Hot Sheets


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FUNKY MIRACLE' HOTSHEET
French Wine Special, 95 point Chateauneuf, Palacios Bierzo & more


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2010 QUERCIABELLA TOSCANA ROSSO
'MONGRANA'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Recently we had to stand up and take notice because owner Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni had a change of philosophy deciding to make wines that reflect the terroir and tastes of Tuscany and by bringing aboard famed Barolo/Barbera producer Luca Currado of Vietti fame, has been accomplished in rapid fashion.

A terrific blend from Tuscany's Maremma region, the 2010 Mongrana is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot and is not the typical overoaked and underwined Super-Tuscan offering. Instead, there is enticing and savory aspects and true balance, which never allows either of the varietals to overwhelm the others. A flavorful and alluring offering with stellar balance, polished, layered strawberry and violet tones follow into a scintillating, drawn-out pepper and spice box-tinged finish that refuses to leave your mouth. Drinks great now, but will develop and integrate further through 2018+.



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2013 TABLAS CREEK 'PATELIN DE TABLAS'
PASO ROBLES BLANC
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

It is apropos that one of the best “Rhône Rangers” in California is made by one of the stalwarts of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Château de Beaucastel. Partnered with their American importer Robert Haas, François and Jean-Pierre Perrin always believed that California could succeed with Rhône varietals. The land was purchased in 1987 and typical of the Perrins, they waited to replant and to work the land for 10 years before ever releasing a wine and what they are doing these days is nothing less than impressive.

54% Grenache Blanc, 25% Viognier, 13% Roussanne, 8% Marsanne and exploding with character, this full-flavored, mouth-coating yet electric white offers beautiful fragrances of peach-blossom, rose petal, ginger and gently placed acacia and anise-pepper tones. Wonderfully fleshy from the white Rhone varietals but with underlying nervosity that keeps it from becoming burdensome. Incredibly floating and intense stuff that buzzes on the finish and lasts for quite a long time for a Cali wine at this price level. Enjoy this superb Chardonnay alternative over the next 3-4 years with an array of fleshier seafood dishes.



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2012 J. PALACIOS BIERZO 'PETALOS'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Synonymous with Spain, the Palacios family seemingly does no wrong. Influential throughout Spain, Alvaro and Riccardo Perez were the primary forces who brought Bierzo into prominence as has become oh so familiar with these guys and this wine; it is once again very formidable and as always made from 100% Mencia. One of the world’s most terrific values, this wine has a bit of something for everyone. Loaded with scents of cinnamon, clove, plum, some roasted earth and chocolate licorice, this wine unfolds as it aerates in the glass. The texture is plump, but very poised and proper. Gracing its way to the finish, this Spanish treat is an absolute pleasure with pork dishes. As many of you have experienced in the past, Palacios Petalos Bierzo is imminently drinkable and lovable and certainly in-demand. For those who like a little score reassurance for performance, this has 91 points from International Wine Cellar and 90 from Wine Spectator.



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2014 MONTINORE ESTATE PINOT GRIS
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Montinore estate has been part of the Oregon Wine scene since 1982 but it has really only been in the last couple of years that we have been super excited about the brilliance that is bubbling at the surface. Owner and vineyard chief Rudy Marchesi farms these vines using biodynamic principles that have resulted in some superb selections over the last several vintages.

As many of you know, I would definitely not be what you would call the biggest Oregon Pinot Gris lover but I am very smitten with the 2014 Montinore. A delicious bottle of white at a very honest price, the old vines strut their stuff in the intensity of the nose. Fresh, crisp with pretty lime and orange blossom aromas with a good core of ripe fruit in the mid-palate but the wine finishes clean and with prominent minerality. Grill up some salmon or roast a chicken this versatile white will do the trick with a plethora of cuisine. If you remember Montinore as just being made to appease the large grocery store chains, think again, these wines are mighty impressive and you need to enjoy them now!



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2012 LASCAUX LANGUEDOC ROUGE
[reg. $19.99] SPECIAL - $12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

Since 1984, Jean-Benoit Cavalier has worked tirelessly to promote the expressive terroir of his property, but also to champion the virtues of the vastly diverse Coteaux-Du-Languedoc region. The Chateau de Lascaux vineyard extends over an immense garrigue forest populated with oak, Aleppo pine, laurel, thyme and rosemary situated in Languedoc between Montpellier and Nimes, under the first foothills of the Cevennes. Sheltered from cold winds and mistral already at an altitude of 150 meters, the vineyard has the advantage of a Mediterranean climate with a continental influence. This cool Mediterranean microclimate explains the elegance and layered sophistication in the wines.

Lascaux's 2012 Languedoc is Syrah dominant and backed up nicely with Grenache and Mourvedre. The terroir aspects of lavender, laurel and generous plum fruit really shined through in the mouth while the aromas are quite elusive and complex with so much going on for a 13-dollar wine. An absolute treat! Drink through 2019.



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2012 PEACHY CANYON ZINFANDEL
'INCREDIBLE RED'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

A perennial favorite Zin from one of California's great Zin-masters is back on out hot sheets and the 2012 is one of the finest versions we’ve worked with.

Over-delivering, velvety, layered and smooth with tell-tale, full-throttle Zin character that builds and builds alluring red and black cherry, rhubarb, violet and cocoa. Flavorful and mouth coating with plenty of spice on the back end. Perfect for barbecue and especially a semi-spicy sauce.



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2012 BEAURENARD CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
'CUVEE BOISRENARD'
$69.99 BTL./$419.94 SIX PACK

95 POINTS - THE WINE SPECTATOR

Over the years many of you have been able to experience the range of wines from the renowned Chateauneuf-du-Pape producer, Domaine de Beaurenard. The Coulon family has been producing wine in Chateauneuf-du-Pape since 1695, so there is an abundance of experience! Boisrenard is the family's top Chateauneuf and is from 90-110 year old vines with the yields kept to about 1 ton per acre! This wine also receives huge accolades and the 2012 is no exception with a fat 95-point score from The Wine Spectator.

"Offers a grippy feel, with taut licorice and tar notes stretching from start to finish. Ripe plum, raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors fill in the core, while hints of anise and juniper hang in the background. The finish reveals a bolt of graphite. Should age very nicely. Best from 2015 through 2030. – 95 POINTS, THE WINE SPECTATOR"

If you don’t believe that these wines age, trust us they do, Karen, Michael and Bryan own these wines going back to the late 90s and the Coulons have opened them for Bryan going back even further when he has visited them in Chateauneuf. Maybe we’ll invite you over when we uncork something older...



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