Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'NOTHING BUT NET' HOTSHEET
Montalcino & Brouilly for 20, Soter Pinot & value Sauternes Splits, Exotic White Wines, Napa Cab & more
2019 TERRIERE BROUILLY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
What we can score for twenty bucks these days is quite impressive. Brilliant, buoyant Brouilly indeed, this Cru Beaujolais is screaming delicious and is such a diverse offering that will pair with an array of cuisines.
Classically textured, energetic and vinous, this carries very well from front to back and lingers beautifully with its detail and fruit. Ample penetration and depth, this classy yet soulful French red fans out on the finish and will work with roasted chicken, leaner meats, creamy vegetarian pasta laced with mushrooms and is at its ultimate with sausages. It is down to the last call for this wine, get some now if you want a frisky French experience.
Classically textured, energetic and vinous, this carries very well from front to back and lingers beautifully with its detail and fruit. Ample penetration and depth, this classy yet soulful French red fans out on the finish and will work with roasted chicken, leaner meats, creamy vegetarian pasta laced with mushrooms and is at its ultimate with sausages. It is down to the last call for this wine, get some now if you want a frisky French experience.
2019 TENUTA DI SESTA
ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Continuing on the twenty-buck tangent is a remarkable value wine from Montalcino possessing serious yum factor. Compulsory for this Tuscan region, this wine is made from 100% Sangiovese. Tenuta di Sesta is an estate that is regarded as one of the historic for the region as it was only one of 12 to bottle Brunello di Montalcino back in 1966. Having taken on its current form in 1995, very fine wines have emerged from these cellars and they provide outstanding quality/price rapport.
Sesta’s 2019 Rosso di Montalcino's fragrant, savory aromas leap from the glass. Packed with black plum, red berry, sage, cedar and underbrush aromas, this wine emits its Sangiovese and Montalcino character. Typical of a southern Montalcino wine, there is remarkable depth and personality in the mouth along with their telltale elegance, Italian tanginess and a nicely formed finish that is full of snap and extension. Drink this giant killer now through 2026.
Sesta’s 2019 Rosso di Montalcino's fragrant, savory aromas leap from the glass. Packed with black plum, red berry, sage, cedar and underbrush aromas, this wine emits its Sangiovese and Montalcino character. Typical of a southern Montalcino wine, there is remarkable depth and personality in the mouth along with their telltale elegance, Italian tanginess and a nicely formed finish that is full of snap and extension. Drink this giant killer now through 2026.
2019 ASARA CHENIN BLANC
'STELLENBOSCH'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
'STELLENBOSCH'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted grape in South Africa and thought to have arrived at some point during the 1600s. Up until 1965, it was known as Steen when ampelographers discovered it was Chenin Blanc. The Stellenbosch area with its close proximity to the sea allows this grape to thrive and the results are lip smacking scrumptious.
Fully dry, this wine permeates nectarine, lanolin, quince and pronounced ripe red apple tones. Plenty of intense flavors with a swath of dense fruit and mineral that touches the entire palate. Very balanced and really turns on the jets with a focused, searing, long finish. This impressive offering is crucial with the impending arrival of spring salmon and other hearty seafood.
Fully dry, this wine permeates nectarine, lanolin, quince and pronounced ripe red apple tones. Plenty of intense flavors with a swath of dense fruit and mineral that touches the entire palate. Very balanced and really turns on the jets with a focused, searing, long finish. This impressive offering is crucial with the impending arrival of spring salmon and other hearty seafood.
2018 SOTER 'NORTH VALLEY' PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Tony Soter is one of the most influential producers not only in Oregon but also for all American wines. Tony gained recognition as founder of Etude Wines and consultant to such luminaries as Araujo, Shafer, Spottswoode & Dalla Valle. By 1997, this Napa Valley veteran, having been widely praised for what he accomplished with his Pinot Noirs that he produced at Etude, returned to his birthplace in Oregon to make wines under the Soter label.
2018 is a rather fullish, fruit-driven Oregon vintage, and the best are those where four or six notes are in place versus the shredding 64-note guitar solo. The latest version of the North Valley is exuberant and captivating on the nose with aromas of cherries and baking spices. There is no shortage of red fruit on the well-formed palate that's seemingly is sprinkled with earth and subtle vanilla tones. A terrific deal for Oregon Pinot, this elegant and supple version drinks well now and will do so over the next 7-10 years.
2018 is a rather fullish, fruit-driven Oregon vintage, and the best are those where four or six notes are in place versus the shredding 64-note guitar solo. The latest version of the North Valley is exuberant and captivating on the nose with aromas of cherries and baking spices. There is no shortage of red fruit on the well-formed palate that's seemingly is sprinkled with earth and subtle vanilla tones. A terrific deal for Oregon Pinot, this elegant and supple version drinks well now and will do so over the next 7-10 years.
2019 CANICATTI NERO D'AVOLA
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Located in the south-central portion of Sicily, the cooperative of Canicatta is known for honest wines that reflect the island and the grape varietal. Nero d’Avola, the spiritual grape of Sicily can take on many forms both pleasant and hateful. This is definitely one of the tastier ones, as it is clean, fruit forward and having no super-ripe, pruny traits.
Ruby red in color with a persistent bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, mint, vanilla and sage, this wine sings from the glass then follows through to a texture that is packed with spicy ripe fruit and a lingering and balanced finish that possesses well-integrated tannins. Don't think, just drink; have this hearty red with spaghetti & meatballs.
Ruby red in color with a persistent bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, mint, vanilla and sage, this wine sings from the glass then follows through to a texture that is packed with spicy ripe fruit and a lingering and balanced finish that possesses well-integrated tannins. Don't think, just drink; have this hearty red with spaghetti & meatballs.
2019 CHATEAU L'ALOUETTE
LALANDE DE POMEROL
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
LALANDE DE POMEROL
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
We just can't get enough of these killer deal, handcrafted Chateaux Bordeaux wines that are meant to be cellared, consumed and shared versus those that sell for north of $100 that have seemingly become commodities that will never be drunk by those who purchase them.
Owned and operated by Jean-Claude Giraud, formerly of Chateau Nenin in Pomerol, this stalwart Chateau in the Lalande de Pomerol region lies just north of the hallowed ground of Pomerol. 2019 is a glorious and very voluptuous Bordeaux vintage and this wine performs way above expectations. Situated in the alluvial, sandy soils of the Lalande side, this allows the Merlot grapes to gain concentrated flavors that are very evident on the palate. Deep and youthful aspects of violet, blackcurrant, sweet red pepper and a hearty meatiness that leads on to a rich, full-bodied palate with fine tannins and a cherry infused cocoa spice that lingers beautifully in the mouth. Chateau L’Alouette's Lalande de Pomerol is textbook right-bank juice with the finesse and grip of something more expensive. Drink now and over the next 10-12+ years with a rack of lamb or roasted duck.
Owned and operated by Jean-Claude Giraud, formerly of Chateau Nenin in Pomerol, this stalwart Chateau in the Lalande de Pomerol region lies just north of the hallowed ground of Pomerol. 2019 is a glorious and very voluptuous Bordeaux vintage and this wine performs way above expectations. Situated in the alluvial, sandy soils of the Lalande side, this allows the Merlot grapes to gain concentrated flavors that are very evident on the palate. Deep and youthful aspects of violet, blackcurrant, sweet red pepper and a hearty meatiness that leads on to a rich, full-bodied palate with fine tannins and a cherry infused cocoa spice that lingers beautifully in the mouth. Chateau L’Alouette's Lalande de Pomerol is textbook right-bank juice with the finesse and grip of something more expensive. Drink now and over the next 10-12+ years with a rack of lamb or roasted duck.
2020 RIDGE GRENACHE BLANC
PASO ROBLES 'ADELAIDA VINEYARD'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
PASO ROBLES 'ADELAIDA VINEYARD'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
77% Grenache Blanc, 18% Picpoul, 5% Rousanne, this is Ridge’s third Adelaida Vineyard bottling. Paso Robles is the epicenter of new Rhone plantings in California and Adelaida Vineyards has planted Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Picpoul Blanc among other more established varieties such as Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvedre (or mataro). Their vineyard lies on the limestone hills of the Adelaida District, thirteen miles from the Pacific coast and produced wines of both depth and energy.
The 2020 sports apricot-lemon-mandarin aspects that are further enhanced by ginger, honeysuckle and anise scents. A very standout texture that has richness but is poised and very attractive with fine acids weaving throughout. Beautiful and delicious as well as proving Ridge’s prowess with white wines as well as reds. Enjoy over the next six to eight years.
The 2020 sports apricot-lemon-mandarin aspects that are further enhanced by ginger, honeysuckle and anise scents. A very standout texture that has richness but is poised and very attractive with fine acids weaving throughout. Beautiful and delicious as well as proving Ridge’s prowess with white wines as well as reds. Enjoy over the next six to eight years.
2019 CELLER MARIA PAGES
SERRASAGUE NEGRE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
SERRASAGUE NEGRE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
From Catalonia's Emporda region, a stone's throw from the French border on the Mediterranean, Espelt is a producer who fashions super wines that put forth an abundance of bang for the buck.
Grenache-based with Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon reveals both warmth and terroir. Red cherry, smoked coffee, pepper and plenty of turned earth aromas follow through to savory, and layered texture with deceptive assertiveness. Drink it now and often.
Grenache-based with Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon reveals both warmth and terroir. Red cherry, smoked coffee, pepper and plenty of turned earth aromas follow through to savory, and layered texture with deceptive assertiveness. Drink it now and often.
2018 CHATEAU LARIBOTTE SAUTERNES
$19.99 HALF BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 HALF BTL./$239.88 CASE
In a region not exactly known for inexpensive wines, one of the more underrated and undervalued wines from Bordeaux’s Sauternes region is Chateau Laribotte. This estate sits right in a prime area to develop the noble rot to the grapes, which allows for excellent dessert wines. Best of all is that it comes in half bottles!
95% Semillon, 4% Sauvignon, 1% Muscadelle from 60+ year old vines. Extremely agreeable aromas of honey, baked orange and gingerbread lead into a creamy, dense texture that is full of sweet flavor, low acidity and decent spiciness. Enticingly spicy on the finish which has excellent length for a wine at this price point. While it will easily develop 10 more years, it is irresistible right now! Have it with a tarte tatin, pear cake or something with walnuts. However, we suggest you use it as your dessert and have it with its most compatible match and that would be to grab a hunk of good Roquefort cheese.
95% Semillon, 4% Sauvignon, 1% Muscadelle from 60+ year old vines. Extremely agreeable aromas of honey, baked orange and gingerbread lead into a creamy, dense texture that is full of sweet flavor, low acidity and decent spiciness. Enticingly spicy on the finish which has excellent length for a wine at this price point. While it will easily develop 10 more years, it is irresistible right now! Have it with a tarte tatin, pear cake or something with walnuts. However, we suggest you use it as your dessert and have it with its most compatible match and that would be to grab a hunk of good Roquefort cheese.
2018 SPOTTSWOODE 'LYNDENHURST'
CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA
$79.99 BTL./$959.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA
$79.99 BTL./$959.88 CASE
A Napa icon since 1982, Spottswoode consistently performs with their ultra-high quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are very sought after indeed. Lyndenhurst is not a second wine. This standalone Cab comes from a portion of estate vineyards and blended with purchased fruit from longtime grower/farmer friends of the Novak family.
Intense, 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. Buy now to be ahead of the game! Drink this wonderful expression of the Napa Valley through 2035.
Intense, 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. Buy now to be ahead of the game! Drink this wonderful expression of the Napa Valley through 2035.
