Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FULL MOON SOLSTICE' HOTSHEET
Everyday Tempranillo, Valpolicella Ripasso, Rose, 15 yr. old Bordeaux & more
2013 SPERI VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO
[reg. 29.99]
SPECIAL! $19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PK.
[reg. 29.99]
SPECIAL! $19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PK.
Times are changing in the Amarone producing area of Il Valpolicella in Italy's Veneto region when it comes to the thought process of making Ripasso wines. A reversion of sorts is occurring which highlights the wines not being "baby Amarone" while still maintaining the pass-over process but instead following the original vision of the 1950s and 60s which featured wines of breed and uniqueness that were the benchmarks of this process and region. Yes, Amarone is still the same beast of a wine that it is and should be, but now many producers such as Speri are putting forth Ripasso wines that don't kick you in the posterior with high octane levels from 15% alcohol. Still, these wines preserve flavor and aura that entice and allow one to enjoy a full bottle.
Notes of forest, violet and wild red berries that speak of the Veneto perfectly intermingle with the core of sultry fruit and exotic spice that comes from the ripasso technique. Completely dry with equilibrium coming from the high-toned fruit brings a level of liveliness to the mix making this an extremely food friendly and versatile bottle of red wine. Enjoy with braised and hearty meat dishes, burgers, nutty cheeses & anything with stewed or roasted veggies.
Notes of forest, violet and wild red berries that speak of the Veneto perfectly intermingle with the core of sultry fruit and exotic spice that comes from the ripasso technique. Completely dry with equilibrium coming from the high-toned fruit brings a level of liveliness to the mix making this an extremely food friendly and versatile bottle of red wine. Enjoy with braised and hearty meat dishes, burgers, nutty cheeses & anything with stewed or roasted veggies.
2014 FILLIATREAU SAUMUR
'CHATEAU FOUQUET'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
'CHATEAU FOUQUET'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Warning – this Loire Valley Red has been known to cause fits of glee upon drinking…it's also been known to give a good beating to super-pretentious foodies who simply can't seem to enjoy the simple things in life such as a good steak-frites! Live and learn. A few years back, I was in Paris and went to a certain touted, upscale bistro to have the famous dish that I was so craving. Safe to say, the jagoff food scribe who wrote the internet review was totally over-thinking the dish and suffice to say, Bryan wound up eating the equivalent of a Reebok shoe while the bill wound up being 140 Euros! At least the wine was good! The next day, he went to a simple brasserie and ordered the same dish. It was wonderful and even more so with a bottle of this particular producer's Saumur.
Over the years, we have featured this formidable and influential producer’s Cabernet Franc from the Saumur region. Domaine Filliatreau is one of the leaders in producing unoaked versions that reflect origin, varietal and best of all, are the epitome of vin de soif. The 2014 version has just landed and is oh so good but also is oh so limited and will sell out quickly. Sexy, pure and forward aromas of cherry pit, smoke, herbs, violet and gravel. Soulful terroir aspects with more sandalwood arriving swirling in the glass, its flavors are tangy and earthy, but with luscious dry fruit on the well-balanced palate and airy finish. Drink this with anything ranging from pork chops to grilled salmon and of course, steak-frites!
Over the years, we have featured this formidable and influential producer’s Cabernet Franc from the Saumur region. Domaine Filliatreau is one of the leaders in producing unoaked versions that reflect origin, varietal and best of all, are the epitome of vin de soif. The 2014 version has just landed and is oh so good but also is oh so limited and will sell out quickly. Sexy, pure and forward aromas of cherry pit, smoke, herbs, violet and gravel. Soulful terroir aspects with more sandalwood arriving swirling in the glass, its flavors are tangy and earthy, but with luscious dry fruit on the well-balanced palate and airy finish. Drink this with anything ranging from pork chops to grilled salmon and of course, steak-frites!
2014 BOEDECKER PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Having lived here for over 20 years now and looking at just how the Oregon wine scene has grown, it stymies us to believe that it has only been 9 short years since we were placing Boedecker on our list of rising star producers. No longer on the rising star list and now on the established star list, the husband and wife team of Stewart Boedecker and Athena Pappas have been crafting award-winning wines of quality and passion and their new 2014 Willamette is an exceptional value for 20 bucks.
Sensual aromas of ripe raspberry and plum with a beautiful exotic spice are both poised and outgoing at the same time. In the mouth, the berry flavors continue only with more of a presence of wild strawberry, dark cherry, and hints of earth. Here is where you can feel it is from the New World, as its, weight, richness, and intensity take over, yet without ever losing its elegance or endurance. Drink through 2020.
Sensual aromas of ripe raspberry and plum with a beautiful exotic spice are both poised and outgoing at the same time. In the mouth, the berry flavors continue only with more of a presence of wild strawberry, dark cherry, and hints of earth. Here is where you can feel it is from the New World, as its, weight, richness, and intensity take over, yet without ever losing its elegance or endurance. Drink through 2020.
2015 MARTHOURET SYRAH
COLLINES RHODANIENNES
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
COLLINES RHODANIENNES
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
Over the past several years we have been touting the wines from Pascal Marthouret, a former mechanic turned vignerons. Last year when I visited this area, Pascal was gracious enough to meet on a French holiday and show me his small but impressive operation. Pascal’s vineyards are comprised of almost half in St-Joseph; almost half in Vin de Pays varietal wines with a small bit of Condrieu in for good measure and this particular Syrah actually comes from 3 different villages that are entitled to St-Joseph status.
2015 is a forward, formidable vintage and this wine is essence of French Syrah. A real pepperpot nose abundant with plum and raspberry fruit, it is generous with creamy fruit upon entry all unfurling into minerally vibrancy. A wonderfully versatile, spectacular value red to bring to friends’ homes over the summer season, especially when you are not sure what they will be serving for dinner.
2015 is a forward, formidable vintage and this wine is essence of French Syrah. A real pepperpot nose abundant with plum and raspberry fruit, it is generous with creamy fruit upon entry all unfurling into minerally vibrancy. A wonderfully versatile, spectacular value red to bring to friends’ homes over the summer season, especially when you are not sure what they will be serving for dinner.
2014 POJER E SANDRI
SAUVIGNON BLANC 'DOLOMITI'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
SAUVIGNON BLANC 'DOLOMITI'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
If you love Sauvignon Blanc, particularly those with incredible purity of fruit, then this is an absolute must for you. Even though they haven’t been in Portland for a bit, Pojer e Sandri is widely recognized as an elite winery for white wines in the Trentino denomination of Italy. The partnership and friendship of Fiorentino Sandri and winemaker Mario Pojer dates back to 1975. Along with Foradori, these two operations revolutionized the area. Today they remain the leaders of Trentino. Whereas Foradori concentrates on the Teroldego grape, Pojer & Sandri work with native varietals as well as international selections and all provide outstanding results.
Grown in vineyards that that range from 1300-2100 feet and done sans oak barrels, this wine shows just how pristine this varietal is in Northern Italy. The 2014 is a vibrant, naked and devilishly fresh drink with fleshy flavors of Meyer lemon, Crenshaw melon, creamy pear and substantial minerality all underline the terroir and ultimate sophistication of the wine. The finish is crisp and cleansing and rings out for quite a while after the wine is swallowed. Drink now and over the next year with alder-plank grilled cod, summer salads with fresh cheeses, and light pastas.
Grown in vineyards that that range from 1300-2100 feet and done sans oak barrels, this wine shows just how pristine this varietal is in Northern Italy. The 2014 is a vibrant, naked and devilishly fresh drink with fleshy flavors of Meyer lemon, Crenshaw melon, creamy pear and substantial minerality all underline the terroir and ultimate sophistication of the wine. The finish is crisp and cleansing and rings out for quite a while after the wine is swallowed. Drink now and over the next year with alder-plank grilled cod, summer salads with fresh cheeses, and light pastas.
2014 LEGADA MUNOZ TEMPRANILLO
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
Tempranillo is certainly the spiritual grape of Spain and this red wine delivers a hell of a lot of character for such a fair pricepoint! The warmth of the region around La Mancha combined with the chameleon-like aspects of the grape varietal provide broad scents blackberry, balsamic, vanilla and coriander. Flavorful, mouth filling and an engaging wine for immediate gratification with an array of foods ranging from hearty vegetarian fare to pork chops or pizza.
2015 CANTALUPO ROSE
COLLINE NOVARESE 'IL MIMO'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
COLLINE NOVARESE 'IL MIMO'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
100% Nebbiolo Rose from the northern reaches of Piedmont in the village of Ghemme, Cantalupo is extremely well known for their fabulous red wines but each year we look to the arrival of this excellent pink wine that sells out so quickly, it virtually never makes our weekly offerings. Fortunately, there is a decent supply this year and we will pour it this coming Friday.
Alluring red licorice whip and strawberry surround subtle mineral and freshly cut herbs. Cool and ethereal texture that takes on all of the nuances that the nose gives. The finish bursts and grabs the tongue before heading down. Beautifully dry and seafood friendly. Slurp, slurp, slurp, and then open another bottle!
Alluring red licorice whip and strawberry surround subtle mineral and freshly cut herbs. Cool and ethereal texture that takes on all of the nuances that the nose gives. The finish bursts and grabs the tongue before heading down. Beautifully dry and seafood friendly. Slurp, slurp, slurp, and then open another bottle!
2000 CHATEAU CAMBON LA PELOUSE
HAUT MEDOC
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
HAUT MEDOC
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
It isn’t very often that we are able to offer a 15-year-old wine from Bordeaux let alone one that is under 50 bucks! As Bryan has been preaching from his pulpit, the price/quality excitement does not lie with the Classified Growths, although there is still amazing quality there. Quite simply, these people are smoking something really special when it comes to setting prices (2015 futures of Margaux being offered at 500 Euros)!?! The real excitement in Bordeaux are the farmers, the ones really making wines on a smaller scale and practicing impeccable farming and attention to detail in the winery.
Chateau Cambon La Pelouse is in quite a prime location situated in the village of Macau and counts classified growths Chateau Cantlemerle and Margaux’s Chateau Giscours as neighbors. The vineyards are quite special here because they are gravel laden unlike many other spots of the Haut Medoc. The 2000 is a point right now and very tasty, especially for those who like mature Bordeaux or for those who have never experienced one that has some age to it. Drinking exquisitely right now, this is firmly entrenched old Bordeaux.
Antique aromas of red earth, gravel, dried roses, jasmine and prominent cigar box elegantly state not only where they are from, but also reveal the impact of a great vintage like 2000. Smooth and full of finesse; excellent richness that is not about being fruity, but having more depth, personality and character. The support of the fruit is evident, but warm earth, acidity and an array of potpourri-like spices on the drawn-out and sophisticated finish allow this wine to change like an obstacle course as you savor and experience it over a nice meal. Drinking beautifully now and will continue to do so over the next 3-5 years.
Chateau Cambon La Pelouse is in quite a prime location situated in the village of Macau and counts classified growths Chateau Cantlemerle and Margaux’s Chateau Giscours as neighbors. The vineyards are quite special here because they are gravel laden unlike many other spots of the Haut Medoc. The 2000 is a point right now and very tasty, especially for those who like mature Bordeaux or for those who have never experienced one that has some age to it. Drinking exquisitely right now, this is firmly entrenched old Bordeaux.
Antique aromas of red earth, gravel, dried roses, jasmine and prominent cigar box elegantly state not only where they are from, but also reveal the impact of a great vintage like 2000. Smooth and full of finesse; excellent richness that is not about being fruity, but having more depth, personality and character. The support of the fruit is evident, but warm earth, acidity and an array of potpourri-like spices on the drawn-out and sophisticated finish allow this wine to change like an obstacle course as you savor and experience it over a nice meal. Drinking beautifully now and will continue to do so over the next 3-5 years.
