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Hot Sheet of Exciting Wine Deals!

"RUNAWAY BARGE" HOTSHEET

Brick House Pinot, New Champagne Vilmart Release, Cool Whites, Apex Barbera, Value Washington Red & more




ITALIAN WINE TRILOGY WINE/PAIRINGS TASTINGS AT GRACIE'S COMING SEPTEMBER 18TH

PART TWO - CENTRAL ITALY!
Our Wine/Pairings Tastings with our friends at Gracie's kill it and are a fabulous deal for 65 bucks...We wanted to share some photos from last week's event to show you the good things that come from Chef Mark's kitchen. Click on the "Italian Trilogy" Link for more info and some photos

CLICK HERE - ITALIAN WINE TRILOGY TASTING INFO AND PHOTOS



1.) 2010 OLIM BAUDA BARBERA D'ASTI "ROCCHETTE"
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE


Having now known and been offering, buying and consuming Olim Bauda's Barbera wines since 2009, it is now quite a thrill to see brothers Dino & Gianni Bertolini receiving adulation for their wines both from wine-lovers and the pundits. Rocchette is from the eponymous-named vineyard in Isole d'Asti whose vines were planted in 1950 and instantaneously one can discover that this wine steps it up a level or six from most 20 buck Barbera D'Asti wines!!

Vinous driving nose of hearty Italian plum, mineral, gentle kisses of smoky oak and underlying cherry pit character. Big-boned with its fruit and velvety texture yet full of elegance and suaveness. A luminous presence of vividness follows through to a drawn-out lavish finish that displays hints of milk chocolate, coffee and plenty of fullness while maintaining poise and freshness. Very lingering, this wine is a steal for 20 bucks!!! Comes with a fine accolade: 91 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE



2.) MALIBRÁN PROSECCO "RUIO" BRUT
$13.99 BTL./$83.94 – SIX PACK CASE


We at The Cellar Door have immense preferences when it comes to Prosecco and what we prefer are sparkling wines done in the area that are from families and are of an artisan quality. Not only is this a beautiful sparkling wine to taste, its myriad of tiny bubbles are impressive to gawk at.

Alluring scents of wildflowers, pears, apples and gently placed mineral waft from the glass. The texture itself is worth the price of admission given its extra richness and depth that are both energetic, brisk, fruit driven and intense. Beautifully complex and while OK to go into a Bellini, it works even more exquisitely with light seafood dishes or as an aparativo either indoors, outdoors or for upcoming tailgating sessions.



3.) 2011 EMILIO MORO RIBERA DEL DUERO "FINCA RESALSO"
[reg. $18.99] SPECIAL PRICE - $11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE


Home to luminaries such as Vega Sicilia and Pingus, the region of Ribera Del Duero is the region of Spain that garners the most hype from wine lovers around the world. Sadly, with the demand for the wines, many have escalated well into the "special occasion" category.

Given the previous statement, to score a Ribera Del Duero from an upscale, very well-established producer for 12 bucks is an absolute coup. Made with all tempranillo (tinta del país in the Duero) this warm, inviting, flavorful red offers up complete scents that allow the warm fruit to shine. 4 months aging in French wood is also utilized to add a level of refinement, class and spice. Strawberry, cocoa powder, tobacco and truffles shine on the nose and lead into wide, mouthfilling flavors that are smooth, integrated and very luscious. A terrific number from a much-heralded producer, this flavorful wine cries out for brined pork chops that are tossed on the grill. Drink now through 2017.



4.) 2012 DOMAINE CARREL VIN DE SAVOIE-JONGIEUX BLANC
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE


From the Savoie region of Jongieux, this low-alcohol (11.5%) white wine epitomizes the essence of the term summer-slammer!! Made with 100% of the ever-popular Jacquère grape, this gushing Alpine-waterfall of a white is more intense and complex than one would ever imagine at its modest alcohol level.

Alluring aromas of freshly cut white flowers, melon, mandarin, mineral and white licorice, the intensity and explosiveness on the nose follows through to the mouth with dry, brisk, mouthwatering tones that show excellent intensity from old vines and sustainable farming. The finish is nakedly pure and super-long, enjoy it with grilled shrimp or just by itself.



5.) 2010 SEVEN HILLS "PLANING MILL" RED (CABERNET BLEND)
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE


Just a good old-fashioned, straight-ahead, full-flavored Washington Cab-based blend from one of Walla Walla's long-time and super-underrated producers. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Syrah, 11% Tempranillo, 8% Cabernet Franc & 8% Merlot this wine is built to please those who love wines from this area but lately haven't loved many of their price/quality rapports.

Rich and warm Washington flavors and aromas of cassis, blackberry, smoke, huckleberry, vanilla bean and ground pepper reveal lots of smoke and layered fruit that expands nicely from start to finish. Drink over the next 2-3 years.



6.) 2012 DOMAINE PADIOT POUILLY-FUMÉ
$20.99 BTL./$251.88 CASE


Even though they're neighbors that are a mere 20 minutes apart, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé possess some similarities and many more differences than you would think. For some reason, Sancerre seems to get all the love, however the 100% Sauvignon Blanc wines from across the Loire River equally deserve your attention, especially since they often carry more power and when done in proper hands, excellent complexity and breadth of flavor.

A new discovery for us, the 2012 Jean Padiot Pouilly-Fumé emits absolute gorgeous aromas of gooseberry, fresh cut grass, and loads of minerals. Focus is the key word here in describing the palate. Intense pure citrus fruit flavors mixed with the perfect amount of mineral and savory herbs make it one hell of a classic Pouilly-Fumé, and a wine that goes down easier than a glass of jungle juice at a frat party. Exquisite stuff that shouldn't be missed by well, you know, all of youze!



7.) 2010 BRICK HOUSE PINOT NOIR "MOE'S"
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE


One of the originators of Oregon's organic viticulture movement, former CBS Middle East correspondent and Oregon native Doug Tunnell planted his Ribbon Ridge area vineyard site in 1990. Converting over to biodynamic farming, limiting production and being all about the vineyard site, the small production is always sought-after by Oregon wine lovers. Relatively new and from the McMinnville appellation, Brick House Moe's is a single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Momtazi Vineyard and named after owner Moe Momtazi.

A glorious, poised offering and a very poised take on the terroir of this vineyard, Brick House's version is rather sultry aromas of Italian plums, vibrant red and black cherry, anise and touches of nutmeg and smoke that impressively penetrate the olfactory senses . Luxurious aromas lead to luxurious, but very youthful flavors which pick up lots of structure and backbone. Excellent, persistent but packed finish, this wine from the impressive 2010 vintage needs some cellar time but all of the material is there. Hold this killer and drink from 2015 – 2025+.



8.) 2008 CHAMPAGNE VILMART & CIE BRUT "CUVÉE GRAND CELLIER D'OR"
$99.99 BTL./$1,199.88 CASE


The 8,000 case estate of Champagne Vilmart & Cie led by Laurent Champs has widely been regarded as one of the pinnacle Grower Champagne producers period. Strong results soar from these cellars no matter what the vintage, however when seeing a great, somewhat miraculous vintage like 2008 just being released, we certainly take notice. Having sampled this bubbly last week, it was safe to say it was the best thing that crossed my lips wine-wise.

80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, fermented and aged in 225 liter barrels, this wine is beyond a mere toasting Champagne. Vintage-driven and with top pedigree, there is an abundance of flavors that make one think that this may well be Grand Cru Burgundy with bubbles, it's that impressive. Insanely extravagant and grand, the 2008 is a champagne of perfect balance and great staying power. Accents of lily, honey, brioche and toasted nuts shine within in its powerful bouquet. The taste is crisp, graceful, rich and lasting flavor that recalls notes of saffron and cinnamon. Delicate and enduring effervescence this is profound vintage champagne with great aging potential but for those who can't resist, can be accessed early.



FRIDAY SIPS
HAUT-RIAN & LE RHÔNE – EN DIRECT!!!
Drop by this Friday, August 23rd to taste new releases from some perennial French Favorites! Red Bordeaux from Haut Rian, Beaurenard Rose & Voge St-Joseph!!
WINES OPEN FOR TASTING THIS FRIDAY, AUG. 23:
  • 2010 Château Haut-Rian Côtes-de-Bordeaux Rouge
  • 2010 Château Haut-Rian Côtes-de-Bordeaux Rouge "Prestige"
  • 2010 Domaine Voge St-Joseph
  • 2012 Domaine de Beaurenard Côtes-du-Rhône Rosé

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