Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'COOL AS A FAN' HOTSHEET
Sancerre & Menetou, Sicily Red, Washington Cab, Burgundy Special & more
2019 GULFI CERASUOLO DI VITTORIA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Gulfi is a Sicilian producer that is currently making some of the most compelling Italian red wines that we think should be in your glass. The late Vito Catania came to the area with a vision of making ancient-style using modern advancements in his approach to organic farming. Since he purchased his 100 acres in 1996 and now ably succeeded by his son Matteo, he certainly succeeded in becoming one of Sicily's most charmed producers.
50% Nero D'Avola and 50% Frappatto, this fragrant, detonating in the mouth red is full of vibrant, crunchy cherry fruit, smoke, pepper and underlying plum tones that follow through to a texture that tingles and fills the mouth without being tannic or heavy; perfect for drinking over the next two or three years with fish and tomato dishes.
50% Nero D'Avola and 50% Frappatto, this fragrant, detonating in the mouth red is full of vibrant, crunchy cherry fruit, smoke, pepper and underlying plum tones that follow through to a texture that tingles and fills the mouth without being tannic or heavy; perfect for drinking over the next two or three years with fish and tomato dishes.
2019 HENRY PELLE MENETOU-SALON
'MOROGUES' BLANC
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'MOROGUES' BLANC
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Having appellation status since 1958 and just under 20 miles from Sancerre, the Menetou-Salon region has long existed beneath the shadow of its more famous neighbor. The fact of the matter is that Menetou itself has an abundance of the classic Kimmereridgian soils that drives the bus for both region’s wines. Yes, they are Sauvignon Blanc but nowhere is Sauvignon Blanc like Menetou or Sancerre!
Only 30 producers make up the entire appellation of Menetou-Salon and at the head of the table is Domaine Henry-Pelle. Led by Paul-Henry Pelle since 2007, this estate is one of the best-kept secrets of the wine world. Located in the spiritual base of Menetou, the most important cuvee named after the village of Morogues is from seven different hillsides and is from 90% kimmerdigian marl soils. Paul-Henry’s grandpa tirelessly worked for the elevated status of this Cru and the results are in the bottle. Gooseberry, lime, blood orange fruit shine reveals loads of burst. Plenty of flinty, chalky qualities, it is the penetrating fruit that shines on this persuasive offering. Succulent from the moment it is tasted, plenty of zesty features call one back for more. Vibrant and piercing enough for shellfish dishes but enough weight to handle white fishes in sauce. Even though this wine is priced like Sancerre, it will knock the merde out of the majority of them in this range.
Only 30 producers make up the entire appellation of Menetou-Salon and at the head of the table is Domaine Henry-Pelle. Led by Paul-Henry Pelle since 2007, this estate is one of the best-kept secrets of the wine world. Located in the spiritual base of Menetou, the most important cuvee named after the village of Morogues is from seven different hillsides and is from 90% kimmerdigian marl soils. Paul-Henry’s grandpa tirelessly worked for the elevated status of this Cru and the results are in the bottle. Gooseberry, lime, blood orange fruit shine reveals loads of burst. Plenty of flinty, chalky qualities, it is the penetrating fruit that shines on this persuasive offering. Succulent from the moment it is tasted, plenty of zesty features call one back for more. Vibrant and piercing enough for shellfish dishes but enough weight to handle white fishes in sauce. Even though this wine is priced like Sancerre, it will knock the merde out of the majority of them in this range.
2020 HENRY PELLE MENETOU-SALON
'MOROGUES' ROSE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE - LIMITED
'MOROGUES' ROSE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE - LIMITED
Not to be outdone by the Blanc, Paul-Henry Pelle also makes a very toothsome and succulent Rose. If you have been a fan of the likes of Neveu’s Sancerre Rose or Denis Jamain’s Reuilly Rose, you will quickly realize that this pink wine from Pinot Noir grown in the famed fossilized crustacean-laden kimmeridge soil is a gastronomic delight.
If you were to put a blindfold on and taste the wine, it wouldn't matter that the wine was pink, you would still believe you were drinking a fabulous white wine from this area of the Loire Valley because it is truly all about terroir. Rather luxurious scents here, Pelle’s Rosé is treated with the same love as their apex white wines! Brilliant, intense aromas of raspberry, lime, seashells and strawberries march directly into a lively attack with nice body, all while reinforcing freshness. Volume and attack are present on the rather tingling yet expansive finish. Quite a serious pink wine drink this beauty over the next 2-3 years with grilled salmon, smoked fish, crab, soft-ripened cheeses and white meats.
If you were to put a blindfold on and taste the wine, it wouldn't matter that the wine was pink, you would still believe you were drinking a fabulous white wine from this area of the Loire Valley because it is truly all about terroir. Rather luxurious scents here, Pelle’s Rosé is treated with the same love as their apex white wines! Brilliant, intense aromas of raspberry, lime, seashells and strawberries march directly into a lively attack with nice body, all while reinforcing freshness. Volume and attack are present on the rather tingling yet expansive finish. Quite a serious pink wine drink this beauty over the next 2-3 years with grilled salmon, smoked fish, crab, soft-ripened cheeses and white meats.
2019 HENRY PELLE SANCERRE
'LA CROIX DU GARDE'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
'LA CROIX DU GARDE'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
Completely different that the Menetou wines, the Pelle family bought four hectares of land in Sancerre in the eighties and planted in 1987. Unlike the kimmeridge-dominated Menetou wines, this Sancerre is from Oxfordian soil known as Caillottes, which contain large pieces of gravel, which are from centuries of erosion. Wines from this soil type are broad yet possess tender and aromatic aspects.
This elegantly refined diva is somewhat subdued with notes of fresh-cut grass, melon, quince, pineapple and an undertow of classic minerality. The excellence of the 2019 vintage is all over the palate, with intense fruits and terrific depth of flavor. The finish is long and focused crying out for pan-seared Halibut cheeks, Dover sole or fresh chevre.
This elegantly refined diva is somewhat subdued with notes of fresh-cut grass, melon, quince, pineapple and an undertow of classic minerality. The excellence of the 2019 vintage is all over the palate, with intense fruits and terrific depth of flavor. The finish is long and focused crying out for pan-seared Halibut cheeks, Dover sole or fresh chevre.
2017 LOBO HILLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
'COLUMBIA VALLEY'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'COLUMBIA VALLEY'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
A few weeks back we highlighted this fabulous up and coming Washington producer’s Columbia blend and this week we are stepping it up with their delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. Tony and Diana Dollar started Lobo Hills in 2010 and these wines have offered consistent values ever since.
96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petite Verdot, this full flavored Cab reveals non-stop cedar, pronounced crème de cassis, blackberry, subtle mint and nutmeg aromas. In the mouth, it is full and mouth coasting with plenty of balance and length. This overachiever is accessible now, but it will also age nicely for 7-10 years as well.
96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petite Verdot, this full flavored Cab reveals non-stop cedar, pronounced crème de cassis, blackberry, subtle mint and nutmeg aromas. In the mouth, it is full and mouth coasting with plenty of balance and length. This overachiever is accessible now, but it will also age nicely for 7-10 years as well.
2018 TEXIER COTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES
VAISON LA-ROMAINE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
VAISON LA-ROMAINE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
An ambitious and thoughtful producer of wines ranging from the Maconnais all the way down to the southern Rhone, Eric Texier is one of France's terrific, non-manipulative micro-negociants. Having studied in Bordeaux, worked and explored Oregon and Italy, this open-minded producer produces wines that always deliver personality and strong presence of terroir all at fair prices.
From holdings around the ancient Roman town of Vaison la Romaine, this civilized Rhone wine has substance without ever becoming heavy duty-supersized syrup. Grenache dominated with small dollops of Syrah and Mourvedre this wine presents itself very well from the first moment that it is poured. Commanding, yet very diplomatic and harmonious, an array of complex perfumed aromas of with spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and raspberry dominate the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure provençal! Layered and with ethereal density, the slightly cooler temperatures and vineyard sites provide nice lift and freshness, especially on the minerally, ground pepper-laden finish. Enjoy this fantastic Rhone value over the next 7-8 years with a daube de boeuf, hangar steak or pork chop doused in herbes de Provence.
From holdings around the ancient Roman town of Vaison la Romaine, this civilized Rhone wine has substance without ever becoming heavy duty-supersized syrup. Grenache dominated with small dollops of Syrah and Mourvedre this wine presents itself very well from the first moment that it is poured. Commanding, yet very diplomatic and harmonious, an array of complex perfumed aromas of with spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and raspberry dominate the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure provençal! Layered and with ethereal density, the slightly cooler temperatures and vineyard sites provide nice lift and freshness, especially on the minerally, ground pepper-laden finish. Enjoy this fantastic Rhone value over the next 7-8 years with a daube de boeuf, hangar steak or pork chop doused in herbes de Provence.
2019 CLOS LA CHANCE
'HAYES VALLEY' ZINFANDEL
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
'HAYES VALLEY' ZINFANDEL
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Located in California’s Central Coast region and produced at Clos LaChance, the lineup of wines from this producer offer formidable bang for the buck. No, they will never be the level of Ridge or Rafanelli but for 10 bucks, one scores a hell of a lot of flavor and character.
Chock full of pepper and black raspberry with dusty cocoa along with a smoky, meaty undertone. Super forward, this is a mouth-filling gem that pleases with every sip. Break out the grill, call some friends, and uncork many bottles of this tasty Zin. What the hell are you waiting for?
Chock full of pepper and black raspberry with dusty cocoa along with a smoky, meaty undertone. Super forward, this is a mouth-filling gem that pleases with every sip. Break out the grill, call some friends, and uncork many bottles of this tasty Zin. What the hell are you waiting for?
2020 TERRA MINIE RIBEIRO BLANCO
'LAGAR DE BRAIS'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'LAGAR DE BRAIS'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Terra Minei is from Ribiero, a region in Galicia, but more inland and slightly warmer. Here the Albariño gives way to grapes like Treixadura and Louriero as well as producing interesting red wines.
The Lagar de Brais cuvee is a classic white blend featuring Treixadura, Torrontes, Godello and Palomino. A casual and laid-back white with flinty scents around spring lilies, spice and powdery orange. Starts soft and crescendos into the true texture that is radiant, nervy and refreshing as well as being very oyster and shellfish friendly.
The Lagar de Brais cuvee is a classic white blend featuring Treixadura, Torrontes, Godello and Palomino. A casual and laid-back white with flinty scents around spring lilies, spice and powdery orange. Starts soft and crescendos into the true texture that is radiant, nervy and refreshing as well as being very oyster and shellfish friendly.
2017 MICHELOT NUITS ST-GEORGES
'RICHEMONE' PREMIER CRU
[reg. $119.99]
SPECIAL - $79.99 BTL. - LIMITED
'RICHEMONE' PREMIER CRU
[reg. $119.99]
SPECIAL - $79.99 BTL. - LIMITED
Domaine Alain Michelot is one of the stalwart, sturdy producers of the large village of Nuits-St-Georges. A visit to this Domaine is akin to attending NSG University because of the holdings that the estate owns. Various vineyards throughout the appellation have allowed for a true study. Alain Michelot always made excellent wines but in a more rustic, sturdier style. Daughter Elodie took over in 2006 and she has cleaned up rusticity and added a beautiful feminine touch without ever sacrificing Nuit’s depth and terroir. These wines are flying so far under the radar right now and we are proud to be out in front.
The miniscule Premier Cru of La Richemone is unique in that it only has two owners. Located in the northern part of Nuits-Saint-Georges between two great Premiers Crus sites, Les Chaignots and Les Cras, the soil is dominated by pink limestone with a topsoil of silty clay and oolite scree. The soil here always allows for seductive wines that have a bit of underlying power to them. Given its youth, the 2017 is hiding its material but if you work and search, it will be found. Sexy aromatics combining purple flowers, blue fruits and wild spice go along with the cushion and penetration from the old vines. Very formidable with great future, it is a great red Burgundy to age until its eighth or tenth birthday then enjoyed for another decade afterwards.
The miniscule Premier Cru of La Richemone is unique in that it only has two owners. Located in the northern part of Nuits-Saint-Georges between two great Premiers Crus sites, Les Chaignots and Les Cras, the soil is dominated by pink limestone with a topsoil of silty clay and oolite scree. The soil here always allows for seductive wines that have a bit of underlying power to them. Given its youth, the 2017 is hiding its material but if you work and search, it will be found. Sexy aromatics combining purple flowers, blue fruits and wild spice go along with the cushion and penetration from the old vines. Very formidable with great future, it is a great red Burgundy to age until its eighth or tenth birthday then enjoyed for another decade afterwards.
There are also a few bottles of 2012 available, inquire if interested.
