3/20/17 'SANS MAQUILLAGE' HOTSHEET


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SANS MAQUILLAGE' HOTSHEET
Cristom Pinot Noir, 93-pt. Malbec, First French Rose, Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc & more


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2013 ZORZAL MALBEC 'GRAN TERROIR'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Zorzal is located at 4500 feet in the sub region of the Uco Valley called Gualtallary just outside of Tupungato. Being at this elevation, Zorzal is the highest winery in all of Mendoza. Aged 12-18 months in 2-3 year old French barrels, this wine never departs from its origins nor is an oak bomb.

‘The 2013 Gran Terroir Malbec is a blend from different vineyards in Gualtallary, the highest part of the department of Tupungato in the Valle de Uco. The grapes fermented in cement vats and matured in used oak barrels for approximately one year. It's very perfumed and spicy, aromatic in a way that makes you go to the glass over and over again. The palate has the 2013 electricity and the Gualtallary chalkiness making for supple, tasty and saline flavors and a very long finish. Simply superb! – 93 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE



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2016 DOMAINE LAFAGE
COTES-DU-ROUSSILLON ROSE 'MIRAFLORS'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

We have all been craving more than just one day of filtered sunshine here in Oregon and lately I have heard many of you craving Rose. While I am unable to supply the orange orb in the sky, I have heard your shouts and can now offer you the first of our 2016 arrivals of Southern French Rose.

The cool nights of 2016 coupled with the even ripening has allowed for some smashing wines on all levels and we are excited to drink this, even if the sun isn’t out. Jean-Marc Lafage is highly respected for his entire range of Roussillon wines and the newly arrived Miraflors certainly pleases the senses. The usual suspects of Mourvedre, Grenache, etc. make up the blend and provide soulful and confident Mediterranean aromas. Good subtlety and finesse with aromas of strawberry, fennel, rosemary and a prominent "sea-smoke" note. Plenty of flavor, depth and detail all culminating with a lively, very spirited finish. This wine really screams for seafood, especially fish on the grill and dressed with nice olive oil and herbs.



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2013 TOMMASO BUSSOLA VALPOLICELLA
'CA DEL LAITO'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

Originally a stone mason by trade, Tommaso Bussola took over the family estate, having learned some about the business from his uncle, Giuseppe, a local grower who still tends to the vineyards. In general, Valpolicella is a region noted for high quality reds that offer a lot of wine for not a lot of money, having said that, not all Valpolicella is created equally. The inquisitive nature of Tommaso Bussola lends to the creation of some the region's most interesting and thoughtfully produced red wines and this one from the Ca del Laito line is steal at just north of 20.

Made utilizing the Ripasso technique, the unique winemaking practice of Valpolicella, which wine made during the recent vintage is placed atop the pressed grape skins and lees in the vats just used for Amarone and allowed to ferment further in contact with those skins, thus acquiring additional body and flavor. This version has it all! Dark, lush, dried strawberry, dark chocolate, ginger, and tobacco combine with a full and pleasing texture that keeps up with hearty dishes. Amarone inspires the complexity of this wine. Unlike Amarone, is one that can be accessed immediately and doesn’t clock you with sheer mass. If you like big Italian red wines then do not miss this one! Drink over the next 3-4 years.



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2015 HERENCIA ALTES TERRA ALTA
GARNACHA BLANCA
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

Located at the southern end of Catalonia at just under 1500 feet, the high elevation and prevailing Mediterranean breezes aid in maintaining the freshness and piquancy that is sometimes not associated with this varietal.

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 without the use of any intrusive oak. Enjoy this delicious number over the next year or so with grilled shrimp, fried (or baked) calamari or hors d'oeuvres.



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2015 FILLIATREAU SAUMUR ROUGE
'CHATEAU FOUQUET'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

Darlings, this is Cabernet Franc, but what it really is, is Cabernet Franc with attitude! When poured in the glass, the hue of purple is stunningly gorgeous. Equally gorgeous are the aromas! Scintillating scents of black cherry, ironstone, dark chocolate cocoa powder, but most importantly is its intense presence of sandalwood. Mouthcoating, high-toned, layered and very vinous. This is total food wine and is one that makes Parisians go ape-merde-crazy! Persistent as hell, this is a seriously pleasurable glassful of Cab Franc. Very French in all aspects, enjoy with rillettes, pate, duck breast, roasted chicken or soft-ripened cheeses.

Over the years, we have featured this formidable and influential producer’s red wines from the Loire Valley's Saumur region. Domaine Filliatreau is one of the leaders in producing unoaked versions that reflect origin, varietal and best of all, are the epitome of vin de soif. Drink now, drink often!



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2013 FATTORIA MONTELLORI
CHIANTI 'MONTELLORI'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Located halfway between Florence and Lucca, this 120 acre estate has been adeptly operated by the Nieri family since 1895 and produces a range of Chianti and other Tuscan wines that are quite impressive. One of three different Chianti wines offered, the Montellori is a great Wednesday/Thursday tipple that is 100% Sangiovese from 30-40 year old vines and aged in stainless steel tank.

Well-balanced, ample, aromatic marionberry, cherry, Tuscan sage, and underlying red earth shine on the nose while in the mouth it is dry and hearty with excellent vibrancy and length. A perfect Italian red to pair with tomato-based dishes, simple pastas or hard cheeses.



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2012 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR
'SOMMERS RESERVE'
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE

One of the real masterpiece works at Cristom, one of Oregon's most prolific producers, is their Sommers Reserve. Sourced primarily from Cristom's 4 estate vineyards (Jessie, Marjorie, Eileen & Louise) and then augmented with purchased or traded fruit from several other premier sites in the Willamette Valley this wine is treated with the same excellence as the estate's highly south-after single vineyard wines.

2012 is a marvelous vintage for this wine and is a Pinot that seemingly has no hairs out of place. Burgundy-inspired but Oregon through and through this poised Pinot delivers alluring, refined aromas of strawberry, sorrel, smoke, flowers and spices with an underlay of earth and red-hot candy pepper tones. Texturally, the wine is silky and incredibly balanced with beautiful transparency and exquisite finesse along with lacy depth and ultra-fine tannins. All of the spices that are on the nose are present on the drawn-out finish that seems to go on for days. Not inaccessible now but typical of a Cristom wine, this will improve immensely with a few years in the cellar.



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2009 BRIO DE CANTENAC BROWN
MARGAUX
$45.99 BTL./$551.88 CASE

After chatting with a friend in the business from France, he stated that a trend in Bordeaux (along with other areas) is to hold back wine and to release wines that are drinking well to restauranteurs as well as those who don’t really have the space nor the means to collect and have patience. This seems to bode well for all of us, especially when a second wine from an outstanding classified Third Growth Margaux producer comes available.

In existence since 1806, this Chateau has had an up and down history but since 1989 and even more so since 2006, this estate has been on a huge upswing. 2009 is a profound Bordeaux vintage and this second wine is meticulously selected and farmed which results in sterling quality. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot & 10% Cabernet Franc and the essence of velvety Margaux. Forward with aromas of cedar, bright cherry, currant and licorice along with secondary notes of cigar box and graphite. On the palate, it is round, plush and with ripe, rich bright red fruits, warm spice notes and earthy undertones. This wine possesses the power, great balance and class that are synonymous with the Margaux region. At age seven, this is becoming very now will drink and develop even more nuance over the next decade.