Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'WINE NINJAS' HOTSHEET
2019 Goodfellow Pinot Noir
Cool Italian & Portuguese White Wines
Collectible Chinon and Napa Cab
Cool Italian & Portuguese White Wines
Collectible Chinon and Napa Cab
2019 HAZANA RIOJA 'VINAS VIEJAS'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
One of the first arrivals from Rioja’s grand scale 2019 vintage is this collaboration between long time importer Eric Solomon and fantastic producer Rafael de Haan of Vinacola Real and Bodegas Abanico. The mission here is to create an affordable Rioja with the fresh fruit and terroir stylings of what we see in modern Rioja combined with texture and savory qualities of classic, traditional types so associated with the region.
85% Tempranillo/15% Graciano from 50-70 year old vines. Beautiful, fragrances reveal blackcurrant and red raspberry surrounded by roasted herbs (rosemary & thyme) and gently placed kisses of mocha. Neo-classical, graceful, but very luscious and fine flavors seduce and assault the palate all at once. Good density of fruit shows over the structure, which is submerged by all of the knockout depth. Firms up on the finish that shows excellent dimension and Rioja detail. This is a real giant killer! Drink through 2023.
85% Tempranillo/15% Graciano from 50-70 year old vines. Beautiful, fragrances reveal blackcurrant and red raspberry surrounded by roasted herbs (rosemary & thyme) and gently placed kisses of mocha. Neo-classical, graceful, but very luscious and fine flavors seduce and assault the palate all at once. Good density of fruit shows over the structure, which is submerged by all of the knockout depth. Firms up on the finish that shows excellent dimension and Rioja detail. This is a real giant killer! Drink through 2023.
2020 TERRIERE MOULIN A VENT
'LE MOULIN'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE - LIMITED
'LE MOULIN'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE - LIMITED
One of two Cru wines made from Moulin-A-Vent chez Terriere, Le Moulin is a prestigious single climat located just below the famed windmill of which this famed Cru takes its name. Old vines grown in pink granite soil just below sand, this is often one of the most Burgundian of all Beaujolais wines and has major capability to age very well.
A broad-shouldered offering that breaks the stereotype of light and easy Beaujolais, this badass is chock full of coffee, peat, tightly packed raspberry, graham-spice. Creamy and with layers of distinction, but around the edges there is plenty of grip. The top quality fruit leads to loads of deep vinous qualities without being heavy or overripe. All in the back of the mouth today, we recommend sitting on this one for a year or two before drinking it over the next 10-12. If you must drink one, do decant and have it with a steak jacked with morels in sauce.
A broad-shouldered offering that breaks the stereotype of light and easy Beaujolais, this badass is chock full of coffee, peat, tightly packed raspberry, graham-spice. Creamy and with layers of distinction, but around the edges there is plenty of grip. The top quality fruit leads to loads of deep vinous qualities without being heavy or overripe. All in the back of the mouth today, we recommend sitting on this one for a year or two before drinking it over the next 10-12. If you must drink one, do decant and have it with a steak jacked with morels in sauce.
2021 MASTROBERARDINO RADICI BIANCO
FIANO DI AVELLINO
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK
FIANO DI AVELLINO
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK
Fiano di Avellino takes its name from the variety that the Latins called Vitis Apiana because the vine's grapes were so sweet that they proved irresistible to bees. In fact, wine writer Jancis Robinson notes that some historians speculate that Fiano may have been the grape behind the Roman wine Apianum that was produced in the hills above Avellino. Either way, this finicky grape was almost extinct in the 20th century until growers led by Mastroberardino saved it after interest had become piqued and soared, just like the magical wines that these thick-skinned grapes produce.
Radici, meaning roots, is reserved for Mastroberardino's top, mainly single site wines. This offering comes from a single cru and when one tastes, can really see why Fiano from Avellino has earned Italy's top DOCG classification. Aged entirely in stainless steel, one sniff of this wine reveals its striking qualities. Stony, oceanic aromas prevail with underlying rose-oil, Anjou pear, mango, sea scents and underlying acacia tones. Propelling flavors that are nicely formed and concentrated along with a sense of weightlessness. Succulent, dry and really hangs around, this is an ultimate vehicle with seafood like sea bass dressed in tomatoes and capers, monkfish, perhaps even a nice piece of salmon.
Radici, meaning roots, is reserved for Mastroberardino's top, mainly single site wines. This offering comes from a single cru and when one tastes, can really see why Fiano from Avellino has earned Italy's top DOCG classification. Aged entirely in stainless steel, one sniff of this wine reveals its striking qualities. Stony, oceanic aromas prevail with underlying rose-oil, Anjou pear, mango, sea scents and underlying acacia tones. Propelling flavors that are nicely formed and concentrated along with a sense of weightlessness. Succulent, dry and really hangs around, this is an ultimate vehicle with seafood like sea bass dressed in tomatoes and capers, monkfish, perhaps even a nice piece of salmon.
2019 CORZANO & PATERNO
TOSCANA ROSSO 'IL CORZANELLO'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
TOSCANA ROSSO 'IL CORZANELLO'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
File this Tuscan red into the unexpected tastiness category. Normally I see an endless stream of Sangiovese, Cabernet/Merlot blends in this price range and they are all about as boring as watching amateur wrestling. For some reason, this really pushed my buttons and caused me to declare, ‘what’s not to like about this!'
Aged in stainless steel tanks, this succulent wine is teeming with cherry and berry fruit. Undertones of sage and tobacco play nicely off of allspice and cocoa notes leap from the glass and carry over into a texture that is and sumptuous in the mouth with plenty of lift, depth and personality. Have this over-achiever with tomato-based pastas, roasted pork or grilled vegetables. If you love yummy red wine and Tuscany, you will not want to miss this delectable drinker!
Aged in stainless steel tanks, this succulent wine is teeming with cherry and berry fruit. Undertones of sage and tobacco play nicely off of allspice and cocoa notes leap from the glass and carry over into a texture that is and sumptuous in the mouth with plenty of lift, depth and personality. Have this over-achiever with tomato-based pastas, roasted pork or grilled vegetables. If you love yummy red wine and Tuscany, you will not want to miss this delectable drinker!
RAVIER VIN DES ALLOBROGES
EXTRA BRUT 'BUL'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
EXTRA BRUT 'BUL'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Ninety minutes from Lyon in the Alps is this adventurous sparkling wine from the Savoie region in the Alps. Made in the Champagne method with 80% Jacquere and 20% Chardonnay, this bursting bubbly is more vinous and complex than one would ever imagine given its modest alcohol level and its whimsical label. Then again, it makes perfect sense that this would be tasty because Ravier is one of the finest in this cool climate region.
Very vibrant with a mousse that is literally a delicate foam that cascades over one's tongue with a finish is all-together refined and elegant. Fully dry and showing lots of juicy lime, pear and gooseberry touched by rose petals and ginger, this bubbly is a delicious everyday alternative to higher-priced Champagne. Enjoy with scallops, a cold vichyssoise soup or after dinner with crème caramel or as a palate cleanser.
Very vibrant with a mousse that is literally a delicate foam that cascades over one's tongue with a finish is all-together refined and elegant. Fully dry and showing lots of juicy lime, pear and gooseberry touched by rose petals and ginger, this bubbly is a delicious everyday alternative to higher-priced Champagne. Enjoy with scallops, a cold vichyssoise soup or after dinner with crème caramel or as a palate cleanser.
2019 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
WHISTLING RIDGE VINEYARD
$36.99 BTL./$443.88 CASE
WHISTLING RIDGE VINEYARD
$36.99 BTL./$443.88 CASE
Whistling Ridge is a prime 12-acre ridgetop vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge appellation. Marcus Goodfellow has been working with this site since the winery’s inception in 2002 and this soulful wine continues to impress. Given its cool nature as well as Marcus’s use of whole clusters, this wine ages extremely well, especially in a profound vintage like 2019.
Aromatics of plum, rhubarb, violet, mushroom and enhanced nicely by turned earth/cinnamon tones give way to a complex texture that crawls around and covers the palate in a sensuous manner. Drawn out and complex, one sees why Goodfellow's wines always age so handsomely. This wine always features impressive intricacies, even at an early age. Plenty of depth for early access but given the whole clusters, it will unfold more and more over time. Hold until this reaches 6-7 years old then drink it through 2034+.
Aromatics of plum, rhubarb, violet, mushroom and enhanced nicely by turned earth/cinnamon tones give way to a complex texture that crawls around and covers the palate in a sensuous manner. Drawn out and complex, one sees why Goodfellow's wines always age so handsomely. This wine always features impressive intricacies, even at an early age. Plenty of depth for early access but given the whole clusters, it will unfold more and more over time. Hold until this reaches 6-7 years old then drink it through 2034+.
2020 BAUDRY CHINON 'LES GREZEAUX'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
We make no apologies about our affinity for Bernard and Mathieu Baudry's red Loire Valley wines that are made with 100% Cabernet Franc. We also warn that if you prefer fruity wines over those with earth and soul this one may not be your cup of tea. Those of you who love a real taste of France this red wine is a must.
From the Chinon Champions, Les Grezeaux is a cuvee from 70-year-old vines grown in gravelly soil with sand/clay/limestone underbelly. A very individual nose with prominent sandalwood scents that combine with mineral, iron and red berries. There is good fruit; however, this wine is more about terroir. In the mouth, the entry is very silky but then goes all serial killer in the mid-palate with firm backbone and structure. Lots of depth and personality are present but this wine really needs to be consumed with your legs under the table. Try it with pork, duck and a pan-seared steak au poivre. This wine also ages impeccably, I recently drank a 2009 and it was off the charts and almost a bit Burgundian in profile at age 14.
From the Chinon Champions, Les Grezeaux is a cuvee from 70-year-old vines grown in gravelly soil with sand/clay/limestone underbelly. A very individual nose with prominent sandalwood scents that combine with mineral, iron and red berries. There is good fruit; however, this wine is more about terroir. In the mouth, the entry is very silky but then goes all serial killer in the mid-palate with firm backbone and structure. Lots of depth and personality are present but this wine really needs to be consumed with your legs under the table. Try it with pork, duck and a pan-seared steak au poivre. This wine also ages impeccably, I recently drank a 2009 and it was off the charts and almost a bit Burgundian in profile at age 14.
2020 QUINTA DAS MAIAS DAO BRANCO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
The Dão region is one of Portugal's most famous and oldest producing areas first being recognized in 1908. Situated south of the Porto region, in Centro Portugal, sturdy reds and beautifully detailed whites are produced. Quinta Das Maias is part of Luis Lourenco’s Quinta dos Roques estate and this aromatic, fresh white wine is made from the Encruzado and Malvasia Fina grapes.
An aromatic Iberian Peninsula tease with notes of anise, saline, acacia and melon character. Heaps of liveliness in the mouth offset the palate-coating texture; all building to a detonating finish that seemingly is mandarin meets the sea. Have as an aperitif with cured ham or serve it with scallops, octopus or other substantial shellfish dishes.
An aromatic Iberian Peninsula tease with notes of anise, saline, acacia and melon character. Heaps of liveliness in the mouth offset the palate-coating texture; all building to a detonating finish that seemingly is mandarin meets the sea. Have as an aperitif with cured ham or serve it with scallops, octopus or other substantial shellfish dishes.
2019 SPOTTSWOODE 'LYNDENHURST'
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$89.99 BTL./$539.94 - SIX PACK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$89.99 BTL./$539.94 - SIX PACK
Last week I had the good fortune to have a visit from Lindy Noval, owner of famed, top-drawer Napa Cab specialist, Spottswoode. This estate has never succumbed to the overripe, supercharged style that appeased many critics. Instead, they have maintained their quality and reputation by producing harmonious wines and never changing. The respect has always been there as evidenced by more than several 95-100 point scores.
I had tasted the Lyndenhurst Cab and mentioned to Lindy that this wine is a true love letter to Napa Valley. Blended estate fruit with several sources in St. Helena, Napa and Howell Mountain, it has intensity, yet sophisticated aromas of plum, raspberries, smoke, violet, cocoa, nutmeg and cedar-box. Rich and comes at you in waves. There is plenty of structure here for aging, but the sublime fruit gobbles up the tannins nicely. Finishes with authority, but planes out and the flavors stick around for a heck of a long time. It is apples and oranges but after tasting this wine and the uber-luxury estate Cab, I will continue to state that this estate is truly the Chateau Margaux of Napa Valley! Drink this wonderful expression of the Napa Valley through 2035.
I had tasted the Lyndenhurst Cab and mentioned to Lindy that this wine is a true love letter to Napa Valley. Blended estate fruit with several sources in St. Helena, Napa and Howell Mountain, it has intensity, yet sophisticated aromas of plum, raspberries, smoke, violet, cocoa, nutmeg and cedar-box. Rich and comes at you in waves. There is plenty of structure here for aging, but the sublime fruit gobbles up the tannins nicely. Finishes with authority, but planes out and the flavors stick around for a heck of a long time. It is apples and oranges but after tasting this wine and the uber-luxury estate Cab, I will continue to state that this estate is truly the Chateau Margaux of Napa Valley! Drink this wonderful expression of the Napa Valley through 2035.
