6/5/18 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'DECALAGE HORAIRE' HOTSHEET
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'DECALAGE HORAIRE' HOTSHEET
Fat BordeauxSpecial, Rose, 96 pt. Barbaresco, Cameron Pinot & more
2016 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
'DUNDEE HILLS'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'DUNDEE HILLS'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
I’m back, full of jet lag and decided to give June a quick kick in the ass! With a new release of Cameron’s Dundee Hills Pinot Noir...and there are only 12 cases available! I'm guessing that this wine will sell out in a matter of hours so those who respond first will be happy drinkers indeed.
Tasted before I departed across the pond, this new release proved to be utterly magnificent. Yes, 2016 is shaping up to be an outstanding Oregon vintage but the real problem lies within quantity. I received about half of what we normally receive. Velvety from the start, the aromas and flavors kick in with classic Cameron herbs and spices including jasmine, violet and lavender. Sultry plum fruit along with a prominent pepper tone as well as an underbelly of generous structure reveals that not only is this accessible now but also will age for at least a decade.
Tasted before I departed across the pond, this new release proved to be utterly magnificent. Yes, 2016 is shaping up to be an outstanding Oregon vintage but the real problem lies within quantity. I received about half of what we normally receive. Velvety from the start, the aromas and flavors kick in with classic Cameron herbs and spices including jasmine, violet and lavender. Sultry plum fruit along with a prominent pepper tone as well as an underbelly of generous structure reveals that not only is this accessible now but also will age for at least a decade.
2017 FAMILLE COULON (Beaurenard)
'BIOTIFUL FOX' RHONE ROSE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
'BIOTIFUL FOX' RHONE ROSE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Made by one of our favorite Chateauneuf producers, Domaine de Beaurenard has created at new label, ‘Famille Coulon’ for their Biotiful Fox wines. The 2017 Rose is upon us and like other pink wines from the south of France made by artisan producers, supplies are limited.
From the usual suspect grapes, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, this is not only a Rose of freshness but also contains ample substance. Energetic elegance, lithe fragrances reveal agile tones of cherry pit, lime, mineral, and a likable combination of hawthorn and fennel. Plenty of depth and body along with breezy, Provençal pop in the mouth this is essence of citrus that's been "cuisinarted" with the crunchy bits around the pit of a red plum. Sterling persistence, this illuminating rosé will work with friends but also smokes with white fish like halibut or sea bass that's been doused with good olive oil an spiked with garlic and saffron.
From the usual suspect grapes, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, this is not only a Rose of freshness but also contains ample substance. Energetic elegance, lithe fragrances reveal agile tones of cherry pit, lime, mineral, and a likable combination of hawthorn and fennel. Plenty of depth and body along with breezy, Provençal pop in the mouth this is essence of citrus that's been "cuisinarted" with the crunchy bits around the pit of a red plum. Sterling persistence, this illuminating rosé will work with friends but also smokes with white fish like halibut or sea bass that's been doused with good olive oil an spiked with garlic and saffron.
2016 COLOGNOLE CHIANTI 'SINOPIE'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
The Chianti region of Rufina is somewhat of a forgotten child who beneath it all happens to be a prodigy. There are several outstanding producers in this area with Colognole being one of them. Right before I left I was visited by a ghost from the past by the name of Cesare Coda Nunziate. Cesare was at San Felice for many years and has now turned up at his family’s estate in Rufina and we are very thrilled to commence featuring these wines.
Sinopie is the entry Chianti in the lineup and is lip smacking delicious. Bing cherry, rich earthy tones, violet, roasted sage and spice dominate this medium and easy to like red wine. Fresh and mouth tickling with red fruit flavors following into the mouth and leaving your palate cleansed but satisfied. Enjoy with many everyday Italian-inspired dishes.
Sinopie is the entry Chianti in the lineup and is lip smacking delicious. Bing cherry, rich earthy tones, violet, roasted sage and spice dominate this medium and easy to like red wine. Fresh and mouth tickling with red fruit flavors following into the mouth and leaving your palate cleansed but satisfied. Enjoy with many everyday Italian-inspired dishes.
2012 CHATEAU GLORIA
SAINT-JULIEN
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
SAINT-JULIEN
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
One of the longtime, renowned producers in Bordeaux, Chateau Gloria often outperforms its Cru Bourgeois status and will outperform many underachieving classified growths. For years this has been everyone’s little secret and we have a distributor who has lost their access to the Chateau and decided to close out the remainder of their stock.
As mentioned in our pages, 2012 is a classic, overperforming vintage that if existed 20 years ago, may have been noted as a great vintage. Chateau Gloria’s version is prototype St-Julien. At almost age six, this wine is starting to drink beautifully. Distinguished and gentlemanly, it offers up enticing cedarbox and cassis notes that are now harmonizing with secondary notes of pipe tobacco, licorice and smoke. Ripe, velvety and smooth flavors shine through in the mouth along with some classic Bordeaux gravelly qualities. Drink it with a pan-sautéed steak, lamb chops or roasted duck. No problem to hold it as it will continue on an upward trajectory for another decade and probably beyond.
As mentioned in our pages, 2012 is a classic, overperforming vintage that if existed 20 years ago, may have been noted as a great vintage. Chateau Gloria’s version is prototype St-Julien. At almost age six, this wine is starting to drink beautifully. Distinguished and gentlemanly, it offers up enticing cedarbox and cassis notes that are now harmonizing with secondary notes of pipe tobacco, licorice and smoke. Ripe, velvety and smooth flavors shine through in the mouth along with some classic Bordeaux gravelly qualities. Drink it with a pan-sautéed steak, lamb chops or roasted duck. No problem to hold it as it will continue on an upward trajectory for another decade and probably beyond.
2016 FENTO ALBARINO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Perfect for summer, this new Albarino arrival is enticing for many outdoor parties as well as for just about any seafood feed. Made from fruit from the southernmost portion of the famed Val do Salnes, this toothsome, unoaked white wine brings forth a lot of bang for your white wine dollar.
Non-aggressive aromas that show intriguing lemongrass and mineral notes waft from the glass and then lead into a fresh, lifting, bone-dry texture that hints at connotations of pink grapefruit, especially on the finish. Have this tantalizing offering with shrimp, calamari, cod or any sort of ceviche.
Non-aggressive aromas that show intriguing lemongrass and mineral notes waft from the glass and then lead into a fresh, lifting, bone-dry texture that hints at connotations of pink grapefruit, especially on the finish. Have this tantalizing offering with shrimp, calamari, cod or any sort of ceviche.
2016 SUBSTANCE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
From Washington and one of the state's best Cabernet values, period.
‘The deep, inky-colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that will see 12 months in French oak. It offers terrific notes of cassis, blueberries, violets and wood smoke, medium to full body, ripe tannin and a classy finish. It way over-delivers for the price. It's worth pointing out that this cuvee comes mostly from vineyards planted, and farmed, by Charles Smith and Brennan Leighton; this undoubtedly contributes to the incredibly high quality. – 93 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE’
‘The deep, inky-colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that will see 12 months in French oak. It offers terrific notes of cassis, blueberries, violets and wood smoke, medium to full body, ripe tannin and a classy finish. It way over-delivers for the price. It's worth pointing out that this cuvee comes mostly from vineyards planted, and farmed, by Charles Smith and Brennan Leighton; this undoubtedly contributes to the incredibly high quality. – 93 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE’
2013 PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO
RISERVA 'PAJE'
$59.99 BTL. - LIMITED!
RISERVA 'PAJE'
$59.99 BTL. - LIMITED!
After visiting with Aldo Vacca in Barbaresco last week it reaffirmed just how good their 2013s are...and 2014s will follow up next year and be equally exciting. Paje is one of the nine Grand Cru sites that are utilized and can sometimes be lonely as it sits in a unique area of this small region. Always a wine of dimension, the 2013 is built to age and is perfect for those special occasion needs.
I often refer to Paje as very androdgynous. Feminine and seductive tones always rule the day on the nose, but in the mouth, the more masculine, full-tones and structure come through. This is the result of W/SW exposure and the combination of limestone soil with intermittent sandy veins always results in complex wines. The latest version of Paje has an expressive black licorice and jammy nose. In the mouth, there is excellent fruit and a “Muhammad Ali knockout punch” of tannins. This really blew our socks off the days we tasted it, both in Portland and in Barbaresco. If you want a score for reassurance, it has 96 points from Vinous. Drink 2023 – 2040+.
I often refer to Paje as very androdgynous. Feminine and seductive tones always rule the day on the nose, but in the mouth, the more masculine, full-tones and structure come through. This is the result of W/SW exposure and the combination of limestone soil with intermittent sandy veins always results in complex wines. The latest version of Paje has an expressive black licorice and jammy nose. In the mouth, there is excellent fruit and a “Muhammad Ali knockout punch” of tannins. This really blew our socks off the days we tasted it, both in Portland and in Barbaresco. If you want a score for reassurance, it has 96 points from Vinous. Drink 2023 – 2040+.
FRIDAY SIPS
THE ANNUAL HAUT-RIAN DANCE PARTY
This Friday 3:30 – 6:00 (Note earlier finish time)
SPECIAL GUEST - Michel Dietrich from Chateau Haut Rian
SPECIAL GUEST - Michel Dietrich from Chateau Haut Rian
Join us this Friday June 8 from 3:30 – 6:00 for Michel's annual visit to Portland to launch the new releases. Always a fun party when our friends from Haut-Rian arrive, come and say bonjour as well as to taste a lineup of excellent new vintages.
FEATURED WINES:
2017 Chateau Haut Rian Bordeaux Blanc
2017 Chateau Haut Rian Bordeaux Rose
2015 Chateau Haut Rian Cotes-de-Bordeaux Rouge
2014 Chateau Haut Rian Cotes-de-Bordeaux Cuvee Prestige
