5/15/17 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SOARING' HOTSHEET


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SOARING' HOTSHEET
Cotes-du-Rhone, Malbec, Napa Cab & more


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2014 CARPE DIEM CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY
$25.99 BTL./$311.88 CASE

Fantastic wine doesn't have to be $100+ a bottle. It's all about performance and in this price category this wine is way undervalued. Where else can one score a wine that has been vinified by the folks at Dominus and supervised by the legendary Christian Moeuix? Think about that next time you trip over your shoelaces to grab a bottle of Heavy Oak Private Reserve Some Kid's Name Vineyard for $50+!

Regal, upscale aromas that sneak in a Bordeaux influence or two, but the Napa terroir and warmth are this Cab's signature. Fragrances of Cassis, tobacco, hints of spearmint and vanilla integrate nicely carrying a texture that is supple, round and seemingly laced with powdered chocolate touched with spicy earth. The Dominus/Napanook/Carpe Diem lineage is very present especially on the fine, smooth finish. Drink this knockout through 2023.



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2014 VOGE COTES-DU-RHONE
'LES PEYROUSES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A "step-up", out of the ordinary Cotes-du-Rhone and from the Northern Rhone Valley's great Cornas masters. Made from 100% Syrah, this fascinating, refined and aromatic number is made with declassified Cornas fruit along with some from plots in and south of St-Peray.

Very indicative of French Syrah from this area, aromatic violet, cracked pepper, red plum, subtle tapenade and pronounced woodsmoke are all very present on the nose. In the mouth, this deceptively structured wine can best be described as "purple". Stylishly textured, vibrant, plenty of depth and extension. Enjoy over the next 4-5 years with game, perhaps a Vietnamese beef dish, roasted chicken/mushrooms or a pan-seared steak slathered in peppercorns.



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2015 ZENATO PINOT GRIGIO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Often the calling card of a fine Northern Italian winery can be their inexpensive Pinot Grigio even if their forte happens to be world class Amarone. It is for this reason, we feel, that the Zenato family takes this delicious white very seriously from the vineyard to the winery. They take nothing for granted, are meticulous at every stage of the process and that shows in this white.

Round pear and ripe citrus fruit rule the day in the fleshy, crisp and incredibly refreshing mouthfeel. Zenato's Grigio makes for a wonderful aperetivo and pairs beautifully with anything from the sea.



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2013 LA POSTA MALBEC 'PAULUCCI'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

Laura Catena’s La Posta project is based around grape growing families in Argentina and are reflective of where they are grown. La Posta also means ‘the tavern’ because this is where many folks would gather locally to share and drink many bottles of their wines.

Angel Paulucci's family produced wine in Italy since the early 1800's, and Angel arrived in Mendoza with his parents in 1953 at the age of 21. The vines for these selections come from Ugarteche at the southern limit of the Lujan de Cuyo department. Black licorice, smoke, red raspberry, tar and rose petal intermingle with subtle sandalwood and vanilla notes that show wonderful refinement. The palate is nicely integrated, velvety and possessing good concentration. The finish is sleek, lasting and incredibly full of life. Drink it now - 2019 and with grilled pork chops or leg of lamb.



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2013 LA POSTA MALBEC 'PIZZELLA'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

Pizzella is a complete left turn in comparison to the Paulucci listed above with grapes coming from the Altimira section of La Consulta. The vines here are a bit younger and this number tends to be darker and spicier in its profile, possessing ample blueberry, plum, licorice, and allspice tones while never straying outside of its refined frame.

Very typical of a Laura Catena wine, this wine is not about sheer power and is more about complexity, depth and above all poise. Lots of lingering pleasantness on the finish, this is a perfect wine to enjoy with meat dishes and those combined with tomatoes. Drink over the next 3-4 years.



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2015 ALVARO PALACIOS PRIORAT
'CAMINS DEL PRIORAT'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Alvaro Palacios is known for some serious high-end juice; however, his Camins is an excellent way to have a Palacios Priorat experience for 20 bucks. Consistently this dude kills it with his Priorat wines and he remains one of Spain's most important figures.

2015 is the ninth vintage for the Camins and once again, it soars into orbit. 40% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah & 10% Merlot and packed with broad plum, cinnamon, licorice and serious wind-swept garrigue, but never fear, the distinct dance of the minerality never strays far in both aroma and taste-wise. Speaking of taste, the texture goes deep with a full presence of black licorice fruit, less tannins and backbone, this offering never veer into heaviness or thickness and is meant to be consumed in the near-term. Resounding white pepper explodes on the finish that possesses excellent persistence; this is an excellent choice for grilled pork.



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2014 RESONANCE PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK

One of the most exciting developments in Oregon has been the acquisition of the superb Resonance vineyard by Louis Jadot from Burgundy. Even more thrilling is that longtime Jadot frontman/winemaker, Jacques Lardieres is in Oregon and overseeing the viticultural program.

Sourced from two estate vineyards, Resonance (Yamhill-Carlton) and Decouverte (Dundee Hills and formerly known as Gehrts Vineyard), this wine is such an expression of Oregon terroir with Jadot and Lardiere’s deft touch. Astonishingly penetrating aromas of red earth, grilled strawberry spice and lavender, one can really see that there is some top-drawer and very expensive, fine fruit that has gone into this cuvée. Quite decadent as is to be expected from 2014, this is thoughtfully done, balanced and persistent. Given its pedigree, there is no doubt that this is a fine glass of Pinot Noir right now and it will develop nicely for 10-12+ years as well.
FRIDAY SIPS

This Friday May 19 from 3:30 - 6:30
[Note later start time with Bryan being in France]

New Tuscan Offerings from Pancetta!

With Bryan in France we are doing a ‘Settimana d’Italia’. The kickoff to a week of Italy! Come by and taste through four new and exciting Tuscan wines poured by our friend and Italian guru Todd ‘Pancetta’ Bacon. Brunello, Chianti and Maremma wines will be featured and you will love them!

FEATURED SELECTIONS:

2011 Canalicchio Brunello di Montalcino
2013 Petroio Chianti Classico
2015 Montauto Maremma Rosso
2015 Montauto Maremma Bianco