3/13/17 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'BRACKETS' HOTSHEET
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'BRACKETS' HOTSHEETT
Walla WallaValue, Legendary Tuscan Collectibles, Red Burgundy, Pinot Grigio, Malbec & more
2015 CLOS DE LA BROSSE
SAINT-AMOUR
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
SAINT-AMOUR
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
A French red wine that we have been impatiently waiting for since tasting it last year on our visit. 100% Gamay, Saint-Amour has a reputation as being the wine of love and quite frankly, the majority of the appellations'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) grown in sandstone soil within the northernmost Beaujolais Cru called Saint-Amour and makes between 300-600 cases per year. 2015 is an absolute knockout vintage for the entire region.
Immediately, this one vaults from the glass with scents of red and black plum, more and more ground pepper as it opens, dark chocolate and a last minute arrival of violet and peonies. The texture shows lovely intensity along with superb depth from the old vines and is nicely supported by the minerality and natural lift that this site delivers. Enjoy this stunner over the next 5-6 years, have it with roasted chicken, grilled pork tenderloin and even Pad Thai.
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) grown in sandstone soil within the northernmost Beaujolais Cru called Saint-Amour and makes between 300-600 cases per year. 2015 is an absolute knockout vintage for the entire region.
Immediately, this one vaults from the glass with scents of red and black plum, more and more ground pepper as it opens, dark chocolate and a last minute arrival of violet and peonies. The texture shows lovely intensity along with superb depth from the old vines and is nicely supported by the minerality and natural lift that this site delivers. Enjoy this stunner over the next 5-6 years, have it with roasted chicken, grilled pork tenderloin and even Pad Thai.
2015 LA VIARTE PINOT GRIGIO
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Founded in 1973, La Viarte is located less than a few miles from the border of Slovenia. What we have been experiencing from this tiny grower (8,000 cases make up 15 different wines) is nothing short of value-oriented deliciousness.
From slopes at 400 feet and grown on sand/marl soils, La Viarte’s Grigio is always a wonderful drink but in 2015 is it downright sassy! Chock full of cool and refreshing alpine aromas with intense minerality, citrus and white peach. That freshness carries over perfectly onto a palate that is clean and spiffy with a luscious core of citrus fruit. This lovely white wine is a wonderful contender for a quick glass before dinner, with a delicate seafood dish or a fresh goat cheese-topped salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
From slopes at 400 feet and grown on sand/marl soils, La Viarte’s Grigio is always a wonderful drink but in 2015 is it downright sassy! Chock full of cool and refreshing alpine aromas with intense minerality, citrus and white peach. That freshness carries over perfectly onto a palate that is clean and spiffy with a luscious core of citrus fruit. This lovely white wine is a wonderful contender for a quick glass before dinner, with a delicate seafood dish or a fresh goat cheese-topped salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
2013 BUTY 'BEAST WINES'
'WILDEBEEST' RED
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
'WILDEBEEST' RED
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Created by famed Walla Walla producer, Buty, Beast Wines are meant to be the doppelganger of the Buty wines. Led by Nina Buty and winemaker Chris Dowsett, these wines have always impressed. Recently, the distributor dropped the price on the Wildebeest blend and has made it very attractive for 18 bucks so if you love wines from this area that won’t break the bank, order yours ASAP.
59% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, 7% Grenache, 4% Merlot and revealing chewy, hearty, full aromas and flavors of plum, milk chocolate, red licorice, plum, black cherry and nutmeg. In the mouth, it is sumptuous, palate staining and assertive with plenty of Asian spices on the drawn-out, lingering finish. Drink over the next few years. Perfect to pair with a beef brisket.
59% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, 7% Grenache, 4% Merlot and revealing chewy, hearty, full aromas and flavors of plum, milk chocolate, red licorice, plum, black cherry and nutmeg. In the mouth, it is sumptuous, palate staining and assertive with plenty of Asian spices on the drawn-out, lingering finish. Drink over the next few years. Perfect to pair with a beef brisket.
2015 BODEGAS VIZAR TEMPRANILLO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Located just outside the far western edge Ribera del Duero in what is known as “Riberadollid”, Bodegas Vizar’s organically farmed vineyards are situated between the great vineyards of Bodegas Mauro and Abadia Retuerta.
Savory spices combine with generous dark fruit, violet, hints of licorice and roasted earth tones on the nose and follow through into a texture that is warm, plush and inviting. The fruit is the focus here and there is plenty of it. This would pair very well with grilled pork chops although I could envision myself throwing down a bottle of this with a cheeseburger. A wonderful value and a small price to pay for such a mouthful of red wine.
Savory spices combine with generous dark fruit, violet, hints of licorice and roasted earth tones on the nose and follow through into a texture that is warm, plush and inviting. The fruit is the focus here and there is plenty of it. This would pair very well with grilled pork chops although I could envision myself throwing down a bottle of this with a cheeseburger. A wonderful value and a small price to pay for such a mouthful of red wine.
2015 NAUTILUS SAUVIGNON BLANC
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE
New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are a lot like your pet dog. Labrador or Golden Retrievers come to mind because they are friendly, full of energy and life and rarely bite. Sampled last week I thought it to be one of the more regal New Zealand Sauvignons that we have tasted recently.
The nose exhibits intense, typical aromatic varietal characters starting with a delicate tangerine/lime juice aroma and evolving into intense ripe passion fruit notes. In the mouth, this wine tends toward the riper end of the aroma/flavor spectrum with perhaps a little more emphasis on stone fruit flavors and zesty acidity to finish it all off. Break out the spicy Szechuan or Thai cuisine to pair with this one.
The nose exhibits intense, typical aromatic varietal characters starting with a delicate tangerine/lime juice aroma and evolving into intense ripe passion fruit notes. In the mouth, this wine tends toward the riper end of the aroma/flavor spectrum with perhaps a little more emphasis on stone fruit flavors and zesty acidity to finish it all off. Break out the spicy Szechuan or Thai cuisine to pair with this one.
2012 CHATEAU DU CAYROU CAHORS
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
90% Malbec, 10% Merlot and released later versus straight away because often times the wines when young that come from such stalwart traditionalists can sting. The extra aging in both bottle and tank allows for more harmony and smoothness to arrive and it certainly does here.
More dry than versions from Washington or Argentina. Deep opaque formidable juice with wild scents of red and blue berries, plum, sandalwood, exotic spice and dried mushrooms pour from the glass and into the mouth where it is full and generous with a thoroughly likeable lively twist from not seeing any oak barrels. Even though there is a toe in this century, this is Cahors and the flavors of this rich land permeate the pure aromas and flavors found this ancient region. The finish is long, lasting and palate staining. This is a whole lotta wine for under 20 bucks! Drink this wine now and over the next 4-5 years with hearty braised and grilled fare.
More dry than versions from Washington or Argentina. Deep opaque formidable juice with wild scents of red and blue berries, plum, sandalwood, exotic spice and dried mushrooms pour from the glass and into the mouth where it is full and generous with a thoroughly likeable lively twist from not seeing any oak barrels. Even though there is a toe in this century, this is Cahors and the flavors of this rich land permeate the pure aromas and flavors found this ancient region. The finish is long, lasting and palate staining. This is a whole lotta wine for under 20 bucks! Drink this wine now and over the next 4-5 years with hearty braised and grilled fare.
2014 PILLOT CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
PREMIER CRU 'MORGEOT' ROUGE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
PREMIER CRU 'MORGEOT' ROUGE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
To score a Premier Cru Burgundy for 40 bucks these days and to have it be this excellent is quite a rarity. The village of Chassagne-Montrachet is home to some of the greatest white wines in the world; however, 40% of the wine that emerges from these vineyards is red and made from Pinot Noir. Laurent Pillot is one of the rare tacticians who succeeds with both red and white. Morgeot is a vineyard that is very renowned for its red wines and Laurent’s web site he uses two words to describe it: ‘the gem’.
A miniscule 1.2-acre parcel of vines planted in 1953 and 1981, this wine exudes class, grace, subtlety and is exactly what Burgundy lovers look for in their Cote-de-Beaune offerings. Very underrated and youthful as to be expected at age 2. Smoky, meaty aromas surrounded by black cherry, anise, rock dust, emerging strawberry followed by allspice and fine mineral. The texture for this wine goes deep but is firm, compact and youthful. Lots of concentration and penetration from the old vines, this is true to form French Pinot Noir. Drawn out but wrapped tightly right now. Very lingering. If you were to uncork a bottle, decant it about an hour before serving but for best results, leave it along until 2019 and drink it through 2028.
A miniscule 1.2-acre parcel of vines planted in 1953 and 1981, this wine exudes class, grace, subtlety and is exactly what Burgundy lovers look for in their Cote-de-Beaune offerings. Very underrated and youthful as to be expected at age 2. Smoky, meaty aromas surrounded by black cherry, anise, rock dust, emerging strawberry followed by allspice and fine mineral. The texture for this wine goes deep but is firm, compact and youthful. Lots of concentration and penetration from the old vines, this is true to form French Pinot Noir. Drawn out but wrapped tightly right now. Very lingering. If you were to uncork a bottle, decant it about an hour before serving but for best results, leave it along until 2019 and drink it through 2028.
2013 MONTEVERTINE
'MONTEVERTINE ROSSO'
$54.99 - LIMITED!
'MONTEVERTINE ROSSO'
$54.99 - LIMITED!
Sometimes the rebels of the world are the best teachers. When it comes to music, Joe Strummer of The Clash was a prime educator. When it comes to wine, Sergio Manetti is another. In 1979, Sergio flipped off the Consorzio of Chianti. Being music lovers, Bryan likes to say he ("snuffed the rooster") by refusing the use of white grapes in Chianti, or aging it in barrel for the formerly required period. Thus, the creation of the second wave of Super-Tuscan wines, utilizing 100% Sangiovese grapes and NO international varietals (like Cabernet) was born. Little did anyone know that what Signore Manetti rallied against would become status-quo in decade of the ‘90s. With the adoption of new regulations, Manetti's vision and practice are now legal, influential and commonplace. By then, Montevertine was bigger and better than just about any other Chianti producer. Sadly we lost Sergio Manetti in 1999, but his son Martino has kept everything rolling keeping alive his papa's renegade spirit and philosophy.
90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino and the house specialty. Formerly known as Riserva, the Manettis used to pay the fine, but they increased it tenfold, hence, Montevertine ‘Montevertine’. Laden with bold ripe kirsch, plum, fig, cassis and tobacco, this wine has no shortage of abundance on the nose or in the mouth. Extremely complex with scintillating nuances that carry over into the lacy, pure, hedonistic texture before it clamps down on the lacy and very long finish. The breed and pedigree of Radda in Chianti is all over this wine. Drink this Tuscan treasure from 2018 – 2030.
90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino and the house specialty. Formerly known as Riserva, the Manettis used to pay the fine, but they increased it tenfold, hence, Montevertine ‘Montevertine’. Laden with bold ripe kirsch, plum, fig, cassis and tobacco, this wine has no shortage of abundance on the nose or in the mouth. Extremely complex with scintillating nuances that carry over into the lacy, pure, hedonistic texture before it clamps down on the lacy and very long finish. The breed and pedigree of Radda in Chianti is all over this wine. Drink this Tuscan treasure from 2018 – 2030.
2012 MONTEVERTINE
'LE PERGOLE TORTE'
$114.99 - LIMITED!
'LE PERGOLE TORTE'
$114.99 - LIMITED!
Commencing in 1981, Le Pergole Torte was the first Super-Tuscan made with 100% Sangiovese and stylistically, it remains a sexy, slinky red regardless of the vintage because it is only made in apex years. It is not a wine that excites you through power or overwhelming jammy qualities, instead, it does it all with poise, smoothness and complexity. Its deft touch is unlike anything else produced in Tuscany and given its appetite for giant accolades, the mere 2000 cases are highly sought after by Italian wine lovers around the world.
Simply put, this is 100% Grand Cru Sangiovese! One whiff of the tight, but wonderfully pure scents of wild flowers, sage, black cherry, and savory earth will have you reminiscing about your last visit to Tuscany! The suave and sultry depth and concentration carry nicely into the mouth as it offers up succulent, ripe and flavorful tones with superb focus and grip as well as finishing dark, spicy and long. This one definitely should be aged and served for a special occasion. Hold this until 2020 and drink it well past 2035. Have an occasion that occurred in 2012? Child? Grandchild? Anniversary? If so, drop me an email and order a bottle to stash away!
Simply put, this is 100% Grand Cru Sangiovese! One whiff of the tight, but wonderfully pure scents of wild flowers, sage, black cherry, and savory earth will have you reminiscing about your last visit to Tuscany! The suave and sultry depth and concentration carry nicely into the mouth as it offers up succulent, ripe and flavorful tones with superb focus and grip as well as finishing dark, spicy and long. This one definitely should be aged and served for a special occasion. Hold this until 2020 and drink it well past 2035. Have an occasion that occurred in 2012? Child? Grandchild? Anniversary? If so, drop me an email and order a bottle to stash away!
FRIDAY SIPS
This Friday March 17 from 1:30 – 6:30
(Chad will arrive at 3:30, wines will be ready to taste at 1:30)
(Chad will arrive at 3:30, wines will be ready to taste at 1:30)
Fabulous Frogwater Friday!
New arrivals from France
New arrivals from France
It’s French Wine Friday with wines being poured from several areas including the new Beaurenard Rasteau & Red Burgundy poured by Chad Zimmerman, Animaux du Vin Selections. Come on in this week to enjoy some new selections that we are so excited over that they make us want to break out a beret, a baguette, some cheese and four packs of smokes!
FEATURED SELECTIONS:
2015 Domaine de Beaurenard Rasteau
2014 Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Rouge
2015 Clos de la Brosse Saint-Amour
2015 Rouze Quincy ‘Vignes D’Antan’
