Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'MAGIC MUSHROOM CLOUD' HOTSHEET
91 point Montepulciano, 2010 Oregon Pinot, Portuguese Value Reds, St-Joseph &more!
2013 EMMOLO SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
NAPA VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Over the moon excited for this one! Maybe it was the full moon or perhaps a good dose of sunburn but in all reality, this Napa Sauvignon Blanc staggered me with its atypical traits. Made by Jenny Wagner, granddaughter of Charlie Wagner and daughter of Chuck Wagner, the two minds behind Caymus, this wine could not be more unlike what her family brought to the wine world. Going against every Napa stereotype this Sauvignon Blanc is 12.8% alcohol and inspired by the mineral-driven Sauvignons from France and Italy versus the typical mowed grass and tropical fruit versions we’ve all come to know.
Emmolo’s 2013 is a vibrant, naked and devilishly fresh drink possessing streamlined, nervy and freshly cut aspects of Meyer lemon, subtle pear and substantial minerality. There is no wood here so the detailed flavors are that much more underlined all swaying to a vivid, cleansing finish. Like a snort of whiskey at 8 AM, this white wine is quite the revelation! Drink now and over the next year with alder-plank grilled cod, summer salads with fresh cheeses, and light pastas.
Emmolo’s 2013 is a vibrant, naked and devilishly fresh drink possessing streamlined, nervy and freshly cut aspects of Meyer lemon, subtle pear and substantial minerality. There is no wood here so the detailed flavors are that much more underlined all swaying to a vivid, cleansing finish. Like a snort of whiskey at 8 AM, this white wine is quite the revelation! Drink now and over the next year with alder-plank grilled cod, summer salads with fresh cheeses, and light pastas.
2011 FATTORIA DEL CERRO
ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
91 POINTS - ANTONIO GALLONI, VINOUS
The hilltop village of Montepulciano is one of the most picturesque in all of Tuscany. Although the village is heavily touristed, many of its wines are some of the renowned sleepers in Tuscany. The son of Vino Nobile, the superb producer Fattoria del Cerro's Rosso di Montepulciano is quite the flavorful Sangiovese treat for 12 bucks.
“Dark cherries, plums, graphite, tobacco and smoke inform the estate's 2011 Rosso di Montepulciano. This is an especially dark, brooding Rosso with tons of varietal character and plenty of stylishness. A drop-dead gorgeous wine, the 2011 will give readers e great look at the personality of the vintage. This is without question a delicious wine and a fabulous value. – 91 POINTS, VINOUS”
“Dark cherries, plums, graphite, tobacco and smoke inform the estate's 2011 Rosso di Montepulciano. This is an especially dark, brooding Rosso with tons of varietal character and plenty of stylishness. A drop-dead gorgeous wine, the 2011 will give readers e great look at the personality of the vintage. This is without question a delicious wine and a fabulous value. – 91 POINTS, VINOUS”
2010 SIDURI PINOT NOIR
CHEHALEM MOUNTAIN
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
CHEHALEM MOUNTAIN
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
When it comes to 2010 Pinots, we are not exactly subliminal when it comes to their quality. As these wines have fleshed out, it has become very evident that this is a top-level Oregon Pinot Noir vintage. Initially there was thought that it was seemingly somewhere between the likes of 2007 and 2008 however as time has gone on, this vintage really has its own distinct and cerebral personality.
Siduri is California-based and known as a Pinot specialist down there but Adam Lee and his team have been making Pinot from Oregon for well over a decade and have come to learn our terroirs very well indeed. Having recently sampled this wine, this 2010 Pinot possesses quite a classy nose with strawberry, cinnamon, herbs and black cherry aromas. Silky, creamy fruit aspects present themselves. The wine gains even more succulence and has fine palate coverage, spice and vibrancy. Rather impressive material is present here and while alluring and accessible now, even more nuances soar as the bottle is slowly emptied which indicates good potential for aging. Drink with mushroom pasta, pork loin, roasted chicken or even Pho over the next 4-6 years.
Siduri is California-based and known as a Pinot specialist down there but Adam Lee and his team have been making Pinot from Oregon for well over a decade and have come to learn our terroirs very well indeed. Having recently sampled this wine, this 2010 Pinot possesses quite a classy nose with strawberry, cinnamon, herbs and black cherry aromas. Silky, creamy fruit aspects present themselves. The wine gains even more succulence and has fine palate coverage, spice and vibrancy. Rather impressive material is present here and while alluring and accessible now, even more nuances soar as the bottle is slowly emptied which indicates good potential for aging. Drink with mushroom pasta, pork loin, roasted chicken or even Pho over the next 4-6 years.
2011 FAUSSE PISTE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
'LE BOUCHER' COLUMBIA VALLEY
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
'LE BOUCHER' COLUMBIA VALLEY
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
An urban winery here in Portland, Fausse Piste is the adventurous operation owned and operated by Jesse Skiles. A trained chef and having tooled around at Owen Roe, Jesse has become known as a Rhone grape specialist so it was quite a surprise to see a Cabernet Sauvignon from him from one of his prized Yakima sources, Outlook Vineyard.
12 barrels total of this wine were produced, 11 which are Cabernet Sauvignon and one Cabernet Franc, this is done in a very old school style, aged 42 months in neutral barrels and with 80% being non-destemmed. Excellent detail shines on the nose with conservative and elegant aromas of cassis, mineral, dusty earth, dark chocolate, cedar box, herbs and spices. In the mouth, it seduces then soars with fine density and flavor impact without ever going too far. Rich, but not a chewy lumber mill version of a Cabernet. Sophisticated and refined, most notably on the finish that has impressive persistence and character for a wine under 25 beans. Very pleasing now, but will continue to age, develop and drink easily through 2020. Le Boucher translates into the butcher and this wine is made for meat. Enjoy it with a grilled rib-eye steak, perhaps topped with shallots slowly sweated in butter.
12 barrels total of this wine were produced, 11 which are Cabernet Sauvignon and one Cabernet Franc, this is done in a very old school style, aged 42 months in neutral barrels and with 80% being non-destemmed. Excellent detail shines on the nose with conservative and elegant aromas of cassis, mineral, dusty earth, dark chocolate, cedar box, herbs and spices. In the mouth, it seduces then soars with fine density and flavor impact without ever going too far. Rich, but not a chewy lumber mill version of a Cabernet. Sophisticated and refined, most notably on the finish that has impressive persistence and character for a wine under 25 beans. Very pleasing now, but will continue to age, develop and drink easily through 2020. Le Boucher translates into the butcher and this wine is made for meat. Enjoy it with a grilled rib-eye steak, perhaps topped with shallots slowly sweated in butter.
2010 QUINTA DO ROMEU DOURO TINTO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Established in 1874, Quinta do Romeu has been certified organic since 1997 and produce marvelous expressions. The workhorse wine is the engaging Duoro Tinto and it delivers a hell of a lot of banging flavors and fragrances.
Made from 25% Touriga Nacional, 25% Tinta Roriz, 25% Souzao, 20% Tinto Cão & 5% Franca it reveals hearty aromas of pronounced chocolate-covered strawberry from the Tinta Roriz grape that co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, violets and sneaky granitic graham-like aspects. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to the arousing finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.
Made from 25% Touriga Nacional, 25% Tinta Roriz, 25% Souzao, 20% Tinto Cão & 5% Franca it reveals hearty aromas of pronounced chocolate-covered strawberry from the Tinta Roriz grape that co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, violets and sneaky granitic graham-like aspects. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to the arousing finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.
2011 QUINTA DO ROMEU DOURO TINTO
'MOINHO DO GATO'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'MOINHO DO GATO'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
For an every evening gulpable red, the little brother of the previous Douro Tinto wine provides ample kick and delight. A slightly different blend than the classic Tinto, this wine still focuses on native grape varietals and is aged in cement tanks to retain its enticing freshness.
Joyful in its identity, this savory number is a very attractive luscious red that is forward and supple albeit without the extra level of grip and depth (and of course the price) of the Tinto. Aromas and flavors of boysenberry, cherry, roasted earth and spice carry over to a fresh, crowd-pleasing and smoothed-out finish make this perfect for everyday drinking. Pair with pork chops, chicken and ham~n~cheese sandwiches.
Joyful in its identity, this savory number is a very attractive luscious red that is forward and supple albeit without the extra level of grip and depth (and of course the price) of the Tinto. Aromas and flavors of boysenberry, cherry, roasted earth and spice carry over to a fresh, crowd-pleasing and smoothed-out finish make this perfect for everyday drinking. Pair with pork chops, chicken and ham~n~cheese sandwiches.
2013 BRUNDLMAYER GRUNER VELTLINER
'KAMPTALER TERRASSEN'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'KAMPTALER TERRASSEN'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Generally regarded as one of the apex producers in Austria, Willi Brundlmayer makes meticulous, ethereal wines on all levels. 70 kilometers northwest of Vienna on terraces above the Danube River, these well-situated vineyards in the Kamp Valley produce results that are nothing short of ambrosial. The Kamptaler Terrassen Gruner is one of the benchmarks of Brundlmayer's production. Remember, Austrian wines are virtually always dry and this is no exception.
From a blend of upper and lower terraces, this is generous and energetic with mineral soaked lime and melon aromas and flavors; the mineral intensity turns to a crisp and fresh mouthfeel that instantly coats and cleanses. Year in and year out, we love this selection and if you like fresh impactful white wines, you will too. Try this delicious Gruner with everything from salad, artichokes, and blanched asparagus to grilled pork chops with a fruit preparation.
From a blend of upper and lower terraces, this is generous and energetic with mineral soaked lime and melon aromas and flavors; the mineral intensity turns to a crisp and fresh mouthfeel that instantly coats and cleanses. Year in and year out, we love this selection and if you like fresh impactful white wines, you will too. Try this delicious Gruner with everything from salad, artichokes, and blanched asparagus to grilled pork chops with a fruit preparation.
2012 ALAIN VOGE SAINT-JOSEPH
$32.99 BTL./$395.88 CASE
$32.99 BTL./$395.88 CASE
Super St-Joseph from one of the Grand Old Cornas kings. When Alain Voge took on Alberic Mazoyeres as a partner, Alberic brought along a little over 2 acres of St-Joseph from the classic portion of the appellation, one parcel in Mauves and the other in Glun, 2 of the original 6 St-Joseph villages. Aged in entirely in small French barriques, but none new, this is a sultry bottle of ageworthy Saint-Jo!
2012 is undoubtedly shaping up to be a sensational vintage for the Northern Rhone Valley’s outstanding and sought-after Syrah wines. We love to drink wine, but there is something about putting the glass to your nose and just smelling the beauty of a great wine. This is one of those special circumstances. The hard, granite soils play a role in the sheer majestic, velvety quality that this wine possesses. Perfumed, flamboyant nuances of plum, smoked meat, mineral, hints of violet and pepper penetrate the olfactory senses and really can create havoc with whatever other wine you may want to indulge in afterwards. The texture is sublime, pure and very seductive. Voge’s Saint-Jo always has such allure to them when they are young, but give this wine a few years for maximum pleasure. Best from 2017 - 2024.
2012 is undoubtedly shaping up to be a sensational vintage for the Northern Rhone Valley’s outstanding and sought-after Syrah wines. We love to drink wine, but there is something about putting the glass to your nose and just smelling the beauty of a great wine. This is one of those special circumstances. The hard, granite soils play a role in the sheer majestic, velvety quality that this wine possesses. Perfumed, flamboyant nuances of plum, smoked meat, mineral, hints of violet and pepper penetrate the olfactory senses and really can create havoc with whatever other wine you may want to indulge in afterwards. The texture is sublime, pure and very seductive. Voge’s Saint-Jo always has such allure to them when they are young, but give this wine a few years for maximum pleasure. Best from 2017 - 2024.
