Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'OUF OUF' HOTSHEET
96-point Barbaresco & Ken Wright Pinot
Value Rioja, Rhone and Sangiovese
Killer Chablis & Blazing Basque White
Value Rioja, Rhone and Sangiovese
Killer Chablis & Blazing Basque White
2019 SIERRA CANTABRIA
RIOJA SELECCION
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
RIOJA SELECCION
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
I often correlate drinking judicious entry level Rioja such as this to be a bit like listening to the devil-worshipping pop-metal stylings of the band called Ghost. The more you drink and listen, the more you smile while humming ‘nostro dis pater, nostr' alma mater’, it’s just all so tasty, hook-laden and catchy ;-).
Year in and year out this radio-friendly Rioja rocks and performs above its modest price point. 100% Tempranillo and chock full of strawberry, Thai spice, subtle mocha and violet aromas that lead to a pleasing texture that has lovely material, supple fruit and a nice underlay of structure. Too often, we miss the pleasures of food and wine, always wanting to take something elaborate and serve it with a dish of elegant simplicity. Drink it with roasted pork loin with herbs or some wonderful Serrano ham with Manchego cheese and take it all in with a little tongue and cheek.
Year in and year out this radio-friendly Rioja rocks and performs above its modest price point. 100% Tempranillo and chock full of strawberry, Thai spice, subtle mocha and violet aromas that lead to a pleasing texture that has lovely material, supple fruit and a nice underlay of structure. Too often, we miss the pleasures of food and wine, always wanting to take something elaborate and serve it with a dish of elegant simplicity. Drink it with roasted pork loin with herbs or some wonderful Serrano ham with Manchego cheese and take it all in with a little tongue and cheek.
2020 MAESTRACCI CORSE CALVI
CLOS REGINU ROUGE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
CLOS REGINU ROUGE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Once again, the dashing, crack Cellar Door team has come up with another favorite from the island of Corsica. Ferris Buehler feigned being Abe Froman, the ‘Sausage King of Chicago’ in the now classic movie, and like the film, Kermit Lynch is the king of Corsican wine importers and he doesn’t have to fake it to get over. Founded in 1981, Camille-Anais Raoust runs this Domaine located on the western coast of Corsica and this lionhearted red possesses delicious price/quality rapport.
35% Nielluccio, 30% Grenache, 15% Sciacarello, 15% Syrah & 5% Mourvèdre comprises the blend. Tangy licorice, red currants, some leather, plenty of spice and seashore scents. Rhythmic, forward, savory flavors seem to take their cue with tinges of mainland Italy combined with the islands and a kiss of southern Rhone influences. A very nice way to enhance grilled chicken or sausage, enjoy this tasty red blend over the next 5 years.
35% Nielluccio, 30% Grenache, 15% Sciacarello, 15% Syrah & 5% Mourvèdre comprises the blend. Tangy licorice, red currants, some leather, plenty of spice and seashore scents. Rhythmic, forward, savory flavors seem to take their cue with tinges of mainland Italy combined with the islands and a kiss of southern Rhone influences. A very nice way to enhance grilled chicken or sausage, enjoy this tasty red blend over the next 5 years.
2020 SAVARY CHABLIS
PREMIER CRU 'VAILLONS'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
PREMIER CRU 'VAILLONS'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Chablis brilliance from a terrific producer who we haven’t featured for many years. 2020 is quite a shapely, yet steely vintage for Chablis and the Savary family has put forth an excellent Premier Cru that does not break the bank. Chablisienne to the core, Olivier Savary started the Domaine in 1990 without any vineyards due to his parents not being in the wine biz. Over time, Olivier acquired vines, hung out with Jean-Marie Raveneau and a star was born with some friendly influence along with the fine detail of his terroirs that have been built up since the estate’s inception.
Vaillons is a prominent Premier Cru located southwest of the village and is one of the cool-climate sites in the region. Ample sunshine provides ripeness but the wines always maintain their minerality and tension to go along with their underlying floral aspects. Sultry, pure aromas that have gunsmoke, but most importantly, the classic Vaillons tones of sea shore and crustaceans shine. Add a little lemon grass and white flower and we have one hell of a complex Chablis for not a ton of money. On the palate, this wine is needling and piercing with handsome refinement. Plenty of depth of fruit buffers all of the zip and mineral beautifully and the balance and tight-wire action both scream out on the well-detailed, long finish. A great value from a great producer in a great vintage, one can experience now but for best results wait until 2024 and drink it through 2032+.
Vaillons is a prominent Premier Cru located southwest of the village and is one of the cool-climate sites in the region. Ample sunshine provides ripeness but the wines always maintain their minerality and tension to go along with their underlying floral aspects. Sultry, pure aromas that have gunsmoke, but most importantly, the classic Vaillons tones of sea shore and crustaceans shine. Add a little lemon grass and white flower and we have one hell of a complex Chablis for not a ton of money. On the palate, this wine is needling and piercing with handsome refinement. Plenty of depth of fruit buffers all of the zip and mineral beautifully and the balance and tight-wire action both scream out on the well-detailed, long finish. A great value from a great producer in a great vintage, one can experience now but for best results wait until 2024 and drink it through 2032+.
2019 FOXGLOVE ZINFANDEL
PASO ROBLES
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
PASO ROBLES
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
We adore the wines of Foxglove, especially since they come from the cult-wine ace Bob Varner. This will be the last time we see this Zin (and other selections) at fifteen-dollars, they are slated to take an increase soon.
Enhanced by an ever so tiny kiss of Petite Sirah (2%), this Zin explodes from the glass with juicy dark raspberry, blueberry, briar and spice without being ponderous and alcoholic juicebox. Warm and full bodied on the palate with dark berries and rich spice dominating the long flavorful finish. This is a whole lot o' zin for under fifteen bucks – drink it with barbecued ribs or pulled pork sandwiches over the next 2-4 years.
Enhanced by an ever so tiny kiss of Petite Sirah (2%), this Zin explodes from the glass with juicy dark raspberry, blueberry, briar and spice without being ponderous and alcoholic juicebox. Warm and full bodied on the palate with dark berries and rich spice dominating the long flavorful finish. This is a whole lot o' zin for under fifteen bucks – drink it with barbecued ribs or pulled pork sandwiches over the next 2-4 years.
2020 DONIENE GORRONDONA
TXAKOLINA BIZKAIKO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
TXAKOLINA BIZKAIKO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Gorrondona Txakoli is not the name of a Basque Doom Metal band whose lead singer sounds like the Cookie Monster, it is a superb white wine that is from Bizkaiko region of Txakolina, located inland from Bilbao and doesn’t possess any of the natural fizziness that is associated with Ameztoi Txakolina we normally feature that comes from the Getariako region.
Bizkaiko as a region is a mere 590 acres, cool climate, receiving about 50 inches of rain per year. Gorrondona is a half-mile perched up in the cliffs from the sea and winemaker Itziar Insausti has made it her mission to make contemplative white wine versus spritzy and sprightly versions that are associated with these small regions. Blitzing dry with aromas and flavors that reflect the clay/sand soils with lively tones of lime, subtle nectarine and plenty of saline and smoke. In the mouth, it is a genius roller coaster ride with lively, vivid, super-soaring tones that cry out for shellfish, particularly oysters and grilled shrimp, yet serious enough for a simply dressed grilled fish. This spirited dry wine pairs well with food but for those like myself who like being high on acid, it can be consumed alone.
Bizkaiko as a region is a mere 590 acres, cool climate, receiving about 50 inches of rain per year. Gorrondona is a half-mile perched up in the cliffs from the sea and winemaker Itziar Insausti has made it her mission to make contemplative white wine versus spritzy and sprightly versions that are associated with these small regions. Blitzing dry with aromas and flavors that reflect the clay/sand soils with lively tones of lime, subtle nectarine and plenty of saline and smoke. In the mouth, it is a genius roller coaster ride with lively, vivid, super-soaring tones that cry out for shellfish, particularly oysters and grilled shrimp, yet serious enough for a simply dressed grilled fish. This spirited dry wine pairs well with food but for those like myself who like being high on acid, it can be consumed alone.
2017 DOMAINE BISCARELLE
COTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
COTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
A last call and for one of our most popular selections in 2021. We were surprised when the opportunity arose to offer this marvelous Rhone wine again before moving to a new vintage.
Just over half Grenache and augmented with healthy dollops of Syrah and Carignan, classic, streamlined aromas and flavors of pure galet rocks initially leap from the glass. Wild spice, black licorice, sun-kissed red raspberry and cherry, rose petal, cracked white pepper join the party, and offer a wave of pleasure that take off in the mouth and leave you wanting to reach for another sip. Enjoy with a hearty lamb stew or beef/eggplant dish with or without tomatoes over the next five years.
Just over half Grenache and augmented with healthy dollops of Syrah and Carignan, classic, streamlined aromas and flavors of pure galet rocks initially leap from the glass. Wild spice, black licorice, sun-kissed red raspberry and cherry, rose petal, cracked white pepper join the party, and offer a wave of pleasure that take off in the mouth and leave you wanting to reach for another sip. Enjoy with a hearty lamb stew or beef/eggplant dish with or without tomatoes over the next five years.
2019 SESTI 'MONTELECCIO'
SANGIOVESE TOSCANA ROSSO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
SANGIOVESE TOSCANA ROSSO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Sesti is a luxurious, high-end Brunello producer who makes wines that are very sought after by collectors and Tuscan wine aficionados. While their top wines easily cross the three-digit mark, they also make a terrific wine from 100% Sangiovese within the borders of Montalcino.
Monteleccio, which is the Italian version of the Latin name of Montalcino, meaning hill of the holm oaks, this wine gives a Sesti experience for a nice price. Younger vines and aged one year in 3000 liter barrels and traditionally formed, this red is harmonious and real with red berry fruit, roasted sage, violet and rich earth notes. There is a beautiful note of purity once this wine hits the mouth, with a core of ripe cherry, Tuscan herbs and fine tannins that are both ripe and yet add a beautiful frame for the pure fruit. This is a wine that while delicious alone, really croons with food, especially roasted meat dishes, pasta with sage and butter with or without mushroom preparations.
Monteleccio, which is the Italian version of the Latin name of Montalcino, meaning hill of the holm oaks, this wine gives a Sesti experience for a nice price. Younger vines and aged one year in 3000 liter barrels and traditionally formed, this red is harmonious and real with red berry fruit, roasted sage, violet and rich earth notes. There is a beautiful note of purity once this wine hits the mouth, with a core of ripe cherry, Tuscan herbs and fine tannins that are both ripe and yet add a beautiful frame for the pure fruit. This is a wine that while delicious alone, really croons with food, especially roasted meat dishes, pasta with sage and butter with or without mushroom preparations.
2016 NADA FIORENZO
BARBARESCO 'ROMBONE'
$69.99 BTL./$419.94 - SIX PACK
BARBARESCO 'ROMBONE'
$69.99 BTL./$419.94 - SIX PACK
96 points – Vinous… There is more going on in Barbaresco than one might realize and lately it has been the emergence of the third main village of Treiso and its young producers. These up and comers are admirably showing off the terroir of this village that sits in the shadow of Barbaresco and Neive villages. Led by 35-year-old Danilo Nada, these wines are absolute steals and have stellar accolades. First up is Rombone, which is the apex single Cru Barbaresco from Nada and from vines planted in 1964.
‘The 2016 Barbaresco Rombone is the most finessed Rombone I have tasted in twenty years of visiting the property. A reduction of time in barrique in favor of cask seems to release the wine's aromatic intensity while giving a more elegant, mid-weight Rombone with less overt unctuousness and much more Nebbiolo character. Kirsch, blood orange, mint, chalk and sage are some of the many notes that inform this utterly beguiling, alluring Barbaresco. In short, this is what Treiso is all about. What a wine! – 96 POINTS, VINOUS'
‘The 2016 Barbaresco Rombone is the most finessed Rombone I have tasted in twenty years of visiting the property. A reduction of time in barrique in favor of cask seems to release the wine's aromatic intensity while giving a more elegant, mid-weight Rombone with less overt unctuousness and much more Nebbiolo character. Kirsch, blood orange, mint, chalk and sage are some of the many notes that inform this utterly beguiling, alluring Barbaresco. In short, this is what Treiso is all about. What a wine! – 96 POINTS, VINOUS'
2019 KEN WRIGHT PINOT NOIR
CARTER VINEYARD
$56.99 BTL./$341.94 - SIX PACK
CARTER VINEYARD
$56.99 BTL./$341.94 - SIX PACK
Ken Wright is one of Oregon's most popular producers who over the last 3+ decades is now one of the state's legends. Numerous great bottles of wine have emerged from this man's Carlton-based cellars, and in the even-keeled, very cellar-worthy 2019 vintage, these wines soared.
Ken's Carter Vineyard bottling is exceptional. Located in the Eola Hills, Carter vineyard was planted in 1983. This site always delivers firmly structured wines in their youth. No shortage of deeply saturated red and black cherry tones, there is plenty of underlying spice and fresh earth scents that ultimately bring more complexity. Layered and lavish, the tannins are submerged nicely by its impressive core of fruit. Something sensuous and very special is lurking beneath the surface here. Compact, youthful, floral and tight, give this until 2026 and consume it through 2035+.
Ken's Carter Vineyard bottling is exceptional. Located in the Eola Hills, Carter vineyard was planted in 1983. This site always delivers firmly structured wines in their youth. No shortage of deeply saturated red and black cherry tones, there is plenty of underlying spice and fresh earth scents that ultimately bring more complexity. Layered and lavish, the tannins are submerged nicely by its impressive core of fruit. Something sensuous and very special is lurking beneath the surface here. Compact, youthful, floral and tight, give this until 2026 and consume it through 2035+.
