12/10/18 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'POUVOIR EUPHORISANT' HOTSHEET


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'POUVOIR EUPHORISANT' HOTSHEET
93 pt Oregon Pinot, Red Rhone, Champagne, Italian White Special & more


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2015 BUCCI VERDICCHIO
SPECIAL - $17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Around here, we never show restraint when it comes to us having great affinity for Verdicchio from the Le Marches region of Italy. Many wonderful producers are featured from this region, but there is only one Bucci. Whenever we have a chance to have some on a special we jump!

It is always human nature to have comparisons but in this case, we would say Bucci’s classic version betters so many others Riserva bottlings. This small, mighty and influential producer makes a mere 8000 cases spread over three different wines with the Classico taking the role of the driver. Ravishing aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone show off from the moment it is poured into the glass. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing plenty of old-vine depth and character all in a precise package. Normally $25, at $18 this is a perfect steal for that holiday or winter crab feast as well as carrying over for spring salmon.



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2017 CABASSE SABLET
COTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Over the last year or so, many have you have cozied up to the wines from Domaine de la Cabasse. Located at the base of the historic, ancient village of Seguret, this estate has been brightening our spirits so well and we are happy to present the new arrival of the 2017 Sablet.

The neighboring village of Sablet is built on a sandy mound, hence the name Sablet. The Rhone wines from this area are dominated by Grenache but also are some of the cuddliest and aromatic of the Southern portion of the valley. 70% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 3% Carignan, it is extroverted with scents of savory lavender, violet, thyme and black cherry following to a texture that is buxom, smooth and pleasurable. Lots of substance and finishing with classic peppery tones, especially on the seemingly weightless, fine finish. Delicious with grilled pork chops or roasted sea bass and a tomato/caper-based sauce.



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2015 BETHEL HEIGHTS
PINOT NOIR 'ESTATE'
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE

The Casteel family have been Oregon wine pioneers since 1977, specifically being one of the producers that put the Eola Hills on the Oregon wine map. Wines here have always been fantastic and with a new generation taking hold over the last several years, we can really see that not only is this statement still hold true, the wines and vineyards are speaking very well given their age and the knowledge in farming and technique that has been acquired by over 40 years of experience.


If have not heard by now, 2016 is a masterful vintage and this gateway to Bethel Heights may well be the stairway to heaven. From various sections of the Bethel Heights estate vineyard, this wine combines both red and blackberry tones along with a bit more penetration and depth. Smoky tones along with botanical, pure earth/floral tones of roses and peonies that carry over to the creamy entry and middle – more finesse and depth as it carries to finish. Lots of lift and cut on the fresh, penetrating finish. Firmly packed and not yet revealing its true mettle, but there is excellent stuffing and potential and undoubtedly will be excellent. Not undrinkable now with a good decanting, but for best results, drink late 2019 through 2028. Another one with a fat score, Wine Spectator scored it 93 points.



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2014 ABEJA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE

Upon commencing operation in 2002, Abeja quickly announced themselves as one of the greats of the new generation of Washington wines and they continue to this day.

Lavish, smoky and chock full of violet, cedar, coriander and plenty of black cherry and cassis tones that keep coming on as the wine sits in the glass. In the mouth, it is typical Abeja with its luxurious fruit, excellent structure and velvety tannins. The finish fans out like a peacock's tail and goes on for minutes. This is a mighty impressive performance from the Abeja team and the price is still fantastic. While you would not be committing a crime if you were to uncork a bottle, have it with prime rib over the next decade for even more enjoyment.



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2015 PAOLO PETRILLI 'FORTUITA'
DAUNIA ROSSO
$13.99 BTL./$83.94 - SIX PACK

Fortuita, meaning fortunate, came about after a disastrous vintage in the area some years back and the Petrilli family felt this way after being able to create a wine that went over the top in popularity in Italy thus they have continued producing it. 2015 is one of the finest versions that I have been able to experience to date.

What separates this wine from being DOC status versus IGP Daunia is the addition of 30% or so of Algianico to go with the Montepulciano, Sangiovese and Nero di Troia. The color is dark and rich red to black and the bouquet offering plenty to enjoy. Black cherries, plums, cassis and, tealeaf earthy notes, there is so much going on in this wine! On the palate, the slightly riper, darker peppery plum character of the Montepulciano and Nero di Troia plays off the brighter and vibrant Sangiovese and wildness of the Aglianico. The balance of varieties just sum up with interesting roguish qualities. For the money, this is impressive stuff and obviously, should be consumed suitably Italian inspired food. A slow roasted leg of lamb or is my obvious choice, but it will work with mushrooms, penne with an arrabiata sauce, the options are endless!



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CHAMPAGNE STEPHANE COQUILETTE
BRUT 'CARTE D'OR'
$44.99 BTL./$269.94 - SIX PACK

Born into a Champagne winemaking family, Stephane’s father Christian has been running Champagne Saint-Chamant since 1950, he sent his son Stephane out on his own to make his own Champagne expressions at the tender age of 25. Although mentored by his father, Stephane’s style is very different from those of Christian’s, tending towards the more dry and precise with fine definition of the soil.

Based in the Grand Cru village of Chouilly, the Carte D’Or is a blend of Grand and Premier Cru fruit (hence only listed as premier Cru) and is a Champagne lover’s paradise. Two-Thirds Pinot Noir from Ay and Marieul-sur-Ay and One-Third Chardonnay from Chouilly and Cuis, this fizz really outperforms its $45 price tag. Expressive, poised scents of lime, nectarine, salted white chocolate, sea breeze and spice lead into a sculpted, yet elegant texture with its very fine bubbles and complex, long finish. Enjoy it by itself, with friends or with a memorable meal based around seafood. If you are a Champagne hound like we are then you should, no, you MUST take advantage.




FRIDAY SIPS

Holiday Cheer Friday Sips

This Friday December 14 from 1:30 – 6:30

Time to break out the fun stuff! Drop by this Friday to enjoy tastes of Arneis, Red Bordeaux, Rhone & more!

FEATURED WINES:

2014 Chateau Pey-Martin Medoc Rouge
2016 Almondo Arneis ‘Bricco Ciliegie’
2015 Bucci Verdicchio
A surprise or two from our stocks