2019 PIROLETTE SAINT-AMOUR
'LE CARJOT'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

The Cellar Door is all about wish fulfillment. There are many who work around here who wish to come back as Bricco the Dog (the Cellar Door pup who is very pampered/spoiled). Bryan wishes to be the guitar on the cover of the Liz Phair’s 2003 self-titled album. Many of you wish for great wines at great prices, and especially all of you fans of delicious Cru Beaujolais.

The vines for this impressive Gamay grow on ancient, craggy, weathered blue stone soil. This results in a more structured and sturdy offering that has some similarities to the famed and now retired Lebeaupin Clos de la Brosse. In fact, this site probably is even more impressive. From the great 2019 vintage black plum, dark chocolate, a hint of coffee and peonies along with emerging black licorice and black pepper notes soar from the glass. In the mouth, this full-flavored red touches all points of the palate, shows sneaky structured tannins, prominent mineral and plenty of generosity. Layered and very fine, this wine will also age well for a decade and may be enjoyed with beef filet with bacon or done as steak au poivre, macaroni & cheese, particularly if done with Gruyere or Comte, leg of lamb as well as Korean BBQ chicken.

2020 JOSE-ANTONIO GARCIA
BIERZO 'UNCULIN'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

The question is, are you cool enough to drink this Bierzo? This wine is so chic and bright that you will have to go out and buy a new pair of RayBan's just to fit in. Frankly, this red wine makes me want to jump out of my shoes whenever I drink it.

From one of the new generation of Bierzo producers, Jose Antonio Garcia is one of the new generation leaders of this region. Having made his wines at Raul Perez's facilities, the finesse, purity and influence is here. Mencia based. Lifting, inviting tones of marionberry, pepper and soft roasted herbs and plenty of meat and mineral that all seem to build as the wine opens in the glass. Wonderful intensity and medium body from low-yielding fruit, high elevation and old vines. A red wine that will pairs impeccably with Spain's national vegetable – pork! Sausages, chops, loin, Serrano ham, it all works with this wine.

2019 TEDESCHI VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO
'SAN ROCCO'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

The Tedeschi family has been making this top-end Valpolicella Ripasso since 1976. Ripasso is a Veneto winemaking technique that consists of taking freshly pressed Valpolicella Classico juice and passing it over the pommace (mainly skins and seeds) of the Amarone. This is truly the best of both worlds, bringing a level of intensity that is perfectly balanced by the fresh and bright berry notes that come naturally from the Corvina grape.

The newly arrived 2019 San Rocco is more muscular and multi-faceted than the 2018 tasted last year when Sabrina Tedeschi was here for a tasting. Instantly this Ripasso offers heaps of luscious dark cherry, plum, Egyptian spice, amare and dark chocolate. Full bodied and intense with great balance and fine-grained tannins support the lushness through to the long finish that is full of mouth-coating complexity. Enjoy now over the next 6-8 years.

2021 OTU SAUVIGNON BLANC
MARLBOROUGH AWATERE VALLEY
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Located in the Marlborough region of New Zealand and named after the Otowhero River where sea-swept terroir combined with steep hillside sites make for very individual yet still true to the New Zealand identity of Sauvignon Blanc. It is also one that doesn't p!ss me off when I drink it, especially with Thai food.

The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is very pure, as it only sees stainless steel tanks and never the inside of a dreaded barrel. Extroverted and exuding confidence, this bright Sauvignon provides a bombardment of indulgence. Mango, lime, fresh mint and subtle herbs dominate and follow over to a texture that is bracing yet has nice fullness and vivacity. One to pair with Asian chicken or fish preparations and you can highlight it with a touch of spice.

2019 DEVONA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

A Northwest producer that I have wanted to highlight for a while! John Abbot was the long time winemaker at Abeja producing many impressive wines with great consistency over many vintages. These wines always possessed an instinctual feel as well as complexity and character. Never big boring, tooty-frooty, overtly boozy, smoker-friendly wines that are so associated with Walla Walla and Washington, the wines always had nuance, layers and many compelling qualities. After his departure, John and wife Molly set out to make their own expressions of not only Washington wines but they also produce damn fine Oregon Pinots as well.

If you remember the old Abeja Cab wines from back in the day, you will be bowled over by how beautifully this wine shows. Exquisite floral aromas combine with concentrated, but not thick aromas of plum, cassis, rose petal, nutmeg and red earth. In the mouth, it is voluptuous, caressing, rich and not a hair out of place! There is density present, but sophistication and class here wins out over brawn and steroids. Superb extension and the quality of vineyard sources shine. An over-the-moon, great Washington Cab that will age impeccably for 10-15 years.

2021 HUCHET MUSCADET
'LA CHAUVENIERE'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

The new release of Muscadet superstar Jeremie Huchet's La Chauveniere is chilling down in our fridges as this is written and best of all, it is still twelve bucks.

Bone dry and having nothing to do with the Muscat grape, Muscadet is 100% Melon. Stunning seashells shimmer from the glass (say that phrase five-times fast). Very direct with underlying white flowers, lemon drop and prominent gabbro soil flinty quality. Super-exuberant, expressive and jaunting. Very mineral from start to the live-wire finish. Shuck a dozen of briny oysters, what the hell are you waiting for!

2020 LUNGAROTTI 'CADETTO'
UMBRIA ROSSO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Founded in the 1962, Giorgio Lungarotti literally put Umbria and the small appellation of Torgiano (located just south of Perugia) on to the wine map. Now led by his daughters Chiara and Teresa, these wines continue with the soul and spirit that this central Italian region is so known for. Cadetto is a tasty everyday red from Lungarotti’s various Umbria vineyards and mainly Sangiovese with a field blend of other native varietals. The wine is aged only in stainless steel tanks and has quite a pluckiness and vibrancy to it.

This Sangiovese has serious "chug" factor…Vibrant aromas of juicy strawberry, game, sage, white flowers and blueberry move nicely into the round and friendly mouthfeel. This animated red is the perfect accompaniment to pizza, meatloaf, simple red-sauced pasta dishes or alone while looking for cooking inspiration.

2019 CHATEAU LESTAGE-DARQUIER
MOULIS-EN-MEDOC 'GRAND POUJEAUX'
$24.99 BTL./$299.94 CASE

In the spirit of next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, we at The Cellar Door originally had an idea that we would hold our own Olympics for many of our wine distributors' warehouse workers. While the 'See Who Can Smoke Two Packs Fastest" event and 'Palette Jack relay Races' would be well received, the 'Reading, Counting and Data Entry' events would ultimately be a fiasco! This Bordeaux from Moulis is NOT a fiasco.

Chateau Lestage-Darquier is situated in a hill district made famous by Chateau Chasse-Spleen about halfway between the Listrac and Margaux regions. This is quality gravelly soil over top of Garonne clay and makes for a lovely red Bordeaux that compared to a few neighbors that are more famous, is criminally undervalued. 2019 is an awe-inspiring vintage for Bordeaux and this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot & 2% Cabernet Franc is from vines planted in 1975. Classic Bordeaux aromas, but allow it to breathe for 30 minutes and it will detonate in the glass and show just how fine it is. Generous tones of blackcurrant, Valrhona chocolate, smoke, mineral, earth and cedar-box follow into an archetypal texture that reveals the depth and thrust of the vintage but maintains its delineation and class. Enjoyable now, however, this will drink beautifully and develop even further through 2030 and probably beyond.

2017 BREZZA BAROLO 'SARMASSA'
[reg. $74.99]
SPECIAL - $53.99 BTL./$329.94 - SIX PACK

Enzo Brezza is an exceptional, ultra-traditional producer has been on fire with undervalued Barolo wines, all which come from the hallowed slopes of his home base of Barolo village. Not as well-known as Cannubi (see below), the finest wines of Enzo’s range come from Sarmassa, located in close proximity to Cannubi and straddling the border of La Morra and Cerequio. This also includes a Bricco Sarmassa Riserva that is only released in the finest vintages although that is for another time. Meantime, this wine is a showstopper indeed and especially with its smashing special price.

Characterized by supreme sublimity and a fine bouquet of rose and licorice, the 2017 Sarmassa is compelling even in its youth. This is a complete wine, packed with dark berry fruit, licorice, coffee, lots of underbrush and earth tones, and a length so long that it would make a finely tuned Swiss watch go kerplooey! This is a seriously stacked Barolo, and will only start to become accessible after 2024 and will easily drink well through 2034+. A must for any serious collector of Barolo!

2017 ELIO GRASSO BAROLO 'CHINIERA'
[reg. $99.99]
SPECIAL - $69.99 BTL./$419.94 - SIX PACK

96 Points - Vinous...Tucked away in the hills between Monforte d'Alba and Castiglione Faletto is the Cantina and vineyards of Elio Grasso. We have been ardent supporters of these wines for a while now, and it is extremely clear that Gianluca Grasso is without a doubt one of the superstars of Barolo so it truly is amazing to see this epic Barolo on special.

Vigna Chiniera, located within Monforte D'Alba is a south facing vineyard that sits at 320-360 meters and is a completely different animal than the Casa Mate. Loosely packed, sandy soil with a limestone base is what makes this wine very special. Solidly built, stacked and structured, this prodigal Barolo possesses full-on plum fruit combining mushroom with intense camphor and roses. Darker-toned and building broadness, there is ample Barolo oomph to the texture. The finish is pure, assertive, but typical of Chiniera, refined, poised and very long. An outstanding wine that again with decanting, will show well with a substantial meal, but for best results, give it another year or two, and enjoy it through 2040.

2019 ALVAR DE DIOS ARRIBES TINTO
‘CAMINO DE LOS ARRIEROS’
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

94 Points – The Wine Advocate… From Arribes, an obscure Spanish region located in the far reaches of western Spain along the Portuguese border. A field blend led by the Rufete grape and with a dollop of other native varietals from 36 small plots.

11.5% alcohol and lightly colored, this red offers fragrant minerality of the region's hillside soils, along with bright blackberry/olive/sanguine highlights. Allspice and licorice surround berry, herbs and peppermint tones. Lacey and showing lavish depth and personality; this gamey, gnarly wine carries extremely well to the table. Have with ham, pork, bacon, and on and on.

2020 LE CINCIOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Located in Panzano in Chianti, up near Fontodi, the wines of Le Cinciole are some of the finest in all of Tuscany. In 1991, Milan residents Luca and Valeria Orsini took a radical leap; and purchased Le Cinciole in the storied Chianti village of Panzano, relocating to Tuscany and leaving their former careers as a math professor and an architect behind to become grape growers and winemakers.

The exciting 2020 version is a fine one indeed and one that exudes Panzano. Classic Sangiovese nose with savory red berry aspects, black pepper, aromatic Italian herbs, leather, roses and tobacco rounding it all out. An excellent core of cherry fruit assaults the palate with supple structure coating the entire mouth. This is a well-rounded and elevated Chianti Classico. No shortage of complexity, the flavors and aromas keep you coming pack for more. Drink now through 2030+.

2018 CHATEAU GAILLARD
SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU
[reg. $46.99]
SPECIAL - $29.00 BTL. - 36 btls available

We are running a nice deal on this superb St-Emilion to make room for the impending arrival of 2019.

2018 is an excellent red Bordeaux vintage and this wine soars. Deep with penetrating fruit which submerges the tannins and makes it deceptively easy to access now. Do not drink it all because it will age nicely for 10-15 years. Unequivocal excitement from points A, B and C! All about sensuality. Moves from plum to raspberry; splendid penetration and old vine (50 years) depth. Underlying mineral and cocoa powder present. Brilliant depth and generosity, persistence and backbone that lingers exquisitely. Undervalued at $47, a real steal for $29!

2022 RIDGECREST VINEYARD PINOT GRIS
'OLD VINES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Planted in 1982, Ridgecrest was the first vineyard planted in the now uber-famous Ribbon Ridge appellation and is owned, farmed and vinified by Harry Peterson-Nedry and his winemaker daughter Wynne, both formerly of Chehalem.

This Pinot Gris is influenced more by Alsace than Italy. Bold, broad and expressive. Full-on, classy aromas of melon, apple, mineral and spice. In the mouth, there is gorgeous crispness and refinement, but with upscale depth and breadth of flavor and balance that drive into a long, spice and mushroom-laden finish that is the hallmark of a grand Pinot Gris. The obvious match is grilled salmon, but it is versatile enough to drink with roasted chicken, spicy Thai shrimp dishes or scallops.

2021 CHATEAU DE LA TERRIERE
BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

A challenging vintage for the Beaujolais region, Chateau de la Terriere succeeded with their very fine entry Beaujolais. Made from fruit entirely grown within the Cru of Regnie, the 2021 is a throwback to the cooler, spicier wines with clarity that one may have found in the 1990s.

Raspberry with underlying spicy tones of coriander and pepper shimmer from the glass and carry over to a texture that is agile and snappy with underlying aromatic herb tones. Cool, persistent flavors cascade into a vivid finish. Pair this with sausages, roasted chicken, grilled salmon or a nice Tomme cheese.

2021 DOMAINE DU GRAND MOUTON
MUSCADET 'BLACK LABEL'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Founded in the 1950s, Louis Metaireau’s effusive energy led to the formation of the "Arts et Vignerons" group that was responsible for restoring the name and quality of Muscadet. Over time his Domaine has grown and now it is his daughter Marie-Luce runs the show and delivers some of the most stately white wines of France.

Made with 100% Melon, the Black Label Muscadet comes from 60-70 year old vines and is bone dry with sheer electricity. Gorgeously pure aromas of oyster jus, lemon zest, peaty earth and a kiss of Meyer lemon. Excellent intensity, but maintains brilliant clarity and ferocity. In the mouth, it is cut like a diamond, very refined and multi-dimensional with stellar depth of flavor. Bright and linear acidity balances everything out and the finish is non-stop. Grand Cru Muscadet indeed, this cries out for fresh crab or oysters, but will also go well with chicken in a light sauce or just about any fish done in a beurre blanc sauce.

2021 ELEPHANT SEVEN SYRAH
WALLA WALLA
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

When it comes to this producer, the term 'elegance of simplicity' is very apropos. Specializing in Rhone varietals, Elephant Seven is a Walla Walla newcomer who is following the trend towards balance and producing fantastic wines that do not tip the scales with high alcohol levels.

Over-delivering, aromatic plum-pepper scents combine with smoked bacon, rose, black olive and underlying herbs and exotic spices roll from the glass and follow through to a texture that while deep and penetrating, carries terrific balance and smoky tones throughout. Long and lasting on the finish. Drink over the next 6-8 years.

2021 PATRICIA GREEN CELLARS
PINOT NOIR ESTATE OLD VINES
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

Now led by Jim Anderson, the late Patty Green's longtime business partner, it is now twenty-one years of fine wines at Patricia Green Cellars and they uncompromisingly state that they make many, many single vineyard wines. Lately the wines have taken an even more formidable step up in their already high quality with fantastic focus of origin.

A love letter to Ribbon Ridge, the estate vineyard was originally planted in 1984, making it the second oldest in the AVA after Ridgecrest. This cuvee contains old vines ranging from 24-38 years. Lavender rose, cherry and pepper tones dominate the nose while in the mouth, it is caressing, silky, vivid and impressively long on the finish revealing lots of pleasant snap-back. Very accessible now, the true typicity of the vintage probably will not arrive for another year or two. Put it in the cellar and drink it end 2024 – 2035+.

2021 DOMAINE DES GRAVENNES
COTES-DU-RHONE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

The under fifteen-dollar Cotes-du-Rhone of your dreams! Located in Suze-la-Rousse, one the northernmost villages of the Southern Rhône Valley, Gravennes is a family operation utilizing organic techniques.Their signature wine has become an annual favorite here at The Cellar Door. 2021 follows up previous releases very nicely indeed. Stylish and avoiding jammy heaviness, plenty of cherry aromas along with cassis and lavender lead off, then the warm brambly fruit takes hold. Blackberries dominate, backed up by wonderful smoke, chocolate, pepper, and forest flavors, finishing with a spicy and fine, grenadine inspired finish.