Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'GRANDE ANNEE' HOTSHEET HOTSHEET
Haut-Rian, Rioja & more
2015 RODA RIOJA 'SELA'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
Year in and year out, we just can’t help ourselves when it comes to this modern thinking but classy producer who in 1987, originally envisioned their estate to be a Bordeaux Chateau that happens to be in Rioja.
The 2015 Sela is rock star juice for 25 bucks. 82% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 8% Graciano from 15-30 year old vines planted on limestone with chalk layers that provide ample energy. Possessing laid-back, neo-classical aromas, there is plenty of full, buxom character to go along with all of the nuances that mother nature bestowed to Rioja in 2015. Ripe and aromatic black raspberry scent play off of savory scents of thyme & sage which lurk beneath the surface. Plenty of full fruit drives the wine and is enhanced even further by fine spicy oak tones. Sexy, smooth flavors crawl through the mouth, but while there can be instant gratification here, there is plenty of sneaky grip as well that will allow it to age nicely for a decade. The finish is very polished, regal and uplifting from its 450-600 meter elevation and gracefully expansive. Pretty kickass Rioja for 25 bucks, drink it with a braised pork or beef dish over the next 10-12 years.
The 2015 Sela is rock star juice for 25 bucks. 82% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 8% Graciano from 15-30 year old vines planted on limestone with chalk layers that provide ample energy. Possessing laid-back, neo-classical aromas, there is plenty of full, buxom character to go along with all of the nuances that mother nature bestowed to Rioja in 2015. Ripe and aromatic black raspberry scent play off of savory scents of thyme & sage which lurk beneath the surface. Plenty of full fruit drives the wine and is enhanced even further by fine spicy oak tones. Sexy, smooth flavors crawl through the mouth, but while there can be instant gratification here, there is plenty of sneaky grip as well that will allow it to age nicely for a decade. The finish is very polished, regal and uplifting from its 450-600 meter elevation and gracefully expansive. Pretty kickass Rioja for 25 bucks, drink it with a braised pork or beef dish over the next 10-12 years.
2017 CHATEAU HAUT-RIAN
BORDEAUX BLANC
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
BORDEAUX BLANC
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
It is always worth reiterating what is obvious, HAUT-RIAN NEVER GOES OUT OF SEASON AND HAUT-RIAN NEVER GOES OUT OF FASHION!
When the Rain arrives, it is always a good time to uncork several bottles of the Rian - especially with freshly shucked oysters or mussels. 6 months on, our favorite white takes on new and exciting traits. At this moment, the 2017 has evolved from having up front fruit to revealing prominent mineral, peat, smoke and seashore scents that beautifully mingle with the famous lemon-lime tones that this white wine is so known for. Brisk, flavorful and a fresh jaunt to the palate, this 10-buck wonder goes oh so well with the bounty of shellfish available to us, especially nice, briny oysters.
When the Rain arrives, it is always a good time to uncork several bottles of the Rian - especially with freshly shucked oysters or mussels. 6 months on, our favorite white takes on new and exciting traits. At this moment, the 2017 has evolved from having up front fruit to revealing prominent mineral, peat, smoke and seashore scents that beautifully mingle with the famous lemon-lime tones that this white wine is so known for. Brisk, flavorful and a fresh jaunt to the palate, this 10-buck wonder goes oh so well with the bounty of shellfish available to us, especially nice, briny oysters.
2014 LOS VASCOS CABERNET
SAUVIGON GRANDE RESERVE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
SAUVIGON GRANDE RESERVE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Owned and made by Bordeaux First Growth Lafite Rothschild, this Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the benchmarks of sophistication when it comes to the wines of Chile. Having been producing excellent wine in this nation since 1988, this pioneer has taken their wines to another level late in the last decade with the arrival of a new generation.
Dense blackberry, plum, mint, smoke, cedar, graphite and dark chocolate scents abound! With a solid decanting, this wine really opens itself up nicely. Texturally it is spreads throughout the palate and is packed and finishing with gutsy material that extends nicely maintaining the Lafite underbelly of sophistication. As evidenced by a 2010 that we consumed last year, this wine can definitely age and vintage 2014 will do so for another 6-7 years, however it is pretty damn irresistible once it's opened and aired.
Dense blackberry, plum, mint, smoke, cedar, graphite and dark chocolate scents abound! With a solid decanting, this wine really opens itself up nicely. Texturally it is spreads throughout the palate and is packed and finishing with gutsy material that extends nicely maintaining the Lafite underbelly of sophistication. As evidenced by a 2010 that we consumed last year, this wine can definitely age and vintage 2014 will do so for another 6-7 years, however it is pretty damn irresistible once it's opened and aired.
2016 EVESHAM WOOD
PINOT NOIR 'EOLA-AMITY'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
PINOT NOIR 'EOLA-AMITY'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
The race is on for everyone to grab their share of 2016 Oregon Pinots, especially those from legendary addresses such as Evesham Wood.
Evesham's Eola-Amity cuvee is an appellation-specific wine that bridges the gap between the Willamette Valley offering and the single vineyard wines that come later in the year. Delivering graceful aromas and flavors that conjure up harmonious notes of strawberry and cocoa-dust, texturally this offering is concentrated and persistent with plenty of dark tones up front that fan out into a vivid, suave and rich finish. Top-notch, obsessive farming and winemaking at its pinnacle, this wine shows admirable approachability now and will drink nicely through the end of the decade. Given the price hikes that we have been seeing for this vintage of small quantity, this wine is a steal for its price level.
Evesham's Eola-Amity cuvee is an appellation-specific wine that bridges the gap between the Willamette Valley offering and the single vineyard wines that come later in the year. Delivering graceful aromas and flavors that conjure up harmonious notes of strawberry and cocoa-dust, texturally this offering is concentrated and persistent with plenty of dark tones up front that fan out into a vivid, suave and rich finish. Top-notch, obsessive farming and winemaking at its pinnacle, this wine shows admirable approachability now and will drink nicely through the end of the decade. Given the price hikes that we have been seeing for this vintage of small quantity, this wine is a steal for its price level.
FRIDAY SIPS
Four Flavors for Under 15
This Friday January 4 from 1:30 – 6:30
We’re kicking off 2019 with value. Drop by to taste four excellent choices including the Chateau Haut-Rian Blanc which has done its annual transformation from fruit to mineral.
FEATURED WINES:
2017 Olim Bauda Barbera D’Asti ‘La Villa’
2017 Chateau Haut-Rian Bordeaux Blanc
2015 Gota ‘Prunus’ Dao Tinto
2014 Three Wine Company Zinfandel
