5/6/19 The Cellar Door's 'HIGH VOLTAGE' HotSheet


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'HIGH VOLTAGE' HOTSHEET
Champagne Specil Under 40, Rose, Vietti Perbacco & more


Click to Order
2017 CLOS DE LA BROSSE
SAINT-AMOUR
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Just arrived, the new 2017 vintage of Gerard Lebeaupin’s exquisite Saint-Amour. Saint-Amour has a reputation as being the wine of love and the majority of the appellation's wines could be sold in France for Valentine’s Day. Gerard Lebeaupin is one of the last holdouts to vinify his wines in old wooden vats, using a large wooden grill to submerge the grapes allowing for better extraction, color, aromatic complexity and structure. Named after one of the region’s prime sites, Clos de la Brosse, Lebeaupin has a mere 4 acres of ancient vines (90+ years old) and makes between 300-600 cases per year. Following the magical 2016, the 2017 is very impressive; one may even call it mighty. Reminiscent of a cross between the depth and layers of 2009 and the energy of 2017, this is one stunning vintage for the Cru wines of Beaujolais.

Four overtimes, one roasted chicken, three lunatics and three bottles in, it reconfirmed just how tasty and celebratory this 100% Gamay truly is. Silky and smooth with notes of fresh summer blackberries, minerals and dried rose petals. The short story turns into a novel in the mouth with intense depth and concentration from the ancient vines. Spreading out on the finish, fresh strawberry and raspberry are defined by fine tannins and a long elegant finish. Delectable with roasted chicken with mushrooms. We also recommend going outside the borders and having it with Indian or Moroccan cuisine as well as grilled fish.



Click to Order
2016 VIETTI PERBACCO
NEBBIOLO LANGHE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

By now, everyone knows the story behind this wine as well as the character and commitment of Luca Currado. Perbacco could legitimately be called Barolo because it is aged for the 2 years required in barrel with all of the grapes coming from Vietti’s many single vineyards within the Barolo zone. Not wanting to bastardize the Barolo name and to undercut the Castiglione, Luca chooses softer and accessible lots and labels it as Nebbiolo Langhe. Many producers would make a wine like this; label it as Barolo, then charge a hell of a lot more money.

2016 is a monumental Piedmont vintage, one that is the best since 2010 and will rival 1989, 1999, 2006 and 2010 for the title of best ever. Drawn-out red fruits, roses, chocolate licorice and undercurrents of perfumed earth tones, there is exquisite movement, depth and persistence, especially on the detailed and luxurious finish. Drinks well early and ages impeccably, too. Enjoy it with hearty risotto dishes, roasted game or intense cheeses.



Click to Order
2016 SIDEBAR OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Sidebar Cellars is from Napa Valley legend David Ramey and are wines that demand your attention. Featuring wines that are pleasurable and well priced, Ramey has branched out to do some other varietals aside from their grand scale Cabernets and Chardonnays. These new wines under this label are tasty and very affordable.

78% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Alicante Bouschet and a 2% blend of 12 other varietals coming from head pruned vines planted in 1890, some of which were replanted by Americo Rafanelli in 1950, this wine is what is so good about California. Chewy yet civilized and not overblown, bright and exuberant strawberry and cherry combine with spicy dark qualities and make this Zin-based red a superb example of the cool Russian River Valley area. Enjoyable as a young wine, it will drink and provide happiness when accompanied with tangy, meaty dishes over the next 4-6 years.



Click to Order
2018 COMINCIOLI 'DIAMENTE'
CHIARETTO ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK

While we are not agents of Satan like Cardinal Copia, The BeeGees and Wine Marketers, we are proponents of great rose. Many pink wines produced throughout Italy but the truth is that there are only three TRADITIONAL Rosé-producing areas, Abruzzo, Puglia and the Chiaretto wines from the area around Lake Garda. When it comes to these wines, Comincioli is one of the supreme leaders.

Located on the western side of the lake, this particular pink delight is a splashing blend of Groppello, Barbera, Sangiovese and Marzemino. Aromatically expressive and glowing from the glass, there is an abundance of strawberry, mineral and savory fennel notes. In the mouth, it is intense, elevated, super-succulent and inviting from start to finish. Pleasurable, but also very complex and no doubt that it'll drink well into next year; serve with grilled chicken, pork, halibut or toss a bunch down with a bunch of friends.



Click to Order
2018 DIVISION WINE CO.
'BETON' RED
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

If there were ever a Portland-based descendant of Loire-Valley 15th century writer, clergyman and all-around hedonist, Francois Rabelais, it would certainly be Tom Monroe. I am pretty sure that one written Rabelais philosophy that he (and us) lives by is "When I drink, I think; and when I think, I drink".

Possessing one of the coolest labels, Beton is an Oregon wine that if done in France would be the likes that you would find many Parisian bistro, wine bars and restaurants. Impressively inspired by the red wines of the Loire valley, this blend of 55% Cabernet Franc, 15% Gamay Noir, 15% Pinot Noir and 10% Cot from a combination of northern and southern Oregon fruit is basking with exuberance, expressiveness and boasts a pure nose of raspberry, jasmine, sandalwood and fresh herbs. Ultimately, this red possesses unexpected richness and character, all without being heavy or oaky (Beton is French for cement and no oak is utilized for this wine). Unbridled edges surround plush clean fruit and carry over into a vibrant back flip of a finish. Have this one with pate, soft-ripened cheeses barbecue or carnitas.



Click to Order
2016 GADAIS MUSCADET
[reg. $17.99]
SPECIAL - $10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE

Fact is there are very few wine regions on earth that express the earth in which they come from more than Muscadet. No, not Muscat the dessert wine, MUSCADET, the region in the western Loire Valley that is from the Melon grape and is blitzing dry. Soil is important here, with a deep top soil of clay and silica over brittle granite subsoil, this ensures excellent drainage in wet years and better moisture retention in dry summers. Ripening is slower, and the longer hang-time before harvest allows for optimal maturity to be reached.

Gadais’s 2016 displays classic aromas of minerals, oyster shells, and lemon. Lean and bracing in the mouth with tons of lemon / lime citrus fruits, mineral and chalk, and a long finish. Do we really even need to suggest oysters with this? Enough said. Skip the Chablis (it’s too rich) and move to Muscadet with your bivalves.



Click to Order
2017 GAROFOLI ROSSO PICENO
'FARNIO'
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE

From the Le Marches region in Cenral Italy is this blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano is a perennial Cellar Door favorite best buy that is perfect for guzzling! Plum, violet and wild spicy qualities shine on the nose while texturally it is vibrant, lush and chock full of strawberry and turned earth tones. Try it with pizza with pepperoni or capicolla.



Click to Order
CHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER
BRUT CARTE D'OR
[reg. $51.99]
SPECIAL - $37.99 BTL./$227.94 - SIX PK

Champagne Drappier has important relevance in the history of Champagne. Loctaed in Urville in the Aube, the southern portion Champagne and founded in 1808, the Drappier family first planted Pinot Noir in this area. This reality has driven this area to become very fine for its Pinot Noir amongst many larger houses as well as the plethora of growers that inhabit this area.

Until the end of the week, this excellent fizz is on a deep special. Some 70 miles from the heart of Champagne, these soils of this area are vastly different from the normal chalk. Kimmeridgian soil is prominent here – same as in Chablis and Sancerre but in the Aube, it is the Pinot Noir that is prized. 75% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier and 15% Chardonnay, this is typical of the fizz done in the area with its full-bodied character. Rich, and caressing, very finely placed bubbles seduce the palate; lots of follow-through and poise…one can see lots of love went into this Champagne and at this excellent price, one should take advantage!





Chateauneuf-du-Pape Magnum Specials!
Email for details!






FRIDAY SIPS

PROVENCE PINK PARADE

This Friday, May 10 from 1:30 – 6:30

Welcome sun and welcome three delightful dry pink (plus one red) wines from Provence. Drop by this Friday to sample and enjoy these mouthwatering, diverse, succulent selections.

FEATURED WINES:

2018 Commanderie de Peyrassol Cotes-de-Provence Rosé
2018 Fenouillet Ventoux Rosé
2018 Mascaronne Cotes-de-Provence Rosé ‘Quat ‘saisons’
2017 Cabasse Côtes-du-Rhône ‘Marguerite’