Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S "PEPPER PERFECTION" HOTSHEET
Woodward Canyon Cab, Nebbiolo, Rioja & more
2010 RONDAN RIOJA CRIANZA
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
It is rare to find a strong Rioja that is simultaneously an excellent representation of its style, a smooth drink and a full-on value. The 2010 Rondan Rioja Crianza fits the bill. This is a rather young Bodega (founded 1993) with a traditional outlook. Jose Saenz de Santamaria comes from a Rioja family and learned his craft from some of the best in the region.
Pronounced, warm spiced earth surrounds perfumy strawberry. More and more Rioja spice as it opens; there is a nice combination of fine, fleshy fruit aromas and traditional, savory flavors. Lush, classy and forward along with pronounced strawberry licorice-whip on the finish, this is a way above-average everyday red and even more so due to the stupendous nature of the 2010 vintage for this area. Drink now and drink lots.
Pronounced, warm spiced earth surrounds perfumy strawberry. More and more Rioja spice as it opens; there is a nice combination of fine, fleshy fruit aromas and traditional, savory flavors. Lush, classy and forward along with pronounced strawberry licorice-whip on the finish, this is a way above-average everyday red and even more so due to the stupendous nature of the 2010 vintage for this area. Drink now and drink lots.
2013 ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI TOSCANA ROSÉ
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
It's time to toss aside the archaic thought of solely drinking Rosé wine in summer. Truth be told, there are many wines that show even better after summer and into the following year. If after tasting this and your mentality hasn't changed then I recommend that you go home, kick your furnace up to 84 degrees and uncork some bottles of this stellar dry pink wine to get you in the early March spring fever spirit!
Given the pedigree, perhaps this wine should be called Chianti Classico Riserva Rosato since the grapes all come from the specific single vineyard of San Marcellino within the Classico zone. Alas, there is no such designation but nonetheless, it is flavorful, distinguished and full of pleasure. 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and enticing and explosive all at once. Generous and bursting aromas of strawberry, white pepper, sage and mineral lead into a brisk, mouth-filling, uplifting and invigorating texture that really coats and sweeps the palate clean. The best version to date and now certified organic. Have this one with spicy pasta dishes, grilled chicken or fish.
Given the pedigree, perhaps this wine should be called Chianti Classico Riserva Rosato since the grapes all come from the specific single vineyard of San Marcellino within the Classico zone. Alas, there is no such designation but nonetheless, it is flavorful, distinguished and full of pleasure. 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and enticing and explosive all at once. Generous and bursting aromas of strawberry, white pepper, sage and mineral lead into a brisk, mouth-filling, uplifting and invigorating texture that really coats and sweeps the palate clean. The best version to date and now certified organic. Have this one with spicy pasta dishes, grilled chicken or fish.
2012 SEVEN OF HEARTS GSM COLUMBIA VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Located in Carlton, Byron Dooley's Seven of Hearts operation is quite impressive. Making upwards of 30+ different selections all in miniscule parcels, this small operation has grape sources in both Oregon and Washington. Rhone-inspired blends from our neighbor to the north are quite in vogue these. 10+ years on, we are learning that the warmer sites handle Grenache and Mourvedre even better than Syrah, thus we are now seeing some terrific blends from these grapes.
32% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 32% Mourvedre from Hellsgate and Avery Vineyards, both warmer sites, yet there is so much style and smoothness within this cuvee. No new oak on this cuvee which allows the grapes and soil to express themselves handsomely; wild cherry beneath Italian plum, white pepper, dusty earth and a hint of meatiness folds over into a texture that is succulent, mouthfilling and chock full of the same peppery aspects that enhance the aromas. Most excellent stuff with barbecue, it will age well, too.
32% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 32% Mourvedre from Hellsgate and Avery Vineyards, both warmer sites, yet there is so much style and smoothness within this cuvee. No new oak on this cuvee which allows the grapes and soil to express themselves handsomely; wild cherry beneath Italian plum, white pepper, dusty earth and a hint of meatiness folds over into a texture that is succulent, mouthfilling and chock full of the same peppery aspects that enhance the aromas. Most excellent stuff with barbecue, it will age well, too.
2012 MAURO MOLINO NEBBIOLO LANGHE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
One of the superb names of Barolo, Mauro Molino and his family have been producing neoclassical wines since 1978 in the hallowed grounds of La Morra. Now aided by his son Matteo and daughter Martina, these wines continue to be some of the most alluring, silky and stylish wines that reflect the personality of the terroir of their home village.
For many years, we have been working with Molino wines but this is the first time we have ever offered their outstanding Nebbiolo. Made from vines ranging from 10-30 years old within the Barolo village of La Morra, this wine is all about wanting to please. Aged in large barrels, persistently aromatic scents of cherry pit, rose, anise and spice follow through to a finely detailed texture that is essence entry-level Langhe Nebbiolo. Classy and thought provoking, elegant and full all at once, this classy red can be consumed over the next 6-8 years. Have it with braised lamb or beef in a red wine (preferably Nebbiolo) sauce.
For many years, we have been working with Molino wines but this is the first time we have ever offered their outstanding Nebbiolo. Made from vines ranging from 10-30 years old within the Barolo village of La Morra, this wine is all about wanting to please. Aged in large barrels, persistently aromatic scents of cherry pit, rose, anise and spice follow through to a finely detailed texture that is essence entry-level Langhe Nebbiolo. Classy and thought provoking, elegant and full all at once, this classy red can be consumed over the next 6-8 years. Have it with braised lamb or beef in a red wine (preferably Nebbiolo) sauce.
2012 DOMAINE LE ROC FRONTON ROUGE "LA FOLLE NOIRE D'AMBAT"
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
This exotic red has bistro wine written all over it! Southwest France is home to numerous appellations that feature quality wines made from a myriad of grape varietals. This wine hails from the Fronton appellation just outside of Toulouse and is made from 100% of the local Negrette grape.
A very forward and rather rich wine with notes of plums and cherries on the nose; in the mouth it is lush with smooth tannins along with an excellent mix of blackberry fruit, a touch of herbs, and refreshing acidity. Overall, the best way to articulate this wine is that it is a unique taste of France and enjoyable on its own or we would suggest with a simple dinner of meats and cheeses.
A very forward and rather rich wine with notes of plums and cherries on the nose; in the mouth it is lush with smooth tannins along with an excellent mix of blackberry fruit, a touch of herbs, and refreshing acidity. Overall, the best way to articulate this wine is that it is a unique taste of France and enjoyable on its own or we would suggest with a simple dinner of meats and cheeses.
2013 DOMAINE CAPITAINE VOUVRAY SEC "LES PERRIERES"
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Seemingly, Vouvray is two different appellations. There is the first, which unfortunately, many folks have come to know as Vouvray, is one that is overripe, sickeningly sweet and unbalanced stuff from the lowlands that are rich in clay soils that roll down the hill when it rains. Good for growing melons, oranges and tomatoes, but not particularly for grapes.
The second appellation lies on the rolling hills above the village of Vouvray and its surrounding seven villages. These vineyard sites are full of nervous energy from the calcareous, rock-laden soils that are very influential to the resulting wines. Les Perrieres, meaning stones, is a dry and jaunting white wine chock full of aromatic stony, flinty scents that ride on top of lemon and white peach fruit. Racy, tense and zingy this wine is a mouthwatering match with smoked salmon, mussels and goat cheese.
The second appellation lies on the rolling hills above the village of Vouvray and its surrounding seven villages. These vineyard sites are full of nervous energy from the calcareous, rock-laden soils that are very influential to the resulting wines. Les Perrieres, meaning stones, is a dry and jaunting white wine chock full of aromatic stony, flinty scents that ride on top of lemon and white peach fruit. Racy, tense and zingy this wine is a mouthwatering match with smoked salmon, mussels and goat cheese.
2012 WOODWARD CANYON CABERNET SAUVIGNON ARTIST SERIES
$47.99 BTL./$575.88 CASE
$47.99 BTL./$575.88 CASE
Last week Woodward Canyon owner Rick SMall made a stop at The Cellar Door to taste me on a number of his current wines. One that he re-tasted me on and is unbelievable proud of was the 2012 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon. I did have to concur with the man in his theory that this is one of his greatest efforts to date on this particular cuvee.
Absolutely off the charts, the 2012’s grapes come from 9 top Washington's sites with the majority hailing from Woodward Canyon Estate and Champoux Vineyards. A great vintage indeed, this rocking Cab is voluptuous and seamless. Cassis, blackberry cobbler, jasmine, kissed of coffee, nutmeg, and smoke waft from the nose. Youthfully bound, this is a boulder wrapped in lace. Broad structure, waves of depth, underlying subtle tones will inevitably reveal themselves. Long, packed and stacked, this wine is rock star stuff! If you must drink it now, decant it and be armed with a big sirloin, but for best results, cellar it until 2017 and drink it through 2027+.
Absolutely off the charts, the 2012’s grapes come from 9 top Washington's sites with the majority hailing from Woodward Canyon Estate and Champoux Vineyards. A great vintage indeed, this rocking Cab is voluptuous and seamless. Cassis, blackberry cobbler, jasmine, kissed of coffee, nutmeg, and smoke waft from the nose. Youthfully bound, this is a boulder wrapped in lace. Broad structure, waves of depth, underlying subtle tones will inevitably reveal themselves. Long, packed and stacked, this wine is rock star stuff! If you must drink it now, decant it and be armed with a big sirloin, but for best results, cellar it until 2017 and drink it through 2027+.
2012 MARECHAL SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE "VIEILLES VIGNES"
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
Claude Marechal gets so much out of his wines that come from his humble appellations, yet interestingly, only one is a Premier Cru. After attempting to make a rendezvous for several years, I finally had the chance to visit this guy back in 2012. After the tasting and while driving north out of Burgundy, I left wondering in amazement, what if this man had land in top premier and grand cru sites? The secret to the quality at Domaine Marechal is old vines and a friendship that Claude struck up with a fellow, legendary Burgundian, the late Henri Jayer. Claude does a hell of a job emulating the wines of his mentor and they reveal so much more than their prices would ever suggest.
Based in Bligny-les-Beaune, Marechal produces 12 different wines from 6 villages and his Savigny-les-Beaune Old Vines comes from three well-positioned single vineyards with vines planted in 1955. Vintage 2012 is turning into quite an excellent one whose subsequent wines have luminous aromatics along with silky, complex textures. This is vintage of fine detail and one that will be very sneaky in its longevity yet will always maintain approachability. Fragrant aromas that show the black fruit side of the Côtes-de-Beaune shine as plum, blackberry and peppercorn shine through. Pure and terroir-laden throughout. Tightly focused and tightly wound with impressive material from an excellent core of fruit. The finish is classic northern Beaune and is tightly focused, compact and very persistent. Hold on to this one until its fifth birthday and drink it through 2023, you will thank us (and yourself) for scoring such a fine Pinot Noir value.
Based in Bligny-les-Beaune, Marechal produces 12 different wines from 6 villages and his Savigny-les-Beaune Old Vines comes from three well-positioned single vineyards with vines planted in 1955. Vintage 2012 is turning into quite an excellent one whose subsequent wines have luminous aromatics along with silky, complex textures. This is vintage of fine detail and one that will be very sneaky in its longevity yet will always maintain approachability. Fragrant aromas that show the black fruit side of the Côtes-de-Beaune shine as plum, blackberry and peppercorn shine through. Pure and terroir-laden throughout. Tightly focused and tightly wound with impressive material from an excellent core of fruit. The finish is classic northern Beaune and is tightly focused, compact and very persistent. Hold on to this one until its fifth birthday and drink it through 2023, you will thank us (and yourself) for scoring such a fine Pinot Noir value.
