Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S "NO SAFETY FEATURES" HOTSHEET
Award Winning Pinot, Montalcino Special, Collectibles that don't break the bank & more
2013 CAMIGLIANO
ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
[reg. $29.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
[reg. $29.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
If you are a Tuscan wine and specifically a Montalcino supporter, then you must take advantage of this superb special offer. For a limited time, there is a nice price knockdown on a Rossi di Montalcino from one of the region’s influential and historic producers. Since 1957, Camigliano has been producing nothing short of exquisite in the southern Montalcino base and these wines always have sophistication to go along with their fine power and silkiness.
Seductive, suave and packed with lots of Sangiovese depth and personality. Bing cherry, earth tones, violet, roasted sage and spice dominate this fleshy, wind-swept and flavorful red that has character and ample depth and finesse. Red fruit flavors go from start to the long finish and are framed nicely by smooth earth/herb aspects. Drink over the next 3-4 years especially with a grilled steak.
Seductive, suave and packed with lots of Sangiovese depth and personality. Bing cherry, earth tones, violet, roasted sage and spice dominate this fleshy, wind-swept and flavorful red that has character and ample depth and finesse. Red fruit flavors go from start to the long finish and are framed nicely by smooth earth/herb aspects. Drink over the next 3-4 years especially with a grilled steak.
2012 J.CHRISTOPHER PINOT NOIR
'DUNDEE HILLS'
$35.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE
'DUNDEE HILLS'
$35.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE
Last week we discovered that one of Oregon’s best producers’ Dundee Hills Pinot Noir was named ‘Best in Class’ for the October issue of Sunset Magazine and after enjoying a bottle, we must concur!
Part of the J. Christopher terroir series, the 2012 Dundee Hills comes from some serious vineyard sites (La Colina, Meyer and Charlie’s Vineyard, which is adjacent to Clos Electrique). Aromatic, finely detailed with a lovely combo of violet, plum, jasmine and lavender that build and build as it unfolds in the glass. Silk-laden, very mouth-crawling, sultry pinot palate. Tightens as expected on the finish revealing lots of length and immense potential. Deceptively tempting to drink now if you wish however, it will develop and silk out even further over the next 10-12 years.
Part of the J. Christopher terroir series, the 2012 Dundee Hills comes from some serious vineyard sites (La Colina, Meyer and Charlie’s Vineyard, which is adjacent to Clos Electrique). Aromatic, finely detailed with a lovely combo of violet, plum, jasmine and lavender that build and build as it unfolds in the glass. Silk-laden, very mouth-crawling, sultry pinot palate. Tightens as expected on the finish revealing lots of length and immense potential. Deceptively tempting to drink now if you wish however, it will develop and silk out even further over the next 10-12 years.
2013 MARTHOURET VIOGNIER
COLLINES RHODANIENNES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
COLLINES RHODANIENNES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Over the last five years, Pascal Marthouret has become a real go-to St-Joseph producer for us. I had the chance to visit this Northern Rhone Domaine in late May and came home recommending that the local importer bring this bombass Viognier in.
100% Viognier from the village of Charnas, one village south of the Condrieu delimitation. A mere 250 cases of this steal of a white wine are produced. Yes, produced, not imported, so we are very fortunate indeed. Varietally strong with beautifully complex fragrances of white peach, roses, pepper and lemon. Serious business with its depth and poise all without ever becoming unctuous or weighty. Streamlined briskness and enhanced stony, mineral aspects highlight the expansive finish. A selection that certainly punches above its weight class, drink this autumnal white wine with richer seafood preparations or soft-ripened cheeses.
100% Viognier from the village of Charnas, one village south of the Condrieu delimitation. A mere 250 cases of this steal of a white wine are produced. Yes, produced, not imported, so we are very fortunate indeed. Varietally strong with beautifully complex fragrances of white peach, roses, pepper and lemon. Serious business with its depth and poise all without ever becoming unctuous or weighty. Streamlined briskness and enhanced stony, mineral aspects highlight the expansive finish. A selection that certainly punches above its weight class, drink this autumnal white wine with richer seafood preparations or soft-ripened cheeses.
BEDROCK WINE CO.
SHERMAN & HOOKER 'SHEBANG' RED
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
SHERMAN & HOOKER 'SHEBANG' RED
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
The mind behind Bedrock Wine Company comes from excellent wine bloodlines; Morgan Twain-Peterson is the son of famed, influential Ravenswood Zinfandel maestro Joel Peterson. Morgan is devoted to maintaining California’s heritage vines and grapes and quickly, these wines have become some of California’s most exciting.
Sherman & Hooker, named after the two Civil War generals who founded Bedrock Vineyard in 1854, is a blend of declassified fruit, augmented with purchased unadulterated and non-manipulated bulk lots. The Shebang Ninth Cuvee is 55% Zinfandel blended with Carignane, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Alicante Bouchet, Grenache, Syrah, Barbera and a touch of whites for aromatics. Alive with scents of with violets, white pepper, bramble, licorice and roasted earth. Flavorful, savory and succulent qualities carrying over to a wild-child, spice-laden very pleasurable finish. Definitely not a cartoonish California blend, this wine is taken very seriously and offers a overflowing bang for the buck.
Sherman & Hooker, named after the two Civil War generals who founded Bedrock Vineyard in 1854, is a blend of declassified fruit, augmented with purchased unadulterated and non-manipulated bulk lots. The Shebang Ninth Cuvee is 55% Zinfandel blended with Carignane, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Alicante Bouchet, Grenache, Syrah, Barbera and a touch of whites for aromatics. Alive with scents of with violets, white pepper, bramble, licorice and roasted earth. Flavorful, savory and succulent qualities carrying over to a wild-child, spice-laden very pleasurable finish. Definitely not a cartoonish California blend, this wine is taken very seriously and offers a overflowing bang for the buck.
2012 SANT' ANTONIO
VALPOLICELLA 'NANFRE'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
VALPOLICELLA 'NANFRE'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
From their top Amarone wines all the way down to their entry range, Tenuta Sant’Antonio’s Veneto wines put forth honesty, detail and just want to be loved. The Valpolicella Nanfre is classically vinified meaning that there are no dried grapes or Ripasso techniques resulting in vibrant and explosively delicious Valpolicella.
Pleasurable and made for drinking rather than thinking, flashy, aromatic strawberry-soaked-in balsamic aromas with underlying herbs and minerals launch from the glass. Illuminating and fun with flavors that enticingly attack and make the mouth water for more. This is a perfect Monday-Thursday wine and can be drunk with a plethora of foods. Chicken, burgers, salads and even fish, it will all work with this versatile and fun-filled Italian red.
Pleasurable and made for drinking rather than thinking, flashy, aromatic strawberry-soaked-in balsamic aromas with underlying herbs and minerals launch from the glass. Illuminating and fun with flavors that enticingly attack and make the mouth water for more. This is a perfect Monday-Thursday wine and can be drunk with a plethora of foods. Chicken, burgers, salads and even fish, it will all work with this versatile and fun-filled Italian red.
2012 CHATEAU YVONNE
SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
Initially created in 1957 as a compliment appellation to Saumur, over the years Saumur-Champigny has become one of the go-to areas in the Loire Valley for its prized Cabernet Franc. Wines in all styles are made here and they can be light and brisk but the finest express the sandy, yellow rock (tuffeau) terroirs that the region is known for. These offerings can age very well.
Last week was the first time I had ever tasted a wine from Chateau Yvonne. 2012 is both aromatic and sturdy possessing generous red and black fruits, Indian spices, energetic stony character with submerged but noticeable fennel and allspice notes. Symbiotically balanced red raspberry fruit in the mouth, with savory spices and herbs, and great supporting structure on the finish, lots of brightness and dimension carries over to the soulful finish. A wonderful wine that is a true taste of France. I love this wine now but knowing the backbone and structure that is there, it will easily age through 2022+.
Last week was the first time I had ever tasted a wine from Chateau Yvonne. 2012 is both aromatic and sturdy possessing generous red and black fruits, Indian spices, energetic stony character with submerged but noticeable fennel and allspice notes. Symbiotically balanced red raspberry fruit in the mouth, with savory spices and herbs, and great supporting structure on the finish, lots of brightness and dimension carries over to the soulful finish. A wonderful wine that is a true taste of France. I love this wine now but knowing the backbone and structure that is there, it will easily age through 2022+.
2012 RITME CELLER
PRIORAT 'PLAER'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
PRIORAT 'PLAER'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
Many of you have had the chance to experience the Montsant wines from our friend Albert Jane and his Acustic Celler. In 2010 Albert decided to expand his small operation to include wines from the vaunted Priorat region and like the Acustic wines, they are sublime both in quality and in price.
I love when you search the reviewers and other areas around the country and they list these wines at $50. Since they have no intermediary in our area, we can do them for $30. This is serious Priorat blended from Grenache and Carignan grapes and the vines range from 40-60 years old. The robe and color are almost like reflective violets while the nose proceeds to offer up cherries, briar, sandalwood and touches of tobacco. In the mouth it is very distinctive, definitely large-scaled, but having symphonic harmony. The fruit and coolness of the soil are very expressive while the tannins are elegant with a finish that presents plenty of amplitude and fine notes of cocoa. This wine can be accessed now, but it would be better with another year or two in the cellar. Best from 2017 – 2025. If you choose to open it, decant it for an hour and try it with venison, slow roasted pork or a hearty cheese.
I love when you search the reviewers and other areas around the country and they list these wines at $50. Since they have no intermediary in our area, we can do them for $30. This is serious Priorat blended from Grenache and Carignan grapes and the vines range from 40-60 years old. The robe and color are almost like reflective violets while the nose proceeds to offer up cherries, briar, sandalwood and touches of tobacco. In the mouth it is very distinctive, definitely large-scaled, but having symphonic harmony. The fruit and coolness of the soil are very expressive while the tannins are elegant with a finish that presents plenty of amplitude and fine notes of cocoa. This wine can be accessed now, but it would be better with another year or two in the cellar. Best from 2017 – 2025. If you choose to open it, decant it for an hour and try it with venison, slow roasted pork or a hearty cheese.
2012 WOODWARD CANYON MERLOT
$43.99 BTL./$527.88 CASE
$43.99 BTL./$527.88 CASE
For those of who you fear the M word, you might want to get over it, because this is stunning wine. One of the things that has given me agita for quite a long time is how one line in a dreadfully bad movie virtually killed the Merlot grape. On one hand, it did get rid of a whole hell of a lot of formulated rubbish but it also disparaged the reputations many good makers’ wines slowing their sales in the process. One who has continued to make stellar Merlot since the first bottled it is Rick Small and Woodward Canyon.
50% from Woodward Canyon’s Estate vineyard and 50% from Weinbau Vineyard, north of Richland and overlooking the Columbia River. Plush, extravagant and graceful from start to finish, smoked violet, black raspberry with strokes of milk chocolate, herbs and nutmeg permeate from the glass. Lacy and rich with excellent depth of fruit that is perfectly in balance. Do not be fooled, 2012 provided conditions which made for rather large-scaled wines and this one definitely can be described as Merlot with cojones. Deceptively deep with a polished finish that oozes class and sophistication. Another winner from a perennial Washington champion! Drink now through 2025.
50% from Woodward Canyon’s Estate vineyard and 50% from Weinbau Vineyard, north of Richland and overlooking the Columbia River. Plush, extravagant and graceful from start to finish, smoked violet, black raspberry with strokes of milk chocolate, herbs and nutmeg permeate from the glass. Lacy and rich with excellent depth of fruit that is perfectly in balance. Do not be fooled, 2012 provided conditions which made for rather large-scaled wines and this one definitely can be described as Merlot with cojones. Deceptively deep with a polished finish that oozes class and sophistication. Another winner from a perennial Washington champion! Drink now through 2025.
