brings forth on the wine. Gemischter Satz roughly translates into ‘mixed set’ and the blend here is a remarkable 17 varietals from 50-year-old vines. Comprised of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Müller Thurgau, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Grauburgunder, Fruhroter Veltliner, Neuburger, Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, Samling, Roter Veltliner, Grauer Voslauer, Hietl Rote, Weisse Voslauer and Silberweisse, this dry white wine is the epitome of spice and mineral all in one bottle.
Compelling apricot, mandarin, pine needle and, white pepper, chalk and spice traits, there is marvelous depth and viscosity are offset in a most refined and complex way by mineral-driven briskness. Serious scents of wet stone, mint and oyster shell start to shine on the second and third sips. Classy, linear, harmonized and very drawn-out this wine can be consumed over the next 5 years with spicy foods, hearty fish dishes as well as casseroles based around sausage or even a grilled pork chop.
2013 VINA GORMAZ RIBERA DEL DUERO
[reg. $16.99] SPECIAL $9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
[reg. $16.99] SPECIAL $9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Home to luminaries such as Vega Sicilia and Pingus, the region of Ribera Del Duero is the region of Spain that garners the most hype from wine lovers around the world. Sadly, with the demand for the wines, many have escalated well into the "special occasion" category.
Given the previous statement, to score a Ribera Del Duero for 10 bucks is an absolute coup. Made with all tempranillo (tinta del país in the Duero) this warm, inviting flavorful red offers up complete scents that are retro-Spain with its pronounced use of American oak. A bit of French wood is also utilized to add a level of refinement and class. Strawberry, cocoa powder, tobacco and truffles shine on the nose and lead into wide, mouthfilling flavors that are smooth, integrated and very luscious.
Given the previous statement, to score a Ribera Del Duero for 10 bucks is an absolute coup. Made with all tempranillo (tinta del país in the Duero) this warm, inviting flavorful red offers up complete scents that are retro-Spain with its pronounced use of American oak. A bit of French wood is also utilized to add a level of refinement and class. Strawberry, cocoa powder, tobacco and truffles shine on the nose and lead into wide, mouthfilling flavors that are smooth, integrated and very luscious.
2013 THREE WINE COMPANY
ZINFANDEL 'OLD VINES'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
ZINFANDEL 'OLD VINES'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Lots of excitement is occurring in California and it doesn’t have anything to do with the overblown and overpriced wines that have famous names and large marketing departments. What we are seeing right now is a plethora of wines that possess lots of soul and are devoid of the sugarcoating. Three Wine Company is the venture of famed Sonoma wine vet Matt Cline. If the name sounds familiar, it is because Matt was the winemaker at Cline Cellars and has taken his talents over to Contra Costa where he is making exquisite wines.
The 2013 Old Vine Zinfandel is a steal for under 20 bucks. 76% Zinfandel, 13% Carignane, 5% Petite Sirah, 4% Mataro, and 2% Alicante Bouschet and loaded with large-scaled, rich, round plum and black cherry notes. Briar, smoke and Asian spice back up the full fruit. Impacting, ripe and generous flavors coat the palate then finish with lots of power, depth and vibrancy. This wine leaves an unmistakable impression that will enable one to release up any pent up hedonism that may be lurking below the surface! Drink through 2020.
The 2013 Old Vine Zinfandel is a steal for under 20 bucks. 76% Zinfandel, 13% Carignane, 5% Petite Sirah, 4% Mataro, and 2% Alicante Bouschet and loaded with large-scaled, rich, round plum and black cherry notes. Briar, smoke and Asian spice back up the full fruit. Impacting, ripe and generous flavors coat the palate then finish with lots of power, depth and vibrancy. This wine leaves an unmistakable impression that will enable one to release up any pent up hedonism that may be lurking below the surface! Drink through 2020.
2006 CALABRETTA (ETNA ROSSO)
NERELLO MASCALESE VIGNE VECCHIE
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
NERELLO MASCALESE VIGNE VECCHIE
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
Slow Food’s Slow Wine guide describes Calabretta’s style as “a thousand miles away” from other Italian wine, but the gap might be better measured in time, since the estate seems stuck somewhere in the 19th century. This is a good thing when it comes to this wine and yes, this IS the current release. Proprietor Massimilano Calabretta believes in aging his wines like traditional Barolo meaning extended time in large Slavonian botti. Even though this wine could be called Etna Rosso, Calabretta chooses not to do so, naming it after the grape varietal that is from 70+ year ungrafted old vines and is farmed without the use of chemical herbicides or pesticides.
Simply put, this wine is a trip in time back to old Italy and is so damn delicious. Unlike modern Etna reds, this is sturdier and larger-scaled bringing forth scents of dark chocolate, black licorice, dried cherry, dried violet, pepper and hints of cinnamon and orange. Chewy, full-on, very cherry and intensely textured, there are plenty of complex, wild-spice and baked plum characteristics that come out. The finish is saturated and superbly long. Debonair, meditative stuff that can be drunk with substantial fare like grilled lamb, strong cheeses or pasta with game meats. Drinking well at 10 years, it will age even further. To experience these wines is something very special and if you love traditional Italian reds, I can’t encourage you more than to have a go at some bottles!
Simply put, this wine is a trip in time back to old Italy and is so damn delicious. Unlike modern Etna reds, this is sturdier and larger-scaled bringing forth scents of dark chocolate, black licorice, dried cherry, dried violet, pepper and hints of cinnamon and orange. Chewy, full-on, very cherry and intensely textured, there are plenty of complex, wild-spice and baked plum characteristics that come out. The finish is saturated and superbly long. Debonair, meditative stuff that can be drunk with substantial fare like grilled lamb, strong cheeses or pasta with game meats. Drinking well at 10 years, it will age even further. To experience these wines is something very special and if you love traditional Italian reds, I can’t encourage you more than to have a go at some bottles!
2014 JAEGER-DEFAIX RULLY
PREMIER CRU 'MONT-PALAIS'
$25.99 BTL./$311.88 CASE
PREMIER CRU 'MONT-PALAIS'
$25.99 BTL./$311.88 CASE
Damn we love white Burgundy! There is something about Chardonnay from these hallowed grounds that make us have the urge to howl at the moon. Jaeger-Defaix is an offshoot project from top-level Chablis producer Bernard Defaix. Located just south of the Côte D'Or and Chassagne-Montrachet, the wines of Rully can offer exquisite white Burgundy experiences without doing damage to your pocketbook.
From 35-40 year old vines from the Premier Cru vineyard, Mont-Palais, located at the highest and stoniest point of the Rully slopes, this wine is certifiably dangerous! Elegant aromas of round and creamy pear, white peach, hazelnut and a delicate touch of flowers fill the nose. What stands out on the palate is the incredible texture and lingering mouthfeel that are perfectly balanced with notes ripe pear fruit, mineral, honey, and that classic hazelnut note that yet again brings to mind the great wines of Meursault but with mineral electricity that is reminiscent of top Chablis. Very complex, refreshing, and utterly delicious; a gorgeous, world-class chardonnay that is not to be missed! Drink now through 2021 with roasted poultry, lobster, crab with lots of butter or soft-ripened cheeses.
From 35-40 year old vines from the Premier Cru vineyard, Mont-Palais, located at the highest and stoniest point of the Rully slopes, this wine is certifiably dangerous! Elegant aromas of round and creamy pear, white peach, hazelnut and a delicate touch of flowers fill the nose. What stands out on the palate is the incredible texture and lingering mouthfeel that are perfectly balanced with notes ripe pear fruit, mineral, honey, and that classic hazelnut note that yet again brings to mind the great wines of Meursault but with mineral electricity that is reminiscent of top Chablis. Very complex, refreshing, and utterly delicious; a gorgeous, world-class chardonnay that is not to be missed! Drink now through 2021 with roasted poultry, lobster, crab with lots of butter or soft-ripened cheeses.
2014 VISTA HILLS PINOT NOIR 'TREEHOUSE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Located in the Dundee Hills and in close proximity to Domaine Drouhin and Domaine Serene, Vista Hills happens to make delightful wines in a range of levels and price points. The Treehouse is one of the flagship wines of the estate and the 2014 is very appealing for 20 bucks.
Classy and generous notes of black plum fruit dominate this Pinot. Beautifully caressed by subtle smoke, a potpourri of dried flowers and maple are all presented in fine balance with fine-grained tannins and a sultry finish. All in all this is a well-focused, classic Oregon Pinot Noir that is very accessible now and will drink beautifully over the next several years.
Classy and generous notes of black plum fruit dominate this Pinot. Beautifully caressed by subtle smoke, a potpourri of dried flowers and maple are all presented in fine balance with fine-grained tannins and a sultry finish. All in all this is a well-focused, classic Oregon Pinot Noir that is very accessible now and will drink beautifully over the next several years.
