Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FUN WITH FIREWORKS' HOTSHEET
Limited Brunello Special, Chablis, Spanish gems for 10, Barbera, St-Joseph & Cristom Pinot Noir & more
2013 RATTI BARBERA D'ALBA 'BATTAGLIONE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A long-time Cellar Door friend, Pietro Ratti has been producing exquisite wines for over 20 years since taking over for his father and if you have ever have the chance to meet him and taste his wines, you will see slam-dunk evidence that they truly take on his personality - very gentlemanly stuff! The grapes for this Barbera selection are grown amongst some uber-famous Barolo vineyards in the La Morra district.
2013 is shaping up to be very special in the Barolo zone and the early results of what has been appearing from the Barbera grape are both delicious and fascinating. Illuminating and floral with plenty of hearty raspberry tones, the sophistication reveals its spirit from this particular area of Piedmont’s Barolo zone. Blanketed with engaging spices, smoke and high-toned mineral aspects and flavors that are very forward, Pietro doesn’t intervene with the fine terroir. Drink this beauty over the next 2-4 years with roasted meats, risotto and mushroom-laden dishes. A steal at 20 bucks.
2013 is shaping up to be very special in the Barolo zone and the early results of what has been appearing from the Barbera grape are both delicious and fascinating. Illuminating and floral with plenty of hearty raspberry tones, the sophistication reveals its spirit from this particular area of Piedmont’s Barolo zone. Blanketed with engaging spices, smoke and high-toned mineral aspects and flavors that are very forward, Pietro doesn’t intervene with the fine terroir. Drink this beauty over the next 2-4 years with roasted meats, risotto and mushroom-laden dishes. A steal at 20 bucks.
2013 LAVANTUREAUX CHABLIS
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
Located in the village of Lignorelles in the northern portion of Chablis, Domaine Lavantureux was founded in 1979 and with the higher elevation than around the village of the Chablis this estate produces magnificent Chablis from top to bottom. Even though the family produces some Premiers and a Grand Cru, the real treasures of this estate are their AC Chablis and Petit Chablis wines.
Two sentences you never want to hear on the 4th of July, Hold my beer. Watch me light this rocket. Although when it comes to the 2013 Chablis is akin to doing such because it is very explosive and electrocuting juice! Naked and unoaked Chablis, if diamonds could have aromas of perfume, this would be it. Pristine, classic Chablis aromas soar from the glass and feature gunsmoke, lemon, gentle hints of juniper and seashells. In the mouth it is precisely and brightly detailed, very delineated and with compact richness in the mid-palate. Wiry and finely tuned with minerally zip on the edges and on the expressive, long and steely finish. Lavantureaux’s Chablis wines are nothing but the truth! Drink this fabulous white over the next 3-5 years with oysters, sole prepared in a light cream sauce or even a smoked ham.
Two sentences you never want to hear on the 4th of July, Hold my beer. Watch me light this rocket. Although when it comes to the 2013 Chablis is akin to doing such because it is very explosive and electrocuting juice! Naked and unoaked Chablis, if diamonds could have aromas of perfume, this would be it. Pristine, classic Chablis aromas soar from the glass and feature gunsmoke, lemon, gentle hints of juniper and seashells. In the mouth it is precisely and brightly detailed, very delineated and with compact richness in the mid-palate. Wiry and finely tuned with minerally zip on the edges and on the expressive, long and steely finish. Lavantureaux’s Chablis wines are nothing but the truth! Drink this fabulous white over the next 3-5 years with oysters, sole prepared in a light cream sauce or even a smoked ham.
2011 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR
'SOMMERS RESERVE'
[reg. $44.99]
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
'SOMMERS RESERVE'
[reg. $44.99]
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
I cannot believe this is still available and still at a special price! One of the real masterpiece works at Cristom, one of Oregon's most prolific producers, is their Sommers Reserve and right now, it is on a most outstanding special! Sourced primarily from Cristom's 4 estate vineyards (Jessie, Marjorie, Eileen & Louise) and then augmented with purchased or traded fruit from several other premier sites in the Willamette Valley this wine is treated with the same excellence as the estate's highly south-after single vineyard wines.
2011 is a marvelous vintage for this wine and is a Pinot that seemingly has no hairs out of place. Burgundy-inspired but Oregon through and through this poised Pinot delivers alluring, refined aromas of strawberry, sorrel, smoke, flowers and spices with an underlay of earth and red-hot candy pepper tones. Texturally, the wine is silky and incredibly balanced with beautiful transparency and exquisite finesse along with lacy depth and ultra-fine tannins. All of the spices that are on the nose are present on the drawn-out finish that seems to go on for days. Not inaccessible now but typical of a Cristom wine, this will cellar impeccably. Drink through 2023 and most likely beyond.
2011 is a marvelous vintage for this wine and is a Pinot that seemingly has no hairs out of place. Burgundy-inspired but Oregon through and through this poised Pinot delivers alluring, refined aromas of strawberry, sorrel, smoke, flowers and spices with an underlay of earth and red-hot candy pepper tones. Texturally, the wine is silky and incredibly balanced with beautiful transparency and exquisite finesse along with lacy depth and ultra-fine tannins. All of the spices that are on the nose are present on the drawn-out finish that seems to go on for days. Not inaccessible now but typical of a Cristom wine, this will cellar impeccably. Drink through 2023 and most likely beyond.
2013 HERENCIA ALTES
TERRE ALTE TINTO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
TERRE ALTE TINTO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
This sturdy red wine from Spain's Catalonia region always makes so many people so very happy. Well, maybe it is because they drink too much of it because even though it packs good fullness, it goes down quite easily.
100% Grenache. Chewy, lots of black licorice and plum tones riding on top of herbs and spices. Drawn-out and calling one back for another glass, this is perfect with a grilled burger amongst many other options. Also has a 91-point score from Vinous.
100% Grenache. Chewy, lots of black licorice and plum tones riding on top of herbs and spices. Drawn-out and calling one back for another glass, this is perfect with a grilled burger amongst many other options. Also has a 91-point score from Vinous.
2013 HERENCIA ALTES
TERRE ALTE BLANCO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
TERRE ALTE BLANCO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
As delicious as the red wine is from this producer, the white wine is even more intriguing.
Made with 100% Grenache Blanc, exquisitely floral with undertones of ginger, lemon-lime and anise aromas immediately lure the drinker to have at it. In the mouth, it bursts and with an abundance of old vines delivers terrific flavor impact without the use of any intrusive oak. Enjoy this delicious number over the next year or so with grilled shrimp, fried (or baked) calamari or hors d'oeuvres.
Made with 100% Grenache Blanc, exquisitely floral with undertones of ginger, lemon-lime and anise aromas immediately lure the drinker to have at it. In the mouth, it bursts and with an abundance of old vines delivers terrific flavor impact without the use of any intrusive oak. Enjoy this delicious number over the next year or so with grilled shrimp, fried (or baked) calamari or hors d'oeuvres.
2012 BLACHON SAINT JOSEPH
CUVEE HOMMAGE ROGER BLACHON
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
CUVEE HOMMAGE ROGER BLACHON
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
Few things in the wine biz excite me as much as old school Syrah from France’s Northern Rhone Valley. Long established in Mauves, the Blachon family has been delivering handcrafted, pure expressions of Syrah from this cradle of the original St-Joseph appellation for over 30 years and to this day, these wines do not disappoint.
The Cuvee Hommage Roger Blachon is produced in honor of their father; Sylvain and Delphine Blachon have followed their famed papa’s path exquisitely. Made from the very steep, monopole vineyard of Les Cotes Saint-Joseph, this stellar red has the fine combination of power and smoothness as well as highlighting the vineyard’s granitic soils. The 2012 is dazzling. Youthful flavors and aromas of black cherry, licorice, smoke meat, olive and truffle, coat the palate, possess nervosity and grip and wind it all up with a provocative and lasting finish. This perhaps is one of most perfect matches for game and red meat, such as duck, rabbit, and venison. While showing incredibly youthful right now, it can be enjoyed with food. For optimum pleasure though, this will be at its peak from 2018-2024+. Sublime Syrah!
The Cuvee Hommage Roger Blachon is produced in honor of their father; Sylvain and Delphine Blachon have followed their famed papa’s path exquisitely. Made from the very steep, monopole vineyard of Les Cotes Saint-Joseph, this stellar red has the fine combination of power and smoothness as well as highlighting the vineyard’s granitic soils. The 2012 is dazzling. Youthful flavors and aromas of black cherry, licorice, smoke meat, olive and truffle, coat the palate, possess nervosity and grip and wind it all up with a provocative and lasting finish. This perhaps is one of most perfect matches for game and red meat, such as duck, rabbit, and venison. While showing incredibly youthful right now, it can be enjoyed with food. For optimum pleasure though, this will be at its peak from 2018-2024+. Sublime Syrah!
2007 CONTI COSTANTI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA
[reg. $145.00]
SPECIAL - $89.99 - very limited!
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA
[reg. $145.00]
SPECIAL - $89.99 - very limited!
If you love the greatest of Brunello di Montalcino wines and especially those that come from the region’s most prolific producers then you are going to want to be quick on the last bottles of this special closeout deal. Sixth generation, Andrea Costanti is one of the ambassadors of this great Tuscan appellation. With one taste of Andrea's wine, it is clear that he is rooted in great local traditions and when it comes to Riserva, the moniker really means something more than just another year in barrel.
Vintage 2007 is off the charts and Costanti’s Riserva Brunello is gargantuan with top-notch craft, poise and Grand Cru depth. Graceful, multifaceted, very perfumy and for being large-scaled, truly maintains class and finesse. Red berry tones attack the palate; impressive persistence and penetrating concentration take hold all while being airy and seamless. Deep and luxurious on the packed finish, the magnitude of this Brunello is endless. Now use your imagination, the future is unwritten. This really is in need of cellar time. Drink 2018 – 2033+.
Vintage 2007 is off the charts and Costanti’s Riserva Brunello is gargantuan with top-notch craft, poise and Grand Cru depth. Graceful, multifaceted, very perfumy and for being large-scaled, truly maintains class and finesse. Red berry tones attack the palate; impressive persistence and penetrating concentration take hold all while being airy and seamless. Deep and luxurious on the packed finish, the magnitude of this Brunello is endless. Now use your imagination, the future is unwritten. This really is in need of cellar time. Drink 2018 – 2033+.
