Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'ON CLOUD WINE' WINESHEET
Grower Champagne
Napa Zin, 94-point Grenache
Superb St-Estephe, Chianti for 20
Red for 9, Washington Viognier
Napa Zin, 94-point Grenache
Superb St-Estephe, Chianti for 20
Red for 9, Washington Viognier
2021 PODERE LA VILLA
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
The name of the estate sounds non-descript but it’s far from common. Ilaria Tachis is the daughter of legendary Tuscan winemaker/enologist Giacomo Tachis, the visionary behind great wines such as Sassicaia, Solaria and Tignanello. Ilaria inherited land from her papa and is overseeing this rising star property in Chianti Classico.
In the twenty-to-thirty range, Chianti Classico represents one of the world’s most epic values and 2021 is a seamless, great vintage. Pretty and savory Chianti highlighted by penetrating red fruit features, subtle depth and a generous finish that has an earthy purity along with roasted coffee/sage notes underneath. Directly imported, this is one THE spectacular values in all of Tuscany. If you love great Chianti, you will surely want to grab bottles of a box of this and drink it now through 2031.
In the twenty-to-thirty range, Chianti Classico represents one of the world’s most epic values and 2021 is a seamless, great vintage. Pretty and savory Chianti highlighted by penetrating red fruit features, subtle depth and a generous finish that has an earthy purity along with roasted coffee/sage notes underneath. Directly imported, this is one THE spectacular values in all of Tuscany. If you love great Chianti, you will surely want to grab bottles of a box of this and drink it now through 2031.
2022 BERNABELEVA 'NAVAHEROS'
GARNACHA TINTO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
GARNACHA TINTO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
94 points – Vinous…One of the pioneers of the Gredos region in the mountains northwest of Madrid, these wines have inspired an entire style of Grenache that is like no other.
40-60+ year-old vines, this sultry red notates thyme, saffron, ironstone earth wrapped around grenadine, cranberry and wind-swept minerality. Strong varietal character with harmonious, mouthwatering and fruit that isn’t a juice box or jar of jelly of the mouth. The spices of the grape and coolness from elevation convey nicely on the wide finish that is pleasantly structured. An incredibly attractive choice to drink over the next 8-10 years with lamb, beef brisket with a savory sauce or a spicy Thai beef dish.
40-60+ year-old vines, this sultry red notates thyme, saffron, ironstone earth wrapped around grenadine, cranberry and wind-swept minerality. Strong varietal character with harmonious, mouthwatering and fruit that isn’t a juice box or jar of jelly of the mouth. The spices of the grape and coolness from elevation convey nicely on the wide finish that is pleasantly structured. An incredibly attractive choice to drink over the next 8-10 years with lamb, beef brisket with a savory sauce or a spicy Thai beef dish.
2024 DONNHOFF RIESLING
ESTATE TROCKEN
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
ESTATE TROCKEN
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
There really is a correlation when it comes to Ferris Wheels and Riesling - both have significant coward factors. As the prophetic Funk Master-General himself, George Clinton sez: ‘Freeeee your mind and your ass will follow’! Cornelius Donnhoff’s wines are a force of nature from a genius terroirists, generating scintillating wines from their single vineyard wines from the best sites of the Nahe region of Germany.
Yes, it is Riesling, yes, it is from Germany, and yes, we must shout this to the non-believers: YES, IT IS DRY! The Trocken (dry) category of Riesling has become wildly popular because of its diversity and a blank slate for its terroir. This wine is an eruption of lime on the nose along with some saline and subtle spice, too. Very varietal Riesling, stimulating and tense. Bone-dry, virtual stony citrus that shimmers with the minerality, it has a racy lemon zest, flinty, finish that really goes on. Drink with halibut, mussels, sausages and the holiday big bird.
Yes, it is Riesling, yes, it is from Germany, and yes, we must shout this to the non-believers: YES, IT IS DRY! The Trocken (dry) category of Riesling has become wildly popular because of its diversity and a blank slate for its terroir. This wine is an eruption of lime on the nose along with some saline and subtle spice, too. Very varietal Riesling, stimulating and tense. Bone-dry, virtual stony citrus that shimmers with the minerality, it has a racy lemon zest, flinty, finish that really goes on. Drink with halibut, mussels, sausages and the holiday big bird.
CHAMPAGNE PERTROIS-LEBRUN
BLANC DE BLANCS 'L'EXTRAVERTIE'
[reg. $65.99] SPECIAL - $49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
BLANC DE BLANCS 'L'EXTRAVERTIE'
[reg. $65.99] SPECIAL - $49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
Pre-tariff as well as a price reduction to move makes this grower Champagne wonderful for its price. Antoine and Clement Pertois’s bubblies have become quite fashionable and in-demand. We were fortunate to visit them in April because they only receive people from the trade for visits, no public due to high demand.
All Chardonnay from Cramant, Oiry, Chouilly and Le Mesnil sur Oger, the vins claires are elevated in both stainless steel and neutral oak barrels before going into bottle then aged at least three years on its yeast. Creamy and lavishly styled, alluring scents of baked apple, brioche, perfumed almonds and lemon blossoms lead into a texture with silky bubbles that convey richness and total Champagne class and finesse. Full of livewire acidity, it is a perfect aperitif and pairs nicely with scallops or sole in sauce.
All Chardonnay from Cramant, Oiry, Chouilly and Le Mesnil sur Oger, the vins claires are elevated in both stainless steel and neutral oak barrels before going into bottle then aged at least three years on its yeast. Creamy and lavishly styled, alluring scents of baked apple, brioche, perfumed almonds and lemon blossoms lead into a texture with silky bubbles that convey richness and total Champagne class and finesse. Full of livewire acidity, it is a perfect aperitif and pairs nicely with scallops or sole in sauce.
2022 YANNICK AMIRAULT
BOURGUEIL 'CÔTE 50'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
BOURGUEIL 'CÔTE 50'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Located across the river from Chinon, Domaine Amirault’s Loire Valley Cabernet Franc wines have incredible range, soul and are a true taste of France. Specializing in both Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil and Bourgueil, Côte 50 is grown on sand/gravel/clay soils from 35-year-old vines at the border of Saint-Nicolas.
Abstract scents of raspberry and cherry skin, dried herbs, licorice, sanguine, smoke and sandalwood permeate from the glass and continue challenging the olfactory senses as it opens. In the mouth, the lavish 2022 vintage gives it plushness, but overall, the composition of the wine is lacy, classy and fragrant in the mouth. The finish is seamless, refined and very real. Drink with everything from BBQ, duck, Korean braised chicken thighs or a joyful dish of steak-frites.
Abstract scents of raspberry and cherry skin, dried herbs, licorice, sanguine, smoke and sandalwood permeate from the glass and continue challenging the olfactory senses as it opens. In the mouth, the lavish 2022 vintage gives it plushness, but overall, the composition of the wine is lacy, classy and fragrant in the mouth. The finish is seamless, refined and very real. Drink with everything from BBQ, duck, Korean braised chicken thighs or a joyful dish of steak-frites.
2023 MARCHESI DI SALENTO
SALICE SALENTINO
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE
SALICE SALENTINO
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE
A perennial favorite Southern Italian value with a righteous ‘yum’ factor retailing for less than ten.
From Puglia, roasted aromas of cherry, leather, spice, tangy earth and licorice follow into a generous, tangy texture with telltale wild traits that marry up so well to classic tomato-based dishes like pizza or a meatball sub, burger or slow roasted meats.
From Puglia, roasted aromas of cherry, leather, spice, tangy earth and licorice follow into a generous, tangy texture with telltale wild traits that marry up so well to classic tomato-based dishes like pizza or a meatball sub, burger or slow roasted meats.
2024 K VINTNERS VIOGNIER
ART DEN HOED VINEYARD 'YAKIMA'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
ART DEN HOED VINEYARD 'YAKIMA'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The Viognier from Washington wild man Charles Smith is always an astonishing version that does not cost a fortune to enjoy.
From Art Den Hoed Vineyard, this cool Yakima Valley side is conducive to producing good white wines. Aged in stainless steel and neutral oak barrels, rose, lavender and lily aromas give strong varietal character. Luscious, palate-staining, deep yet vibrant lemony tones light up the senses. Copious Viogner spice and honey creep through on the palate-staining finish. Have this with meaty fish like albacore tuna, swordfish or monkfish as well as soft-ripened cheeses.
From Art Den Hoed Vineyard, this cool Yakima Valley side is conducive to producing good white wines. Aged in stainless steel and neutral oak barrels, rose, lavender and lily aromas give strong varietal character. Luscious, palate-staining, deep yet vibrant lemony tones light up the senses. Copious Viogner spice and honey creep through on the palate-staining finish. Have this with meaty fish like albacore tuna, swordfish or monkfish as well as soft-ripened cheeses.
2019 STORYBOOK MOUNTAIN
ZINFANDEL 'MAYACAMAS RANGE'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
ZINFANDEL 'MAYACAMAS RANGE'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Having just returned from a visit to Sonoma, we secretly invaded the northern Napa Valley for an afternoon visit to Storybook Mountain. This historical property was established in 1976 with the vineyards themselves going back to the 1880s. At 88-years-young, Jerry Seps is still making the wines and farming the vines.
Over the years Cabernet has become the ruling force in Napa and Storybook is one of the last holdouts with Zinfandel taking precedence. Napa Zin is almost extinct, and this style and wine is vastly different than Sonoma. Always a late releaser, 2019 is a fierce effort. Turned earth, peppermint patty, sage, red plum and undertones of cracked pepper shine on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is formidable with superb depth and grip that build on the long and precise finish. Very fascinating now. Enjoy it with stews and braised meat dishes over the next 8-10 years.
Over the years Cabernet has become the ruling force in Napa and Storybook is one of the last holdouts with Zinfandel taking precedence. Napa Zin is almost extinct, and this style and wine is vastly different than Sonoma. Always a late releaser, 2019 is a fierce effort. Turned earth, peppermint patty, sage, red plum and undertones of cracked pepper shine on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is formidable with superb depth and grip that build on the long and precise finish. Very fascinating now. Enjoy it with stews and braised meat dishes over the next 8-10 years.
2016 CHATEAU COS LABORY
SAINT-ESTEPHE (5th Growth)
$59.99 BTL. - LIMITED
SAINT-ESTEPHE (5th Growth)
$59.99 BTL. - LIMITED
A classified growth Bordeaux for sixty dollars is unheard of and many of yinz may be wondering if Bryan has made a visit to the dispensary. A terrific name in Saint-Estephe and from a grand vintage that is starting to emerge from its shell this powerful blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc is authentic and upscale.
A whole lot to love here, cedar, blackberry, adobe earth, pipe tobacco shine with late arriving bright tones. Full-bodied but very balanced and very well-honed, this is quite alluring at age nine. Fans out on the palate before going vertically on the significant finish. Mighty impressive. Drink through 2039+.
A whole lot to love here, cedar, blackberry, adobe earth, pipe tobacco shine with late arriving bright tones. Full-bodied but very balanced and very well-honed, this is quite alluring at age nine. Fans out on the palate before going vertically on the significant finish. Mighty impressive. Drink through 2039+.
