9/5/17 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'CALL THE BOOKIE, IT'S FOOTBALL SEASON' HOTSHEET

2013 LA VALENTINA
MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO RISERVA 'SPELT'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
94 POINTS - VINOUS

Top Drawer Italian red wine producer La Valentina makes an entry-level wine but they also make high quality wines from specific terroir sites in Abruzzo. Spelt is in our own newly named ‘Super Abruzzi' category since it has alluring power and complexity not found in their entry wine and consistently receives heaps of accolades including this 94 point rating from Vinous.

‘Inky-purple. Very deep smoky nose hints at blackberry, blueberry, flint and violet. Then refined and juicy, with smooth deep flavors of mineral-accented blueberry and aromatic herbs. Long, multilayered and extremely elegant finish boasts real depth and complexity. This is a knockout, really grand, Montepulciano wine. Very, very well done. – 94 POINTS, VINOUS’

2016 LES ROCAILLES APREMONT BLANC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

There was a time that the Tour de France used to be even more fun to watch than it is now. Usage of performance enhancing drugs often made things more interesting. Fall behind and need a boost, get a shot of ephedrine and off you go!

Better than drugs and still legal in most counties is this gushing and adventurous wine from the Savoie region in the Alps. Made from 100% Jacquere and an Alpine waterfall of a white wine, this is the liquid equivalent of dropping trou’ and jumping into a cold mountain lake. Bursting aromas and flavors of green apple, crystallized lemon and mineral call you back for glass upon glass. Easy-going and full of flavor, this performance enhancer goes perfectly with anything you would want to pair with white wine, both legal and illegal!

2014 FABRE-MONTMAYOU
CABERNET FRANC RESERVA
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

The ever so cluttered world of wine from Argentina runs the entire gamut of both price ranges and styles. Henri Joyaux Fabre is from Bordeaux and having arrived to Argentina in the 90s, has become one of the country’s most exciting producers and it makes good sense that he would produce a Cabernet Franc reflecting both his new and old homeland.

A joy to drink given its price point, the 2014 Fabre Montmayou Cab Franc is laden with raspberry scents along with tell-tale sandalwood, Havanas, espresso and fresh herbs on the nose while in the mouth earth tones play nicely with the red fruits, expand with fullness and glide into a smooth yet spice-laden finish. Killer juice from for under 15 bucks!

2014 PANARROZ JUMILLA TINTO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Perched at about 1500 feet above sea level, the Jumilla region of Spain is known for its high quality red wines. This warm-climate region is located 45 minutes from the Mediterranean, the grape of choice is monastrell (mourvedre), and this favorite will certainly please a bunch of palates at any dinner or party.

80% Monastrell with 10% each of Syrah and Garnacha, this unoaked wonder brings the goods. Exotic, heady aromas of blue fruit, licorice, Mediterranean herbs and tealeaf follow into a texture that is gushing, mouth filling and spicy with gently placed dusty herb tones. A generous red that can be enjoyed with a burger, grilled chicken or something slathered with teriyaki.

2016 MARIA DONATA BIANCHI VERMENTINO
RIVIERA DI LIGURE PONANTE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

More and more we are seeing excitement from areas of Italy that were not necessarily on the wine radar even as recently as a decade ago. With the hard work of some very savvy importers, wines from regions that weren't imported before have shown up in the US and this mouth-watering white from terraced vineyards along the western Italian Riviera is one such delicious example.

The Vermentino grape has been cultivated in Liguria since the Dark Ages. The small but very well thought of estate of Maria Donata Bianchi has been making small amounts of highly sought after wines since 1977. This white wine is from stony soils and a proximity to the sea, which allows the vines to breathe in the salty air. Illuminating and delicious, this Italian white is extremely compelling with expressive notes of lemon blossom, saline, freesia and minerality on the nose. A luscious entry gives way to a vinous texture is elevated and possessing perky crispness and balance; a total vehicle for fish jacked with anise and Italian herbs.

2015 LUCIEN BARROT
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE

It's always fantastic to sell Chateauneuf, but lately we've seen quite an escalation in their prices. Still, it is quite a thrill to offer CDP from a wonderful producer at a wonderful price. It also doesn't hurt that it's from the profound 2015 vintage.

With a record of accomplishment, that spans 80 years, current owner/winemaker Regis Barrot is a traditionalist in every sense of the word. You will not find tweaked, tooty-frooty Chateauneufs here. You will find a special taste of Provence with quite a bit of sophistication. 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and a 10% blend of Mourvedre and Cinsault create a wine that is from non-destemmed grapes, vinified in large, cement vats, then transferred to large foudre. Definitely on the silkier side of Chateauneuf, this wine reveals sultry tones of ground pepper, lavender, deep plum and smoke that win the day both on the nose and in the mouth. Typical of the superb 2015 vintage, it has superb generosity and ripeness as well as a stylish cushiony texture and a lingering, smooth finish that has excellent spice and licorice. Like so many wines from this area, it may be accessed early, especially with a grilled steak. Deceptive with its silky tannins and structure, it will easily develop for another 10-12 years if so desired.

2014 RIDGE ZINFANDEL
PAGANI RANCH
[reg. $46.99]
SPECIAL - $34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE

80% Zinfandel, 17% Alicante Bouschet, 3% Petite Sirah. Since 1991, Ridge has made zinfandel from the old Pagani vineyard on the east-facing side of Sonoma Valley. All the vines were planted 90-120 years ago. Pagani Ranch is the Ndamukong Suh of their line-up. Big, forceful, assertive yet cerebral. OK, so it doesn't have his nasty temper, it has deep, full-throttle attractiveness to it now and will age impeccably as well.

The decadently thunderous nose instantly reveals that you are in for one hell-ride of a wine experience! Layered plum, coriander, a distinct minerality and plenty of briary spice. In the mouth, it is Zin hedonism at its finest, but the blend of grapes allows for complexity, depth and grace on the lasting, luxurious finish. Always a special cuvee from Ridge, drink this with something substantial if you would like to enjoy now or put it down for 5 years and drink it for the decade following as Ridge’s Zins have a great propensity to develop exciting nuance as they relax in the cellar.

2013 GRAMERCY CELLARS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON COLUMBIA VALLEY
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE

Time flies. It really does. It is difficult to believe that we have been working with Greg Harrington and the crew at Gramercy Cellars for over a decade now and we continue to admire what emerges from this Walla Walla-based producer’s cellar. In the beginning and even to this day, Gramercy established themselves as prominent Rhone varietal producers. Over the years and still not as known is just how much ass this place kicks when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2013 is a magical offering indeed! A blend of seven vineyards (Phinny Hill, Two Blondes, Bacchus, Dionysus, Octave, Loess & Old Stones). Washington warmth and class abound. Loaded with rich, dark layers of black currant, blackberry, truffle, tar, mocha and bittersweet cocoa, this hearty red pumps out both fruit and terroir on the grip-filled finish. Impressive in scale, silk, savory and depth, this is hard to lay off now, but should be even more impressive when it drops its muscle to show more smoothness. Hold on to this for 2-3 years. Best 2019 – 2030+.

2009 VIGNAMAGGIO VIN SANTO
DEL CHIANTI CLASSICO
$34.99 - HALF BOTTLE

Vignamaggio has a long and impressive history. Documents have shown that viticulture has been present here since 1414 and between 1503 and 1506; Leonardo da Vinci painted a famous portrait of a noblewoman who legend states spent her childhood with her cousins from the Gherardini family who owned the villa at the time. Turned out the noblewoman identified in the middle of the 16th century was Monna Lisa Gherardini...yes, that Mona Lisa! Located in the Chianti Classico zone between Greve and Panzano, the wines from the Vignamaggio vineyards always reflect a true semblance of balance.

The method by which the dessert wine called Vin Santo is made is quite thought provoking. Traditional Tuscan white varietals such as, Trebbiano and Malvasia are left to dry for 4-5 months and when the right degree of concentration has been achieved, the grapes are pressed and left for about 5 years in small caratelli (oak barrels). What is produced is a nectar that in most cases is rich, nutty and delicious but in the case of Vignamaggio’s Vin Santo, the delicious was transformed into the sublime and meditative. This deep golden to copper elixir is extremely complex with notes ranging from porcini mushroom and hazelnut to golden raisin, almond biscotti and caramel. The richness and decadence are kept in beautiful balance with perfect acidity. This is classic with biscotti and pannacotta but best savored on its own. WOW!

FRIDAY SIPS

Bryan’s Pinot Posse

FEATURED WINES:

2016 Walter Scott Pinot Noir “La Combe Verte’
2014 Collotte Fixin ‘Crais de Chene’
2016 Boulay Sancerre Rose
2014 Analemma Pinot Noir