Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'PIE' HOTSHEET
Barbaresco for 20, 96 point Washington Red & more
2013 FABRE MONTMAYOU
CABERNET FRANC RESERVA
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
CABERNET FRANC RESERVA
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Fabre Montmayou is from Argentina and owned by a man from Bordeaux so it makes sense that there would be excellent Cabernet Franc emerging from their Mendoza vineyards.
A resounding Argentine take on the varietal, this wine rocks cassis, tea-smoke, raspberry, clove and cinnamon scents that follow into a texture that is mellow, smooth and very poised. Excellent depth, body and length belie its modest price point. Drink this delicious, superbly priced Reserve Cab Franc over the next 3-4 years with grilled burgers, grilled pork or grilled eggplant for those who don't partake in carnivorous delights.
A resounding Argentine take on the varietal, this wine rocks cassis, tea-smoke, raspberry, clove and cinnamon scents that follow into a texture that is mellow, smooth and very poised. Excellent depth, body and length belie its modest price point. Drink this delicious, superbly priced Reserve Cab Franc over the next 3-4 years with grilled burgers, grilled pork or grilled eggplant for those who don't partake in carnivorous delights.
2012 TINTERO BARBARESCO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Barbaresco for 20 bucks that's actually good doesn't come around all too often. This wine is perennially popular and it always sells out. RESPOND QUICKLY!!
A producer who better known for their Moscato and dry whites, the Tintero family also possesses a tiny 2½-acre parcel of Barbaresco planted in the village of Neive. This isn't merely a glorified Nebbiolo Langhe with Barbaresco slapped on to the label, this is very on-form stuff that while not Giacosa or Bruno Rocca, is also not north of $50 and is one that can be accessed now. Exuberant and forward tones of strawberry, licorice, tar and vibrancy show off lovely depth and Barbaresco class. In the mouth, it is stylish, luscious and mouth crawling with earthy flavors and a savory, bright finish. Very pleasurable with slow-roasted dishes, drink this excellent Barbaresco value over the next 6-8 years.
A producer who better known for their Moscato and dry whites, the Tintero family also possesses a tiny 2½-acre parcel of Barbaresco planted in the village of Neive. This isn't merely a glorified Nebbiolo Langhe with Barbaresco slapped on to the label, this is very on-form stuff that while not Giacosa or Bruno Rocca, is also not north of $50 and is one that can be accessed now. Exuberant and forward tones of strawberry, licorice, tar and vibrancy show off lovely depth and Barbaresco class. In the mouth, it is stylish, luscious and mouth crawling with earthy flavors and a savory, bright finish. Very pleasurable with slow-roasted dishes, drink this excellent Barbaresco value over the next 6-8 years.
2014 SAINT MICHAEL-EPPAN
PINOT GRIGIO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
PINOT GRIGIO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Pinot Gris is a grape and a wine that Bryan and Karen rarely drink willingly. Most are either insipid flavorless watery wonders or they are dirty sugar water. Fortunately, we do have heroes and one of the bastions of apex Italian white wines is the Alto Adige-based producer, Saint Michael-Eppan.
If diamonds could be aromas, then this would be it. The essence of Italo-Teutonic qualities, gushing aromas of lime, cream and extreme minerality penetrate the senses. Sensual flavors throughout, but the streamlined brisk acidity that prevails in the minerally soil that Alto Adige is known for is what balances this classy, precise white wine. Have it with starters like terrines or pates as well as grilled salmon or halibut.
If diamonds could be aromas, then this would be it. The essence of Italo-Teutonic qualities, gushing aromas of lime, cream and extreme minerality penetrate the senses. Sensual flavors throughout, but the streamlined brisk acidity that prevails in the minerally soil that Alto Adige is known for is what balances this classy, precise white wine. Have it with starters like terrines or pates as well as grilled salmon or halibut.
2013 GREEN & RED NAPA ZINFANDEL
'CHILES CANYON'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'CHILES CANYON'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
From an altitude of nearly 1200 ft., Green and Red Vineyards produce some of Napa’s finest Zinfandels. This particular offering comes from their three estate vineyards (Chiles Mill, Tiptop and Catacula) and really represents civility in Zin, meaning not heavy duty and over the top.
This is California gone good. Roasted earth, smoked mountain berries, briar and subtle pepper tones impressively penetrate the senses. The texture is ripe, smooth as hell and mouthfilling, exactly what a good zin ought to be. The old vine density and spice spread out and follow through to the exhilarating and fine finish. While it cries out for good barbecued pork chops, it will also pair well with beef or smoked meats. These wines also have a propensity to age and this Zin will easily develop for 7-10 years.
This is California gone good. Roasted earth, smoked mountain berries, briar and subtle pepper tones impressively penetrate the senses. The texture is ripe, smooth as hell and mouthfilling, exactly what a good zin ought to be. The old vine density and spice spread out and follow through to the exhilarating and fine finish. While it cries out for good barbecued pork chops, it will also pair well with beef or smoked meats. These wines also have a propensity to age and this Zin will easily develop for 7-10 years.
2013 CASA SANTOS LIMA TINTO
'QUINTA DO BON VENTOS'
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE
'QUINTA DO BON VENTOS'
$7.99 BTL./$95.88 CASE
Here we go again with another crazy value from a crazy wine region. Like their value-minded brethren from other areas of the world, Portugal is producing yummy wines that won't break the bank and will lead you to our favorite mantra, don't think, just drink! Hearty, ripe and full of spicy plum and herbs along with enticing scents of mocha. Mouth filling, juicy and flavorful, this wine is perfect for everyday sipping with everyday meals.
2013 VOGE CORNAS 'LES CHAILLES'
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
2009 through 2013 in the Northern Rhone Valley are proving to be thrilling vintages, all which tell a different story. Along with Clape, Domaine Voge is one of the two grand old producers in Cornas, a small Syrah appellation that is finally getting recognition for its greatness and deservedly so, these are collectible wines which age impeccably.
Les Chailles is a cuvee coming from parcels that have vines with an average age of 30 years and planted granitic terraces bordering a calcareous hill. This proximity gave particular siliceous rock called “Les Chailles” which bring about a very special terroir aspect. 2013 is a very classic, old school Northern Rhone vintage. A true and alluring expression Syrah, this wine presents fragrant aromas of spice, tar and a suggestion of smoke which surround black and blueberry fruit. The mouth-feel is layered and full of depth and pepper with fine, ripe and integrated tannins. A layer of earth and savory meatiness comes forth as well as a lingering, drawn out finish of fruitcake spices add to the mystique of this stunning red. Still hiding beneath itself, this wine could use a little bit of cellar time, but the youthful raw material is profound. Drink 2018 – 2026.
Les Chailles is a cuvee coming from parcels that have vines with an average age of 30 years and planted granitic terraces bordering a calcareous hill. This proximity gave particular siliceous rock called “Les Chailles” which bring about a very special terroir aspect. 2013 is a very classic, old school Northern Rhone vintage. A true and alluring expression Syrah, this wine presents fragrant aromas of spice, tar and a suggestion of smoke which surround black and blueberry fruit. The mouth-feel is layered and full of depth and pepper with fine, ripe and integrated tannins. A layer of earth and savory meatiness comes forth as well as a lingering, drawn out finish of fruitcake spices add to the mystique of this stunning red. Still hiding beneath itself, this wine could use a little bit of cellar time, but the youthful raw material is profound. Drink 2018 – 2026.
2012 ANDREW WILL SORELLA
$75.99 BTL./$911.88 CASE
$75.99 BTL./$911.88 CASE
Lately when asked who is the best of the best in Washington, Andrew Will is always one of the first two or three names out of my mouth. Since 1989, Andrew Will is one of Washington's pinnacle producers and their iconic Sorella from the 2012 vintage is utterly sublime.
‘A wine that I think rivals the 2007 Sorella, the 2012 Sorella comes all from the Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and is made from 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc. Aged 18 months in 35% new French oak, it has smoking notes of blackcurrants, black raspberry, toasted bread and spice-box to go with a full-bodied, awesomely concentration, yet layered, balanced profile on the palate. There’s a lot of tannin here, so short-term cellaring is advised. This beauty will have 2-3 decades of longevity and will stand toe-to-toe with some of the greatest Bordeaux blends out there. Drink 2016 – 2046. 96 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE’
‘A wine that I think rivals the 2007 Sorella, the 2012 Sorella comes all from the Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and is made from 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc. Aged 18 months in 35% new French oak, it has smoking notes of blackcurrants, black raspberry, toasted bread and spice-box to go with a full-bodied, awesomely concentration, yet layered, balanced profile on the palate. There’s a lot of tannin here, so short-term cellaring is advised. This beauty will have 2-3 decades of longevity and will stand toe-to-toe with some of the greatest Bordeaux blends out there. Drink 2016 – 2046. 96 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE’
