Hot Sheets

2020 LA RIOJA ALTA RIOJA
'VINA ALBERDI' RESERVA
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

There are many icons and leaders on this week’s offering and La Rioja Alta is certainly one of them. No Crianza or Joven wines are made at this estate, their world commences with Reserva. Vina Alberdi is the essence of classic blending of vineyards and then aging for two years in barrel.

100% Tempranillo, this formidable Rioja maintains all the depth and class that one finds in these great wines. Do not be fooled into thinking this is just class alone, the quality of vineyards and vintage allow it to possess punch, spine and glorious aromas of dried cherries, spice and leather that open to a mouth full of cherry, plum and herb flavors. Cutting a sleek, handsome profile with fine balance, it finishes long and dry, with well-defined, earth accents. Drink now - 2032.

2021 PLANETA 'SANTA CECILIA'
NOTO ROSSO
$45.99 BTL./$275.94 - SIX PACK

Planeta is one of the most important and influential estates in Sicily. Planeta is one of the island’s most influential producers and without a doubt, was one of my top visits on my Italian trip in 2023. Contrary to popular thought, the reality is that this is not just one big winery and estate, instead it is five small wineries in five of Sicily’s excellent growing regions.

Santa Cecilia is the symbolic wine from their understated Noto winery and vineyard called Buonivini. This area in SE Sicily is the cradle of Nero D’Avola and here the wines are never thick, ooey and gooey. 2021 is a modern masterpiece. Steady and sophisticated, aromas of Morello cherry, balsamico tones, sea salt (one can see the Mediterranean from this vineyard), Modica chocolate laced with orange peel, North African spices and gentle vanilla, this has so much going on! Layered, lacy and super Sicilian indeed, revealing fine depth but has suaveness, expansion and first division persistence. Not inaccessible, this will drink well and develop nicely for fifteen years. Drink with leg of lamb, slow roasted pork roast slathered with herbs and even tomatoes.

2022 DR. THANISCH RIESLING
KABINETT FEINHERB
BERNKASTEL-BADSTUBE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

In existence for nearly 400 years and now in its fifth generation of being female owned and operated, the Thanisch estate is one of the most historic and important in the entirety of the Mosel, with all their vineyards located in the village of Bernkastel. Badstube is one of the Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) sites in the area and Thanisch really succeeds with producing epic Riesling wines from this site that is steep and packed with clay and blue slate soils.

Feinherb is not an official classification, but it is quite trendy. Unlike the official term of halbtrocken (half dry), I like to think of this as three-quarters dry and very versatile. Peach-oil, wet chalkboard, lilies and satsuma shine on the nose and follow through to a texture is ethereal, maintains delicacy and a keen sense of mouth-watering briskness. At 10° alcohol, this is a refreshing and inviting glass of wine pairs well with pork dishes, Thai or Vietnamese cuisine, smoked salmon, mussels and especially anything done with curries. An outstanding value that will easily age for a decade-plus.

GAROFOLI 'LE PICCOLE BOLLICINI'
VINO FRIZZANTE LE MARCHES
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Fully dry and sparkling, this is the perfect wine for "ladies who lunch." The rest of us can enjoy it, too! Blended with 90% Verdicchio & 10% Passerina, the concept of this sparkling wine is close to Prosecco, however, the Garofoli's version is completely dry, made with less pressure and much better than any Prosecco at this price.

Apple blossoms and lively citrus carry over into a texture that is fresh and captivating. Have this for any occasion with friends over hors d'oeuvres or just by itself…and the best bit about this jumping grape is its unbelievable price. Drink now, drink often and drink lots!

2020 BODEGAS WEINERT
CARRASCAL TINTO MENDOZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A pillar of Argentina, Bodegas Weinert founder Don Bernardo Weinert bought this ancient property in 1975, making outstanding wines. In 1996, winemaker Hubert Weber, who looks a bit like David Gilmour, joined and has maintained the standard. These are not slick, over-oaked wines, instead they are worked both in the vineyard and in the barrel very well.

40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot aged in large, 2000–6000-liter French barrels for 24 months. dark plum-pepper, allspice, cinnamon, violet and hot rock scented. Refined and sensual with a slow-building, expansive texture culminating towards a deep harmonious middle and warm, round finish. Drink over the next 5-6 years with marinated flank steak doused with a chimichurri sauce.

2022 MULDERBOSCH CHENIN
BLANC 'WESTERN CAPE'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Mulderbosch is one of South Africa's finest properties and one that The Cellar Door is very fond of, both red and white wines. This prime estate's version of Chenin Blanc shows why the grape thrives so well in this nation whose wine history stretches back to the 1600s. 75% is aged in stainless steel, 25% in neutral oak both large and small barrels to make this a moreish version.

Fully dry, this wine permeates gun smoke, lanolin, quince and pronounced ripe red apple tones. Abundant flavors with a swath of dense fruit and mineral that touches the entire palate. Very balanced and really turns on the jets with a focused, searing, long finish. This impressive offering is necessary with the impending arrival of spring salmon and other hearty seafood.

2023 STATTI GAGLIOPPO
CALABRIA ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Oh, shudder to think, the South has risen. No, not the one with stars and bars but the one that makes saporous wines with extroverted Italian personality. Calabrese and made from 100% of the Gaglioppo grape which is originally of Greek origins and is thought to be introduced in Italy around the same time as Aglianico.

Statti is a leading Calabria producer, and this chewy red is aged entirely in stainless steel tanks. Roasted red plum, forest-floor, red licorice and rose petal aromas follow into a warm, dry Italian texture. Lots of distinction throughout, this flavor-laden number marries well with meatballs, eggplant parmesan and pizza.

2021 CARTUXA 'EA'
ALENTEJO TINTO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

If there is one thing as consistent as Pirates’ owner Bob Nutting being an overly sensitive jagoff ruining the team and its history is the consistency of delicious values of the wines from this Portuguese region.

A blend of Portuguese grapes, it makes for the perfect weeknight red wine. Smoky and lively, the fruit-forward nose reveals blueberry and mocha upon opening. Accessible, luscious and forward in the mouth with strawberry notations, stylish tannins and a lively, fresh, fruit-driven finish. Now...SELL THE TEAM BOB!!

2022 DOMAINE DROUHIN
PINOT NOIR 'LAURENE'
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK

96 Points – The Wine Advocate…Surprisingly there is a smattering of DDO’s Laurene available so if you have not grabbed some then this is your last chance. The Laurene cuvee from Domaine Drouhin is one of Oregon’s iconic Pinot Noirs and 2022 is in small production but immense quality.

The nose offers smoky, black licorice notes with underlying complex plum, graphite, sage and red flowers. Red-toned and very Burgundian-influenced with its graceful richness and seductive qualities, the mid-palate is very billowy and then bursts on the finish that shows deceptive structure. Not undrinkable now, this alluring Pinot will benefit from cellar time and be best 2028 - 2042.