Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'WELL DRESSED TURKEY' HOTSHEET
Priorat & Pinot Noir Values
Barolo Special, St-Julien Bordeaux
Mineral Whites, 12-buck Red
Barolo Special, St-Julien Bordeaux
Mineral Whites, 12-buck Red
2019 BREZZA BAROLO
[reg. $51.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$239.94 - 6 PK
[reg. $51.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$239.94 - 6 PK
Last month when I was in Barolo, I had the chance to visit Brezza for the first time. Barolo has quite an impressive, old-school vintage for 2019, and Enzo Brezza provides nothing but old school. Large Slavonian botti is the norm and his wines always scream purity.
An exciting development here is the red-hot reduced price, which is almost unheard of for Barolo at this level. Blended from four MGA Cru sites (Fossati and San Lorenzo in Barolo, Bricco San Pietro in Monforte and Ravera in Novello), any of these would be primetime if bottled as their own Cru. 2019 is a structured full and youthful Barolo with melodic aromas of cigar box, camphor, spun sugar, mushroom, dried flowers, and although layered and lavish, the fruit is red and unbelievably detailed in the mouth. Each flavor beautifully delineated and great harmony in the mouth make this Barolo very ageworthy. Open one up a couple of hours before dinner if you want to test-drive a bottle but for best results, hold it until end 2025 and drink through 2033. PS – there are also rocking prices on single Cru from Cannubi and Sarmassa as well. Inquire!
An exciting development here is the red-hot reduced price, which is almost unheard of for Barolo at this level. Blended from four MGA Cru sites (Fossati and San Lorenzo in Barolo, Bricco San Pietro in Monforte and Ravera in Novello), any of these would be primetime if bottled as their own Cru. 2019 is a structured full and youthful Barolo with melodic aromas of cigar box, camphor, spun sugar, mushroom, dried flowers, and although layered and lavish, the fruit is red and unbelievably detailed in the mouth. Each flavor beautifully delineated and great harmony in the mouth make this Barolo very ageworthy. Open one up a couple of hours before dinner if you want to test-drive a bottle but for best results, hold it until end 2025 and drink through 2033. PS – there are also rocking prices on single Cru from Cannubi and Sarmassa as well. Inquire!
2021 RITME CELLER PRIORAT
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Always a terrific Priorat value, Montsant-based Albert Jane continues to represent these Catalan regions very well. Along with his well-established Acustic label, in 2010 Albert started a Priorat cellar to expand on his love for his home region.
Forty-five percent Carignan & 55% Grenache, this is Priorat with class and vibrancy along with all the classic slate aspects of the vineyards. Seductive cinnamon notes creep through and are nicely enhanced by high-toned wild strawberry notes. Lacy and expansive with serious old-vine depth; crunchy fruit shows off well in the mouth. Lots of length on the impressive finish that is enhanced by flavors of wind-swept Mediterranean herbs. Drink over the next decade.
Forty-five percent Carignan & 55% Grenache, this is Priorat with class and vibrancy along with all the classic slate aspects of the vineyards. Seductive cinnamon notes creep through and are nicely enhanced by high-toned wild strawberry notes. Lacy and expansive with serious old-vine depth; crunchy fruit shows off well in the mouth. Lots of length on the impressive finish that is enhanced by flavors of wind-swept Mediterranean herbs. Drink over the next decade.
2021 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
[reg. $25.99] SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
[reg. $25.99] SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The hottest Pinot Noir value for the season is Goodfellow's 2021 Willamette Valley. A couple of years in, this above-the-bar Willamette cuvee has complexity, depth, persistence and best of all a 20-dollar price tag. What more can you ask for?!?!
Normally twenty-five bucks and way above the quality for a mere entry wine, this Pinot is blended from some of Marcus Goodfellow’s top sources - Whistling Ridge Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge district, Durant in the Dundee Hills and others, the 2021 is an appealing, extremely well-crafted Pinot that performs mightily but never overacts. Stylish red and blackcurrant fruit permeates from the glass enhances intertwined cinnamon, violet and red earth. The smooth, velvet-laden mouth filling texture that seduces lingers and calls you back for another glass. Support the home team, drink this pinot now over the next 8-10 years with a range of dishes from grilled sirloin to lamb shanks to pork roast and smoked fowl and fresh chanterelle dishes.
Normally twenty-five bucks and way above the quality for a mere entry wine, this Pinot is blended from some of Marcus Goodfellow’s top sources - Whistling Ridge Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge district, Durant in the Dundee Hills and others, the 2021 is an appealing, extremely well-crafted Pinot that performs mightily but never overacts. Stylish red and blackcurrant fruit permeates from the glass enhances intertwined cinnamon, violet and red earth. The smooth, velvet-laden mouth filling texture that seduces lingers and calls you back for another glass. Support the home team, drink this pinot now over the next 8-10 years with a range of dishes from grilled sirloin to lamb shanks to pork roast and smoked fowl and fresh chanterelle dishes.
2023 H. LUN PINOT BIANCO
'SANDBICHLER' ALTO ADIGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
'SANDBICHLER' ALTO ADIGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
Many of you are familiar with the Alto Adige producer Girlan. Unfortunately, the jagoff idiots at Gallo took over distribution and with higher prices, hence one of our favorite Italian wine specialists assumed the wines of H. Lun, also owned by Girlan. I had the chance to sample these and was quite captivated.
On the same level as Girlan's Plattenriegl Pinot Bianco, when I tasted this, I commented that I actually prefer this single vineyard version from the Sandbichler Vineyard. More detailed and precise than Plattenriegl, this wine is very mineral driven with its aromas. Green and yellow apple along with orange rind come to the surface and add further complexity. Luminous and lifting all at once, culminating with an intense finish that gushes like a mountain waterfall. Enjoy this beautiful Pinot Bianco with prawns, fresh crab, smoked fish, white sausages and more.
On the same level as Girlan's Plattenriegl Pinot Bianco, when I tasted this, I commented that I actually prefer this single vineyard version from the Sandbichler Vineyard. More detailed and precise than Plattenriegl, this wine is very mineral driven with its aromas. Green and yellow apple along with orange rind come to the surface and add further complexity. Luminous and lifting all at once, culminating with an intense finish that gushes like a mountain waterfall. Enjoy this beautiful Pinot Bianco with prawns, fresh crab, smoked fish, white sausages and more.
2021 TEDESCHI VALPOLICELLA
'MATERNIGO' SUPERIORE
$36.99 BTL./$221.94 - SIX PACK
'MATERNIGO' SUPERIORE
$36.99 BTL./$221.94 - SIX PACK
Speaking of top Italian wines for this week's musings, if you like wines from Tedeschi then yinz must take advantage of this one. 2021 is a five-star vintage for Valpolicella and Amarone and this is the finest Maternigo we have seen since its inception in 2010. Maternigo is from a very steep vineyard called ‘Impervio.’ This seven-acre single vineyard possesses superior terroir consisting of intermittent white and yellow limestone marls. Done with traditional vinification without any drying of the grapes and aged for 14 months in 2000 and 2500-liter barrels, this wine maintains a formidable, yet beautiful presence attaining power through elegance.
Sensually red in color, it has a wide and embracing bouquet with scents of forest fruits, juniper, and tobacco, prominent stony mineral and coffee essences. Seamless and sexy on the palate with generous fruit, well-balanced zest and spine and a finish that goes on and on and lets you know that this is not your grandpa’s old Valpol that comes from a jug! Beautiful with mushrooms or braised pork. Drink now over the next 12+ years.
Sensually red in color, it has a wide and embracing bouquet with scents of forest fruits, juniper, and tobacco, prominent stony mineral and coffee essences. Seamless and sexy on the palate with generous fruit, well-balanced zest and spine and a finish that goes on and on and lets you know that this is not your grandpa’s old Valpol that comes from a jug! Beautiful with mushrooms or braised pork. Drink now over the next 12+ years.
2022 HIEDLER GRUNER-VELTLINER
'KAMPTAL'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
'KAMPTAL'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
From Austria's Kamptal region, this Gruner is names after the Loess soil that is present in the estate's vineyards. Formed over thousands of years by deposits of weather-beaten Alpine rock crushed under ice age glaciers, these mineral-laden soils characterize the wines of this area of Kamptal and provide mighty minerality to the wines.
Generous and energetic with mineral soaked lime and melon aromas and flavors, the mineral intensity turns to a crisp and fresh mouthfeel that instantly coats and cleanses the palate. The cool spice at the end really adds another dimension. If you like fresh impactful white wines, then try this scrumptious Gruner with everything from salad, squashes and blanched asparagus to seared tuna.
Generous and energetic with mineral soaked lime and melon aromas and flavors, the mineral intensity turns to a crisp and fresh mouthfeel that instantly coats and cleanses the palate. The cool spice at the end really adds another dimension. If you like fresh impactful white wines, then try this scrumptious Gruner with everything from salad, squashes and blanched asparagus to seared tuna.
2021 CHATEAU LALANDE
SAINT-JULIEN
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
SAINT-JULIEN
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Chateau Lalande is non-classified growth Saint-Julien Chateau that sits in a very respectable neighborhood in the south end of this Bordeaux appellation. The vineyards butt up against those of Chateau Talbot (fourth growth) and Lagrange (3rd Growth) and stare directly at famed second growth Ducru Beaucaillou. When the Meffre family bought Chateau Du Glana in 1961, then Lalande in 1964 both of whose vineyards came from Chateaux Lagrange and St-Pierre. This is a rarity with the entirety of the 15.5 hectares are contiguous and unbroken, a small yet valuable piece of non-classified sites from ancient, classified sites. Great terroir indeed and one that does not break the bank.
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, this is a classic Bordeaux blend that reveals cassis, black cherry, cocoa, gravel and prominent cedar box scents prevail. In the mouth, it is concentrated, layered, yet youthfully streamlined. With its full core of depth and fruit, this wine can be accessed but we recommend decanting about an hour before drinking. Packed, persistent and the defining traits being elegance meeting power, sit down to a satisfying meal and enjoy this Cab-based Bordeaux over the next 12-15 years.
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, this is a classic Bordeaux blend that reveals cassis, black cherry, cocoa, gravel and prominent cedar box scents prevail. In the mouth, it is concentrated, layered, yet youthfully streamlined. With its full core of depth and fruit, this wine can be accessed but we recommend decanting about an hour before drinking. Packed, persistent and the defining traits being elegance meeting power, sit down to a satisfying meal and enjoy this Cab-based Bordeaux over the next 12-15 years.
2023 COLONIAS LAS LIBERAS
BONARDA MENDOZA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
BONARDA MENDOZA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Year in and year out, the consistency and sheer deliciousness of this Argentine wine never fails and the latest iteration is no exception. Mentioned in the 19th century Bonarda is Argentina's second most planted grape varietal. In 2008 it was discovered that the Bonarda in Argentina is not Bonarda Novarese, which is from Piedmont but Douce Noir, a grape also known as Charbono, and whose roots are from France's Savoie region. Still as it has evolved, it is now something very distinctively Argentine and still delicious!
Colonias las Liberas is made by famed Malbec practitioner Altos las Hormigas and savory, frontal red aromas and flavors present themselves straight away and entice you to want to drink it at any moment. Juicy and supple, it smoothly accompanies anything from pizza to empanadas to grilled meat or veggies.
Colonias las Liberas is made by famed Malbec practitioner Altos las Hormigas and savory, frontal red aromas and flavors present themselves straight away and entice you to want to drink it at any moment. Juicy and supple, it smoothly accompanies anything from pizza to empanadas to grilled meat or veggies.
