Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'THANK YOU RAIDERS' HOTSHEET
Ravishing Roda Rioja Reserva, SuperTuscan Value from Ornellaia, Alsace Blanc, Paso Robles Cabernet, under-13 values & more
2019 ORNELLAIA 'LE VOLTE'
SUPER-TUSCAN ROSSO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
SUPER-TUSCAN ROSSO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
From the famed Bolgheri estate, Ornellaia, comes a fabulous Super-Tuscan red that one does not have to take out a second mortgage to drink and enjoy. Made with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this classy offering delivers an affordable Ornellaia experience.
'The 2019 Le Volte dell’Ornellaia is terrific. Bold, juicy and wonderfully expressive, the 2019 will drink well right out of the gate. Juicy black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and chocolate are all kicked up a few notches. In 2019 Le Volte is especially dark and sumptuous, both of which add to its considerable immediacy and overall appeal. This is an especially fine vintage for the Ornellaia's entry-level bottling. - 91 POINTS VINOUS'
'The 2019 Le Volte dell’Ornellaia is terrific. Bold, juicy and wonderfully expressive, the 2019 will drink well right out of the gate. Juicy black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and chocolate are all kicked up a few notches. In 2019 Le Volte is especially dark and sumptuous, both of which add to its considerable immediacy and overall appeal. This is an especially fine vintage for the Ornellaia's entry-level bottling. - 91 POINTS VINOUS'
2019 BODEGA VIA ARXENTIA
MONTERREI TINTO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
MONTERREI TINTO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Spontaneity thy name is bowling or just obscure but delicious wines…or both at the same time. Usually, these two occurrences never collide but like this wine from the smallest and most remote of the wine growing regions of Galicia, it is quite the wine adventure indeed.
From a Galicia veteran who decided to go into business for himself in 2007, Manuel Guerra Justo has provided us with some excellent red and white wine finds. This unoaked red is made primarily from Mencia with small amounts of the local varietals of Caino and Sousal sprinkled into the blend. This wine makes me want to jump out of my shoes when I smell it! Lively, inviting tones of marionberry, pepper and soft roasted herbs. They all seem to build as the wine opens in the glass and entice you to take a sip, which is pristine, medium-bodied and forward. It also shows wonderful intensity from the use of low-yielding fruit, finishing with lots of brightness and persistence.
From a Galicia veteran who decided to go into business for himself in 2007, Manuel Guerra Justo has provided us with some excellent red and white wine finds. This unoaked red is made primarily from Mencia with small amounts of the local varietals of Caino and Sousal sprinkled into the blend. This wine makes me want to jump out of my shoes when I smell it! Lively, inviting tones of marionberry, pepper and soft roasted herbs. They all seem to build as the wine opens in the glass and entice you to take a sip, which is pristine, medium-bodied and forward. It also shows wonderful intensity from the use of low-yielding fruit, finishing with lots of brightness and persistence.
2018 CHATEAU DU GAUDOU
CAHORS TRADITION
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
CAHORS TRADITION
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
What is bad for the blood is good for the soul. This may well be the tagline of the food and wine of the Dordogne’s Cahors region because the bold Malbec based wines cut right into the dense and rich cuisine of the area perfectly.
First order of business is to make sure one doesn’t confuse this Malbec wine with those of Argentina because the grape is where the similarities end. The diverse chalky soils are what drive this wine and they are drier than their South American colleagues’ versions. Formidable juice with wild scents of red and blue berries, plum, sandalwood, exotic spice and dried mushrooms pour from the glass and into the mouth where it is full and generous with a thoroughly likeable modern twist. Even though there is a toe in this century, this is Cahors and the flavors of this rich land permeate the pure aromas and flavors found this ancient region. The finish is long, lasting and palate staining. This is a whole lotta wine for under 15 bucks! Drink this wine now and over the next 4-5 years with hearty braised duck, pate, rillettes, sausages or grilled fare.
First order of business is to make sure one doesn’t confuse this Malbec wine with those of Argentina because the grape is where the similarities end. The diverse chalky soils are what drive this wine and they are drier than their South American colleagues’ versions. Formidable juice with wild scents of red and blue berries, plum, sandalwood, exotic spice and dried mushrooms pour from the glass and into the mouth where it is full and generous with a thoroughly likeable modern twist. Even though there is a toe in this century, this is Cahors and the flavors of this rich land permeate the pure aromas and flavors found this ancient region. The finish is long, lasting and palate staining. This is a whole lotta wine for under 15 bucks! Drink this wine now and over the next 4-5 years with hearty braised duck, pate, rillettes, sausages or grilled fare.
2020 JC SOMERS VIOGNIER
GARNIER VINEYARD
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
GARNIER VINEYARD
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Long time Oregon wine maestro and guitarist Jay Somers has been working with fruit from this Maupin area vineyard almost since the inception of his former winery, J Christopher for almost 20 years. The fruit here is mostly used for his two Rose wines but for a fun sidebar, Jay decided to make one 600-liter acacia barrel of Viognier, and it is quite the palate pleaser.
Not the usual Flower Power, Dippy Hippie, Drum Circle, oily version Viognier, Jay’s 2020 possesses balance, depth along with fine fruit and subtle floral aspects. Gorgeous aromas of pineapple, white peach and restrained white flowers. Dried apricot and citrus flavors coat the palate, with hints of marzipan, spice, good richness, and impeccable balance. Lively enough to go with lighter fishes yet deep enough for salmon.
Not the usual Flower Power, Dippy Hippie, Drum Circle, oily version Viognier, Jay’s 2020 possesses balance, depth along with fine fruit and subtle floral aspects. Gorgeous aromas of pineapple, white peach and restrained white flowers. Dried apricot and citrus flavors coat the palate, with hints of marzipan, spice, good richness, and impeccable balance. Lively enough to go with lighter fishes yet deep enough for salmon.
2020 DAOU CABERNET SAUVIGNON
PASO ROBLES 'DISCOVERY'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
PASO ROBLES 'DISCOVERY'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
When it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon, there is more to life than just Napa or Walla Walla. Even though Paso Robles has become more renowned for Zin or Rhone varietals, there are still producers dedicated to making excellent Cabernet and DAOU Family has quickly become the go-to, top dog maker in the region for this varietal.
Blazing aromas of boysenberry, vanilla, telltale Paso chocolate-dust combine with spearmint and fragrant spice-box. In the mouth, there is plenty of judicious fruit from front to back which will appease all big cab-lovers. Smooth oak tannins give the wine extra spine and dimension. This crowd-pleasing Cab competes with many that are more expensive is very accessible now and will age through 2029. Have it with usual cabernet-fare like grilled beef.
Blazing aromas of boysenberry, vanilla, telltale Paso chocolate-dust combine with spearmint and fragrant spice-box. In the mouth, there is plenty of judicious fruit from front to back which will appease all big cab-lovers. Smooth oak tannins give the wine extra spine and dimension. This crowd-pleasing Cab competes with many that are more expensive is very accessible now and will age through 2029. Have it with usual cabernet-fare like grilled beef.
2019 ZENI VALPOLICELLA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
The provocative question of this particular hot sheet, or should we say questions, is: 1.) What is your music selection that you are listening to via digital, CD, LP or hell, even 8-track? 2.) What is one of your favorite winter red wine?
The answers to these questions lie within. For me, today’s music selections while writing are Drive-By Truckers ‘The New OK’ and Fontaines DC’s, "A Hero’s Death’ playing thus far. For the red wine, the new release of this scrumptious Valpolicella is in order. Clean notes of cherry, raspberry, violet, cocoa powder and roasted earth. In the mouth, the brisk red fruits follow with fine versatility and length. This Valpolicella will make everything from roasted pork to lentil soup, a slice of pizza or heartier fish dishes dance on your palate.
PS - Let me know what you're listening to....I'll pick a winner who will get a bottle of this Valpolicella.
The answers to these questions lie within. For me, today’s music selections while writing are Drive-By Truckers ‘The New OK’ and Fontaines DC’s, "A Hero’s Death’ playing thus far. For the red wine, the new release of this scrumptious Valpolicella is in order. Clean notes of cherry, raspberry, violet, cocoa powder and roasted earth. In the mouth, the brisk red fruits follow with fine versatility and length. This Valpolicella will make everything from roasted pork to lentil soup, a slice of pizza or heartier fish dishes dance on your palate.
PS - Let me know what you're listening to....I'll pick a winner who will get a bottle of this Valpolicella.
2016 RODA RIOJA RESERVA
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Bodegas Roda is a small estate that started in the late 80s and prestige and accolades arrived early on. Despite its youth as a winery, the vines used for these wines have an average age of over 50 years. Roda owns twelve separate parcels of land, which vary in exposure, elevation, and soil and meticulous farming, impeccable winemaking and major attention to detail is what makes this awesome Bodega not only thrive but have allowed it to become one of Spain’s finest and most sought after. 85% Tempranillo & 9% Graciano & 6% Garnacha, 2012 is a vintage that is Atlantic inspired with its finesse and almost Bordeaux-like sensibilities.
Sexy, pleasurable aromas of cinnamon, roasted herbs, red licorice, flowers and raspberries. Only French oak is utilized so some alluring vanilla and nutmeg tones lie beneath but not an overly oaky example. In the mouth it is all Roda; sexy, layered and caressing all while being broad and rich. Gains more strawberry aspects around the edges; harmonious, harmonious and more harmonious with fine-grained structure rolling into a velvety, palate-coating and long finish with notations of dark chocolate. Drinkable now but it will develop so much more through 2033+.
Sexy, pleasurable aromas of cinnamon, roasted herbs, red licorice, flowers and raspberries. Only French oak is utilized so some alluring vanilla and nutmeg tones lie beneath but not an overly oaky example. In the mouth it is all Roda; sexy, layered and caressing all while being broad and rich. Gains more strawberry aspects around the edges; harmonious, harmonious and more harmonious with fine-grained structure rolling into a velvety, palate-coating and long finish with notations of dark chocolate. Drinkable now but it will develop so much more through 2033+.
2019 ANDRE OSTERTAG
SYLVANER VIEILLES VIGNES
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
SYLVANER VIEILLES VIGNES
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
The Sylvaner grape has its origins in Austria but little remains there. Where it is at its most prominent is in Germany's Franken region as well as in Alsace, these wines can be very delicious dry alternatives to the likes of Pinot Gris…and when in the hands of someone like a master such as Ostertag, can be riveting.
The vines here average 55+ years and are from several parcels in Epfig with clay, granite and gravel which allow it to excel beyond common Sylvaner. In fact, along with Albert Seltz, I would consider Andre Ostertag one of the champions of the grape and wines. Extroverted and building scents of tangerine, lime, distinct and impressive mineral/saline, chamomile and finely placed spice tones. In the mouth, the combination of refinement, depth, length and grace are a spectacle that one must taste to believe. Try this wine with sushi, steamed mussels or clams, quiche, halibut and green vegetables, particularly asparagus. Exotic, Asian-inspired fare works as well, particularly curry-based dishes that aren’t extreme in their heat profile. Drink over the next decade.
The vines here average 55+ years and are from several parcels in Epfig with clay, granite and gravel which allow it to excel beyond common Sylvaner. In fact, along with Albert Seltz, I would consider Andre Ostertag one of the champions of the grape and wines. Extroverted and building scents of tangerine, lime, distinct and impressive mineral/saline, chamomile and finely placed spice tones. In the mouth, the combination of refinement, depth, length and grace are a spectacle that one must taste to believe. Try this wine with sushi, steamed mussels or clams, quiche, halibut and green vegetables, particularly asparagus. Exotic, Asian-inspired fare works as well, particularly curry-based dishes that aren’t extreme in their heat profile. Drink over the next decade.
2019 ROSTAING COTE-ROTIE 'AMPODIUM'
$89.99 BTL./$539.94 - SIX PACK
$89.99 BTL./$539.94 - SIX PACK
We rarely ever get the chance to offer the legendary Rene Rostaing’s brilliant Côte-Rôtie wines simply because there is very little wine produced. Rostaing has been a grower since 1971 acquiring small parcels of Cote Blonde and La Landonne. What put Rostaing squarely on the map was the retirement of his father-in-law Albert Gentaz Dervieux followed a few years later by Albert’s brother Marius, 2 of Cote-Rotie’s most important growers thus bringing his total to just over 20 acres.
Rene retired in 2014 and his son Pierre continues his influential papa’s large legacy still making some of the world’s finest Syrah wines that are exquisite for those who love to collect. Ampodium is named after the old Provencal name of Ampuis, vintage 2019 is classic, prolific, cerebral, evasive and potentially very long-lived. Aromas of violet, plum, wet chalkboard, black olive and pronounced black pepper lead into a texture that is chewy and youthfully backward. Sensual deep fruit is present as is the wines impeccable, Grand Cru depth. Integrated subtle vanilla tones chime in at the end with herbs, more smoke, pepper and plenty of structure, depth and a graham-like minerality. This is a special occasion, wow wine needing several years in the cellar. Drink 2024 – 2035+.
Rene retired in 2014 and his son Pierre continues his influential papa’s large legacy still making some of the world’s finest Syrah wines that are exquisite for those who love to collect. Ampodium is named after the old Provencal name of Ampuis, vintage 2019 is classic, prolific, cerebral, evasive and potentially very long-lived. Aromas of violet, plum, wet chalkboard, black olive and pronounced black pepper lead into a texture that is chewy and youthfully backward. Sensual deep fruit is present as is the wines impeccable, Grand Cru depth. Integrated subtle vanilla tones chime in at the end with herbs, more smoke, pepper and plenty of structure, depth and a graham-like minerality. This is a special occasion, wow wine needing several years in the cellar. Drink 2024 – 2035+.
