5/18/20 The Cellar Door's 'ERUZIONE' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'ERUZIONE' HOTSHEET
Dolcetto, Cabernet, White Burg & more
2017 MARCHESI DI GRESY
DOLCETTO D'ALBA 'MONTE ARIBALDO'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
DOLCETTO D'ALBA 'MONTE ARIBALDO'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Marchesi di Gresy is a superstar Barbaresco producer and their Dolcetto shows the differences of Dolcetto grown within Barbaresco vs. Dolcetto grown within the Barolo zone. The grapes for this wine come from the Aribaldo hill in the Barbaresco village of Trieso, farmed at about 1100 feet above sea level.
A classic red wine for the whole meal with a red-violet color, intense vinous perfume and slight spicy note. The wine is elegant and smooth, fresh and balanced, with the bursting after taste typical of Dolcetto. Always a very stylish and fine Dolcetto, 2017 brings about extra levels of depth and makes for a versatile red wine that will pair nicely with grilled sausages, spicy sauces, salami and more.
A classic red wine for the whole meal with a red-violet color, intense vinous perfume and slight spicy note. The wine is elegant and smooth, fresh and balanced, with the bursting after taste typical of Dolcetto. Always a very stylish and fine Dolcetto, 2017 brings about extra levels of depth and makes for a versatile red wine that will pair nicely with grilled sausages, spicy sauces, salami and more.
2018 TERRES DOREES
BEAUJOLAIS BLANC
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
BEAUJOLAIS BLANC
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Gather ‘round kiddies, we have a great lesson in a well-known, yet obscure sub-category of White Burgundy called Beaujolais Blanc. Domaine Terres Dorees is located in the beautiful Pierres Dorees area (region of Golden Stones) of Beaujolais. This area is noted for the golden sandstone that is prominent everywhere. Quite famed for their red Beaujolais, this Domaine takes their white wines to such lofty heights sans the high price. Jean-Paul Brun is the most influential producer in the area. Unlike the famed granitic soils of the Cru of Beaujolais about 45 minutes north, this particular part of Beaujolais, this area is slightly warmer and has limestone-dominated soils.
12.5% alcohol, 100% Chardonnay and unoaked, this offering has so much going on. Peach, sage, toasted bread, mineral, anise and spice careen from the glass and lead into a texture that is vinous yet attacking and dry. Loads of purity and breezy acidity from the limestone all culminating in a lively and energetic finish. Perfect to drink over the next 3-4 years, this far-southern White Burgundy is perfect with cod or halibut dressed in a light cream sauce.
12.5% alcohol, 100% Chardonnay and unoaked, this offering has so much going on. Peach, sage, toasted bread, mineral, anise and spice careen from the glass and lead into a texture that is vinous yet attacking and dry. Loads of purity and breezy acidity from the limestone all culminating in a lively and energetic finish. Perfect to drink over the next 3-4 years, this far-southern White Burgundy is perfect with cod or halibut dressed in a light cream sauce.
2018 MERIEAU TOURAINE ROUGE
GAMAY 'BOIS JACOU'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
GAMAY 'BOIS JACOU'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Jean-Francois Merieau is a Loire Valley rock star located south of Amboise and Blois who after wandering the world and spending time in S. Africa, returned home and has taken what he learned abroad and combined it with the traditions of his area. Focusing on single vineyards, one of the gems in the lineup is this delicious Gamay.
From vines up to 60 years old, one must note that this grape performs differently in the Loire Valley versus Beaujolais. The initial aroma that wafts from the glass will bring many back to their childhood with the scents of opening a fresh box of red-hot candies. Enticing smoke, violet, cinnamon, chalk and gently placed herbs follow through to a sultry, dry texture that shows persistence and depth without being the least bit gooey. The red-hot candy tones creep through in the mouth and the movement of the wine is superb. The finish is poised and polished and revealing plenty of Moroccan spice and mouth-watering red fruit. Very drinkable now, but it will work beautifully with North African or Indian meat dishes as well as traditional, hedonistic French foods that are bad for you like pate or soft-ripened cheeses. Drink now through 2025.
From vines up to 60 years old, one must note that this grape performs differently in the Loire Valley versus Beaujolais. The initial aroma that wafts from the glass will bring many back to their childhood with the scents of opening a fresh box of red-hot candies. Enticing smoke, violet, cinnamon, chalk and gently placed herbs follow through to a sultry, dry texture that shows persistence and depth without being the least bit gooey. The red-hot candy tones creep through in the mouth and the movement of the wine is superb. The finish is poised and polished and revealing plenty of Moroccan spice and mouth-watering red fruit. Very drinkable now, but it will work beautifully with North African or Indian meat dishes as well as traditional, hedonistic French foods that are bad for you like pate or soft-ripened cheeses. Drink now through 2025.
2016 LUMINOUS HILLS PINOT NOIR
ESTATE YAMHILL-CARLTON
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
ESTATE YAMHILL-CARLTON
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
Byron Dooley is a true-to-terroir producer who also makes wine under the Seven of Hearts label. Luminous Hills vineyard is Byron’s estate site and is located in the SW reaches of the Yamhill Carlton district. Over the last decade, we have seen these wines come on strong and exude excellence of this area and this offering, an assemblage of his vineyard, which sets up the single cru wines from LH vineyard, is one of the finest values in Oregon.
The superb 2016 reveals exuberant, elusive dark plum, black cherry, cracked pepper and plenty of prominent flamboyant exotic spice aromas. The components on the nose follow through to a complex, cerebral layered texture that is held together nicely by tightly focused depth and backbone. The finish is laden with impressive material, is very purple and floral and really hangs around pleasantly long after the wine is swallowed. Extremely impressive, one could certainly uncork a bottle now without committing a crime, however, give it another 18-24 months and really see its true mettle. Drink 2022 – 2028+.
The superb 2016 reveals exuberant, elusive dark plum, black cherry, cracked pepper and plenty of prominent flamboyant exotic spice aromas. The components on the nose follow through to a complex, cerebral layered texture that is held together nicely by tightly focused depth and backbone. The finish is laden with impressive material, is very purple and floral and really hangs around pleasantly long after the wine is swallowed. Extremely impressive, one could certainly uncork a bottle now without committing a crime, however, give it another 18-24 months and really see its true mettle. Drink 2022 – 2028+.
2018 GIRLAN PINOT BIANCO
'PLATT & RIEGL'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
'PLATT & RIEGL'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
We have been over the moon with the entry varietal Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio from Girlan for some time now. This well run Northern Italian co-op, near the Austrian border has been garnering numerous accolades and when one takes a step up with this wine, the results are epic.
A selection of top grapes, this reserve selection is very alpine in personality. Brilliant straw yellow in color with a pale green shimmer, one might think we are talking about new spring couture. Delicate nuances of very fine fruit including apples and peaches sing like a church soloist from the glass. Resounding and clear with well-integrated earth-mineral-spice on the nose. Creamy, elegant, medium-bodied Pinot Bianco flavor with a round and fresh mouth-watering finish. I see salmon on a board in our future.
A selection of top grapes, this reserve selection is very alpine in personality. Brilliant straw yellow in color with a pale green shimmer, one might think we are talking about new spring couture. Delicate nuances of very fine fruit including apples and peaches sing like a church soloist from the glass. Resounding and clear with well-integrated earth-mineral-spice on the nose. Creamy, elegant, medium-bodied Pinot Bianco flavor with a round and fresh mouth-watering finish. I see salmon on a board in our future.
2017 VINUM CELLARS PETIT SIRAH
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
There is not a damn thing that is light or understated about this Petit Sirah from a cool, Napa-based producer who strives to put fine wines at a good price on to your table.
From Clarksburg, this is a bigass, yummy, ripe, juicy ball of blackberry fruit along with some smoke and briary tones lurking beneath the surface. In the mouth, it possesses a barrage of mouth-filling flavors and sweet/hot spices that make you want to do some sort of silly dance like the Funky Chicken. Drink this chewy red with friends and any dish that is very vociferous and full of flavor.
From Clarksburg, this is a bigass, yummy, ripe, juicy ball of blackberry fruit along with some smoke and briary tones lurking beneath the surface. In the mouth, it possesses a barrage of mouth-filling flavors and sweet/hot spices that make you want to do some sort of silly dance like the Funky Chicken. Drink this chewy red with friends and any dish that is very vociferous and full of flavor.
2017 CASA CASTILLO JUMILLA
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
The Jumilla region of Spain has been doing wonders with the Monastrell (Mourvedre) grape, which is also the basis for the Southern French region of Bandol and is a virtual thrift store of values.
Packed with blackberry, iron, tealeaf and scorched earth aromas that carry over to the assertive palate that has bold fruit then gains brightness and firmness in the back. Do your best Uncle Gus impersonation, which is to grab a gallon of gasoline, toss it on to the grill followed by just about any carnivorous delight. Now that’s a fire!
Packed with blackberry, iron, tealeaf and scorched earth aromas that carry over to the assertive palate that has bold fruit then gains brightness and firmness in the back. Do your best Uncle Gus impersonation, which is to grab a gallon of gasoline, toss it on to the grill followed by just about any carnivorous delight. Now that’s a fire!
2013 SPRING MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON ESTATE
$69.99 BTL./$419.94 - SIX PACK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON ESTATE
$69.99 BTL./$419.94 - SIX PACK
Spring Mountain is primo real estate for Cabernet Sauvignon, with Diamond Mountain to its north and Mt. Veeder to the south. A sort of cult winery going back to the 1960s, we haven’t seen them in over 10 years. For those of you who are not familiar with this winery, Spring Mountain is a small production operation, all of the fruit is from their own three historic vineyards in this elite Spring Mountain appellation of Napa Valley and the quality is still impeccable. Considering how expensive the majority of Napa Cab is these days, this special wine is quite a deal and ages beautifully.
Age 7 and we are starting to see hints of secondary aspects. Typical of Spring Mountain, these are definitely for those who like big and bold yet turn to smooth in time. We are just starting to see the results. Intense, yet sophisticated aromas of plum, raspberries, smoke, violet, cocoa, nutmeg and cedar-box. Rich and comes at you in waves. There is still plenty of structure for even further development, but the tannins seem to be gobbled up nicely by the sublime fruit. Finishes with authority, but planes out and the flavors stick around for a hell of a long time. Drink this wonderful expression of the Napa Valley through 2030+.
Age 7 and we are starting to see hints of secondary aspects. Typical of Spring Mountain, these are definitely for those who like big and bold yet turn to smooth in time. We are just starting to see the results. Intense, yet sophisticated aromas of plum, raspberries, smoke, violet, cocoa, nutmeg and cedar-box. Rich and comes at you in waves. There is still plenty of structure for even further development, but the tannins seem to be gobbled up nicely by the sublime fruit. Finishes with authority, but planes out and the flavors stick around for a hell of a long time. Drink this wonderful expression of the Napa Valley through 2030+.
