Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'LISTENING TO THE KINKS' HOTSHEET
Single Cru Barbareco & Oregon Pinot Noir with Superb Accolades, White Burgundy < 30, Value Tuscan and Rhone,Owen Roe Cabernet Franc
2018 LE PUPILLE
MORELLINO DI SCANSANO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
MORELLINO DI SCANSANO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
One of the sleeper regions of Tuscany located south-southwest of Brunello di Montalcino in the Maremma and not far from the coast; Morellino di Scansano has long been the secret find of many of those in the know who love Tuscan wines. Best of all is that one does not need to drop a ton of money to get something delicious. Fattoria Le Pupille, owned by the dynamic Elisabetta Geppetti, is widely regarded as THE producer of the area.
85% Sangiovese with 10% of Alicante and 5% Ciliegiolo, the 2018 is chock full of Tuscan charm and pleasure. From a Mediterranean climate that is warmer than inland around the Chianti zone, inviting with broad aromas of coffee, anisette, Italian plum, blackberry and savory spice shine from the glass. Ever refined and sophisticated in the mouth with fine-grained tannins framing the potpourri of complex components throughout all climaxing with a drawn-out finish that refuses to leave your mouth. So many pairings and so little time, drink this rock star Italian red through 2025.
85% Sangiovese with 10% of Alicante and 5% Ciliegiolo, the 2018 is chock full of Tuscan charm and pleasure. From a Mediterranean climate that is warmer than inland around the Chianti zone, inviting with broad aromas of coffee, anisette, Italian plum, blackberry and savory spice shine from the glass. Ever refined and sophisticated in the mouth with fine-grained tannins framing the potpourri of complex components throughout all climaxing with a drawn-out finish that refuses to leave your mouth. So many pairings and so little time, drink this rock star Italian red through 2025.
2019 ALADAME MONTAGNY
'PREMIER CRU 'DECOUVERTE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'PREMIER CRU 'DECOUVERTE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Every now and then, we get to experience a new producer from Burgundy along with our clients. Last week was one such occasion. I know the white Burgundy region of Montagny quite well and have heard of these wines but I finally had them presented to me. Stephane Aladame started at his small family Domaine in 1992 when he was 18 years old and had a mere two-thirds of an acre. Gradually the Domaine has expanded to its present 19+ acres (17 in Premier Cru) and I have to say these are some of the finest that I have tasted from this village in many years. They are superb values, too. If you love White Burgundy for fair prices then don’t miss these. This is one of four wines on offer, if you would like to see and experience the others, let me know and I will send more info on those.
Montagny is interesting in that the growers have chosen to work closely together versus being competitive and chasing the almighty Euro. Many Premiers Crus make up this area which has excellent diversity, is solely white Burgundy and has a shout out in Hemingway’s ‘A Movable Feast.’ The Premier Cru of Decouverte is an assemblage of two Premier Crus sites, Les Maroques and Les Gouresses and begs the question, if Montagny in Chablis skin or Montagny in Meursault skin. Truthfully, it is all its own entity! Aged sans oak this Burg is both vinous and rousing with stony scents overlapping peach, orange, hints of anise and a bit more mineral for good measure. Nice depth of fruit and very energetic and lengthy. Enjoy this fabulous White Burg through 2029+.
Montagny is interesting in that the growers have chosen to work closely together versus being competitive and chasing the almighty Euro. Many Premiers Crus make up this area which has excellent diversity, is solely white Burgundy and has a shout out in Hemingway’s ‘A Movable Feast.’ The Premier Cru of Decouverte is an assemblage of two Premier Crus sites, Les Maroques and Les Gouresses and begs the question, if Montagny in Chablis skin or Montagny in Meursault skin. Truthfully, it is all its own entity! Aged sans oak this Burg is both vinous and rousing with stony scents overlapping peach, orange, hints of anise and a bit more mineral for good measure. Nice depth of fruit and very energetic and lengthy. Enjoy this fabulous White Burg through 2029+.
2020 DIANETTI 'VIGNAJULIA'
OFFIDA PECORINO
$17.99 BTL./$107.94 - SIX PACK
OFFIDA PECORINO
$17.99 BTL./$107.94 - SIX PACK
Nestled in the southern reaches of the Le Marches, close to the Abruzzo border is the tiny growing region of Offida Pecorino. Having nothing to do with sheep’s milk cheese, the grape of choice is called Pecorino (it is Italy, go figure). In 2011, this area was elevated to DOCG status due to its terroir but especially for the potential of the white wines made from the Pecorino grape.
We have been anticipating the arrival of the new 2020 and it has finally landed. Powdery, penetrating and pristine with scents of orange, vitamin, wet stone and a swath of Italian herbs. Upon entry, this blitzes the palate, folds and unfolds, gains tension with its natural acidity and soars on the finish. One of the ultimate seafood siren songs, enjoy with ling cod in an olive oil preparation and much more.
We have been anticipating the arrival of the new 2020 and it has finally landed. Powdery, penetrating and pristine with scents of orange, vitamin, wet stone and a swath of Italian herbs. Upon entry, this blitzes the palate, folds and unfolds, gains tension with its natural acidity and soars on the finish. One of the ultimate seafood siren songs, enjoy with ling cod in an olive oil preparation and much more.
2018 OWEN ROE CABERNET FRANC
'ROSA MYSTICA'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'ROSA MYSTICA'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
After visiting some vineyards and producers in Yakima over the weekend, one thing that was reaffirmed is that Owen Roe has had a hell of a knack for sourcing and making some of the finest wines in the area.
One of the true gems in the Owen Roe is their Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc that comes from some prime sources, three in the Rattlesnake Hills (DuBrul, Outlook & Union Gap Vineyards) and one famed Yakima source, Red Willow Vineyard. An ambrosial expression of the varietal, it coats the palate with velvety dark plum, raspberry, Italian herbs and spices and chocolate covered raspberry. What is most notable is that while this is quite a decadent wine, it shows great balance and restraint with polished tannins and brightness that holds your full attention. Beautiful to drink now and through 2028. Try it with braised short ribs with a tangy sauce.
One of the true gems in the Owen Roe is their Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc that comes from some prime sources, three in the Rattlesnake Hills (DuBrul, Outlook & Union Gap Vineyards) and one famed Yakima source, Red Willow Vineyard. An ambrosial expression of the varietal, it coats the palate with velvety dark plum, raspberry, Italian herbs and spices and chocolate covered raspberry. What is most notable is that while this is quite a decadent wine, it shows great balance and restraint with polished tannins and brightness that holds your full attention. Beautiful to drink now and through 2028. Try it with braised short ribs with a tangy sauce.
2017 DOMAINE BISCARELLE
COTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE
COTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE
Many know the history of this small Chateaueuf-du-Pape Domaine’s co-owner and winemaker Jerome Greico and his catching the wine bug while working as an autoroute patrolman. We adore the wines from this estate; however, the Cotes-du-Rhone Villages from vineyards around the small city of Orange consistently kills it for 16-bucks.
Just over half Grenache and augmented with healthy dollops of Syrah and Carignan, the newly arrived 2017 is even finer than the 2015 we offered earlier this year. Classic with streamlined aromas and flavors of pure galet rocks in the driver's seat. Wild spice, black licorice, sun-kissed red raspberry and cherry, rose petal, cracked white pepper join the party, and offer a wave of pleasure that take off in the mouth and leave you wanting to reach for another sip. Enjoy with a hearty lamb stew or beef/eggplant dish with or without tomatoes over the next five years.
Just over half Grenache and augmented with healthy dollops of Syrah and Carignan, the newly arrived 2017 is even finer than the 2015 we offered earlier this year. Classic with streamlined aromas and flavors of pure galet rocks in the driver's seat. Wild spice, black licorice, sun-kissed red raspberry and cherry, rose petal, cracked white pepper join the party, and offer a wave of pleasure that take off in the mouth and leave you wanting to reach for another sip. Enjoy with a hearty lamb stew or beef/eggplant dish with or without tomatoes over the next five years.
2019 SIERRA NORTE
BOBAL-TEMPRANILLO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
BOBAL-TEMPRANILLO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
From just outside Valencia, this Spanish blend of the local Bobal grape (65%) combined with a big splash of Tempranillo is quite the head turner for 10 bucks.
Organically farmed and permeating with dark chocolate, Asian spice, red, black and blue berries that coat the mouth with roasted earth and good structure to add a level of intrigue. Utterly enchanting with soulful fare from barbecued ribs to paella.
2018 NADA FIORENZO
BARBARESCO 'ROMBONE'
$69.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
BARBARESCO 'ROMBONE'
$69.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
96 points – Vinous… There is more going on in Barbaresco than one might realize and lately it has been the emergence of the third main village of Treiso and its young producers. These up and comers are admirably showing off the terroir of this village that sits in the shadow of Barbaresco and Neive villages. Led by 35-year-old Danilo Nada, these wines are absolute steals and have stellar accolades. First up is Rombone, which is the apex single Cru Barbaresco from Nada and from vines planted in 1964.
‘The 2016 Barbaresco Rombone is the most finessed Rombone I have tasted in twenty years of visiting the property. A reduction of time in barrique in favor of cask seems to release the wine's aromatic intensity while giving a more elegant, mid-weight Rombone with less overt unctuousness and much more Nebbiolo character. Kirsch, blood orange, mint, chalk and sage are some of the many notes that inform this utterly beguiling, alluring Barbaresco. In short, this is what Treiso is all about. What a wine! – 96 POINTS, VINOUS'
‘The 2016 Barbaresco Rombone is the most finessed Rombone I have tasted in twenty years of visiting the property. A reduction of time in barrique in favor of cask seems to release the wine's aromatic intensity while giving a more elegant, mid-weight Rombone with less overt unctuousness and much more Nebbiolo character. Kirsch, blood orange, mint, chalk and sage are some of the many notes that inform this utterly beguiling, alluring Barbaresco. In short, this is what Treiso is all about. What a wine! – 96 POINTS, VINOUS'
2018 NADA FIORENZO
BARBARESCO 'MANZOLA'
$49.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
BARBARESCO 'MANZOLA'
$49.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
94 points – Vinous… Yet another prime time single cru site is the superb Manzola vineyard and is one that reveals so much of Treiso’s red fruit and earth aspects.
‘The 2016 Barbaresco Manzola is a brilliant wine. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint, chalk and white pepper all pulse through the 2016. A Barbaresco of energy and tension, the 2016 is a bit nervous in feel, and yet it also has terrific depth, not to mention exceptional balance. The 2016 is one of the finest Manzolas I can remember tasting. In this range, the Manzola is distinguished by its saline minerality and drive. – 94 POINTS, VINOUS’
‘The 2016 Barbaresco Manzola is a brilliant wine. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint, chalk and white pepper all pulse through the 2016. A Barbaresco of energy and tension, the 2016 is a bit nervous in feel, and yet it also has terrific depth, not to mention exceptional balance. The 2016 is one of the finest Manzolas I can remember tasting. In this range, the Manzola is distinguished by its saline minerality and drive. – 94 POINTS, VINOUS’
2018 ARTERBERRY-MARESH PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS 'OLD VINES'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
DUNDEE HILLS 'OLD VINES'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
94 points – The Wine Advocate…Jim Maresh is a third generation Oregon producer who comes from great bloodlines; in fact, one could say Oregon wine royalty. What he is doing with not only his family’s vineyard (Maresh) as well as some neighboring sites is nothing short of breathtaking. 2018 is simply magnificent for this wine and the depth and material reveal themselves early but the fact of the matter is that this wine is built to soar and built to age.
‘Pale ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Old Vines has an alluring perfume of blueberries, violets and dark cherries with accents of earth and amaro. The medium-bodied palate offers intense, broody fruits framed by muscular tannins and bright freshness, and it finishes long and full of flavor. It's still youthfully coiled and may improve with another year or two in bottle. – 94 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE’.
‘Pale ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Old Vines has an alluring perfume of blueberries, violets and dark cherries with accents of earth and amaro. The medium-bodied palate offers intense, broody fruits framed by muscular tannins and bright freshness, and it finishes long and full of flavor. It's still youthfully coiled and may improve with another year or two in bottle. – 94 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE’.
