3/20/18 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'WHO'S BEHIND THE DOOR' HOTSHEET
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'WHO'S BEHIND THE DOOR' HOTSHEET
Ken Wright Pinot for 20, Gramercy cellars, Chablis, Chianti, Library Italian Red & more
2015 KEN WRIGHT PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Lowest price ever for this popular Pinot Noir! In order to grab glass pours, Ken Wright decided to lower the price on their entry level Willamette Valley Pinot blended from their superb lineup of vineyards (Carter, Canary Hill, Freedom Hill, etc.). Smoking delicious as usual and even more at twenty bucks!
Definitely on the darker side of Pinot, plush aromas of crushed blackberry, blossom and cinnamon shine brightly from the glass. Stylishly flavored with an abundance of penetrating fruit along with subtle structure; the finish is warm and crowd-pleasing with hints of allspice and cocoa. A delightful Pinot that will pair wonderfully with veal chops, roasted poultry or pan-seared steak. Drink over the next 3-5 years.
Definitely on the darker side of Pinot, plush aromas of crushed blackberry, blossom and cinnamon shine brightly from the glass. Stylishly flavored with an abundance of penetrating fruit along with subtle structure; the finish is warm and crowd-pleasing with hints of allspice and cocoa. A delightful Pinot that will pair wonderfully with veal chops, roasted poultry or pan-seared steak. Drink over the next 3-5 years.
2017 GRAMERCY CELLARS PICPOUL
WALLA WALLA
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
WALLA WALLA
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Affectionately known by us as the ministry of cool Washington red wines, it is a thrill to see the team at one of our favorite Walla Walla producers making a killer white wine. Of course, Gramercy would make it from Rhone/Southern French varietals from a temperate site in Walla Walla. Picpoul, when translated means lip stinger, is one of the 13 varietals permitted in Chateauneuf-du-Pape as well as thriving in and around the Pinet area of Languedoc.
A fantastic NW shellfish white wine, perhaps we should christen it as Grand Cru Washington Picpoul??? Why not. Then again, that defeats the purpose of this excellent drinking wine. Delicately pale in color, the nose offers a dazzling display of lime and pear with a soft kiss of white peach. The palate brings forth pear and bright lemon-lime with more than just a kiss of minerality and briskness that sweeps the entire palate. Deliciously whimsical and a delightful match with steamed mussels or clams jacked with anise or done in a slightly spicy Asian preparation.
A fantastic NW shellfish white wine, perhaps we should christen it as Grand Cru Washington Picpoul??? Why not. Then again, that defeats the purpose of this excellent drinking wine. Delicately pale in color, the nose offers a dazzling display of lime and pear with a soft kiss of white peach. The palate brings forth pear and bright lemon-lime with more than just a kiss of minerality and briskness that sweeps the entire palate. Deliciously whimsical and a delightful match with steamed mussels or clams jacked with anise or done in a slightly spicy Asian preparation.
2015 SELVAPIANA CHIANTI RUFINA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Located a mere 40 minutes east and slightly north of Florence lies the Rufina zone of Chianti and is home to names like Frescobaldi and Selvapiana. This estate has been quite historic on many senses. The entry level wine often can drive us crazy. Some years we avoid it like a Portland traffic jam. Other years like this 2015, we embrace like a cuddly stuffed bear.
Essence of Chianti Rufina with black cherry, black pepper, savory herbs, leather, and smoked meat fragrances. An excellent core of cherry fruit clutches the palate followed by structure that coats the entire mouth. This is very fine, lifting, well-rounded Chianti with complexity, texture and aromas that keep you coming pack for more. Drink now through 2022.
Essence of Chianti Rufina with black cherry, black pepper, savory herbs, leather, and smoked meat fragrances. An excellent core of cherry fruit clutches the palate followed by structure that coats the entire mouth. This is very fine, lifting, well-rounded Chianti with complexity, texture and aromas that keep you coming pack for more. Drink now through 2022.
2016 LOUIS MICHEL CHABLIS
PREMIER CRU 'MONTMAINS'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE - LIMITED
PREMIER CRU 'MONTMAINS'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE - LIMITED
Around here, we love Chablis, especially when it comes from supreme producers and renowned vineyard sites. It is also amazing what 40 bucks brings to the party, especially when one considers the pricing of Premiers Crus from Meursault, Chassagne and Puligny Montrachet.
2016 is a grand scale vintage but with early frost and hail, quantities are very limited. However, what Mother Nature left and provided the rest of the growing season is mighty impressive indeed. Following suit of the vintage, these wines provide richness and expansion along with excellent detail. The 2016 Louis Michel Chablis Montmain Premier Cru possesses a myriad of minerals! The nose is very finesseful and very true to its origins. Lots of saline, peat and classic flint-rock with an underlay of perfume that is very characteristic of this offering. Brilliantly focused in the mouth and very linear. Fine intensity and superb extension with loads of briskness and mouth-watering sensibilities. Not inaccessible at the moment but this truly is at such an embryonic stage. For best results, hold until 2020 and drink through 2027.
2016 is a grand scale vintage but with early frost and hail, quantities are very limited. However, what Mother Nature left and provided the rest of the growing season is mighty impressive indeed. Following suit of the vintage, these wines provide richness and expansion along with excellent detail. The 2016 Louis Michel Chablis Montmain Premier Cru possesses a myriad of minerals! The nose is very finesseful and very true to its origins. Lots of saline, peat and classic flint-rock with an underlay of perfume that is very characteristic of this offering. Brilliantly focused in the mouth and very linear. Fine intensity and superb extension with loads of briskness and mouth-watering sensibilities. Not inaccessible at the moment but this truly is at such an embryonic stage. For best results, hold until 2020 and drink through 2027.
2013 MASI 'PASSO DOBLE'
TUPUNGATO RED
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
TUPUNGATO RED
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
Yes, this is a wine from famed Amarone producer Masi and yes, it is from the Tupungato region of Argentina. Having established vineyards in Argentina for several years it is always such a treat to see a wine of this quality emerge for not a bunch of money.
The double fermentation process using fresh Malbec grapes (think of Valpolicella Ripasso) with a percentage of lightly dried Corvina grapes (think of Amarone) gives it full aromas, good structure, and soft tannins, making for a quality wine with the potential for aging. A deep-colored red with violet notes and a decisive bouquet of ripe, jammy fruits, especially wild plum with a further suggestion of licorice. Great structure immediately on the palate with well-maintained zestiness, nicely balanced by silky, suave tannins. The generous from front-to-back makes for a pleasantly dry, expansive finish. Drink this wine over the next 5-7 years with roasted meats and/or vegetables slathered in Italian herbs.
The double fermentation process using fresh Malbec grapes (think of Valpolicella Ripasso) with a percentage of lightly dried Corvina grapes (think of Amarone) gives it full aromas, good structure, and soft tannins, making for a quality wine with the potential for aging. A deep-colored red with violet notes and a decisive bouquet of ripe, jammy fruits, especially wild plum with a further suggestion of licorice. Great structure immediately on the palate with well-maintained zestiness, nicely balanced by silky, suave tannins. The generous from front-to-back makes for a pleasantly dry, expansive finish. Drink this wine over the next 5-7 years with roasted meats and/or vegetables slathered in Italian herbs.
2006 ANTONELLI SAGRANTINO
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
We are big fans of the prowess of Umbrian genius Filippo Antonelli. This quiet leader of Sagrantino di Montefalco continues to make full wine yet ones that possess remarkable balance. One of the things we are most appreciative of Filippo is his tendency to periodically release a library wine. Like its Tuscan neighbor, Umbria experienced a profound vintage for 2006 and this wine is drinking stupendously.
Sagrantino is the spiritual grape of Umbria's Montefalco region and Antonelli does a magnificent job in bringing out its full expression. Rarely seen outside of this area, this grape that puts forth large-scaled wines that can age for a long time. North African spices all over the place here. Almost rose petal in aromas, still superb red and black plum aspects that reveals youth even at age 11+. Hickory and licorice with strawberry moving in. Umbrian body with virtual Barbaresco skin. Vinous, well honed, very lengthy and drawn out. This is starting to enter its window. However even as drinkable as it is, it will continue development even further. No problem to enjoy over the next decade and beyond.
Sagrantino is the spiritual grape of Umbria's Montefalco region and Antonelli does a magnificent job in bringing out its full expression. Rarely seen outside of this area, this grape that puts forth large-scaled wines that can age for a long time. North African spices all over the place here. Almost rose petal in aromas, still superb red and black plum aspects that reveals youth even at age 11+. Hickory and licorice with strawberry moving in. Umbrian body with virtual Barbaresco skin. Vinous, well honed, very lengthy and drawn out. This is starting to enter its window. However even as drinkable as it is, it will continue development even further. No problem to enjoy over the next decade and beyond.
2016 XILOCA GARNACHA
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
Located in the Ribera Del Jiloca area of the Aragon region in close proximity to the Pyrenees, this 100% non-oak aged Garnacha overachieves for 11 bucks.
Classic Grenache character with grenadine, red licorice and heavily accented white pepper tones that follow over into a texture that is chewy and mouth-filling with seemingly crunchy. Gains plenty of vibrancy on the finish and possesses an excellent white pepper note that originally is echoed on the nose. Drink this heady red wine with roasted or grilled beef dishes. A fabulous Spanish red wine value that should not be missed!
Classic Grenache character with grenadine, red licorice and heavily accented white pepper tones that follow over into a texture that is chewy and mouth-filling with seemingly crunchy. Gains plenty of vibrancy on the finish and possesses an excellent white pepper note that originally is echoed on the nose. Drink this heady red wine with roasted or grilled beef dishes. A fabulous Spanish red wine value that should not be missed!
2015 ALAIN GRAILLOT
CROZES-HERMITAGE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
CROZES-HERMITAGE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
It is always a bit of a surprise when there is some Alain Graillot wines available in the spring because they usually are sold out. If you missed your chance at having some of the prolific 2015 or you want some more, then here is your big second chance lap dance!
Upon opening, one could easily refer to this as closeted Cote-Rotie. Makes sense, Alain is originally from Vienne and definitely has a deft and delicate touch when it comes to his wines. Smoky, peppery and chock full of cassis, currants and cracked pepper - lavishly flavored, but very youthful right now. Graillot's wines always provide much sensory overload and while you can have a go at a bottle now, and enjoy its development through 2030. Given what is out there in the world these days and the expense, this wine is STILL a steal for those who love to cellar wines and appreciate their development of complexity and breadth of flavor. Enjoy through 2030.
Upon opening, one could easily refer to this as closeted Cote-Rotie. Makes sense, Alain is originally from Vienne and definitely has a deft and delicate touch when it comes to his wines. Smoky, peppery and chock full of cassis, currants and cracked pepper - lavishly flavored, but very youthful right now. Graillot's wines always provide much sensory overload and while you can have a go at a bottle now, and enjoy its development through 2030. Given what is out there in the world these days and the expense, this wine is STILL a steal for those who love to cellar wines and appreciate their development of complexity and breadth of flavor. Enjoy through 2030.
FRIDAY SIPS
Droppin’ A Northwest Deuce with Pairs of Wines from Cameron & Gramercy Cellars
This Friday, March 23 from 1:30 - 6:30
our wines from two of the Northwest’s most prolific producers, Cameron and Gramercy cellars. One red and one white from each. An excellent opportunity to try wines that aren’t regularly uncorked!
FEATURED WINES:
2013 Gramercy Cellars Syrah ‘Columbia Valley’
2017 Gramercy Cellars Picpoul ‘Walla Walla’
2015 Cameron Pinot Noir ‘Arley’s Leap’
2017 Cameron Giovanni ‘Vigna Pinot Bianco’
