Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'MAY FLOWERS' HOTSHEET
Sangiovese, Washington Syrah, Chateauneuf & more
2013 L'ECOLE NO. 41 SYRAH
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
Having been in existence since 1983, L'Ecole No 41, led by MIT-educated Marty Clubb is one of the pioneering producers of the Walla Walla region and one that is more known for their Bordeaux varietal wines. What isn’t as well known is that this prime estate has been working with Syrah since the 2002 vintage.
Blended from six vineyard sites and dosed with a portion of Grenache, the harmonious style of L’Ecole never leaves this rather hearty version. Lush plum-pepper scents combine with allspice, violet and underlying herbs and exotic spices roll from the glass and follow through to a texture that while deep and penetrating, carries terrific balance and smoky tones throughout. Long and lasting on the finish, this deep red that carry over to the dinner table for that standing rib roast. Drink over the next decade.
Blended from six vineyard sites and dosed with a portion of Grenache, the harmonious style of L’Ecole never leaves this rather hearty version. Lush plum-pepper scents combine with allspice, violet and underlying herbs and exotic spices roll from the glass and follow through to a texture that while deep and penetrating, carries terrific balance and smoky tones throughout. Long and lasting on the finish, this deep red that carry over to the dinner table for that standing rib roast. Drink over the next decade.
2014 GAROFOLI SANGIOVESE
'MONTE REALE'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'MONTE REALE'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
We actually tasted this wine about a month ago and have been trying to figure out where to place this best buy Sangiovese on to one of our sheets without it getting lost.
About as varietally pure as Sangiovese gets, this pristine bargain wine performs way above its price level. Plum, cherry, tones of leather and sage dominate the nose. The flavors are just inviting and wondrous for a wine that sells for a mere 12 bucks! Fruit-forward, but plenty of detail provides excellent personality and depth. Crowd-pleasing, fun, but with an undertone of seriousness and at this price, it won't be around very long. One can drink this for days…Try it with grilled pork.
About as varietally pure as Sangiovese gets, this pristine bargain wine performs way above its price level. Plum, cherry, tones of leather and sage dominate the nose. The flavors are just inviting and wondrous for a wine that sells for a mere 12 bucks! Fruit-forward, but plenty of detail provides excellent personality and depth. Crowd-pleasing, fun, but with an undertone of seriousness and at this price, it won't be around very long. One can drink this for days…Try it with grilled pork.
2014 ABACELA ALBARINO
UMPQUA VALLEY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
UMPQUA VALLEY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Earl Jones's immeasurable passion first brought Abacela to the attention of savvy wine drinkers across the country and it is that passion and his unique vision which has allowed them to grow into something very special just in the last decade.
The 2014 Albarino has succeeded with the character of this grape outside of Galicia. From Abacela's Fault Line Vineyard, the grapes for this wine come from cool, north-facing hills. The flavors and aromas on this wine burst and explode! Pear and orange; touches of licorice and freshly cut grass carry over into the texture that is mouth-fillingly intense along with tongue-grabbing citrus for perfect balance; superb extension. Delicious stuff that goes with just about any seafood preparation including grilled salmon.
The 2014 Albarino has succeeded with the character of this grape outside of Galicia. From Abacela's Fault Line Vineyard, the grapes for this wine come from cool, north-facing hills. The flavors and aromas on this wine burst and explode! Pear and orange; touches of licorice and freshly cut grass carry over into the texture that is mouth-fillingly intense along with tongue-grabbing citrus for perfect balance; superb extension. Delicious stuff that goes with just about any seafood preparation including grilled salmon.
2012 GALET DES PAPES CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
'VIEILLES VIGNES'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
'VIEILLES VIGNES'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
With Bryan, Karen and Michael in France, we thought it to be apropos to feature one or two wines from various places that they will visit. One such is our longtime favorite prototype Provencal grower, Jean-Luc Mayard and Galet des Papes. This old school producer has wowed us with the many library selections but we also offer the current versions as well.
The 2012 Vieilles Vignes cuvee promises to emerge as one of the grandest wines to ever come from this cellar!! As usual, the wine is non-destemmed, aged in large barrels, and a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah from 80-110 year old vines. Exotic red berry fruit on the nose along with lots of roasted and gamey tones, black pepper, coffee, and mineral. Incredible density in the mouth. Very primary roasted earth, black olive, herbes de Provence notes, along with a solid core of raspberry and kirsch fruit. As Bryan said in his notes that day, this really is wilder than a night clubbin' with Johnny Manziel. This is typically a bit of a stubborn diva right now, but has a incredible future ahead of it. The massive core of fruit and spice completely sops up any alcohol, and the length is too long to mention. It is reminiscent of, yet doesn't take a back seat to the likes of Pegau, Beaucastel or Vieux Donjon. Drink 2019 - 2030.
The 2012 Vieilles Vignes cuvee promises to emerge as one of the grandest wines to ever come from this cellar!! As usual, the wine is non-destemmed, aged in large barrels, and a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah from 80-110 year old vines. Exotic red berry fruit on the nose along with lots of roasted and gamey tones, black pepper, coffee, and mineral. Incredible density in the mouth. Very primary roasted earth, black olive, herbes de Provence notes, along with a solid core of raspberry and kirsch fruit. As Bryan said in his notes that day, this really is wilder than a night clubbin' with Johnny Manziel. This is typically a bit of a stubborn diva right now, but has a incredible future ahead of it. The massive core of fruit and spice completely sops up any alcohol, and the length is too long to mention. It is reminiscent of, yet doesn't take a back seat to the likes of Pegau, Beaucastel or Vieux Donjon. Drink 2019 - 2030.
2012 DOMAINE EDEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
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 very irresistible! Drink it over the next decade. Cheers to Mount Eden for producing a wonderful Cabernet blend that is damn good and doesn't force you to take out a 2nd mortgage to drink a bottle.
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 very irresistible! Drink it over the next decade. Cheers to Mount Eden for producing a wonderful Cabernet blend that is damn good and doesn't force you to take out a 2nd mortgage to drink a bottle.
