Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'IN ITS ENTIRETY' HOTSHEET
Ridge Zin, Barolo Special, Montepulciano, Kelley Fox Pinot & more
2016 OSTATU RIOJA CRIANZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Striving to produce Rioja wines that emphasize site over long barrel aging, this family property does an excellent job at putting forth Rioja wines that absolutely rock, especially given their fabulous price points and this red does exactly that.
90% Tempranillo along with a 10% blend of Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha, the 2016 is absolutely smashing! Neo-classic with aromatic tones of prominent violet and blackberry that mesh nicely together with undercurrents of cocoa and Moroccan spices to form a Rioja that shows both flashiness and detail. Owning a sophisticated, rich, velvety texture that crawls throughout and coats the palate, it also picks up grip and structure on the deep middle and persistent finish that is stacked with fine material. Extremely lovable now, this exciting upscale Rioja without and upscale price will also develop and drink nicely through 2025.
90% Tempranillo along with a 10% blend of Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha, the 2016 is absolutely smashing! Neo-classic with aromatic tones of prominent violet and blackberry that mesh nicely together with undercurrents of cocoa and Moroccan spices to form a Rioja that shows both flashiness and detail. Owning a sophisticated, rich, velvety texture that crawls throughout and coats the palate, it also picks up grip and structure on the deep middle and persistent finish that is stacked with fine material. Extremely lovable now, this exciting upscale Rioja without and upscale price will also develop and drink nicely through 2025.
2017 PICHAT VIOGNIER
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Made by a very small but fine Cote-Rotie and Condrieu producer, this particular Viognier comes solely from two lieu dits within Cote-Rotie. Yes, there is Viognier planted within Cote-Rotie, all of it is blended in with the famed red wine. This is what makes this wine both unusual but quite special.
Varietally strong yet not an explosion wine. Beautifully complex fragrances of white peach, roses, pepper and lemon. Serious business with its depth and poise all without ever becoming unctuous or weighty. Streamlined briskness and enhanced stony, mineral aspects highlight the expansive finish. A selection that certainly punches above its weight class, drink this autumnal white wine with richer seafood preparations or soft-ripened cheeses.
Varietally strong yet not an explosion wine. Beautifully complex fragrances of white peach, roses, pepper and lemon. Serious business with its depth and poise all without ever becoming unctuous or weighty. Streamlined briskness and enhanced stony, mineral aspects highlight the expansive finish. A selection that certainly punches above its weight class, drink this autumnal white wine with richer seafood preparations or soft-ripened cheeses.
2017 RIDGE ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK 'EAST BENCH'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
DRY CREEK 'EAST BENCH'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
Zinfandel from Ridge, need we say more? The masters of Zinfandel once again have bestowed delicious wines from a grape that made them famous. In fact it is mutual because if not for what Ridge and Paul Draper accomplished, we would never be experiencing all the pleasure that this grape that America has taken as its own has given us.
Located on the east side of Dry Creek, Ridge became enamored with this piece of land north of Healdsburg in the late 1990s and started to plant. The site itself has viticultural history with the original vines abandoned in the early 1900s. 2017 is a vintage that is small on quantity but very sturdy in style and quality. Enticing from the moment it is poured, aromatics of crushed strawberry, black pepper, and a hint of milk chocolate fill the senses. In the mouth, this is as delicious as Zin gets, with a cornucopia of raspberry and blackberry fruit. Big in nature, but there is incredible balance and restraint to it. Zinfandel can age, and this one will do fine on through to its tenth birthday, but how can you resist all that gorgeous fruit right now. A great steak wine, drink now through 2027.
Located on the east side of Dry Creek, Ridge became enamored with this piece of land north of Healdsburg in the late 1990s and started to plant. The site itself has viticultural history with the original vines abandoned in the early 1900s. 2017 is a vintage that is small on quantity but very sturdy in style and quality. Enticing from the moment it is poured, aromatics of crushed strawberry, black pepper, and a hint of milk chocolate fill the senses. In the mouth, this is as delicious as Zin gets, with a cornucopia of raspberry and blackberry fruit. Big in nature, but there is incredible balance and restraint to it. Zinfandel can age, and this one will do fine on through to its tenth birthday, but how can you resist all that gorgeous fruit right now. A great steak wine, drink now through 2027.
2016 DEI ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Caterina Dei's wines from the Tuscan village of Montepulciano always represent immense value for their prices. This is one of the region’s finest producers and the 2016 Rosso is traditionally made from native grapes.
90% Sangiovese and a 10% blend of Canaiolo and Merlot, it possesses sage and violet-dominated scents with wild cherry fruit underneath the exterior. Luscious, round flavors are buffered by a roasted coffee undertone then moving to a finish invites you back for another glass. Declassified Vino Nobile, it is perfect for everyday consumption, but is one that will carry nicely to any elegant Italian dinner as well.
90% Sangiovese and a 10% blend of Canaiolo and Merlot, it possesses sage and violet-dominated scents with wild cherry fruit underneath the exterior. Luscious, round flavors are buffered by a roasted coffee undertone then moving to a finish invites you back for another glass. Declassified Vino Nobile, it is perfect for everyday consumption, but is one that will carry nicely to any elegant Italian dinner as well.
2017 DOWSETT GEWURZTRAMINER
COLUMBIA GORGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
COLUMBIA GORGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Before we go any further, this is DRY Gewurztraminer!!! If anyone buys this and thinks it is sweet, I'll take it back! Chris Dowsett is fully committed to making excellent Gewurz and the Columbia Gorge version is a steal for fourteen bucks.
Made from two cool climate Gorge sites, Celilo and Oak Ridge, both planted in the 1980s, it is aromatic with rose-oil scents that are seemingly tinged with ruby grapefruit, telltale spice and gently placed marzipan. The texture is classy, creamy, and seductive with vibrant minerality. Complete and well balanced, with plenty of lemony crispness that offsets the wine’s natural viscosity. Without a doubt, this wine will work with spicy Thai food; it will also pair up well with grilled salmon jacked with ginger. Drink this thrusting white over the next 2-4 years.
Made from two cool climate Gorge sites, Celilo and Oak Ridge, both planted in the 1980s, it is aromatic with rose-oil scents that are seemingly tinged with ruby grapefruit, telltale spice and gently placed marzipan. The texture is classy, creamy, and seductive with vibrant minerality. Complete and well balanced, with plenty of lemony crispness that offsets the wine’s natural viscosity. Without a doubt, this wine will work with spicy Thai food; it will also pair up well with grilled salmon jacked with ginger. Drink this thrusting white over the next 2-4 years.
2017 LAVRADORES DE FEITORIA
DOURO TINTO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
DOURO TINTO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
When it comes to value-oriented red wines, Portugal seemingly is a thrift store of goodness.
The red is blended with 20% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Barroca, 25% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and 5% of other local varietals. Flavorful and enticing with cinnamon laced cherry, dark chocolate and roasted earth. Mouth filling with Eastern spices and licorice elements all in beautiful harmony. Have this well-made juice with marinated beef dishes with lots of garlic and spices, or paella.
The red is blended with 20% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Barroca, 25% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and 5% of other local varietals. Flavorful and enticing with cinnamon laced cherry, dark chocolate and roasted earth. Mouth filling with Eastern spices and licorice elements all in beautiful harmony. Have this well-made juice with marinated beef dishes with lots of garlic and spices, or paella.
2013 BAUDANA BAROLO 'SERRALUNGA'
SPECIAL - $49.99 - LIMITED!
SPECIAL - $49.99 - LIMITED!
Baudana is a small, historical Barolo estate located in the commune of Serralunga D'Alba. In 2009, famed family-operated Barolo-based estate Vajra purchased the estate with great enthusiasm and we have quickly seen results go from very good to very profound. Baudana has holdings in two Grand Cru vineyard sites, Baudana and Cerretta. Single vineyard wines are offered and are amazing, but they also are twice the price of this excellent value. Traditional vinification is practiced for this wine and the results are stunning.
Being from Serralunga, this Barolo has no shortage of grip and spine. Traditionally styled and combined with the grand scale of 2013, this is all about power-terroir. Classic Serralunga with cherry licorice, subtle balsam, flowers and pronounced ironstone unfolding as the wine slowly builds in the glass. Broad and penetrating, this forceful, mouth-coating Barolo has plenty of force and depth. More backbone and youthful tannic structure arrives on the packed and very, very persistent finish. As mentioned, this wine will come together immaculately. Put it the cellar until the beginning of 2022 and drink it through 2030 and beyond.
Being from Serralunga, this Barolo has no shortage of grip and spine. Traditionally styled and combined with the grand scale of 2013, this is all about power-terroir. Classic Serralunga with cherry licorice, subtle balsam, flowers and pronounced ironstone unfolding as the wine slowly builds in the glass. Broad and penetrating, this forceful, mouth-coating Barolo has plenty of force and depth. More backbone and youthful tannic structure arrives on the packed and very, very persistent finish. As mentioned, this wine will come together immaculately. Put it the cellar until the beginning of 2022 and drink it through 2030 and beyond.
2017 KELLEY FOX PINOT NOIR
HYLAND VINEYARD COURY CLONE
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
HYLAND VINEYARD COURY CLONE
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
"I am very happy to introduce my first bottling of Hyland Vineyard Coury Clone Pinot 2017. The first time I tried Hyland Vineyard Pinot was with the late and beloved Jimi Brooks. It was in 2001, and we tasted it from one of his barrels. I still remember that wine. Below is the back-label prose that I wrote: Close to the Coast Range separating the Willamette Valley from the Pacific Ocean, the beautiful Hyland Vineyard, first planted in 1971, is one of Oregon’s oldest vineyards. This wine was produced from self-rooted Coury clone vines planted in 1988 in a block of red Jory volcanic soil at around 600 feet. The legendary Charles Coury introduced this mysterious clone of Pinot noir into Oregon, and the wine from these vines has a fine red character that is, in a subtle way, inimitable."
"The vines I work with there have been farmed organically for years and biodynamically (uncertified) starting a few years ago. The Hyland Coury Clone 2017 is medium to darker red, and full of moving light and transparency. It has a pure nose of the reddest of red berries (the classic Oregon summer raspberries and strawberries-I hope you have tasted these before) with a certain coolness. It is complex with a velvety frame and nimble, age-worthy acidity typical of Hyland Vineyard, and a real boon in the string of warm vintages in the Willamette Valley (back to old school). It’s a beauty, it’s long, and it seems to embody some Platonic Idea of "Red"" – Kelley Fox
"The vines I work with there have been farmed organically for years and biodynamically (uncertified) starting a few years ago. The Hyland Coury Clone 2017 is medium to darker red, and full of moving light and transparency. It has a pure nose of the reddest of red berries (the classic Oregon summer raspberries and strawberries-I hope you have tasted these before) with a certain coolness. It is complex with a velvety frame and nimble, age-worthy acidity typical of Hyland Vineyard, and a real boon in the string of warm vintages in the Willamette Valley (back to old school). It’s a beauty, it’s long, and it seems to embody some Platonic Idea of "Red"" – Kelley Fox
FRIDAY SIPS
April On Condor
This Friday, April 26 from 1:30 – 6:30
Forget April in Paris, we’re celebrating the beauty of Spring on Condor Avenue with four delightful new arrivals – Two Reds/Two Whites to be poured
FEATURED WINES:
2017 Vincent & Sophie Morey Bourgogne Blanc
2018 Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc
2016 Cigliuti Barbera D’Alba ‘Serraboella’
2016 Cosimo Taurino Primitivo ‘7° Ceppo’
