6/22/20 The Cellar Door's 'ACCELERATE' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'ACCELERATE' HOTSHEET
Verdicchio from the Italian White winemaker of The Year
Three New Rose Wines
Ridge Zin Special
Grand Cru Chablis & Pomerol Collectibles
Three New Rose Wines
Ridge Zin Special
Grand Cru Chablis & Pomerol Collectibles
2017 PESQUIER COTES-DU-RHONE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
We have been working with Pesquier’s wines for over 20 years but I will unequivocally state that this is Mathieu Boutiere’s finest Cotes-du-Rhone that he has ever produced. In fact, there is a CDR that beings with the letter ‘B’ that we are no longer using due to their lame quality/price rapport and this wine at 7-bucks less whoops it and whoops it good.
70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 5% Carignan and 5% Cinsault coming solely from the village of Sablet the results are a Rhone wine that damn near reaches for the stars and moon. A sophisticated monster emitting aromas of black raspberry, tealeaf, Thai spices and black licorice. Texturally layered… excellent movement and penetrating depth, especially on the lengthy, broad finish that surprisingly and pleasantly snaps back after the wine is swallowed. No problem for aging for 3-5 years, but with its flavor impact and smoothness, it can be enjoyed within 3-5 minutes after pulling the cork. I enjoyed a bottle with grilled lamb chops over the weekend. It will also pair with a Daube de Provence, tomato-based dishes or a simply prepared grilled porterhouse spiked with garlic and coated with black pepper.
70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 5% Carignan and 5% Cinsault coming solely from the village of Sablet the results are a Rhone wine that damn near reaches for the stars and moon. A sophisticated monster emitting aromas of black raspberry, tealeaf, Thai spices and black licorice. Texturally layered… excellent movement and penetrating depth, especially on the lengthy, broad finish that surprisingly and pleasantly snaps back after the wine is swallowed. No problem for aging for 3-5 years, but with its flavor impact and smoothness, it can be enjoyed within 3-5 minutes after pulling the cork. I enjoyed a bottle with grilled lamb chops over the weekend. It will also pair with a Daube de Provence, tomato-based dishes or a simply prepared grilled porterhouse spiked with garlic and coated with black pepper.
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
PRICE
PRICE
Named Italian Wine Mag (Slow Food) Gambero Rosso’s Winemaker of the Year for the 2020 Guide, Leo Felici has quickly emerged as one of the go-to estates when it comes to Verdicchio. Only two wines are produced at this estate that sits up in the hills above the Adriatic Sea and not far from Matelica and we are very fortunate to be able to sell something this delightful for such a fair price.
Alluring and aromatic scents of apple, lemon and seashell. Very terroir-specific, this wine starts round and builds into energetic and lifting. Plenty of lemon and mineral in mouth with superb extension. Enjoy this precise offering with fried or roasted seafood, but it has a special connection with a plate of steamed mussels. A perfect gateway into summer!
Alluring and aromatic scents of apple, lemon and seashell. Very terroir-specific, this wine starts round and builds into energetic and lifting. Plenty of lemon and mineral in mouth with superb extension. Enjoy this precise offering with fried or roasted seafood, but it has a special connection with a plate of steamed mussels. A perfect gateway into summer!
2018 RIDGE ZINFANDEL
'EAST BENCH' DRY CREEK
[reg. $36.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'EAST BENCH' DRY CREEK
[reg. $36.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Another Ridge Zin special?!?! I wasn’t quite sure initially because I hadn’t drunk my coffee. After a quad shot latte it is true - a terrific deal on one of Ridge’s fabulous red wines. An American icon indeed, this is one of the few Ridge Zins that is 100% Zinfandel.
From a hilltop Dry Creek vineyard site, this is archetype Zinfandel with soul and fruit all colliding together. Not for the faint of heart, explosive, brambly, blackberry tones surrounded by Asian spice, subtle mint, hints of mocha and plenty of pepper rule the day. Bold, petal-to-the-metal juice with lots of spicy, briary flavors go along with its bombastic fruit and allow this opulent and attractive wine to drink and develop over the next decade.
From a hilltop Dry Creek vineyard site, this is archetype Zinfandel with soul and fruit all colliding together. Not for the faint of heart, explosive, brambly, blackberry tones surrounded by Asian spice, subtle mint, hints of mocha and plenty of pepper rule the day. Bold, petal-to-the-metal juice with lots of spicy, briary flavors go along with its bombastic fruit and allow this opulent and attractive wine to drink and develop over the next decade.
2010 CANTINA SOCIALE DI COPERTINO
COPERTINO ROSSO RISERVA
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
COPERTINO ROSSO RISERVA
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
Located in Puglia just south of Salento, wines from the small DOC of Copertino are selections we don’t see very often. With 300 growers, the well-run cooperative Cantina Sociale dominates the production of this small region and this wine oozes old school, rustic Italy.
Mostly Negramaro with very small dollops of Malvasia Nera and Montepulciano berries, plum, allspice, almond and cedar/tobacco characteristics unfold from the glass. In the mouth, the dry and nuanced flavors coat the mouth and reveal tones that make one think of the fleshy, vibrant portion of the cherry that is right around the stone. The finish draws out and somersaults into being textbook Southern Italian with its tangy, earthy, spicy qualities and wild red fruits. Pair this delicious wine with slow roasted meats, perhaps something with a spicy Asian influence, but in all truthfulness, it shines best with pizza.
Mostly Negramaro with very small dollops of Malvasia Nera and Montepulciano berries, plum, allspice, almond and cedar/tobacco characteristics unfold from the glass. In the mouth, the dry and nuanced flavors coat the mouth and reveal tones that make one think of the fleshy, vibrant portion of the cherry that is right around the stone. The finish draws out and somersaults into being textbook Southern Italian with its tangy, earthy, spicy qualities and wild red fruits. Pair this delicious wine with slow roasted meats, perhaps something with a spicy Asian influence, but in all truthfulness, it shines best with pizza.
2016 LOBO HILLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
YAKIMA VALLEY 'RATTLESNAKE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
YAKIMA VALLEY 'RATTLESNAKE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Founded in 2010, Lobo Hills is an exciting Washington producer that focuses on miniscule production wines spread out over a number of classifications. Based in Woodinville and focusing on vineyard sites from the Yakima Valley, Tony and Diana Dollar produce food friendly Washington wines that are never outsized caricatures.
From the moment that it is first poured, this Cab is sheer deliciousness with good substance and without getting silly with just a bunch of wood. Currants, blackberry, fine chocolate-mint and spices that dominate the nose while a prominent core of mouth-filling fruit pleases the palate. Enjoy over the next 4-5 years.
From the moment that it is first poured, this Cab is sheer deliciousness with good substance and without getting silly with just a bunch of wood. Currants, blackberry, fine chocolate-mint and spices that dominate the nose while a prominent core of mouth-filling fruit pleases the palate. Enjoy over the next 4-5 years.
2015 CHATEAU DE SALES POMEROL
$45.99 BTL./$551.88 CASE
$45.99 BTL./$551.88 CASE
Even at 46-dollars, this is a fabulous value from a top-rated Bordeaux producer! Chateau De Sales is one of the better known and value estates within the high-priced neighborhood of Pomerol. Now affiliated with Christian Moeuix (he who also owns Petrus, Trotanoy, Dominus and others) this ancient property that dates back to the 17th century is making wines that are quite fine and ageworthy, especially for the astute and perceptive Bordeaux consumer.
The newly arrived 2015 is smashing-good and follows suit to this great vintage with its regal depth and personality. Seductively androgynous, this wine possesses dense aromas of blue fruits, forward mineral/ironstone, graphite and spiced earth that are both powerful and velvety. Penetrating and streamlined, ample fruit and support are present along with some killer undertones that just beginning to materialize. If you want to enjoy a bottle, decant and have a nice meal, however, for best results, wait until 2023 and drink through 2030+.
The newly arrived 2015 is smashing-good and follows suit to this great vintage with its regal depth and personality. Seductively androgynous, this wine possesses dense aromas of blue fruits, forward mineral/ironstone, graphite and spiced earth that are both powerful and velvety. Penetrating and streamlined, ample fruit and support are present along with some killer undertones that just beginning to materialize. If you want to enjoy a bottle, decant and have a nice meal, however, for best results, wait until 2023 and drink through 2030+.
2017 FEVRE-FEVRE CHABLIS
GRAND CRU 'LES PREUSES'
$85.99 - VERY LIMITED
GRAND CRU 'LES PREUSES'
$85.99 - VERY LIMITED
Just for confusion sake, it is only right and proper that the region of Chablis has the name Fevre very recognizable from William Fevre but another arm of the family is Gilles & Natalie Fevre and they label their outstanding Chablis wines either under their names or under this name of Marcel et Blanche Fevre-Fevre. Is your head spinning yet? Well if it isn’t, Linda Blair rotations will come after you experience this Grand Cru and hopefully with proper aging.
The area that makes up the seven designated Grands Crus of Chablis total a mere 247 acres and Fevre-Fevre’s sites in Les Preuses total just over 5.5 acres with vines planted between 1950 and 1973. Wines coming from this sloping, elevated, SW-exposure vineyard deliver some of Chablis’s more powerful and structured. Very complete nose. Citrus fruit, but along with musk, serious crustaceans, crushed limestone and gunflint. Impressive Grand Cru depth along with gentle mushroom and anise tones beneath the surface all are very electric and tense. Goes very deep, but is tight and youthful; serious oceanic flavors and the finish can best be described as mighty! This is top-notch Grand Cru that should not be touched until 2026 and it is easily a 20+-year wine from vintage date. Also has 95 points from Decanter Magazine.
The area that makes up the seven designated Grands Crus of Chablis total a mere 247 acres and Fevre-Fevre’s sites in Les Preuses total just over 5.5 acres with vines planted between 1950 and 1973. Wines coming from this sloping, elevated, SW-exposure vineyard deliver some of Chablis’s more powerful and structured. Very complete nose. Citrus fruit, but along with musk, serious crustaceans, crushed limestone and gunflint. Impressive Grand Cru depth along with gentle mushroom and anise tones beneath the surface all are very electric and tense. Goes very deep, but is tight and youthful; serious oceanic flavors and the finish can best be described as mighty! This is top-notch Grand Cru that should not be touched until 2026 and it is easily a 20+-year wine from vintage date. Also has 95 points from Decanter Magazine.
2019 BOZETO DE EXOPTO
RIOJA ROSE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
RIOJA ROSE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Lightly colored and very refreshing, this 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha rose wine could best be described as adult pink lemonade. From a plot of old vines in Rioja Alta that are designated for Rose, Exopto’s is produced via the direct press method.
Owned by Frenchman Tom Puyaubert think of Spanish flair meeting French mentality. Scents of watermelon, cherry and rosemary shine on this rose. In the mouth, it is crunchy, brisk and vivid with just the right undertone of depth to allow it to be more than just a quaffing rose. Enjoy outdoors with friends but nice to start a meal with a charcuterie/cheese plate.
Owned by Frenchman Tom Puyaubert think of Spanish flair meeting French mentality. Scents of watermelon, cherry and rosemary shine on this rose. In the mouth, it is crunchy, brisk and vivid with just the right undertone of depth to allow it to be more than just a quaffing rose. Enjoy outdoors with friends but nice to start a meal with a charcuterie/cheese plate.
2019 PROPRIETA SPERINO
COSTE DELLE SESIA ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
COSTE DELLE SESIA ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Famous for their epic Chianti and super Tuscan Sangiovese known as Ceparello, Paolo and Luca de Marchi bought land in Piedmont over a decade ago, specifically the area around the small city of Lessona and their excellence has continued in this area as well.
A lip-smacking blend of 90% Nebbiolo and 10% Vespolina, it is a real reflection not only of the grapes but its former marine, rocky/sandy soils. Aromatically expressive, illuminating and glowing from the glass, there is an abundance of strawberry, mineral and savory fennel notes. The texture is intense, elevated, super-succulent and inviting from start to finish. Don't be deceived, this rose is very pleasurable, but also very complex. There is no doubt that this will drink well into next year, it is very alluring now and can be served with grilled chicken, pork or halibut now, or in late November with the holiday turkey. If you need 'score assurance', Vinous scored it 93 points.
A lip-smacking blend of 90% Nebbiolo and 10% Vespolina, it is a real reflection not only of the grapes but its former marine, rocky/sandy soils. Aromatically expressive, illuminating and glowing from the glass, there is an abundance of strawberry, mineral and savory fennel notes. The texture is intense, elevated, super-succulent and inviting from start to finish. Don't be deceived, this rose is very pleasurable, but also very complex. There is no doubt that this will drink well into next year, it is very alluring now and can be served with grilled chicken, pork or halibut now, or in late November with the holiday turkey. If you need 'score assurance', Vinous scored it 93 points.
2019 SALVARD CHEVERNY ROSE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
It is difficult to believe that it is almost 25 years old but it is time to dust off the old Cheverny story. Drink Cheverny just don't visit there. Reminiscing about a visit to the Loire Valley and this specific grower and village in 1996, I got inspired to feature this flavorful white wine and tell a little travel story. Attached at the hip by the adjacent village of Cours-Cheverny, if you visit Cheverny you can have lovely white wine, but...
Woke up, decided to take the bus from Blois instead of driving. The bus stops and pretty much leaves you off in the middle of a damn wheat field and then you have to walk about 20 minutes to find a cigarette-smoke-stained bar to wait and have a cup of coffee because you are early for your appointment. If you have been to France before smoking indoors was banned, you know which bar I am talking about, it used to be in many sleepy villages. After drinking 4 cups of dishwater disguising itself as coffee, I went on my visit to Domaine Salvard. Before we go into the wine, a very important question: How is it that a country so renowned for its creativity and influence in both food and wine cannot make a good cup of coffee? If you ever want to kick a caffeine addiction, just go to France, have a cup of coffee or two and you will quit. In Italy, you might have to wait two hours in the post office to mail a postcard, but damn it, you are going to have good caffe!
We always are asked for tips about travel in France, but here is an important one to remember. While in France, if you are going to have your acid-reflux act up, do not do it with their coffee, do it with their brilliant wines! Domaine Salvard is a longtime Loire Valley favorite. The 2019 Rose is blazing with fun and character this year. 65% Pinot Noir/35% Gamay is an explosive pink torpedo that detonates then electrifies the senses. Bursting with hawthorn, raspberry, smoke, and lemongrass and highlighted by mouth-watering vibrancy, and plenty of nervy telltale stony minerality, this Rose wants you to adore it and finish the bottle - then uncork another and another. Brilliantly sunny, summer stuff, enjoy it with clams, goat cheese or by itself.
Woke up, decided to take the bus from Blois instead of driving. The bus stops and pretty much leaves you off in the middle of a damn wheat field and then you have to walk about 20 minutes to find a cigarette-smoke-stained bar to wait and have a cup of coffee because you are early for your appointment. If you have been to France before smoking indoors was banned, you know which bar I am talking about, it used to be in many sleepy villages. After drinking 4 cups of dishwater disguising itself as coffee, I went on my visit to Domaine Salvard. Before we go into the wine, a very important question: How is it that a country so renowned for its creativity and influence in both food and wine cannot make a good cup of coffee? If you ever want to kick a caffeine addiction, just go to France, have a cup of coffee or two and you will quit. In Italy, you might have to wait two hours in the post office to mail a postcard, but damn it, you are going to have good caffe!
We always are asked for tips about travel in France, but here is an important one to remember. While in France, if you are going to have your acid-reflux act up, do not do it with their coffee, do it with their brilliant wines! Domaine Salvard is a longtime Loire Valley favorite. The 2019 Rose is blazing with fun and character this year. 65% Pinot Noir/35% Gamay is an explosive pink torpedo that detonates then electrifies the senses. Bursting with hawthorn, raspberry, smoke, and lemongrass and highlighted by mouth-watering vibrancy, and plenty of nervy telltale stony minerality, this Rose wants you to adore it and finish the bottle - then uncork another and another. Brilliantly sunny, summer stuff, enjoy it with clams, goat cheese or by itself.
