6/11/18 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'THE SOLUTION TO POLLUTION IS DILUTION' HOTSHEET
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'THE SOLUTION TO POLLUTION IS DILUTION' HOTSHEET
Vietti, Bandol Rose, Pommard & more
2017 BASTIDE BLANCHE
BANDOL ROSE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
BANDOL ROSE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
Mourvedre dominant that is directly pressed and augmented by Grenache and Cinsault that have been macerated for 24 hours, Bastide Blanche's 2017 Bandol Rose once again proves to the Bandol champion. At 22 bucks, this wine is a steal and thrills us to no end. Louis & Michel Bronzo bought La Bastide Blanche in the 70s and in the last 30+ years, they have brought their Domaine into prominence and has become one of the pre-eminent producers of Bandol Rouge and Rose.
The 2017 is a killer! Heaps of peach, mandarin, rosemary and strawberry fold over into a texture that is mouth coating, full and fleshy, yet brisk. Gonzo complexity, richness and depth seemingly glimmers on the long, long finish that has oceanic minerality to go along with the fruit. More than just a porch wine, this is wonderful with an array of dishes. Wash down this dry pink tsunami with grilled salmon, mussels cooked in a saffron-spiked garlic broth or in an herbed-up red sauce and of course some good roasted or fried potatoes and crusty baguette…do it up! In addition, one does not have to just drink Rose for summer, this rosé is substantial and complex enough for fall, winter, springtime and even into 2020. Hurry; there are only three cases available. We will pour it on Friday provided it doesn’t sell out beforehand.
The 2017 is a killer! Heaps of peach, mandarin, rosemary and strawberry fold over into a texture that is mouth coating, full and fleshy, yet brisk. Gonzo complexity, richness and depth seemingly glimmers on the long, long finish that has oceanic minerality to go along with the fruit. More than just a porch wine, this is wonderful with an array of dishes. Wash down this dry pink tsunami with grilled salmon, mussels cooked in a saffron-spiked garlic broth or in an herbed-up red sauce and of course some good roasted or fried potatoes and crusty baguette…do it up! In addition, one does not have to just drink Rose for summer, this rosé is substantial and complex enough for fall, winter, springtime and even into 2020. Hurry; there are only three cases available. We will pour it on Friday provided it doesn’t sell out beforehand.
2015 VIETTI 'PERBACCO'
NEBBIOLO LANGHE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
NEBBIOLO LANGHE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
No matter how much you slice and dice it, this wine is way above its Nebbiolo Langhe stature. Aged in barrel for the required time to labeled as Barolo or Barbaresco, Luca Currado chooses off softer and more easy-going lots that are accessible early to make this always excellent wine that is blended from fabulous single Crus.
Two weeks ago when I visited and stayed at Vietti my initial notes for this were, ‘this bullies a hell of a lot of Normale Barolo’! Let’s face it the stakes in the region are very high now and there are many folks who would label as wine this good as Barolo and Vietti has the ability to be able to declassify into something this fabulous. Lyrical and majestic Nebbiolo with drawn-out red fruits, chocolate licorice and undercurrents of perfumed earth tones. Exquisite movement, depth and persistence, especially on the detailed and luxurious finish. Not undrinkable now, but do decant. Drink through 2022.
Two weeks ago when I visited and stayed at Vietti my initial notes for this were, ‘this bullies a hell of a lot of Normale Barolo’! Let’s face it the stakes in the region are very high now and there are many folks who would label as wine this good as Barolo and Vietti has the ability to be able to declassify into something this fabulous. Lyrical and majestic Nebbiolo with drawn-out red fruits, chocolate licorice and undercurrents of perfumed earth tones. Exquisite movement, depth and persistence, especially on the detailed and luxurious finish. Not undrinkable now, but do decant. Drink through 2022.
2017 KELLEY FOX PINOT BLANC
'FREEDOM HILL'
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
'FREEDOM HILL'
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
One of the most stealth yet one of Oregon’s most respected and profound producers, Kelley Fox has ventured out and is making a stellar white wine. Freedom Hill is one of Oregon’s oldest and finest vineyard sites and Kelley has fashioned this wine is a decidedly old world style. When I tasted it, it invoked somewhat of a cross between Alsace and a superb Cotes-de-Nuits white Burgundy all while maintaining its Oregon spirit.
All of this makes sense as Kelley ages this wine in neutral oak barrels that bring about texture, depth and not oaky tones. Rich and dense on the nose with apple-butter, spice-coated mushrooms and an abundance of ripe citrus roar from the glass. In the mouth, its layered sweeping texture sends the point home that you are drinking something much more than the usual Pinot Blanc from Oregon. Very mineral - classy, intense and with searing lively brisk tones that present themselves on the smooth, persistent and engaging finish. When we are at the height of salmon season, why skimp on the wine, this is a stunning local match.
All of this makes sense as Kelley ages this wine in neutral oak barrels that bring about texture, depth and not oaky tones. Rich and dense on the nose with apple-butter, spice-coated mushrooms and an abundance of ripe citrus roar from the glass. In the mouth, its layered sweeping texture sends the point home that you are drinking something much more than the usual Pinot Blanc from Oregon. Very mineral - classy, intense and with searing lively brisk tones that present themselves on the smooth, persistent and engaging finish. When we are at the height of salmon season, why skimp on the wine, this is a stunning local match.
2016 BEAURENARD RASTEAU
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
Like the above-mentionedVietti Perbacco, the Coulon family’s Rasteau continues to be one of the finest price/quality wines that we sell. Along with this fact and given how wonderful this wines drinks well early and ages, the pedigree of 2016 and the Coulon’s brilliant techniques in farming and vinification are all over this wine.
As usual, this is 80% Grenache & 20% Syrah from terraced, stony slopes in the region that possess remarkable terroir. I initially tasted this wine last year and have been very excited over its arrival and after sampling it again, that excitement has not waned. Cropped at the same levels of a Chateauneuf, this deep and expansive expression of Rasteau is teeming with exotic spice, sun kissed red raspberry, rose petal, lavender and cracked white pepper. There is a mysteriousness to this wine. Enhanced by its dark and sinister quality that is a nod to the warm days and cool nights. These were the statements of vintage 2016. Harnessing the generosity of the sunshine and expressing the freshness of the mineral laden site beautifully, there is serious explosiveness but with great finesse throughout. Layered but never heavy a full core of red and purple plum, raspberry fruit shines followed up by a finish that expresses rosemary, white pepper and thyme notes on the finish. A helluva wine that will surely impress at summer barbecues but it will also drink and develop gracefully through 2027.
As usual, this is 80% Grenache & 20% Syrah from terraced, stony slopes in the region that possess remarkable terroir. I initially tasted this wine last year and have been very excited over its arrival and after sampling it again, that excitement has not waned. Cropped at the same levels of a Chateauneuf, this deep and expansive expression of Rasteau is teeming with exotic spice, sun kissed red raspberry, rose petal, lavender and cracked white pepper. There is a mysteriousness to this wine. Enhanced by its dark and sinister quality that is a nod to the warm days and cool nights. These were the statements of vintage 2016. Harnessing the generosity of the sunshine and expressing the freshness of the mineral laden site beautifully, there is serious explosiveness but with great finesse throughout. Layered but never heavy a full core of red and purple plum, raspberry fruit shines followed up by a finish that expresses rosemary, white pepper and thyme notes on the finish. A helluva wine that will surely impress at summer barbecues but it will also drink and develop gracefully through 2027.
2014 VARNER CHARDONNAY
'EL CAMINO VINEYARD'
$25.99 BTL./$311.88 CASE
'EL CAMINO VINEYARD'
$25.99 BTL./$311.88 CASE
In 1980, twin brothers Jim and Bob Varner began their labor of love when they planted Spring Ridge Vineyards in Portola Valley in the northern part of the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation. Located 10 miles from the ocean, Spring Ridge is made up of several separate blocks of vines, each with its own microclimate and soil difference. The vineyard has been dry farmed and hand-hoed since 1988.
"Brothers Bob and Jim Varner are two of the most unassuming, humble winemakers in California. They don't need to say much. The wines take care of that themselves. These are some of the most beautiful, striking Chardonnays and Pinots readers will come across.” ~Antonio Galloni, Vinous.... 2014 is the second vintage of Chardonnay from El Camino Vineyard by the impeccable winemaking team at Varner. The parcel where the grapes are grown lies outside of Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County. Full-throttle, yet light on its feet this darling shows a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease. Instead, think of pure creamy length and silky smooth mouth-feel. The palate is refined with ripe, tropical notes and light custardy spice. There is plenty of brightness to balance the whole package. Overall, this is a wine of equilibrium and pairs beautifully with fettuccini Alfredo, halibut and chorizo.
"Brothers Bob and Jim Varner are two of the most unassuming, humble winemakers in California. They don't need to say much. The wines take care of that themselves. These are some of the most beautiful, striking Chardonnays and Pinots readers will come across.” ~Antonio Galloni, Vinous.... 2014 is the second vintage of Chardonnay from El Camino Vineyard by the impeccable winemaking team at Varner. The parcel where the grapes are grown lies outside of Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County. Full-throttle, yet light on its feet this darling shows a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease. Instead, think of pure creamy length and silky smooth mouth-feel. The palate is refined with ripe, tropical notes and light custardy spice. There is plenty of brightness to balance the whole package. Overall, this is a wine of equilibrium and pairs beautifully with fettuccini Alfredo, halibut and chorizo.
2015 OTERO SANTIN
BIERZO 'VALDECAMPO'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
BIERZO 'VALDECAMPO'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
A tiny producer who literally makes wines in his garage in the small city of Ponferrada (the main town of the Bierzo region) this wine exudes Spanish party action! 100% Mencia, the red grape of Bierzo, and featuring enticing pomegranate, cherry-pit, sanguine and mineral aromas, this is a lovely Spanish red that is essential with pork – especially Jamon Serrano. A mouth-watering, gushing, clean, red that can be drunk now and over the next year or two.
2015 TEDESCHI VALPOLICELLA
'LUCCHINE'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
'LUCCHINE'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Five generations in and led by the always-gentlemanly Riccardo Tedeschi, over the last decade this estate has vaulted into the Veneto top-echelon along with the likes of Masi, Tommaso Bussola and others.
Lucchine is Riccardo's foray into the world of unoaked, trattoria-style Valpolicella. Pleasurable and made for drinking rather than aging, this Valpol is about pent-up, red-fruit hedonism. Flashy, aromatic cherry-soaked balsamic aromas with underlying herbs and minerals. Illuminating and fun with flavors that attack from start to finish. 2015 has a bit more fruit; it will pair with a plethora of dishes ranging from burgers, spaghetti and meatballs, a plate of antipasti and oh, by the way, it happens to be one of our favorite pizza wines. One taste and you’ll want a case!
Lucchine is Riccardo's foray into the world of unoaked, trattoria-style Valpolicella. Pleasurable and made for drinking rather than aging, this Valpol is about pent-up, red-fruit hedonism. Flashy, aromatic cherry-soaked balsamic aromas with underlying herbs and minerals. Illuminating and fun with flavors that attack from start to finish. 2015 has a bit more fruit; it will pair with a plethora of dishes ranging from burgers, spaghetti and meatballs, a plate of antipasti and oh, by the way, it happens to be one of our favorite pizza wines. One taste and you’ll want a case!
2015 PILLOT POMMARD
'LES RUGIENS' PREMIER CRU
$109.99 BTL. - LIMITED!
'LES RUGIENS' PREMIER CRU
$109.99 BTL. - LIMITED!
2015 is a MONUMENTAL red Burgundy vintage. Not only is Laurent Pillot excelling with his white wines, we are almost giddy over the quality of his red wines that are true essence of their great sites and the Rugiens is his greatest and longest lived red wine.
Notes are from the visit to Pillot a few weeks back: ‘Vines planted in 1964, 1971, 1972 and 1980. Two parcels of vines in the low Rugiens and One parcel in the high Rugiens. One of the most remarkable vineyard sites in the Cote de Beaune for Pinot Noir and the producers of Les Rugiens have applied for Grand Cru status. 70% new oak, half-whole cluster fermentation. Broad nose, full red and black raspberry, definitely packed and stacked. Wild spices, sneaky perfume, prominent rocky, ironstone and smoke. Cinnamon red-hot candies from whole clusters. Chewy, full fruit, rather poised and polished. Gains its real form with powerful backbone. This is Grand Cru in all but name. Lively finish, really stuffed and hangs around for an eternity. This is truly destined for greatness and ultimately that shouldn’t be approached until its 10th birthday and will further age for 25-30 years.’ Perfect for that child born in 2015.
Notes are from the visit to Pillot a few weeks back: ‘Vines planted in 1964, 1971, 1972 and 1980. Two parcels of vines in the low Rugiens and One parcel in the high Rugiens. One of the most remarkable vineyard sites in the Cote de Beaune for Pinot Noir and the producers of Les Rugiens have applied for Grand Cru status. 70% new oak, half-whole cluster fermentation. Broad nose, full red and black raspberry, definitely packed and stacked. Wild spices, sneaky perfume, prominent rocky, ironstone and smoke. Cinnamon red-hot candies from whole clusters. Chewy, full fruit, rather poised and polished. Gains its real form with powerful backbone. This is Grand Cru in all but name. Lively finish, really stuffed and hangs around for an eternity. This is truly destined for greatness and ultimately that shouldn’t be approached until its 10th birthday and will further age for 25-30 years.’ Perfect for that child born in 2015.
FRIDAY SIPS
Rose & Rhones
This Friday June 15 from 1:30 – 6:30
Drop by to taste two exciting red wines from the Rhone Valley as well as two new Rose wines sort of from the same region. Come and get your early summer dose of Provence!
FEATURED WINES:
2017 Domaine Charvin Cotes-du-Rhone Rose
2016 Domaine de Beaurenard Rasteau
2012 Lucien Barrot Chateauneuf-du-Pape
2017 Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose
