6/15/20 The Cellar Door's '3-3-3' HotSheet


THE CELLAR DOOR'S '3-3-3' HOTSHEET
White Burgundy, Provence Rose, Barbera, Pommard Special & more


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2016 LA CARLINA BARBERA D'ASTI
'BIONZO' SUPERIORE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

La Carlina was introduced to us recently and is a producer that I feel is one to for Piedmont wine lovers to take notice, especially since their wines are steals. Camilla and Francesco Scavino are a young brother and sister team based in the tiny Barolo village of Grinzane Cavour.

One of five wines produced, this Barbera comes from the top-flight Asti area of Bionzo. The name may sound familiar because famed producer La Spinetta also sources their Barbera from here as well. Traditionally made, aged in large Slavonian botti, this wine has heaps of depth, displaying plum and blackberry with balsamico, cherry pit and an array of spices coming to the surface as it opens. Stylish, savory, and surprisingly deep, this toothsome Barbera overdelivers for 14-bucks. Have it with meat-based stews, mushroom pastas (particularly those with porcini), grilled sausages and even pizza.



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2018 ANDELUNA MALBEC '1300'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

When it comes to Malbec from Argentina, Andeluna is one of the leaders. It also doesn't hurt that their prices allow them to be remarkable values.

Named for its altitude of 1300 meters and aged in French oak for three months followed by a few more months in stainless steel, this generous red exhibits alluring aromas of cassis, black pepper, and an undertow of cherry and milk chocolate, which back up the supple tannins. Surprising weight, body and depth along with impeccable lift and freshness, Andeluna's ‘1300’ Malbec is the perfect companion to many dishes, including hearty cheeses, spicy pastas and roasted meats. Enjoy it tonight or let it age gracefully for 2-3 more years as well. A killer value at a great everyday price, this Malbec merits buying by the trunkload.



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2017 PESQUIER GIGONDAS
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

When it comes to the pinnacle of Gigondas producers, one often overlooks Pesquier, which is a pity because they are making some of the finest and most authentic wines in the entire appellation. Mathieu is a very reluctant rock star. Unlike others in the village whose favorite conversation subject is themselves, Mathieu prefers to let his wines and work do all of the speaking. Although they make small quantities of Vacqueyras and Cotes-du-Rhone, the Gigondas is the specialty of the house.

2017 is a ravishing Rhone vintage and this wine is cropped at the same level of Chateauneuf or Grand Cru Burgundy, 35 hectoliters per hectare. Focused scents of Provencal herbs - lavender and rosemary with hidden notes of black cherry. Youthfully exuberant and structured with plenty of ripe, rich fruit. Plenty of stuffing is here and for all of the lofty qualities of the wine, there is grace and rich depth underneath and the forecast is for great things to come. Drink through 2030.



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2016 BOCARD BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE

Whenever we depart the cellars at Domaine Bocard in Meursault and after saying our goodbyes, often times we get in the car and we state ‘I am lost in the ocean that is Guy Bocard’ or simply ‘Godd$&n Guy’! This is because when Guy speaks, he is difficult to understand; even his colleagues in France say the same thing. What we do understand is that this man is one of the reclusive and unheralded maestros of Meursault.

Upon tasting this wine, one almost thinks that they are sipping Meursault. In all actuality, one is actually sipping Meursault when in fact, this wine comes from seven different parcels within Meursault city limits, and just across the roadway, that starts the boundary for Meursault AOC. An electric pillow, Guy Bocard has once again brought forth another overachiever. Lemon, almond, pure mineral qualities with underlying grain and spice tones. Impressive depth and briskness, the Meursault cushion and expanse is present in all forms. Guy is famous for releasing his wines a bit later including the Bourgogne. Many are releasing 2018, Guy is on to 2016, and this is a good thing because it takes a bit for these wines to unfold and we often find that it is even more glorious with that extra bit of age on it as it this has. Have it with sautéed scallops in a beurre blanc sauce, roasted chicken or fresh crab.



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2017 EUGEN MULLER RIESLING KABINETT
'FORSTER PECHSTEIN' FEINHERB
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

I constantly receive questions on which wine to pair with spicy food and when I recommend good Riesling people seem to want to run for the hills. I challenge you not to run but to embrace wines like this (as well as a Rose further down the list) when it comes to pairing with spicier cuisines. Germany’s Pfalz region is its warmest wine region and is seemingly an extension of Alsace with its mosaic of soils; hence, the wines take on a fuller profile as well as showing different types of mineral aspects than those of the Mosel or Rheingau.

This particular offering is Feinherb, the more trendy term for halbtrocken, which either way means off dry. A leader of the Pfalz, Eugen Muller has a treasure chest of terroirs to work with and this offering comes from a single cru known as Pechstein, a site laden with basalt. Yes, there is some sweetness to this wine, but not more that would be in many Oregon Pinot Gris. What this wine has going on is its superior brisk acidity to hold everything together. Nectarine, pear and mandarin tones immediately take the lead, but to dwell only on the fruit is completely missing the true character and the point of this wine because of its mesmerizing earth and minerality. The finish is drawn-out, building and full of vibrancy. This superb bottle of Riesling pairs exquisitely with many different dishes. Try it with grilled sausage to braised beef in fiery spices, curries, and why not salmon. An exquisite drink right now, but will continue to develop for another decade as well.



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2019 SYNCLINE GRENACHE BLANC
YAKIMA VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A passion for Rhone varietals, James and Poppie Mantone settled into Lyle, WA to discover the vineyards along with the potential for these varietals grown in the area's diverse soils. Since the winery's inception in 2001, these wines have taken off and provide very real experiences of what Rhone grapes can achieve in our neighborhood.

Often the base for white Chateauneuf-du-Pape, I am always impressed with how well this wine turns out. From Yakima Valley’s famed Boushey Vineyard, this fabulous white wine really allows one to escape from American Chardonnay hell. Exquisitely floral with undertones of ginger, lemon-lime and anise aromas immediately entice. In the mouth, it bursts and with an abundance of old vines delivers terrific flavor impact. Try with white meats, fish with saffron and it will pair very well with grilled or roasted asparagus.



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2019 CHATEAU DE ROQUEFORT
COTES-DE-PROVENCE ROSE 'CORAIL'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Located in an ideal section of the Cotes-de-Provence, Chateau de Roquefort is situated between the Massif de Ste-Baume and the sea with vineyards on plateaus at about 400 meters. Organically/biodynamically farmed, this is prototype Southern French Rose but is also well dressed and cool as a cucumber.

The usual suspects are here – 35% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Cinsault, 5% Carignan, 5% Vermentino & 5% Clairette. Lightly colored, with beautifully proportioned and ethereal aromas of smoked raspberry, rose petal, lemon, herbs and seemingly stony character carry over into a texture that has substance, elevation and plenty of burst all the way through the expansive finish. Steam some mussels, clams jacked with Pernod or Ricard, garlic, and parsley and send your ass to Provencal nirvana.



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2019 TORRE DEI BEATI
CERASUOLO D'ABRUZZO 'ROSA-AE'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

There is Rose in Italy; however, much of it is from non-traditional regions, however, the three classic areas where Rose has been produced for centuries are Lombardy (Chiaretto), Puglia and the Cerasuolo from Abruzzo. A longtime favorite of Abruzzo, Torre dei Beati marries tradition with innovation and produces wines that are so delicious yet won't cause one to break the bank in order to enjoy a bottle.

A pink rocket of love that is destined to send you into orbit, this rose from 100% of the Montepulciano grape is all about vivid pleasure. Made from vines specifically for this wine, alluring red licorice whip and strawberry surround subtle mineral and freshly cut herbs; the cool, ethereal texture that takes on all of the nuances that the nose gives. The finish bursts and grabs the tongue before heading down. Beautifully dry and with intense presence of flavor, this will pair with incendiary spice-dominated dishes and yet is shows its soul with a Caprese Salad or Arancini. Slurp, slurp, slurp!



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2019 DOMAINE GRAND BOIS
COTES-DU-RHONE ROSE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

One of the more individual Rose wines from the Rhone that I have seen, Domaine Grand Bois’s Cotes-du-Rhone Rose offers up intrigue, complexity and pleasure.

60% Grenache that is bled juice along with 40% directly pressed Carignan make for a classic, full-boned Southern French Rose. Lithe fragrances reveal agile tones of cherry, lime, mineral, and a likable combination of nectarine and fennel. Plenty of depth and body along with breezy, Provençal snap in the mouth Sterling persistence, this illuminating rosé will work kills it with grilled fish like halibut or sea bass that's been doused with good olive oil an spiked with garlic and fennel.
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2016 PILLOT POMMARD TAVENNES
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE

t is a well-known fact that we have had a genuine attraction to Laurent Pillot's wines for many years. We have been working with his white wines since the mid-90s and lately we seem to get even more excited when we taste his red wines and here is one where we have drastically reduced the price.

Part of a movement to bring out the beauty of Pommard in lieu of its once stereotypical hard, virile qualities, Laurent Pillot makes wines here that have both stylish aspects to go along with aromatic intensity and beauty as well as never losing substance or depth. 2016 is somewhat of a miraculous vintage for Burgundy given the miniscule quantities due to the frost. What remained and especially the red wine, delivered power-laden, structured and profound wines. Across the board, these are lovely, focused wines possessing depth and plenty of potential for aging. The 2016 Tavennes has an exciting, jumping perfumed nose that penetrates and keeps building in the glass. Blueberry, cherry, rose, mineral and red earth follow through to a youthful, well-structured, debonair palate that spreads out on the palate and then does what a young red Burgundy typically does, packs in and flips you off telling you to come back in a few years! Very persistent and profound, this is stunning and with a decanting can be accessed but ultimately will be best end of 2021 through 2030. Drink with beef stroganoff, beef bourguignon or mushroom feasts.