Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'MATCHBOX UNDER THE EIGHT-TRACK' HOTSHEET
96-point Brunello
New Release from Zerbina
Pinot Gris & Chenin Blanc
New Release from Zerbina
Pinot Gris & Chenin Blanc
2018 ZERBINA SANGIOVESE
ROMAGNA 'TORRE DI CEPARANO'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
ROMAGNA 'TORRE DI CEPARANO'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Our affection towards Fattoria Zerbina and Cristina Geminiani’s wines runs deep and we have been excited offer this offering since we visited the estate last Spring. Changes are alight for this perennially popular Sangiovese. Still as flavorful as ever but Cristina has backed way off on the use of new oak for this wine.
Knockout, deep aromas of attacking plum, boysenberry, licorice prevail. Undertones of sage and thyme with sturdiness let you know that this Sangiovese is different than its Tuscan neighbors. Hints of chocolate and coriander creep through as well. Structured, full and finesseful, with excellent poise and polish. A little firmness showed when we tasted this last year but now it is knitting together and really showing itself with a backdrop of tobacco and sandalwood. This is a wine that is entering its window right now with a long, complex and expansive finish. Great with a Bolognese sauce and would also complement pasta in a rich mushroom preparation. Enjoy now through 2029+.
Knockout, deep aromas of attacking plum, boysenberry, licorice prevail. Undertones of sage and thyme with sturdiness let you know that this Sangiovese is different than its Tuscan neighbors. Hints of chocolate and coriander creep through as well. Structured, full and finesseful, with excellent poise and polish. A little firmness showed when we tasted this last year but now it is knitting together and really showing itself with a backdrop of tobacco and sandalwood. This is a wine that is entering its window right now with a long, complex and expansive finish. Great with a Bolognese sauce and would also complement pasta in a rich mushroom preparation. Enjoy now through 2029+.
2019 BELLE PENTE PINOT GRIS
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Back in July I had the opportunity to make a visit to Belle Pente to taste with Brian O’Donnell and it confirmed that he is one of the finest in Oregon…and especially for Pinot Gris. All of you who know me recognize that Pinot Gris must be damn good to be offered on our musings.
Top Pinot Gris ages well and 2019 is a vintage that provided nervosity and structure. Alsace-inspired, this is Lavish and ripe with bursting tones of yellow apple, smoke and pear skin. In the mouth it creamy textured with bright acidity weaving through the palate nicely. An intense, pure and clean finish that has a bit of spice, lanolin intense and most importantly, DRY! This is a wine that will reaffirm the classic Oregon Pinot Gris and salmon combination but will also appease out of town guests for the holiday with turkey, ham, mushrooms, etc.
Top Pinot Gris ages well and 2019 is a vintage that provided nervosity and structure. Alsace-inspired, this is Lavish and ripe with bursting tones of yellow apple, smoke and pear skin. In the mouth it creamy textured with bright acidity weaving through the palate nicely. An intense, pure and clean finish that has a bit of spice, lanolin intense and most importantly, DRY! This is a wine that will reaffirm the classic Oregon Pinot Gris and salmon combination but will also appease out of town guests for the holiday with turkey, ham, mushrooms, etc.
2021 PESQUIE VENTOUX
LES TERRASSES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
LES TERRASSES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
I adore vintages such as this in the Rhone Valley. Think of a vintage from the 1980s or early nineties, half a degree or even a full degree lower than today’s standards, the wines exude balance without ever losing their Rhone geniality.
The Chaudiere family of Domaine du Pesquie are among the top Ventoux producers. Flowing lavender, red cherry, white pepper and hickory smoke and hot-rock scents lead into a texture that is both lively and layered as well as showing a level of sophistication normally reserved for wines of a much higher pedigree. Ethereal and spicy throughout then finishes with pronounced strawberry, currant and thyme notes on the uncommonly long finish. Drink with chops. Lamb or pork.
The Chaudiere family of Domaine du Pesquie are among the top Ventoux producers. Flowing lavender, red cherry, white pepper and hickory smoke and hot-rock scents lead into a texture that is both lively and layered as well as showing a level of sophistication normally reserved for wines of a much higher pedigree. Ethereal and spicy throughout then finishes with pronounced strawberry, currant and thyme notes on the uncommonly long finish. Drink with chops. Lamb or pork.
2022 FORGES SAVENNIERES
'MOULIN DE GUE'
[reg. $24.99]
SPECIAL - $17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
'MOULIN DE GUE'
[reg. $24.99]
SPECIAL - $17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Eighteen Bucks for Savennieres is unheard of, so if you like the apex of French white wines, do take advantage! Domaine des Forges is a fine Anjou-based producer who excels with both red and white wines. This excellent Chenin Blanc is located on the plateau of the village of Savennières, opposite the Moulin de Gue and is one of the steals of this top Loire white wine appellation.
Shallow soils of schist and sand provide an aromatic profile with telltale honey-orange-pekoe scents that come from this area. Layered yet quite ethereal and never straying into becoming over the top and too heavy. Drawn-out with an abundance of lift and spiced nut bread tones on the rocking finish that shows no shortage of minerality. Drink young within 3-4 years for early fruit pleasure, or wait five or so years for secondary aspects to arrive.
Shallow soils of schist and sand provide an aromatic profile with telltale honey-orange-pekoe scents that come from this area. Layered yet quite ethereal and never straying into becoming over the top and too heavy. Drawn-out with an abundance of lift and spiced nut bread tones on the rocking finish that shows no shortage of minerality. Drink young within 3-4 years for early fruit pleasure, or wait five or so years for secondary aspects to arrive.
2022 LEBREUIL SAVIGNY-LES
BEAUNE 'PEUILLETS' PREMIER CRU
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
BEAUNE 'PEUILLETS' PREMIER CRU
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
From a Savigny-les-Beaune specialist, the Premier Cru Peuillets is SE exposure facing the Beaune slopes. The left bank of the Rhoin River (a stream) forms a combe, allows for wind and slices the appellation in half. When one looks at the wine map of Savigny, it seems like a mosaic done by a cartographer who just swallowed a heroic dose of acid. 50-year-old vines, 25-30% new oak aging. 100-150 cases produced.
Definite uptick from Jean-Baptiste's village and Grands Liards Savigny wines. Darker toned, think of a beauty pageant contestant with a switchblade. Blackberry with touches of cool herbs and spices. Hints of vanilla and cardamom arrive. Increased perfume as it opens. More finesse and in mouth than what nose initially indicates. Lots of beauty and layered texture. Really picks up structure in back. Very vertical, youthful and long finish. Decant if you want to consume now and have food. Best 2025 – 2037.
Definite uptick from Jean-Baptiste's village and Grands Liards Savigny wines. Darker toned, think of a beauty pageant contestant with a switchblade. Blackberry with touches of cool herbs and spices. Hints of vanilla and cardamom arrive. Increased perfume as it opens. More finesse and in mouth than what nose initially indicates. Lots of beauty and layered texture. Really picks up structure in back. Very vertical, youthful and long finish. Decant if you want to consume now and have food. Best 2025 – 2037.
2021 J.PALACIOS BIERZO 'PETALOS'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
93 Points – The Wine Advocate…Not much needs to be said when it comes to the influence that Riccardo and Alvaro Palacios have stamped on this stunning Spanish wine region, the wines are always off the hook with quality. The Petalos cuvee is Bierzo 101 vintage 2021 soars once again.
One of the world’s most terrific values, this wine has a bit of something for everyone. Mostly Mencia. Loaded with scents of cinnamon, clove, plum, roasted earth and chocolate licorice, this wine unfolds as it aerates in the glass. The texture is large, but very poised and proper. Gracing its way to the finish, this Spanish treat is an absolute pleasure with pork dishes. Palacios Petalos Bierzo is imminently drinkable and lovable…and certainly in-demand.
One of the world’s most terrific values, this wine has a bit of something for everyone. Mostly Mencia. Loaded with scents of cinnamon, clove, plum, roasted earth and chocolate licorice, this wine unfolds as it aerates in the glass. The texture is large, but very poised and proper. Gracing its way to the finish, this Spanish treat is an absolute pleasure with pork dishes. Palacios Petalos Bierzo is imminently drinkable and lovable…and certainly in-demand.
CHAMPAGNE JACQUESSON
EXTRA BRUT 'CUVEE 747'
$79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PK
EXTRA BRUT 'CUVEE 747'
$79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PK
Founded in 1798 and one of the most exciting operations in all of Champagne, the small house of Jacquesson is a bridge between negociant and grower Champagne. In the late nineties, this estate caused quite a commotion by cutting back production and lowering the percentage of purchased fruit in lieu of going majority estate. Today the estate is 85% owned. Even a more rousing stir was they were the first to number their cuvees starting with 728 and being vintage based. From 2001 everything from this house has been all Premier and Grand Cru fruit and releases are not tailored to a formula, but represent the absolute best possible blend each year, and are be numbered sequentially to reflect this.
The latest release, Cuvee 747 is based on the prolific 2019 vintage. Thirty-seven percent Pinot Noir, 24% Pinot Meunier and 41% Chardonnay. Brioche aromas, penetration and depth, fine spices beneath the surface. Apple and pear drop scents present along with gentle hints of almond and citrus fruits. Full, really fans out nicely, maintains its grip, spine and backbone of zestiness throughout. Very firm, sculpted and drawn-out, I have always loved this wine and especially as it unfolds and warms, it is like rekindling that love all over again. Simply irresistible if you are a Champagne lover! MAGNUMS AVAILABLE - $169.99
The latest release, Cuvee 747 is based on the prolific 2019 vintage. Thirty-seven percent Pinot Noir, 24% Pinot Meunier and 41% Chardonnay. Brioche aromas, penetration and depth, fine spices beneath the surface. Apple and pear drop scents present along with gentle hints of almond and citrus fruits. Full, really fans out nicely, maintains its grip, spine and backbone of zestiness throughout. Very firm, sculpted and drawn-out, I have always loved this wine and especially as it unfolds and warms, it is like rekindling that love all over again. Simply irresistible if you are a Champagne lover! MAGNUMS AVAILABLE - $169.99
2022 NUGAN 'THIRD GENERATION'
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Nugan wines are ridiculously delicious for not much money and the 2022 Cab follows this pattern.
Blackberry, underlying cassis and mint tones shine on the nose. Sultry and all about texture in the mouth, this classy & sassy red is layered with lots of movement and various complex flavor profiles. Drawn-out, lingering and possessing excellent substance on the back end.
Blackberry, underlying cassis and mint tones shine on the nose. Sultry and all about texture in the mouth, this classy & sassy red is layered with lots of movement and various complex flavor profiles. Drawn-out, lingering and possessing excellent substance on the back end.
2019 CAPRILI BRUNELLO DI
MONTALCINO
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK
MONTALCINO
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK
96 Points – Wine Spectator; 96 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine… As I wrote in the synopsis of my recent trip to Italy and France, if you haven’t scored your Caprili Brunllo yet, do so immediately! We are even more fortunate that Todd ‘Pancetta Bacon has a direct relationship with the estate, thus we have some of the finest pricing in the US for this Brunello. 2019 is a five-star Brunello vintage and a Brunello experience for under-fifty from a top producer is becoming rarer by the minute so it is commendable that this epic Southern Montalcino producer still maintains such an excellent price for something so very stupendous.
Caprili’s 2019 is all about balance and being as unified and smooth as humanly and viticulturally possible. From start to finish, there is brilliant intricacy and depth to this wine. Exuberant, yet posh on the palate with a rich core of fruit that balances the fine-grained tannins beautifully. A true to form Brunello wine closing with flavors that keep going and snap back with a second finish, all of which is a statement to the immense success that Caprili put forth in 2019. If you have 2018, drink that one now and hold on to this one until end 2026 then drink over the following fifteen years.
Caprili’s 2019 is all about balance and being as unified and smooth as humanly and viticulturally possible. From start to finish, there is brilliant intricacy and depth to this wine. Exuberant, yet posh on the palate with a rich core of fruit that balances the fine-grained tannins beautifully. A true to form Brunello wine closing with flavors that keep going and snap back with a second finish, all of which is a statement to the immense success that Caprili put forth in 2019. If you have 2018, drink that one now and hold on to this one until end 2026 then drink over the following fifteen years.
