Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'DRINK FROM THE STANLEY CUP' HOTSHEET
9 Wines including 95 pt. Tuscan, WA Syrah, Rose, Unoaked and Oaked Chardonnay & more
2013 GRAMERCY CELLARS SYRAH
'LOWER EAST'
$26.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
'LOWER EAST'
$26.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
A wine this good at such a fair tariff from a Walla Walla genius is virtually unheard of these days. Greg Harrington created the Lower East lineup of wines a few years back to give many more an opportunity to have a go at his outstanding Washington wines. Along with a Rhone blend and a Cabernet, this Syrah is the latest addition to the Gramercy LE family and after tasting it, I can emphatically say that if some other unnamed producers had made this wine, it would easily retail for for, not south of 30!
Inspired by the likes of Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, the Gramercy wines always notate the earth and soil that they are grown in. If I had to describe the wine in one sentence, it would best be described as purity of fruit and earth with minimal influence from oak, but since I have the dais here and can shoot my mouth off for days about these wines I will expound. Forward and pretty perfume of smoke, black cherries, mineral, asphalt and ground pepper. In the mouth, it is very clean and silky with lots of red fruit and expansion that maintains smoothness, dimension and possesses an impressive follow through. This is just a plain delicious bottle of wine meant for the table. Unlike many oak bomb, fifteen percent alcohol versions from Washington, this wine has soul and is more akin to George Clinton, as it makes you want to dance and turn this mother out. Seriously, though, this is an incredible example of new world Syrah for the price to be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years.
Inspired by the likes of Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, the Gramercy wines always notate the earth and soil that they are grown in. If I had to describe the wine in one sentence, it would best be described as purity of fruit and earth with minimal influence from oak, but since I have the dais here and can shoot my mouth off for days about these wines I will expound. Forward and pretty perfume of smoke, black cherries, mineral, asphalt and ground pepper. In the mouth, it is very clean and silky with lots of red fruit and expansion that maintains smoothness, dimension and possesses an impressive follow through. This is just a plain delicious bottle of wine meant for the table. Unlike many oak bomb, fifteen percent alcohol versions from Washington, this wine has soul and is more akin to George Clinton, as it makes you want to dance and turn this mother out. Seriously, though, this is an incredible example of new world Syrah for the price to be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years.
2012 CHIDAINE BULLAS TINTO 'P,P,P'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
What happens when one of the finest Vouvray/Montlouis-sur-Loire producers wants to venture out and make red wine? He heads to Spain, specifically the Bullas region, tucked in the SE corner of the country in the province of Murcia.
Francois Chidaine set out to produce wine in this warm climate area due to the high elevation along with the clay-limestone soils. 50% Tempranillo/50% Monastrell. Half destemmed and cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare (Grand Cru Burgundy or Chateauneuf yields), this is a detailed, energetic, sophisticated, mouthful of red wine. A full-on attack, permeating with dark chocolate, Asian spice, red, black and blue berries coat the mouth with roasted earth and good structure. Lots of concentration from 45 year old vines presents itself instantly, however, the wine never gets heavy, nor becomes a caricature Spanish wine like so many often do. Drawn-out, toothsome and utterly enchanting with soulful fare from barbecued ribs, yet fresh and vivid enough to pair with paella.
2013 GEHRICKE CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
RUSSIAN RIVER
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
The first in our Chardonnay two-step for this week’s hotsheet is this prototype, buttery, Sonoma Chardonnay that really over reaches for its price point. There are too many with quote ‘sexier names’ who charge twice the price for the same style and quality.
Gehricke’s 2013 Chardonnay is primed to appease anyone who wants the proverbial two-by-four and a pound of butter. This has everything that those who prefer to be whacked over the head when it comes to California Chardonnay. Loads of buttery tones wrapped around tropical fruit, glycerin and vanilla follow through to a bold, creamy texture that shows off the prowess and weight of what is offered in Chardonnay from the Golden State. Drink with fish tacos or something substantial.
Gehricke’s 2013 Chardonnay is primed to appease anyone who wants the proverbial two-by-four and a pound of butter. This has everything that those who prefer to be whacked over the head when it comes to California Chardonnay. Loads of buttery tones wrapped around tropical fruit, glycerin and vanilla follow through to a bold, creamy texture that shows off the prowess and weight of what is offered in Chardonnay from the Golden State. Drink with fish tacos or something substantial.
2014 LOUIS MICHEL CHABLIS
PREMIER CRU 'VAILLONS'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
PREMIER CRU 'VAILLONS'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
Step two in our Chardonnay dance is from France and is aged without the use of oak. Chablis hounds all know the prowess and greatness of this producer but lately it seems as though Domaine Michel is climbing their way into the pantheon of Chablis producers, which includes the likes of Dauvissat, Raveneau and Fevre. The delicacy and purity of Louis Michel is perfectly expressed within this wine. As usual, at Chez Michel, the wines are never oaked, involve serious excitement, and possess incredible nervosity and grip. In fact, the only wood one will see when visiting is the wood on the outside of the building!!
Louis Michel’s Vaillons vines are gems. This vineyard sits on the left bank of the River Serein and always parlays both the power and finesse of Chablis to a "t." Sultry, pure aromas that have gunsmoke, but most importantly, the classic Vaillons tones of sea shore and crustaceans shine. Add a little lemon grass and we have one hell of a complex Chablis for not a ton of money. Flavor-wise, this wine is needling and piercing with handsome refinement. Plenty of depth of fruit buffers all of the zip and mineral beautifully and the balance and tight-wire action both scream out on the well-detailed, long finish. A great value from a great producer in a great vintage, one can experience now but for best results wait until 2018 and drink it through 2026+.
Louis Michel’s Vaillons vines are gems. This vineyard sits on the left bank of the River Serein and always parlays both the power and finesse of Chablis to a "t." Sultry, pure aromas that have gunsmoke, but most importantly, the classic Vaillons tones of sea shore and crustaceans shine. Add a little lemon grass and we have one hell of a complex Chablis for not a ton of money. Flavor-wise, this wine is needling and piercing with handsome refinement. Plenty of depth of fruit buffers all of the zip and mineral beautifully and the balance and tight-wire action both scream out on the well-detailed, long finish. A great value from a great producer in a great vintage, one can experience now but for best results wait until 2018 and drink it through 2026+.
2015 MOSER LAGREIN 'MANGIAPIETRE'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
The Moser family has been operating this property just outside the city of Trento for 80 years and producing their own wine since the 1950s. Today, the estate is led by former pro cyclist Francesco Moser, winner of the 1984 Giro D’Italia among other races.
A great value, this wine is appropriately named (cobble eater) given that a bike rider is the mind behind its production. Lagrein is a hearty red grape that is indigenous to this region and results in hearty, meaty red wines. Gnarly nuances of wild raspberry, roasted coffee, and smoked meat highlight the classic food-friendly texture that is dry but with penetrating fruit. This wine really requires a dish where cheese is involved yet is versatile enough to match with grilled meats, rustic stews, haggis or roadkill.
A great value, this wine is appropriately named (cobble eater) given that a bike rider is the mind behind its production. Lagrein is a hearty red grape that is indigenous to this region and results in hearty, meaty red wines. Gnarly nuances of wild raspberry, roasted coffee, and smoked meat highlight the classic food-friendly texture that is dry but with penetrating fruit. This wine really requires a dish where cheese is involved yet is versatile enough to match with grilled meats, rustic stews, haggis or roadkill.
2012 QUINTA DO PORRAIS
DOURO TINTO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
DOURO TINTO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
There is always buzz in the wine industry about the next cool region and today's energetic push goes to the Douro in Portugal. From this holiday hotspot comes a DRY red made from grapes also used in the making of Port.
This is a yummy everyday drinker filled with lots of dark berry tones, hints of tar and pepper. Succulent and ripe in the mouth it shares aspects of cinnamon, earth, and pepper on the finish. A fun red to try with an array of cheeses, meats and good company.
This is a yummy everyday drinker filled with lots of dark berry tones, hints of tar and pepper. Succulent and ripe in the mouth it shares aspects of cinnamon, earth, and pepper on the finish. A fun red to try with an array of cheeses, meats and good company.
2015 CHARVIN COTES-DU-RHONE ROSE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
It has arrived, one of our favorite pink wines. Every year we wait like rabid dogs at the door for this eccentric but ultra-talented Chateauneuf dude’s wines to arrive.
When compiling a short list of the greatest Châteauneuf producers, Laurent Charvin would definitely have to be included with the likes of Beaucastel, Vieux Telegraphe, Beaurenard, Janasse, Rayas and Clos des Papes. The first thing that Laurent Charvin will tell you is that he is NOT a rose specialist, nor does he want to be one. This is he being humble so pay attention because we have rarely experienced him being humble! Quite honestly, Laurent produces one of the most rockin’ rose wines in all of Provence!
All at once, this is bold and brisk. Beautifully colored and possessing fragrant scents of fresh-cut flowers, insane kirsch and hints of citrus and thyme. In the mouth it explodes, coats and then sweeps clean the palate with its dry and lifting flavors that have plenty of substance behind them. Charvin’s Rose is always one of our most popular, and the results are in the bottle. This is also one of tiny production and it sells out very quickly, so if you are as fashionable as we are, order yours now...you can be rest assured that we will be skimming our bottles off the top!
When compiling a short list of the greatest Châteauneuf producers, Laurent Charvin would definitely have to be included with the likes of Beaucastel, Vieux Telegraphe, Beaurenard, Janasse, Rayas and Clos des Papes. The first thing that Laurent Charvin will tell you is that he is NOT a rose specialist, nor does he want to be one. This is he being humble so pay attention because we have rarely experienced him being humble! Quite honestly, Laurent produces one of the most rockin’ rose wines in all of Provence!
All at once, this is bold and brisk. Beautifully colored and possessing fragrant scents of fresh-cut flowers, insane kirsch and hints of citrus and thyme. In the mouth it explodes, coats and then sweeps clean the palate with its dry and lifting flavors that have plenty of substance behind them. Charvin’s Rose is always one of our most popular, and the results are in the bottle. This is also one of tiny production and it sells out very quickly, so if you are as fashionable as we are, order yours now...you can be rest assured that we will be skimming our bottles off the top!
2014 L'AMEILLAUD VAUCLUSE ROUGE
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE
L'Ameillaud's Pays Vaucluse is always one of the world's superb bargains. Located between the Côtes-du-Rhône village of Cairanne and Mont Ventoux, this country wine is comprised of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Carignan from 30-year-old vines.
Fresh and middleweight with raspberry and strawberry scents, lavender, smoke, and classic Rhone spiciness as well. In the mouth, it is an inviting glass of wine that is chock full of goodness. Not as complex or serious as the estate's Côtes-du-Rhône, however it is a perfect wine for everyday use, parties, house gifts, pizza and Mediterranean-influenced dishes.
Fresh and middleweight with raspberry and strawberry scents, lavender, smoke, and classic Rhone spiciness as well. In the mouth, it is an inviting glass of wine that is chock full of goodness. Not as complex or serious as the estate's Côtes-du-Rhône, however it is a perfect wine for everyday use, parties, house gifts, pizza and Mediterranean-influenced dishes.
2011 ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI 'GEREMIA'
$46.99 - LIMITED!!
$46.99 - LIMITED!!
One of the greatest things about experiencing a piece of artwork is wondering about the artist’s disposition and the mood they were in during the act of creation. We know Marco Ricasoli and he is one smooth, charming and cool cat, as well as being of extreme class. His wines are just like the man whether it be the Chianti wines, the Vin Santo or this remarkable SuperTuscan Cab-Merlot blend.
‘The 2011 Geremia, the estate's Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, offers tons of energy to balance its dark, inky fruit. Lavender, menthol, melted road tar, sage, creme de cassis and grilled herbs are some of the many signatures. The ripeness and raciness of the year come through in spades, yet there is an element of pulsating intensity in the glass that plays off the more overt elements nicely. This is another superb showing from Rocca di Montegrossi. – 95 POINTS, ANTONIO GALLONI, VINOUS’ Drink through 2029.
‘The 2011 Geremia, the estate's Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, offers tons of energy to balance its dark, inky fruit. Lavender, menthol, melted road tar, sage, creme de cassis and grilled herbs are some of the many signatures. The ripeness and raciness of the year come through in spades, yet there is an element of pulsating intensity in the glass that plays off the more overt elements nicely. This is another superb showing from Rocca di Montegrossi. – 95 POINTS, ANTONIO GALLONI, VINOUS’ Drink through 2029.
