Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SPICY' HOTSHEET
Zin & Southern ItalySpecials
Succulent Dry White Wines
Goodfellow Pinot, Voge Cornas & more
Succulent Dry White Wines
Goodfellow Pinot, Voge Cornas & more
2020 FILLABOA ALBARINO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
2022 is the Chinese Year of the Tiger. Being a child of the 70s, I reminisced about reading the Jean Dixon's psychic predictions for the upcoming year. Naturally, curiosity was piqued, so I had to go online to read the advice on what to do and what not to do for the remainder of this year. One thing that leaped from the page was to avoid breaking anything as it could lead to bad luck. If you do break something however, be sure to say ‘lok day hoi fa, fu gwei wing wah’, which means, may whatever you drop, may it break into pieces like a blossoming flower, bringing wealth and prosperity or ‘peace for all time’. Since we're festive at The Cellar Door, we are declaring the Year of The Tiger as the Year of Albariño. If you happen to drink another boring Pinot Gris and abhor it, you will have to switch to Albariño. Then you might find yourself declaring, ‘¡La bebida este y usted será tan feliz como un puerco en el barro’!
No ifs ands or butts, Albariño is THE consummate seafood wine! This thick-skinned white grape thrives Spain’s Galicia region and is one of Spain's most prized. Hailing from the sub-region of Condado de Tea, Fillaboa is one of the finest. Highlighted by their sandy, river-influenced and no interfering oak, the results are an uncompromising pure wine with a complex array of flavors and scents of perfumed white peach, tangerine, subtle herbs, saline and mineral. Completely texture-driven, this explosively dry white will pair beautifully with crab, more crab, salmon, clams, halibut, etc. etc. etc. Drink now, drink often, drink lots!
No ifs ands or butts, Albariño is THE consummate seafood wine! This thick-skinned white grape thrives Spain’s Galicia region and is one of Spain's most prized. Hailing from the sub-region of Condado de Tea, Fillaboa is one of the finest. Highlighted by their sandy, river-influenced and no interfering oak, the results are an uncompromising pure wine with a complex array of flavors and scents of perfumed white peach, tangerine, subtle herbs, saline and mineral. Completely texture-driven, this explosively dry white will pair beautifully with crab, more crab, salmon, clams, halibut, etc. etc. etc. Drink now, drink often, drink lots!
2018 LAFAGE 'TESSELLAE'
CARIGNAN VIEILLES VIGNES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
CARIGNAN VIEILLES VIGNES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Jean-Marc Lafage is an influential producer in the Southern French region of Roussillon who makes a large range of wines yet all in small-medium quantity. This Carignan is from the Roussillon, this wine does not have the Cote-de-Roussillon designation due to it being a mono-varietal wine; however, it is from vineyards in Roussillon’s Agly Valley in the northern section.
100% Carignan from 70-year-old vines grown at 900 feet in schist soils, there is impressive smoothness to this savory red wine. Considerable color and aromas of mure (wild plum – no real English translation), white pepper and aromatic herbs. Generous with stellar old vine intensity, spice, roasted earth and all-around Mediterranean warmth makes you think that you are on a holiday in the South of France. A perfect accompaniment with a braised shoulder of lamb with aromatic herbes de provence, Texas or KC barbecue (especially smoky ribs), grilled steak or a Szechuan beef dish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.
100% Carignan from 70-year-old vines grown at 900 feet in schist soils, there is impressive smoothness to this savory red wine. Considerable color and aromas of mure (wild plum – no real English translation), white pepper and aromatic herbs. Generous with stellar old vine intensity, spice, roasted earth and all-around Mediterranean warmth makes you think that you are on a holiday in the South of France. A perfect accompaniment with a braised shoulder of lamb with aromatic herbes de provence, Texas or KC barbecue (especially smoky ribs), grilled steak or a Szechuan beef dish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.
2020 TEDESCHI VALPOLCELLA 'LUCCHINE'
$14.99 BTL./$89.94 - SIX PACK
$14.99 BTL./$89.94 - SIX PACK
Led by the always-kind Riccardo Tedeschi, over the last decade this estate has vaulted into the Veneto top-echelon along with the likes of Masi, Tommaso Bussola and others. Lucchine is Riccardo's foray into the world of unoaked, trattoria-style Valpolicella.
A vibrant red teeming with bright bing cherry, savory herbs and savory earth aromas. Full of juicy cherry and red raspberry along with fine maintenance of finesse allows this vastly underrated wine to go beautifully with hearty pasta dishes like stuffed shells or lasagna and it happens to be one of our favorite pizza wines. One taste and you will want a case!
A vibrant red teeming with bright bing cherry, savory herbs and savory earth aromas. Full of juicy cherry and red raspberry along with fine maintenance of finesse allows this vastly underrated wine to go beautifully with hearty pasta dishes like stuffed shells or lasagna and it happens to be one of our favorite pizza wines. One taste and you will want a case!
2020 KRUGER-RUMPF
RIESLING ESTATE 'TROCKEN'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
RIESLING ESTATE 'TROCKEN'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Over the last 20 or so years, Germany’s Nahe region has become very trendy, almost to a point to where the label chasing score whores have made producers like Donnhoff and Diel become scarce and allocated. I remember days when we would have to beg people to try their wines. As things move forward it is always our jobs to find who is the rising producer in any given area and even though Kruger-Rumpf traces its roots to the 1700s, the modern estate commenced in 1984.
Fully dry (trocken) the 2020 Riesling opens with vivid lime, mandarin and an underlay of white peach buffered nicely by saline, peppermint and wet stone. Lots of burst and magnetism, this livewire wine tickles and flows with fine depth and mineral acidity on the entire palate. Enjoy this mouthwatering dry Riesling with white sausages, cabbage-based dishes, Pad Thai, smoked salmon and much more.
Fully dry (trocken) the 2020 Riesling opens with vivid lime, mandarin and an underlay of white peach buffered nicely by saline, peppermint and wet stone. Lots of burst and magnetism, this livewire wine tickles and flows with fine depth and mineral acidity on the entire palate. Enjoy this mouthwatering dry Riesling with white sausages, cabbage-based dishes, Pad Thai, smoked salmon and much more.
2017 SEGHESIO ZINFANDEL
'OLD VINES' SONOMA
[reg. $47.99]
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PK
'OLD VINES' SONOMA
[reg. $47.99]
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PK
Having been established in Sonoma since 1895 as growers, Seghesio is an all-star producer when it comes to Zin. The family has been growing grapes in the region for decades and they are blessed with ancient vineyards keep with ultra-fanatical care.
Their Old Vine Zin is full, luxurious and laden with black plum, wild spice, nicely integrated cardamom and ground pepper. Stacked, packed and significant step up from the Sonoma Coast Zin. Lastly, it is open for business now yet it can age very well indeed.
Their Old Vine Zin is full, luxurious and laden with black plum, wild spice, nicely integrated cardamom and ground pepper. Stacked, packed and significant step up from the Sonoma Coast Zin. Lastly, it is open for business now yet it can age very well indeed.
2015 SENORIO DE LA ANTIGUA MENCIA
'FINCA CABANELA'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
'FINCA CABANELA'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Utilizing the same grape as Bierzo, Mencia, this best buy, very individual red carries the humble Tierra de Leon designation. Do not be fooled, it performs above this mere country wine status and is a great midweek choice.
Highlighted by bright cranberry and smoky jamón tones with cinnamon, cloves and baking spice, it is easy-going and quite unique. After tasting this Mencia, we craved a pulled-pork sandwich or carnitas taco but one could enjoy this wine with any cured meat, salami or grilled meat.
Highlighted by bright cranberry and smoky jamón tones with cinnamon, cloves and baking spice, it is easy-going and quite unique. After tasting this Mencia, we craved a pulled-pork sandwich or carnitas taco but one could enjoy this wine with any cured meat, salami or grilled meat.
2019 VOGE CORNAS 'LES CHAILLES'
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
The tiny appellation of Cornas is in the midst of being in a golden age these days. Along with a fountain of youth that has asserted themselves, there are still the grand old maestros that continue to make top-drawer wines. Voge has been one of our go-to producers for collectible French Syrah, specifically Cornas.
Les Chailles is from four specific sites in Cornas, 40-year-old vines and planted on sandstone and granite soils. As expected, it is rather youthful now as Cornas should be. Stunning nose, smoked bacon, generous red and black plum. Gains more mineral along with violet and rose petal. The texture is embryonic with muscle and detail; however, there is sexiness and allure waiting to come to the surface with cellar time. The finish is packed, long and laden with cracked pepper, smoke and hints of tapenade that really lingers nicely. Hold this wine until 2024 and enjoy it through 2035+.
Les Chailles is from four specific sites in Cornas, 40-year-old vines and planted on sandstone and granite soils. As expected, it is rather youthful now as Cornas should be. Stunning nose, smoked bacon, generous red and black plum. Gains more mineral along with violet and rose petal. The texture is embryonic with muscle and detail; however, there is sexiness and allure waiting to come to the surface with cellar time. The finish is packed, long and laden with cracked pepper, smoke and hints of tapenade that really lingers nicely. Hold this wine until 2024 and enjoy it through 2035+.
2012 TERRA DEL VESCOVA TAURASI
'LARGO MADAMA'
[reg. $49.99] SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
'LARGO MADAMA'
[reg. $49.99] SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
100% Aglianico, Taurasi is the highest rated DOCG of Campania and deservedly so because the wines that emerge from these hallowed soils are always profound. Led by Giuseppa Molettieri, Terra Del Vescova is a miniscule 9-acre property. The name Molettieri is quite renowned in this area and this estate specializes in three red wines, although there is a small amount of white produced. However, this wine is the big prize in the Cracker Jack box.
Planted in 1952, this single vineyard site climbs to 600 meters above sea level. Aged four years in large botti followed by at least one year in bottle, the 2012 is the current releases. Thank goodness because a three-year-old Taurasi would kick you in the teeth and this at almost ten is starting to unfold nicely. Formidable scents of dried black cherry, sea-smoke, licorice, nutmeg, black licorice, underbrush and roasted earth that follow into a glorious, vertical palate that is richly structured. The finish is bold with scintillating boysenberry, smoke, leather and saline/earth notes that extend for days. Often referred to as the Barolo of the South, this wine pairs exquisitely with lamb. Enjoy it for another decade.
Planted in 1952, this single vineyard site climbs to 600 meters above sea level. Aged four years in large botti followed by at least one year in bottle, the 2012 is the current releases. Thank goodness because a three-year-old Taurasi would kick you in the teeth and this at almost ten is starting to unfold nicely. Formidable scents of dried black cherry, sea-smoke, licorice, nutmeg, black licorice, underbrush and roasted earth that follow into a glorious, vertical palate that is richly structured. The finish is bold with scintillating boysenberry, smoke, leather and saline/earth notes that extend for days. Often referred to as the Barolo of the South, this wine pairs exquisitely with lamb. Enjoy it for another decade.
2018 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
'FIR CREST VINEYARD'
$35.99 BTL./$215.94 - SIX PACK
'FIR CREST VINEYARD'
$35.99 BTL./$215.94 - SIX PACK
Given all the single vineyard Oregon Pinots that are well north of fifty-dollars, this offering is a steal at 36! One of the more unknown older Oregon vineyard sites, Fir Crest vineyard was established in 1985, in the Southwest corner of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. This vineyard is quite isolated with other vineyards established nearby (Luminous Hills and Trisaetum’s Coast Range vineyard). Soils are sedimentary, an older Willakenzie that dries out quickly in the summer. Elevation is 450-550 feet, exposure is southeast, and Marcus Goodfellow practices 50-60% whole cluster fermentation.
One of the newest additions to Goodfellow, Fir Crest has become one that I really like in the lineup. Essence of sophistication the fruit comes to the forefront so well. Sultry red fruits; more and more aromatics build as it sits in the glass. Black licorice arrives at the end as does the wine’s structure and body. Lots of persistence even if a bit packed in on the finish. Greatness to come! Drink 2023 – 2034.
One of the newest additions to Goodfellow, Fir Crest has become one that I really like in the lineup. Essence of sophistication the fruit comes to the forefront so well. Sultry red fruits; more and more aromatics build as it sits in the glass. Black licorice arrives at the end as does the wine’s structure and body. Lots of persistence even if a bit packed in on the finish. Greatness to come! Drink 2023 – 2034.
