2/5/18 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FLY EAGLES FLY' HOTSHEET

2015 DURBAN BEAUMES-DE-VENISE ROUGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

The cavalcade of delicious 2015 Red Rhone wines continues! What initially brought this Provencal Domaine to fame was their renowned dessert wine Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise (see bottom of this week’s musings). For millennia, dry red wines have been produced here and in 2005, the village of Beaumes-de-Venise was elevated from Cotes-du-Rhone Villages status to full appellation status. A neighboring region of Gigondas and Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise has its own personality and engaging terroir from their picturesque high-elevation vineyards in the Dentelles de Montmirial.

Version 2015 for this red wine is the finest that I have tasted and for 20 bucks, is a remarkable value. A classic Rhone blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre, this wine’s elevated Montmirial coolness shines. There is an extra level of intensity from the stellar vintage is evident in the complex array of aromas that waft from the glass, specifically herbes-des-provence, white pepper, exotic Asian spice, wild plum and red raspberry. This hauntingly beautiful Southern Rhone red is a well-honed balancing act of lacy pure red fruits, deep spice and fine structure with a lingering silky finish. Drink it through 2023.

2013 ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI 'GEREMIA'
$45.99 - VERY LIMITED!
97 POINTS - VINOUS

One of the greatest things about experiencing a piece of artwork is wondering about the artist’s disposition and the mood they were in during the act of creation. We know Marco Ricasoli and he is one smooth, charming and cool cat, as well as being of extreme class. His wines are just like the man whether it be the Chianti wines, the Vin Santo or this remarkable SuperTuscan Cab-Merlot blend.

‘The 2013 Geremia shows just how exceptional this vintage is in Chianti Classico. Vibrant, powerful and structured, the 2013 is a thoroughbred that is going to need a number of years to be at its best. Black cherry, plum, exotic spice, graphite, sage and lavender infuse the intense, massively powerful finish. This fruit was picked on October 3 and 4, which is on the later side for the estate. What a wine! Drink 2020 – 2033. – 97 POINTS, ANTONIO GALLONI – VINOUS’

2016 GOODFELLOW PINOT GRIS
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE

Here is part one of two on this week’s Hot Sheet that fall into the category of ‘grape varietals that I despise with a few exceptions to this rule’. As many of you all know, I am not the world’s biggest Pinot Gris/Grigio fan but when one is done well, I gladly tip the cap, pour a glass or six and have at it. Marcus Goodfellow has been impressing with this wine even before he relabeled it from Matello to Goodfellow Cellars. Year in and year out, this wine always provides pleasure, possesses an underlying cerebral quality and most importantly, is dry.

A bevy of fresh citrus flavors flow from the glass - tangerine, lime and lemongrass lead into a crisp, smoky palate that is at once mouth filling and quenching but also showing old vine richness all while maintaining poise and a dry personality. A fantastic way to begin the evening’s festivities with vibrant cheeses and also pairs well with sole or halibut.

2015 CANTINA VALLE TRITAN
MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Whether it be Abruzzo or Toscana, the red wines of both of these regions are extremely exciting. When the word 'Montepulciano' is first, like this wine, it is the name of the grape and is from the Abruzzo region that lies east of Rome on the Adriatic coast.

This best buy is the perfect little every night, pizza or pasta wine. Nose filling and mouth filling! Fragrant, forward aromas of flavors of strawberry, pepper and herbs carry over into a lively and mouth-watering finish that is red and very food-friendly. Have with pasta alla puttanesca or alla arrabiata sauce…which ever fits your mood.

2014 CHATEAU ROMFORT
BLAYE COTES-DE-BORDEAUX
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Stephen Hurlier’s Bordeaux values always get us excited. As is the case with previous offerings of this fine Petite Chateau red Bordeaux, it certainly punches above its weight class.

A Merlot/Cab-dominated blend, this wine delivers so much for so little. Classy cherry, mineral, mushroom and austere tobacco notes lead into a sophisticated mouth feel with earth and spice tones underneath...Very food friendly and accessible; decant it 30 minutes before serving for even more pleasure! Drink over the next 3-4 years.

2013 PAINTED WOLF
PINOTAGE 'GUILLERMO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Part II of this week’s sheet of the category of ‘grape varietals that I despise with a few exceptions to this rule’. About the only thing that aggravates me more than Pinotage is the New England Patriots. OK, there is a minute begrudging respect but the same can be said for Pinotage. In this case, I wholeheartedly endorse this offering, especially after tasting it last week.

One of South Africa's signature grapes, Pinotage is a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault that does not exactly behave like either varietal. Savory, soulful with black raspberry, coffee and freshly ground black and green peppercorns. Hearty, fleshy, succulent and very direct, plenty of plum and earth tones shine. A perfect wine for barbecued ribs slathered in a spicy sauce. Drink this scrumptious red over the next 5-6 years.

2015 J. CHRISTOPHER PINOT NOIR
'MEDICI VINEYARD'
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE

Starting in 2015, J. Christopher took over farming responsibilities for Hal Medici’s Chehalem Mountain Vineyard, which was planted in 1976. This old site has always been known as a cool climate site and now with top-level farming, we are seeing some masterful results, not only under Jay’s label but also with others who continue to desire grapes from this old vine source.

Tightly wound and stylish and very reminiscent of something from the Morey-St-Denis/Gevrey-Chambertin region in France. Lots of perfume and purity with an underlay of beautiful notes of griotte cherry, baking herbs and spices, hints of cinnamon/pepper and smoke. Youthful and very primary with pronounced grip. Layered and broad, yet showing ethereal, graceful notes. Regal stuff, especially on the packed finish, this needs some time to harmonize, but it is a monumental offering from Oregon! Drink 2022 - 2030+.

FERNANDO DE CASTILLA VINEGAR DE JEREZ
RESERVA SHERRY VINEGAR
$21.99 - 250 ML BTL.

From a renowned Sherry producer, this Reserve Vinegar of Jerez Sherry is nothing but the truth.

Aged in the solera method for 16 years in oak barrels and made from Palomino, the spiritual grape of the Jerez region for sherry, this vinegar takes on a virtual oak-like color yet has a transparency of vividness. The aromas are extremely provocative, the texture conveys softness, and creaminess, which brings forth a mellowness that, is uncommon in mere grocery store versions. This gourmand stuff will make any salad or recipe become quite special indeed.

2015 DURBAN MUSCAT BEAUMES-DE-VENISE
$13.99 - HALF BTL./$335.76 CASE-24 SPLITS

As mentioned in the above-mentioned Beaumes-de-Venise Rouge, this dessert wine that made Domaine de Durban very famous.

Exuberant, generous, and pure sinful pleasure Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise, enticing rose-petal, satsuma, spice and rosemary oil dominate the nose while anise scents chime out from a distance. Wickedly rich, sweet and full with inviting citrusy tones that come from the elevation from the vineyard sites in the Dentelles de Montmirail and aid in maintaining freshness. Super-viscous finish with plenty of brightness make this wine perfect to pair with creme brulee, fresh berry tarts or even white chocolate.

FRIDAY SIPS

Il Maestro is in the house!!!

VIETTI WINES FEATURED:

2013 Vietti Barolo Castiglione
2014 Vietti Nebbiolo Perbacco
2015 Vietti Barbera D'Asti 'Tre Vigne'
2015 Vietti Barbera D'Asti 'La Crena'
2015 Vietti Barbera D'Alba 'Scarrone'