Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'WALKING ON AIR' HOTSHEET
Syrah, Spain & Pinot Grigio values plus collectible Cab and Pinot & more
2011 CAMPUGUET COSTIERES DE NIMES
SYRAH '1753'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
SYRAH '1753'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
This red wine is a WOW wine because once you pour it for your guests they will say, "Wow" when they like it. Once they toss back several bottles, tell them the price and they will say "Wow" again :-)
Costieres de Nimes is a growing region around the city of Nimes, and is the tail end of the Rhone Valley, and the gateway to Languedoc. Chateau Campuget, dating back to the 1600s, is one of the region's leaders. Cuvee "1753" is made from 100% Syrah and aged sans oak. Complex, pure scents of violet, cassis, tapenade, ground pepper and cocoa seduce from the instant the wine is poured into the glass. Texturally, it is dry, food-friendly and with plenty of depth, harmony and persistence. Have it over the next 2-3 years with grilled pork chops or a mushroom pasta dish.
Costieres de Nimes is a growing region around the city of Nimes, and is the tail end of the Rhone Valley, and the gateway to Languedoc. Chateau Campuget, dating back to the 1600s, is one of the region's leaders. Cuvee "1753" is made from 100% Syrah and aged sans oak. Complex, pure scents of violet, cassis, tapenade, ground pepper and cocoa seduce from the instant the wine is poured into the glass. Texturally, it is dry, food-friendly and with plenty of depth, harmony and persistence. Have it over the next 2-3 years with grilled pork chops or a mushroom pasta dish.
2013 HOFSTATTER PINOT GRIGIO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
A favorite and top-drawer Alto Adige producer that we haven't seen in a while and one that has a deft touch when it comes to Pinot Grigio, Hofstatter is one of the few privately-owned estates in this Northern Italian region which is known for well-run cooperatives.
Possessing ample aromatics, everything is in fine fettle and in total balance. Lots of shimmering rocky/cracked shell aspects with yellow apple, citrus and lemon lurk beneath the surface, this is the epitome of sexuality in Friuli Pinot Grigio. Excellent character, classic Hofstatter depth and dimension as well as picking up more perfume as it opens. Flavor wise this flows smoothly through the mouth all the way to the creamy/spice-laden finish that seemingly morphs into something steely and vividly clear and focused. Rich enough for salmon, crisp enough for mussels.
Possessing ample aromatics, everything is in fine fettle and in total balance. Lots of shimmering rocky/cracked shell aspects with yellow apple, citrus and lemon lurk beneath the surface, this is the epitome of sexuality in Friuli Pinot Grigio. Excellent character, classic Hofstatter depth and dimension as well as picking up more perfume as it opens. Flavor wise this flows smoothly through the mouth all the way to the creamy/spice-laden finish that seemingly morphs into something steely and vividly clear and focused. Rich enough for salmon, crisp enough for mussels.
2011 CELESTE RIBERA DEL DUERO CRIANZA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Torres may well be the best-known Spanish wine producer brought to the United States. Ever the expansionist, Miguel Torres has been a groundbreaker in virtually all regions of Spain. In the 70s, the famous black label known as Mas La Plana received international accolades and put not only Catalonia, but also Spain on the wine map. Expansion led to wines being made throughout Cataluña (Priorat, Conca de Barbera, etc.) and about 10 years ago into Spain's luxury Tempranillo land, Ribera del Duero.
This region, known for its amazing deep red wines, but unfortunately, greatness comes at a price, however Torres has released an extremely delicious version that is a stellar value. Full-on aromas and flavors of blackberry, balsamic, vanilla and earthy spices are ample, expansive and chock full of character and depth. Hearty and deep, this is a wine to have with a fat, grilled pork chop slathered in fennel and thyme. Drink over the next 5 years.
This region, known for its amazing deep red wines, but unfortunately, greatness comes at a price, however Torres has released an extremely delicious version that is a stellar value. Full-on aromas and flavors of blackberry, balsamic, vanilla and earthy spices are ample, expansive and chock full of character and depth. Hearty and deep, this is a wine to have with a fat, grilled pork chop slathered in fennel and thyme. Drink over the next 5 years.
2010 GUNDLACH-BUNDSCHU
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SONOMA VALLEY
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SONOMA VALLEY
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 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.
Old school California aromas of ripe cassis, spearmint, espresso, smoky oak are followed by a lush, full texture of character depth and expansion. Excellent structure and vibrancy dominate the finish and reveal that this wine will age nicely, however it is quite charming and chock full of excellent flavor at this moment. Enjoy with a Latino-inspired beef dish over the next decade.
Old school California aromas of ripe cassis, spearmint, espresso, smoky oak are followed by a lush, full texture of character depth and expansion. Excellent structure and vibrancy dominate the finish and reveal that this wine will age nicely, however it is quite charming and chock full of excellent flavor at this moment. Enjoy with a Latino-inspired beef dish over the next decade.
VIRGILIO VIGNATO GAMBELLARA RECIOTO
SPUMANTE METODO CLASSICO
$21.99 BTL./$131.94 - SIX PACK
SPUMANTE METODO CLASSICO
$21.99 BTL./$131.94 - SIX PACK
When I drank this vibrant sparkling, ever-so-slightly sweet bubbly my head couldn’t stop spinning when I kept thinking about just how well it would pair with our Oregon strawberries and raspberries. Made in the classic Champagne method but probably on a level of Extra Dry versus Brut, this fruity but vivacious and flamboyant number from the obscure Gambellara region east of Soave will bring many smiles to anyone consuming it.
Definitely not Moscato and also not Prosecco, this individual fizz is made from 100% Garganega, the same grape as Soave and has engaging scents of nectarine, flowers, subtle spice and mineral and a touch of almond while on the palate, it shows equilibrium between subtly sweet and briskly dry. Beautifully crafted, we can’t implore you enough to try this wine, it is really special, not one bit cloying or heavy and perfect for after dinner desserts including fruit and up to things like panettone. Happy bubbles for all!!
Definitely not Moscato and also not Prosecco, this individual fizz is made from 100% Garganega, the same grape as Soave and has engaging scents of nectarine, flowers, subtle spice and mineral and a touch of almond while on the palate, it shows equilibrium between subtly sweet and briskly dry. Beautifully crafted, we can’t implore you enough to try this wine, it is really special, not one bit cloying or heavy and perfect for after dinner desserts including fruit and up to things like panettone. Happy bubbles for all!!
2012 ELIZABETH CHAMBERS PINOT NOIR
TEMPERANCE HILL
$42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE
TEMPERANCE HILL
$42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE
The story here is somewhat a sordid breakup tale; however, the names remain the same and there is a successful conclusion. Liz Chambers and her family purchased Panther Creek Cellars in 2005 and retained Michael Stevenson as the winemaker. A split occurred and the brand name of Panther Creek was sold but Liz retained the facility in McMinnville and Michael has stayed put as winemaker and what is emerging is rather exciting and building upon the terrific work that these two did at Panther Creek.
Temperance Hill is one of the Eola-Amity district’s fine vineyard sites with vines going back to 1980. 2012 for this site proved to be magnificent and what Michael delivered from vineyards to grapes to the bottle is undeniably very thrilling. Full, rich and very well structured with well-focused aromas of ripe black raspberry, cherry, violet, anise, licorice whip and cardamom. This pinot is aromatically stunning and with oh so much potential. Layered and vinous in the mouth with excellent purity of flavor, this offering is currently youthful and exuberant but the underlying material here is prolifically impressive and will undoubtedly come out with some cellar time. As with the old Panther Creek wines, this will age very well indeed. Put this one away until the end of 2018 and drink it through 2030.
Temperance Hill is one of the Eola-Amity district’s fine vineyard sites with vines going back to 1980. 2012 for this site proved to be magnificent and what Michael delivered from vineyards to grapes to the bottle is undeniably very thrilling. Full, rich and very well structured with well-focused aromas of ripe black raspberry, cherry, violet, anise, licorice whip and cardamom. This pinot is aromatically stunning and with oh so much potential. Layered and vinous in the mouth with excellent purity of flavor, this offering is currently youthful and exuberant but the underlying material here is prolifically impressive and will undoubtedly come out with some cellar time. As with the old Panther Creek wines, this will age very well indeed. Put this one away until the end of 2018 and drink it through 2030.
