Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'IDYLLIC' HOTSHEET
Washington Red Blend, Barolo Value, 93 point Spanish red for 20, Icon Rose, Vietti Arneis & more
2018 RAUL PEREZ BIERZO
ULTREIA SAINT-JACQUES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
ULTREIA SAINT-JACQUES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
93 Points – The Wine Advocate… One of the real good guys in the wine world and along with the Palacios family, Raul Perez has been a force throughout Spain, especially since the initial explosion of Bierzo nearly 20 years ago. He is not only a generous soul; he is also one of the leaders for change in the area, leading to better focus on terroir with the Mencia grape.
‘The truly impressive 2018 Ultreia Saint Jacques transcends its price category. They destemmed more grapes because they fermented it in the oak vats they bought from Vega Sicilia to use in the new winery, where it macerated for two months and then matured in used barrels for nine to 10 months. The secret is to use very good grapes from very good vineyards. The wine is clean, precise and fresh, and the oak is super-subtle, almost unnoticeable. The palate reflects a fluid wine of pleasure, a red of thirst. This is the wine where they have invested more, and 2018 has to be the finest vintage to date. – 93 Points, The Wine Advocate’
‘The truly impressive 2018 Ultreia Saint Jacques transcends its price category. They destemmed more grapes because they fermented it in the oak vats they bought from Vega Sicilia to use in the new winery, where it macerated for two months and then matured in used barrels for nine to 10 months. The secret is to use very good grapes from very good vineyards. The wine is clean, precise and fresh, and the oak is super-subtle, almost unnoticeable. The palate reflects a fluid wine of pleasure, a red of thirst. This is the wine where they have invested more, and 2018 has to be the finest vintage to date. – 93 Points, The Wine Advocate’
AMBRIEL BRUT 'CLASSIC CUVEE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
As we always mention, we absolutely are obsessed with Champagne around here, however, we are also keen to find classy sparkling wine that possesses excellent value as well and there are many places in the world that deliver beautiful bubblies. Located in West Sussex, about 14 miles from the English Channel, this area of England possesses ancient sedimentary soils, this area has quietly emerged as a good source for the jumping grape.
Just over 10 years old, this estate produces four different cuvees all with superb quality/price rapport. The classic cuvee is the engine that drives the Ambriel bus, is aged 4½ years on the yeast and is a blend of 68% Pinot Noir, 31% Chardonnay & 1% Meunier. Definitely worked and inspired by the Champagne region, Lovely aromas reveal the classy personality that this family puts forth not only in their wines but also in their demeanor. Excellent "pearly" perfume. Wheat pastry, yellow apple, very flattering and arms-open with its richness and friendliness. Ample cut and minerality from the Chardonnay, prominent length and sophistication, this is fabulous fizz for the money. Perfect to enjoy with friends, seafood or while watching the Wizard of Oz whilst listening/synchronizing with Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.
Just over 10 years old, this estate produces four different cuvees all with superb quality/price rapport. The classic cuvee is the engine that drives the Ambriel bus, is aged 4½ years on the yeast and is a blend of 68% Pinot Noir, 31% Chardonnay & 1% Meunier. Definitely worked and inspired by the Champagne region, Lovely aromas reveal the classy personality that this family puts forth not only in their wines but also in their demeanor. Excellent "pearly" perfume. Wheat pastry, yellow apple, very flattering and arms-open with its richness and friendliness. Ample cut and minerality from the Chardonnay, prominent length and sophistication, this is fabulous fizz for the money. Perfect to enjoy with friends, seafood or while watching the Wizard of Oz whilst listening/synchronizing with Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.
2018 SLEIGHT OF HAND 'THE CONJURER'
COLUMBIA VALLEY RED BLEND
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
COLUMBIA VALLEY RED BLEND
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Sleight of Hand is a superb Walla Walla-based producer who happens to excels in the art of blending. Conjurer is typical of Trey Busch's style, powerful yet with velvety edges and unlike others; this only is made with Bordeaux (40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 1% Petite Verdot) varietals. Best of all is Neil Patrick Harris’s face on the label, performing as ‘The Conjurer’.
A full-textured red best described as a debonair beast, layered black cherry, plum, violet, and anise all nicely encapsulated by underlying milk-chocolate coated espresso bean aromas. Mouth filling and palate staining, there is such an irresistible quality to this wine now, but don't drink it all up at once, it will age nicely for 10-12 years, too.
A full-textured red best described as a debonair beast, layered black cherry, plum, violet, and anise all nicely encapsulated by underlying milk-chocolate coated espresso bean aromas. Mouth filling and palate staining, there is such an irresistible quality to this wine now, but don't drink it all up at once, it will age nicely for 10-12 years, too.
2020 BONNAUD COTES-DE-PROVENCE
SAINTE-VICTOIRE ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
SAINTE-VICTOIRE ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Chateau Henri Bonnaud produces stunning reds, whites and a wickedly handsome pink wine that is a virtual requirement for Bouillabaise and other Mediterranean seafood preparations. In fact, he and his son Stephane are stalwarts when it comes to the Palette appellation. This offering is the second of their lineup and is 80% Grenache and 20% Cinsault from limestone soils at the foot of the famous Mont Sainte-Victoire immortalized by Paul Cezanne; this wine takes Rose to another level than just one to sip outdoors on its own.
An authentic Provencal Rose, this wine struts its stuff with exuberant and complex tones of hawthorn, berry, herbes de provence, lemon and strawberry that saunter into a texture that is palate coating and fleshy, yet brisk and full of vivacity. Insane dimension and depth shine on the long, long finish. One can drink this by itself but it really is asskicking stuff a seafood stew, grilled whole chickens with fresh herbs, or crusty bread and an assortment of olives. ALSO, one doesn't have to just drink Rose for summer; this rose is substantial and complex enough for fall, winter, and springtime and even into 2023!
An authentic Provencal Rose, this wine struts its stuff with exuberant and complex tones of hawthorn, berry, herbes de provence, lemon and strawberry that saunter into a texture that is palate coating and fleshy, yet brisk and full of vivacity. Insane dimension and depth shine on the long, long finish. One can drink this by itself but it really is asskicking stuff a seafood stew, grilled whole chickens with fresh herbs, or crusty bread and an assortment of olives. ALSO, one doesn't have to just drink Rose for summer; this rose is substantial and complex enough for fall, winter, and springtime and even into 2023!
2020 VIETTI ARNEIS
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
Doing some sort of crab or seafood (app or entrée)? Then one must dive into a bottle or six of one of Italy's most important white wines. Along with Bruno Giacosa, Luca Currado's father Alfredo Currado was one of the most important men for Italian white wine when they "rediscovered" the ancient Arneis grape. Prior to 1967, Arneis was made in a sweet and cloying, alcoholic style, but Alfredo bucked the tradition and made wines that were clean, fresh and vibrant and became influential to two generations of both winemakers and wine drinkers.
Version 2020 of Vietti's Arneis is plucky and stunningly balanced with loads of blood orange, lemongrass, starfruit, and mineral on the nose. In the mouth it is dazzling, dry and brisk, but with no shortage of depth and flavor. Fantastic white for simply prepared cracked crab or other seafood dishes, especially seared tuna in an Asian prep or fried calamari.
Version 2020 of Vietti's Arneis is plucky and stunningly balanced with loads of blood orange, lemongrass, starfruit, and mineral on the nose. In the mouth it is dazzling, dry and brisk, but with no shortage of depth and flavor. Fantastic white for simply prepared cracked crab or other seafood dishes, especially seared tuna in an Asian prep or fried calamari.
2019 HORSETAIL PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Horsetail (as well as the more upscale wines called Coattail) is the project of Jared, Nathan and Mikey Etzel, sons of Beaux Freres founder Mike Etzel. These wines are very formidable right out of the chute and this line performs well above its price level.
From several excellent vineyard sources, the pedigree of vintage 2019 shines as soon as the wine is poured. At once, the wine is both explosive and reserved, powerful but nuanced, forwardly fruit-driven but deep and long. There are wonderful flavors of plush berries and raspberries that combine with tobacco, mocha, toast, herbs and spices. In the mouth they are drawn together nicely and after about 20 minutes of air, unfold, smooth out and fully reveal its true mettle all while adding to the innate complexity this bottling has. Drink this excellent value Oregon Pinot Noir over the next 8-10 years.
From several excellent vineyard sources, the pedigree of vintage 2019 shines as soon as the wine is poured. At once, the wine is both explosive and reserved, powerful but nuanced, forwardly fruit-driven but deep and long. There are wonderful flavors of plush berries and raspberries that combine with tobacco, mocha, toast, herbs and spices. In the mouth they are drawn together nicely and after about 20 minutes of air, unfold, smooth out and fully reveal its true mettle all while adding to the innate complexity this bottling has. Drink this excellent value Oregon Pinot Noir over the next 8-10 years.
2017 JIM BARRY SHIRAZ
'LODGE HILL' CLARE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'LODGE HILL' CLARE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The late Jim Barry gained notoriety for producing one of Australia's iconoclast wines, The Armaugh Shiraz and his children have kept the flag flying. The good news is that Jim Barry produces a number of outstanding values from the Clare Valley that offer a heck of a lot of bang for your dollar. The Lodge Hill property was purchased and planted in 1977 and for over 40 years has been putting out smashing examples of Clare Valley shiraz.
Sexy stuff, this has a very enticing nose of blackberry, black currants, and a hint of curry spice. In the mouth it is jam packed with dark berry fruit, chocolate, a touch of vanilla and spice. We often taste way too many big, dumb corporate Aussie reds in this price-point. The non-manipulated, non-focus-group-made Lodge Hill Shiraz stands out as a wine that brings forth some of the big fruit that people are looking for, but all with wonderful dimension and depth at a very fair price.
Sexy stuff, this has a very enticing nose of blackberry, black currants, and a hint of curry spice. In the mouth it is jam packed with dark berry fruit, chocolate, a touch of vanilla and spice. We often taste way too many big, dumb corporate Aussie reds in this price-point. The non-manipulated, non-focus-group-made Lodge Hill Shiraz stands out as a wine that brings forth some of the big fruit that people are looking for, but all with wonderful dimension and depth at a very fair price.
2019 MAVETTE VAUCLUSE ROUGE
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE
Southern Rhone Valley, France. 60% Grenache, 10% Carignan and 30% Caldoc. A favorite red this is almost too good to sell for 9 bucks! One smell and you are transported to this dreamland with pronounced lavender, plum, pepper and plenty of spiced-earth character. Voluptuous, flavors with excellent depth, personality and dimension make this a beyond suitable red with grilled meats or veggies.
2016 BAUDANA BAROLO 'SERRALUNGA'
$54.99 BTL./$659.88 CASE
$54.99 BTL./$659.88 CASE
Baudana is a small, historical Barolo estate located in the commune of Serralunga D'Alba. In 2009, famed family-operated Barolo-based estate Vajra purchased the estate with great enthusiasm and we have quickly seen results go from very good to very profound. Baudana has holdings in two Grand Cru vineyard sites, Baudana and Cerretta. Single vineyard wines are offered and are amazing, but they also are twice the price of this excellent value. Traditional vinification is practiced for this wine and the results are stunning.
Being from Serralunga, this Barolo has no shortage of grip and spine. Traditionally styled and combined with the grand scale of 2016, this is all about power-terroir. Classic Serralunga with cherry licorice, subtle balsam, flowers and pronounced ironstone unfolding as the wine slowly builds in the glass. Broad and penetrating, this forceful, mouth-coating Barolo has plenty of force and depth. More backbone and youthful tannic structure arrives on the packed and very, very persistent finish. As mentioned, this wine will come together immaculately. Put it the cellar until the beginning of 2024 and drink it through 2032 and beyond.
Being from Serralunga, this Barolo has no shortage of grip and spine. Traditionally styled and combined with the grand scale of 2016, this is all about power-terroir. Classic Serralunga with cherry licorice, subtle balsam, flowers and pronounced ironstone unfolding as the wine slowly builds in the glass. Broad and penetrating, this forceful, mouth-coating Barolo has plenty of force and depth. More backbone and youthful tannic structure arrives on the packed and very, very persistent finish. As mentioned, this wine will come together immaculately. Put it the cellar until the beginning of 2024 and drink it through 2032 and beyond.
