Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'HALFWAY TO THE STARS' HOTSHEET
92 point Chardonnay, Billecart-Salmon Rose & Gigondas Specials, Tuscan Two-Step and more
2012 PESQUIER GIGONDAS
[reg. $35.99]
SPECIAL! $24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
[reg. $35.99]
SPECIAL! $24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
We have been strong supporters of Domaine Pesquier's Gigondas since the 1995 vintage, and 2012 is one of the most miraculous wines that Domaine Pesquier has ever produced. You can access it now, and the feeling is that it'll never be undrinkable, but it will age stupendously.
Very complete. Marked by ample licorice, pronounced lavender, hot rock and a kiss of smoked meat, the aromas here are scary-impressive. Dominated by 75% Grenache and backed up nicely by 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre, this full-structured Rhone red is impeccably harmonious for a large wine. Exquisite soul and density of fruit, the texture is like a roller coaster at a great amusement park. Pretty irresistible, but deceptive grip and structure which the old vine depth of fruit and peppery notes submerges. The finish explodes and glides for an eternity with anise and lively Provencal terroir. Ungodly stuff for the price point and I recommended that you drink some now and drink some later. Will age nicely for 15 years, enjoy with lamb or steak dishes as well as tomato-based preparations.
Very complete. Marked by ample licorice, pronounced lavender, hot rock and a kiss of smoked meat, the aromas here are scary-impressive. Dominated by 75% Grenache and backed up nicely by 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre, this full-structured Rhone red is impeccably harmonious for a large wine. Exquisite soul and density of fruit, the texture is like a roller coaster at a great amusement park. Pretty irresistible, but deceptive grip and structure which the old vine depth of fruit and peppery notes submerges. The finish explodes and glides for an eternity with anise and lively Provencal terroir. Ungodly stuff for the price point and I recommended that you drink some now and drink some later. Will age nicely for 15 years, enjoy with lamb or steak dishes as well as tomato-based preparations.
2014 CATENA CHARDONNAY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
92 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
92 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE
In 1902, when Nicolas Catena's grandfather left the vineyards of the Le Marche region in Italy and planted his first vineyard in the soil of Mendoza, it hardly seems possible that he realized they were embarking on a journey that would lead to revolutionizing the most important winegrowing region of Argentina. It would be difficult to find a Chardonnay from California for under 20 bucks that has even half of the complexity and balance of this wine.
"The nose is subtly oaked with white fruit and floral aromas. The palate is medium-bodied and has very nice acidity which makes the wine not only fresher, but also longer and more mineral. This is the freshest of all the vintages of this Chardonnay, and the change in vineyards is really noticeable. Super! – 92 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE"
"The nose is subtly oaked with white fruit and floral aromas. The palate is medium-bodied and has very nice acidity which makes the wine not only fresher, but also longer and more mineral. This is the freshest of all the vintages of this Chardonnay, and the change in vineyards is really noticeable. Super! – 92 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE"
2013 ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
We have now moved into the new 2013 vintage for this outstanding Chianti and the best news of all is the previous lower pricing has remained the same! Based in Gaiole in Chianti, Marco Ricasoli is one of the grand practitioners of the region and his Classico can rival many other producers Riserva cuvees.
The 2013 is a powerful but quite poised wine. Made with all native grapes (88% Sangiovese, 8% Canaiolo 4% Colorino) the latest Montegrossi Classico reflects both the ripeness of the vintage and the steely Gaiole terroir. A very classic vintage, this offering reveals savory, sumptuous strawberry and Morello cherry along with perfumy herbs, wild spices and underlying floral notes. Neo-classic in style and chock full of flavor, it is something that will pair well with tomato-based dishes or roasted meats. Well honed, this beautiful Chianti Classico from such a renowned producer will drink well through 2024+.
The 2013 is a powerful but quite poised wine. Made with all native grapes (88% Sangiovese, 8% Canaiolo 4% Colorino) the latest Montegrossi Classico reflects both the ripeness of the vintage and the steely Gaiole terroir. A very classic vintage, this offering reveals savory, sumptuous strawberry and Morello cherry along with perfumy herbs, wild spices and underlying floral notes. Neo-classic in style and chock full of flavor, it is something that will pair well with tomato-based dishes or roasted meats. Well honed, this beautiful Chianti Classico from such a renowned producer will drink well through 2024+.
2012 AMBRA CARMIGNANO
'SANTA CRISTINA IN PILLI'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
'SANTA CRISTINA IN PILLI'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Continuing our Tuscan two-step, we move to a DOCG region that isn’t nearly as well known as the likes of Chianti, Brunello or Vino Nobile. Carmignano is located northwest of the city of Florence, and is unofficially, the first "Super-Tuscan Region" since Bordeaux varietals have always been permitted for blending with the native Sangiovese. This region is home to serious big red wines that deliver a lot of bang for the buck. Ambra is a historic property and along with Capezzana and Piaggia is generally regarded as the finest grower in the region. While we would have to say that there are beautiful wines made from similar blends in other parts of Tuscany, very few maintain the finesse and flavors of the region as well as the great wines grown in Carmignano.
75% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet, 10% Canaiolo, 5% other approved red varietals and offering up intense aromas of smoky violet, cassis and raspberry liqueur, with hints of balsam, underbrush and cinnamon. Chewy, richly textured flavors show silky, yet substantial structure all gobbled up by the beautiful, ripe fruit. The generosity of the warm 2012 vintage shows with this as well as its long, long finish. A sultry, yet expressive offering from a sleeper in Tuscany and one that while irresistible now, will give pleasure over the next 5-6 years.
75% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet, 10% Canaiolo, 5% other approved red varietals and offering up intense aromas of smoky violet, cassis and raspberry liqueur, with hints of balsam, underbrush and cinnamon. Chewy, richly textured flavors show silky, yet substantial structure all gobbled up by the beautiful, ripe fruit. The generosity of the warm 2012 vintage shows with this as well as its long, long finish. A sultry, yet expressive offering from a sleeper in Tuscany and one that while irresistible now, will give pleasure over the next 5-6 years.
2014 LA CAPPUCCINA SOAVE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
A cool-breeze of a white wine coming from an estate who gets so much out of their humble Soave that is not designated as Classico. Hints of wet stone, lemon, and orange on the nose. In the mouth, there is excellent intensity without compromising its crispness. Lots more citrus fruits in the mouth, great zing, and a long finish make you keep coming back for another glass. At this price, one can afford to have this stocked up in the refrigerator. You know we will!
2013 REVELRY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Walla Walla-based Revelry Vintners is the brainchild of Jared Burns who is of the belief that good wine doesn’t need to be overblown nor overpriced and this is such an invigorating approach, especially when it comes to the wines from our northern neighbors.
Made from a combination of fruit from Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope and Horse Heaven Hills, this Cab exceeds in character further than ever should be in a bottle at this price point. No shortage of impact, this Cab is chock full of cassis, blueberry and violet with spikes of cocoa that seemingly swirl in the glass. The texture is buxom and creamy with lots of sensuality to it. A mineral underlay and deceptive structure give this wine nice spine and breadth of flavor. Very drinkable now, especially with braised shortribs or a grilled steak, it would not surprise us if this were to age 3-4 years, too.
Made from a combination of fruit from Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope and Horse Heaven Hills, this Cab exceeds in character further than ever should be in a bottle at this price point. No shortage of impact, this Cab is chock full of cassis, blueberry and violet with spikes of cocoa that seemingly swirl in the glass. The texture is buxom and creamy with lots of sensuality to it. A mineral underlay and deceptive structure give this wine nice spine and breadth of flavor. Very drinkable now, especially with braised shortribs or a grilled steak, it would not surprise us if this were to age 3-4 years, too.
2001 LA RIOJA ALTA RIOJA
GRAN RESERVA '904'
$65.99 BTL./$791.88 CASE
$134.99 - MAGNUM
GRAN RESERVA '904'
$65.99 BTL./$791.88 CASE
$134.99 - MAGNUM
Always a devout traditional wine and producer, La Rioja Alta exceeded expectations in this monumental vintage. 2005 is the latest release, however, there is still a smattering of the ungodly brilliant 2001 available…and some in magnum format, too. This wine also has a huge 96-point score from The Wine Advocate:
‘…Dark ruby-colored with a garnet rim, it displays a lovely nose of Asian spices, incense, tobacco, balsamic, and blackberry. On the palate it has exceptional depth, layers of spicy black fruit, excellent ripeness, and an elegant personality. Upon release it should continue to evolve for another 5-6 years and drink well through 2040. – 96 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE’
‘…Dark ruby-colored with a garnet rim, it displays a lovely nose of Asian spices, incense, tobacco, balsamic, and blackberry. On the palate it has exceptional depth, layers of spicy black fruit, excellent ripeness, and an elegant personality. Upon release it should continue to evolve for another 5-6 years and drink well through 2040. – 96 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE’
CHAMPAGNE BILLECART-SALMON
BRUT ROSE
SPECIAL, $79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PK.
BRUT ROSE
SPECIAL, $79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PK.
A perennially popular bubbly and one that is doled out in small doses, we are thrilled to have the chance to offer some to the entire list and at a special price. Unfortunately, we never are offered a bunch of this so when it is around and we have a chance at, we jump!
Regarded as one of the finest Rose Champagnes, It is difficult to understate just how luxurious and incredible Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Rose truly is. A lovely pale salmon color, on the nose there are gorgeous aromatics of rhubarb, chalk, and a touch of classy white chocolate. In the mouth the mousse and creaminess is incredibly regal, with penetrating red fruits, most noticeably strawberry. Great texture and incredible length make this a truly special occasion Champagne and if you love Billecart and bubbly in general, take advantage!
Regarded as one of the finest Rose Champagnes, It is difficult to understate just how luxurious and incredible Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Rose truly is. A lovely pale salmon color, on the nose there are gorgeous aromatics of rhubarb, chalk, and a touch of classy white chocolate. In the mouth the mousse and creaminess is incredibly regal, with penetrating red fruits, most noticeably strawberry. Great texture and incredible length make this a truly special occasion Champagne and if you love Billecart and bubbly in general, take advantage!
