Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'KILLER SHAOLIN BICHON' HOTSHEET
95 point Barolo, Leonetti, Montepulciano, Vibrant under 12 white wine & more
2012 CATALDI MADONNA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 'MALANDRINO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Yep, it is cool to be a traditional producer again in Italy! Starting in 2012, Cataldi Madonna changed their Montepulciano program drastically by eliminating the use of oak and moving solely to cement tanks for aging. The change is well received by wine-lovers and the critics including Gambero Rosso who bestowed their vaunted Three Glass Award to this utterly delectable number.
To quote Cataldi Madonna in regards to this selection, "dangerously easy to drink while retaining its complexity and flavor". Deep Purple flavors and aromas without Ritchie Blackmore or ‘Smoke On The Water' this wine exudes violets, plums, marionberry to go along with smoked earth and licorice. In the mouth, it is a spice-bomb with killer depth, vibrancy and definition with superb length on the earth/coffee-tinged finish. One of the most versatile red wines to go with food, it is magical with tomato-based dishes, smoked meats and especially lamb.
To quote Cataldi Madonna in regards to this selection, "dangerously easy to drink while retaining its complexity and flavor". Deep Purple flavors and aromas without Ritchie Blackmore or ‘Smoke On The Water' this wine exudes violets, plums, marionberry to go along with smoked earth and licorice. In the mouth, it is a spice-bomb with killer depth, vibrancy and definition with superb length on the earth/coffee-tinged finish. One of the most versatile red wines to go with food, it is magical with tomato-based dishes, smoked meats and especially lamb.
2013 FOXGLOVE ZINFANDEL
PASO ROBLES
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
PASO ROBLES
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Made by renowned Chardonnay producers Jim and Bob Varner, the brothers' Foxglove label has become synonymous with top-value California wines. Yet again, these guys absolutely over-deliver with their always-terrific Paso Robles Zin.
Enhanced by an ever so tiny kiss of Petite Sirah (2%), this Zin explodes from the glass with juicy dark raspberry, blueberry, briar and spice without being ponderous or overtly alcoholic. Warm and full bodied on the palate with dark berries and rich spice dominating the long flavorful finish. This is a whole lot o' zin for under fifteen bucks – drink it with barbecued ribs or pulled pork sandwiches over the next year or two.
Enhanced by an ever so tiny kiss of Petite Sirah (2%), this Zin explodes from the glass with juicy dark raspberry, blueberry, briar and spice without being ponderous or overtly alcoholic. Warm and full bodied on the palate with dark berries and rich spice dominating the long flavorful finish. This is a whole lot o' zin for under fifteen bucks – drink it with barbecued ribs or pulled pork sandwiches over the next year or two.
2013 DELHOMMEAU MUSCADET
'SAINT VINCENT'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'SAINT VINCENT'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Not to be confused with Muscat, the name Muscadet is the name of a region and the grape is Melon de Bourgogne and unlike Muscat, this grape which is suited to the Atlantic climate around the city of Nantes delivers wines that are sizzling-dry.
Michel Delhommeau's Domaine is situated in the "grand cru" sector of the Sevre et Maine area of Muscadet. Here is a man who absolutely loves his vines and produces prolific white wines that won't break the bank. Awarded the Muscadet Producers' Golden Pipette Award in 2010 (the first winner from his village of Monnieres since 1957), this unassuming farmer is doing everything right with his terrific terroir. The St-Vincent Cuvee is his Delhommeau's entry-level offering and there is so much character here and it does not hurt that vintage 2013 is outstanding! Stunning seashells shimmer from the glass (say that 5 times fast). Very direct with underlying white flowers, lemon drop and prominent gabbro soil flinty quality. Super-exuberant, expressive and jaunting. Very mineral from start to the live-wire finish. Shuck a dozen of briny Fanny Bay oysters and throw back multiple bottles.
Michel Delhommeau's Domaine is situated in the "grand cru" sector of the Sevre et Maine area of Muscadet. Here is a man who absolutely loves his vines and produces prolific white wines that won't break the bank. Awarded the Muscadet Producers' Golden Pipette Award in 2010 (the first winner from his village of Monnieres since 1957), this unassuming farmer is doing everything right with his terrific terroir. The St-Vincent Cuvee is his Delhommeau's entry-level offering and there is so much character here and it does not hurt that vintage 2013 is outstanding! Stunning seashells shimmer from the glass (say that 5 times fast). Very direct with underlying white flowers, lemon drop and prominent gabbro soil flinty quality. Super-exuberant, expressive and jaunting. Very mineral from start to the live-wire finish. Shuck a dozen of briny Fanny Bay oysters and throw back multiple bottles.
2013 EYRIE ESTATE PINOT BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Northwest wine supporters all know the legend behind both this producer and their prolific and gifted Pinot Gris; however, the Lett family also make very prodigal Pinot Blanc as well. This wine definitely does not take a back seat to its touted brother. Unlike the Pinot Gris, Eyrie’s Pinot Blanc is a very limited offering from their Three Sisters Vineyard in the Dundee Hills and is from authentic Alsace clones.
Dry, crisp and detailed as well owning more lift, dimension and body than the average Pinot Blanc. Complex, spiced honey and wet-stone aromas surround smoke and red apple tones. In the mouth, the attack is restrained, precise and expansive. The passion for this wine around here is unyielding. We enthusiastically recommend that you try with simply prepared halibut or chicken.
Dry, crisp and detailed as well owning more lift, dimension and body than the average Pinot Blanc. Complex, spiced honey and wet-stone aromas surround smoke and red apple tones. In the mouth, the attack is restrained, precise and expansive. The passion for this wine around here is unyielding. We enthusiastically recommend that you try with simply prepared halibut or chicken.
2010 SELVAPIANA CHIANTI RUFINA RISERVA
'BUCERCHIALE'
$32.99 BTL./$197.94 - SIX PACK
'BUCERCHIALE'
$32.99 BTL./$197.94 - SIX PACK
2006. This was the last time that Selvapiana’s Riserva Chianti was featured on our musings and it was from the much-touted 2001 vintage. There are a number of reasons why the Bucerchiale hasn’t been touted. The main one being inconsistency. Lately, this place has been on a roll and now with a number of successes, it is safe to say this wine is back and with the 2010 vintage, it roars in a big way.
One of the standard-bearers in Chianti’s Rufina region, Bucerchiale Riserva is from a single vineyard site and is 100% Sangiovese. Bryan's notes, he called this wine "dreamy," and he is 100% on the money! Exciting, gorgeous neoclassical Chianti aromas of savory sage, red berry, leather, Tuscan spice and a kiss of cocoa from a kiss of barrique. Handsome and very poised in the mouth. The telltale depth and muscle of Bucerchiale arrives in the middle; a bit like a 5 o'clock shadow! The finish is warm and obscenely Tuscan with lots of material and persistence. Shows youthfully exuberant and rambunctious right now, but many past old experiences have shown that this wine has a propensity to age for 20 years and given the structure of 2010, there is no doubt that this is a keeper.
One of the standard-bearers in Chianti’s Rufina region, Bucerchiale Riserva is from a single vineyard site and is 100% Sangiovese. Bryan's notes, he called this wine "dreamy," and he is 100% on the money! Exciting, gorgeous neoclassical Chianti aromas of savory sage, red berry, leather, Tuscan spice and a kiss of cocoa from a kiss of barrique. Handsome and very poised in the mouth. The telltale depth and muscle of Bucerchiale arrives in the middle; a bit like a 5 o'clock shadow! The finish is warm and obscenely Tuscan with lots of material and persistence. Shows youthfully exuberant and rambunctious right now, but many past old experiences have shown that this wine has a propensity to age for 20 years and given the structure of 2010, there is no doubt that this is a keeper.
2013 CHEYSSON CHIROUBLES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Chiroubles is one of the 10 Crus of the Beaujolais region yet because it doesn’t sit along the main route de vin, this high-elevated area is one of the area’s most obscure. Made from 100% Gamay this charismatic red is an ultra-vivid dream to both smell and drink.
Brilliantly detailed aromas of peonies, strawberries, cinnamon and smoked earth aromas follow through to a texture that is bursting, invigorating and exuberant, high-toned, mineral-spice from stout granitic soils, with plenty of depth, personality and length. No problem to drink numerous bottles and no problem to age for another 4-5 years, too.
Brilliantly detailed aromas of peonies, strawberries, cinnamon and smoked earth aromas follow through to a texture that is bursting, invigorating and exuberant, high-toned, mineral-spice from stout granitic soils, with plenty of depth, personality and length. No problem to drink numerous bottles and no problem to age for another 4-5 years, too.
2010 BAUDANA BAROLO 'SERRALUNGA'
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $44.99 - LIMITED!
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $44.99 - LIMITED!
Baudana is a small, historical Barolo estate located in the commune of Serralunga D'Alba. In 2009, famed family-operated Barolo-based estate Vajra purchased the estate with great enthusiasm and we have quickly seen results go from very good to very profound. Baudana has holdings in two Grand Cru vineyard sites, Baudana and Cerretta. Single vineyard wines are offered and are amazing, but they also are twice the price of this excellent value. Traditional vinification is practiced for this wine and the results are stunning.
Being from Serralunga, this Barolo has no shortage of grip and spine. Traditionally styled and combined with the grand scale of 2010, this is all about power-terroir. Classic Serralunga with cherry licorice, subtle balsam, flowers and pronounced ironstone unfolding as the wine slowly builds in the glass. Broad and penetrating, this forceful, mouth-coating Barolo has plenty of force and depth. More backbone and youthful tannic structure arrives on the packed and very, very persistent finish. As mentioned, this wine will come together immaculately. Put it the cellar until the beginning of 2018 and drink it through 2028 and beyond. Would you like a value to put in the cellar for a child who was born in 2010's 21st birthday? This is your ticket! Lastly, if you need the reassurance of Wine Performance Enhancement, also known as a critic score, this steal of a Barolo scored 95 points from Italian & Piedmont specialist Antonio Galloni’s Vinous.
Being from Serralunga, this Barolo has no shortage of grip and spine. Traditionally styled and combined with the grand scale of 2010, this is all about power-terroir. Classic Serralunga with cherry licorice, subtle balsam, flowers and pronounced ironstone unfolding as the wine slowly builds in the glass. Broad and penetrating, this forceful, mouth-coating Barolo has plenty of force and depth. More backbone and youthful tannic structure arrives on the packed and very, very persistent finish. As mentioned, this wine will come together immaculately. Put it the cellar until the beginning of 2018 and drink it through 2028 and beyond. Would you like a value to put in the cellar for a child who was born in 2010's 21st birthday? This is your ticket! Lastly, if you need the reassurance of Wine Performance Enhancement, also known as a critic score, this steal of a Barolo scored 95 points from Italian & Piedmont specialist Antonio Galloni’s Vinous.
2013 LEONETTI MERLOT 'WALLA WALLA'
$89.99 BTL./$539.94 - SIX PACK
$89.99 BTL./$539.94 - SIX PACK
A limited chance to score some of one of Walla Walla’s most popular and lofty producers. 2013 is the second of three major vintages for this area and once again, Leonetti performed on a mighty level. As usual it is tightly allocated, so first come - first served.
Notes from Leonetti: ‘As pure and linear an expression of Walla Walla Merlot that you might imagine. Simply gorgeous red and black fruits, especially blueberries, raspberries, and hints of dried apricot. The mouth feel is so wonderfully plush, delicious, and expansive. This wine just makes me smile with pleasure and is everything I love about Walla Walla Merlot. The addition of 8% Cabernet Franc from old vines at the Leonetti Estate contributes lovely violet aromatics and glycerin to the palette. Enjoy now through 2030.’
Notes from Leonetti: ‘As pure and linear an expression of Walla Walla Merlot that you might imagine. Simply gorgeous red and black fruits, especially blueberries, raspberries, and hints of dried apricot. The mouth feel is so wonderfully plush, delicious, and expansive. This wine just makes me smile with pleasure and is everything I love about Walla Walla Merlot. The addition of 8% Cabernet Franc from old vines at the Leonetti Estate contributes lovely violet aromatics and glycerin to the palette. Enjoy now through 2030.’
