Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'MONKEY WRENCH' HOTSHEET
Rioja Special, Bordeaux Collectible, Dessert Wine, Oregon ValueWine, Madiran/Uruguay Tannat & more
2004 VINA OLABARRI RIOJA GRAN RESERVA
[reg. $29.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
[reg. $29.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The center and heart of Spain’s Rioja region revolves around the town of Haro with its many wineries, which include the likes of La Rioja Alta, Muga and Lopez de Heredia. Of the 20 or so bodegas located here, Vina Olabarri is one of the smallest as well as one of the youngest, only in existence since 1958 and in Haro since 1985. Traditionally styled Rioja wines are produced here and we are excited to offer special pricing on the estate’s Gran Reserva bottling.
The most important caveat to this particular Rioja selection is that if you are expecting jammy and overtly fruity, read down the list for another choice because this is all about the old school. This entails that the wines are aged in mostly American and some French oak. The classification on this wine is Gran Reserva, a top cuvee and not produced every year, only the best like 2004. It also compulsory to be aged in oak for at least 24 months followed by a minimum of 36 more months in bottle before being released. 80% Tempranillo and a 20% blend of Graciano and Mazuelo, this wine shows ruby color with brick tinges. The bouquet is savory and packed with roasted earth, dried fruit tones, Mediterranean herbs as well as gentle hints of mint and cocoa. In the mouth, it is velvety, palate seducing and full of expansion and extension. The finish is balanced and very long. At age 11, this is drinking extremely well yet is easily capable of providing pleasure for another decade. Enjoy it with slow roasted lamb or pork dishes jacked with fennel.
The most important caveat to this particular Rioja selection is that if you are expecting jammy and overtly fruity, read down the list for another choice because this is all about the old school. This entails that the wines are aged in mostly American and some French oak. The classification on this wine is Gran Reserva, a top cuvee and not produced every year, only the best like 2004. It also compulsory to be aged in oak for at least 24 months followed by a minimum of 36 more months in bottle before being released. 80% Tempranillo and a 20% blend of Graciano and Mazuelo, this wine shows ruby color with brick tinges. The bouquet is savory and packed with roasted earth, dried fruit tones, Mediterranean herbs as well as gentle hints of mint and cocoa. In the mouth, it is velvety, palate seducing and full of expansion and extension. The finish is balanced and very long. At age 11, this is drinking extremely well yet is easily capable of providing pleasure for another decade. Enjoy it with slow roasted lamb or pork dishes jacked with fennel.
2014 BOW & ARROW GAMAY NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
We all know that Pinot Noir is the dominant varietal in the Willamette Valley but over the last several years, we are seeing adventurous producers like Bow & Arrow popping up utilizing other grape species and creating excellent easy drinking wines. Gamay has played a role in the valley for many years but was mostly fermented and made to behave like Pinot, Jr. At Bow & Arrow, Scott Frank is creating something that is more rooted in his inspirations from the Loire Valley and Beaujolais.
About as crowd-pleasing as a wine can get, a potpourri of aromas including peonies, strawberries, blackberry, cinnamon and smoked earth follow through to a texture that is bursting, invigorating and exuberant, high-toned (from high-elevation vineyards) with plenty of depth, personality and length. A masterful match with a myriad of dishes like slow-braised beef, mushroom pasta, pho and is probably the finest local match with upcoming Thanksgiving turkey.
About as crowd-pleasing as a wine can get, a potpourri of aromas including peonies, strawberries, blackberry, cinnamon and smoked earth follow through to a texture that is bursting, invigorating and exuberant, high-toned (from high-elevation vineyards) with plenty of depth, personality and length. A masterful match with a myriad of dishes like slow-braised beef, mushroom pasta, pho and is probably the finest local match with upcoming Thanksgiving turkey.
2014 GARZON ALBARINO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
From the ‘go-figure/big surprise’ file comes a couple of tasty wines from Uruguay…yes, Uruguay! The modern wine industry of Uruguay traces back to 1870, commenced by immigrants of Basque and Italian origin and the red grape of choice is Tannat (the selection listed below). Albarino came to the nation in the 50s brought by immigrants from Galicia and after tasting this wine, I thought it was more than just credible - it was very good indeed.
Bodega Garzon’s wines are undoubtedly influenced by its stony soils as well as prevailing Atlantic Ocean breezes. This cool white wine thrills from the moment it is poured. Not an explosion wine, this one is discreet, complex and very well crafted. Ballerina-like, this Albariño is about harmony and complexity. Forward minerality combines with lemon and nectarine tones on the nose and carries over into a very transparent texture that has fine depth and movement as well as alluring saline and briny aspects. A great alternative to Pinot Gris or Chardonnay, enjoy this offering with a plate of steamed clams or some grilled prawns.
Bodega Garzon’s wines are undoubtedly influenced by its stony soils as well as prevailing Atlantic Ocean breezes. This cool white wine thrills from the moment it is poured. Not an explosion wine, this one is discreet, complex and very well crafted. Ballerina-like, this Albariño is about harmony and complexity. Forward minerality combines with lemon and nectarine tones on the nose and carries over into a very transparent texture that has fine depth and movement as well as alluring saline and briny aspects. A great alternative to Pinot Gris or Chardonnay, enjoy this offering with a plate of steamed clams or some grilled prawns.
2013 GARZON TANNAT
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
As mentioned in the previous entry, Tannat is the spiritual grape of Uruguay but also is the home grape in the French Basque regions of Madiran and Irouleguy as well. Climactically, the soils are different and it is warmer in Uruguay and the wine take on a different terroir perspective yet still show ample character and quality.
Made by Alberto Antonini (founder of Altos las Hormigas in Argentina as well as working with Frescobaldi and Antinori in his home region of Tuscany), these wines are poised to take footing in the world as the man did with Malbec in Argentina. Blackberry and plum notes take hold quickly followed nicely by hints of earth and spice. Nicely placed oak tones bring a roundness and polish to the game. The finish is full and revealing rhubarb and chocolate with plenty of natural high tones that come from both the varietal and the terroir. A terrific wine for a grilled steak, enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.
Made by Alberto Antonini (founder of Altos las Hormigas in Argentina as well as working with Frescobaldi and Antinori in his home region of Tuscany), these wines are poised to take footing in the world as the man did with Malbec in Argentina. Blackberry and plum notes take hold quickly followed nicely by hints of earth and spice. Nicely placed oak tones bring a roundness and polish to the game. The finish is full and revealing rhubarb and chocolate with plenty of natural high tones that come from both the varietal and the terroir. A terrific wine for a grilled steak, enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.
2011 BERTHOMIEU MADIRAN
'CUVEE CHARLES DE BATZ'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'CUVEE CHARLES DE BATZ'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
On to Tannat Lesson Number Two and it is here that we go to one of the sources, the region of Madiran in SW France near the city of Pau. Stretching back to the 1850s, the Barre family is now in its fifth generation and led by Didier who has been making the wines since taking over in the mid-80s. One of Didier’s biggest inspirations is Alain Brumont who could be called the father of modern Madiran. Low yields and clean cooperage have been what has propelled Madiran out of the dark ages. This has allowed the wines to reveal their excellent fruit and detail of origin to shine more than the abusive tannins all too often did in the past.
Cuvee Charles de Batz, which is the original name of D’Artignan, is the top red chez Berthomieu. 90% Tannat, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and is smashingly high in quality and extremely underpriced! Inky, haunting and potent with multi-spice aspects that frame deep blueberry, wildflower and plum tones. Plenty of power and minerality under the surface with a texture that soars and persists on the broad, layered, stout finish. This wine cries out for food. Very cellar worthy, drink over the next decade and beyond with game dishes like venision as well as beef-based stews or strong cheeses like Epoises.
Cuvee Charles de Batz, which is the original name of D’Artignan, is the top red chez Berthomieu. 90% Tannat, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and is smashingly high in quality and extremely underpriced! Inky, haunting and potent with multi-spice aspects that frame deep blueberry, wildflower and plum tones. Plenty of power and minerality under the surface with a texture that soars and persists on the broad, layered, stout finish. This wine cries out for food. Very cellar worthy, drink over the next decade and beyond with game dishes like venision as well as beef-based stews or strong cheeses like Epoises.
2014 VILLA SPARINA
GAVI DI GAVI
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
GAVI DI GAVI
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
While we love and worship Piedmont’s red wines, wine lovers often overlook the very individual and flavorful white wines that come from this king of Italian wine regions. Located in the far southeastern reaches of the region and not far from Genoa, Villa Sparina is the leading producer of the region.
Made from the Cortese grape and grown at 800-1000 feet in the Gavi region of Piemonte, the clay & marl-based soils shine so well. Lime and apple notes intermingle nicely with mineral on the nose and carry over to an attacking texture that has plenty of burst and saline qualities. Lovely briskness buffers the surprisingly penetrating components, especially on the finish. This blazing white absolutely screams out for crab, although mussels or cod will work well, too.
Made from the Cortese grape and grown at 800-1000 feet in the Gavi region of Piemonte, the clay & marl-based soils shine so well. Lime and apple notes intermingle nicely with mineral on the nose and carry over to an attacking texture that has plenty of burst and saline qualities. Lovely briskness buffers the surprisingly penetrating components, especially on the finish. This blazing white absolutely screams out for crab, although mussels or cod will work well, too.
2011 CHATEAU BELLEGRAVE PAUILLAC
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
Pauillac-based Chateau Bellegrave is located in prime real estate and their neighbors include Chateau Latour, Pichon-Longueville and Lynch-Bages. This is a very special location; there is an old Bordeaux saying that only the vines that overlook the water are capable of producing wines of great quality and guess what, Bellegrave’s vines certainly overlook the Gironde!
How this excellent Chateau isn’t a classified growth is a mystery, but then again, we are all the more fortunate for it because the pricing remains excellent because it’s not. The vineyards are planted to 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. Typical very full-on dark Pauillac with scents of black cherry, graphite, Moroccan spice and hints of black licorice. Dark fruit present themselves instantaneously and stretch out nicely across the palate. Penetrating wine, with red tones around the structured-for-aging edges. Vanilla and coriander arrive on the loaded back end, which tightens up, but the gravelly aspects and fruit hang around quite nicely. A beautiful offering from both an underrated Chateau and vintage. Drink/hold the Bordeaux for another 12-14 years.
How this excellent Chateau isn’t a classified growth is a mystery, but then again, we are all the more fortunate for it because the pricing remains excellent because it’s not. The vineyards are planted to 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. Typical very full-on dark Pauillac with scents of black cherry, graphite, Moroccan spice and hints of black licorice. Dark fruit present themselves instantaneously and stretch out nicely across the palate. Penetrating wine, with red tones around the structured-for-aging edges. Vanilla and coriander arrive on the loaded back end, which tightens up, but the gravelly aspects and fruit hang around quite nicely. A beautiful offering from both an underrated Chateau and vintage. Drink/hold the Bordeaux for another 12-14 years.
2013 MCMANIS ZINFANDEL
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Inexpensive California Zinfandel can be a complete disaster but every now and then one will stand out. For several years now, we have been featuring the wines from McManis and they consistently provide strong varietal character and plenty of bang for the buck.
Chock full of pepper and black raspberry with dusty cocoa added to a hint of smoky, beefy undertones. Forward and honest, this is a mouth-filling gem that pleases with every sip.
Chock full of pepper and black raspberry with dusty cocoa added to a hint of smoky, beefy undertones. Forward and honest, this is a mouth-filling gem that pleases with every sip.
2007 DISZNOKO TOKAJI ASZU
5 PUTTONYOS
$39.99 - 500 ML BOTTLE
5 PUTTONYOS
$39.99 - 500 ML BOTTLE
If the world were a just and fair place, every wine lover would know the history and high quality of the dessert wines of Hungary. Historically this country made dessert wines and were immortalized by consumers that included Prince Rakoczi, Pope Pius IV, Louis XIV, Catherine the Great, Voltaire, President Jefferson, Eugenie Napoleon and Queen Victoria. Tokaji is the wine region. Tokaj is the town. Aszu refers to the unique style of wine produced in this classified wine region. Under communist rule, the wine industry was still alive, but sadly, it was oriented towards quantity rather than quality. With the fall of the Iron Curtain came about investment and many changes.
Disznoko was classified as a First Growth in 1752, but it has only been since 1992 with owners AXA Millesime (owners of Lynch-Bages, Quinta do Noval, Pichon Baron-Longueville, Suduiraut and more) set out to restore old glory. In less than 20 short years, results of this major undertaking have been realized with phenomenal wines that anyone who considers himself or herself someone who enjoys and is perceptive about wine should be required to try. 2007 was magnificent for this Cru wine – layered with quince, apricot, honey, cardamom, marmalade and caramel aromas, this wine morphs, builds and changes like an obstacle course as it sits in the glass. Loaded with generosity, depth and density in the mouth with plenty of penetrating quince/citrus tones and mineral to set everything off. Have this with a farm-aged Roquefort cheese, foie gras or a marzipan-based tart with fresh berries. Drink over the next decade plus.
Disznoko was classified as a First Growth in 1752, but it has only been since 1992 with owners AXA Millesime (owners of Lynch-Bages, Quinta do Noval, Pichon Baron-Longueville, Suduiraut and more) set out to restore old glory. In less than 20 short years, results of this major undertaking have been realized with phenomenal wines that anyone who considers himself or herself someone who enjoys and is perceptive about wine should be required to try. 2007 was magnificent for this Cru wine – layered with quince, apricot, honey, cardamom, marmalade and caramel aromas, this wine morphs, builds and changes like an obstacle course as it sits in the glass. Loaded with generosity, depth and density in the mouth with plenty of penetrating quince/citrus tones and mineral to set everything off. Have this with a farm-aged Roquefort cheese, foie gras or a marzipan-based tart with fresh berries. Drink over the next decade plus.
