Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S DENALI HOTSHEET
Abeja Cab, Nebbiolo, Alsace & more
2013 CIGLIUTI NEBBIOLO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
With a slight shift in weather as well as having the rug rats returning to school, minds are moving away from Rose and on to Barbaresco and other comforting reds. Based in Neive, Cigliuti is not only a very prolific, boutique Barbaresco producer, they also happen to be one this Italian region’s most on fire commodities right now. More than just a mere Nebbiolo, this wine is declassified Barbaresco from a fine cru called Bricco di Neive and combined with the superb 2013 vintage, this expression is quite a killer.
Aged in tank and Slavonian barrels, this Nebbiolo is classy from the get-go. Roses, tar, subtle spice and earth tones dominate the nose of this gorgeous offering. More intensity than most Nebbiolo Langhe from the Barbaresco zone, chewy, expressive red fruits assert themselves in the mouth with noticeable structure that tightens its grip at the end. Overall, this shows way above average length, depth and penetration for its price point and has the dimension and structure for aging for 4-7 years. Not much of this has made it into our area so if you like Nebbiolo and a fine value then e-mail us soon.
Aged in tank and Slavonian barrels, this Nebbiolo is classy from the get-go. Roses, tar, subtle spice and earth tones dominate the nose of this gorgeous offering. More intensity than most Nebbiolo Langhe from the Barbaresco zone, chewy, expressive red fruits assert themselves in the mouth with noticeable structure that tightens its grip at the end. Overall, this shows way above average length, depth and penetration for its price point and has the dimension and structure for aging for 4-7 years. Not much of this has made it into our area so if you like Nebbiolo and a fine value then e-mail us soon.
2013 ANTIDOTO RIBERA DEL DUERO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Something of a rarity in a very high rent neighborhood is this bomb of a Tempranillo from quite an influential figure. Frenchman Bertrand Sourdais singlehandedly put the far eastern, high elevation portion of Ribera del Duero on the map by making the wines at Atauta. When the global economic downturn occurred in 2009, Bertrand went back to France but the sirens of this area always had been beckoning and thus became the genesis of Antidoto.
Continuing his exploration of the area, Bertrand is focusing on a single varietal (Tempranillo) and site, specifically utilizing pre-phyloxerra vines as this area with its proliferation of sandy soils has an abundance of ancient vines. The other beauty of this wine is that there is absolutely no aging in new barrels; it is all about neutrality and sense of place. Cool climate prevails here and the virtual fragrance and complexity of Rioja seemingly inspires this wine but is backed up beautifully with the fullness, power and depth of Ribera Del Duero. The natural stanchness of the fruit is massaged into a structure that seduces the palate, caressing the tongue with an almost velvet-like texture. The presence of coolness is important for the wines reflection of their NE Ribera sector terroir. Fresh-cut flowers, mineral, creamy marionberry permeate from the glass following to a savory texture and is chock full of earth and spice. Refined and scrumptious now, it will easily develop for 4-5 years as well.
Continuing his exploration of the area, Bertrand is focusing on a single varietal (Tempranillo) and site, specifically utilizing pre-phyloxerra vines as this area with its proliferation of sandy soils has an abundance of ancient vines. The other beauty of this wine is that there is absolutely no aging in new barrels; it is all about neutrality and sense of place. Cool climate prevails here and the virtual fragrance and complexity of Rioja seemingly inspires this wine but is backed up beautifully with the fullness, power and depth of Ribera Del Duero. The natural stanchness of the fruit is massaged into a structure that seduces the palate, caressing the tongue with an almost velvet-like texture. The presence of coolness is important for the wines reflection of their NE Ribera sector terroir. Fresh-cut flowers, mineral, creamy marionberry permeate from the glass following to a savory texture and is chock full of earth and spice. Refined and scrumptious now, it will easily develop for 4-5 years as well.
2013 DOMAINE WEINBACH
SYLVANER 'RESERVE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
SYLVANER 'RESERVE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A straight-out gift from the stronger dollar, the question of the day, the week and the month has to be, when was the last time you found a wine from Alsace ace producer Domaine Weinbach for 20 bucks?! When it comes to grand-scale white wines in this region, the Faller family, now led by Catherine, must be considered amongst the cardinal pillars, not only of Alsace but of France. Across the board and with all varietals, this estate makes prodigal wines that are crucial for anyone who loves wine, period.
Coming from 45 year old vines from the Domaine’s historic Clos du Capucins vineyard in Kaysersberg, this Sylvaner emits so much goodness from the instant it hits the glass. Extroverted scents of tangerine, impressive mineral, subtle exotic fruits, chamomile and finely placed spice tones. In the mouth, the combination of refinement, depth and grace are a spectacle that one must taste to believe. Try this wine with seafood dishes as well as green vegetables, particularly asparagus. Exotic, Asian-inspired fare works as well, particularly yellow curry-based dishes that aren’t extreme in their heat profile.
Coming from 45 year old vines from the Domaine’s historic Clos du Capucins vineyard in Kaysersberg, this Sylvaner emits so much goodness from the instant it hits the glass. Extroverted scents of tangerine, impressive mineral, subtle exotic fruits, chamomile and finely placed spice tones. In the mouth, the combination of refinement, depth and grace are a spectacle that one must taste to believe. Try this wine with seafood dishes as well as green vegetables, particularly asparagus. Exotic, Asian-inspired fare works as well, particularly yellow curry-based dishes that aren’t extreme in their heat profile.
2013 DONA PAULA ESTATE RED
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
A full-on archetypal Argentine red blend that is like a faithful Labrador retriever that is fun, loyal and aims to please. Dona Paula is a well-run estate that makes an entire range of wine but it is on this level where the value lies. In lieu of paying for an abundance of new oak barrels, the Estate level wines are aged in one, two and three year old barrels. The blend here is 60% Malbec, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petite Verdot assemble and bring their own identities to the party.
Vintage 2013 is luscious juice that overflows with notes of blackberries, dark cherries, Indian spice, violet and cocoa-laden tobacco. In the mouth it's round, engaging and attractive with a texture that is layered with plummy fruit. A way above average offering that can be opened for any occasion, especially barbecues!
Vintage 2013 is luscious juice that overflows with notes of blackberries, dark cherries, Indian spice, violet and cocoa-laden tobacco. In the mouth it's round, engaging and attractive with a texture that is layered with plummy fruit. A way above average offering that can be opened for any occasion, especially barbecues!
2012 CLOTILDE DAVENNE IRANCY ROUGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
My favorite 20 dollar Pinot Noir of the moment! After 17 years as oenologist at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard, Clotilde Davenne began full time production at her recently purchased Domaine Les Temps Perdus. The estate covers 9 hectares with vineyards located in the Yonne part of Burgundy, Saint-Bris, Bourgogne Aligoté as well as Chablis on all levels from Petit Chablis to Chablis Grand Cru.
Irancy is a red wine producing region of the Yonne and not very far from the famed white wine vineyards of Chablis. From 50-year-old Pinot Noir vines, this stellar red Burgundy value has a real uniqueness to it as well as not straying from its Pinot roots. Grown in chalk and kimmeridgien soils it is aromatically pleasing, chock full of vibrancy and given the high quality of vintage 2012 penetrates very deeply. Laden with strawberry, peat, roses and hints of pepper, there is richness and finesse abound. $20 for good Pinot Noir anywhere these days is cool and this is worth having several bottles. Serve with roasted chicken or a beef stew. Drink through 2018+.
Irancy is a red wine producing region of the Yonne and not very far from the famed white wine vineyards of Chablis. From 50-year-old Pinot Noir vines, this stellar red Burgundy value has a real uniqueness to it as well as not straying from its Pinot roots. Grown in chalk and kimmeridgien soils it is aromatically pleasing, chock full of vibrancy and given the high quality of vintage 2012 penetrates very deeply. Laden with strawberry, peat, roses and hints of pepper, there is richness and finesse abound. $20 for good Pinot Noir anywhere these days is cool and this is worth having several bottles. Serve with roasted chicken or a beef stew. Drink through 2018+.
2012 GUNDLACH-BUNDSCHU CHARDONNAY
'ESTATE SONOMA COAST'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'ESTATE SONOMA COAST'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
One of the most historic properties in California, it cannot be understated the influence that Gundlach-Bundschu has had on Sonoma and California viticulture. This estate has had peaks and valleys throughout its existence but recently has been on a major roll with outstanding wines that give off so much California character for their price levels.
Unapologetically Sonoma and California in profile, this creamy Chardonnay is fruit-focused and mouth filling with tropical overtones of papaya and mango supplemented by full toasty and buttery flavors. Generous, frontal and maintains balance and zip that sometimes is sorely lacking in these sort of wines. Drinkable now and calls for foods such as salmon, spicy mussels, creamy risottos and pungent flavored cheeses.
Unapologetically Sonoma and California in profile, this creamy Chardonnay is fruit-focused and mouth filling with tropical overtones of papaya and mango supplemented by full toasty and buttery flavors. Generous, frontal and maintains balance and zip that sometimes is sorely lacking in these sort of wines. Drinkable now and calls for foods such as salmon, spicy mussels, creamy risottos and pungent flavored cheeses.
2010 CHATEAU ROMFORT
BLAYE COTES-DE-BORDEAUX
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
BLAYE COTES-DE-BORDEAUX
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
From a young producer who was born in far northern France, Stephane Heurlier has been making quite a name for himself producing wines in humble lands like Blaye and the Cote-de-Bourg. Don’t be fooled, these wines all really punch above their weight class, especially this terrific Blaye from the stupendous 2010 vintage.
A Merlot/Cab-dominated blend, this wine delivers so much for so little. Classy cherry, mineral, mushroom and austere tobacco notes lead into a sophisticated mouth feel with earth and spice tones underneath...Very food friendly and accessible; decant it 30 minutes before serving for even more pleasure! Drink over the next 3-4 years.
A Merlot/Cab-dominated blend, this wine delivers so much for so little. Classy cherry, mineral, mushroom and austere tobacco notes lead into a sophisticated mouth feel with earth and spice tones underneath...Very food friendly and accessible; decant it 30 minutes before serving for even more pleasure! Drink over the next 3-4 years.
2012 ABEJA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
Coinciding with one of Washington's finest vintages, the 2012 Abeja happens to be the best wine that we have seen from this illustrious Walla Walla producer, and we have seen numerous top-notch releases since their inception!
In order to pay tribute to the great horror film director, there is a Wes Craven-type darkness about this Cab but the unmistakable balance that is a hallmark of Abeja is uber-present. Stylish, elegant and pure, the nose is loaded with dense, dark blackberry fruit, cassis, spicy oak and shaved chocolate. The continuity from nose to palate is seamless. It is rich, intense and balanced with incredible depth, suaveness and length, however the spine and structure of 2007 loom to let you know that this wine will definitely age. If you wish to open a bottle, we recommend decanting (use an aerator if you have one!) before serving, however, for best results, put it in your cellar until 2017 and drink it through 2025.
In order to pay tribute to the great horror film director, there is a Wes Craven-type darkness about this Cab but the unmistakable balance that is a hallmark of Abeja is uber-present. Stylish, elegant and pure, the nose is loaded with dense, dark blackberry fruit, cassis, spicy oak and shaved chocolate. The continuity from nose to palate is seamless. It is rich, intense and balanced with incredible depth, suaveness and length, however the spine and structure of 2007 loom to let you know that this wine will definitely age. If you wish to open a bottle, we recommend decanting (use an aerator if you have one!) before serving, however, for best results, put it in your cellar until 2017 and drink it through 2025.
