Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FIVE SECOND RULE' WINESHEET
Kelley Fox Pinot PriceDrop
93-Point California Cab Value
Montepulciano, White Burg for 20
93-Point California Cab Value
Montepulciano, White Burg for 20
2022 VILLA VARDA REFOSCO
FRIULI-GRAVE D.O.C.
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
FRIULI-GRAVE D.O.C.
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
A red within a sea of white grapes in Friuli, Refosco is a native red varietal of the Friuli region of NE Italy. Located close to the eastern border of Veneto in the Friuli Grave region, Villa Varda produces a textbook version of this grape varietal.
Lushness and smoothness combines with sturdiness and grainy grip along with the unique sanguine, mineral nose that is typical to the grape and region. The generosity of 2022 unveils cherries, herbs and spices wrapped around smoke and spices. Hints of coffee on the back end complement the classic wild character that the wine possesses. This wine is delicious now and over the next few years and is perfect with roasted pork or lamb.
Lushness and smoothness combines with sturdiness and grainy grip along with the unique sanguine, mineral nose that is typical to the grape and region. The generosity of 2022 unveils cherries, herbs and spices wrapped around smoke and spices. Hints of coffee on the back end complement the classic wild character that the wine possesses. This wine is delicious now and over the next few years and is perfect with roasted pork or lamb.
2023 KELLEY FOX PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS 'MIRABAI'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
DUNDEE HILLS 'MIRABAI'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
Reg. $41.99 - 93 Points – The Wine Advocate. Imagine my surprise to see a reduced price for one of Oregon’s finest producer’s Pinot Noir. Kelley has been making wines in Oregon since 2000 and started Kelley Fox wines in 2007 immediately making Burgundian-inspired Pinots. Makes sense, Kelley worked with influences including David Lett from Eyrie.
Mirabai is Kelley’s Dundee Hills cuvee blended from Weber, Stater, Durant and Maresh vineyards with the youngest vines planted in 1990 and oldest from 1970. Aromas of lavender, pepper, plum, rose, cherry and underlying herbs show nicely on the nose. While scrumptious now, a little bit of time will reveal even more. In the mouth, the vinous aspects of the older vines shines through rolling into an ethereal texture that is chock full of Maresh and Dundee Hills character. Exceptionally long indeed, this Pinot Noir will undoubtedly unfold into something special. Drink through 2035.
Mirabai is Kelley’s Dundee Hills cuvee blended from Weber, Stater, Durant and Maresh vineyards with the youngest vines planted in 1990 and oldest from 1970. Aromas of lavender, pepper, plum, rose, cherry and underlying herbs show nicely on the nose. While scrumptious now, a little bit of time will reveal even more. In the mouth, the vinous aspects of the older vines shines through rolling into an ethereal texture that is chock full of Maresh and Dundee Hills character. Exceptionally long indeed, this Pinot Noir will undoubtedly unfold into something special. Drink through 2035.
2022 DUPRE BOURGOGNE ALIGOTE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Given tariffs, a weaker dollar, and Maconnais estate Domaine Dupre’s philosophy of low yields and sustainable farming, I am amazed that we can run this Aligote for twenty dollars given their splendid quality.
Dupre’s clay soils for this white wine assist in a dry year like 2022. Strutting with aromas of lime, mango, grapefruit and yellow flowers. The texture starts round, becoming spry with a distinct anise note on the finish. Have this white wine with sushi or shellfish.
Dupre’s clay soils for this white wine assist in a dry year like 2022. Strutting with aromas of lime, mango, grapefruit and yellow flowers. The texture starts round, becoming spry with a distinct anise note on the finish. Have this white wine with sushi or shellfish.
2021 MARIETTA 'ARME'
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
93 Points – The Wine Advocate…Excuses regarding Cabernet prices are over when it comes to this wine because for 27-bucks, this has serious pop for those who like what California has to offer. Founded by the late Chris Bilbro in 1979, son Scot has been at the estate for over 10 years and is now fully in charge. Never a shortage of depth and power, this Cab is blended from fruit from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley and the McDowell Valley.
Cassis, cedar, dusty earth, well-integrated spicy oak and kisses of peppermint tones shadow a sumptuous, concentrated, well balanced palate. Builds nice vibrancy and texture on the finish that extends beautifully. This strapping, full-flavored value drinks exquisitely now and will continue to do so for another decade.
Cassis, cedar, dusty earth, well-integrated spicy oak and kisses of peppermint tones shadow a sumptuous, concentrated, well balanced palate. Builds nice vibrancy and texture on the finish that extends beautifully. This strapping, full-flavored value drinks exquisitely now and will continue to do so for another decade.
2021 ILLUMINATI MONTEPULCIANO
D'ABRUZZO RISERVA 'ILICO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
D'ABRUZZO RISERVA 'ILICO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
One of the on-the-move regions of Italy is Abruzzo. The ancient Montepulciano grape has become more than ten-euro trattoria wines. Better farming and technique along with young energy has allowed new estates and long-established ones to thrive with superb quality.
Steadfast in its Montepulciano characteristics, violet, sage, mint balsamico, and grilled meat follow over to a velvety texture that spreads out over the entire palate. Focused and lingering on the finish that while smooth, never loses its feral Montepulciano roots. One of the great protagonists with food, drink this beauty over the next 4-5 years with roasted leg of lamb, meatballs, grilled beef, loaded baked potatoes, beets, venison and tomato sauces.
Steadfast in its Montepulciano characteristics, violet, sage, mint balsamico, and grilled meat follow over to a velvety texture that spreads out over the entire palate. Focused and lingering on the finish that while smooth, never loses its feral Montepulciano roots. One of the great protagonists with food, drink this beauty over the next 4-5 years with roasted leg of lamb, meatballs, grilled beef, loaded baked potatoes, beets, venison and tomato sauces.
2024 SCHLOSS. GOBELSBERG
GRUNER-VELTLINER KAMPTAL
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
GRUNER-VELTLINER KAMPTAL
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
One of my favorite estates for inaugurating newcomers to the Gruner-Veltliner grape as well as endorsing quality, is Schlosskellerei Goberlsberg’s from Austria’s Kamptal region.
A blazing palate-grabber with shifting scents of honeysuckle, white pepper, lime, grapefruit to white peach, pine and crisp granny smith apple. Maintaining raging coolness and a beautifully textured mouthfeel over to the peppery finish, this delicious white wine has an abundance of range and lingering aspects. Pair with an array of seafood but have fun because it also compliments many diverse types of food and will admirably hold up to spicy dishes.
A blazing palate-grabber with shifting scents of honeysuckle, white pepper, lime, grapefruit to white peach, pine and crisp granny smith apple. Maintaining raging coolness and a beautifully textured mouthfeel over to the peppery finish, this delicious white wine has an abundance of range and lingering aspects. Pair with an array of seafood but have fun because it also compliments many diverse types of food and will admirably hold up to spicy dishes.
2024 MDZ MALBEC MENDOZA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
A savory, unoaked version from Argentina's Mendoza region, this everyday gem showcases expressive bright, succulent fruit heightened by Indian spice and earth. More than just a juicy-loosey fruit bomb, there is good structure that lays the tracks for a fleshy, endowed red with appealing nuances. Have with hearty grilled meats, stews and robust cheeses. Terrific for 12-bucks.
2020 DOMAINE COLLIER SAUMUR-
CHAMPIGNY 'LA RIPAILLE'
$69.99 BTL./$419.94 - SIX PACK
CHAMPIGNY 'LA RIPAILLE'
$69.99 BTL./$419.94 - SIX PACK
Son of the late Charly Foucault, Antoine Foucault founded this small Domaine in 1999 when he was a mere 26-years-old. His family name is titan when it comes to Loire Valley wines. Antoine’s father and uncle were the minds behind the great Saumur-Champigny wines at the luxury, extremely expensive Clos Rougeard however, Antoine became a superstar on his own, delivering prolific red and white wines that are darlings of the wine world.
If you want to blow up the internet feature these wines when they are not allocated! 2020 red Loire wines are classic, top-drawer and on the top end, built to age. Profound Cabernet Franc capable of great age, the 2020 is a distinguished, but firm wine with generous raspberry and currant fruits, Asian spices, green fig, licorice and sandalwood aromas. Streamlined and vinous along with a sense of buoyancy and bounce on the stretching finish of terroir. While quite fine and delicious, after some cellar time it will expand, and then earthy complexity, herbs, and dried raspberry will join the party. Am enormously outstanding single vineyard wine that should be in the cellar of anyone that loves beautifully aromatic, soulful French wines that fly under the usual Bordeaux/Rhone/Burgundy radar. Drink 2027 - 2040.
If you want to blow up the internet feature these wines when they are not allocated! 2020 red Loire wines are classic, top-drawer and on the top end, built to age. Profound Cabernet Franc capable of great age, the 2020 is a distinguished, but firm wine with generous raspberry and currant fruits, Asian spices, green fig, licorice and sandalwood aromas. Streamlined and vinous along with a sense of buoyancy and bounce on the stretching finish of terroir. While quite fine and delicious, after some cellar time it will expand, and then earthy complexity, herbs, and dried raspberry will join the party. Am enormously outstanding single vineyard wine that should be in the cellar of anyone that loves beautifully aromatic, soulful French wines that fly under the usual Bordeaux/Rhone/Burgundy radar. Drink 2027 - 2040.
