THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'ARE YOU READY' WINESHEET
New 2024 Cristom Pinot
Sancerre mini-me
Scrumptious Italian red and white
2024 JM REVERDY SAUVIGNON
BLANC 'CHARMES DE LOIRE'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
With Sancerre's stupid prices, either due to the National Sales Tax (tariffs) or recent small crops, it has become my mission to find outstanding alternatives from around the region.
JM Reverdy is a fine Sancerre producer, and their entry Sauvignon comes from grapes just outside of the Sancerre zone and is a remarkable value. Fresh and mineral, pleasing mandarin along with gooseberry and lemon grab your attention. A prominent core of fruit combines with cool, snappy crisp tones to form the electric texture all the way to the surprising, vivid finish. Enjoy this scrumptious white with shrimp, mussels, salmon carpaccio (otherwise known as lox) or a good goat cheese.
2024 ANTICA ENOTRIA PUGLIA
ROSSO 'NELLAMIATERRA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
From the Northern reaches of Puglia, I fell in love with this red without delay from the moment it was presented to me.
Unlike Southern Puglia, Nero di Troia is the lead grape, and this offering is blended with a dollop of Sangiovese for liveliness. Purple plums are present while cherry pit, fine herbs, mineral and vibrancy arrive mid-palate. Spreading out on the palate, extends, and lingers in a most pleasant manner. Aged without the use of oak barrels, this wine is remarkably diverse when it comes to pairing with food. Enjoy it with hearty fish slathered in tomatoes and capers, roasted lamb or a penne pasta done with sausage, fennel and tomatoes.
2021 REYNVAAN 'RESULT OF A
CRUSH' CLARET WALLA WALLA
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Result of a Crush is Walla Walla cult producer Reynvaan’s second winery, and this Bordeaux blend comes solely from their ‘In the Rocks’ Vineyard from southern Walla Walla Valley.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Laden with cassis, blackberry, allspice and black pepper tones nicely integrate with vanilla aspects on the nose. Polished, harmonized and sophisticated in the mouth, this wine is a great match with any red meat dish. Savory herbs notes mingle the fruit tones that have lovely depth and concentration without being overbearing or hot. The finish is very expansive, balanced and offers an array of spices. An overachiever that will smoke many Walla Walla blends at twice the price.
2024 MARCHESI DI TERREZOLA
VERMENTINO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Quality white wines for twelve and under are becoming somewhat of a rarity. Like the Sauvignon listed above, this is crisp and clean but in a completely different profile.
Aromas of peach blossoms provide considerable lift. Scintillating, refreshing and dry with mouth-quenching intensity and an inviting texture filled with ripe flavors of Meyer lemon, pear and spice. Have this with spaghetti and clams.
2023 COUTEAU MORGON
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Jonathan Pey’s Morgon has become our go-to house Beaujolais. 2023, while warm, is not as extreme as 2022, thus better poise.
A luminous presence of crème de framboise, smoked violet, anise and undertones of strawberry and cinnamon-stick enliven the glass. Resoundingly vivacious, this gem is a total eruption of flavors that cascade through the mouth. Finishes lengthy and full of spice but fills in beautifully with sultry fruit that coats the palate as it goes down. Drink with roasted chicken with mushrooms, but we also recommend going outside the borders and having it with Indian or Moroccan cuisine as well as grilled fish.
2022 MOULIN DE GASSAC
PAYS L'HERAULT ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
In the late 2000s, the Guibert family, who own the famed Mas de Daumas Gassac, expanded their operation and began producing thrilling everyday wines called Moulin de Gassac.
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault. Easygoing plum, cinnamon, licorice and wind-swept garrigue, the distinct dance of the South of France never strays far in both aroma and taste. Speaking of taste, the wild, yet crunchy texture reveals presence of black licorice spice along with the aromatic herbs and never veers into heaviness or thickness. At 12.5% alcohol, this red is perfect for a weeknight tipple during winter, spring, summer or fall!
2022 TORRES 'CELESTE'
RIBERA DEL DUERO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
The Torres family are groundbreakers in virtually all regions of Spain. In the 1970s, the famous black label known as Mas La Plana received international accolades and put not only Catalonia, but also Spain on the wine map. Expansion led to wines being made throughout Cataluña (Priorat, Conca de Barbera, etc.) and about twenty years ago into Spain's luxury Tempranillo land, Ribera del Duero.
This region, known for its amazing deep red wines, but unfortunately, greatness comes at a price, however Torres has released an extremely delicious version that is a stellar value. Full-on aromas and flavors of blackberry, balsamic, vanilla and earthy spices are ample, expansive and chock full of character and depth. Hearty and deep, this is a wine to have with a thick, grilled pork chop slathered in fennel and thyme. Drink over the next 6-8 years.